Full Moon in Capricorn Newsletter🌕
Hello, and Happy Full Moon in Capricorn!
I love the annual Full Moon in Capricorn — at the practical level, it falls every mid-summer, lighting up my backyard and illuminating the nocturnal wildlife which hangs out there (hello, giant raccoon!) and at the energetic level, Cancer Season encourages all the emotions and can leave me feeling a little hyper-sensitive and needy, but the no-nonsense Cap Full Moon kicks me right back into shape with it’s hefty dose of Earthy pragmatism and it’s absolute intolerance for any excuses or argued limitations. This one harmonizes with Uranus in Taurus and Neptune in Pisces, bringing opportunities for personal re-invention, collective progress and even healing, and every Capricorn Full Moon is excellent for spell-work involving authority figures (if you need to conduct a binding spell for that tyrannical boss or, more applicably as of recent years, an unstable political figure) and moving energy with regard to your career, professional life or public persona (it’s a great time to re-vamp your social media profile or online presence — as a mini success spell, sneak in symbols or images which hint at the zodiac sign occupying your tenth house. For me, it’s Cancer — hence the crescent moon in my logo!) Otherwise, enjoy this Full Moon as summer’s peak — believe it or not, Lunasa is already around the corner!
Two-Week Astrology Report:
Wednesday, July 13th: On the day of the Full Moon, Venus and Saturn form an airy trine in their respective signs of Gemini and Aquarius which is fabulous for energizing existing romantic chemistry and firming up those looming connections which feel perpetually on the brink of commitment. It’s a fantastic day to schedule a date — whether a first casual coffee meeting or a weekly night out with a long-term partner — or to re-assess the realistic potential of any looming romantic prospects, as we’re thinking more clearly and are astrologically well-equipped to make relationship decisions based on our values and boundaries and tempered by a mature awareness of the nuances in play. Flirty banter and intellectually-stimulating conversation (especially with Venus in curious Gemini) fuel the flames of attraction — seek out someone who challenges your viewpoints and with whom you can quickly develop a strong and effortless mental rapport which continues to build on itself and facilitate growth. If a long-term flirtation feels like it’s fizzling out, it’s a good day to sever ties and seek out other options (and there undoubtedly are some — with Saturn currently winking down on us, look for someone either chronologically older or ultra-wise and sagacious for their age.) Financially and creatively, it’s a good day to make investments, to move forward with calculated risk, and more generally, to trust your instincts around money, timing and relevance. Also adding to the day’s Full Moon vibe is a zippy Uranus/Mercury synergy which is fresh, innovative and inspiring. Stale mindsets give way to progressive thinking as groundbreaking developments or sudden mental breakthroughs evolve your take and present new ideas.
Thursday, July 14th: Thanks to Venus square Neptune (exact today), it’s temporarily difficult to distinguish a worthwhile suitor from a bonified dud. Synthetic intimacy mimics the real thing a little more accurately than usual this week, and our fluctuating emotions can render us more susceptible to truly uncharacteristic levels of destructive and/or uninformed decision-making when it comes to the Venusian realms of mating, dating and finances. Neptunian love interests can come out of the woodwork today promising big but may or may not actually be in a position to deliver: it typically goes without saying but take special care to avoid suitors or prospects who come on strong and claim to require saving (or who allege they can save you in some way via the dynamic) or who already have an S.O who they claim doesn’t understand or appreciate them. Swipe left on sketchy profiles or ghost romances where the relationship only exists via text or an app, and beware of the person who seems chronically unwilling or unable to meet (or they come and go but very much on their own terms and with little explanation for their lack of availability. They may also be quite conveniently equipped with carefully-crafted stories to explain and defend a sudden hiatus, likely a tale that casts them in the role of victim.) It can also be a sketchy moment for accepting creative and/or financial opportunities which seem to emerge out of nowhere and sound almost too good to be true — avoid signing contracts, freely throwing cash around or rushing into collaborative deals in which you aren’t well appraised of the terms. But the good news about this astro is that it’s fab for stoking the vibes of creative inspo and magickal thinking and can cultivate deeper intimacy and romantic breakthroughs of the authentic sort — just avoid approaching the dating scene from a place of needy wounding or naivete, and don’t pull the trigger on big purchases today unless the return policy is top-notch or you can confirm the integrity of both the seller and the product.
