Tag Archives: Astrology

Dec 28 2016

The New Year New Moon in Capricorn – Dec 29, 2016

WED. DEC 28, 2016: Spend some time alone today mulling over where you are in life in order to align yourself with the New Moon in Capricorn, the New Year, and the resolutions that are knocking on your heart. The New Moon is exact Thursday morning, Dec 29, at 1:53 AM Eastern. And as the Moon becomes dark today, with no visible crescent… this is when we can tap into the fruitful, fertile darkness of our psyches. When we go into our internal darkness digging for rich, redolent emotional fodder with which to grow, we are often rewarded with evolutionary bounty that was previously locked in our unconsciousness. Be fearless and completely honest in this dark space of the unconquered Self. Now is absolutely the time for this kind of inner questing. It’s also the time to retreat away from others in order to reflect, restore, and rejuvenate.

Themes of this New Moon are Capricornian in nature – so ponder these words and phrases to help you capture the spirit of this Cosmic moment meant for regenerating your Self, renewing your emotional structure, and planning your new beginnings: 

new-moon-breath-flippedintegrity
conscientiousness
structure
foundation
groundedness
framework
commitment
determination
perseverance 
achievement
goals and goal setting
work and career
responsibility
practicing reliability
self-security
self-control
being or becoming supportive
security minded
tradition
status-quo
the time-tested
time
patience

This New Moon is more than simply about Capricorn however.

First, there’s a distinct emphasis on Mercury, and Mercury is Retrograde. To me this emphasizes the right timing to retreat, if only for short time, into alone-ness and into the unconscious, while using Mercury to delve into the ways of your mind… how do you process? How do you communicate? How do you “travel” through your life? Could your mental workings benefit from being more grounded, more serious, more pragmatic… or less so? 

Then, there’s a connection to Neptune this new cycle that lends a less defined edge to this straight-laced Capricorn Moon. Neptune offers opportunities to deeply spiritualize this process, to open to grace, to seek the sublime. There’s the potential for a softer, more yielding sensation around this new emotional cycle than straight Capricorn energy would afford. There may be artistic possibilities – whether being artistic or appreciating art – to tap into that would enrich your New Moon experience. And while the Capricorn Moon may feel the need to retract away from emotionalism, its connection to Neptune and Pisces brings the need for connecting, for union – for communion. So try to make efforts to be alone for a period of time, but if you’re feeling the need to be with loved ones or to make deep connections, move gently into that space as well. It’s a very interesting combination of energies that wants to be both practical and dreamy simultaneously. 

Mars is also in this mix of very different energies… Mars in Pisces, is also closely aligned with Neptune. Playing with the symbols we can come up with 1) taking action on dreams 2) the non-violent warrior 3) conquering through yielding 4) yearning for the Divine
5) striving for the boundless 6) love conquers all. There are certainly other possibilities that aren’t quite as positive… but we’re not going there right now. 

By 7 pm Eastern the evening of the 29th, the Moon encounters Pluto… deepening and intensifying this New Moon moment. Again, there’s emphasis on diving deeply emotionally, and going into the dark. Pluto assures us that there, in that blue-black space, we can emerge with gold if we dare to see and experience totally, fearlessly, and without holding back. Extremes are probable. 🙂

And finally, this New Capricorn Moon connects with the North and South Nodes of the Moon, connecting us with the past and pushing us toward the future. It may be that emotions arise around things that happened some time ago. If that’s your experience, honor those emotions and see how you can distill something that can propel you forward – toward you purpose. 

So, I’m wishing for you this New Moon and this New Year the experience of going deeply, profoundly into your being – going there with beauty and compassion, with imagination and with vision – and finding something concrete, some kernel of self-truth and integrity, that you can form a solid framework around. Something new that you can commit to, work hard toward and bring into manifestation… something that will grow stronger and better over time. I wish for you to do your best so that you achieve your best – not just for you, but for all of us who will receive the bounty of the gifts you provide to the world. 

Happy New Moon. Happy New Year!

new-moon-in-capricorn-dec-29-2016

New Moon in Capricorn – Dec. 29, 2016 at 1:53 AM Eastern – yellow lines show connections from the New Moon to Mercury, the Sun, and Pluto. Green lines show connections from the New Moon to the South Node, Mars, Neptune, and the North Node.

Aug 31 2016

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo Guided Imagery Meditation – Please Join Me

Neptune-Amphitrite-1560-by-Paris Bordone

Please click the audio bar below to begin listening to the meditation. 

Welcome to the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo guided imagery meditation. I’m Michelle Gregg, Counseling Astrologer. Please join me for a few minutes of quiet, relaxation, and beautiful imagery, so that we can align together with this powerful lunation, this brand new beginning, and raise the vibration of this energy for the world.

The New Moon Solar Eclipse occurred on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 at 5:03 AM Eastern time. The energy of this event is potent and compelling and will be felt for months to come. The energy of an eclipse generally unfolds over time. Feel free to do this meditation whenever you choose over the next year. 

virgo-with-wheatThe New Moon is the time to retreat into the darkness to reflect, to restore your soul, and to set intentions. An eclipse is the time to consciously let something go that no longer serves you – the beginning of a new cycle.

Ideally, come to the meditation with your New Moon intentions to hand. You could even imagine that you have placed them in a sheaf of wheat… and as your intentions change, re-align them in a new sheaf of wheat and revisit the meditation. 

For those who may not be able to access the audio file above, here is the entire meditation in written format:

“Welcome to the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo guided imagery meditation. I’m Michelle Gregg, Counseling Astrologer. Please join me for a few minutes of quiet, relaxation, and beautiful imagery, so that we can align together with this powerful lunation, this brand new beginning. The New Moon Solar Eclipse occurred on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 at 5:03 AM Eastern time. The energy of this event is potent and compelling and will be felt for months to come. The energy of an eclipse generally unfolds over time. Feel free to do this meditation whenever you choose over the next year.

The New Moon is the time to retreat into the darkness to reflect, to restore your soul, and to set intentions. An eclipse is the time to consciously let something go that no longer serves you – the beginning of a new cycle.

