Take a Leap of Faith

Starting yesterday on August 8th, Venus and the Sun in Leo formed an aspect called a Trine to the planet Jupiter in Sagittarius. This aspect continues on through today, August 9th. Venus, the goddess of love, relates to our ideals of beauty, our values, our relationships, and our money. Her job is to attract and in Leo, her job is to attract in a big, fiery way- to let others know that she’s there and that she wants and deserves your attention. Venus in Leo needs attention; needs to be the center stage. Wherever she is in your chart, she wants to help you showcase yourself and help others see you. For me, Venus in Leo is in my 3rd house of communication. I did my first Facebook Live today! And although I ultimately love public speaking, it also scares the shit out of me. Venus is helping me out in broadcasting myself to the world. And when she trines Jupiter, the god of the skies, blessings are bestowed and opportunities given. Or maybe just confidence and optimism. 

The Sun in Leo is also emphasizing these themes. The Sun is the self, the ego- it’s who I know myself to be and how I identify. When the Sun is in Leo, it is in the sign that it rules, meaning that the Sun really knows how to shine in Leo- knows how to be center-stage. The Sun trining Jupiter gives way to big optimism, excitement, and a feeling of confidence. This is a great time to do that thing that you’ve been too scared to do (like going Facebook live!) because the confidence is there and the good fortune is too. Believe in yourself! The Sun in Leo does. Venus in Leo makes others believe in you. She’s like your personal cheerleader. The trick is not to let this aspect overcome your common sense- try not to overspend or take on too many projects at once. Although this is a great time to start new projects, don’t overdo it.

As mentioned in my Facebook Live, this is a breath of fresh air from the heaviness that’s been surrounding us with Pluto and Saturn in Capricorn. Saturn represents limitations, restrictions, duty, responsibility, and it sometimes just says no to what we want most. Saturn shows us our karma and sometimes the consequences of our actions in past lives is just “no” (and sometimes, “no” is really in our best interest to keep us safe). Pluto represents the deep purging of our shadows and helps us clean out our soul closets, no matter how dirty. These two planets in Capricorn represent the things we must face, no matter how mundane or painful. They are asking us to do a deep analysis of the structures in our lives and restructure and reshape them through hard and honest work. These two intense planets have been traveling right next to each other for the entirety of this year along with the south node of the moon, resulting in a feeling of being in a pressure cooker, about to explode or implode. It is not until after January of 2020 when Saturn finally passes Pluto that these feelings will begin to lessen and the pressure will soften. And of course, you’d have to know the house of your chart that these planets are traveling through to understand where and how it’s affecting you most. 

So, take advantage of today. Believe in yourself. Take that chance. Step out onto the stage. With Jupiter on your side, even a little mistake will most likely be forgiven.

Mercury Stations Direct: Time to move forward

Mercury Stations Direct on July 31st. What this means is that Mercury will start to move forward again instead of moving backwards (“retrograde”) and that things and topics related to Mercury will start to function normally again. You may have noticed communications slowing down or being a bit wonky. You may have noticed a lot of miscommunication, messages unreceived, internet problems, website malfunction, mail being delayed, etc. Or you may not have noticed it at all. All of this will start to resume normal speed again. As I mentioned in a previous blog, Mercury Retrograde isn’t just a time to freak out about or be worried about. Everything in the sky happens for a reason and Mercury’s job when it goes Retrograde is to help you slow down and reflect, maybe by making everything else slow down too or stop working. When the internet isn’t working, you may have nothing else to do but to sit with your thoughts! My advice is to go with the flow. Accept what’s happening as a gift and use the energy to your advantage. With that said, it will feel like a bit of a relief that Mercury is moving forward again. 

But don’t get too excited- Mercury will be passing through territory that he’s already been in before until August 15th. This means that even though Mercury will be moving forward again, he’s traveling through territory that he’s already been through twice- first when he moved through it initially before turning retrograde and second, when he turned retrograde and moved backwards through those same degrees. So, this will be the third time Mercury will pass through those degrees of Cancer and Leo in a forward direction, and chances are, it could help bring clarity to whatever might have been confusing in the past 3 weeks or things that have been slowing you down/frustrating you could finally come to some resolution. On August 15th is when Mercury will be beyond the degree of Leo where he went Retrograde and thus, he will begin going through new territory.

