Tag Archives: sex

The Day of Patient Practice: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Sept. 26
The Day of Patient Practice | Pre-order pre-order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Opportunities to bring healing to old relationship patterns is a signature theme this year. The more willing you are to recognize your role, the more you’ll actualize this potential. Clues can be found in power dynamics, and any obsessive need you may feel to impress your point of view on others. It’s not always easy to observe your thoughts, but doing so is a key to unlocking facets of past imprinting that you’re ready to resolve. Your perception is particularly intense right now, and the more you turn that light inward, the freer you’ll feel.
— by Victoria Emory

Do you have your Sun, Moon or rising sign in Libra? If so, your sign is directly aligned with the single most significant astrological event beginning 2020. Eric will walk you through the most effective ways to approach your year in the 2019-2020 Libra Astrology Studio, now available for pre-order.

Written in the Planets

Today’s opposition between the Sun in Libra and Chiron in Aries may offer you a mirror of some kind today. Notice who arrives in your immediate sphere to show you some of your unresolved issues, perceived weaknesses or insecurities. This stuff could relate to your sense of purpose, identity and ability to take action, and could further trace back to what your father did or did not teach you about such things.

Chiron’s conjunction to Salacia potentially brings in the element of sex — especially facets of sex you prefer to keep ‘secret’, but which still form part of your holistic identity. Even if nobody else knows all about your desires and activities, it’s still a part of who you are and how you perceive yourself.

Whether or not the sexual identity theme emerges, pay attention to how you’re responding to those you encounter, particularly if any of these issues crop up. Are you seeing yourself in another person’s behaviors or attitudes? Is someone triggering reactions in you that you’d rather blame on ‘their shit’, but which actually illuminate something you need to address within yourself?

This looks like an important moment to move strongly towards honest self-expression in healing something. Just be aware that a square today between Mercury in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn could describe getting rather obsessive about a single thought; and that obsession — though fleeting — could manifest as trying to coerce someone to your point of view. Think inwardly instead. New depths of self-awareness are possible now, if you’re willing to look beneath your own surface.
— by Amanda Painter

My readings 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.

Now available for instant access!

Libra New Moon: Tipping Points, Reconciliation and Relationships

Leave a reply

By Amanda Painter

As I write this on Tuesday, the internet is blowing up over two things: 16-year-old Greta Thunberg’s impassioned speech to the UN, in which she spared nobody in her condemnation of leaders’ inaction to stem the climate catastrophe; and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s announcement that the U.S. House will open a formal impeachment inquiry against Pres. Trump. With the Sun on the Aries point — via the first degrees of Libra — and the Libra New Moon on Saturday still in that zone where personal and collective meet, this is fitting.

From the Sept. 20 Climate Strike; photo by Amanda Painter.

Libra’s hallmarks include balance, justice, initiative and — worth noting — the possibility for something to go either way. That’s the tricky thing about tipping points.

One would think that the tip would necessarily occur in the direction opposite to what has been experienced up until that moment. That might even be true for these two particular issues. Yet ‘the collective’ and the political machine seem to carry far more inertia than, say, personal tipping points.

Continue reading →

The Day of the Symbiotic Satirist: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Sept. 25
The Day of the Symbiotic Satirist | Pre-order pre-order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Some kind of re-appraisal of domestic situations, perhaps family history that weighs you down, may call for your attention this year. Whatever the specifics might be, keep sight of your own personal aspirations for the future. Old baggage may need to be unpacked and what you’ve outworn given away to Goodwill; free up the bandwidth necessary to actualize what matters most to you as an individual. Adjustments in relationships are often essential to personal growth. Strong friendships seem ready to step right up, so don’t hesitate to reach out. One door may close while another opens wide.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

If you have felt some difficulty in relating to others this week, you may notice it peaking today. Close romantic or sexual partners are the most likely context for this, but any bonded, cooperative or creative dynamic with another person is worth attention. The aspect at hand is Venus in Libra square Saturn in Capricorn — though both those bodies are in contact with Juno in Virgo and a deep-space phenomenon in Sagittarius called the Great Attractor.

Re-evaluating what you’ve been putting into a relationship and what you’re getting out of it appears to be the main thrust of any tension here. There’s an additional layer that seems to describe the question of getting needs met, versus being of service in a relationship, versus feeling compelled or drawn along by someone. Notice whether you harbor conflicting thoughts and feelings about your situation, and whether certain fears are looming about the relationship.

