Tag Archives: Moon

Secrets and Surprises

By Amanda Painter

In one week, on Oct. 31, Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio. On the way there, this Saturday, the Sun and Moon make a conjunction — the Scorpio New Moon — which is opposite Uranus. One translation of all this: the next seven-plus days may well be characterized by secrets and surprises. The question is: what determines whether such things feel like tricks or treats?

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

The short answer is, “you.”

More specifically, it’s things like your perspective, attitude, agility in responding to new information, and emotional attachments (whether to people, to certain ways of doing and thinking about things, to the familiar, to what you think you know about yourself and others) that will contribute to whether life feels like an enticing mystery that you’re unraveling, or a haunted hayride you didn’t want to go on in the first place.

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The Day of Singularity: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 21
The Day of Singularity | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

It’s natural to have periods in your life when you need to slow down, as well as those during which you work harder and achieve more. You might want to be a 24/7 efficiency machine, though it’ll help you to remember that you’re made of organic flesh. Make room in your life for the ebbs and flows. There will be time enough to get plenty done; and taking pauses to listen to the beat of the world, and really live, can stoke your imagination like virtually nothing else.
— 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

Mercury (the planet of mind and communication) makes a conjunction to the asteroid Pallas (reason, political strategy) in Scorpio today. Although Scorpio is a water sign related to the emotions, Pallas describes a less emotional, more detached ability to broach certain topics. Specifically, there’s potential here to discuss deep and even taboo subject matter in a fairly objective way. This could come as a relief if you’ve been stewing about something and have been on the fence about whether to pipe up.

Scorpio’s relationship to sensitive areas of life (sex, death, money, profound transformation) offers some hints about where the conversation may need to venture. If these things usually make you squirm, all the more reason to take advantage of today’s astrology. Just watch your motives if you start getting ‘strategic’ about the discussion. The idea is to allow candid frankness, not to weaponize what you have to say. Think in terms of entering into the matter at hand together with the other person, rather than ambushing them with secrets as a way to dominate them.

This morning’s last quarter Moon bodes well for moving into the home stretch of anything you’ve been working on the last few weeks. That aspect spans from Cancer to Libra. Once the Moon enters Leo around midday EDT, conversations could feel more social, open and forthright. If someone seems to be overstating their case, you can likely chalk it up to a penchant for dramatic flair. Why take it personally when you can be entertained?
— 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 Vogue: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 20
The Day of Vogue | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Some rather beautiful astrology today is likely to help you focus your efforts on what means the very most to you. You may find it easier than usual to integrate the various facets of your life and align them with your main purpose. In addition, your creative powers are likely to be at their height, enabling you to experience the world at its most vivid. Soak it all in, and let the everyday wonders that surround you gently enrich and open up your perspective.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Have you ever noticed how taking care of things can bring feelings of security? That could mean taking care of others, taking care of yourself, taking care of business, taking care of your immediate environment and basic needs. Is it the simple fact of taking action, or is it the sensitivity and quality of attention that makes the difference? Probably all of the above — and today appears prime for the act of caring in any form, thanks to the Cancer Moon and the aspects it’s making. Domestic pursuits are calling, yet you might also feel drawn to extend the gesture beyond your home and immediate family.

One of the aspects the Moon activates today is a sextile between Venus in Scorpio and Saturn in Capricorn. If you have detailed creative projects or business tasks on your plate, you should be able to dive into them with ease, as long as you make the initial effort. This aspect also bodes well for embracing relationship ‘responsibilities’ without them seeming like burdens; in fact, it will probably feel like it deepens intimacy.

