Tag Archives: Ceres

Friends, Benefits, and the Leo Full Moon

By Amanda Painter

We’re heading toward a Full Moon on Feb. 9, and Mercury stations retrograde one week later (on Feb. 16). That would be more than enough provocative energy on its own, but there are additional elements of the sky that will be sparking up the weekend.

Disco lion’s mane or crystallized moonlight? Photo by Amanda Painter.

One of those elements gets cooking tomorrow: Venus enters Aries at 3:02 pm EST (20:02:17 UTC) Feb. 7. Venus in Aries (the sign of Self ruled by Mars) tends to be lusty and assertive, idealistic yet impulsive, charming but sometimes inconsiderate without realizing it.

So remember your empathy, especially if any interpersonal situations get confrontational or intense as the Full Moon builds.

Yet it’s the conjunction of Venus to Chiron and the object Salacia that really focuses the qualities of Venus in Aries. Salacia appears to relate to sexual maturity (particularly the lack thereof) and to the kinds of sexual activity that get people all flustered.

In the U.S. media at least, that seems to be anything taboo or ‘scandalous’. In your personal life, it might mean the same things — or simply your perception that certain facets of your desire and sexual activity could be seen that way. But aren’t those always the hottest fantasies?

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Ceres in Aquarius, and a Vesta Quarter Moon

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By Amanda Painter

Tomorrow (Friday), Ceres becomes the next planet to leave the Capricorn stellium. It enters Aquarius at 2:59 am EST (7:58:45 UTC), and immediately bumps into the surprises offered by Uranus in Taurus.

Dewi Sri, the Balinese goddess of rice and fertility, watches over a home in Ubud. Photo by Amanda Painter.

What does Ceres in Aquarius describe? Ceres is the planet of literal food (specifically grain) and feeding, as well as metaphorical forms of nourishment. Aquarius is the sign of groups.

Automatically, we get an image of the social facet of eating: all forms of breaking bread with others, perhaps especially potluck dinners. Things like volunteering at soup kitchens and food banks bring in the humanitarian facet of Aquarius.

Less literally, we can see the theme of socialness itself being nourishing. Our friendships feed our hearts and souls, and at times offer the kind of nurturing that families of origin were not able to provide. Being accepted by a group can feel nourishing (though its shadow side includes peer pressure, social hierarchies and tribalism).

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Capricorn Shore, Dancing Waves: Cancer Full Moon and Eclipse

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By Amanda Painter

Today the Moon enters Cancer at 3:43 am EST (8:43:07 UTC) on its way to Friday’s Full Moon and penumbral lunar eclipse. I keep looking at this chart — with the Moon, seemingly by itself, facing off against a host of objects in Capricorn — and all these sea-related catchphrases keep popping into mind. I’ll get to those in a moment.

Light dancing on waves, waves dancing on shore; Higgins Beach, Maine. Photo by Amanda Painter.

For some orientation: the eclipse peaks on Jan. 10 at 2:10 pm EST (19:09:58 UTC). Eleven minutes later, the Sun-Moon opposition (Full Moon) peaks at 2:21 pm EST (19:21:10 UTC).

Astrologically, the Moon rules Cancer. It is strong there, and emphasizes this water sign’s tendency toward cycles, intuition and sensitivity. Astronomically, the Moon’s movements dictate the tides of our actual oceans.

Meanwhile, in Capricorn (sign of business, government, tradition, leadership) we have: the Sun (conscious self-expression), Mercury (intellect and communication), asteroid Ceres (food, nourishment), Saturn (structure, limits, authority), Pluto (compelled evolution, ‘what is below’), and centaur Chariklo (holding space for another).

Full Moons imply a meeting or confrontation. In the chart for this one, the Moon seemingly floats in the water all by itself, reflecting the light of the Sun, and opposing all those other objects that are aligned on the rocky shore. Among those objects: a Saturn-Pluto conjunction — exact just two days later, on Jan. 12 — that describes much of the upheaval and major change we’re witnessing around us.

