Happy New Year, Now Get Real

Original link from bustle.com https://tinyurl.com/v35xzd8.

You might not want to listen to the omens in the form of your horoscopes too closely. That is exactly what the famous Aztec king Moctezuma did, and it contributed to the collapse of an entire civilization. At the time unusual planetary phenomena were occurring, and this coincided with rare, unfortunate events such as the burning of sacred temples. These were fearfully interpreted as ominous signs. Out of self-interest the court astrologers tried to deny this, and it got them imprisoned. These negative prognostications were also coupled with the order fulfillment of a previously prophecized messiah coming to fruition in the arrival of the deadly Conquistador Cortes. This created a toxic cognitive dissonance in the head of Moctezuma and the culture at large. On one hand, it was the end times. On the other hand, they were being saved. Sound familiar? The Spanish invader Cortes was instead less concerned with divinatory messages from the Gods and privileged reality and the ruthless means required of an explorer to totally destroy his enemy. 

The same planetary configurations that occurred 500 years ago are similar to the ones happening right at the beginning of this new year. One might look to the past and believe it will replicate catastrophically. But unlike repeatable things such as electricity and flying planes, the future is largely unwritten and undetermined. Moctezuma relied so heavily on the stars that he became enslaved to them. The heavens were no match for the guns and germs of Cortes. Nevertheless the planets incline even if they don’t compel, so it is said. So what is the message that led the Aztecs to crumble but from which we may reasonably learn? Two words—GET REAL.

Aries: March 21 - April 19 

Your social life will light up in 2020. However, this will take some juggling with your career. I generally recommend keeping a healthy distance between work and friends as technology demands much interconnection that leads to the privileging of career. However in your case, the co-mingling is to your benefit. You also have a powerful chance to act on your non-movable finances such as retirement funds.  

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

You have a great career year this year. However, I would not recommend doing a ton of travel. You have good fortune enjoying yourself at home and in your local community. A relationship or partnership gets very intense, but through this you transform and make progress.

Gemini: May 21- June 20

You make great strides financially as long as you protect your own money. You may experience losses, though, through joint finances or investments. You can handle this as long as you stay flexible. You’ll look back and realize those hard changes happened for the better. 

Cancer: June 21 - July 22

Continuing on from last year, you make gains personally, especially on a physical level. By mid-year the focus turns to your spirituality. What are the things you need to let go of in your life? When you let them go, you become free. 

Leo: July 23 - August 22

You’ll be happy to hear that by betting on yourself, you have good fortune this year. However, when the times are good, it is recommended you steer a more conservative course, especially in the area of health. Having daily discipline will help you acquire long term abundance. You’re also going to need this mindset for the career surprises that are in store for you. 

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

Your creative endeavors are emphasized this year. Adopting a long term, conservative approach helps you field the massive changes that occur in how you express yourself. Hard, destructive change helps creativity even if it is difficult. On a lighter note, your health is good this year even if you do have a bit of a sweet tooth. 

Libra: September 23 - October 22

As you are the sign of balance and relationships, the Goddess Juno asks that you adjust your partnerships with coworkers and set appropriate boundaries. These are demagogues who are deceptive. One coworker in particular is swaying the emotions of the team and you’re going to need to protect yourself. Think about your own long term security as a guiding principle. 

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 

You are extraordinarily powerful this year. You may even be intoxicated with your potency. However, this may lead to fights with coworkers. This is a chance to look at the pain points that are holding the team back. When those battles ensue, step back and look at the underlying causes of what is causing the friction. Then, use those insights to go for the impossible. 

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

You experience some losses financially this year, but you’re able to handle this as long as you approach your immediate, movable finances with the year ahead in mind. You actually triumph by the end of the year. A structured, nimble, conservative approach here is good. On the flip side, your investments do well through the first half of the year. 

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

You have a good year financially and succeed in a relationship. However, even with this good fortune, your thinking may be a bit unfocused and this could lead to some misfortune. As I wrote in the opening paragraphs, the theme of the year is GET REAL. This specifically applies to you, but some of this absentminded, dreamy thinking will give you great insights into the true nature of reality. 

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

This year you are the lover. This is wonderful as you are one of the most heady, intellectual, scientific signs of the zodiac. You’ll be surprised that you experience love and romance on the home front. The irony is that even though you are one of the most surprising, freedom-loving signs of the zodiac, you have trouble accepting disruption when you can’t control it. 

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

You’re due for some changes in your social networks this year. The strong bonds will hold and the fair weather friends will crumble away. Don’t fight this as it’s necessarily to have those around you who can help support your goals and wishes. You really make gains in romance, however, regardless of what happens with your friends. 

This article relies in part by an essay written by Bruce Scofield in the summer 2019 magazine Mountain Astrologer. This article was originally published in Ambush Magazine and has been edited for formatting and convenience.

Tis the Season of Turning Points

Original https://tinyurl.com/wtzm6sf wishingmoon.com This article was originally published in Ambush Magazine.

As you’re reading this column your mind will be occupied by the goings on of the season. Religious rites coloring different times of the year find their footing in the seasons. For example the hopeful moment of the birth of Christ on the darkest day of the year finds expression in the cardinal turn of the winter solstice. Cardinal, turning points are the screws upon which the world and our lives spin. The Greek word tropos means turn and is the origin of the word tropical. Maybe you just need to get the hell out of town and go on a vacation! Western Astrology based on the tropical zodiac, the zodiac embodying the turning of the seasons, has something to say about this season and you might want to stick around. I believe the gift of this year is the gift of family. Regardless how far one wanders family ancestry is never far behind. Your deep emotional connection to past origins emerges and when you explore this terrain, you make gains. Family interactions bring up issues of identity because how you’re known to the world and how your aunt knows you are two very different things. You are likely to have more of a vested interest in the former. The trick is not to be stubborn about this. It is actually an opportune moment as tropos is also the root of the word opportune meaning this is where you can take bold action and triumph when the gift of family presents itself. This is not a material, conspicuous gift but a gift that gives personal gratification namely in the form of love and nurturance from irritating family members. Do not drink too much as you’ll find moderate sobriety provides the healing you’ve been seeking. When you’re given the chance to let go of your idealized self for the person your family knows you by, realize this is a gift in disguise even if it leads you straight into your grandmother pulling at your ear, gushing over just how much you’ve grown.   

