The Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius

Astrology by Lisa Stardust

The only total solar eclipse of 2020 is occurring on December 14th in Sagittarius. This luminary serves as a big emotional release. It will bring up a lot of sentiments that are buried beneath the surface and give us the chance to heal the past — if we are ready to. 

The solar eclipse aspects Mercury, Mars, Neptune, and the South Node of Destiny, which means we will meet the karmic energy with ambivalence and uncertainty. While we will want to take action around expressing our feelings, there will be an uncertainty around how we can let others know exactly how we feel. 

This plenary line up will even bring past life fears into play (especially with the eclipse’s alignment with the South Node of Destiny), making us feel too lost in our feelings to know which road to choose in present times. It is a wonderful time to release old ways of thinking and quit a bad habit. Letting go is always hard. If we have faith and believe in ourselves it can be done during this luminary. 

Mercury and Neptune’s presence will create  miscommunications, exhaustion, and strong intuition within us all. Do not believe all that you hear, there is a lot of information missing from the story.  If you feel as though something is amiss in others, you may be right. The caveat is that it may be hard to pin down exactly what people are hiding. Again, don’t jump to conclusions and create drama. The truth will come out in time. Be patient. The flip side to this energy, is that we may be lying to ourselves, but may not know it yet. The greatest form of deception are the lies we force ourselves to believe, even if it goes against our intuition. 

This luminary falls between the fixed stars Rasalhague and Lesath. Rasalhague can heighten emotions, while Lesath adds a fogginess to our thoughts. Both stars will push us to act swiftly and think later. But, we really shouldn’t move in any direction until we have all of the details. Not knowing the full story can backfire, crafting bigger issues to form. 

The Sabian Symbol for the solar eclipse is “A Bluebird Perched On The Gate Of A Cottage.” This gives light to the notion embracing one’s spirituality, which may be hard to hone into at this time. In order to be happy, it’s essential for us to be generous with others. Embrace the higher vibration of Sagittarius and Neptune. Using our hearts to radiate unconditional love (even to those who have wronged us) will allow us all to connect and get along. It’s important to note that we don’t have to keep people in our lives who haven’t been kind and have proven to be toxic to our wellbeing. But, we may be inclined to forgive (not forget) their actions (which is dependent upon if they are forgivable actions). Healing is key. 

This luminary is intense. It will bring up a lot of emotions within. Please be gentle, kind, and compassionate with yourselves. And, others as well. The energy is contagious. Treat others how you wish to be treated, so they can use the same vibe in their dealings with people in their orbs.

*The solar eclipse occurs on December 14th at 8:16AM PDT and 11:16AM EDT.

Solar Eclipse Ritual

Light a white candle. Sit in a quiet room and close your eyes. Let yourself relax and unwind. Allow yourself to connect to the rhythms of the universe. Focus on healing your mind, heart, past, and present state of mind. Then, you can tap into what you want to release. Once you find what needs to go in your life, write it down on a piece of paper. Carefully burn it or rip it up. Throw the ashes out. Release it into the world and don’t look back. 

The Frost Lunar Eclipse in Gemini

Astrology by Lisa Stardust 

The lunar eclipse in Gemini occurs on November 30th is pushing us all to think with our hearts, rather than act out our emotions (which will prove to be hard). Passions will be ignited, but they will be easily tempered as long as we use our intellect to rationalize around matters.

The planetary ruler of the Moon, Mercury, is in Scorpio, and is moving past a soft connection with the Sagittarius Sun, who’s planetary ruler is in Capricorn. Passions are heightened, as we are on a quest to expand our knowledge and understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Being that Mercury is in the late degrees of Scorpio, which is a mute and highly intuitive sign, we will have to rely on our gut feelings and accept them as truths. No more second guessing our intuition. The following day, Mercury moves into Sagittarius, urging us to vocalize our emotions. 

Healing centaur Chiron, who’s in Aries, aligns with the eclipse degrees. This will give us the chance to make amends with others or even forgive ourselves for our involvement in matters that could’ve hurt those we care about. Perhaps we will be able to give people answers and clarity to situations from the past and move forward in a new direction with them. 

The Sabian Symbol associated with this eclipse is “A Quiver Filled With Arrows.” This means that we will be armed with words that can hurt (which relates to the Gemini-Sagittarius vibe). Think before speaking. Words can hurt. Be careful about what tricks others have up their sleeves, as the Mercurial vibe can lead to confusion. When confronted with issues, take a step back and think about how to proceed. Don’t act impulsively. By doing this, we’ll be able to avoid dramas from happening in our personal lives and relationships.

