Oak
The lunar symbol of a horse, associated with the time of the solstices, had a sacred origin for the Celts. Its association with their Horse-goddess, Rhiannon, as the white mare at the Summer Solstice, represented their ancient matriarchal culture. The symbolic rebirth of her son, Pryderi, as the Black Horse at the Winter Solstice, acknowledges the primeval power of their Moon-goddess, whose battle for supremacy with solar deities eventually reached a compromise. In Celtic myth, Pryderi was stolen at birth and his mother was falsely accused of his death and forced to undertake a humiliating and unjust penance. Pryderi's timely return in Celtic myth restored the ancient autocracy of their matriarchal Moon-goddess and confirms the authenticity of an ancient Celtic lunar zodiac. The symbol of a horse or mare was a favourite totem or tribal god of the Celts, and horses were depicted on the earliest Celtic coins.
The oak tree in Irish Celtic myth was associated with the 'Good God' or the 'Dagda', who was akin to the ancient Greek god, Jupiter. Both were Thunder gods and the oak, like the ash, was said to court the lightening flash which, according to the Druids, symbolized divine inspiration. During the seventh lunar month the oak tree marked a turning point of earthly existence when the soul was raised to the heights of Gwynved (Celtic Heaven) in order to be reminded of its purpose or trial on Earth. The Summer Solstice marks the time when the Sun (light) is at its zenith and Jupiter in the Celtic lunar zodiac represents the expanding consciousness of humankind.
Oak Tree Character
You were born at the time of the year when radiance of summer light reaches its apex. Your notable characteristics are therefore associated with an enlightened mind that has great depth, breadth and vision. Oak tree characters, not surprisingly, personify all the very best human qualities imaginable. You are, as a result, naturally drawn to demanding professions in life. You are inclined to adopt a strong moral code and this, combined with the ability to speak the truth no matter what the consequences may be, relates to the sacrificial nature of the Oak-king who symbolically dies at Summer Solstice. In Druidy it represents the sacrificial ego of the Sun-king, who then journeys through the Underworld kingdom during the second half of the year. Psychologically speaking, it can make you a willing victim or a 'devil may care' character who lives life to the full.
Your inherited traits of character come from your father's side of the family, but your mother was most probably the strongest parental influence during your youth, as father figures or male influence tend to be missing at this time. It can be as a result of a divorce or your rather pursuing a career which took him away from home for long periods. With regard to your own personal relationships, you have a generosity of spirit that can make you an ideal parent or partner. But because you are inclined to set high standards of personal behaviour, it is sometimes difficult for others to live up to, and if you feel that you are being undermined at home or in your marriage, a great deal of your motivation will be temporarily drained or misdirected. You are more vulnerable than any other sign regarding the affairs of the heart, as your trusting nature tends to make you a victim rather than a perpetrator of discord. But generally speaking, Oak tree people appear to sail through life with great style and self-confidence and they attract powerful friends.
Special Traits for Mark:
All the positive traits of character are activated and your keen sense of fair play and personal integrity is never in doubt. Your abundant vitality and personal enterprise will always open doors with uncanny timing, as you have what appears to be the 'keys to the kingdom'. There is however, always a price to pay, and with such fortunate influences surrounding you it can also create complacency, extreme self-indulgence and ostentatious behaviour.
Oak with Moon in Pisces
You have what appears to be an unworldly perception of life, but you are actually touching upon the essential spirit of goodness, which can empower humanity. Your shadow self is a projection of your unconscious mind, a lunar dimension of character that fosters compassion and humility. You are highly intuitive and super-sensitive to the feelings of others, especially if they are suffering pain, or stress. You can, however, become overloaded, both emotionally and physically. There is a certain frailty about you, but as an Oak Tree character you have great inner vitality and endurance. Your compassionate nature is bound to attract you towards the caring professions, but you also have an artistic temperament that is apparent in your dress and sense of colour. Combined with your ability to step into the world of illusion it is ideal for acting, writing and photography. Overall, your lunar position reveals a nebulous type of Oak Tree character that is more mystical than practical; consequently affairs of the heart can be either extremely romantic and fulfilling or disastrous interludes of deceitful partnerships.
Hidden Agenda
Your hidden agenda is to integrate your intuitive or abstract mind with your rational and analytical mind. You are currently operating only one dual lever, which creates an imbalance. A residual karmic influence is apparent and in the source of nervous tensions as you try to make this adjustment. In past lives you felt more secure in using your left-hand brain or rational thinking, but this has brought you to the brink of spiritual decline. During your current lifetime you therefore tend to overcompensate in your desire to show compassion and humility. Your psychological profile shows that you are capable of immense clarity of thought but not complete peace of mind. You will, however, make great progress by nurturing your spiritual self and helping others along the way, and this is your karmic lesson to learn. Psychology provides a discerning insight into human behaviour, but the spiritual nature of humankind is more like a butterfly - a Celtic symbol of reincarnation and of the ancestral spirits that challenge rational thinking and the material world.
