YOUR TOTAL GUIDE TO THE 2019 RETROGRADE CYCLES

As Mercury stations retro for the first time this year, savor the slow down with Rebecca Farrar‘s total guide to ALL the 2019 retrograde cycles …

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Photo: Hugo Alexandre

Ever wish you could enter a time machine for a do-over?

Every planet in our solar system—except for the Sun and Moon—spends time “in retrograde.” These periods each bring powerful opportunities for collective and individual slow down and renewal, calling us to bring awareness to situations we may have glossed over or rushed past.

Mercury Retrograde has gotten a pretty bad name! But rather than harbingers of doom and gloom, all retrograde transits are opportunities to choose free will over fear.

When a planet is retrograde, it appears to move backwards in the sky, an illusion caused by the Earth passing by these slower moving planets. As these shifts occur, it’s up to us to decide how we’ll handle the themes they reveal.

With awareness of a planet’s areas of influence, we can notice how those energies move through us and can uncover new ways of relating to them. For example, if we tend to be non-committal, a Saturn retrograde transit may help us understand where more effort and hard work is needed. If we over-identify with our intellect, Mercury retrograde can reconnect us to our intuition.

Since January 6, 2019 all of the major planets have been in their forward motion. This ends on March 5, when Mercury stations in the last degree of Pisces before retrograding for most of March. As retrograde season 2019 begins, use the guide below to embrace these times of deep transformation, growth, and healing …

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Mercury // March 5—March 28 (retrograde in Pisces); July 7—July 31 (retrograde in Leo); October 31—November 20 (retrograde in Scorpio)
When the planet of communication and linear thinking moves backwards, our minds may feel a bit fuzzy, especially since this year’s first Mercury retro occurs in the imaginative and intuitive Pisces. Take this time to:

  • Complete old writing projects, revise your resume, reignite a journaling practice.
  • Edit and review emails more closely to make sure you are articulating what you want to say as clearly as possible.
  • Reorganize closets, drawers, and cabinets, as Mercury likes to keep things in order.

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Ceres // April 9—July 17 (retrograde in Sagittarius)
When the largest asteroid in our solar system is in retrograde, we may become more familiar with all of the places we need to up our self-care regime. Ceres’ 2019 retrograde cycle helps us contact our inner nurturer and recover our self-parenting tools. Utilize this retrograde for revisiting what you need to feel your best, both emotionally and physically. Use Ceres retrograde to:

  • Try out new recipes or new healthy eating habits and take care of your own needs before helping others.
  • Focus on the many ways to practice self-care, from salt baths to voicing your emotions.
  • Read books on attachment theory and emotional support such as Attached by Amir Levine, David Richo’s How to be An Adult, and the work of Rachel Heller.

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Jupiter // April 10—August 11 (retrograde in Sagittarius)
The largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter’s slow down often reveals new visions. This year, Jupiter will be stationing in its own sign of Sagittarius, and this backward motion may evoke a sense of contraction or constriction. Use this time to:

  • Plan a trip or mini-adventure somewhere you’ve never been or revisit a favorite place—Jupiter loves to travel.
  • Notice places of over-indulgence and how you can cut back on waste, perhaps bring your reusable cup to the coffee shop or carry around bamboo silverware.
  • Take an honest look at the vision for your life and values, and write it down this time to make it feel more real.

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Pluto // April 24—October 3 (retrograde in Capricorn)
Pluto brings us closer to the domain of shadow and the underworld, asking us to take a closer look at the “un-pretty” aspects of ourselves and to confront discomfort. When in retrograde, it helps us uncover places where we haven’t gone deep enough before. This year’s retrograde occurs as Pluto moves through Capricorn, along with Saturn, and asks important questions about power structures. Use Pluto retrograde to:

  • Dive into shadow work with a therapist or guide, or take a long hard look at the things you are annoyed and angry about, as the shadow shows up the most in our projections.
  • Get caught up on taxes or get your will in order; Pluto wants to prepare for the inevitabilities of taxes or death, as well as topics that may be uncomfortable to talk about.
  • Read up on the occult and mystical traditions that intrigue you, or pull out the Tarot deck you haven’t used in a while.
 felix mittermeier rebecca farrar ruby warrington the numinous total guide to the 2019 retrogrades
Photo: Felix Mittermeier

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Saturn // April 29—September 18 (retrograde in Capricorn)
Similar to Jupiter, Saturn spends a third of the year in retrograde and offers clues about where we may need to re-commit or become more disciplined. In 2019, Saturn retrogrades in Capricorn, alongside Pluto, and can help us reclaim our sense of authority and responsibility where we may have avoided it in the past. Saturn represents the longer cycles of time and existence and when in retrograde, it can take us back in time to clean up old pain. Use this transit to:

  • Look for places to slow down and practice more discipline, whether it be at work or in relationships.
  • Rethink your long-term goals from the standpoint of the legacy you want to leave, write a 10-year plan, or even 40-year plan.
  • Contemplate your priorities over the next several months and discern where and with whom to focus your energy.

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Neptune // June 21—November 27 (retrograde in Pisces)
When dreamy Neptune moves into retrograde, it brings a time to examine our illusions and fantasies. This planet connects us to our spiritual side and the myriad ways to feel in tune with the divine essence of who we are. The 2019 Neptune retrograde cycle occurs with Neptune in its favorite sign of Pisces, so projections may be at an all-time high. Use this cycle to balance fantasy with reality.

  • Resume a creative project, especially if it is related to a flow state such as photography, film, or painting.
  • Start up a meditation practice, or restart an old one, as Neptune desires a connection to the divine.
  • Take a break from substances that contribute to altered states of consciousness or disassociation.

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Chiron // July 8—December 12 (retrograde in Aries)
Chiron is a bridge between different parts of ourselves, and helps us identify what still needs healing. During its retrograde phase, we can rely on this planetary body to help us rewire or release old painful patterns, as well as help us regain our sense of wholeness. Chiron’s 2019 retrograde moves through Aries, allowing for old confrontations to be addressed and an inner understanding of our anger. Use this transit to:

  • Take a class or receive a session of reiki or massage therapy (Chiron comes from the word for “hand”) to understand the power of hands-on healing.
  • Boost your self-esteem by making a list of your strengths and keeping them nearby.
  • Reorient to yourself by making a list of situations where you put others first, or a list of your non-negotiable needs for relating.

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Uranus // August 11—January 10, 2020 (retrograde in Taurus)
This year’s Uranus retrograde transitions us from 2019 into 2020 with opportunities to rethink our creativity and uncover new ways of doing things. As Uranus re-enters Taurus on March 7, the retrograde occurs in the same sign and may revisit themes from things that occurred in May 2018. Use Uranus retrograde to:

  • Join a new community (IRL preferably) or attend group events you may have thought were not for you, as Uranus encourages us to try new things and also meet new people.
  • Activate your inner activist by recommitting to causes that mean something to you.
  • Update your technology or reread your smart phone manual—Uranus loves the future and feels at home with technology.

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Vesta // September 23—December 29 (retrograde in Taurus)
Baby planet Vesta bridges heaven and Earth through ritual and devotion to personal ceremonies, and brings magic to the mundane through feeding our sacred flame. During its retrograde cycle, we may find ourselves pulled more deeply into our sacred practices, and during this year’s Vesta retro in Taurus, we’re asked to cultivate the sacredness of pleasure. Use this cycle to:

  • Explore sacred sex rituals such as Tantra or Kama Sutra, or create your own sex magic ritual.
  • Take a human sexuality class or write a sexual autobiography to understand more of how this sexual flame moves through you.
  • Create a new ritual for the moon cycles or even in your own daily routine, as a reminder of the many ways to connect to the sacred in everyday life.

USE THESE 5 MAGIC WORDS TO CREATE BIG CHANGE

With Mercury poised to station direct tomorrow, author of Little Languaging Hacks for Big Change, Dani Katz, reveals 5 magic words you can use to shift your consciousness right now …

dani katz ruby warrington the numinous magic words material girl mystical world the new p handbook volume 1 little languaging hacks for big change

The subconscious mind is getting a lot of buzz these days, as the folks leading the personal development/human potential/manifest-your-best-life-ever movements have honed in on it as the method behind our proverbial madness (i.e. how and why humans operate the way we do).

You see, the subconscious mind is responsible for 95% of our decisions and behavior. It is the lens through which we organize our realities, as well as the command center that determines how our realties organize themselves; and it is programmed – first, foremost, and only – through words and repetition.

Words and repetition.
Words and repetition.
Words and repetition.

This factoid would be one thing if words were objectively neutral symbols, solely defined by intellectual connotation, singularly serving as symbolic reference points for the things and ideas they represent. Alas, words are infinitely more complex, multidimensional entities, each encrypted with a unique vibrational frequency that is itself coded with oodles of metadata that palpably affects our emotional, energetic and psychological bodies in subtle – and not so subtle – ways.

The words we use to communicate with others, as well as the ones running on the incessant loops in our heads as thoughts and self-talk, double as hyper-nuanced programming codes that serve to either empower or disempower us in every given moment. Every word matters, as the subconscious mind tracks and responds to each one we utter, think, type or scribble, without exception.

Quantum Languaging is a fun, simple method of deconstructing and perfecting the myriad ways, whys, and hows that words shape our every experience. I dive into lots of juicy and rollicking detail about it all in my new book, The New P. Handbook Vol. 1: Little Languaging Hacks for Big Change.

In service to up-leveling our lives and our world for the infinitely more wonderful, I offer up these five words we’d all be wise to wield on the regular … 

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1// Choose
We live in a world weighty with have-tos. We “have to” work, and make money, and floss, and kegel, and ground, and tap-in, to say nothing of the bills, and the paperwork, and the insurance premiums, and all the other matrix-y tasks that can really get a gal down, if she’s not mindful of how she’s framing her life.

The whole have-to paradigm is super disempowering, because it alleges that we are victims to external demands, and that we are enslaved to the tasks we are engaging.

This is where choice comes in. The reality is, we don’t actually have to do anything, ever. I can choose to skip flossing and kegeling, in exchange for gum disease, leaky pee sneezes, and mediocre sex. I can choose to skip my morning meditation, and let my mind run wild, and approach my day as a scattered, ungrounded, airy mess of discordant thoughts and vibrations.

It’s all a choice. I have free will. I can do whatever I want, as long as I understand that my actions have consequences. With that in mind, it is infinitely more empowering to frame these supposed have-tos as choices that we are willingly engaging as deliberate creators who are authoring our lives as we are authentically inspired.

dani katz ruby warrington the numinous magic words material girl mystical world the new p handbook volume 1 little languaging hacks for big change

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2// Thank you
“Sorry,” blurts the woman I jostled while squeezing my way through a crowded party, even though I’m the one who bumped into her, and she’s the one with kombucha dripping down her hand.

For what, exactly, are you apologizing? I want to ask. For inhabiting a body? For placing it in my path? For existing?

Sorry vibrates at the frequency of sorrow, which means that every time we utter a senseless sorry, we are sprinkling sorrow vibes on our reality, and basically, bumming out the planet. To this end, a hearty Thank you is an infinitely wiser, more uplifting way to quell the sting of the oopsie, while acknowledging the awkwardness of the engagement.

When I observe the urge to apologize (which is so often a cleverly disguised excuse to self-flagellate), I will instead offer a simple Thank you, which serves to honor the person for showing up as a valuable reflection in service to my/our growth, while adding some levity to the situation. As in, Thank you for giving me an opportunity to witness my clumsiness, or Thank you for letting me accidentally touch your boob, and refresh your obviously parched wrist.

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3// As
Languaging our intentions in the future is a great way not to manifest them. The subconscious mind is fully steeped in the present moment. So when we say we are “going to” do something, it takes our words to heart, and goes about putting off third dimensional realization for an imaginary future day that never actually comes.

Present moment languaging hacks the subconscious mind, and tricks it into collapsing the perceived distance between our future, and our now, thus bringing our desires into our material realities quickly and easily.