The fixed star Ain aligns with the Gemini Moon, adding to the directness and over the top emotional energy. Ain will also help to bring matters to light. Deceptions and truths will be revealed, making us rethink matters and relationships. Being that this eclipse is on the Gemini-Sagittarius nodal axis, we can expect to hear information about ourselves or others that will expose scandals and situations. Keep in mind that some of the news we hear may not be real or a version of the truth. Before reacting, think about how to move forward. The caveat with this energy is that we will be inclined to ignore the red flags because we are in denial of reality or the facts of the matter. 

Another element of the eclipse is the need we’ll all have to do things twice. With the Gemini energy comes the desire to give matters and relationships a second chance (because Gemini is a dualistic sign that does things two times). It’s totally fine to forgive, forget, and move on — but, only if you’re ready to. Try to be more gentle and less critical of yourself (as well as others) during this eclipse. Then, everyone can heal in their own ways.

*The lunar eclipse occurs on November 30th at 1:29AM PDT and 4:29AM EDT.

Cleansing Ritual for the Lunar Eclipse:

Set intention by noting what you want to cleanse in your life or space.

Blend lemon oil, rinds, or lemon verbena (the essence of Gemini) along with fresh lavender or oil and peppermint sprigs or oil in a bowl. 

Place the bowl in the middle of the room. 

The herbs, flowers, and essences will organically purify the space and detox your mind. 

WITCHTIPS & HOROSCOPES 10/28-11/3

Astrology by Lisa Stardust 

 WITCHTIPS

Happy Halloween and Samhain, witches! This weekend brings the spookiest celestial news ever, as we’ll be experiencing a rare Full Blue Moon in Taurus on October 31st. Think that’s intense? The same day, the Scorpio Sun and Uranus, who’s retrograde in Taurus, oppose each other which will intensify our emotions. The following day, Saturn, who’s in Capricorn, hinders Mercury, who’s retrograde in Libra, from expressing ideas and sentiments. Later in the day, Venus, who’s in Libra, opposes the centaur Chiron, who’s retrograde in Aries, giving us a chance to heal our hearts. Mercury ends its retrograde journey in Libra on November 3rd (Election Day). Remember to go out and vote or mail in your ballots! Don’t let the Mercurial shift stand in the way of casting your vote!

Aries 

There’s an opportunity to heal old emotional upsets in relationships over the weekend, when Venus and the centaur Chiron oppose each other in the sky. But, the question is whether or not you wish to go back to the past and open old scars. Think about whether or not it’s worth the pain and heartbreak, then take action. You can heal on your own, too. 

Taurus 

Your earthly and carnal desires will be unleashed during the Blue Moon, pushing you to use sex magic to manifest your desires into reality. Just when you think your sexual urges couldn’t be aroused more, your senses are pushed to maximum fulfillment when Uranus steps in and spices your life up in ways you could never imagine. Enjoy your weekend of hedonism and sensual experimentation! 

Gemini 

Expect fireworks to spark drama within your interpersonal relationships and peer group on November 1st, when Mercury retrograde and Saturn square off. You may feel like your friends are ignoring you and aren’t giving you enough TLC. Don’t get too upset over this matter. You have an opportunity to make amends and mend fences when your planetary ruler, Mercury, ends its moonwalk on November 3rd. 

Cancer 

Although you may not know it, this week is an ideal time for you to sweet talk your way back into the good graces of a few friends that you’ve had a recent falling out with. The Blue Moon on October 31st  will act as a catalyst for you to start the process of making up and mending fences with those you’ve had drama with.

Leo 

Known to honor loyalty, kindness, sincerity and generosity more than most, this week makes you appreciate how loved you are by others. While most people say that you have a flair for drama, you’re proving them wrong by showing off the kind and lighthearted side of you that’s often overlooked. But, to be real, this is how you act in your purest and truest form. 

Virgo 

Calm the harsh criticisms in your heart and mind, by making a list of all your positive attributes. You’re the only one judging you. Recite these affirmations  while looking at yourself in the mirror Squash the criticisms in your head with self-compassion and empathy. You are in the process of blossoming, learning, and growing. Be patient and gentle with yourself this week. Healing takes time.

Libra 

It’s been a long, winding, and sometimes rocky road towards healing. For the first time, you’re seeing results of your newly found philosophies. The most important thing to remember is that you have to keep up with the work in order to keep the momentum going and growing. Think of your spirit as a plant that needs to be maintained, watered, and tended to regularly. 

Scorpio 

Halloween and Samhain pushes you to feel more emotionally out of sorts than you are used to. Don’t hold back your sentiments. Let the good, the bad, and the ugly come out. The internal release will make you feel as though your energies have been revived and restored. It’ll feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders, removing all of your stresses.

