Tag Archives: astrology

The Day of Defiance: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Oct. 7
The Day of Defiance | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Creative work often requires walking a fine line between rational thought and flights of imagination, while drawing on the strengths of both. There will be days when you can blissfully float into wonderful fantasy worlds, and others when you’re happier managing logical matters; and still others when you want nothing more than to clean house or go for a run. The key is almost always diligence and perseverance. So long as you keep your eye on the goal, getting there is all but certain.
— by Amy Elliott

Do you have your Sun, Moon or rising sign in Libra? If so, Eric has much to say about stabilizing your relationships in the chaos of the internet, getting some traction in your career, and most of all, how to frame your own reality. in the 2019-2020 Libra Astrology Studio, now available for instant access. Check out the video preview for the reading here.

Written in the Planets

What does it take to convert impatience with restrictions into the self-discipline needed to eventually transcend them? This seems to be one of those questions that need to be faced on a regular basis, since it’s a cornerstone of maturing and learning how to take authority in one’s life. It’s also a question you’re likely to encounter today, as the Libra Sun squares Saturn in Capricorn. In fact, you’ve probably been dealing with whatever issue this aspect represents for the last few days.

Possibly this dynamic has resulted in focusing all (or most) of your attention on some authority figure who either is in fact limiting you, or whom you fear and assume has that power. Have you actually tried to discuss the matter, though? You might discover you have more leeway to pursue preferred activities, or to break out of a rut, than you thought. Without actually having the conversation, however, your assumptions could be making life feel more difficult than it really is — and that can sap energy you could really use on a Monday.

Luckily, there are aspects to the Sun and Saturn that suggest such potentials as: breakthroughs in understanding, an ability to express yourself (in a mature way) with minimal actual consequences, and access to the kind of mentorship that feeds your soul and keeps you pointed toward your goal. Those potentials will require some action to access them, though. You may even find that in seeking your own personal balance between self-gratification and responsibility, liberation becomes less about running wild, and more about the inner work you do.
— by Amanda Painter

My autumn readings, called In These Times, offer a place of refuge, an opportunity to suspend self-judgment, and my careful reading of the charts. I offer you reasons to be motivated, and strategies for handling the strange complexity of society at this time. To this work, I bring all of what I have learned as a journalist, editor, astrologer, spiritual student and man of the world; and I offer it to you for an affordable price. Read more here.

In These Times is now available for instant access!

The Day of the Good Life: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 6
The Day of the Good Life | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

A major new stage in your life is beginning, and it’s time to shake off any lingering doubts or fears regarding how ready you are, or how capable. You’ve proven countless times that you are both, and then some; and once you’ve taken those first few crucial steps, you’ll probably be surprised at just how well and easily you’re adapting. True, in any situation there are challenges, though facing them is how we learn and develop. Gather your courage and take this opportunity with both hands. You’ll be glad you did.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Monday might begin the ‘real’ workweek for you, but today’s Capricorn Moon suggests getting down to business with your personal priorities. That could mean inner emotional stuff you need to address, or it might describe taking practical steps with external resources, projects and long-term goals.

Note, however, that with Mercury’s opposition to Uranus in Taurus exact, you may need to take an unorthodox approach to things, or prefer to spend short bursts of time on several tasks. Even then, dealing with the underlying facets of what you’re working on could prove more satisfying than just touching on surface levels. Working with some kind of method (perhaps a new one) could help prevent errors, especially if new insights emerge quickly.

Others may challenge your thinking (and you may find yourself unexpectedly challenging others), which could result in particularly blunt or sharp responses. Sometimes that is exactly what’s needed to move ideas and relationships to the next level. Yet this works best if nobody’s being confrontational simply for the sake of it, and if neither party stays attached to their emotions and preconceived notions.

Also, notice if a need for certain things to be ‘just so’ is working at cross-purposes with a broader vision for what makes a fulfilling partnership. These differences could play out with another person (as in, one of you taking one approach, and the second person taking the other), or might manifest as a purely internal tension. If focusing on the details is not leading to a sense of ease, perhaps leaning toward a philosophy of shared purpose will help reframe specific expectations. We all have our bottom-line non-negotiables, but nothing is perfect.
— by Amanda Painter

In These Times is now available for instant access!

