Tag Archives: Relationships

The Day of Allure: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Oct. 22
The Day of Allure | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Self-actualization is not merely doing something meaningful or useful. It’s about following your calling, which is likely in some way to be different from the expectations formed on you, both as you grew up and today. People do this a lot, and have a hard time letting go; but that’s not your problem. As an adult, you can decide your own path. This sometimes requires unlearning early programming, though if you look within yourself for long enough, you can feel the pull of your soul.
— 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

For most of the day, both the Sun and the centaur planet Pholus will be in the last degree of their respective signs: Libra for the Sun (the Sun enters Scorpio tomorrow), and Sagittarius for Pholus. Not only does this describe a potential sense of edginess (like wanting to get on with something but the timing not quite being right), it means these two objects have a direct relationship. One way to look at it is that anything you do or express today that relates to your relationships, seeking balance in something, or taking creative initiative could ripple out further than anticipated.

This can be very useful, particularly with creative endeavors. Not all art (whether deeply personal or overtly political) needs to be grand in scale or loud to have profound impact. Sometimes it’s simply about making contact with the right audience at the right time, or connecting with collaborators with whom more emerges than the sum of your individual talents. The point is to take the step toward a goal, no matter how small, to tap into today’s potential.

Remember that when seeking a new equilibrium in a relationship (or with almost anything, really), swinging to an opposite extreme rarely gets the desired result; it simply catalyzes a counter-swing. A little give and take might actually open up the space you’re looking for: that place in the middle where minor adjustments are able to blossom down the road into a wholly new vision. At 5:49 pm EDT Pholus enters Capricorn (again), uncorking issues relating to things like business, government, structure, foundations, limits and leadership. If anything in those realms lights up or takes off for you tonight and in the coming days, take note.
— 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 Singularity: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

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

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

The Day of Vogue: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

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 the Projector: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Oct. 19
The Day of the Projector | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

If you’re looking at changing or enhancing your career, this could be your moment. What you may need to factor in, however, is the importance of work that not only brings home the funds, but really calls to you. This isn’t even about enjoying your job, though that’s certainly a major component. What you do every day must align as far as possible with your principles and your personal journey, and speak to you on a soul level. Keep this in mind.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

What mysteries are you puzzling over these days? What questions about your relationships, motives, desires, fears, needs, growth and obstacles have seemed just out of reach but now beckon to you to probe their depths? If you’ve discovered some answers, do you feel more compelled to keep them quiet for further exploration or to tell others about the profound truths you’ve finally uncovered?

Of course, these questions, prompted by a sextile between Mercury in Scorpio and Pluto in Capricorn, might not be such an internal investigation for you. You may be entertaining proposals from others or unclear situations that require thorough questioning. Topics such as psychology, the occult, healing and anything else related to any kind of regeneration and transformation are also ripe for in-depth study. Either way, the superficial is unlikely to hold much attraction today, compared to ‘real’ knowledge.

Whatever you learn is likely to assist you in birthing some new relationship (or new stage of a relationship) from unusual or unexpected parts of your life. As in, social spheres where relationships might not normally spring up for you. Or you may start to relate to someone differently, from a newfound understanding of yourself. All in all, a deeper sense of balance may be available.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Personal Leadership: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

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 Precarious Balance: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Oct. 17
The Day of Precarious Balance | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

What excites your curiosity? What drives your desire? These are things always worth pursuing, though society has a way of frowning on anyone who looks like they’re having too much fun. Yet this makes doing so all the more important. By brushing off ridiculous moral codes and openly dancing to your own rhythm, you’re providing an important public service, because others will notice your example and some will follow it. In any case, though, this is the most honest way to live.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

You may find yourself in the role of peacemaker or of trying to get things started today — potentially in response to someone who’s being less than direct about their needs. Manipulative or attention-seeking behaviors are the thing to watch for. Can you respond by taking a stance that is fair and balanced, yet still cuts through the bullshit? This kind of thing calls for being specific; that is, being able to identify why certain behaviors are counterproductive. You can do this with understanding and empathy, rather than as a punitive or shaming act.

Ask yourself: What’s it like to set boundaries and make corrections, yet allow a person to maintain their dignity? Does that generally happen best in public or in private? How do you maintain your own healthy boundaries, and not get sucked into enabling or codependent dynamics, passive-aggressive retaliation, or game playing? (Libra Sun opposite Eris in Aries is the aspect du jour.)

On the flip side, if you feel like you’re having a hard time this week, how are you expressing that? Are you able to articulate what is triggering you, what the trigger is tapping into (usually something from the past), and what you feel like you need in response? It’s the inability to acknowledge these things to yourself (or an inability to speak it to those you’re interacting with), that can start to come out sideways. When that happens, we often sabotage the very things we desire most — namely: healthy, functional, trust-based, respectful relationships with others, and with ourselves.

Everyone is under a lot of pressure these days. It takes patience and awareness to navigate its effects; for most people, this is a lifelong learning curve. Luckily, the universe is more than happy to oblige with as many opportunities as we need.
— by Amanda Painter

Chaos, Balance and Birth

Leave a reply

By Amanda Painter

Mercury may still be two weeks from its station retrograde in Scorpio on Oct. 31, but I feel like I’ve been noticing its effects all week. How about you? Hopefully this means the retrograde proper will be less about glitches and more about rewarding (if intensive) introspection and evolution — though that’s always partly a matter of personal intention and perspective.

Fire engine abstract #2; Photo by Amanda Painter.

Against this mercurial backdrop, the sky is offering some additional prompts to assist you on your journey of self-awareness — and in just trying to get by. Given the chaos and confusion the world is throwing at us (such as Pres. Trump escalating conflict between Syria and Turkey by turning on allied Kurdish rebels — on a dime, and apparently on a bluff), sometimes just trying to get by constitutes a day well lived.

Today’s major aspect is an opposition between the Libra Sun and Eris in Aries. On one level, this is the ‘other shoe’ dropping in our fall preview of the January Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, which will be square Eris.

Continue reading →

The Day of Judgment: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

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