Tonight is the Full (Strawberry) Moon in Sagittarius and earlier today, we experienced a penumbral lunar eclipse at 15° Sagittarius. At approximately 12:12pm Pacific Time, give or take a few minutes. To understand what that means, before we get into the astrology of it all, we have to go back to some basic astronomy. The umbra is another name for the Earth's shadow and when the umbra falls directly over the moon (causing it to glow red), that's an umbral (or total) eclipse. A penumbral eclipse happens when the umbra only partially covers the moon - it's still an eclipse but it's a partial one. The United States wouldn't have really seen it because it occurred during our daylight hours, but people in India and other parts of the Middle East probably got a lovely surprise in their night sky. Now, there's also some basic rules that Full Moons and eclipses follow in astrology. In order for a Full Moon to be considered "full," the sun and the moon have to be in opposing signs (like Gemini and Sagittarius) at the exact same degree. Furthermore, in order for an eclipse to happen, the Full Moon has to be taking place in close proximity to the lunar nodes (I'll explain that later). The closer the moon falls to the nodal axis, the closer to a total eclipse it gets. The North Node recently moved into Gemini, with the South Node in Sagittarius, and they are both sitting at 29° of their respective signs.
And I'm trying to please to the calling
Of your heart-strings that play soft and low
And all the night's magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
For fun and profit (jk...not really profit), I've been studying my own natal chart to understand better astrological events and tracking their effect on my life and the things happening in current events. If we're just taking into account the shit in my natal chart, this Full Moon eclipse in Sagittarius is an important one for me. It is almost directly conjunct my Ascendant-Descendant axis (where my 1st and 7th Houses begin) and exactly conjunct my natal Saturn. Add the fact that Venus Retrograde is also conjunct my natal Ascendant, it's just a whole party. This eclipse season (because we have two more coming up) actually looks like it's designed specifically to my specifications. The solar eclipse, on 21 June, is at 0° Cancer, which will be exactly conjunct my natal Venus (also in the 1st House). Then, the final eclipse on 5 July (yep, the day before my birthday) at 13° Capricorn will be opposite my natal Sun and Mercury and conjunct my natal Neptune. And, yet again, like the one in January, it will be falling in my 8th House. What all that could mean personally, I'm only starting to unpack. Eclipse energy is hard to predict. But I know eclipses always bring change - especially when we're starting a transition to a new nodal axis.
I was reading my old journal again and I've found a few gems. For instance, this sparkling thought from New Year's Day 2012: "Oh, who the fuck am I kidding? I'll never be 'normal' or even 'average.' I'm not meant to fit in and I don't really want to." Whoo, child. I always felt I was too big for my body. But 25-year-old me was right - I don't know how to play it small. Stars are meant to shine, right? I'm sure I've written that trite-but-true-ism somewhere in that journal, too. A lot of my hopes in dreams from 8 years ago still stand, too. I want to be a writer - that hasn't changed since I was a little girl. And for some reason, I wanted to live on a farm. Sure, that dream has evolved quite a bit - it's a lavender farm now, with a Bed & Breakfast where I host Writer's Retreats and spirituality workshops - and, someday, I might actually own and run this mythical farm. But, for now, it's still a pleasant day dream to have from time to time. When I look back on exactly this time in 2012, I actually wrote it down - I was having an existentialist crisis....and nobody seemed to notice (she lamented bitterly in her online blog). Between May and July of 2012, I only wrote two posts on this blog and I didn't write much more than that in the journal. I can always tell how depressed I must be when my writing decreases - I just don't feel like it any more. Because what's the point? Even when I have good ideas, I don't have the courage or confidence to execute them. However, in the last two years, I averaged one post every three days. That's pretty amazing and I'm kind of proud of myself, because I can see the change in my writing. And my mindset.