Saturday, July 16th: The sun conjuncts Mercury in the sign of watery Cancer, denoting a kind of Mercurial “New Moon” or the start of a new Mercurial phase. It may include opportunities for short-term travel (particularly over — or to — a body of water!), the swift development of new ideas or mindsets, upgraded communication strategies, opportunities to assert or demonstrate your relevance or a resurgence of intellectual empowerment, diplomacy or charm. The downside? People are a little more married to and identified with their personal belief systems and opinions than usual, and in the emotionally-charged sign of Cancer, even casual disagreement can stir serious conflict if the mishandling of sensitive subject matter injures feelings or alienates others. Otherwise, though, it’s essentially good: approach the day with a hefty spoonful of emotional intelligence and eagerly anticipate the swift movement of stagnant energy, the illumination of new information or the clarification of existing data, complemented by a right-on-time perspective shift. Also: the moment’s vibe is fab for ultra-honest emotional self-expression, especially via an artform and/or a personal anecdote. Dazzle an audience (or a person!) with vulnerability and intuition, employing a little imagination or using an engaging narrative to illustrate an impactful point or perspective.
Sunday, July 17th: Venus enters Cancer until the middle of August where the Goddess of Love embraces her inner nurturer vibe. A “did you get home safe?” text, a thoughtfully-prepared meal, and a well-curated wholesome experience rousing innocent feelings of childhood comfort are the best ways to show love effectively now whether to a pal, a lover, a relative or to oneself. To wow a new lover or reinvigorate an existing connection, bond with their family and get curious about what they loved to do when they were little: seek to re-create those experiences and cultivate a present vibe wherein their inner child feels completely seen and held, whether it involves whipping up their favorite childhood dessert or booking a trip to their favorite restorative getaway. But even though Venus’s annual pilgrimage through the sign of the Crab is ultra romantic and deepens bonds, it can elicit nostalgia around former lovers with whom we have sentimental backstory (even if they aren’t necessarily good for us now) — resist the urge to get back with an ex or revive an old connection, reconsidering any instinct to do so when Venus leaves this highly sentimental sign around August 11th. Relationships which provide consistency and emotional stability are favored now: too much stomach-flip and any detected gaminess could squelch an otherwise good connection, so freely give whatever level of reassurance accurately reflects your current commitment level. This Venus favors gentle vulnerability and lots of emotional self-care: leave the vague flirty banter and the “plenty of fish” mentality in Gemini Season and get clear with any current suitors — and yourself — about what’s really on your heart. Mercury and the sun in Cancer also harmonize with Neptune today which reinforces a positive feedback loop for those who take the opportunity to vulnerably self-express — it’s also excellent for creating art or enjoying it more profoundly (don’t be surprised if your favorite music, sculpture or poetry feels more moving and impactful today than usual!) but your soul might require gentle care in the form of solitude and/or regenerative escapism. Take a long bubble bath, try your hand at stream-of-consciousness writing, pray to a deity you wouldn’t normally or walk reflectively along a shoreline solo. Any of the aforementioned — even if not typically “you” — will feel therapeutic today.
