“Today marks the winter solstice, shortest day  and the longest night of the year. There’s an aura of stillness that envelops the day. It’s not as if things won’t happen or progress, but just that we may be more readily able to connect to a deep sense of peaceful quietude. Today the Sun moves into the sign of slow-but-steady Capricorn.

This is the third of the three cosmological meetings this year of the planets Jupiter and Neptune (the first occurred on May 27, the second on July 10). It’s a day that may feel dreamy but one that will remind you that your dreams can become reality.  There’s a profound sense of connecting to a deep power within us, from which our creativity can flow forth.
What happens when hopeful and visionary Jupiter dances in the sky with imaginative and spiritually inclined Neptune? You may feel captured by a sense of romanticism that infuses even the most mundane with a sense of poetics. You may find yourself drawn to music, color, and images—rather than solely to words—when expressing your thoughts and feelings. You may experience especially vivid dreams, as your subconscious mind more strongly pierces the veil of your conscious mind during sleep.
Yet, take heed: Jupiter conjunct Neptune can usher in the trio of “-sion”s: confusion, delusion, and illusion. Due diligence is even more important during this time so that you can best tune into the “reality” of what is occurring.
However the Jupiter/Neptune conjunction individually manifests for you, one thing is for sure: both these planets carry an “up, up, and away” energy and so it’s important to stay open to their inspiration but grounded at the same time.”

Written by Stephanie Gailing

Source: Planetary Apothecary

‘New Moons signal beginnings. Given that this one is in Scorpio—and yesterday we experienced the first of the exact squares of Pluto and Saturn—what is being planted for growth is likely an outcome of having let go of something else. Reflect upon what it is in your life that you have found to have become outworn, something that you have released or are considering releasing. Envision what it is that you would like to create in its place, something that can transform your life so that you can experience a greater depth of joy.

Scorpio represents that which is hidden, the unseen. It’s not that these things necessarily have to be kept in the dark, it’s just that we usually “don’t want to go there.” During a Scorpio New Moon, subjects considered to be taboo may rise to the surface. If your natural reflex is to turn a blind eye to these, allow yourself to just contemplate them for a moment, even if at a distance. You may end up finding them a great source of learning, even if it’s more clearly understanding what it is that causes your aversion.

As this New Moon squares Neptune, we’re likely to be swimming in tidal pools of compassion. This may open us up to feeling even more deeply than we already do, whether to our own or others’ joys or sorrows. With this planetary combination, we may also find ourselves either extremely enchanted or disenchanted with someone or something; keeping both your heart and eyes open to see things as clearly as possible is very helpful to so as to avoid floating away with either of these feelings.

This month’s New Moon falls at 25 degrees of Scorpio (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Scorpio or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Leo, and Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.”

Written by Stephanie Gailing

Source: Planetary Apothecary

Astrologer and writer Judi Vitale has had her eye on the sky for most of her life. Partnering with Fábula she brings you Astrological insights into wellness.

Hello, Everyone! We’ve made it through September and all the ups, downs pushes and pulls of Saturn and Uranus, now we can look forward to more positive energies during the month of harvest celebrations, chillier weather and, of course, Halloween! People become cheerful during October, maybe because it seems so wonderful to dig out the jackets and other warmer clothing that make us feel cuddly-cozy. Now that Mercury Retrograde over, it’s going to be easy to push through those projects and ideas you had so much trouble getting off the ground before. By the way, do you have a funny or amusing Mercury Retrograde story? How did this little-but-mighty planet affect your ability to communicate? From broken-down disk drives to cars that just wouldn’t start – I’ve heard more than a few. I think the funniest one I heard came from a friend who, while suffering from food poisoning, tried to take a quick cab ride home. In an attempt to avoid soiling the cab with the obvious results of her ailment, her BlackBerry got caught in the “line of fire” and… with soaked circuits, it became impossible for it to function any further. With the help of a handy insurance policy, all was well within a few days, including her tummy. Even when it comes to this bothering condition we know as Mercury retrograde, all’s well that ends well!

