Developing Your Mind

Education and learning are lifelong processes. Your approach to developing your intellect is multifaceted, but there are special indicators in your astrological chart which help you understand the best ways to develop your mentality. Improving and strengthening communication skills is also part of developing your mind, since connecting to others is certainly improved if you can effectively illustrate your point of view!

Although the energy of Mercury is traditionally considered to be the main indicator of your mentality, there are also other qualities which are part of your mental and intellectual self. First, let's look at Mercury, which is the energy through which you link your thoughts and ideas with others. Your quick wit and intelligence are strongly evident in your manner of speaking and writing with Mercury in Gemini. Diverse interests keep you quite busy, and you may enjoy a wide variety of friends, too. Always on the lookout for something different, you can be easily distracted, especially if you're not particularly interested in your current focus or situation. A flexible thinker, you may be quite capable of listening to diverse points of view and finding the common ground. Your interest in human nature may prompt you to study psychology, literature or sociology, but you can also operate very nicely in any situation requiring good people skills. You have a special affinity for understanding and communicating with young people and always project an attitude which belies your age. You may be quite adept in abstract thinking, but probably prefer ideas to numbers.

There are no major aspects to Mercury in your chart. To a large extent, this indicates that the energy of Mercury is empowered, because it operates without undue influence from others energies in your chart. Logical processes are very important, and your mind may never seem to stop whirring in your endless pursuit to rationalize everything. The qualities of this energy may be an outstanding force in your life, and this is the energy which people frequently associate with your identity.

The energy of your Moon also has a mental component. The Moon is the realm of thought, the process of subconscious thinking, and plays a strong role in intuitive thinking. You're fascinated by unusual ideas and unique individuals, and may enjoy learning about anything that takes you into the realm of the future. The influence of your Aquarius Moon in your intellectual growth and development is quite remarkable. You look for possibilities, and prefer learning situations which allow room for experimentation. You may learn best in an environment which is open and will allow you to grow at your own pace, and perform at your peak when you have the freedom to express your ideas and talents.

Jupiter also plays an important role in learning, stimulating you to look ahead into the realm of possibility, beyond the horizon of the now. Through the energy of Jupiter, you share what you know with others. As a woman, you are likely to feel most at home when you use this energy to encourage and support others, but you can also apply this to yourself! You may embrace a philosophy which embraces the diversity of humankind with Jupiter in Aquarius. Developing your mind is an important priority in your life, and you can be quite intellectually adept. Your original ideas are part of your charm, and others may be impressed by your ability to integrate new concepts into existing structures. Your interest in other cultures and ability to relate to people from many walks of life may lead to your study of human relations, sociology or business management.

You're an idealist with Jupiter in opposition to Neptune. Since you want to believe the best in people, you may get into situations where you are deceived, especially where legal agreements are concerned. It's crucial that you consult an impartial third party on any decisions which can affect your long term future, and especially in circumstances which involve finances. In learning situations, you may have difficulty separating the teacher from the teaching, particularly in spiritual teachings. Your emotional attachments can get in the way of your clear judgment.

The purpose of Saturn is to provide clarity, structure, form and discipline - elements which are certainly important to learning. Saturn functions primarily as your inner teacher. Mothers are the most influential Saturnian models in western society. They provide the structure, guidance and support for their children in the realms of learning, socialization or personal growth. Once you enter society as a child, teachers play the Saturnian role. But the role of mothers and teachers in relationship to Saturn is to help you define the structure upon which you will build your life. Then, you "own" your Saturn, and know how to discipline and focus your own energy.

You can be a resourceful student and quite adept in research and investigation with Saturn in Scorpio. You may learn better and perform at your peak when you feel safe and well-protected. Circumstances which leave you feeling exposed are threatening, especially if you're working on something important or developing a creative project or idea. You prefer to work in relative secrecy and may not appreciate having your efforts exposed without your permission. Life science, medicine, psychology and metaphysics are good areas for your study and focus.

The areas of your chart which are connected most strongly to mental and intellectual development are the 3rd, 9th and 11th Houses. The 3rd House of your chart deals with communication and the development of concepts.

You learn best in situations which are peaceful and non-confrontational with Libra ruling your 3rd House. You may enjoy experiencing beautiful music, fine literature, browsing museums and galleries, exploring anything which appeals to your sense of refinement and grace. In school, pleasing your teachers may have been important, and in life, you prefer to think that others are happy in your presence. Although you can be strong-minded, you may not like to argue since it throws you off-balance. With Venus ruling your 3rd House you may enjoy the company of others, and can be quite at home in social situations. School and work may be most enjoyable because you like to be around others and share your ideas.

There are no planets in your 3rd House, indicating that developing your communicative capacities is not one of your highest priorities. However this does not indicate an impairment in your thinking or a lack of intellectual development. To further understand your approach to communication reflect upon the meaning of the sign on the cusp of this house, explained above, and study the influence of Mercury in its sign and house as indicators of the best ways to develop your intellect.

Your 9th House shows your approach to higher learning, which is usually accomplished through a college or professional degree program. Subjects like philosophy, religion, political science, cultural pursuits and the like are strongly associated with this facet of your development.

You pride yourself on your original ideas, and may be quite successful in your educational endeavors because you are willing to take a chance and express yourself! With Aries on the cusp of your 9th House you may thoroughly enjoy learning through your life experiences, but school can also be a worthwhile endeavor. Your curiosity about the laws of life may lead you to forge into the study of metaphysics and philosophy with great passion. The influence of Mars as ruler of this house adds strong courage of your convictions, and a powerful faith in yourself and your ideals. You can be an ardent defender of the law, and may also be quite adept at standing up for yourself and your beliefs.

Educational pursuits, extensive travel and exploring cultural diversity can be among your greatest pleasures with Venus in the 9th House. You may be interested in living abroad and can easily adapt to different cultural and environmental influences, especially if your sense of esthetics is heightened from the new experience. Your appreciation for the art and culture of humankind can be rather powerful, and your own growth and sense of personal artistry and creativity are strengthened through your exposure to a wide variety of options and influences.

Through the 11th House you learn from peers, and connect with your community. The 11th House involves your special interests, too. This is very much the school of life, because this is also the area which relates to developing your goals.

You're probably surrounded by friends who share your interests, and those interests usually involve enjoying life. With Gemini on the 11th House, maintaining contact is important, and you may feel that you need a lot of gadgets, like telephones, computers, cars or other devices which help you stay in touch. Your goals may include accumulating these things, but your larger goal is staying connected! With Mercury ruling this house, you may think of a lot of goals you would like to follow, but may not stay focused upon them. You may understand that what you think you become. As you have matured, are realizing the importance of focusing your thoughts more clearly in order to create a life which reflects your true values and needs.

With Pluto in your 11th House you need goals which will help you change your life. You may be drawn into groups of those who share your interests or profession, and are not likely to enjoy just sitting back if nothing is happening. You prefer to become involved in using the power of the collective to create change and you can be quite influential when you wish to be. You may be fascinated by politics, and if you choose to become involved in political or community affairs, can become a catalyst for far-reaching change.