Find a place that’s quiet and restful, away from your daily routine, and preferably in the dark. Sit comfortably in any position that feels good to you. Gently close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Begin relaxing your body. Breathe slowly. Relax your feet, ankles and legs. Breathe deeply. Relax your hips and belly. Breathe slowly. Relax your solar plexus and ribs and breathe deeply. Relax your back and your chest and breathe slowly. Relax your hands, your wrists, and your arms and breathe deeply. Relax your shoulders – let them be loose, and breathe slowly. Relax your neck. Relax your chin, and now your face. Breathe slowly. Relax your eyes and your brow, and now the top of your head. Breathe deeply………………. Breathe slowly.

Milky-Way-over-the oceanNow, see yourself on a very dark night, no moonlight at all, standing on a beach, with the ocean rolling in, wave after glorious wave, bringing the sea closer with each moment. Beside you is Virgo, the Goddess of the Grain, holding aloft a sheaf of wheat, both hands raised to the sky. You realize as you look at her face and her arms raised high that there a millions of stars above you, constellations clearly visible, and the Milky Way is enormous, filling the darkness with hues of pink, blue, gold, and green, breathtaking in its glorious diaphanous beauty as it descends toward the water.

The Goddess is offering her wheat, the staff of her physical, tangible life, and the bearer of her intentions, to the glory of the sky and the power of the sea – to the Universe, to Source, to the Divine. She turns to look at you, and you instinctively know that it’s your turn to raise your wheat high, lifting your arms in a promise to serve yourself, to serve others, and to serve the Divine with the purpose of your life, with your new intentions, with discernment, with competence, and with the gifts that only you possess. You promise, with a whisper to the winds and the roar of the ocean, to live your life from the spark of your own inner divinity, and to serve life from a place of perfect love.

Now, you realize that there are many others all around, standing on the beach to either side of you as far as you can see. Each one is holding aloft their sheaf of wheat – offering their lives, their intentions, in service to the glories of the Earth, to the wonders of the Divine, to themselves and to all. Now, as the Goddess lays down her wheat in the wet sand, everyone follows suit, bringing their sheaves to create an enormous cairn. As the offering is being built, one sheaf at a time, the waves of the ocean become bigger, and louder, and closer, until a mighty figure appears far out in the ocean. He is enormous and powerful, with seaweed hair and beard streaming all about his face. He is holding up a trident – and with a sharp communal intake of breath everyone present recognizes Neptune, God of the Sea. He comes closer and closer to land, very close to where you all stand, and as he does, you see that his face is creased with lines of kindness, his eyes shine with love and compassion, and his gaze seems to encompass everyone at once, leaving each of you with the feeling of acceptance, just as you are.

Virgo-with-Wheat-3Virgo walks into the shallow waves to meet him – earthy, grounded, beauty meets the mystical, boundary-less transcendent. As they embrace, calm and gentle waves roll in at your feet, and begin to disperse the alter of wheat. Each intention, each promise being carried into the sea to become one with all that is.

As you watch the sheaves being taken away you feel a sense of calm and deliberation flow through you. Your intuition is powerful. You know your course. You feel as though this magical experience has imbued you with fearlessness and has ignited the passion of right action, and a practical plan to begin to realize your intentions. You are strong in your sense of self-worth. You course with authority over your own life, even as you stand in your certainty of service to others.

As you turn to leave this wondrous beach, you are strengthened with the wisdom that moves in you, knowing that when the time is right, when the Moon wanes her gibbous light and Mercury moves forward again, you will rise to your new course of action. All is well.

PAUSE

Now, impress those images you’ve just experienced into your memory, so that later they will return with ease. Continue to breathe deeply and slowly for a few moments more… and now, when you’re ready, open your eyes. Begin to feel at one with your body again. Stretch each limb and muscle, pulling the Virgo energy of the physical into your being.

Thank you for sharing this moment with me.

Go into your daily life and bring balance between the real and the sublime, with beautiful intentions, and practical service.

And so it is.”

Aug 29 2016

Mercury Retrograde – August 30, 2016 – Heart before Head

Mercury-detail-of-Jupiter-Mercury-and-Virtue-by-Dosso-Dossi-painting-1524

Yes my friends, it’s that time again! Mercury has stationed (the appearance of standing still) and will turn Retrograde in Virgo tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. I’d love for you to read my now classic article called “Mercury Retrograde – The Unlikely Healing Gift” here. I think you’ll find it very helpful in navigating this sometimes tricky time.

This Retrograde coincides with the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 at 5:03 am. That’s a lot of energy! What I want to impress on you about this Retrograde and Eclipse is to let your heart come before your head… allow Luna (your emotions and the expression of those emotions) to feel her way into where you are; and let Mercury (your mental processes) take a back seat. He is going backwards after-all. 🙂

Trusting your intuition and making space for emotional connectedness is a great way to make new beginnings at the New Moon. Go into the dark of the moon and let yourself explore emotionally while letting your mind’s whirling have a rest – internalizing thoughts and reevaluating how your process is appropriate – just please be sure that you’re also tuning in to the feeling aspect of who you are.

Both of these events, Mercury Retrograde and the New Moon Solar Eclipse, activate Virgo and Pisces – so bring balance between analyzing and blurring the details, between discernment and “it’s all good,” between feeling in-control and out-of-control – and most of all, between being a martyr and being a victim. Both the darkness at a New Moon and Mercury Retrograde ask us to introspect and to restore – not to push forward hastily without feeling or thought.

Here are a few specifics to know about this Mercury Retrograde: Mercury will travel backwards from 29 degrees of Virgo to 14 degrees of Virgo… so that Virgo/Pisces axis is being strongly impacted, as is the Gemini/Sagittarius axis. If you have have planets in any of these 4 signs, this Retrograde is very much yours. 🙂 Especially if your planets are between 12 and 30 degrees of those mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, & Pisces).

Mercury-Retrograde-Virgo-Aug-30-2016

This is the chart for the beginning of Mercury Retrograde in Atlanta, GA – Aug. 30, 2016  -8:59 AM Eastern

Aug 27 2016

Jupiter and Venus Shining Together TONIGHT = Big Love!

