Astrology
As far back as records show, it’s evident that Astrology has played a big part in every-day lives from the sailors who charted the seas to the mystics who used Astrology to advise kings and queens.
In the old West, cowboys often navigated by the nighttime stars. On a trail drive bestes casino deutschland, the cattle rested at night and the chuck wagon cook placed the wagon tongue toward the North Star before turning in. This aided the wranglers who would ride out to stand watch over the herd. Rotating members throughout the night allowed each to get some sleep before the next day. During the day, the trail boss navigated, and often without the use of a compass. He used a pocket watch to check his course, dividing the watch into 360 degrees or the points on a compass. The hour hand aimed at the sun, the trail boss could determine the line of direction from North to South.
It is not unusual for authors to use some form of Astrology in their stories. In Ghostly Interference, Jag Peters had been raised by a mother who incorporated all sorts of metaphysical teachings into his upbringing, Astrology being one of those.
At one point, Jag is compelled to track down any living relatives that Rena might have. She craves family as it has always just been her and her brother, Sam. Now that he is gone, she is completely alone.
But how can Jag get the information he needs from her? At his mother’s suggestion, he decides to use Astrology as an ice-breaker and to learn more about Rena.
Excerpt:
“Let’s play a game. When were you born?”
She shot him a look of panic. “Why do you want to know?”
“It’s how we play the game. I want to know you better.”
“I was born May 1, 1979.”
“I knew it! You’re a Taurus. I woulda’ bet money on it.”
“Is that bad?” Rena sucked on her bottom lip.
“Oh goodness no. Taurus people are born under the sign of the bull. Most often they are stubborn, determined, practical and down to earth, but have an eye for beauty. And they are brave.” He kneaded the arch of her foot. “And you are the bravest warrior woman I’ve ever met.”
“Hmmm, I like that phrase. And I love what you are doing to my feet.”
He continued. “I was born right here in Cedar Springs. How about you?”
“My birth certificate says I was born in Austin. I don’t remember anything except being in foster homes.”
“What was your mother’s name?”
She narrowed her eyes. “I don’t see as that has anything to do with us getting to know each other.”
“Call it curiosity. My mother is Charlotte Grace Peters.”
“Marjorie Irene Jett is the name on my birth certificate.” She spat out the words like a bitter pill.
Jag rubbed her ankle and moved up her leg. “It’s okay, Rena. I was just curious, that’s all. Any other siblings besides Sam?”
“Not that I know of. It’s always been just me and Sam. I don’t think I like this game. Your turn.”
He grinned. “Okay. I was born October 8, 1975, and that makes me a Libra.”
“And what are Libras like?” She took a sip of her wine.
“Libras are usually kind.”
Rena nodded. “What else?”
“We like peace and harmony and will walk a mile around a fight. We love all things of beauty and have a hard time saying no sometimes.”
“Those all fit you.”
Using tools like astrology is also a great way for the author to reveal more character depth to the reader in a fun way.
I’m a Leo. I was born on August 21st, the cusp of Leo/Virgo, and have some qualities from both signs.
How about you? What is your sun sign? I’ll pick two winners from the comments to receive a free e-book copy of Ghostly Interference!
BOOK BLURB:
Jag Peters has one goal in his quiet comfortable life—to keep his karma slate wiped clean. A near-miss crash with a candy apple red Harley threatens to upend his safe world. He tracks down the rider to apologize properly. Slipping into a seedy biker bar, he discovers the rider isn’t a “he”, it’s a “she”, a dark-haired beauty.
Rena Jett is a troubled soul, who lives in a rough world. She wants no part of Jag’s apology, but even while she pushes him away, she is attracted to him. When he claims to see a ghost—her brother—can she trust him? And could her brother’s final gift, a magical rune stone with the symbol for “happily ever after” have the power to heal her wounds and allow opposites to find common ground—perhaps even love?
BOOK PURCHASE LINKS:
JAN SIKES SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Website
Cancer born in the first half of july.
Good morning, anxious58. My youngest daughter is also Cancer, born on July 6th. She is very home-oriented. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today!
I am Aquarius.
Hi, Janinecatmom! What a visionary sign to be born under! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I am a Taurus person all the way. Have a birthday coming up this next week so sad.
Lol, Quilt Lady. I know what you mean about those darned birthdays. 🙂 I will turn 70 this year and cannot believe it. My sister, Linda, is a Taurus, as was our mom and dad. They have some wonderful traits! Thanks for leaving a comment.
I’m a peices? Pieces? No however you spell the fish. jI looked it up. Pisces. I found a meaning: Smart, creative, and deeply intuitive, Pisces can be close to psychic. Pisces feel things deeply, and have incredibly strong gut reactions. A Pisces “knows” things from deep within, and can often judge whether a person or situation is good or bad. That doesn’t mean a Pisces ignores the logical part of their brain, though. Deeply intelligent, Pisces have a profound respect for the power of the human mind. Is it a surprise that Albert Einstein was a Pisces?
Well, I WANT to believe all that. 🙂
Hi, Mary. Pisces is a water sign and water conveys intuitive emotions. Your explanation is awesome, and of course you SHOULD believe all of it! Thanks for stopping by!
I am a Pisces born at the end of February. The description of a Pisces is fairly accurate for me.
