Tag Archives: Saturn

Seeking without Hiding, to Stand on New Ground

By Amanda Painter

I completely missed Neptune’s presence in aspect to the Sun (a square) when writing the daily Written in the Planets segments for the second half of this week. Neptune often has this property of slipping under the radar and evading notice, so it’s not entirely surprising.

Exploring the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia last month. Photo by Amanda Painter.

Yet Neptune’s an important factor to consider, not least of all because its little disappearing act in my awareness this week demonstrates part of why it matters: what we fail to notice can make a difference — in what we choose to do, in what we think our options are, and in how we feel about all of it (and about ourselves).

Although the Sagittarius Sun does not exactly square Neptune in Pisces until Sunday, Neptune has a wide orb. In other words, its influence on consciousness has been part of the picture all week.

With this square happening right at the midpoint of the signs involved, there are two very interesting things to be aware of. One is that the Sun is conjunct 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. Everything in our region of the universe seems to be contracting toward it (though overall, the universe is expanding).

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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

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…

Tending a Grateful Space

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By Amanda Painter

Jupiter is currently making its way through the last degree of Sagittarius, bringing to a close this year in its home sign. Before you look ahead to what Jupiter in Capricorn is all about, you might take a little time to consider the area(s) of your life where expansion, broad or far-reaching vision, acquisition of new knowledge and experiences, adventure, distant travel, attainment and sharing of wisdom, increased optimism or faith, religious or philosophical zeal (including fundamentalism), or self-indulgence have been prominent.

Wind chimes and frangipani tree in Padangbai, Bali, Indonesia; photo by Amanda Painter.

Where have those themes intermingled in your life? What new vistas — inner or outer — have you encountered as a result?

What now feels like a distant daydream (emblematic of Jupiter’s long square to Neptune in Pisces this past year)? In what ways do you feel like you’ve mastered — or at least gained a foothold in — a new life-level?

I ask, because when Jupiter enters Capricorn on Monday, Dec. 2, the emphasis will shift to the practical application of whatever you have learned, envisioned and acquired.

Saturn rules Capricorn. And while Saturn/Cap can have a dampening effect on some of Jupiter’s traits, it’s also possible for Jupiter to infuse some optimism, humor and breadth of perception into the more conservative, rigid and dry realm of Saturn and Capricorn.

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The Day of the Liberator — Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 22
The Day of the Liberator | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Know your bottom line: what you positively require to feel right about where you’re going, and what you’re willing to negotiate. This will be easier with some type of spiritual practice, anything that helps you feel more balanced and grounded. To find peace amidst the chaos is an act of power, and those able to hold that space for others are doubly blessed. Devotion and commitment to something greater then yourself can play a pivotal role in navigating whatever challenges may arise over the coming year.
— 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. Order your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading to move past the stereotypes, and meet your life at full strength.

Written in the Planets

Today the Sun enters free-spirited Sagittarius (at 9:59 am EST), following the Moon’s early sign change into Libra. Both of these should dial down considerably any intensity you’ve experienced over the last few days, and help smooth any ruffled feathers. Take a deep breath — now you can begin to shift your focus once more to the onward road. A change of scene might help, even if it’s only to the cafe a few blocks away, or the next town.

Vesta, still on its retrograde through Taurus, will also form a trine aspect to Saturn in Capricorn. This is a connection that’s all about work and devotion. If you want to make headway with an ongoing project, and you’re willing to put in the elbow grease, this aspect might not drive your engines but it should clear the path.

With the Sun’s presence in Sagittarius we should also begin feeling the good-vibe conjunction between Venus and Jupiter in that sign, which will be exact on Sunday. These classic ‘benefics’ in optimistic Sadge meet at the Galactic Core, joined by the centaur Ixion. Eric wrote about this aspect in last Sunday’s subscriber issue. This influence culminates at the same time that Mars exactly opposes Uranus, on the 24th. Such contrasting dynamics occurring together may describe the inspired energy necessary to break through log-jams to achieve a more ideal condition. Just be aware of the difference between action that serves a positive purpose, and impulsive risk-taking or carelessness.