Venus-Jupiter-27Aug2016

If you’re very, very lucky you have a perfect view of the Western horizon. If you don’t, you might want to go find that perfect view, because tonight (Saturday, Aug 27, 2016), about a half hour to 45 minutes after sunset (sunset in Atlanta is 8:08 pm – check your local time), you’ll be able to see Venus twinkle out from the darkness just above the Western horizon, very shortly followed by Jupiter in almost exactly the same spot. A beautiful moment!

Venus and Jupiter are the two brightest lights in our sky after the Sun and Moon – when they come together it’s quite a show! Bear in mind however, that light around you and light from our planet may make these two beauties challenging to see unless you’ve found a nice dark spot. Pair that with the fact that Venus and Jupiter will be setting by 9pm  Eastern, so it’s crucial to be in your viewing position on-time, a little before sunset. And you WILL want to see this – this visual event doesn’t occur again until Nov. 22, 2065, and the last time we were able to see this encounter was Nov. 14, 1660. Very rare.

But let me say, that whether you see this lovely event or not, these two planets create something pretty special when they shine together. A few words that describe the combination of Venus and Jupiter energies are: big love, happiness, a noble heart, beautiful art, happy gatherings, extra confidence, a beautiful future – you get the idea. The heart swells with well-being and generosity, and seeks pleasant company and beautiful surroundings. And the effects of this meeting of planets is not just valid for this evening. They’ve been dancing together since about August 18, and will be fading in energy by the first week of September. But energies experienced and lessons learned are not forgotten. 🙂

Tonight’s Venus/Jupiter meeting of worlds in Virgo also includes little Mercury – he will be very close to the two much brighter planets. With the inclusion of Mercury, we may just experience a coming together of minds on some level, or find some peace within our own minds where we have been restless or anxious. There could also be an expansive, inclusive nature to our thoughts, and some very expressive communication. Perhaps through music or art, which would be very appropriate. Perhaps through beautiful words. Poetry – loving murmurs.

This whole lovely shebang occurs across the Virgo/Pisces axis in an opposition to Chiron, The Wounded Healer. Deeper analysis leads to the possibility of relationship wounds finding rest through forgiveness, and the potential for seeking a future in which we don’t play the role of victim or stay lost in co-dependence or addiction – both very prevalent Virgo/Pisces themes.

I like to think that with this beautiful emphasis from the heavens, in the sign of Virgo and opposite Chiron in Pisces, that we’ll feel compelled to open our hearts to ways of being in true service to others – in service to, rather  than serving (or being a door-mat) – meaning that we don’t lose  or forget ourselves when we serve, but rather serve from a strong sense of Self (the Jungian, individuated capital “S” Self); from self-worth in the spirit of unconditional BIG love, for both ourselves and others.

It is thought by more than a few that it was a Venus/Jupiter conjunction that led the wise men to discover the Christ child 2000 years ago. The two planets connecting so closely together, especially if both are in full light, create the illusion that they are one enormous, amazingly bright star – perhaps the Star of Bethlehem. You can read more about that possibility here and it’s very interesting.  And here’s another article offering several different possibilities on the Star of Bethlehem. 

Venus-Jupiter-Conjunction-Aug-27-2016

This is the chart of the moment of the exact Venus/Jupiter conjunction along with Mercury at 6:29 PM Eastern time. We won’t be able to see these two beauties at that point – the sky will have to get darker first. By 8:30 we should be able to see them, and certainly by 8:45.

Venus-Jupiter-Conjunction-Setting-Aug-27-2016

This chart at 8:55 PM Eastern shows Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury setting – just about to dip below the Western Horizon.

 

Aug 24 2016

Mars & Saturn Together – Oh My!

mars_saturn_conjunction

Today, Mars and Saturn, two of the glorious bodies orbiting ceaselessly with us, are coming together in the sign Sagittarius.

This alignment can be viewed in a couple of different ways, but I see this as a moment in time to take up a challenge with integrity and make something tangible happen via your serious efforts. Yes, there will be the naysayers who only want you to believe that Saturn’s ability to stifle and stymie will simply put the brakes on any right efforts you’re attempting… but this is the lower vibration of these two engaging energies. The higher vibration of this combination is what my mom would’ve termed “elbow grease.”

If you’re not familiar with that old fashioned phrase, it means – get down to work and put your back into it. Full effort. Full energy. And when you’re finished, you’ll feel great. A sense of accomplishment based not only on your efforts and strength of will, but on your sense of integrity – that part of you that operates from your highest ground and best intentions. Integrity means making whole – so let that be the impetus behind your actions.

That these two planets, Mars and Saturn, are together in Sagittarius lends us an even broader message. That message is to take responsible action not only with integrity, but also to fully engage your wisdom. And share it. And along the way you might find the rich positivity in going beyond your personal limits with strength and vitality – and with assurance of success.

So please – go and do! No complaints, just pushing through even beyond the hard bits. You might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

Hey! Be sure to look for Mars and Saturn in the night sky… they’ll be aligning directly overhead tonight between 8 and 9 pm Eastern, with the fixed star Antares – a delightful threesome in a lovely line across the heavens.

 

Jun 20 2016

The Sagittarius Full Moon – again! – and the Summer Solstice of June 20, 2016

Couple-overlooking-mountains-with-moon-and-balloons

Welcome to the second Full Moon in Sagittarius (7:02 AM EDT today, June 20, 2016) in a row… that’s pretty unusual! This Moon is called The Strawberry Moon, signifying to our early Native Americans that it was time to pick ripened fruit. (Maybe we can use that symbolism metaphorically. What ripened fruit is it time for you to pick?) This Full Moon also occurs at the 29th degree of Sagittarius, with the Sun at the 29th degree of Gemini, which is a very special degree. Add to that the Summer Solstice beginning today when the Sun moves into Cancer at 6:34 PM EDT, and we have very exciting energies to explore!

