Don't Get Scammed on Instagram

Anyone that follows me on Instagram may already be familiar with the numerous impersonator accounts that have been popping up practically everyday, attempting to use my name and reputation to scam people out of their hard earned money.

A screenshot of an imposter account on Instagram with an extra ‘m’ in the username.

While I have tried to report these pages to Instagram as much as possible, and have made a number of posts and stories on my profile to warn people, the fact of the matter is that these scammer pages don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. And, unfortunately, Instagram is doing very little about it, which includes rejecting my requests for verification several times.

After receiving the latest influx of messages from friends and followers regarding the most recent impersonator account, which sadly includes a few people that have been scammed, I decided to put up this blog post. My hopes is that people will visit my website (or do a Google search) and see it before sending these scammers any money.

Prior to posting this blog, I also dedicated an episode from my podcast Stars On Fire - discussing this more in detail, like explaining why having someone “cold call” or solicit money for readings through direct messages (DMs) is never a good sign. In fact, legitimate readers are often too busy with their current clients to solicit people individually for business.

Personally speaking, the work that I do as an astrologer is both unique to the person I’m reading for and can be quite taxing too. There’s a lot of time and energy that goes into each reading. Because of this, it is much better and even safer for people to seek me out for a consultation rather than the other way around. Think of it this way — if you really want a reading, you shouldn’t have to be pestered or coerced into getting one, especially from someone on social media that you’ve had little to no interactions with before. Instead, you would be doing your research, actively seeking the right astrologer or diviner for your needs and booking a session directly with them, most likely on their (secure) website.

By now, you must be thinking “what can I do to protect myself from spiritual scammers on social media?” I’ve included a few tips below. Although this isn’t an exhaustive list because spiritual scamming isn’t just limited to creating imposter Instagram accounts, I think you will find some of these suggestions helpful.

1. Always assume that any Instagram account that’s reaching out to you unsolicited and attempting to sell you a reading (or ask you to donate for one) is most likely an impostor/scammer. If you weren’t the one to initiate the conversation and inquire about a reading, chances are the person in your inbox is trying to hustle you. A READING SHOULD NOT BE BOOKED ON A WHIM. It should be something you book with thought, intentionality, consideration.

2. Don’t pay for any readings or send anyone money unless you can actually verify that the person messaging you is the real deal. You might be super excited and eager to be read by someone whose work you admire, but taking the time to do your due diligence to verify their identity will most likely save you money and frustration.

3. If you’re unsure as to whether the person in your inbox is the real deal, do a search or some googling to verify. Check to see if you’re already following the real account and reach out to them or, find the person’s website and contact info (via Google) and drop them a line. Impostor accounts usually follow you first with the hopes you’ll unknowingly follow them back. You’re probably already following the real account which should be a tip-off that the person DM-ing you is a fake. Other tip-offs include: extra numbers, dashes, or letters in the Instagram handle, missing captions, dozens of pictures and videos that were all posted within the same day or time period, little to no engagement from followers on the pics, using weird phrasing or out-of-character language like “grand rising” or “beloved”, asking for payment via Zelle, PayPal or a sketchy link.

4. If you’re able to ascertain that a fake or impostor has contacted you, report and block the account. Keep in mind that many readers are often overwhelmed with the amount of messages they are receiving with regards to fakes, so sometimes it’s best to just make the judgement call on your own to block the fake without having to message the reader about each one.

5. Spread the word. Tell your friends and tell your friends to tell their friends to be careful on these virtual streets. Let others know that there a are a lot of scammy, impersonator accounts on social media looking to harm and take advantage of others. Tell them to keep their cash in their pocket until further notice and refer them to this post.
   
   
   

Starstruck 2020 Global Astrology Summit

I'm so honored that the AstroTwins asked me to be a part of their Starstruck: 2020 Global Astrology Summit. I had a blast sitting on the "cosmic couch" with Ophi and discussing my ideas on how we can maintain some joy and pleasure in such a chaotic time.

