Tag Archives: Pallas

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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Harnessing Those Bright Ideas

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By Amanda Painter

How are things shaking out now that we’ve concluded the eclipse period, and Saturn and Pluto have made their famous meeting in Capricorn? True, Saturn-Pluto is still working out, and Pluto is not at all done with Cap yet. But has anything shifted? Do you feel like you’re in recovery? Are you facing a brave (or scary, or shiny, or intimidating) new world?

Fire Engine Abstract #4. Photo by Amanda Painter.

It may take a good while yet to see the effects of choices you’ve made in the last two to three weeks. Chances are good, though, that you understand something about your world, and your personal agency in it, in a new way.

Right on cue, Mercury — the planet of intellect — is leaving the Capricorn herd and entering Aquarius at 1:31 pm EST today (18:30:42 UTC). Mercury is strong here, blending the steady persistence of Saturn (traditional ruler of Aquarius) with the intuitive inventiveness of Uranus (modern ruler of Aquarius).

Mercury in Aquarius also tends to be a communicative, friendly placing, likely related to the association Aquarius has with groups. It can be iconoclastic with its ideas, but there’s also a reminder to beware of inflexible thinking once the brainstorm has offered its insights. Aquarius is, after all, a fixed sign, describing the repeated crystallization of new patterns after old ones have been interrupted.

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The Day of Extraction: Birthdays and Planet News

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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

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

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

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 Fortitude: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Dec. 4
The Day of Fortitude | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Honor your emotional sensitivity this year, and respect urges for privacy or introspection. Yes, there’s a lot on your plate, and business to take care of; action directed toward financial security will help you create the personal sanctuary needed to feed your spiritual well. Processing issues from the past or from your family, and tending your living space, are important to your evolutionary path.
— by Victoria Emory

If you have a Sagittarius Sun, rising sign or Moon and could use some insights on such real-life matters of 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

Today’s Pisces Moon squares the Sun and asteroid Pallas in Sagittarius for the lunar first quarter. Symbolically, you’re turning the initial corner in whatever you invoked or began with the New Moon a week ago. In this case, the romantic dreaminess of the Moon in Pisces is pushing (or squishing) against the forward-thinking political strategy of the Sun and Pallas. Where do you feel pressure to do the right thing toward a specific goal, rather than just escape into the fantasy version?

We also have Venus in Capricorn square the asteroid Juno in Libra. Venus here describes ambition that does not want to look ambitious; it also values status and security via relationships, and the ability to care well for loved ones. Meanwhile, Juno in Libra tends to be socially competitive, tracking how people behave and becoming jealous if someone (especially a partner) gets more attention. With Venus flanked by at least six other planets and points in Capricorn, we have a striking image of all the ball guests flocking to one particular (and sophisticated) belle — leaving someone else feeling ignored.

Squares are about inner tension demanding action. Yet this one says to watch your scorekeeping (and related behaviors) in both one-on-one relationships and group situations. After all, the best way to be noticed for your social graces is to feel secure enough in them that you don’t need to point them out. Those who matter will notice regardless.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Larger-Than-Life: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Dec. 2
The Day of Larger-Than-Life | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Values, strategy and security; these over-arching themes in your birthday chart hint at big changes and opportunity on the horizon. Your first order of business is getting very clear about what you wish to grow, and what support systems you’ve actually outgrown. With disciplined effort and shrewd self-assessment, you’re well positioned to draw toward you the resources to support who you’ve become.
— 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

Jupiter wraps up its year in its home sign Sagittarius today, entering Capricorn at 1:20 pm EST (10:20 am PST / 18:20:03 UTC). Capricorn is the home sign of Saturn (and Saturn is there, moving into its big conjunction with Pluto). Jupiter and Sagittarius relate to such things as expansion, vision, spiritual concepts, wisdom and optimism. Saturn and Capricorn relate to themes like structure, containment, discipline, practical application and conservatism (even pessimism).

Ideally, you can blend the best of these two opposite forces. For example, by using your sense of humor to see the absurdity in serious, troubling or restrictive situations. You can also make a conscious practice of expressing generosity and warmth as you harness your ambition to move ahead in your life. Doing so is a tool for keeping your aspirations from morphing into avarice, without denying your goals.

Note also that the Sun and asteroid Pallas are exactly conjunct in Sagittarius in today’s chart. This looks like the ability to tap into and express a broad-view strategy, or political idealism. You can be optimistic, if you personally take action toward making the right thing happen, and have a sense of humor. This is the practical application (Saturn/Cap) of vision and faith (Jupiter/Sag). “The right thing” does not happen by magic, or by magical thinking; it is a choice, backed by action. You have the power to make that choice every day.
— by Amanda Painter and Eric Francis

The Day of the Borderline: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 8
The Day of the Borderline | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You’re in a position of greater stability than you might realize, with support systems available to help you make considerable headway this year. Tap your wealth of emotional and intellectual resources to maximum advantage, to plow through work and get your world in order. Demands on your time may accelerate, but don’t sacrifice self-care; healthy routines are important. Emotional healing also emerges as a theme, possibly involving old abuse patterns and karma related to responsibility. Healing is ultimately and always an inside job, but guidance from trusted counselors can play a pivotal role.
— 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. Pre-order your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading (offered now at its lowest price!) to move past the stereotypes, and meet your life at full strength.

