In the Chinese zodiac, 12 animals move around their zodiac cycle. In order, they are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. With 2024 being the Year of the Dragon, that means that 2023 was the Year of Rabbit while 2025 will be the Year of Snake. 

These animals are also affiliated with five elements – fire, wood, earth, metal, and water – where each element has unique traits and specific behavioral patterns associated with them. As each animal reappears after 12 years, its elemental affiliation will also change. For example, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, but in 2012, it was the Year of the Water Dragon, and in 2036, it will be the Year of the Fire Dragon. 

In general, the dragon is often associated with confidence, success, adventurousness, and intelligence while the wood characteristics include ambitiousness, vitality, and determination, making 2024 a year of abundance. 

When it comes to individual animal signs, here’s what you can look forward to based on a reading forecast by Joey Yap. Yap is the founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics, a global organization devoted to the teaching of Feng Shui, BaZi, Qi Men Dun Jia, Mian Xiang, and other Chinese Metaphysics subjects. 

According to Yap, the 12 zodiac signs can be sorted into four major groups for 2024: “tenacious challengers,” “chance champions,” “skillful strivers,” and “fortune masters.” 

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The first group, tenacious challengers, include those with signs of the dragon, monkey, or rabbit. These signs are advised to maintain their resilience and persistence, especially on challenging days, as it will push them to initiate plans. 

Next is the chance champions group composed of those with signs of the goat, rooster, and tiger. According to Yap, individuals with these signs will have plenty of opportunities meeting the right people at the right place. However, they also have a “high possibility of some windfall.”  

Meanwhile, those with signs of the horse, rat, or dog fall under the third group – skillful strivers. Individuals with these signs are predicted to have remarkable growth in many aspects: personally, professionally, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. It’ll also be a year of pursuing things for yourself and setting up new aspirations. 

Lastly is the fortune masters group, composed of those with signs of the snake, ox, and pig. According to Yap, these signs will be blessed with new opportunities, beginnings, and connections for 2024. However, they’re also advised to be keen in evaluating which ones to say yes and no to. 

Yap also has some brief notes for each animal sign. If you prefer a more detailed and in-depth reading for your sign, he also has specific videos for them. 

Rat (1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) —  Step up to new responsibilities and embrace and commit to them as these pursuits will be rewarded. 

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Ox (1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)  — After amassing physical and intellectual assets over the past years, they’ll start reaping rewards. Often, they’ll also be in prime moments to witness joyous milestones. 

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Tiger (1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)  — Once they summon the courage to take the initial step, they’ll be driven to several opportunities, including travel and business. 

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Rabbit (1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)  — Although a significant gap exists between their current position and their desired situation, if they’re able to identify the issue, address it, and find a solution, they’ll find success. 

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Dragon (1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) — Be cautious of making difficult decisions over the year. 

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Snake (1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)  — An exciting year awaits them as they’re set to become a person who can bring joy to others, cultivate meaningful relationships, acquire diverse skill sets, and relish the finer things in life. 

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Horse (1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) — Aside from solving the persistent issues that have been troubling them, they’ll also have their chance to shine in their chosen roles. 

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Goat (1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027)  — Opportunities to make money from their ideas will arise, but only if they’re assisted by good mentors. 

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Monkey (1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)  — With enough effort and meticulous planning, they’ll be able to elevate to the next level. 

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Rooster (1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)  — They should be active in meeting and connecting with people and establishing new relationships so they can explore collaborative possibilities. 

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Dog (1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)  — Embracing changes will yield positive rewards, but only if there’s a willingness to let go of the past and welcome the new.  

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Pig (1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)  — Leveraging on having access to various resources presents an opportunity for significant advancement from their current position. 

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– Rappler.com

Today’s dating scene has been dominated by astrology. Nowadays, you’re no longer just a quirky Aquarius or a passionate Aries – you’re also “emotional” because of your moon, or “non-committal” because of your Venus. People swear that compatibility can be determined just by your zodiac signs; it seems like the stars have been playing a more vital role in guiding people in making the right (or even wrong) decisions in love. Certain signs have even become non-negotiables, and birth charts have become background checks!

For many, the stars really don’t lie, and “astrolove” – the intersection of astrology and compatibility – has been taking the dating world by storm. Dating app Bumble termed this trend after seeing a renewed interest in astrology from the Gen Z and millennials. After all, isn’t “What’s your sign?” one of the first questions people always ask on the first date?

Bumble’s Astrology badge has become one of the top three most popular lifestyle badges in the country. Recent data showed that users in the Philippines who added the Astrology badge to their dating profile “experienced over 120% more average monthly matches than those without,” Lucille McCart, Bumble’s APAC Communications Director, told Rappler. This badge of your star sign on display allows you to share more about yourself without taking up space in your bio. It even allows you to filter potential matches by star signs.

“Astrology has a universal appeal. It can be a fun conversation starter and a fascinating way to understand each other and build the foundations of a healthy and equal relationship,” Lucille said. But can this shared interest enhance your dating journey by helping you form more meaningful connections? Can it also help you find yourself?

Bumble resident astrologer and drama therapist Monch the Mystic – Monica Lopez Gamboa – believes that your potential match can be found in the heavens. Using one’s natal birth chart, Monica can break down your astrolove journey by analyzing your signs, your love interest’s or partner’s, and even your love languages and coping mechanisms. Based on my insightful birth chart reading with Monica, I can confirm that astrology can be scarily accurate – as long as you keep your mind and heart open!

Let the stars do the talking

Before my 1:1 reading with Monica, I was asked to send my birth place, birth time, and birthday – the basics of a birth chart. The reading then started with a presentation of my chart, plus a simple rundown of what I was seeing on my screen (for a first-timer, the chart and symbols can look very chaotic and overwhelming). I’m an Aquarius Sun, Gemini Moon, and Libra Rising.

“Your birth chart is a map where all the celestial bodies were when you were born. This snapshot is captured from the exact location, at the exact time of your birth. This is your unique astrological thumbprint – a holistic image of a person which describes both inner and other circumstances and all levels of their personal history and experience,” Monica explained.