There are several different ways to come to this Full Moon. First I invite you to think back to 6 months ago, specifically Dec. 11, 2015, when the Moon was New in Sagittarius. Can you remember anything that you may have been excited or anxious about? Anything you were just beginning or making decisions on? Today is a culmination of that time, a moment of en-lighten-ment around whatever was going on in your life then. I also invite you to look back to a little over a year ago – May 2, 2015. This was the last Sagittarius Full moon until last month’s  (on May 21) – so we’ve come a full year’s cycle since then. What has occurred for you emotionally during the past year? Track back and really think about what has come to fruition for you, and whether you have evolved in meaningful ways emotionally – perhaps pushing past boundaries and creating higher, broader parameters, which is what the Sagittarius Moon requests of us. Or perhaps you’ve devolved? In which case, you have another opportunity to become unstuck and get moving.

With-this-fiery-MoonSecond, this Full Moon in Sagittarius at the critical 29th degree seems to be highlighting relationships pretty “loudly.”  With this fiery Moon in opposition to Venus, the planet of all things “love” and the ways of being that go with it, there’s an immediate understanding that this lunar event impacts us where we relate to others. Add to that a square to Chiron, our friendly karmic relationship indicator, as well as a trine to Juno, who wears the crown of symbolizing relationship from a karmic commitment perspective, and we have a relationship karmic cocktail. Juno, amazingly, is also at that 29th degree – of Libra in her case – which just happens to be the sign of, you guessed it, relationship. That critical 29th degree carries the energy of taking a new direction, sometimes in a completely unexpected way that belies our past ruminations and carefully laid plans. (And don’t get me wrong, I’m thinking positive here!) Degree 29 can carry a fated quality to it, and sometimes has us feeling a bit out of control. So there can be questions around our commitments, or, and better, opportunities to refresh them!

One other ally in this cosmic lunar posse pushing us to “clean” our love auras is Uranus – that feisty renegade who calls it like he sees it, and breaks down the status quo. So at this Saggy Full Moon, I’m imagining there may be some culminating moments providing us opportunities to clear our love alliances, particularly those with whom we carry karma. There can be enormous healing during this Full Moon energy… healing that allows us to attend to our loved ones with more acceptance of their uniqueness. Healing that opens the doors of the past and the future, asking us to balance our need for freedom and independence within relationship with our deep caring and devotion of our loved ones. This isn’t the time to be proud or stubborn, but a time to talk, to risk the truth, to stand by our commitments in a more faith-ful way, in order to create something more authentic – something that feeds our vitality and our emotional health. For many, I know there’s a whole lot of YUMMY that can happen with this Full Moon…

Thirdly, Mercury is also at 29 degrees in this Full Moon chart… and it’s creating a trigger point to the Saturn / Neptune square. How does this land? We need to talk. We need to talk about what makes us feel safe and secure. We need to talk about what confuses us, and about our pasts – not to create an environment of judgement, but to create an environment of acceptance and grace. Let’s get past the fears and anxieties that are holding us back (Saturn), be open about our dreams and our vision for the future (Neptune), and create a goal for our compassion – a goal for our spiritual evolution. And then make a commitment to it! You know what happens when we make a real commitment. All heaven and earth move to support it… And with Jupiter also involved in this mix, we can truly benefit from positive thinking here.

One-World-One-Love-One-Community-Global-Hands-HeartFourthly (and I’m about to get political) I like to think of Sagittarius as being “the citizen of the world.” That’s the phrase that Banzhaf & Haebler use in the book Key Words for Astrology as the by-line for Sagittarius. “The citizen of the world.” That’s always stuck in my mind. In the past 30 days we’ve been sandwiched between two culminating points – two Full Moons in the sign Sagittarius – highlighting who we are as citizens of the world. And with the deadliest mass shooting in the history of our country just behind us, we are left pondering – at least I hope we are – how we go about being better citizens of our world. Perhaps that’s the reason we’ve had two Sagittarius Full Moons in a row… so that we must use this emotionally charged energy to become wiser citizens of the world – to become righteous about gun control despite previous blocks preventing that effort, to become higher minded around, and more tolerant of, those who have different lifestyles. The 15-hour gun control filibuster on the the Senate floor this past Thursday, led by Senator Chris Murphy, is a perfect example of Sagittarius energy “having enough” and “stump thumping” to make a point of justice. And sadly, the horrific actions of the shooter are also an example of the lowest possible vibration of Sagittarius at work – being so self-righteous and filled with the fervor of your cause that you take life, feeling somehow justified in your actions. The shooting and the filibuster occurred between 2 Sagittarius Full Moons, the second one at the critical 29th degree – meaning we’ve reached a critical turning point, and while we may not follow any plans we’ve previously put in place, and we may be feeling overwhelmed – we know we must go in a new direction. Fate is in play here, and that new direction must have greater meaning and a higher purpose, and point us toward freedom and justice – for everyone – as we move forward. All Sagittarian qualities. (An interesting point: the 1:58 AM chart for the Orlando shooting, when the first gunfire was heard, has THE SAME DEGREE – 29 degrees Sagittarius – on the MC – the most elevated point in the chart, which is the angle that shows how we see that moment in the greater world. Blows my mind.)

The key here is meaning… what expanded awareness and meaning can we derive from these events, and how do we move positively forward with that meaning? And how do we derive wisdom from something so horrifying? The comedian Hasan Minhaj addressed members of the press and members of Congress at the 72nd Annual Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association Dinner this past Wednesday evening – 3 nights after the shooting. He said something in his address -a very Sagittarius address I might add – that seems to push us toward the higher vibration of Sag – striving for higher things, and expanding our awareness. He said, “Stuff like this (the mass shooting) is going to continue to happen unless we recognize that civil liberties are an all or nothing game. A rising tide lifts all boats. It’s not pick or choose. So whether you like it or not, we all have to step up and fight for each other – otherwise the whole thing is a sham.” A “rising tide” pulled by these Sagittarius Moons. That’s what I’m thinking. It all seems quite a bit zeitgeist-y.

(If you want to see comedian Hasan Minhaj’s full address click here. The first 18 minutes are funny in a “roast” kind of way. The famous 5 minutes begin at 18:16 – but watch the whole 23 minutes if you can.)

