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Full Moon in Virgo
On Thursday, March 1, 2018 (4:52 PM PST and 7:52 PM EST) the full moon shines in the earthy and practical sign of Virgo. The sign that thrives off of growth, is finely attuned to details, prefers order, and expresses herself through service. You see, she’s wired to master something and that something could be anything, but one thing is for certain - her skills need to be utilized. She is the sign that embraces what she does because it’s also who she is and you’ll recognize her for it, too. She’s all about precision and when she’s at her best, she’s clear about who she is, what she does, where she’s going, and also where her place is in the world. Now I’d definitely call that some clarity.
If you haven’t figured it out, then I’ll give you a hint: this girl is driven. She needs purpose, but the trick is her work must be meaningful to her. Complacency definitely doesn’t fit inside her vocabulary. And while it’s true she’s aiming for perfection, I’d also like to mention that she’s here to learn and experience some humility. You see it’s important that her skills are of service to the world because ultimately this is what transforms her.
So, where’s her shadow, you ask? Imagine worrying, nitpicking, and scrutinizing over every little thing and every little detail. Yep. You guessed it. It’s easy for her to feel overwhelmed. Oh, and her skill at noticing everything, this includes everything about her and everyone else, too. This can set her up for some serious self-destruction. It’s easy for her to become her worst enemy because from her perspective nothing is good enough. It might take lots of reminding and some deep soul work, but her art in the world is to somehow learn that she IS enough. If she doesn’t, I can promise you that she’s not going to like anything she sees. Her healing comes when she learns to love and accept herself, flaws and all. I also mentioned that she’s driven, but if she ever loses sight of her goals then doubt and uncertainty will surely creep in. It’s quite natural for her to focus on the future, but she might learn to calm her nerves, if she spent more time in the present.
While the full moon passes through Virgo, we have four planets (Sun, Neptune, Mercury, and Venus) plus the comet Chiron pulling the energy in the opposite direction in Pisces. Nothing like a little tension between two opposing energies. Before you become concerned about what this might mean, sometimes tension is needed. Sometimes it helps us birth something new into our life.
Pisces in her highest expression stirs our imagination, inspires us to connect with all of humanity, pulls us into the mystery, fills us with compassion, and dazzles us with all things dreamy. She sounds magiKal, doesn’t she? Now let me tell you what she’s like at her worst. She blurs lines, pushes us into illusions, masquerades as something that isn’t quit real and in the end all you’re left with is a large dose of confusion. Even though she has no boundaries, it’s still easy to get trapped because you can float forever and never commit to anything. To navigate Pisces successfully, you can’t be afraid to surrender to the unknown and sometimes (almost always) this means there’s not a lot to hold onto.
Can you feel the tension between Pisces and Virgo? So while this full moon is urging you to ground inside a skill, move with greater clarity, and understand life more through your ability to reason. Pisces is asking you to drift off into the abyss and just dream into your imagination. So how should you handle all of this? Well the good news is that this full moon is here to help you focus, especially if you’ve been feeling a little lost lately. If you’ve been meandering and wondering what it is that you’re here to do, maybe this is the time you'll start to gain some clarity.
Ask yourself, what are you skilled at? How do you add service to the world? Is there any particular skill or talent in your life that you would like to improve? Where is your place in the world? If you don’t know how to answer that, just sit with it. I mean with all that Piscean energy you could even dream a little about what you’d like your place to be and how you would like to show up for yourself and others. Remember with Pisces, there are no limits, so feel free to dream big.
Maybe it’s simply time that you fine tuned some of your skills, or maybe you're ready to level up in the world, or maybe you need to accept that who you are is enough and that you do indeed have something to offer this world. Don’t be alarmed if those voices of doubt start to creep in, there’s enough Piscean energy to help you accept who you are and to know that you are so much more than what you do. Not to mention, Saturn is making a helpful trine to this Full Moon and he’s here to help you add in that extra dose of hard work and self-discipline so you’ll be sure to get things done.
While we all might feel pulled during this Full Moon to focus and hone in on a skill, we will each experience this lunar energy differently depending on where Virgo/Pisces is located in your chart or if you have a natal planet associated with it. If you are interested in a more personalized reading, I’d love to set up a session with you.
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New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse in Aquarius
New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse in Aquarius
On Thursday, February 15th, 2018 (1:05 pm PST and 4:05pm EST), the moon begins its new cycle in the airy and rebellious sign of Aquarius. She is the misfit, the rebel, the revolutionary, and the genius. She is the sign that dances to the beat of her own drum, prefers to color outside of the lines, exhales her own uniqueness, and needs freedom to express herself - even if this means she doesn't fit in- especially if she doesn’t fit in. But you see, that’s just it. She isn’t here to fit. She’s here to stand out. She’s here to splash her own colors. She’s here to be weird.
She must accept that her path isn’t always easy and It’s certainly not carved out. I’ll let you in on a little secret though – she’s stubborn and I'd say with good reason. She’s often misunderstood. And when things or people are misunderstood, it’s easy to want to change them. People often want her to be more like them. The problem is they don’t understand she’s here to be different and in their discomfort they miss the beauty of her presence. If she listens to someone who can’t see or know her, she will eventually betray her own being. And for what? To make another feel more comfortable?! Let’s hope she never puts on that mask. If you try to confine her, box her in, tell her who she’s supposed to be, then you might want to prepare yourself for disappointment. If you didn't realize it yet, She’s not here to fit inside your story. She’s here to carve her own. If she falls prey to your insistence, then I guarantee she’s experiencing a death inside. You'll know if this has happened - take one look in her eyes and you'd see a hollowness staring back at you. She's compromising who she is.