While there are lots of words that shift us from future-based craving to present moment experiencing, as is my current fave. As is affirmative; and it has the agency, the authority, and the mojo to move our manifestations from concept to reality, quickly and efficiently, because that’s how we do. It’s why I’m not going to fall in love when I open my heart; I am falling in love as I open my heart; and, I am not going to relish in all the opportunity and abundance that will come my way when I finish writing my book; I am enjoying all the spoils and wonderfulness flowing in as I write my #1 bestselling literary sensation.

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4// Historically
Just as new p. (paradigm) superheroes choose to language our intentions in the present moment, we frame our shadows in the past, because we are not tethered to the trials, tribulations, hardships, or identity constructs that lead us to this present moment, and we certainly aren’t going to seed our futures with them.

We are sovereign beings, deliberately creating our realities in each and every moment, which we know to be fresh, and new, and rife with possibility. And so, while I have historically tended towards the clumsy, I am now embodying ever-expanding levels of bodily awareness and mastery that have me moving easily and gracefully through the world. And crowded house parties.

dani katz ruby warrington the numinous magic words material girl mystical world the new p handbook volume 1 little languaging hacks for big change

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5// Omniscopic
om•ni•sco•pic adj. every moment access to every possibility that is, was or will be.

The word omniscopic is pretty much your new BFF. It’s a handy-dandy alternative to the words limitless and unlimited, which – despite their best intentions – only ever tether us to the frequencies of the “limitation” they profess not to espouse. Remember, the subconscious mind is super, very literal. This means that, well-meaning though our suffixes and prefixes may be, when they are employed, the subconscious mind latches onto the actual word these little guys are attempting to modify, and goes about organizing reality according to the very frequencies they claim to cancel out.

Luckily for us, language is an ever-unfolding work in progress. And so, having happened upon this gaping hole in our lexicon, I have taken it upon myself to toss some linguistic novelty into our collective mix by crafting this handy-dandy new word.

I recommend using it widely and often, while enjoying the spoils, sparkles, and giggles that come from living life as an empowered creator in a world of omniscopic abundance, and awesomeness. We’re welcome.

Dani Katz’s The New P. Handbook Vol. 1: Little Languaging Hacks for Big Change is out now, and you can connect with her on Instagram, Youtube, and danikatz.com for more wisdom. 

THE 2018 GEMINI FULL MOON WANTS YOU TO LIVE OUT LOUD

The 2018 Gemini Full Moon is a powerful opportunity to tune in to our environment, and let trust in abundant connection lead to compassionate communication, says Sandy Sitron

sandy sitron sandra sitron ruby warrington the numinous material girl mystical world 2018 gemini full moon lucas sankey
Photo: Lucas Sankey

Full Moon ::  November 23 2018 :: 12:41 am EST :: 0 degrees Gemini

Listen to the blue jay sing. A splash of inspiring color against gray sky. But the bird is on attack. Caw caw caw. It scolds and picks with aggressive intensity. Then it takes flight and the whole interaction is forgotten.

On November 23rd, 2018, there’s a Full Moon in inquisitive, talkative Gemini. The Moon is opposite the Sun in truth-seeking Sagittarius.

There’s a potential to verbalize with this Full Moon. That drive to communicate can come through in different ways.

First of all, it’s fleeting (that’s something to be remembered in the midst of your next big conversation). What feels important is impermanent. Next, it’s vibrant. Fired up. A flash of interest, vitality, brightness. There is an urge to communicate with intensity.

That can result in sharing opinions that you’re not even sure you believe. Gemini likes to talk and Sagittarius likes to know. When it comes to conversation, who is listening? Notice an urge to nitpick or criticize, like the bossy blue jay. Maintain an airy sense of lightness. You can fly away from the conversation. You can let it go.

There are so many strands of information flying, so many truths to be determined with this expansive Full Moon. Be deliberate about the information you take in. Notice your environment. Who are you influenced by? Whose messages and opinions are seeping into your mental space?

If you aren’t deliberate, you’ll will find that you scatter your energy against the wind. This could happen through internet binges, continuously scrolling through social media, or asking for advice. How much do you want to take in? 

The best results of this Full Moon energy come when you are driven by compassion. When in doubt, move through your world with an awareness that everything is interconnected.

The Moon in Gemini increases your desire for input. The Sun in Sagittarius pushes your ego to KNOW and to have your truth defined. This is an opposition of energies that can be solved by the T-square to Mars in Pisces. Translation? Take all of this cerebral processing and balance it with your drive to feel emotionally connected.

When your actions are guided by a feeling of continuous and universal love, all is well … 

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Moon opposite Jupiter
Bundles of flowers overwhelm the aisle. 
So much abundance, it’s hard to decide where it should all go. Of course that’s not a problem. Let yourself be lifted into a positive vibration by this radiant energy. You don’t have to maintain a limit on how much happiness you’ll allow. Notice if your joy is immediately followed by thoughts of worry and fear. If that happens, remind yourself that you really do get to be happy. Your joy won’t be counteracted. You won’t jinx yourself by talking about your good luck. And you aren’t taking up too much space. There’s always room for more flowers.

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Moon square Mars
Ice skating.
Just keep going and going. There doesn’t need to be friction. There’s so much movement in general with this Full Moon making a challenging angle to action planet Mars, and a slew of planets in mutable signs. Take up the pace you need to take. Go for it. Make all of your adjustments. Just remember to keep your center of balance. You don’t want to spin out of control. Mars is in Pisces, so your actions need to be filtered through a vibration of love and compassion. That will help it all mean something.

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The conversation starters below are to help you get deeper into what the 2018 Gemini Full Moon means for you. Find a friend and talk it out. For the most accurate reading, look to which house holds 0 degrees Gemini in your chart and use the prompt for that house. New to your birth chart? Calculate your chart for free HERE.

Aries / Aries Rising / Full Moon in the 3rd House
“The question I would most like answered is …”

Taurus / Taurus Rising / Full Moon in the 2rd House
“What feels delicious to me right now is …”

Gemini / Gemini Rising / Full Moon in the 1st House
“I feel most confident in myself when I …”

Cancer / Cancer Rising / Full Moon in the 12th House
“I am letting go of …”

Leo / Leo Rising / Full Moon in the 11th House
“This time next year I will be …”

Virgo / Virgo Rising / Full Moon in the 10th House
“My long-term career goals are …”

Libra / Libra Rising / Full Moon in the 9th House
“The trip I am longing to take is …”

Scorpio / Scorpio Rising / Full Moon in the 8th House
“I can’t stop obsessing about …”

Sagittarius / Sagittarius Rising / Full Moon in the 7th House
“The most important relationship in my life right now is …”

Capricorn / Capricorn Rising / Full Moon in the 6th House
“I am working hard each day to …”

Aquarius / Aquarius Rising / Full Moon in the 5th House
“I feel like a kid again whenever I …”

Pisces / Pisces Rising / Full Moon in the 4th House
“I can always care for myself by …”

THE 2018 AQUARIUS WAXING MOON WANTS YOU TO MAKE RADICAL PROGRESS ON YOUR DREAMS

As the new year draws ever closer, the 2018 Aquarius Waxing Moon wants us to step into our fullest power and make a radical stand for our mission-driven dreams, says Jennifer Racioppi

jennifer racioppi ruby warrington the numinous material girl mystical world 2018 aquarius waxing moon victor rodriguez
Photo: Victor Rodriguez

Waxing Quarter Moon // November 15 2018 // 9.54 am ET // 23 degrees Aquarius

As the Sun moves through the fixed water sign Scorpio, and the last of the leaves find their way to the earth to decompose, the 2018 Aquarius Waxing Moon highlights transformation—especially as it relates to you rising on behalf of your mission-driven dreams.

With the Sun setting earlier and earlier, and 2019 becoming eerily closer each passing moment, the current astrological dance calls forth these transformations. Even for those on the other side of the world, where the Sun waxes instead of wanes, the essence of Scorpio season prevails; signifying a time to release limiting beliefs that hold us back from stepping into our full power.

The Aquarius Waxing Moon coincides with the end of Venus’ retrograde journey and the beginning of Mercury’s final backward spin of the year—stimulating radical action on behalf of your most heart-driven goals. Given that Mars’ and Venus’ respective retrograde cycles have commanded heavy doses of emotional sobriety, 2018 closes out with all of us feeling way more conscious and aware! Especially when it comes to understanding the extent to which we still live in a racist world, the fragility of our environment, and some of the bypassing undertones that infiltrate spiritual communities.

This Waxing Quarter Moon boldly highlights both how far we’ve come AND how much further we have yet to go …

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//The Cycle//
This Waxing Quarter Moon marks the halfway point between the Scorpio New Moon and upcoming Gemini Full Moon. On the most basic level, it asks us to recommit to the goals and intentions we set just a week ago when the Sun and Moon aligned at 15 degrees of Scorpio.

From a more nuanced perspective, however, this Waxing Moon directly relates to the energy of the Lunar New Year, and the New Moon in Aquarius on Feb 15, 2018. Aquarius, the sign of futuristic visioning, represents dreams, ideas, and collaborations. What were you dreaming of 9 months ago? Now’s the time to assess the progress you have (or haven’t) made on behalf of your deepest heart’s desires.

Then, ask yourself this: Are my goals helping to bring this world to a better place? Am I (sincerely) leading with love? Am I striving to create more equality, inclusion, and justice? How can I make my personal growth journey more socially aware so I can contribute on a higher level to society in general?

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//The Transits//
This Waxing Quarter Moon also conjoins Mars, who has spent an extended period in Aquarius due to his retrograde journey—the sign that represents progressive, global, values. Mars’ retrograde cycle happens approximately once every two years and asks us to eradicate self-serving ambitions. Since the Waxing Moon and Mars both trine Venus as she wakes up from her retrograde cycle, this particular cosmic moment highlights the need for societal change even more.

Venus has two phases, an “evening star” position, and a “morning star” position. When she’s in evening star, she rises as the Sun sets and is in her receptive position. When she’s in her morning star position, as she is right now, she rises before the Sun and is in her most fierce, righteous, phase. Venus, now awakening from her retrograde journey and rising before the Sun, pushes us to go after our values, beliefs, and dreams.

And given that she’s receiving a beam of support from both the Moon and Mars as she stations direct, it’s time to own humanitarian values—fully commit to your determination to make positive changes in the world. Venus, after all, relates to love. In her morning star position, she stations direct in Libra, a cardinal air sign that fiercely stands for justice. Use this to your advantage, and go after radical progress on your dreams!

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//The Square//
With the Sun in Scorpio squaring the Moon in Aquarius, we could find part of ourselves stubbornly resisting progress. Both Scorpio and Aquarius are fixed signs after all, and neither readily acquiesce. “Radical change” might feel impossible—if even desirable! With Mars in the mix, we might feel moody, possibly even a little aggressive/passive-aggressive. Depending on the level of consciousness we bring to the day, we might even feel defensive. On the plus side, Scorpio, beckons profound truth, while Aquarius is a sign that pushes us into alignment with our values. With positive self-talk and a righteous commitment to our values, we can find the necessary conviction to step out of our demise and into our resurrection.

The best approach? Use the friction of the square to give yourself a reality check. If you find yourself feeling defensive, name it. If you feel angry, express it. Then tap into the energy of Venus stationing direct and commit to your becoming. Make a vow to offer your journey and growth to the betterment of the world. Choose to face your future, as opposed to your past and your pain.

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//The Opportunity//
This Aquarius Waxing Quarter Moon, packed tight with nuanced astrological meaning, punctuates a long and winding road of retrograde challenges. Thankfully with Venus on the eve of her direct station, forming an ideal angle to both the Moon and Mars, we can use this opportunity to go high and trust in a radical leap forward.

Review the progress you’ve made over the last nine months, or since Venus went retrograde on October 5th. Or even since the Scorpio New Moon that happened last week. Use this as a springboard for your next big leap. As the Sun wanes and nature decomposes, trust that it’s leading you to your rebirth. This energy will magnify even more in the days following the December 21 Winter Solstice. For now, stay in your strength, and remain committed to the life you most want to live.

2018’s cosmic curriculum commanded maturity. The heavy retrograde activity overhauled mindless ambition, highlighting vapid behaviors, and asking all of us to embrace emotional sobriety and get to work on behalf of the world. Now’s the time to embody what you’ve learned. We are all in this together!

