I recently asked a friend of mine who is a Spiritual Director what people were generally needing in their sessions. After a reflective pause, she said that they were needing to be held and also to deepen their connection to the earth. Upon hearing of this general deep need of humans in these times, I couldn’t help but think of the nodes of the moon (the points at which eclipses occur, thought to reflect karmic patterning) which are currently transiting (traveling) through the signs of Cancer and Capricorn.

Why this connection? A few strands came together for me in this moment.

First of all, we have the general symbolic understanding of what these two placements are thought to suggest. The transiting South Node in Capricorn could be thought of as clearing out old rubbish that has become stagnant. It’s a bit like composting, really. This decomposition is happening at once on a global scale and at a personal level. Capricorn is structure, organization, long-term management, and simple practicality. It is bones, teeth, knees. With this clearing energy moving through, it’s like stirring up the matted leaves in the underbrush of the forest to get some aerobic bacteria in there to facilitate the kind of compostition that results in rich humus (rather than a putrid bog, where the anaerobic bacteria lurk).

The South Node is stirring up our compost heap so we can reap rewards. It has joined Pluto in Capricorn, who is making the long trek- almost as if underground- maybe moving the whole compost pile from this side of the yard to that! Powerfully, but also so slowly as to be just-what’s-happening-in-the-background. Then, we have Saturn, who entered Capricorn at the turn of the year and is interested in creating the cordoned-off sections for the different steps of the compost; making a structure in which to host this compost party (before Jupiter comes along next year and really gets it growing its goodness).

And, that’s just the South Node!

The North Node, playing counterpoint to this whole party of composters, is across the wheel in watery Cancer, sign of mothering, nurturing, cycles, the stomach, and the breasts. The North Node can also be ‘disruptive’, yet it seems to ask us to grow or cultivate what it passes by, whereas the South Node often seems to shake things loose to let the detritus fall away. So, while the composting is happening out back, Mother is inside the home, cuddling a crying babe, offering some sustenance, giving a gentle caress.

And, it is this gentle caress that interests me.

I came across a Ted Talk on YouTube that was all about the ‘brain’ in our skin. In this talk, the speaker mentioned that most neurons ‘fire’ at a speed that rivals jet planes! On the other hand, she said that when we are caressed, the ‘signal’ travels at a speed that is much closer to the speed of walking. That is a FAR CRY from the speed of a jet plane! This caught my attention.

The reception of the kind caress is wired such that it has to be slow and sustained in order for it to *mean* something. In order for it to be a true signal of “it’s ok, you’re safe, you can relax, I’ve got you”. This blows me away and makes me want to walk around gently caressing everyone! While that would obviously be a little weird (and might get me into trouble, besides), I can at least advise you to try gently running your fingers over your own forearms, or your face, or neck. I believe this is also why petting our pets is said to be so soothing.

This trick seems amazingly apt for this time with the North Node in Cancer, asking us to nurture our Cancerian mojo!

All year long, the lovely Elizabeth Russell has been bringing up the importance of the North Node in Cancer and how it may be acting as the antidote to our times. In her monthly New Moon Cafe, she has mentioned how Cancer can be thought of as the ‘Manger’ even moreso than the ‘Mother’ or the ‘Home’ (fun side note is that ‘manger’ means ‘to eat’ in French, and I always think of ‘feeding’ with Cancer). A manger, as we have come to know it, is a sacred and humble beginning, meant to protect and provide for animals, no matter their origin or destiny!

Elizabeth has been encouraging the practice of lovingkindness, a practical and peaceful mindfulness protocol. That was her idea for nurturing the North Node energy. I didn’t actually fully ‘get it’ until I heard this news about our skin’s neurons and this deep human need that was reported to me as a common thread of the current state of certain seekers from my Spiritual Director friend!

Now, I get it.

I feel it in my body. So, as the North Node completes is passage through Cancer, I have some tools to help me through. The nodes will remain in Cancer and Capricorn—giving you several months in which to cultivate your own version of North Node in Cancer—until May of 2020, when they will shift into the Gemini and Sagittarius polarity. We’ll chat about that next year.

So, if you care to join me in lovingkindness practice, or gentle, motherly caresses, or some other form of cultivating caring, please do! I’d love to hear about your practice and how it has been working for you this year.


>If you’d like to sign up for my email list, click here.

>If you could use some Spiritual Direction with a Wild Feminist and wonderful coach, click here.

>And, if you’d like to join Elizabeth for a New Moon Cafe, click here! You can find out more about them by listening in to our conversation on The Beautiful Astrology Podcast, here.


May your roots find rich compost to earth in, may your arms find kindnesses to give—whether to yourself or another—or many others! And, may we all receive such gifts and be most grateful for them.

Wishing you the calm of a gentle caress,

~Melanie

>If you are interested in working with me, sign up on my interest list, here.

Because Saturn and Jupiter will be at the same degree for most of August (and in quite close range, otherwise), I thought I’d share this list of days according to the Moon’s transits to these two ‘social planets’, including a few other heavenly motions of note, such as ingresses and certain planetary aspects calling for [my] attention.