Aries: March 21 - April 19 

More than any sign this season, you make gains with your family, especially your father or paternal-like energy. This is helpful for you but you have to let some past incidents go. You’ll find that by balancing some of the tension with family, the other sectors of your life light up.  

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

Your family gets entangled with your romantic life and children. This is going to take a little bit of juggling as it’s ironically hard to find love amongst family drama and the needs of your kids. The “kids” can also be your creative projects or creative babies. Communication is key here and this is where you make gains. Protecting yourself regardless of the outcome and emphasizing your thoughts as opposed to deeply held beliefs.

Gemini: May 21- June 20

Don’t be afraid to look into the family finances this holiday season. Proceed with caution and diplomacy, but there are massive changes occurring in the structures of the wills being written. You’ll find that dealing with the demons of inheritances and family trusts provides you will some long term psychic relief while ultimately padding your own checkbook. 

Cancer: June 21 - July 22

Siblings come to the fore for you this holiday season. You also make gains in relationships and friends, but you lose some partners along the way. This is surprising but choosing the company you keep allows you to progress personally.  

Leo: July 23 - August 22

You’re feeling a bit snooty about your money. This is related to your mother and her past sacrifices she made to get you where you are. However, the psychological challenge is to let this attitude go and receive the gift you’ve been given. Money is only as good as the current along which you spend it. Spend it wisely and don’t worry about its literal worth. 

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

Out of all the signs, you yourself are most deeply connected with your family this season. This is very feminine, maternal, changeable energy that is related to your past. There are great gains to be made here amongst friends and family but only if you juggle these intense feelings and realize they are part of the larger picture as you move into the future. Let go of your criticisms and pretensions. 

Libra: September 23 - October 22

The male head of the family is strong this holiday season, and you do best to go with him. A rich, dark son will seek to overthrow him, and might succeed in doing so, but stick with the elder. He will need your help even though he might not realize it. Help this modern King Lear pick the right child this time around. 

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21  

You’re generally in a very powerful position through the end of the year into 2020 and then again in spring. Be careful though not to get in fights with coworkers or siblings during those respective times. You do best when you apply power judiciously. If you don’t, you end up scorching the path for all those around. 

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

You’re feeling very proud of your career, and so is your mother. However you believe in yourself so strongly that you don’t see the bigger picture of your finances. Glory is great, but cash is king. Make sure your thinking is clear about the realities of the money related to your work life or you might be headed for a wrong turn that grounds you out. 

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

For the next year, you’ll be juggling a lot of things as you bounce from one area of your life to the next, but this season, focus on the love that your family can give. This really provides something spiritually for you, and you might all even decide to take a trip together. If not, at least connect philosophy about what y’all believe and get to the core of who you really are as a family. 

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

It’s critical that you take your time during this holiday season. We can’t escape the time in which we inhabit in this dimension, and as Aquarius your head is usually in the future. Your father or paternal energy is reemphasized this season, and you do best to ground yourself out a bit, coming down to earth and putting your futuristic visions on hold. You’ll be surprised what happens when you get your head out of the clouds. 

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

This holiday season, you are able to make gains creatively, romantically, and with children. With friends, not so much. With things going so well, your partner feels a bit cocky. You do best not to get emotionally tied up with that feeling and let things going spiritually. When you let things go, magic happens.  

Astrology was originally understood as omens, prophecies, and oracles. Whenever you go to a psychic, tarot reader, or astrologer like me, you’re engaging with the possibilities of the future. But modern astrology is also the alignment of the heavens at your moment of birth that serves as the signature of your personality. This combination of your star chart and sun sign—Aries, Taurus, etc.—and the usage of that tool to divine the future is here for your taking. Astrology offers the LGBTQ community a chance to reclaim a space lost to modern science and religion. Ancient pagan cultures venerated divination and celebrated what we now recognize as modern gay elements. These horoscopes are for your entertainment, so let’s start the party that will take us to the stars!

There’s a Major Lunar Eclipse Coming Up. This is How You Can Harness It

There’s a major lunar eclipse set to occur on July 27that 4:21 PM EST, the largest such eclipse of the century. It will not be visible in the U.S, but it is most certainly happening. Much is being made about this eclipse, namely that it might be catastrophic, but I often choose to reflect upon the basic symbolism of an eclipse as a clue to how it might function, rather than engaging in doomsday scenarios. Ultimately, the symbolic resonance on your individual level is more important than world events coinciding with this eclipse. 

To interpret astrological symbolism, one must first analyze what is happening astronomically. A solar eclipse is when the moon moves exactly between the sun and the earth. A lunar eclipse is when the earth’s shadow created by the sun eclipses the moon. The latter is what we will be experiencing. 

I’ve always felt that a solar eclipse places the primacy of the moon above the sun; simply put, it is the moon blocking the sun, and traditionally, the moon has been the feminine body of spirit, nurturance, personality, and what one needs. Thus, in a solar eclipse, the moon asserts herself. However, this eclipse will favor the sun, the planetary body of driving will, purpose, ego, and the compulsive force of one’s life. So how will this eclipse pan out?

Each planetary body, at any moment, occupies a sign and takes on its garb and character. For example, in this eclipse, the sun will be in Leo, its preferred, regal home, radiating the warmth of the lion. The moon will be in the opposite sign of cold, technological, yet social Aquarius. This immediately sets up a polarization of dramatic self-expression (Sun in Leo) with emotional futurism (Moon is in Aquarius). A lunar eclipse is the sun opposed to the moon. The lunar nodes are always at play in an eclipse, lining up with both the sun and the moon, and the south node, or your past karma, happens to be in company with this moon. The north node, or karmic future, happens to be conjoined with the sun. Also in close company with the moon is fiery, aggressive Mars.

I interpret this south node as future visions that have not come to pass and hopes that may never come to materialize, yet you still may want to fight for. This could happen in the space of social media and the realm of communications, but moves in this direction, though you may be tempted, are ill-advised. Past karma is where do best to hang and ruminate, not move. It’s the caboose of the train or the tail of the dragon—along for the ride.

