Healthy Masculinity

 

peaceful warrior

In May, Roshni and I had Gerald Bolduc on the Astrology Integration podcast.  Gerald is a QHHT Practitioner certified by Dolores Cannon’s Quantum Healing Hypnosis Academy.  Besides seeing clients for hypnosis sessions and past life regressions, he is actively involved in men’s circles and workshops.  Gerald is co-editor of Men’s Soul Journey, a poetic work in collaboration with the ManKind Project. You can get it on Amazon.  I have known Gerald as a truly passionate healer with a special gift for helping men balance their masculinity.  We had a wonderful conversation and you can listen to it here.  His website is https://www.theinnermirror.com/

Gerald and I have teamed up and co-created a workshop near Puerto Morelos in Mexico that addresses exactly this topic, healthy masculinity. We are combining Hypnosis & Astrology as powerful tools.  The workshop is on August 31 and the cost is only US $30. Find details and reservation information here.

I think that cultivating healthy masculinity on the planet is of utmost importance in these times of social, economic, geological, and political upheaval and uncertainty. The outer planets serve as indicators of large-scale changes, trends, and generational shifts.  These guys are moving into masculine signs over the next months:

  • Neptune moves into Aries on March 30, 2025 (for about 14 years)
  • Saturn moves into Aries on May 24, 2025 (for about 2.5 years)
  • Uranus moves into Gemini on July 7, 2025 (for about 7 years)
  • Pluto (finally) moves into Aquarius on November 19, 2024 (for about 20 years)

Masculinity defined

Masculinity refers to a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles traditionally associated with boys and men but they are not exclusive to any gender.

Some healthy expressions of masculinity include:

  • Assertiveness and Confidence: Taking initiative and displaying self-assuredness in actions and decisions.
  • Strength and Toughness: Physical and emotional resilience, the ability to endure hardship and remain steadfast.
  • Leadership and Protection: Leading and guiding others, often coupled with a sense of responsibility to protect and provide.
  • Independence and Self-Reliance: Valuing autonomy and the capability to take care of oneself without relying heavily on others.
  • Rationality and Logic: Emphasizing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills over emotional responses.
  • Competitiveness and Ambition: Striving for success, achievement, and recognition.

But of course, every chocolate side has its opposite (of same color), and it is no secret that toxic masculinity is very destructive in personal relationships and in society at large.

Masculinity in Astrology

Mars, known as the warrior planet, is associated with masculine energy in astrology. It represents drive, ambition, aggression, and sexual energy. The position and aspects of Mars in a natal chart can reveal how someone asserts himself, takes action, and pursues his desires.

But also a strong Sun placement can indicate a person with a confident and authoritative presence, embodying leadership qualities and vitality. The Sun symbolizes the core of our identity and our sense of purpose. It governs our ego, willpower, and creative expression.

Aries, ruled by Mars, is the epitome of masculine energy. It is characterized by its boldness, initiative, and pioneering spirit. Aries individuals are often seen as courageous leaders who thrive on challenges and competition.

Leo, ruled by the Sun, exudes charisma, confidence, and a commanding presence. Leo’s masculine energy is expressed through creativity, generosity, and a desire to shine and be recognized.

Other factors which provide subtle, yet valuable insights about the ability to assert oneself are the elements: Air and Fire are masculine, while Water and Earth are feminine.  The Cosmic order divides the 12 Zodiac signs into masculine (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius) and feminine signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces).

In understanding astrological masculinity, it’s important to recognize that these energies are not confined to men alone. Both men and women can express and embody these masculine traits, finding balance and strength through their astrological influences. By exploring the interplay of planets, signs, houses, and aspects (interplanetary connections) we gain a deeper insight into how masculinity shapes our behaviors, motivations, and life paths.

Healing toxic masculinity

Awareness

It starts with self-awareness and genuinely asking: how balanced is my masculine side (no matter whether I’m a man or woman), recognizing the harm of toxic masculine behavior, and being willing to challenge stereotypes and norms. Am I the villain or victim?

Promoting Positive Role Models

Media, movies, mentors, idols, and public figures have a profound impact not only on the youth, but anyone who hasn’t quite reached their state of sovereignty yet. Our leaders, heroes, and role models should embody healthy masculine traits such as empathy, cooperation, and emotional expression, and be actively involved in community projects.