Eclipse Season = Big Changes Ahead

Two Eclipses just occurred in the past two weeks: One Solar Eclipse, indicating new beginnings, and one Lunar Eclipse, indicating endings. The Solar Eclipse occurred at 10 degrees of Cancer on July 2nd while the Lunar Eclipse occurred at 24 degrees of Capricorn on July 16th. The Solar Eclipse in Cancer has much to do with our sense of security and how we are honoring our emotions and our need to belong; to find our tribe. The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn also has to do with security, but more so about what structures we build in our lives to sustain and maintain our sense of wellbeing. Both signs have the shadow side of potentially acting out of fear. Cancers can crawl into their crab shells to protect their soft insides while Capricorn can build walls and barriers to be safe. What’s important is that we respond to these Eclipses with bravery while maintaining our sense of security with integrity. 

Eclipses always indicate change- sometimes drastic, sometimes radical, oftentimes unexpected. As mentioned above, a Solar Eclipse indicates the beginning of something new while a Lunar Eclipse means something is coming soon to an end. Both can be painful and both can be positive, depending on what’s going on in your birth chart. Whatever theme it is, it’s important for you to ride the wave. You cannot change eclipse energy or how it’s affecting you in your life. Although, you can always change how you respond to situations that are out of your control. Whatever is “happening to us” via the planets can always be looked at from the perspective of personal growth. It’s often said in Astrology that we are never “given” transits that we aren’t ready to face. It’s also usually for our benefit in some way- perhaps a lesson we still need to learn. 

Depending on the house these eclipses are happening in will indicate the area of life that will be changing. An easy way to find out what house and thus, area of life this is happening in for you, go to Astro.com, click on “Free Horoscopes”, and then click on “Extended Chart Selection”. This is where you input your birth information: Date, location, and time of birth (down to the minute if you can). You will then see your birth chart once you’ve entered everything in. Making out what the various planets mean will take some time on your end, but as always, I’m happy to explain to you during a consultation what these eclipses will mean for you. Eclipses have about 6 months to play out, meaning it might take up to 6 months for these big changes to take place. Whatever changes are around the corner for you, don’t forget to breathe, to be mindful, and to be kind to yourself.

News from the Sky: Mercury turns Retrograde in Leo from July 7th - July 31st

The planet Mercury rules over all things involving trade and communication, whether that is speaking, thinking, listening, or writing. Mercury is connected to the god of Hermes in Greek Mythology, who was the messenger between worlds. Because he was delivering messages from the god of the underworld to the god of the heavens, he was able to see perspectives and to remain largely neutral in debates between the two gods. Mercury is also known to be the trickster among the other planets as he is always in for a good joke. When Mercury is retrograde, it’s a time for reflection primarily and not necessarily a time for action. Things can get hazy during retrograde periods where things don’t always appear to be what they seem and lots of things get lost in translation. Messages are delayed, travels slowed down, and it is often a good time to hold off on any decision-making, for agreements aren’t always what they seem to be. 

As to the area of life this time for review is happening in, look to the house cusp that Leo rules. To find this information, you must know you date of birth, location (city and state), and exact time, to the minute. Then you can go to astro.com to calculate your chart. On the site, go to “Extended Chart Selection” and input your info. You’ll see your birth chart. The first house is the one that starts with the letters AC and then the houses progress counter clockwise. If it’s the first house, you might be reimagining how you’d like to express yourself physically or just in general. In the 2nd house, you may review your belongings and get rid of some of your belongings that are cluttering up your space. In the 3rd, perhaps you’ll need to review something you’ve written before sending it out or turning it in. In the 4th, review housing decisions and reflect on what it is you really want. In the 5th, reflect on how you have fun and how you express yourself creatively. In the 6th, you may be reviewing your work or perhaps a health routine that you’ve either been trying out or want to try out. With Mercury Retrograde happening in the 7th house, perhaps you’re reviewing a relationship you have (had) or how you handle clients. In the 8th, perhaps it’s how you’re dealing with your debt or the death of a loved one. In the 9th, you might reflect on your beliefs and philosophy of life. In the 10th, reflection will most likely be focused on career and life-calling. In the 11th, what groups and organizations are you associated with and are you perhaps too involved? In the 12th, you may want to actually go to a meditation retreat to reflect- somewhere where you can be in solitude and silence.

