Tag Archives: Moon

Solar Virgo: What Will You Harvest?

By Amanda Painter

Tomorrow the Sun enters Virgo, at 6:02 am EDT (10:01:52 UTC), and begins the last sign of the current season. Speaking as one living in the Northern Hemisphere, I am wondering where the hell summer has gone. I’m not quite ready for the cooler nights we’ve had lately where I live, or for the Sun to be setting closer to 7:30 than 8:30 in the evening. But ready or not, here we are — along with the benefits of this part of the season, namely the harvest.

Bumblebee on a bachelor’s button; photo by Amanda Painter.

Along with the literal harvest of vegetables, grains and fruits, the sheaves of wheat in the arms of the Virgo virgin also symbolize what Frances Sakoian and Louis Acker describe as “the wisdom that is harvested in the fields of experience.”

They add that one lesson of this sign is that “although the body must serve the mind, ultimately the mind must serve the spirit.”

I wonder if this idea about Virgo relates to its association with healing professions and processes — not simply in the sense of one part of Self being ‘in service’ to another part. But rather, in the sense that when we get those various parts of ourselves working together in such a relationship, healing occurs. With our own inner healing and harmony, we’re able to hold space for others to do the same and can model how it feels and what it looks like.

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The Day of the Cryptic Secret: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 20
The Day of the Cryptic Secret | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

Your need to express your uniqueness is a fundamental part of your being, as it is for everyone. It’ll help immensely if you give yourself the room to do so, and refuse to confine yourself to the narrow expectations of conventional society. You’d have trouble fitting into that particular box, anyway, and would soon be compelled to burst out and do your own thing. Don’t be afraid of causing a little turbulence here and there; you might consider it a service to the perpetually sleepy.
— by Amy Elliott

Do you have a Leo Sun, rising sign or Moon? Your last couple years may have left you reeling trying to figure out which path forward is best. Hear Eric’s thoughts on expediting your post-eclipse process in your 2019-2020 Leo Astrology Studio reading.

Written in the Planets

A little is likely to go a long way today, in terms of demonstrating your affections (and in seeking such from others). Venus — still close to the Sun and Juno in Leo — has arrived in the last degree of its sign. That alone can have a sort of itchy, edgy or impatient quality. But Venus is also making a trine aspect to Pholus in Sagittarius. Trines are aspects of harmony, which may help soften things a tad — but Pholus is the object of ‘small cause, big effect’. So this looks like a reminder to keep the generosity of selfless giving — rather than what would boost your ego — at the heart of what’s lighting your fire.

The Leo Sun trine the Galactic Core in Sagittarius could help you to channel a broader ‘highest good for all concerned’ type of love into all the ways you express yourself today, though it will help if you set that intention consciously. The Aries Moon swings through to complete a brief grand fire trine tonight with the Sun and Galactic Core (and then does the same with Venus and Pholus). Do you feel inspired toward warmth and illumination, or are you feeling burned out by your impulses? Notice first, and then choose how to proceed.
— 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.

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The Day of Unique Happenings: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 6
The Day of Unique Happenings 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

You’re preparing for a gear shift, prior to making some substantive changes. This process could be triggered by certain external events, though at root this has to do with you wanting to leave some aspect of former times behind you. If you’re unsure how to begin, consider where the past may be leaking into your current life. Do you consciously think or say one thing, and then end up doing something different under pressure? That could be a sign of an underlying idea you may need to let go.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

The centaur planet Pholus has been hanging on out on the Aries Point, via the first degree of Capricorn, for more than a month now. That’s one facet of the astrology that describes the dual sense of a chain reaction (or the genie let out of the bottle) and ‘didn’t we already deal with this ages ago?’ that marks so much of what’s in the news currently. If what’s been happening politically or culturally has felt especially personal recently — in a way that seems to have a life of its own — Pholus offers a clue to that.

Later today, Pholus retrogrades back into late Sagittarius. You might take this as a signal to revisit certain goals or broad visions you had earlier this year. Notice the steps you’ve taken toward them, and what those steps have led to. Do you still feel like you’re on track in moving toward your ideals? Did those ideals, or your sense of possibility regarding them, shift or get blocked or become more solidified? What have you been learning about how to structure them, or about what limits them, or about the initiative it requires to pursue them?