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The Day of Ingenuity: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Dec. 3
The Day of Ingenuity | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

The passionate drive necessary to build greater financial security is yours to harness this year. To access it successfully, pay attention to what your inner-being tells you. Intuitive prompts will be fueled by desire that you need to acknowledge, so tune in. Trust your gut, but also use your head. A methodical, process-oriented approach to resource management is your winning ticket.
— by Victoria Emory

If you have a Sagittarius Sun, rising sign or Moon and could use some insights on real-life matters of life, work and relationships, your 2019-2020 Sagittarius Astrology Studio reading by Eric Francis will cover your ruling planet Jupiter’s conjunction to the Galactic Core, a preview of forthcoming Jupiter in Capricorn, and many other potentially life-changing facets of your astrology.

Written in the Planets

When the Moon enters Pisces today, it begins making harmonious aspects to all the planets early in the earth signs (Uranus in Taurus; Jupiter, Pholus, Ceres and Venus in Capricorn) and in the early water signs (Mars in Scorpio, Nessus and Neptune in Pisces). The Pisces Moon is an emotionally and energetically sensitive, creative, dreamy influence, and a conduit into the subtler realms of understanding. Those planets in earth signs can be a little dry and, shall we say, ‘sturdy’.

So this Pisces Moon offers a softening influence — like warming up your modeling clay, so you can use it more fluidly to create unlikely forms that will still stand. The Moon’s first aspect is to Jupiter — traditional ruler of Pisces. This describes some welcome lubrication for Jupiter in its new, more structured circumstances. Notice where your fantasies intersect with practical applications to form a unique opportunity — then take it.

Venus and Mars are themselves in a sextile aspect. Although in signs that tend to be fairly private in their passions, this pattern describes a useful resonance between feelings and actions. Giving and receiving might not be apparent out in public today, but one-on-one encounters behind closed doors or via secure channels should feel balanced, whether focused on erotic, social or business exchanges.
You can access your December monthly horoscopes by Eric here.
— by Amanda Painter

In 2020 we have not one but two conjunctions that mark the turn of a generation, and of an era in history. On Jan. 12, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn form their once per 33-year conjunction. Then on Dec. 21. 2020, Jupiter and Saturn, both now in Aquarius, form a conjunction in the first degree of that sign. Read more here…

The Day of Measured Attack: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 30
The Day of Measured Attack | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

You’ve discovered more about what you’re capable of, and this year that learning process will continue. Education and self-expression, perhaps in writing, can prove helpful to others while furthering your own self-development. Deep psychic exploration can lead to healing wounds you’ve carried from the past, and impact your self-worth considerably.
— by Victoria Emory

Please note: Written in the Planets is on a brief hiatus this holiday week, and will resume on Monday, Dec. 2. The “Birthday” reading portion of these posts will continue to publish this week. You’re invited to review your November Monthly Horoscopes by Eric Francis here (scroll down).

Tending a Grateful Space

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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. Before you look ahead to what Jupiter in Capricorn is all about, you might take a little time to consider the area(s) of your life where expansion, broad or far-reaching vision, acquisition of new knowledge and experiences, adventure, distant travel, attainment and sharing of wisdom, increased optimism or faith, religious or philosophical zeal (including fundamentalism), or self-indulgence have been prominent.

Wind chimes and frangipani tree in Padangbai, Bali, Indonesia; photo by Amanda Painter.

Where have those themes intermingled in your life? What new vistas — inner or outer — have you encountered as a result?

What now feels like a distant daydream (emblematic of Jupiter’s long square to Neptune in Pisces this past year)? In what ways do you feel like you’ve mastered — or at least gained a foothold in — a new life-level?

I ask, because when Jupiter enters Capricorn on Monday, Dec. 2, the emphasis will shift to the practical application of whatever you have learned, envisioned and acquired.

Saturn rules Capricorn. And while Saturn/Cap can have a dampening effect on some of Jupiter’s traits, it’s also possible for Jupiter to infuse some optimism, humor and breadth of perception into the more conservative, rigid and dry realm of Saturn and Capricorn.

