Tag Archives: self-awareness

The Day of the Long Breath: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Nov. 3
The Day of the Long Breath | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

Even when you love your job, there are times when it feels like work. But there’s nothing like the satisfaction of employment that allows you to express your talents in a meaningful way. Keep your eyes open this year for such opportunities. Your birthday chart indicates harmonious ties between self-esteem, values and material security, and work that furthers your own personal growth. Even if this involves service outside of traditional employment, follow through on leads in that department. Make yourself available. Decisions made now have long-range implications.
— 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

If you’re in the U.S. (with the exception of Hawaii and Arizona), did you remember to turn your clocks back last night? Mercury retrogrades can be challenging enough without adding in the time change — or forgetting the time change. But with the Moon entering Aquarius this morning, you may find you’re able to take a more detached and less emotionally saturated approach to any hiccups. You might even find yourself coming up with an unexpected silver lining to any disruptions today, or making unusual choices, as the Moon squares Uranus in early Taurus.

Juno entering Libra later this evening (9:28 pm EST / 2:28:07 UTC Monday) brings emphasis to balance in relationships. Do you feel out of balance with a partner? Are you both pulling the same weight? Is there any competitiveness you need to acknowledge and defuse? Again, having the Moon in Aquarius could assist in approaching these issues from a place of less personal affront, which can keep the way more open for understanding. Work and leisure activities involving groups and some measure of freedom (creative, emotional, or social) also look satisfying for the next couple days.
— 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 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

The Mysterious Case of Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio

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By Amanda Painter

Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio today at 11:41 am EDT (15:41:20 UTC). It will station direct on Nov. 20. As strongly as Mercury is associated with tricks, especially during its retrograde phases, it does in fact bestow treats as well — though it can require actively seeking that perspective, often in the form of recognizing the lessons hidden in the mischief and frustration.

Mystery figures at the 2016 Sacred and Profane festival, Peaks Island, Maine; photo by Amanda Painter.

I guess you could say that the blessings of Mercury sometimes arrive in disguise, wearing an inconvenient costume.

You know, like that one friend who dresses up as a ‘concept’ that nobody gets, and then is bummed about having to explain it all night. (I’ve totally been guilty of that.)

Yet once you grasp the concept, you kind of have to applaud the cleverness behind it. Is Mercury too clever for its own good?

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The Day of the Overseer: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 30
The Day of the Overseer | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

A birthday conjunction between Mercury and Venus in your sign indicates that your consciousness is tuned to an artistic key. Creative inspiration can even open spiritual dimensions that feel like ‘coming home’ in some way, but you’ll need to honor those instincts enough to follow through. Whether you consider yourself an artist per se or not, beautifying your environment or attending cultural events might be more rewarding than you suppose. You should be able to express yourself with considerable charm this year, and approach life with an optimistic attitude that paves the way to some interesting encounters.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Sharp, saucy Venus in Scorpio sidles up to slow — and therefore powerful — Mercury today, just one day before Mercury stations retrograde. This could describe some very interesting relationship conversations or declarations of romantic/sexual intent — which are typical of a Mercury-Venus conjunction. In Scorpio, Mercury can describe keeping things secret or striking with sharp verbal accuracy. However, Mercury is in its ‘storm’ phase, churning up the waters of emotion-soaked thought and communication — which could translate into miscommunication.

Is the object of your affection/lust giving off “let’s get real” vibes? Or do they seem cagey and self-protective? Which way do you feel yourself leaning? Bear in mind that, especially with the asteroid Pallas quite close, there may be a tendency to express emotions in intellectual terms. Depending on your circumstances, this could facilitate discussing intensely personal topics you’d normally have a hard time talking about. You may also be able to perceive some of the underlying patterns running through your life.

Engaging with art, as creator or appreciator, may offer an especially effective way into this material, with erotic, ‘dark’ or transformation-themed work potentially hitting just the right notes. Bear in mind that when Mercury makes its apparent reversal tomorrow at 11:41 am EDT (15:41:20 UTC), new information could emerge, which may be quite pertinent to today’s conversations (or to matters that have been in the dark for a few weeks). Keep your inner ears open and tuned to the subtle frequencies of intuition and instinct. Double-check everything, whether practical or metaphysical.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of New Ideas: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 29
The Day of New Ideas | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

This year you should be able to instinctively tap both emotional and intellectual resources to considerable effect. Material security ties in here, but it’s deeper than that. Invest in developing and expressing more of your innate talents and proclivities. The result can be a unity of purpose that greatly enhances self-worth. From there, all security proceeds. Relationships and communication factor large this year, and could pave the way toward opportunities you seek. An open heart, self-expression and sensitivity to intuitive prompts will serve you well.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Let’s face it: much of daily life has little to do with passion as we tend to conceive of it — though a general zest for life is one of passion’s incarnations. Yet passion — whether sexual or creative — is not always an easy energy for people to handle. It can be scary, since it implies a loss of control — an inability to deny and hide our truth.