Written in the Planets

How are you doing with things like errands and purchases, following through on certain trains of thought, or connecting with people via clear, straightforward communication? Mercury’s continuing retrograde through Scorpio could be slowing things down — for example, by requiring more than one attempt to get something simple accomplished. Can you see what caused you to stumble or detour the first time around, and learn from that experience?

Think of Mercury retrograde in Scorpio as being like scuba diving deep under the surface of the sea. It’s harder to see far ahead; there’s an extra sense of pressure; actions tend to result in exaggerated reactions, so it helps to go slowly and stay relaxed; communication is trickier and the stakes are higher, so it’s essential to be very clear and direct with your buddies. And when something goes wrong, the simple ability to stop, breathe, and think can be an actual lifesaver. Most dry land hiccups associated with Mercury retrograde are not life-and-death situations, but the same principles definitely apply.

In less soggy news, the asteroid Pallas enters Sagittarius this morning. This shifts its tone from one of an ‘asexual’ approach to sexual politics to something more like big-picture planning, the long-game (spiritually as well as politically), and perhaps a strangely rational form of optimism. Notice whether those around you start speaking about their ideals in a slightly different way. Other activity late in Sagittarius suggests some cosmic-level nourishment of your joie de vivre and what turns you on. Sometimes to give is also to receive.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Transformation: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 2
The Day of Transformation | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You’re ready to go deep this year, to seriously dive into intense emotional material and examine lingering issues from the past. This is a profound phase of psychic exploration and healing, essential to your further growth. The more pro-active an approach you take to honestly reckoning with old fears, anger or obsessions, the more you’ll reap the rewards. These amount to nothing less than having more of your innate power at your conscious disposal. Assistance from trusted counselors can play an important role in this process. Think of prioritizing inner work now as a strategic investment in your future.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

On a broader, cultural level, today’s astrology suggests some new level of political intrigue, upheaval or shuffling of the deck is in store — though one look at the news is all it takes to know that certain high-profile stories will continue developing for a while. Here’s what’s up: Mercury makes the second of its current series of three conjunctions to the asteroid Pallas today, this time in retrograde motion. The moment it is exact, the Moon will be in Capricorn, making its way between Saturn and Pluto — the two planets starring in this winter’s astrology. So there might be a new thread of political secrets emerging, or a revisiting of an issue that had seemed to come to a dead end previously.

Personally speaking, you can apply the same ideas. Mercury and Pallas were last conjunct on Oct. 21, making that a good touchstone. What information came out then? What were you either trying to express with some detachment or strategizing to keep private? What conversations did you have about potentially taboo topics, and what was left unsaid? What thoughts and feelings have you had about it all in the last couple weeks? Do you need to take a different tack, or simply take notes and keep digging for more clues?

Be aware that the Capricorn Moon’s contact with Saturn and Pluto could intensify certain emotions, such as pessimism or an “all or nothing” attitude. If that’s the case, chances are you’re not seeing the whole picture of a situation. Let the mood pass, and your options will likely open up.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Attentiveness: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 31
The Day of Attentiveness | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You may find yourself re-thinking strategies this year, perhaps with an eye toward bringing your ideas forward with maximum impact. Follow the trail wherever it leads, without feeling compelled to express more than you’re comfortable with at any given time. Your business, and your process, is as important for your development as it is deeply personal, so don’t worry if you feel more introspective or private than usual. That said, you seem poised to make strides toward greater financial security, perhaps in a way that brings an element of seasoned wisdom into your discourse with others.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Trick or treat! Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio today at 11:41 am EDT (15:41:20 UTC). It will station direct on Nov. 20. While it’s true that Mercury’s retrograde phases are often marked by a need for extra patience and diligence to work around things malfunctioning (including one’s own mind), it’s also possible to approach them as a journey of discovery and reclamation. This one is occurring just as the veil is said to be thinnest between the worlds of the living and the dead. If you’re especially sensitive to the spirit realm, I’d be curious to hear if that’s heightened in the coming weeks.

Mercury is stationing in the sign of deep feelings, deep transformation and, when things don’t go well, the potential for deeply held grudges. There are suggestions in this chart that we’re being sent on a deep-sea recovery mission, one that could lead to the regeneration of something that has seemed (or actually was for a time) lost. You may wish to pay particular attention today to anyone offering hints or reflections of this theme; the interaction may hold useful clues for the path of inward review you can follow for the next three weeks.

This chart also describes needing to take action in response to secrets or inconvenient truths being revealed, or to beliefs around health and healing (either of those themes may relate to a group of some kind). Your understanding of what love truly is/means, or a recognition of “conditions” placed on unconditional love and compassion, might also be a point of tension that spurs you to seek what would resolve it. Whether you are able to communicate what is most personal to you — that is, questions of the paradoxical strength in vulnerability — is another theme to note.

As always, the usual Mercury retrograde hygiene applies: back up your computer; double-check emails and texts before you send them; if there’s confusion or no reply, pick up the phone and call, or knock on the person’s door; delay large purchases and important contracts. Give yourself extra time for travel, and only drive when you are driving (if your hand is on something else, your mind is, too — though even hands-free calls divert significant mental focus). And no matter what, get curious about the mysteries of the journey — the one inside you, most of all.
— by Amanda Painter