Tag Archives: sexuality

The Day of the Standout: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 21
The Day of the Standout | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

If you’re in the mood to get things accomplished this year, you could well cover a lot of ground. The current conditions are ripe, firstly for big changes, and secondly for bringing ideas to life. A little enthusiasm will probably go a long way; so be bold, and focus on goals that carry real meaning for you. It may be advisable to take the view, in fact, that you can accomplish whatever you have a mind to. Actually, this is probably not too far from the truth.
— 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

One of the first things astrologer Debbi Kempton-Smith says about Venus in Virgo is that it “sees sex as a healthy function, something one does in order to be a tension-free, well rounded-person.” This approach could feel particularly resonant this week: Venus enters Virgo today, on its way to a conjunction with Mars on Saturday. Often Venus-Mars conjunctions spell “sex” — and this one very well could, too. But there’s something about these ideas of “healthy” and “well-rounded” that is coming to the forefront of this week’s overall trajectory, and it looks more internally focused.

That is, rather than seeking out sex with somebody else, you might want to consider the ways you actually contain all of what you may seek — giver and receiver; active and passive; sensual and sexual; male and female. In any way that you tend to see yourself on one side of a polarity or dichotomy, see if you can find the place in yourself where the other half of the equation lives — without criticizing yourself for not seeing it before, or for not developing it, or for projecting it onto others. How can you bridge the gap and relieve some tension?

With the Moon moving through Taurus today and tomorrow, there’s some solid, relaxed emotional support that you can likely access most easily the more in touch you stay with your physical senses. What would feel good to your body?
— 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.

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The Day of Startling Surprises: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Aug. 19
The Day of Startling Surprises | The 2019-20 Virgo Astrology Studio can now be pre-ordered | 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for instant access | All Other Signs

After some time spent clearing your forward path, this year you really seem to have the wind at your back. Whatever you begin is likely to take on a momentum of its own, with nominal help from you. However, the more aligned your vision is with meaning and purpose, and the more effort you put in to keep it going, the faster you should progress. A full tank of petrol is usually more effective when you know your route and don’t need to do any doubling back.
— 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

Do you tend to be forthright in making your affections known? If so, notice today whether you feel an increased need to know that your feelings and gifts are being received and reciprocated. If you tend to be subtler or indirect about your attractions and emotions toward others, it’s possible you’ll be inclined to make bolder displays — or might be more direct about your needs.

Venus making a conjunction to Juno in Leo today is what’s up. And while this is not likely to come through as competitiveness (that was Mars conjunct Juno in this sign), it does appear to describe an increase in wattage for both intimate relationships and uncoupled matters of the heart. In terms of sex, this may very well be a ‘give what you wish to receive’ aspect. The Moon moving through Aries today describes some additional heat and impulsivity — though it’s balanced by Mars in Virgo, which suggests a little extra relaxation might be needed if you’re planning any weeknight erotic exploration.
— 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

The Day Of the Tangible Presence: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 30
The Day of the Tangible Presence | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You are making discoveries about yourself — feelings, desires, inclinations that you might previously have set aside or not been fully aware of. Recent events or sudden changes may have precipitated these revelations, though they are no less genuine for that. Often we learn about ourselves through our reactions to external movements. It would be advisable to avoid any kind of self-judgment during this process; hold space for yourself and allow your understanding to develop without restriction.
— 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

Just one more day after today, and then Mercury stations direct in late Cancer (overnight Wednesday into Thursday). How much patience, humor and resilience can you bring to your day, no matter what goes wrong or gets delayed or misunderstood? What do you need to say to someone — and if you’re holding back, why is that? What do you need to admit to yourself? And how are you feeling about it all?

Note that Mars is in a conjunction to the asteroid Juno in Leo, and together they are squaring the asteroid Vesta in Taurus. This could describe some kind of frustration or jealousy in a relationship (particularly sexual) — as well as the potential to work too aggressively to get intimate needs met, or to push past or downplay them to soothe a bruised ego. Any feelings of powerlessness in such a situation could likely exacerbate things, which emphasizes the importance of ’emotional intelligence’ as described by Mercury in Cancer.

