Week of December 18-24, 2017
Nearly everyone into astrology has heard of the dreaded Saturn return. Typically, Saturn brings up images of hardship and strife, where the Universe seems hell bent on taking away all of our toys and our favorite blanket. While Saturn gets a bad rap, he's really not all that bad, he's just deeply misunderstood.
Saturn is the planet of restriction, boundaries, duty, and responsibility. When we're not doing our work, Saturn gets upset because Saturn is where we focus our will and practice self-discipline. This is where we have to face our fears of not being good enough, and go alone up the mountain with only faith in our destiny to guide us. Saturn provides the container for us to grow strong in.
The thing is, you can't just talk the talk with Saturn, you have to walk it too. On December 19th, Saturn leaves Sagittarius, where he helped us get serious about our life philosophy and grand vision. Now, Saturn enters Capricorn where he will take the visionary blueprint we created in Sagittarius and start to steadily build it in practical, tangible ways.
Even better is that Saturn loves Capricorn, one of his traditional home signs. Capricorn the Sea Goat can climb the highest of mountains or plunge into the deepest of seas. So long as there's a dream to guide them, Capricorn will do everything in their power to see it become a reality. Somewhere in your life, Saturn in Capricorn is ready to get to work on building a dream of yours. However, in order to get you up to snuff, he will give you some challenges to test you.
Consider it cosmic exercise and Saturn in Capricorn is your hardcore personal trainer ready to whip you into shape. No cutting corners!
Aries
(March 21-April 19)
If you're really the boss you say you are, Aries, be prepared. Saturn is going to start swinging at you to see if you deserve the accolades you think you do. Expect more pressure on your career ambitions and reputation. Now is not the time to rest on your laurels or act on impulse. If you stay ready, you never have to get ready. Show that you have the focus and drive to work for what you want.
Taurus
(April 20-May 21)
When's the last time you had your worldview challenged, Taurus? Perhaps it's time to test out some of your life philosophies in practical ways. Saturn may create a crisis of faith just for you to to explore other ways of viewing the world around you. Don't be afraid to toss out old mantras you repeat to yourself that don't fit anymore. Should the urge to go back to school arise, follow it. It's a big, big world out there; go explore it.
Gemini
(May 21-June 21)
The Twins may like to keep it light and casual, but Saturn wants to address all the fears Gemini may have around being intimate with others. It's tricky receiving from others if we keep them at arm's length. Expect a workout around tackling uncomfortable topics like sharing resources, sex, debt, and death. Don't worry, Gemini, this will only make you a better communicator, it all works out.
Cancer
(June 21-July 22)
Saturn is here to help you clean up your relationships with others, Cancer. You may find loosey goosey partnerships ending as new more serious partners come into your life.They'll help you face your fears around commitment and being responsible for your actions in relationships. You say you want a relationship, but can you maintain it?
Don't hide in your shell, Little Crab.
Leo
(July 23-August 22)
The day-to-day responsibilities may not be glamorous but they're necessary. If you've been dropping the ball on paying bills, organizing, and tending to your diet and health, Saturn will be getting you all the way together, Leo. You may hate it at first, but you'll appreciate it later.
Virgo
(August 23-September 22)
Believe it or not Virgo, Saturn wants you to have more fun and enjoy yourself more. Those hobbies and talents that have been collecting dust may become more demanding over the next few years. Unleash your inner creative spirit, go out and play, and try not to think so much about it. Remember perfectionism is just procrastination dressed up.
Libra
(September 23-October 22)
Time to take a look at your home life, Libra. What needs to be improved and changed? What's hiding out in your childhood memories that needs to be released so you can have a sense of deep nurturing at home. Could be a great time to seek out talk therapy, clean out your closets, and put up a new coat of paint at home.
Scorpio
(October 23-November 21)
As tempting as it would be to keep your head down and stay silent, you'll need to work on learning to communicate with confidence. Refine and deepen your ideas, socialize, and learn something that will allow you to articulate with authority. Saturn wants you to "Say It With Yo Chest!"
