Tag Archives: Nessus

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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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 Distinctive Manner: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 26
The Day of Distinctive Manner | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

A New Moon birthday is a pretty solid indicator of embarking upon a new phase in your life. Shoring up financial security is a priority, and even small steps taken now can yield rewards. So follow through on leads and don’t hold back. Creative self-expression or a bit or romance (or both) can help you discover more of who you are.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Today the Sun and Moon meet for the Sagittarius New Moon (read additional coverage about it here). This is exact at about 10:05 am EST / 7:05 am PST (15:05:28 UTC). At its essence, the Sagittarius New Moon is about spirituality and truth. Yet it’s in contact with a couple of centaur planets. In astrology, centaurs represent healing processes — and healing processes can be uncomfortable for a little while, as you make new choices and eventually emerge into a space of greater clarity.

In this case, the Sagittarius New Moon is square the centaur Nessus in Pisces. This looks like spirituality and truth running up against resentment and jealousy. You cannot have both — not if you want to feel better. So which are you going to choose? You have resources available to lean on, even if your bank account is empty or you feel lonely. For example, you know which activities, people and environments leave you feeling nourished and cared for, and which leave you feeling depleted. Chances are you also know that when you nourish and care for others, the world suddenly feels a lot friendlier.
— by Amanda Painter and Eric Francis

Please note: Written in the Planets will be 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.

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

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 15
The Day of the World’s Stage Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

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

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

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 Mastery: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Sept. 15
The Day of Mastery | Order 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

As you were growing up, it’s highly likely your caregivers or family had some expectations on who you were to become, and how you should live your life. As an adult, you have a free choice on how far you will stick to that narrative, though depending on the pressure this isn’t always easy. This year, you have an opportunity to strike out on your individual path more decisively, regardless of anyone else’s preconceived ideas or wishes. Follow your desires, and don’t worry about going off-script.
— 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

Mercury and Venus are now in the early degrees of Libra, beginning to renew emphasis on slow-moving planets early in the cardinal signs. (Though King Neptune’s fluidity is still diffusing everyone’s impressions.) Keep your antennae tuned for certain echoes of events and themes from a few months ago, and of familial material.

For example, today watch for the ways your emotional life and approach to relationships might be at odds with multi-generational family patterns. What roles have these issues played in your sense of identity? The Moon moving through early Aries in the wee hours of the morning may heighten less conscious feelings along these themes. Dreams, if you can remember them, could offer a layer of insight.

On a related note, Juno in Virgo, Ceres in Sagittarius and the centaur Nessus in Pisces are all in strong contact with each other. You may be noticing tension between specific relationship needs (including material around jealousy), your sense of nourishing others and what makes your own spirit feel fed, and old emotional patterns whose time is up (possibly around sexual or energetic boundaries). If you were to hold yourself to the highest standards of intellectual and psychic hygiene, what might that look like? Even if it seems like there are two or more ways you could go, chances are you can identify the option that leaves you feeling clear. If someone is pushing your buttons, that’s a good clue that your own reactions and expectations around the energy you’ve been giving them could use a closer look.

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.

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The Day of the Mold Breaker: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Sept. 3
The Day of the Mold Breaker | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | All Other Signs

Perhaps more than anything else, the truth of your word is the foundation of your honor and character. This year’s astrology seems to be calling on you not merely to practice honesty, but to keep it at the forefront of all you say and do. Be especially wary when you feel absolute certainty on any point that isn’t as obvious as 1+1=2. That’s a signal you may need to slow down and examine your understanding. In many cases there’s more to a situation than what we think we know.
— 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

Today’s sky describes a high degree of mental energy. It will be up to you to direct it toward productive tasks, constructive communication, and other ways of expressing the ideas that are most important to you, and with which you identify most strongly. We’re currently experiencing a triple conjunction in Virgo of the Sun, Mercury and Mars. This could bode very well for engaging any kind of intellectual work that requires stamina or confidence.

