The Turning of the Nodes
Let's spend some time swimming in Pisces' waters, and tending to Virgo's earth.
Every 18 or so months, the nodes shift shines, highlighting a new zodiacal axis for us to focus on as we move through the eclipses. Recently, the nodes shifted into Virgo and Pisces.
What I love about nodal transits is that they always involve 2 signs in a more direct way, unlike planetary transits. Since the nodes are always opposite each other, they incorporate themes of both signs in a way that helps us see how opposing signs are a lot more connected than they may seem.
For those who are unfamiliar with the nodes, and what they are, don’t worry, I’m working on a post about them.
When we consider Pisces and Virgo, for example, we may initially imagine that they are unlike each other. Pop astrology and mainstreme memeification of astrology has us viewing Virgo energy as quiet, demure, maybe associated with people pleasing very type-A. The same sources may depict Pisces energy as mysterious and esoteric, always aloof, maybe a bit out there or an ungrounded energy. Yet, the two archetypes are both so much more than these depictions and very alike each other.
Both Pisces and Virgo are mutable energies, meaning they are able to exist in between spaces. They are both of negative polarity, focusing more on reception than on acting. With Pisces being a water sign, it’s an energy of giving oneself to the inner world or the emotional world, sometimes embracing more of what feels unseen or unconscious. Virgo energy is very similar, blurring lines but instead focusing on giving in to more earth focused energy. Giving into existing as a person in the world today, being focused on the body and the way the body moves through and takes up space.
To bring it back to the eclipses, when we experience on, we’re moving through almost an entire lunar cycle’s worth of energy in that sign, but in a matter of days. So let’s dive into some of what may be on your mind for these eclipses with a prompt, and an action you can consider taking to embody these energies more.
Disclaimer: As I share my ideas/thoughts below for each sign, please read them with the best of intentions. For example, when I suggest stepping out of your comfort zone, or pushing past nervousness, that does NOT mean putting yourself in a state of harm or severe unease. Anything I suggest, or encourage you to explore is only if you feel at least a little open to it. Resistance is normal when we’re making change, but a severe anxiety response is not.
Aries
Prompt: In what ways do I silence my own feelings and thoughts? Do I make space for my inner world and stillness?
Action: Find a meditative practice that incorporates some element of silence, especially if you’ve been uncomfortable with being still. Example: Taking a walk in a busy city (still some element of noise), but doing it without headphones/music.
Taurus
Prompt: What can I offer in community and friendship? Which of my boundaries are essential as I build connection with others?
Action: Reply to a text message, send an email, or make that phone call that you’ve been putting off because it’s a bit uncomfortable.
Gemini
Prompt: If I were to imagine myself in five years, what do I most hope to be moving towards or achieving? As I imagine this vision, am I self-editing? In what ways?
Action: Pick a work of art that deeply moves you. This can be of any medium and of any time period. Research how much time and effort it took to make that art. Research all that came in that person’s path before that art took shape.
Cancer
Prompt: What am I most curious about? If I was challenged to speak for five minutes without pausing, what might I be able to speak on? In what ways am I actively learning every day?
Action: Spend some time learning a new language.
Leo
Prompt: What is my relationship to receiving assistance? Do I allow myself to ask for help and how does it feel when I do?
Action: What is something that is difficult for you to do right now? Can you find a way to ask for support in this? Example: You want to get rid of old clothes, but need support as you do it. Can you invite a friend over to join you as you do?
Virgo
Prompt: What do I most value in others? What frustrates me in others? In what ways do I hold both of these within myself?
Action: Pick out someone who inspires you and practice embodying an element of theirs.
Libra
Prompt: In what ways am I actively fighting against self-isolation? What does connection look like to me?
Action: Set a wellness goal for yourself (whether it be about quiet time, joy, community, movement, etc) and find a community-focused way to start building the habit. Example: Join a Queer hiking group.
Scorpio
Prompt: If I assess where my time goes, what would seem to be most important to me? What do I push aside the most, despite the fact that it enlivens me?
Action: Find a new way to express your emotions. Something you haven’t tried but that excites you. Example: Try a poetry writing exercise (The Poet’s Companion is a great book for intro to poetry).
Sagittaius
Prompt: Do I focus on nourishing my sense of stability and my sense of home (within and around myself) as much as I nourish or pursue my goals? What is my relationship to my past?
Action: Buy a seedling/baby plant, or plant a seed in honor of a past version of yourself. Nurture it and watch it evolve.
Capricorn
Prompt: In what ways do I close myself off from community? What excuses do I use to remain in my comfort zone?
Action: Join a meetup group or find an event that will allow you to build local community. Bonus points if it’s about broadening your horizons and not just about finding only super similar people.
Aquarius
Prompt: What resources do I have access to that I’m under utilizing? What money habits do I want to change, but haven’t taken steps to adjust?
Action: If you avoid thinking about or talking about money, allow yourself to sit and process with someone you trust as you review your recent spending and review where your money needs to go.
Alternatively, seek out information on tools that can help you better utilize the resources you have. Examples: Time blocking schedules or tools to organize your schedule. Budgeting systems. Apps that help you plan meals. Ask local friends if they want to do a mealshare/swap where you each cook 2 servings of a meal a couple of times a week and swap to stock your freezer.
Pisces
Prompt: What relationships have most shaped me and in what ways? How do I hope to help shape those around me?
Action: What action do I crave taking to most embody who I am inside? (Take a step towards that action, or just take that action). Example: Shaving off your hair.
I hope you find the above helpful as we approach the first eclipse of the year. As always, I’m here if you want to explore some of these themes more thoroughly in a session!
Much love,
V.