Tag Archives: self-awareness

Aquarius Full Moon (and Friends)

By Amanda Painter

Mercury leaves its post-retrograde shadow phase this morning, freeing up thought patterns and communication just in time for today’s Full Moon in Aquarius. The Aquarius Moon opposes the Leo Sun and Venus at 8:29 am EDT (12:29:08 UTC), which means the aspect will be separating and the energy beginning to dissipate during the day.

A sunflower demonstrates the Golden Ratio; photo by Amanda Painter

That could translate into any seemingly stuck situations starting to resolve — though this appears to be a Full Moon with less of a conflict/tension signature compared to many other Full Moons.

This one looks more social, with the energy peak having come Wednesday night. Yet even as the Moon moves along from this opposition, the Sun and Venus will still be closely aligned — offering warm, heartfelt social vibes for a few days. Mercury finally treading new ground in Leo describes lively and possibly even dramatic communication of ideas — the bigger the audience, the better.

That said, if you’re in a funk or not feeling as social as everyone around you seems to be, there are elements in the Full Moon chart suggesting that a ‘fake it till you make it’ approach could be worth trying. That would be the asteroids Achilles (false confidence or false lack of confidence) and Icarus (a desire to escape restrictions, exuberance of youth; also potentially reckless actions) conjunct the Moon in Aquarius.

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The Day of the Mortal Mirror: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 14
The Day of the Mortal Mirror 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

With the Sun conjoining Venus, you are sure to possess some extra sparkle. You may find yourself with an abundance of suitors, or at least a few extra admirers; yet what you seem to crave most of all is a deep, passionate, meaningful soul-level connection. This means you’ll want to exercise some discernment amid the glamour and allure of more superficial pleasures. Notice when others practice what they preach, or don’t; notice who is honest and who is not, and respond accordingly.
— 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

Are you a hugger? If you are, today’s the kind of day when you’ll probably feel called into action: giving love and attention to receive love and attention (and even if you’re not a hugger, you may feel your own version of increased demonstrativeness). It’s not the worst kind of exchange to have with others, and personally I think we could use a lot more of it in the world.

True, things like emotional I.Q. and awareness of people’s body language and other social cues are crucial, since one person’s ‘friendly’ can be another person’s ‘boundary transgression’. So remember that you can always ask first, and there are myriad ways to offer and receive warmth that work for all involved (and which don’t require physical contact). Your own ‘yes’ and ‘no’ can still be deployed in response to others however it suits you, no apologies or rationalizations necessary.

The Sun’s conjunction with Venus in Leo today is all about self-expression through creativity and relationships. What does that look like for you? Throwing a dance party or potluck? Making art with friends, or going out to take in some beauty or a performance? One caveat: you may in fact be the most fascinating person in the room, but acting like it will just seem obnoxious. Holding space for others to share their hearts and what inspires them could even be more rewarding than being the center of attention. Either way, it looks like there’s physical vitality on tap today. Move your body, and your literal, anatomical heart will be just as happy as your figurative emotional one.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Long Odds: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 13
The Day of Long Odds 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

You appear to be having a form of ‘no-bullshit’ moment with regard to your one-on-one relationships, of all kinds. This could very well be useful, in terms of both letting go of connections that no longer make sense, and meeting new people. The key is to consider whether you bring out the best in one another. The healthiest interactions result in you growing closer to your higher self and to all that is inherently sacred and beautiful. There comes a point when nothing less will suffice.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

The Moon enters Aquarius today ahead of Thursday’s Full Moon in that sign, in a week that appears to have ‘let’s get social!’ written all over it. That can be easier for some people than others (if social anxiety is an issue, feel free to modify what ‘social’ looks for you). If you tend to be the more introverted or shy type, or if you’re finding yourself alone or unable to connect with your usual group of friends, you may find that getting out into the world offers new opportunities to make contact with others in mutually satisfying ways. True, it’s possible to be in a group of people and feel lonely; yet it’s also possible for a single unexpected smile shared with a stranger to brighten an entire day.