There’s a shadow side to everything and while her uniqueness is her greatest gift to some she might be seen as unreliable, unpredictable, and insensitive to other’s feelings. This might feel unsafe because there’s not anything to hold onto. We must remember though that she’s not here to create a container, but she's here to set us free from it. So with this new moon, I must ask the question, what do you need to be set free from?
While some of you might be thinking it’s not fair that she gets to do what she wants, let me warn you that her loyalty to herself comes with a price. She's often misunderstood. Let’s be honest, if she’s true to herself then it’s likely that she may upset you. It’s likely that she won’t listen to you and even less likely that she’ll get back in line. She does have a beating heart and she knows it’s difficult to disappoint the ones that she loves. But she’s not here to play nice or follow anyone's rules. Let me reiterate. She’s here to shake things up. She’s here to stand out. She’s here to be different. She’s here to be weird. This is the energy of Aquarius – can you feel it?
A couple of weeks ago we had an expressive and impactful total Lunar Eclipse in the fiery sign of Leo, and now this Aquarian partial Solar Eclipse is here to illuminate that spark of genius inside you. If you don’t think you’ve met your own genius, I’ll give you a hint. It’s the part of you that isn’t looking for acceptance from anyone or anything, but has something powerful to say. Now this new moon sits close to Mercury, the planet that emphasizes our communication and perception. It’s here to help us pay attention to old thinking patterns that no longer serve us. So ask yourself: what thoughts do I play on repeat? How am I stuck? Where are my edges? What playground do I live on? What playground do I want to create for my life? What are the phrases or excuses that stop me from doing this?
As I mentioned above there is a shadow side and with the South Node not too far from this new moon, we need to remain vigilant of falling prey to any temptation that requires us to compromise and hide our true self. This will only cause the lights on our soul to grow dim. And who wants that? So allow yourself to move closer to your own uniqueness, embrace the rhythm that is YOU, and splash your colors onto this world with YOUR natural paintbrush. Create those intentions, feel your own wildness, and don’t be afraid to move outside of your edges.
I know this might feel easier said than done, but with Jupiter in a square aspect to Mercury and the Moon, there is the possibility to see a new vision for your future. While a vision sounds refreshing and hopeful, sometimes we have to be ready to surrender the old. If we don’t, then that something new might feel blocked. So ask yourself: What am I holding on to? What stands in the way of my new vision? What needs to move, so that I can expand into who I am becoming? Who would you like to become? What are you ready to let go of? Sit with those questions. Feel them. Get to know them.
Lastly, let’s address Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, who is making a helpful presence during this eclipse. He’s carrying the energy of liberation and is ready to assist you in seeing your world differently. So is the North Node in Leo by further helping you find what part inside you is aching for an expression. If any of this sounds overwhelming then take a deep breath and as you exhale, ask the universe to help you feel (re)enchanted with life and to remind you of the magiK that’s everywhere and in every thing.
While we all might feel a pull during this new moon to own our individuality, we will each experience this lunar energy differently depending on where Aquarius is located in your chart or if you have a natal planet associated with it. If you are interested in a more personalized reading, let’s set up a session.
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Lunar Eclipse in Leo - January 31, 2018
On Wednesday, January 31, 2018 (5:27am PST and 8:27am EST) the Full Moon offers us a reddish glow in the fiery and expressive sign of Leo. This isn’t any ordinary Full Moon; it’s a Supermoon, and it also happens to be a total lunar eclipse. Sounds like a lot to take in. Let’s tackle the energy of Leo first.
Leo on its own is a sign that is bold, thrives off of creativity, and needs to express everything without inhibition. She isn’t here to hide and she knows she has something to share with the world. Leo is dramatic, she sees life as a stage and isn’t satisfied without an audience. You see, Leo craves the spotlight and is fueled by recognition. She knows she’s here to be seen and so she does everything with style. She performs not as an act to hide behind, but as a way to show and develop who she is. Some of us feel at home in Leo territory while others may want to run for cover. But during this full moon whether we like it or not she’s here to offer us a gift, but first we have to step into her presence. And I have no doubt that once in her presence she will ask one thing from us: to EXPRESS.
Okay >pause< So what about the fact that this full moon is also an eclipse? Well, the moon doesn’t produce her own light, she reflects it, she responds to it and we know she gets her glow from the sun. So with this lunar eclipse, the moon moves into the Earth’s shadow, and this means the light from the sun will be blocked. Not entirely, but enough to give the moon its reddish glow. So while this just addresses the appearance, I imagine you might be wondering how does this affect me? Let’s just say lunar eclipses turn up the energy a notch or two, they accelerate the pace and are often the catalyst for big changes. What kind of changes? Well this particular Leo eclipse is occurring right next to the North Node, placing significant impact on the future. That’s right- these moments could significantly impact the trajectory of your life. But once again it requires you to act and Leo requires you to express. Hopefully you’re sensing a theme.