Discover more about astrologer and success coach Jennifer Racioppi and her work HERE and follow her on Instagram.

THE SAGITTARIUS WANING QUARTER MOON WANTS YOU TO BURN BABY BURN

As we prep for the Spring Equinox’s explosive fire, the Sagittarius Waning Quarter Moon wants us to sit with over-the-top emotions, and let the flames of feeling lead to powerful change, says Jennifer Racioppi

jennifer racioppi ruby warrington the numinous material girl mystical world moon club sagittarius waning quarter moon 2018
Photo: Bryan Fernandez

Waning Quarter Moon // March 9 2018 // 6:18am EST // 18 degrees Sagittarius

As the Moon wanes back to new, we find ourselves at the halfway point between the most recent Full Moon in mutable Virgo and the upcoming New Moon in mutable Pisces.

Mutable signs correlate with a seasonal shift; they help us transition from stable and steady, fixed influences, into new beginnings. So as we embrace the Waning Quarter Moon in mutable fire sign Sagittarius—and with less than two weeks before the upcoming Equinox—lean into the winds of transformation!

Let the power of fire purify your soul. Let go of what you don’t need and burn, baby, burn.

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// The Cycle // 
The current Waning Quarter Moon harkens all the way back to December 11, 2015. This late 2015 Sagittarius New Moon seeded events coming to fruition now. What’s culminating in your life now based on intentions set or decisions made then?

Beyond the lunar cycle, Mercury and Jupiter’s retrograde cycles are at play right now too. On March 8, Jupiter, the planet of good luck and good fortune, begins his retrograde journey in Scorpio until July 10. Jupiter retrograde in Scorpio will expose lies, and superficial tendencies that serve ego at the expense of soul. 

Mercury, also in his retrograde shadow at this time, brings things to light that will require work and reevaluation during his upcoming retrograde journey in Aries from March 22—April 15. With Mercury soon to station retrograde, use this Waning Quarter Moon to really get clear on what you need to let go of! 

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// The Transits //
As Mars in Sagittarius squares Chiron in Pisces, the masculine qualities of action come up against the influence of allowing. This may present as a healing crisis through which a wound becomes a teacher.

Yet with Mars in an angle of tremendous support to Uranus, breakthroughs abounds. Expect healing to redirect your path. And with Pluto sextile the Sun and Jupiter, this Sagittarius Waning Quarter Moon suggests that you can discern fact from fiction. Hear. Listen. Absorb. Integrate. And most importantly, trust yourself.

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 // The Square// 
With the Moon traveling through go-big-or-go-home Sagittarius squaring the Sun in soft, sensitive Pisces, this Moon might come with over-the-top emotions.

While the Sun in dreamy Pisces might shy away from anything aggressive or assertive, the Sagittarius Moon is bold and blunt. This Waning Quarter Moon asks you to do two things: sit with uncomfortable emotions and then find an outlet for excess energy.

There’s power in those emotions. Letting energy move through you brings the magic you need. 

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// The Opportunity //
As we approach the upcoming Equinox and first Mercury retrograde journey of 2018, this Sagittarius Waning Quarter Moon is a preparatory crossroads. Take in where you are. Stay conscious of what’s surfacing now, as it will likely play into the emerging Mercury retrograde curriculum.

Learning how to sit with emotions (Pisces) and simultaneously move through them (Sagittarius) will prep you for these cosmic transitions. Magic becomes possible as you treat this Quarter Moon crossing with the respect of a shamanic initiation.

Discern lies and shadow, and move through the illusions that limit your potential. You’ll emerge with clarity and readiness for the changes ahead.

For more Moon wisdom or to book a coaching session with Jennifer visit Jenniferracioppi.com. And to learn more about how to work with each Moon phase, check out Moon Club, our community of lunar-loving cosmic change makers! 

THE LIBRA WAXING QUARTER MOON WANTS YOU TO FIND YOUR CENTER

With a pack of planets traveling through the super feely sign of Cancer, emotions are running high right now. The Libra Waxing Quarter Moon asks us to find our center and witness our needs from a place of higher vision, says Jennifer Racioppi Artwork: Seana Gavin

Seana Gavin collage Libra Waxing Quarter Moon The Numinous Jennifer Racioppi

:: Waxing Quarter Moon :: June 30 2017 :: 8:51 pm EST :: 9 degrees Libra  

With the Sun, Mars, and Mercury traveling through the cardinal water sign of Cancer, emotions may get stirred up and complicated during this Libra Waxing Quarter Moon. Cancer, ruled by the Moon, desires safety and security. With a trio of planets passing through this complex sign, emotional needs trump logic right now.

Your job: take note of where insecurity is running the show, and swap immediate needs for a longer-term, higher vision of yourself and your life! 

Since both Mars and Mercury will oppose Pluto—the planet of power and shadows—I encourage you to stay in the place of observation and witness your needs (and insecurities) without diving head first into defending them.

Despite the profound emotional challenges emerging, take the lead from the Libra moon and strive to find equanimity within … 

:: The Sun ::
The Sun at 9 degrees of Cancer asks you to nurture your emotional world without surrendering your power to it.

Things might feel extremely touchy, emotional, and triggered. On a spiritual level, it’s so essential to tune into your intuition right now, particularly since the Sun forms an applying trine to the planet of spirituality—Neptune. In doing so, you open the potential for deep insight to pour through.

Feel the feelings without becoming the emotion, while simultaneously practicing great self-care. 

:: The Moon ::
With Moon-ruled Cancer governing three of the planets right now, it’s important to be with your emotions, and to get to know where, when, and how your insecurities get triggered.

The Sun, Mars, and Mercury are asking you to understand where giving into insecurity undoes you. On a positive note, with the Moon at 9 degrees of Libra on her way to meet up with Jupiter—the planet of good luck and good fortune—the lunar influence suggests abundance.

:: The Square ::
With the Moon in cardinal Libra, an air sign, squaring the Sun in cardinal Cancer, a water sign, chances are you feel a polarization between what you think and feel. Subconscious needs butt up against the needs of the ego, asking you to reconcile any sense of inner conflict by acknowledging it. With Mercury AND Mars opposing Pluto, we’re asked to look at our shadow and face up to power struggles.

But this is not the time to succumb to drama … 

We must work hard to dwell in equanimity. Nourish and nurture yourself and your needs without deviating from your higher self and sense of truth. Stay committed to seeing things for what they are and stay centered without overly indulging the dark.

:: The Message ::
Don’t let insecurity win. Utilize this Libra Waxing Quarter Moon to help you understand where insecurity throws you off rather than lifts you.

Things are intense. Mars opposite Pluto can get nasty.  With so much water in the sky, this is a very delicate week and you need to let your emotions out. Yet with the moon in Libra, there’s a deep need (and desire) to keep the peace. Let the feeling flows, but then practice coming back to center.

This isn’t the time to give up, deviate from your intended course, or surrender into drama. Instead, it’s time to become even more devoted to your intended outcome … 

For more Moon wisdom or to book a coaching session with Jennifer visit Jenniferracioppi.com. To learn more about how to work with each Moon phase, check out Moon Club, our community of cosmic creatives and lunar lovers! 

THE 2017 CANCER NEW MOON WANTS YOU TO LOVE UP ON YOURSELF

Settle into your cozy zone and wrap yourself in a cosmic hug. The 2017 Cancer New Moon wants you to harness the power of your feelings and know that you are worthy of some super sweet loving, says Sandra Sitron.

Photo: Benjamin Combs

New Moon :: June 23rd 2017 :: 10:32 pm ET ::  2 degrees Cancer

This New Moon wants you to learn that you have emotional stability—you can feel your feelings, express your feelings, process your feelings, and move on.

Just as the waves of the ocean keep on coming, you can let yourself ebb and flow. The ocean tumbles and moves but it is vast and powerful. Allowing yourself to process your feelings can give you power and security too. 

Carry a basket. Fill it with nostalgia. A glass jar filled with a dream. A fragment of a memory. The outline of a kiss. A love note and sticky lollipops and glitter that won’t go away. Devoted puppies, a collection of ribbons, and a foggy window. Put your love for others and your love for yourself into the basket. Put the basket on your alter as an offering to the Moon.

The Cancer New Moon has got you gathering up the memories of things that help you feel close, nurtured and taken care of. Cancer collects nostalgia because it feels like home. It feels like nurturance. The metaphorical basket holds proof for your subconscious mind that you are loved. 

Let this energy help you set intentions for loving yourself, nurturing your family relationships, and settling into your cozy home zone. Learn to nurture your inner child. By taking care of that little one, you build up real emotional security within yourself. Bring your inner child to work with you. Bring her to yoga. Take him grocery shopping. Remember a time when you needed nurturance and visit that baby version of yourself with a kind word and a hug.

Let this moon phase inspire you to wrap yourself in a bear hug and hold yourself tight. You are dear. You are darling. Find a way to believe that you are worthy of nurturance and love just because you are alive.

Affirm this truth for yourself and let the gossamer moonlight of it shine out of the cracks in your armor … 

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New Moon conjunct Mercury
A spider writes words in a web.
The nurturing New Moon is drifting close to quick-witted Mercury. This aspect inspires us to communicate the message of our heart. Speak what you feel.

Charlotte the spider from Charlotte’s Web is a maternal friend who nurtures Wilber the pig and saves his life through quick wit and well-placed words. What part of yourself do you need to rescue with your words or thoughts? What matter of the heart do you need to speak aloud? What emotion could use a little logical reframing?

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New Moon conjunct Mars
Riding a zip-line.
Momentum is building. At this Moon phase you get an opportunity to set intentions in motion. The conjunction of the Moon with Mars is going to put some serious fire behind these intentions. Craft them well.

Stay focused on your goal, just as if you are riding that zip-line. There is one route to take, so fly! Don’t get distracted by unnecessary aggression or self-flagellation. There is too much energy that can be used to plant new seeds and help them grow.

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New Moon square Chiron
Handfuls of cotton swabs.
The cotton is clean and you are ready to tend to those old wounds. The New Moon is giving side-eye to the wounded-healer Chiron. Chiron reminds us of our old wounds, so that we’ll remember to heal them. The sensitive Moon may not appreciate Chiron’s relentless assertion that the past must be healed. But she’ll agree that this Moon-phase of fluid emotion is a good time to get those feelings moving.

Seek out cathartic release. Find the energetic, spiritual, mental, physical and emotional support that you need. Remember that most kinds of healing — whether it’s a bruised knee, a broken heart, or an ancestral wound — are like peeling the quintessential onion. Take steps and allow it to happen in its own time. Let the New Moon energy help you nurture yourself in the process.

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Use the questions below to dive deeper into the lessons of the 2017 Cancer New Moon. For a more accurate reading, calculate your chart for free here and see which house holds 2 degrees Cancer …

Aries or New Moon in the 4th house
What thought needs to change for you to feel more at home in your body or in your space?

Taurus or New Moon in the 3rd house
How can you activate your curiosity? Write down three questions you would like to investigate the answers to.

Gemini or New Moon in the 2nd house
Is anything blocking you from developing your self-worth?

Cancer or New Moon in the 1st house
What are your goals for leadership this year?

Leo or New Moon in the 12th house
When do you need to get out of your own way? What blocks are you allowing to confuse things?

Virgo or New Moon in the 11th house
What are you ready to contribute? How are you feeling called to be of service?

Libra or New Moon in the 10th house
What structure do you need to create for yourself this week?

Scorpio or New Moon in the 9th house
Make a list of the books, quotes, authors, philosophers, teachers and resources that inspire you. Keep it as a reference.

Sagittarius or New Moon in the 8th house
What are you ready to release? Find a kundalini yoga kriya online to help you divine the answer.

Capricorn or New Moon in the 7th house
Is there a relationship in your life that could benefit from more balance? Would it be helpful to set a healthy boundary in this relationship?

Aquarius or New Moon in the 6th house
What healthy habits are you ready to begin with a view to committing to?

Pisces or New Moon in the 5th house
What can you pour the heart and soul of your creativity into today?

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandra here.

THE 2017 GEMINI NEW MOON WANTS YOU TO GET CURIOUS

The message of the 2017 Gemini New Moon is to turn it on, tune in, and let curiosity lead to inspired possibilities, says Sandra Sitron.

