ASK AMANDA

I am not presently accepting questions for this column. I'll keep you posted when I have the time again to answer your questions. Sorry!

This is your page to ask questions about astrology in general or about your own astrology chart or even about any of my products and services. I will post your questions and my answers on this page. If you don't want your first name used - just make up one for me. (Q&A are below)
Important: If you have a question about yourself please provide me with your date, time, and city of birth or at the very least, your Sun sign.

I hate to use the phrase for entertainment purposes only because, although I hope you are interested and entertained, I also hope that you use the astrological information to help make your lives happier and more successful. The main thing is: Use common sense! My answers to your questions are based on a couple of decades of studying astrology, but the information should be combined with your own knowledge of yourselves and your lives. Here is my privacy policy

Questions answered below: scroll down

When will I have a serious relationship with someone?
Amanda answers two questions about being born on the cusp
A Sagittarius asks: Is anything good or bad ahead for me?
What Kind of Guy is My Type? (I'm a Cancer)
Am I a Gemini?
Can a Taurus be a Successful Actress?
What Will Happen Next Week?
In Love with a Virgo
Born on the Cusp
Are We Compatible?
What is my Future?
 

When will I have a serious relationship with someone?
Dear amanda,
When I will have a long and serious relationship with someone? My birthday is february 28, 1988. I was born at frankford torresdale hospital in Philadelphia. I’m not sure of the time.
thanx,
Jennifer 

Dear Jennifer,
Astrologers look at a few places in a birth chart to determine when someone will come into contact with someone who could be a significant prospect for a relationship. The 7^th house is the relationship house – but a birth time is needed to determine houses.  However, the planet Venus is the relationship planet. And, no birth time is needed to see what’s going on with Venus. Venus represents how you like to give and receive affection; it’s the planet that represents your ideal of love. 
When you were born Venus was in the sign Aries with the expansive planet Jupiter right next to Venus in the same sign. This shows that you are quite adventurous when it comes to love and relationship and that you enjoy fiery, feisty types who capture your interest by their bold, colorful personalities.
In December of 2004 and throughout 2005, Venus is being aspected by the planet Pluto, which indicates the possibility of making a deep and profound connection with someone. This relationship or attraction is likely to transform your concept of love. It activates an opening of the heart and a fascination with someone who leaves a deep impression on you. It doesn’t mean that you won’t meet great people before that time and have fun socializing or dating. And it doesn’t mean that you won’t meet someone prior to that time that turns into something more significant in 2004-2005. 
But, now that I’ve said all of this, I’d love it if you would read my article on Astrological Timing which places the prediction thing within a broader context. I also have an article on Venus and Mars, which gives you even more information about astrology and relationships. (By the way, your Mars is in Capricorn. You'll want to know that for this article). Also, my book Lucky Stars has compatibility guides for all the signs. Read more about it here: Lucky Stars

Thanks for your question Jennifer!

Amanda

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Two Cusp Questions

Following are two questions about cusp signs. Being born on the cusp simply means that you are born on the day that the Sun is leaving one zodiac sign and entering the next one. Here are the questions and answers:

Amanda,
Is this a cusp sign? March 17, 1984 in Homs, Syria at approximately 4:00 PM.

Hi!
No, this is not a cusp sign. This person has a Pisces Sun sign. This article has lots of information about signs including info about cusps and the dates for each Sun sign : Sun Sign Questions  You can check out the dates here: Sun Signs

Amanda

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Hi,
I would like to know my sun sign,rising sign (ascendant) and the moon sign.I was born on 22nd May 1978,in colombo,Srilanka at 11:50 AM. I really have a long standing confusion about my actual sun sign as to whether it is taurus or gemini. It would also be helpful if there is some info regarding this cusp...
thanks in advance.

Sudarshan
 

Hi Sudarshan,

You were born just after the Sun entered Gemini - so, you have a Gemini Sun sign - and just before a full  moon. Your moon sign is in Scorpio and your rising sign - also called the Ascendant - is Leo.  Although some astrologers believe if you are born on a cusp, you share the characteristics of both signs, it is my belief that you are one or the other. However, in your case because your Mercury is in the sign Taurus you are likely to identify with some Taurus characteristics. Mercury is the planet of communication and your Taurus placement tells me your are a careful thinker who likes to take her time thinking things through before you make a decision. Go here to read more about Sun signs and cusps:  Sun Sign Questions
Go here to find out more about Gemini: Gemini
For everyone else, you can read more about your Sun sign by going to one of the following links: Aries  Taurus  Gemini  Cancer  Leo  Virgo  Libra  Scorpio  Sagittarius  Capricorn  Aquarius  Pisces
Thanks for your question!

