Tag: astrologist

A Vibrant Gemini Supermoon New Moon

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_half][/one_half][one_half_last padding=”2% 0 0 0″]The Gemini New Moon
By Astrologist Allie Couch

Our last new moon of spring brings much life into the open that has been finding its grounding, intention, and senses behind the scenes. The sun is ascending to its highest point and we are experiencing our longest days before the sun reaches the Tropic of Cancer, at Summer Solstice, and starts tilting back toward the Tropic of Capricorn.

Baby deer, raccoons, voles, and chipmunks will start to make their first appearances to the outside world, away from their birth place, just as our new spring intentions and values will do the same. More insects start to appear as do bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in order to carry the pollen and seeds of new spring growth. This is what happens with humans as well. We start to communicate, to allow our new spring initiatives to emerge from the protective places we’ve held them, and to tell our communities what we are going to be working on this year.

The Gemini new moon is the pivot for all of this and this year’s is quite a powerful one.

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[full_width]Be very careful with your thoughts at this new moon. If you are struggling with jealousies, negativity, or anger, see what you can do to keep these away from your new moon goals. The Gemini new moon is a potent time to create intentions for the next year to come around mentality, learning, belonging, connecting, and communicating. Gemini spreads its seeds far and wide so this, more than any other new moon, holds the chance of inadvertently planting seeds that you didn’t mean to plant, filled with mental attitudes that will play out all year.

Find some extra awareness and self-control around your thoughts (ruled by Gemini) over the next week or you may end up with some seeds that only bring more negativity and hurtful words into your life—for a full year.

On the other hand, if you tap into your natural rhythms, really feel into those places that welcome you with open arms and hold great interest and curiosity for you, your Gemini new moon goals could lead you to great mental growth, fortuitous connections, and a year filled with wonder and community.

Now to the smaller details: This year’s Gemini new moon is a supermoon. This means that this union between the sun and moon will fall in its closest possible proximity to earth, making what arises very potent and powerfully felt. We have a lovely link to Jupiter in Libra, making this moon open to pushing our boundaries and finding more faith around equality, harmony, fairness, and relationships. On the other hand, Neptune is squaring off to this moon, calling for us to be extra cautions around honesty (from ourselves OR others), to be realistic, and to use our creative urges toward the arts and spiritual aims rather than toward deceit and trickery. Last, we have Pluto in a sesquiquadrate angel to this moon. Some subtle challenges may be felt at our cores around obsessions and power issues. By bringing these to your surface and sharing your thoughts, some of this can get cleared out and actually create some metamorphism around using knowledge and eloquence for empowerment rather than to control. [/full_width]

[one_half padding=”10% 0 0 0″]We also look to the planetary ruler of Gemini (Mercury) to see how our goals may move throughout the year. In Taurus, we may need for our Gemini goals to bring us a greater sense of ownership and self-worth. Take some moments leading up to writing out your new moon goals to feel your value. Use all of your senses to find resonance with your authenticity. How can your words and communications help you hone this even more over the next year? Mercury will be in nice angle to both Neptune and Pluto, the very planets giving our new moon a bit of heat. This will help us to tap into the better sides of these planets over the next year, in connection to our Gemini goals. Inspired art, transcendent feelings, psychological insight that brings great transformations—all of these are possible as we work to move our Gemini goals forward. [/one_half][one_half_last][/one_half_last]

[full_width]Muses, if there’s anything to remember about the Gemini new moon, it’s this:

Our Gemini new moon day is a powerful time to make goals that will enhance the eloquence of our thoughts and words. It’s a time to embrace the duality that lives within us by experimenting with both the left and right sides of our bodies—our yin and yang qualities, to plug into communities and learning experiences that feel right and accepting of us, and to let loose our curiosity for the wonders of life, all around us. The seeds formed at this moon will bring a new cycle of thought, movement, and connecting into our lives for the next year. Stay aware and stay positive. [/full_width]

Taurus New Moon: Material Healing

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]Happy earthy and sensual Taurus new moon, Muses! On this once yearly pleasure oriented day, Astrologist Allie Couch brings us some cosmic guidance and a sense driven practice.

Are you swimming in compassionate seas this Taurus new moon, with your values and possessions seeming to take on spiritual notes?

New moons are our most fertile time to make goals. In Taurus, new seeds may be forming around your income, your values, your material possessions, and your self-esteem. Just like an actual seed, care and tending are needed for these metaphorical seeds to sprout, grow, and blossom. We look to the full moon of the same sign for results, six months down the road.

