“Hello! I left an HR Managment career 4 years ago due to apathy in my job which involved a tremendous amount of traveling. In reality, I became sick from overwork and found my life hollow. I stayed home for a year trying to rebuild my confidence and decide a new life purpose. I was offered a job in the teaching field and have been there for the last two years. I enjoy the work but find that it still may not be enough for me. I am thinking about pursuing a masters degree in counseling but find my self undecisive and, to be honest, afraid of making the wrong decision. I am at a crossroads. I have life balance now but I am severly underpaid for job and the talents I know I have. Please help.” -Rachel
Thanks for writing in, Rachel. Making a career transition can certainly be a stressful time and I understand your situation, having gone through it myself (a few times!). In astrology there are a few places we look in the chart to help someone uncover what they’re most suited to do. And we can “progress” the chart to see how you, as an individual, will change and grow over time. Taken together the natal chart and the progressed chart help us to piece together a map you can use to navigate during this time.
Rachel's chart- natal inner wheel, progressed outer wheel
In the natal chart the cusp, or beginning, of the 10th house is called the midheaven (or MC) and is found right at the top of the wheel. The MC describes how we want to be viewed by society. Put another way it’s our career- what we want to be known for. With Leo, a fire sign, on the cusp of your 10th house, Rachel, you need to work in field where you can be recognized for your unique talents. Working behind the scenes won’t bring your happiness. Creativity, passion, and acclaim need to be part of what you do.
You mentioned counseling (and coaching in another part of your letter). Either of these could be the right answer because it will afford you the ability to work for youself and be recognized in your own right- not as an agent of a big company or institution. The houses in your chart that astrologers look at for job/career are the 2nd, 6th, and 10th and all of them have a fire sign on the cusp- meaning you’ll do best when you can work independently, use your intuitive knowledge, and have a good deal of freedom.
With your Sun in the 8th house, a Scorpio ascendent and Neptune in the first house I would imagine you’re sensitive to the undercurrents around you and have a strong sense of empathy for others- important traits to have in counseling or coaching. An 8th house Sun is also interested in change and transformation and being in a helping profession like counseling can satisfy that need. Venus in Cancer conjunct Jupiter also endows you with the ability to nurture- almost to a fault. If you do get into either of these fields make sure you don’t overextend yourself or bring home stray clients!
Now let’s step back and see where you are in your life using the progressed chart (the outer wheel of the chart). In astrology the progressed lunar phase sets the broad landscape of our lives. Like the monthly lunar phase that moves from new, to first quarter, to full, etc. the progressed lunar phase also goes through these changes, but does this over the course of a 30 year period, where each phase is roughly 2.5 to 3 years long.
Looking at your progressed chart, Rachel, we see in 2004 you entered the “new” phase- this was an important time when one stage of your life was ending and another just beginning. Now you’re in the crescent phase, which is about expansion, struggle, and setting a course for moving ahead. It’s certainly a stressful time because you’ve not been down this path before – everything is new. But it is important because, as I said, it’s about choosing a direction and taking the steps to move FORWARD. It is time to decide, a time to move out and take RISKS.
We know that Gemini is a dual air sign- it can be of two minds and can easily vascilate between two choices. With only two planets in Fixed signs it will be difficult for you to make a choice and stick with it. It’s important to accept this about yourself and not let it hinder you. Call on people you know and trust to help you.
Rachel, this is an important time and a decision must be made. It’s like standing at the bus stop, unsure if you want to go downtown or not. Sooner or later the bus is going to pass you by and the opportunity will be lost. Your progressed Sun is in the 9th house now, so going back to school for an advanced degree, or any type of education, is a viable option. Addtionally, your progressed Moon will be making a sextile to your natal Jupiter (which is also in your 9th house) in September- this describes an opportunity to expand yourself and find fullfillment (and coincides with the start of the academic semester).
The 9th house is also your mission and purpose in life. With Jupiter, the ruler of your 2nd house (income), in the 9th I would say that once you follow your true desire the money will follow. Don’t look to money to motivate you or be the deciding factor.
I wish you all the best, Rachel, and please do let us know how things unfold.
