An old Italian saying is: "After the game, the King and the Pawn all go into the same box." This is in reference to the game of chess but it also applies to the game of life. No one lives in the physical dimension on this planet forever. Has anyone seen Lazarus walking around lately? Physical bodies are temporal, or passing. This includes everyone who is on the planet in a physical body, - sorry no exceptions.

Today Mercury is conjunct Pluto in Sagittarius so I decided to address one of the last taboo subjects in our culture, death. It happens to the best of us! In fact to happens to all of us. The only unknown usually is when and the manner of death. Your natal chart can give you clues to these two unknowns. There is a saying that at physical death, the soul or spirit (your eternal part that rented a body to attend class on Earth 101) will exit stage right or left. The play will go on without them as they go sit in the audience and hopefully laugh more than they cry at the performances of those left on the stage called Earth. When they think it is time to take on another part in the play of physical life, they return via the usual route, between the legs of a woman.

The eighth house in your natal chart rules all things usually hidden, sex, death, and taxes! Since it rules "other people’s money" it would have rulership over inheritance, insurance, and joint holdings between spouses and/or business partners. If there are no planets in your natal eighth house, you look to the ruler of the cusp of the 8th house and note its condition by aspect, sign, and house placement in your chart.

If the lights, Sun and Moon, are very harshly aspected by Mars, Saturn, Uranus, or Pluto, the native may have a short life. Others with less threatening aspects will have a life of medium length. A well aspected Saturn is an indicator of a long life. But there has to be other supporting aspects to fulfill this promise. It is important to remember that length of a life does not necessarily correlates soul advancement. Some people start out mean and just get meaner with age! A long life of watching Soap Operas is not very productive on your soul level. Understanding the difference between quantity and quality in all things is a sign of wisdom.

Before the three outer planets, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered, Saturn was the indicator of death. Saturn constricts and restrains (remember there are a lot of constricting rings around it). Saturn rules the religions that are full of a lot of "Thy shalt nots...". There will be lots of rules of what you can’t do but there will be very little emphasis on what is good to do for soul development.

Saturn slows down any process, especially the process of the use of energy by your physical body. Therefore if Saturn is involved, it usually indicates a slow death due to a long illness. The soul usually has time to prepare for the exit. This is normally an expected death, therefore the native has time to say good-by and to better prepare for the soul’s journey. What sign Saturn is in your natal chart indicated what part of the body is the weakest. The parts of the body that rule the signs in square and opposition to your natal Saturn will also cause health problems. The movement of the planets through the sky (transits) and how they aspect the planets in your natal chart are very important in matters of health. In correlation with the transits, some astrologers are well versed in the movement of the planets in you natal chart by progression or solar arc which will also indicate the times of poor health of lack of energy.

Mars poorly aspected in your chart will indicate accidents and wounds by gunfire, knives, or any sharp instrument. Mars is coming to its nearest approach to Earth in the near future. Mars rules war so what will develop in the Middle East should be no surprise to any astrologer. Mars is at its most dangerous when in harsh aspect

(conjunct, square, or opposition) to Uranus. Uranus is sudden events, like lightening striking. Uranus is unexpected and often involves automobiles. planes, and trains. The soul will exit the body very quickly and suddenly when Uranus is involved. If this in done at an early chronological age, there may be some confusion of the soul of where they are. But there are always those who the native loved in this life or other lives that are residents on the other side. They are available to lend assistance to your spirit. You are never alone even though your exit may not be noted by anyone on this plane. It is essential to have loved while on this planet. Always remember - Love is Eternal. It is never wasted. True Love is wishing the very best for the other, even if that means you are not in their life.

Poorly aspected Neptune often indicates alcoholism or damage by drugs (called bad food in Hindu astrology). Neptune is associated with a slowly wasting disease or condition. Neptune dissolves. It can indicate the wrong medicine given by a doctor. It is the planet associated with the sea, therefore death by drowning. Neptune is also prominently aspected during earthquakes.

Pluto harshly aspected indicated a conflict concerning power, BIG power. Pluto rules the underground, figuratively and symbolically. Pluto ruled Enron’s abuse of other people’s money. A "Mob" hit is death by Pluto! Mining, ruled by Pluto, is regarded as the most dangerous job on this planet. (The second most dangerous job is substitute teaching in Junior High!) Mining is usually underground and it is also messing with "Mother Earth" and she usually gets her revenge.

A friend’s former husband became rather wealthy in his most recent life on Earth. He was in charge of installing power plants all over the World. He had an industrial accident that injured his leg severely. The doctors thought it was necessary to amputate the leg. So he interviewed doctors and when the 5th doctor said he might be able to save the leg, he said, "You’re hired!". Yes, the doctor saved the leg, and the man moved out of California at the suggestion of his accountant because of tax ramifications. He had a very lovely home in Las Vegas and a motor home that was the Ultimate. It cost more than most permanent homes in America. Well, he had a stroke and lived about three months unable to move or talk. But his extreme anger showed in his eyes. He didn’t have a current will. I asked the former wife if he thought he would live forever because of his wealth. She said, "yes". He thought he could buy health no matter what happened. Well, he didn’t understand money can buy medicine and doctors, but not health.

Truth doesn’t depend on agreement. It just is! Hopefully mankind will quickly learn that their physical health depends a great deal on their thoughts and desires. Your thoughts, feelings and emotions acts on your physical body. The motive or purposes of your actions are most important. They may be hidden from others, but never to your inner self. That is why it is so important to control yourself, and not try and control others.