Alternately, the north node, or head of the dragon, is situated in Leo with the Sun, a more fortunate position. You are favored when you express, an apt word for Leo, your golden, royal, dramatic self rather than the heady, cold, moon and south node in Aquarius also coupled with  driving Mars that can potentially cause trouble. 

There is a final option for you—that of the belly of the dragon, between the fire breathing north node and the tail of the south node. Instead of acting, be aware of the motives of others, and adjust—Scorpio;  and, take ownership of that which you value—Taurus. Those are the two signs that sit in the middle of the eclipse, splitting the difference between fiery self-expression and cold, calculated futurism. The choice is yours as long as you submit to a negotiation with the heavens, neither fearing fate, nor challenging destiny.  

How can you harness this eclipse and other celestial phenomena? Book an Inner Makeup session to find out.

The Most Disruptive Week Since the 30's

Moon Messages Week of May 14, 2018

Most astrology focuses on the Sun—Your Will and Purpose

But what about the Moon?

The Moon is the Embodiment of Communication, Emotion, and Spirit

The Goddess

Opposite God

What is the Moon’s Message to You?

That is the Will and Purpose of This Column

Published Every Monday, which means Moon Day

This is a momentous week in the heavens, as the new, invisible, moon situates herself in her favorite sign of Taurus, providing optimal conditions to build and grow the great materials that spring from the earth. Also, Uranus, the great awakener and disruptor, moves into Taurus, a grounded state he might not immediately relish but that could be beneficial. Uranus is the sky God, birthed from Gaia, the earth, but through the family lineage of the Gods has come down to unleash the fire of creativity upon humankind through Promethean spirit. You may experience massive, earthly disruption when Uranus takes on the garb of Taurus, but if you can adjust, this is one of the most powerful times for your potential as an individual. In fact, this type of configuration has not occurred since the mid-thirties. Be forewarned, however, that the disruptive power of Uranus can be catastrophic. The power of Taurus and Cancer will be required, especially through Venus as she moves into that protective sign next week. The word tenor comes to mind, meaning “to hold”, and heroic, physical acts such as a great, operatic tenor holding onto a climatic high note is the spirit of the next week. 

Aries, Born 3/21-4/19: You’re set to experience some massive changes in your money, possessions, and what you value. The key is to own this and not impulsively react to external circumstances. 

Taurus, Born 4/20-5/20: You are set to experience massive changes this week to who you are, your will, and purpose. Do what you do best and take ownership of how you will build upon this, and put your mind toward harnessing this disruptive energy.

Gemini, Born 5/21-6/20: Your normative state of being is to be curious, communicative, and aware, but the heavens will throw you some massive curves this week, manifesting through your emotions and dreams. You do best to sit back and process these quakes and then move forward in your extroverted, communicative manner.

Cancer, Born 6/21-7/22: You may experience disruption with your friends and social networks. The best way to approach this is to reboot and slowly supplant the social networks that feed your soul. 

Leo, Born 7/23-8/22: Taking ownership of your career, especially on a monthly time schedule, is the way for you to go. Though this may be a different pace for you, Leo, preferring to shine in the moment, this disruptive approach will pay dividends down the road.

Virgo, Born 8/23-9/22: Though not as obviously spiritual as your opposite, Pisces, you are the virgin who births great, pure things. There is set to be a great awakening in your belief system and knowledge base, and you are the one who will expand, cyclically, in your individual, revolutionary approach.

Libra, Born 9/23-10/22: Though you like to see all sides of an argument, you must take ownership of the carnal motivations of others. The heavens will force you to evaluate what the role of others are in your life and make some hard decisions with regard to them.

Scorpio, Born 10/23-11/21: There is a real opportunity for you to take ownership of the relationships in your life, and not in your carnal, furtive way. Yes, you can own the pleasures the world has to give without having to control or manipulate others. But this can take a little more time than you’re used to. 

Sagittarius, Born 11/22-12/21: You’re set to experience some disruption in your working conditions and even health. You do best not to charge ahead but rather sit and take ownership of your unfolding situation. 

Capricorn, Born 12/22-1/19: Though there has been a driving impulse towards your ambition and status, your normative mode, you have a real opportunity to express yourself creatively. This energy will be less driving and climbing and more emotive and internal, a welcome change for your state of mind. 

Aquarius, Born 1/20-2/18:You are set to experience disruption in your home life even though home is not necessarily your favorite place to be. Though your head is in the future, you need to have a home base, so you do best to put your mind towards defining your home space.

Pisces, Born 2/19-3/20: Being grounded, purposeful, and taking ownership in your communication will takes your far if you are open to expressing yourself this way. Your magic will take care of the rest. 

I’m Dan Beck, a spiritual consultant and astrologer based in New Orleans, LA, and I provide a variety of offerings for your spiritual longings. To book an appointment or select one of my offerings, click here.

Choosing Venus, and the Waning Moon

Moon Messages Week of May 7, 2018

Most astrology focuses on the Sun—Your Will and Purpose

But what about the Moon?

The Moon is the Embodiment of Communication, Emotion, and Spirit

The Goddess

Opposite God

What is the Moon’s Message to You?

That is the Will and Purpose of This Column

Published Every Monday, which means Moon Day

As the beautiful days of Taurus have begun their denouement, so is the moon waning. This is not necessarily an easy wane, as the moon looks toward the future while letting go of the past, starting off the week inhabiting the sign of visionary Aquarius. What are you to do? Inquire, especially with others whom you find wondrous and beautiful, about what the coming months hold for you. Your questions and curiosity take on a child-like tone as sociable Venus wears the energy of extroverted, playful Gemini, and this is a better approach than joining with war-mongering Mars. Be a child who drops the toy that no longer holds his attention, and you will move forward triumphantly. 

Aries, Born 3/21-4/19: Relating to others is not necessarily your forte, but reach out and let others do your pioneering work for you. 

Taurus, Born 4/20-5/20: Past failures don’t have to indicate future gains, especially with regard to your status and career. Become a child as you playfully envision what the future may hold.