Fifthly – Happy Summer Solstice! The Solstice officially happens at 6:34 PM when the Sun moves into the sign of  Cancer. As the longest day of the year, with more hours of sunlight than any other, most of us wait all year for this special day. It’s the FUN time of year! But as I mentioned previously, this Sagittarius Full Moon occurs at 29 degrees. The 29th degree of any sign is known as a “critical degree” or the “anaretic degree” meaning we’re coming to the end of one way of being and moving into another – a complete change of direction. Sometimes that change feels fated, or out of our control, but the change needs to happen. So as you’re soaking in the sun, soak in the meaning of this Full Moon as you think about your Summer. How will you be changing directions? What is your highest calling? Toward what direction will you be shooting your arrow of intent, and where will you be seeking meaning and purpose? This bright moon, this enlightened moment, is the perfect time to answer these questions.

P.S. It’s interesting to have a Full Moon in Sagittarius – the sign connected with the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year – on the longest day of the year! Here we are in the fullness of Summer with the Sun at it’s highest point (in the Northern Hemisphere), while the emotional energy around us is reminiscent of the shortest. Hhhhhhmmmmm. That just occurred to me – not quite sure what to do with it yet, but I’m thinking.

Chart for the Full Moon in Sagittarius - 7:02 AM, June 20, 2016 Eastern Daylight Time

Chart for the Full Moon in Sagittarius – 7:02 AM, June 20, 2016 Eastern Daylight Time

 

Want some personal one-on-one help with navigating this Full Moon? Wondering where in your life and your psyche you’re being impacted? I’m happy to help! Please simply fill in the Client Info Form here, and we can set up an Individual Session. Looking forward to it! 

Jun 18 2016

Mercury Retrograde – The Unlikely Healing Gift

“Every now and then go away, have a little rest and relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer; since to remain constantly at work will cause you to lose power of judgment…Go some distance away because the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance, and a lack of harmony or proportion is more readily seen.”
~Leonardo Da Vinci

Astrologically speaking, there is a particular cycle, which while not always comfortable, has the result of great benefit: the apparent backwards motion of a very mischievous planet. Many of us wouldn’t normally consider the period of Mercury Retrograde a blessing, yet in nature, there is rule: two steps forward, one step back.  Without this rule, we’d all experience burn-out, fatigue, frustration and end up relinquishing our health. We must have a period of rest and reflection to maintain balance, and that is precisely what is offered during any Mercury Retrograde cycle.

Traditionally, the 3-week period of Mercury Retrograde (which is the appearance from Earth that Mercury is traveling backwards) that occurs approximately once every four months is that time when our cars breakdown, our computers crash, we miss our flight by seconds, our presentations flop, we’re accident prone, we can’t write or think clearly, and when we open our mouths to speak we say the wrong thing or nobody is listening. We are not meant to make any major purchases like houses, cars, boats, insurance, etc., and we are never ever to enter into any contract, (including marriage and mortgage refinances) during this time. People await Mercury’s back peddling atremble with trepidation and fear. From here, it doesn’t sound like much to be grateful for…

Certainly, the above is a blatant exaggeration. I pity the poor Soul who could actually have all of these communication and transportation problems during one three-week period-of-time. Yet, this cyclical period didn’t get its bad reputation without reason.  So, what is it then, really? Why does Mercury Retrograde affect communication and transportation? Why do we lose our minds temporarily? Let’s look briefly at the mythological Mercury so that we can begin to make sense of, and feel gratitude for, this recurring phenomenon.

Astrology with Michelle Gregg website image: Classical marble statue of Hermes (Roman Mercury), the messenger god, leaning on a rock as he fastens a winged sandal. Dynamic pose relevant to Mercury Retrograde
Even Mercury has to pause and adjust sometimes.

Mythologically, Mercury (Hermes in Greek) represents several archetypes:  the Trickster; the Messenger; the Guide and Companion; the Psychopomp (the deliverer of the newly dead to Hades); the Puer Eternis (the forever young and charming fool); the Thief; the Teacher; and the Magician, to name more than a few. You may well ask how one God can wear so many different hats? The answer is that of all the Gods, Mercury alone has the power to mimic and portray the attributes of all the other Gods. His cleverness allows him to be a virtual chameleon, and because of this virtue he was favored by his father, Jupiter (Zeus), and was constantly sent on missions to rescue other Divine children, or to lead inept mortals currently in favor out of trouble.

Mercury is witty, confident, competent, and utterly without conscience. He is constantly on the move, gathering information, analyzing it and either acting upon it, or stowing it away to be dealt with later. He is pure mental process, the governor of the Mind. He is easily bored and often up to mischief. Because he achieved such elevated status as messenger of the Gods, he became the patron of all communication.  Because he is so clever and forward thinking his influence is over all devices of communication, even as they are being invented. Because he journeyed via many modes between Olympus and Earth, and to and from Hades so often, and because he led so many, mortal and immortal alike, on their journeys (whether on an adventure, out of a misadventure, or to lead the spirits of the dead to the underworld forever), Mercury has become the patron of travel and all modes of transportation. Hence the breakdown in communication, transportation, and travel when Mercury decides to move backwards, rather than forward!

I believe it highly unlikely that the Universe has come up with a 3-week period three times a year simply to annoy and frustrate us in our attempts to get smoothly through our lives. Undoubtedly there is a deeper meaning underlying the mishaps and miscommunications that occur during Mercury’s retrogression. Consider this. The natural order of things produces periods of wakefulness and attention, and in balance, periods of rest and simple awareness. The pattern of waking and sleeping created by the rising and setting of the Sun is the most obvious example that comes to mind. The turning of the Seasons also mirrors the need for active attention (Fall) followed by a period of restful awareness and recharging through being still and turning inward (Winter).

Close-up of a woman wearing a tan blazer backward and a bucket hat, standing outdoors by water. The reversed clothing symbolizes the trickster energy and temporary confusion of Mercury Retrograde.
When you understand the purpose of Mercury retrograde,
you don’t have to feel like you’re wearing your life backwards.

So it is with Mercury who represents the energy and archetype that resonates with our inherent need and desire to communicate our thoughts, ideas, and artistry out into the world around us. The period of Mercury Retrograde, then, is an opportunity for restful awareness provided by Universal Law. It’s a time to turn away from full-tilt active attention to our forward driving lives. It’s the time to rest and refresh the Spirit; to re-evaluate where we are, what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how we’re doing life. All of the planets, not only Mercury, have their own periods of retrogression. Mercury, because it is closest to the Sun and has the smallest orbit, simply retrogresses more frequently than the other planets, hence the greater common knowledge of this particular planet’s patterns and its apparent “effects” upon us.