2017 Gemini New Moon Ruby Warrington Sandra Sitron The Numinous Strong Eye Astrology
Get a brand new workbook for the coming Moon phase when you join Moon Club! Sign up here.

New Moon :: May 25 2017 :: 3:46 pm ET :: 4 degrees Gemini

This New Moon brings you to the entrance of Curiosity’s sanctuary. You may be hovering just outside an idea, searching for an entry point. Make a pact with Curiosity and let her guide you into the diamond encrusted center of your next big innovation.

Follow the trail that Curiosity carves for you. She’s an effervescent leader.  Blithe and animated, she’ll teach you all about Gemini New Moon magic. She’ll remind you that this is a time to learn. A time to sharpen your mind. A time to connect with those close to you. Siblings, friends, neighbors, co-workers, the community board, the local coven.

Gemini is the sign of the Twins and is responsible for two important Air element topics: mindset and social connections. It’s time to set new intentions in these areas of life. When it comes to mindset, how do you want to be curious? Where are you ready to learn? What is your next innovation? What inspires you? What beliefs will you expand, shift or invigorate in the coming year? 

And in the area of social connections, how do you want your friendships to feel? Which relationships will you put fresh energy into and which ones will you let go? What conversations need to take place? What connections need attention? What kind of local community organizations do you want to participate in?

Turn your brain on and up. Get off the couch, turn off the TV. Go connect some synapses. Show up to the pot-luck. Bring Scrabble. Curiosity will help you meet and mingle. She’ll remind you that every question you ask brings you into closer connection with the people around you and the world you inhabit. 

Curiosity has a Gemini twin sister, Inspiration. Curiosity leads you to the idea, and Inspiration takes it from there. Inspiration will stimulate your creativity. She brings gifts— ease, dedication, focus, and fun. She nurtures and guides you, helping you complete the creative work, live in your purpose, and invigorate your world. 

The aspects to the New Moon signify transformation, connecting to the feminine, spiritual awakening, and buoyant expansion. The Gemini New Moon asks you to bring curiosity and inspiration to these arenas. Set intentions for lightness and learning. Let your winged feet and mercurial mind carry you forward.

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New Moon trine Jupiter
Balloons drifting high into the sky. 
Buoyant, bold, uplifting energy can help you reach for your dreams. Fill your balloons with positivity and watch them float to the zenith. This aspect removes limitations. With nothing in your way, what is possible?

The energy is harmonizing and expansive. It gives you the chance to open your world up to new realities.

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New Moon square Neptune
A crystal forms under the crust of the Earth. 
You are incubating pure magic. This aspect funnels enchanted and ethereal vibes. Channel the energy to get closer to your spiritual truths. Ask to be transported beyond everyday anxieties or fears. Find connection to crystalline source.

There is another facet to this energy which can create confusion or fogginess. Set intentions for clarity and spiritual connection.

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New Moon semi-square Venus
A rose blooms where no one ever goes. 
Consider your deep inner connection to your feminine nature. Is there anything that needs to be ironed out? Is there a subtle denial of the feminine that is impeding your ability to connect in the way you would like to? It may be time for a new mental pathway to be forged. A new altar to Venus could be created.

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New Moon sesquiquadrate Pluto
The blacksmith heats the horseshoe.
The horse can’t walk on this shoe. A solution is necessary, so the blacksmith gets to work. Heat up your internal furnace. It’s time for a minor transformation. The adjustment needs to be made because of a frustration. Where are you frustrated and what do you need to change? It’s not possible to move forward without bringing through some changes. Get to work.

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Use the questions below to dive deeper into the lessons of the 2017 Gemini New Moon. For a more accurate reading, calculate your chart for free here and see which house holds 4 degrees Gemini …

Aries or New Moon in the 3rd House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of communication and learning. What aspect of your life could benefit from a fresh dose of curiosity?

Taurus or New Moon in the 2nd House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of financial worth and self-worth. What new intentions will you set for your finances?

Gemini or New Moon in the 1st House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of identity. What is blocking you from thinking about yourself in a new way?

Cancer or New Moon in the 12th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of intuition, compassion, and spirituality. How can you make your spirituality a bigger part of your everyday life?

Leo or New Moon in the 11th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of friends, community, and the future. What social connections are you ready to invigorate?

Virgo or New Moon in the 10th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of career and the public sphere. What ideas would you like to share with the world?

Libra or New Moon in the 9th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of philosophy, beliefs, travel, and higher learning. What is your mission statement?

Scorpio or New Moon in the 8th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of evolution and union. What are you ready to let go of?

Sagittarius or New Moon in the 7th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of relationships. What conversation do you need to have with someone you are close to?

Capricorn or New Moon in the 6th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of health and habits. What positive habit will you begin?

Aquarius or New Moon in the 5th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of joy and self-expression. What inspires you?

Pisces or New Moon in the 4th House
The Gemini New Moon is in your area of home and family. How can you make your home into a mentally and creatively stimulating place?

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Sandra here.

GEMINI SEASON 2017: A YA ADVENTURE FOR EVERY SIGN

Join Mojave Rising on a sensory exploration of Gemini Season 2017—and channel the Mercurial vibes with a classic YA novel for your sign … Homepage artwork: Local Priest

Gemini season inspiration The Numinous Mojave Rising

Let the dazzling city sprawl before your ruby slippered feet! Gemini energy invites us to crack ourselves wide open to every possible pathway as we stand on the threshold and just let it all curiously unfold. The zodiac’s winged teenage wonder offers us every shade and flavor of the rainbow for the sampling. So slip into your high-tops and hit the streets as you listen and look and learn without prejudice. Say yes to “both and” and trust that it ALL can actually be true. Free your mind, and the rest will most definitely follow …

The keyword: Possibility

The song lyrics: “Depending on you see a thing/The ship is free, or is it sinking?/Depending on how you see it/You cage your mind, or you free it/Depending on how you see the times/The world divides or it closely binds”-—Deee-Lite, “Good Beat”

Check out our Gemini season playlist, complete with synth pop, backyard jams, and curious crooners.

 

House of Holland spring 2017 Gemini season color palette The Numinous Mojave Rising
House of Holland SS17

The color palette: mood ring swirls and iridescent shifts: prisms, bumblebee topaz, glitter flecks, soap bubbles, and diaphanous blue butterfly wings.

The style: street smart androgyny meets Rainbow Brite’s prom. Multicolored high-tops, metallic blazers, sparkly backpacks, delirious prints, razored haircuts, angelic ruffles, plastic bangles, and snap bracelets.

Gemini season style The Numinous Mojave Rising

The scents and flavors: cheekily youthful and deliciously varied. Tapas and mezze platters, kitchen sink ice cream sundaes, candy grab bags, street cart eats, bodega treats, and lunch box snacks.

The healing: locally grown and mentally acute. DIY crafting, puzzles, game nights, stepping out in a new neighborhood and of course, gab fests with friends.

Gemini season inspiration The Numinous Mojave Rising

Want more juicy cosmic insights and sensory explorations? Arrange an astrology reading or private event with Mojave Rising here or follow them on Instagram

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Sensuous Invitation of the Month: Classic YA Novels
Ruled by Mercury, Gemini season invites us to play with shifting perceptions and keep our perspectives fresh, sharp, and deliciously innocent. Our Mercury sign reveals both how we communicate and process information, but also our overall “worldview”—the window we look out of and how it affects the landscape below.

Below, your sign-by-sign guide to getting scholastically dreamy while tucked into a teenage hideout where it all seemed possible …

**New to your birth chart? Discover your Mercury sign here!

Mercury in Aries
Gemini season invites you to delight in your penchant for mental combat and quick conclusions, while staying open to collisions with the world that shake up your viewpoint. YA Novel: The Song of the Lioness Quartet. Clashing identities, fierce femininity, and the classic quest.

Mercury in Taurus
Gemini season invites you to infuse some of your slow and steady practical thinking with diverse approaches. YA Novel: The Babysitter’s Club. Pragmatic problem solving and financial know-how meet slumber party fun and group consciousness.

Mercury in Gemini
Gemini season invites you to notice when all the mental chatter and informational intake distracts you from your gut perceptions and individualistic perspective. YA Novel: Sweet Valley Twins. Hallway gossip, cheerleading squads, and finding distinction within partnership.

Mercury in Cancer
Gemini season invites you to return to past memories from a fresh angle and explore which of your core beliefs still serve you. YA Novel: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Religious heritage, family roots, and the challenges of leaving the nest.

Mercury in Leo
Gemini season invites you to rediscover a sense of playful expansion in your daily dealings with the world, and to loosen your ego and open yourself to “foreign” languages. YA Novel: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Golden ticket specialness meets the scrumptiously strange lands of vivid imagination and lickable wallpaper.

Mercury in Virgo
Gemini season invites you to honor your desire to hone your skills and become an expert, while releasing your grip on always needing to get it “right.” YA Novel: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Forbidden field trips, experiential learning, and museum mystery.

Mercury in Libra
Gemini season invites you to use your capacity to understand both sides to mediate between perspectives and challenge everyone’s thinking. YA Novel: To Kill a Mockingbird. Ethics, stepping into each other’s shoes, and the search for courtroom justice.

Mercury in Scorpio
Gemini season invites you to discover the deep joy in penetrating beyond the veil and investigating the mystery, no matter the stakes. YA Novel: The Hunger Games. Primal perceptions, mental endurance, and survivalist viewpoints.

Mercury in Sagittarius
Gemini season invites you to try on different versions of the truth curiously without having to commit. YA Novel: Weetzie Bat. Punk-rock LA, political progressivism, wishful thinking, and unexpected conclusions.

Mercury in Capricorn
Gemini season invites you to let your old-soul thinking and “real” world perceptions. YA Novel: The Catcher in the Rye. Coming-of-age realizations, necessary lessons, and the courage to rediscover what really matters.

Mercury in Aquarius
Gemini season invites you to revel in out-there perceptions and challenge group consciousness to summon your true tribe. YA Novel: The Outsiders. After-school rebellion, outlaw risk taking, and the search for true belonging.

Mercury in Pisces
Gemini season invites you to let magical thinking pave the way to concrete action. YA Novel: Alice in Wonderland. Strange trips down the rabbit hole, mental expansion, and the ability to mindfully mix fantasy and rationality.

Want more juicy cosmic insights and sensory explorations? Arrange an astrology reading or private event with Mojave Rising here or follow them on Instagram

WERE YOU BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN? HOW TO WORK WITH CHALLENGING ASTROLOGY

Born under a bad sign? Frederick Steinmann says so-called difficult placements are actually opportunities for greater awareness, acceptance, and transformation. Images: Veda Wildfire 

veda wildfire frederick steinmann ruby warrington the numinous born under a bad sign planetary states rulership detriment exaltation fall venus in aries 2017 steinmann astrology

Venus entered Aries on April 28, and the planet of love’s journey through this bold, assertive (and sometimes brash and selfish) warrior archetype is not always … smooth. In the sign of Aries, Venus is in its “detriment”- indicating one of the 4 states possible for each planet when placed in different zodiac signs (“detriment” and “fall” being more challenging, while “exaltation” and “rulership” the easier placements).

Rulership: Planets here are “at home” in their environment and easy to express.
Exaltation: A step beyond rulership, planets here have a chance to achieve their highest expression.
Detriment: The opposite of rulership- planets are in slightly uncomfortable territory, and the energy may need to become unblocked or unstuck.
Fall: The opposite of exaltation—energy is lessened and may need some invigoration in order to achieve expression.

For example, in Aries, Venus wants what she wants, now, and on her terms. Fiery Aries is quick with passion but not with compromise. Venus in its detriment could learn a thing or too about love from Venus’ ruling sign, Libra (the opposite sign to Aries). Venus in Libra naturally knows how to pause and apply strategy instead of just a quick reaction.

When in their detriment or fall, planets are challenged to adjust, to learn, and to further refine the energies symbolized by that planet. Below, a guide to these cosmic challenges …

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**Discover your challenging placements by calculating your birth chart. No challenging aspects? You can still use the dates below to work with these energies throughout the year as the planet indicated spends time in that sign! 

