Tag Archives: self-awareness

The Day of the Projector: Birthdays and Planet News

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

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

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

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 Personal Leadership: Birthdays and Planet News

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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

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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

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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.

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The Day of Judgment: Birthdays and Planet News

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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

The Day of the World’s Stage: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 15
The Day of the World’s Stage Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

You’re experiencing a major shift in your relationships with others, of which the general theme is an increase in autonomy and confidence. You may be gaining independence within certain existing connections, or making new acquaintances who are helping you find your voice in the world, or both. This is a gradual process, though applying willpower and effort this year could well lead to specific breakthroughs, along with considerable emotional growth and healing.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Today might not be characterized by a ‘go getter’ attitude, but may offer some creative stimulation and easygoing persistence. The Taurus Moon is all about moving at one’s own pace. Meanwhile, a Mercury-Neptune trine (from Scorpio to Pisces) speaks of deep fantasy — which you might in fact speak about, though Mercury in Scorpio can also keep things pretty close to the vest.

If you seek out art and literature today, mysteries or anything sexy/romantic/provocative may prove satisfying. Spiritual, mystical and occult fields of study also offer the kind of immersion you may crave today.

Getting even more personal, Venus in Scorpio is making a trio of aspects to minor objects, seemingly with a specific purpose. If something is stirring you up beneath the surface (such as emotional turbulence, particularly regarding a relationship), there’s a good chance it’s being informed by past patterns. Do you feel the desire to root that out and move beyond it? You may be facing a threshold of self-understanding, possibly represented by someone else and how you respond to them. Stay focused on what’s in your control: how you feel and the choices you make, not the other person. Even simply imagining how you’d like to handle things differently in the future could help you to reinforce your more productive options.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Moderation: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 14
The Day of Moderation | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Yesterday’s magnificent Full Moon in your opposite sign is still resonating, and its power is helping you to clear the path ahead. It’s time for you to dispense with old lingering doubts and other such bullshit, so that you can proceed without interruption. Keep your promises and act as compassion requires, but otherwise be firm if anyone or anything acts as a hindrance. You will want to invest as much of your time and energy as possible in the work you most need to do.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Though the reverberations of yesterday’s Full Moon should be softening, the Libra Sun is still exactly square Pluto in Capricorn. So you may still be feeling some internal pressure, of the kind that requires you to be very honest with yourself about what parts of your life are not working. That can feel a little scary, but it has a significant up side: moving away from behaviors that keep tripping you up opens the way to focus on what is going well, and on your highest priorities. Mercury and Saturn in aspect to each other describe an ability to identify exactly what you need to do. And challenges that you succeed in tackling today may emerge as sources of strength you can call on in the future.

The Moon moving through Taurus during the second part of the day offers a more relaxed emotional tone and overall pace, which could come as a relief if you prefer to move deliberately — though Uranus may still throw a curve ball or two. Perhaps, however, Uranus simply indicates that you’ll surprise yourself with an ability to take it all in stride. Not everything that we expect to be upsetting turns out to be so. Usually this is a sign that we’ve been growing without even realizing it.
— by Amanda Painter

My autumn readings, called In These Times, offer a place of refuge, an opportunity to suspend self-judgment, and my careful reading of the charts. I offer you reasons to be motivated, and strategies for handling the strange complexity of society at this time. To this work, I bring all of what I have learned as a journalist, editor, astrologer, spiritual student and man of the world; and I offer it to you for an affordable price. Read more here.

In These Times is now available for instant access!

The Day of the Tough Cookie: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 13
The Day of the Tough Cookie | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Given that your birthday is marked by the Aries Full Moon closely square Pluto, it’s safe to say this is likely to be a big year for you. There’s a lot you can get done, and you may well find yourself holding the torch to help guide friends and loved ones into the next phase of your collective experience. Not only do you possess unique wisdom that you can share, but you also seem to have a finger on the pulse of our time in history, and a means to lead the way forward into the future.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Tonight’s Aries Full Moon, which is exact at 5:08 pm EDT (21:07:45 UTC), brings the January Saturn-Pluto conjunction to the forefront. Full Moons are one of the most palpable astrological events we experience — both internally, and through witnessing others’ behavior. This one is like running the essence of Saturn-Pluto in through an IV line. In other words, it could feel particularly intense and marked by an inner sense of pressure to make some changes — such as letting go of unproductive behaviors and emotional habits. This is in addition to whatever friction or stalemates you may encounter with other people.

For interpersonal situations of any flavor that seem genuinely intractable, consider calling a truce on pushing it until after this evening. You can’t avoid addressing important issues, but you can be conscious about holding a space for them that’s running less voltage.

That said, sometimes things just need to get out in the open where they can be dealt with consciously. Kind of like how it’s not always obvious that a machine needs maintenance until it’s clearly not working well. Often how we address issues is just as important as the fact of addressing them in the first place. Knee-jerk reactions can fan flames rather than move people toward solutions; same with manipulative tactics, which tend to backfire in the long run.

Yet Jupiter in Sagittarius is exactly trine the Aries Moon and sextile the Libra Sun today. This offers a little buoyancy to what could otherwise be a heavy (and heavily polarized) situation — it’s the comic relief of, say, Trevor Noah and John Oliver as they observe political events, or your ability to see the absurdity of a personal argument while you’re in the midst of it. Jupiter in this position might also describe an ability to take the long view on your struggles: to connect some of the dots between current pressure or upheaval and the growth needed to achieve your broader goals. Gears are in motion, and they are inviting you to move with them.
— by Amanda Painter