Amanda

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Is Anything Good or Bad Ahead for Me?

Dear Amanda,
         I was just wondering if you could tell me what I have ahead of me because I don't really like bad surprises and I wanted to see if you could tell me if there's anything, bad or good it doesn't really matter, ahead of me.
Birthday: December 13, 1989, Time:12:08 a.m,  Location: Philadelphia, PA
Thanks,
Maura

Dear Maura,
Most Sagittarians (just like you!) like all of the cards on the table, which means you'd rather hear something that is hard to hear rather than have people hold back and not tell you anything at all.  Honesty is important to you. So, your question is perfect for a Sagittarius!  I've examined you chart and want to tell you first that although your Sun sign is Sagittarius, you may not know that your moon is in Gemini and your rising sign (also called the ascendant) is Virgo.  So, when you read astrology books make sure you read the Gemini and Virgo chapters too.

Before I tell you what's going on right now for you, I want to direct you to an article I wrote that I have on this site that discusses the issue of prediction and timing. You can get to that article here: Astrological Timing

I’ll address a couple of points here. An actual astrology reading usually lasts an hour to an hour-and-a-half to be able to get all of the information in. And that is just to look at the upcoming year!

Your moon at 28 degrees of Gemini has been, as we astrologers say, been getting a lot of attention. The moon represents the emotional life and our needs are for safety, security and just plain emotional well-being. Your moon in Gemini tells me that for you to feel really comfortable in life your natural curiosity need lots of room for expression, that you like to learn, chat, and that you hate to be bored!  If your life get too much the same from day-to-day, you will need to find some way to spice it up!  You may like read, write, or even host your own radio show.  You are interested in the world around you.

Your moon has been activated by both Saturn and Uranus bringing the need for emotional excitement and new experiences. So, bringing new things into your life is important. Since this cycle started in April of 2002 and will last until November of 2003, I imagine your restless curiosity has been in high gear! This cycle is considered harmonious, which simply means that the changes introduced into your life feel fun and exciting instead of alarming. Another part of this cycle which started in September and will last through May of 2003 tells me that you are very introspective right now. You may be thinking seriously about your life and what kind of things and activities feel right for you. This is a hard-working cycle - so this tells me that the current school year has sent lots of hard work and responsibilities your way.  You may have a teacher who demands a lot from you or your schedule may be very full.  What I love about this hard-working Saturn cycle is that it gets you much clearer on what you like and don't like. And sometimes, we all need periods like this just so we can know ourselves better! If you can put in the extra effort right now, believe me - it will pay off for you later.

I'll add just one more quick thing - Jupiter is traveling through your 11th house of groups and friends - so this is a great social time for you. New friends and group activities open up some wonderful opportunities for you.

As you can see from what I've written, astrology is not so much about looking at good or bad things as it is about looking at the cycles that are in your life. It is always up to us what we do with those cycles. That's what free will is all about!

Thanks Maura for your question. I always love the opportunity to write about astrology!

All the best,

Amanda

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What kind of guy is my type? (I’m a Cancer)

hi amanda.
i was just reading your magazine. i had a question." my sign is cancer and i wanted to know what kind of guy would be my type?" i hope you can answer my question.

