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Aug172009

Twelfth House Moonwork

By Dana Gerhardt

dog-runningNothing beats the joy of watching my dog Jupiter come running through the field, ears flying and tongue flapping on his happy face! I said this to myself an hour before he was suddenly and mysteriously limping in pain. I’ve visited the vet too often this year, and no matter what the malady, it’s always a minimum $300. This time it’s arthritis, which I’m confident we’ll resolve, as we have his other troubles. I’ve heard that dogs absorb their owner’s karma, dutifully taking karmic bullets for their masters, in which case Jupiter has been working overtime this year, with skin infections, epileptic seizures, and now arthritis in the hip. He’s taken pills, worn a cone, and will soon get massages and energy treatments. I am grateful. Even so, I couldn’t resist throwing a tantrum in the veterinarian parking lot after laying out yet more money I didn’t have to spend.

I have a Leo moon, which means I’m emotionally dramatic. But it’s in the 12th house, which means I try to compose myself with spiritual dignity and pretend I have no feelings. Those of us with 12th house moons have a long journey with our feelings. First we learn that no one wants to hear about them. We stop our crying to study the emotional rise and fall of our caretakers, endeavoring to keep them happy so we might be so. This is about as efficient and successful as a Rube Goldberg machine. So finally, much later, after we’re well-launched from our childhood home, we learn to take our eyes off others and begin the excavation of old energy in the body, digging up and releasing everything we pretended not to feel. This can take a long time, but it’s a wonderful initiation into the intricasies and power of the emotional life. The 12th house becomes a temple and we the priest or priestess who finally takes our feelings seriously. That means no emotion is too small to warrant tending–with a little insight, sympathy, humor, and creative ritual.

When I got home and contemplated my bank account, rather than shovel disappointment into the receptacle of my heart, I placed a black candle on my altar and briefly wailed, “Oh woe is me! Oh woe! I had to pay another $300 to the vet! Oh woe!” Then I lit the candle to hold vigil for my grief. Within an hour my grief had moved lightly on, and the next day, Jupiter was again joy-ing my heart as he went running through the field.

Filed under: Natal chart factors

About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Aurora says

    Dec 12, 2009 at 4:46 am

    Hi!

    The more I read, the more I look at my horoscope the more confused I get…

    I read your article on the 12 house, and think I might have som problems with the “blind spot”. Jupiter and the sun is in the 12 house. The aspects seems to intergrate the outer planets in a personal way as well..

    Would you be interested in anonomizing my horoscope and use it in workshops, so that we might all learn something? I could supply the Yes, and No’s as things unfold..

    Reply
  2. Jan says

    Nov 23, 2009 at 10:38 am

    I’ve just found this blog – I’d been reading one of your astrodienst articles Dana, then ordered a Venus report, then found this! I have a 12th house Moon in Aries – intercepted too – and the journey to find my feelings has been a long one. I’m getting there, after years of not crying (or pretending not to, to keep other people happy). I’m acknowledging I’m a passionate, loving, competitive and impatient human, who needs to let it all out, and not worry what anyone else thinks!

    Reply
  3. Susannah says

    Sep 20, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    I love this blog post and so identify with . . . “Those of us with 12th house moons have a long journey with our feelings. First we learn that no one wants to hear about them. We stop our crying to study the emotional rise and fall of our caretakers” So astute and well said, I really identified all the 12th house stuff you covered with this post – thank you. 🙂

    From another with a 12th house moon!

    Reply
  4. PeaceBEE says

    Sep 1, 2009 at 4:07 am

    Dana & All~

    Want to share an interesting insight.

    My husband & I watched ‘Seabiscuit’ last night, a wonderful, classic story.

    When the horse falls out of a race due to injury & his jockey, who’s already on crutches from a totally different incident, hops over to console him… well,… it was my husband that – out of the blue – says, “This is just like that astrologer & her dog. The KARMA thing.”

    LOL

    We both wish you well. AND, that goes for your community of followers & their fur kids.