This Mercury Retrograde is happening in Leo, a fixed Fire sign. Mercury in Leo is expressive, convicted, and confident in their words. Leo is usually a bit self-focused and likes to be in the spotlight, performing. Leo turns heads because he knows he’s the King. He is, afterall, ruled by the Sun, the center of our solar system and the center of our own charts. With Mercury retrograding in Leo, reflect on how you shine and on what’s best for you and you alone. Leo is not as concerned with paying attention to the needs of others. Leo’s job is to be the center of attention and make sure his own needs are met first and foremost. Whatever house this Mercury Retrograde is happening in and whatever themes are present, remember that your needs should be a key focus in your reflections. 

On Mercury’s path backwards, he almost immediately runs into fiery Mars, the planet of what we want and how we go about getting that. This happens on July 8th-9th. Mars can be cutting and harsh, as its main goal is to individuate and separate, helping you get what you want, regardless of collective needs. This could exasperate the Mercury in Leo theme of focusing on self, but with a little more umph and perhaps aggression. Be careful of your words. Know what you want, but be careful of trying to get it through harsh means. 

If you’d like to know what this means in your chart via a birth chart consultation, consider a reading with me! I can answer questions about your chart and have a variety of readings available. Check me out at lauragodenick.com/services.

Recent Sky Happenings

Have you noticed the past month being rather stressful or challenging? There’s a variety of reasons for that, one of which being the planet Mars passing through Cancer, opposing Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. Mars is not happy in Cancer. Mars wants to assert his will above all else while Cancer is focused on family; the tribe and their nurturing needs. You might have noticed feeling unmotivated this past month or your actions depending largely on your moods. With the opposition to Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, there might have been a face-off in some area of your life. A pulling of yourself in two different directions- your actions being called to listen to your emotions, yet duty and obligation still knocking, not caring how you feel. I’m here to tell you that the intensity is almost over. Depending on what house this was happening in for you will change the area of life it has been and is affecting. Mars passed over Saturn and Pluto from June 13th - 20th, approximately, but has spent all month in close proximity with these challenging and potent planets. In other words, while the exact oppositions may have been on those dates, the intensity of whatever issues may have been arising have probably been felt all month long.

Mars moves out of Cancer and into Leo on July 2nd. Mars feels much more comfortable in the fiery sign of Leo, ruled by the Sun. He’s more able to accomplish his ambitions and isn’t held back by the Moon’s emotional moodiness. Mercury, the ruler of our thoughts and our minds, is ahead of the game. Mercury moved out of Cancer and into Leo already on June 27th. As usual, our minds are ahead of… well, everything else.

But, while the worst is over, we still have to see the Sun and Venus through Cancer to fruition. The Sun isn’t particularly unhappy in Cancer like Mars is, but he still has to pass over the degrees of the opposition from Saturn and Pluto. This will happen during July 11th - 15th, which will highlight the consequences of our actions that we took while Mars passed through those same degrees in June, whether those consequences are helpful or have a slightly negative turn. Venus passing through the opposition might bring to light relationship or money issues. Perhaps you’re asked to make a final draw or decision and to part ways, especially if this is happening while involving one of your personal planets, the Sun or the Moon. Perhaps you will be asked to take more responsibility in relationship and be willing to dive into the depths with a loved one. Either way, it comes to a question of re-committing or letting go. The choice however is forever yours.

Electrifying Conversations and Minds

May 8th:

Mercury conjoins Uranus in Taurus

This is a big day! Mercury, the messenger of the gods, joins Uranus in Taurus on May 8th at 8:23am (Mountain Time). As mentioned in previous posts, Mercury represents how we communicate, think, speak, listen, write! Anything to do with communication is up Mercury’s ally. Uranus’s duty, on the other hand, is to elevate our consciousness in service to humanity’s progression. Uranus disrupts, radically changes, electrifies, shifts where shifts are needed. When Uranus aspects the any of the personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars), we may be startled, but oftentimes the disruption is for the best in the long term. Uranus disrupts to renew; to reset when things might have gone off course. This could manifest in a few different ways: first off, you could have a rather electrifying or unusual conversation with someone today where your ideas about something radically change. You could also have sudden insight or a “download” of information into your psyche so that something that was hidden or foggy for you suddenly becomes clear. Maybe you have a sudden ingenious idea! Perhaps you say something to someone that you didn’t mean to say- it just slipped out- oops! (Be careful there- Mercury can be a trickster). Maybe none of these things happen and you are just extra alert and mentally stimulated or have insomnia. Uranus can be literally electrifying, sometimes even anxiety-producing. If it’s near one of your personal planets either by transit or in your natal chart, you may experience *uranian* symptoms regularly, depending on where it’s placed and other planets its aspecting.