There and then all my dreams will come true, dear
There and then I will make you my own
And every time I touch you, you just tremble inside
And I know how much you want me that you can't hide
Anyway, enough about me, let's talk about what this penumbral Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius means for the rest of you poor schlubs. As I mentioned, we're moving out of the Cancer-Capricorn axis (Family-Career dichotomy, or Emotional vs Financial Security) and moving into the Gemini-Sagittarius axis (Knowledge-Wisdom dichotomy, or Details vs Big Picture). The important thing to remember about the North Node (Ketu) and South Node (Rahu) is you're aiming for balance. Evolutionary astrologists say that one's natal North Node is indicative of their Destiny and the South Node is indicative of Past Lives. However, going to far in either direction causes problems - you have to balance the lessons and natural skills/talents of your South Node with who your North Node indicates will bring about the most growth. For example, I am naturally artistic, intellectual, friendly and (dare I say it) charming - all traits of a Libra South Node - and those things help to balance the bossy, assertive, and brave (stupid) aspects of my Aries North Node. Too far in either direction and I'm either a doormat (Libra) or an asshole (Aries). And I'm not ashamed to say I've been both at various times in my life. Sometimes in the same day.
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love
Can I just make some more romance with you, my love
This Full Moon is shining light on the Sagittarius end of the axis, which calls us to examine our long held beliefs and philosophies. Not just our societal beliefs, but the ones we hold about ourselves. Beliefs about our unworthiness, our flaws, and the things we believe hold us back in life. This eclipse is giving us an opportunity to review those things and make the hard change, if it's needed. That's where Gemini comes into the picture. Gemini is all about embracing the polarities and combining them into a unified whole. You can make a mistake AND still be competent at your job. You can be rejected by someone you love AND still be lovable. Being ruled by Mercury, Gemini is there to help us find new and innovative to solve our problems. Where Sagittarius sees only one Truth, Gemini sees a myriad of Possibilities. Is that thing you want really impossible for you to have? Or are you just afraid to take a chance? That's what Gemini asks us - to take chances, to make mistakes, to make the hard choice. Gemini is also about Communication and with the North Node moving through this sign, it's giving us the ability and courage to put our desires and goals and ideas into words. Never underestimate the power of putting what you want into words, of writing down your goals. There's power in records, as you've seen from my trip down memory lane. The development of language is the only reason we have a history and writing will always be the greatest invention in human civilization. It's what enabled us to get this far. That's the lesson the Gemini-Sagittarius nodal axis teaches us - it's the details that ultimately build the big picture. In order to truly understand something, you need to take in as much information as you can.
This is a song I remember fondly from my childhood. It reminds me of long road trips with my dad, listening to Van Morrison (among other artists) through the night while my sisters and my mom slept. It was the only moon-related song I could think of off the top of my head, without going searching. I'm pretty sure this song about Van Morrison trying to get laid, though. "Moondance" very well could be a euphemism for sex. Sorry if that ruins it for you.
Another old favorite found while looking through my music collection. "The Curse of Curves" was actually a free single I downloaded from somewhere - possibly from Amazon, possibly from Spinner.com when they were still doing the free downloads. It is also one of those songs that sounds more upbeat than the lyrics suggest it should be. Essentially, the song is about a guy who got into a relationship with a girl because she was pretty but is constantly cheating on her because she doesn't meet his intellectual/mental/emotional needs. He feels stuck in the relationship but he doesn't know how to leave because - on the outside - she's theoretically what he should want. Naturally (and because this is where my head has been at lately), I felt this was the perfect song to embody the upcoming Venus Retrograde in Gemini season. I've been formulating a good, informative rant about this for the past week, so please forgive me for getting a little astro-geeky in this post. I am seriously considering/working on another site for all my occult/esoteric/spiritual content, but until I have that fully hatched, it may bleed over into this blog occasionally. And by occasionally, I mean when the mood strikes me.
I've got the gift of one liners
And you've got the curse of curves
And with this gift I compose words
And the question that comes forward
Are you perspiring from the irony
Or sweating to these lyrics
And this just in
You're a dead fit
But my wit won't allow it
Before we start, some key dates to remember. Venus will be in Gemini for approximately four months, which is a long time for this planet. Venus entered Gemini on April 3 and his been in direct motion since then. However, we'll enter the "shadow" period tomorrow, May 5. There's some disagreement between astrologers on whether this shadow period has any real effect; however, for those who do account for a shadow period, things drastically slow down in the areas Venus touches and major themes start to emerge. Venus will officially station retrograde on May 13 and will remain retrograde until June 15, when it stations direct again. For those of you who have your natal chart handy, this retrograde will effect the planets and houses that land in - or make aspects to - 5° to 21°50" in Gemini (more on that below).
