Tag Archives: Mars

Of Retrogrades and Gratitude

Dear Friend and Reader:

Mercury is stationing retrograde in Pisces on Sunday (early Monday in some time zones), which puts us in its ‘storm’ phase now. That’s the big astro-news you need to be most aware of. Yet perhaps apropos of Mercury’s stationary status — as it hovers seemingly in one place before appearing to reverse direction — I think I need to begin where I was originally planning to end this essay.

This will be my last weekly column for Planet Waves, at least for the foreseeable future. After 10 years of working for this incredible little astrology-website-that-could, and growing in immeasurable ways in the process, it is time for me to seek new adventures.

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Not Your Typical Aquarius New Moon

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By Amanda Painter

Tomorrow is the Aquarius New Moon, exact at 4:42 pm EST (21:41:52 UTC). Aquarius is a curious sign, at its best when blending the structuring abilities of Saturn with the liberating impulses of Uranus.

Photo by Amanda Painter.

In that sense, it seems a perfect sign to host the first lunation after the Jan. 10 eclipse: eclipse periods generally feature a process of liberating oneself from some facet of the past, in order to take greater authority in directing the next steps forward.

The slowly separating Saturn-Pluto conjunction underscores these themes, connecting them to long-term processes. Whatever ‘new start’ Friday’s New Moon represents for you should be familiar, perhaps even expected.

Chances are you’ve been involved with some form of drawing something to a close this week, or resolving one phase of a process. Today and the first part of tomorrow still carry that signature.

Yet life is not simply ‘business as usual’ right now, thanks to a couple of factors. The first is that the Aquarius Sun is square Uranus in Taurus, exact today.

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Onward into 2020

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By Amanda Painter

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found this to be an especially contemplative transition to a new year. I guess that’s true each time we end a decade, as we assess just how much has changed in those ten years. Yet, in moving from 2019 to 2020, I’m aware of just how much extra gravitas, pressure, awareness and restlessness I’m feeling, and its correlation to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn.

Photo by Amanda Painter

Ten or so years ago, roughly corresponding to Pluto’s ingress into Capricorn, marked some highly pivotal events in my life.

Tracing the growth I’ve experienced in this last decade — and contrasting it to the general trajectory of the previous ten years — is offering confirmation that the processes of Pluto, daunting as they are, do offer gifts.

Even so, the lessons of Pluto and Saturn tend to be hard-won.

While the lessons of Jupiter (and even Uranus) can seem to fling the doors of one’s life wide open — simply leaving it up to us to stride through (not always easy, depending on one’s circumstances and baggage) — Saturn and Pluto demand more. They ask us to work for what we want. They insist that we make the difficult choice to undo so much that has always appeared solid, or a given, so that we can build anew in ways that afford us more space for who we’re becoming.

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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 Sustained Effort: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 25
The Day of Sustained Effort | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Your task is to integrate changes you’ve undergone, in order to clear the decks for a whole new chapter of your life for which this past year has prepared you. Wrap up old business and be willing to discard concepts that no longer fit who you’ve become. Inner work can bring tangible rewards, including greater self-confidence and material security.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Emotional depth carries over from the weekend to begin the workweek, thanks to the Moon wrapping up its eventful transit through Scorpio. The Moon ingresses Sagittarius Tuesday at 3:11 am EST / 12:11 am PST (08:10:52 UTC Tuesday).

Soon after entering Sagittarius the Moon meets up with the Sun for a New Moon. This is an opening into the future, as Sagittarius is inclined to be visionary. Notice how you create your life, and how you go from idea to action.

The Mars-Uranus opposition of the weekend is now dissipating. Venus is still in Sagittarius, separating from Sunday’s conjunction to Jupiter and the Galactic Core. The challenge is to focus on the spiritual essence of what we call love. Spiritual means truth, faith and trust.