Gemini, Born 5/21-6/20: The wonderful benefic planet Venus is in your sign, and the moon beautifully aspects her, so there’s no limit to your love and social life.

Cancer, Born 6/21-7/22: Confronting your thoughts and feelings about love and relationships may not be easy, but when you bring them to light, you become a master of the social arena. 

Leo, Born 7/23-8/22: You’re desperate to move forward but, your past seems to be holding you back with regard to your future plans. Don’t worry about the past as it’s already behind you.

Virgo, Born 8/23-9/22: You’re feeling your past especially as it relates to health and working conditions. Your future is not wedded to the past but rather your dramatic motion forwards, even if it’s a dream unbeknownst to you. 

Libra, Born 9/23-10/22: You’re feeling the past especially as it relates to your creative offspring. Even though this is where your emotions are, try to get outside of them and be curious about how the higher realms of thought and spirit can take you to your next destination. 

Scorpio, Born 10/23-11/21: Your thoughts are dedicated to how you can place the structures to support your ambition and success, but take a moment to remember the past as you move forward, lest you sting someone else and cause your own demise. 

Sagittarius, Born 11/22-12/21: Your thoughts and feelings are dominated by the past, but you’re moving towards a higher, more knowledge-driven future. This will take some dramatic expression on your part, as opposed to your usual blunt, seeking movements.

Capricorn, Born 12/22-1/19: There may be some money troubles, but money comes in the form of values. When you decide what really matters for you, your past money troubles will lead to future gains. 

Aquarius, Born 1/20-2/18:Though you desperately want to move to the future, as Aquarius is the sign of the future, you’re feeling the weight of the past. A warm, golden lover will help, if you’re open to the drama of a relationship. 

Pisces, Born 2/19-3/20: You may have some unresolved issues regarding past ideals for your future. You must honor these feelings, or they could be your undoing. 

I’m Dan Beck, a spiritual consultant and astrologer based in New Orleans, LA, and I provide a variety of offerings for your spiritual longings. To book an appointment or select one of my offerings, click here.

Dance with Venus and the Moon

From New Earth Heartbeat. https://bit.ly/2JQc8zV

Moon Messages Week of April 16, 2018

Most astrology focuses on the Sun—Your Will and Purpose

But what about the Moon?

The Moon is the Embodiment of Communication, Emotion, and Spirit

The Goddess

Opposite God

What is the Moon’s Message to You?

That is the Will and Purpose of This Column

Published Every Monday, which means Moon Day

There’s been a lot of talk in the astrological community recently about the difficult, squaring action between the transiting planets and signs of Aries and Capricorn. But my suggestion is to look towards the moon, in a beautiful, young, crescent state, exalted and building in earthly, Taurean energy, helped and abetted by bountiful Venus. And this week, they are coupled together if you look up towards the sky. Taurus is the most earthly of all the earth signs, and the moon finds its joy in this sign, being the steady constructor and deconstructor of the zodiac. Venus, the embodiment of the beauty of the earth in spring, finds home in Taurus. How might you approach this energy? Recognize that astrology is not all about the stars, as above so below, but also the beauty that occurs here on earth as reflected in the symbols of the seasons. Staying grounded is just as much the key to astrology as having your head in the clouds, and in the end, it comes down to the quality of your dirt. 

Aries, Born 3/21-4/19:The quakes of your birthday season are about to come to an end, but I have a way for you to look ahead. Sit and enjoy the material gifts of the Moon and Venus, because believe it or not, their creative powers are out in front of even your impressive head start. 

Taurus, Born 4/20-5/20: This week is extraordinarily beautiful for you, just make sure that you put some of the gifts received to work. Otherwise you risk hoarding them and their subsequent loss of value.

Gemini, Born 5/21-6/20: You’re wedded to your mind, but it’s actually your subconscious that drives you. Pay attention to your dreams—they’re trying to communicate with you the treasures your mind won’t bring you.

Cancer, Born 6/21-7/22: This week is a golden opportunity to water the proverbial flowers that are your friends and social networks. A little tending to this area of your life will result in massive, quick growth. And you’re good at nurturant watering anyways. 

Leo, Born 7/23-8/22: You’re animated towards your own dramatic self-expression, but your career takes precedent right now. If you tend to the earthly, mundane details of your public recognition, you are sure to succeed.

Virgo, Born 8/23-9/22: You may always have a chip on your shoulder for not receiving your due, and you should, but if you pleasurably apply your shrewd analytical skills to the expansion of your spirit and higher mind, nothing will stop you. But you must believe.

Libra, Born 9/23-10/22: It will take a little balancing (the keyword of your life), but some of the carnal drives that ache to be brought to light, be they your own or the motivations and problems of others, are actually the source of your treasures. Darkness must exist first to then be brought to light, and your darkness holds the keys to your treasure.

Scorpio, Born 10/23-11/21: You can relax a bit as the partnerships and relationships in your life bring you the resources and materials you need. It doesn’t always have to be about deeply intuiting what you need from others.

Sagittarius, Born 11/22-12/21: Though you are the most expansive sign of the zodiac, let Venus and the Moon do the “searching and seeking” for once. Let them build what you believe in and wish to come into fruition.

Capricorn, Born 12/22-1/19: You’re certainly one of the more practical signs of the zodiac, but loving the ground you seek to climb over is the answer for you this week. Why climb the mountain, dear goat, if you have a farm already at your hands?

Aquarius, Born 1/20-2/18:All of the energy of Taurus falls in your sector of home. Though you have the mind of a genius, without a home base, you are forever lost. 

Pisces, Born 2/19-3/20: All of the wonderful energy of Taurus falls in your sector of short travels, journeys, and writing. So, make good on it, and chatter away.

I’m Dan Beck, a spiritual consultant and astrologer based in New Orleans, LA, and I provide a variety of offerings for your spiritual longings. To continue this thread of text and spirit, click here.

Mourning the Seeds Who Won't Make It

From https://cannabistraininguniversity.com/cannabis-root-disease/

Moon Messages Week of April 9, 2018

Most astrology focuses on the Sun—Your Will and Purpose

But what about the Moon?

The Moon is the Embodiment of Communication, Emotion, and Spirit

The Goddess

Opposite God

What is the Moon’s Message to You?

