Tag Archives: Great Attractor

The Day of Flamboyance: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Dec. 9
The Day of Flamboyance | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Let your touchstone in the coming year be an enhanced ability to perceive yourself objectively. Work-related demands and building financial security will require sustained effort. Yet opportunities seized now can lead to substantial, long-lasting results. If commitments trigger resentment, or the balance of power in relationships impacts your self-esteem, analyze underlying issues. With awareness and focus, you can initiate effective and necessary communication about sensitive topics.
— by Victoria Emory

If you have a Sagittarius Sun, rising sign or Moon and could use some insights on such real-life matters as work, relationships and career, 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 Jupiter in Capricorn, and many other potentially life-changing facets of your astrology.

Written in the Planets

Mercury enters Sagittarius today at 4:41 am EST (9:41:26 UTC). Mercury being the planet of the mind, this activates awareness of what else is happening in Sagittarius: namely, the Sun moving between the Great Attractor (a deep-space phenomenon toward which our region of the universe is moving) and the Galactic Core (the center of our Milky Way galaxy). At this time of year, the Earth and the Sun are facing into the galaxy and into a larger galactic structure, focusing us on the Big Questions of Existence. Can you feel them tugging at the edges of your consciousness?

The natal placement of Mercury in Sagittarius tends to describe focusing on what is far-off and/or broad in scope, sometimes to the detriment of the details. Yet people with this Mercury are apt to be direct and sincere, even if they sometimes speak more candidly than others are prepared to hear.

Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, is making a conjunction to Pholus in Capricorn and a square to Chiron in Aries. Action is the name of the game with squares; in this case, putting your knowledge and spiritual theory to the test with some actual experimentation. How does it measure up against what you’ve learned previously? Notice if someone seems to be meeting you where you are in your experiment, or is showing you something about how to hold space for such a process in tangible ways.
— 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 Abandon: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Dec. 8
The Day of Abandon | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Draw upon the wellspring of inspiration bubbling up from your psychic depths to help dispel confusion or uncertainty. You’re on the verge of a conscious breakthrough, and clarity will emerge soon enough. Creative work of some kind looks promising, in terms of your quest for greater financial security, just don’t waste time chasing rainbows. Your open heart works best with open eyes.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

All week, the Sagittarius Sun and Neptune in Pisces have been in a square aspect, exact today. Neptune, especially in Pisces, is a diffusing and dissolving agent. It can obscure, mislead or embellish. But it also represents the kind of universality at the heart of concepts like agape: unconditional, divine love. The Sagittarius Sun is open in spirit and forward thinking in its most evolved forms.

Generally speaking, Sun-Neptune squares can describe deceit, disillusionment, and an inability to see clearly where emotions are concerned. However, this aspect can also describe something that stimulates your idealism.

With the Sun and Neptune in aspect to the Great Attractor — a deep-space phenomenon that’s pulling everything in our region of the universe toward it — we get an image of consciousness in contact with something too big to comprehend. Yet it’s strangely attractive or compelling. Consider this an invitation to explore some of the mysteries you contain, and how they relate to the greater mysteries of existence.

If that feels too broad or ‘woowoo’, you have another option. Chiron in Aries* is square Pholus in Capricorn. These two centaurs speak of multi-generational patterns — and how you differentiate yourself from them, while owning how they’ve influenced you. A modest step in this process could release more tension than you’d expect. If you think of it in terms of ‘traditions’ that no longer fit, you may see the pieces more clearly.
*(Eric wrote on Chiron in Aries in a section of this essay.)
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Extraction: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Dec. 6
The Day of Extraction | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Steps you take to enhance financial security have the potential to generate results beyond what you’d imagine, and this is the year to direct efforts to do so. Avoid risking precious resources, or splurging on unnecessary expenses. Have fun, just don’t be reckless. Foster creative relationships through self-knowledge, i.e. honesty about your own emotional history. Value yourself and others will follow.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

In the direction of the middle of Sagittarius lies a deep-space phenomenon called the Great Attractor. The Great Attractor (GA) is the focal point of a supercluster of about 100,000 galaxies stretched out over 520 million light years — and everything in our region of the universe seems to be contracting toward it (though overall, the universe is expanding). Today the Sun — emblem of conscious self-expression — aligns with the GA.