    /._. ^..^

    /(*_*) Ciao~

    Reply
  5. amanda says

    Aug 31, 2009 at 3:30 am

    hi. i was searching today’s sign and came across this. my dog has had it’s share of problems this year too.
    i just wanted to pass on a tip- for the skin stuffs: flea allergy, itchy red welts, constant digging at it….
    plantain (plantago major, or lancolata) it is everywhere. google some pics. i pick the leaves and let them wilt in the shade for an afternoon. chop and put in a clean dry jar. then top with olive oil….. sit in a warm place or in the sun for a couple of weeks, then strain. this infused herb oil is great. it clears up my dogs allergies and skin stuff in no time. and the oil they love. if you put it on the skin, they just lick it off. so i just put it over his food. and in a few days he is as good as new. i wish i had experience with arthritis, but other than feeding your dog tumeric, i am at a loss. good luck!

    Reply
    • Dana says

      Aug 31, 2009 at 8:12 am

      Oh this sounds fun… just the kind of thing I love doing. Will definitely try it out (hoping the plantain is in Oregon).

      Reply
  6. Cornelia says

    Aug 30, 2009 at 8:30 am

    Hi Dana, I’ve enjoyed your writing. I’m sorry to hear about Jupiter and those vet bills. I have five dogs so I know where you’re coming from. Lucky me, Jupiter’s transit through my 6th this year brought two more dogs! Didn’t see that one coming. Rimadyl is used for arthritis in dogs and it’s not pricey at all. We’ve given it to our blue heeler on occasion and it acts fast to relieve symptoms. Thought I’d pass this on. Those bills are too high for a diagnosis, even with medications. It may be time to shop around for another vet. Being an owner of five dogs and working in rescue I’ve had to do that myself. Fortunately, my vet won’t charge an office visit, could be because he knows me by name when I walk in the door now. Whatever the reason, I am grateful.

    A few weeks back I was standing outside with our dogs and thought about how our animals absorb our energy. Then I had to laugh to myself when I thought that my pack of dogs must think I’m emotionally unstable! lol I have Moon/Mars conjunct so my emotions tend to fluctuate – sometimes to extremes!

    Reply
    • Dana says

      Aug 30, 2009 at 12:49 pm

      Thanks Cornelia! It was the X-rays that put the bill over the edge, though I did appreciate actually seeing what was happening to the bone (and the vet took extra views she didn’t charge me for). Still, it’s all pretty expensive, yet how does one calculate that against the treasure of the relationship. I suspect your dogs love your Moon/Mars energy!

      Reply
  7. Carolyn Cornish says

    Aug 20, 2009 at 8:41 am

    Dana,
    There`s an aspirin/tylenol type medication that doesn`t rot dogs` stomachs. You might ask your vet. Glucosamin ended up making my big old dog throw up. The medication I am referring to really gave him a quality of life that made life worth living.
    healing to you and the 4-legged.
    Carolyn

    Reply
    • Dana says

      Aug 20, 2009 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks for the tip. I’m using a liquid glucosamin which so far Jupiter seems to be tolerating well. I’m also trying some energy medicine, which usually makes him moan and wag his tail!

      Reply
  8. Maantje says

    Aug 19, 2009 at 3:47 am

    I just stumbled upon your blog, looking for some moon in the 12th information, and it delights me this post is from just 2 days ago.

    There’s something very clear and tangible about your description of the 12th house moon that i haven’t come across before. From my 12th house moon and me: Thanks.

    Reply
    • Dana says

      Aug 19, 2009 at 7:52 am

      I knew there was someone out there I was writing to!

      Reply
  9. NR says

    Aug 18, 2009 at 7:23 am

    My dog hasn’t been well lately, either. Another appointment with the vet is in the works. Glad Jupiter is running around happily again!

    Reply
  10. Robert McDowell says

    Aug 17, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    Good to hear that Jupiter is dogfully shouldering for you, and yipping it up in equanimity. He’s looking better, happier. Good witnessing here, human girl!

    Reply

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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.