Find Neha on Threads and Instagram!

Electional report for 1 person:

https://interamnia.io/astrology-with-neha/electional-report

Electional report for 2 people (engagement, marriage, business partnership):

https://interamnia.io/astrology-with-neha/electional-report-2

Dani & Natty dive into the eight sign of the zodiac: Scorpio.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

- Dylan Thomas (Scorpio | Oct 27)

Scorpio is the eighth sign of the Zodiac. The Sun reaches its zenith at 0° Cancer, and begins its descent, towards the Winter Solstice at 0° Capricorn. Through the high skies of Leo, the Sun drifts down, through Virgo, and with Libra the descent gets serious. Libra brings us to equal day and night, and the dark begins to rise. In Scorpio, we begin to notice.                               

The scorpion constellation predates the zodiac sign Scorpio. As far back as 1,000 BCE, the Scorpion can be found in an ancient Babylonian text called the Mul Apin, or “the Plough Star”. On tablets, the Babylonian’s mapped out the path of the Moon through about 18 constellations. These constellations were assigned names, after animals, gods, objects, gods, and people: 

“The northern constellations were assigned to the path of the god Enlil. Among these constellations were the Great Twins, the Crab, the Lion, and the Wagon, which correspond to Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and the Big Dipper. In the middle of the sky are the stars in the path of Anu, which include the Bull of Heaven, the True Shepherd of Anu, and the Balance, respectively Taurus, Orion, and Libra, as well as a constellation called simply the Stars, corresponding (to) the Pleiades. In the south are the stars in the path of Ea, which include the Scorpion, the Pabilsag (named after a god), and the Goat-Fish, corresponding to Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn” (University of Hamburg Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures).

The Greeks inherited the star system, and the Romans after that, and the constellations evolved. By the year 419 BCE the twelve constellations of the Zodiac had been established, with Scorpio as the eighth, and what was formerly the scorpion's claws had become the scales of justice, associated with the seventh sign, Libra. Around that time horoscopes were written, and from 220 BCE Babylonians crafted almanacs, including the twelve months of the year, and the twelve signs of the zodiac. 

Conversely, the stories associated with Scorpio developed. The standard Babylonian version of “The Epic of Gilgamesh” can be dated back to 1300-1000 BCE. In this epic tale of a hero’s journey, Gilgamesh encounters the “Scorpion men”. Tablet IX of this epic poem describes:

“When he reached the mountain called Mashu, who each day guard the sun's rising, whose peaks reach the vault of heaven above and whose breast reaches the underworld below, scorpion-men guard its gate, whose dread terror is fearsome and whose glance is death….

Their fearsome radiance overwhelms the mountains; they guard the sun at its rising and its setting….”

The deep mystery and potent nature of the Scorpion men in Gilgamesh’s tale may very well be the first description of a Scorpio. The zodiac sign of Scorpio maintains this initial intensity, even as the myths vary and evolve. Gilgamesh is able to secure directions from these men on his journey:

…At the word of the scorpion-man he took the road of Shamash. One league he went; thick was the darkness, and there was no light; it did not let him see what lay behind him. A second league he went; thick was the darkness, and there was no light; it did not let him see what lay behind him. A third league he went; thick was the darkness, and there was no light; it did not let him see what lay behind him.”

Almost as infamous as the physical demeanor and mood of a person born under the sign of Scorpio, is the depth of their experience. From the first mention of Scorpion men, there follows a dark road, with no light. In many ways, the theme of being in the dark, and what’s in that dark, has also become synonymous with Scorpio. Scorpio seems to carry that depth within them, even as they maneuver a bright world. It is perhaps this emotional range that sets them apart, and renders them able to deal in things hidden, and unseen, or even avoided. Perhaps that is why the Scorpion men were given the sacred assignment of guiding the Sun’s path. The Sun is bright, but the path is dark. 

By the 8/7 Century BCE, the story of Orion the Hunter and the Scorpion emerged in Greek myth. Orion, son of Poseidon, was a great hunter, with hubris to boast that he could kill anything. Gaia, the Earth Goddess sent a great Scorpion to battle Orion. Orion fought valiantly, but was stung by the Scorpion and succumbed to his wounds. They both ascended to the heavens across the sky from one another; the Scorpion always in pursuit of Orion. 

The Homeric hymn to Demeter dates back to 650-550 BCE. This is where her daughter Persephone, the goddess of Spring, makes a debut. Persephone’s journey, from young ingenue to Queen of the Underworld makes her an undeniable Scorpio archetype to this day. But it is in Virgil’s “Georgics” Book IV, where the story of Orpheus and Eurydice plays out. Here, the Scorpio theme of navigating a dark journey, and the theme of pursuit come together.

Orpheus, a Greek hero of song, and wit, falls for Eurydice. There are many tales attributed to Orpheus and his accomplishments - the Golden Fleece, and Argo’s Expedition - but none are as ambitious as Orpheus’ descent into the Underworld to rescue Euridice. His new wife was tragically bitten by a snake, while running from a villainous man (Aristaeus). There are many versions of this story, but most include a deal Orpheus makes with Hades: if he can retrieve Eurydice, and get out of the Underworld without looking back, he can save her. Orpheus goes to great lengths to do so, but in the final moments, he looks back. She is ripped away from him, back into the Underworld, forever. Orpheus is devastated, sinking into depression and loss, and spurning all women, including the enraged, local Thracian women, who eventually attack and kill him. 

Orpheus strikes me as a Scorpio figure. He is besotten with his beloved Eurydice, and refuses to accept her death. Hades, another Scorpio Archetype, shows a true understanding of Orpheus, with his challenge. Orpheus must not look back, but his entire journey is looking back. Orpheus doesn’t seem to understand, or care, that in order to progress, one must leave what is behind them. Orpheus is so in love with Eurydice, that he is willing to travel to the Underworld, risk his life, face his fears, defeat things that go bump in the night - but he can’t let her go. Or he can’t let it go. No one asks Eurydice what she wanted. Orpheus loves deeply, but it must be on his terms. Having some kind of control is the only way he keeps it together, there’s a stormy sea within him, and power to wield. 