The planetary ruler of any event will point us in a deeper direction. The Taurus new moon is ruled by Venus so we look to this goddess planet for context. Our intentions will be formed in Taurus-related themes, but they need to go somewhere—they need to be expressed. In the last degree of Pisces, the last degree of our zodiac, Venus is cracked wide open with her heart exposed and healing all sorts of value wounds that we hold. Our greatest potential for manifestation is held in this degree—so long as symbolic and spiritual tones are noticed.[/two_third_last]

[full_width]EXPERIMENTING WITH SENSE & IMAGE

  1. Close your eyes and say the word value out loud – what image arises in your mind’s eye? How does it make your heart feel? Does it make you feel fluid and fertile?
  1. Do this a few more times with other Taurus-reflected words: self-esteem, possession, ownership, income, pleasure, voice, form, texture, smell, taste, sight, sound. Jot down some notes after each to use when forming your Taurus new moon goals.

This new moon has some serious healing vibes surrounding it, but you have to have awareness of the spirit channels at work. They are subtle. Meditation, music, art, breathwork, and the above reflecting practice can help you.

Drawn to our site, you are likely a special breed that is open to subtle forces that are ready and waiting to envelop you in heartfelt love—seeing you for all the greatness you possess. Ask for some cosmic help and see what comes to your aid, reflecting your value back to you. Say out loud: I’m ready for cosmic assistance to help me value myself more, to help me slow down and enjoy my senses, and to find more stability in my personal finances. Be sure to show gratitude to whatever swoops in to assist you. It takes time to develop a relationship to cosmic guidance, but it’s there.

Download our free 2017 guide that has a new moon worksheet for each season, if you don’t have it yet – or buy our printed one, now on sale. [/full_width]

[full_width]OWNERSHIP, INCOME, & BUDGETING

Here are a few more thoughts to help you understand how you relate to Taurus’s financial energy at this new moon.

What do you want to own in the material realm and why?

Before you answer this, let’s do a bit of reflection so we can think about this question with more depth and understanding of our habits.

What do you tend to spend your money on?
Does your income support the above habits with ease? (If not, are you being overly careless with your resources or do you need a leg up to help you get by with very essential needs? Either way, use this new moon to help you with the issue.)
What resources do you own that you consider valuable?
What possessions do you take the most care of?
What are a few things you’d like to initiate to help you feel more security through your personal resources (open a savings account, budget to rid yourself of debt, put more into a 401k, open an IRA, stash a shoebox of money, ask for a raise, learn how to budget…)

These material things can help you feel more solid and stable, allowing you to act out of your real values rather than react out of a feeling of deficit. Once you’ve answered the above questions, go back and answer the first question. [/full_width]

[two_third]TAURUS NEW MOON AFFIRMATIONS

Taurus: I assert into life with strength of voice, financial prudence, and loving values.

Gemini: I inspire the world through my voice and values. My cosmic connections are comfortable.

Cancer: I help evolve humanity with a progressive voice and values.

Leo: I support the world through loving values and a prudent voice.

Virgo: I value pushing my perspectives to be wiser as I expand into foreign sensibilities.

Libra: I value and respect the resources of others, in turn, finding value through those resources.

Scorpio: I build relationships based on hearing others and values rooted in equality.

Sagittarius: I find pleasure and value in my work. My lifestyle is easy and comfortable.

Capricorn: I create with my senses and find a strong voice as a leader.

Aquarius: My home is a place of comfort, pleasure, and strong values.

Pisces: I use my strength in communication to spread loving values.

Aries: I am financially comfortable and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.[/two_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Monday Mantras: Clarity & Senses

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third][/one_third][one_third]This week’s Monday Mantras for April 17th – 23rd, come to us from Astrologist, Allie Couch. Designed to help us shift from the ending Aries Season to Wednesday evening’s approaching Taurus Season.

This is a week of shifting energies as we move from our first astrological season of Aries; the season that woke us out of our winter slumber and into initiations for the yang half of the year; to the season of Taurus where we’ll be taking a slower pace to find pleasure and hone in on our senses. These mantras should wake us up to the value and beauty of life and ourselves. The shifting energies this week can bring feelings of urgency to tie things up, celebrate or release a cycle, and take some awkward steps into a new energy and season. It’s not a great week for initiating, but rather, for reflecting,and being open to new possibility as you observe and sense your way into Taurus Season. [/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[two_third padding=”2% 0 0 0″]Aries: I am clear and self-possessed as I move into a fresh cycle of sensual living.

Taurus: I am clear and spiritually activated as I move into a fresh cycle of claiming my worth.

Gemini: I am clear and socially plugged-in as I move into a fresh cycle of spiritual enhancement.

Cancer: I am clear about my authority and aspirations as I move into a fresh cycle of valuable networking.

Leo: I am clear about bold aims as I move into a fresh cycle of giving form to my aspirations.

Virgo: I am clear and personally empowered as I move into a fresh cycle of grand financial aims. [/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”5% 0 0 0″]Libra: I am clear in my harmonizing with others as I move into a fresh cycle of transforming my values.