Encouraging Emotional Expression

Creating safe spaces, such as workshops or support groups, allows men to openly discuss their feelings and vulnerabilities. These environments foster improved communication skills and effective stress management, contributing to their overall well-being while eliminating the need to express pent-up frustrations aggressively.

Addressing Root Causes (in a nutshell):

  • Economic stress, Industrial Revolution 1750-1900, social engineering after WWII (Frankfurt School, MK Ultra). Emancipation in the 70s, artificially created war of the sexes. Resulting in divorces and single-raising moms. Boys were often hungry for healthy father figures. Co-ed schooling as boys tend to develop at a different pace.
  • Reversal of moral values, “Bread & Games” to keep people distracted and train them to be complacent and docile.

The prosperity trap

(quote supposedly originating from ancient Greece)

Hard times cause strong men.

Strong men cause good times.

Good times cause weak men. (prosperity trap!)

Weak men cause hard times.

To break out of the prosperity trap it takes a school system overhaul to break away from cultivating consumers.  Instead, we have to heal the toxic masculine and come back to ethical and moral values, embodying healthy masculine traits. 

With the outer planets moving into masculine signs over the next months, and the north node, our spiritual compass needle, in Aries until January 2025, guiding us toward pronounced masculine energies, this is the time to make sure our masculine energy is healthy & strong!

Astrology and Women’s Wellness

Leftover notes from our last podcast episode

At the Astrological Integration podcast, my podcast partner Roshni Sharma Fleming and I casually talk about topics that combine healing and astrology and besides agreeing on some talking points we never really know where it’s going which makes it so genuine.  

Last month, we were joined by the lovely Sharon Ann Rose for our episode on Female Wellness and you can listen to it here.

In preparation though, I do research the topics and I have some leftover notes that would have burst our time frame last month.  I don’t want to withhold these as they may be useful for astrologically inclined readers.

Our birthchart holds valuable information about how we live out our feminine side, including our capacity to love, our needs in love, who and what we tend to attract, our emotional side, sense of safety, and motherhood, as well as information about health and wellness. 

Venus and the Moon are associated with women in general, but also with the above key factors that (except motherhood) equally apply to men’s birthcharts.

However, the spotlight is on women’s wellness today and the following are some astrological factors that provide valuable information about the mental, emotional, and bodily condition of a woman when interpreted by sign and house, and in aspect with other points and planets in the chart.

Personality

Women and the Asteroids:

  • Chiron: Herbalist, teacher; one’s master wound that can serve as a catalyst for healing others
  • Ceres: Matriarch, Mother Earth, the Crone, caretaker; nourishing
  • Juno: The married woman, wife
  • Pallas Athena: The brave daughter; powerful, industrious, independent
  • Vesta: Late marriage, the initiated; pure, fiery

The Elements

  • Fire: Action-driven, fast, bold, honest
  • Earth: Slow & methodical, sensual, loyal
  • Air: Social, mental, talkative, witty
  • Water: Empathic, emotional, caring

Modalities

  • Cardinal: Do-er, action-driven, taking initiative
  • Fixed: Likes to maintain status quo, doesn’t like change
  • Mutable: Flexible, adaptable

Temperament (Humoral Theory)

  • Sanguine (Air)
  • Choleric (Fire)
  • Phlegmatic (Water)
  • Melancholic (Earth)

Temperament/body type (Ayurvedic Doshas)

  • Vata (Air)
  • Pitta (Fire)
  • Kapha (Water/Earth)

The Body

1st-6th

1st House (Ascendant) = The body, the Self, individuality.

6th house = Health-related habits, service to body

Arabic Parts (or Lots)

fortune and spirit glyps
Fortune and Spirit glyphs

These are calculated points involving the Ascendant and a planet.  Fortune (Lunar) signifies bodily wellbeing and Good Luck, while Spirit (Solar) is more mental and action-oriented. Other lots can be calculated, such as Sickness, Energy, Sex, Cancer, Surgery, Death, Harmony, Marriage, etc.)