Our loved ones are only human, as are we, and worries about whether or not expectations are being met rarely reflect the whole picture of a relationship. Yes, there are times when enough is enough (including when we’re not receiving enough in return for your energy input), and it’s time to move on. And if you’re newly emerging from some kind of Jupiter-Neptune themed optimism bubble, the gradual loss of that shimmer and glow could feel disappointing. Rather than score-keeping right now, however, it’s possible that a little introspection on how much you’ve learned about yourself through your partnerships is called for. Make an actual list, and recognize how you’re growing; those insights can only serve to enhance any relationship.
— by Amanda Painter

Now available for instant access!

The Day of the Breakthrough: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Sept. 23
The Day of the Breakthrough | Pre-order pre-order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Think in terms of what you want to birth into the world. In a little over a year, a major new cycle focused on your personal creativity clicks into gear. This impacts you directly and, if approached with intention, can propel you far — in terms of both vocation and self-identity. Prepare the ground by tending to old business relative to aspects of your past or your home. All creations need a space within which to grow. That process inevitably creates an internal pressure that may register as anxiety or fears on a subliminal level. Fortunately, you seem to have just the kind of nurturing guidance that you need, and closer than you may realize.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Today is the Libra equinox: the start of Northern Hemisphere fall (spring below the equator). At 3:50 am EDT (7:50:02 UTC), the Sun entered Libra to herald the new season. You can think of each seasonal shift as a kind of natural check-in point throughout the year: a moment to consider what has developed over the previous three months (or six), where you seem to be headed now, and how you’d like to recalibrate your trajectory. The equinoxes in particular — and perhaps Libra especially — focus the question of balance: through the visible, palpable equality of day and night at this time.

In early Libra, the Sun meets up with an interesting cast of minor-planet characters: Bacchus, Hidalgo, and a galaxy called M87 in Libra; Quaoar in Capricorn; and waiting just inside Aries, Chiron and Salacia. One theme coming through this cluster is the idea of being some kind of ‘maverick’, or of setting yourself free in some way.

After a year partially shaped by the expansive, slippery natures of Jupiter and Neptune, where are you beginning to recognize a bubble in your life that only you can pop? Does it relate to sex and relationships, family patterns, career or vocational calling, creativity, some deeper sense of self? All equinoxes and solstices represent a tipping point: either toward more daylight or less. Yet even though today’s ingress of the Sun into Libra represents the solar balance tipping toward more night than daylight (in the Northern Hemisphere), there’s no reason — and few excuses — to stay in the dark about yourself.
— by Amanda Painter

Now available for instant access!

The Day of Perseverance: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Sept. 17
The Day of Perseverance | Order 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio | You can also pre-order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Something fundamental would seem to be shifting within you, relating to the way you think about yourself, and about what is possible. You may be opening up to potential within you, of which you were unaware before. If pursuing this takes you outside your comfort zone, that could well be helpful. Dare to trust yourself; and if you have an aspiration you want to follow, especially one that feels unlikely, you might begin with the assumption that you can achieve it.
— by Amy Elliott

If your Sun, Moon or rising sign is Virgo, you are heading into a most unusual solar year, set up to do the thing Virgo is designed for: integrate the elements of your being, find your direction and purpose, and act on it. Eric lays it all out in your 2019-2020 Virgo Astrology Studio, now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

The Moon moving through early Taurus today brings it into contact with Uranus — The Great Awakener. Something new or unexpected could emerge into your awareness today; for example, something that calls for a change to a routine. Your physical body, emotional body, and sense of what you value are all prime areas of focus for this, with the insight coming through subtle channels.

Yet, it’s hard to be receptive to new ideas and feelings if you hold a great deal of fear. The fear might not itself be related specifically to certain thoughts or emotions, but could be more generalized — such as fear about ‘change’ or ‘safety and security’ or about the state of the world. Many people harbor fears about sex in general and their own sexuality specifically — which can make it that much harder to allow and accept even the types of sexual energy you actually say you want. If you tend to fear change of all kinds, it’s going to be challenging to accept new insights about yourself — regardless whether those insights come through your own introspection, or through some kind of confrontation/mirroring with another person.

Thankfully, many ways to examine fear, specific or generalized, exist; usually this kind of process is great for work with a therapist or someone in a similar role who can hold a safe space for your exploration and reflections. Tools such as Byron Katie’s “Four Questions” can be useful for solo work or in dialogue with someone to examine thoughts and beliefs.

Today, perhaps just notice if anything provokes you, intrigues you, or seems to arrive in answer to a question you’ve had about yourself. Then trace whether any particular emotions come flooding in around it, clouding your ability to sit with it. Venus in Libra opposes Salacia and Chiron in Aries today. Stay alert for inconvenient teachers — either in the form of someone else, or your own responses. It would seem that something is being brought into focus for you this week.
— by Amanda Painter

Now available for instant access!