It brings to mind Gilgamesh, traveling league, after league in the dark. It must be disorienting to have to travel in the deep dark, unable to see what’s behind you. Looking back would be futile here, but still a temptation. Gilgamesh maintains his resolve, showing frustration when he reaches: “An eighth league, and…he cried out.” Despite his angst, Gilgamesh accomplishes what Orpheus could not. He perseveres, without looking back. He reaches the twelfth league: “Twelve leagues Gilgamesh…came forth before the sun…brightness was set in place.” 

To thread the Scorpion through time, and stars; from myth, and hymns to a modern human born under the sign of Scorpio, it must start with the heaviness of the Scorpion, alchemized into the burden of emotional depth. Then we weave in relentless pursuit, and glances of death - that checks. There are so many facets to this magnetic and powerfully intimate sign, but let’s not forget the Scorpio urge to dive into the deep end. Gilgamesh made it through, and so did Orpheus. Whether they got what they wanted down there, they went there, and that’s the point. 

“...when the Moon is in the Via Combusta…(the) querents passing through a challenging time…” (p. 45). 

The Via Combusta is also a consideration, for when the Ascendant falls in that 30° span, between the middle of Libra, and the middle of Scorpio. Bryan references William Lilly, a 17th Century astrologer who speaks of the Via Combusta as a debilitating condition, when coming to a judgement on a Horary question. On pg 122, of “Christian Astrology”, Lilly explains the Void of Course Moon, and its bleak outcomes, which are only mitigated when the Moon is in Domicile, Exaltation or in a Jupiter ruled sign. He also covers the Moon’s debilitations.

“It’s not safe to judge when the Moon is in the later degrees of a sign, especially in Gemini, Scorpio, or Capricorn, or as some say, when she is in Via Combusta, which is, when the is in the last 15 degrees of Libra, or the first fifteen degrees of Scorpio” (Lilly, Christian Astrology, p 122).

If we go farther back, the concept of the Via Combusta was discussed by several Medieval Islamicate Astrologers. In the 9th Century, in his work “The Great Introduction to the Science of Judgement of the Stars” (Book VII, CH. 6), Abu’Mashar notes that passing through this region weakens a planet, mapping the path slightly differently from 19° Libra to 3° Scorpio. This variation on the starting, and ending points of this rough road did not persevere, however. 

In the 10th Century Al-Qabisi standardized the boundaries that became widely accepted in Western traditional astrology: 15° Libra to 15° Scorpio. (Alcabitius– Introduction to Astrology III, p 29).

Al-Biruni, in the 11th Century wrote The Book of Instruction in the Elements of the Art of Astrology. On page 514, Al-Biruni offers the most comprehensive rationale for this zone of misfortune. Al-Biruni explains that the region is inherently hostile, because it marks where the Luminaries are debilitated: the Sun Fallen in Libra, the Moon in Exile in Scorpio. In addition to the Luminaries being Fallen, and in Exile, the Malefic planets find Exaltation and Domicile rulership - Saturn is Exalted in Libra; Mars in Domicile in Scorpio. Al-Biruni primarily applied the affliction of the Via Combusta, to the Sun and Moon.

William Lilly brought the concept to Western astrology in the 17th Century, including a caveat to the Via Combusta. At 23° of Libra, there is protection from the fixed star Spica. On the star, he instructs: 

 “The Virgins Spike…expresses a man…(with) sweet disposition, diligent in attaining Arts and Sciences, or a most admirable invention when Mercury is with him.”

Many of these references to the Via Combusta are specific to Horary, and Natal charts. Though there are no examples of using the Via Combusta in Mundane charts, it is safe to assume the Via Combusta was something to consider in all forms of astrology. Certainly by Abu Ma’shar, who treats the “burning road” as a debilitation. In “The Great Introduction…”, Ma’shar lists the Via Combusta as number eight, of eleven conditions that corrupt the Moon:

“The eighth is if she was in the burned path, and that is Libra and Scorpio” (Book VII, CH. 6, paragraph 63, p 484).

All of the astrologers mentioned, used the Via Combusta in order to judge the condition of the Luminaries, with a focus on the Moon. This New Moon in Libra exacts at 17° 21’ of Libra. Venus Retrograde, in her Exile at 7° Scorpio, is being overcome by Mars in Leo. In the lunation chart, Venus finds herself co-present with Mercury in the 12th house. This is how we begin this Lunar cycle. By the end of the Lunar cycle, we see a Last Quarter Moon in Leo, where the Moon’s dispositor is the Sun, at 9° of Scorpio. This entire Lunar Cycle is through the “burned path”. Only on November 9th, at the next New Moon in Scorpio, at a blessed 16° of Scorpio - do we emerge from our journey through the fiery road, and into more benevolent skies.

Dani Darling

A Dark Finale.

The Era of Scorpio Venus began in 1926. It’s called the “Venus Star Point” Era, a term coined by Arielle Guttman. Each star point is a location in Venus’ synodic cycle that touches one of the five zodiac signs every 8 years. As Venus travels from Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, and Capricorn, she progressively moves back about 2° each time she visits one o…

Read more

a month ago · Dani Darling

Dani & Natty unpack the upcoming Venus Retrograde with astrologer, and author of "A Dance of Daggers & Delights: Venus Retrograde 2026" - Skye Barclay!


Buy the Book:
⁠https://www.skyeastrology.com/venusrx⁠


Skye's Website:
⁠https://www.skyeastrology.com/⁠


Skye's Instagram:
⁠https://www.instagram.com/skye.astrology/⁠

The Scorpio VSP period falls between 1926-2027. Power, The Divine Feminine, Sexual Revolution, and Good vs. Evil were themes that played out over the course of this century. Pluto was discovered in 1930, and adopted the themes of power, fear, death, rebirth, and sexuality. Uranium was discovered, and the Nuclear weapon changed the world. 

