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Special Horoscope for Taurus - the lunar eclipse
Use your rising sign for better forecasts
Bonus! Articles on:
the opportunity presented by the new moon each month
the effect of solar eclipses
PLUS - instead of viewing planetary influences as outside events over which you have no control PRACTICAL ASTROLOGY will teach you to view planetary configurations as OPPORTUNITIES that will allow you to work with the timing of the universe to make choices, exert control, observe results and track your success over time.
Each month, shortly before the sun moves into a new sign (which usually happens around the 20th or 21st of the month), I'll suggest a way for your sign to take advantage of the opportunities provided by one of the solar month's major astrological features. In addition, you can read a short article on one aspect of putting together a horoscope forecast that will give you more insight into how to interpret your own chart.
Finally, I'll provide a list of keywords for some of the planets, signs, and houses that make up a horoscope so that you can further customize your horoscope.
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ARIES TAURUS GEMINI CANCER LEO VIRGO LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES
SPECIAL HOROSCOPE FOR TAURUS: The new moon and the full moon eclipse....
Happy Birthday, Taurus! I hope you took note of some of the sexy keywords above associated with this time of year and, by extension, with your sign. Be sure to make room for some birthday loving this month if at all possible.
Now let's talk about that eclipse. On approximately April 24th (exact timing depends on where on the globe you live), there'll be a full moon lunar eclipse in Scorpio. Full moon lunar eclipses have a lot of lore associated with them, most of them portending negative effects of some kind. The full moon has been (incorrectly) associated with everything from epileptic seizures, to psychiatric admissions, to dog bites, births, and deaths. Lunar eclipses have an even worse reputation; historically they were often considered bad omens. Historical peoples feared a lunar eclipse meant famine, disease, natural disaster, the wrath of the gods, and defeat in battle. They don't. But interestingly, there are several recorded cases where fear of the eclipse, and an interpretation that it meant disaster led to bad effects for the very people who predicted disaster for themselves. Keep this important principle of the self-fulfilling prophecy in mind and never predict that an astrological event is a bad omen for you. You do yourself more harm than good to use astrology this way and you will prevent yourself from using the opportunities these events allow you.
Case in point - lunar eclipses are often associated astrologically with emotional endings and losses. But it would be a big mistake to interpret this as necessarily being sad or negative. The Boston Red Sox won the World Series last year for the first time in 86 years - during a lunar eclipse. Fortunately, they didn't interpet the lunar eclipse as a bad omen or try to reschedule the World Series for a more 'astrologically favorable time'. No, they played and won. And what a wonderfully emotional ending to 86 years of frustration it was! What was 'lost' was the burden of a so-called 'curse' their team. I'll say it again - don't use astrology to predict bad events for yourself or to make you fearful of doing something at the 'wrong' time! Astrology used this way becomes closer to a superstition than a life-enhancing tool - and you may very well talk yourself out of the opportunity to end your own frustration or 'curse'. Do your best to assume the universe likes you and is trying to help you out. This is difficult for all of us at certain times - but more often than not, it's worth the effort.
So what is this lunar eclipse about then? Well, it's sort of the astrological equivalent of an earthquake. It relieves the accumulated tensions underlying your chart, if there are any. Its effects range from 3.0 on the earthquake scale (what eclipse? I didn't feel anything!) to 7 or 8 (oh wow!). They can usually be felt anywhere from about five weeks before the date of the eclipse to about five weeks after the date. Sometimes having the tensions in your chart relieved and settled down feels very good. Sometimes an astrological earthquake causes collateral damage in everything in your life not pinned down securely and becomes quite a hassle. An eclipse theoretically affects you in matters related to the house and sign in which it occurs. But eclipses are indeed like earthquakes, unpredictable in timing and exact effect. They can bounce around to the opposite natal or solar houses, bounce their energy off aspected planets and just generally do whatever they feel like doing. An eclipse can manifest as a dramatic outside event or as an interesting insight or helpful revelation. It all depends on what the universe thinks you need.