Scorpio: I am clear and assertive in my productivity as I move into a fresh cycle of forming valuable relationships.

Sagittarius: I am clear about my creative initiative as I move into a fresh cycle of slow & valuable living.

Capricorn: I am clear about my self-care needs as I move into a fresh cycle of forming creative projects.

Aquarius: My mind is sharp and clear as I move into a fresh cycle of nurturing & caring for my senses.

Pisces: I am clear about my bold self-worth as I move into a fresh cycle of valuable connecting and communicating. [/two_third_last]

Monday Mantras: Wishing on Stars

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_half][/one_half][one_half_last padding=”6% 0 0 0″]Welcome to our new weekly, Monday Mantras! Based off of the solar season, any major cosmic events in the week ahead, and a touch of chakra love, we hope to help you start your Moody Monday’s with a bit more excitement. This week, Seasonal Astrologist Allie Couch gives us some power to put behind our Aries new moon wishes.

At this evening’s Aries new moon, we have potent energy to make new intentions and get really clear about what we want to be fearless in over the next twelve months, leading to great satisfaction around personal desires. Read your Aries new moon mantras below for both your sun sign & rising sign to help you tap into bold intentions over the course of this week. When the moon is new, it’s at it’s darkest, allowing for our stars to shine bright, begging for us to make wishes upon them. Happy wishing, muses.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

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[full_width]MONDAY MANTRAS: WISHING ON STARS

Aries Mantra: I am a fearless pioneer, boldly clearing new life paths that lead to my deepest passions.

Taurus Mantra: I see and express love in the world as I connect to fresh spiritual clarity and inspiration.

Gemini Mantra: My passion and initiative revives systems and friendships through strong and conscious intuiting.

Cancer Mantra: A clear and sharp mind gives me logical creativity as I build fresh & independent successes.

Leo Mantra: Analytical skills and a strong memory push my boundaries as I experience fresh & passionate wisdom. [/full_width]

[one_half padding=”4% 0 0 0″]Virgo Mantra: I intuit and transform anything blocking my life force, attracting outside resources & empowerment.

Libra Mantra: I receive the love of others into my life, connecting me with fresh balance and simple elegance.

Scorpio Mantra: Assertion and action in my day-to-day life and processes, reignites my self-confidence & will-power.

Sagittarius Mantra: Bold emotions and passions fluidly move through me, generating exciting and fresh creativity.

Capricorn Mantra: Nurturing and caring grounds my life, giving me the courage to grow new physical strength.

Aquarius Mantra: Positive connections and information bring new found stability and energetic control.

Pisces Mantra: Alluring creativity molds and infuses my life with pleasure and value, generating new financial energy.[/one_half][one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Aquarius New Moon: Complex Progress with Eris

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]Wander with us as Astrologist, Allie Couch, takes us on a tour of a new moon post that is complex and longer than usual, as it’s a pertinent one. Don’t worry if you don’t grasp it all, take what you can, and use it toward making the best Aquarius new moon intentions that you can.

Tomorrow marks our yearly return of the sun and moon aligning in the sing of Aquarius, or, the Aquarius new moon. New moons mark times to plant new seeds, walk through new doors opening to you, and to set new intentions. In Aquarius, our group orientation and need to see progress for humanity are the focal points. It’s time to break out your CosmoMuse 2017 Seasonal Astrology Guide, review Aquarius Season, if you haven’t yet (or get yours here if you don’t have one yet), and starting tomorrow evening, write out your new moon goals in this guide so you can refer back to them during the year. [/one_third_last]

[full_width]It’s been a complex year in the Aquarius realm, as seems obvious with the angst and powerful movements currently rising up, and the trend will continue with plenty of cross-roads, challenges, and oppositions to contend with regarding the initiations in the Aquarius realm of our charts, this year. It’s a mess really, but not without golden nuggets. This new moon is quintile Uranus and Eris, bringing creative activation through a warrior goddess (hence the successful Women’s March), and planet of earthquakes, lightening and awakening. We also look at the planetary co-rulers of Aquarius, Uranus and Saturn, to get the whole picture of what will play into our initiations at this time.