Let's set the stage a little bit with some basics. In astrology, Venus is the planet of love and pleasure. The areas of life that may be affected during the retrograde are relationships, art, beauty, and finances (especially luxury goods and services). Gemini is the sign of communication and intellect and is ruled by Mercury. Gemini is known for friendliness, curiosity, playfulness, and youth and - being a Mercurial sign - has a reputation for being a bit trickster-like. As a mutable sign, Gemini has a tendency to be adaptable and accepting the changeability of circumstances. Whereas its opposite sign, Sagittarius, is known as having a teacher/mentor-like demeanor, Gemini influence displays often as the perpetual student. Those with Gemini placements tend to be embroiled in many hobbies and interests and have a reputation for constantly learning.
So what does that mean for Venus in Gemini? While this will vary based on what House Venus will be transiting in your natal chart (which I'll go into more depth on below), the undertones of Venus in Gemini is generally a desire for more intellectual stimulation and light-hearted playfulness in your life. There's a focus on determining if your life - and the relationships, interests, and events you're currently engaged in - are mentally stimulating. In Love, Venus in Gemini is looking for a best friend and deep intellectual connection, and she can be fickle if she doesn't find these things. Especially with Venus stationing retrograde, this becomes a time to really consider the situation and understand what you need to be happy. It will also come with a push to make some hard changes that you didn't think were possible before. Does life ignite your passions or are you holding on to old ways of doing things because it's safer? If it's the latter, these habits will not serve you well while Venus is in Gemini.
I want someone provocative and talkative
But it's so hard when you're shallow as a shower
And from what I've heard with skin you'll win
Venus was last retrograde in Gemini during Spring/Summer 2012, so it may be helpful to review what was happening during that time to understand what to expect this time around. For example, my ascendant is in Gemini, which means Venus was jumping around the last degrees of my 12th House and the first half of my 1st House. The 1st House is who we appear to be to others and is often considered our "Mask." It rules our appearance but also our behavior when we first interact with others, including surface aspects of our personality. When I look back to Spring/Summer 2012, I was actually in a very similar situation where I was kind of socially isolated. I had been living with my parents after graduation and had my first job out of college. It was not the kind of job I expected to have after spending four years going to school and I had to swallow my pride a bit to take it. My relationship with The Husband was long-distance at this point and I didn't have much of a social life outside of going to work, which was drastically different than what I had experienced during college. However, as depressing as that sounds, I'm really grateful for that time because a lot of it was spent really trying to understand and develop who I was as a person. I spent a lot of my free time reading books and working on my writing. I volunteered a lot and helped my mom while she recovered from the fallout of her first major manic episode. And I began actually developing a personal witchcraft practice, which I had been nervous to do before for various reasons. Additionally, I developed a healthy, stable eating and exercise routine, which had been difficult to do at school, even when I was seeing a counselor. Towards the end of this transit, my maternal grandmother died and my family, recognizing me as a talented writer, asked me to write her obituary, giving me a chance to use my skills to alleviate some of the burden on my mom and uncles. In summation, retrogrades can be an excellent time to get your shit together and really figure out what you want out of life, if you're prepared to take advantage of it. It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom; it doesn't have to mean breakups and breakdowns. That being said, I'm going to share some of the knowledge I've gained during my adventures in amateur astrology and hope they can be of use to someone.
For today, I'm only going to over what a transit in each astrological House may bring. There are other things to consider, like planetary aspects within your natal chart, which will make this already extremely long post even longer. Additionally, I prefer to use the Placidus system for natal charts but I concede Whole House has its benefits, because its easier to read and you don't have to deal with intercepted Houses. However, if you have a late degree ascendant, Whole Houses can shift your whole chart back nearly an entire House, so be aware of that. Regardless of what system you're using, to understand where Venus in Gemini will have its greatest effect, look for which House(s) are in 5° to 22° Gemini on your chart. I've also included some potential journal questions for you to use, if you're into that kind of stuff. Enjoy!
House of Self (1st House): As I mentioned, this House is said to rule over your physical appearance, mannerisms, style, and taste. Venus transiting this House may have you wanting to overhaul your entire style and personality, if you're not in alignment with who you truly feel you are. This may manifest in changes of style and self-care. The influence of Venus may increase the desire to indulge in luxury products, especially items that change your outward appearance. There may be an increased desire to pursue intellectual interests and try new things. Ask Yourself: Is who I portray myself to be truly my authentic self? How can I more fully embody my authentic self?