“The process of understanding our birth chart is the process of embracing our lives. It is the process of radical self-acceptance,” she added, also tying astrology to mental health awareness (they can go hand-in-hand)! Astrology isn’t just for romantic connections – it can help you delve deeper into who you are as a person, friend, sibling, daughter, employee, and loved one. Astrology can supplement inner healing and mental health as serving as a guide in noticing trends and themes in our lives.

“We can use astrology to understand first your connection with yourself and which parts needs more attention and healing. It is only once we have done that for ourselves that we are able to in a healthy way, create and sustain healthy partnerships,” Monica said.

“It is first knowing your values and priorities to be able to attract people and opportunities that are a match. For other people, astrology can be a wonderful tool to connect and establish genuine relationships with other people.”

Note that astrology – as many misconstrue – is not a fortune-teller or a final decision-maker. Rather, it is a tool that can affirm what you already know, or shed some light on hidden aspects about yourself. It can offer guidance or direction, and it lets you “take only what resonates with you” anytime.

The Universe knows

Several synchronicities in my reading were eerily applicable to my life. According to my birth chart, most of my signs are in the “Fourth House” (most of them Aquarius). The Fourth House symbolizes home and family, and Aquarius is known for being unconventional. Monica pointed out that “a lot has been going on in the home,” which rings true because my family life has been very unpredictable, unstable, and not your textbook definition of “normal.”

My Tenth House – which is career – is in Gemini, which is the sign of emotions and communication. Monica said that these are typically good communicators and emotional story-tellers in media or publication careers – and yes, I am a writer! She also mentioned that I am a Libra Rising, which is the social personality. Libras are generally diplomatic, charming, and easygoing peacemakers, but also struggle with saying “no” and being people-pleasers to a fault (raises hand).

My Venus – the planet of love and relationships – is in Aquarius, which means that as an idealistic sign, I am most attracted to partners that I can “mentally connect with.” Same interests, same humor, conversations, and even the same goals, values, and vision in life. Since Aquariuses thrive on friendship, community, and companionship, I am most likely to “fall in love with a friend first, who enjoys spending quality time with me.” True enough, my partner now was my best friend from work first. Monica also got my love languages right – words of affirmation and quality time.

An Aquarius also prioritizes independence and freedom, and this manifests in my desire to be accepted and loved for who I am authentically; in my relationships, I need to feel like I can be myself 100%. Self-care also looks different for everybody – for the Aquarius, it means enjoying a variety of hobbies (also me) and grounding one’s self with light physical movement when we get “too stuck in our heads.”

My Mars – the planet of motivation and desire – is in Capricorn, which means that when it comes to relationships, I am usually in it for the long haul. Even if most of my signs are Air (flighty overthinkers), my Capricorn Mars (an Earth sign) keeps me grounded in terms of long-term relationships and enduring commitments. When it comes to relationships, friends, or work, I have the “stamina” to build the foundation from the bottom up for it to be secure and stable.

My partner’s sign is Leo – the confident, self-assured sign. Monica said Aquarius and Leos are compatible and complement each other: when air meets fire, it grows stronger.

Air signs are typically chill, and may lack the “fire” to be ambitious. Leos can help provide this motivation and support. On the flip side, since Leos are typically set on a goal, an Aquarius can offer new concepts and ideas to expand his world and help him see the “bigger picture” in life. An Aquarius conceptualizes, and the Leo executes. Leos are usually artists, which also holds true!

Monica also mentioned different communication styles between our signs, and how each one’s flaws may come out during arguments, and how to repair conflict better. It was a very eye-opening, validating session that affirmed truths about myself and shed light on personal areas to be aware of. Zodiac signs don’t just come as is: they have both “low road” and “high road” versions, depending on your level of inner work.

For example, a “low road Aquarius” is an extremely independent lone wolf, while the “high road Aquarius” thrives in her “tribe” of like-minded people. A “low road Leo” is attached to his pride and ego, while a “high road Leo” is a leader who gets things done.

A “low road Aries” is impulsive and self-centered; a “high road Aries” is a passionate leader who fights for the underdogs. A “low road Taurus” is stubborn and greedy; a “high road Taurus” is generous and stable. Astrology is not a one-size-fits-all, take-it-as-it-is approach. Like dating, there is more than meets the eye.

“Creating stereotypes about each astrology sign is something so often done. It’s about understanding the development of each sign – the high road and low road – and where the person might be in their development. Even in terms of compatibility, we cannot just be looking at the sun signs of two people and need to take into account the entire chart,” Monica said.

In astrology, just like how you can meet your match, you can also encounter your deal-breakers.

“In astrology, aspects that are incompatible are often identified as planets in “square,” which forms a 90 degree angle, such as the sign pair Libra and Capricorn.

Capricorns can can be seen as self-motivated, often focused on their own goals and valuing tradition, especially in relationships. While both like to initiate, Libra is focused on the other and in maintaining harmony with the other. This is evident in Bumble’s data, which revealed that over the last year (2022) in the Philippines, Libras on Bumble were the luckiest in love! They had the most matches of any star sign, followed by Virgos and Scorpios. When it comes to compatibility, it’s all about finding the sign that balances you out. Compatibility is complementary, and astrology can help you find out what you truly want out of a relationship.

Some people do use astrology with passive dependence, using it to pass blame or simply saying “this is who I am, take it or leave it.” Astrology is meant to be a tool for spiritual growth, through understanding ourselves more. If you want your partner to join you in your astrolove journey, go for it!

“You don’t need to be talking astrology jargon. Stay in the moment. Don’t preach, practice. Live your chart and observe your experiences instead of reading off what apps say and labeling yourself and others based on it. Use your observations, connections, and experiences of your birth chart to connect with your partner,” Monica said, and most importantly, to connect with yourself.

“Let astrology enhance your connection with your matches rather than dictate it. Building a fulfilling relationship involves more than just the stars and the moons. Astrology in online dating gives you a chance to show off personality, and at the same time to also see if the both of you have that initial chemistry that we’re all looking out for,” Lucille said.

“It’s always important to navigate relationships with an open heart and an open mind!” – Rappler.com

In contrast, in a survey conducted in the United States, only 57% of respondents knew their blood type. What makes astrology so special?