Now knowing what we know about Mercury, his mythology, and the natural need for times of rest and inner rediscovery, the question becomes “How do we best utilize this time to our greatest benefit, and to the purpose for which it exists?”  The beginning of the answer to this question comes in the form of understanding that during our typical forward movement, we don’t process much of the information waiting in our unconscious minds. Information is there steeping, awaiting a moment to enter the consciousness to provide the thrust toward transformation that is appropriate for the time. Mercury Retrograde periods are when we should take the opportunity to rest and restore ourselves through self-evaluation. During this rest, Mercury will surprise us by dipping down into our unconsciousness returning upward with the most timely and incredible material. We receive a gift that we would have otherwise missed without this period of re-connecting with our internal selves. If we use this time wisely, we will consciously process this gift, alchemically transforming our current paradigm for the new and more relevant one. This process is extraordinarily healing, especially if in the months prior to the current retrogression, we have been experiencing a time of personal transition.

Image for Astrology with Michelle Gregg: Woman in a golden robe meditating by a misty river at sunset, symbolizing spiritual rest and subconscious connection during Mercury Retrograde.
This is the time to rest and refresh the Spirit—
let your internal, unconscious self catch up to your fast-paced forward life.

Another incredible gift of the Mercury Retrograde period is that we can place our current projects on hold, or put them on the back burner, so that they can in their turn steep and develop into what is needed toward our best interests. We may feel, however, that we cannot let go of, re-direct, or re-schedule a project or other imminent event. There are deadlines and responsibilities, and we can’t possibly base our modern lives on some ancient form of calendaring like Astrology! However, if we do not, if we resist the natural cycle of moving from forward attention to simple resting awareness, of the two-steps-forward and one-step back nature of all things, THEN we pay the price by experiencing the various frustrations around communication, travel, and technology, that are simply reminding us to slow down and reflect.

“The essence of Mercury Retrograde cannot be controlled by the will and when we think we are smugly in control we are most likely to experience the Trickster in all his magnificent glory.”
— Erin Sullivan

Erin Sullivan, who wrote the preeminent volume on retrogression available today, titled Retrograde Planets, makes it clear here, that we are not likely to best the Trickster at his own game! When we accept the retrograde season as the teaching and healing device that it is intended to be we can stop anticipating it with dread and anxiety.  We can, instead, receive the Trickster’s gift graciously, recharge and realign ourselves with our true nature and purpose, and then pause to give thanks for the opportunity to do so.

We have, as many consciously understand, through socialization and the raising of technology to such godlike degrees (while leaving the beauty, wisdom, and lucidity of Nature behind) almost entirely removed the numinous and sacred out of our experience of life. We are in the throes of healing an incredible separation from the Divine in our culture. In moving more toward the natural timing of cycles and events in our lives, with respect to informing and reflecting the macrocosm that is symbolized by Astrology, we can begin to reclaim our natural state of being and evolving. We can drive forward with our mission and our intention and then take a moment to reevaluate and redeem ourselves during the process of achieving. Give thanks then that your computer crashes, or your brakes need replacing! It means you might need to take a break, reflect, restore and enjoy this small moment to replenish your Spirit. This is the hope of Astrology, and the lesson, and true gift, of Mercury Retrograde.

This article by Astrology with Michelle Gregg explores Mercury Retrograde not as a curse, but as an Unlikely Healing Gift. Learn how this cycle is essential for rest and reflection, offering a period to re-examine life and align with your true purpose. The messenger god Mercury (Hermes), the ultimate Trickster, ensures that when you embrace this time for inner work and spiritual healing, you align with an opportunity for transformation. Discovering the deeper meaning behind Mercury Rx cycles, is perfect for anyone interested in psychological astrology and conscious evolution.

Jun 10 2016

Super Quick Saturday Cosmic Weather – Astrology for June 11, 2016

I-dreamed-my-whole-house-was-clean

 

Here’s the quick shake out for your Saturday, June 11, 2016 (Eastern Time.)
(I’m having a bit of fun with this one!)

Stay in bed until about 9am because the Moon in Virgo is in opposition to Neptune in Pisces, and all we really want to do is dream and fantasize anyway. Tell yourself that it’s ok to stay in bed, because the Virgo piece of this equation might feel guilty… a nice compromise would be to lay in bed in your half sleep, analyzing and making plans. 🙂

Then get up about 10am and really get down to weekend chores quickly to use the practical, get it done energy of the Moon squaring Saturn in Sagittarius – if you don’t get down to work, then you might just feel stuck and end up procrastinating (or feeling sorry for yourself.) The Moon isn’t only squaring Saturn… it’s also opposing Neptune. So there could be a bit of a quandary about whether to get something done, or whether to wallow a bit longer. Push, pull. Push, pull. Don’t use the energy that way! Best case scenario, do a lovely meditation, or sit outside in Nature to get centered, and THEN get down to business.

As the moon moves away from the Saturn/Neptune energy, make some afternoon plans for about 2pm, because just after that Luna gets a lot happier when she connects with Jupiter… shake off the dreams of the morning and all those chores (or the wishing that you’d actually done them) and just do something that makes you feel really good. Be social… Venus is still connected to the Sun today. 

After a nice big dinner, get cozy in your hidey hole and do some deep pondering, or even some research, about what you want your future to hold. The Moon is conjuncting the North Node and making a trine to Pluto, so dig deep, tell yourself the truth, and lean into your purpose. If you think something in your immediate vicinity is holding you back… throw it away! This can be literal, emotional, or metaphorical, but when Pluto is tapping at our emotions, he likes us to purge. And ponder. And go about the business of evolving…

And if you’re sharing your evening with another, expect emotions to run deeply – and maybe even passionately.

Happy Saturday!

Interested in a session with Michelle Gregg? Click here for info. & Click here to set up your appointment. 