One curiosity I’m interested in is the connection between two planets that are in signs right next to each other. In such a configuration, they do not make a traditional aspect to one another (conjunction, sextile, square, or opposition). They are, however, aspected simultaneously by other bodies when in this configuration (provided they are within orb). That is to say, while they don’t technically make a traditional aspect, they *can* seem to act in tandem as if they *were* in aspect. In a natal chart, this helps explain why people note certain dynamics between two such planets, referring to their relationship as semi-sextile, for example, or inconjunct (this may not explain other aspects of interest, but that’s not really the main point of what I’m doing here, anyway).

The major portion of my interest is simply the relationship between Jupiter and Saturn. I’m gaining an interest in their interplay as I develop some work with some other Astrologers. In addition, this year has been pretty wild with the difference between stodgy Saturn in earthy Capricorn and flighty Jupiter in silly Sagittarius (we all know there are a million other ways to look at these two placements—I’m just having fun, here)!

I’ve noticed the stark difference between these two energies and how we’ve been pushed and pulled between them all year as the planets—especially the moon—make their rounds and highlight one, then the other, of these axes. It’s extra noticeable with the nodes and Pluto involved in the Cardinal signs and BOTH Jupiter and Saturn experiencing retrogrades!!

It has seemed to me (in so many of my chart consultations) that while we’ve had expansive Jupiter in Sagittarius as a counterpoint to serious Saturn in Capricorn, we’ve also had Jupiter retrograde for much of the year! I’ve seen this transit show up the most in my readings as the thing that is ‘bothering’ people. It makes me wonder if it’s largely because this *thing* (whatever it is- different for everybody!) that is *supposed to be* all expansive and fun is showing up as taking f o r e v e r to come to fruition and making people wonder if there is *really* anything to hope for at all! I’ve been advising folks to hang in there, using the ‘wait time’ to just relax and enjoy the downtime before the flurry or to turn inward to find out what it is we truly believe, what we truly hope for. When Jupiter stations direct, it’s going to fly right outta Sagittarius and move on into Capricorn, changing the whole feel of everything! Then, the two will get closer and closer until they conjoin… But that’s a story for another time. (Stay tuned!)

So, now that Jupiter is getting ready to station direct and hanging out at the same degree as Saturn for most of the month, I thought I’d walk us through the moon’s transits to them both. I’ve included a few other movements in the cosmos that seem noteworthy to me. I hope you find all of this astronerdery helpful in some way! If you have any comments or questions, please comment below or send me a message. Also: if you want daily updates on these forecasts, follow me on Instagram and watch my stories!

Big blessings to you!

Moon in Sagittarius - Thursday, August 8th - (Venus trine Jupiter)

The Moon is making it’s monthly visit to Jupiter’s sign, bringing extra light to the fun-that-is-on-hold. Perhaps Venus trine Jupiter will bring us some fun, eh? Woo-hoo!

Moon still in Sagittarius - Friday, August 9th - Moon conjunct Jupiter!!

Here it is! Moon conjunct Jupiter! Depending on where Sagittarius is in your chart, you might expect an uplifting feeling today concerning that part of life.

Moon in Capricorn - Sunday, August 11th - Jupiter Stations Direct at 14 Sagittarius! (Mercury enters Leo & Uranus stations Retrograde at 7 Taurus)

The long period of making-sure is finally coming to an end. Whatever has been on hold for you all summer long may now start moving forward! Possibly with what feels like great speed!

Moon still in Capricorn - Monday, August 12th - Moon conjunct Saturn! (& Moon conjunct Pluto!)

Oh, dear- today may be a good day to stay in and clean! Or lay low and plan? Or stay in bed and watch a movie while eating [healthy] ice cream? Hmmm… Whatever you do, make sure you have all the provisions you need. And, then, go deep with whatever it is.

Moon in Aquarius - Tuesday, August 13th - (Sun conjoins Venus)

A marking point in the Venus-Sun cycle. Venus passes the Sun on her way to becoming an Evening Star (not visible until October). See if you begin to notice a shift in Venus themes: beauty, pleasure, connection, attraction, social life. It’s possible these things may be less prominent while Venus is ‘invisible’ (too close to the Sun to be seen). Take note!

Moon still in Aquarius - Wednesday, August 14th - Moon sextile Jupiter

The waxing Moon in flowing aspect to the 'Greater Benefic' *must* be a good thing, right?

Moon even still in Aquarius - Thursday, August 15th - FULL Moon at 22 degrees Aquarius (Moon opposite Sun, Moon opposite Venus, Moon opposite Mars!)

Full moon vibes today! So: the usual Full Moon stuff; ‘lunacy’ all around!? ;) The Moon also opposes Venus AND Mars just after the Sun, so it could bring up some relationship stuff.

Moon in Pisces - Saturday, August 17th - Moon square Jupiter & Moon sextile Saturn (Moon conjunct Neptune & Mars enters Virgo)

Aha! Here is an opportunity to see the ‘semi-sextile’ factor in action! The moon will square Jupiter AND sextile Saturn at essentially the same time. See if you note a sense of push & pull, or perhaps expansion & contraction, or freedom & structure operating together. Let me know!

In addition, the Moon conjoins Neptune for a foggy, idealistic flavor while Mars enters Virgo, relieving us of some of the ongoing Leo fire! Mars in Virgo is here to act efficiently. Perhaps you organize your desktop or email or get a bunch of minutiae done and off your plate!