Astrology: the study of the stars to read the future

Astrology is defined as the study of the position and movement of the stars as a means of predicting future events and finding out about people’s character. It originated in Babylon around the year 700-450 BC, when the 12 zodiac signs were established – with their interpretation focused on predicting events in the population.

It was in ancient Greece where predictions were transferred to individuals and were made based on the relative position of the stars at the time of birth. For example, the fact that a person is a Gemini means that, at the time of their birth, the Sun (projected in the sky) was in the position that aligned with the Gemini constellation.

The Earth, when revolving around the Sun, makes its way through the different constellations. That path is known as the ecliptic plane. The sun sign, according to astrologers, represents our personality, self-perception, love compatibility, and basic preferences. Thus, studying the position of the celestial bodies can help us choose better friends, suitable love relationships, and make better decisions both professionally and financially.

Three reasons to change your horoscope

There are at least three reasons why your zodiac sign is most likely not what you think.

• The Babylonians observed that there were 13 different constellations on the ecliptic plane; however, since they had a 12-month calendar dictated by the phases of the Moon, they decided to keep that value and used 12 constellations to name the zodiacal signs. The Babylonians deliberately left one out: Ophiuchus.
• All the constellations have different lengths; thus, they are in front of the Sun for variable amounts of time. For example, Leo spans 37 days while Scorpio spans only 7. This leaves many who claim to be Scorpio out of it, among other irregularities.
• Due to the gravitational influence of the Sun and the Moon, the Earth wobbles slightly. Thus, the north pole deviates little by little, producing the precession effect. The result is an apparent change in the position of the constellations. Since the zodiac signs were established around 3,000 years ago, they have now moved about a month. For someone who was born on June 1 three thousand years ago, the Sun would have been in the Gemini constellation. Currently, due to precession, on June 1 the Sun is not in Gemini but instead in the constellation Taurus.

The most famous experiment in astrology: the Naninga Astrotest

In 1996, an experiment was published in which 44 astrologers tried to match the birth data (date, time, and place) of seven anonymous people with their respective personality questionnaires.

The questionnaires were taken from the Berkeley University Personality Profile, and there were other questions also included suggested by the 44 astrologers. Aspects related to education, family, vocation, hobbies, personality, relationships, health, etc. were covered.

The astrologer who managed to correctly match the seven anonymous people’s birth data with their respective questionnaires would win $2,500. The results were disappointing for astrology: the most skilled astrologer had 3 correct matches out of 7, and half of the participants (22) did not have a single correct answer.

There are several articles that put astrology and its predictive power to the test. Spoiler alert: astrology fails every time. An astrologer has the same chances of being right about aspects of our future as anyone else who bases their responses on chance.

There are people who decide on their partner based on the zodiac signs. Nevertheless, it seems that love is not dictated by the stars. A study carried out with 10 million marriages in England and Wales showed that there is no evidence of attraction (or rejection) between the different zodiac signs.

Why astrology convinces so many

Although it is well proven that astrology does not get things right, 27% of Americans and 23% of the French believe in it, while 46% of Mexicans feel that their horoscope is something important in their lives.

Why is that? Astrology is an extremely profitable business. In the United States alone, astrology apps brought in $40 million for their creators in 2019. This makes astrology be promoted even more online, and more and more people are getting into the market.

But the most interesting thing in all this is that humans are prone to errors and biases related with judgement and reasoning. This means that horoscopes fit into our mental mechanisms. Specifically, they rely on what we know as confirmation bias and the Barnum effect.

Confirmation bias shows that prior beliefs and expectations can influence the selection, retention, and evaluation of evidence; that is, we look for information that supports our ideas and ignore information that contradicts them.

For example, if our horoscope mentions that “it will be a day of strong contrasts” and we have a very calm day, we will simply ignore that prediction. However, if we really do have a day of contrasts, the first thing we will think is, “Of course, the horoscope warned me.”

The Barnum effect is a psychological phenomenon that consists of perceiving general and ambiguous descriptions (applicable to everyone) as if they were highly precise statements (made specifically for us).

The horoscope of a serial killer

In 1968, French psychologist Michel Gauquelin published a newspaper ad. In exchange for one’s name, address, date of birth and place of birth, he offered a 10-page personalized horoscope free of charge. A real bargain!

After receiving the horoscope, 94% of those who had sent in their information said they were satisfied with the results, with 90% even stating that their relatives had found the descriptions of their profile to be correct. Where is the catch? They had all received the same text! The horoscope sent out by Michel Gauquelin was that of a serial killer born in France on January 17, 1897.

Horoscopes promise certainty (“our fate is in the stars”). Therefore, it is not surprising that people usually turn to horoscopes in times of great uncertainty. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, searches related to horoscopes had their highest peak in years.

The aim of this article is not for people to stop reading horoscopes, because they can be an excellent source of entertainment and fun. Nonetheless, we must emphasize that there is no connection between the position of the stars and our lives.

And although horoscopes seem harmless fun, we must remember that French President Charles de Gaulle, Queen Elizabeth I of England and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi all had astrologers to help them make decisions during their tenures.

Just remember that Cassius said to Brutus (in Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare):

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars.

– Rappler.com

Yersain Ely Keller de la Rosa is Maestro en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

Kevin Navarrete is Investigador en el laboratorio de Biología Molecular de bacterias patógenas, Instituto de Microbiología, Praga, Czech Academy of Sciences.

This piece was originally published in The Conversation.

The young Baguio boy Adriel Jose Angelo Trinidad, who is acknowledged as one of only two accredited masters in the Philippines by the International Feng Shui Association, told us to think of a rabbit drinking dew on a leaf. That is how fragile and charming this year will be.

If the past two years had us cowering in fear and saving our strength, now is the best time to be achieving our goals and realizing our plans. But how can we realize our plans when we cannot even afford onions? 

We are in the Philippines, which in the past two presidencies, seemed to have lucked out. We have been six months into the Marcos presidency and we feel like the rabbits along Session Road on Sundays expecting to be kept as pets or slaughtered as food anytime. Trinidad said that he cannot divine the feng shui of the country but he surely can do so with our president, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who seems to be still in a party mood like he was as a teenager. 

