By Andr.V.S. – The painting was photographed in my studio Previously published: Published on my web-site ( http://www.andrewstevovich.com ) and my blog ( http://andrewstevovich.blogspot.com ) as well as several exhibition cataloges., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19053154

The AstroEssence: it seems there’s a lot of fight in us today, though those who hold it in may find themselves flooded with frustration or depression, or maybe plagued by digestive ills or prompted to drink–so don’t hold it in! Efforts at expansion will bring up conflict or problems, but as long as we don’t respond with ego, we’ll do well–in fact, this may be a kind of test, where we must make some ‘I Am’ statements to the Universe, declaring that we’re really serious about what we’ve been claiming we want. That said, it may seem sparring with those in the social sphere, or with those who are hella vain, just comes naturally, and even loving interaction can break down in the twinkling of an eye–but these negatives happen only, I said only, if we are in denial of, ignoring, or enraged about something we’re not acknowledging. Otherwise, our Love can transform, and we have a decent shot at money and/ or power, but again, we must be open to Truth, however it presents itself (Mars sq Jupiter, Venus sxt Pluto and conjoined Black Moon Lilith)

Today’s word image is an unmade bed. Is this the sign of the casual and relaxed, or the sloppy and embarrassing, to you? Give this a try today: every time you make a snap judgment about the meaning of something like an unmade bed, which on its own has no intrinsic meaning whatsoever, try either to withhold that judgment, or to supply something the opposite of which comes naturally. Trying on another viewpoint is vital to keeping our own view valid and applicable, and helps in preventing a tendency to apply judgment where it really isn’t needed.

For those born with the Sun at 13 Libra: you are headed toward both working out your own power position this year, Libra, and toward facing those matters that need to be changed, and you’ll have the energy, stamina, and judgment to do both. What you might not have may be as clear a sense of your life’s direction as you used to enjoy. Stay open; the path isn’t fixed, and you have an opportunity this year to shape it more to your liking than ever before. Good luck, Libra, and Happy Birthday!

Jesus, relaxing with a little geometry. Unknown Miniaturist, French (active around 1250) {{PD}}

The AstroEssence: As much difficulty as we had tuning in to our instincts and values yesterday, we find an opposite effect today: it’s easy to follow inner prompts and keep efforts aligned with priorities. Past hurts offer wisdom, as does our active and well-honed intuition. We find an ‘inner compass’ that guides us, and which is effortlessly translated by the mind into thoughts; the only issue comes from our own slightly skewed vision of our direction in life–somehow this doesn’t match the actual direction we’re headed. Use this time of potential clear sight in order to adjust your efforts so they actually lead you where you want to go (Vesta sxt Sedna, Chiron parallel Pallas, Mercury sxt Vesta and trine Sedna, Earth trine Saturn and qnx NN)

Today’s word image is a boiling kettle. We’re ready to brew something up–what will it be? This tells us elements are at peak for combining with a creative idea or approach. Wait no longer. Disclaimer: personal results or readiness, influenced by transits to the natal chart, may vary.

For those born with the Sun at 12 Libra: You’re reaching a kind of personal peak, Libra, that will call for adjustment to the way you think about the past (in large part, seeing it more clearly, and so freeing you from it), and these changes will, soon enough, require some serious commitment and even more serious housecleaning, in the sense of removing from your life what is no longer dynamic or valid, and renewing and refreshing that which should remain. I know that’s terribly vague, but it needs to be, as this is a sweeping prescription for re-making the life. Good luck, Libra, and Happy Birthday!

John Singer Sargent – ‘Villa di Marlia, Lucca’ 1910 {{PD}}

The AstroEssence: Why does it feel like the social sphere, or even the bald facts of the matter, are cheering us on to do something we feel deep inside is just unwise, impractical, foolish? It may be a combination of our own sense of not trusting ourselves to choose correctly, melded with past choices we know aren’t right for now, but which are very seductive, because of the way they worked then. Resisting our own instincts isn’t exactly new, but we should do our best to notice just how much of this discord and rebelliousness is triggered by a desire to feel ourselves smarter than the prevailing norm. Prove you really are smarter than external influences by listening to your inner voice, rather than the cacophony without (Jupiter contra-parallel Pallas and Mars semi-sq it, Venus trine the SN, Sun sesq Sedna)