Uranus is conjunct the goddess of retaliation, Eris, in the ultimate warrior sign of Aries. Aries is great for getting things off of the ground but is also rash, confrontational, and more than a bit selfish. Be sure that your new intentions have the good of your relationships or issues of equality in mind or you’ll have some equilibrium problems this year. With Eris here, feelings of wanting retribution may arise, a negative thing that will ultimately lead to discord—this goddess asteroid, in Aries, has lots of symbolism and linking to the epidemic of terrorism. We need to ask ourselves: With things initiating now, are we just trying to make progress in the race for personal glory and advantage? As well as: If there’s a fight aspect involved in an initiation, will it bring warranted and important winning for the collective or is it flavored with a need to see others fail badly and bloodily, out of retaliation (here’s a whole article about just Eris’ discovery and alignment with our seasonal ruler of Uranus, that I would HIGHLY suggest reading). Jupiter is in opposition to these two planets, so our new goals will also find opposition around expansive themes of fairness and equality. To make it even more complex, Pluto, planet of transformation, as well as messenger, Mercury, will square off to Uranus and Eris. I’m not going to sugarcoat this, these are some pretty heavy aspects bringing cross-purposes and issues of control. Get creative by pushing into the challenge, or heat, brought and take initiative to solve things in this vein.[/full_width]

[two_third]Luckily, our second seasonal co-ruler, Saturn, sheds a bit of relief, but not without its own challenges. Saturn makes a nice angle to Uranus and Eris, so some responsible planning and structuring can help us in our new initiations. Jupiter and Saturn are also in good angle, so this same planning and structuring can be used to alleviate and bring peaceful mediation to some of the oppositions coming our way from issues of fairness, partnerships, and equality. This is the thing that could actually spark responsible innovations that are inspired from the strife and competitive atmosphere. On another note, Mars, planet of war, and Venus, planet of beauty, are at odds with Saturn, throwing some illusionist and delusional traps at our feet. Ugh.

We all have this sign of Aquarius reigning over an area of our charts so we all have new things that will initiate, connected to the area this sign rules for us. Check your guide for the cycle it brings up for you.

My plea: Remember, no matter what area of your life this group, cause, and future oriented sign ignites for you, the divide and contentions in our communities, nation, and world, are already fragile. Really, all anyone wants in this part of their chart is to feel progress and hope for the future. This is the root of all of the dramas that will play out over the course of the year in connection to what starts in the next week. Give positive energy and a collaborative spirit to all that surfaces at this time, as well as remember that when conflicts arise, you do not have a full perspective of anything unless you have listened with kindness and empathy (putting yourself in another’s shoes) to your foe’s story. Although you may still feel that they are incorrect, once you’ve listened, if you understand where and why they are taking the stances they are, you can create movement and foundations that are more inclusive, whether or not they recognize that. [/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[full_width]I like to call this the power of yin. When we listen to another with compassion, if we do not agree and still decide to act in opposition to them, minimally they have felt heard, softening them to you and your actions, even if only slightly. A seed has been planted, and it may take a year, or the seed may never break open, but when and if it does, you are the originator of a heart opening in this foe, who may then feel comfortable seeking you out for guidance on how to graciously change their stance. There is no guarantee, and likely no immediate gratification in this yin practice, but just that act of empathetic listening has the power to change people, in time. This also takes place in you, and you may suddenly feel a jolt of insight, helping you realize you have been on the wrong side of things.

Those who can see the positive side of competition and challenges are our greatest hope for this year’s Aquarius new moon initiations, and as always, AMAZING work can come from such issues of complexity (such as this musical piece). Look for those who rise above vengeful feelings, be inspired by them, and model yourself after them. This is the season that can ignite our greatest forward thinking and out-of-the-box solutions to propel our species forward in more harmonious alignment with our dying earth and polarizing issues. We also need to confront the initiations and goals put in place now to make sure they are not related to vengeful feelings towards others, rather competitive and progressive hopes for humanity. [/full_width]

Dear Ash: Your Personal Capricorn Energy

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third][/one_third][one_third]Astrologist Ash Bonelli brings a powerful offering today as she answers one muses’ question about connecting to the Capricorn in their chart. Keep reading as she then sheds light, for each sign, on how the transformation enhancing Sun conjunct Pluto transit is affecting each of our signs this weekend. A must read.


Dear Ash,

Can you tell me a little bit about where I have Capricorn energy in my birth chart and how that plays out in my life?

Dear Andrea,

You were born with Capricorn residing proudly in your 1st house. Your Ascendant/Rising sign is there at 19 degrees. [/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[two_third]The Capricorn rising moves through the world with a quiet grace, a strong sense of self and stoic distance. They appear wise, classy and are usually quite polite with the occasional side of bluntness.. They possess a natural determination to pursue their goals no matter how many blocks pop up on the path. Capricorns are serious achievers and wish to be noticed for their committed efforts! They can be stubborn but dedicated and they want to be seen as successful. This is definitely a rising sign that wants to project to the collective that they are cool, calm, and collected. Lucky for Cappy, they usually are!

