Astromara is your one-stop destination for free daily and monthly horoscopes, astronomy charts and reports – but who is behind the forecasts? The answer is Paul O’Mara, a fully qualified astrologer and physic. After studying the nuances of the Tarot, Paul can deliver customised readings and more, and set up the site to make it more convenient for people to access readings through Skype, and of course check their horoscopes regularly.
We’ve put together an interview with the man behind Astromara to see what he loves about astrology and why he wants to share it with others.
Q: Have you always believed in the power of the stars and planets? Did your family encourage it?
Q: If not, what was the turning point when you realised astrology could be real?
Q: Have you ever dealt with celebrity or well-known clients?
Q: What do you suggest for people who are searching for their soulmate? Can astrology help?
Q: What is your star sign? Have you always related to it?
Q: What is your favourite service to carry out? (Eg. Birth charts, tarot, horoscopes)
Q: Finally, what would you say to people who think astrology is nothing more than boo hockey?!
Many of us are quite simply hooked on horoscopes. Whether it’s a daily glance at the horoscope page in our local paper or investing in a natal chart, a staggering selection of us love astrology. But why are we so spellbound by our stars? Here are a few reasons:
It’s a Ritual
For many, whether they believe in astrology or not, checking what the stars have in store is part of a daily ritual. Even horoscopes written in a very generic, broad sense pique the curiosity of readers.
We Like to Categorise Ourselves
Although astrology is always intended as a guide rather than a black or white definition of who we are, people truly enjoy relating to their sign. Identifying whether you are a regal Leo, ambitious Capricorn or an inventive Aquarius is exciting.
We Like to Plan Ahead
Astrology can be used to predict trends in ourselves and our lives. As human beings we enjoy preparing for what is coming on the horizon. Exploring problematic and harmonious transits enables us to seize the moment and weather upcoming storms. Many of us have waxes and wanes which can be reflected by the actions of the planets above us. Astrology helps us better understand these and actually gives us a sense of autonomy and control.
We Like to Test our Compatibility
Although gauging true compatibility requires a comprehensive natal chart, even on the surface we can test our compatibility with others. Whether it’s a family member, new love or newfound friend, it’s common to ask others what sign they are to see if that fiery connection or lack of love we feel is based in astrological harmony or dysfunction.
We Want to Understand Ourselves
Oftentimes, people will say ‘I’ve just always loved the limelight since I was a child’ or ‘I’ve always been quite shy and hate being the centre of attention.’ We tend to think these statements are just who we are. Astrology can help explain these behaviours. Person A sounds like an attention loving Leo whereas person B might be a painfully shy, withdrawn Capricorn. Astrology does not dictate who we are but it does help us reveal blocks and flows in who we are.
It’s Addictive!
Astrology is a little like the rabbit hole in ‘Alice and Wonderland.’ Once you start, you can’t stop; you’ll just fall deeper and deeper into this exhilarating world. Whether it’s understanding your love life, work skills, hobbies, fears, triggers and dreams, astrology can really help you work in sync with your own personality to build the life you want. It is the accessibility and scope of astrology that make it both alluring and enduring.
For those new to astrology, the ideas presented are sometimes dismissed as nonsense. The truth is there is very real science to back up astrology. Man’s comprehension of the stars has lead to an understanding about how they work and influence us throughout our lives. Astrology can be used to generate expectations for the future and further our understanding of ourselves by identifying patterns in our behaviour.
Astrologists believe that the planets influence human behaviour and that the time, date and place of our birth has impacted who we are at a fundamental level simply by the energies and placements of the planets as we were born. The belief that the stars have an influence and direct correlation to the events that take place on earth is not unusual. The human body itself is comprised of planetary elements or literal stardust; iron, zinc and copper. With that in mind, how could the planets not influence the material we are made of? Many believe that people behave wildly during the full moon and women’s monthly menstrual cycles are often in sync with the moon’s activity. It’s clear that the pull of the planets is always in action.
Astrology has not been invented on a whim. There are very specific rules that dictate just how astrology works. These rules are based on patterns and trends in how people are influenced by the stars. For example, an astonishing array of actors have a prominent Leo position, many journalists and writers are Geminis and a large number of Pisceans are connected to escapist behaviours such as drug addiction and alcoholism. Astrology uses the natural world to predict these patterns.
Astrology can be testable in the real world to some degree. The basis of astrology is that a person’s personality and character is influenced by the stars. If we assert that a large number of celebrities have a prominent Leo position in their chart, this assertion is testable as we study and delve into the astrological signs of celebrities. As such, astrological ideas can be confirmed or rejected.
