Full Moon in Bed

Original Link from Elephant Journal

I awoke blissfully broken. Over the weekend the moon screamed but now finds herself waning in the mansion Purva Phalguni, the former reddish one. This Nakshatra symbolizes a bed where rest and relaxation reside, but as I surfaced, I found anger and frustration, the red fire raging and warning. This Nakshatra bestows abundance and marital happiness that leads to solipsism. Western astrology would say today’s moon indicates an emotional need to purge. East meets West, pleasure and purity merge. As the moon declines over the next couple weeks, empty yourself, make time for reasonable comforts, and remember that the moon symbolizes moodiness, but the Chinese hold that the moon creates order. 

Dawning of the Age of Aquarius or the Month Ahead

Original Link from http://adrienneelise.com/

Welcome to the Age of Aquarius, or rather a glimpse into it for the next month. Signs are seasons i.e. Aries is the break from winter and the ramming into spring; Libra is the beautiful placidity of autumn preceding the descent into winter, etc. But Aquarius is about the future. In astrology it’s debated when the Age of Aquarius started, but I believe it started not when that famous song heralded the dawning of the New Age with Jupiter in the 8th house but rather with Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. The ability to read was not anymore reserved for a privileged few but was to be enjoyed and utilized by the masses. Language and all of its efficient advantages presaged the even faster modes of telecommunications we experience today. We can soon expect even faster forms of communication and travel in the future, perhaps a future closer than we can perceive at present. 

But what does this mean for you, the most critical question, as astrology is ultimately about the you the individual and I the astrologer. It means things are not about the now, or rather the now is about the future. The will and force that desires the future now is really about the structures that allow stability and continuity to process into the days ahead. In astrology one technique projects the future as one day equaling a year. What will your days look like? This can give you a glimpse into the future as the groundwork you lay in 2020 will culminate by the end of the year into the most powerful form of your future. A phenomenon called the grand conjunction will occur in the sign of Aquarius which historically heralds the rise of a new monarch. How will you rise? Look at your individual days and this will yield a clue. Choose wisely your moments, as minutes turn into hours turn into days turn into months turn into years turn into decades, and so on. This is linear thinking, but thinking vertically or emphasizing single moments will indicate what your daily reality will look like in the years to come. How will you experience yourself at present, realizing past present and future are one and the same. 

Aries: March 21 - April 19 

You’re being called in a spiritual direction. Where you’re being called from is mysterious, however. You will be moved to sacrifice yourself in some way. You face two directions—one passed and one yet come to pass. You let part of yourself die so that you may be reborn.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

Subconscious drives roiling deep beneath the surface of your mind are erupting. These take the form of spiritual beliefs and manifest amongst your milieu. Paradoxically these emotions are both aggressive and confusing. From this fluid and fiery process you gain a new religion that has you juggling the possibilities of the future while granting you the stability required to turn belief into knowledge. 

Gemini: May 21- June 20

You’re interested in how technology can further the future of religion. You say why does religion have to be about the old and not the new? The insight here is that such thoughts are not the present. There will be battles around your endeavor to change existing dogma. Keep your head in the future while staying in the present lest you get sidetracked by the skirmishes in the present. 

Cancer: June 21 - July 22 

You feel so spiritually inclined and in touch with your coworkers that you can’t understand why a fellow employee insists upon attacking your esoteric mood. You do best to follow your feelings and let this battle go, leaning upon those people who do understand your current disposition. However, beware of letting your newfound freedom lead you down the path of self-sacrifice in the effort to keep the peace and maintain your sanctity.

Leo: July 23 - August 22

Recreational sex and deep, penetrating sex are two different states of being. You’re driven to the former but ironically find sweet salvation in the latter. Ironically you find this in your daily goings on, not in a higher minded love affair. When you submit to this simple realization, your transform. 

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

Your daily work and the conditions that surround it may not be to your exacting standards but remember it is a process of getting your labor space in order. You end up experiencing some loss as you creatively construct an environment that will serve you in the future. A surprise change in your philosophy of living aids you in this effort. 

Libra: September 23 - October 22

You find love amongst your coworkers, but don’t be so moved by this situation that you lose your bearings. This manifests particularly at home. As long as you stay rooted in your dwelling, you bounce along in your daily affairs while managing the challenges in your abode.   