That is, the more you are able to see and articulate your feelings and thoughts honestly to yourself, the easier it may be to share them with those close to you without undue force. Neptune in Pisces is also aspecting Mars, Juno and Vesta. It appears to offer the creativity needed to hold space for expressing these feelings with steadiness, empathy and maybe even some higher-vibe vision. Just be aware that this could take continual small adjustments as hopes and expectations are revealed for what they are: an ideal, but not reality. We human beings disappoint each other all the time; but in dealing squarely with ‘what is’, sometimes we open the way wider for what could be.
— by Amanda Painter

COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

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The Day of Tragicomic Controversy: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 21
The Day of Tragicomic Controversy | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

It would seem you’re becoming better aligned with yourself, perhaps more closely than ever before. Your mind is opening to wider dimensions, which previously would have been beyond the confines of your knowledge. You are discovering exciting new concepts and ways of being. Keep track of your progress, and record everything, including dreams if you remember them. So long as you’re willing to dare, you can make this year an inspiring and profound adventure.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

You might feel especially talkative today, but are you saying what you mean to say? Are you being heard and understood? What’s actually coming out of your mouth, and where is your mind? It’s also possible that you’re feeling a little more thoughtful today — but mainly about yourself and how other matters relate to you.

This could make communication a little one-sided, unless you and the person you’re speaking to (or texting, or emailing) make a conscious effort to comprehend what each other is saying. Bear in mind that with the sign Cancer prominent now, “understanding” will mean not just getting the facts straight, but also perceiving the emotional tone and intention being used.

All of this relates to the conjunction between the Sun and retrograde Mercury today in Cancer (exact at 8:34 am EDT / 12:33:51 UTC). This marks the astrological midpoint of Mercury’s current retrograde. Traditionally, this is supposed to be a decent time to finalize a deal or purchase or sign documents if you absolutely cannot wait a couple more weeks to do it. You’ll still need to triple-check the details, however; and be prepared to make adjustments later on. Today also marks Venus in Cancer exactly opposite Pluto in Capricorn. You can read a little more about that here, and also in yesterday’s Written in the Planets. If relationship stuff is feeling powerfully influential, this aspect would describe that.
— by Amanda Painter

COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

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Where We Are Now

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By Amanda Painter

Tuesday evening the second of this season’s two eclipses came and went with the Capricorn Full Moon. On an immediate, practical level, I noticed this event arrived in a way that highlighted or seemed to exacerbate situations with a distinctly Mercury retrograde flavor. I’ve heard from a number of people in the last several days who’ve been wondering why they’ve felt a little ‘off’, down, thwarted or disempowered, and so on.

Seaweed pointing the way; photo by Amanda Painter.

Seaweed pointing the way; photo by Amanda Painter.

Does any of that describe your experience at all?

Collectively, we’ve been through a lot this year; Mars moving through Cancer and igniting a couple different aspect patterns — and the global events illustrating that astrology — was followed immediately by Mercury stationing retrograde. Add in these eclipses, and it has been a lot to handle.

Yet any astrology, no matter what in your life it describes or coincides with, is a reminder to notice consciously and integrate what you’re learning — particularly about yourself, but also about the people around you, your relationships with them, and your overall environment. So, regarding the last two weeks and the two eclipses bookending that span of time: what did you learn?

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The Day of Taken Opportunity: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 13
The Day of Taken Opportunity | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

Confront your challenges and problems head on. There is no point sidestepping them, or bobbing and weaving, or pretending they’re not there. Your challenges are what build you up, even if there are moments when they seem to tear you down. In the end, this process makes you a more solid person, connected to your inner truth, and courageous enough to speak the truth to anyone. Make sure your ears are open as well. Not everything everyone says contains vital wisdom, but it just might, and it’s worth listening.
— by Eric Francis

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

Limitations, supposed ‘rules’, and your own past could be creating some friction with your innate sense of what really turns you on today — thanks to a square between Saturn in Capricorn and Eros in Libra. This could apply very literally to sex, especially if you still have parental voices that chime in and enforce your inhibitions whenever the potential for erotic adventure appears. (Another take: an urge to buck the ‘detachment’ rules around hookup culture.) Or, it might describe something more like The Man crowding your artistic joie de vivre, or some other authoritarian hindrance to your Life Force. Yes, we all have adult responsibilities we must fulfill, but be careful to discern those from guilt trips that aren’t really about you at all.

The Moon cruising by Jupiter in Sagittarius today describes an expanded urge to be free, play and enjoy a few of your favorite things. That should help to balance the Saturn thing to a degree — though focusing your indulgences in a few select, high-priority areas will likely carry the greatest long-term benefit.

If you’re feeling depressed, stressed or in some way stuck under someone else’s thumb, can you see where you’re empowered to make some changes that will benefit both you and everyone else involved? Chances are such an opportunity exists, though it might not become visible until after the situation breaks down in some way. Chaotic as it might feel at first, there’s no telling what unexpected corners might birth a solution if you’re willing to see what’s being revealed — and if you’re committed to not playing games.
— by Amanda Painter

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

New in the Special Readings Series
Magnum Opus on Eclipses, Now Through Late 2020

Eric’s new 90-minute discussion of all things related to eclipses, in any sign — with a focus on Cancer and Capricorn eclipses, from the current pair through 2020 — is available now for instant access. Part audio reading, part astrology class, it offers you a lot of help processing the solar eclipse on July 2 and the lunar eclipse on July 16, and features original music. Hear it as part of the 2019-2020 Astrology Studio for Cancer, or purchase the Eclipses Reading separately for only $33.