Many people don’t know that great minds have worked in alignment with astrology including Carl Jung. Jung had an interest in how people worked; why did they exhibit certain behaviours, feelings and characteristics? Why don’t we all simply behave the same way? What accounts for our personality differences? Jung believed, as astrologers do, that there is a link between astrology and romantic compatibility. He studied the natal charts of over 400 married couples and was able to locate patterns and trends that fortified his theory. The point is that the planets influence us meaningfully in a myriad of ways every day; our fertility, moods, weather patterns are all influenced by varying degrees by the stars.
If you want to test astrology, take a look at our free horoscopes, daily astrology forecasts and birth chart wheels.
Celebrities embark on new love affairs as frequently as they change their socks and celebrity relationships are notoriously complicated. We’re here to see which tried and tested couples have weathered the storms and appear to be built to last! Harmonious sun signs are only one part of the puzzle (for a truly comprehensive read you need to know you and your partner’s natal charts which will require your date, time and place of birth) but it’s a useful starting point to see who suits on the surface!
Ryan Reynolds (Libra) and Blake Lively (Virgo)
Ryan Reynolds is the movie star pinup of women all over the world but with his sun in Libra, Ryan is romantic and relationship minded. Libras literally feel lost without love. Blake is a hard working Virgo; trustworthy, authentic and self-sufficient, they both work hard at their marriage.
Brad Pitt (Sagittarius) and Angelina Jolie (Gemini)
Nothing about Brad and Angelina’s relationship is conventional and with suns in Sagittarius and Gemini, their love affair will never be boring! Sagittarius and Gemini are opposing signs which will mean that they have a lot to teach one another. Fire and air fuel one another so this love affair is full of passion and vitality. Sagittarius is connected to philosophy and the quest for truth whilst Gemini is linked with communication and travel. Together these two will have plenty of unconventional adventures.
Kim Kardashian (Libra) and Kanye West (Gemini)
As air signs, Libra and Gemini understand one another well. They are both restless, communicative and ideas people. They are always in a position to think about what they want. Although their materialism may hark to an earthiness, these two have their heads in the clouds and are likely to have a dreamy, chatty relationship. Both will prefer words as their primary love language.
Beyoncé (Virgo) and Jay-Z (Sagittarius)
On the surface these two are very different. Virgo is mutable but desires a prudent, authentic, long-burning love. Sagittarius by contrast wants to roam and explore. They can be a bit blundering as they strive for excitement. Earth and fire feed one another so the attraction here is more enduring.
Mila Kunis (Leo) and Ashton Kutcher (Scorpio)
These two are very different but there is a real connection here. Leo is proud, regal and utterly devoted in love. The lion is generous, fair and completely above board; what you see is what you get with Mila. Scorpio is equally intense but a little more reserved. There is real devotion here.
Will Smith (Libra) and Jada Pinkett Smith (Virgo)
Will’s mercurial Libra sun loves to be loved and feels at home in relationships. Jada is conservative in nature and her Virgo sun desires stability and reliability. These two feed one another’s sense of home but also inspire one another leading to a lot of fun.
Johnny Depp (Gemini) and Amber Heard (Taurus)
Johnny and Amber have a completely different energy; Gemini is restless and ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice for an adventure. Taurus is strong, stable and steady, a little stubborn and a creature of habit. Although there will be tension between the two, Taurus can really calm and focus Gemini’s sporadic energy and Gemini can add a little spontaneity to Taurus. This may be an opposites attracts recipe that works.
The New Year is encroaching fast and many will be looking to the stars to see if love is on the cards. If you’re keen to have a happy New Year, make the most of our free horoscopes and forecasts for the forthcoming year to see how the stars will influence your love life.
The stars impact our wellbeing on a daily basis with even the most minute of intergalactic changes having ramifications. As we are all intimately intertwined with these energies, we are particularly susceptible to such changes. A free daily astrology forecast is personalised to your time and date of birth making it a bespoke offering tailor made to your stars rather than a generic round up designed for mass consumption. Divulging the main events of the day, your emotional responses and the exact times of personal transits that will affect you, this reading tracks the moon’s movements daily for an inspirational daily read to help you plan your day accordingly.