Dear Cancer Sun sign,
I’m going to quote from my own book Lucky Stars about the kind of relationship that feels natural for any Cancer. This will give you an idea about the type of guy who would most meet your needs. The thing you always have to keep in mind though is that there is much, much more to people than just their Sun sign traits. But the following should feel familiar to you, because even though there is more to you than your Sun sign, your sign still does have a lot to say about what works for you in relationship.
          “Cancers are romantics.  You love a moonlit walk on the beach or spending time in the park holding hands with the one you care for.  Often, you don’t even need to talk.  You are not one who needs to fill in the empty spaces with a lot of chatter.  Just sharing your time can be enough.  When you are in love, you are so tuned in to your partner that you can almost feel what he or she is thinking.  Your emotional closeness is not only comforting -- it is magical.
          You don’t need a lot of bells and whistles to keep you interested.  You can have a great time just hanging out at home with your date, eating snacks and watching a movie on television.  The important thing for you is being together.  You treasure the person with whom you can safely share your deepest feelings, concerns and dreams for the future.  Your contentment comes from knowing that the person you are with cares about how you feel and is protective of you.
          Cancers in general are not looking to “play the field.”  You are more interested in getting together with someone who is interested in a lasting relationship.  Because of this, you are likely to take your time getting to know someone.  This is natural for Cancers.  It would be uncomfortable for you to rush into a relationship.  Many actors who are Cancers are known for their devotion to their mates and loyalty to their families even in a social climate where break-ups and divorces are commonplace.  Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep are a couple of the many Cancer actors whose stable marriages and family lives are as noteworthy as their acting talent.
          Cancers love to keep all of those little keepsakes that remind them of happy times with their loved ones.  A shell from your first walk on the beach, the torn ticket stub from your first date at the movies, the note your boyfriend or girlfriend passed to you in class last year, are all treasures for you.  No one has to guess about how you feel.  You wear your heart on your sleeve by showing your love and appreciation for all that your sweetheart does for you.
          Strong feelings for others can bring out your nurturing instincts.  You naturally want to take care of the person you are with and make sure he or she is happy and content.  You are a master at the special touches that show how much you care.  Just make sure your nurturing instinct doesn’t turn you into your partner’s “parent,” complete with reminders to dress warmly in cold weather and eat a good breakfast!  Find the balance between expressing your love and affection and committing “smother-love.”  Behaving like a parent could kill your romance!”
Thanks for your question!
Amanda

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Am I a Gemini?

Hi,
I was wondering if I am a true Gemini. I was born On June 21st, 1988 in Staten Island New York. At 11:36 am. i want to know if  I am indeed a true gemini.  I share all the same traits as a gemini. So please help me resolve this ongoing question.        
Penny

Dear Penny,
The Sun had just moved into Cancer and was at 0 degrees and 28 minutes at the time of your birth. So, your Sun sign is Cancer. Mercury, the planet of communication and Venus, the planet of love, were both in the sign Gemini when you were born, which means that you have a lot of Gemini traits.  By the way, both your moon and rising sign are in Virgo.  So, when you read the horoscopes check both Virgo and Gemini to get a more complete picture.

Amanda

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Can a Taurus be a Successful Actress?

Hi amanda,
my name's Sarah. i have a few questions for you. i'm very interested in all the signs and astrology. i was born on May 9th, so im a Taurus. In whatever magazine i've read, it's told me that my dream job is to go into business, or real estate. The thing is, i'm a very artistic person - i plan to act. How could i make this possible, and would it be successful if i tried, knowing that i'm a Taurus? Please email back and help out. Thanks!
Sarah

Dear Sarah,
All 12 Sun signs have actors and actresses.  The reason that you read so much about Tauruses being bankers and real estate people and business people is because Taurus is an earth sign and there are few signs that have the earthy, grounded, practicality of your sign. And those are very helpful qualities for those kinds of careers. However, there are many artistic Taurus people in general and actors and actresses specifically including some of the best in the world and including Academy Award winners! Here are some - also check out  find your astro-twin  for a more comprehensive list. Jessica Lange, Michelle Pfeiffer, Renee Zellweger, Kirsten Dunst, Debra Winger, Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Al Pacino, and Jack Nicholson. So, you're in good company!!
The determination that is so characteristic of your sign will help you to stay true to your goals and do the hard work necessary to make your dream come true.
Thanks for your question. It reminds me of how important it is for us astrologers to be sure to let everyone know that all the signs are in every career. In magazine articles, so little space is allowed that we are not able to write about all of the possibilities. But, I know I will make sure to mention the arts from now on when I write about Taurus in articles- because you just helped me remember that there are so many awesome artists in your sign!
good luck to you Sarah!

Amanda
PS: Go to Taurus to read more about your sign. Here are the links for everyone else: Aries  Taurus  Gemini  Cancer  Leo  Virgo  Libra  Scorpio  Sagittarius  Capricorn  Aquarius  Pisces

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What Will Happen Next Week?

Hi,
i wanted to know if you could please tell me what will happen next week or if you know. im a taurus thanks .

Dear Taurus,
I study the planets each week and post a weekly forecast to give people from every Sun sign information about the week ahead. This forecast is based on your Sun sign. For more in-depth information about the future, an astrologer needs to know your date, time, and place of birth. Go to Sun Sign Questions  and Astrological Timing to read about what an astrologer can tell from knowing a Sun sign and what is not possible to know.
Thanks for your question!