As you track the answers to these questions and begin plotting your next steps, bear in mind that small adjustments and actions could count for more than you’d expect. This goes doubly this week, with Jupiter slow and about to station direct in mid Sagittarius. The Moon moving into Scorpio for the later part of the day could intensify your feelings about all of this, or lend some sharpness to your reactions. This could be useful for getting to the feelings beneath the surface.
— by Amanda Painter

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The Day of Airborne Dreamers: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is June 29
The Day of Airborne Dreamers | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

Hold out your full respect for the power of desire. That is what drives you, on whatever level you may need to be motivated. The words, “I shall not want” represent the surrender of your personal volition, the most potent force in your psyche. The challenge, though, is knowing what you want, which is also about knowing what’s true for you. This is your quest. As you embark on it sincerely, you will notice there are a lot of things you have no use for, and should not be part of your life. And you will notice what really turns you on. Mark the difference.
— by Eric Francis

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading

Written in the Planets

How many different stories do you tell yourself about who you are in your friendships and love relationships? If you hold any conflicting beliefs or emotions about yourself in this regard, do you tend to favor one side and try to ignore the other? Venus in Gemini is making a square to Borasisi, and could raise these issues. Venus is also conjunct the asteroid Chaos. Is there a place in your heart that predates your relationship narratives? If so, does it feel like a place of origin or homecoming, or does it just feel confusing?

With Venus also moving into an opposition with the Galactic Core, stepping back to see the bigger picture — such as in spiritual terms, rather than ‘personal’ emotion — could help you to get oriented. In other words, how do concepts like agape or the Golden Rule intersect with how you think about and offer love? Notice if anyone this weekend offers that view to you, and maybe write a love note to yourself about what you learn, for future reference. The Moon entering Gemini later today could accelerate the speed of thoughts and moods, making them trickier to pin down as sociability increases.
— by Amanda Painter

Did you know that Eric Francis recorded insight-rich videos for all 12 signs, specifically investigating Mars interacting with some of astrology’s most influential planets this season? His Call the Astrologer readings are available individually or as a 12-sign set to share with your loved ones. Check out samples here and here.

The Day of Emotional Stimulation: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is June 28
The Day of Emotional Stimulation | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

It would appear you’re fluctuating between two states of mind. In one, you really need to rouse yourself in order to push toward your goals; and in the other, you’re barrelling ahead at such a fast pace you’re liable to break the sound barrier. Finding a happy medium may seem like a challenge; the first thing to do is catch yourself when in either mode, and figure out what’s going on. Then plan out a pace that’s healthy and works for you. You don’t need to get it perfect every day; persistence is almost always a better friend than speed.

— by Amy Elliott
Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading

Written in the Planets

With the Moon in Taurus, your TGIF feelings could have you inclined to take the day at a leisurely pace. If your job allows for that, great. If not, it’s possible the Moon’s contact with Saturn in Capricorn will offer just the disciplined work ethic you need to keep plugging away until all the items on your task list are checked off. Some Neptunian influence could filter through in the form of especially imaginative or beautiful inspirations along the way.

Speaking of Neptune in Pisces: the ongoing square it’s receiving from Jupiter in Sagittarius remains a reminder to keep checking with reality as you formulate any dreams, schemes, or far-off, grand-scale plans. There is reason to be discerning in your dealings with others, particularly when your ideals are part of the conversation. Yet at the same time, the desire to help may be strong right now. You might feel tested — even thwarted — as you try to put your loftier convictions into tangible action, but that does not mean you’re wrong in doing so. It simply could signify that anything truly worth doing is worth making an effort to accomplish.

— by Amanda Painter

The Day of the Defensive Developer: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is June 27
The Day of the Defensive Developer | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

You’ve come a long way and worked hard to get to this point in your life. The fruits of your efforts are beginning to show themselves, though try not to cling to any specific ideas about how they’ll pan out. This is a journey you’re still on, and what happens over the next few months will propel you toward the future, be it one of “fate” or of your own choosing. Be open to surprises, and if you’re feeling unsure or apprehensive, keep in mind that the achievements you’ve already made cannot be taken from you.

— by Amy Elliott
Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading

Written in the Planets

With both the Cancer Sun and Taurus Moon making contact with Uranus today, don’t be surprised if you surprise yourself — whether with suddenly shifting moods, or an urge to make changes to your surroundings. Just remember that if you’re caught off guard by your own choices and responses, chances are those around you will be, too. So be prepared to cut your loved ones or colleagues a little slack should they be slow to adjust, or if they’re busy seeking their own fresh stimulation and navigating their own moods.