For less than $30, you get can get my full talk plus 23 other thought provoking and informative talks on the astrology of the new year from other astrologers like the renowned Susan Miller of AstrologyZone, Samuel F Reynolds, Colin Bedell of Queer Cosmos, Rebecca Gordon, and more!

Join Me & The AstroTwins In NYC

Join me on January 22 at The Moxy East Village. I'll be on a stellar panel discussion alongside The AstroTwins, Susan Miller of AstrologyZone, Colin Bedell of Queer Cosmos, and Nadiyah Shah - seats are filling up quick so make sure to RSVP. Send your RSVP to rsvp@moxyeastvillage.com with 'Astrotwins' in the subject line.

Join Me For A Cosmic Coloring Book Party!

So pretty…

The kickoff to 2020 got you feeling wonky? Come out and join me for a Cosmic Coloring Book party  on Tuesday, January 14. I'll be signing books, giving mini readings, and helping you find some chill. Space is limited - so grab your tickets ASAP!

Watch Me On TLC!

Join me on a weekly journey to the stars! TLC’s Stargazing is your guide to navigating the astrological forces and living your best life. Stay tuned every Monday (7PM EST) on Facebook Watch for new episodes of this fun and funky new series that I’m super excited and honored to be a part of. Episodes are already up!

Cocoa Butter and Sagittarius Season

It’s my favorite time of year - that’s right Sagittarius season! Of course I had to do a little tribute to my fellow centaurs.

Cocoa Butter and Virgo Season

Cocoa Butter/Buzzfeed asked me to stop by last month to do a short video on Virgos and Virgo Season. Check it out below!

Libra season video coming soon!

Serving You Horoscopes, Looks, and More

courtesy of Fluffy Pop Postcards

I'm happy to report that my detailed monthly horoscopes are back!

You can find them over at I AM & CO for now. I've also been writing other astrology-based articles for them too. Like the one on what it means when you keep attracting the same zodiac sign time and time again.

I was also recently featured on the style blog - Val's Vanity - where I was asked about my style influences and beauty must haves. While I don't necessarily consider myself to be a style maven, the Leo Rising and Leo Mars in me was very honored to be featured. 

courtesy of Fluffy Pop Postcards

Also, a big, BIG shout out goes out to the people of Oakland and the team at Wellness in Action for having me out to teach astrology in the Bay. I had a great time and the people were so welcoming!

And remember for your daily fix of astrology - check me out on Bustle. 

Later peeps!

Jupiter In Scorpio: Finding The Light In The Darkness

photo: RKTKN, unsplash.com

I think Scorpio is one of the signs that most often gets a bad rap when it comes to astrology, because Scorpio is not usually known for being a soft, sunny, and gentle kind of energy. Being ruled by aggressive, hot-headed Mars and power-hungry Pluto, Scorpio is not a sign for the faint of heart. Experiences marked by Scorpio or Pluto transits usually coincide with times in our lives when we must face and grapple with our demons, on a personal and collective level. Scorpionic or Plutonic themes (sex, death, loss, rebirth) often deal with dark night of the soul experiences where we are emotionally split open, transformed, and healed. 

Deeply intuitive and motivated by instinct, Scorpio has the uncanny ability of finding our wounds and sinking its teeth into them until we bleed. But it doesn’t do this for purposes of torture. See, Scorpio has already felt those same wounds too. Scorpio wants us to delve deep into the places that hurt, because only there is where the true healing can take place. By facing our pain head-on, through the blood, sweat, and tears; we are reminded of just how powerful and resilient we really are. Scorpio is not for skimming the surface or pretending the problem, the pain, will go away on its own. 