Moon in Aries - Monday, August 19th - Moon square Saturn & Moon trine Jupiter

Aha, again! Here, we have the reverse ‘semi-sextile’ factor with the Moon squaring Saturn this time as it trines Jupiter. Similar themes as the 17th, but somehow inverse? Again- please do, in all seriousness, let me know what you notice on these two days! Your reports are valuable input.

Moon in Taurus - Wednesday, August 21st - (Venus enters Virgo) (Moon conjoins Uranus)

Now Venus leaves Leo to join Mars in Virgo. Venus in Virgo loves the pretty little details (& may feel the need to improve upon the not-so-pretty). Self-hygiene may kick in here. Eyebrow-plucking and mending of garments. Subtle-yet-on-point accessories show up. Thank you notes (that feels a little more Libra to me, actually, but whatever the Virgo’s version of a thank you note is… Thank you texts? A kind nod?).

In addition, the moon conjoins Uranus, reminding us of the Taurean flavor of Uranus’ eccentricities. Uranus is now retrograde, so this may highlight something that has already showed up, in case you missed it the first time. ;) Also: Now that Venus is in Virgo, we will be seeing some trines between Uranus and the ruler of the sing it is in, which happens to be a benefic in a helpful aspect. So, whatever was giving you trouble here may see itself smoothing out just a tad. One can hope!

Moon still in Taurus - Thursday, August 22nd - Moon trine Saturn

Here we have a highlight of the Moon trine Saturn without a contact to Jupiter. With both planets in earth signs, it seems possible that earthly matters may find an avenue for completion. Whatever Saturn has been asking of you (structure, discipline, shedding, maturity) may see a boost today.

Moon in Gemini - Friday, August 23rd - (Sun enters Virgo)

Ah! Now the Sun joins Mars and Venus in Virgo. Attention turns to harvest, studies, and suggestions of preparations for winter start emerging on our to-do lists. We arrange work parties and the like. Help friends clear out their closets or get some canning done. :)

*from here into September, Jupiter stays at 15, while Saturn retrogrades back to the 14th degree, where it will station direct on September 18th*

Moon still in Gemini - Saturday, August 24th - Moon opposite Jupiter (Venus conjunct Mars)

Here, the aspects from the Moon to Jupiter and Saturn start separating a bit. We have an opposition to Jupiter today and an opposition to Saturn tomorrow. Each day may bring a different quality, then, today may highlight a tension around Jupiterean themes: beliefs, expansion, generosity or good luck, publishing of some kind, etc.

In addition, Venus joins Mars in Virgo. Is it time for a critical analysis of our relationship/s? Perhaps it is!

Moon in Cancer - Monday, August 26th - (Venus trine Uranus) Moon opposite Saturn

Today, we get the Saturnian tension with the moon; a snag in our projects? Or a moment of reflection on just *how* is this long-term plan going to work? Some disappointment in our placement at school or work (or other organization/institution)? I’d love to hear your experience!

In addition, we had Venus trine Uranus, as I mentioned on Wednesday, August 21st. Here’s that opportunity for smoothing out whatever destabilizing effect Uranus may have presented to you on it’s first pass across the 6th degree of Taurus. It’s a brief transit, so take advantage!

Moon still in Cancer - Tuesday, August 27th - (Moon opposite Pluto)

And, just for a *bonus* we get the Moon opposite Pluto today. Perhaps our feelings about our situation brought to light yesterday take a dive and we have an opportunity to *really* work them out. Today might be a good day to find some alone time. Even a few minutes of intentional solo time can be quite restorative.

Moon in Leo - Thursday, August 29th - (Mercury enters Virgo)

Finally, Mercury vacates Leo, closing the chapter on the sign for this year (aside from the Moon’s monthly visits, of course)! Now, we can really get down to business on those to-do lists!

Moon still in Leo-no-wait-then-it’s-Virgo - Friday, August 30th - New Moon in Virgo at 6 degrees AND: (Moon trine Uranus) (Moon conjunct Sun) (Moon conjunct Mars) Moon trine Saturn & Moon square Jupiter (Moon opposite Neptune) I mean- what *isn’t* the Moon doing today?!

It’s a whole new world and the Moon wants to make sure we know it! From the voracious fires of Leo to the grounding possibilities of Virgo, this New Moon brings this elemental shift to the fore! We have earth conjunctions and trines galore (with only one square to Jupiter in sparky Sagittarius). From here on out (for the rest of this year and far into next), expect a lot of earth energy. It is time to get busy—in a practical way.

Moon still in Virgo - Saturday, August 31st - (Moon trine Pluto)

Oh, yes, and here’s a deep, earthy bonus (lest we forget the Lord of the Underworld is still there in not-so-capricious Capricorn)! We get a trine from the Moon to Pluto, perhaps making sense of those deeper emotions we felt last week when the Moon opposed Pluto. What have you learned?

Well, that’s it for August!

Happy September!

Let me know what you thought of this post by commenting below!

Astrology is nuts. There is no reason why it should work—but it clearly does! I am not going to claim that it is causal, though, because there is just no way to be sure. However, its correlation is undeniable. It is important to note that when I say ‘Astrology’ I do not merely mean one’s ‘Sun Sign’ or the horoscopes one reads in the papers or online… Astrology is truly SO much more! And, for anyone who fancies themselves to be of scientific mind, it behooves you to investigate the matter on your own—without writing it off at face value—as is befitting a true scientist (many fine Astrologers have been made in this fashion- even trying to disprove it!). No good scientist dismisses a hypothesis without investigation.