The Day of Passive-Active Duality: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 10
The Day of Passive-Active Duality | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

In anything you do, you may notice there is a difficult way, and an easier way. By difficult, I mean running into obstacles that make no sense. How do you handle them? Do you go back toward the obstacle, or do you go in another direction? Think of this as the difference between the past and the future. In any choice you make, which way are you headed? Here is the thing: there are certain elements in your life that you are really, truly done with. Know what they are, and be bold about choosing something else — something alive and fresh.
— by Eric Francis

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

A few hours after the Moon enters Scorpio today at about 5:28 am EDT (9:28:29 UTC), it makes its way into a T-square formation with Mars in Leo and Uranus in Taurus. You may notice an extra edge (perhaps sexual) or depth of emotion this afternoon, possibly related to any restlessness you’re feeling this week. Mars aspects tend to be palpable on the approach (the square to Uranus is exact tomorrow), so you may already be experiencing it.

If you’re yearning for freedom in some form, see if you can channel that impulse away from outright rebellion and into a more deliberate process of ongoing creative change. Also keep tabs on perceived threats to your ego, since the potential for explosive reactions is higher with this aspect. With Mercury newly retrograde in Leo — and still in contact with Mars and Uranus — you’re on double alert to be careful and thoughtful with all forms of communication. It may be harder with real-time, in person conversations to press your internal pause button if needed. You’d be amazed, though, at the centering power of a couple deep breaths in such moments.
— by Amanda Painter

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

New in the Special Readings Series
Magnum Opus on Eclipses, Now Through Late 2020

Eric’s new 90-minute discussion of all things related to eclipses, in any sign — with a focus on Cancer and Capricorn eclipses, from the current pair through 2020 — is available now for instant access. Part audio reading, part astrology class, it offers you a lot of help processing the solar eclipse on July 2 and the lunar eclipse on July 16, and features original music. Hear it as part of the 2019-2020 Astrology Studio for Cancer, or purchase the Eclipses Reading separately for only $33.

The Day of the Dark Pragmatist: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 8
The Day of the Dark Pragmatist | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

You are edging closer to something you want, something genuinely important. Yet you need to watch your bearings. That’s a navigational term, which means know your position, your course and your speed. Check these regularly. You may be driven by financial motivation to a degree that does not work for you, and that’s one of the most important things to keep tabs on. Where money is concerned, know how much you need and why. Make sure the basics are taken care of first. And in all of your dealings, be impeccably honest. In the long run, it will pay.
— by Eric Francis

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

Retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to Mars in Leo is exact today, though chances are you’ve noticed its influence already. That might be coming through as heightened mental and physical energy in its more constructive manifestation, such as the ability to focus on a project and persist until it’s done.

However, if you’ve been trying to navigate defensiveness, competitiveness, egos (yours or someone else’s) and similar, it may help to take step back from whatever’s firing you up. Continuing to push at someone is unlikely to bring an enjoyable outcome, though friendly debate could be extra spirited. That said, today’s Libra Moon offers a ‘make peace, not war’ vibe that may help to balance out hotter influences, as long as you stay honest in your efforts at diplomacy.

Venus in Cancer is making aspects to Chiron in Aries and Uranus in Taurus. Are you feeling inwardly conflicted about something or someone (including, but not limited to, who you are and how you love)? You might find that the more unusual, creative or unexpected option for how to deal with it offers you the best opportunity to move forward. It could also provide a more authentic sense of contact with your core values, even if it seems out of habit. Your most stimulating friends, lovers, and ‘not your typical Monday’ social situations are worth seeking out today — just do so knowing that transit and communication will require your full attention.
— by Amanda Painter

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

New in the Special Readings Series
Magnum Opus on Eclipses, Now Through Late 2020

Eric’s new 90-minute discussion of all things related to eclipses, in any sign — with a focus on Cancer and Capricorn eclipses, from the current pair through 2020 — is available now for instant access. Part audio reading, part astrology class, it offers you a lot of help processing the solar eclipse on July 2 and the lunar eclipse on July 16, and features original music. Hear it as part of the 2019-2020 Astrology Studio for Cancer, or purchase the Eclipses Reading separately for only $33.