Why does it feel like our instincts, our own most intimate impulses, are steering us in the ‘wrong’ direction? It’s because we’re reacting from the way we think we’ll profit by embracing our own hurt, or by denying something we really should recognize; we know the mind is taking us down a path we don’t want to travel, and yet we need to see that our sense of ‘wrongness’ is based in the way, small or large, the impulse is violating what matters most to us. It’s the perception of abandoning our priorities that’s tempting us with what amounts to illicit reward, as it will only dig at the wound or cause more denial, and so more pain. Right now the mind is exaggerating and hyping, when it’s not rejecting the facts and fighting over beliefs, and that means our way out is singular, but not hard to do if we narrow our focus: put everything on the future, how things will read in hindsight, once we get there–thinking of that can guide our best choices now.

(Vesta contra-parallel Sedna, Venus semi-sq Chiron and parallel Black Moon Lilith, Mercury sq Jupiter, Sun trine NN)

Today’s word image is a half-packed box. Did you immediately think the box was partially unpacked, or was on its way to being filled? In this mini-personality test, if you thought someone needed to finish unloading the box, you have something that needs ‘unpacking’, literally or mentally, a real-life scenario it’s important you dissect and understand; if you see the box as on the way to being loaded and ‘put away’, you have too many things on your plate, or on your mind, and could stand to put the less important stuff away for awhile, to give yourself a little breathing room.

For those born with the Sun at 25 Pisces (check your natal chart for your Sun degree!) You’re looking at a year ahead, through to your next birthday, where the instincts and inner knowing will be an unerring and invaluable guide to Self-development that results in smart moves and the acquisition of practical skills. Be careful not to mistake wishful thinking or willful ignorance for that inner knowledge–that’s the big potential pitfall this year. Look to partners for support and validation (they can offer wise counsel, and if they don’t offer support, well, maybe it’s not a good relationship, after all) and give the intuition and feeling nature a workout–it can reinforce positive relationships, bringing you closer, and make for a lot more enjoyment of life.