So this isn’t a time you want to shrink or hide behind what’s become familiar and outdated. Instead, it’s a time for you to move forward and move into what you can’t quite see. This requires trust. This requires faith. This requires boldness. All things Leo has in her back pocket. So ask yourself: Where have I been hiding? What am I ready to create? What in me needs an expression? How can I dare to step onto the center stage of my life a little more? And maybe even a lot more? If you don’t like what you’ve been creating, then how would you like to change it? What would it take for you to move forward? If your life were a performance what act are you living?
If you don’t know the answers to those questions then choose to live inside them? Move the questions forward, put them in the spotlight – let them guide you. Because I guarantee something in you is begging for you to express who you are and some part of you is tired of taking “No” for an answer. So Dream. Step out. Dance. Create. Sing. Write. Open up to that childlike part of you that remembers what it’s like to play. Allow yourself to fall in love with the wonder that your soul is aching to express. You don’t need to know what it looks like – that’s the point, paint your canvas as if you were still a five year old.
We need to take a moment and address Venus. She’s hanging out close to the South Node right next to the Sun in Aquarius. This of course makes her in opposition to the moon and North Node in Leo. Phew, nothing like a little tension to stir things up. Venus loves relationship and she’s all about beauty. But what happens if her shadow is brought out? Maybe ask yourself are there any relationships that keep me from expressing my true self? Have I become isolated? Withdrawn? Or maybe you’ve turned your expression inward? You might also ask: How have I followed the crowd instead of engaging with my own unique genius? Is there someone I’ve been hiding behind? And while you’re at it look for those who push you to create, who inspire you to dream, and who pull the authentic you out onto center stage. These are your people.
You could certainly say that this is a powerful time and it certainly offers an opportunity for you to experience some breakthroughs. I’m sure most of us like the sound of that. Not to dampen the celebration, but with every light there’s also a shadow and Leo’s shadow falls in the area of pride. So yes - go for it, absolutely go for it, be bold, shine, and express who you are, but don’t forget to take the power of vulnerability with you. This might save you from a drastic fall if ego becomes too involved.
So here’s to stepping into the playfulness, for surrendering into the unknown, and for trusting your Self to create something new.
While we all might feel a pull during this eclipse to move towards expression, we will each experience this lunar energy differently depending on where Leo is located in our chart. If you are interested in a more personalized reading, please contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com or check out my website at www.joeypaynter.com
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New Moon in Capricorn - January 16, 2018
On Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 (9:17pm EST and 6:17pm PST), the moon begins its new cycle in the earthy and grounded sign of Capricorn. The sign that likes boundaries, craves purpose, discipline, and hard work. He is wired for climbing, is fueled by the challenge, and deeply recognizes that no mountain is off limits or too far from his reach. He is the sign that knows the necessity of stability, feels joy in productivity, is quick to create a strategy, and knows deeply the importance of establishing a firm foundation. It’s not that he dislikes play entirely, but for him, he needs there to be purpose, because he understands that without something to stand upon or lean into, then there really isn’t anything except sinking sand. And let’s be honest, what fun is that? You see, he pushes you to be real, velveteen rabbit real, and when something is real, you can trust it. You can depend on it. You can rely on it, because you can see it. Capricorn is built for the world to see him, for who he really is. No tricks. No secrets. No hidden agendas. When he is in his true element, he is the ultimate symbol of integrity.
Of course there’s always a shadow side and Capricorn’s shadow is control. He can fall into a militant way of relating, where he demands that his way is THE ONLY WAY. His words can start to sound like commands and his actions may become rigid and petrified inside his own point of view. This shadow side feeds off of power and has an unquenchable hunger to be in a place of authority. There’s nothing wrong with power and there certainly doesn’t need to be anything wrong with holding a position of authority. However, if these archetypes start to possess a Capricorn, it can destroy any sense of life. The hunger for power will never be quenched, because there’s always something more. The position of authority becomes a place of ownership and this triggers an unwavering need to be admired and respected. This sets the stage for Capricorn to perceive others as beneath him and locked under his rule. The minute he seeks approval from others he begins to lose his grip on his SELF, and this means he’s also losing his truth. When a Capricorn loses his truth, he loses his life. We’re not talking about a literal death, but one where he has become a prisoner to his world. Enter the workaholic, a slave to his duties, and a victim to his never-ending need to conquer, because on some level he will always feel dissatisfied. Nothing is enough. He has become a prisoner to his success. And in all of his power and authority, his work is now what owns him. I think you get what I'm saying.
Now brace yourself for a minute, because the moon isn’t the only planet in Capricorn. There are actually five other planets stationed very close by. Yes, you heard me, five other planets – Saturn, Mercury, Pluto, the Sun, and Venus. When we add in the moon, we now have a total of six planets hanging out in the sign of Capricorn. To say that there’s an intense and intentional focus on embracing the reality of who you are and what you’re here to do – wellllll let’s just say that’s an understatement at best.