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 

You’re driven to act on a money matter right now, but this will leave you enslaved. Love is where it’s at. Release yourself to your most wild, decadent visions of romance. Instead of focusing on the materiality of money you instead transcend reality and find yourself freed. Otherwise you will descend into a hellish realm. 

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

You act impulsively on a risky, creative endeavor. This has you shooting from the hip and missing your mark. Step back and find your grounding. Stay rooted and without tension and you’ll hit where you’re aiming. 

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

Instead of working on your house, get out of the house! You have a chance for a sweet, wine-induced love affair with a neighbor. That person has been looking good as of late, and there’s nothing stopping you. Though you can be the most structured of all the signs, letting go for a bit will do you some good. It’s even better that the tryst happens right around the corner. 

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

Happy birthday! This year you are especially Aquarian, meaning you are futuristic, visionary, and not a little bit stubborn. But your values shift. You become more fluid, mystical, and loving. This will come as a surprise to you, but when you accept this change you will find it easily brings you the hidden treasure you’ve been seeking. 

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

There has been a lot of intense career activity for you over the past month. You do best when you practically juggle and spiritually accept your normative, fluid state of mind. There’s somebody who’s looking for a fight at work, but steering clear of this will help you truly advance your career. 

Thanks for reading. I’m Dan Beck, #1 Astrologer in New Orleans. Contact me for readings, parties, events, corporate trainings and more at dan@innermakeup.net or by calling 504-313-8706. This article was originally published in Ambush Magazine and has been edited for formatting purposes.

First Horoscopes in 2020

Original Link: https://tinyurl.com/slgldsf

Once upon a time, humans engaged with the possibilities of the future through omens, prophecies, and oracles. The art of astrology evolved out of these practices and now emphasizes your moment of birth, the celestial reflection of who you are. This combination of your birth chart and the usage of that document to divine the past, present, and 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!

 

The most important astrological events of the beginning of 2020 are the lunar eclipse and the coming together of Saturn and Pluto. They don’t literally bump into each other in space but do appear next to each other from the vantage point of earth, although Pluto is not visible. Saturn is the Roman equivalent of Chronos, father time, and Pluto is the equivalent of the Greek God Hades, Lord of the Underworld. Around two millennia ago the concepts of the Gods became embodied in the planets, a move that formalized spirit into planetary form. Now we view the movements of the stars and planetary bodies as a clock through which we can understand ourselves in relation to the universe. 

But what specifically can these astronomical phenomena tell us about ourselves and the events yet to come? I believe it is the heralding of the death of cold, calculating ambition in favor of the structures that truly serve ourselves and each other. Too often are ambition and success treated as God. This eclipse and Saturn and Pluto coming together indicate the letting go of that striving part of ourselves while maintaining the security that ambition and structure grant. Family and friends are where we make karmic gains giving further credence to the old saying, “it’s lonely on top.” 

There are more images than ever flooding the screens before us, appropriating true human connection that gives deep gratification. These images are blinding and chaotic but lead us, if we are attuned, to the reality that why each of us is trying to triumph is because deep down we seek love. 

Aries: March 21 - April 19 

You take up arms for your beliefs this year. Understand these ideas take on a rebellious nature. You will probably engage in some battles. Choose your fights wisely, and make sure you enlist a mentor who has learned to tame his demons in the service of wisdom worth fighting for. 

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

You have a stupendous social year this year. You attend many social gatherings where the food and drink are excellent. However, this can only happen if you don’t think too conservatively about yourself. Getting out and having fun might not seem important but in fact it is the key to your success.

Gemini: May 21- June 20

The structuring of your investments come to the fore this year. Some of the conservative moves you have made will do you well, but others will topple. You will need to discern which is which. The way to go is to see this as a juggling act with long term rewards and value what gives you psychic relief above all else. 

Cancer: June 21 - July 22

I’ve been writing about this for a while but the karmic gains you’ve hopefully made come to a culmination through this eclipse. You will feel the effects of this through the first half of the year. This has to do with you personally. Relationship wise you’re due for some change, and when you open your mind to balancing relationship and self, you achieve more than you thought possible. 

Leo: July 23 - August 22

Your daily life has taken on a very ambitious tone in recent months. You have a lot of pots on the stove and have big plans. But how do you feel about all of this? If you don’t process your emotions and protect yourself, it will be your undoing. 