 

Planetary rulership and the body (Tucker, UK, 1896 – 1981)

zodiac and body

  • Sun: Heart
  • Moon: Glands, lymphatic system, breasts, stomach
  • Mercury: Brain, nervous system, lungs, locomotion, arms, hands
  • Venus: Kidneys
  • Mars: Muscles, head, eyes
  • Jupiter: Liver, pancreas, thighs
  • Saturn: Bones, teeth, skin
  • Uranus: Parasympathetic nervous system, psychosomatic diseases
  • Neptune: Poisons
  • Pluto: Reproductive organs (not mentioned by Tucker)

Dis-ease & sickness

You can calculate a Decumbiture chart for the moment when you feel that you are getting sick (Horary chart for when one gives in, lays down). Nicholas Culpeper (1616 – 1654) developed a Moon crisis technique.  He looked at the Moon’s transit over the Decumbiture chart for timing the start of therapy or cure. Culpeper was a Botanist, Physician, and Astrologer; and the author of Astrological Judgement of Diseases.  In a Decumbiture chart, Saturn and the 8th house traditionally represent death.  Mars means more acute issues while Saturn signifies chronic health challenges.

Iatromancy is another (non-astrological) form of judging disease that is performed by a Physician-Seer (shaman).

Now you are equipped to explore your own birthchart! 

If you don’t already have your birthchart, you can get it for free at Astro.com. Have fun discovering yourself!

For an in-depth birthchart interpretation and forecast please get in touch with me.  Readings are ca. 1.5 hours long and you can schedule it here or email me.  Please provide your location, date, and time of birth.  

2024 Psychic Fair Irvine

2024 Psychic Fair

Welcome to the third edition!

Wings of Joy presents its annual Psychic Fair on Saturday, February 24, 2024 and I’m honored to serve as the house astrologer again, giving 15-minute astrological readings.  There will be various other psychics, mediums, and energy workers to choose from, and advance registration is necessary so that your track can be scheduled.

Your participation fee of $90 gets you 2 readings and/or energy healing of your choice, plus access to the Discovery Center where you can read Oracle cards on your own, and explore books and material about crystals, essential oils, and much more.  

From 10:00 am until 1:00 pm you can receive psychic guidance, receive energy healing, and communicate with departed loved ones or pets.  The address in Irvine will be provided upon registration. 

Get your ticket at Eventbrite.

See you at the Psychic Fair! 

SCAN 2024 Forecast Panel

2024 Forecast Panel: How may the planetary alignments manifest?

Last week, we gathered at the 19th Hole Restaurant & Lounge in Laguna Woods for our 2024 Forecast Panel.  Contributing astrologers this year were Loda Shaw, Alan Mayeda, SCAN’s Director Laura DesJardins, and myself. 

I typically bring more slides than my time frame allows and end up rushing through them. (Will I ever learn?)  There is so much to share about 2024 though and I’m planning on uploading a separate video with a full forecast version.

This will include my slides about the Mayan perspective that I didn’t get to touch on, and I feel the need to talk more about the approaching Saturn-Neptune conjunction.  It won’t be precise until 2026, but Saturn and Neptune come into a 7-degree orb in March of 2025, with Neptune at the critical 29th degree of the final sign in the Zodiac.  With both these players in the same “soup”, you can imagine the interchange of energies already taking effect. 

The importance of strengthening our immune system cannot be stressed enough. 

Let’s also keep an eye on the proposed construction of the Ben Gurion Canal and its exact route toward the coast.  Could an intended shortcut have been the case for what we saw (resp. see) in Gaza?

Many of us went into the rabbit holes during the Chinese Year of the Rabbit.  This year, the Dragon is unleashed after all the findings and exposures!

If you want to know how the planetary alignments will affect you personally in 2024 I’m happy to analyze your birth chart!

SCHEDULE A READING

Holiday Special 2023-2024

Enjoy 25% off your birth chart reading and find out how the planetary alignments in 2024 may affect it

2021 Outlook

What’s in store for you in 2024?  Celebrate a whopping 25% off my regular rate of $180 for your birthchart analysis and find out how the planetary alignments in 2024 may affect it.  

Sessions are ca. 1.5 hours long and held via Zoom.  Please provide your place, date, and (if you have) the time of your birth ahead of our session.  (I’m on PST)

Get it for yourself or give it as a gift!  

