JUDITH HILL’S NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2020

SEDNA, ERIS, AND THE “NAME GAME”

© Judith Hill, 2020

On November 14th, 2003, a distant planetoid was discovered in the far reaches of our solar system by Michael E. Brown, David Rabinowitz and Chad Trujillo.

Astrologers and their readers are eager, if not impatient, to assess the astrological meaning of this tiny, remote object. Does it influence us? How?

Should we take a “wait and see” approach, patiently comparing notes for a few decades, old school style? Or, do we allow a few accepted authorities to declare its meaning for us, sans a decent period for collective observation and definitive research?

The current fashion in determining influences of new celestial bodies, is to extrapolate concepts from its assigned name’s mythological associations. And then, blithely accept (for now and posterity), the personal hypothesis of one or more writers’ interpretations of those associations.

With the advent of social media, this process occurs with lightning speed. Already, we have books in print providing definitive interpretive meanings of most newly discovered celestial objects!

I call this method of determining planetary influence “The Name Game”. Does this method really work? Well, that is exactly my question here, and I will attempt to answer this later in this article. But first, let’s put Sedna’s associated story under glass, and watch this Name Game unfold. Please forgive any incorrect retelling here of the respected Inuit story. This is how I heard it. The point here is less the story itself, but what we as astrologers do with the many themes of this fascinating tale, in determining planet Sedna’s astrological impacts. Here we go...

Read more here: JANUARY 2020 NEWSLETTER

Sedna was a Inuit baby girl who was growing supernaturally fast. Supremely voracious, she began devouring her own parents. Desperate, they rowed her out to sea, attempting to deposit her in the ocean, determined to rid themselves of this hungry monster. However, this feat was not so easy as was hoped. The giant infant girl clung to the boat with enormous fingers, forcing her parents to chop them off - these instantly morphed into seals, porpoises and other sea mammals, swimming off in all directions. Then, Sedna sank to the bottom of the sea, where she reigns evermore as the Goddess of Sea Creatures. (Again, please forgive any error in this attempted retelling. I am well aware that I am not of the Inuit culture.)

Now, let us proceed to the rules of the Name Game paradigm. How will this venerable story now be translated into astrological influences for our professional use?

 

The Rules of the Name Game
1) First, we must believe without question that the solitary astronomer who named our new planetoid “Sedna” has accurately nailed his/her divinely inspired assignment. This belief is similar to the Pope’s inviolability of judgement within the traditional Catholic church. In our case, the astronomer, and his/her name choice is held to be inviolate - in that he/she cannot be challenged on their name choice. It is the astrologers that sanction the astronomer’s inviolability.

2) The chosen moniker’s associated legend (if there is one) is now sifted by astrologers for themes and symbols for purposes of astrological interpretation. These symbols are further interpreted by the first writers who dedicate a book to the new body. (Invariably, these writers don’t share the culture or language true to the original legend, but do the best they can.) As an aside, it is essential to note here that all symbols are infinitely extendable. This means that anything can become a symbol for anything. For instance a sleek, red car in one culture symbolizes sex and power, while in another, is regarded as as a sign of family security.

This secondary interpretation of symbols becomes a slippery issue when one person proffers their personal hit, or epiphany, on a theme or action extracted from the ancient Sedna story (or Chiron, Eris, etc.).

3) Ok, now, how are these themes being resolved into an interpretive meaning of planet Sedna for our professional use and client guidance? Some pronounce “child abuse”; Others, something to do with the women. But why not eating disorders? Body size judgement? What about the more patently obvious: seals and porpoises? Finger injuries? Patricide? Uh...cannibalism? Pituitary disorders? Boats on a mission? Hmmm...Gigantism?

Do you think I jest? Absolutely not. This is exactly how the new interpretations are being framed, soon to be accepted as “traditional” and nobody knows the difference. This is precisely how we have assigned meaning to most asteroids and to some extent, Chiron. Well then, back to our crucial question: “Does the Name Game really work?” My answer may surprise you.

 

Thought Forms
Those who study the ancient science of “thought forms” know that the longer a large group of people collectively focus on something, the more it truly can become a reality. There are various magicians and occultists who deliberately use structured, focused thought in order to manifest a physical object, or cause something in their world to occur. Thought forms are also also used for house protection and many other magical purposes. All cultures live within their own thought forms, felt by the psychically sensitive who cross into their borders. For instance, one can. palpably feel a considerable “change in the ethers”, whilst driving over the border betwixt California and Oregon.