That is the Will and Purpose of This Column

Published Every Monday, which means Moon Day

You’ve experienced the beginnings of spring with its violent burst towards brighter days, but with every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The moon wanes back towards her invisible state, a recapitulation in the declamatory, initiating sign of Aries, but asks that you, as with every moon cycle, discard what has outlived its time here and mourn the seeds who won’t succeed. You are asked to look back as you envision the future that is not quite upon you.

Aries, Born 3/21-4/19:  The moon is shifting through your house of friends, hopes, and wishes, and the house of dreams and self-undoing. Take some time to open up amongst your various social networks this week, repairing your ship, as you can’t always be firing away at the helm.

Taurus, Born 4/20-5/20: What isn’t working for you in your career? The answer to that question is the key to a new, earthly flowering in your public status you never dreamed possible.

Gemini, Born 5/21-6/20: The heavens are asking you to think a bit more seriously about your future, as the past has led you to this point. Looking back will give you a clue to the type of career direction you want to achieve down the road.

Cancer, Born 6/21-7/22: Some dark, carnal feelings about your social life may bubble up this week. Allow yourself to feel these emotions, as you are the most feeling sign, and let them guide you to some mystical new directions amongst a variety of friends and social networks.

Leo, Born 7/23-8/22: Your karmic future looks golden, as you are the royal sign of the zodiac, but you must take care to nurture yourself, your social networks, and your partnerships or you’ll find yourself a despot alone.

Virgo, Born 8/23-9/22: Work can kill you, dear Virgo, so take a hard look at what hasn’t worked for you in the past and make sure not to repeat it in the future. If you reach out and ask for help, you shall receive instead of giving.

Libra, Born 9/23-10/22: Though you’re used to the gifts coming to weigh upon your scales, what hasn’t worked in your romantic life in the past? Though you are an air sign, there is energy to release the past and light your love life on fire this week, but only if you step down from your judge’s perch.

Scorpio, Born 10/23-11/21: You may be feeling a lack of security this week, especially with regard to your home and family life. You do best to honor these past feelings and allow them to lovingly propel you into the future.

Sagittarius, Born 11/22-12/21: Though you are the knowledgeable believer of the zodiac, you may be reconsidering this week how your beliefs have misfired in the past, especially with regard to communicating amongst others. No matter, you’ll be able to start fresh with the new moon later in the week and with Mercury moving out of retrograde next week as well.

Capricorn, Born 12/22-1/19: Some past issues with money might come up this week. You may have to turn to siblings and family, but if you’re honest with what’s gone wrong, they will help.

Aquarius, Born 1/20-2/18: It’s about you, the past, and the future this week. How can you combine different states of time? Leave it to you, Aquarius, to envision a totally new paradigm, but only if you feel it into existence. 

Pisces, Born 2/19-3/20: You have to be careful, Pisces, that the past doesn’t undo you this week. Make sure to dot all the I’s and cross all the t’s, especially those that you may have missed, and you’ll make it through.

I’m Dan Beck, a spiritual consultant and astrologer based in New Orleans, LA, and I provide a variety of offerings for your spiritual longings. To continue this thread of text and spirit, click here.

Breaking Ahead, Still Held Back

From http://awitchsdaily.blogspot.com/

Most astrology focuses on the Sun—Your Will and Purpose

But what about the Moon?

The Moon is the Embodiment of Communication, Emotion, and Spirit

The Goddess

Opposite God

What is the Moon’s Message to You?

That is the Will and Purpose of This Column

Published Every Monday—Moon Day

This week, in a rare synchronicity, the sun’s character, having just shifted to the futuristic sign of Aquarius, matches the moon’s message, a waxing crescent that is struggling to break with the old to make way for the new. Specifically, you are beginning to feel and see the length of days expand from the darkest of the year to greater sunlight shed. This is all good news, but remember, though you feel aggressively jubilant about your prospects, and you should, where you want to be is not where you are now. You will have your personal revolution this spring, but for the moment, hold steady.  

Aries, Born 3/21-4/19: You’re really feeling the fire this week, Aries, as the moon is shifting through you and your sign. Remember that even though you are the masthead of the zodiac, a rugged individual who leads all others, enlisting the cooperation of others, especially those whom you find beautiful and diplomatic, will help you actualize the fire in your belly.

Taurus, Born 4/20-5/20: You’re feeling a little unsettled this week, a state the you, as the fixed, sitting, bull do not enjoy. Make sure to reach out to a friend or partner who can be a sounding board to shed some light on what’s upsetting you, and in turn, move forward at your own pace.

Gemini, Born 5/21-6/20: This week is a great time to start letting your ideas catch fire, especially amongst friends, larger social groups, and organizations. If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, did it fall? Your ideas want to be freed, so make a wish, and let those around you do the rest.

Cancer, Born 6/21-7/22: There’s a lot of emphasis on your relationships and partnerships right now, but make sure to take care of your own career and public recognition. You’re great at nurturing and holding onto others, but hold onto the emotions that will carry you far, and reach out to those specific people who can help to this end. You’ll be surprised at the audience you can court.

Leo, Born 7/23-8/22:  You’re thinking about the future more than usual this week, a dragon breathing fire. But remember, slow and steady wins the race, and creating the ideal blend of elements, and dispensing with the difficult elements that aren’t serving you is the way you truly get to the future you desire.

Virgo, Born 8/23-9/22: This is an emotional week for you, Virgo, especially with regard to work, the area of your life which you value the most. Understand that the pain you are experiencing now, unclear and tempestuous, will lead to better results later.

Libra, Born 9/23-10/22: This is an interesting week for you, Libra, as you’re thinking much more about what you’re creating as opposed to curating that which comes before you. This applies to sexuality, relationships, work, and creativity. Though you are the blind judge, you are a creator too. Search your feelings and let them be your guide, a departure from the airy, thoughtful being that you are.

Scorpio, Born 10/23-11/21: This could potentially be a great week for you, Scorpio, as your deeply instinctual feelings, if you act on them in a healthy manner, can take you far with regard to knowledge, travel, career, and new social networks. The trick is to manage these instincts so  you don’t feel the urge to sting.