Yet you’ll want to give all this energy a clear job to do, ideally in the service of some larger good (that is, not just for your own satisfaction, or to prove to someone that you were right after all). This could also be a good time to fulfill any outstanding promises you’ve made to others. Without these kinds of clear focus, it’s possible to take yourself and what you have to say a tad too seriously. If you feel like debating for fun, choose your sparring partners carefully — for example, someone who’s already used to playing with this side of you.

Also, notice if you begin feeling like your very existence is on the line, or a similarly high-stakes level of urgency. Step away, literally or figuratively. See if you can get some perspective on what — if anything — you really need to defend here.

With these Virgo planets opposite Neptune and the centaur planet Nessus, there may be a degree of mirage or displaced emotion involved. That is, you might not be arguing about what you think you are; or your emotions might relate to a situation or person from your past more than to the person at hand. If you feel like you’re on the receiving end of someone’s defensiveness, see if you can draw them out with questions to help clarify what’s up. Chances are that process will benefit all involved.
— 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 the Businesslike Attitude: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Sept. 2
The Day of the Businesslike Attitude | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | All Other Signs

You have the determination and energy to succeed, regardless of any obstacles you perceive to be in your path. You know what you want to attain, and that perseverance is key to getting past any moments of self-doubt. This is a gradual but steady growth process that begins with you planting the seed of desire, and then gently nurturing it as it matures, strengthens and blossoms. Yet notice how that requires your action. The courage to seek for what you want is a crucial ingredient.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

If you’re at work today, you may at least encounter a congenial atmosphere with coworkers. That may be especially true in the later part of the day, though self-discipline is likely to be hard to come by, thanks to a square between Venus in Virgo and Jupiter in Sagittarius. This aspect could also describe overindulging, such as at a holiday cookout or sale.

With Neptune in the picture, don’t be surprised if daydreams are hard to shake — just take off the rose-colored glasses when it comes to romance and financial transactions. Both of those could be especially slippery this week. Are your head and your heart really in the same place, or are you trying to rationalize your dreams?

Note also that the Sun and Mars in Virgo are opposite the centaur Nessus in Pisces today. Pay attention to any power dynamics showing up in your relationships, particularly (but not only) when it comes to sex. Can you relate any interpersonal patterns you’re seeing now to past inner emotional patterns (such as around being desired and who you desire), or to certain old thought patterns from earlier phases of your life? If you can locate where a particular feeling and train of thought comes from in your past, it may be easier to separate your personal ancient history from present events and people.
— by Amanda Painter

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The Day of Structured Action: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 29
The Day of Structured Action | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | All Other Signs

It would appear you’re approaching a turning point in your personal journey, which involves you learning to understand yourself possibly more thoroughly than ever before. Part of this might relate to accepting facets of yourself you’ve potentially avoided acknowledging in the past. The experience may feel like an initiation, or a moment of sudden enlightenment; regardless, it’s thanks to groundwork you’ve laid assiduously paying off. Don’t forget to honor yourself duly for your efforts.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Early in the day, Mercury joins the throng of points in Virgo — one of the two signs it rules (the other being Gemini). Mercury in this sign is said to describe stability of mind, and thinking that’s practical and logical. Yet that tends to work best when you have something tangibly productive, creative or analytical to focus on; this type of mental energy needs a job to do beyond idle daydreaming. So what projects have you had on the back burner, and what would be the first steps to reviving them?

With Mercury in Virgo also indicating strong communication and critical faculties, it’s also not a bad idea to watch out that ‘constructive criticism’ actually includes the constructive part. Or, you know, lean more toward asking questions about how and why something is the way it is, rather than offering unsolicited opinions.

On a somewhat related note, Venus is making aspects from Virgo that suggest the usefulness of learning to recognize the guilt trips others may try to lay on you. When it comes to prior agreements, there’s a difference between honoring your word and subjecting yourself to co-dependent or other unhealthy treatment. Abuse does not require your loyalty; your most sacred promise is to your own healing and wellbeing, from which place you can support that of others. Later this evening, the Moon enters Virgo on its way to tomorrow’s New Moon conjunction with the Sun. What smaller parts of your life’s whole could stand some reorganizing, realigning or integration?
— by Amanda Painter

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