Taurus, this is a very special eclipse for you because it marks the end of a cycle of eclipses that began in November 2002, specifically affecting you and the Scorpios of the world. The purpose of this cycle was to change your life and/or your head, maybe both. A series of lunar eclipses in your sign often signals a time when the universe is trying to get you to strip down your life to its essentials, so you can open up space for your next cycle. Once you've sorted through the eclipse scheduled for April 24th (you may have already felt some of its effects) - you're done! Yay! The universe is going to turn its attention elsewhere for awhile (to Ariens and Libras) and it's done shaking you up. A cycle of eclipses in your sign (and the opposite sign, that's how they work, in pairs of opposites) often has a tendency to affect your closest relationships as well. Taureans are often not in the mood for changes in their relationships no matter what the planets say, so you may have avoided this phenomenon. But if you didn't, now you know what was happening.
Here's how I want you to use this eclipse. Think about what you and your life were like in November 2002 and consider what has changed since then. If you like the changes, thank the universe humbly for helping you out. Be amazed and say to yourself, 'yeah, I really have changed over the past couple years. This astrology stuff is really interesting.' If you don't like what you have experienced, say to yourself very firmly, 'this is not a bad omen. This is a very good omen because the underlying tensions in my chart have been relieved and I am ready to start a glorious new cycle this solar month. Thank goodness!' If you don't notice any changes say to yourself, 'well I guess there weren't a lot of tensions in my chart. I was on track the whole time, thank you very much. Now I am ready to take advantage of this month's new moon and gear up for my new cycle of renewal. I rock!'
Welcome and celebrate your last eclipse in this cycle. It may affect you in a Taurean way or it may affect you in a Scorpio way or it may affect you according to solar or natal house position. The applicable solar houses for you would be the 1st and the 7th. (See the keywords above & below for the signs and houses). Since some of those keywords are pretty powerful, if you have felt some dramatic effects since the end of 2002, now you know what was at work. With these eclipses, it is as though the universe has been asking you a series of questions. How you reply is up to you. You have an opportunity this month to respond to the universe in a way that truly relects your personality.
Then, take a deep breath and gear up for your new moon in Taurus on May 8. For two weeks following this date, you have an opportunity to relect on your feelings regarding all first house and Taurean matters and bring yourself and your life into alignment with what you truly subconsciously want. Go for it! You do deserve it.
Feminine power or perhaps the power of the feminine is highlighted by this eclipse and the idea for you is to be aware of it and its higher purposes. This is a bit of a stretch for the sign of Aries, which has a tendency to concentrate its attention solely on the masculine. Well, experiencing a bit of a stretch is exactly what eclipses are all about. So the question the universe is asking you is - 'okay what exactly does feminine power mean and what's it for?' Your job is to answer this question somehow. Relax - this is the last pop quiz the universe will be giving you on this subject for awhile - thank goodness. Hopefully, you've figured out something in this regard over the last couple of years.
Meanwhile, the new moon on the 8th of May highlights producing some stability and permanence in your capacities to receive. Let's put that another way. What you get, and what you have, is related to the power and force you putting into getting it. If you throw your full Aries force into getting or having something in the 2 weeks following this new moon, theoretically the results of your efforts should stick. Even if they don't - well at least you tried.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
Hmmm...the new moon this solar month happens to coincide with Mother's Day and since it's in your 12th house, this could easily be a clue to assess her real power in your life - living or dead, easy or difficult. You have the opportunity, if it interests you, to forge a new relationship with her in your subconscious mind and discard the insignificant stuff. Or you could just get her a card and take her out to dinner. Your call.