Aspects and Conjunctions
Note: Positive aspects are conjunction and trine. Negative aspects are square.
*Venus Conjunction Mars
(This is also featured in mine and Liddy's charts) Any aspects between Venus and Mars are highly significant as they reveal the intimate details of one's sex life and passionate desires. Mars is never truly compatible with any other planet as it is with Venus, as they represent the male and the female nature. In esoteric astrology Mars represents the 'animal soul' in humankind and Venus represents the 'human soul' that equates with the lower and higher mind. Eventually, the energy of Mars must gradually transmute into the higher vibration of Venus, therefore the synthesizing effect of their aspects to each other can also provide an insight into spiritual nature. A conjunction must thus take into account which planet is the stronger or more effective influence. If Venus has negative aspects to Saturn or Pluto it can inhibit the finer feelings of love, and with Mars in the dominant role, behaviour is coarsened in general. In short, look very carefully at any aspects to those planets. This particular conjunction, however, shows a harmonious blend of Venusian charm and Martian energy and denotes an active and enjoyable sex life. People with this conjunction are very attractive to the opposite sex as they have a magnetism that is hard to resist. On a spiritual level they are already a unifying influence in the psyche.
*Moon Trine Jupiter
(Also in Dave's and mine charts) A very beneficial influence that shows a pleasant temperament, good humour and a generous spirit. This aspect is a sign of popularity and high achievement through expansive vision. Idealist qualities are shown, and a fair-minded approach that allows for weaknesses in others. Overall, this aspect remains a powerful and positive influence, but the extreme nature of Jupiter can be directed towards excessive self-indulgence, and positive aspects generally need the challenging negative aspects in order not to become complacent or inert. People with this aspect generally benefit from living abroad at some stage.
*Moon Trine Mercury
Common sense and intelligence are indicated with this conjunction. Freedom of movement and expression promotes a fluent talker and uninhibited body language. A curious mind that quickly absorbs information and facts reveals
An aptitude for a wide range of subjects. The prime motive is always being up to date with the latest trends, but because it operates on a minimal effort, real depth of knowledge can be lacking. However, this is compensated by a certain cleverness and ability to make logical deductions. There is more incentive for improving the mind, and a head for business.
*Sun Square Saturn
(Scott also has this aspect in his chart) This aspect is often found in the charts of successful people, as there is an inner strength that provides tremendous motivation and a will to overcome personal limitations. But self-expression or communication with others is limited - a self-consciousness that stems from a sense of inadequacy. While general health can suffer from a lack of vitality, this is often compensated by persistent effort and a well-organized lifestyle.
*Mercury Conjunction Jumpiter
This conjunction provides optimism and a high degree of intelligence, though real potential and ability are usually developed through further education and life experience. It's really a question of finding a clear framework from which to work, as people with this conjunction are extremely versatile and multi-talented. Success in the arts and literature or the law is likely, and in some cases, if there are positive aspects to Neptune, religion holds a great interest. Other planetary aspects will also provide a clearer direction. There is a tendency to philosophize and hold strong moral views. Overall, it shows an open and curious mind with fine ideals and humanitarian principles.
*Venus Conjunction Uranus
If artistic talent is shown in other areas of the chart this conjunction contributes much originality, especially through new and exciting artistic trends. While there is need for peace and harmony, there is also much highly-strung tension than can be externalized through the arts. This is a very powerful force of energy and, if it finds no positive outlets, emotions can build up to uncontrollable levels resulting in wild and eccentric behaviour that has little regard for persona reputations.
*Mars Conjunction Uranus
This is a very powerful conjunction that shows a high but tense level of energy, which is always near to breaking point. People with this conjunction are highly productive individuals in the sense that they push themselves to the limit of physical and mental endurance. They are basically exciting people to observe, as their lifestyle is usually full of drama and controversy. A volatile temperament is shown, which is associated with great artists or entertainers rather than conventional careers. Look for both stabilizing and creative aspects so that this energy and potential can be fully realized; positive aspects to Venus, Jupiter and Saturn are ideal counterbalances.
*Pluto Trine Sun
(Dave also has this aspect) This aspect shows strong leadership qualities and a desire to live life to the full every day. People with this aspect have a powerful magnetism that is more attractive than with a conjunction or a square. It shows a positive use of all energy and the ability to make fresh starts with greater determination and without recriminations.
*Pluto Conjunction Saturn
While this can cause deep-seated obsessional problems, it can also provide a constructive approach to objectives though careful planning and patience. This aspect is, however, regarded as a generation influence, so people with this aspect are likely to experience external pressures that are repressive to individual growth or liberty.
all from "The Celtic Moon Sign Kit" by Helena Paterson