Sagittarius 

Finding comfort within acquaintances is becoming more erratic than you could have ever imagined. You may feel emotionally attached by a peer who’s jealous of your happiness during the Blue Moon. The lesson is to keep those people at an emotional distance and to honor those who have thoroughly shown you support and love, whom you are honored to call a friend and vice versa. 

Capricorn 

Known for your strong work ethic, this week is when your efforts shine. The world sees you as the top sea-goat in your industry, which is heightened when you get more respect and admiration from your coworkers. You will also receive praise from your boss. Be sure to protect your energy, as you may attract the evil eye, due to your professional acclaim and fame. 

Aquarius 

You’ve been feeling stuck and unable to move forward in any direction for a while, but now you’re finally able to take action. Being able to take steps towards your goals will be especially helpful during the Blue Moon, when you are cosmically pushed to evolve and transform your personal beliefs. Then, you will feel energetically freer than ever to grow and spread your wings. 

Pisces 

This week acts as a wake up call for you to start implementing boundaries with your peers. If you choose to avoid dealing with such issues and burying your head in the sand, you will feel the emotional sting on November 1st when tender Venus and healing centaur Chiron oppose each other. Instead, use this time as a chance to mend issues and transform relationships.

Libra New Moon

The Libra New Moon occurs today on October 16th. This luminary is extremely intense, which is why it’s important to not project emotions onto others and to own our part in a situation. The other side to this cosmic event, is that we may be forced to transform which will throw us off our balance. 

Mars, who’s retrograde in Aries, and the planets in the Capricorn stellium (Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto) create a T-Square (a fraught astrological aspect in which there are planetary two squares and an opposition occurring simultaneously with each other) during this New Moon. There will be arguments, power struggles, and our emotions will feel as though we’re riding a roller coaster. While the lunar energy is intense, it will resolve itself smoothly a few days later. 

The New Moon aligns with the benefic fixed star Spica. This energy will add success and fortitude to all endeavors. However, it can be unfavorable to those who are not acting scrupulous or with the best intentions. More often than not, it brings a favorable outcome and flavor to all the planets it touches. During this New Moon, it will give us a fair shake in all matters at hand. 

The Sabian Symbol associated with the degrees of this luminary is “A Butterfly With A Third Wing On Its Left Side.” This speaks to the Plutonian energy that will make this New Moon hard, as it will bring unforeseen drama, jealousies, and triangular situations to the table. The higher vibration of Pluto is that, like the butterfly presented from the Sabian Symbol, it brings change, growth, and the ability to fly high. 

The ritual for the New Moon is to let go of negativity and toxic thinking. Sit comfortably in a chair and take a mental note of the things, people, and situations in your life that aren’t energetically healthy for you. Write them down on a piece of paper. Now, on another piece of paper, write down all of the positives in your life. Rip up the list of negative vibes and burn it, bury it, flush it down the toilet, or mail it off to a random fake address with no return address on the envelope. This will enable you to detox all of the gloomy vibes in your auric field. Keep the list with positives and review it every month. After, take a shower or bath with Epsom or Himalayan salt to cleanse your energy. 

*The Libra New Moon occurs on October 16th at 12.31PM PDT and 3:31PM EDT. 

WITCHTIPS & HOROSCOPES 10/14- 20/2020

Astrology by Lisa Stardust

Buckle up, this week is gonna be intense. The Libra Sun aligns with the Nodes of Destiny on October 14th, which will give us the opportunity to make fated choices. The Sun and Pluto, who’s in Capricorn, create power struggles and ego conflicts on the 15th. The Libra New Moon occurs on the 16th, making us commit to what we love. The Sun squares off with Saturn, who’s in Capricorn, on October 18th shattering our confidences. The same day, Venus, who’s in Virgo, opposes Neptune, who’s in Pisces, which will add sensitivities to the overall vibe. Mars, who’s retrograde in Aries, shares a tense energy with Jupiter, who’s in Capricorn, on the 19th. Tensions will be heightened and rise then. Later in the day, Venus and Jupiter connect, mending arguments from earlier on. And, Mercury, who’s retrograde in Scorpio, connects with Uranus, who’s retrograde in Taurus, expanding our minds on the 19th.  Venus and the Nodes of Destiny are making important decisions around relationships and money on October 20th. 

Aries 

There is a tendency for you to project your feelings onto others this week, whether you mean to or not. In order to avoid such drama, it’s imperative for you to take a step away from these situations to see them clearly before inserting your opinions and emotions into them. 

Taurus 

Don’t give up on your visions and dreams, no matter what the naysayers want you to think. It’s time for you to start believing in yourself. With an extra dash of confidence, you will be able to take on the world with a fresh new attitude and lust for life. 

Gemini 

More than ever, you are focusing on your inner artistry. The caveat is that you are having issues connecting to a creative venture. Give yourself a little bit of time to find a project that sparks your interests and talents. You’ll find a unique opportunity that speaks to you soon. 