What goal, vision, or sense of faith and optimism is pulling you along currently? In what ways does it feel elusive, or like you’ll never finish chasing it? Trying to express it, whether through actions or words, could provoke strong reactions from others. Yet those reactions will likely slide past you or spur you on, rather than ruffle or dissuade you. Note also that figures and images from the dreamtime may mirror another side of this situation to you.

On a more mundane and less ethereal level, a Venus-Eros conjunction in Capricorn suggests that feelings of emotional, material or social security will foster arousal or your general Joie de vivre. “Traditional” turn-ons (whatever that means to you) are another good bet. A square between Pallas in Sagittarius and Orcus in Virgo describes a sense of tension in fulfilling a promise. What do you need to do to bring ‘the spirit of the law’ into better accord with ‘the letter of the law’? Chances are this will also align with that elusive vision that’s drawing you along.
— by Amanda Painter

Seeking without Hiding, to Stand on New Ground

Leave a reply

By Amanda Painter

I completely missed Neptune’s presence in aspect to the Sun (a square) when writing the daily Written in the Planets segments for the second half of this week. Neptune often has this property of slipping under the radar and evading notice, so it’s not entirely surprising.

Exploring the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia last month. Photo by Amanda Painter.

Yet Neptune’s an important factor to consider, not least of all because its little disappearing act in my awareness this week demonstrates part of why it matters: what we fail to notice can make a difference — in what we choose to do, in what we think our options are, and in how we feel about all of it (and about ourselves).

Although the Sagittarius Sun does not exactly square Neptune in Pisces until Sunday, Neptune has a wide orb. In other words, its influence on consciousness has been part of the picture all week.

With this square happening right at the midpoint of the signs involved, there are two very interesting things to be aware of. One is that the Sun is conjunct a deep-space phenomenon called the Great Attractor. The Great Attractor (GA) is the focal point of a supercluster of about 100,000 galaxies stretched out over 520 million light years. Everything in our region of the universe seems to be contracting toward it (though overall, the universe is expanding).

Continue reading →

The Day of Defiance: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

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 Symbiotic Satirist: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Sept. 25
The Day of the Symbiotic Satirist | Pre-order pre-order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Some kind of re-appraisal of domestic situations, perhaps family history that weighs you down, may call for your attention this year. Whatever the specifics might be, keep sight of your own personal aspirations for the future. Old baggage may need to be unpacked and what you’ve outworn given away to Goodwill; free up the bandwidth necessary to actualize what matters most to you as an individual. Adjustments in relationships are often essential to personal growth. Strong friendships seem ready to step right up, so don’t hesitate to reach out. One door may close while another opens wide.
— by Victoria Emory

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 pre-order.

Written in the Planets

If you have felt some difficulty in relating to others this week, you may notice it peaking today. Close romantic or sexual partners are the most likely context for this, but any bonded, cooperative or creative dynamic with another person is worth attention. The aspect at hand is Venus in Libra square Saturn in Capricorn — though both those bodies are in contact with Juno in Virgo and a deep-space phenomenon in Sagittarius called the Great Attractor.

Re-evaluating what you’ve been putting into a relationship and what you’re getting out of it appears to be the main thrust of any tension here. There’s an additional layer that seems to describe the question of getting needs met, versus being of service in a relationship, versus feeling compelled or drawn along by someone. Notice whether you harbor conflicting thoughts and feelings about your situation, and whether certain fears are looming about the relationship.