During this era, we saw the Sexual Revolution of the 60s and 70s. Good vs Evil took center stage in pop culture: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel. Rise of the Divine Feminine, Feminism, and a new wave of alternate spiritual paths colored this time period. Scorpio is the receptive/feminine Mars ruled sign, and it is where Venus is in exile. This period was always going to be a time of descent, in order to rise out of the ashes.

Scorpio isn’t the only Mars-ruled sign currently in Venus’ path:

“…the Scorpio VSP partners with the Aries VSP for life. In other words, they began at the same time and will terminate at the same time. The beginning for both Stars was the 1920s and 1930s. This partnership on the VSP has resulted in Mars…prominence in the World chart and produced an explosive period of spontaneous and vicious outbursts.” Arielle Guttman, The Venus Star Point.

The Aries Star Point period began in 1929, and ends in 2038. The collective Martian themes of War, Police brutality, Violence, and Patriarchal dominance will, over time, be replaced by the signs that precede them. The last Libra Star Point Period was from 1771-1880. The new Libra Venus Star era begins at Scorpio’s end, and we move from an era in which Venus is in exile, to an era with Venus in her Domicile.

The new Star Point in Libra is between 2022 - 2131. The previous Libra Era was defined by themes of Equality, Partnership, and a Renaissance period robust with art, music, written word, and science. This new Era will undoubtedly include themes of Connection, Justice, and Harmony.

The traditional aspect of partnership may be where there is a departure from the past. Venus’ first Libra Cazimi is October 20, 2030. It’s important to remember that with the Aries Star Point present, there will be a push and pull between this axis of Mars’ Individuality and Action, in contrast to Venus’ Cooperation and Diplomacy.

This tension between Aries and Libra begins to ease in 2038, when the Aries Star Point turns over to Pisces, a star point where Venus is exalted. In twelve years we will have strong Venusian presence in Venus’ synodic cycle through five signs - two of which see Venus more able to bestow her Grace on the world.

This is the beginning of the end, and this Venus Retrograde from Scorpio, back to Libra is initiatory, and will likely include some omen of the era we’re on the precipice of. Mark your calendars for the Scorpio Cazimi on October 23rd, 2026; the ingress into Libra on October 25th, 2026, and stationing Direct in Libra on November 13, 2026. With Venus in Exile in Scorpio, and squaring Mars and Pluto, this will be a Grand Finale, taut with tension - but look, listen, and observe; there will surely be a lift in the energy after the Scorpio Cazimi, and when Venus stations Direct in Libra. Venus will travel back through Scorpio, engaging with her adversary and Cosmic Lover, Mars again, but at her turning point, in Libra, we may see a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel.

After studying astrology intermittently for twenty years, and getting certified in Traditional Astrology in 2023, I joined the Astrological Community in an official capacity April, 30, 2026. After ending a 3 year relationship, I joined threads, started my blog on Substack and received a warm welcome from the community. By May 21st, I was attending my first ever Astrology Conference virtually: NORWAC. At NORWAC I was overwhelmed with options of what lectures to attend. I was initially impressed with Sam Reynolds’ lecture on MLK and Malcolm X, and Colin Bedell's attention to the client’s spiritual growth. I was intrigued by Dr. Ali A. Olomi and his translations of medieval Islamacate texts. At the end of NORWAC, I bought a day pass to UAC. I also bought a monthly subscription to Dr. Olomi’s Patreon.

It wasn’t long after that I watched, fascinated, while the Steven Forrest situation unfolded. His book was sitting in my shopping cart when I watched the LILA podcast episode. The  branch of Astrology that had just piqued my curiosity was suddenly being deconstructed and exposed for its flawed concept of reincarnation. I was unsurprised at the older generation of Astrologers who rallied behind Forrest, but was more comforted than anything by the rush to defend Black Astrologers, by my colleagues on threads. I felt seen, and centered. I started a podcast (A Lotta Fortune) with my friend Natty, and resolved to stick with Traditional Astrology. 

UAC was a dream. I met Colin, and Sam - and Rick Levine! I put many faces to the names of my astro thriends…and got sick. I was still recovering from my malaise when I saw a thread claiming that Olomi had a second identity online: Conjureman Ali. I stopped scrolling. Conjureman Ali?? Selling Rootwork with white people?t I tried to reckon what I knew about Hoodoo with the mystical Islamacate Astrologer I had come to rely on. It wasn’t coming together. The next day the news was travelling fast, and a new article dropped on Dr Olomi’s Patreon, so I decided to ask him in the comments before heading in to my first day back at the youth center I coordinate programs for. 

At work, my phone buzzed, and I glanced down at it - gasping. It was a response from Dr. Olomi! From the looks of it, a long one. I tucked my phone back into my pocket, deciding to save it, but it stayed on my mind until I was home, and searching online to see if anyone else had gotten any insight or response from him. No. Just me. I opened the email and read it, my brows furrowing. 

“I only share that which I am personally connected to via initiation, the church I grew up in, and direct family ties including either ancestry or family overlap in Black Islam…Because initiation includes oaths of secrecy, I am mindful to always maintain those…”

“...I am always happy to answer questions directly if you reach out respectfully as you have.” 

The hint of pretension was enough for me. Okay COOL, then I am always happy to share. All’s fair in DM’s and screenshots. I posted the letter,  before I had a chance to change my mind. It was a runaway train after that. Thriends were immediately ready to help me decode the letter. There were cries of indignation, and vows to leave the Patreon. I engaged, agreed, and still, when I went to cancel my Patreon, I found myself back on the message page, furiously typing a response. 

“Thank you, I guess it’s a trust thing…?”

I closed the page, and cringed at my need to probe for a less convoluted answer. I got a quick response.