Hi, Cheryl. I love it when the astrological explanation for the sign really fits. It certainly does with me as well. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today!
I’m a Pisces too. I’m right on the cusp of Taurus, born March 19th.
Hi, Kit! Thanks for leaving a comment. I’ve found people born on the cusp have traits of both signs and I’d be willing to bet that you do as well. I appreciate you stopping by!
I am Cancer, I was born in the middle of July. Your book sounds like a great read and I love the book cover! Have a Great weekend and stay safe.
Hi, Alicia. My youngest daughter is a Cancer and she is very much a home body. Thank you for leaving a comment and I’m glad you like the book cover! Happy Weekend!
Hi Jan, I forgot you were going to be here today. OMG! I remember when we were growing up and our interesting in astrology was just blooming. We read everything we could find in hopes it would tell us that we weren’t going to grow up to be old maids! I really worried about that. We were so weird. No wonder everyone called us those poor little Smith girls! Enjoy your visit here. Love you bunches.
There is nothing “poor” about either one of you. With your great personalities, there is no way either one of you would end up being a lonely old maid.
Hi, Patricia. Your comment made me smile. 🙂 Let’s just say we’ve both come a long way! 🙂
Lol, sister. Yes, I remember that we tried so hard to believe we were going to be more than two little holy roller girls from the New Mexico desert. 🙂 We were weird, but we were weird together. Maybe we still are a little bit. Thank you for leaving a comment. I love you!
Interesting information about trail bosses using their pocket watches like a compass to navigate.
I am a Capricorn on the cusp of Aquarius. I am an Earth sign and my husband is a water sign which is a good match, but I didn’t;t need astrology to tell me that. It is always fun to look at the traits and predictions and see how accurate the are.
Thank you for your comment, Patricia. I too, found it interesting that the trail bosses used pocket watches like a compass. It sounds like you chose the perfect match with your husband!
I was born in first part of February. I believe it makes me an Aquarius.
That’s correct, Debra. And how awesome that we are now entering into the Age of Aquarius! Thank you for leaving a comment!
Scorpio
denise
Hi, Denise. Thank you for leaving a comment today!
Hi Jan, I’m on the cusp. Born on the 19th of May, I’m Taurus the Bull and Gemini the twins. I’ve had a reader tell me that I actually have three personalities since I’m on he cusp. I think she was right. She was a true reader and worked with the Police Department. You’re book looks wonderful. I haven’t read it, but knowing how good your other books are this one will be great! Looking forward to seeing you soon, my friend. Hugs, Phyliss
Thank you for your comment, Phyliss. I too, am born on the cusp between Leo and Virgo and I can definitely say I have some of both traits. I’m glad you are intrigued by my new book and hope you enjoy it should you decide to read it. Take care and I look forward to seeing you again soon as well! Have a great weekend!
Jan- I somehow missed this until now. I loved your book. Ghostly Interference was phenomenal and whoever wins a copy is in for a huge treat. I love astrology. I can’t remember my sun sign. I was born Dec 31st. So you would probably know it.
Love you and I hope we get to meet again soon.
Hi, Tonya! Thanks so much for stopping by. You are a Capricorn and the strengths fit you to a tee! They are responsible, disciplined, self-control, and good managers. 🙂 That’s you, right? Thank you for your kind words about Ghostly Interference! Love you! And YES, it would be great to get together again. That was such a fun day!
Born June 29th I am a Cancer all the way. I didn’t know about nav*gating with a pocket watch. I’ve always had .a keen sense of direction seven at night or .a cloudy day. It’s almost as if a magnet is directing me due North. I get this picture in my mind of standing facing North with my arms spread East & West, my feet to the South like I’m my own compass. Weird, maybe, but I’ve never been lost. Your book sounds intriguing & I love that Harley on the cover, especially the rims.
I didn’t realize you & Linda are sisters. Very cool.
I live in Southeastern New Mexico on a mountaintop surrounded by desert.
Hi, Janie. Thank you for your amazing comment. I’ve never heard anyone express having a keen sense of direction in that way. You would have made a good trail boss without a pocket watch. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the post and that the book cover attracted you. Yes, Linda and I are sisters. But, she’s the oldest. 🙂
Good morning! I didn’t know a watch could be used to navigate or the chuck wagon trick either!
I’m a Scorpio and my eldest daughter knows all my other astrological signs but I can never remember them for sure but I think my moon sign is Libra.
I’d love to read your newest book, it’s on my radar. I’ve loved all your books I’ve read so far!! Stay safe!
Hi, Stephanie! How awesome that your daughter has charted all of your signs. I’m glad you found the tidbits about the pocket watch and chuck wagon tongue interesting. Maybe today will be your lucky day and you’ll win a copy of Ghostly Interference!! Crossing my fingers. Have a great weekend and thank you for stopping by!
I am on the cusp of Capricorn and Aquarius.
Hi, Debra. Thanks for stopping by. You are the same as my best friend for over 40 years. I know we’d get along great. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
My sun sign is a Sagitarius. Born a week before Christmas. Actually, I’m right at the end of a Saggitarius.
Book sounds like a good read. Would love to read and review in print format.
Hi, Crystal. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I’m glad my book grabbed your interest. I would love for you to read and review it!
I’m a Scorpio, married to a Gemini.
Hi, Alisa! That’s an interesting combination. Thank you for stopping by!