Caring actively is a win-win for all involved, and the Libra Sun is making aspects that offer another spin on the theme. In this case, you may have an opportunity at a second chance of some kind — for example, to “be the change you wish to see,” or to behave in a way that is more ethical or more focused on the highest good, or to act in greater alignment with your sense of purpose. Whatever it is, remember that deliberating on such a thing only gets you so far. Actually acting on the option to build more balanced and just relationships is where the subtle magic happens.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Personal Leadership: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 18
The Day of Personal Leadership | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself at this time (alongside everyone else) is to ensure the ideals you espouse are ones you can actually live by. That doesn’t mean not challenging; just realistic. We tend to set impossible standards and then become disappointed when we can’t follow them. Try a different pattern: aim for targets that are within reach and don’t require you to work against your psychology. You’ll likely find you’re a lot more relaxed.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

“Free your mind, and the rest will follow,” as the song goes. The flip side of that might be something like, “The more you think and feel others are trying to hold you back, the more you’ll resist, and the less likely you are to fulfill responsibilities you normally would have with no problem.” Not as catchy, I know. But this appears to be one of the dynamics at play as the Moon moves through mid-to-late Gemini, especially as it opposes Ceres and Jupiter in Sagittarius. You probably have more choice than you realize in how free you feel; either way, it’s your internal sense of liberty (or lack thereof) that will likely determine how you respond to others today.

With the Moon also aspecting the Libra Sun and Neptune in Pisces, there’s some great social harmony available, with potential for a high degree of environmental sensitivity (especially when it comes to people’s emotional energy). In fact, the day could get quite chatty given the Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius influences, despite Mercury being in secretive Scorpio. So if you have a major deadline to meet or many tasks to cram in, beware distractions.

Setting a timer on things like checking social media, texting friends or going out for lunch might be helpful. Same with heading down any meandering internet rabbit holes. Chances are such pursuits will be quite attractive today. If you can direct that inquisitiveness toward your most pressing matters, you may discover much of great use.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Judgment: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 16
The Day of Judgment | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

How you conceive of yourself and your capabilities is changing and becoming broader, if subtly. You’ve grown in several significant ways from a few years ago, and correspondingly you’re noticing your life gathering a new shape and purpose. You might not have the same aims or desires you used to, though you’re likely to find the path you are now on much more congenial. If you still have questions about your direction, this would be a good year to work through them.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Toward the middle of today in particular, you my notice an inclination to claim, safeguard or even add to whatever makes you feel secure and at ease. It could be something internal — such as your creativity, an ability to take things at your own pace, or a sense of physical strength and wellness. Or this might be something external — such as a central part of your home, your possessions and finances, or the people closest to you.

Wherever you locate this physical or emotional space, can you see a way to appreciate and tend it without letting possessiveness creep in? The art of devotion to the creative spark and metaphorical hearth that Vesta represents relies partly on an ability to share it without fear of losing it (or of losing yourself). The Taurus Moon brings some of our less conscious undercurrents into contact with Vesta today, and emphasizes both the emotional and material sides of what it signifies.

Note that this is against the backdrop of the Libra Sun opposite Eris in Aries (exact tomorrow). Sun-Eris appears to describe a situation where one person is stirring the pot — perhaps in manipulative or covert ways — and another person is doing their best to please everyone and find the point of balance. If you find yourself in the Libra Sun position, staying in contact with that inner sense of ease and grounding just mentioned should help your internal equilibrium, even if things seem out of whack externally. If you’re in the Eris position, can you own up to whatever insecurities are getting triggered? When you can articulate that in a more constructive way, you allow others to meet you more cooperatively. It’s a win-win.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of the World’s Stage: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 15
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You’re experiencing a major shift in your relationships with others, of which the general theme is an increase in autonomy and confidence. You may be gaining independence within certain existing connections, or making new acquaintances who are helping you find your voice in the world, or both. This is a gradual process, though applying willpower and effort this year could well lead to specific breakthroughs, along with considerable emotional growth and healing.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Today might not be characterized by a ‘go getter’ attitude, but may offer some creative stimulation and easygoing persistence. The Taurus Moon is all about moving at one’s own pace. Meanwhile, a Mercury-Neptune trine (from Scorpio to Pisces) speaks of deep fantasy — which you might in fact speak about, though Mercury in Scorpio can also keep things pretty close to the vest.

If you seek out art and literature today, mysteries or anything sexy/romantic/provocative may prove satisfying. Spiritual, mystical and occult fields of study also offer the kind of immersion you may crave today.