As we move into Scorpio season (October 23 - November 22), these themes will become stronger, especially as Jupiter – the planet of growth and abundance – enters Scorpio for a thirteen-month stay on October 10th. Jupiter in Scorpio’s job is to show us just how much opportunity there is for growth through the process of rebirth and transformation. Though in order for us to be reborn, it means that something in our lives has to die first. For some this may mean a relationship, for others it could be a career, or in some cases dealing with actual death itself (and no, this doesn’t mean you’re going to die) but it could mean dealing with the loss. But do know that however that death may show up, it's OK to grieve. It's OK to rage, to cry, to completely come undone. Rebirth is not a pretty process. Sometimes it takes many "deaths" to get where we need to be. 

As we move further into the autumn and the veil between the spirit world and the living world gets thinner, Jupiter's trip through the underworld will challenge us to find the light in the darkness, as this is the kind of transit that may feel at times like we're stumbling through the dark; trying to avoid the ghosts and the monsters. Though the power in Scorpio rests on our ability to reach down deep and confront the things that scare us, backs to the wall, knife in hand. It also depends on our ability to trust our instincts and intuition too. 

Though not everything will be dark, ugly, and intense. There's a beauty in Scorpio that pushes us to form and nurture our most deepest, loving bonds; as sometimes it's through the strength and support of another that we can stand on our own. Sometimes it takes the experience of cracking open with another to fully access all that exists within ourselves, and sometimes in healing another we heal ourselves too. 

One last thing to note - if your birth chart is Scorpio heavy or predominately made up of water (Pisces, Cancer) or earth (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn), you'll find this Jupiter transit to be much easier to handle than others. In your case, the shedding and re-birthing process won't feel as emotionally heavy. Try to hold space for others that may not be where you are. 

Solar Eclipse In Pisces: Leave It All Behind

art:  featured in 18 Days by Grant Morrison

Happy Solar Eclipse in Pisces! This eclipse incorporates a powerful New Moon that can help us to usher in change and new beginnings. Use the power of Pisces to heal old wounds and to release anything that is no longer nourishing to the soul. Listen to your intuition and give yourself space to rest, unplug, dream, create, and love. As this Moon is also connected to a fiery merger between Mars and Uranus in feisty #Aries consider it a strong cosmic push to leave the past behind. 

Lunar Eclipse in Leo: Let's Get Loud

Tonight! Around 7:30PM EST the Lunar Eclipse in Leo hits its maximum; ushering in radical changes, endings, and culminations in areas of creativity, self-expression, romance, and leadership. As a result of this eclipse, we can expect shakeups in a specific area of our lives that calls for us to stand up and take the reigns, especially in places where we have allowed ourselves to play small or not at all.

Where are you ready to boss up in your life? Let confident, fearless Leo guide the way. Look to your birth chart between 20-25 degrees of Leo to see where/how you will be affected. Of course you can also read my horoscopes for February for more info.

Thoughts & Explanations on The Astrology of February

Greetings beloveds,

There’s lots happening this month so let’s jump right in and discuss it all piece by piece.

After weeks of being in Pisces, helping us to find compassion and sensitivity in the face of injustice, discrimination, and egotism; Venus, the planet of love, pleasure and wealth moves into Aries (Feb 3) to help us find our fight for the things and people we hold dear. Since Venus is not typically at home in Aries (she prefers Libra, Taurus, and Pisces), there may be a few false starts and misfires when it comes to getting what we want, especially as Venus will be joining aggressive Mars in Aries for the majority of her stay. While Aries energy can help us with finding the courage to stand up for ourselves in the face of bullying and oppression, we have to be mindful of choosing our battles carefully as Aries can be the fire that quickly rages out of control, burning us all in the process with its “me first” way of operating. Though, if there was ever a sign you can call on to topple over an oppressive regime and the systems that created it, Aries is it. Think of Venus and Mars in Aries as the volcanic lava that produces the fertile and mineral rich soil in which new and nourishing things can be planted and grown. (When Mars squares off with power-hungry Pluto in Capricorn on Feb 21 and joins up with explosive Uranus in Aries on Feb 25, expect major clashes and shakeups)