So what do you do with all of this serious, sobering energy? Here’s a hint: If there’s something you’ve been dreaming about doing, but maybe it has felt too big because of all the hard work it might require from you. Well, guess what? Now is the time to face the monster under the bed and tackle it with a renewed sense of commitment and discipline. You can make your dreams a reality, but not without some practical hard work. The energy is waiting for you to show up and when you do, there’s a good chance it just might require quite a lot from you. Not because it wants you to become a slave, but because it can see what you have the potential to reach, and who you have the potential to become.
So form that plan, create that strategy, and dive head first into the discipline it will take to see this project through to the end. Don’t be afraid to dream big, because remember Capricorn likes a good challenge. I’d also like to remind you that while Capricorn usually needs to retreat and spend some time in solitude, this new moon finds Venus close by, the planet that is all about relating, and the planet that knows how to add that extra splash of beauty to any room. So maybe you’ll find there’s some collaborating happening, or an outlet for your work. Maybe Venus will add that extra bit of sparkle that you’ve needed or that moment of inspiration that comes from a friend. Don’t hesitate on helping others move closer to their dreams and also don’t be afraid to ask those who might help you reach yours.
One other aspect we can’t ignore in this cluster of planets is Pluto. It’s still within close enough range of the Sun, Moon, and Venus to make an impact. And where Pluto lies, we can expect to see something ready to transform. I’m sure you would agree that transformation often involves revealing those deeper truths. Those truths that you pretend don’t exist, but if you pay them some close attention, you can hear their heartbeat. Yeah, those guys. So pay attention to those parts that live beneath the surface, because they might just have something very important to tell you. Allow the truth of who are you to be revealed. Sounds simple, but trust me, I know this requires some work and a large dose of courage. Regardless of whether or not you’re ready, Pluto is sure to place a spotlight on those areas. Believe it or not, he is here to help you see what’s real and he’s here to remind you of what desperately needs your attention.
One other planet we can’t ignore is Uranus, the planet of breakthroughs, liberation, rebellion, freedom, and individuality. Since we know that it’s currently square all of this Capricorn energy, it would be a good time to get ready to experience a breakthrough. It’s likely to create some significant change both in the collective and in your personal life, too. In other words, prepare for the unexpected. Say what? How do I do that? The key is to not resist the movement you feel from within or around you. Be ready to ride these changes with hard work, commitment, and an unwavering belief in your SELF that says --- YOU CAN DO THIS, and that you are ready to climb this mountain, not because you’re told to, but because it’s WHO you are.
While all of us will feel pulled to deepen our focus and get serious about implementing our plans during this new moon. We will each experience it differently depending on where Capricorn is located in our chart, and how our natal planets are affected by the current energies. If you are interested in a more personalized reading, please contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com or check out my website at www.joeypaynter.com
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New Moon in Libra - October 19, 2017
On Thursday, October 19, 2017 (3:12pm EST and 12:12 PST), the moon begins its new cycle in the airy and tranquil sign of Libra. The sign that craves harmony, prefers to see life from the middle of the see saw, and is charmed by both the creation and appreciation of beauty. She is the sign that longs for serenity, needs peace more than she needs air, isn’t afraid of paradox, and naturally turns her attention towards others. Her playground is relationships, but her motivation is balance. You see, Libra isn’t afraid to hold the weight of all sides. She isn’t looking to see who is right and who is wrong or which story contains more truth, because she knows instinctively that connection is more important than one’s stance. She’s here to find the other, know the other, and even be the other if it means there’s a bridge between two sides.
Of course we can’t forget that there’s a shadow side to everything and Libra is no exception. In the spirit of seeing every side as holding a truth, Libra doesn’t take a side, she doesn't take a stance, and in fact she refuses to at all costs. Since her motivation is connection this often leads her to cater to the other. She can plaster on a smile at a moments notice and knows exactly what you want to hear. Her aim is to please, but sometimes with all that pleasing she goes unseen. In fact sometimes so much so that she doesn’t even know what she wants and can then become frozen by indecision.
Venus, the ruler of Libra, is currently in the sign of Libra, so keep your eyes peeled for all the ways you attempt to hide behind an image in order to make others feel more comfortable in their skin. Making others comfortable doesn’t seem dangerous in itself, but sometimes it can come at a cost, especially if we compromise our own truth in the process.
While I’d like to say that this new moon is all about bringing peace into your life that wouldn’t be quite accurate. Uranus is strongly opposing this new moon in the sign of Aries suggesting that this peaceful desire might be greatly interrupted by a rebellious, freedom seeking, independent and unpredictable energy. Talk about needing to hold onto yourself and somehow navigate your own sense of balance inside all of this chaos.
New moons signify the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. So with this new moon set your intentions on what you might like to change in your relationships while still keeping the connection alive. If you feel unclear maybe ask yourself these questions: Where have I become stuck inside a relationship? Where have I not been remaining true to myself? Have I lost parts of myself that now need some tending? What is the other side of the story? What part of my story have I been neglecting?
While every moon carries its own flare, this one is sure to emphasize your relationships – these include your partners, your close friendships, or even those you interact with at work. Whatever comes up for you over the next couple of days just remember that a change is brewing and if you can pay attention to what your needs are as well as the others, then you might just maybe be able to find a healthy balance. Keep in mind that inside that balance is also the peace that you are seeking.
