Is it even possible to live a life without making assumptions about others? I do not think so. When there is not enough information available, we are forced to rely on conjectures. For instance, when we meet a homeless person that behaves suspiciously, it is the power of assumption that enables us to take into consideration a possibility that the bum in question may pose a danger to our health and well-being. In essence, it is a survival mechanism that allows an individual to detect possible dangers and to quickly assess the situation at hand. What happens when we habitually make assumptions about our closest ones, however?
Before we proceed further, let me introduce you to Chrysta Bell, a singer, model, and actress, primarily known from “Twin Peaks”. Her magical self-expression and sensual grace is easily explained in astrological terms. There is no public information about her birth time, so I intuitively rectified it to around 6:30 AM, which would make Taurus as her first house. As it turns out, she has Ketu (the South Node in Western Astrology) conjunct Mercury retrograde in her twelfth house, which points out to her ethereal, introverted, and original self-expression. Since the conjunction happens in Aries, however, this is a very dynamic energy. As Ketu shows a person’s karmic past, its conjunction with Mercury clearly indicates that Chrysta has talents of acting brought from her past lives. Moon as her Atmakaraka (a planet that signifies her soul’s highest purpose) is placed in the fifth house of creativity, which undoubtedly boosts her artistic talents. There is also Neptune in Chrysta’s eighth house of mysterious depths, secrets, occultism, and otherworldly insights.
Her powerful Venus in Taurus creates Malavya Yoga, a rare combination giving not only a great capacity for enjoyment, making fulfilling decisions, but also fondness for music, silver, jewels, clothes and garments, according to classical Vedic texts. A glimpse into Chrysta’s music videos reveals these ancient words to be also true for her. The icing on the cake? Chrysta Bell is a fellow stargazer! The lyrics of her songs are abound with celestial references.
As every enthusiast of astrology knows, Mercury is the main planet associated with rational, objective, and logical thinking. A good natal Mercury gives investigative abilities and powers of right discernment and organisation. Using this planet’s energy, an individual makes decisions based on carefully evaluated available data. He or she is unlikely to be cheated or taken advantage of, which is essential in all types of business partnerships. A person with strong Mercury is willing to ask questions or to gather more information before forming a definitive opinion on any topic. Withholding judgement until all the facts are known is something we should all strive for. What if the required data is lacking, however?
I have found out that Mercurial traits of investigation and rational evaluation are not always useful in close friendships and romantic relationships. They are not fully applicable in parent-child interactions, either. The world of intimate togetherness is too complex to be analysed only through logical faculties. If you are in a relationship and your significant other is feeling drained, frustrated, or otherwise unwell, then you probably know that investigation and research are very often of no use here. What happens when a person is unable to explain why they feel or behave in a particular way? As soon as intellectual assessment proves to be ineffective, partners, close friends, or parents resort to making assumptions, which immediately produce blame, misunderstanding, and other undesirable states. It is so easy to call someone stupid, insensitive, or lazy if we rely on just a few bits and pieces of possibly misleading and incomplete information. For instance, there could be dozens of reasons why a teenager has not managed to finish their homework or chores. Lashing out and deeming him or her lazy, stubborn and unintelligent is not a very reasonable course of action.
In order to introduce more empathy and harmony into our relationships, we need to utilise the traits of two feminine planets — Venus and the Moon. They represent completely different types of discriminating intelligence. A person with strong natal Venus (an example would be Chrysta Bell) is not just diplomatic, charming, and refined in their daily life, but also able to read between the lines. With the aid of Venus, we can understand someone’s real feelings or intentions by deducing a meaning that is hidden or implied rather than being openly stated. After all, Venus rules poetry. The Moon is a planet of inner knowing and intuitive discrimination, which are other factors that facilitate healthy communication in intimate relationships. Moreover, using its feminine and nurturing energy, we can make our significant other feel accepted and taken care of before we even ask any questions or form judgements. For instance, a parent with prominent lunar influence who wants to question a child on some difficult topic makes sure that their offspring coming home from school receives a heart-warming hug and some nourishing food first. When a child feels accepted and loved at home, their communication with parents is more likely to be open and harmonious.
There is no doubt that having a well-placed Mercury is very useful in professional and official situations. To some degree, it can also help us understand each other in more informal settings. Yet there is something powerful about men and women who utilise inner knowing, grace, and nurturing in their intimate relationships. Even though Chrysta Bell’s Mercury is in an enemy sign in Aries, its retrogradation and conjunction with Ketu transform the rational intellect of Mercury, making it more intuitive, introverted, and sublime. Whenever I listen to Chrysta’s songs, I can immediately feel empathy, grace, and intuitive intellect, which permeate her entire inner being.
Thank you for reading this article. If you would like to order a written and personalised analysis of your natal chart, please check out my Etsy shop HERE.
Cordially,
Karol
(This article was originally written using Sidereal planetary placements, later on it has been updated to Tropical, the system that I currently use)
Celestial Trail 