For a better understanding of your astrological self a free birth chart wheel will divulge the placements of your sun, moon and other signs at the exact time of your birth. This information can then be deciphered and extrapolated to your present life. For instance, discovering that you have a Gemini sun, Capricorn moon and Scorpio ascendant will unveil poignant challenges and differences in the blueprint of your personality. Setting the foundation of greater personal understanding, free birth chart wheels are the ideal starting point to further your comprehension of yourself.
All of us have a different path and our life’s purpose is to uncover this path. The Life Destiny reading is offered as a free sample and is designed to help further the reasoning behind your feelings, key areas of personal importance and abilities yet to be realised, perfect to help hone New Year’s resolutions.
2014-2015 Predictor:
This free sample helps decipher what may or may not be coming your way in 2015. Helping you to regain control of your life, this sample is intended as a guide to help you make the most of positive planetary transits and manage negative transits appropriately.
Our free Soul Mates profile will help you and your partner to identify the harmonious aspects that you share to strengthen your relationship within the coming year. Especially perfect for brand new lovers looking to see if their love will stand the test of time, find out just how compatible you truly are on a soul level.
Love is very much in the stars and with this free sample you can read your point of view as well as that of your lover. Uncovering the emotional and sexual needs of you and your partner, you can also pinpoint naturally occurring waxes and wanes to safeguard your relationship in 2015.
As a Scorpio, intensity might well be your middle name. Everything you do has a fiery quality associated with it, be that work, love or justice. As such, you expect great amounts of passion and lust from your partners, which might be a downfall or a blessing. You can also inspire jealousy because of your constant and powerful sensual presence. That said, if you allow it, you will be transformed by love. The transformation will vary though:
Scorpio and Scoprio Pairings: Watch out! You’ll be able to communicate with each other very easily due to your shared understanding of each other’s sexuality, but this openness can lead you down a dangerous path if you let it. Be honest with your feelings, but don’t allow them to get in the way of your partner’s feelings.
Scorpio and Sagittarius Pairings: Sagittarius love their independence. They are also very direct and honest. This is the opposite to you. If you want this match to be made in Heaven and not in Hell, you need to appreciate these differences. This is a particularly strong warning because you will definitely feel the pull of the moon guiding you towards each other.
Scorpio and Capricorn pairings: Capricorn and Scorpio are both consumed by emotion. The major difference is that as a Scorpio you want to be completely consumed by one emotion for a long period of time. On the other hand, a Capricorn wants to take a shallow taste of each emotion in quick succession. You must help them to feel deeply, and they must help to save you from being consumed by negative emotion.
Scorpio and Aquarius pairings: You are both very powerful people, and unrelenting. Neither of you will want to submit and be controlled by the other. However, this can be a blessing instead of a curse, because you both respect the steadfastness (and even stubbornness!) of the other. Allow this to be an emotion of respect and not of hate.
Scorpio and Pisces pairings: You both are sensual and caring and love with a fiery Latin-style love. However, Pisces have lofty emotions and lofty ambitions. As a Scorpio, you prefer to smolder in the real world and have every day concerns. This can work if you compartmentalize, but if you don’t, you will drive each other insane.
Scorpio and Leo pairings: You both love melodrama and eventfulness in life which is great. However, the key issue with this pairing is that the drama is controlled. Otherwise, it can be a recipe for disaster. Make sure you take your partner to the Opera as opposed to throwing things at them because of the dishes not being cleaned on time!
Scorpio and Gemini Pairings: You will both be driven by your lust for each other. However, do not allow this to blind you to reality: You’ll need a lot of things in common with each other for when those initial passionate moments wane.
Scorpio and Aries pairings: You are both fiery. You are both passionate. The problem here will be if you refuse to accept that the Aries is what they are. They do not mince their words. When they want you, they want you. You might have a natural inclination to play games. The Aries will not have that.
Ah, Freedom Loving Sagittarius. You love adventure and you love your own company. You have had trouble in the past due to not wanting to be defined or fenced in by life. This can be troublesome for the more passionate and couple seeking behaviors that other star signs exhibit. Here are the issues that you should consider with each pairing:
Sagittarius and Sagittarius pairings: You’ll understand each other well due to your similar star sign. However, that doesn’t mean it’ll all be plain sailing. You’ll need to take frequent rain checks to bring you both back to earth. Otherwise your mutual love for adventure will take you to dark and crazy places.
Sagittarius and Capricorn: Capricorn are organized and you are not. You are adventurous and they are not. Surprisingly, due to your similar emotional rhythms you’ll be able to separate your differences and find your own common grounds. This could be a great match if you overcome initial differences.