Jun 9 2016

Astrology for Thursday, June 9, 2016: Cosmic Life Ops

The-Birth-of-Venus-Botticelli

During the morning hours, due to an uncomfortable angle between the Moon and Pluto (quincunx), there could be some adjustments that must be made in an emotional situation… the need to control something could be pretty strong, but look deeply at your motivations and see where you can shift a little to create a more comfortable atmosphere. As we move into the afternoon there are some super pleasant energies available today via Venus and the Sun in Gemini being intimately close (conjunction – we can see this as the beginning of the birth of Venus as she transitions into her new phase as the evening star), and the Moon reaching out to both of them (sextile) from Leo for possible social time with an intellectual bent – or maybe just a gossipy one. 🙂 These combinations create an emphasis on our vitality being impacted by beauty and relationship, our values coming to the fore in a prominent role, and connecting with others emotionally for companionable or even playful gatherings. There could be some creative tension possible with Mercury (the way we communicate) in Taurus moving into opposition with Mars (the way we take action to get what we want) in Scorpio, but the key is to be willing to go deeply into an issue without manipulating your opponent or refusing to budge in an opinion. Allow your peers and companions time to process rather than pushing for resolution. During the evening things may get a little more exciting – and whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing will mostly depend on how willing you are to let go and flow. The Moon will contact Uranus (trine), with Venus heading toward a connection with him as well (sextile), so be prepared to step outside the norm so that you can move with this often unusual and fluctuating energy. And make it fun! If your schedule unexpectedly shifts outside your comfort zone, move with the current and see where you land. It could be eye opening!

Interested in a session with Michelle Gregg? Click here for info. & Click here to set up your appointment. 

A serene fairy lifts a tiny teacup to her lips, seated before a beautiful teacup with a candle inside - a moment of grace and magic.
Dec 16 2014

Testimonials

Reflections on the Magic

A tiny fairy reading the light inside a teacup, as if the tea itself is whispering its story back to her.
Listening for what the light is trying to say…

Every birth chart, every session, is a meeting of Cosmos and story.

These words come from the luminous people who’ve stepped into that dialogue with me – each one discovering their own rhythm, their own dance, and their own sparkle through the lens of astrology.

May their stories inspire you to listen to your own heartbeat, to trust your timing, and to meet your life as the magical light it already is.

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🌸 “A powerful force for good in this world”

“Michelle is a beautiful friend and mentor. As a master astrologer, she has helped me to see my life as the unique, messy, and wonderful adventure that it can be. As a therapist, she has gently and intuitively guided me into making better decisions, despite my stubborn resistance. With Michelle’s help, I have had the courage to start a new business, improve my family relationships, and finally let go of a destructive, twenty-year long alcohol addiction, something that seemed utterly impossible. Michelle is in tune with the magic of the universe, and she is a powerful force for good in this world!”

–Joan Bacot

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🌟 “Feeling I’m a part of a great mystery that is infinite in its reaches”

“I cannot tell you how much I have gotten out of my many, many consultations with Michelle! I first went to her when my daughter and I were in our most difficult stage EVER and I got so much clarity from Michelle on our relationship that the months-long challenge seemed to dissolve almost immediately. Michelle is not into trying to predict your future – it is surprisingly scientific and you will be amazed at what riddles she can help you solve. Always – ALWAYS – I come away from a session with Michelle feeling inspired and calmer, and that I am a part of a great mystery that is infinite in its reaches. And THAT brings me a smile and a sense of peace like you won’t believe! Expect to be shocked at how this total stranger understands your deep emotional complexities (and those of your kids’/husbands’/wives’/biz partners’) AND gives you concrete tools to transcend the icky parts! Really.”

–Andrea Lea

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📚 “The real thing”

“Michelle Gregg is the real thing: an astrologer who uses her extensive, up-to-date knowledge with real intuition. She has helped me with her insights, and I am especially impressed with her thoughtful and sensitive approach. The world doesn’t always realize it, but we need a person with Michelle’s special gift now more than ever.”

–Thomas Moore
Author of Care of the Soul, Soul Mates, The Planets Within, & Care of the Soul in Medicine

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✨ “Illuminated from within”

“Thanks for another great session! I can’t tell you how light I feel after talking with you each time – just illuminated from within, and happy! Like I had walked outside and got to watch the bees in the sunny garden. Or something equally as joyful to me. I love these consultations with you, and find them SO very valuable and life-changing (!!!)… I can’t well-describe, the part of just feeling bathed in love; I don’t know whether it’s from having touched deep truths and feeling validated and explained, or whether it’s from talking with you, who seem so bright and genuine. But there is a sure bliss after we hang up! Then starts the integration of things we discussed…”

–J. James

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🌻 “I am a better me”

“I’d heard Michelle was an amazing astrologer/counselor from a friend who recommended I have a session with her. I thought it would be fun and interesting to have a chat. That was about 6 months ago. Little did I know then how my life would change for the better as a result. What started as a one session curiosity has become a regular counseling session every two weeks. I prioritize my sessions with Michelle. Even when things get tough financially I keep my sessions with her…not just because she can read charts, but because I see and deeply feel results. I am a better me. We peel the layers of the onion, getting at deep issues and addressing them. I am in awe of this woman and how she works…and how amazing I feel as a result of working with her. She listens…interprets…asks…sees…she truly works WITH me to help me with my questions. She utilizes her knowledge and depth of experience with astrology, combines it with her sense of humor, her curiosity, and her solid desire to be there for her clients. Does she provide value in one session? YES! But I believe the real value is in working with her over time…as I have and continue to do…as the planets move and the issues change…as she gets to know you and your birth chart and how the transits affect YOU. She wants to help you grow…learn…understand…address things…love yourself! She is my mentor and my counselor and I LOVE working with her…and soooo appreciate the person I am becoming as a result of better understanding my patterns and finding balance. Thank you Michelle! I am freer…I more thoroughly enjoy myself and my relationships, and the circumstances I face every day. Life is smoother. I am softer. Thank you thank you. I’m looking forward to our next chat.”

