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I write regularly at jessicashepherd.substack.com — soft, human words on healing, astrology & intuition:
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Scorpio New Moon, The Taboo In Transformation
I’ve been thinking a lot about transformation, lately. During Scorpio season we talk about the transformative power of letting go. I have to admit that during a Pluto transit this idea has proven personally elusive to me. Culturally, we tend to value the external rewards of radical change with our obsessive glamorizing of transformation (fashion, weight-loss) & starting over (a la Eat, Pray, Love). Things would be better if... But unless we're Lady Gaga, change isn't often so dramatic, nor...
Firebird
Lily was looking for a way to leave her life. Fate helped to intervene. Fate, and Lily’s unconscious mind. Lily had consulted an Astrologer who told her she was having a Pluto transit. She learned the symbolism of the phoenix bird- the magical bird of transformation that exploded into flames and was reborn from it's own ashes. The Astrologer also told her that she was now ready to face all of her deepest betrayals and secret wounds. (Lily wasn't so sure). This came with an ominous warning: if...
Full Moon Aries, It Isn’t Pretty
Facebook peeps have been asking, ‘where’ve you been?...haven’t seen you around lately.’ A picture's worth a thousand words, isn't it? A Pluto transit will do that. When Pluto comes around one's birth chart, the uglies; wounding, repressed desire, rejected, shamed, grief, those infantile and enraged parts of self fixate on our being (and hold the key to our energy and full power) till it’s done. Try having a staring contest with an unflinching hardball Hades- a visit to the underworld is no...
Venus Retrograde in Scorpio: Fierce Beauty
Venus forays into the Underworld in 2010 from October 8-November 6 in the sign of Scorpio (all the way back into Libra from November 7-18). While it’s hard to know how the once every year and a half advent of Venus retrograde will affect each of us individually, there are consistent general themes: re-valuations of relationship, value and self-worth. A friend recently reminded me of the MesoAmerican Venus, Quetzalcoatl, known as morning and evening star; bringer of culture and civilization...
Venus Retrograde: The Beauty Within
Aphrodite’s Mirror, Looking Inward Retrograde cycles are some of the more profound times for honest self-reflection on the inner workings of that planetary archetype. When Aphrodite’s mirror turns inward, we more clearly see our contribution to the relationship, money and self-esteem issues which have been troubling us. The relationship and self-worth issues that ‘return’ during this period will likely re-trigger an old pattern or wound so that we can examine it more deeply. During Venus in...
Increase My Harvest Full Moon Spell
Increase My Harvest, A Full Moon Spell Full moons are good times to get in touch with your spiritual center, to ask for awakening, for guidance, make spiritual requests and wishes. The Harvest Full Moon, (the first full moon after the sun has entered Libra -a harvest full moon is always in Aries) celebrating the final harvest of the summer before we head into autumn, is an exceptional full moon. Always, when doing a spell, follow the spiritual law of abundance - Ask, Believe, Receive. Whenever...
Mercury Retrograde Rides Again
If us Astrologers were to write up a cosmological code of conduct, a ten commandment doctrine of sorts, Thou Shalt Not Buy Machinery During Mercury Retrograde, would make that top ten list. Well, I’ve violated that. Twice. Yes, but, because...when two of our cars overheated in the same day, and one died completely, Mercury retrograde be damned- it was simply the right time to get a new car. Or two. The discussions about buying two new cars began far before retrograde, and so technically it...
August T-Squares To Focal Pluto: There’s No Place Like Om
Dear Jessica, I just spent a day running errands and it seems like everyone is darting around making risky turns, traffic is piling up and one car even died in the middle of a busy intersection! I am a 2 degree libra rising and one of my best friends has a 4 degree Aries rising. I have no idea how these planets will change this week for us or even society. What are your thoughts? Thanks, Katie T-square alert: Pluto is at the apex of a Mars-Jupiter opposition. But that's not all; Saturn in...
Saturn in Libra: Committed
My husband and I have mutual affection for older couples; we love watching them together and turning to one another, saying, 'that'll be you and I one day'. I adore those elder elegant couples who've weathered time so well, gracefully. I love observing those little private moments we all share in relationship. A seventy-odd year old woman talking to her husband, as though to the air. He, half-listening, interrupting to ask his beloved if she remembered to take her pills today. She, replying no...
Venus in Virgo, The Virgin Goddess
"No one can make you inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt, Venus in Virgo "I wouldn't do nudity in films. For me, personally... To act with my clothes on is a performance; to act with my clothes off is a documentary."- Julia Roberts, Venus in Virgo "I gave my beauty and my youth to men. I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals." - Brigitte Bardot, Venus in Virgo If you were born when Venus was in the constellation of Virgo, the Virgin... No Venus sign likes to be...
