Ascension Astrology is rooted in Western Sidereal Astrology. Western Sidereal Astrology is gaining momentum in popularity, but is still largely unknown, which is perhaps ironic as this is truly Ancient Astrology. This form of astrology looks at the effects of precession (1 degree of arc every 72 years) that occur from the earth’s gentle movement, allowing each zodiac sign to herald the beginning of Spring (for the northern hemisphere) for a period of about 2,150 years, totaling 25,800 years for a full rotation through the 12 zodiac signs (called a Platonic, Galactic or Great Year). Western Sidereal Astrology also considers the significance of the aspects formed with certain fixed stars (64 are considered highly noteworthy).

Ascension Astrology seeks to explore your birth map, rooted in Western Sidereal Astrology, and additionally takes a look at the role of the major Asteroids (Chiron, Ceres, Pallas-Athena, Vesta and Juno), the Part of Fortune, the Vertex, the Lunar Nodes and certain aspects of Sufism (including the Mansions of the Moon) that allow the deeper witnessing of our wholeness and holiness. The intention is to provide you with greater awareness of the gifts you carry through also looking at your Ascension Stream. The Ascension Stream is a focusing of your purpose based on your Ascendant, or Rising, Sign. There are 12 Ascension Streams. These 12 Ascension Streams make up what has been termed the Rainbow Bridge, representing the need for everyone’s unique light to support the crossing into higher states of frequency. As has been stated many times: we are in this together, we are one soul, and we are in a time of seeking Unity consciousness.

These Ascension Streams can also be supported with flower essences. Ascension Stream Blends offer a deepening of each zodiacal band of frequency that makes up the rainbow bridge of light and love, allowing each note, each color, to vibrate with clarity, peace, beauty and purpose. Each of the 12 Ascension Stream Blends shares the same base pair of essences, Rose Duo and Trumpet Lily, representing a holding of love in the palms of the Sacred Source, giving wings to let each Ascension Stream soar to their highest expression of service and joy. Each Ascension Stream Blend can support an aspect of one’s astrological star map or can be chosen based on the intention of each blend. For more information, please see the Sublime Flower Essences page on Etsy: https://sublimemedicinearts.etsy.com

When you look up at the night sky, can you tell which is the first sign of the zodiac?

The definition of astrology that resonates as truest for me is very simple; it is, “the practical application of astronomy to human use,” (From the Introduction by Critchlow in Burckhardt’s book: Mystical Astrology according to Ibn ‘Arabi). While Tropical Astrology has much to offer, Western Sidereal Astrology is more in sync with astronomical happenings.

While I originally studied primarily the Western Tropical Astrology system, in being introduced to Western Sidereal Astrology I had to reconsider if I would be honoring the cosmos and humanity more sincerely by adopting a system that truly reflected the stars above. As you may know, in Tropical Astrology, the reckoning is based on the Spring Equinox, whereas Western Sidereal Astrology looks to the positions of the stars. The Western Sidereal system was more accurate in the influences of the planets as they move through the zodiacs (from our vantage point of being on earth). Instead of “kinda” fitting, it was, “Yes! Wow! Exactly!” It rang true. For me, that was the metaphoric litmus test.

Thousands of years ago, the sign Taurus heralded the beginning of Spring (for the northern hemisphere, and Autumn in the southern hemisphere). And very slowly, through precession, humanity then benefited from the strength of Aries marking the return of Spring (Spring in the northern hemisphere, and Autumn in the southern hemisphere).

But for roughly the last 2,000 years, while Pisces has marked the Vernal Equinox (in the northern hemisphere), there is still an insistence in Western Tropical Astrology that only Aries may hold that position, that somehow Aries must mark the beginning of Spring no matter what. And, not for nothing, Aries is not a bad sign to lead the way, after all, it has associations with being a pathfinder. But the feminine sign of Pisces is up to shine, and has been for such a long time; it is time to recognize the wisdom this sign heralds.

Interestingly, the zodiac associated with the beginning of Spring becomes interwoven into the societal belief structures of the time. Every zodiac in that placement seems to go through being exalted by certain cultures, as a saving grace, as it becomes more visible in the night sky, to truly demonized, like it is the sole cause of demise or natural catastrophe within a society or culture, as the slow movement of precession takes it out of the main view from the night sky.

Pisces (the current place-holder) shines a feminine and soft-embracing, gentle energy, and regards all of life, including humanity, animals, birds and bees, all of nature, as possessing deep value. All life is sacred. Energetically, it feels that in granting the rightful place of this zodiac as the heralding of Spring (for the northern hemisphere) it brings a different awareness, one we may be sensing but don’t fully feel permission to name.

In its essence, Pisces is about Unity Consciousness, hence seeing the connectivity and value of all life. But it seems we have been collectively wanting to skip over that dissolving into Ocean of Unity piece and rather step into the Aquarian Age that, yes, while it values humanitarianism and invention, left to its own devices, may put technological advances before Unity Consciousness and the valuing of the creation we live in, including humanity, pristine nature and the wisdom that they all can provide.

In examining our own natal chart, reflecting on the possibility that our sun sign (and other planetary signs) may be different than what we have been told is likely going to cause cognitive dissonance. However, if we are willing to be merciful with the discomfort and accept the possibility of a truer perspective of our gifts and potential challenges, we can face our destiny with greater ease, and potentially offer our much-needed gifts with greater congruence and depth. Perhaps we will regard the cosmos with more respect, and deepen our bowing to the Source of all of this miraculous creation in which we may regularly marvel. This might offer us a richer experience on our earth walk, and also open up the possibility of granting humanity, and all of the species on earth, including Earth itself, greater beauty and health through our stewardship, balance and deep greatness unfolding.

There is much more to learn about Western Sidereal Astrology, and I encourage you to check out this site if you want to do a deep-dive:

https://www.westernsiderealastrology.com/