Tag Archives: Vesta

Ceres in Aquarius, and a Vesta Quarter Moon

By Amanda Painter

Tomorrow (Friday), Ceres becomes the next planet to leave the Capricorn stellium. It enters Aquarius at 2:59 am EST (7:58:45 UTC), and immediately bumps into the surprises offered by Uranus in Taurus.

Dewi Sri, the Balinese goddess of rice and fertility, watches over a home in Ubud. Photo by Amanda Painter.

What does Ceres in Aquarius describe? Ceres is the planet of literal food (specifically grain) and feeding, as well as metaphorical forms of nourishment. Aquarius is the sign of groups.

Automatically, we get an image of the social facet of eating: all forms of breaking bread with others, perhaps especially potluck dinners. Things like volunteering at soup kitchens and food banks bring in the humanitarian facet of Aquarius.

Less literally, we can see the theme of socialness itself being nourishing. Our friendships feed our hearts and souls, and at times offer the kind of nurturing that families of origin were not able to provide. Being accepted by a group can feel nourishing (though its shadow side includes peer pressure, social hierarchies and tribalism).

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The Day of Idiosyncrasy: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Dec. 7
The Day of Idiosyncrasy | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

You’re starting this new birthday year more profoundly aware of who you are, where you’ve been, and what past imprints must transform to get where you want to go. Old images of nurturance or support no longer suffice, and you know in your bones that self-worth is an inside job. A grounded, one-step-at-a-time approach to consolidating foundational security is your path of mastery.
— by Victoria Emory

If you have a Sagittarius Sun, rising sign or Moon and could use some insights on such real-life matters as work, relationships and career, your 2019-2020 Sagittarius Astrology Studio reading by Eric Francis will cover your ruling planet Jupiter’s conjunction to the Galactic Core, a preview of Jupiter in Capricorn, and many other potentially life-changing facets of your astrology.

Written in the Planets

Mercury leaves its post-retrograde shadow or ‘echo’ phase today. Meaning, it will finally enter new zodiac territory for the first time since Oct. 11. What a long, strange trip it’s been through the waters of Scorpio. How actively did you dive into yourself and explore? If you really went for it, did your investigation seem to mitigate the usual Mercury retrograde frustrations? What have you learned, and did you recover or regenerate anything there in the deep?

Also today, Venus and Eros in Capricorn make a harmonious aspect to Vesta in Taurus. If love and/or sex are on your agenda, your activities will benefit from an ability to be as tangible as possible about giving it the room it needs. Whether solo or partnered, this means literally creating a comfortable physical setting — as well as emotionally opening up the space within yourself to be fully present. Earth signs are tactile; listen to the messages your skin and bones (and other senses) are sending you. All of these ideas also hold true for any practical creative sparks you’re trying to stoke.
— 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…

Tending a Grateful Space

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By Amanda Painter

Jupiter is currently making its way through the last degree of Sagittarius, bringing to a close this year in its home sign. Before you look ahead to what Jupiter in Capricorn is all about, you might take a little time to consider the area(s) of your life where expansion, broad or far-reaching vision, acquisition of new knowledge and experiences, adventure, distant travel, attainment and sharing of wisdom, increased optimism or faith, religious or philosophical zeal (including fundamentalism), or self-indulgence have been prominent.

Wind chimes and frangipani tree in Padangbai, Bali, Indonesia; photo by Amanda Painter.

Where have those themes intermingled in your life? What new vistas — inner or outer — have you encountered as a result?

What now feels like a distant daydream (emblematic of Jupiter’s long square to Neptune in Pisces this past year)? In what ways do you feel like you’ve mastered — or at least gained a foothold in — a new life-level?

I ask, because when Jupiter enters Capricorn on Monday, Dec. 2, the emphasis will shift to the practical application of whatever you have learned, envisioned and acquired.

Saturn rules Capricorn. And while Saturn/Cap can have a dampening effect on some of Jupiter’s traits, it’s also possible for Jupiter to infuse some optimism, humor and breadth of perception into the more conservative, rigid and dry realm of Saturn and Capricorn.

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The Day of the Liberator — Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 22
The Day of the Liberator | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio | 2019-20 Sagittarius Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

Know your bottom line: what you positively require to feel right about where you’re going, and what you’re willing to negotiate. This will be easier with some type of spiritual practice, anything that helps you feel more balanced and grounded. To find peace amidst the chaos is an act of power, and those able to hold that space for others are doubly blessed. Devotion and commitment to something greater then yourself can play a pivotal role in navigating whatever challenges may arise over the coming year.
— 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. Order your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading to move past the stereotypes, and meet your life at full strength.

Written in the Planets

Today the Sun enters free-spirited Sagittarius (at 9:59 am EST), following the Moon’s early sign change into Libra. Both of these should dial down considerably any intensity you’ve experienced over the last few days, and help smooth any ruffled feathers. Take a deep breath — now you can begin to shift your focus once more to the onward road. A change of scene might help, even if it’s only to the cafe a few blocks away, or the next town.