So, how can collective thought forms work in the pre decision of astrological influence? For example, let us say that popular writer pronounces that a newly discovered rotating bath tub in the sky governs “cleansing”. Then, thousands of us follow suit by collectively practicing this interpretation in our private chart readings. Eventually, the rotating bathtub will begin to verifiably signal cleansing and hygiene themes in our natal and transit work. Or so goes thought form theory.

What we call “fantasy” is actually a form of structured thought, not yet manifested in the dense physical plane as “real”. So, it would be apt to term these new directives allotted to Sedna’s influence as “The Sedna Fantasy”. If collectively persisted in, The Sedna Fantasy will begin to manifest as directed!

However, this manifestation is due not to Sedna’s innate astrological influence, but to intense and persistent collective astrological thought. The same goes for Eris (whose nascent Name Game meanings have become almost “traditional”.) So yes, given time, Name Gaming can indeed work, given life by collective use!

For example, those that adhere to the “traditional” mythological meanings assigned to Chiron by first writers, insist that they do work. It is now impossible to separate what may be the ice cometoid Chiron’s true influence on our personal affairs from “his” pre-scripted Name Game influences. These are now a reality due to our consistent, collective thought forms regarding the mythological satyr Chiron as the “Wounded Healer”.

However, we are cheating ourselves of learning what any new celestial body’s astrological influence is, of its own accord. We have pre-determined its meaning. Personally, I would like to learn the truth about Chiron’s unprescribed influence, because the statistical research performed by the Magi Society unfortunately did not support his established mythological meanings.

It takes humility and courage to say “We don’t know what Sedna and Eris mean”. We have a new problem too, sprouted by the instant media. Already, as in any good court room, all witnesses are “contaminated”. So now, how can we document and observe the true, natural influence of Sedna or Eris without “witness contamination?” We have already been told what gender these planets are, and exactly what they mean (because of their names)!

Personally, I would suggest methods, given below, for determining the influence of all new bodies. It would be great to have true statistical research conducted, but this thankless task doesn’t pay, and requires both money and loads of time. Too few are so endowed, interested and capable to do this work. In lieu of scientific research, here are some things we can do.

1) First, may all astrologers who are lecturing and writing on “what Sedna means” or “The definitive meanings of Eris”, etc., please inform your audience that your ideas are “hypothetical”, i.e. not yet proven.

“Hypothetical” as applied to the Name Game implies that your interpretations and epiphanies, (no matter how obvious or relevant), are still your own, and not necessarily true, or a fixed reality. This prevents any one astrologer from framing the new planet’s interpretation for all posterity, spuriously.

In a “thought democracy” everyone and anyone is free to hypothesize what they think Sedna might mean! The key phrase here is “might mean”. Known astrologers have a significant responsibility here, because your readership may run with your ideas, thinking them well researched, authoritative, valid and ready for use in the consulting room. Gadzooks.

Therefore, document and show your personal research. For instance: How have you arrived at these soon to be “traditional” meanings of Sedna (or Eris)? How many charts did you use in your sample? Did you notarize a hypothesis before you conducted your research? Or, is your work only in an incipient ideation phase? If you ascribe to the Name Game paradigm for a determination of your meanings, then say so. See “How Not to Do Research”, later in article.

My preference is for genuine statistical research conducted by trained professionals over a decade or two. I take the unpopular approach of “We don’t know the true influences of Sedna and Eris yet”. And too... am well aware that this unpopular approach will produce a dent in my livelihood!

 

Alternatives to the Name Game
How then can we find meaning in a newly discovered planetoid or asteroid if we choose not to accept the Name Game paradigm?

It would be cogent for a large group of researching astrologers to document exact conjunctions by transit and natal Sedna to natal planets in a wide array of client charts. Then, interview these folks about what might actually be going on with the significations of that impacted natal planet: mentally, emotionally, physically, medically - or with the people and issues this planet signifies in our personal lives.

