Expert: Scott Petullo - 12/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: My Sun sign is 28 degrees capricorn, My moon sign is 29 degrees Taurus. I was born January 19, 1959, at 1:10 P.M.
Are the late degrees of my Sun and Moon signs actually on, or very near the Cusp? I have read alot of the opposing viewpoints on "Cusps"  some astrologers state when the hybrid
blending of two adjacent signs begins. Others state that the "Cusp" influence is pure fiction. There is much ambiguity and murkiness about the subject of cusps. A sun in Capricorn, moon Taurus person would be radically different from An Aquarius with the Moon in gemini. I cannot synthesize the polarities of my Sun moon cusp degree positions. I am conflicted over not being able to determine what exactly are the DOMINANT influences and of my Sun and Moon positions. Do you have any opinions on the meanings of a 28 degree sun and 29 degree moon?  
Thank you for your patience, and insight regarding this difficult question.

ANSWER: Hi Richard,

Could you tell me the location/city of birth? I'd like to look at that basic astrology chart. This is your birth data?

Yes, Sun 28 degrees Capricorn and Moon 29 degrees Taurus equates to your Sun and Moon being in late degrees/on the cusp.

Many say that the Sun sign is firmly either one or the other no matter how late (or early) the degree, but there does tend to be an overlap of sorts, somewhat representing a bit of the next (or previous) sign.

27-30 degrees (late degrees) Moon is an affliction of sorts, in my opinion.

I'd also consider late degrees of the Sun to be an affliction of sorts, sort of like a Moon Void of Course.

See article about Moon Void of Course:
http://www.howisyourlovelife.com/April2.htm

More articles:
http://www.howisyourlovelife.com/column.htm

However, since the Sun and Moon and their respective energies through placement, aspect, etc. are only part of the collective body of aspects (not to mention numerological considerations), one can have their Sun and Moon as such and still have the rest of the charts indicators, overall, be wonderful.

So don't let that get you down.

Interesting. Yesterday I had a question about feral (unaspected) Sun and Moon and now this question about late degrees Sun and Moon. Maybe you and the other questioner are doing similar research. ;o)

As for the "dominant influences" (I'd call that "dominant symbolism," as astrological and numerological considerations don't make things happen--they represent life circumstances in my opinion-- more info here: http://www.howisyourlovelife.com/April152005.htm ), consider Capricorn Sun and Taurus Moon to prevail, if you want to look at it that way.

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,
Scott Petullo
http://www.scottpetullo.com
http://www.holisticmakeover.com
http://www.mystictwins.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Scott,

 My Place of birth is Tarrytown N.Y. Eastern standard time
 1:10 P.M. January 19, 1959. to answer your question. I am interested in your further insights of my basic astrology chart as you call it. once again, I understand it to be 28 degrees Capricorn, 29 degrees Taurus, ascendant at 9 degrees Gemini.
It is rather grim news that you consider, the late degrees of my Sun and Moon to be "Afflictions" I accept this as fate, and will try to learn more about the depths of, and exactly how my late degree Sun and Moon are afflicted.
My understanding of Astrology is at best cursory and superficial. Perhaps my understanding of it will grow deeper and more nuanced as I study more.
Thank you for your insights, and I look forward to further revelations on my "difficult" chart if that is possible.
    Sincerely
    Richard Gessner

Answer
Hi Richard,

Interesting basic chart!

I wouldn't consider the late degrees to be that grim and I wouldn't say your basic chart is that "difficult." :o)

Look on the bright side. You've got first quarter Moon (between New Moon and Full Moon), which is a positive sign, your Venus is very well placed, and your Saturn is dignified by sign (Capricorn), just to name a few rewarding things.

You really have to weigh all the afflictions and positive things about all the charts. Don't let a couple things get you down.

Sincerely,
Scott Petullo
http://www.scottpetullo.com
http://www.holisticmakeover.com
http://www.mystictwins.com