I’m not saying you won’t have to change your whole worldview. You may. As one of my students says: The world doesn’t work like we thought it did. It’s true. It takes a philosophical/scientific/artistic/poetic/symbolic/linguistic kind of mind to really get this stuff. It’s a very human affair.

But, I digress.

The point is: it doesn’t seem like it should ‘work’ but it absolutely does. The most impressive part of it, to me, is the timing. There are so many great examples of this, yet it is hard to express how impressive it is until you see it in action in your own chart. It’s kind of like being able to say whether or not it was ‘raining’ on some random day in your 9th year of life, only in this case, ‘raining’ might be equivalent to something like: ‘during this period, you may have undergone some kind of disruption or evolution on your life path’. Or, it could be like saying that, over the next year, you may see a ‘rainbow’ on these certain days… Only, in this case, ‘rainbow’ means something like: ‘good luck will befall you at work’.

Do you see?

It’s just like weather, only it’s experiential weather, and is FAR more precise than what the weather forecasters can do. Weather forecasters must rely on trends and can only guess at how long they will last, what direction they’ll go, etc. Astrologers can just look in their books or their software and see 40 years into the future! Of course, there is some variability that remains mysterious. Again: we can see the experiential weather, not physical outcomes. We are not psychic (necessarily- though, some are, naturally!). We’re just reading. We are literate in the symbolic language of the heavens as they relate to life on earth. With over 4000 years of the practice of our astrological forebears informing us.

It can be pretty hard to wrap one’s mind around. My best advice, if you are interested in finding out more, is to get a reading! Actually- let put in a huge caveat, here: If you are interested in disproving Astrology, the best way to do that is to start studying it so that you understand it enough to figure out on your own whether or not you find it ‘believable’ as they say… “Do you believe in Astrology?” is a common question. But, once you understand what it is, this question makes no sense. You’ll have to go learn Astrology to understand why. Ok, now that we have that caveat out of the way, I can address the rest of you.For those who are just curious what Astrology may be able to reveal to you or cast some insight upon, YOU are the ones that I recommend go and find an Astrologer to interpret your chart for you.

I am one such person, of course, and I also know many other practicing Astrologers with varying interests and specialties that I can recommend to you if you are looking for something specific that I don’t do. Just contact  me using the form to the right to find out! I’m happy to help!

What an amazing experience! Such incredible richness was offered to us this past weekend, at the Northwest Astrological Conference. It was great. In addition, there is a real 'after the conference' experience that it doesn't hurt to address. For me, it has been helpful to have had some sage guidance concerning “re-entry” after such an event. So, I would like to pass on to you a few thoughts and guidelines that have been offered to me on my own path of sacred engagements.

Have you ever done a ‘mindful speech’ exercise? During my graduate training in Contemplative Education at Naropa University, we practiced speaking at different ‘levels’. Most folks speak at a surface level, most of the time. This is how we often speak with someone at the bus stop, or when we meet someone in passing, or waiting in line. It might involve more of the ‘surface’ details: who, what, when, where. “I was at a conference in the US for 4 days,” for example. Keeping it simple, no real *feelings*, no depth. Even if we say something like: “It was amazing!” or “It blew my mind!” These are generalized summations and work great for short, surface conversations.

The next ‘layer’ might be when people ask penetrating follow-up questions, or if you are with people who are closer to you, with whom you’d really like to express the *magic* of what just happened for you. It is great to want to share, and yet- this is also when we may begin to consider strategies to maintain the sacred energy of the experience, so that it doesn’t slip away from us. Sometimes, the way it is received has a lot to do with this, but it is also in our own delivery and the choices we make in timing and audience, for example, since some people really may not be ready to go to the deeper place with us.

One thing that can help us to navigate this fine discernment is actually what’s happening right now as you’re reading this: igniting, re-igniting, or confirming an awareness around this in the first place! You are already on your way to maintaining energetic integrity. Another thing that can help is the ‘mindful speech’ that I mentioned earlier. This is a practice of remaining present while speaking: really drop in to your body and the present moment, replete with it’s very own qualities and emotional and energetic signatures. Make real eye contact with the person you are speaking with and listen to your own voice as it comes out of your mouth. Hear yourself. Notice how your feelings relate to your words and even the special memories that are going unspoken. This kind of presence in speech can be a cue to both you and your listener that what you are saying really matters. It *may* increase the chances that your message is received. But, not necessarily!

Which brings me to the third layer of experience, which cannot always be communicated; except, perhaps, with a very few, special soul friends! This is the sacred treasure of rich, ritual energy which has been built up for you, within you. It is worth protecting. Take your time with this layer of communication. Choose wisely with whom you share this magic. I’m not saying NOT to share it—it is entirely up to you—I’m just offering the idea that it really is special and may take more TIME or may require a matching AUDIENCE or maybe can’t even really be spoken! I’m suggesting that it’s okay to let the sacred remain sacred.

Storytelling is a sacred art, after all.