While all of us will feel the pull on relational dynamics with this new moon, we will each experience it differently depending on where Libra is located in our chart and how our natal planets are affected by the current energies. If you are interested in a more personalized reading, please contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com or check out my website at www.joeypaynter.com
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Full Moon in Aries - October 5, 2017
On Thursday, October 5 (11:40am PST and 2:40pm EST), the full moon shines passionately and intensely in the courageous and fiery sign of Aries. The sign that is fierce, full of energy, unwilling to back down, and has the heart of a warrior. She is the sign that is filled with an unlimited source of pure will. She carries with her a power that can withstand any battle, any mountain, and face any fear because underneath that power is a will that is determined to live. In short, she is here to learn and master the art of courage. How does one develop courage, you ask? Well, the simple answer is, be willing to face a lot of fears. It is through facing these fears that she will develop the essence of her warrior spirit and become a mighty force in her world. Can you feel the Aries energy building?
With all of this fiery and bold energy illuminating the full moon, ask yourself: What fears are lurking inside me right now? What obstacles are now ready for my full attention? Where do I need some courage in my life? What mountain do I need to climb? If I feel triggered, what part of me wants to respond? What are these triggers trying to teach me?
Some of us might want to brace ourselves during the energies of this full moon because the intensity of our emotions will certainly rise. The good news is that Aries is about action. So if there’s something you want to get done and need the extra motivation – well, now is the time. Just remember that when you have all this extra, empowered energy, you might act before you think. This might get you in trouble and so it’s important to step back and attune yourself to what it is that you want to accomplish in the long run. Luckily, Mars, the ruler of Aries, is in the sign of Virgo and will assist you once you take a step back.
If you can channel all of this bold, daring, and fierce energy into facing what has scared you from pursuing your dreams, then you might just maybe be able to begin moving forward to what your heart truly desires and longs to create. You will certainly have the energy and there’s no doubt that you’ll have access to a tremendous amount of power, but with the Sun and Mercury currently in Libra and opposing this full moon and Mars conjunct Venus in Virgo, we must remember to step back and take a look at all sides before rushing in and bulldozing over whatever is in front of us.
If you find yourself triggered during this full moon, whether from a relationship or something that feels out of your control, try to see if you can locate what’s been brewing underneath the trigger. Additionally, see if you can become aware of what fears come up, what obstacles remain in front of you, and begin to notice any patterns that you are falling back into.
While all of us will feel the intense energy of Aires during this full moon, we will each experience it differently depending on where Aries is located in our chart and how our natal planets are affected by the current energies. If you are interested in a more personalized reading,
Please contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com or check out my website at www.joeypaynter.com
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Aquarius Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse on August 7, 2017
On Monday, August 7 (11:11am PST and 2:11pm EST), we will experience both a lunar eclipse and a full moon in the airy and rebellious sign of Aquarius. The sign that likes to deconstruct, tear down walls, and create change, no scratch that – IS change. And she isn’t afraid of being the odd ball, the rebel, the misfit, or the revolutionist. Aquarius in her highest form is here to liberate, to set free, and to shake things up where things have become stagnant and stale inside a set structure or way of being. Her true essence is her individuality and any type of conforming would feel like death to her magical unicorn like soul. It’s important that she dances to the beat of her own drum and she’ll do so even when she’s told she can’t – especially when she’s told she can’t. Rules? They make her cringe. She’s definitely not a fan of limits. Yes, this can get her into trouble, but she’s not concerned about that because she knows her way of being is what opens her up to everything that’s new and extraordinary. This is her gift. This is her magic. This is her heartbeat. Are you paying attention?
I know you might be thinking she’s a little weird. But trust me her weirdness is her truest and most magiKal expression of herself. You see she’s not meant to fit in, and oh how people want her to and they even fear what will happen to her if she doesn’t. Of course she could choose to please them, but that would be like selling her soul and living out someone else’s life just to make them happy. The core of her knows that her path is to not fit in, her path is to create her own, and she knows that her path doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but her. In fact, it’s often better if it doesn’t. She’s not invincible and what causes her pain is when others want to dim her color or try to change her stripes or spots or zig zags. You see, her beauty is in what makes her different, it’s in how she stands out and to try and force her to fit in is the same thing as asking her to betray her soul.
There’s a shadow side to everything and while her uniqueness is her greatest gift she can also be seen as unreliable, unpredictable, and insensitive to other’s feelings. To some this might feel unsafe because there’s not anything to hold onto. We must remember though that she’s not here to create a container, but instead, she's here to set us free from it. Her greatest shadow is if she chooses to acquiesce to the pressures of society and puts on the heavy costume of conformity. If this happens she’s created a slow death for herself and you’ll know it, too; because her eyes will become hollow and her life will seem robotic, even if she appears successful.
Can you feel the dynamic energy of Aquarius? I hope so, because this is the energy the full moon will be holding. Of course, I also need to add that this isn’t just any old regular full moon, but it’s a powerful lunar eclipse. To put it simply an eclipse adds in an extra dimension to the lunar energies by exposing aspects of ourselves that we would prefer stay hidden. Whether we accept this or not, there’s no way of escaping it and we might even feel it amplified up a few notches. So couple this with the Aquarian energy and it seems we are all in for quite a ride. Don’t be surprised if the old outworn and outdated structures you've created start crumbling down. The key is to stay present and to remain open for any significant changes that are ready to occur in your life. This of course might feel painful and unsettling if you choose to cling to what you’ve always known, but if you can remember that Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius, is here to liberate you, then maybe you can honor the changes and flow with the moments.