Trinidad said that indeed our luck is with the President. And this is the party pooper: It is not going to be a good year for Bongbong. “Kumbaga, if our president is in good luck, susuwertehin tayong lahat pero kung minamalas siya, it will be more difficult,” Trinidad said. 

(In other words, if our president is in good luck, we will all be lucky but if he’s unlucky, it will be more difficult.)

Bongbong was born in the Year of the Rooster. To be more specific, he was born on Rooster Month and Rabbit Day. Trinidad said that this is not an auspicious blend this year. A rooster is in direct clash with the rabbit. And as part of the feng shui rule, if it is your birth year, it’s not definitely your year. This is called “in conflict with the Grand Duke.” So a person born on a Rabbit Day will not be lucky on a Rabbit Year. “I do not want to give too much information here, but we are in for a very hectic ride,” Trinidad said.

And boy, he also has some not-good prognostication of the City of Baguio. Like BBM, our luck goes where Magalong goes. And Trinidad said that Magalong has to take care of his health this year. Magalong was born in the Year of the Rat. In Trinidad’s chart, the rat will be directly affected by “Two Penalty.”

The match of a rat and a rabbit creates a punishment group, which is called “impolite punishment” in feng shui. The two will affect each other. Trinidad cautioned the mayor to take extra care of his health. But all in all,  2023 is generally a year full of romance, illicit affairs included. Trinidad said it will also be a year full of scandals.

He also mentioned that this Year of the Rabbit would bring more unpredictable weather, earthquakes, and landslides. Trinidad also shared that this year will be “a year of communication and compromise.” He explained that people will have to learn to adapt, “like the yin water” to whatever the Year of the Rabbit brings. – Rappler.com

The recent 2022 elections showcased the ascent of the former president’s daughter, Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio, into the national spotlight. Compared to other candidates in the vice presidential race, she was a newcomer in the national arena. Nonetheless, Sara won the hearts of 32.2 million people, cementing a sweet victory in her first foray outside local politics.

Maybe it’s her winning personality, maybe it’s the product of being in a political dynasty – who knows? One thing is certain, the Filipino people are now collectively curious about the younger Duterte and what she would do as the second highest leader of the country.

And what better way to know this rising star than to ask for the guidance of the stars themselves? In popular astrology, a person’s birth chart is meant to be a map of the heavenly bodies – the constellations, the sun, the moon, and the planets –  during the time of their birth. Astrologists believe that the location of each heavenly body could give us a glimpse of a person’s innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires.

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We did an astrological reading of President Bongbong Marcos. Is he a true Virgo?

The 44-year-old Duterte was born in Davao City on May 31, 1978. On that day, the sun aligned with the zodiac Gemini and the moon aligned with the zodiac Aries. The zodiac Taurus aligned with the planet Mercury while the zodiac Leo aligned with Mars. Thus, Sara has a Gemini sun, an Aries moon, a Taurus Mercury, and a Leo Mars. How do all of these reflect on the Vice President?

Sun in Gemini

The sun sign is undeniably the most well-known sign in astrology. A person could be completely skeptical about the practice, but still be aware that being born in a particular month means that they should look for that sign when reading a horoscope. The sun sign is a representation of one’s ego – their outer personality, individuality, and energy. 

As mentioned earlier, Sara has a Gemini sun. With “the twins” in that placement, Gemini suns are known for being adaptable and empathetic. They have the ability to remain in tune with the disposition of others and then mirror their emotions. This renders them popular and likable in any social setting. As an air sign, Geminis are also known to be free-spirited. They have fleeting attention as well as devotion. Hence, staying in one place, literally and figuratively, might feel constricting. When all of these things are taken into consideration, Geminis are branded as “friendly” at best and “two-faced” at worst.

Such traits make for a great politician. As the old adage goes: there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, only permanent interests. Her Gemini nature undoubtedly came to the fore during the campaign, when she was able to gain not only the support of the people but also some powerful political allies. 

Sara joined forces with the late dictator’s son, Bongbong Marcos, to form the Uniteam tandem. Their supporters dubbed this tandem as the union between the “eagle of the South” and the “tiger of the North.” These monikers referred to how the heirs of the two most influential dynasties in the country – one of which dominated Davao while the other commanded Ilocos Norte – united to run for the two highest seats in the land. 

Their quest to consolidate power did not stop there. The Uniteam encompassed four political parties, namely Hugpong ng Pagbabago, Lakas-CMD, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino. Sara chaired the first two, Marcos handled the third, and former president Joseph Estrada led the last. They were joined by political bigwigs like Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the president emeritus of Lakas-CMD. Naturally, other known local dynasties such as the Remullas of Cavite and the Gatchalians of Valenzuela were also welcomed into the fray.

Another thing to look for in a birth chart is the aspects. Interpreting the meaning of a person’s placements must take into account not only the location of the heavenly body in question but also the position of other planets relative to it. There are five kinds of aspects in astrology: a conjunction, an opposition, a trine, a square, and a sextile.

With Sara’s sun being in trine with Pluto, the planet of growth, such displays of vigor shouldn’t come as a surprise. The root of her immense ambition might also be attributed to her sun being in opposition with Neptune. One of the things that the planet of dreams embraces is unconditional acceptance, both internal and external. However, the opposition aspect hints at a tension that prevents a person from achieving such. 

This disparity between the sun and Neptune constitutes a weakly-defined ego and self-identity – a constant need to prove oneself for the approval of other people.

For instance, the older Duterte had repeatedly expressed his sexist stance on female leaders. In a speech, the former president remarked that her daughter should not pursue the presidency because the job was “not for women.” He also never publicly endorsed the tandem throughout the campaign.

Some have speculated that such actions were merely part of a political maneuver to recast the two in a familiar Filipino cultural trope, painting Sara as the typical headstrong daughter challenging a disbelieving father. Whether or not this was the case, the narrative was consistent with what Sara admitted in a Rappler interview way back in 2012. There, she opened up about the insecurity she felt as a mayor following the footsteps of her father amidst the macho leadership ideals that he espoused.