There’s an intriguing conjunction today between Venus and the asteroid Pallas in Scorpio. Pallas often represents strategy and political wisdom, or a kind of detached rationality — useful skills for certain tasks. Yet strategy combined with a compelling emotion like passion can mutate into cruelty when fear or pain is part of the equation.

Particularly during the first part of the day, as the Scorpio Moon activates the Venus-Pallas conjunction, you may want to notice if you find yourself getting strategic about any of your most intense feelings. Are you keeping it all hidden from others as you maneuver? Do you find yourself going on the hunt for what you want? Anything to do with sex, love, lust, jealousy, possessiveness or financial concerns may need careful handling — as in, gently and openly rather than aggressively or secretly. Passion plus strategy can also fuel activism that’s working for the good of all.

With Mercury slow and stormy (it stations retrograde on Thursday), you may want to check your thinking. This definitely looks like a “best laid plans of mice and men…” situation. Getting to the bottom of how you’re feeling could be a very fruitful use of today’s energy. After the Moon enters Sagittarius just before 6:00 pm Eastern, it may be easier to take a lighter approach to whatever’s been compelling you.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Research: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 28
The Day of Research | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

Prepare to take the wheel and steer your life toward the true north of who you really are, more than you ever have before. Uranus opposing your Sun on your birthday signals that you’re ready to reclaim aspects of your core identity. Opportunities to expand in that direction might arise from challenges in your environment. Wake-up calls could come via relationships that demand a type of conformity no longer compatible with your evolutionary path. The question is: how much have you surrendered for the sake of security, or external expectations? Therapeutic guidance geared toward liberating repressed anger or fears can help you make the most of a pivotal year.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Mercury stations retrograde this Thursday, Oct. 31 — which means we’re entering the ‘storm’ phase now. You’ll want to be as diligent as possible with all communication, and perhaps especially with anything related to security, finances, and any topics you consider particularly private.

Remember that nothing online ever really goes away completely — though you’d be hard pressed to find many people who live like they truly understand this. Be doubly certain you have the right email address or phone number before you send sensitive messages this week (and for the next month). As usual, back up your computer, and be ready to find workarounds for inconvenient glitches.

Although the Moon is making its way further into Scorpio after last night’s New Moon, the Sun is still opposite Uranus in Taurus. So a good deal of yesterday’s Written in the Planets will likely still apply, regarding surprises and secrets. Added to the mix is a square between Ceres in Sagittarius and Borasisi in Pisces. How are your beliefs about what counts as ‘spiritual’ stacking up against what’s genuinely been feeding your soul in recent months? If that question triggers some tension, what do you need to do to resolve it?
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Impulse: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 27
The Day of Impulse | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

A New Moon closely opposite Uranus is pretty much the astrological signature for a clean slate. If you’ve felt somewhat hemmed in or locked into a routine, this year will serve to remind you that you’re the one ultimately in control of your life. If you have major changes to make, the window of opportunity is imminent. Just be sure to tie up as many loose ends as you can. In particular, keep promises and atone generously for any errors. Then you’ll be ready when the moment comes.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Tonight’s New Moon in Scorpio has quite a chart. This conjunction of the Sun and Moon is exact at 11:38 pm EDT (3:38:20 UTC Monday), and exactly opposes Uranus in Taurus. Surprises, upsets and anything out of the ordinary could provoke secrets coming out. Yet it’s also possible that behaving in secrecy could itself be the provocative, challenging or upsetting thing. The signs involved are known for strong emotions, and for fixed points of view that sometimes resist the need to flex. And while New Moons are usually lower-energy events, Uranus packs a lot of electrical current. Also, Mercury stationing retrograde in less than a week could be amping up mental static and the potential for misunderstandings.

Questions this event seems to ask include: Where’s the line between simply seeking new experiences/stimulation and behaving recklessly? What’s the difference between ‘getting real’ or ‘going deep’ with someone, and over-sharing in ways that cause someone to feel blindsided? When do you leave the zone of being ‘private’ and protecting your vulnerability and stray into masking your truth to get power over someone?

Nobody shares all of their innermost thoughts, feelings, desires, fears, shadow material or processing all of the time. Yet you can also open up about secrets and ‘taboo’ topics in ways that don’t feel like an ambush. Oppositions are about negotiation; negotiation is about give and take, and finding a common meeting point. An invitation to join someone in the deep end of the pool might feel risky; but is it really just reminding you of some hidden restlessness, or of some part of yourself that you’ve been longing to express but have not dared to yet?

This New Moon chart also hints that intuitive wisdom and other ‘internal’ ways of knowing are key to navigating whatever comes your way today. Especially if you feel knocked off balance, see if you can stay in contact with whatever your immediate first instinct was. If your initial, intuitive response shocks you, that may be all the more reason to heed it. What does it tell you about what you truly want?
— by Amanda Painter