Later on in the evening, the Sun in Taurus forms a sextile to Neptune in Pisces at 8:52pm Mountain time. A sextile in this instance means that the Sun is 60 degrees away from Neptune in a chart. Sextiles are aspects of ease and flow. This is a beautiful time to relax, maybe have a glass of wine, or find some artistic outlet that doesn’t require a lot of work. The Sun in Taurus is inviting you to work hard for sure, but also to enjoy the fruits of your labor. With Neptune in the mix, mainly enjoying the fruits of your labor in a relaxing, Neptunian fashion. Maybe listen to some music, play music, go see live music (if you’re not getting ready for bed). Take a bath before bed! Follow your inspiration. Is there an art project that you’ve been “too busy” to play on? This would be a good time. Motivation is NOT high to work on things you don’t want to work on. Productivity will come during the weekend, but for now, follow your heart and your intuition. Let the romance of life take you away (but be careful to not let yourself get too taken away to the point of losing all discernment).

Digging a Tunnel to Surpass the Wall

Mercury in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn at 3:51pm, Mountain Time

There is so much Mercury activity this week! Yesterday Mercury wanted to speed ahead at his own individual pace and was perhaps stopped in his tracks by Saturn’s unyielding wall. The idea of wanting to communicate or connect in some way quicker than perhaps was actually possible. Today, Mercury goes beyond just being stopped in his tracks, but is forced to dig a tunnel underground so as to surpass the wall; to surpass the barrier. It’s the only way through. Pluto invites us into those shadowy places we often want to avoid because of the striking discomfort we face there. Be wary of how you communicate, but try not to let fear stop you from speaking authentically. Let your mind be filled with curiosity as your thoughts and words go to subtly darker places. You may accidentally say something to another that triggers them in an emotional way or vice versa. Your mind may travel into those areas of our psyches that are dusty and aren’t visited very often. Befriend the dust bunnies there and clean up a little if you can. Or just sit there with them, allowing them their say. Maybe check out some Nonviolent communication as a tool to assist you in delving into the deep, and being open and honest. Pluto isn’t scary even though at first he may seem to be. Mercury squares Pluto at 3:51pm today in Salt Lake City. Make the adjustments for your time zone. Usually these aspects are felt much earlier than when they become exact. Take note of what thoughts you have today and what verbal interactions come into play.

Mercury in Aries trine Jupiter in Sagittarius at 9:59pm Mountain Time

Later on in the evening, Mercury forms a beautiful and ease-filled trine with Jupiter in Sagittarius. This happens around 9:59pm. This may act as a reward for delving deep, counterbalancing the heaviness and darkness of Pluto. Jupiter in Sagittarius brings us blessings and luck to whichever part of our chart he’s in. A trine to Mercury in Aries may bring inspired and enthusiastic speech or thoughts of feeling assured and feelings of zealousness that we did the right thing or said the right thing. It happens at a time when the day is almost over already, which brings me to believe it serves as more of a relief to the heaviness of Mercury dancing with Pluto, the planet of the underworld. Mercury’s trine to Jupiter, the god of the heavens, may manifest as inspired thought or a sense of trust in the universe.

Communication Halting

May 1st:

Today is interesting because Mercury in Aries sextiles Mars in Gemini and Mercury also squares Saturn in Capricorn. These are kind of opposite energies. Mercury represents how we communicate, think, speak, listen, write! Anything to do with communication is up Mercury’s ally. Aries is the sign of the ram- it likes to do things quick and directly. The ram charges! Aries is also the very beginning of Spring and he likes to get started on things as quickly as possible- he’s eager to get things growing--sometimes a little too quickly. You may have noticed having too quick of a tongue today only to be shut down by Saturn’s slow, steady, and reality-checking pace. Saturn, the sign of “realities”, of boundaries, of hard work and duty. With Mercury squaring Saturn later on in the day, the energies swiftly change from perhaps wanting to speak or connect in some way impulsively to being made to speak and connect slowly and with integrity. You may have felt inhibited in your speech or in your communications. There are boundless ways the energies could unfold.