House of Money and Possessions (2nd House): This House is traditionally associated with Taurus, a Venus-ruled sign. There may be an increased desire to purchase beautiful, quality items, especially artwork. During this transit, there may be a desire to change how you spend your money - particularly if you have a tendency to purchase items based on their cost and not their value. Venus in Gemini has a reputation for being free-handed with money, so it would be prudent to take a moment to think before making large purchases. Ask yourself: Do my possessions and financial habits reflect the direction I want to go in life?
House of Communication (3rd House): Venus in Gemini is known to be charming, social, and flirtatious. During this time, you may feel more talkative, especially about topics you're interested in. During the retrograde, focus may be on how you can improve your communication or how a recent miscommunication may have caused issues. It's all about learning now and you may be driven to explore new things, especially films, art, literature, and music. In fact, you may be interested in so many things that you may become overwhelmed. It's important to prioritize - just because you can binge that new Netflix show in one day doesn't mean you should. Ask yourself: How does the media I consume affect how I perceive the world? Are the things I watch and read truly bringing mepleasure or am I just trying to stay on top of what's popular?
House of Home (4th House): As you may have guessed, this House rules over your home and all the objects in it. Venus' influence desires a home that is beautifully decorated and accurately reflects the level of your financial success. With social Gemini in the picture, it should also be a place where you can easily entertain friends and family. While it may be difficult during this time of social isolation, if Venus is transiting this House, you may keenly feel the need to attend or host social events in your home. If you don't feel that your home is comfortable and beautiful, it can quickly feel like a prison during the retrograde if you're wanting to be a social butterfly. Ask yourself: Does my home reflect my preferred style? If not, what changes can I make so it's more pleasurable to be at home?
House of Creativity and Sex (5th House): Venus in Gemini is curious and playful. As such, you may be inspired to try new things, both in and out of the bedroom. Coincidentally, I recently saw a Playboy article about a spike in role-playing outfits for couples experiencing quarantine boredom. If you've been struck by a sexual slump, maybe it's time to break out a new bag of tricks. Additionally, if you've been feeling less creative during the societal downturn, you may get a new burst of inspiration to create something. Follow those instincts. Ask yourself: Do I feel inspired to create? If not, what can I do to feel more inspired?
House of Service and Health (6th House): This House rules over your work habits, volunteer work, and health. If you've been experiencing boredom at your job or with your health routine, you may want to switch things up. Venus in Gemini loves variety so this may manifest in a desire to try a new diet, exercise program, or maybe take on a side hustle that you're passionate about. If you're teleworking, you may be feeling the stress of working from home, without interruptions from coworkers breaking up your day. Gemini placements tend to take on a lot of nervous energy, so stress management is key at this time, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed. It may help to join a remote exercise class or working out with a friend (with reasonable social distancing), as you may be feeling the lack of social interaction that you normally would've gotten at your job. Ask yourself: What changes can I make right now to improve my health? How can I be of more service to others during these precarious times?
House of Partnerships and Marriage (7th House): If Gemini falls in this House, your desire for a partner (in both business and long-term romance) who is intellectually stimulating and playful may come to the forefront - to quote today's featured song, you "want someone provocative and talkative." It also becomes imperative that your partnerships inspire you to be curious and pursue unique interests. Venus in Gemini believes that the foundation of a good relationship starts with friendship and does not engage another romantically unless she finds them intriguing and intelligent. A deep connection is needed before commitment is even considered. Issues with communication may be highlighted. Ask yourself: Do I know what my intellectual needs are within a partnership? If so, are they being met through my current partnerships?
House of Death and Regeneration (8th House): Despite the name, this House actually rules over things like investments, inheritance, and joint finances. It also rules over the occult and the deeper, darker aspects of sex. During this time, it might be tempting to make risky investments and, as Venus in Gemini can be a little free-handed with money, to spend it unwisely. As long as you're doing your research beforehand and your decisions are data-driven, this could be beneficial. It's also a time to consider family inheritances - not just financial, but emotional ones, too. Intense emotions, like jealousy and possessiveness, can rear their ugly heads when Venus transits the 8th House. The retrograde may be a good time to explore what triggers these reactions. Finally, you may be driven to indulge in a sexual fantasy - if this is the case, it's important to discuss it with a potential partner beforehand; otherwise, miscommunication could put out the fire. Ask yourself: What deep desires am I repressing? What am I afraid I will lose (financially or otherwise) if I pursue them?