At their best, these aspects could offer unusually insightful and interesting everyday encounters, especially the more you channel today’s energy into creative exploration. If you tend to be impulsive anyway, or if you’ve been trying to contain or ignore a need to do something different, today’s other standout aspect might be pushing that energy.

The Sun is making its exact square to Chiron in Aries. Do you carry any tension around the need to express all of who you are? Do you feel a little stuck trying to articulate your dharma, or sense of purpose, in relation to how you identify and present yourself to the world? If you think about your father, can you see any of his struggle in your own? Are you in a process of trying to fully acknowledge, claim or balance your so-called ‘masculine’, active or yang side? Consider that the Uranus aspects might offer the inspiration to act in answer to one or more of these questions; Sun-Chiron describes the need to follow through on it — and, ideally, a better sense of integration within yourself when you do.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of the Limit Pushers: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is June 11
The Day of the Limit Pushers Order Your 2019-20 Gemini Reading | All Other Signs

You may not know where a creative or emotional opportunity will lead you, though that’s not a good reason to pass it up. If you don’t follow your curiosity, what are you following? Caution is not a motivator, any more than you can drive to California only by stepping on the brake pedal. Challenges will most certainly arise, and they are more than “tests” and “lessons.” Your experience of your life is your opportunity to understand yourself, and to experiment with what you want. There would be no point to freedom otherwise.
— by Eric Francis Coppolino
Hear Eric speak about your year in-depth in your 2019-20 Gemini Astrology Studio Reading.

Written in the Planets

Today’s Libra Moon will be picking up on a longstanding aspect pattern in the early cardinal signs. Getting the Moon involved could make it feel more personal, or may bring in a less conscious layer of emotional response to old material that’s been making itself known lately. If you’ve been feeling indecisive about how to handle certain familial patterns or baggage, the influence of Libra could add to your vacillation. Then again, you may discover a balancing effect — a moment of equilibrium that allows you to see your situation with a little more grace, or to express it to a partner with real diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Mars in Cancer is moving into contact with Saturn, Pluto and Neptune this week. Given the option between digging into any kind of power struggle and using your empathy or imagination to help others (or to take your own new tack forward), which feels like it will be more beneficial and enjoyable in the long run? Know when you’re hitting your limits with others’ agendas, but also know your own deeper motivations.
— by Amanda Painter

Did you know that Eric Francis has recorded new videos for all 12 signs, specifically investigating Mars interacting with some of astrology’s most influential planets this season? His Call the Astrologer readings are available individually or as a 12-sign set to share with your loved ones. Check out samples here and here.

The Day of Laughter and Sadness: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is June 10
The Day of Laughter and Sadness | Order Your 2019-20 Gemini Reading | All Other Signs

Keep your perspective: don’t make small things larger than they are, and don’t count the small things as meaningless. Everything counts, though be aware of your tendency to exaggerate on the one hand, and get lost in the details on the other. Handle your affairs by prioritizing the most important matters, and the most timely; and by breaking big tasks into manageable steps. Venus newly in your birth sign suggests you will associate generosity with popularity. Be sure to keep those things in their proper places.
— by Eric Francis Coppolino
Hear Eric speak about your year in-depth in your 2019-20 Gemini Astrology Studio Reading.

Written in the Planets

Today’s first quarter Moon describes a good landscape for moving something forward, perhaps in an especially expressive way. This lunar phase is actually part of a bigger pattern: a grand cross in the mutable signs involving the Gemini Sun, the Virgo Moon, Jupiter in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces. That configuration may offer some stability for whatever it is you need to do.

Here’s the question: do you feel like you need to loosen something up, or nail something down? Over the course of a year around the zodiac, the mutable signs come at the ends of seasons: after a fixed sign and before the next cardinal sign. As a result, they can sometimes act like one or the other. So you may want to check whether you’re at a point of needing to add flexibility and wiggle room to a process that has plateaued, or whether you’ve been vacillating to the point of inaction and now need to make a firm decision between options.

With the Sun also conjunct the centaur planet Asbolus, it’s also possible you’re in a ‘survivor’s mindset’ of some sort. We’ve all been through shit, and it’s not productive to compare who’s been through the worst; at the same time, there’s value in awareness of where you’ve been, seen alongside where you are now. All of that exists within you at all times. Since you get to choose what to do with it, why not see what new and beautiful places you can go with your well-earned wisdom? Today’s astrology suggests that you don’t have to be a Pollyanna to contribute to the cycle of positive vibes — and even small acts of courage. You only need to be you.
— by Amanda Painter