By Feb 6 (Feb 5 if you’re on pacific time), Jupiter – the planet of abundance, travel, religion and law – begins its retrograde in diplomatic and marriage-minded Libra. While some astrologers, myself included, heralded lucky Jupiter’s arrival in Libra as a chance to spread the love, Saturn in Sagittarius (Sag is ruled by Jupiter) has ensured (as well as free will) that Jupiter in Libra has become more about being fair and impartial to the most xenophobic and bigoted among us (i.e. the argument on whether it’s okay to punch a Nazi, give Trump a chance, etc). However, with Jupiter retrograde in Libra, collectively we are going to be asked to rethink (and in some cases repeal) our ethics and laws, namely in context to fairness, justice, and respect to others. Personally speaking, I don’t believe that bigotry, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia fall under the umbrella of equality and respect. The Libra penchant for peace at any cost will have to be reexamined as we need to continue to have these uncomfortable conversations and encounters to spark true change. As Aquarius season continues, we’ll see that change, unrest and protest, community building and humanitarian efforts will remain the focus, especially when Mercury (communication) enters Aquarius on Feb 7.

Speaking of true change, Feb 10 marks the first of the eclipses on the Leo-Aquarius axis with a Lunar Eclipse in Leo. Similar to Aries and Libra, Leo and Aquarius handle themes of me versus we, whereas Leo’s fire is concerned with unabashed self-expression, creativity, and living from the heart while Aquarius’ air is concerned with helping others, innovation, and living from a place of logic. Though the power of Leo resides in its healthy dose of self-confidence, Leo must beware of egoism, vanity, and ruling its kingdom (and relationships) with a totalitarian, my way or the highway approach. At its best Leo can stoke a fire that inspires, warms, cheers, and entertains – which why some of our best leaders and entertainers are Leo Suns, Moons, and Risings. Under this Leo eclipse, these themes will be prevalent not only in our own lives but across the globe highlighting the best and worst of human nature. However, as this eclipse is a Lunar Eclipse, a powerful Full Moon for release, endings, and culminations this eclipse will be about releasing the Leo shadow of self-centeredness in exchange for that Leo sunshine that lights up the world.

Incidentally, back when the Leo-Aquarius eclipses swept through between 1998-2000 we saw: the European Court of Human Rights established; Leo Sun and then US president Bill Clinton impeached for gross misconduct and perjury; the famine in Sudan become a worldwide tragedy, exposing human rights abuses and "the failure of the international community to the famine risk with adequate speed"; South Africa release its final report from the Truth and Reconcilliation Comission which aimed to heal the country post-apartheid; Vladimir Putin take power in Russia; NATO intervening in the Kosovo War which was fueled by ethnic cleansing; the Columbine High School shootings which sparked gun control debates; and the 2000 US presidential election. Eclipses on the Leo-Aquarius axis tend to highlight people in power, how they manage that power, and the communal response to that power – especially if it’s been abused or unevenly distributed. I should note that while researching these eclipses, I noticed that there was a high occurrence of natural disasters like earthquakes, that seemed to represent the volatile and unstable energy of tearing down and rebuilding. P.s. Trump is a Leo Rising.

Lastly, when Pisces season kicks off on Feb 18, we are going to be pushed back into emotional territory as we center again on the importance of empathy and compassion for the marginalized and underrepresented, as well as the power of divine feminine energy and its capacity to heal. When Mercury arrives in Pisces on the 25th, followed by a Solar Eclipse in Pisces, the last of the eclipses on the Virgo-Pisces until 2024, the focus will be on using our hearts and intuition lead us. Since eclipses tend to create an emotional crisis of sorts because the Moon (feelings) is involved, some of us may experience a crisis in faith or a crisis in reality, especially as Pisces can be overly idealistic or flat-out manipulative in its expression. Around this time we may have to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing, being held back by relationships that drain us, or over-indulging in drugs, alcohol, and escapism when life gets too hard. However, as Solar Eclipses are powerful New Moons, a Solar Eclipse in Pisces can help us to flush emotional wounds that need to be healed, improve our connection to Spirit as well as each other, discover the power of our own magic. Another gift that Pisces will bring is recognizing when it’s time to rest and retreat.

