Ringing in the Eclipses

Posted by Amanda Painter

Boy in a funeral procession flashes the peace sign; the Balinese do not mind strangers witnessing their ceremonies. Karma and dharma are a strong part of their Hindu beliefs. Photo by Amanda Painter.

Even if you were not sent a bright star in the east last night to follow — or some other impossible-to-ignore sign from god — Amanda Painter suggests there are have been plenty of clues about what today’s New Moon and eclipse is about, thanks to Saturn and Pluto working all year in Capricorn .

The Cosmic Breath that Quickens Capricorn

Posted by Amanda Painter

Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, shines above Bear Lake, Alaska. Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Strang, U.S. Air Force, via Wikimedia Commons.

Amanda Painter considers the juxtaposition of the Sun’s alignment with the Galactic Core, and the Capricorn solstice just a couple days later. What happens if you stay consciously oriented on our ‘cosmic homing signal’ as you step into the responsibilities of Capricorn?

Body and Soul, After the Full Moon

Posted by Amanda Painter

Male dancers performing the Tedung Agung, a dance evoking a protective umbrella, in Ubud, Bali. Photo by Amanda Painte

As the Gemini Full Moon begins separating, and situations reflecting its tension begin resolving, other feelings appear to be intensifying. Amanda Painter considers Venus conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, square Eris in Aries. With additional activity in Sagittarius, the physical and spiritual are fully enmeshed.

Tending a Grateful Space

Posted by Amanda Painter

Chimes and frangipani tree in Padangbai, Bali; photo by Amanda Painter.

Jupiter is currently making its way through the last degree of Sagittarius, bringing to a close this year in its home sign. Amanda Painter suggests taking inventory of your Jupiter-in-Sagittarius year. A Mercury-Vesta opposition and a Venus-Ceres conjunction offer additional themes and questions you may wish to make space for.

The Mysterious Case of Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio

Posted by Amanda Painter

From the 2016 Sacred and Profane Festival, Peaks Island. Photo by Amanda Painter.

Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio today. Mercury is associated with tricks, especially during its retrogrades, yet it does bestow treats as well — though as Amanda Painter notes, it requires actively seeking that perspective, in the form of recognizing the lessons hidden in the mischief and frustration.

Secrets and Surprises

Posted by Amanda Painter

Illuminated offering at the 2016 Sacred and Profane Festival, Peaks Island, Maine. Photo by Amanda Painter.

In one week, Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio. This Saturday is the Scorpio New Moon, opposite Uranus. One translation of all this: the next seven-plus days may well be characterized by secrets and surprises. Amanda Painter asks: what determines whether such things feel like tricks or treats?

Chaos, Balance and Birth

Posted by Amanda Painter

Fire engine abstract #2; Photo by Amanda Painter.

Mercury may still be two weeks from its station retrograde in Scorpio on Oct. 31, but its effects have been emerging all week. Amanda Painter considers the Sun-Eris opposition against this backdrop, along with the potential for rewarding (if intensive) self-awareness and new ways of relating.