Sagittarius, Born 11/22-12/21: You might be feeling a little deflated this week, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s a lot of energy for you to put some sensible checks on your finances, and even your deepest values and beliefs, so that when you do press onward, as the Centaur and archer, you can ride more easily to glory.

Capricorn, Born 12/22-1/19: There’s extra emphasis on your career this week, which is a perennial and sometimes self-sabotaging emphasis. You can’t always make it to the top alone, even if the others who help you are acquaintances along the way.

Aquarius, Born 1/20-2/18: This is quite a curious week for you, but you are the unique one of the zodiac. There’s part of you that is perpetually living in the future, yet your hidden emotional and dream world holds you back. Remember that moving forward is at once a process of negotiating with the past as you move forward. Keeping this in your extraordinary mind will help you truly move forward on your own terms.

Pisces, Born 2/19-3/20: Hang on for the ride; what is usually dreamy, formless, and fluid breaks into new life for you, Pisces. Who would have thought that your dream world could become a reality?

I’m Dan Beck, an astrologer and writer based in New Orleans, LA. To discuss the themes I wrote about above, and make them happen here below, book a session with me, today.

A New Moon, A New Year

Celebrating the Vietnamese Lunar New Year with the Dragon at Boomtown Casino in Harvey, LA

Most astrology focuses on the Sun—Your Will and Purpose

But what about the Moon?

The Moon is the Embodiment of Communication, Emotion, and Spirit

The Goddess

Opposite God

What is the Moon’s Message to You?

That is the Will and Purpose of This Column

Published Every Monday—Moon Day

This week is really the beginning of 2018. After coming down from the massive Super Moon at the beginning of this year, this new moon in the serious sign of Capricorn, along with five other planetary bodies, signals a year of structure-seeking, slow, and steady success. Down the street from me, there is a Vietnamese Lunar New Year’s celebration happening, ringing in the year of the Dog. The Dog is quite different from the Goat, less serious and more fun-loving, and that is the Dog’s fall in Vietnamese folklore. But the combination of the two will yield massive success for you in 2018, a care free attitude combined with sober planning, execution, and discipline. Today is also the birthday of Martin Luther King, the greatest leader to come from the United States. I was fortunate enough to hear Coretta Scott King speak at my alma mater, New England Conservatory, as I played for the commencement ceremonies my junior year. She spoke of her courtship with her husband, feeling blessed that they were called to Montgomery, Alabama, to protest in the bus boycott, and hoped that speaking at New England Conservatory would inspire her to get back into singing. She was a beautiful, self-possessed, earthly Taurus, the best manifestation of that sign and spirit, and her husband, Martin Luther King, was Capricorn, the greatest expression of ambition and success.  

Aries: 2018 could shape up to be a huge year for your career, but you must pace yourself. Place reasonable checks on your hard-driving nature, and the stars will take care of the rest.

Taurus: 2018 can be the year where you rise above the pleasures of the earth which you hold so dear. The roots that hold you in place have the ability to transport you to the heavens, and other realms of travel and knowing, if you’d only climb the beanstalk.

Gemini: 2018 will be the year where you dive into the deep, dark recesses of your soul, and make great gains. Integrating and placing structure around the rejected parts of your psyche, not your preferred domain, will prevent you from flying too high in the sky and being burned by the sun.

Cancer: 2018 will put an inordinate amount of emphasis on other individuals, relationships, and partnerships of all kinds. But remember who you are, Cancer, and never forget that love and home are the domains where you triumph.

Leo: 2018 will be the year where you put your warmth and creativity to work for you, but not without some balancing and adjusting. You succeed when you nurture yourself, the sculptor and objet d’art, working in tandem, a singular act of love and creation.

Virgo: 2018 is the year where you can truly do what you love and love what you do. Work and service are your hallmarks, but they won’t be mutually exclusive from what you love doing, and in turn, your own personal success.

Libra: 2018 will be the year of your family and home base. You’re so used to juggling and judging that which the universe throws at you that you lose the anchor of your home. No matter, as you’ll have it this year, as long as you make the necessary judgments with regard to people, places, and things that don’t nurture your home base.

Scorpio: 2018 will be the year of communication, short trips, and siblings. These aren’t necessarily the natural fields in which you play, but place some structure around these areas in your life and see how a little light-hearted, playful communication can lift you up.

Sagittarius: 2018 can be a great year for you, if you harness your fire. Remember, Apollo drove Helios’ sun, and the next sign over, Capricorn, asks you to put the reigns on your exuberance and optimism. Cautious optimism is always better than unbridled optimism.

Capricorn: 2018 and the next several years really are your years with so much planetary activity in your sign. Appreciate and be grateful for the gifts, but don’t let it get to your head, as your ambitious, success-seeking nature can do.

Aquarius: 2018 will be a year, ironically, about the past. Dredging up past karma and shedding light on the unconscious motivations that drive your present will lead you to the future visions you hold so dear.

Pisces: 2018 will be a year for succeeding, but in an unconventional way. If you get yourself organized, you will have much success with friends, larger social organizations, and even the wishes you dare to make, but only if you find some suitable, structured channels in which to swim, as a lone fish and with your school.

I’m Dan Beck, an astrologer and writer based in New Orleans, LA. To personally explore the Moon’s Messages and other spiritual themes, book an Inner Makeup session by calling 504-313-8706 or e-mailing dan@innermakeup.net.

A Crisis Most Welcome

Image from fullmoonphases.com

Most astrology focuses on the Sun—Your Will and Purpose

But what about the Moon?

The Moon is the Embodiment of Communication, Emotion, and Spirit

The Goddess

Opposite God

What is the Moon’s Message to You?

That is the Will and Purpose of This Column

Published Every Monday—Moon Day

This week is destined to be anticlimactic as the moon is coming down from her massive, full, super culmination, the largest of the year. Yet that doesn’t mean this week will be uneventful, as the moon suggests you revisit, through a potential crisis of consciousness midweek, that which needs to be shed in order to make room for a fresh start in the form of the new moon next week. Then you will really get looking to your future, and your north star.