This year these normal temperaments may begin to shift though. Pluto, the mighty mouse of the cosmos will make an exact conjunction to your Ascendant in early March and will be moving back and forth over it all year due to his retrograde period. That means this will be a deeply transformational year for you. How you engage with the world is up for review. Pluto likes to break things down so they are forced to rebuild better and stronger than before. You may notice that your attitudes around how you want to be seen in your day to day life could drastically change. Pluto works beneath the surface so these are likely (to be) subconscious thoughts and feelings that are coming up for processing. The mantra with Pluto though is “just let go”. If you feel you are clinging on to some old beliefs or support systems that are no longer working, but you are simply hanging on for comfort, then that’s your cue to release them. New and better ones are on the way! [/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[full_width]Pluto can sometimes work in really obvious ways but usually the most profound insights come about in hindsight. Because this is a merging of two energies it’s possible that you will feel more powerful during this transit because Pluto will essentially be imbuing with your Ascendant. This could give you a sense of strength you’ve never had before and you will now know how to integrate it moving forward. The mantra with Pluto though is “just let go”. If you feel you are clinging on to some old beliefs or support systems that are no longer working (but you are simply hanging on for comfort) then that is your cue to release them. New and better ones are on the way!

Another piece to add to your Capricorn nature is to take a look at her ruler. Saturn is the traditional feminine ruler of Capricorn. I see Saturn as our cosmic life coach. He has rough edges and can be quite demanding, but he is also fair and ultimately expects you to do well. He goes about it in harsh ways sometimes so most people dislike him, but if we didn’t have structure, pressure, deadlines, etc. in addition to someone putting up boundaries then we all would just Neptune out and party all the time. It’s all about balance, and Saturn loves when our ducks are all in a row! You have natal Saturn in Gemini in the 6th house. This would suggest that you try to have structured routines and are always paying attention to the way you communicate. This adds a playful and talkative quality to your Capricorn rising which could actually soften some of that natural coolness that Cappy is known for. It also means that this upcoming Pluto transit could also have a strong affect on your daily routines and your work life. You may notice that any shifts in your personality directly affect your engagement with clients. It could be that the way you’ve always presented yourself in a professional setting needs a tune up. Maybe you’ve been over giving? The 6th house represents service after all. You might set up stronger boundaries and this transit could bring some new found confidence that allows you to really go after some bigger dreams. However this Pluto transit plays out for you, I think you will come away with a renewed sense of independence, strength, and vitality!

Love,
Ash [/full_width]

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]Sun + Pluto Conjunction in Capricorn

A READING FOR EACH RISING SIGN

Our solar king is making his yearly conjunction to Pluto this weekend. This sets the tone for the next year to an area of your life that could use an injection of power or deep changes. Pluto, lord of the underworld likes to work behind the scenes. His presence is strong, immensely felt but usually not obvious right away. It’s common to feel the plutonian experience while it’s happening, but the wisdom that comes from those experiences seems to arrive in hindsight. Pluto has been in the sign of Capricorn since 2008 and will be there until 2024–so he’s a slow little beast! Capricorn also rules power so they have that in common but this sign also governs structure which is Pluto’s favorite thing to tear down. The Sun/Pluto lesson is that we are learning what we need to let go of in order to feel empowered on our life paths. Often we are weighed down by self-imposing barriers or ideas that have been created by outsiders that we feel we need to uphold. These can limit our growth, autonomy, and independence. Pluto likes to peel back our layers to get to the bones of our own personal truth. It’s not easy work but the more you learn to let go when it comes to Pluto dealings, the happier you will ultimately be. For more insights I’ve written a few sentences for each of the houses. All you have to do is look at your birth chart and see which house Capricorn lives in. [/two_third_last]

[full_width]1st House/Capricorn Rising – Our house of image, projection and our bodies. Pluto moving through your 1st house is asking that you let go of the idea of who you think you are to the world. If you are putting on airs or projecting an image that isn’t really you, then it’s time to peel back those layers. Authenticity is key here. This is a really impactful place for Pluto because most likely it’s crossing your Ascendant/Rising sign. Your Ascendant literally represents how you rise up each day to face the world. So a whole life examination could be in order. Think of this as a bit of a rebirth. You are the Phoenix, not the snake.

2nd House/Sagittarius Rising – Our house of money and self worth/esteem. Pluto moving through your 2nd house is asking you to let go of any negative feelings you have around your finances. If this is an issue in your life then it’s probably damaging your self worth/esteem. Therefore it affects more than just your bank account. Currency is tangible energy so how we treat it and what we think of it does play a role in how it shows up in our lives. If you have a really negative view of yourself financially, then that’s going to be a tough hole to climb out of. Really use this Sun/Pluto conjunction to get really honest about your feelings around spending, saving, and what limiting ideas you have that are actually holding you back from prospering. [/full_width]

[full_width]3rd House/Scorpio Rising – Our house of communications in all forms: speaking/writing/body language. Pluto moving through your 3rd house is asking you to re-evaluate how you engage with others. This could range from feeling like you don’t have a voice because other people speak over you or maybe you are the one that needs to learn to listen more. We all have times where we feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. These issues all come from how well we listen, mentally digest what we just heard, and understand one another. These are very important skills that make or break our conversations. Be mindful of your dialogue at work, home, school, etc., and see where some adjustments could be made.