For instance, let us say that transit Sedna is currently conjunct a client’s natal Venus. First inquire as to exactly what is going on with the traditional significations of Venus. What

might be happening in their romantic or artistic life? Is there an influence on a sister, daughter, woman, lover or cat? Any venous, kidney or venereal health issues? We could go on, but you get the idea. Venus will also rule two houses in the chart, and be tenanting one natal house. These issues should also be inquired of. But...Do not lead your client! Example of leading: “Sedna gorged herself - and I see she is now conjunct your Venus, the planet of sweets. Are you craving sugar?”

Once Sedna or Eris have been adequately observed, without “mind leading” with real clients by this research committee for a few years, or decades, they agree to meet and compare notes.

Perhaps, as was accomplished when determining Neptune’s influence back “in the day”, this method will bear fine fruit.

It bears mention that The Name Game paradigm has already received plenty of contradiction from those scholars who point out that planets do not, in truth, don’t well fit their planetary namesake’s influence.

For example, was it Richard Tarnas whom asserted (as did Richard Idemon) that Uranus would much better have been named after Prometheus! Comparing their myths, this is quite true. And it’s obvious that sleepy Neptune does not well favor the roaring God Neptune.

Despite these misgivings, the Name Game remains the most popular game in town, being the method now used to assign influences for Sedna, Eris, Chiron and all asteroids. As an astrologer, you may have already adopted these name-assigned meanings for your professional use.

 

How Not to Do Research
Let us pretend that my friend Abby is conducting “research” into the astrological influences of our popular friend, little Chiron. She has already decided that “he”, absolutely, is the “wounded healer” (because first writers have said so, and everyone seems to agree.) In order to prove this point, she gathers the charts of twenty healers and forms her hypothesis: “Chiron will be ‘strong’ in the charts of healers.” Next, the word “strong” must be defined.

In Abby’s mind, “strong” means that Chiron must be conjunct within seven degrees of any planet, angle, node, Sun or Moon, or in the 6th or 8th houses of healing. Or, in the 10th house of career. Or, the 1st house of self. Lo and Behold, all twenty charts comply! In Abby’s mind, she has successfully proved that Chiron is indeed associated with healers. What is wrong with her approach?

First, one must define what constitutes a “healer” and what species of medicine are we talking about. All healing modalities and their practitioners are not the same! Secondly, by scientific standards, we must have a minimum of one hundred charts to constitute an acceptable first round “sample”. This then becomes a pilot study, that must be replicated later.

However, Abby has built into her model a non-fail methodology. How is that? Because, Chiron will almost always be found within seven degrees of some planet, node or angle in anyone’s chart! Abby could have chosen twenty random horoscopes and produced an identical result! A equal group of lawyers or baseball players would yield her the same results.

Unfortunately, this is just the kind of research that is backing some decisions on what new celestial bodies will mean for us, and for astrologers generations to come.

continued...

 

Advice to Students
My teacher instructed me to “keep it simple”. While learning to master the art of excellent chart interpretation, clear your chart of all “diminutives”of uncertain influence. Use your seven Ptolemaics, two Lunar Nodes, the two beautiful Gas Giants (Uranus and Neptune), the Part of Fortune, and tiny, faraway Pluto. This is plenty enough to start your studies with!

Confusion is avoided by proper weighting. Metaphorically, why allow the cigarette lighter in the truck as much interpretive weight as the truck itself? This so easily occurs when one visually crowds a chart with asteroids and planetoids without realizing their appropriate place in the natal chart’s scheme. For instance, we yet must discern if Chiron, (a tiny ice cometoid with an inclined orbital habit), is indeed as interpretively important in our lives as is massive Jupiter, “King of the Gods”, who rotates stolidly within the ecliptic plane.

I’ve heard folks blame large life events on Chiron, when transit Jupiter and Saturn are sitting pretty on their natal South Node, unmentioned (hypothetical example).

We must keep firmly in mind that all current “traditional” meanings of the new planetoids are still under debate, because not everyone accepts the Name Game paradigm! There was no vote.

 

In Sum
Hopefully, this little article will provide food for thought, and encourage astrologers toward a more thoughtful delay in their assignment of influences to newly discovered members of our solar system. Other questions must be sorted out too, such as just how much interpretive weight to assign these new bodies in our readings, if any?