Aries: Not necessarily known for your ability to make dramatic change, invest in that type of energy this week, and dispense with everything that is uncritical. Your proverbial masthead can’t afford the extra weight.

Taurus: Content to let the seekers come your way by evidence of your enviable largesse, you’ll want to reevaluate the relationships in your life this week, and make necessary adjustments by dispensing with the bottom feeders.

Gemini: Even though this could be a treacherous week for you regarding your love life and creative world, your crisis is actually your wrong turn gone right. You’ll be surprised by the partnerships that can emerge if you just get out of your head a bit and open up to them.

Cancer: Though holding on is your MO, you're going to want to make some hard changes, especially in the realm of your family life. This opens you up to the creative space in which you’ve been wanting to relish.

Leo: Ever the golden child, this week may throw you off a bit. However, take a chance to express how you feel, good and bad, and be surprised by how far your lion’s heart can take you.

Virgo: If you’re having money troubles, or even troubles around what you value with regard to your time and money, let those feelings come to the fore. They’re probably truer than you think, and will be the key to you making positive change in your financial and “time spent” world.

Libra: This could be an usually moody week for you, even though you like to keep your head above the fray. Emotions and passions matter, though, and listen to what your shadow self has been dying to tell you, and then act on it.

Scorpio: This week is in your wheelhouse, Scorpio, as it is dark and prepping for sudden change. Don’t go overboard, though, as your love of stinging is perennially your undoing.

Sagittarius: This week could be especially difficult for you, Sagittarius, as you are ever the optimist. However, it can’t always be seashells and balloons, and a little bit of contraction will do you good.

Capricorn: This week is a homestretch for you, as the moon wanes towards new in you, Capricorn. There is much Capricornian energy in the air as of late, so continue with your plodding ways, brick by brick, and nobody can stop you.

Aquarius: You may enjoy a little bit of the chaos this week as long as you keep your rigid, futuristic wits about yourself. Believe it or not, what’s happening in the present can be just as instructive as what you know will happen in the future.

Pisces: If you act on your never ending supply of dreams, magic, your forte, will happen. But you must put the structure in place to harness the magic or else, as magic usually does, it disappears.

I’m Dan Beck, a writer and astrologer based in New Orleans, LA, where I work live and work out of a former Masonic Temple. To discuss the themes written above, and more, book a session by calling 504-313-8706 or e-mailing dan@innermakeup.net.

The New Darkness of Jupiter

Gustav Holst's Jupiter from The Planets

Hip, Hip, Hooray! Jupiter, the planet of optimism, expansion, knowledge, and luck, has moved into…Scorpio. At first glance, this seems like odd territory for such a grandiose, buoyant planet to find itself, Scorpio being the sign of darkness, sexuality, death, power, and intuition, but I’m optimistic for Jupiter’s transit through the sign of Scorpio this coming year.

Signs are how things happen, coloring planets and points, so Jupiter entering the sign of Scorpio means this usually upbeat, glass half full, largest planet will take on a darker, more intuitive, controlling, secretive demeanor over the next year. What does this mean for you? Scorpio is ruled by the planets Mars and Pluto, power planets that control war, physicality, and all aggressive action; and, the secretive, unseen, crystalline underworld dimensions, respectively. Jupiter always encourages you, gleefully, to expand, learn, and gallop forward, but this year, Jupiter being in Scorpio will demand, viscerally, that you make the hard, necessary changes required for you to truly rise. This is the terrain, to use Freudian language, of the Id. What is your body demanding of you that you’re not giving it? Denying your body and mind what it wants creates cognitive dissonance with the other parts of your psyche. Not all desires and wants should be acted upon, but they must be at the minimum considered, acknowledged, and dealt with to relieve tension. Acknowledging this darker, hidden part of yourself will allow your deepest, truest desires to emerge and subsequently to be grappled with. In fact, though these desires might be necessarily rejected by the ego after years of conditioning maintained through the superego, to use more Freudian language, they are in fact screaming out for love.

One of the most moving images recently to come through our computers is the image of Pluto’s broken heart, the modern ruler of Scorpio. All Pluto asks is that you deal with the depths of your soul and make the hard, necessary changes that need to be made to live the life you truly want, the big, expansive, Jupiterian life. But all too often you discard these instinctual feelings to do “the right thing” or what you think you “should be doing.”

Pluto's moving broken heart.

Fear not! Jupiter is here for the next year, and matters that are traditionally the harsh terrain of Scorpio, namely sex, death, inheritance, other people’s money and motivations, and investments, will be much easier this coming year if you heed the lesson of Jupiter and have a positive mindset, all while keeping the aggressive and controlling energy of Scorpio in mind and in check. What does this mean throughout the signs? Read on below.

Aries: This is an extremely powerful transit for you, as Jupiter will be transiting through your sector ruling sex, other people’s money, and transformations. As an already physical sign, being the ram, you might be so exuberant that you run yourself into the ground, one of your natural inclinations as an Aries. But Jupiter transiting through your eighth house, the natural house of Scorpio, asks you to stop and think about your pulsing, physical undulations and where they are perpetually leading you, but, ponder where you really, truly, deeply want to go and not simply act on physical impulse.

Taurus: Jupiter moving into Scorpio is a great chance for you to put your earthly, Taurean pleasures and gifts towards relations with partners, whether in business or marriage, and even adversaries. Taurus, you are gifted with the roots and flowers of the earth, and are often content within yourself. While this can be good, too much solipsism will drop the value of your possessions and materials, so put your value to work in relation to others and see yourself expand greatly.

Gemini: This is interesting, as it usually is with you, curious, communicative Gemini. All about flying and ideas, Jupiter in Scorpio in your work and service area this year asks you to apply, somewhat more soberly, all your flighty machinations. This may take some discipline, but your work will pay off dearly.

Cancer: Usually content to emote and feel from within, Jupiter asks you to express and dramatize your gifts of feeling and emotion this year. You don’t have to give up your self-protection and care, but if you’re being honest, you do want others to hear your song, and they want to hear it too, so invite them into your fold.

Leo: Usually you are the great, warm, dramatist, but Jupiter asks you to devote some more time at home this year and with family. Without a home base, all your creative, golden, warmth won’t mean as much if you don’t take care of your family and home sector of your chart. Plus, you have a big heart anyways, so give it to those who matter most.