4th House/Libra Rising – Our house of home, family and security. Pluto moving through this house is asking you to let go of the need to be in control at home all of the time. There could be a need for more compromise with members of your family. If this can’t be met in a healthy way then a hard look at serious boundaries may be in order. Also look at what you need to feel safe at home. Everyone deserves to have a sanctuary, so look at your current situation and see what could be shifted/discarded in order for you to find your perfect haven. This could also be a time where you find security in new or unusual places. You may start to find an inner strength that you didn’t know you had. One that gives you comfort in the face of changing foundations ahead. In times of shaky grounds remind yourself that you are always at home in your own heart. Allow the tides of change to do their work, and take comfort in your own resiliency. [/full_width]

[full_width]5th House/Virgo Rising – Our house of children, creativity, and romance. Pluto moving through this house is asking you to let go of anything that is blocking your true expression. This could show up in your dating life, your relationships with your kids, or how you go about creating anything that you feel passionate about. If you don’t have a clear/honest relationship about what lights you up in life then that’s where you need to start. That fire within us is our own personal root system that then feeds the garden of our lives. Get digging. Also, whether or not you have children we all have an inner child. This part of ourselves needs attention so that we can experience a bit of play and joy in our adult lives. You may find yourself craving childlike activities that allow you a deeper connection to source. If this is the case, embrace it.

6th House/Leo Rising – Our house of daily routines, work, service, and health. Pluto moving through the 6th house is asking you to let go your daily habits that are no longer serving your highest self. When I say highest self, I’m referring to the best version of you that each of us should strive to be. Of course we all having housework to do but what do you do regularly that doesn’t actually make life better? Think about your bad habits. These could run from cigarettes/unhealthy food choices to the constant need for outside approval. These are just a few of the many examples of things you could let go of. These changes would not only make your daily work/routines feel better but give you a more healthy body/mind/soul as well! This could also be a time where you heal your own issues and find yourself feeling the desire to help others with the same journey. This could be a profound experience that allows the energy of Pluto to work his magic by stripping away what doesn’t serve you so you can better serve others![/full_width]

[two_third]7th House/Cancer Rising – Our house of love and relationships. Pluto moving through the 7th house is asking you to let go of any toxic relationships, negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, or issues around control. These issues can apply to romantic or business relationships. The ideas that you had when you were younger about what love looks like could be up for a major shift. You may find yourself craving a new type of partnership or maybe just a better one with yourself. You may also realize that the drama in a current situation is actually coming from you. If so, it’s up to you to be proactive about figuring out why you behave in the negative ways you do. If you find yourself in that relationship with someone else then maybe it’s time for couples therapy. This could also be a breakdown to breakthrough situation, so some relationships may only get better and better. Work on letting go of any power struggles and the new fresh energy to arise will be oh so lovely.

8th House/Gemini Rising – Our house of personal power, sex, death, and the mysterious side of life. Pluto enjoys this house (of course) so he is quite at home here. Pluto asks us to let go of of anything blocking us from being totally empowered individuals. Think about people, situations, attitudes or ideas that make you feel small. How can you step away from any of those toxic choices. I use the word choices because that’s the driving force behind many of our issues. We can choose who we spend time with; we can choose to not partake in certain negative situations; and we also decide what we think. These things that need to change can seem so obvious, but we are all guilty of letting things in our own control wreck our day. Look for ways in which you allow drainage to occur in your life, and make some adjustments so you can move through the world with more power and grace. [/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

[full_width]9th House/Taurus Rising – Our house of spirituality, higher education, philosophy, and international travel. Pluto has his work cut out for him in this section of the chart. There is a lot going in this house. He could be stripping away a long held belief system that shaped your upbringing, but now doesn’t fit who you’ve become today. Your thoughts and feelings about the world could be changing dramatically at this time. Maybe you are desiring to get out and fill up your passport so you can open your mind to different cultures. You may also be thinking about going back (or currently going) to school to connect deeper with these shifts in your consciousness. Any limiting or just rigid ideas that you’ve had about society, government, religion, and lifestyle are up for review. Be open-minded and let go when you find yourself swimming upstream against the current.

