November 22, 2004 at 4:40p

I will be having hip replacement surgery on December 13, here in Sarasota, at 7:30a. I have updated the chart (above) and the aspects to my own birth chart will be 'right up to speed' with what is going on in my life at this time.

Actually, this is not such a great aspect to have while surgery is day’s focal point, but astrologically expresses what is going on from me, in my life (Sun) to a tee! The definition of this aspect is ‘a self divided’ I am going into this surgery knowing I have too. It doesn’t mean I want to or that I ‘embrace’ it. Thus, the ‘inner tension’ defined too by this aspect. But there is a stronger likelihood for ‘constructive efforts’ today, and that would be advantageous to my body. Today there will be a probability for ’strength through crisis’ while there could be problems with authorities. This aspect spells out ‘physical weakness’; understandable considering the program. Here too is ‘stress’ and ‘healing the body’, so all is not lost. While this aspect spells out ‘a state of disorder’ in which my life will probably be in today, I will find it necessary to ‘cope with change and crisis’.

On a good day (without surgery), this aspect might deal with meeting a new love and having great sex! Hardly likely today. But since Pluto rules the first (Ascendant) and Venus rules the relationship between me and my surgeon, and the aspect is the positive trine, there should be positive results from our efforts today. The transiting conjunction between the Sun and Pluto, therefore, makes the T Sun trine N Venus also. This aspect brings feelings of affection and friendliness, along with attractiveness. Maybe I will take home a new hip and a nurse too?!

With Mars coming from the 12^th side, hospitals (can) come in to play, along with ‘confinement, restrictions and delays’. When Mars is conjunct the natal Ascendant, there is a good chance the day will be ‘rugged, but enjoyable conditions’. My ‘personal power’ will be tested, and my ‘strength of character’ surely will be tested. Hopefully, there will be ‘steady accomplishment’ to the performed surgery. Certainly, today’s surgery will be performed to bring ‘solutions to problems’. The doctor, ruled by Mars, will have ‘engineered’ a plan to keep me free of ‘physical pain’ for some time to come. The doctor will be ‘using many metal tools’. The surgery will include a host of assistants for the doctor, all working in tandem or an ‘active meeting’. Today, there will be action, energy, work by a doctor (cutting), and blood, all in my ‘daily environment’. This aspect was in play when I was born, again with doctors present, blood (my mother’s). Just as my own birth was traumatic (Pluto ruler of Scorpio), this day too could be traumatic and intense, but surely will be another new beginning in my life (another aspect of Pluto).

This aspect signifies that something or someone may be a source of stress in my life at the moment and I might have difficulty handling the situation. According to my astrological sources it is likely that I might feel ‘like a time bomb ready to explode’. I am sure that is close to correct, since this is the 7^th operation of its kind for me (4 knee operations and two shoulder surgeries)! Astrologically, you are to try to attempt to avoid aspects of Mars to the Moon in a surgical chart, but this aspect can be dealt with now that I know it is ‘there’.

Certainly, as I enter the hospital, I will be ‘courteous and friendly’, in my hours of ‘trepidation’! No doubt, I will be involved in ‘harmonious and friendly interactions with others’ as I prepare to have my body again be invaded by a doctor with a scalpel. I am sure that ‘affectionate behavior’ will be in view all around me, until I go under anesthesia. (Then, Mars will take over!) I am very sure that I will be feeling ‘comfort in relationships’ / between myself and the people working precariously on me. Venus is the ruler of the 7^th house, dealing with the very personal and physical relationship between surgeon and myself today, as signified by the astrological chart!

This aspect is not half as bad as one might think. Granted, this aspect will bring some intense physical transformation (removal of part of one’s leg bone and hip fall into that category), no better sign for the pair to be in than the sign of the hip and largest leg bone! One must remember that this aspect will be much like the T Pluto to my N Pluto aspect in the Pluto and Dramatic Changes article I wrote nearly a year and a half ago. This combination  in the sky aptly spells out what is going on for me too. Pluto rules what is hidden or unseen. In this case, it is my ailing hip, which neither the doctor or myself can see is very arthritic and problematic, but 'hidden from view'. Pluto also stands for 'endings or beginnings'. With the Sun for the day (and operation) linking to Pluto, it expresses the Light shining on Pluto and bringing to the surface (light) the problem and correcting it; possibly no better day to attempt the transformation!

One must meet his fears 'head on' to achieve ‘greatness’ (Sagittarius) in personal ego and goals (Leo, ruler of my 10^th house). Unfortunately for me, this pair is opposed to my N Moon. Wow, my emotions are getting a major workout here today! This aspect infers that I am a ‘self-divided individual’ today. There will be ‘imbalances in mind and body’ today, probably very intense or transformative (Pluto). These strong, possibly stressful feelings toward others are natural on a day of major surgery, but it doesn’t make them any less intense. Luckily, I am a master of intensity and will deal appropriately with what comes my way. Unluckily, Pluto and the Moon do deal with ‘unconscious or subconscious’, and I may have little control here. Consequently, there will be some restlessness and difficulties in relaxing or in sleeping, because of the ‘intense feelings’ (pain?).

Here is an aspect that can increase the potential for mentally pushing the limits – over assimilation and overconfident judgments or opinions. The Midheaven here explains that while my goals and ego (MC) are not in ‘full agreement’ (sesquisquare) over taking on a ‘new hip’ (Jupiter) and all that goes with it, I will have to make the best of ‘getting old’.

Increased likelihood of effective communication today, despite the fact that T Mercury is separating from N Mercury. It is more likely that there will be more effective communications today between those dealing directly with me or with others conversing about me (doctors, nurses, aids, etc) than at any other time.

The fact that Jupiter (ruler of the second house, dealing with ‘personal possessions’) is quindecile itself, lends itself to the postulation that I will be doing everything I can to ‘accept’ (medically) my (possession) new hip. Some may consider this a ‘stretch’, but it is thru my deep understanding of astrology that I believe this aspect is present to help me accept and for me to bring it to you to show how affectively Astrology works.

Finally, for this article, we see that T Chiron, of learning and healing when in a positive aspect, is forming a trine to N Kronos, of authority and mastery. No better way of saying astrologically that the doctor / surgeon (authority, master) will have a great opportunity to provide me with a well working hip joint that I can spend many years on walking, biking and enjoying my retirement.

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