Sagittarius and Aquarius Pairings: An Aquarius will be charmed by you. They will be initially drawn in to you for your adventurousness, and likewise, you will love their grounded attitude. However, don’t allow Aquarius to control you with their coolness. You need adventure. If you don’t follow this, war is soon to follow!
Sagittarius and Pisces: Pisces will allow themselves to become passive under your lead, which you will hate. Make sure that you convince them to take the reins sometimes, and you’ll both be thankful for it. It’d be shame to let this pairing go to waste. After all, you are both heavy dreamers and you can create and inspire each other to achieve those dreams.
Sagittarius and Leo: Both of you will be overly drawn by your passion for each other. However, that heat will burn out if you allow it to. The best way to deal with this problem is to make sure you leave enough time for each other to be independent beings. Initially you won’t want to, but this is good for the long term sake of the relationship.
Sagittarius and Gemini: There will be a lot of differences in this relationship. You have different emotional rhythms. Different intellectual principles which you seek to abide by. However, you both have a mutual love of new experiences. This will be the key determiner of whether your relationship is a success or a failure. When you planets align together, it will be very passionate also.
Sagittarius and Aries: You will want to tame the Aries. This is something that will keep you chasing them. They are fiery and stubborn, and you love adventure. Whilst the Aries is not adventurous, dealing with their powerful and forceful nature is a challenge in and of itself. Think of yourself as a bull fighter or snake charmer in this relationship and you won’t be far wrong. However, don’t mistake their blunt nature for rudeness. They are not as skilled in conversation as you are. Beautiful pairings can result from this dynamic.
Cancer are a beautiful romantic. They will overlook the flaws of their partner and have a strong desire to be the most intimately connected and supportive person they can be. This is brilliant but also can mean that the Cancer falls into the trap of being a hopeless romantic. The following will help you choose how to act in certain pairings.
Cancer and Cancer: You both have the same intimate hopes and dreams. You will need to watch out though: There is a thin line between nurturing and controlling, and emotions can run high. Give each other space and support.
Cancer and Leo: You need to be the supporting role if you are the Cancer in this pairing. Leo loves to be the main actor in the play, and you fit into the role of support naturally. However, don’t lose yourself and become a servant to the Leo.
Cancer and Virgo: You will need each other. Virgo needs the support of a loving Cancer, who is happy to provide it. Cancer will need the self-reassurance that the Virgo provides. This could be a great partnership if you have things in common.
Cancer and Libra: You have a set of contradictory behaviors which can make for an interesting pairing if you allow it. Cancer wants to build walls, and Libra likes to be taken around the walls. Cancer builds the foundations, and Libra’s artistic style means that they’ll add the finishing touches.
Cancer and Scorpio: Both of you are in tune with your emotional sides, and some would say governed by them. The only problem here is one of rhythm. Scorpio have longer burning emotional candles, whereas Cancer tend to move faster through the emotions. Beware of this when tempers run high.
Cancer and Sagittarius: This pairing spells danger in most cases. Cancer is a nest builder, and loves to have set boundaries and definitions. Sagittarius hate the controlling nature of anything. They don’t set habits if they can help it. You will have to compromise heavily for this pairing to work.
Cancer and Capricorn: Cancer and Capricorn will make each other sullen if they don’t appreciate their differences. This is a case of intuition of the cancer meeting the rationality of the Capricorn. Allow each other to lead from time to time; you will learn new ways of looking at things.
Cancer and Aquarius: This is another opposite approach that will be difficult to manage. Aquarius are cool and indifferent, the opposite of a Cancer’s nurturing and emotional perspective. Watch out and try and buck the odds on this one by finding your own way to handle things.
Cancer and Pisces: As long as you don’t have a self-destructive person, this pairing is a match in heaven. Your emotional rhythms are the same, your philosophical outlooks on life are similar and most importantly, you both have the need to settle down and be happy in domestic bliss together. Good luck with this one, but you won’t need it.
Gemini love expressing an adventurous sexuality. They love challenge, be it physical or intellectual. This can be the best thing for them or the worst. You love meeting new people, and you are not afraid to move onto greener pastures when the time is right. However, that flightiness isn’t necessarily shared by everyone. You might need to tone it down to get the right person to fall in love with you.
Gemini and Gemini: You’ll generate a lot of energy between you. This can be a blessing or a hardship. Allow the exuberance and adventurousness you both feel to feed off each other, and not consume each other. Allow each other to take the pairing on an adventure and use your sexual adventurous to keep things fresh and interesting.