10th House/Aries Rising – Our house of career and public life. Pluto moving through the top of the chart here could signal major job shifts or the ideas you’ve held about your current position could be changing. Your thoughts/feelings around how you appear in the world could also be transforming. Since Pluto governs power, you may be recognizing where you don’t have as much as you thought or how you actually need to work on developing yours. Maybe you’ve been working in an unfulfilling career but never had the self worth to actually make a change until now. Pluto could show up in your experience as a bit of a wrecking ball that breaks down one situation so that a better one can come about. Work on letting go of clinging to anything that isn’t actually benefitting you just because you are comfortable. Sun/Pluto asks that you step outside of your box long enough to see what else is possible. Then work on your personal power step by step until you’ve reached a more satisfying situation. If it all happens too quickly though, just embrace the end goal by recognizing that you have to break the walls to let the light in sometimes. [/full_width]

[full_width]11th House/Pisces Rising – Our house of hopes, dreams, and community. Pluto moving through the 11th house is asking you to get real about your goals. You may have big dreams, but due to a multitude of reasons (so many things can bog us down) you haven’t actually reached your desired outcome yet. This Sun/Pluto conjunction is kicking off another year for you to get really clear and practical about your wishes. If there is something blocking you from achieving your dreams, then Pluto’s presence may remove them. Now this may sound too good to be true. That’s because it is. There is another side to this shiny coin. When the excavation occurs it could actually leave you feeling a bit vulnerable. We have a tendency to unconsciously rely on our blocks, bad behaviors, and things we don’t actually like. Weird, huh? When those negative things are removed and we come to terms with our new reality we can then move forward with more clarity. Be careful what you wish for, and be ready to work for your dreams when those roadblocks are no longer lingering!

12th House/Aquarius Rising – Our house of mystery, intuition, and inner wisdom. Pluto is treading through the private waters of our soul in this house. Because this house is a bit undercover, Pluto may bring up issues/feelings that we have either forgotten (possibly on purpose) or didn’t even know we had. This can be a deeply cathartic experience where we really get in touch with our most intimate selves. This can feel like a spiritual purge that at times may be painful but once you pull the thorn out the healing can occur. Pluto is asking you to let go of any barriers that restrict you from connecting with your more yin/feminine side (men included). This is a great time to start a meditation practice so you can still your mind from over active thoughts. This would allow for the deeper wisdom residing in this house to bubble up. You can learn from the nebulous energy of the 12th house by surrendering to your own emotions. Release to realize is your mantra. [/full_width]

[one_fourth][/one_fourth][one_fourth][/one_fourth][one_fourth]Dear Ash is a monthly advice column with astrologer Ash Bonelli. For her next CosmoMuse feature, if you want to know more about how Aquarius show up in your chart (or if you are an Aquarius who has astrological question), send it to [email protected] for a chance to get it answered in next month’s Dear Ash feature. For private readings with Ash, email her, [email protected], or pop into her website. [/one_fourth][one_fourth_last][/one_fourth_last]

Sagittarius New Moon: Seeking & Growing

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]Join CosmoMuse Seasonal Astrologist, Allie Couch, as she lays out the landscape around this morning’s Sagittarius new moon and then takes us through a goal setting ritual. Step bravely toward new openings and grand adventures, Muses. The world beckons to us on this near-winter morning.

As we wake on this dark morning, new energy and doors are opening all around us as a new moon graced our early dawn hours. This isn’t just any new moon, it’s the epic Sagittarius new moon – the most grand and adventurous opening to fresh juju that we get during the year. The way forward is dark as we step into unknown territory with the opportunities presenting themselves. Although scary, the promises on the horizon are ones that will catapult us into new worlds and new ways of living and seeing. [/one_third_last]

[one_third]As an exaggerated comparison (in true Sagittarian fashion), look to the trend of heroic stories and characters that always grace the silver screen during this season for a clue as to what lies ahead. Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Hobbit: All of these are Sagittarius in nature. Taking a note from any of these grand tales, we head toward new openings into great darkness where demons and evil lurk, as noted by the darkest month of the year, but we also realize that the victories possible, although overwhelming, could entirely change our lives with new truths and immense wisdom. The immediate result of deciding to allow fresh Sagittarian goals into our lives is hope, blind faith and optimism and the long term results can be a complete overhaul of our visionary potential, life perspectives and worldly experience.

Exposure to new ways of thinking and living [/one_third][two_third_last][/two_third_last]

[full_width]brings more encompassed truths into our perspective, allowing us to eradicate perceived evils. As we conquer these notions of threat and the unknown, bigger opportunities and elevated wisdom brings luck and good will to our doors. World travel, global enterprise, astronomy, publishing, higher education, religion and philosophy are all areas that may call to us at this new moon. Shoot for the stars with your Sagittarius new moon goals and land in new worlds.

Sagittarius New Moon Ritual
Starting any new intentions, initiations, or goals should be gone into feeling new yourself. Because of this, I prefer to use the morning hours as the timing for setting new moon goals.

A shower, salt scrub or smudging will cleanse your aura, allowing your energy to be fresh.

Spend 5-10 minutes reflecting and writing about your dreams from the previous night. Look for any symbolism in these dreams that touch on questions and seeking in your heart.

Commit to a 20-30 minute meditation, focusing on your breath as well as taking note of the things your mind wanders to.