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

Ever the worker bee, you have been loving your work more recently. You are also very determined to succeed creatively. However you truly make gains amongst the friends and social networks that nourish you. There you can really confide in others your hopes and wishes and allow spirit to help make them come true. 

Libra: September 23 - October 22

This year, like Taurus, you also have a great social life. However there is a subtle difference. You bring some insights that you’ve gained recently to the larger group. Ultimately the lessons you learn individually are best expressed to a wider group. Otherwise, that wisdom exists in a vacuum. And because you’re Libra, it is your will to relate to others.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 

Your pocketbook grows this year, but only if you take some calculated risks. Lean on a wise mentor who took some risks and at some point and suffered the slings and arrows. You’ll be able to avoid those same mistakes but make great gains in the process. You’ll also be put in a position to give back some of the wealth you’ll accrue.

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

You’re on fire this year, even more so than usual. Watch out that you don’t burn yourself out. Your mind and body are in a compulsively aggressive state. A good way to burn off this energy, and make psychic gains, is in the bedroom. 

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

More than any sign, you’re the planetary star of the zodiac this year. With so much emphasis on yourself, you’ll need to rely on a relationship or partnership to nourish you emotionally. Too much focus on the self will have you crippled. You make gains when you put yourself in a state of mind of letting things go that you can’t control. 

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

This started last month, but you have gotten into a loving mood. This is wonderful. The trick is to put this energy into your daily life. It can be hard to see, but how do the daily pleasures in life bring you love? When you open up to this, you value the things that matter more than the sheer brute force of materiality. 

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

This eclipse screams romance for you. Though your emphasis in the coming year will be on friends, you have to make sure romance and creative expression don’t get washed out. In fact it’s being washed away that will lead you to a mad romance that will do you well. Just make sure to protect yourself along the way.

Thanks for reading. I’m Dan Beck, #1 Astrologer in New Orleans. Contact me for readings, parties, events, corporate trainings and more at dan@innermakeup.net or by calling 504-313-8706. Visit http://www.innermakeup.net

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!

Horoscopes Headed for Halloween

https://tinyurl.com/y23utz8r

Originally printed in Ambush Magazine.

If you just want to read your horoscope, skip this paragraph. But I encourage you to pause and consider the nature of astrology. Astrology was originally understood as omens, prophecies, and oracles. Whenever you go to a psychic, tarot reader, or an 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!

If you thought things were intense the last couple of weeks, just wait for the next two. We’re headed down the pike towards Halloween and things will be uncharacteristically deep and dark. Other cultures had healthier ways of dealing with daemons, or spirits. The Greeks had Oracles, the Mexicans still have Día de Los Muertos, and hell, my Jewish ancestors in Egypt put lamb’s blood on their doors to keep out the angel of death. 

In Western society, however, the Gods have been beaten back by religion and science. This only intensifies them, as without acknowledging the Gods, they show up as addictions, delusions, neuroses, and obsessive tendencies. I’ve written over the past several issues that there is the possibility of things going astray around these next few weeks. The phrase “getting in bed” takes on a literal and figurative meaning. Shared resources and transformative, carnal sexuality are one and the same. What are the subconscious motivations that govern your actions? What drives you to one another in business, pain, pleasure or some combination of all of the above? These are the challenging questions that will be explored.

This Halloween Night, Mercury will station in the sky, meaning it will appear to stop in its apparent motion before moving retrograde. Mercury, the Sun, and Venus all occupy the sign of Scorpio and take on the energy of this most shrouded, mysterious sign. Whatever happens during the next couple weeks, it will leave you reeling through the beginning of December, and you’ll have to retrace and review your steps through Mercury Retrograde. You’ve laid the groundwork for the dark knight of your soul to emerge. There is extraordinary treasure to be gained from this. But ask yourself, what is the cost of paying the ferryman two coins to go to the underworld?

Aries

March 21 – April 19 

A partner of yours is being uncharacteristically combative, and this catches you off guard. You’re even more surprised by your lack of response. This partner is looking for the fight you’d normally be willing to give, but your peaceful demeanour is beneficial in the end. There’s an old saying that “you’re never angry about what you say you’re angry about” meaning this is a subconscious lashing out from this partner. It’s probably about money, so once the dust settles, you’ll be ready to have the real conversation. 