Meanwhile, it's hard to say how the lunar eclipse on April 24 will affect your spirits. It wants to wrap up a process of bringing some stability and permanence to something in your life (both Taurus and Scorpio are very fixed signs and totally groove on that stability thing), but it may just make you want some quiet seclusion and a bit of contemplative reflection. Personally, I say go with it since most Geminis don't get enough of either.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
Okay, so what are your feelings about death? And the possibilities of life after? And about how you are living today and the results this will ultimately have on your soul (or lack thereof)? Heavy questions I know, I know, but Scorpio is a heavy sign and eclipses can be heavy events. See, the thing is, the universe has actually been trying to query you on your creative ambitions over the last couple of years and for a Cancer, this is really a question for the soul. A deep question. This is your last chance to answer it for quite some time and all you have to do is be aware of how you really feel. You are a master at this so it should be a piece of cake. Right?
Okay, now that we've got that sorted out, it's time to turn our attention to the new moon in your solar 11th house on May 8th. This new moon is in the mood to build something, work with something earthy, or conserve some precious resources. What it would really like to build, though, is your popularity. I suggest you cooperate with it, because if you have any ambitions in this area, now's the time to put some energy in this direction.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
Well, you've potentially got a bit of a dilemma or at least a choice brewing this month. You see, both the eclipse and the new moon are in fixed signs squaring your own sun sign, and that typically doesn't make your sun too happy. That's not the problem though - the problem is whether you should stick to some custom, habit, practice or attachment you've had all your life or whether the eclipse is signaling you that it's time to ditch it. The universe has been trying to get you to wrestle with this question since November 2002, and only you know whether the issue's been resolved to your satisfaction. If not, April 24 represents one last chance. We all know that as a Leo, you will make the right choice. Yes?
Meanwhile the new moon signals it's time for you to do a little reflecting on your strategies for success. The sign of Leo doesn't like to yield, it doesn't like to surrender, it doesn't like to obey anything but itself, and sometimes it's not real fond of complying with the wishes of others. Fair enough, Leo is the king and these aren't kingly things. But...if one voluntarily subjects oneself to certain impositions in order to gain favorable results, there's nothing unseemly about that, is there? Is there?
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
VIRGO: AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22
The lunar eclipse in Scorpio takes places in your solar third house, which relates to, among other things, relatives and neighbors. One of the questions this series of eclipses since November 2002 has been trying to ask you is whether or not it may be more suitable to your requirements to simply adapt to these people than to try to conquer them. Now I don't know what you may need to adapt to in this area, but eclipses are known to bring sudden changes, so pay attention if changes have indeed occurred over the past couple of years. The universe is posing this as a question but I'll give you a hint. It's trying to tell you to let go of something and that something is the very thing you'd least like to let go of - control.
If that sounds like a real pain in the neck, take heart for your new moon on May 8 is in your solar 9th house - a house that loves to travel. If the tension in your back and shoulders is telling you 'get away, get away', do your best to comply with its wishes and you'll most likely feel better. At least it'll get you away from those pesky relatives and neighbors!
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
LIBRA: SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22
Over the past couple of years, the universe has been ruthlessly trying to eliminate everything from your material world that is not conducive to your higher purpose and I'm not sure how much you've enjoyed that. If things have gone correctly, you've experienced some losses during this period. Fortunately, you're a Libra, which means you have the sensitivity and perception to understand that this is necessary. If you don't, at least pretend you do and be willing, if necessary, to let one more thing be eliminated from your life during this last eclipse. If nothing else, murmur the phrase 'higher purpose' to yourself until you feel better.
Meanwhile, the new moon in your solar 8th house offers you the opportunity for the direct perception of truth - if you happen to be in the mood for that. Personally, I suggest you open up your intuition and get in the mood if at all possible. Because it could explain a lot about the meaning of whatever your losses have been over the past couple of years - and that could be a very grounding thing to understand. If that doesn't work, take advantage of the Taurean love of sensual pleasures and treat yourself to some yummy comfort food! Couldn't hurt.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
SCORPIO: OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21
Well hello Scorpio and congratulations! The lunar eclipse in your sign on April 24th is the last in the series that's been trying to rock your world since November 2002. It's possible, I'll admit, that your world has been rocked in some alarming or unpleasant ways during this time. If you were harboring any romantic illusions (about anything), it's a fair bet the universe has been trying to eliminate them from your life. It thinks it's been doing you a very important favor by getting rid of any incorrect perceptions that could hurt you down the line. Hopefully, you'll agree - if not now, then soon.