One other aspect I’d like to add is that this lunar eclipse is linked to the south node (our past) in Aquarius, and opposing the north node in Leo, the sign that needs expression. It is likely that you might experience issues from the past or past lifetimes resurfacing now. These issues may have left you feeling stuck, stagnant, or at a loss on how to create any change. To say it simply, it’s time for a clearing, but first there must be an acceptance of the death of what once was. Sometimes we stay in our patterns because they have become our comforts. We stay because it’s what we know. We hold on because the unknown feels too scary to embrace. The rebirth is usually more appealing than the death, but without the death occurring first we aren’t able to move into the new. You are now faced with an opportunity to honor your past and let go of what no longer serves you.
So during this full moon ask yourself: What am I holding onto? What pattern(s) have I been stuck in? What ancient wounds are ready to be resolved? Where do I fear change in my life? Where have I been compromising mySELF? What is the rhythm for my soul and what would it look like to follow it? What would it look like if I fully engaged in my life right now? What makes me weird? How have I hid my amazing and wild uniqueness from the world?
While the shadow of Aquarius might stir up feelings of isolation or even rejection from societal norms, it also offers us the energy of remaining true to our self above all else. So dig in, stay mindful, allow for change, honor the process of decay, and awaken those parts of yourself that you’ve let stay hidden for way too long. Maybe just maybe you mind find that this unpredictable ride is full of beautiful synchronicities that are just waiting to reveal themselves to you.
>play on<
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For anyone curious about how these planetary energies or how the planets in general impact your own astrological chart please feel free to contact me for a reading. There is something incredibly validating when we see that our life path does indeed come with an imprint of who we are and it’s even more amazing when we allow the planets to reveal a deeper layer to our story. Contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com or check out my website at www.joeypaynter.com to request a personalized astrology reading.
New Moon in Leo - July 23, 2017
The last full moon was nothing short of intense and powerful. Did you feel it? I would be surprised if you didn’t. It’s now time to recollect ourselves after the whirlwind of all that was stirred up and brought to the surface from those deep, shadowy, and hidden depths.
On Sunday, July 23rd (2:45am PST and 5:45am EST), the moon begins a new cycle in the fiery and expressive sign of Leo. The sign that is bold, playful, full of creativity, and has a deep desire to express outLOUD. It’s the sign that needs to be seen, needs to be witnessed, and needs to be noticed. Not because it’s trying to steal the spotlight, but rather because there’s something from within that needs to be expressed. If it’s not, then it feels trapped, stuck, depressed, and unable to make sense of the inner world. This sign needs an outlet even more than it needs air, kindness, or compassion. EXPRESSION is its breath and without it, it might just start to suffocate.
If there’s something that is stirring within your soul, well now is the time to express it. You don’t have to call yourself an artist to tap into the creative energy of Leo. You, your life, the way you live IS the outer manifestation of your soul. Everything you do is an expression of you. The way you dress, the way you talk, the way you move through life, the people you hold close, the way you color your space, and the places you choose to visit are all splashes from your paintbrush. So with the new moon in Leo we might ask ourselves these questions: What story are you showing to the world? What are you reflecting about your soul? Is there a part of you that needs more expression? Is there something that is waiting for you to give it form or something that needs an outlet to express? What are you creating?
There’s a Carl Jung quote that I’m rather fond of that states, “But if you have nothing at all to create, then perhaps you create yourself.” It is a reminder that we are all artists, and that we are all in a constant state of creating. Now that doesn’t mean we always like what create, but what it does is offer us a mirror directly into our being, and directly into our soul. Our life is our canvas. So look around you, look at your world, look at all the different players, notice the stage, and ask yourself where am I on that stage? Am in the center or am I hiding back in the shadows and watching everyone else dance? What does my life say about me? If my life were thrown onto a screen - what story would I be sharing with the world? If you don’t like your story, how would you like to change it?
This new moon is also greatly influenced by the fiery planet Mars. It is the planet of passion, self-determination, freedom, carries war like energy, aggressiveness, feistiness, and directness. Mars is here to teach us to face our fears and develop some courage so that we can become the warrior. It is a planet of action. There’s no sitting back here and since we have Uranus placed at a tense aspect with the Moon, Sun, and Mars, we can also expect quite a bit of change. This simply means that Mars will likely carry a more edgy feel with this new moon. It certainly has the potential to be volatile if we let it, and it will also be filled with some unpredictability. Don’t be surprised if your patience is tested and that you find that the little things stir up frustrations more so than usual. Before you start dreading this new moon, just realize that with all this intense, fiery energy, there is a huge call to express what you feel in creative and healthy ways. Use your creativity to channel all that intense energy so that it doesn’t destruct inside you or spill over onto another.
Returning back to the energy of Leo, we must remember that he is here to be in love with life, he might see his fears, but his goal is to not be swayed by them and he knows that there is very little room for doubt because he believes that anything can happen and anything can be. During this new moon, say YES to life, breathe in every opportunity, and remember that magiK is everywhere no matter how difficult anything might feel in the moment. Even when everything feels dark and heavy, Leo carries the gift of optimism and faith. He is that single match in the dark, that small spark that can start a fire with very little effort. Ask yourself, “What is it that I want to spark in my life?
