Comparing Rufus’ birth chart to his chart at the time of his death Sandy was overwhelmed at what a high, cosmic being he is. He was my best friend, my soulmate and my heart and all these things were supported by the charts.

He was born with his Sun at 16 degrees and Venus at 13 degrees of Capricorn. With both planets moving at basically the same speed, Venus being just slightly faster, Venus finally overtook the sun on the day of his passing at 29 degrees of Capricorn, the exact placement of my Mars. It took his whole life to do this Mars represents the yang, assertiveness, drive, who you are and what you do. Loosely translated, that position is the end of an earth sign, signifying the end of the body; the end of earthly reality, but not the end of his spiritual energy which he passed over to me. It was just not possible for him to push that physical body any farther. It was his goal, his purpose to hang in until the two planets completed their cycle in his chart, making him complete in the process. ( As we all know, Capricorn just has to get the job done !).

Death and birth are very much the same. Some people as well as animals know when they are to go. During the past year, Neptune, which represents the spiritual, the psychic and the angelic realm, was sitting at 29 degrees of Capricorn. I watched as Rufus’ physical strength was being dissolved, like bubbles in a champagne glass slowly dissipating, but still not ready to pass over just yet. During the spring of 1997 Neptune started calling him home, telling him he did not need this heavy, earth-bound energy anymore. I used all my power to strengthen him.

Pluto representing death and rebirth passed over his Moon and Saturn in Sagittarius bringing internal and external exhaustion--the body is done Despite all my valiant efforts and successes ( I cannot discount those) I could not keep him alive forever. He is going home.

Chiron, being just past his Ascendant and conjunct his Mars in Scorpio was sublimating his energy, taking it to a higher level where he can use it more magically, holistically. His spiritual energy will be more powerful from other dimensions without the body encumbering him.

All this while Neptune was on my Mars teaching me greater compassion, refining my healing abilities and honing my intuition. Hanging in for me all year, Rufus was the vehicle for my advancement, my development.

On the day of his passing Saturn was leaving Aries, moving into Taurus. This planet just happened to be square my Mars and his Venus in Capricorn signifying his exit and my entrance. He has willed his yang energy, confidence, strength, wisdom and ancientness to me. It is time to get with the program and walk my talk.

Saturn in Taurus within hours of his passing completed the trine with Mercury at 2 degrees, Neptune 3 degrees, Venus 13 degrees and Sun at 16 degrees of Capricorn. He was at peace right away, he was walking in that little meadow with blue skies and bluebirds that he dreamt of.

We were a team, and still are. With his death we are now bonded forever for eternity, like the pyramids. His spirit will be there for me, guiding me and assisting me with my healing work until such time as he can return--and he will return to grace me with his presence again in this life.

With both of our moons in Sagittarius, we had a real heart connection. As he closed his eyes for the last time I held his beautiful face in my hands and said “I love you” one last time. The feeling of loss was overwhelming I laid his face in my lap, put my forehead against his head and felt the most wonderful feeling. Rufus’ spirit passed through my heart and my soul on its way to meet the angels. During that moment, all time seemed to stand still, I stopped crying, I think I even stopped breathing while this graceful feeling of peace, relief, release and love came over me. It seemed as though the bright fluorescent lights of the exam room had dimmed and I was able to witness a blue sparkling energy over Rufus’ head. I realized then that I had been blessed with the honor of witnessing the passing of Rufus’ spirit to the after-life. I felt numb. I felt as though my mother, who had passed away three years ago, was there to greet him. She had always loved Rufus.

As he passed, Venus (Goddess of Love) was just "setting" in his chart, showing that his love, his partner and his confidante was by his side, reinforcing the eternal bond between us.

My life will never be quite the same again. There is an empty bed in the living room that my heart will not let me put away. I keep expecting to hear him bark at an animal on the TV or woof to let me know that it is cookie time in the morning. Now I have to eat Chinese Food without Rufus barking all through dinner for his fair share. (Chicken with Broccoli was his favorite). Time will heal the tremendous sense of loss that I feel and I take comfort in looking forward to the day when our paths will cross again.

Good-bye my dear friend.