Tag Archives: Venus

The Day of Attentiveness: Birthdays and Planet News

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

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

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

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 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 Organizational Cohesion: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 26
The Day of Organizational Cohesion | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You may find yourself drawn to explore your inward consciousness; your dreams, your deeper feelings, your secrets. Keep a dream diary; notice if you experience unusual emotions during sleep, or particularly vivid imagery. At some point there will probably be a significant revelation, on the theme of your essential being, or a concept you hold dear. If you’re open to this potential and hold space for it without judging, you could transform your relationship to yourself.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Several planets making contact around the zodiac appear to be emphasizing relationships of various sorts. Some factors speak of getting quite particular about emotional needs. Those conversations will likely be very incisive, zeroing in on the most fundamental desires and triggers, and cutting through the fluff and bullshit. If you find yourself in a situation like that, you may need to bring in some lightness consciously — though not in the form of evasiveness. Think more in terms of reminders of the bigger picture, and of how amazing it is to keep learning about those closest to you and about yourself.

Other factors suggest a combination of intense passion, an ability to speak about deep or intimidating topics in a rational way, and maybe even holding space for an atypical sexual experience or unconventional relationship. Bear in mind that ‘holding space’ for somebody else’s process implies a lack of expectation of reciprocation; it’s a form of service, and service is a form of love — more in the ‘agape’ sense than in the romantic sense.

Yet with so much Scorpio (and Taurus) energy right now, the healing process that you’re bearing witness to could indeed be fairly saturated with emotion or erotic energy. That’s not a terrible thing, it just might be a lot to handle for some people, or could contribute to confusion about ‘intentions’. If feelings of possessiveness or jealousy are creeping in, that’s a signal that something other than ‘holding space’ is going on. You might need to check in (with yourself and/or with the other person) with direct, specific communication to get clear again.

With Mercury less than a week away from its station retrograde (on Oct. 31), you can’t be too careful when it comes to what and how you’re thinking, what you think you’re perceiving from others, and what everyone is and is not saying. Expect the unexpected all weekend, as we approach tomorrow’s Scorpio New Moon opposite Uranus. Note also that a square between Mars in Libra and Saturn in Capricorn describes feeling blocked and getting frustrated. Don’t let that — or fears that you’re not up to the task of overcoming an obstacle — get the better of you. Just proceed very deliberately, patiently and thoroughly — with everything.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Substantive Form: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 25
The Day of Substantive Form | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for pre-order | All Other Signs

New options and new concepts are available to you, and will make themselves known as the year progresses. The most important service you can offer yourself is to be open to receiving them. At first you may be in some doubt; using language like ‘should’ and ‘ought’ is a signal. If you catch yourself doing this, stop and reconsider. Make sure you’re not telling yourself a story about who you or loved ones think you ought to be; instead, start with what you really feel and want.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

The theme of the day appears to be ‘going deep’. Now, perhaps you were hoping to skate through your workday and make a beeline for happy hour and the weekend, but several factors — relating to activity in the sign Scorpio — suggest that getting beneath the surface of an issue or being willing to ‘go there’ in some other way will actually be more satisfying. That said, encounters might not take the shape you were expecting. How are your reactions to upsets, surprises and secrets based on the kind of environment and family patterns you grew up in?

Emotional connections with friends and lovers may deepen today, thanks to a Venus-Pluto aspect. Experiences in those realms are unlikely to be superficial. And anybody being evasive is likely to be met with persistent digging for the truth. Chances are taking an active role in this dynamic will yield the greatest results.

As mentioned yesterday in this space, a Ceres-Jupiter conjunction in Sagittarius brings some good mojo for any situations where mentoring, adventurous learning, or ‘soul food’ in any form have been offered and received. Everybody teaches all of the time, as the wise saying goes. And Eris in a trine to Ceres and Jupiter looks like a reminder of just how valuable this kind of contact can be, especially in person, in this age when everything is so fast and fractured in digital media. Nourishing oneself and others can be as fun as it is essential to our flourishing.
— by Amanda Painter

Secrets and Surprises

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By Amanda Painter

In one week, on Oct. 31, Mercury stations retrograde in Scorpio. On the way there, this Saturday, the Sun and Moon make a conjunction — the Scorpio New Moon — which is opposite Uranus. One translation of all this: the next seven-plus days may well be characterized by secrets and surprises. The question is: what determines whether such things feel like tricks or treats?

Illuminated offering at the 2016 Sacred and Profane Festival, Peaks Island, Maine. Photo by Amanda Painter.

The short answer is, “you.”

More specifically, it’s things like your perspective, attitude, agility in responding to new information, and emotional attachments (whether to people, to certain ways of doing and thinking about things, to the familiar, to what you think you know about yourself and others) that will contribute to whether life feels like an enticing mystery that you’re unraveling, or a haunted hayride you didn’t want to go on in the first place.

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The Day of Vogue: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Oct. 20
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Some rather beautiful astrology today is likely to help you focus your efforts on what means the very most to you. You may find it easier than usual to integrate the various facets of your life and align them with your main purpose. In addition, your creative powers are likely to be at their height, enabling you to experience the world at its most vivid. Soak it all in, and let the everyday wonders that surround you gently enrich and open up your perspective.
— 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

Have you ever noticed how taking care of things can bring feelings of security? That could mean taking care of others, taking care of yourself, taking care of business, taking care of your immediate environment and basic needs. Is it the simple fact of taking action, or is it the sensitivity and quality of attention that makes the difference? Probably all of the above — and today appears prime for the act of caring in any form, thanks to the Cancer Moon and the aspects it’s making. Domestic pursuits are calling, yet you might also feel drawn to extend the gesture beyond your home and immediate family.

One of the aspects the Moon activates today is a sextile between Venus in Scorpio and Saturn in Capricorn. If you have detailed creative projects or business tasks on your plate, you should be able to dive into them with ease, as long as you make the initial effort. This aspect also bodes well for embracing relationship ‘responsibilities’ without them seeming like burdens; in fact, it will probably feel like it deepens intimacy.

Caring actively is a win-win for all involved, and the Libra Sun is making aspects that offer another spin on the theme. In this case, you may have an opportunity at a second chance of some kind — for example, to “be the change you wish to see,” or to behave in a way that is more ethical or more focused on the highest good, or to act in greater alignment with your sense of purpose. Whatever it is, remember that deliberating on such a thing only gets you so far. Actually acting on the option to build more balanced and just relationships is where the subtle magic happens.
— by Amanda Painter