“Catching Stories” is  a sacred service. So, here’s where we flip to the other side: the role of the listener. In the realm of what is referred to as ‘Nature Connection’ and the ‘Art of Mentoring’, there is this idea of “Catching Stories”. I’ve just experienced this healing interaction with a dear friend who is privvy to this form of what can really be described as love, which is what inspired me to write this blog! It was the healing balm that I didn’t know I needed. Thank you soul-friend (you know who you are)!

Catching Stories means allowing someone to be seen. Really hearing what moves them, what they’re excited about, what it felt like. This helps them integrate their experience AND creates a connection between the storyteller and the listener. It is foundational in community-building and human-being. Bring this awareness into your consciousness and practices of daily life and see what happens!

I’ve also heard other folks mention the thought that perhaps *nothing* of the sacred experience needs to be reiterated! Perhaps when we leave the sacred container of the conference, we simply proceed with our mundane lives, joking and laughing with friends- leaving the sacred on the sacred side. I leave it to you to decide, yet here is the offering for consideration.

Now, in addition to the potential need for verbal processing and human connection, re-entry can be rough in other ways! After a conference or ritual—or even a reading—there can really be an experience of having an ‘energetic hangover’ (whether or not any substances were used—or abused)! It behooves us to be mindful of this and to find ways that support our own processing and recovery. There is also a real emotional component to the let-down after such a magical experience: Even though my mind-heart was full-to-overlflowing after leaving the conference, I’m also certainly experiencing an acute soul-sadness. It’s a real loss to leave such a magical space and may require some grieving. So, we have at once a buoyant joyancy along with a depth of grief and meaning. Yet (just as I heard was spoken in one of the lectures), we are big enough for both experiences at once. As the cosmos contains all of the planetary, zodiacal, and stellar energies, so do we! As the cosmos, so the soul.

So, here are just a few ideas for ways to support your integration/process/recovery. Many of them overlap, but I’ve tried to put them into groupings, to help you hone in on what you may be in need of:

Body care

Sleep! So many of us become less and less ‘resourced’ as the days of the conference pass, largely due to an increasing sleep gap. While this originates in the body, it also certainly affects the heart, the mind, the spirit. I noted increasing difficulty with complex thought and communication over the weekend as well as greater emotional sensitivity. This principle applies to food, as well; when we are traveling, we may eat all kinds of things that we don't normally ingest! How is your body doing with that? It may be nice to offer your body gentle, replenishing sustenance. Eat what your body is used to. Hydrate. Take your vitamins! Eat simple foods for a moment, perhaps to let your gut reset. Finally, it may be nice to get your body moving! Walking, running, yoga, dancing, stretching. Your movement of choice can help move the energy through and help it settle, and bring you back into your body! Particularly after flying. Even sitting, laying, or standing very still may be in order, after all of the chaos of travel and a full schedule and rich experiences.

Mind care

Reflect and journal. Meditate. Read what others are saying, if that feels right. Speak your own truth about the process, perhaps (taking care to note what I’ve mentioned above, of course, about maintaining the energetic integrity of your sacred experience). Check in with others who have gone through the same initiation. Allow a sacred friend or other caring figure to ‘catch’ your story! Take all the time you need; there is no rush. Some may wish to write poetry, create a collage, or work through some divinations. All great ways! Observe and express on social media as we all wind down from such a great happening.

Energy care

Grounding! Get your feet and/or your whole body on the actual ground. Even five minutes of this can be immensely restorative. Use a bath or shower as an intentional re-set. Get out your sprays and smudges and stones and plant medicines. You may wish to sing or dance or drum- any way that you might think of to move, ground, or integrate energies- whatever works for you! You likely know this ‘drill’ -and if you don’t, ask one of your new friends who might!

Relationship care

Speaking of friends, it can be very grounding/integrating to reach out to the people you connected with over the weekend. Send those follow-up messages and follow folks on social media who you really connected with. Stay in touch! The connections are what give the conference life; the web that holds the ‘great thing’ which is Astrology, in our case. A truly great thing- it’s cosmic!! In addition, tending to those you ‘left behind’ could go here, as well. Allow your friends and family the chance to catch your stories and ‘keep up with you’, as you shift and grow with everything that transpired and emerged during the conference.

I hope you find this helpful in some way! And, if you have further ideas, comment below or send me a message! I have become a bit of a tracker of these ways and would be interested to hear others’ perspectives, confirmation, or feedback on how these approaches work out for you. Or what you think of them.

If we crossed paths over the weekend, know that you are part of my experience and I am part of yours! Please be in touch and I hope to see you again next year!* #norwac2020

*If you are planning on attending in the future, consider these posts as preparatory resources:

How to #NORWAC2019 (most of the info will still be good next year! great tips & orientation)

NORWAC 2019 Human Necessities (places to eat & shop near the hotel where the conference is held)

Astrologically-Aligned New Year’s Resolutions for 2019 (& beyond!)

Have you ever noticed how New Year’s Resolutions seem to fizzle and fade as the year wears on?

I have! And, you can bet that I have Astrological interpretations as to why and wherefore! I have noticed what a Capricorn thing it is to ‘resolve’ to do some pious new thing in the new calendar year. What’s more, it seems a natural goat-like response to the wild and winsome ways of the Sagittarian ‘Santaur’ of the season prior. In addition, as I’ve said, these resolutions seem to fade.

Why is that?