“People will say na dapat ang mayor, lalaki (that the mayor must be a man)…especially [in] Davao City, where they’re used to my father,” she noted.

Now that Sara has clinched the vice presidency, the same dynamic is replicated – the daughter still strives to prove herself worthy.

Moon in Aries

Our moon sign shapes our innermost thoughts and emotions. It is a mirror to who and what we are when no one is watching. People with an Aries in a major placement tend to be feisty, confrontational, defensive, and restless. The former president, who has an Aries sun, is a good example. But while the older Duterte wears his bold and rash image with pride, his daughter – with an Aries moon – tries to keep it under the surface. 

Sara said so herself in the aforementioned interview. “Hindi ko naman malabas ‘yung galit ko. Actually, hindi nga ako nagmumura in public. Although, [in private], ina-admit ko na meron talaga akong mga ganyan,” she explained.

(I couldn’t release my anger. Actually, I don’t even cuss in public. Although, [in private], I will admit that I really do have those impulses.”)

This temper, however, oftentimes manifests itself on the rare occasions when she loses control. In her early days as Davao mayor, Sara punched Sheriff Abe Andres of the Davao Regional Trial Court for defying her instructions during a demolition operation. When onlookers tried to break up the fight and restrain the then-mayor, Sara yelled, “Ayaw, ayaw (Don’t, don’t).” 

“I’m not very proud of it, na ganoon ‘yung nangyari (that things escalated like that)…. It’s really the wrong kind of fame,” Sara replied when asked about it in the 2012 interview.

The incident drew mixed reactions. The Sheriff’s Confederation of the Philippines (Scophil) went on to file a second disbarment case against Sara. Meanwhile, some Davao locals found the fiasco amusing, with some businesses even going as far as to name a cocktail after it: the Davao Punch. The punching stunt was eventually immortalized on the internet as a meme, giving Sara more publicity during the campaign season.

Hence, a decade later, Sara started to sing a different tune. She began framing the spectacle as a “constant reminder not to embarrass the mandate given to [her] by the people.”

Furthermore, Sara’s moon placement happens to have an interesting aspect. Her moon squares with the planet Jupiter. A square aspect indicates a challenge or a stumbling block, while Jupiter represents wealth, among other things. Essentially, this entails that people with their moon in square with Jupiter have the tendency to quell their inner lapses with material excesses.

Under her helm, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) requested for a whopping P2.292 billion budget for 2023 – three times bigger than what the office got in 2022, under then-vice president Leni Robredo. In fact, this budget proposal for the OVP during Sara’s first year far outstrips the largest budget granted to Robredo in her past six years of service – a max amount of P900 million.

Sara justified this by explaining that the P2.2 billion would be allotted towards her “good governance program.” This initiative promises free transportation, pagbabago (change) campaign, food trucks, livelihood projects, medical assistance, and burial assistance. However, she also asked for P620 million for “extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses” and another P500 million for “confidential expenses.”

Mercury in Taurus

The planet Mercury was named after the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology. Thus, a person’s Mercury placement could show us how a person expresses oneself and connects with others through words. 

Since the Vice President’s Mercury is in Taurus, she tends to willfully stand by the things that she says, even in the face of criticism. She might be more candid as a result, but this also implies it may be difficult to challenge her views. With her Mercury also being square with Mars, the planet of passion, Sara has the tendency to be particularly sharp-tongued when provoked.

Such was the case when the Vice President got into an altercation with the progressive Makabayan bloc. The conflict was spurred when Sara chose to wear traditional Lumad attire at Bongbong’s first State of the Nation Address. 

The bloc pointed out the irony of this wardrobe selection, considering that more than a hundred Lumad schools had been attacked and forced to shut down during her father’s term for their “imagined links to communist rebels.” These attacks have resulted in multiple deaths and casualties, including the demise of activist and Lumad teacher Chad Booc.

In response, Sara quickly resorted to red-tagging the Makabayan bloc for their alleged “love affair” with communist groups. “Marami na ang naloko ng Makabayan bloc. Magaling sila sa propaganda at sanay sila sa pagsisinungaling (The Makabayan bloc had already fooled so many people. They excel in propaganda and they’re used to selling lies),” she retorted despite having no concrete proof.

Still, there are moments when words evade the Vice President. Since the placement of her Mercury squares with Saturn, there are times when she would censor herself too much for fear of being judged. She shares this aspect with her running mate, Bongbong, whose Mercury also squares with Saturn. 

Perhaps this was the reason why the two never attended any Comelec debates during the campaign season despite dominating the polls and surveys. “Iniiwan ko na po ‘yan sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan, ang pagdedesisyon [sa] pagpili nila ng vice president, na ganito po ‘yung aking direction sa kampanya (I leave it to the people to choose their vice presidential bet, given that this is the direction of my campaign),” Sara noted in an interview.

Mars in Leo

As mentioned earlier, Mars is the planet of passion. It embodies our unending vigor and drive to take action for the things that we fiercely hold dear. For Sara, whose Mars is in Leo, the desire for significance is palpable. There is a growing need to make a name for herself, outside the surname and dynasty that she inherited from her father. Her Mars being in conjunction with Saturn, the planet of karma, also hints at her patience and penchant to plan for the long term in order to get what she wants.

But political careers – reminiscent of stars – could fall just as likely as they are to rise. Ultimately, the fate of Sara and the Philippines lies with the Filipino people and our collective action with regards to the nation’s perils in the next six years. – Rappler.com

Bea Bertuldo is a Rappler intern.

One can still get a glimpse of the past, the present, and the future – if one knows where to look. In popular astrology, a person’s birth chart shows the location of the constellations, the sun, the moon, and the planets in the sky at the time that they were born. It’s been said that the location of each heavenly body could provide insights regarding a person’s innermost thoughts, motivations, and desires.

A few months ago, the late dictator’s son, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., came to power as the 17th president of the Philippines amidst a pandemic and an economic crisis. Although the Filipino people were divided on whether this warranted mourning or celebration, a single question united both parties: what now?

