Tag Archives: sexuality

The Day of the Top Dog: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Oct. 1
The Day of the Top Dog | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Regardless of your current forms of relationship, it generally helps to view yourself as a whole entity, independent of needing anyone else to ‘complete’ you. The human brain is a magnificent organ, full of wonders that even neuroscientists are still discovering. As a thinking person, you contain a rich, plentiful world of complex ideas, feelings and senses. Celebrate and honor all of that, and remember that loving yourself enhances, rather than diminishes, the love you exchange with others.
— by Amy Elliott

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 instant access.

Written in the Planets

Notice the areas of your life where you’re craving some kind of deeper experience. It could come through as tension and frustration, or more like desire and curiosity — though the former appears more likely. What kind of emotional experience are you looking for — sexual or romantic intensity? Creative and artistic edge pushing? A deeper or more well balanced level to a relationship of some other kind? Any of these urges or sensations of discontent signal subterranean changes that you’re being called to acknowledge and respond to. This situation is described by Venus in Libra squaring Pluto in Capricorn, which indicates a phase of new growth is at hand.

With the asteroid Juno in Virgo opposing Neptune in Pisces, there’s another layer to the relationship dynamics at play today. How specific are you being with a partner about your needs and expectations, and are you seeing the reality of the situation? There’s a suggestion here of jealousy, but it may be based on an illusion, exaggeration or flat-out fantasy. It could also be that you’re responding to a partner’s focus on details (or even their nit-picking) with your own rosy insistence that everything’s just fine. Is it, really? Remember that seeing where things could improve is not an admission of failure; it’s an opportunity to negotiate a clearer agreement, and a way forward that better meets everyone’s needs.
— 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.

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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.

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

Libra New Moon: Tipping Points, Reconciliation and Relationships

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.

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.

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The Day of Perseverance: Birthdays and Planet News

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


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!

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The Day of Spirited Energies: Birthdays and Planet News

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

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

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


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!

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The Day of the Supportive Partner: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Aug. 26
The Day of the Supportive Partner | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | All Other Signs

What do you think of when you imagine your ideal social group? It’s true that you have certain goals in mind, and would most likely benefit from support among your peers. Without forming a comic-style superhero troupe, is there anything you feel you specifically need from your friendships? If so, this could be found by venturing into some unfamiliar places, where you’re likely to find new people. Alternatively, perhaps the qualities you seek are actually within yourself.
— 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

Your ability to see through issues and beneath surfaces appears to get a boost today, as the asteroid Pallas enters Scorpio. If there’s something you need to get to the root of — especially about yourself, given other current aspects — you could get some real traction with it if you make the effort. When it comes to workplace dynamics, think in terms of strategy and understanding the psychology of any puzzling situations.

Venus and Uranus in contact with each other describe seeking stimulation through love and friendships — or even just looking for after-work entertainment that’s different from what you usually go for. If the unexpected or unconventional arrives in your immediate environment (or is suggested to you by a partner), it might be worth exploring.

On a related note, Mercury in Leo and Vesta in Taurus are in a square to each other today. Are you just talking about sex, or are you truly making — and honoring — the time and space deserved for such a core part of being human? It might be time to put your body where your mouth is, so to speak (or where someone else’s mouth is, though you can adapt that idea for solo action just as well). In fact, since we’re really talking about the inner creative spark, the sense of tension in this square could relate to artistic desires, too. Ideas are great, but sometimes action not only speaks louder than words, it also gets more done.
— 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.

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The Day of Lively Precision: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Aug. 23
The Day of Lively Precision | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | All Other Signs

Finding a role that truly reflects you is almost always worth any effort, and may be of particular importance for you this year. There is a tremendous difference, in terms of wellbeing, between a job you consider merely a means of bringing home the dough, and something that is much more a labor of love. If it wouldn’t be so easy to do the latter in a paid capacity, make sure you have sufficient time to pursue your real interests. This will help you feel more fully alive and in touch with your essential self.
— 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

Today the Sun enters Virgo, at 6:02 am EDT (10:01:52 UTC), and begins the last sign of the current season. In one month, we arrive at the equinox. We’re entering a phase of harvest and the gathering in of the wisdom we’ve gained from recent experience. In so doing, we can begin the process of integrating it and — eventually — bringing the results out into the world. With a Venus-Mars conjunction brewing, that process of integration is likely to involve some of the most potent inner dualities we human beings encompass. Or, to put it more simply: what do you need to acknowledge and tend to in your relationship to yourself?

Late tonight into Saturday (depending on time zone), the asteroid Juno also leaves Leo and enters Virgo — describing a focus on the health of the people we’re most intimate with, and how it impacts the relationship as a whole. In between, we have the last quarter Moon today, after the Moon enters Gemini. This is the waning Moon phase leading to the next New Moon — suggesting that you put some energy toward moving a project toward the next stage, or toward completion. Whether that project is something external or some kind of inner process, sometimes even seemingly minor insights and small steps turn out to be the key to unfolding all the rest.


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.

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The Day of Seasoned Experience: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Aug. 22
The Day of Seasoned Experience | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

You may be looking to make unusual moves with regard to your career. Or, said another way, something different from simply being promoted in a straight line, or from remaining in a conventional role. Possibly you have a particular calling in mind; alternatively, you just want to do work you can love. Either way, various opportunities could soon present themselves. Be aware of all your options, and look out for those that might be some way off the beaten track.
— 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.

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

How do you typically express your needs in love, sex or in any other type of intimate or affectionate relationship? This question could come into focus today, as the Sun occupies the kind-of-edgy last degree of its current sign (Leo), and makes a conjunction to the asteroid Juno. Do you generally offer what you hope to receive? Or do you tend to withhold generosity, or fail to ask for what you want out of pride and past wounds to your ego? Are you feeling impatient about any of this currently? With the Sun and Juno also making a trine to the centaur Pholus in Sagittarius, there’s potential for what you express today in this realm to have a ripple effect. Tomorrow the Sun enters Virgo: the last sign of Northern Hemisphere summer, and a symbol of the harvest. When you choose consciously what you’d prefer to reap, it should help clarify what you’d like to sow now with those closest to you.
— 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.

In These Times graphic