Vesta, still on its retrograde through Taurus, will also form a trine aspect to Saturn in Capricorn. This is a connection that’s all about work and devotion. If you want to make headway with an ongoing project, and you’re willing to put in the elbow grease, this aspect might not drive your engines but it should clear the path.

With the Sun’s presence in Sagittarius we should also begin feeling the good-vibe conjunction between Venus and Jupiter in that sign, which will be exact on Sunday. These classic ‘benefics’ in optimistic Sadge meet at the Galactic Core, joined by the centaur Ixion. Eric wrote about this aspect in last Sunday’s subscriber issue. This influence culminates at the same time that Mars exactly opposes Uranus, on the 24th. Such contrasting dynamics occurring together may describe the inspired energy necessary to break through log-jams to achieve a more ideal condition. Just be aware of the difference between action that serves a positive purpose, and impulsive risk-taking or carelessness.

— by Amy Elliott and Victoria Emory

The Day of Sensual Charisma — Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 12
The Day of Sensual Charisma | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for instant access | All Other Signs

This Full Moon birthday describes a culmination of one phase in your evolving approach to relationships. Themes you encounter may include the interplay between self-sufficiency and devotion; identity and commitment. Real opportunities available this year to enhance self-worth and security might somehow tie-in to this process. You’ll need to heed intuitive prompts and then actively pursue those leads, but it will be worth it. Wrapping up old business now clears the path for dynamic breakthroughs ahead.
— by Victoria Emory

Your 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading for Scorpio Sun, rising and Moon signs addresses the current jolt to your relationships, as well as the profound thought transformation you’re going through. Eric considers some deep matters of self-identity and where that meets personal healing. Listen to Sample 1 or Sample 2.

Written in the Planets

This morning’s Taurus Full Moon is exact at 8:34 am EST. Chances are you’ve been feeling it build for at least a couple of days, even if you could not quite put your finger on what was brewing. Full Moons, visible in the sky, are literally a reflection: the Moon reflects the light of the Sun, though one would swear something so bright must be shining all on its own. It’s a useful dynamic to keep in mind every 28 days, particularly if you find yourself reacting strongly to someone else’s emotions or attitude toward you, and wondering “Where the heck is all this coming from?”

A more productive question might be to ask what they’re actually showing you about yourself. Is it possible you’re projecting some barely registered feelings or motives of your own onto them?

For this Full Moon, the Scorpio Sun is conjunct retrograde Mercury, and they are opposing the Moon in a tight conjunction to the asteroid Vesta in Taurus. So on one side we have symbols of conscious awareness and a deep memory process (Sun+Mercury); on the other side, emblems of intuition/emotion and embodied devotion/space-holding (Moon+Vesta). The signs Scorpio and Taurus both relate strongly to the emotional and physical experiences of sex (which implies surrender) and security (which implies control).

That all potentially translates into a visceral sense of conflicting desires and motives that could play out between you and another person. It need not be a showdown; it could easily morph into a mutually satisfying — if intense — exchange. Getting there, however, will require owning what you’re feeling, what you want, and how vulnerable you’re willing to be about it. Even if you experience this event entirely internally, rather than in a seemingly stuck situation with someone else, the questions and the available payoff are the same. Other factors in the chart suggest there’s plenty of energy available for physical or personal growth endeavors (double entendre not intended, but definitely an option) — but you’ll have to take the initiative.
— by Amanda Painter

The Day of Metamorphosis: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is Nov. 10
The Day of Metamorphosis | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio available for instant access | All Other Signs

Significant encounters this year could prove revelatory, and offer opportunities to explore aspects of your own psyche that prepare you to engage relationships on a more profound level. Material likely to arise includes attitudes around sexuality, devotion, spiritual wisdom and commitment. Keep your antennae tuned in this direction; there’s information you’re ready to receive that will open your eyes and expand your world. Initiation into some kind of higher understanding is possible.
— by Victoria Emory

Written in the Planets

Retrograde Mercury in Scorpio opposes the asteroid Vesta in Taurus today. Mercury in its current state describes some kind of deep review, reassessment or reinvestigation — with some potential topics being how your thoughts and less-expressed emotions influence each other, matters of sex and surrender, jealousy and possessiveness, or other deep, taboo and potentially transformative topics. Vesta currently appears to describe the ways you do or do not keep matters of your body, senses, health, material resources, sexuality and comfort central in your life.

With these two opposing each other, notice whether you’re in some kind of dialogue about which of these things you devote yourself (and resources) to; what gets sacrificed; and what you’ve been holding onto too tightly to count as either. Any of the themes mentioned could come through via an encounter with someone else. Which of you is playing the ‘space holder’ role, and which of you is playing the undercover sleuth? Is there an exchange to be negotiated between the two of you?

Note also that Ceres, an asteroid named for the goddess of the harvest, is conjunct Eros — named for the god of erotic love, who can also represent a less overtly sexual ‘life force’ energy in astrology. They’re in Sagittarius, a philosophical-yet-optimistic and adventurous sign. There are many ways to feed your soul, and many ways your spirit can nourish others. Today could be a good day to explore this realm.
— 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

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

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

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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