House of Mental Exploration (9th House): This House rules over higher education, spirituality, and long-distance travel. As Venus in Gemini is prone to boredom, you may have an intense urge to travel or, at the very least, get a change of scenery. If you've been wanting to further your education, now may be the time to consider what course you want to pursue and make plans for going after those goals. Both higher education and travel assuage Gemini's incurable curiosity and, if you've been stuck inside, may provide a light at the end of the tunnel. To engage this love of exploration, maybe take up a language you find beautiful. It may also be a good time to deepen your own spiritual practice and understanding. Ask yourself: What do I want to learn about right now? If I had the ability to go anywhere once restrictions are lifted, where would I go?
House of Career (10th House): The 10th House traditionally rules over your career and reputation. For many people, that may be on pause right now so the Venus Retrograde provides an opportunity to consider the path you're on. During this time, it's important to consider whether you find pleasure in your current career path and if it engages you intellectually. Venus in Gemini is also a skilled networker. If you are excited about you're current career, you might be pushed to become more connected in the wider community around your field. Now might be a good time to attend virtual conferences or take a class that will help you further your ambitions. Ask yourself: Do I enjoy my current career? What does a career I'm passionate about and inspired by look like?
House of Friends and Hopes (11th House): This House rules over your approach to friendship and your involvement in social groups. For Venus in Gemini, a transit through this House would usually involve a lot of social engagement. With the current limitations, you may feel stifled - if you don't get creative. If you're active on social media, this may be a great time to dive deeper into a niche interest and make contacts with others in that area. Try scheduling in time to join a book club or maybe find a meetup on the Internet. During the retrograde, it may be a good time to consider what you find fulfilling in friendships and social engagement. Is it the conversation? Is it the variety? Is it the connection and shared interests? It's also a good time to really consider the goals and objectives (i.e., Hopes and Wishes) that you have for your life and how you can put plans into practice now. Ask yourself: How much social interaction do I need to be happy and what do I have to do to meet my social needs? What goals do I want to accomplish and what can I do to put them in motion now?
House of Secrets, Sorrows, and Self-Undoing (12th House): Although it sounds like a negative and gloomy place to be, this is the House that rules over spiritual pursuits and understanding limitations. With a 12th House ruled by Gemini, that may mean intellectual limitations - where are you holding yourself back intellectually? Are your pre-conceived ideas keeping you from pursuing mystical or spiritual fulfillment? This House also rules over hidden enemies, so you may discover that others are spreading rumors about you (Gemini has a reputation for being gossipy) or that someone isn't as much of a friend as you thought they were. Even in these unhappy situations, it's important to understand the lessons that come out of them. Ask yourself: What things - situations, relationships, responsibilities - do I feel is holding me back from achieving the life I desire?
I hope you enjoyed this explainer that I put together. Hopefully it didn't take you as long to read as it took me to write (but I loved every minute of it). Video for the song is below.
It's the Full Moon tonight and it's basically right on my Ascendant. And, if you couldn't tell by my music selections this week, I've been all over the place. Gemini placements have a reputation for swinging between extremes. Talking a mile a minute about every topic under the sun. Both delightfully mischievous yet deadly serious at the same time. Joking and not joking in the same breath, that it can be confusing and hard to gauge which way their mind is going to go. That has definitely been me this week (and in general) with everything - my thoughts, my moods, my wants, my needs, my plans - it's a roller coaster to be me, sometimes. I feel so unfocused at times but, in the next minute, I'll have such divine clarity of thought that it's almost scary. I'd worry about it but it seems I'm all out of fucks to give again. The theme for December is to try to just let it be and enjoy the ride.
Can't keep my hands to myself
I mean I could, but why would I want to?
Tonight, I'm feeling playful - some more Gemini Rising bullshit for you. I'm feeling super happy because Ben Wyatt and Leslie Knope finally kissed on "Parks & Rec." As is my custom, I let out such a scream of giddiness that I'm almost embarrassed to mention it, just like the last two times I watched this episode. I don't have much time because I also want to try to fit in a tiny Full Moon ritual, too, so I'll let this song speak for itself. During my commute home - since I'm having a hard time focusing on podcasts right now - I decided to put on a playlist I haven't touched in a while. Almost a year. I forgot it was a really fucking good playlist. This was the first song that played. And, as ridiculous as it is, I really do like this song. I never claimed to have good taste in music, only a diverse one. Enjoy!