Could it be that the Capricornian impulse for order, simplicity, betterment simply fades as the Sun moves on, lighting up other parts of the sky, and thus- our charts? I can see how such impulses might persist through the Aquarius season (ruled by Saturn, as is Capricorn), but then they must melt away when the Sun enters dreamy, idealist Pisces and all but burn off into oblivion as we enter the fiery, spontaneous season of the Ram, n’est-ce pas?

In any case, it seems to be that Capricorn’s resolutions may not be viable much beyond the Capricorn season. This leads me to two main initial thoughts: 1) go ahead and engage in that New Year’s Resolution as you are wont to do, but *only commit for the duration of Capricorn season* (from now until the Sun moves into Aquarius on January 20th)! That *is* enough time to form a new habit, so they say. The resolution needn’t bog you down for the rest of the year.

Give it a go in January and if it doesn’t take- let it go!

You’ve got until the 19th to make it stick, if that's what you want to go for.


-OR-


Find a more astrologically-aligned way to aim for a greater intention that will work for the whole year!

I once tried to make a ‘New Year’s Resolution’ for *each* sun sign, but it didn’t really ‘take’. It turns out that resolutions really are best-suited to Capricorn season. Pisces doesn’t work that way! So, like the king from Asteroid 325 in The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, I prefer to “require from each one the duty which each one can perform […] According to my science of government, I shall wait until conditions are favorable.”

That is to say, I will follow the Astrology.

So: go ahead and make your Capricorn-olutions, and, if you care to consider ways to align yourself to that which is happening (as our asteroid-King so wisely did when he commanded a sunset at 20 minutes to eight), keep reading to find out how!


HERE'S HOW: THE EASY WAY

For 2019 in particular, a very easy way to find an area of growth for an entire year is to have a look at our friend, Jupiter. What is Jupiter up to these days? Did you know that Jup tends to stay in one sign of the zodiac for about a year at a time? That is what makes our old friend Zeus a good candidate to be a New Year’s buddy. Jove will be on our side in one certain area of life for the WHOLE YEAR (plus or minus)!

How do we take advantage of this alignment?

The first thing we need to know is that Jupiter is in Sagittarius. If we play a simple keyword game (please note that you can gain access to my lists of keywords by joining my fb group), we get something like: expand adventure! Sounds pretty great, right? (I’m sure yes to some, no to others… some of you might set your sights on a different set of keywords, but for demonstration purposes, we’ll stick with these for now!)

Now what?

Once you figure out a set of keywords that works for you, you can either take that at face value and go with it:

“This year, I am going to expand adventure and Zeus is going to help me!”

-OR-

You can take that inspiring phrase that you’ve chosen and figure out *what part of life* to apply it to, specifically. For this part, you’ll need to know a thing or two about your natal chart, which is why I’ve made this easy video tutorial for those of you who have never seen your chart:

NOT QUITE AS EASY, BUT STILL IN THE GENERAL BEGINNER-INTRMEDIATE ZONE:

Once you can see your chart, all you need to do is find out which house has Sagittarius in it. When you figure out which numbered pie slice has the arrow glyph in it for Sagittarius, you’ll know which part of life in which to ‘expand adventure’! Again, using keywords is a great way to get started if you are a beginner (and can be a fun game for the more seasoned, as well).

For example, if you are Taurus rising, Sagittarius will be in your 8th house. So, using the keywords, you might decide to look for opportunities to ‘expand adventure in shared resources’! While that may sound ‘risky’ to some, it might be *just* the thing someone else is ready for (even a Taurus rising person, who might normally be more risk-averse)! When it’s time, it’s time!

And, again, understanding how to blend the planets, signs, and houses together is key to using this method! If it feels too overwhelming, just stick with the ‘EASY’ version, above, and trust that the key part of life will show itself, eh? Especially if you pay attention! ;)


SO MANY WAYS, SO LITTLE TIME

If you are a more seasoned astrologer, here are some other suggestions for how to approach this endeavor, in no particular order:

-Combine Saturn & Jupiter for a little more complexity
-Try ALL the outer planets, over time, you’ll get a sense of how those outers paint a backsplash for you (This is particularly applicable this year, with -Uranus re-entering Taurus in February- what will Uranus electrify in your chart?)
-Focus on the lunations: align your monthly aspirations with the moon!
-Pinpoint major transits in your chart and work your will to create a chorus to support a positive outcome for them
-Don’t bother with the Gregorian calendar at all! >>Wait for that Aries ingress or just use your birthday- then you can do Annual Profections, your Solar Return, Lunar returns…
-Etc. !!!

If you have a tried and true method that you use, mention it in the comments below or drop me a line via email or a contact form!

I’m always interested in improving such thought experiments!


A FEW OTHER HOT TIPS

It doesn’t hurt to point out that there *is* a New Moon in Capricorn on the 6th (also a Solar Eclipse), that the Sun conjoins Saturn in Cap on New Year’s Day, that Mercury enters Cap on the 4th, that Uranus Stations Direct on the 6th, and that Venus enters Sag on the 7th!

So what does that all mean?