So with all this fiery and intense energy don’t be afraid to play during this new moon. Most of us have forgotten that playing is often the secret to seeing what sits in our soul. It teaches us to be in the moment, and it moves us deeper into our being. Allow yourself the gift of playing with who you are, what you feel, what you want, what you see, and what you need. What do I mean by that? Paint, finger paint, dance, draw, skip, jump, take pictures of nature that tell your story, decorate your space, blow dandelions and watch the seeds fly, spin with arms wide open, have a tea party with your inner child, build a website, create a new project, find a new passion, create a new start, make a collage, journal your dreams in colors. Just do something where you aren’t attached to the outcome because you are so completely present with the moment. The key is to take some initiative and create from your depths. Honestly, the options are endless and you never know you might be surprised on how the simple act of playing and creating offers you a new sense of freedom. So find new ways to bring yourself to life. Drink in the energy of creativity, and remember that you are the paintbrush, the pen, the camera, the pencil, and the keys on the keyboard and that your life is the beautiful, messy, perfectly imperfect, creative and magiKal message of YOU.
>play on<
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For anyone curious about how these planetary energies or how the planets in general impact your own astrological chart please feel free to contact me for a reading. There is something incredibly validating when we see that our life path does indeed come with an imprint of who we are and it’s even more amazing when we allow the planets to reveal our story. Contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com or check out my website at www.joeypaynter.com to request a personalized astrology reading.
Full Moon in Capricorn - July 8th (9:07pm PST) and July 9th (12:07am EST)
On Saturday, July 8th (9:07pm PST) and Sunday, July 9th (12:07am EST), the full moon shines in the earthy and grounded sign of Capricorn. The sign that is sturdy, practical, full of edges and limits, the sign that pushes you to get things done with a set strategy in place, and is capable of enduring any hardship. He is the sign that is likely to stand the tests when everything else is ready to crumble and fall apart. The sign that requires you to claim responsibility and to own who you are for all the world to see. He’s not about praise because he already knows who he is and he’s here to live that out in the world. He is the symbol of integrity. He requires commitment, dedication, hard work, and complete and utter devotion to something greater.
While the last new moon was all about our emotions this full moon is about our intentions. It’s not so much about how we feel, but rather what needs to be done, what needs to be created, and then finding ways to make that happen. This isn’t the most natural placement for the moon, because the moon likes to flow, it likes to be fluid and create that beautiful glow on the water. So don’t be surprised if your feelings feel a little awkward and rigid at this time.
Before you get all excited and start planning everything, I’m gonna ask you to hit the pause button for just a moment; because to put it gently this full moon in Capricorn is rather intense. Why? Welllll, it just so happens that it’s conjunct Pluto, the planet of death and rebirth, all things taboo, and everything that lives in the depths-- or the underworld as some like to call it. Pluto is the planet of power and deep transformations. If you know this planet, you know a thing or two about the phoenix rising and we must remember that a phoenix can’t rise without the descent. So with this Plutonian influence on the moon it is likely that all that’s been hidden and lurking below the surface is ready to bubble up from the underworld. It is time for the invisible to become visible or as Carl Jung would say, it’s about making the unconscious conscious. Pluto is here to push us out of the closet so to speak and to help us look deeper into self, deeper into the depths and deeper into what we don’t want to see.
Before we judge Pluto too quickly let’s remember that he’s not punishing us, in fact his ultimate goal is to free us. Pluto offers each of us a special kind of knowing, a deep and meaningful kind of wisdom that comes from the very essence of our soul. What Pluto seeks is truth. This isn’t the “what’s the meaning of life kind of truth,” but rather the truth of who we really are underneath all of our different masks. Let’s face it when you are able to claim who you are and stand in your full truth – well that my friends is power. It is true, authentic, beautiful, and magiKal power. But first we must go to the depths and claim it... and if we don't then we might just find ourselves feeling powerless.
So how are these two energies working together? When a house burns down, what do we find left standing amongst all the rubble? The fireplace. It’s the one part of the building that no matter how intense the flames burned; it couldn’t ever be burnt down. This is the energy of Pluto in Capricorn. It will certainly know the intensity of the fire, but it is here to teach us how to stand in our truth after everything else has fallen away. Now add in the moon in Capricorn and we might consider the possibility of experiencing a power play, or some form of power dynamics between us and the "other."
It's time to ask your self the hard questions. Maybe you'll want to ask: in what ways have I been hiding? What is being mirrored back to me as a teaching about my inner world? How am I not showing up fully in the world? What does the descent require of me? What does my soul want to create? Does my current life path reflect the truth of who I am? Where can I be more devoted? What am I hiding from the world? Where do I shrink in relationships? Am I abusing, denying, hiding, ignoring, or owning my authentic power?
With this full moon you are left with a choice. You can either go kicking and screaming or you can surrender to the pulls of Pluto. Either way the underworld is beckoning for you to face your depths and all that lives underneath. You are being called to claim your deepest truths so that you can build something that will withstand the test of time.