Getting even more personal, Venus in Scorpio is making a trio of aspects to minor objects, seemingly with a specific purpose. If something is stirring you up beneath the surface (such as emotional turbulence, particularly regarding a relationship), there’s a good chance it’s being informed by past patterns. Do you feel the desire to root that out and move beyond it? You may be facing a threshold of self-understanding, possibly represented by someone else and how you respond to them. Stay focused on what’s in your control: how you feel and the choices you make, not the other person. Even simply imagining how you’d like to handle things differently in the future could help you to reinforce your more productive options.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Moderation: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 14
The Day of Moderation | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Yesterday’s magnificent Full Moon in your opposite sign is still resonating, and its power is helping you to clear the path ahead. It’s time for you to dispense with old lingering doubts and other such bullshit, so that you can proceed without interruption. Keep your promises and act as compassion requires, but otherwise be firm if anyone or anything acts as a hindrance. You will want to invest as much of your time and energy as possible in the work you most need to do.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Though the reverberations of yesterday’s Full Moon should be softening, the Libra Sun is still exactly square Pluto in Capricorn. So you may still be feeling some internal pressure, of the kind that requires you to be very honest with yourself about what parts of your life are not working. That can feel a little scary, but it has a significant up side: moving away from behaviors that keep tripping you up opens the way to focus on what is going well, and on your highest priorities. Mercury and Saturn in aspect to each other describe an ability to identify exactly what you need to do. And challenges that you succeed in tackling today may emerge as sources of strength you can call on in the future.

The Moon moving through Taurus during the second part of the day offers a more relaxed emotional tone and overall pace, which could come as a relief if you prefer to move deliberately — though Uranus may still throw a curve ball or two. Perhaps, however, Uranus simply indicates that you’ll surprise yourself with an ability to take it all in stride. Not everything that we expect to be upsetting turns out to be so. Usually this is a sign that we’ve been growing without even realizing it.
— 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 Tough Cookie: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 13
The Day of the Tough Cookie | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Given that your birthday is marked by the Aries Full Moon closely square Pluto, it’s safe to say this is likely to be a big year for you. There’s a lot you can get done, and you may well find yourself holding the torch to help guide friends and loved ones into the next phase of your collective experience. Not only do you possess unique wisdom that you can share, but you also seem to have a finger on the pulse of our time in history, and a means to lead the way forward into the future.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Tonight’s Aries Full Moon, which is exact at 5:08 pm EDT (21:07:45 UTC), brings the January Saturn-Pluto conjunction to the forefront. Full Moons are one of the most palpable astrological events we experience — both internally, and through witnessing others’ behavior. This one is like running the essence of Saturn-Pluto in through an IV line. In other words, it could feel particularly intense and marked by an inner sense of pressure to make some changes — such as letting go of unproductive behaviors and emotional habits. This is in addition to whatever friction or stalemates you may encounter with other people.

For interpersonal situations of any flavor that seem genuinely intractable, consider calling a truce on pushing it until after this evening. You can’t avoid addressing important issues, but you can be conscious about holding a space for them that’s running less voltage.

That said, sometimes things just need to get out in the open where they can be dealt with consciously. Kind of like how it’s not always obvious that a machine needs maintenance until it’s clearly not working well. Often how we address issues is just as important as the fact of addressing them in the first place. Knee-jerk reactions can fan flames rather than move people toward solutions; same with manipulative tactics, which tend to backfire in the long run.

Yet Jupiter in Sagittarius is exactly trine the Aries Moon and sextile the Libra Sun today. This offers a little buoyancy to what could otherwise be a heavy (and heavily polarized) situation — it’s the comic relief of, say, Trevor Noah and John Oliver as they observe political events, or your ability to see the absurdity of a personal argument while you’re in the midst of it. Jupiter in this position might also describe an ability to take the long view on your struggles: to connect some of the dots between current pressure or upheaval and the growth needed to achieve your broader goals. Gears are in motion, and they are inviting you to move with them.
— by Amanda Painter