THE MUSIC ISSUE

The latest issue of The Mountain Astrologer is amazing. The subject is music and the magazine was put together by guest editor Frank Clifford who gave the hard-working Tem Tarriktar an issue off. Aside from the routine daily forecast by Jeff Jawer, monthly lunations by Stephanie Austin, questions answered by Alexandra Karacostas, and regular submissions from the recovery sage Donna Cunningham, the entertaining and brutally honest Dana Gerhardt, and the software savvy Hank Friedman, there are a number of stunning in-depth articles certain to universally expand applied astrological understanding. (Full disclosure: I am a contributing writer to TMA.)

            Frank has written a ten page article that interprets the basic charts of 15 musicians. What’s great about his thumbnail sketches is that they show how he zeroes in on a chart's theme to reach the ‘heart of the chart’ (which is the title of one of his books). In the ‘Astrology of Pop,’ Neil Spencer looks at the mundane cycles of Neptune-Pluto, Uranus-Pluto, and Uranus-Neptune, and the corresponding types of music that resounded when these outer planets formed conjunctions. On a more personal note, Lynn Bell assesses the placement of the Moon in musicians’ charts to see how the natal luminary formed emotional connections with the public. Kelly Surtees looks at the charts of five musicians and how their personal transits resonated with their music. Kim Farley delineates the chart of Phil Spector in light of his life and his downfall. Bruce Scofield examines the history and music of Captain Beefheart from the view point of planetary aspects and midpoints activated by solar arc. Finally, in one of the most poetic and psychological insightful articles I’ve read, Austin Coppock explores the chart of Marilyn Manson who expressed the increasingly darkening shadow of the U.S. at a time when the country’s light was shining ever brightly.  

            Aside from music, the issue also contains a comprehensive and frightening look at the meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear reactor and the ongoing role of Chiron and Neptune in Pisces that corresponds to the poisoning of the ocean and the ecological wounds resulting from humanity’s short-term, short-sighted vision. Closer to my heart, Sandra-Leigh Serio has written about the meaning and importance of the ‘Prenatal Solar Eclipse.’ She reiterates my observation of the significance of the house of the PNSE and suggests the point should be marked in the chart as it is activated by transits over time.

            This review would not be complete without mentioning the useful monthly ‘Auspicious Elections’ report by Chris Brennan. I always mark on my calendar the dates he gives over a two month period that are fortunate for initiating new undertakings. If you are a star-gazer, Julene Packer-Louis’ Sky Watch gives the times and dates when planets and upcoming meteor showers are visible in the night sky. Lastly, in the ‘Book Reviews’ section, Mary Plumb summarizes the latest astrological publications. She is the kindest reviewer and gives an in-depth analysis of what each book has to offer and how the book compares to others in its category.

           If I have any criticism of the magazine it is that it is published too infrequently. I wish it came out every month. It’s always an exciting day when I go to the mailbox and find the latest issue waiting to be opened and explored. The layout is beautiful and the level of editorial input is extreme (thank you Nan Geary). Each issue is over a hundred pages long and offers a wealth of astrological insight from a large number of astrologers who use a wide array of techniques to translate the meaning of the planets as they travel across the starry sky. The Mountain Astrologer is a consummate bimonthly gift of knowledge delivered to your door (or tablet) that is guaranteed to expand your mind. For anyone who doesn't yet get the magazine and would like to subscribe you can sign up for the print subscription that includes free digital access at http://mountainastrologer.com/order.html   The digital-only subscription can be accessed at: www.mountainastrologer.com/members/welcome. The truth is, every issue is amazing.