We once again look to the stars for guidance. The 64-year-old Marcos Jr. was born on September 13, 1957. This makes him a Virgo. However, looking into his birth chart would reveal a lot more. On the day that he was born, the sun aligned with the zodiac Virgo and the moon aligned with the zodiac Taurus. The zodiac Sagittarius also rose by the eastern horizon, making it his ascendant or rising sign. How do all of these reflect on him?

A stellium in Virgo 

When three or more heavenly bodies get clustered together within a particular zodiac or house in your birth chart, it is called a “stellium.” Such signs greatly influence who you are and reflect your most dominant traits. Marcos Jr. is undoubtedly a Virgo – his stellium is made up of his Sun, Mercury, Mars, and Pluto.

The sun sign represents a person’s outward energy or how they present themselves to others. His sun in Virgo signifies that he is a stickler for excellence, and may even come off as a perfectionist. His sun being in conjunction with Mars makes him naturally driven and competitive. Moreover, he has no trouble aligning his mind and ego, for his sun is in conjunction with Mercury. This makes it easier for him to craft a solid rhetoric. 

Such traits clearly manifested in his ability to constitute a massive disinformation network that served as the backbone of his political career. It propelled him into presidency regardless of the controversies surrounding his family.

His knack for communicating with the people might also be attributed to his Mercury placement. In Roman mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods. In astrology, Mercury placements give us an idea of how a person articulates themselves through words. He makes an effort to maintain logic and composure throughout every argument because his Virgo is in Mercury. He exhibited this in his first State of the Nation Address. 

However, with Mercury in opposition with Lilith and square with Saturn, such efforts to communicate may be blocked due to an intense fear of criticism. This might be the reason behind his constant absence in the presidential debates despite being the frontrunner of the campaign season. He also failed to address crucial issues like human rights and security in his SONA. 

Another integral characteristic to look for in an ideal national leader is the intensity of their passion and motivation, which encompasses their Mars placement. People with Mars in Virgo are usually very goal-oriented. Once they’ve set their mind on something, they will do everything to accomplish it. 

The current President might benefit from such ambition, considering the state of the Philippines when he assumed the presidency from Duterte. Marcos Jr. has proclaimed big promises of development to the masses ever since he took office, but cultivating them into fruition would require unyielding commitment to service. The caveat of the placement is that, when left unchecked, one could end up taking more than what they could handle. For the sake of the country, let’s hope that won’t be the case for the President.

Finally, the last planet in his Virgo stellium is Pluto. The planet symbolizes transformation and new beginnings – something central to the political interest of the Marcoses. When Marcos Jr. took his oath on June 30, Senator Imee Marcos said that her family was “very, very grateful for a second chance.” It’s no secret either that the former first lady, Imelda Marcos, has long wished for Marcos Jr. to take his place in Malacañang and clear his father’s tainted legacy. The Virgo placement highlights the President’s struggle for perfection. This makes him all the more keen to participate in their quest to transform history.

Moon in Taurus

While the sun shows our outward energy, the moon reflects our inner selves – our emotions and how we act on them when there is no outside pressure. People with their Moon in Taurus tend to be grounded and strong-willed. On the flipside, they can also be quite stubborn. Once their mind is made up, there’s no changing it anymore. 

Such determination was brought to the surface during the aftermath of the 2016 vice presidential elections, when Marcos Jr. filed an electoral protest against Leni Robredo, claiming that she stole the vice presidency from him. Even after multiple recounting of votes, it was apparent that Robredo won fair and square, so the Supreme Court unanimously junked his protest. Nevertheless, his camp reprised their narrative of cheating, sowing distrust against Robredo and the entirety of the electoral process prior to their rematch in the 2022 elections.

With his Moon in opposition to Neptune, he also has the tendency to be detached from reality. Throughout his political career, he has repeatedly “whitewashed” the atrocities committed during his father’s reign. He continues to avoid any talks of accountability on their cases of human rights violations and their family’s ill-gotten wealth, calling them “35-year-old issues” that are “already decided.”

Sagittarius Rising

One’s rising sign or ascendant shows how others perceive them. If our sun sign and moon sign signifies the things we try to say, our ascendant reveals the things that are heard. Sagittarius risings are characterized by their unrelenting optimism and positivity. They are known for their magnetic charisma, attracting people like moths to a flame. 

The charisma of Marcos Jr. is indisputable. After all, 31 million voters united to support his presidential bid in the 2022 elections. Many of these people willfully believe that the dictator’s son is the key towards a better Philippines – the one who will “continue what the father did” and bring back the “golden era” under the old dictatorship. Although the myth of a prosperous Philippines during the old Marcos years has long been debunked by experts, Marcos Jr. was able to capitalize the nostalgia for the past to secure his seat in the Malacañang. 

He regularly quells his band of loyalists with populist promises, one of which was the price of rice going down to as low as P20 per kilo. This is an ideal scenario on the surface. Unfortunately, such a plan has been hailed by economists as impossible. 

In fact, we are experiencing quite the opposite, with the country’s inflation rate jumping to an all-time high of 6.1%. When this was brought up in the first Cabinet meeting, Marcos Jr. simply shrugged it off. “I think I will have to disagree with that number. We are not that high,” he said. Maybe this denial was a product of his Sagittarius optimism shining through. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, however, clarified that the President just misunderstood the statement.

A stellium in the 9th House

The 9th house explores matters surrounding higher learning and finding one’s life purpose. Peggy Lundquist from The Happy Mystic dubbed it as the “House of Long Journeys,” referring to both lifelong physical and spiritual adventures. Marcos Jr. has a stellium in the 9th house – his sun, Mercury, and Pluto are all clustered together. As we’ve tackled earlier, the sun stands for ego, Mercury signifies communication, and Pluto symbolizes transformation. 

If we piece the puzzle together, this could entail that Marcos Jr. had always been destined to play the long game of rewriting his father’s fallen legacy and reinstating his family back into power. 

The political machinery that paved the way to his 2022 victory had been in the works for years. Disinformation networks, historical revisionism, elite democracy, and vilification of dissenters – these things are what kept the Marcoses popular in the years following the EDSA I revolution. 