So get ready to walk into the fiery depths and when fears come up remember that even the underworld has its boundaries, but it is only in claiming your truth that you will ever be set free.
>play on<
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For anyone curious about how these planetary energies or how the planets in general impact your own astrological chart please feel free to contact me for a reading. There is something incredibly validating when we see that our life path does indeed come with an imprint of who we are and it’s even more amazing when we allow the planets to reveal our story. Contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com or check out my website at www.joeypaynter.com
New Moon in Cancer - June 23, 2017
On Friday, June 23, 2017 (7:31pm PST and 10:31pm EST), the moon begins its new cycle in the watery and healing sign of Cancer. The sign that breathes nurturing, senses everything from within, and FEELS the deepest depths of feelings while knowing how to make everyone feel safe and protected. Imagine a womb, a cave, a bubble bath, or a place where you can curl up inside with a blanket, a good book, and tune out the exterior world with all its demands and pressures. A place that allows you to sink into your own skin and the only expectation is for you to tend to your own needs. Can you feel it? This is the home of Cancer. A place where you can tuck in and feel tenderness, kindness, compassion, and experience a much needed cathartic release of everything you’ve been holding onto. Cancer knows a secret. It knows that tears are messengers from the soul and that power doesn’t come from holding them inside, but rather in freeing them to tell their own story. It is the sign that knows what it is like to feel the most vulnerable while also knowing the importance of having a shell of protection. After all most of us only share our secrets and bare our souls when we feel safe. Cancer knows this.
Now this new moon happens to be conjunct Mercury, the planet of perception, ideas, communication, and the exchange of information. So what does this mean? Well, if we combine these energies, we might start to reflect on how we are using our words both with our self and with others. Maybe some of these questions will help: How are you aligning your thoughts, words, and perceptions with what you are feeling? Where are you not aligned? What healing does your heart and soul still need from you? How can you offer healing words to another? Is there anything that you need to speak out and release that you’ve been holding onto and pushing down? How can you listen more deeply to what it is your soul is trying to tell you? What is the healing gift you can offer to yourself at this time? What do you need? No, really. What is it that you truly need right now?
Sometimes we will immediately know the answers to these questions and at other times we need to sit and let it all sink in. Sometimes the feelings don’t have words. Sometimes the message is to simply cry. Sometimes we simply need to allow ourselves to feel. Sometimes we need to scream, yell, dance, or even laugh until the tears fall down. And sometimes we don’t have a clue what it is our soul needs. This is where the people we deeply trust come into play, the people we call our soul family or our tribe, the people that create a safe space simply by offering us their presence. So if you’re feeling at a loss for what it is you need, ask one of these soul friends to sit with you and if you feel it’s necessary-- share your story, share your heartache, share your thoughts, and sometimes use words, but know that sometimes a connection with the eyes is all we need to sink into our SELF.
Lastly, extend a large dose of compassion to yourself and know that this is often the greatest gift of nourishment we can offer to our own soul. So with this new moon, set those intentions by deeply listening to what your soul is whispering to you. Pay attention to those nudges and don’t be afraid to dream new life into any ideas that have been floating around inside you. Who knows maybe a conversation will spark something that’s been hiding and waiting for you to pay it some much needed attention. Maybe reminiscing with a family member or dear friend is all the healing you need.
If anyone is interested in a more personal reading you can learn more at www.joeypaynter.com and contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com
>play on<
Full Moon in Sagittarius - June 9, 2017
On Friday, June 9th (6:10am PST & 9:10am EST), the full moon shines in the fire sign of Sagittarius. The sign that thrives on adventure, is ready to say yes to new experiences, is open and excited for change, willing to take risks, compelled to seek out the deeper, more complex, philosophical meanings and truths found in the undercurrents of life, is undoubtedly moved by a faith that believes everything is possible, and that anything, yes child, anything could happen. If you haven’t figured it out already --Sagittarius is bold. It’s not afraid to creep into every crevice of life because its mission is to seek out truth, to breathe truth, live truth, and know it to the core of one’s bones. How does this happen? Through living into every single experience, that’s how. It’s about living. It’s about being willing to let go of attachments to make room for the new.
Now this full moon happens to be conjunct Saturn, the planet of limits and boundaries. So before you go feeling all annoyed at the size of your playground, don’t forget that Saturn is really here to mature us. He’s here to truly help us deepen so that we don’t expand into recklessness. He’s here to teach us those harder lessons, not so that we go without, but rather so that we can eventually become the voice of wisdom, the voice of truth. The voice of real knowing that leads us into the deepest faith because ‘we know that we know that we know.’
There might be some choices you’ve recently made that need your attention, or even opportunities that have recently opened up for you, but you also might find that some necessary limitations are peeking their head for you to explore and address. Since we know that both Saturn and the moon are conjunct in Sagittarius we can expect to experience a degree of soberness and heaviness in these areas. The underlying intention is to mature us and bring us more aligned to our deeper purpose through commitments and hard work. So instead of fighting the limitations allow them to become your faithful teachers and then they can help you clearly see and create your own path forward. It’s time to roll up your sleeves, be ready to say yes, pay attention to the boundaries, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. After all, it’s all part of the adventure.
If anyone is interested in a more personal reading you can learn more at www.joeypaynter.com and contact me at joey.paynter@gmail.com
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