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The Day of the Encounter — Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 15
The Day of the Encounter | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for instant access | All Other Signs

You can tap into channels of higher wisdom this year, and what you perceive may expand your world-view in ways that help focus your visions for the future. Focus on where you want to go and why, and question beliefs that feed oppressive thought patterns. You’re gearing up for a powerful cycle of dynamic action, and integrating emotional and spiritual insights within your reach will clear that path. Gather clues, pay attention to dreams and seek worthy teachers. Inspiration is knocking on your inner door: let it in.
— by Victoria Emory

Do you ever feel like your Scorpio Sun, rising sign or Moon gets a bad rap from astrologers? Eric Francis understands the potential held in your depths — and can walk you through how the planet Uranus in your relationship zone might be stirring things up. Pre-order your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading (offered now at its lowest price!) to move past the stereotypes, and meet your life at full strength.

Written in the Planets

With the astrological focus already emphasizing Capricorn, Ceres entering that sign today draws additional notice in that direction. Ceres is a representation of Earth Goddess, and is right at home in Capricorn.

During the next few weeks, Venus will follow her into Capricorn, and then Jupiter, at which point the sign of the goat will basically resemble a crowd in an elevator — hopefully a large one. The big event in Capricorn is, of course, the history-altering Saturn-Pluto conjunction, which includes Ceres. With Ceres, you might say that “food is the bottom line for everyone.”

The ingress of Ceres into Capricorn may specifically shed light on your relationship to a nurturing role, regardless of whether your own children are involved. Capricorn has deep family symbolism; family is a foundation of society as we know it, and has come under tough times, fragmented like the rest of society.

Ceres is showing up with food and a quart of fresh, unpasteurized milk, and is a balm for the sometimes chilly and impersonal nature of Capricorn. You might think about how you foster an atmosphere of nourishment and humanity within your various relationships, wherever they may be. You might treat your workplace a little more like home, and your coworkers a little more like your cousins.

Notably, Ceres is a representative of the under-represented. In truth, that is most of us. Unlike Juno, where the focus could be on one’s “rights,” Ceres is an invitation to participate, which means to give what you have to offer. So for example, bring a fruit basket into the office, and the spirit of nourishment that goes with it.
— by Eric Francis

The Day of Metamorphosis: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 10
The Day of Metamorphosis | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for instant access | All Other Signs

Significant encounters this year could prove revelatory, and offer opportunities to explore aspects of your own psyche that prepare you to engage relationships on a more profound level. Material likely to arise includes attitudes around sexuality, devotion, spiritual wisdom and commitment. Keep your antennae tuned in this direction; there’s information you’re ready to receive that will open your eyes and expand your world. Initiation into some kind of higher understanding is possible.
— by Victoria Emory

Your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading for Scorpio Sun, rising and Moon signs addresses the current jolt to your relationships, as well as the profound thought transformation you’re going through. Eric considers some deep matters of self-identity and where that meets personal healing. Listen to Sample 1 or Sample 2.

Written in the Planets

Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio opposes the asteroid Vesta in Taurus today. Mercury in its current state describes some kind of deep review, reassessment or reinvestigation — with some potential topics being how your thoughts and less-expressed emotions influence each other, matters of sex and surrender, jealousy and possessiveness, or other deep, taboo and potentially transformative topics. Vesta currently appears to describe the ways you do or do not keep matters of your body, senses, health, material resources, sexuality and comfort central in your life.

With these two opposing each other, notice whether you’re in some kind of dialogue about which of these things you devote yourself (and resources) to; what gets sacrificed; and what you’ve been holding onto too tightly to count as either. Any of the themes mentioned could come through via an encounter with someone else. Which of you is playing the ‘space holder’ role, and which of you is playing the undercover sleuth? Is there an exchange to be negotiated between the two of you?

Note also that Ceres, an asteroid named for the goddess of the harvest, is conjunct Eros — named for the god of erotic love, who can also represent a less overtly sexual ‘life force’ energy in astrology. They’re in Sagittarius, a philosophical-yet-optimistic and adventurous sign. There are many ways to feed your soul, and many ways your spirit can nourish others. Today could be a good day to explore this realm.
— by Amanda Painter