Monday, July 18th: Mercury opposes Pluto which, at the collective level, brings new and game-changing information to light — newly-discovered data or an externally-delivered reveal could birth a mental transformation or perspective shift, but it’s not likely to rock your world at the personal level (though a mini breakthrough is certainly possible.) Intensity infiltrates even casual conversation, and tempers could flair more easily today but it’s also a powerful opportunity to deepen bonds and create relationships based on more profound intimacy and mutual acceptance. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface subliminally, but avoid any tendency to project suspicion or stew over ancient resentments and if someone else expresses aggro beyond the degree the situation seems to warrant, know that it likely isn’t you — they could be seething about something you did last year or projecting unrelated rage upon you, but either way, not your problem — evacuate and refuse to take it on (and anticipate a sheepish apology in a few days when the Plutonian vibe starts to dissipate.) Wild theory: Other people today effectively represent hidden, othered or archetypal versions of you, and interpersonal conflict between yourself and others hints at relevant inner subliminal tempests. Tend to your own psychological well-being and to keep things clean in your relationships despite the tense vibe and eruptive terrain, practice radical honesty and authenticity, especially in your everyday transactions and dialogue. If you develop an urge to cyber-stalk an older lover or to inquire deeper about a disturbing, painful or unproductive topic, re-direct the moment’s analytical energy and problem-solving capacity into a good crime show or other topic about which you’re both fascinated and under-researched. The biggest perk of today’s astro: telepathic communication casually unfolds between yourself and those to whom you’re psychically attuned.
Tuesday, July 19th: The Sun opposes Pluto today which is ripe terrain for power struggles, ego battles and taking things hyper personally. The antidote? Call upon the goddess Kali and embrace a kind of ego death attitude. It sounds dramatic but the day holds the potential to change your ideas about who you are — it’s an ego transformation which will fortify your inner strength, courage and unflinching self-awareness. Who are you outside of your accomplishments, accolades, job titles and talents? Pluto knows and rewards today’s attempts at self-inquiry and psychoanalysis. Reject surface-level pleasantries today and self-express with radical authenticity to garner the cleanest feedback loop. Mercury also enters Leo today until August which is fab for creative and confident self-expression (whether through art, style or verbal communication) and flagrant if not aggressive self-promotion. It’s a Mercury moment to carefully weigh incoming info before passing it on or regarding it as true — everyone has a little more of a penchant for hyperbole, drama and embellishment than usual — but otherwise, it’s a fun and flirty moment, particularly helpful for those cultivating a more dazzling public persona or learning to communicate more confidently. Also favored now: big, dramatic reveals and bold declarations of personal truth; lifting others up and generating group enthusiasm via words of affirmation, compliments and support.
Wednesday, July 20th: The waning Aries quarter moon forms a tense square with Pluto in Capricorn and the Sun in Cancer (and Mercury, who just entered Leo yesterday but remains in close proximity to the sun.) The fourth quarter moon is always intense — it’s the moment in the four-week lunar cycle which invites us to troubleshoot our lives, tend to the details and release our grip on anything which no longer serves — but with Pluto’s energy plugged in, we can expect a little more emotional charge, primal reactivity and the signature broody intensity which accompanies any transit involving the zodiac’s enigmatic Underworld God. It’s fab astro weather for a full-on banishing ritual, supporting the release of anything which prevents us from expressing our full leadership potential, and we can particularly expect the areas of life ruled by the houses in the birth chart inhabited by cardinal signs (your Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn house) to come starkly into focus. Anticipate an opportunity to adapt more of a leadership role with regard to that area — for example, if Cancer inhabits your fourth house, confidently take the lead on any home renovation projects or apartment searching, and if Libra is positioned in your natal first house, it’s a fab day to set an aesthetic trend with a bold new haircut, lip color or a general persona revamp. Think also: catharsis via elimination and physical de-cluttering as a psychological self-soothing technique and potent act of manifestation.