Do a 5 minute scan for common threads over the past day or two, your dreams and where you mind wandered during meditation. Is there anything calling to you? This will help you step toward the right openings available to you.

Writing down your goals and then reading them aloud is a great practice for making them clear and concrete. Before writing your Sagittarian themed goals out (5 – 10 of them) write an affirmation intro sentence: I bravely expand into the below goals to gain more wisdom, opportunity and truth in my life, in turn, bringing openness and goodwill to all I encounter on my path.

As each goal is written, light a candle as an affirmative action, representing your step forward into the goal.

If you have goddess or archetype cards, pick one to know what special guidance you may have access to on your new quests.

Set a calendar reminder for June 9th, (the Sagittarius full moon), and the approximate time that these goals, if tended to, will see their peak manifesting potential.

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[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]With Neptune squaring off to this new moon, be aware of getting the wool pulled over your eyes from others or due to your own delusional expectations. There is action needed due to difficulties this may bring up over the next year, but this awareness can help you identify issues. Versatility, flexibility and compassion can bring much inspired dreaming to the table. With Saturn right next to this new moon, these visionary goals will be tinged with a need for focus and dedicated effort. They will not be easy goals to achieve as they will require great structure and expertise, but don’t give up. At the end of the road acclaim and glory may await.

Not all goals take flight, but with Jupiter (ruler of Sagittarius) in airy and relational Libra this year, partners, relationships, beauty of the mind and justice will help these goals soar with graceful harmony. [/one_third_last]

A Shift in Seasons: Scorpio to Sagittarius

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]CosmoMuse’s Seasonal Astrologist, Allie Couch, takes us through a poetic transition of our ending autumn month from Scorpio’s reign to Sagittarius’ dark night.

I awoke this morning to mist covered mountain tops and fields, a drizzle in the valley, birds aflutter and nearly all that was left on branches now fallen. Scorpio Season comes to and end today (November 21st) and with it a shift – or should we say a ‘letting go’ in true Scorpio fashion. It was a season where we may have felt intense loss that unhinged our own hidden passions and emotions. Release and intense sharing brought much to the atmosphere, one for the books with an unprecedented election as well as a deep swell of protests around important shared resources—sacred Native American land and water sources facing an oil pipeline that would traumatize it’s history and sustaining powers. If ever there were Scorpio themes, these two events brought them to light as the sun blazed through this season of power and mystery.

The sun grew ever dim and we turned further inward as the nights weighed longer than the days. Our psychological health may have been tested but with that, new insight into our own and shared mysteries brought about transformation. Endings and beginnings flooded the depths of our souls as we bravely plunged into the reflections that the current events brought up in our emotional bearings. Stubborn streaks and battles of will created many a stand off. Farewell, Scorpio and thank you for the lessons in self-control, sharing, secrets and rebirth.

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[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third]The Mystery | Paul Laurence Dunbar
I was not; now I am—a few days hence
I shall not be; I fain would look before
And after, but can neither do; some Power
Or lack of power says “no” to all I would.
I stand upon a wide and sunless plain,
Nor chart nor steel to guide my steps aright.
Whene’er, o’ercoming fear, I dare to move,
I grope without direction and by chance.
Some feign to hear a voice and feel a hand
That draws them ever upward thro’ the gloom.
But I—I hear no voice and touch no hand,
Tho’ oft thro’ silence infinite I list,
And strain my hearing to supernal sounds;
Tho’ oft thro’ fateful darkness do I reach,
And stretch my hand to find that other hand.
I question of th’ eternal bending skies
That seem to neighbor with the novice earth;
But they roll on, and daily shut their eyes
On me, as I one day shall do on them,
And tell me not the secret that I ask.

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[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]As we greet Sagittarius Season tonight, a golden beam of optimism and hope shows through as we enter our longest nights. This may seem like a paradox but that’s what this sign is so masterful at tackling. We are complex beings, capable of holding two seemingly unfriendly ideas and seeing both as valid. Find this quality with Sag as your cosmic guide to understanding others who are wholly different from you.

“The deeper the dark, the closer the dawn. However profound the suffering that envelops you, never forget the inner spark of hope and courage. Never lose the capacity to wait with patient enduring.” — Daisaku Ikeda

You may come up against new philosophies, concepts, cultures and worlds this season, and the challenge is to understand; to learn the ‘language’ of this unknown element. This may not change your passionate stance around ways of thinking and being but it will help you bridge divides and have compassion for another story that is fully different than yours. You can hold both compassion for those who seem ‘dark’ to you as well as keep your convictions in tact.

Go ahead and ask someone to share their story of why their ideals are so different than yours and then share your own—as an offering, not a debate. I dare you to leave that conversation without greater understanding and more perspective on how to move forward together, with hope.[/two_third_last]