:: THE SUN ::
Rulership: Leo // Exaltation: Aries // Detriment: Aquarius // Fall: Libra  
The Sun is the single most important point in a horoscope. He vitalizes Earth and the rest of our solar system, and relates to our “individuality”- who we are beyond our thoughts and emotions.

Detriment in Aquarius (2017 Dates: January 19-February 18)  
Aquarius energy is connected to the concept of humanity as a whole, but can sometimes struggle with the messiness of the individual. Aquarians circulate the solar force within the group by “fixing their will” in the service of group ideals. The Sun in Aquarius placement is all about learning how to balance group ideals with individual creativity, and sometimes learning to say “Yes, I really matter!”

Fall in Libra (2017 Dates: September 22- October 23
Because of their penchant for pursuing the perfect relationship, Libra Sun signs’ individual vitality can become diffused. Librans can learn how to vitalize themselves by developing some Aries energy in relationships. A good way to start is by noticing: “where am I holding back from asserting my individuality and just strategically reflecting what the other person wants to hear.” Assertion of individuality will rebalance vitality and allow space for creative expression.

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:: THE MOON ::
Rulership: Cancer // Exaltation: Taurus // Detriment: Capricorn // Fall: Scorpio 
The Moon is the second most important point in the horoscope, and represents emotions, imagination, memories, and how we are nurtured.

**2017 Dates: Because the Moon changes signs every few days, check Planet Watcher for the current placement. We’ll have a Full Moon in Scorpio on May 10th, a New Moon in Scorpio on November 18th, and a Full Moon in Capricorn on July 9th.

Detriment in Capricorn
The Moon and achievement-conscious Capricorn are both related to security but they have opposing views. The ambition and drive to achieve success in society are energetically opposed with the Moon’s nurturing function (just think of those countless burnt out corporate ladder climbers!) Capricorn moons will benefit from reevaluating safety and security needs, scheduling time for self-care rituals like massage, and just feeling their feelings.

Fall in Scorpio
In fixed signs, the Moon wants to hold on to inherited patterns of nurturing, and in fixed Scorpio the art is in learning to let go. Scorpio Moons are nurtured through in-depth sharing that leads to transformation. Learn to honor your watery depths by getting in touch with more difficult emotions. You might try Jungian therapy, group counseling, or another form of therapy where you can share, transform, and release old habits.

veda wildfire frederick steinmann ruby warrington the numinous born under a bad sign planetary states rulership detriment exaltation fall venus in aries 2017 steinmann astrology

:: MERCURY ::
Rulership: Gemini & Virgo // Exaltation: Aquarius // Detriment: Sagittarius // Fall: Pisces & Leo 
As the ruler of thought, reason, and communication, Mercury is an androgynous planet that picks up masculine or feminine energy depending on the sign or relationship to other planets.

Detriment in Sagittarius (2017 Dates: November 5-January 11 2018, retrograde December 3-22)
With Sag’s philosophically expanded worldview, Mercury placed here can tend towards exaggeration, embellishment, boastfulness, or the zealous view that one’s personal opinion equals a universal outlook. To work with this energy, it’s important to notice when you’re blowing things out of proportion and to practice more discretion in speech.

Fall in Pisces (2017 Dates: February 25-March 13)
With the overemphasis on words and rational thought in Western education, Mercury in Pisces may feel that their imagination or creativity is “silly.” The key here is learning to believe that compassion doesn’t always need to be verbalized- a loving presence or hug can work. Emotional communication is a valid form of communication. Dream interpretation or a study of symbols like the Tarot could help bring out the best in this Mercury.

Fall in Leo (2017 Dates: July 5-July 25) 
Leo represents creative expression and Mercury placed here sometimes thinks they are an instant prodigy! In order to achieve the highest form of expression, this Mercury could use a dose of Aquarian objectivity to integrate their vision into society. Developing a meditation practice with a mantra like “thoughts are things, I am not my thoughts” will help with this process.

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:: VENUS ::
Rulership: Taurus & Libra // Exaltation: Pisces // Detriment: Scorpio & Aries // Fall: Virgo 
Venus is the goddess of love, beauty, and harmony. She also rules the Law of Attraction- how you value and feel about yourself ultimately manifests in both your relationships and your bank account.

Detriment in Scorpio (2017 Dates: November 7-December 1)
In Scorpio, the challenging call is to transform the Venusian areas of love, relationships, and money. Learning to value your own and others’ resources appropriately is a lesson for this Venus. Another challenge comes from dealing with intensity and learning when to say no to excitement and emotional thrills that may lead to financial or emotional problems. Find your own value and trust in the process of regeneration.

Fall in Virgo (2017 Dates: September 19- October 14) 
Virgo is a mutable sign associated with the process of improvement, and when attached to Venus this can manifest as sharp criticism and endless “fixing” in relationships. Learning to dissolve some of your hyper-awareness through loving self-acceptance (the Piscean end of the polarity), and editing internal and external critique is key.

veda wildfire frederick steinmann ruby warrington the numinous born under a bad sign planetary states rulership detriment exaltation fall venus in aries 2017 steinmann astrology

:: MARS ::
Rulership: Aries & Scorpio // Exaltation: Capricorn, // Detriment: Taurus & Libra // Fall: Cancer 
Mars rules the primitive side of our natures through the “4 Fs”: Feeding, fighting, fleeing, and … reproduction. The god of war is eager to penetrate the environment. A person’s humanness has a lot to do with Mars management- whether they are impulsive and brash or able to direct their will consciously and compassionately.

Detriment in Taurus (2017 Dates: March 9-21) 
When Mars is in Taurus, the desire for sensual experience is strong, and the challenge lies in overcoming and disciplining the heightened five senses. The drive and primal motive will be towards more concrete expressions of Taurus like money and sex. This placement will have to learn more about the unseen value of experience and presence. Try exercises like conscious, meditative eating where you pause gratefully for 5 minutes with a meal in front of you before diving in. Notice and observe what comes up without judgment.

Detriment in Libra (2017 Dates: October 22-December 9)
While Mars is all about fighting and assertion, Libra is about initiating relationships and this combination can lead to passive aggressive behavior. In Aries, it’s easy to fight our enemy but Mars in Libra has to sit at the table with them and negotiate. This Mars placement is learning how to evolve from an impulsive to a refined human being. Learn to balance instinctive reactions towards your partners’ moves with healthy self-assertion of your own desires.

Fall in Cancer (2017 Dates: June 4-July 20)  
Mars will always act out to assert himself as separate, and in Cancer the tendency towards cohesion and bonding leads to a conflict. Mars in Cancers act when they feel safe with their tribe and outside of this familiar context, the impulse to assert the self is repressed. This is a sign where Mars is learning courage. Courage comes through assertion of individuality in the world beyond the tribe (the Capricorn end of the polarity). Practicing action-oriented activities like martial arts will help build the confidence to express your desires!

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Fred Steinmann is a New York-based consulting astrologer who advises entrepreneurs, creative professionals, leaders of thought and industry, and all those searching for clarity, guidance, direction, and inspiration during uncertain times. He bases his practice on training and study in Ageless Wisdom, and astrological techniques grounded in 10+ years of professional experience advising clients and colleagues on Wall Street.

5 WAYS TO MAKE MERCURY RETROGRADE WORK FOR YOU

Imagine if Mercury retrograde was actually here to help? Here are 5 ways to make Mercury retrograde work for you.

Mercury Was in Fucking Retrograde slogan print by Baron Von Fancy. Click to read more!
Image: Baron Von Fancy

Mercury retrograde gets a lot of bad press. In fact it’s kind of become like the “gluten” of the Cosmic calendar—we’ve been taught we’re all allergic and that the symptoms, as my friend Michael puts it, are basically a total “cluster flux.”

But what if Mercury retrograde was actually here to help?

I mean, how often to do you get things perfect first time around? How many people do you have “unfinished business” with? And how many situations have you pretty much given up on, assuming they’ll never get resolved?

Instead of counting down the days to the messenger planet’s next retro phase in a state of alternating panic and dread—how about you make Mercury retrograde work for you, and use it to shine a light on the areas of my life that are due for a do-over.

Okay, maybe it’s not the best idea to go hunting down the ex who totally sapped you of your self-esteem and left you feeling like an empty shell—some things definitely are best left in the past. The trick is to trust that anything it’s in your best interest to revisit will present itself to you.

As the brilliant Astro Twins always put it; “Think of the prefix “re-” as a guide for a smoother Mercury retrograde: rethink, redecorate, revise, research, reunite…and so on.”

Read on for five ways to take their advice and make Mercury retrograde work for you…

The Last Romance fashion illustration by Kelly Smith. Click to read more!
Illustration: Kelly Smith

Revise a passion project
Got a blog idea, or half-finished novel sitting in a folder on your overcrowded desktop? Now’s the time to dust that puppy off and make the necessary tweaks to fine-tune your vision. Just hold off on launching your project until the retro phase has passed.

Revisit a favorite workout
If you’re stuck in a workout rut (THIS spin class because it’s convenient, that particular run on autopilot) and feeling unmotivated as a result, cast your mind back to the last time you felt really inspired by your exercise regime. Revisiting a favorite instructor or YouTube workout could re-inspire you to get your sweat on.

Reconnect with the people you love
Life gets busy, and it’s oh-so-easy for weeks (hell, months) to go by without so much as a text exchange with the people you actually hold most dear. Take the Mercury retro phase as your cue to write those email and make those calls. Your heart will be so happy you made the effort.

Realize you can’t just erase your past
That niggling health issue you kinda just put a “band-aid” on hoping it would clear up by itself? That friendship you let fall by the wayside rather than have the “honest talk” you need to clear the air? The emotional trauma you stuffed in the closet, but that’s haunting your dreams at night? Now is the time to do the deeper work to address these once and for all, and emerge from the Mercury retro phase feeling lighter and god-to-go.

Revamp your actual closet
No shopping (and especially not online, as Mercury retro will probably mean techno fails and “RE”funds), but rather a re-evaluation of the contents of your closet. Use this post on the art of the psychic closet clear out for some tips, and once you’ve got rid of what’s not working you’ll be able to see what’s missing and THEN hit the stores to re-stock.

So there you have it—five ways to make Mercury retrograde work for you, and come out the other side a shinier, happier person to boot!

Was this article useful? Moon Club is a new monthly mentoring program from The Numinous and Alexandra Roxo that combines astrology with real time coaching on love, sex, work, wellness, and spiritual activism. Read more and sign-up here

NUMINOUS TAROTSCOPES: NOVEMBER 2016

The Numinous Tarotscopes. Cast by Lindsay Mack, using The Starchild Tarot.

 

SCORPIO :: SCORPIO RISING – Eight of Swords, reversed

Happy birthday, sweet Scorpio! You are in your most shining element this month: rebirth. Novembcer leads us into the gate between autumn and winter; a sacred death cycle. For you, this time will be less about a death and more about the life that comes after it. You have been diligently moving through a soul shedding as of late—letting go, re-centering, and mastering your truth. It may not have felt that way to you, however. It may have felt like you were lost, a mess, or self-sabotaging. It has been something so much deeper than that, and now it is time to unfurl into what lies beyond—renewed, awake and aware.

Eight of Swords reversed holds the frequency of liberation from mental and emotional prisons, allowing you to walk through your life with a different world view. In other words, Scorpio: you’ve realized that the proverbial “prison door” has been unlocked the entire time. You’ve never been trapped, you’ve never had to plan an escape—you were free to leave at any time. This epiphany is what comes of being in Eight of Swords when not reversed. The reversal (which you are in this month) is the life after death. November’s invitation will be to rebirth yourself, like a phoenix from the ashes, into a more expanded, courageous life. It is a deeply empowering time, full of possibility, freedom and growth. The key will be for you to trust it—to step forward, leaving behind your smaller self.