— by Amy Elliott and Victoria Emory

The Day of the Underground: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 11
The Day of the Underground | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for instant access | All Other Signs

You make an impact on others simply by being yourself, but your words could pack extra punch this year, so choose them wisely. Your birthday astrology indicates intense focus on communication and relationships, with your mind firing on all cylinders and burning high-octane fuel. Self-expression in all forms is favored, but resist snap judgements, including assumptions about those you know well. Make a point to bring your keen emotional intelligence to all interactions, and you should be in for an exciting ride.
— by Victoria Emory

Your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading for Scorpio Sun, rising and Moon signs addresses the current jolt to your relationships, as well as the profound thought transformation you’re going through. Eric considers some deep matters of self-identity and where that meets personal healing. Listen to Sample 1 or Sample 2.

Written in the Planets

Mercury conjoins the Sun today — the day before the Taurus Full Moon — marking the astrological halfway point in its retrograde. According to traditional astrology, if you have important business that truly cannot wait until the retrograde is over, this is thought to be a better day for it. In any case, we have the planet of the mind (Mercury) and the emblem of conscious self-expression (the Sun) merging their symbolic energies — though Mercury is looking backward or inward, while the Sun maintains its forward/outward orientation. This describes a potentially interesting conversational dynamic: both expressive and reflective at the same time.

Yet, as a friend once remarked to me, you cannot actively think and truly listen at the same time. We were discussing the challenges we faced in trying to meditate; a teacher had offered this insight to her, along with the advice to focus on listening to all the sounds around her as she tried to meditate. Each time she noticed her thoughts wandering, she’d re-focus her attention on a specific sound. You might consider this dynamic today, especially since Sun-Mercury conjunctions can also describe a blind spot in awareness — such as being a little self-absorbed or talking a lot and not listening to others.

What shifts are you noticing between thinking and speaking, between listening to others and listening inwardly? With Mercury and the Sun also in aspect to Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, what you notice, think and express could be quite useful in making certain changes you’re contemplating, or in aligning yourself more actively with goals — whether in the near future, or long-term. The Moon in early Taurus appears to offer an inner sense of steadiness regardless what surprises emerge.

Bear in mind, however, that interpersonal emotions could be running high. If a situation feels especially intractable with someone, patience and listening more closely could help. The way should begin to clear by the middle of tomorrow, after the Full Moon peaks.
— 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

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

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 Organizational Cohesion: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 26
The Day of Organizational Cohesion | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You may find yourself drawn to explore your inward consciousness; your dreams, your deeper feelings, your secrets. Keep a dream diary; notice if you experience unusual emotions during sleep, or particularly vivid imagery. At some point there will probably be a significant revelation, on the theme of your essential being, or a concept you hold dear. If you’re open to this potential and hold space for it without judging, you could transform your relationship to yourself.
— by Amy Elliott

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

Several planets making contact around the zodiac appear to be emphasizing relationships of various sorts. Some factors speak of getting quite particular about emotional needs. Those conversations will likely be very incisive, zeroing in on the most fundamental desires and triggers, and cutting through the fluff and bullshit. If you find yourself in a situation like that, you may need to bring in some lightness consciously — though not in the form of evasiveness. Think more in terms of reminders of the bigger picture, and of how amazing it is to keep learning about those closest to you and about yourself.

Other factors suggest a combination of intense passion, an ability to speak about deep or intimidating topics in a rational way, and maybe even holding space for an atypical sexual experience or unconventional relationship. Bear in mind that ‘holding space’ for somebody else’s process implies a lack of expectation of reciprocation; it’s a form of service, and service is a form of love — more in the ‘agape’ sense than in the romantic sense.

Yet with so much Scorpio (and Taurus) energy right now, the healing process that you’re bearing witness to could indeed be fairly saturated with emotion or erotic energy. That’s not a terrible thing, it just might be a lot to handle for some people, or could contribute to confusion about ‘intentions’. If feelings of possessiveness or jealousy are creeping in, that’s a signal that something other than ‘holding space’ is going on. You might need to check in (with yourself and/or with the other person) with direct, specific communication to get clear again.

With Mercury less than a week away from its station retrograde (on Oct. 31), you can’t be too careful when it comes to what and how you’re thinking, what you think you’re perceiving from others, and what everyone is and is not saying. Expect the unexpected all weekend, as we approach tomorrow’s Scorpio New Moon opposite Uranus. Note also that a square between Mars in Libra and Saturn in Capricorn describes feeling blocked and getting frustrated. Don’t let that — or fears that you’re not up to the task of overcoming an obstacle — get the better of you. Just proceed very deliberately, patiently and thoroughly — with everything.
— by Amanda Painter

Secrets and Surprises

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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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