“Well, I hope that my character speaks for itself, but also understand trust is quite hard. But I am always here to talk if you have questions. That is what l am here for :)”

Before I could formulate a message, I looked deeper into Hoodoo. I found Zora Neale Hurston’s “Hoodoo in America”, among other descriptions of the folk magic tradition. As I read, I began to envision my grandmother Ernestine - a tiny Scorpio from Loo-ah-vuhl Kentucky. The way she called my sisters and I “chirrin”, and our braids “plaits”, when we went down to visit her in the summer. She had bibles everywhere. My Mother always told the story of how she made black eyed peas and chitlins for New Years, and she couldn’t eat it (Mom is from Saginaw, Michigan - a product of the Great Migration). The more customs and superstitions I read about, the more I remembered them firsthand. I’d be hard pressed to remember who taught me not to split the pole, or when I memorized the 23rd Psalms, it was inherent. Just like my several attempts at black eyed peas on New Year’s. I went back to the messages:

“Just so curious if you ever had black eyed peas for New Years, hold your breath at cemeteries and try not to split the pole? Are you kin?”

The clarity of what Hoodoo is: cultural norms, recipes, cautionary tales, and ways to heal illness or block bad juju - meant two things in my mind. One: I already practice Hoodoo (and most Black Americans do). Two: practicing Hoodoo is super specific and personal, and rooted in the Black experience. Selling mojo bags is not the point. Community, and a connected culture is the point. If Olomi had been initiated by a Black American, how would they feel about his selling Rootwork on the internet, in secret, while ascending as a teacher and Mystic of Islamicate traditions? What ancestor was he accessing, only to remain tight-lipped about his authority to practice, whether it be by blood, or church? 

“Black eyes peas and burning red onion skins since as long as I can remember :)”

Hm. So. Not kin necessarily, but obviously exposed to the culture. By this time the internet had several more grievances, and questions: his aliases, ConjureMan Ali, Dr. Raven and Tata Alufa' Mavambo Ngobodi Nzila. His problematic and egregious connections. I thought about the recent Solar eclipse in Leo, and began to put my own attachment to teachers under scrutiny. I thought about my own descent into adulation. My list of astro celebs I got pictures with at UAC. My hesitancy to follow through with cancelling my Patreon. I had gone from tight-roping the line between admiration and adoration, and fallen to this low point of trying to bargain with myself about the integrity of a person I had no reason to trust. I needed to let it go, for good. I typed a curt message that he should respond publicly, and cancelled my subscription. A wave of sadness and shame came over me. I didn’t fight it. 

I felt bereft, and unsettled in my spirit, so I called out to my grandmother in the Ancestral realm. I recited the 23rd Psalms. I felt the presence of my ancestors, and they imparted to me that my tears were my protection. That pain like this was what Hoodoo was born out of. In astrology, hard aspects are more potent than easy aspects. As above, so below. My ancestors were forged through fire and iron. Fortified through blood and tears. My road may not be easy, but I take comfort in the knowledge that the magic of my People is supreme.

Read Dani’s companion article!

Venus happens to be at 0° of Scorpio at the time of the New Moon, in her Retrograde Shadow. Venus will station Retrograde on October 3rd in the sign of Scorpio. This is a deep descent into the Underworld, from which she will emerge, and join the Sun in her final Cazimi in the sign of Scorpio. This marks the end of the Scorpio Star Point Era. Venus will continue her Retrograde motion back into Libra, which will replace Scorpio in Venus’ five point cycle of Cazimi’s. Thus begins the Libra Star Point Era. With Aries, Gemini, Leo, and Capricorn as the other signs in her path - Libra brings a Venusian sign back into Venus’ Synodic cycle.

This is a look at the Lunar Cycle from the New Moon in Virgo, to the Waning Crescent Moon in Leo. When we also look at the surrounding transits through the archetypal lens of Mythology, it helps to unwind the intricacies of this Lunar Cycle. With Venus being under Mar’s rule - the myth of Psyche & Eros seems appropriate. It’s an epic tale of love, betrayal, suspicion, resilience, defiance, forgiveness, and restoration.

If the New Moon is where we start fitting this lunation into the paradigm of the Psyche & Eros story, we must begin with Psyche’s origin as a mortal girl who is stunningly beautiful, and isolated. Her beauty confounds would-be suitors, and she is the only sister that remains unwed, although she is the loveliest, by far. Aphrodite considers Psyche an enemy, and charges her son Eros, with avenging her perceived disrespect. Concurrently, Psyche’s father visits an oracle:

“the oracle tells him that Psyche is destined to marry a hideous, flying snake-creature, and the only way to appease the angry gods is to tie her to a mountain crag and let the creature carry her off. The father obeys, dressing his daughter in bridal finery, and sending her to the mountain.” - Madeline Miller

The Abduction of Psyche by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 1895.

In flies Eros, in his invisibility, where he discovers Psyche, falls in love with her, and whisks her away to his opulent kingdom of invisible (and lovable) servants. Uranus in Gemini in the 1H of this Chart speaks to that sudden Zephyr of Western Wind that Eros summons, to carry her away. Upon arrival, Psyche is well taken care of, and when Eros visits her that evening, he first forbids Psyche from looking at him, and they consummate their love. It is in this quiet darkness that love blooms, and Psyche is happy for a time, before she becomes preoccupied with seeing her husband’s true form. This New Moon sets the tone for a murky start. Mercury is in Opposition to Neptune, and curiosity is the catalyst for the movement in this story. One can only wonder, how trust and acceptance could have seen this story ending happily from the beginning. Venus in Scorpio is less than trusting, however. She wants to see what’s beneath the fog, and in the dark.

On September 18th, we have a First Quarter Moon in Sagittarius at 4:43pm ET. Gemini is once again on the Ascendant. The Virgo Sun is in the 8H, the Idle Place; and the Sagittarius Moon is in the 11H of Society. There is also a Mercury/Saturn Opposition - and a Void Moon. We see Psyche visit with her jealous sisters who plant doubt in her mind about her husband’s monstrosity. They influence Psyche to light an oil lamp to illuminate Eros while he is sleeping. She does so, and is so taken with his beauty, that she spills hot oil on him. He wakes, enraged, betrayed - and flees, telling her that there can be no love without trust.