Unless we find a way to bring a systemic change that would undermine said institutions, the rise of more people like Marcos Jr. will be inevitable – almost as if it were written in the stars. Good thing is, stars are merely guides. We still have full control over what we choose to do with the past, the present, and the future. – Rappler.com

Bea Bertuldo is a Rappler intern.

As the high stakes 2022 elections nears and anxiety levels soar, some look for predictions or informed guesses as to what the results may be. 

While astrology is not an exact science and it cannot predict or dictate events, there is much to unpack and learn from the patterns and cycles of the stars.

In this episode, resident astro girl Cesd reads the charts for the Philippines’ May 9 election day. What’s the astrological back stories of past elections? What patterns can we infer?

Listen to the episode on Rappler’s podcast platforms – Spotify, Apple, or wherever else you get your podcasts. – Rappler.com

Astrologically, some of the planetary movements that defined 2020 and 2021 are still reverberating their energy; the last exact Saturn-Uranus square, for instance, only happened in late December. This means there will be some carry-over into 2022, but there are things to look forward to, such as Jupiter, the Great Benefic, finally entering its home sign of Pisces and breaking off from Saturn. 

Jupiter, which represents our collective hope and capacity for growth and expansion, has been weighed down the past two years. It connected with Saturn, the planet of restriction, in 2020 – a rare event called the Great Conjunction – and has been traveling with it since. What’s more, both planets were close to Pluto, which is associated with death and extreme transformation. 

In 2022, Jupiter sails forward and ahead: a celestial sign that we, too, can forge a new path.

The amazing thing about time is that it is always moving forward and bringing changes, and astrology is really the study of the quality of time. As an astrologer, my hope is that we can all welcome the changes ahead with humility and faith.

Here is what’s astrologically in store for each Rising sign:

Aries

Your personal income and finances are headed for major shifts over the next two years beginning April, as a series of solar and lunar eclipses light up these sectors of your chart. Matters of self-worth and other people’s money, especially your partner’s, will be called into focus. Eclipse energy can be a wildcard, but the changes are usually needed! Jupiter traversing your sign from May 11 until October 28 is a sneak peek into a longer transit in Aries next year that brings supercharged creativity, passion, and exciting new beginnings. 

Taurus

Revolution is the key word for Taureans as the North Node shifts into your sign, kicking off a year of personal growth. Eclipses throughout 2022 will activate your houses of self and of partnerships. Significant new love is a possibility, while existing relationships could undergo a shakeup. To top it off, rebellious Uranus is still in your sign, driving a need for freedom and independence, as well as a deep desire to break with traditions and chart your own path. Steady Taureans will find that they are propelling the changes they would normally shy away from!  

Gemini

Your ambition is the limit with Jupiter sailing into Geminis’ career and status sector in 2022. Expansive Jupiter could offer up a game-changing new role that broadens your horizons, but also introduces more responsibilities. Whether that’s executive status at the company, or a change in status that comes from tying the knot, Geminis will find themselves going to the next level. An unusually long Mars transit in Gemini that starts on August 20 also gives a tremendous boost of energy and motivation. But when the planet of drive goes retrograde from October 30, Geminis will want to take a few steps back and pace their energy, in order to keep moving forward. 

Cancer

2022 will be about breaking out of your comfort zone, socially and intellectually. Jupiter in a fellow water sign, Pisces, activates your exploration sector, while Uranus electrifies your friendship and networking house. These two planets call for open-mindedness and new perspectives. Mingling with new people in unexpected circles could help you see the world with fresh eyes. Studying and travel (with all due pandemic safety measures in place) could be in the cards for Cancerians. But somber Saturn is still in your house of taxes, insurance, and investments, so this might spell a more financially conservative year, especially where other people’s money is concerned.

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Feng shui master Marites Allen says 2022 will be ‘a year of separation’

Leo

Tough but necessary relationship lessons will continue to be a theme for Leos, who have Saturn, the planet of restriction, lingering in their relationship zone. Saturn calls for maturity and patience in this area of your life, and asks, “What partnerships are absolutely necessary for my highest good, and what relationship skills do I still need to cultivate?” Like a good teacher, Saturn rewards hard work, and relationships that persist during this period will be better for it! For Leos already in established bonds, a boost in your partner’s finances or your shared assets could come in the first half of the year, courtesy of Jupiter, the planet of abundance.

Virgo

Perfectionist Virgos may find themselves putting in extra effort to refine their wellness routines, with Saturn remaining in that sector through 2022. Saturn wants you to trim the fat (sometimes literally) when it comes to your diet and exercise, personal habits, and productivity. What’s more, your ruling planet Mercury going retrograde in Gemini from May 10 to June 2 lights up your career and status zone. Communication, especially on a bigger stage, will be crucial to nailing your professional goals. It’s not all hard work in 2022 though, as Jupiter’s blessings in your relationship sector could see new romance, or a bountiful business partnership. Coupled Virgos may even take their relationships to the next level!

Libra

Relationship-minded Librans should pull the focus back on themselves, and their self-care routines, in 2022. That’s because Jupiter is blessing your work sector with opportunities to find fulfillment in the daily grind. Establishing routines that bring joy, serenity, and balance will be key. Your health is wealth this year! Your famous charm could be put to good use when Mercury goes retrograde in Libra from September 9 to October 2; the planet of communication encourages you to realign your vision of yourself with how you want to be perceived. Mercury could also spotlight personal goals and relationships that need tweaking, and Librans might spend this period rethinking and clarifying before making their next big move.

Scorpio

Seismic shifts have been brewing since 2021 for Scorpios, with Saturn and Uranus butting heads in critical points in your chart. In 2022, the eclipses will happen on the axis you share with Taurus, marking a period of profound changes, particularly involving romantic relationships. Marriages and breakups are both possible (of course, depending on the state of your partnerships) under the extreme energy of eclipses. The nature of these cosmic events is purifying and cleansing; changes often feel inevitable, so go with the flow! Serious Saturn is in the nadir of your chart, which rules home and family. Responsibilities and obligations at home may feel weighty this year, but with these come opportunities for more solidity and structure, if you put in the work.