The Day of the Just Cause: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 5
The Day of the Just Cause | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

You’ve traveled quite a distance in the past year, at least metaphorically speaking. Ongoing, you’ll want to continue and consolidate your various achievements and successes first of all. When it comes to the setbacks, look for the lesson you’ve taken from them or the ways in which you’ve grown stronger. You’ve certainly become more resilient and more tenacious, as well as bolder. Perhaps more importantly than anything, you know what you want, and have the determination you need to get it.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

The Capricorn Moon and Libra Sun square off today for the first quarter Moon — with the Moon conjunct Saturn and the lunar South Node. Along with the kind of tension that may spur you to get moving on a project, this square also suggests a question: where is the point of balance between your need to express and gratify your own aims and desires, and your responsibility to others? Perhaps even more importantly, did you feel an awareness of guilt or habits of self-restriction begin cascading in the moment you even read that question?

We all have adult responsibilities to others that we cannot in good conscience ignore; to do so would actually undermine our own process of growth and maturity, and of taking true authority in our lives. Yet any time guilt is cropping up that’s a signal to pay attention. Are you sure you’re not restricting yourself more than you need to? Today may offer an opportunity to question that actively, in a way that lets you move forward into some new space.

Note also that with Mercury in Scorpio opposing Uranus in Taurus, surprisingly deep insights could pop up. If you’re feeling frustrated with anyone, however, just be careful what comes shooting out your mouth.
— by Amanda Painter

In These Times is now available for instant access!

The Day of the Incorrigibles: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 4
The Day of the Incorrigibles | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Now is your moment to step into the next phase of your journey, or to kick-start that project you wanted to get underway. You’re likely to be busy. This year’s astrology isn’t just on skates; it’s driving a Ferrari. You’ll want to stay alert, and be prepared to steer the energy in a productive direction — in particular, toward your personal growth and healing. If what you’re doing now isn’t contributing to that, you may want to consider doing something different. Check in regularly with your inner guidance system.
— by Amy Elliott

Do you have your Sun, Moon or rising sign in Libra? If so, your sign is directly aligned with the single most significant astrological event beginning 2020. Eric will walk you through the most effective ways to approach your year in the 2019-2020 Libra Astrology Studio, now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

Mars enters Libra at 12:22 am EDT (4:21:50 UTC) today. This is one of those ‘funny’ Mars placements, in that signs ruled by Venus are not easy places for Mars to be. It can describe enthusiasm and an active approach to relationships, but also can express as less self-directed than in other signs. People with this natal placement can swing between mild-mannered and hot under the collar.

That is a signal to stay conscious of your unexpressed desires and frustrations: usually it’s the things we have not figured out how to express or act on — or which we’re afraid might rock the boat — that trip us up eventually. Awareness in this realm could be especially useful this afternoon. The Moon enters Capricorn at 1:43 pm EDT (17:43:07 UTC) and immediately squares Mars. Although Moon transits do not last long, they can have impact.

In this case, that could mean emotions getting the better of people (including you), irritability, or acting rashly. Notice if you’re letting small annoyances rile you up, when really there’s some larger grievance you’re trying to avoid facing. That’s the kind of set-up that can lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. And really, who needs that on a Friday? If you’re willing to lean on Mercury, newly in Scorpio, to think a little deeper into your feelings, you may be able to get beneath the petty stuff and deal appropriately with what’s really bugging you.
— by Amanda Painter

My readings offer a place of refuge, an opportunity to suspend self-judgment, and my careful reading of the charts. I offer you reasons to be motivated, and strategies for handling the strange complexity of society at this time. To this work, I bring all of what I have learned as a journalist, editor, astrologer, spiritual student and man of the world; and I offer it to you for an affordable price. Read more here.

Now available for instant access!

The Day of the Trendsetters: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 3
The Day of the Trendsetters | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

In the deepest regions of your mind, in the very core of your soul, resides a truth that is both powerful and fundamental. This is the essence of who you are, and its pulse is the music you need to listen for assiduously. When you dance to that internal beat, you are not rejecting the objective reality of the outside world. You’re falling in step with it, because you are working from the perspective of total honesty. In this time of pervasive illusion, there can surely be no approach more helpful.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

You might want to watch out for crazy-makers in your immediate environment today. That is, people who can’t seem to be direct about what they want, or who act out primarily to get attention (or seem to). There are more productive ways to be included, and to feel like one has some power, importance and presence in a relationship, whether it’s professional, intimate, creative or some combination. But not everyone grows up with healthy models of how that works, and we all tend to act out our hurts from time to time.

With Venus in Libra opposite Eris in Aries today, you’re on alert that your elegantly balanced apple cart might get upset. You may need to negotiate how to right it (negotiation being a two-way, cooperative process). This aspect is also a reminder to notice if you start to slide into the Eris role — meaning, even if your buttons get pushed, it’s your job to remember how to use your words to describe how you feel and why. Getting passive aggressive won’t fly, and does not count as diplomacy.