Email me to schedule an appointment and let’s see what opportunities are there for you in 2024, and how to best prepare! 

Astrological Integration Podcast

sun-moon

Astrological Integration

Join Roshni and me for casual talks about how to integrate aspects of Astrology into therapeutic client work, or simply into daily, practical life.

Once a month, we explore the various components and concepts of Astrology and their practical use in therapy, healing work, and personal life. This event is free, open to everyone and no astrological knowledge is necessary.

It is our goal to demystify Astrology and help people move beyond the fear and resistance of applying astrological concepts in their lives or optimizing event timing based on planetary cycles.

About your hosts:

Roshni Sharma-Fleming

Roshni Sharma-Fleming is the founder of Stillfire Healing and has 22 years of experience in elementary education along with teaching adults at the college level. She is a polyglot and bilingual in French. Roshni has a Masters Degree in Education from Nipissing University with a main focus on women’s health and well-being. She is a self-starter, an effective communicator, and a community builder. She is also a Certified Ahava Healer, a Lightworker and a fully trained Reiki Master with 11 years of experience including Distance Reiki, Chakra Balancing, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Angel Card readings. Energy is Yours©️. Roshni lives in Toronto, Canada. You can book a session with her here.

stef headshot

Stefanie Baeker is the founder of AccessEcoTours and Project Mayan Encounter. She has been working in the field of tourism since 2008, planning, directing and leading eco-cultural tours and creating meaningful experiences and retreats for travelers.  Stefanie is an NCGR-certified Astrologer and member of NCGR (National Council on Geocosmic Research), ISAR (International Society for Astrological Research), the Uranian Society, and a Board Member of SCAN (Southern California Astrological Network).

Holistic Fair

Stop by my table for a Mini Reading!

event flyer

I’m thrilled to be providing 15-minute snapshot birthchart readings at the OC Holistic Fair!  Come by, get your feet wet with Astrology and also pick up your 25% discount voucher at my table:

Where:

OC Spiritual Center, 2575 McCabe Way in Irvine, CA 

When:

Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

You can still profit from my 241 (two for one) Summer Special until August 15, 2023:

SCHEDULE A READING

Plus, anyone who attends the OC Holistic Fair in person gets a 25% discount off my regular rate of $160 per reading.  That’s $40 off so you’ll pay only $120 for the reading.  

Discover yourself through Astrology!

Eventos de Astrologia

Astrología en la Ruta de los Cenotes

Pronóstico anual de las energías planetarias de 2024

  • Martes, 21 de noviembre de 2023, de las 16:00 – 18:00 hrs, MXN 350

Tu contribución cubre las impresiones y la preparación de los materiales.  La presentación es de 90 minutos aproximadamente.

Con mucho gusto me quedo a tu disponibilidad por interpretación de tu carta natal entre el 20 y 30 de noviembre 2023.  El costo por la consultación personal es de MXN 950 (aprx. 90 min.) 

  • Para programar una consultacón en persona entre el 20 y 30 de noviembre, por favor mandame un mensaje a 001-714-801-0041 (WhatsApp o SMS).

Astrology Events in Mexico

zodiac

Let’s talk Astrology in the Treetops!

Annual preview of the planetary energies of 2024:

  • Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, MXN 350

Your contributions will cover chart printing and preparation of materials.   Personal readings are about 90 minutes long.


  • Personal readings and birthchart interpretations (by appointment) MXN 950. Please connect with me via phone, text or WhatsApp to schedule a session: 001-714-801-0041.
  • If you’d like a personal reading via Zoom you can schedule it here: SCHEDULE A READING

Summer Special

vintage sun

I’m excited about starting something new:

From now until August 15, 2023, I’m offering a 241 Summer Special on Astrology readings! (2 + 4 + 1 = 7 – a magical and spiritual number in Numerology).

Buy a natal chart reading at the regular rate of $160 (ca. 90 minutes) and I’ll throw in a second reading for free!  That’s a 50% discount on both readings.

Use the second reading for yourself for a specialty reading, follow-up, forecasting, or Mayan Portrait, or pass it on to a friend!

Being prepared is putting you behind the steering wheel!

Take advantage of this Summer Special and get in touch to schedule a reading via Zoom or in person (Orange County area in California)! 

SCHEDULE A READING