Meanwhile, the new moon on May 8th falling in your 7th house of relationships picks up the theme the eclipses have been trying to highlight. Namely, your relationships. The universe wants you to see how you can take pride in them, nurture and maintain them, derive power and sustenance from them. And all that good kind of stuff. It wouldn't hurt, in the 2 weeks following the new moon, to keep your eyes open and pay attention for any clues as to how you can inaugurate what's intended to be a new and improved cycle of your life in this important area.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
SAGITTARIUS: NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21
The lunar eclipse in Scorpio on April 24th falls in your 12th house and sometimes these things stir stuff up for people. Some people find it a bit stressful, their paranoia meter goes up, they feel tense, their emotions rise, and some even feel there's a bit of a battle going on inside them. The key to handling this phenomenon, if it occurs, is to use your imagination to form a mental image of how you want things to be instead of how you don't want them to be. The universe has been working since November 2002 to try to flush out any outmoded concepts you may have about things, so that you can get rid of them. If unwanted emotions come up this month, look at it as an opportunity to say goodbye to them. They're just rising to the surface on their way out the door.
Meanwhile, the new moon on May 8th is in your 6th house dealing with, of all things, hygiene. I don't know how exciting that sounds to you, but I'm going to interpret it as the perfect opportunity to indulge in something 'healthy' that will make you look and feel great. Like a trip to the spa for example! If that's out of the question, you could take other measures to improve your health. At any rate, consider feeling good a mental health antidote to the potentially draining effects of the lunar eclipse. It never hurts to have an excuse to feel good!
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
CAPRICORN: DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19
The series of eclipses in Scorpio and Taurus since November 2002 have been trying to get you to see the value of power, as well as the need for discipline, and to get you to realize that endings and losses are merely reflections of the transitory nature of human life. Hmmm....some of this may have been quite easy for you, and hopefully was, and some of it may have been a bit more challenging. They've been operating in the area of your chart devoted to acquaintances and it's hard to say how that's played out. Have you taken more power in the area of your general relationships? Have you been honest and upright with your friends? Have you been willing lose the companionship of unreliable and detrimental people? These are the kinds of questions the universe has been asking and only you know the answer. Fortunately, all the universe wants you to do is see...see how you operate in this area and whether it's serving you. All the rest is up to you.
The new moon on May 8th is in your solar fifth house, which rules, among other things, the exhibitionist in you. Now Capricorns aren't normally regarded as the exhibitionists of the zodiac but you can't get more friendly than a new moon in Taurus, so why not, just this once, make a public display of your wonderful Capricornian powers and personality? It'll do you a world of good.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
AQUARIUS: JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18
Okay, Aquarius, let's talk about your sex life and your root chakra, the basic source of the body's will to live. The eclipses in Taurus and Scorpio since November 2002 have fallen in the signs most concerned with these basic life elements. Elements that the sign of Aquarius, quite frankly, doesn't have a natural affinity with. The lesson here is that how high you go in life depends, in part, upon how comfortable you are with your body. This seems absurd, perhaps, to a sign more intellectually than physically oriented but this last eclipse gives you one final chance to observe your functioning in these areas. That's all the universe has really been asking you to do over the past couple years - just observe. If your aspirations don't fit with the signals your body keeps trying to send you - it ain't gonna work. And that may be all you need to know to steer yourself in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the new moon in Taurus offers you a chance to reflect on your own unlimited potential - where you want to go in life, and how you can ground yourself to get there. At the end of your life, what do you want to have accomplished? What do you want people to say about you? Important questions, and for a couple of weeks after May 8th, it could well be worth your while to think about them.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
PISCES: FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20
Okay, Pisces, here's an opportunity for you to do some visualizing. What do you want? A better sex life, to have a child, something else entirely? The lunar eclipse on April 24th takes place in your 3rd house and it offers an opportunity to utilize mind power. Whatever happens, or doesn't happen, good or bad, this is your last chance of the eclipse series to make use of Scorpio's favorable relationship with Pisces to shake things up mentally and 'see' exactly what it is you want.