Now, on to October…The beauty-centered influence of the Libra Moon will paint the trees all sorts of beautiful colors, and you may want to do something to enhance your own cosmetic color palette, too. Natural tones that enhance your good looks, just as they do with the trees, will make you look bright and cheerful. After the 23rd, the Sun will move into Scorpio, and the spirit of fall will hold no more hints of summer! The deep and intense energy of this time is meant for taking all the good things that are left after the harvest and considering the potential for new life to emerge from it. You can take this to mean that those things that have outlived their usefulness will pass away – and you’ll be ready for that. Jupiter will come out of its retrograde period on the 13th, allowing you to feel optimistic about some projects you are working on, from work assignments to love affairs. And, there is no doubt that, by the time the month is over, you’ll notice all kinds of things lifting from your life – because there will be one huge change in the planetary lineup.

Saturn will move from Virgo to Libra on October 29th. Saturn is the mean teacher of the solar system, and now those of us with Libra, Capricorn, Aries and Cancer energies will be especially aware of Saturn’s harsh side. People with Gemini and Aquarius in their astrology, on the other hand, will feel a welcome hand of structure helping to steer the ship of life. You would have to consult a professional astrologer to detect specifically how you can best take advantage of or learn from Saturn’s lessons – but in any event, everyone will feel the change. It can affect your personal relationship, financial social and family life, depending on how Saturn interacts with your personal astrology chart.

The Harvest Moon will be out on October 4th – enjoy the fruits of your labors, including some surprises. The unpredictable planet Uranus will insist on being heavily involved on all the goings on around that time. On the 17th and 18th, a New Moon in Libra will be excellent for planning out the beauty routine that will help your skin and body make the transition into winter. Replenish moisture and guard against those harsh, cold temperatures! That way, you’ll be ready for anything and everything the planets decide to put on your plate.

If you wish to learn more about astrology, or to arrange a personal
consultation, please contact Judi via e mail: judivitale@me.com

Astrologer and writer Judi Vitale has had her eye on the sky for most of her life. Partnering with Fábula she brings you Astrological insights into wellness.

The onset of September brings with it the feeling of “back to school,” and
this year the urge to get up and at it will be stronger than ever. There
will be tons of action going on among the planets, and not all of it will be
pleasant to deal with. The first thing you might notice is an uptick in the
number of breakdowns, traffic jams and communications gaffes, beginning
right after Labor Day, and lasting for the whole month. Apart from backing
up your computer and getting your car checked out beforehand, your best bet
for handling this is to go back and re-consider your body’s need for
restorative treatments. As Mercury will be retracing its steps through the
beauty-conscious sign of Libra, it’s appropriate to pay attention to outside
features such as your skin, brows and other areas that you want to show off
at one point or another! Mercury will allow all the connections to be made
without.

On September 11th, Pluto is going to come out of its long retrograde period
to release those items that have been swept under the carpet and bring them
back into consciousness. Four days later, erratic Uranus and stalwart
Saturn will be in a head-to-head contest, creating major tension. Expect
some problems involving huge waves of change to return – even if you thought
the worst was over. Relaxation and centering will become especially
important. You’ll deal with problems a lot more sensibly if you’re in a
state of mind that allows you to process what’s happening by engaging the
rational portion of your mind. No matter what’s happening in the world, you
can deal with these planetary gyrations by accepting change in your life on
the psycho-spiritual level, and promoting change for the better with your
body! Use massage, detoxification and purification to ensure that you’re at
your very best from the inside out.

You can also use the cycles of the moon to manage your projects and attune
your goals with the rhythms of the cosmos. This month, the Full Moon takes
place on September 4th in the sign of Pisces. You may notice the results of
a project you began in mid August is showing results. Also, your psychic
and intuitive energies will be enriched by the Moon’s immersion in the sign
of unconditional love. On the 18th, start something new that will improve
your health and organize your life when the New Moon takes place in Virgo.
Think about a new workout, use time management techniques and get a
full-body massage that stimulates your circulation and rejuvenates your
internal organs.

As you can see, no matter what’s happening with the planets, you can still
be fabulous.

If you wish to learn more about astrology, or to arrange a personal
consultation, please contact Judi via e mail: judivitale@me.com