Virgo: Heady Virgo, you can drop the analysis and burdens this year. You needn’t worry, rather put all that you’ve reaped, analyzed, and organized into action through commerce and communication. Open yourself up to where the work you slave over could take you, and Jupiter will help get you there, but you need to watch your martyrdom complex if you desire to expand and grow.

Libra: Jupiter just left your sign, but this is not a bad thing. The past year has been about making judgments and balancing the fruits that have come your way. Now the chips are down, and it’s time to possess that which you truly value and take only what’s necessarily. You’ll find it’s all you ever wanted in the first place instead of endlessly deliberating over what you think you may want.

Scorpio: Bam! This is a very powerful year for you, not unlike Aries, with whom you share a rulership in Mars. As harnessing and controlling your power is a perpetual issue for you, Jupiter can help, ironically, tame you, as you step into your power in more expansive, joyous modalities. It doesn’t all have to be darkness, doom, and gloom.

Sagittarius: One might be tempted to say that Jupiter in your house of dreams and the unconscious plane is a bad thing, but this may be an area for you that is yet untapped. Your ruler is Jupiter, and your MO is to know and seek, so allowing some unexpected unknowns to fortuitously appear will do you well. In other words, joyously embrace the mystery!

Capricorn: Jupiter moves through your house of friends, hopes, wishes, and larger groups. Here is a chance for you to get outside of your self-oriented, success driven nature and get out amongst the multitudes. It can’t be all work and no play, and you’ll be surprised how your new social networks and friends in fact drive and help your career from unexpected places.

Aquarius: While your futuristic visions are the necessary idealism we all in the greater society require, you do well during Jupiter’s visit to your area of career and public recognition to work on yourself and a more conservative path forward, a slow ascent to greater success rather than relying on the visions that live with your head in the clouds.

Pisces: Jupiter is your original ancient ruler, but this coming year, Jupiter visits your area of learning, knowledge, and travel. Usually content to live in your watery, dreamy, formless world, try to attain some hard knowledge with Jupiter this time around. Take a class, write, and/or go on an educational expedition rather than relying on more esoteric forms of knowing that are your natural realms.

Dan is a spiritual consultant, astrologer, and writer based out of New Orleans, LA. To explore the themes expressed above in your own spirit, and more, book an appointment by writing to dan@innermakeup.net or calling 504-313-8706.

Mother | Daughter = Taurus | Pisces

Photography and makeup by Inner Makeup

The relationship between mother and daughter is fraught with beauty and complication. Such is the case for Leslie and Juli, mother and daughter, Taurus and Pisces. Taurus is the ultimate mother: strong, earthly, and possessive. She loves acquisitions and will hold onto them at all costs. Possessing, and that is the key word with Taurus, formidable strength and power, the bull is not to be trifled with. Yet, Pisces is a confounding creature for Taurus. She loves Pisces’ whimsical, dreamy, magical nature, yet can never quite place her under her thumb. It is also frustrating for Taurus that Pisces, so fluid and unimpeachable, seems to be the source of her strength and power. Pisces being a water sign rules the depths of the oceanic dream netherworlds that create, shape, and transform life from its most infantile beginnings through its stormy demise. Therefore, Taurus is simultaneously bemused by Pisces and angered as well.

Mother and daughter is the ultimate relationship. The most fundamental, basic biological building block of life, namely a harkening back to watery, asexual, feminine replication and reproduction. For a Taurus to yield a Pisces daughter is for a mother to yield to her very own historic nature and submit to the eternal, timeless, watery depths from which she sprang forth. Their relationship exists outside of time and is time itself. Inextricably linked and bound to each other, Taurus and Pisces will persist because they transcend the usual boundaries of space in time.

To understand the spirituality and astrology of your life and relationships book your appointment at dan@innermakeup.net or call 203-889-8328.

Amber Or Johnny?

Whom do you believe? Johnny or Amber? It’s a tough position to be in. Amber Heard has just leveled serious, career-threatening allegations at Johnny Depp including accusations and photographic evidence of physical and verbal abuse. Johnny Depp has responded by launching a bunch of surrogates to claim Amber is shaking him down. What are you to do? Don’t believe either. Believe in their astrology.

Johnny Depp is a classic Gemini. Geminis are the outsiders, the airy twins who were the first humans to live outside of the Garden of Eden. Gemini represents a glibness and flightiness associated with the child-like beckoning of the early months of summer. We see this in Johnny Depp. He seems never to have grown up. He plays fantasy parts in his major movie franchises, has always maintained a hard-partying, violent, rock lifestyle, and even as these serious accusations are being leveled against him, he’s off playing concerts in Europe. What gives? Amber is a Taurus.

This is some classic s%^t. Taurus is Eve. She is possessive, earthly, and the materials of the world come easily to her. She’s also eats from the forbidden fruit and offers it up to Adam, commencing her fall from grace. Is Amber Johnny’s foil? Probably. She is also a mother figure he is trying to reclaim as his mother had been ill and recently passed away. It’s Oedipal and Biblical, Johnny trying to get with Taurus (Eve), his mother, and also attempting to get back into paradise. Even though Gemini has all of the airy, creative power, Taurus maintains the upper hand with her earthly prowess.

But as we know, once man falls from grace he is never allowed back in. Paradise has already been lost. Johnny already was fallen, being the outsider for most of his life. Perhaps this explains his obsessive need for love, fame, and self-medication. Unfortunately for him, loneliness is the fate bestowed upon those lost. Trying to find one’s way back to his mother will only result in his and her destruction, wandering blindly as Oedipus did. Strangely, Gemini still maintains a glib attitude about all of this, having never known the bliss of paradise.

As for Amber, she may yet live to see another day, withstanding the pains God bestows upon Eve. Taurus, being an enduring, materially replete earth sign, may get the windfall she covets. Only at the expense and the fall of herself, and her child, or twins, in Johnny. 

To better understand your personal astrology and spirituality, contact us for a reading at 203-889-8328 or dan@innermakeup.net

Your Crazy, Magical Week