Cancer 

All work and no play can frustrate anyone — even you. Try finding balance in your schedule to ensure that you can focus an equal amount of energy in all of the parts of your life that you wish. This will help you find the peace of mind that you need. 

Leo 

Words have a lot of power, which is why you’ll need to choose yours wisely this week. Become an advocate for a cause you hold dear. Use your voice to help bring change to the world — which is something that your passionate mind and fiery heart will totally endorse. 

Virgo 

Being direct with others this week will not only help you gain clarity, it’ll also allow you to avoid messy confrontations over situations that could have easily been avoided. Your sassy vibe may be tough for others to understand — but it will help you to assert and express yourself clearly. 

Libra 

You’re giving all facets of your life a lot of energy. But, you haven’t been giving yourself much love and attention. Take a few minutes out of your day and state affirmations to yourself while looking in the mirror. Own your fabulousness. This will help you to find your way. 

Scorpio 

You may not want to admit you’ve been wrong about past matters, but you will find solace in confronting the past and making amends with those who you’ve had conflict with. If you don’t want to interact with them, you can send them love and light, then let it go.

Sagittarius 

You may be feeling that you’re overstretched for time this week, due to your busy schedule. Your hard working ways are now leaving you depleted in a lot of areas, which is making you need extra down time. Don’t be afraid to embrace low key evenings at home to decompress.

Capricorn 

It’s never the right time to launch a new project, but the cosmos are pointing towards you commiting to an exciting endeavor. You’ll be successful even though you are doubting yourself. Stand tall and proud. Let your confidence and radiance shine. Don’t second guess yourself this week. You got this! 

Aquarius 

Embracing a spiritual endeavor will help you expand your mind. Consider aligning yourself with an old activity and philosophy that you once found comfort in. Not only will you change your personal vibe, but you will open up your mind to new possibilities which will help you grow and evolve. 

Pisces 

Making the best choices for yourself will be extra challenging this week. The answer to your indecisiveness lies within yourself. Therefore, it’s important to lean into your intuition to feel and suss out what feels right for yourself. Trust your gut because the answers lie within you and nobody else.  

Mercury Retrograde 2020

Astrology by: Lisa Stardust

Mercury retrograde commences on October 13th and lasts until November 3rd (Election Day in the U.S.). The retrograde story we will experience began on September 23rd during the pre-shadow phase and will wrap up on November 19th when the Retroshade zone concludes. This time, the trickster planet will be moonwalking from watery Scorpio to airy Libra. 

This backwards journey is about gaining emotional clarity and understanding our role in relationships (how we relate and treat others). We will see patterns in our behaviorisms and partnerships that we’ve never seen before. It’s a time for us all to take a deep dive within our hearts and psyche to remedy the way we go through the motions of relationships. Odds are, sentiments and feelings that have been pushed down within our hearts will resurface. Don’t run away from your emotions. This is part of the healing process. Feel your feels. 

Secrets and scandals will be revealed — but, mostly the lies we’ve told ourselves throughout the years. We are coming to terms with the truest versions of ourselves, which will be hard to process at first. If we grace ourselves with compassion and kindness, we will be able to eventually move forward and mend these sentiments. Most importantly, we need to give ourselves time to process our revelations. Being kind to ourselves is ¾ of the journey — the same applies for everyone else in our lives too. 

To Stay Centered During Mercury Retrograde

Take a yellow or orange candle (the color of Mercury) and annotate it with myrrh oil to bring peaceful communication our way. Light the candle every Wednesday (Mercury’s Day) to ensure calm and pleasurable conversations with others. This candle will also reduce anxieties and frustrations from flaring up during Mercury’s backspin. 

A healing bath with Epsom salt and lemon verbena (a herb known to aid the planet Mercury). You can use lemon zests or peels if you do not have access to lemon verbena. Soak in the bath every Wednesday (Mercury’s Day) for 20 minutes to ensure positivity and to lessen the effects the retrograde will have on your personal life. If you do not have access to a bathtub, you can blend Epsom salt, lemon verbena, and water in a bowl (as much as you deem fit). Then, pour over your shoulders in the shower. 

Obsidian is a great protective stone to keep by your side throughout the day (you can use this everyday of the week). Not only will this stone shield and protect you against negative energy, it’ll filter out all the mental stresses that cause frustrations to flair up. 

Cleanse your personal space with lavender every Wednesday (Mercury’s Day). You can take fresh lavender or a bundle and light it in a cauldron. Let your room or office. You can also use the oil on your skin as a perfume or make a sachet with lavender. This will help calm the stresses that arise from Mercurial blunders (like technological, communication, and travel issues).