Venus enters Capricorn late Monday the 25th (early on the 26th in Europe), which fosters a more pragmatic and duty-oriented idea of love. The high ideals of Sagittarius can seem to disappear as planets enter Capricorn, but the truth remains. Generosity, heart and receptivity still deserve a place at your table, and you’re the one who must hold that space open.
— by Eric Francis and Amanda Painter

The Day of Contentious Conviviality: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 24
The Day of Contentious Conviviality | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Intense and complex dynamics in your birthday chart signal a dramatic year ahead. You’ve every reason to be optimistic, as your hard work appears to have brought some cherished aspirations within reach. Jupiter’s sojourn through your sign has been one of self-discovery. To make the most of opportunities this has generated, remain vigilant in your commitment to self-awareness. Don’t let resentment from the past sabotage your efforts; use that high-octane emotion as fuel to propel you forward, instead.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

We are now under multiple influences with different feeling tones. The bold astrology of the moment is the Venus-Jupiter conjunction on the Galactic Core, described in detail here. This is high-vibration astrology, a calling out to truth and optimism.

Mars has just entered Scorpio and opposes Uranus today, with an edgy vibe. Mercury recently turned to direct motion there as well. This describes strong feelings that may overpower certain matters you thought you had resolved. Take the time to sort out what you really want, slow down enough to notice what your emotions are telling you.

The Moon enters Scorpio this morning, deepening the mood, and granting access to what you may have been feeling but did not recognize. Note that the Moon is at the very end of its monthly cycle, so this is a time of closure and completion in preparation for the Sagittarius New Moon on early on Tuesday.
— by Eric Francis Coppolino

The Day of Irreverence: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 23
The Day of Irreverence | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Recent epic changes have prepared you to embark on this new cycle more secure in your own unique identity. Your path of self-actualization ties in directly with creative self-expression over the coming year. Keep your emotional radar tuned to the subtle, interior channels, and don’t be afraid to examine whatever you pick up. Artistry requires honesty, especially with yourself. This is a year to stay connected: those who share your ideals might be key to bringing certain desires to fruition.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Today and tomorrow, the astrology is marked by two rather different major aspects. One is a conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in Sagittarius: the planets of love and expansion in the sign of optimism. On its surface, this describes fantastic social energy, compassion, and ‘luck’ or abundance — especially for relationships of all kinds. Yet it comes with a twist, in the form of the Galactic Core (our ‘cosmic homing signal’) and the centaur Ixion (amorality), which are also part of the conjunction.

You might notice today how you respond to restlessness, opportunities for indulgence, and second chances. What do you do when you think nobody is looking? Do you take the abundance in your life for granted, or do you try to stay conscious of making the most of it and sharing it?

The other big aspect in the works is Mars in Scorpio (anger, sex and secrets) opposite Uranus in Taurus (disruptions of routine). This can describe unexpected ego conflicts — particularly the explosive release of long pent-up anger, whether yours or someone else’s. Recent activity in Scorpio might have kept something quiet that now needs to find a way out. That said, if you’ve been consciously seeking creative ways to redirect your life, encounters this weekend could offer the resistance you need to galvanize your efforts.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Elegance — Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 21
The Day of Elegance | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for instant access | All Other Signs

You seem to have completed a rite of passage of some kind, and emerged with greater self-awareness, and more of your innate power at your disposal. Whatever you set your sights on should be within your ability to achieve, but an element of community engagement is indicated. You have something to share that others need; friendships may have languished that you’ll do well to rekindle. Balancing your fierce independence with social involvement will call for discrimination, sensitivity and discernment, but worth the effort.
— 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. Order your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading to move past the stereotypes, and meet your life at full strength.

Written in the Planets

Since Mercury is still getting up to speed, and with the Sun in the final degree of Scorpio prior to entering Sagittarius tomorrow, things may continue to feel somewhat edgy. Especially since Mercury is under the influence of Mars, now also in Scorpio. Mars is fierce in its own sign, and moving into opposition with Uranus. Mars opposing Uranus is a volatile face-off that can trigger impatience, resentment and impulsive rebellion. This high-octane aspect won’t be exact until Sunday, but the energy is palpable and will build in intensity.

The potential up-side to Mars opposite Uranus in Taurus is the impetus to shake up long-standing fixed patterns that have impeded progress. To reap those rewards, proceed with deliberation and avoid unnecessary risks. Careful attention and mindfulness are always advised during a Mercury storm phase, and this week calls for particular awareness. Caution in any potentially hazardous activities and sensitivity in relating to others are called for. Take as relaxed an approach to the day as possible and strive to make good use of your time. The sense of satisfaction will help wind down tension.

Also, continue to keep your ears peeled, and be careful of jumping to conclusions until you’re sure you have all the relevant information. It could be all too easy today to form an opinion that doesn’t take into account all the facts.
— by Victoria Emory