Amore e Psiche (1707–09) by Giuseppe Crespi

Psyche is devastated. She wanders, aimlessly, and beseeches Aphrodite to help her recover her lost love. Aphrodite, with her own insidious motives, sets nearly impossible tasks for Psyche to complete. The First Quarter Moon is always a point of tension. We are now being pushed into action - especially with the Mercury (Message) and Saturn (tasks) Opposition. Psyche completes three tasks: sorting grain, with the help of ants; acquiring fleece from savage sheep, which she does with advice from a whispering reed; and procuring the waters of the River Styxx, which she accomplishes with the help of an eagle. The underlying theme at this juncture becomes Psyche’s ability to ask for help, from well-wishers (Sag Moon in 11H). It is when we are able to admit we need help that it often finds us, but that admission requires humility.

On September 26th, the Full Moon in Aries exacts at 12:48pm ET. This lunation features a Grand Air Trine, with the Libra Sun, Pluto RX in Aquarius, and Uranus in Gemini; a Void Moon; and the Aries Full Moon conjunct Neptune RX. This is now an Underworld Story. Aphrodite sends Psyche down into the Underworld to steal some of Persephone’s beauty. Psyche again receives advice on how to sweeten Ceberus, enter the Underworld, and enlist Persephone’s help. She is given a sealed box of beauty by Persephone, but she is warned NOT to open it. Psyche emerges from the Underworld safely, but she is plagued by doubt and insecurity. She knows now that Eros is a beautiful God, and not a monster. She feels guilty, weathered, and lost as she reckons with what she just experienced in the Underworld. Psyche is tempted to steal some beauty for herself, and she opens the box.

The Full Moon is about Culmination. A common misconception is that a Full Moon is an ending, but a Full Moon is only halfway through the lunation cycle. This is a Climax moment, where we take a look at how far we’ve come from the beginning. Psyche has progressed from a beautiful Maiden, to a happy wife, to a scorned lover, to a heroine in her own right, and it is at the climax that she is tempted to not only overcompensate for her shortcomings, but satisfy her troublesome curiosity. Or is it? We are in a space of time where we are encouraged not to ask questions. Not to look in dark corners, or take a peek into the tactics of the powerful. We’re warned that the worst consequences befall those that don’t comply. Psyche takes that risk.

Psyché aux enfers (1865) by Eugène Ernest Hillemacher

October 3rd, at 9:25 am ET, we have a Last Quarter Moon. It is a pivotal moment in the Lunar Cycle, and this winding tale of Psyche & Eros. Venus Stations Retrograde in Scorpio. The Cancer Moon Trines Venus RX. Mars in Leo Opposes Pluto in Aquarius. The Moon in Cancer Squares Saturn RX in Aries, and goes Void of Course for almost 32 hours. Our Beloved Psyche has emerged from the Underworld with her prize, but danger and the darkness of the Underworld have an impact. Psyche opens the box and immediately falls into a cursed sleep. This is a reminder of the limits of Humanity, even as we dig deep into the themes of mortality, and consequences. The energy is now waning, Psyche has done all she can do, and now she is at the mercy of those around her.

October 6th, at 8:44pm ET a Waning Crescent Moon in Leo completes. The Leo Moon Conjoins Jupiter, and goes Void of Course for 16.5 hours. Mercury in Scorpio Conjoins Venus RX in Scorpio. Eros discovers his love Psyche in her slumber, and rescues her again. This time, beseeching Zeus to heal his wife. Zeus not only awakens Psyche, but she ascends as a Goddess, and they live happily, with a daughter, Hedone (Pleasure). It is Love and Connection that sees Psyche through all of her obstacles, and ultimately saves her.

Psyche Sleeping by Kinuko Y. Craft

Even as we end this Lunar Cycle, and this tale of Psyche & Eros, it is clear that the Venus’ Story is not over. Everything is no resolved in the Heavens, as this Lunar Cycle completes. The next Lunar Cycle, the Libra New Moon, begins an even deeper descent into Underworld themes. Persephone herself will be the archetype to take us through this next lunation. Psyche’s story, however, speaks to the Human experience, as we move through trial and error towards love. The themes of power, challenge, secrets, and ascension persevere. We move through these lunar phases because we must. We can only hope that, in the face of decisions we make from a place of fear, or lack mentality, that we are able to recover and remember our power, especially the power we have when we refuse to give up, humble ourselves, and allow love to find us, even as we dive into the depths of what lies beneath.

Dani Darling

An Excalibur Eclipse

As the second installment of the August 12, 2026 Solar Eclipse in Leo, the Lunar Eclipse in Pisces aligns archetypically with the story of young King Arthur, and the sword in the stone. This lunation holds four notable transits: a Sun/Mercury Cazimi; a Mars/Saturn square, a Uranus square to the Sun and Moon, and a Saturn/Jupiter trine. The themes of the…

Read more

2 months ago · 1 like · Dani Darling

nattystrology

pressing on

Yesterday morning (Saturday, February 28), the Sun left the first decan of Pisces, where it had been since February 18…

Read more

8 months ago · 4 likes · 2 comments · Natty

Subscribe now

Jupiter in Leo as the dispositor of the Lunar Eclipse brings to mind the great magician Merlin, who was a sort of silent puppeteer behind King Arthur’s ascension. According to Vettius Valens:

Jupiter symbolizes “knowledge…abundance…justice, authorities…honors…(and) inheritances”, (Hellenistic Astrology, Chris Brennan, pg. 173-4).

In the sign of Leo, we explore more nuanced Jupiter themes of royalty, and valor. It was Merlin who placed Excalibur into the stone that only the true heir could remove. With the authority of Saturn’s trine, and clarity of the Sun, Leo’s Ruler - Jupiter’s condition is definitively benefic. Merlin ascends with Arthur, from a Mage to a King maker. Merlin is the catalyst in Arthurian lore. His best laid plans unfold. Like Jupiter, Merlin is not witness to Arthur removing Excalibur, but his plans play out, with the players playing their pre-determined roles.

The Sun/Mercury Cazimi in Virgo is telling a story of purpose, in the face of conflict. Mercury in Virgo is exalted, and just hours prior to the Eclipse, Mercury is Cazimi with the Sun (drawn into the Sun’s orbit). This is a moment of great insight, where Mercury is able to perceive the expansive vision of Jupiter. Mercury is the Messenger, and as the Sun illuminates the Pisces Moon, Mercury draws out philosophical meaning, and heralds a captivating story of purpose realized.