The real question is why we are in a hurry to assign meaning at all? Isn’t it more provocative to just wait and see? Let’s open our hands, minds, hearts and psyches in wonderment and patience. I am hopeful that at least a handful of astrologers will join me and say: “I don’t know what Sedna or Eris mean yet. Let us wait and see.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

JUDITH’S FIRST KEPLER COLLEGE WORKSHOP!

MEDICAL ASTROLOGY:
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

https://keplercollege.org/index.php/events/247-workshops/1067-hill-medical-astrology-jan-25

For those planning to attend my day workshop at NORWAC, 2020, This Kepler College two hour workshop is the ideal supplement and preparation to my larger, “roll up your sleeves” workshop at NORWAC, 2020 in Seattle (see below).

DATE: Saturday, January 25, 2020
TIME: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST / 1:00 - 3:00 PM EST
Students will learn about the Four Essential Keys to medical astrology:

1. Simple, “best of show” techniques for evaluating the natal chart from the medical perspective.

2. The traditional and modern uses (and usefulness) of medical astrology.

3. The appropriate language and approach you absolutely need to be aware

   of.

4. Tools, caveats, books and requisite medical waivers.
   
   

This workshop is appropriate for astrologers and medical practitioners alike who seek an improved understanding of the physical influences of the natal planets, lights, and nodes. You must know your astrological symbols for signs and planets.

In the last hour, we will provide two-four case studies drawn for interest from famous persons. A comprehensive list of this field's pioneers and authors will be included in the class.

________________________________________________________

NORWAC, 2020
WORKSHOP! Judith Hill

             MEDICAL ASTROLOGY IN ACTION:
             LET’S READ MEDICAL ASTROLOGY CHARTS!

Friday, May 22nd, 9-Noon. https://norwac.net/schedule/

Following the workshop above, there will be two lectures.
NORWAC 2020 LECTURE
SATURDAY, MAY 23RD. 2:30-3:45
INTERPRETING ECLIPSES BY NODAL POLARITY

NORWAC 2020, LECTURE
SUNDAY, MAY 24TH
ASTROLOGICAL MEDICINE AND TRADITIONAL HERBALISM

________________________________________________________________

Chart Reading Clinic Anyone?

MEDICAL ASTROLOGY 101 STUDENTS and GRADUATES, and OTHERS

I need twenty committed students to open a monthly online chart reading clinic and archive. This would be an ideal next step for course students, and fascinating to others interested in learning how to approach and assess medical astrology charts. If you are interested, contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Natal, Vocational and Transit Chart Reading Clinic Anyone?
Let me know! If enough of you will commit, we can begin online in the new year. This would be a monthly event. ______________________________________________________________________

ASTROLOGICAL MEDICINE AND RENAISSANCE HERBALISM

With Matthew Wood and Judith Hill

6 two hour courses, only $60!  www.matthewwoodinstituteofherbalism.com/courses/astrological-medicine-renaissance-herbalism

IDENTITY CONFLATION ALERTS

1) The astrological writer “J.H. Hill”. is not me. I always use my full name. This person is a legitimate writer from an earlier generation. However, please note that their works are not written by me.

 

SUPPORT SMALL PRESS and ASTROLOGICAL PUBLISHERS!

My many books are all readily available from The American Federation of Astrologers, Inc., Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. It is nice to support the AFA. Inc.

MEDICAL ASTROLOGY FOR HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
is a useful introduction for all health practitioners who are interested in astrology, but not necessarily astrologers! I’ve presented the material in a conversational manner for those who see patients. Includes perhaps the most detailed health sections on the twelve signs in print,

a few “best in show” techniques: “Know your patient’s Saturn!”, traditional timing rules for healing purposes and surgery, and most uniquely, a detailed section on Doctor-Patient Compatibility.

Much more!

 

THE JANUARY, 2020 ECLIPSE
Eclipse watchers will find plenty of detailed interpretive material in

Eclipses and You, available from A.F.A., Inc.; Amazon; and Barnes & Noble.
     1) General influence and general medical influences
     2) Influences for all twelve Ascendant signs
     3) Influences if conjunct natal planets or Nodes
     4) How to find the dates in the year, this eclipse will be “triggered” 5) Traditional methods for offsetting eclipse impacts

 

Here we are...2020!!!!!!!!
May you all have wealth, prosperity, love, and if you can...
Plant Trees!