Between Aquarius season, Venus and Mars in Aries, and the eclipses our adrenals are going to be worked into overtime with the rapid changes and volatile energy that will be swept in. This means that fatigue, anxiety, depression, malnourishment, and dehydration may be an issue. To combat this, we’ll need to create ample space for sleep, meditation, prayer, hydration and nourishment, time spent with loved ones, art and creative pursuits, as well as regular fasts from social media and the news. Since Pisces is known for its psychic energy, we’ll also need to be careful with energetic boundaries, especially as Mercury travels through Pisces. Through Pisces, thoughts and feelings become real which means we’ll have to be careful about what we speak into existence and the thoughts we choose to focus on. This is not to say that we shouldn’t acknowledge the darkness, it just means to not only acknowledge it but to also fill it with light. Watch closely for what happens around these eclipses, as they tend to be game changers.

To find out how you can change the game this month (and I’m not talking about the Superbowl), read my February monthly horoscopes.

I'm In ESSENCE Magazine!

If you're a regular follower of mine, you may already have heard the news of my astrology beauty feature in the January 2017 Edition of Essence. If you're not a regular follower - consider this my official announcement. Matter of fact, even if you already know, I'm going to tell you again - because I. Did. That. 

For someone who's biggest dream in life has been to become a published writer AND as someone who's spent the last 4 years putting my blood, sweat, and tears into a non-traditional business; I am excited, proud, grateful, and awed that this work is starting to pay off for me on a very personal level. 

As Mercury retrogrades through Capricorn, through my zones of income, possessions, self-value, and self-expression - I realize how often I don't celebrate my wins enough and well, that has to stop. It's one thing to be humble, it's another thing to wipe yourself off the map. Also, the fact that one of my main intentions was to have my horoscopes published in 2016 legit manifested - mannnn, listen. I shouldn't be surprised. I'm not surprised. A little reaffirmation is necessary though. 

But I digress. 

Go pick up your copy, have a happy new year, and look forward to seeing more of me and my brand of astrology in 2017.

Thoughts On the Moon and Why We're So Damn Anxious

Photo: Nicole Mason, Unsplash

This post is inspired by the pre- Lunar Eclipse jitters that I've been working to keep at bay all week. 

Around eclipse season, especially at a Lunar Eclipse (which is technically a Full Moon), it's not uncommon to feel extra anxious (or extra tired) as anything having to do with the moon always keys right into our adrenals. Full Moons in general have a long history of charging the atmosphere, which is why there tends to be more accidents and heated encounters during one, and they always bring things that have been in the dark to light (like secrets) or a situation to a head. A Lunar Eclipse is a doubly potent Full Moon and the moon by astrology standards, has rulership over feelings. All of the feelings.

With this Lunar Eclipse in Pisces (September 16th) coming in with a square (hard aspect) to fiery Mars in Sagittarius, this energy is only amplified. Note that the Sun in Virgo is also apart of this Full Moon/Eclipse and Virgo energy, when blocked or misdirected, can manifest as anxiety and nervous stomach issues as Virgo is connected to Mercury, the planet that's associated with the brain and central nervous system; as well as the intestines.

As if that weren't enough stimulation, I've also been tracking the moon's movement in connection to Uranus, the planet of sudden developments, radical changes, breakthroughs, and mass communication. Uranus has been hanging out now at around 23 degrees of Aries, which currently makes it the last planet that the moon has to communicate with before the moon moves into the next sign. So for example, let's say the moon is at 23 degrees of Capricorn, the next aspect or connection it will make is when it immediately enters Aquarius and links up with Jupiter which is currently at 0 degrees of Libra. (You can kind of think as the moon as being like a hand on a clock as it moves around.) 