Note also that Pluto stations direct in Capricorn today, heralding the final phase of movement on our way to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in January. Things may start feeling increasingly real from here on out, especially as compared to the previous ten months.

At 4:14 am EDT (8:14:07 UTC), Mercury entered Scorpio. This suggests sharp thinking — and often even sharper tongues. Yet the depth of thought and enquiry possible with Mercury in Scorpio may be most useful, if you can harness the intellectual and intuitive power of this sign. Your new mantra for the foreseeable future: not every situation requires getting the final word at all costs.
— by Amanda Painter

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Action and Resolution at the Quarter Moon

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By Amanda Painter

Full Moons and New Moons tend to carry more weight in astrology writing. Yet this weekend’s first quarter Moon happens to connect with one of the more important aspects we’re building up to, as does another event this week.

What’s in the dark under that rock? Mercury in Scorpio wants to find out. Photo by Amanda Painter.

On Saturday, the Capricorn Moon squares off against the Libra Sun. That’s the quarter Moon, traditionally describing an opportunity to lean into projects and processes you can build some early momentum with.

Yet the Moon will also be conjunct its own South Node and the planet Saturn. The South Node can represent what is familiar, ‘comfortable’ and habitual in a way that does not help us to grow. You can also think of it as karma: repeated patterns that we’re trying to learn from, so we can move on toward a greater sense of lived purpose. Saturn, of course, holds the line of authority, responsibility, limits and restrictions. Its presence also connects this quarter Moon to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in January.

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The Day of Verbal Acuity: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 2
The Day of Verbal Acuity | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

There’s a somewhat edgy or liminal quality to your astrology at present, as if you’re gearing up for a big breakthrough in either your situation or your consciousness. You may need to employ patience, and focus on making the best use of the resources you currently have, of which there are plenty. Whatever change you’ve been working toward will likely happen at precisely the time it’s meant to. In the interim, support your inner growth as a continuous journey. Much progress can be made in these threshold moments.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Diplomacy could get briefly challenging today. The Sun, Venus and Mercury are all in harmony-loving Libra, yet Mercury is moving into that sign’s last degree. Planets in the last degree of a sign can feel a little antsy; for Mercury in Libra, this could translate as indecisiveness.

Mars is also in the last degree of Virgo until Friday, describing a potential layer of physical/mental frustration around wanting to move forward in a very specific way. Indecision around what to say or how to say it could feed any edginess around wanting to do things ‘just right’. Pholus contacting these planets from Sagittarius suggests the effect could be exaggerated or feel exacerbated.

Even so, once the Moon enters Sagittarius at 7:44 am EDT (11:44:13 UTC), optimism, adventurousness and an urge to ‘just wing it’ could help you to glide over any snags or hesitation. Simply keep adjusting to whatever the day brings, bearing in mind that a series of continual small adaptations will likely bring more relief and forward movement than big decisions and actions might (even if only briefly each time). If you’re currently faced with a pattern you need to stop on the one hand, and a threshold you’d like to cross on the other, this approach could be especially effective.
— by Amanda Painter

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The Day of the Top Dog: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 1
The Day of the Top Dog | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Regardless of your current forms of relationship, it generally helps to view yourself as a whole entity, independent of needing anyone else to ‘complete’ you. The human brain is a magnificent organ, full of wonders that even neuroscientists are still discovering. As a thinking person, you contain a rich, plentiful world of complex ideas, feelings and senses. Celebrate and honor all of that, and remember that loving yourself enhances, rather than diminishes, the love you exchange with others.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Notice the areas of your life where you’re craving some kind of deeper experience. It could come through as tension and frustration, or more like desire and curiosity — though the former appears more likely. What kind of emotional experience are you looking for — sexual or romantic intensity? Creative and artistic edge pushing? A deeper or more well balanced level to a relationship of some other kind? Any of these urges or sensations of discontent signal subterranean changes that you’re being called to acknowledge and respond to. This situation is described by Venus in Libra squaring Pluto in Capricorn, which indicates a phase of new growth is at hand.

With the asteroid Juno in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces, there’s another layer to the relationship dynamics at play today. How specific are you being with a partner about your needs and expectations, and are you seeing the reality of the situation? There’s a suggestion here of jealousy, but it may be based on an illusion, exaggeration or flat-out fantasy. It could also be that you’re responding to a partner’s focus on details (or even their nit-picking) with your own rosy insistence that everything’s just fine. Is it, really? Remember that seeing where things could improve is not an admission of failure; it’s an opportunity to negotiate a clearer agreement, and a way forward that better meets everyone’s needs.
— by Amanda Painter