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

You’re obsessed with your home right now, and so is your partner. You have an emotional need to create a space that serves you and are willing to use manipulative tactics to get what you want. Your partner is feeling similarly. The best approach is to have an honest, straightforward conversation about what it is you both really want and even if that talk is difficult, it will be far better than passive aggressive attacks. 

Gemini

May 21 – June 20 

Your communicative powers which are already considerable take on a magnetic tone. Using this style of speech, one that has intensity as opposed to one that is light and glib, opens up some opportunities for you financially. You must understand, however, that when such a door is opened, be willing to listen to the ones who walk in. This experience will transform your beliefs for the better and leave you in an elevated state of mind.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

You’re having some obsessive feelings about your money and someone may be engaging in some form of manipulation around your resources. A good strategy is to let those feelings go and wait and see what is around the corner. Set the clock for a couple of weeks. Most things are revealed in good time if you let them. 

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You’re using your charm and charisma to manipulate. While a little bit of this can be helpful when calibrated appropriately, you will end up being played in the end if you continue down this path. One way or another the heavens have you scheduled for a correction. It’s up to you whether you want to learn this lesson the easy way or the hard way. Learning to listen a bit as opposed to always clamoring for attention is where you find a nice sweet spot. 

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Things have been going well for you on the home front, perhaps the best in years. That will likely change in a few weeks. It’s not that things will get worse, per se, it’s just that the good fortune you’ve had thus far will turn into envisioning what is possible for the future. This will require some work, but rejoice in the fact that you’re starting from a good place.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

You’re feeling out of balance, and an uncharacteristically aggressive nature emerges. This coupled with your traditional lack of ego squares off in an internal battle. Face these demons, as this is necessary. The strife lets up around Thanksgiving and the struggle will have left you with a newfound sense of power you didn’t know you had. 

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21 

Finding balance is not your forte as your passions run far beneath the surface. The last couple of weeks, love has been on your mind in a deep way. While this will pass come early November, you’ll be forced to reconsider the roots of your feelings. You’re good at getting to the bottom of things with others, but this time around you’ll be required to turn your considerable powers of investigation inward. There is great treasure to be gained here. 

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

You’re the explorer and philosopher of the zodiac and one of the most successful. As the season around Halloween is when the spirits spring forth, you’ll be tempted to use your spiritual powers for darker purposes. Actually, this is not altogether a bad thing. You usually have such high-minded ideals for yourself and everyone else that stepping to the bad side will do you some good.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Your career has been in overdrive this past month and you’ve suspended your ego to make the gains you so desire. There is a desperation here. You benefit more from working your social networks and investigating what is going on behind the scenes rather than partnering with those directly involved in your work. Be the influencer as opposed to the celebrity. 

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You have a window from now until December to work your social networks for the better. You might be overshadowed by some with whom you encounter, but you make great gains through those connections. This will be a challenge for your scientific and individualistically oriented mind. But expanding your reach far and wide will yield more than focusing on the existing resources you share with others.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

There is a coworker who is manipulating you. Sadly, this person is acting like a maternal figure. This coworker is jealous of the success you’ve been having. Don’t worry about letting this relationship go as you don’t need the false sense of security this person is offering. By Halloween, this person will become undone, hopefully learning the lesson that using dark magic is to one’s own detriment.  

Are You Stressed?

Original: https://themindseteffect.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/stress-cartoon.jpg

I got asked which astrology signs are most prone to stress. Obviously all human beings get stressed, but three signs stuck out to me.

1. Virgo: Virgos might lay claim to being the most stressed. The perfectionists of the zodiac, Virgos have a tendency to rely on analysis and logic and in turn become paralyzed by their thinking. Virgos do much better taking action rather than responding to situations with the mind. They surprise themselves by how well things go when they get out of their heads!

2. Scorpio: Scorpios are the most intense, passionate creatures of the zodiac. Carnally drawn to others, Scorpios get in deep with all relationships and become obsessed. This is a problem because they can't let go. The solution is to be frank about the underlying motivations of partnerships and relationships. Clarifying hidden agendas allows the Scorpion to truly take control. 