The Sun conjoins Uranus in Taurus: Let your true self show; expect the unexpected

A radical change of awareness may come up today or an unexpected event may occur. Whenever planets come into aspect with the Sun, usually the theme of that planet and where it’s happening is brought into our direct awareness. Uranus likes to surprise, disrupt, and radicalize. The process can be startling, electrifying, and maybe even alarming as wherever Taurus is in our chart is where we’re least likely to budge. But budge we will; budge we must. It doesn’t have to be painful, but it can be depending on our mindset. We can’t always control what happens to us or to the people in our lives, but we can control how we respond. We can choose radical acceptance and compassion. Uranus’s divine duty is to elevate our consciousness in service to humanity’s progression. When Uranus aspects the Sun, we may be startled, but oftentimes the disruption is for the best in the long term. Uranus disrupts to renew; to reset when things might have gone off course.

Another way Uranus can manifest into our lives via a conjunction with the Sun is by reflecting in you and bringing into your conscious awareness a sense of rebelliousness. This process could be totally internal. Maybe you find yourself wanting to express yourself to the world in a radically different way. Maybe you finally gain courage to speak your truth to the world of who you really are. Authenticity is key. Uranus wants to individuate and make unique.

Expect the unexpected, perhaps things relating to whichever house this conjunction is happening in. Also, know that astrological events don’t always affect us personally, but instead, affects those who are in our lives, depending on where the conjunction is happening in our charts. It could be your partner, your boss, a friend. Our charts are not only about us. To find that out, go to astrodienst.com and click “free horoscopes”, then click “Extended Chart Selection”, which will allow you to input your birth details. What you’ll need is your date, location, and exact time of birth (yes, from a birth certificate). If you don’t feel like doing the research on your own, I’m happy to explain to you how it might affect you specifically. Email me at consultation@lauragodenick.com.

The Sun enters Taurus: Persist, but don't stay stuck

Today the Sun enters Taurus. The theme of working hard comes into the equation. But so does playing hard. Or more like “leisuring” hard. Taurus is the bull, an animal notoriously known for being used to pull the plow in the field; to do the brunt of the work and slave away to ensure that food will grow. Consistent, steady, stubborn. Tis the season of solid and unmoving Spring. Spring first arrived in early April during Aries season, yet Aries likes to go in its own direction, independently and somewhat ferociously. Sure, it’s been “Spring” over the last few weeks, but the weather still changed drastically. It was cold on some days, warm on others. Snowing, then not snowing. Aries was initiatory, but not steadfast. Not like the Bull.

We have a whole 30 days of Taurus and the dependability she will give to us. Flighty Gemini won’t start playing his tricks on us until May 20th, when Spring is slyly transformed into Summer. No, May is the middle of Spring where the season stays the same: Solidly Spring; Solidly Taurus. Taurus is a sign of steadfastness and consistency where change is not to be expected and may actually be a little resisted. As mentioned before, hard work is key for the Bull, but so is hard leisure. Both energies enter your awareness at this time. The bull knows how to labor and labor hard and long hours. But, Taurus’s ruler Venus ensures Taurus’s ability to relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the fruits of her labors. Be mindful of where you’re stubborn. Use that steadfastness to finish a project that you already began, but not to stay in something that’s already died. Early April was the time for initiation. Late May may be time for endings or transformations. With the Sun in Taurus comes a time of staying-power. Work hard, but be discerning of what you’re working for. As Venus gives Taurus the gift of enjoyment, so does she give the Bull a knowing of what she values and what she deems worthy of putting effort into.

If you’re curious about what area of your life this steadfast energy may show up, check out your birth chart. All you need to know is your date, location, and time of birth. Whatever house has Taurus on the cusp is the area of life most affected and brought into the light of awareness. If you’d like more information about how to find this information or if you’d like a personal birth chart reading, email me at consultation@lauragodenick.com. Happy Spring!

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