The new moon on May 8th offers an opportunity for you to imagine yourself on an exotic foreign journey. Whether you actually take one or not is up to you, but it is very good for the Piscean mind to escape, whether in imagination or reality, to unknown and mysterious realms. Maybe you can't afford a trip to Ipanema right now, but it's not against the law to daydream and fantasize, now is it? Make full use of this opportunity to exercise your imagination and you'll return from your mental vacation fully refreshed and ready to go.
For keywords you can use to customize your horoscope - click here
The
role of the transiting Moon and the Lunar Eclipse (April 24)
The Moon has apparently fascinated mankind throughout its history. It's not hard to understand why. It's big and bright and mysterious and up there in the sky almost every night. It affects the tides, and by extension the life rhythms of many creatures of the sea. Humans have planted and harvested according to its phases, kept time by it (it's the basis for the calendar month), conducted rituals in its honor, attributed destabilizing emotional effects to it (the word 'lunatic' is based on the word 'lunar', as in 'affected by the moon'), and even bounced around and played a bit of golf on its surface. It has long been associated with women (because its 28 day cycle is said to correspond with the menstrual cycle) and with romantic love ('when the moon's in the sky like a big pizza pie, that's amore!'). In western astrology, the Moon is associated with women and love too, but it is perhaps most significantly associated with the feelings and the subconcious mind. We'll talk about some of its more dramatic associations below in the special horoscope for Taurus which discusses new moons, full moons, and eclipses, but for the moment, let's talk about the ordinary cycles of the moon as it transits through the signs.
The moon cycles through the signs more rapidly than any of the other astrological bodies, making a full trip around the zodiacal wheel in approximately 28 days. Since there are twelve signs, this means it spends about 2 1/2 days in each sign each month. Most mass media daily horoscopes rely on the moon to at least some degree because no other astrological body moves quickly enough to have much of a daily impact. Newspaper horoscopes, for example, often use the moon's solar house position for each sign to advise that 'today is a good day for gardening', or whatever. These types of horoscopes simply pick an activity associated with a solar house or with the sign the moon is transiting to recommend an activity. For example, one I am looking at now that tells me the Moon is in the 'detective' sign of Scorpio and that I should be researching skeletons in my family closet!
In truth, daily horoscopes, although potentially entertaining, are something of a fiction. Astrology is an attempt to describe the cycles of the universe and their effect on human life. The cycles of the universe by their nature are vast, cosmic, and complex and they do not sort themselves into neat little day-sized packets. Although the moon is a tremendous source of inspiration to seekers everywhere, overemphasizing the effect of the transiting Moon is a bit of a mistake in my opinion. In reality, the Moon moves so quickly and does so many things that if you attempted to track its astrological influences each day you wouldn't have time for anything else! It not only transits solar houses, it keeps busy aspecting other transiting planets and your own natal planets as well. Today alone the Moon is making at least 4 aspects to my natal planets. My life would ground to a complete halt if I attempted to divine the universe's intentions by peering anxiously at all these transitory aspects. They come and go quickly and too much dependence on any daily horoscope dishonors the astrological moon's true purpose.