The Moon’s opposition to Mercury in Leo today will go by quickly, but could give a taste-test of what the Full Moon is about for you. Notice who catches your attention, what you feel compelled to say, what they say to you, and how you feel about it all. Chitchat could be rampant and playful, but it’s the unusual idea that catches your imagination or elicits an unexpected emotional response that may be worth some additional pondering. Heart and soul, mind and spirit — all appear to be feeding each other well, and will likely benefit from some physical activity; perhaps especially if done for its own pleasurable sake, without a particular goal in mind.
— by Amanda Painter

COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

The Day of Validation: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 11
The Day of Validation 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

Life may be something of a wild ride at present, though you seem generally grounded and able to weather the various plot twists. Part of mastering this is basically accepting that chaos and novelty are a part of existence. Once you recognize this, the process becomes more of an adventure. You have everything you need within you, and just now you seem to possess a knack for fashioning lasting and valuable gifts from a continually fluctuating world. This is an impressive capability indeed.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Today’s the big day (big, because Jupiter is the planet of expansion! Sorry — couldn’t resist): Jupiter stations direct in Sagittarius today at 9:37 am EDT / 13:37:11 UTC. Do you have a sense of what you’d like to increase in your life, or where you could use a little more momentum?

Jupiter stations direct in a square to Neptune in Pisces, and in a conjunction to a deep-space phenomenon called the Great Attractor. The Jupiter-Neptune square describes your goals and dreams being thrust into the glare of reality. Do they stand up on their own footing, or do they evaporate? You may feel a push to see what’s what, which is really an opportunity to demonstrate the validity of your plans and the solidity of your ideals. The only way to really do that might be to get out there and take a chance on them, though that idea extends beyond just today.

Jupiter conjunct the Great Attractor in this situation may describe the sensation of polarities switching — like if you were a magnet, and the positive and negative ends suddenly reversed. It might not be that dramatic and obvious, but it could be. It’ll be up to you to notice whether you experience anything like that, either in a physical/material way, or in terms of your outlook on your priorities or a particular belief. Keep asking the challenging questions — even if you’re not sure you’ll come to an answer — and see if your ideal destination comes into better focus.
— by Amanda Painter

COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

The Day of the Velvet Voice: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 10
The Day of the Velvet Voice 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

You’re ready to commence a new phase of your personal journey, which is likely to center on bringing a part of yourself more decidedly into the light. Certain arrangements you’ve made are on the verge of being set in motion. Meanwhile, now is a great time for one last systems check; make sure everything is where it needs to be, and wearing its best outfit. This will help soothe any stage fright you may have. Keep your courage high. You’ve worked hard to get here, and you know what you’re doing.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Mercury is in late Cancer, preparing to enter Leo tomorrow. It is nearing the end of its post-retrograde ‘shadow’ or ‘echo’ phase. But before it clears that territory, or even clears the sign Cancer, it makes a square today to the asteroid Rhadamanthus in Libra. In myth, Rhadamanthus was a king whom Zeus later made the judge of souls in the underworld.

You might consider today which of your emotional reactions needs to be brought into better integrity — especially regarding anything that came into focus during the retrograde. Another interpretation of this aspect could be a need to bring greater empathy to your judgments, whether of self or others. Have you been judging your feelings, thoughts, or responses — or your expectations of how others might respond to your sensitivities — harshly? We’re all human, and our failings come with the territory. It’s okay to be generous with your empathy; it’s also okay to know when enough is enough.

Meanwhile, Jupiter stations direct in Sagittarius tomorrow. You can read more about that in yesterday’s Written in the Planets or in this article here.
— by Amanda Painter

COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

The Day of Psychological Leverage: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 9
The Day of Psychological Leverage 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

Cherish your individuality. If you’re living in a way that’s faithful to yourself, people will notice; they may react strongly. Yet whether they’re charmed, provoked or fascinated makes no difference in reality. What matters is that you continue on your life path regardless. Keep truth as close to you as possible, like a priceless item you could never sell or give away. When committed to this way of doing things, you can find yourself growing, creating and healing almost as a matter of course.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

The Moon’s conjunction to Jupiter in Sagittarius today is just the latest in personal planets making aspects to it before it stations direct on Sunday. On a social level, this is likely to come through as generosity and easy, lively rapport with others. Mercury in Cancer continues to signify enhanced emotional intelligence in that realm (especially if you’ve been working with any insights from its recent retrograde, and if you’re keeping tabs on your own sensitivities and those of others).