Amanda

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In Love with a Virgo

Hi Amanda.
I'm Belyn (Bu-lynn). I'm only 11 but i still read your stuff. I was wondering if you could answer a question. I'm in love with a virgo but i'm an aries. our love rate is 6 but i really like him. what can i do? ive been up all night reading your september magazine. it says im going to be a boy magnet. but i only like 1 boy.
one of your biggest fans,
Belyn

Dear Belyn,

I’m glad you’re enjoying reading the Backpack Astrologer! (Readers: the Backpack Astrologer is a booklet that tells the future for all 12 signs for the school year ahead. It also has a relationship compatibility guide with numerical ratings. It’s in the September issue of Cosmogirl magazine.)

Have you heard the saying “opposites attract”?  Love often brings attractions to those who have significantly different personalities than our own. We tend to choose friends for the similarities but crushes because they’re different. This is the case when an Aries is attracted to a Virgo. As an Aries, your attractions are likely to be immediate, fiery and intense! You know what you want and when you want it!  Virgo guys in general tend to be a little shyer and like to take their time.  The numerical rating of ‘6’ in the Backpack Astrologer is simply a number that describes these personality differences.  (That’s why you’ll see a high number for two fire signs like an Aries and a Sagittarius. They have similar personalities.)  A friend of mine is a Virgo who dated an Aries guy and it worked out really well because they were OK with their personality differences.  The main thing with a Virgo is that you have to be patient! They just don’t move quickly.

This is what I wrote about this match in my book Lucky Stars:
Aries and Virgos are both doers and like to be active.  Although you are both idealistic and aim high, you have different approaches to life.  Your Virgo brings a grounded, earthy energy, which offers a perfect balance to your jump-out-and-do-it style.
The challenge: Virgos like to plan whereas you are more spontaneous.  This relationship will need to find a balance between these two styles for you both to be content with this relationship.

You have a great “boy magnet” year ahead of you with transiting Jupiter in Leo in your solar 5^th house of love.  You’ll be meeting lots of new people all year! Your outgoing personality is likely to attract a lot of attention - from Mr. Virgo – and other guys. So, have fun with it!

Thanks for your question,
Amanda
PS My book Lucky Stars has compatibility matches for all of the signs.

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Born on the Cusp

Hi! My birthday is MAY 21, 1987. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan, which is a little island next to China.  I was looking through several teen magazines, and one of them said I'm a taurus but another one said I'm a gemini. I was born at 8:29 AM of May 21, so what sign am I?
Thank you!

Hi! I just wrote to you about my birthday being May 21, and some magazines say I'm gemini and others say I'm taurus. But I was just wondering if it's possible that I can have a split personality, like my personality is kind of a taurus but also a gemini.

Dear Confused about Sun sign,
So many people are born on the cusp of a sign. Being born on the cusp means you are born on the day the Sun leaves one sign and enters the next one.  Although it is important to know your time as well as place of birth to find out your rising sign, moon sign, and the signs of the planets - when you are born on the cusp, you also need to know your time just to find out your Sun sign.

The reason that the dates are different in different horoscope columns is because the Sun enters a new sign a day earlier or later depending on the year.  For example, in some years the Sun enters Aries on March 20, while other years the Sun enters on March 21.  Also, there are 365 ¼ days in an average year with a leap year every fourth year. This is why if you were born on a day the Sun changed signs, you will need to have the Sun’s position calculated for your day and year of birth. And to do this, you need to use the time of birth.

Also, it depends on where you were born. For example, when it is 8:29 AM in Taiwan, it is 8 hours earlier in London, England!  There’s a cool website that has a time converter that shows you the different times all over the world. Go to www.timeconverter.com to see how it works.

You were born when the Sun was in the last degree of Taurus, so you’re definitely a Taurus Sun sign!  You probably identify with Gemini characteristics as well because both the planets Mercury and Mars were located in Gemini when you were born. In fact, you also have Gemini rising (also called a Gemini Ascendant).  So it’s not that you have a “split personality.”  Just like everyone else, you have planets in different signs than your Sun sign. The planets represent different parts of your personality. This is the astrological picture of how interesting and complex we all are!  By the way, your moon sign is Pisces. Click on Sun Signs  to learn more about each sign.

When you, or anybody else for that matter, know your rising sign you can look at that sign’s information also when you are reading your horoscope. Combining the information about your Sun sign with the info about your rising sign gives you a more complete picture of what your month will be like (if you are reading a monthly horoscope). Including your moon sign gives you an even fuller picture.