The Day of Spirited Energies: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Sept. 16
The Day of Spirited Energies | Order 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

You have an opportunity to commit to a particular path of growth, healing and self-discovery. This is in part based on work you’ve already done, which has perhaps bolstered your sense of personal freedom to stand out and make ripples. Your next step will likely be to consolidate what you’ve gained; there may be moments when you have the chance to express yourself more openly, or to take a discerning viewpoint in contrast with the crowd. All of this contributes to honoring who you are.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Few planetary influences seem to be much of a match for the fog-and-illusion-spinning Neptune, especially when it’s in watery, dreamy Pisces. But the focusing influence of Chiron might be one of them. Today’s opposition between Mercury in Libra and Chiron in Aries suggests you might encounter someone who’s able to help you home in on some facet of yourself or a relationship — or may provoke you into seeing it in a new way.

With the minor planet Salacia in a long-running conjunction to Chiron, there could be a theme of sexual energy or sexual identity underscoring this particular interaction. The more secretive, allegedly controversial or ‘salacious’ side of sex could be central. Is there something about yourself you’ve been trying to ignore, and which it might be time to claim more fully? The Virgo Sun today makes aspects that highlight themes of belief and survival. No matter what illusions and lies you’ve been fed about yourself, know this: you presence here at this time is proof of your resilience. You are a survivor, and you can draw strength from that no matter what you are facing.
— by Amanda Painter

Now available for instant access!

Navigating an Impressionistic Sea

Leave a reply

By Amanda Painter

Have you ever seen an image of an outrigger canoe? Attached to the main portion of the boat is a smaller hull (without seating) that sets out a ways from the primary hull. These boats were developed by early Austronesian-speaking peoples of the Southeast Asian islands for sea travel; the design — and its offshoots, such as catamarans — continue to be popular.

Fire engine abstract; photo by Amanda Painter

Something about this week’s astrology reminds me of an outrigger canoe.

Mainly, it’s that the Virgo planets opposing Neptune are receiving some stability from Saturn in Capricorn. The relationship from Virgo to Capricorn is a trine between earth signs: a relationship of harmony and support, but not great power.

In an outrigger canoe, all the power to move the boat comes from the people in the main hull, paddling. Nobody is paddling in the second hull; it has no seats for people. It’s strictly to help keep the boat balanced and afloat on ocean swells.

The outrigger part of the boat offers stability, but not a guarantee. As we know, the ocean is vast, deep and very, very powerful.

You could say the same about Neptune, particularly in Pisces. It might not be a ‘stormy’ placement. But it can describe a high probability of disorientation. Without landmarks or literal stars visible — such as on a dark, cloudy day — early ocean navigation (pre-compass and sextant) could be incredibly difficult.

Continue reading →

The Day of the Businesslike Attitude: Birthdays and Planet News

Leave a reply

If Your Birthday is Sept. 2
The Day of the Businesslike Attitude | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | All Other Signs

You have the determination and energy to succeed, regardless of any obstacles you perceive to be in your path. You know what you want to attain, and that perseverance is key to getting past any moments of self-doubt. This is a gradual but steady growth process that begins with you planting the seed of desire, and then gently nurturing it as it matures, strengthens and blossoms. Yet notice how that requires your action. The courage to seek for what you want is a crucial ingredient.
— by Amy Elliott

If your Sun, Moon or rising sign is Virgo, You are heading into a most unusual solar year, set up to do the thing Virgo is designed for: integrate the elements of your being, find your direction and purpose, and act on it. Eric will lay it all out in your 2019-2020 Virgo Astrology Studio.

Written in the Planets

If you’re at work today, you may at least encounter a congenial atmosphere with coworkers. That may be especially true in the later part of the day, though self-discipline is likely to be hard to come by, thanks to a square between Venus in Virgo and Jupiter in Sagittarius. This aspect could also describe overindulging, such as at a holiday cookout or sale.

With Neptune in the picture, don’t be surprised if daydreams are hard to shake — just take off the rose-colored glasses when it comes to romance and financial transactions. Both of those could be especially slippery this week. Are your head and your heart really in the same place, or are you trying to rationalize your dreams?

Note also that the Sun and Mars in Virgo are opposite the centaur Nessus in Pisces today. Pay attention to any power dynamics showing up in your relationships, particularly (but not only) when it comes to sex. Can you relate any interpersonal patterns you’re seeing now to past inner emotional patterns (such as around being desired and who you desire), or to certain old thought patterns from earlier phases of your life? If you can locate where a particular feeling and train of thought comes from in your past, it may be easier to separate your personal ancient history from present events and people.
— by Amanda Painter

It is difficult to feel good these days; it’s challenging to focus on your growth and self-care, or even to relax. We are pulled out of ourselves constantly, and often distracted from our core purposes. IN THESE TIMES, the Planet Waves autumn reading, will help.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

Read more here.