If you want to honor the astrological moon, there's another way to do it that reflects this symbol's essential meaning. The transiting Moon, and the subconscious feelings it represents, move more quickly than anything else because rapidity is part of the core purpose of having a subconscious at all. Human life, and particularly human social interaction, is so complex that if we attempted to analyze it all in real-time with our conscious brains, we'd understand only a fraction of what we need to. In fact, people who spend too much time in their rational brains often fail to pick up on important social cues and consequently often complain that they don't understand why people are so irrational. The subconscious is the element of our minds capable of generating almost instantaneous reactions, attaching emotion to them, and allowing us to have social responses in real time. The ability to have speedy emotional reactions is not exactly the same thing as always having correct or helpful reactions - almost everyone has experienced a misunderstanding with someone because they jumped to a hurtful conclusion. That's the Moon for you! It's not right or wrong - it just tells us how we feel.
So let's honor THE MOON this month - in light of the eclipse we'll discuss below- by taking fifteen minutes each day to check in with the subconscious. The Moon rules the night, and biologically humans are able to more easily access their subconscious at night (did you know that? it's why our worries arise so often arise when we're trying to fall asleep). So why not take a walk in the moonlight and spend just a few minutes communing with the Moon and your own feelings of the day. Of course if it's not safe in your neighborhood, nix that idea. But if you can take just fifteen minutes before you go to sleep each night to check in with your feelings about the day, you'll get much better results than you would checking a daily horoscope! Consider it mind maintenance. Taking just fifteen minutes a day to meditate, reflect, get in touch with your feelings, clear the mind (or just unwind), has documented health and spiritual benefits. And allowing the information your busy subconscious has collected during all those daily aspects to rise to awareness and dissipate is exactly what your mysterious, inspiring Moon wants you to do. You and your Moon are far wiser and more knowledgeable about your life than any horoscope. So let the Ruler of the Night talk to you this month and whisper its secrets in your ear.
BE SURE TO READ THE SPECIAL HOROSCOPE FOR TAURUS for information on the full moon eclipse as well the MONTHLY HOROSCOPES for your sun sign and rising sign. (Click here or scroll down to find out how you can determine your rising sign and why you'd want to.) If my suggestions for the month don't appeal, use the keywords to design your own fabulous month. (Click here or scroll down to learn how to use the keywords to design your own horoscope.)
Some Keywords for the Moon: Worries, the home, the subconscious, who we love romantically, the family, instinct, habit, submission, feelings, heredity, moods, subjective reactions, and receptivity.
The new moon is in Taurus and the full moon eclipse is in Scorpio.
Some Keywords for Taurus are: sex, reproduction, and fertility, attachment, consolidation, earthiness, one's material goods, items of substance, stability, permanency, builders and building.
Some Keywords for Scorpio are: venom, goal-pursuing, power, emotions, union, regeneration, death, fascination, ruthlessness, higher purpose, elimination, and battle.
Some Keywords for the 1st house: You, your vitality, your recuperative powers, your feelings about your life, your imagination of your future, how you live, your sensitivities, your attitudes, your capacities, your interests, what you love, your opinions, and your ability to make changes.
Some 2nd house keywords: the body, money, generosity, spending habits, desires, greed, possessions, reserves, resources, gains, losses, and stocks.
The 3rd house doesn't just deal with relatives and neighbors. It also deals with areas represented by these keywords: the rational mind, clarity, objectivity, communication style, daily moods, casual socializing, attitudes toward the immediate environment, organizing things, short-term goals, business travel, and studying.
The solar 4th house is sometimes associated with keywords such as: Endings, parental influences, the home environment, roots, tradition, inner life, home base, withdrawal from the world, childhood, intuition based on experience, one's inner center, and desire for security.
The solar 5th house governs keywords like these: The exhibitionist in you, enjoyment, pleasure, children, your ambitions for your children, your desire and ability to shine, love affairs, creative success, pride, gambling, losses through speculation, and the desire for attention.
The solar 6th house governs keywords like: Ambitions to serve, utilitarian aims, health, recovery, physical illness, hygiene, helpfulness, employees, employers, employment, mastery of techniques or technical skills, and complaints.