On a more philosophical or metaphysical level, the Moon conjunct Jupiter suggests the inspiration to seek or focus on some of the deeper spiritual insights life offers. How personal can you make them? As in: rather than pondering big ideas in the abstract, what questions can you ask yourself about your sense of purpose; your vision for your life; the lessons you’ve learned and the patterns you’ve perceived that contribute to your worldview and sense of yourself in it?

Or, to put it more simply: when you allow yourself to get very quiet and still inside, where can you feel yourself drawn to expand and emerge and explore? Jupiter is nearing the end of its phase of review in its home sign. When it shifts back to an orientation of forward momentum and external expansion, your notes on these questions could be useful in staying focused on the place where you most desire to aim your arrow. Of course, you may also find that the target itself has shifted. That’s okay — all that matters is that you notice it and respond accordingly.
— by Amanda Painter

COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

The Day of the Roleplayers: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 8
The Day of the Roleplayers | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

At essence, you possess an innate understanding that originality and self-expression mean having the courage to seek out the unfamiliar and the uncomfortable. Many people, especially now, are too frightened even to contemplate this. Yet bravery is not the absence of fear; it’s being afraid and still doing what you intended to do. Exploration is a crucial component of being awake and conscious; it can also feed your soul in unique ways. Stoke your sense of wonder this year.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Underscoring the potential for pleasantness mentioned yesterday, today’s Venus-Jupiter trine could describe contentment and beneficial social encounters, or a much-needed respite from stress this week. It also can relate to self-indulgence and inertia. Either way, if you’re able to perceive a pattern in your experience, you might also be able to use this energy to reap some kind of reward for related past efforts. Keep expectations low on that score, to guard against disappointment — astrology describes potentials of all kinds, but never offers guarantees — but keep an eye out for the opportunity.

Today’s square between the Scorpio Moon and Mars in Leo is brief (and early — 5:16 am EDT), but could kick up some irritation, or defensive reactiveness born of stubbornness. It should pass quickly; though notice what it may be telling you (if anything) about larger or longer-standing circumstances. Anything seeming like a persistent, unsolvable issue may be coming due for some movement or resolution. This appears particularly likely if it’s an inner situation being mirrored by someone you’re interacting with. Apparent blocks to creativity might fit this bill, and could benefit from hands-on playful exploration, possibly in a group environment.
— by Amanda Painter

COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

Jupiter Stations Direct in Sagittarius

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By Amanda Painter

On Sunday, Jupiter will station direct in Sagittarius, the first of two signs it traditionally rules (the other being Pisces). I know a few people who’ve been feeling like some part of their lives has been less able to develop over the last several months, or like it’s been hard to home in on a goal or vision. Jupiter traveling in apparent retrograde motion since April 10 is as good an image as any for that sensation, if it’s one you’ve been experiencing.

Photo by Amanda Painter.

In these final days before Jupiter makes its switch (which happens at 9:37 am EDT / 13:37:11 UTC on Aug. 11) it might be helpful to ask yourself some questions. The answers may be slow to emerge after the station direct; I have never tried to track whether Jupiter stations tend to arrive with the same kind of ‘sudden truth’ moment that Mercury stations can signal. I suspect that the expansive nature of Jupiter may correlate to a wider window of revelation and reorientation.

Yet this may be a good time to start practicing and opening up the space via these questions. Such as: how in touch do you feel with your sense of purpose or your vision for your life? What are you noticing right now about the lessons you’ve learned and the patterns you’ve perceived that contribute to your worldview and sense of yourself in it?

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