–Verena von Dehn

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🌈 “Counseling that is fun”

“Who knew that counseling could be fun?! The best part of doing ongoing work with Michelle Gregg is that she uses the planets to make space for growth. In just about every session, she holds me accountable (and we don’t have to blame my mother!), makes me laugh at circumstances out of my control, and helps me to navigate the challenges of the present. She lets me wander out into the weeds sometimes, but then, by teaching me how to see a path where I thought there was no way, she opens doors to opportunities I had long written off. With Michelle’s insights, I get to dance between the wholeness and brokenness of yesterday while celebrating the fullness of tomorrow. For me, engaging in a long term relationship with Michelle means waking up to a brighter, more hopeful day each and every morning.”

–Corinne Dedini

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🌿 “True empowerment to affect changes”

“Michelle has the profound gift to take you on a journey to discover and understand the landscape of your internal world that affects every aspects of your external one. This knowledge gives you the true empowerment to affect changes in your life. I have learned in working with Michelle over a period of time that the depth of understanding the self, translates into my ability to respond to the internal or external obstacles I am faced with in a way that creates breakthroughs from my negative habitual patterns with the most lasting positive effects in my life.”

–Dominique Sire

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🌙 “I found what I was looking for”

“Michelle is an extraordinary talent, combining an extensive knowledge of the humanities, Jungian psychology, and classical astrology into a unique approach that helps you find your place in your own life as well as the world at large. I flirted with therapists for it seems like forever, and never really found what I was looking for until I started working with Michelle on a regular basis…”

–Michael Brandt

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⭐ “Life runs smoother and in a more balanced fashion”

“Working with Michelle regularly over this past year has helped me to understand and work with the astrological cycles and energy patterns so that my life runs smoother and in a more balanced fashion. I have experienced tremendous personal growth during this time as well and I owe it all to my regular sessions with Michelle. I’m less stressed and much more prepared for what life has in store for me.”

–Laura Halpin

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💝 “Mind and heart”

“Michelle is that invaluable breed of astrologer who thoroughly combines mind and heart. Her compassion is easily evidenced through her knowledge, and her astro-skill shines through her passion for growth and transformation.”

–Adam Gainsburg
Astrologer and Founder of Soul Sign Astrology

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🎯 “Clarity I’d been seeking for years”

“My first reading with Michelle helped me get clear on issues I’d been trying to wrap my head around in therapy for years. More recently, she helped me to shift my perspective around my skills and talents to a wider view, allowing me to feel more confident and increase my opportunities.”

–Carter Tracy

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🌸 “A new perspective and renewed focus”

“One of Michelle’s greatest gifts is the ability to provide people with a new perspective and a renewed focus on their life goals. She is incredibly knowledgeable, creative, and honest. I highly recommend Michelle’s services.”

–Andrea Williamson

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✨ “Comprehensive and professional”

“My session with Michelle was comprehensive to say the least. She is one of the most professional counselors I have worked with. Her knowledge and expertise in the area of Astrology and how it relates to personal growth for an individual is incredible. She spent a great deal of time with me because she saw the need to further explain her findings in a way I could understand and integrate the findings into my personal life. I highly recommend her. I also plan to have future counseling sessions with her as needed. I cannot say enough good things about her.”

–Kay Citron
Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse

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🌺 “The best therapy I could have asked for”

“Michelle is a wonderful astrologer. She really made me feel comfortable and eased my worries about my life. Her service was the best therapy I could have asked for.”

–Holly Hollingsworth

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🌀 “Depth translated into something I can use”

“I am amazed at the depth of knowledge Michelle possesses and her ability to translate that detailed information into something I can comprehend and use… I recommend her without reservation.”

–Frenesa K. Hall, MD

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🎉 “BETTER than therapy!”

“This is BETTER than therapy!“

–Sherri Lamar
Partner and Marketing Strategist with Chrysalis Partners

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🌟 “A profound, deeper level understanding”

“You are an amazing talent, Michelle, and I want you to know how I honor that. It is one challenge for a person to learn all of the book-ish material in your field, but you have such a profound, deeper level understanding that books cannot teach. Also, I can tell that you allow your intuition to get involved, which makes it all the more special. You seem to have no judgment for the shortcomings present in all of us. And you bring with you a sense of empathy which makes it so much easier for a client to acknowledge their junk and look at it from a fresh perspective. Kudos! Thank you sooooo much for today – and for your magnificent gifts and voice.”

–C. B.

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🌿 “Helped me to relax, regardless of what is happening”

“I highly recommend Michelle Gregg’s work. Her interpretation of “how I am” in the world has helped me to relax, regardless of what is happening. An excellent teacher, her explanations of “what is happening, now” help me to choose how best to proceed. I suggest that you see her when you face illness, crisis, or any major change. She’s great on your birthday, too!”

–Susan Kramer
PhD, Herbalist & Homeopath Author of The Healthy Traveler

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⭐ “The anointed astrologer”

“What’s incredible is your unique ability to intuit not only the messages of the planets and their intricate relationships with one another AND with each individual’s chart, but also just the right way to interpret these meaningful relationships to laypeople like me! You are the anointed astrologer! I trusted you implicitly from the moment I met you. Go figure. I’m wishing peace, calm, and abundance for you, Michelle Gregg.”

–Karly Hammond

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🌸 “An odyssey of personal discovery”

“Consulting with Michelle takes you on an odyssey of personal discovery. She is friendly, easy to talk to, extremely patient, and thoroughly knowledgeable about her subject. She gives wholeheartedly and approaches teaching with a loving concern for the well-being of the student. In one of her transit classes, she disclosed a personality dichotomy of mine (just a little something in passing) that no other astrologer mentioned. Knowing that has allowed me to be less critical and demanding of myself and more understanding.”

–Nanette Littlestone
Editor and Writer, Author of The Sacred Flame

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💡 “Way more insightful than therapy”

“I wasn’t kidding. Spending an hour with you was way more insightful than a therapy session (and a lot more fun). I feel like I left knowing much more about myself. Thank you.”

–Daniel Keith
Historian

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Thank you!

Thanks for stepping into this circle of stories…
let these faerie-dusted life lyrics inspire your own wings to flutter.
Let them dance you forward.

Astrology is art in motion, conversation in starlight.
Whenever you’re ready for your next verse,
I’ll be here – kettle on, chart open, the faeries on call.

With warmth, and wonder,
Michelle🌿

✨If something in you sparkled or fluttered, follow that shimmer here.
Let’s see what faerie dust looks like on you.

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