3. Aries: Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and the rams are always the first to lead the pack. Viscerally athletic, they are prone to injury and burnout because they don't pace themselves, and this can lead to stress and melancholy. They key is taking time to rest and repair. 

Zodiac signs are prone to stress due to what the Ionian philosopher, Heraclitus, observed: character is destiny. Your character is largely defined by your sun sign. The sun powers everything but can burn you as well. So who we are invariably leads us to certain life situations. However, destiny is always negotiable so who we are is not a rubber stamp on life outcomes. 

Is the amateur just as good as the pro?

I competed in the Astrological Association of Britain’s Costume Contest, Lead into Gold. Photo by Maurice Fernandez.

I competed in the Astrological Association of Britain’s Costume Contest, Lead into Gold. Photo by Maurice Fernandez.

I recently attended the Astrological Association of Great Britain’s annual conference. What surprised me was profiting from interactions with the delegates just as much as the speakers. While there were wonderful speakers, connecting with everyday people who practice astrology nourished and encouraged my own astrological pursuits. The delegates were inspiring, original, and extra ordinary, being both exceptional and ordinary. This provoked a thought on my part. Are those who practice astrology with “less” knowledge equal to the erudite astrologers? Yes, and this is empirically true. In the book Moment of Astrology a study is cited where “less experienced astrologers did just as well as their more experienced counterparts.” (61). This is not to impugn professional astrologers but it does hold that you, dear reader, who may have less experience in the art of astrology can perform just as well as the pros. Every time you engage in astrology you have the chance for insight and revelation. I spoke about this last winter at Academie Gnostique. So whether you’re a practicing astrologer like myself or someone who is less experienced in the most divine of all arts, remember that even at a professional astrology conference where the best in the world gather it’s been proven that you’re just as good. I certainly learned as much. 

Start Learning Astrology with Issie's Book

Words from Issie:

We can change by changing our attitudes and patterns of behavior. In so doing, we change our destiny.

Isabel Hickey was a prominent 20th Century astrologer who passed away in the early 80s, right around the time I was born. I once met a man in Cambridge who said he had taken a class with her and that she was considered “controversial.” That made me like her! I get asked often “which book should I buy to start learning astrology?” and I never hesitate to recommend hers. Purchase it at the link below.

Avoid the Valentines Day Rush; Come to My Lecture about Astrology, Love, Sex, and Romance

If you’re dreading chocolate fondue, come really get something out of Valentines Day evening. I’ll be lecturing on what astrology has to say about sex, love, and romance which involves almost a third of your chart. No prior astrology knowledge is required but you should at least know your sun sign. Here’s the link where you can sign up. See you there! Best, Dan

Purchase Valentines Day Astrology Gift

Venus’ path around the sun that forms Pentagram. From Arielle Guttman’s website. She has pioneered an extraordinary reinterpretation of Venus.

Valentines Day 2019 is the Year of Love Ambition

Get to Work

*Couple or Duo Session for Price of

Individual Session

*Buy a Session as a Gift and Get a $20 Dollar Credit

To Order Call Dan at 504-313-8706 or Email

dan@innermakeup.net

Skincare in the Age of Aquarius

Image from fresh.com

Fresh is one of the few cosmetics companies to use astrology in their product development and marketing. One way they’ve applied this technique is to name their famous lip treatment after the signs. For example, my husband recently received an e-mail about an Aquarius lip treatment. Aquarius is the sign of the future, and the formula matches the sign. They include a smart ingredient called Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate that is an oil soluble version of Vitamin C. Since the lip treatment is largely comprised of deeply nourishing oils, this is a futuristic, technologically advanced ingredient that will yield long term results, like the sign Aquarius! It also contains sunscreen to protect from future damage, another Aquarian theme. 

I remember first trying the Fresh lip treatment over a decade ago and was impressed by its unique texture and moisturizing ability. All of these years later, I still believe it to be one of the best. I guess Lev and Alina, the founders of Fresh, were thinking about the future all along, and honoring their Aquarian vision as the water bearers that they are. Purchase this wonderful product.




The Astrology of Romance Writing: Interview with Anyta Sunday

I was recently engaged to give a talk to romance writers on the topic of astrology. In fact I will be giving a talk on the evening of Valentine’s Day the topic being astrology’s take on romance. All of this romance talk prompted my husband to suggest I reach out and interview a favorite writer of his, Anyta Sunday, who uses astrology in her romance novels. Below is the interview with links to her books.