By astrology's standards when you take a "soft" planet/celestial body like the moon and brush it up against a more electric planet like Uranus, especially in an in-your-face kind of sign like Aries, overstimulation and anxiety can definitely be side effects.  While other planets like the Sun, Mercury, Mars, and Venus will eventually "pass" Uranus; because Uranus moves so slow, we'll still have those intermittently intense periods of activity, and more than likely lack of sleep.

By now, some of you may be wondering why all the torture?  What could the universe be thinking, putting all this pressure on us? Well, I can tell you that this energy is not meant to be a form of punishment. We are all at a pivotal time where there are great changes taking place across the globe; most notably those grassroots driven changes happening in the United States (a Cancer sun nation - influenced by the moon); and change is necessary to positive evolution and growth.

Though the moon can spark change (it changes signs every 2.5 days; Cancers are labeled as moody), it can sometimes be afraid of change, because change feels like a loss of security. However, I strongly believe that one of the biggest lessons/messages of the moment for us is learning how to better tap into the power of the moon. The moon provides us with feeling and intuition, and the time has long come that we begin listening to both. The moon as a divninely feminine energy demands it. We are watching the days disappear where we are expected to work through the pain, to grit and grin our teeth and bear it...to "man up". Our bodies, our feelings are asking that we listen to them, honor their value. We need to sleep when our body calls for it, eat what will make it feel good, take time to regularly unplug, seek out therapy and healing, give ourselves space to cry and get angry, and give ourselves space to love. This is how true change happens, when we find the right outlet to direct the energy, our energy. It's time to go with the flow.

Let's Talk About Sun Signs: Why There's No Such Thing As Cusps in Birthdays

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

"I'm a Scorpitarius"

"I'm a Cancer/Leo cusp"

"I'm both a Capricorn and an Aquarius because I was born between both signs"

If any of this sounds familiar, here's the real deal:

NOPE. NO. NOT A CHANCE. ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Why?

Because when it comes to your Sun Sign or any planet in the birth chart, it can only be in one sign at a time. This is because astrologers work with degrees, hours, and minutes.

Let's take a look at a sample birth chart.

Birth chart courtesy of astro.com

The date October 23 is when Scorpio season begins in Western Astrology, though if you look at the chart as pictured above (some of you may know Johnny Carson as a famous TV personality from years ago), the Sun is located at 29 degrees, 36 minutes and 55 seconds of Libra. That means the Sun won't be entering Scorpio until another degree later.

Each of the twelve zodiac signs (again, I'm speaking in terms of Western Astrology) are made up of 30 degrees, beginning with 0 (yes we count the zero) and ending at 29; adding up to a 360 degree circle. So as you can see, there's a lot of math and detail that goes into astrology (and I've barely scratched the surface here), which is why it's important to know the details of your birth chart. Accuracy is everything.

What To Do When You Don't Identify With Your Zodiac Sign

Photo: Getty Images Stock

Recently, I shared an article on Facebook, which described the work ethic of each zodiac sign. One of my Facebook friends commented on the post that "I'm always confused when I read Libra descriptions though because I don't seem to fit the bill.” I responded to her comment by asking if she had ever had her birth chart done. She said she hadn’t, which I of course figured out was the case, but it was my gentle way of informing her that astrology is a bit deeper than the pop culture or Sun sign astrology that we usually come across in newspapers and magazines. Not that there’s anything wrong with Sun sign astrology, as it is the Sun that symbolizes the core of who we are, our style of self-expression, when it comes to astrological interpretation. In fact, astrologer Jessica Adams wrote a really good piece a while back about the importance of Sun sign astrology and how folks (mainly professional astrologers) need to stop looking down on it. Here's the link if interested: http://www.astro.com/astrology/aa_article141231_e.htm

But I digress.