Gemini + Cancer: This could be a dangerous match up. Cancer love to connect at a deep and emotional level, whereas the Gemini is looking for new experiences constantly. This isn’t the best combination naturally, so tread carefully.
Gemini + Leo: This could be a good match or a great match, providing you bear two things in mind: 1. Leo are very loyal, and they will not enjoy the flirtatiousness of the average Gemini. 2. both of you will like to be the center of attention. For this relationship to work you need to both allow the other to be the star of the show at times.
Gemini + Virgo: What starts of as intrigue for both parties can turn to annoyance if you don’t share the same lifestyle. The fact that a Gemini and a Virgo are completely different is what will initially draw them to each other. It is also potentially what will drive them apart.
Gemini + Libra: This isn’t going to be a sizzling affair of ardent passion. It might well be a life partnership though. Where Gemini and Libra are the same they find common ground, and where they are different they complement each other. Don’t expect this pairing to be non-stop seduction though.
Gemini + Scorpio: This is the opposite of the above! Both of you will be driven by your lust for each other. The main thing you need to worry about in this relationship is jealousy, because after a few moments together you will definitely realize the potency of each other’s sensuality!
Gemini + Sagittarius: You will have your differences in this relationship, that’s for sure. However, you both love adventure and will complement each other if you give each other the space to pursue your own interests.
Gemini + Capricorn: The major issue here is that a Capricorn is not a natural adventurer. This can lead to regret on the part of the Gemini or fear of abandonment on behalf of the Capricorn. Allow yourselves to set a rhythm of new experience to routine.
Gemini and Aquarius: Both adventurous, both flirty. This could be a dream pair if you respect each other. The issue will be if you can recognize when a time calls for a deeper emotional bonding.
Gemini and Pisces: This pairing is a case of opposites attracting each other. Pisces are laid back, and Gemini are adventurous go-getters. This can be terrible if you don’t appreciate why you’re drawn to the things you don’t have. Be careful and respect each other.
Libra tends to be a flirty, independent minded character. You are the definition of good character with a secret sensual side that is waiting to burst out at the right moment. Love is very important to you because finding the right person allows you to express that flirty and sensual side. As such, you’re guaranteed to want to find the perfect partner. The pairings below will show you who that might be:
Libra and Libra pairings: You can both get on really with each other, because you both want to connect and continue your connection with each other. However, Libra has a tendency towards indecision. In a pair, this can lead to stagnation if you let it.
Libra and Scorpio pairings: The short term pairing will be passionate here as both Scorpio and Libra need to feel a connection. However, Libra tends to want domestic comfort, whilst Scorpio love drama and ongoing intensity. Long term this can be dangerous.
Libra and Sagittarius pairings: The Sagittarius with their adventurous spirit will cause plenty of jealous moments, but your natural flirtiness and ability to inspire them to emotional connection will win them back in the end.
Libra and Capricorn pairings: You are both old-fashioned romantics. You are both driven foremost by the idea that you are one of a perfect pair. On the surface this is brilliant, however it can lead to trouble and issues with jealousy. Watch out for this and make sure to deal with problems as they arise.
Libra and Aquarius pairings: You will share a massive mental connection with this pairing. You both love to talk about topics that interest you for hours. The issue with a Libra and Aquarius pairing is that you will have to translate that logical and intellectual connection into something more passionate if you want to be completely fulfilled.
Libra and Pisces pairings: You might be tempted to see this initial affair as a match made in Heaven, but beware. Whilst you’ll be drawn to each other’s souls, your psychological differences will become more apparent over time. Pisces needs to feel a certain emotional intimacy, and whilst Libra needs this, the approach is different. Coldness versus heat is the description best suited for Libra and Pisces pairings.
Libra and Aries pairings: You need to tame the fiery nature of the Aries if you want to succeed. You’ll want intimacy, they’ll want passion. You might mistake their powerful individuality for a refusal to commit, but that is not how they see it at all!
Libra and Leo pairings: You will be afraid and passionate in this relationship. Whilst neither of you will feel like it, because of your proclivities towards emotional situations and jealousy, you will play games of hot and cold with each other. Whilst each of you might think you are being manipulated, realize that this is a pot and kettle situation.
Libra and Virgo Pairings: You will have trouble here because the Virgo can compartmentalize their emotional lives where as you have real trouble with hiding your passion when mundane work needs to be done.