Learning to trust the potential beyond olds pattern of feeling deeply stuck and small is a process that happens gently, over time. It is so important to practice compassionate self-acceptance as you expand this month. Most importantly, it is vital to have support. Be willing to speak up when those old fears and internal voices pop up; bring some light to the darkness, call in your council, and help yourself out. Remember: the unspoken patterning, thoughts and habits are the things that put us in jail in the first place. They rev up cycles of unintentional sabotage, secrets, and self-entrapment, leaving us confused, lost and stuck. You can rewire this by choosing to be seen in your vulnerability, Scorpio. Doing so will liberate you again and again, helping you to see clearly, allowing you to take proactive steps in the direction of your vision and dreams. You just have to take the first step.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

SAGITTARIUS :: SAGITTARIUS RISING – Six of Crystals

Your cup runneth over this month, Sagittarius. What a sweet frequency to be moving through! In Six of Crystals, or Pentacles, we actually achieve a new level of balance by giving. This card heralds a time of personal blessings, gifts and energy; we have so much that we are able and happy to give some away. November is not only about enjoying the newly abundant energy that will be available to you, but about learning to give, listen and serve only when there is an overflow in your life. This is not selfish—this is wisdom. Showing up from this place of overflow assures that both you and the other person will be nourished by the exchange. The more you give, the more you will be filled up. It is a gorgeous circle of sacred replenishment.

The two keys to Six of Pentacles are balance and trust. In the Smith-Rider-Waite imagery of this card, a rich man is seen giving gold coins to two happy and grateful beggars. We see that the rich man’s brass scales are balanced—only after having given his money away to the other men. In this giveaway dance, both sides are made even, the duality is made whole. The beggars get to practice trust in receiving, the rich man gets to practice trust in giving—both sides get to master the idea that there is enough Universal abundance for all, that their needs will always be met. This is a deep healing for all parties.

There are times in life when we are the ones giving, and times when we are the ones receiving. It is deeply important to check in, to make sure we are at a point of overflow before holding space, and to resist giving our energy away when we need to be nourishing ourselves. In honoring that place of integrity, we commit to the highest frequency and energetic balance on the planet. Specifically, you are being asked to step up as a beacon of abundance and true generosity, Sagittarius, showing others how to practice sacred balance, trust, and receiving. You are learning from this, too! The more you honor this process of checking in and serving from a place of Universal flow, the more abundance there will be for you—expect a gorgeous overflow of love, earthly gifts and energetic upgrades this month. Be a living example of honoring the self and you will never want for a thing.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

CAPRICORN :: CAPRICORN RISING – Starseed

November is going to be challenging for you, Capricorn, but in the best and most rewarding ways. Whenever we are in the energy of Starseed, or The Fool, it can be exhilarating and exciting—but also a little scary. This energy is tearing the house down in your sign this month, and I recommend you welcome it in with open arms. It is time to leap into the next phase of your life with abandon: there is nothing to do but jump. If you wait until you feel ready (as I know you love to, Capricorn), you will never do it. Trust that in the energy of The Fool, you’re more ready than you think you are. Get the support you need, prepare yourself as best as you can, and then commit. Doing this, even if you fall short of your mark, will kick off a powerful, exciting and expansive journey of the soul. Wherever you feel most unprepared and vulnerable is the place to begin.

The Fool is going to show up in wildly different ways for all of you: saying yes to being present, telling that person that you have feelings for them, quitting your job to pursue your passion. Don’t be surprised if your brain works on you a bit this month, Capricorn, telling you a story that you aren’t ready or might fail. There is no such thing as being ready—now is a perfect time. And, of course, there is no such thing as failure. I’ll remind you, Capricorn, The Fool isn’t necessarily about getting what you want. It could be that what you want is not what you need, but you won’t know that unless you try.

You have to try. You have to shift the energy of your life and shake things up. Even if it’s not what you were originally leaping for, there will be a treasure to come from surrendering to The Fool. If you HAVE been working hard to say yes to the unknown and live from the frequency of The Fool, this month will be amazing for you, truly showing you the proof of your hard work through expansive growth and new opportunities. If you’ve felt more stuck and stagnant in your life, November will be transformative, but challenging. It’ll be intense, but worth every moment. Just remember: you cannot be more ready than you are in this moment. Trust yourself and try something new.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

AQUARIUS :: AQUARIS RISING – Queen of Cups, reversed

November will be a month of deep contemplation and psychic centering for you, Aquarius. Queen of Cups is double water; she is fully in touch with her intuition, and knows how to balance her humanness with her empathy. She feels deeply for others, and because of her depth, can hold space for loved ones and clients around her with ease. This is a beautiful, expansive card—a lovely one for healers and humans alike.

When she shows up reversed, it is important to make sure that your energetic boundaries are well maintained. Pay attention to where you may be prone to escapism in your daily life, as well as where you might be taking on negative or heavy emotions that don’t belong to you; the veil between you and other people might be a bit thinner this month. No need to worry or panic if you find yourself ungrounded and laden with other people’s vibes: just keep gently checking in and noticing if you are fully present in your energy. If not, take a bath, work with selenite, pink Himalayan salt, black tourmaline or malachite. Bring yourself back down. Take breaks from people in your life who are a bit more difficult; take ample time and space to clear your energy and home. Doing so will set you up beautifully to do exactly what Queen of Cups reversed was here for to begin with: to invite you into deep internal work around trusting your intuitive and empathic gifts.

In order to be really available for this kind of work, you have to pay very close attention to your energy. The more we tune in to our soul path, and start honoring our gifts, the more the brain tends to freak out and the more “thin-skinned” we can feel, empathically. If there has been a recent source of negativity or an energetic presence in your life that feels vampiric, this is the month to clear it out. Speak your truth, tell people how you feel or say goodbye to them. Extra self-care, self-inquiry and spiritual tools are going to be such wonderful allies for the expansion that is unfolding on the other side of the contraction. Ground regularly, drink lots of water, and do things that make you feel refreshed and rooted in your body. All of this is taking you to a new level of evolution on your soul path; be willing to shed all that doesn’t serve, including self doubt.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

PISCES :: PISCES – The Emperor, reversed

The next 30 days will be an immensely transformative and powerful cycle for you, Pisces. To start, I would like to gently encourage you to shelve everything you think you know about The Emperor for a moment, and adopt a beginner’s mindset with it. The Emperor is The Empress’ duality; the divine masculine counterpart to the divine feminine. Strategy, authority and ruling (the qualities generally associated with The Emperor) are not really divinely masculine, but are masculinity out of balance—out of touch with feelings, emotions and intuition, operating from of a place of fear. To understand the teaching and the potential of this card, we have to start there, from a place of compassion and with a fresh perspective on its energy.

When The Emperor is right side up, it is a powerful invitation to practice standing tall; not being afraid to take up space. In The Emperor, we know our worth, and are able to speak our truth without apology or overpowering others. Everyone is deeply nourished from such an energy. The reversal of The Emperor, which is how it has shown up for you this month, Pisces, is bringing an equally important teaching. When The Emperor is reversed, it can show up as extremes in belief or behavior about one’s self. One moment, we might feel crippled by a lack of confidence, feeling deeply discouraged and like no one wants to listen to us. The next moment, we might feel totally narcissistic or domineering. It might show up as trying to make everything about us, feeling competitive, or attempting to control aspects of our lives from a false confidence.

Both of these are divine masculine out of balance, and are halves of the same whole. Feeling either of these extremes is NOT a problem: both are opportunities, and wonderful ones at that. Both are giving you the amazing chance to build your confidence and self-worth. This confidence can’t come from a write-up, a job, a new lover, your partner, or your clients. It comes from a reconnection to your place in the Universe as a worthy and beautiful being, healing any imbalance in the Solar Plexus and letting your light shine again. It comes from knowing that YOU need to give you the love, attention and validation that you crave. If you shift your focus and attention to those things, you will blossom and transform this month.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

ARIES :: ARIES RISING – Five of Wands

Get ready for a wild month, Aries! Five of Wands is a tough energy, but has shown up in November with great tidings for you. It is inviting you into a kind of mastery of your ego, helping you learn to embody softness in the face of any combative beliefs, such as competition and jealousy. It feels like a walkabout, going on a journey through the shadow side of Aries to come out clean and wiser on the other side. I promise you: moving through the contraction of this card will only bring goodness. There is a big expansion for every contraction, so as you move your egoic labor this month, trust that it is happening not because you fell behind, but because you’re meant to move forward into new, evolved territory. The Universe is basically squeezing out any mental or behavioral splinters that are not going to serve you in your forward momentum.

Now, getting splinters removed is HARD! It hurts and can be a little scary, but it hurts more to leave the splinter in. That is the gift of this time, and why it is here: to free you from the old, painful shadows that keep you locked in self-judgment and the delusion of fear. Be willing to allow whatever is ready to come up to do so, allowing you to process and release it. Also: it is very important to practice pausing this month. This card can show up as fighting, believing that other people are out to get you, a sense of competition or that you need to fight for your place on top. None of that is true, of course: it is all a kind of fear based illusion.

It might be hard in moments to remember that your feelings are not facts, but this is why pausing and non-engagement will be very helpful for you. Take deep breaths, and wait an hour or two before you send that email or dispute that contract. If you are pissed at someone, resist the desire to engage in conflict until you’re a little calmer. Even the desire to call someone out is an invitation into mastery, Aries. Pause with it before moving forward. You get to hang out with the deepest parts of your shadow this month, and if you can believe it, nothing but goodness and growth will come from embracing it. Say yes to Five of Wands. It is here to transform your life.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

TAURUS :: TAURUS RISING – Queen of Wands

What a magical month you have ahead, Taurus! You will be feeling yourself in a brand new way this November, all thanks to the Queen of Wands. The energy of this cycle will be elevating aspects of your personal allure, power and sensuality, all of which will propel you into a new and expanded frequency of your life. This could show up across the board for you, or in a concentrated area, be it personal, professional, love life, etc. Her aim this month is to help you to step forward, unafraid and balanced, into an area of your life where you previously lacked confidence. The energy of this gesture will bring all kinds of new, exciting and evolved opportunities into your life as a result. You just have to be willing to work with her, Taurus, to invite her in to do some deep work on your spirit.

The Queen of Wands is helping you to truly, truly know who you are; how gifted, glorious and magical you are. She’s going to help heal any doubt you have in yourself. All of the beauty, power and potency are already in you, Taurus; she is going to help bring it all forward. Queen of Wands is the “witch” of the deck; she is an intuitive and alchemical energy. Her elements are fire and water, and she walks with them and on her path in total balance. Alchemy, synchronicity and confidence is what the Queen of Wands emanates. When we are in this card, we are encouraged to drop into those frequencies, too: our beauty, our magic, our fire and our connection to the world around us. How are we walking through the world?

For you, Taurus, this is the big question, because Queen of Wands is a light that shines from within, one that helps draw all kinds of amazing opportunities, people and experiences to us. This month, you have a chance to change your life on an energetic level, stepping up into a new level of your personal confidence and power. The other added benefit of being in Queen of Wands this month is getting to receive an extra dose of energetic badassery. This card doesn’t play games, doesn’t play small, and is not going to lessen its power for anyone’s discomfort. I encourage you to adopt this mindset for yourself. Let November be the month that you step into your power and release the fear of shining too brightly.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

GEMINI :: GEMINI RISING – Eight of Cups, reversed

November is looking to be an extremely significant month for you, Gemini. Eight of Cups is a card of very courageous transformation, inviting us into the willingness to walk away from some aspect of our lives that we may have worked hard for, but is no longer serving us. This is where you are this month, my loves. You are ready to release something—a person, a relationship, a home, a job, or even a mental pattern or habit. Doing so will be difficult, but freeing in a way you can’t even imagine. The biggest contraction that can come with this card is, of course, the terror that if we give this familiar but unsatisfying thing up, we won’t ever get anything else.

That contraction is exactly why this card is so unbelievably transformative—any time that we take a chance in life because we know it is right for our heart and soul, we will never be left in the lurch. Even if this thing is extremely risky, scary, or we have worked hard for it for years, if it’s time to let go of it, we can only receive better in it’s place. Really receive this truth, Gemini—by walking away, you can only get something more expanded and exciting in the place of what you left behind. It’ll take all your courage and all of your trust, but if you do it, there will be a big shift in your life. A kind of journey of the spirit will commence, and you will be on track to receive some very big upgrades.