‘Still Life with Roses’ Ferenc Olgyay 1939 {{PD}}

Today’s word image is a crystal vase. Is that for you a symbol of decadence or beauty? Does the vase you imagine reflect the carving and flourishes of old world tastes or is it sleek and modern? When you think of a vase is it simply utilitarian, or is it a decorative item you want to show off? Whatever comes to mind, think of this symbol as speaking of your attitude toward the ‘finer things’ in life. Do you see luxuries and Art as a wonderful part of life, or an indulgent waste of resources? How you react may reveal deep feelings and assumptions about privilege, and even though you may think you’re assessing material things, they act as mirrors, so you may want to examine whether that’s the ‘message’ you want to give the Universe about your own Self-judgments and deservedness.

For those born with the Sun at 11 Libra: I’ll put it this way, Libra: emotions and emotional reactions, along with feeling experiences from the past, hold the keys to dealing effectively with the coming year. It’s all about wading willingly, even eagerly, into deep emotional waters. Don’t hesitate! The other thing to watch out for? Keep a firm grip on the reality picture, and keep up with material matters that require your attention–they must run smoothly to leave you energy for the many emotional revelations and payoffs you’ll be in the running for. Good luck, Libra, and Happy Birthday!

Lawrence Alma-Tadema ‘A Kiss’ {{PD}}

The AstroEssence: is everyone out of sorts, or is it our viewpoint that’s whack? It’s a little of both, really, though if we look below the surface for the reasons behind the disharmony, we find that discord in relationships or finances is due to past hurts (or debts) that haven’t been addressed. We may need to apply resources, or Love, to the injured areas–things don’t get better until we do–and there’s a danger we might over think, believing we can find a more successful recipe than that offered by simple wisdom–and we would be wrong about that (Hygeia enters Scorpio. Venus sesq Chiron, Mercury qnx Pallas)

Today’s word image is a red lipstick. That’s a symbol of glamour for some, sin for others, with many interpretations falling in between. What’s the ‘red lipstick’ in your life, and what’s your reaction to it? This may be as much about seeing that associations we make automatically (because of past influences) may no longer fit today’s situation–we’re free to see things as we want to, rather than as we’ve been conditioned to.

For those born with the Sun at 7 Libra: the covert conditions surrounding Love and/ or Money in your world will be the deciding factor behind so much for you this year, Libra, that you may almost feel like your life isn’t your own; relationships and finances seem to conspire in tying current efforts and choices to past obligations or restrictions. The good news is, this won’t last forever. Though most of the year efforts are hobbled, about three months before your next birthday you should see a kind of energy re-birth that allows you to go forward unencumbered, especially in areas of ideals fulfillment and creativity. Good luck, Libra, and Happy Birthday!

Next up: the New Moon!

Gerard ter Borch 17th century {{PD}}

The AstroEssence: Relationships either encourage our healthy living and practices, or are themselves a sign of the health of our interactions; that is, if we are engaged in unhealthy relationships, we’ll see that quite clearly now. Practices that promote our well-being pay off, and we may locate financial benefits arising from precautions taken or positive steps made in the health arena. However, our thinking is in some way resistant to the influence of those in charge, those who hold authority, or to Mom, and we must be alert to the chance that this could intrude on our capacity for objectivity. Too, we may think or process info in ways that actually undermine our own power or authority–watch for that, as well–and be alert to the potential for difficulties surrounding contracts, getting needed signatures or authorizations, and ‘misunderstandings’ (deliberate or accidental) in negotiations (Venus parallel Hygeia, Mercury sesq Ceres)

Today’s word image is a beautiful plate with a series of bird figures around the edge; when the plate spins, the birds appear to take flight. Wonders small and large are everywhere–you just have to learn how to set them in motion, or think of them the ‘right’ way (applying ‘spin’ to the topic).

Sidney Hall – Urania’s Mirror – Libra {{PD}} Library of Congress

For those born with the Sun at 6 Libra: this year you may find yourself busy collecting benefits or gaining in some way from keeping secrets, doing research, or discreetly dissecting a matter to get to what really counts, and so is valued. Addressing these likely hidden but oh-so-important issues will empower you personally, and perhaps offer a significant boost in status–but first, you must quietly and without drawing attention dig, transform, and revive what others find a mystery or underestimate the value of. Good luck, Libra, and Happy Birthday!