Thanks for sending in your question!
Amanda
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Are We Compatible?

hi, my name is kennedy,
i have a question. i really like this boy brad, he is a taurus and i am a cancer, what is our chance of getting together? how long do you think we'll stay together?

Dear kennedy,

There are some basic concepts to keep in mind when you are thinking about compatibility.  You want to remember that Sun signs only represent a part of a person and not the whole person.  Other planets, particularly Venus, are important to consider when determining compatibility between people.  Venus is the planet that symbolizes your concept of an ideal relationship.  It describes how you like to give and receive affection.  The sign that Venus occupied at the time of your birth explains what is most important to you when you are in love.  Other planets are equally important when it comes to relationship.  Mercury is the planet that reveals your communication style.  Mars is the planet of action and desire.  The Moon shows your emotional temperament and security concerns.

In general, a Cancer and a Taurus are considered to be a great Sun sign match. Tauruses don’t like to be rushed, so give him plenty of room and time to get to know you. Since you are a Cancer and Cancers like to take their time too – it may take a while to get together. So, be patient – but definitely see if you can find excuses to be around him so that he gets to know you!
Now for you question about how long you’ll stay together. Often when a Taurus and a Cancer come together, the tendency is to want a long relationship. Here’s what I wrote in my book, Lucky Stars:

Cancer and Taurus

Comfortable and cozy are perfect words to describe this couple.  You love the down-to-earth style of your Taurus.  A Taurus is loyal, dependable, and is someone you know you can count on.  Both of you like to take your time getting to know each other.

The challenge: Is there such a thing as too much comfort?  As relaxed as you are with each other, you may need to spice things up a little to keep this relationship exciting.

Here's what I wrote in the Love Match section for the Backpack Astrologer in the September issue of CosmoGIRL magazine:

Cancer's Love Personality: You seek emotional closeness and fall in love with a guy with whom you can share your deepest feelings, desires and dreams. Instead of playing the field, you’ll wait for the real deal.

With Taurus: Ahhh! He’s so comfortable, sweet, and affectionate. You’ve found him – now don’t let him go! Boyfriend potential: 10 

So, as you can see, I really like this Sun sign match.
Good luck with your Taurus! And thanks for your question.

 Amanda

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What is my future?

Dear Amanda
I am Indian born on October 1, 1965 at 7.20pm in Calcutta in India...can you tell me what future holds for me...I will be thankful if you can guide me..
Regards
Pushpa

Dear Pushpa,
One of the amazing things about astrology is that an astrologer can peek into the future to see what cycles someone will be experiencing. I wrote a short article about what astrology can and cannot do when it comes to foreseeing the future. Click here to read it: Astrological Timing

I’ll address a couple of points here. An actual astrology reading usually lasts an hour to an hour-and-a-half to be able to get all of the information in. And that is just to look at the upcoming year!  So, for everyone reading this, try to keep your questions as specific as possible.

Both your Sun and Mercury, the planet of communication were in the sign Libra at the time of your birth. Your moon sign is Sagittarius and your rising sign is Taurus. 

A few things stand out to me. The first is that even though you are normally pretty diplomatic and like to take in someone else’s point of view, right now with independent Uranus squaring your Mars in Scorpio you are probably feeling like you don’t want anyone telling you what to do!  The more you have been denying your own needs, the more irritable you are likely to feel right now. The important thing is for you to see where you need to assert your independence and hopefully to do it in a way that benefits you. Because of Mars’ placement in the 7^th house of relationships, this is an issue that may surface in your personal relationships with others.

It is important now, with Uranus in a harmonious aspect with your Sagittarius Moon and with Saturn opposing your Moon, to make sure you are taking care of your own needs rather than expecting anyone else to make you feel emotionally comfortable. Ask yourself what you can do to make yourself feel more secure and content. Travel may be especially enjoyable and renewing for you now. It is always important and especially presently for you to develop a life philosophy that helps you to understand your experiences. It gives you peace of mind and connects you with a feeling of purposefulness in life.

Often with aspects to the moon, and with Jupiter entering the 4^th house of home and family, as in your chart, people contemplate making changes in their family and home environment. What’s clear is that this is a time of change for you when it is especially important for you to maintain that delicate balance of standing up for your needs while, at the same time, you invest in your own happiness by doing things for yourself that bring contentment.

For more information about your Libra Sun sign, click here: Libra

Thanks for your question, Pushpa!  I wish I had the time to more fully cover your chart – but at least this is a beginning :-)

All the best,
Amanda

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