In this lunation we have a fallen Saturn in Aries. Saturn is the Time Keeper, and in Aries, Saturn is Fallen, and must navigate youth. The Lord of Saturn is Mars, and even as Saturn attempts to persevere, Mars in Cancer applies to a square. Young Arthur unexpectedly transforms from a squire to an heir, but he inherits a war torn England. He has a lot to accomplish as soon as he is coronated. “After Arthur’s coronation, he seeks to consolidate his rule and goes to war against eleven kings and a duke” (The Age of Chivalry, Thomas Bulfinch). With would-be supplanters to defeat, Arthur’s work is cut out for him, as is ours. The question is, where to start?

Uranus’ square adds a layer of unpredictability and righteous motive. Even as we feel a jolt of the unexpected with Uranus, the aim is freedom. Richard Tarnas, in his profound interpretation of Uranus, likens the resistant planet to Prometheus, the fire thief - and also, a Titan with the gift of forethought.

“Uranus is empirically associated with the principle of change, rebellion, freedom, liberation, reform, revolution, and the unexpected breakup of structures; with excitement, sudden surprises, lightning-like flashes of insight, revelations, and awakenings…” - Richard Tarnas  (Prometheus, The Awakener, pg 19).

In some ways, Merlin is archetypically similar to Prometheus, and evolves from the Jupiterian Sage, to the Magician. Prometheus provides the life-sustaining element of fire to humankind, but the consequence is imprisonment. Merlin’s story ends in imprisonment also. He curates Arthur’s ascension, the establishment of Camelot, and Arthur’s Round Table with finesse. Then he falls for Nimue, the Lady of the Lake. Surprisingly, it is love that is Merlin’s undoing. In some versions, Merlin knowingly succumbs to the very magic he taught his beloved, and his story ends the way most Magician archetypes do. Lunar Eclipses are about endings, ultimately. Rebirth, if you’re lucky.

Imprisonment may seem like a grim landing spot for this story, and this lunation. But it begs the somber question: how can we look for signs in the Heavens…if we have not fully examined the quality of our condition? The Moon represents our Fate. We watched our Moon, in her Exaltation, being struck by a Billionaire’s rocket.

[(Moon) WHEN ILL. ] “A meer Vagabond, idle Person, hating Labour, a Drunkard, a Sot, one of no Spirit or Forecast, delighting to live beggarly and carefly, one content in no condition of Life” (CHAP. XIIII. of William Lilly’s Christian Astrology. Vol. I).

We’re not even ready for Excalibur. Things are bad. Things are so bad, I hesitate to list all the bad things. Uranus is coming at this Eclipse as loudly as possible (with covert Pluto backup). This crazy, mystic Lunar Eclipse is screaming that freedom looks like looking around, not looking up.

Dani Darling

“The Numenous”

"The universe was riven. We were standing on a furrowed field on the face of the earth, in silence, and a black hole was in the sky…

Read more

3 months ago · 10 likes · 2 comments · Dani Darling

Natty’s companion piece:

nattystrology

Eclipse season as rhythmic disruption

Hi everyone…

Read more

8 months ago · 7 likes · 8 comments

⁠Ali A. Olomi⁠ offers insight on the Medieval interpretation of the Sun. In this piece Olomi reminds us that the Sun also has a malefic nature.

This is a South Node eclipse. We reference ⁠Joli Knott⁠.

⁠Austin⁠ Coppock teaches that the third Decan of Leo is called “A Crown of Laurels”, and references the 7 of Wands in tarot.

By far and large, the Sun being swallowed/devoured was the most pervasive belief of Ancient ⁠Civilizations⁠.

- Annie Dillard 

Eclipses are wondrous, intense, and mysterious. I think back on my last total eclipse - it was April 8th, 2024. It was 2:20pm. After making the mistake of not prioritizing protective glasses the previous Solar eclipse (August 21, 2017), I was ready this time. I looked up. It was everything I had imagined. Then I felt a gust of wind. A sudden chill swept over me. I looked around and saw the trees rustling, and looked back up at the eclipse, at the black hole in the sky, and I was humbled.

Ali A. Olomi dives into the esoteric meaning of the Sun. In addition to the typical significations of the Sun: vitality, life, status, and power, Olomi offers insight on the Medieval interpretation of the Sun. In this piece Olomi reminds us that the Sun also has a malefic nature. He references Abu Ma’shar’s take on the Sun:

“Abu Ma’shar distinguishes the nature of the Sun as beneficial at a distance but destructive in proximity.”

Here, the Sun is a power that ultimately corrupts, and is therefore in need of moderation. The complexity of the Sun’s benefic status, shifts our relationship to it. The nature of authority and rulership, and all it requires: patience, morality, and duty - brings in the importance of care, and caution, when it comes to Solar power. 

With both luminaries at 20° 1’ of Leo, the Sun is in its Domicile. These dog days of Summer whisper themes of Courage, Conviction, and Character even as we struggle to hold our position. Austin Coppock teaches that the third Decan of Leo is called “A Crown of Laurels”, and references the 7 of Wands in tarot. Mars is the Decan ruler. We also find Aries at the 12th Part, and Aries is where Leo is exalted. Aries is where Saturn and Neptune are retrograde. 

There are certainly aspects of this eclipse where the concept of corrupted power, limited progress, and destructive ego comes into focus. Austin Coppock remarks that the Sun’s “nature transcends the confines of the identity…”, and advises that “something bigger than the ego must be invoked.”(p. 134, 36 Faces). The 7 of Wands card depicts an image of a man, staving off would-be supplanters, from an elevated position. This is a time to reach deep, and examine any effort to hold a position. That which is not rooted in pure-hearted motives should not endure.