Keywords for the the 7th house: Romance, relationships, clashes with others, adaptability, beneficial partnerships, marriage problems, interpersonal battles, characteristics of business partners, characteristics of the spouse, the ability to reach agreement, enemies, and popularity.
Some 8th house keywords: awareness of higher forces, self-improvement, the support of others, honor, death, money, legacies, partner's money, attitudes toward death & loss, sensation, joint funds, and taxes.
Some solar 9th house keywords: Foreign journeys, the receptive imaginative mind, aspirations, sincere beliefs, religion, prophecies, opinions, teaching, voyages of discovery, mental inspiration, information, and moving.
The solar 10th house deals with keywords like these: high position, patronage, superiors, ambitions, prominence, career, social standing, scandal, dealings with the public, profit, practicality, and occupational changes
Some 11th house keywords: Acquaintances, friends, scandal, adopted children, stepchildren, social contacts, social tolerance, criticism of society, humanitarianism, social change, guests, and ideals of brotherhood.
Some 12th house keywords: Solitude, exile, neglect, emotional frustration, synthesis, emotional responsiveness, subconscious moods, inconstancy, illness, suffering, contemplation, and intuition.
HOW TO USE KEYWORDS: The essence of learning astrology is understanding how to mix, match, and blend the concepts associated with signs, planets, and houses to figure out what is or will be affecting you at a given point in time. This takes practice and practice is exactly what you're going to have a chance to get if you use the keywords each month.
Keywords can be used to plan and take action using the month's energies, to explain events or to make predictions. Look towards the top of the page before the horoscopes to find the keywords for the planet and sign highlighted this month (or click here). Combine them with the keywords listed at the end of your sign's monthly horoscope. Scan for keywords that seem relevant to situations in your own life. You'll have 3 sets of keywords you can blend. Pick the keywords that interest you most and create your customized horoscope!
For example, if you want to plan or take action you might pick the Sun keyword 'power', the Aries keyword 'initiating', and the 1st house keyword 'self-expression' to create an intention for yourself that you have the power to initiate actions to express yourself more fully in ways that you desire. You'll know what 'self-expression' means to you. It works best if you pick keywords that 'speak' to you or that coincide with elements of your life that already concern you. To receive astrological benefits, it's not necessary that you obligate yourself to do something huge - it's only necessary that you take one step in the right direction at the right time. Astrology concerns itself with when things are born, and if you start something at the right time, you're riding on the energy that's already available to you in the universe.
You can also use the keywords to try to figure out if something that is affecting you is 'in the stars'. For example, let's say you find yourself wondering why you're getting drawn into conflicts with people at your church. You scan the keywords and realize 'Aha! The fiery energy of Aries is currently being activated in my 12th house of faith-related matters!' If the energy is uncomfortable, you'll have a gauge as to how long it will be prominent (oh good, it should ease up next month!) or if it's a good energy you'll know which planet to thank!
You can also try your hand at predicting. If you check in at the beginning of the month and notice that your house of friendships is highlighted along with some active planetary or sign energies, you might predict for yourself that you will be engaging in a lot more fun and restorative activities with your friends in the coming month. This is basically what professional astrologers do and now you have a chance to try your own hand at it and compare your results with the pros. Have fun!
NOTE: There are a wide variety of potential keywords associated with each sign, planet, and house. I pick different ones each month to give you an idea of the range from the most common concepts to much more subtle ones. Over time, you'll gain an intuitive sense of what kinds of concepts are associated with each element and you'll even be able to generate your own keywords as you get a feel for each of the signs, planets, and houses. Each keyword also inherently contains its opposite as well. For example, if the keyword 'divorce' is displayed, it doesn't mean you'll get a divorce. But it does mean that if that is a concern for you and something you want to avoid you have an opportunity, while that energy is activated, to take proactive steps to deal with potential problems or head off an undesirable outcome. So you can turn 'divorce' into 'keeping a marriage together' or 'illness' into 'taking steps to get and stay healthy'.