Friday, July 22nd: The sun enters it’s ruling sign of Leo today and while this transit especially favors those born under it’s regal influence, everyone benefits from the warm, dazzling energy of the sun’s annual return to it’s favorite stop along the belt of the ecliptic. Think of Leo Season as a burst of solar yang energy: self-confidence and largesse are favored, leadership skills are emphasized, peak vitality is more easily accessed, and creative ventures initiated now receive a burst of luck and energy. To make the most of summer’s climax, emphasize your own Haute Leo qualities or consciously cultivate those you feel you lack: sovereignty, passion, leadership and energy garner favorable results, and spontaneity, romance and leisure come starkly into focus. Think big when it comes to everything from hair styles to creative projects and even emotional-filled monologs: embrace glamor and play and for this four-week period only, treat your life as your art and the moment as your canvas, complete with wigs, fun lip colors, special effects and plenty of other theatrics. If there’s a downside, it’s that Leo season can conjure senseless drama and stoke the vibes of catty competitiveness — if this occurs, rise above and dazzle opponents, overcoming adversity via your suddenly-amped radiance. Also: for this four week period, the color yellow and sun talismans are especially lucky — to dazzle on a first date or nail an important presentation, rock a small sun pendant, tuck a sunstone into your pocket or dawn your favorite yellow sundress. The area of life ruled by your natal house falling in Leo also becomes especially lucky (if, for example, you have a third house Leo, now is the time to attempt a big writing project or send a finished product out for publishing. If Leo occupies your ninth house of travel, book a spontaneous trip at some point over the next few weeks — you’ll have even more fun than you think — and if you have a Tenth House Leo, it’s a fab four-week period for bold career moves or to tend to your social media presence and public persona.)
Saturday, July 23rd: Mercury and Jupiter synergize, a fiery transit which favors the productive and enthusiastic exchange of ideas, perspectives and belief systems. It’s a fab day to hold a focus group, to collab creatively with other thinkers or artists in your field, and to follow the initial spark of inspiration (even if doing so presents an unfamiliar or risky path!) Today’s vibe is creative and even trailblazing, inspiring and formative. Good ideas and transformative solutions come to mind more easily, and communicatively, it’s a good time to initiate meaningful dialogue (especially that which requires a sense of confidence and strength, as with setting an important boundary or declaring a bold personal truth.) Don’t shy away from bold new ideas or daring creative concepts; welcome opportunities today to demonstrate the full extent of your range.
Monday, July 25th: Venus in Cancer squares Jupiter in Aries today which amps Venusian appetites and accentuates an aggressively pleasure-centered mindset. A Dionysian-style pleasure-fest is very much in order today: book a massage, sleep in an extra hour, splurge on some sugar and generally seek out pleasure however it may make itself available, whether that's reading a magazine in the sun with a glass of raspberry lemonade or skipping town with a lover for a spontaneous day-trip to another city. However, this astro-weather can incite destructive overindulgence in the form of a next-day hangover or excessive use of the “add to cart” button. Embrace today’s laxed Venusian vibe but not at the expense of your health, bank balance, mental wellness or long-term goals.
Tuesday, July 26th: Mercury and Mars square, so dialogue can quickly veer off course from passion-fueled and delightfully feisty to outright aggro and below-the-belt (and with Mercury in sensitive Cancer, feelings are more easily hurt — and Mars in stubborn Taurus keeps score and holds a grudge, so any damage inflicted upon a relationship or alliance today has the potential to really last.) It’s best to avoid hot-button topics altogether today — the communicative terrain is simply too self-righteous and turbulent — but the moment’s best battle strategy is to have the most accurate and up-to-date intel, ideally delivered in a concise, confident and articulate fashion. Shut down catty conversation, dispel low-vibe chatter and leave haters speechless with factual and well-research data, deployed quickly, eloquently and implemented at the perfect moment (it’s the best way to navigate conflict gracefully today without accumulating unintended long-term consequences.)