Our loved ones are only human, as are we, and worries about whether or not expectations are being met rarely reflect the whole picture of a relationship. Yes, there are times when enough is enough (including when we’re not receiving enough in return for your energy input), and it’s time to move on. And if you’re newly emerging from some kind of Jupiter-Neptune themed optimism bubble, the gradual loss of that shimmer and glow could feel disappointing. Rather than score-keeping right now, however, it’s possible that a little introspection on how much you’ve learned about yourself through your partnerships is called for. Make an actual list, and recognize how you’re growing; those insights can only serve to enhance any relationship.
— 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 Difficult Demand: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Sept. 9
The Day of Difficult Demand | Order 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

You’re likely to have an abundance of opportunities to inject more fun into your daily life, should you wish to. Most of us have some kind of routine, though it doesn’t need to be entirely repetitive or dull; and if it becomes so there are usually quite a few ways to add some sparkle. There’s an art to finding joy in the everyday: this tends to be easier the more time you devote to the activities you love. See if you can set aside room to do just that, as often as possible.
— by Amy Elliott

If your Sun, Moon or rising sign is Virgo, you are heading into a most unusual solar year, set up to do the thing Virgo is designed for: integrate the elements of your being, find your direction and purpose, and act on it. Eric lays it all out in your 2019-2020 Virgo Astrology Studio, now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

Mondays can be tricky, but there are ways to make them a little easier. Today that might include giving yourself little reminders that it’s okay to go with the flow. Mars in Virgo making a square to a deep-space anomaly called the Great Attractor in Sagittarius could amplify pickiness over how certain things should be done. As in, that there is a ‘correct’ way, and that it is the ‘only’ way to do something. Any complaints you make to that effect could be especially polarizing to those around you (and vice versa); and other factors indicate that many people may be feeling sensitive in various ways (emotionally, psychically, etc.).

The more often you can pull back to see that many roads lead to the same destination, the easier it should be to stay in the space of serving a collective vision with your efforts. If you find yourself struggling with that, how many of your tasks can you complete solo and uninterrupted? The Capricorn Moon suggests a more conservative approach to interactions most of the day; once it moves to Aquarius in the evening (5:34 pm EDT / 21:23:37 UTC) there may be more openness to new or unusual methods.
— by Amanda Painter

Publishing Soon!

The Day of Unpredictable Fate: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Sept. 6
The Day of Unpredictable Fate | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | All Other Signs

As you explore new creative and imaginative territory, you may at times come across some mental or emotional barriers. These are often formed in our youth, possibly in the guise of safeguards or stabilizers. However, if they prevent you from understanding and exploring the full range of your potential, you no longer need them. Be gentle with yourself as you clear your path, though also be firm in your determination. You need to be free to run where you will.
— by Amy Elliott

If your Sun, Moon or rising sign is Virgo, You are heading into a most unusual solar year, set up to do the thing Virgo is designed for: integrate the elements of your being, find your direction and purpose, and act on it. Eric will lay it all out in your 2019-2020 Virgo Astrology Studio.

Written in the Planets

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” You’ve probably heard these words by French philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin — or a paraphrase of them — at least once in your life. But have you ever thought much about the inherent tension in this concept? To acknowledge that one is first a spiritual being is also to recognize how limiting the human experience can be: the density level; the literalness; the pain and separation. Yet there are also moments when we get a sense of how vast and full and connected we are, and we can infuse daily life with moments of that truth.

Today Mercury in Virgo squares Jupiter in Sagittarius (tomorrow it opposes Neptune). Also, the Sun is making these same aspects — along with a trine to Saturn in Capricorn, and a square to the Great Attractor in Sagittarius. There is a combination here of the tension and contrast of the literal, earthy, rational, limited experience and the imaginative, visionary, compelling, grand potentials that characterize the “human” and the “spiritual.”

If you’re feeling at all frustrated in trying to express something huge, long-range and inspiring in very literal, detailed or earth-bound ways, this is the related astrology. Flesh out your vision for the future in broad, vivid strokes; see what practical parts of it you can organize. Maybe don’t jump in the deep end yet; but know that it is there, waiting for you — and that the water will likely only get clearer in the coming weeks.
— by Amanda Painter

It is difficult to feel good these days; it’s challenging to focus on your growth and self-care, or even to relax. We are pulled out of ourselves constantly, and often distracted from our core purposes. IN THESE TIMES, the Planet Waves autumn reading, will help.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

Read more here.