The first way to approach this card is by taking a gentle and objective inventory of your life. What parts of your life are not serving you anymore? These can be tough questions, but you can’t begin to walk forward without having a sense of what you are walking away from. From there, you then have to ask yourself how you desire your life to be different from what it is. If your brain tells you it’s impossible, tell it to buzz off. You do not need to know the how about any of it—the leaving or the receiving on the other side. You just need the willingness to be free, to consider that your life could be more satisfying and full than you ever imagined, just by believing that you deserve better. If you’ve got that, Gemini, you’ve got everything.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

CANCER :: CANCER RISING – Two of Wands, reversed

There has been a kind of ripening taking place within you the last few months, Cancer. Now it is almost time to pluck the fruit from the tree—this month will be devoted to helping you to prepare for your next move in life with all the wisdom you have gained. It is the last important act before picking what you’ve grown and sharing it with the world. The Two of Wands is a kind of mature ambition, knowing where you want to go in your life, and taking the last steps forward before moving into achieving that. Specifically, these steps are around planning, preparing and readying yourself for a big launch forward. November will be about turning ideas into action, dreams into reality.

First, you need to create the space to expand into—doing so will yield beautiful and generous results in your life. You are ready, Cancer, just take the month to get all your energetic ducks in a row. The Fool worked its magic on you so potently last month, Cancer—now you get to take all of the light, potential and ephemera of The Fool and turn it into results, actionable steps forward. The energy this month will be pointing you, again, toward more action through the lens of preparation, asking yourself where you want to go in your life and what you can do to make that possible for yourself. Two of Wands turns dreams into reality. The way to get there, Cancer, is to deeply focus on these next steps. If you drift too much into distraction, or over planning, you will miss the mark a bit.

It’s not a disaster if you do; just re-center and come back to your focus, allowing your dreams and the present moment to be your compass. Doing so will help you to stay tethered to your courage, and you will need a strong bond to it for the coming months ahead. Understand, Cancer: you are being prepared for a lot of expansion. You’ve been getting invitations since the summer that have asked you to open up, to practice being seen and to shine your light in the direction of where you want to go. You’re closer than you’ve ever been before in Two of Wands, so get excited. You’re about to be opened to a whole new world of discovery as you take these soul centered steps forward.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

LEO :: LEO RISING – Ace of Swords, reversed

Let November be a month of soul-centered goal-setting for you, Leo. Allow yourself to get totally clear on what you want, where you are going, and what you need in order to get there. It is really important to honor this time for that purpose—doing so will open you up to new doors in a profound way. It is not necessarily the time to act or to take steps forward—although if that’s on the horizon for you as a Leo, great! Just make sure your ducks are in a row as you expand. What you DO want to focus on is cultivating the confidence to move forward with a brilliant new idea, and/or building the foundation to support your next big leap forward. Think the plumbing, wiring, structural integrity of the “house”—save the curtains, candles, and painting for next month.

Doing this will greatly increase your chances of being able to step forward in your life with the kind of preparation that will take you very far. It’s not the sexiest of months, but it will be the most fruitful. Ace of Swords is a very, very powerful energy. It’s very raw, and full of psychic and mental clarity; a true zone of genius. It represents an inspirational sweet spot, where we are open and aligned to receive amazing new ideas. You are really synched up to this place, Leo, even if you don’t necessarily feel that way. The key this month is hitching the brilliance of Ace of Swords to a structured plan. If you want to become bicoastal, don’t just sit at your altar setting intentions. Start actually crunching numbers, joining a frequent flyer miles program, figuring out where you could live on both coasts and how it would be financially nourishing for you.

If you want to teach, to write a book, to create something new—prepare for the creation, for the event. Cleanse your home, plan to carve out several hours a day to work on it, plan an outline. Then move forward with it. Nothing is impossible for you. You just need to create the space and the structure in which these dreams and visions can flourish. Doing so will not only enable you to put your intentions into action, it will build the confidence in you to move forward with it. You’ve got the vision and inspiration covered, Leo. Now build the foundation for it to stand on.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

VIRGO :: VIRGO RISING – Page of Swords, reversed

Page of Swords reversed is going to be energetically helping you to take it nice and easy this month, Virgo, especially around areas of ambition and career. Slow and steady truly wins the race here. You may be taking on too much at once, may be biting off a bit more than you can chew—you might just be severely doubting yourself in an area of your life. No matter what, there is a deep wisdom to be gained from going slowly, being thoughtful, pausing and considering before you take on a new project. There is much to be attained by releasing commitments in your life that do not bring you joy, ones that you may be doing only out of obligation, or in the hopes that some kind of bigger opportunity will arise from it. You want to take this month to re-center in integrity, making sure there is time in your life for everything you want to do—that includes taking care of yourself.

Page of Swords is such a lovely card, an energy ruled by earth and air. This card represents powerful and enthusiastic ambition, someone who is so excited and ready to share their projects and visions with the world. It comes from a very pure place, and has been hard won; the Page of Swords has worked hard to balance the mind in order to use it for the highest good. He or she is healthy, balanced and ready to take on the world, manifesting their visions. When reversed, the same excited energy is present, with a little twist: there may be some really massive inner doubt and insecurity going on.

This is crucially important to understand about the reversal of this card, because if the insecurity is left unchecked, we run the risk of agreeing to things out of a frantic need to make ourselves feel better, or more secure with where we are going in our lives. We want to, ideally, hang out in the general discomfort of the reversal of this card, trusting and knowing that we do not have to take on more than we can chew in order to “be on top.” We can move through this time with ease and grace, perhaps taking a wise pause to work on our overall vision, or to meditate on the idea that everything happens as and when it is meant to. Drop your sword and come back into trust. Just hang out this month; there is no need to rush.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

LIBRA :: LIBRA RISING – Seven of Wands

You have been fighting an invisible army, Libra—and now it’s time to drop the fight and go home. Move back into the present moment, out of the head and back into the body. You cannot get where you want to go by fighting, by energetically muscling through your life. I know that this effort is coming from the most well intentioned place—you want to move forward, to evolve in your life. The most sensical thing is to work hard for it, right? Not exactly. A lot of what you are working so hard for, Libra, are things that are your birthright: abundance, career expansions, artistic freedom, living in your truth, and relationships that make you feel alive. If you want to receive that, you have to shift the way in which you are working for it. Ease, grace, willingness to receive, focusing on self.

You will be much more likely to receive these gifts and dreams by creating a centered inner life, rather than an external life ruled by effort and struggle. I’m not saying, by the way, that all Libras are fighting wildly and off the mark in their lives. Far from it! What I am saying is that Libra, as a sign on the whole, is moving through a huge collective upgrade. You are ALREADY on track to receive all that you desire—you have to create balance in your inner life for it to come in. Take a courageous forward this month: totally and completely drop the fight and the war. You don’t have to work so hard, loves. For some of you, this might mean that you quit a job, go on medication, start a meditation practice, or even move from where you live. If you want change, start radically. Try something different; something that will bring ease into your life. Nothing can come from the effort you’re putting forth but more effort.

We create the future we desire with the quality of our attention. What kind of energy are you moving through the world with? Are you so busy in your head that you are not offering yourself the attention you deserve? Seven of Wands is an internal fight that seems external. “If I only got this or that, I would stop trying so hard,” or so the belief goes. Stop trying, period. Start allowing. You’ll actually create space for everything you deserve in your life to come forth.

Want more wisdom? Book a reading with Lindsay here and follow her on Instagram.

STRONG EYE ASTROLOGY OCTOBER 31—NOVEMBER 6

A weekly horoscope for your sign, direct from the third eye of Sandra Sitron—a.k.a. Strong Eye Astrology

beach ball sand palm tree strong eye astrology the numinous

Scorpio :: Scorpio Rising
Watching a beachball blow across the sand. You have an opportunity this week to uplift yourself. Follow your heart. Don’t despair. Don’t overthink. Don’t get caught up in the stress of daily details. Lift yourself up. Do it consciously. As you put yourself in a consciously higher mindset, you will find that the momentum does the rest. This week is a reprieve. Use the energy to heal yourself. Turn your attention toward fun and creativity. Remember that you are here to play and enjoy.

Sagittarius :: Sagittarius Rising
The tadpole waits. You are in a holding pen. Waiting for your next big move. But at the moment there is stillness. Take this time s a chance to go deep into your old stories and forgotten emotions. Find stillness within yourself as you prepare for transformation. Remember the little child version of you who needs just a tad more love. Time doesn’t really exist, so go ahead and smother your inner child with love and attention. Give her everything she missed. This is how you heal on deep levels.

Capricorn :: Capricorn Rising
A fire in the field. You’re starting a movement. It’s rich and it’s ripe and the time is now. Feel the surging in your heart. The ideas that are whirling around you are pointing you in the right direction. The ideas that you have can catch on like wildfire. Focus on the support that you need from your community. Believe that you can be supported. Believe that your ideas are good enough. Start a fire.

Aquarius :: Aquarius Rising
Hand marks in the soil. Put your hands in the ground and prepare for handstand. Prepare to connect with the earth that supports you. Prepare to support yourself in a new way and reach a new height. Right now is a time for you to feel really grounded. And as you open up in this way, you will find that it has a positive effect on your career. This week, focus on stability. Remember that it does come from within. It comes from your sense of self-worth. Look yourself in the mirror and remind yourself that you are worth it. You are worth getting paid what you deserve. You are worth the achievements that you value. Know this. And then use that sturdy base to reach for great heights.

Pisces :: Pisces Rising
Balancing on the edge of the diving board. If you’re feeling antsy it’s because you’re primed to make some changes. Ready yourself for new inspirations to come your way. Your work right now is to connect with what’s really important to you. Have you ever defined your top five values? Find a list of values and delineate the ones that you hold closest to your heart. Make these values your north star. Moving forward, you’ll want to keep these priorities in mind while making decisions.

Aries :: Aries Rising
A trail cuts through the meadow. Find your quiet center. This is the peaceful state of being that reveals itself when you get very still. This point of attention will lead you through a maze of thoughts and fears. It will lead you to the truth of your being. Carve out space for yourself to get very still. See what comes up. All the answers that you seek are already within you.

Taurus :: Taurus Rising
Picking petals off a daisy. The urge to merge is rising up. Anything that comes up around relationships right now is a reminder to love yourself. Relationships are a mirror. Make sure the reflection shows your self-love. So whisper sweet-nothings in your own ear. Build yourself up. So much support and inspiration comes from your friends this week. Ask them to remind you how wonderful you are.

Gemini :: Gemini Rising
The earthworm cruises through underground tunnels. Find your stride. You are poised to heighten your productivity this week. Let your intuition inform you of what you need to do to propel your career forward. Meanwhile, make sure that you lay the groundwork of an efficient and productive schedule. Get your eating and sleeping schedules on track. Say yes to self-care.

Cancer :: Cancer Rising
The Moon is made of cheese. Lay your emotions out on the table. Feel into your heart center and remember what drives you, what brings you joy, what sparks your creativity. Remember what you are doing all of this for! But don’t forget that this ride called life is supposed to be fun. So make a light joke out of your deepest desires to succeed. Have fun with your dreams. Be playful.

Leo :: Leo Rising
Dipping a chalice into a well. You are seeking an emotional base of security. Pay extra attention to your root chakra this week. Know that what feels vital, is vital. Don’t deny your emotional needs. Allow yourself to feel all of your feelings. Hold space. This is an excellent time to peel back the layers of your psyche. If your intuition pulls you to examine an old emotion more closely or to reach out to a friend or healer for support, follow it.

Virgo :: Virgo Rising
Prismatic colors across the sky. Read love poems out loud, with or without an audience. Let the words lift your spirits. Lean into inspiration. You have the potential to open up and become just a little bit more vulnerable. Slow down to take this opportunity. Do sweet things for yourself. Get out of the news cycle and let go of ideas that are causing you stress. Protect the boundaries of your mind by focusing on positive thoughts and words. Speak these positive words out loud, regularly.

Libra :: Libra Rising
The alligator’s mouth. Rows of sharp teeth are like the bullet points of your plan for security. Get detailed. The alligator reminds you to get low to the ground and feel financially stable. The symbol says- you are tough. You can’t be shaken easily. Take stock of your strengths. Get focused on your plans for abundance. Organize yourself. You are ready to tenaciously push through and manifest the stability that you crave.