The upcoming eclipse occurs at the South Node, which indicates the Moon passing through the Sun’s path to descend below it. The South Node represents decrease, devouring that which it aligns with. A muted quality is present wherever the South Node is, and there’s an aspect of releasing what’s material, in an effort to ascend spiritually. We might need to relinquish any attachment to our own ego, and allow for dimmer luminescence. Worthiness is something to prioritize, and self-reflection is the way to that end. If we reach for our Power; our Courage, Conviction, and Character - and cannot find it - we must reach deeper within, and higher above. Then we must ask ourselves how our ambition to lead benefits the Collective - the North Node is in Aquarius.

When considering the actual experience of the eclipse, it is helpful to look at nature. Its rhythms - especially when those rhythms are disrupted, gives poignant insight into our own reactions. In Natty’s piece “Eclipse season as rhythmic disruption” (a great read!), we are able to explore how nature reacts to such an all-encompassing experience: 

“You’ve probably heard reports of animals, during solar eclipses, behaving as if it’s dusk: crickets start chirping, fireflies become luminescent, birds stop singing…”

We can assume that birds have had the same response to eclipses for ages, but the human response has evolved over time. Science and technology provides us with the opportunity to understand what is happening during an eclipse, and anticipate when they will happen. The evolution of our comprehension also changes the meaning we give to eclipses.

“Eclipse” is from the Greek word meaning “Abandonment”. The Greeks hypothesized that the gods were angered, and abandoned Earth. The Chippewa from North America would shoot arrows at the sky to rekindle the fire of the Sun that had gone out. By far and large, the Sun being swallowed/devoured was the most pervasive belief of Ancient Civilizations. The Ancient Chinese believed that a celestial dragon had swallowed the Sun, and would bang drums to chase the dragon away. 

Unpacking the human experience of something extraordinary, like an eclipse, shows how much we have evolved as a species. In his work “The Idea of the Holy”, Rudolph Otto talks about “The Numenous” - something “Other”.

This Other something is mysterious, and awe-inspiring, "arousing spiritual emotion”. Otto speaks of that experience, the feeling of being submerged, and overwhelmed by power. He explores the psychological response that experiencing “The Numenous” evokes, and divides the experience into two aspects. 

The “Mysterium Tremendous”, is the element of awe-fullness, being overpowered - activated. He also speaks of the “Mysterium Fascinan”, experiencing something immeasurable, and the subsequent alteration, in its wake. The feeling of angst or yearning; being drawn in. I can remember the feeling. A sublime experience that’s intense, and almost too much - but also hypnotic. 

Carl Jung speaks of the way we give meaning to things, in the “Collective Unconscious”, where he talks about how we inherit paradigms that shape the way we see everything. These ideals and images give meaning to who we are, what we see, how we perceive it. We inherit these systems of thinking; about ourselves and society, and our experience of the world through storytelling. Through stories that we are told, and that we perceive in various ways. These stories explore our roles, and they’re called “Archetypes”.

Through Archetypes, we figure out where we fit in the story, and which stories represent us. We assign everything around these templates embedded in our psyche. What’s significant about this theory, especially in regards to the South Node,  is the opportunity to consider the roles we embody, and the power we have to reframe the stories we’ve inherited.

Ultimately, when it comes to an eclipse, we have all the science to know exactly what’s happening. We know that the moon is coming between us and the Sun, in a solar eclipse. We know that we are coming in between the Sun and the Moon, in a lunar eclipse - and yet there’s still that element of wanting to shoot arrows at the sky. Oftentimes, discovery gives way to more questions, and in this case, the question is whether we have an inherited reaction to eclipses, or whether it’s simply the power and wonder of our Luminaries. The Numenous we encounter, when we see these orbs of light eclipse one another, has a humbling effect. One that is apropos to the symbolism we find in this auspicious moment.

We all have a Venus Star Point; it’s the Venus Cazimi prior to your birth. Arielle Guttman introduces the VSP as an indicator of your greatest potential to love, connect and color the world in your own special way. This pre-natal point at which the Sun, Venus, and Earth align marks the inception of heart energy for your Soul journey. Guttman asserts that this alignment “resonates through life as an inner Eros.” Find yours.

In Ancient Astrology, there are four principle lots that define the fundamental aspects of a native's life. Natalya Alas explores them beautifully. The Lot of Fortune is a lunar point and relays the condition of our fate, body, and overall favor. The Lot of Spirit is a solar point, illuminating the condition of spirit, intelligence, and inspiration. The Lot of Eros and Necessity are calculated points between Fortune and Spirit; the Lot of Necessity signifies where there may be limitations and karmic challenges. The Lot of Eros pointing to Divine Desire and pure attraction. 

“It was Eros, according to the ancient mythic poets, who lit the flame of love into the hearts of gods and men.” - Arielle Guttman

The power of desire is staggering, it drives our life force; our creativity. It is all encompassing, beyond romantic love - inspiring birth, in all its forms. Art, connection, beauty, money. Let us consider the VSP as a powerful technique of tracking the evolution of our journey of desire. 

Over an 8 year period, Venus traces a five-pointed star pattern in the cosmos. Venus touches five specific signs in one period, slowly shifting backwards through the wheel over hundreds of years. Each sign holds a position in the star for roughly 100 years, marking the ways cultural and collective shifts align with the changing of the points. It also marks our personal cycles, marking every 8 years as significant because Venus has completed a full cycle in our lives. Look to ages 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, and so on, for significant shifts in your personal growth. Venus tracks our lives as much as the transpersonal planets, in a unique way that we can easily digest when we know the formula. 

I was born with Venus in Gemini as she approached the Sun for a Gemini Cazimi - but we were early (I’m an identical triplet). In astrology we come to understand that every second, minute, day can shift the whole narrative of a life (or lives). Such is the case with my sisters and I. We are Gemini Sun and Venus, with Virgo Moons, and by a week - born under the last, lingering Venus Cazimi in Virgo, from August of 1983. Virgo made its debut in Venus’ synodic cycle in September of 1875. It will be centuries before Virgo returns to the formation, bringing back the themes of reverence, service, and vigilance. The Venus Star Point speaks to our greatest gifts to offer, and should be a supplement and collaborator with your Venus Sign. Knowing your VSP can transform your perspective on your needs, and offerings. 