Sagittarius

Blessings come from home this year for Sagittarians, as your ruling planet Jupiter journeys into your home sector. House renovations or a move on your mind? 2022 is the year to expand. Family could also play a major role in how you generate luck this year, and with plentiful Jupiter, new additions to your family are a possibility. Mars’ long journey in Gemini later in the year could fan some flames in your relationship zone. This could mean meeting a new love interest, or for coupled Sags, reigniting the passion in their relationships. But take things slow, even when it gets hot and heavy: Mars will go retrograde, giving you ample time to consider whether this flame is meant to last.

Capricorn

After almost three years of personal restructuring, hardworking Capricorns must now direct their famous diligence towards their bank account. Your ruling planet, Saturn, lingers in your income and resources sector this year. Financial security will be paramount, and there might be little appetite to run fast and loose with your money. Instead, 2022 is about identifying financial goals and nailing down a plan to make them reality. But that doesn’t mean Capricorns can’t let loose and get wild this year! Experimentation and exploration might be directed towards hobbies, artistic pursuits, and romantic affairs – though not the serious kind – with unpredictable Uranus in your house of fun and pleasure.

Aquarius

Since Saturn entered your sign in late 2020, Aquarians have been on a journey of self-discovery. The past few years have been about facing hard truths about your personality, and seeing yourself for who you really are — warts and all. 2022 will be the final chapter of this book, where Aquarians will be called to be the most mature and evolved version of themselves. Mercury retrograde in Aquarius from January 14 to February 3 could highlight this process; there could be second chances to express yourself, mend relationships, or achieve a personal goal. Benevolent Jupiter in your house of income and self-worth in the first half of the year could see a nice little bonus or commission, a new and well-paying job – or the confidence you need to seek those out!

Pisces

Pisces is among the luckiest signs in 2022, with benefic Jupiter in your sign for the first time in roughly 12 years! Pisceans are set for an exciting year as Jupiter brings rejuvenated enthusiasm, optimism, and opportunities. Effort and intention will be key to harnessing Jupiter’s fortune. From April 5 to May 2, both benefic planets will be your sign as Venus enters Pisces, providing a second hit of blessings; this is an excellent time for enriching relationships, as Venus rules love and attraction. Later in the year, hard work bears financial fruit as Jupiter moves to Aries and lights up your house of income. – Rappler.com

Gigi is a certified consulting astrologer focusing on traditional Western techniques. She has been reading birth charts since 2014, and does private consultations over Zoom and Skype. Find her at www.astrobygigi.com.

At her 2022 Feng Shui Forecast on December 26, Marites shared that the main destiny chart for 2022 has many wood and water elements, and some earth and fire elements, but “a total absence of metal elements.” She didn’t go into detail on how a “destiny chart” is determined or what it really is – but gave her fearless forecast for those who believe in feng shui.

“Excessive water and wood suggest constant movement and traveling, especially if you are born in the year of the Monkey,” she said.

“The missing metal element infers a tendency for people to act and do things independently, which means more division rather than partnership. Metal is like [a] magnet, it represents connection. It’s connecting people. Therefore its absence in 2022 indicates many forms of separation. So I declare 2022 a year of separation,” she explained.

“This could also mean a lack of justice to those who need it, resulting in, for example, human rights violations not being properly resolved,” she added.

Marites said that there will be few opportunities to make money for others, but the presence of “wealth energies” indicates some “wealth benefits.”

“This can be a time where the rich will become richer and the poor can become poorer. Beware also because this could be a time where the fall of the rich can happen instantly,” she said.

Because 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger, Marites also warned that it is “unfortunately associated with tensions, struggles, rebellions.” 

“Society and governments are therefore cautioned to avoid scandals or shortfalls. I must tell you, my friends, the Year of the Water Tiger is really…it’s not a tame animal, therefore it’s [a] very ferocious, very aggressive animal. How do you tame a tiger, right?” she said.

Marites added that the COVID-19 situation has caused a lot of things to change, and will continue to do so in the coming year. 

“A tiger year has the so-called Sky Horse star, which means that traveling will be permitted, especially if you are born in the Year of the Monkey. However I will say that sea and land disasters are likely,” she said.

She also warned those born in Monkey years to avoid traveling in the northeast direction, so as not to confront the Tai Sui or Guardian God of the Year and provoke his curse.

Because of COVID-19, she also predicted “solitude, loneliness, and depression that could push one to be unstable.”

“The weak fire element of the chart also infers a loss of hope and possible depression,” she said.

The youth, however, will be “stronger than ever” according to Marites. “They can make or break society whether through political or lifestyle causes. Their voices are highly relevant and powerful this year, and political and business leaders must listen.”

Perhaps noting the now-impossible-to-ignore global climate crisis, Marites said: “The preservation of our environment, the quality of life, the natural resources that we consume from what we eat, what we wear should now also be taken into serious consideration. There should be less waste, less carbon footprint, and less harm to nature.”

She noted that “misfortune star number 5” is found in the center of homes, offices, and locations, which means it could make a great impact on individuals. 

“This could impact some tsunamis or water-related incidents as well. It could well bring increased illnesses, especially to the digestive system, and infers the continuation of the COVID-19 throughout the year,” she said. 

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese pseudoscience that deals in arranging objects and spaces and manipulating “the flow of energy” to balance out “life forces” and harmonize individuals and their environment.

Marites is currently based in the United Kingdom. She is available for one-on-one or specialized consultations via maritesallen.com. – Rappler.com

Before December comes to a close, Rappler’s resident astro girl Cesd is here to do mini readings of two BTS members. And who other than the K-pop group’s December babies, Jin and V?

As fans probably know, the two embody so much of their sun signs, and in this episode we also talk about the other placements in their birth charts.

But a friendly reminder: looking into celebrities’ birth charts is great practice for astrologers because we can cross-check readings with their public life.

We should also keep in mind that we can never assume that we know these people’s characters completely.

P.S.: As of the release of this episode, Venus is in retrograde. You might wanna take notes!

Listen to the episode on Rappler’s podcast platforms – Spotify, Apple, or wherever else you get your podcasts. – Rappler.com