STRONG EYE ASTROLOGY OCTOBER 24—OCTOBER 30

A weekly horoscope for your sign, direct from the third eye of Sandra Sitron—a.k.a. Strong Eye Astrology

wolf in snow the numinous

Scorpio :: Scorpio Rising
A flurry of snowflakes blocking your sight. Fresh, new, bright snow obliterates your view. You can’t see. Time stops. There is a spaciousness. A vulnerability. Allow the feeling of helplessness that comes with not knowing. Allow yourself to pause. Then press on. Move forward even though you can’t see. Use your intuition to guide you. If your vision is blocked, tune into your inner sight. What would you like to see? How would you like to feel? Turn these wishes into statements of intention. Using powerful intentions, craft your year ahead, even if you aren’t clear on things now. In the space of not knowing, you can still be the powerful creator that you are.

Sagittarius :: Sagittarius Rising
You dream of an arrow being launched. Vivid dreams. You’re coming into your time of action, but not quite yet. As of now, you are still in a state of waiting. Your current work is in the sphere of intangibles— dreams, subconscious, intuition, spirituality. You’re creating your life out of the primordial mud of your subconscious. Go deep into your memories. Every time you feel challenged this week, root down into yourself and scan your history for clues about what is really going on. This is not surface level stuff. Nothing is as it seems. Tip-toe quietly into the corners of your psyche. Launch arrows of inquiry into your depths and see what truth is ready to be flushed out of the undergrowth.

Capricorn :: Capricorn Rising
Reading an ancient scroll. Gathering wisdom from antiquity. What you need most right now is to be supported in your ideas. To feel connected. Circulate. Find the groups and belief-systems that reflect your back to you who you are. You are seeking unity. It’s not serving you to go it alone. There is wisdom out there for you. There are people who have already figured out what you are working on. Find them. This will help you solidify your direction, your dreams, and your aspirations.

Aquarius :: Aquarius Rising
A tower of legos. Are you ready to step into the spotlight that was designed just for you? It is there. It is yours. Build yourself up, up, up, so that you can step fully into the light that shines at the top of your chart. The top of the chart is the career sector and that is where your focus is. You are starting fresh, with new goals and desires in this department. Put your focus on courage, contribution and receiving. Courage- take yourself out of your comfort zone. Contribution- stretch yourself to assist and collaborate. Receive- the grace of allowing others to help you. Push yourself all week to activate each of these three building blocks.

Pisces :: Pisces Rising
Lichen on rocky cliffs. Have you fully explored your surroundings? Have you looked into every nook and cranny, every craggy cliff of your environment? This is not a time for standing still. This is a time to climb. Explore. Investigate. You need some new philosophies and you need them now. But you have to go looking for them! This is not the time for complacency. This is not the time to fester in an old status quo. Find your higher truth. Breathe the fresh mountain air of your philosophical ascension. Do away with any belief system that is stale and tired. You are the authority on your own life and the ability to triumph comes from within you. Delineate your path up the mountain.

Aries :: Aries Rising
A geyser. They are all fine. They don’t need you to do it for them. Let it go. Just let it wash away. This moment is your chance to release the emotions that you have been carrying for other people. Where have you been taking all of the emotional responsibility? Can you release it? Can you trust that other people can take care of themselves? There may be logical reasons why they can’t do it, but it’s probably not your job to help them. It’s probably not your work. If you really aren’t sure, ask yourself, “Is this my work?” If it is, you’ll know immediately. And if not, let it go.

Taurus :: Taurus Rising
A tiny plant sprouting above the soil. So new. So delicate. So fragile. Your fragility is your greatest power at the moment. It’s the power of vulnerability. Open your heart and lean in. Press into the void. The void is “trust.” Trust is a void because it because it’s an unknown. It’s not a sure thing. There is nothing sure about relationship. There is nothing predetermined. There is no stasis. All at once, we want relationship to be sure and stable and static. The only way to have all of these things in relationship is to have trust. But to get to trust, you have to get really, really vulnerable. Now is your time to open yourself up. Allow yourself to be a fragile sprout.

Gemini :: Gemini Rising
A Rubik’s cube. You only have to learn some algorithms to solve this puzzle. You need a set of rules to follow. Your current focus is on putting together working structures for your life. Your psychology, physiology, productivity and environment are all coming under the microscope for you now. Take some time this week to redefine how you want to orient yourself. What can you do take better care of your body? What can you do to harness your attitude and your mindset? Are you determining your schedule or is it determining you? How is your environment affecting you? This week offers you a chance to solve some of these questions and set new habits in motion.

Cancer :: Cancer Rising
Eating lasagne. Nourishment. Food symbols usually allude to nurturance. There’s something more to this symbol— at the same time elaborate and homespun. Nourish your basic right to joy. Joy is regular. It’s everyday. It should be expected and commonplace. But we don’t always allow much space for it. We can put it off, under the guise that it’s too decadent. Sometimes we even tell ourselves that we can’t celebrate because we aren’t done yet. We haven’t made it all the way to “success.” This is your chance to infuse your life with joy and celebration. Fill your life with fun. Nourish yourself with the gift of happiness. There is always more room for the basic emotion of joy.

Leo :: Leo Rising
Snorkeling through coral reefs. Home. Safety. Security. Your family. These arenas are where you creating new patterns and new expectations. You are deep in the sea of your emotions, deep in a coral cave. A home. A nest. Make it the nest of your dreams. Whether they are challenging or easy, let your emotions guide you to a deeper understanding of what you need from your home and your family right now. Be guided to a deeper emotional truth. You are ready for it.

Virgo :: Virgo Rising
A game of darts. Precision. Determination. Focus. Your mind is alight with a swirl of ideas. Some are invigorating, Some are overwhelming. You need to get clear. Do all of the self-care things that you can think of to slow down your thoughts. There is no precision in chaos. Right now you are looking for a clear and focused path to follow. Meditation is a good way to quiet down your thinking. The reason you need a high level of clarity right now is that you are trying to solve a problem. Calmly gather information that will help you with your decision. Set yourself up well so that you can aim true when the time is right.

Libra :: Libra Rising
Mining. Mining deep in the caves of your psyche to find your inner gold. The truth of your worth. The geniuses that devised the Astrological chart placed self-worth and financial worth in the same house. This is where your focus is this week. Take the cue to dig deep into your money stories and find some answers. Your relationship with money is a direct reflection of your historical love for yourself. You will find the root of any issues you have with money in the moments of your past when you felt unloved or ignored. Dig into these memories and release old hurts. Find your new truth. Plant seeds of prosperity in these ancient cavities of pain. Make your mantra, “I am worthy.”

A SENSORY EXPLORATION OF SCORPIO SEASON

Scorpio season invites us to embrace the power of personal transformation, say Cara George & Bess Matassa of Mojave Rising

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Hillary (Sun in Scorpio), Vintage Photo

Scorpio season tempts us to descend into our own trenches with curious headlamps as we mine the rough and ready diamonds of our most intensely intimate desires. It’s a month for reckoning with past patterning, for cleaning out our basements, and, through this fearless process, discovering the immutable essence that can never be stripped from us.

The zodiac’s ferocious femme fatale challenges us to celebrate every damn part of ourselves and to learn to withstand the endless cycles of desiring, having, and losing, in all their messy, primal glory. So take a deep breath, step into your sharpest stilettos, and get ready to get raw. You are light and darkness and mind and spirit and guts. You are smoke and ash and ripe tropical flowers and everything that dies and everything that comes back. Can you handle the seasons of your life? Hell yes, says the Phoenix.

The keyword: Reckoning.  

The song lyrics: “This is the part of me/That you’re never gonna ever take away from me, no!/Throw your sticks and stones, throw your bombs and your blows/But you’re not gonna break my soul”—Katy Perry, “Part of Me”

Check out our Scorpio season playlist, complete with stripped-down songstresses, exposed anthems, and hardcore feels.   

Harpar's Bazaar 2014
Harper’s Bazaar 2014

The color palette: Macabre boudoir shades fit for a Cleopatra queen. Think oxblood and burgundy, oxidized metallics, burnt gold, black glitter, and classic kohl.  

Grace Jones in A View to a Kill
Grace Jones in A View to a Kill

The style: Bulletproof Bond girl meets Alexander McQueen in the 1970s underworld. Think bodysuits, plunging zippers, louche loungewear, see-through lace, daring cutouts, and garter belts mixed with vinyl and leather.  

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The scents and flavors: Heady, nocturnal, and powerfully primitive. Think tuberose, oud, un-pitted olives, black cherries, raw meats, and after-dinner liquors.

The healing: Full-throttle archeological excursions and no-holds-barred carnality. Everything from closet-cleaning and oceanfront metal detecting, to sex-positive parties, pole-dancing classes, mixed martial arts, and mud wrestling.

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Sensuous Invitation of the Month: Time Travel (by sign below).

With Scorpio and Capricorn planets coming into conversation with Sagittarius and Aquarius energies, and Neptune stationing direct, Scorpio season 2016 has a back-to-the-future vibe that urges us to time travel into our own past lives. As we sift through our emotional archives, we can re-envision habitual grooves with tough tenderness, look passionately at all that it has taken to bring us here, and launch ourselves forward with both seasoned maturity and daring wildness.  

ARIES
Scorpio season invites you to go deep or go home, as you sink your hands and teeth into your life with both your characteristic vigor and a recommitment to endurance. 
Cosmic Era: The Middle Ages—chainmail, ferocious fencing, and burning the candle at both ends.

TAURUS
Scorpio season invites you to notice where you hold back from transformation in the name of security, and to experiment with overturning and renewing. Cosmic Era: The Industrial Revolution—rapid expansion, innovative optimism, and earthy pragmatism.  

GEMINI
Scorpio season invites you to temporarily fold your butterfly wings and practice digging in the dirt as you go far beyond the surface to investigate the inner workings. Cosmic Era: Ancient Egypt—sarcophagi, the River Styx, and intricate pyramid building.

CANCER
Scorpio season invites you to collide with another person’s feeling landscape as you practice stepping outside your own emotional core and honoring the inner world of another being. Cosmic Era: The Renaissance—humanism, artistic perspective, and emotional rebirth.

LEO
Scorpio season invites you to fuse your passion for pleasurable exposure with a more risky self-revealing that brings absolutely all of you into the light, even the not so glittery pieces. Cosmic Era: 50s Vegas—dice rolling, nuclear testing, and the casino-floor courage to bare it all.  

VIRGO
Scorpio season invites you to play with power dynamics as you mix your capacity for cautious humility with a long-overdue seizure of the throne. Cosmic Era: The Tudor dynasty—crown jewels, divine rule, and the occasional beheading.  

LIBRA
Scorpio season invites you to plunge headfirst into the messier aspects of partnership as you take your penchant for relating into more radical territory. Cosmic Era: The Roaring 20s—voting women, speakeasies, and romantic revolution.  

SCORPIO
Scorpio season invites you to recognize where your capacity to understand the more primal parts of the human experience leads you to clam up, shut down, or withhold, and to practice not holding back one bit of your intensity and reveling in the full range of your feelings. Cosmic Era: 70s New York—the birth of disco and hip-hop, explosive street life, and graffitied expressions.  

SAGITTARIUS
Scorpio season invites you to repurpose past pain and use your high-spirited, free-wheeling levity to adventure into your own darkness. Cosmic Era: The Enlightenment—individual liberty, scientific discovery, and open debate.

CAPRICORN
Scorpio season invites you to loosen your grip on your usual emotional control centers and discover the strength in what you may consider weakness. Cosmic Era: Southern Cali in the 60s—surf, sea breeze, and rose-colored love-ins.  

AQUARIUS
Scorpio season invites you to turn up the heat on your cool, analytical approach as you experiment with the beauty in blood, sweat, and tears. Cosmic Era: Ancient Rome—sumptuous feasts, gladiator clashes, and exploratory sexuality.  

PISCES
Scorpio season invites you to notice when your need for retreat becomes unnecessarily reclusive, and to practice becoming intimate with everything that surrounds you as you fall deeply in love with the world again. Cosmic Era: 90s Seattle—world beats, emo crooning, and slacker idealism.