For me, it means that I’m giving myself until the day after the quarter moon (Jan 14) to really set any intentions that I want to be lasting! This way, I avoid the potential turbulence of the Eclipse and Uranus’ station, along with a few other celestial happenings (Jupiter square Neptune & Sun conjunct Pluto). Plus: the moon enters Taurus on the 14th, in which it is exalted, so it just feels like a nice time to settle in to that which will be (the kids will have been back in school and ‘real life’ will have been operating at least a week by then, so I’ll also have a better feel for what’s realistic).

You can do what you will, of course, but that’s what I’m planning on, myself! :)

Be sure to reach out if you have any questions or comments! And, if you are interested in readings with me, check out the Work with Me page, paying special attention to the fact that I now have an awesome monthly subscription available that is a remarkable HALF OFF until January 19th! Get it while the gettin's good! ;)


Happy New Year, one and all!

May all your bright wishes come true! <3

IThis Venus Retrograde period feels very long and poignant. Some of us will have experienced foreshadowing for our own ‘Venus Retrograde Moments’ (VRMs) as far back as September 3rd, when Venus entered the ‘shadow’ period prior to the retrograde station. This retrograde cycle seems to be full of nuance. I have counted no fewer than 18 notable moments related to Venus in this cycle (see image, above), spanning from September 3rd all the way to December 17th!

Here they are listed out, for your convenience (be sure to read on below the list for potential meanings):

Already past*:

September 3rd - Venus enters the retrograde ‘shadow’ at 25 degrees Libra
September 9th - Venus enters Scorpio
September 29th - Venus arrives at 10 degrees Scorpio
October 5th - Venus stations retrograde at 10 degrees Scorpio
October 10th - Venus squares Mars
October 11th - Venus leaves 10 degrees Scorpio
October 15th - Venus is conjoined by Mercury
October 19th - Venus becomes invisible as an evening star
October 24th - Venus sextiles Saturn
October 26th - The Sun conjoins Venus
October 31st - Venus enters Libra and opposes Uranus

*The information is presented for your reflection convenience, the info below is what is up next!

Yet to come:

November 2nd - Venus becomes visible as a morning star (heliacal rising=new synodic cycle!)**
November 9th - Venus trines Mars
November 10th - Venus arrives at 25 degrees Libra
November 15th - Venus stations direct at 25 degrees Libra
November 22nd - Venus leaves 25 degrees Libra
December 3rd - Venus re-enters Scorpio (+ meets the moon=1st ‘gate’!)**
December 17th - Venus passes 10 degrees Scorpio, leaving the retrograde ‘shadow’

**These two notes have to do with the Venus Synodic Cycle, which I will be following over the next 18 months. Stay tuned for a separate post about that and all of the ritual fun to be had! You can read more about the project here.



What does it all mean?

For the meaning section, I’ll focus on the yet-to-come. First, we have the heliacal rise of Venus on November 1st or 2nd, depending on where you are on earth and how you count the degrees of distance from the sun. If you go outside before sunrise on Nov 1st or 2nd, you can decide for yourself which day Venus becomes visible. That’s all ‘heliacal rise’ means: that Venus has re-emerged as a morning star, she has gotten far enough away from the sun not to be outshone..

Folks who study Venus and her cycle attribute slightly different phase meanings to the different celestial phenomena associated with the planet. Some say the heliacal rise is the beginning of the new cycle, while some would count from other parts of the cycle for different reasons, other than visibility. Either way, it is a poignant moment of emergence! (One that coincides with the release of Bohemian Rhapsody, which you can read more about here.) See what kind of emergence you notice on this day! If you’d like to get a reminder about this, consider joining my Facebook group: Beautiful Astrology Community.

On November 9th, Venus trines Mars. A major aspect between two personal planets in the same element. It should offer some interesting, useful ‘tension’ between the two energies. Venus in her own sign, though retrograde, and Mars in the same element seems to suggest that their aims might be amicable to one another at this time. Sweet Action!

Venus arrives at 25 degrees Libra the next day, November 10th. This is significant because this is the degree in which she will station direct 5 days later on the 15th. Then, she remains at this degree for an additional week, until November 22nd (Happy Thanksgiving, for those of us in the US of A). During this time, you may notice energies around relationships shifting from internal to external or difficulty to resolution… Everyone’s chart is different, but this feeling may be ‘in the air’ for these two weeks. If you find that the dates in this list are significant for you, you may want to consider booking a reading to get more fine-tuned, personal insight.

Then, on December 3rd, Venus returns to Scorpio AND meets the moon! Her meeting of the moon will not only be lovely, it has special meaning for those of us tracking the phases of the Venus cycle and working with them as they relate to the myth of Inanna. This is one of the magical 'gates' that Inanna passes on her way to and from the Underworld! So, this 'gate' has a special, symbolic significance around releasing and reclaiming.

This is what my Venus Synodic Cycle Project will be focusing on this time around. Last time, I focused on just paying attention to Venus in each sign, but this time, I'm being ever more so specific. At this point, my idea centers around the idea of ‘tea parties’, since the cycle begins in Libra and that felt like a lovely, social occasion to share with friends (I'm leaving it open to metamorphosis, as Venus often has her own ideas). I will be hosting some kind of gathering for each ‘gate’ that Venus passes during her entire synodic cycle, which lasts over a year! Sign up for my email list to stay informed!

Finally, on December 17th, taking us almost right up to the Winter Solstice, Venus passes the 10-degrees-of-Scorpio mark, the degree at which she stationed back in the first week of October. In other words, she leaves her retrograde ‘shadow’ and everything that we’ve been covering (or uncovering) during her retrograde period should reach some kind of resolution.


