Back to Basics

#1  I suddenly remembered Albertus Magnus.
From the Wikipedia article:
Albertus Magnus, O.P. (1193/1206 – November 15, 1280), also known as Albert the Great and Albert of Cologne, was a Dominican friar and a bishop, who achieved fame for his comprehensive knowledge of and advocacy for the peaceful coexistence of science and religion. Those such as James A. Weisheipl and Joachim R. Söder have referred to him as the greatest German philosopher and theologian of the Middle Ages, an opinion supported by contemporaries such as Roger Bacon. The Catholic Church honours him as a Doctor of the Church, one of only 33 persons with that honor.

Albertus was beatified in 1622. He was canonized and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1931 by Pope Pius XI. St Albert's feast day is celebrated on November 15.

 
#2  Venus Retrograde from October 7 to November 18, 2010
 
The Astronomy, or What It Is
 
The phenomenon known as Venus Retrograde occurs approximately every 20 months when, for about forty days, Venus travels in reverse motion against the backdrop of stars. Of course, it doesn't really move backwards, but only appears to do so from our point of view here on Earth.

As Earth's closest planetary neighbor, Venus is the brightest planet in the sky. Visible in the western evening sky since December, she has become increasingly brighter since March.

Its motion slows until it appears to stand still on October 7 and then change direction. Continuing in its orbit, it disappears between September 20 and October 19 (depending on your location), then reappears as a morning "star" heralding the dawn on November 3. As Venus approaches its greatest elongation in the morning sky, it slows in its backward motion, stands still, then resumes its forward course on November 18, 2010, remaining visible as a morning star until July 24, 2011. The next Venus retrograde period begins on May 15, 2012.

The Astrology, or What It "Means"

Mythical and astrological conjecture about the nature of the planet Venus has been prominent and consistent since ancient times. Her high visibility and her morning and evening phases have made her one of the most closely observed planets. Babylonian and Mesoamerican astrologers paid close attention to her cycles, particularly to her first appearance as a morning star, which was considered a dangerous time.


The Babylonians called Venus the double-phased Ishtar -- the morning star of war and the evening star of love. Greek astrologers called the morning phase of Venus Lucifer ("the light bearer") and the evening phase Hesperus ("setting in the West"). The Mesoamericans linked the morning phase of Venus with Quetzalcoatl, one of their major gods, believing that this was a time when leaders are struck down and natural disasters occur.

While Venus is retrograde, old friends and/or lovers may reenter one's life. During this period, financial returns are apt to be delayed and affection is more difficult to receive and express. Beginning a new relationship, buying luxury items and investing in objects of art or items of beauty is generally discouraged during the retrograde period.

Venus retrograde is a good time to reflect on your values, to review your relationships and to donate your energy to a charitable cause.

This Venus retrograde takes place mostly in the sign of Scorpio, promoting the desire nature, along with magnetic and intense interactions. There is a yearning for intimacy that can leave you feeling unappreciated, even among your closest friends.

The need for a soulful connection is highlighted with Venus in Scorpio, often leading to the formation of deep relationships, with the retrograde they may end up offering more insights to our darker aspects than to romantic moments. What begins on a note of appealing mystique quickly turns into seduction and easily degrades into possessiveness and jealousy.

Be conscious of how you treat friends and loved ones. Your focused attitude may be perceived as manipulative; feelings could be hurt. This is an excellent time to review the amount of fulfillment derived from your sex life and to consider how you can be more understanding of others.

It might be helpful to look back to October 10 through November 21, 2002, the last time Venus was retrograde in Scorpio, for clues to how events may manifest.
 
#3  Chinese and Western Zodiac (Interrelated Interpretations)
 
SCORPIO – the Scorpion

(October 23 – November 21)

Eighth sign of the zodiac; represents desires, transformation and power. Needs to
learn to overcome jealousy and understand the meaning of selfless love.

Planet: Mars, Pluto

Element: Water

Season: mid-fall

Quality: fixed

Energy: Yin

Tarot Card: Death (regeneration)

Gemstone: topaz, opal

Colour: blue-green
 
Chinese Zodiac Animal Sign Charts


1980 February 16, 1980 February 4, 1981 MONKEY

Chinese Sign Profiles

The Monkey

The Monkey is very intelligent and very good at influencing others, therefore would make a good politician. The Monkey is always hungry for knowledge. The Monkey, however, can also be easily discouraged. The Monkey is talented and inventive. The Monkey is compatible with a Dragon and a Rat, but should not be with a Tiger.

Profiles Under Combined Signs

SCORPIO MONKEY: What a dangerous combination! These people are among the more secretive among us. They suspect everyone and everything and they are always planning and scheming with others whom they perceive to be equally ambitious. Despite this, they are quick to stop others from manipulating them. They try to be honest but will tell a lie if convenient.

#4  ALCHEMY

#5  PERFECT NUMBER

#6  ABUNDANCY INDEX

#7  RIEMANN HYPOTHESIS

#8  SOLVING THE OPN PROBLEM: SOME OLD AND NEW APPROACHES

#9  12/06/2010