Tarot Cards for the Capricorn Full Moon: The Seven of Cups and the Queen of Swords
So yes, we pulled the Seven of Cups again from a different deck* (this was our card for the Cancer Moon Cycle which I had pulled for us two weeks ago) but obviously, it’s an energy that’s coming to a climax on today’s Full Moon in Capricorn since it arrived again (and how cool!? I love pulling the same card from a different deck within the same period of time— it’s like a little affirmation that magick — and the tarot’s wisdom — is very real.) But the Seven of Cups alerts us that today, something either isn’t as it seems or the fullness of a situation hasn’t yet revealed itself, so we aren't currently equipped to make any big decisions today, as we don’t have all the information yet enough to make an aligned decision. I also want to emphasize the element of intentional self-distraction which can be in play when this card arises: often, we’re trying to self-soothe when we see the Seven of Cups in a reading, whether through healthy personal systems and routines (like ice cream, trashy reality TV, bubble baths or resting) or less-than-healthy habits (like toxic relationships, drinking or other substances.) As we discussed on the New Moon, occasional Neptunian self-soothing is necessary for our healing process, but not in lieu of self-awareness and knowing exactly what is going on with us to make us want to reach for a distraction. Most self-soothing techniques (like sugar and online shopping) are totally healthy in moderation (and I would argue they’re actually required for these turbulent times!), but it’s important to have boundaries with ourselves and others around when and how we engage with our coping mechanisms of choice, and this is where the Queen of Swords (aka Goddess of Boundaries) comes in as our support card. Whether the siren song of a slippery relationship keeps luring you back when life becomes difficult, or unnecessary online Amazon binges continue to deplete your bank balance and prevent the reaching of your financial goals, the Queen of Swords arises for today’s Full Moon to provide a little bit of a reality check, and to remind us to erect some needed boundaries around the situation (both with ourselves and any other people who may also be involved.) But first, she wants us to get clear with ourselves about the emotions, fears and beliefs that are really driving these behaviors. Is it truly a harmless coping mechanism, or is there some subconscious self-sabotage in play? What belief systems are driving these action, and can they be modified to achieve a better outcome? What secondary benefits might you gain from repeating the counterintuitive behavior? Maybe, for example, drinking excessively permits you to not feel responsible for your alcohol-fueled behavior, you might get a pleasant subconscious rush from living in a state of financial tightness, or returning to the same toxic relationship dynamic is a way to affirm your belief that a mutually-beneficial partnership isn’t something you’re worthy of. Even if you determine your coping mechanisms are essentially healthy and harmless, it’s still important to understand what exactly we’re distracting ourselves from. There’s absolutely no shame in needing some gentle care and a little break from the harshness of reality, but the Queen of Swords reminds us of the importance of knowing ourselves and not reaching for external things — whether a delicious dirty martini, a lusty relationship or a shiny new object — to avoid during our work. The Capricorn Full Moon wants us to embrace gentle self-care and rejuvenation, but not at the expense of self-awareness and radical honesty with ourselves. Allow today’s Full Moon to illuminate what’s really on your mind and heart, take responsibility for the behaviors which are dictating your actions and driving your life, and if necessary, create boundaries with yourself and others to cultivate any desired changes.
*This week’s pull is from The Tarot Nova by Julie Paschkis. It was my first deck!
Things I Love:
💜Problems which solve themselves as if by magick 📱John at Tech Cellar — and my newly-repaired phone screen! ☕The chocolate cream cold brew at Starbucks! 💧A nice cold glass of water 👕Wearing Alex’s t-shirts to bed 💵Generous tables 🍾The sound of a champagne bottle bursting open 🔥Lighting a bunch of candles in the house so every room smells good ⛈An early morning rainfall with the windows open 💪Saying “no” for self-care (even when it’s hard) 🐔Access to local chicken, beef and vegetables, and driving to Mase Chasm Farm with my guy to vote for locally-sourced, ethically-treated protein! 💄Bareminerals barepro lipstick (I have every color!) 💊The magick of tylenol! 🍴Candle-lit dinners with my man on our front porch 🍲Recipes which always hit the spot, and improve every time! 🍳Cooking with all-clad (it really makes a difference!) 💲Making big deposits ☕Drinking brown sugar lattes (out of my favorite mug while watching Today!) 💖Finding old voice messages my man left me and feeling deeply grateful for our relationship
Happy Full Moon!
-Ali
You’ll notice that, because of popular request, I included an audio version of the newsletter above — it’s not the best audio quality, for which I apologize, but hopefully it still adds a nice alternative (or accompaniment) to the written content.
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