Sagittarius
(November 22-December 21)
Saturn will be playing with your money, Ms./Mr.Centaur. Part of being an adult is not only making sure your finances are in order, but also your values and self-worth. Saturn will help you to realize that security and stability aren't impossible to achieve. You deserve and can create both with a plan and a little effort.
Capricorn
(December 22-January 19)
It's time to really look in the mirror. Are you satisfied with what you see? Are you being hypercritical or are there some aspects of yourself that can use some polishing? If there's a version of yourself that you'd like to attain, Saturn will help you create it.
Aquarius
(January 20-February 18)
Saturn will be taking you on a journey to face deep underlying fears you may have about sitting with your own mind. Big existential questions may start to crop up for you. It's perfectly normal to wonder if there's something bigger than yourself. This would be a great time to pick up a meditation or spiritual practice to assist you when examining your self doubt & unconscious fears before they undo you.
Pisces
(February 19-March 20)
Let's look at your friendships. Do you feel supported by the people you socialize with? Do you even share the same vision anymore? You may find your social circle tightening up as Saturn clarifies what you hope for and who you'd like to share your dreams for future with. It may seem like hitting goals will be next to impossible, but slow and steady wins this race. If you wish for it, you shall have it with time and effort.
Janelle Belgrave L.Ac is a New York City based acupuncturist, astrologer, and clairvoyant intuitive. You can catch her on Twitter chatting about a mixture of Astrology, healing, politics, and her unhealthy love of Game of Thrones.
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Psychologist Debbie Sorensen explained to CNBC why women and millennials are experiencing burnout in higher numbers. “We haven’t had time to recover from the trauma of what we’ve been through the last few years,” she said. “Women and young people, in particular, are putting an immense amount of pressure on themselves to keep going, keep working, no matter the cost.”
As women, particularly Black women, we tend to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Other people's problems become our problems, and then we are expected to show up to work and show up for our family and friends with a smile on our faces. Whew, chile! What if we are having a bad day? How are we supposed to cope if we have to be everything to everyone? Well, here’s your sign to make time for yourself, especially on the days when you are feeling down.
Below is a list of self-care ideas for when you are having a bad day.
Mapodile/ Getty Images
Spend time in nature
Sometimes something as simple as surrounding yourself with trees, grass, and/ or water can improve your mood exponentially. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) research shows that spending time in nature can improve attention, lower stress, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders.
Got to a Spa
There’s nothing like going to a spa. You can relax in a sauna, get a massage, and just be. According to research, massages help release serotonin and dopamine, which are often referred to as “feel good” hormones, that will instantly perk you up and have you going about your day with a smile on your face.
Get Artsy
When was the last time you did arts and crafts? Drawing a picture, painting, or even coloring can help you discover your inner child, thus boosting your mood. Purchase an adult coloring book, or go to a paint-and-sip class by yourself, or you can make it a group activity and bring your besties.
Look your best
The old saying, “When you look good, you feel good,” didn’t just come out of thin air. There’s some truth to it. The Kentucky Counseling Center shared a link between self-care and feeling good. “Self-care regimens are extremely important not just to stabilize your day but to make you feel great. Simple things like getting a facial, taking care of your hair done, or exercising can make you confident because when you look good, you also feel good,” according to its website.
Dragana991/ Getty Images
Breathwork
There’s a reason why it is suggested that you breathe when you begin feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Breathing brings oxygen back into your body, and WebMD reports that it can decrease the fight or flight response that happens when you are stressed.
Spend time with babies
I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me smile quicker than a baby, especially a smiling baby. If you’re the same way, then spending time with a baby or babies may help put you in a better mood, too.
Do nothing
Last but certainly not least, do nothing. There’s nothing like laying in your bed and not being forced to do anything. Stay in this moment and use this time to relax and replenish your energy.
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