And that’s just the Venus cycle! So much more is happening in November! In addition to some major Astro-Weather shifts, I am hosting a month of moon-discovery in my private Facebook group. All month long, I will be sending out reminders on certain days for participants to take note of the emotional tone and experiential themes for the day. I will also send out notices of major astro-shifts (such as when Jupiter enters Sagittarius). If you’d like to play along, join us!

It delights me to no end that the new Freddie Mercury film, Bohemian Rhapsody, is due to be released on November 2nd, heralding the new Venus Synodic Cycle that begins that very day. The heliacal rise of Venus as a morning star occurs at 28 degrees of Libra, conjunct Freddie’s natal Venus placement (that rests amidst a juicy stellium).

I mean- it’s *almost* like they planned it.

It’s true that the band, itself, had at least minimal astro-intel, given Freddie’s stage name and Queen’s coat-of-arms logo that included images based on each band member’s Sun Sign. But, this is high level astro, here. There would have to be a serious astro nerd on the production team vying for this alignment. It’s not impossible, I suppose, and may even be more probable now than ever, but however unlikely and whatever the case: the timing is divine.

Some of the biggest news this month has to do with the eclipses (starting this Friday!). But that’s not where I want to begin. I have a few pointers for them, but I’m personally more interested in the applying opposition between Jupiter-in-Libra and Uranus-in-Aries that is closing all month long until they meet in the same degree on February 27th. The symbol for Jupiter-in-Libra opposite Uranus-in-Aries is a person ‘swearing in’, as if to ‘testify’ (or ‘ovarify’, as the case may be! I have to reference Emily Trinkaus’ Venus Revolution for that fun play on words!). The word that goes with this image of ‘swearing in’ is: Accountability. So, there is an impending theme of accountability and truth-telling this whole month as we approach the exact opposition between expansion of justice (Jupiter in Libra) and personal revolution (Uranus in Aries)! To me, this is the umbrella energy the whole month, into which fall the two eclipses.

Symbols for Mercury Retrograde periods of 2017

For the first three of these ‘events’ there is a common theme having to do with a shifting of the elements. The first three Mercury Retrograde periods begin in an earth sign, transgress back for a dip into fire (giving us a chance to recover something we forgot? and/or prepare us for the next round of Mercury Retrogrades that are all in fire signs starting this winter!), and progress back into earth to ground the inspiration and passion (and ‘spice’!) that the fire signs offer.

Symbols for the Major Aspects between the Outer Planets

I’m excited to share these symbols because the aspects between the planets are even more telling for the signs of our times than the pure planet placements. There is an ongoing dance of archetypal interaction at play as we move through time (not just figuratively, but as we hurtle through space in our constant twirling cosmic helix). A complex ballet that ultimately, never repeats (though, you might say that it theoretically does, about every 17,000 years!). As each of these aspects begins applying and comes more into play, I will publish blog posts about how to work with these symbols representing planet placements and their interactions, so stay tuned! Now, for the major aspects... (click below to read!)

You are already an expert at symbols. Whether we are talking about a red rose or a red octagon, you know what they mean without even thinking about it (also notice how color plays a role and has something to add to the flavor of a symbol!) At the same time, they may have slightly different nuances for you, personally, than they do for the broader community. Much of the meaning of symbols is based on our personal experiences. So, if you do not immediately identify with or understand the symbols that are presented here, you may find that if you give them time and lean into them as you go through the experience that they symbolize, you may discover your own version of their relevance (sometimes it is great to have a bit of a question mark going into an experience that suddenly becomes an exclamation point when the revelation takes hold. See? There you are using your innate symbol wisdom again!). Alternatively, you may wish to work at finding your very own symbols. If you have worked with symbols before and know how to do this, carry on! If you would like to learn how to do this, you may be interested in some of my ongoing online classes and even my live in-person workshops.

In Part One of this series, we will look at the planets in the signs. Let it be known that some of the symbols for this year are the same as what I got for last year since many of the outer planets are still in the same signs. However, a new addition this year (to ‘spice things up’, which you will see is a theme throughout the Mercury Retrograde periods) are symbols for the following: major aspects between outer planets, Mercury Retrogrades, and subsequent installations focusing on each aspect or placement as it comes into focus over the year.

All of the symbols are rich with potential and some do seem quite telling. We shall see what comes of them throughout the upcoming year together! Without further ado, let’s begin. (Click below to read more!)

I do this thing where I close my eyes and ask for symbols for different astrological happenings. When I asked for a symbol for Jupiter in Libra, I got an image of a jolly fellow with arms spread wide in welcome to his friends who were near. It turns into a nice little rhyme, actually:

“Arms spread wide, with friends by your side”

Well, my dream of hosting a podcast has finally been realized! And, may I say that it would not have been so timely (nor, perhaps, even POSSIBLE!) without the support of Kristen McKee of Insideout Savvy.

Not even Astrologers

Astrology is neverending.

How could it be otherwise?
With time marching on like it does:
Spiraling ever forward, outward, onward.
Where are we coming from? Where are we going?
Not even astrologers can answer these distant questions;
the ephemerides not having been written,
the calculations uncalculable.