While I know that my Facebook friend meant no offense with her comment (and no offense was taken) it did make me think about the many other occasions when I’ve seen people post or speak about how astrology doesn’t resonate with them because they can’t relate to the traits assigned to their Sun sign or the horoscopes that they come across in popular media. Now while I’m no astrology fundamentalist (I recognize and respect that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea), I do suggest that people do a little research with it before they decide to write astrology off entirely. That said, here’s a couple of suggestions on what to do when your zodiac sign doesn’t ring true for you:

1.  Read more than one horoscope. There are tons of astrologers out there who write horoscopes; some for mainstream publication, some for their own website or following, which means there are a variety of styles, voices, and content to choose from for keeping current with the cosmos. I often recommend to astrology beginners to pick 2-3 astrologers they really dig and make a habit out of reading their forecasts. Sometimes you need to have options in order to find something that resonates with you.

2.   Look up your birth chart. A birth chart is kind of like having your own cosmic map or blueprint. If you know the hour and location of your birth, you can go to a website like astro.com, where you can pull up your chart for free and take a look around. If you’re feeling really brave, you can Google around a bit to try to interpret it first all on your own. However, no advice really compares to my last point:

3.    Get a reading. This tip is probably the most important advice that I can give you as even a horoscope won’t be able to go into full detail with you about your birth chart. In a reading, a reputable astrologer would not only show you, for example, that you’re an Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, and Taurus Rising, but they would also show you how these three pieces (and more) work together to fuel your greatness and how they can sometimes trip you up.

So, that’s it. That’s my approach. It’s actually the path I took before I became a professional astrologer. Try it out and let me know how it goes. And of course, if you ever need a reading, get atcha girl.

Aquarius Season: Get Free Already!

Being an Aquarius Moon, I love Aquarius season (Jan. 20-Feb.18). It’s a time that reminds us of who we are sans borders; of the person we were before we became bound to the status and responsibility of relationships, parenthood, school, career, economic class, etc.

If Capricorn (ruled by Saturn) is all about rules, regulations, tedium, and work; Aquarius (ruled by Uranus) is all about freedom, liberty, and the way of doing what we damn well please, how we please.

During Capricorn season we became hyper aware of our obligations and our ambitions. We busied ourselves with budgets and to-do lists; with school books and vision boards, all in the name of productivity. Through all of this planning and labor we found that we summoned the self-discipline needed to buckle-in and get things accomplished. However, we may have also found that while we were overly concerned with accomplishment we became overwhelmed and anxious as the deadlines loomed. Much to our chagrin, we discovered that there are only but so many hours in a day. As a result, maybe we find that we secretly (or not so secretly) resent our loved ones or our present circumstances because they seem to weigh us down with a heavy sense of duty.

Aquarius comes along to provide us with a space for something different; to pull us up out of any ruts that we may find ourselves in. This rebel child shows us that it’s okay to carve out a place in our lives that’s all our own and no one else’s. Aquarius shows us that we need not feel guilty or wrong about having a little personal freedom. Without confusing freedom for recklessness or the inability to compromise (downfalls for Uranus-influenced folks), Aquarius season is about letting go—whether it be on a Yoga mat, on a dance floor, in an art studio, at Karaoke night…the point is to give yourself a break and be wild for a minute. 

Where in your life can you shake it up and live it up? Can you allow yourself to color outside the lines for a little bit? Now is not the time for routine. We can always get back to that later.

Pluto Transits: A Need to Come Undone

Recently, I received an email from an acquaintance that has been concerned and rather confused about the behavior of a mutual longtime friend. It appears that our friend, who for privacy purposes shall remain anonymous, has dropped off the map; refusing contact with either one of us. While I share concern for our beloved comrade, I decided some time ago (namely after a couple of failed attempts to reconnect) that I wasn't going to go beating down her door anytime soon. Why? I suspect she's going through a major Pluto transit.