Venus’ fascinates even further when we dive into her position as a Morning Star or Evening Star. A Morning Star VSP is when Venus passes between the Earth and Sun. We call it an Inferior, or Interior Cazimi. These Cazimi’s yield natives that are more inward, receptive. Evening Star VSP is when Venus passes the Sun on the far side, and she is farther away; outward, expressive. In divine order, she alternates one, then the other. It will be important to not only understand your VSP, but whether it is a Morning Star or Evening Star. The difference in a sign’s expression depends on it. 

On September 3rd, 2026 Venus will station Retrograde in Scorpio, and make her final Scorpio VSP on October 24th, 2026. We are witnessing the end of an era with this Cazimi. It seems fitting that this VSP is a Morning Star VSP - a reflective way to end a period of depth, and intensity. We’ve been diving deep into the psychology of desire, attachment, and intimacy since 1926. The discovery of Pluto, and rise of organized crime was coupled with the move towards feminine empowerment and autonomy. We still have a long way to go, and that’s something we should acknowledge - as we shift into Libra VSP territory. 

From here on, we will once again include a Venusian sign in Venus’ path. The caveat to this benefic inclusion is that the Libra VSP will be opposite the Aries VSP. We are witnessing a slow, turbulent shift from a Martian Venus cycle (with both Scorpio and Mars), to a Venusian one. The VSP in Aries period ends in 2038. We can expect the Libra VSP to inspire us to be an integral part of the rise of liberty, grace, and cohesion. The next Libra Cazimi will be on October 20th, 2030. In the meantime, we have a Leo VSP in August of 2027 so the Sun will have a say. The five current points are Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, and Capricorn.

Venus is for everyone. My Natal Venus is Combust; I’m a Daytime Chart, and my VSP is in Virgo, where Venus is fallen. If I can find Venus, anyone can. I just recording my first podcast episode of “A Lotta Fortune”, with Nattystrology my dear colleague, rising astrologer, and fellow VSP in Virgo (the final Class of 1983/84). Though we are perhaps unconventional Venus enthusiasts, the topic is Venus. We recorded on Venus’ Day with a Cancer Mercury/Virgo Venus Sextile. 

The more I learn about Venus, the more I’m in sublime awe of her cosmic power. She is an all-powerful bringer of desire, in its many forms. From a Mercurial lens, I wonder at the way she makes her way into the first songs we sing: Twinkle, twinkle, little star. Many parents can tell you about their child’s “star phase” where stars end up everywhere: on walls, scribbled onto surfaces, in colorful chalk on sidewalks. On the refrigerators of grandparents. She is more pervasive in our culture than any other planet, only second in the sky to a bright Moon. In my search for meaning I discovered the most powerful aspect of my VSP in Virgo: devotion. The kind that keeps you giving, trying, making yourself worthy of favor. That’s my Virgo VSP - maybe yours is Leo, and yours is a roaring passion. Maybe it’s Aquarius, and you’re full of vision. We have only to look for the Goddess, and she will help us capture the thing that makes us special - this little light of ours to find, brighten, and share. 

We’ll need this time as we move towards the apex of the Basket transits: Jupiter opposing Pluto on July 20th. The transit that heralds a turning point in our collective fate.

Libra is the sign of harmony, and justice. The Moon in the sign of the Scales, makes her mark as she moves into from her waxing crescent phase to her initiatory quarter Moon phase. The airy moon at 4° is aligned with the themes of a strong, new beginning. This is a time to subjectively consider our emotional condition, as we experience the necessary upheaval and activation of the moment. We can redirect our focus and priorities, to what’s possible now: truth, beauty, and connection. Where is Libra in your chart?

July 18 | 12:45am ET | Uranus Trine Pluto

July 19 | Moon Sextile Jupiter | Moon Oppose Neptune | Moon Trine Pluto | Moon Trine Uranus

(July 19 | 2:11 pm ET | Mars Sextile Saturn)

July 20 | 3:23 am ET | Jupiter Trine Neptune

July 20 | 10:45 pm ET | Jupiter Oppose Pluto

July 21 | 7:11 am ET | Jupiter Sextile Uranus

So I began a deep search that led to astrology. I learned that I was dual Mercury ruled, with a daytime chart; and that my Venus was combust the Sun in Gemini. Oh well.

Mercury offered so much to occupy my thirsty soul. Divination, tarot, mythology, archetypes and hermetic tradition filled that space that losing God had left. I found even more in the Cosmos. I looked up and ended up finding my Higher Self. Eventually, the winding path of discovery brought me back to Venus.

Recently, I attended a lecture about the Venus Star Point. Here was an opportunity for me to reshape the narrative of my combust Gemini Venus, and the disappointments I’d experienced over the years. I could feel my pulse thumping as I calculated my Venus Star Point: the last Venus cazimi prior to my birth. A deeper insight into my greatest potential to love. Then my heart sank as I read the results: Venus in Virgo. Heh.

I started to mourn my results. Venus in her fall was even tougher than Gemini’s fickle feels. But then I considered the fact that knowing my Venus Star Point hadn’t really changed anything. My past was what it was, regardless of whether I was aware of my patterns. The only thing that knowing my VSP could change, was me.

So I went deeper. I explored Venus in Virgo without expectation, and I began to see that Venus was actually everywhere. Venus in Virgo is about reverence, and I’ve always been that.

She’s in the novels I constantly escape with; the flow state I achieve while singing with my band; the women I love, the poetry I whisper to myself - making my sisters laugh. The more I look for her, the more I find her. I am Venusianally Mercurial - because I choose her.

Venus touches five different points in her 8 year cycle. We don’t have one Venus sign, we have five. They’re all active at all times, and it takes Venus 4 years to touch each point; 8 years to complete the four-pointed star. An 8 year completion marks a revolution of the heart. Life can be measured by Venus’ cycles as much as Saturn’s, or the Sun’s. Venus in Virgo brought me deeper into my reverence for her. I’ve embraced my Venus Star Point in Virgo, and it’s changed everything. Find your Venus Star Point.