Trumpeting Spirit

My father visiting the Central Synagogue and Museum in Germany

Son Trumpeting

My father recently entered the magnanimous Philosopher King phase of his life. He is trumpeting his spirit and I had also trumpeted for many years in the medium of classical trumpet playing. What is a son but an extension of the father? Below is a brief meditation he wrote.

As a young boy I was interested in music featuring the trumpet and the shofar. I remember going to High Holiday Services looking forward to hearing the Shofar Blasts. Rabbi Kaplan always visited the youth service looking for volunteers to blow the Shofar. I always raised my hand. I wanted to blow the Shofar at the High Holiday Service, but it was a yearning I kept to myself. Coincidentally

I received an email from Rabbi Gerber saying he had heard I could blow the Shofar and our synagogue was in need this year. I had studied the trumpet and still possessed a Shofar my parents purchased when they had visited Israel. While I was interested, playing the Shofar at home and playing the Shofar on our holiest day in front of fellow congregants was a wholly different matter. I asked the Rabbi if we could meet for an audition and proceeded to tell him the background of my playing. I told him I was about to retire partly due to a successful heart operation that had me looking at the miracle of life differently. I had gone through a personal process of discovering my priorities—family, health, faith—and was trying to keep them in a positive perspective. Retiring is a scary phase in one’s life. I was also looking for a new purpose when the email from Rabbi Gerber came.

So on the second day of Rosh Hashanah I stood with our congregation and proudly blew the Shofar. My heart raced and I was extremely nervous. It felt like when I was called to the Torah in the same Synagogue in September 1969, 49 years ago. I was able to take my new found purpose and perform this time honored ritual so important to our faith. 

My brother in law Rabbi Novoseller of Beth Tovim then asked if I could play the final Shofar blast at Neilah where my family celebrates break the fast, and so I did. 

I did not realize the importance of the Shofar, until so many people came up to me saying that they thoroughly enjoyed the sound of my playing. I felt honored.

After the High Holidays I then traveled to Munich where my wife Leslie and I toured the The Central Synagogue and Jewish Museum. A part of the museum featured a Shofar to teach the Jewish Rituals. I asked our German guide if I could blow the Shofar and he immediately said “please do.” The sounds echoed through the Museum, and I can now say I am an international Shofar player.

As I finish my career I am starting to re-define my purpose which now includes playing the Shofar.

 

The Best Planetary Shift That's Happened as of Late

One of the most watched events in astrology is when a planet, especially a planet that appears to move more slowly, shifts into a new sign. Jupiter spends about a year in each sign. When a planet moves into a new sign you can look for some kind of shift, event, or change. Jupiter is the greatest of all benefics, expanding anything he touches generally bringing luck and good will. Jupiter embodies philosophy, religion, belief, spirituality, and higher learning so with Jupiter moving into his home sign of Sagittarius, look out for a big shift for the better. Astrology is only as good as what you do with it as suggested through the psychological underpinnings of the great body of work of Alan Leo. Incidentally he was friends with the composer Gustav Holst who wrote the famous piece The Planets one of the most famous movements being his Jupiter movement. Also Mozart wrote a Jupiter movement. Both pieces are upbeat, optimistic, and especially with the Holst, spiritual. Look below to see how you can think about benefitting from Jupiter this next year or so, but don’t think too much. Jupiter does not like to think; he believes.  

Aries: Expect a shift for the better with higher learning, travel, and spirituality.

Taurus:Look for an expansive succession of deeply regenerative sexual experiences and also get lucky in the area of your financial contracts with others.

Gemini: Expand in your area of partnerships, relationships, and how you intersect with the public. 

Cancer: Watch your health and daily working conditions improve this year.

Leo: You ride high on your creative, erotic, and romantic spirit. 

Virgo: Things get better for you on the home front.

Libra: You’re able to expand in the area of communications and your relationship with your siblings gets a boost.

Scorpio: You get a boost in your finances this year.

Sagittarius: You yourself are on fire so strut your stuff. 

Capricorn: You retreat to a monastic space this year and expand there.

Aquarius: You expand through your friends and social networks this year. 

Pisces: Your career jumps this year.