Pluto transits to key planets or points in a birth chart can make a person feel as though the very ground itself is being torn out right from under them (largely in solitude--Pluto is a behind the scenes kind of guy).  Associated with the zodiac sign of Scorpio and the Eighth House of Sex, Death, and Transformation (add other people's possessions in here too); Plutonian energy roots out whatever "ugliness" we try to repress, deny, or hide about ourselves and draws it out into the open by way of upheaval. Reality gets tested. People around us cease to recognize who we are, the old us, and wonder who we've become. We will wonder if we're losing it, and more than likely we are.

But what exactly are we losing?

Pluto forces us to get rid of what no longer works. Weak, faulty structures that we built up in our lives come crumbling down when The Dark One shows up; a nasty breakup, the loss of a job, disillusionment are all side effects of the Plutonian cure. Working with extremes, Pluto helps to heal us by testing our mettle. We feel as though we are both living and dying at the same time (Folks that have ever befriended or betrothed a Scorpio, probably know just what I mean. Life or death. LOL.). Whatever doesn't survive in the process of this trial by fire period either has served its purpose or wasn't really meant for us in the first place. A Pluto transit isn't solely about losing things but about finding a clearer path to our personal source of power.

Currently, Pluto is transiting through the sign of Capricorn and making a tense aspect with Uranus in Aries. However, both essentially are on the same mission: to put an end to stagnation. People who have major planets or points in their chart between 5 to 10 (update: 12-14) degrees of Cancer, Capricorn, Libra or Aries have been learning how best to work with this energy as they've been feeling it most intensely. Personally, I have had both planets rocking and rolling their way all over my little Mercury in Capricorn which at times has been supremely frustrating (and a little frightening) but has led to improved perception and a shedding of outworn beliefs.

Having already been made familiar with Plutonian energy what  I have learned thus far is this: 1) the best way to work with the flow of this transit is to get comfortable with leaving your comfort zone and 2) how important it is to have a space to privately fall apart and then rebuild. With Pluto we come undone, then find the strength to pull ourselves together.

Why It's Important To Go Beyond Your Sun Sign

If you're the slightest bit interested in astrology and have ever engaged someone in conversation about it you've probably heard one or more of the following: 

"I'm a Taurus, and we're the best!" or "Oh my god, I cannot stand Geminis!" or "You're a Libra? What are they supposed to be about?" or "Well, all I know is that I'm a Pisces." 

Thanks to popular astrology it's safe to assume that nearly everyone is familiar with their Sun sign--BUT--what if I told you that you had a complete birth chart where nine other main cosmic bodies (in more than one sign) work in tandem with your Sun placement, to provide a framework of the the talents you were born with? For example, did you know that you have a Rising sign (public persona), a Moon sign (emotions), a Venus sign (love and wealth), a Mars sign (sex drive and aggression), and even a Mercury sign (thought process and communication style) that all come together in your chart to help you to express your uniqueness?

If you were to look at my chart, you would see that in addition to my Sagittarius Sun I also have my Mars in Leo and my Mercury in Capricorn. In loose terms this means I act like a star and think like a businesswoman ( ha! I smell a book deal!). Or how about my Aries sun daughter with a Mars in Taurus which makes her shall we say, EXTRA persistent when it comes to getting what she wants. (I'm almost certain this kid works for the Mafia. Ha! Kidding. Sort of.)

sample birth chart.

Anyway, as per the birth chart; quite simply it's a snapshot of the sky at the exact time and place you were born. At that time the stars, planets, and asteroids were transiting through at least 5 different zodiac signs creating your special astro-blend. Each of those planets then "fall" in different areas of your chart known as Houses. These houses (one for each zodiac sign) correspond to different areas of your life; the sign that rules each house will show how those areas or houses are maintained.

This is why when we focus solely on our Sun signs or keep ourselves closed off from other signs, we run the risk of severely limiting our awareness of ourselves and others. 

At its core, astrology helps us to recognize the human being as a complete, multidimensional entity; to understand humanness in all of its complexity, contradiction, and beauty.  When we allow room for complexity, we allow each other room to be who we are.

So, who are you?

Listen to this while you think it over: