New Moon in Leo: Shifting Gears
July 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

New Moon in Leo: Shifting Gears

The new moon in Leo is July 31 (10:11 pm, CDT)! The gears grind to a near stop before they change direction. This “in between” time is when insights flash into consciousness as Mercury goes direct the same day in Cancer, fresh out of deep and difficult conversations (10:58 pm). Electric inspiration jolts into an awakening this new moon, opening eyes toward the unforeseen. Jarring curveballs jostle deeply seated patterns! Bask in the spotlight and dare to shine with ferocity! What do we take pride in perfecting to show off to the world? A swift kick pushes a talent out into the open. How do we wish to be treated like royalty and how do we treat others royally? The fire element, with a Leo signature, adds vigor to the end of summer! How do we demand to be paid attention to and admired?

Game-changer Uranus goes retrograde August 11. Look back to early January; where did unexpected (or desired) change occur? Restlessness stirs yet again. What new (uncomfortable) changes showed up, and how do we view them retrospectively?

July holds the essence of being suspended in time, not moving forward or backward. Conundrums pop up without immediate explanation or solutions as new realizations about past events become clearer. Much-needed endings give a sense of peace and closure, yet long-standing issues demand to be dealt with. July 31 is a cogent time to shift into gear after idling in neutral. That said, a baby colt walking on rubbery legs falls a few times before gaining sure footing. Proceed with care. How can a playful attitude be integrated with discipline?

What this catalyzes in your world depends on your natal chart. To find out more, come in for a reading with Madeline Youngstrom.

To allow your inner uniqueness to shine brightly, try lighting the Empowered Throat candle from Coventry Creations’ Chakra Magic line. This candle ties in with the energies of the throat chakra, which are involved with communication and expression as well as manifestation. To balance pragmatic everyday demands with play and creativity, burn some of Shoyeido’s Amethyst incense from their Jewel Series. This blend of sandalwood, cinnamon, and spices is designed to help smooth the atmosphere out and allow us to find balance in all aspects of life. To quell drama, consider carrying a piece of mahogany obsidian. This stone’s energies help clear away feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt that hinder creativity while also helping to keep the negative thoughts of others at bay.

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Full Moon in Capricorn: Lunar Eclipse
July 2, 2019 Leave a Comment

Full Moon in Capricorn: Lunar Eclipse

The lunar eclipse in Capricorn (4:30 pm, CDT) and the full moon (4:38 pm, CDT) are on July 16!

A kissing goodbye and a bidding adieu is bittersweet. The solar eclipse on July 2 brings about an epiphany, opening a new door. But, for the door to open, an obstacle that is blocking its path is removed. The eclipse on July 16 brings to light what can to be let go of. Being drawn back into the past occurs, stepping closer to a sense of completion. This allows endings to outworn situations so that transformation can begin.

Mercury retrogrades July 7 – July 31, turning up the volume on subconscious underpinnings. Eclipses plus Mercury retrograde redirect the course; routinized rhythms reset. Untold stories become unearthed. Truth is stripped down to its bare bones, to its skeleton, having a sobering effect. Difficult conversations resurface and finally get to the root of the problem. Yet non-verbal cues and underlying meanings may reveal more than direct communication. Mercury turns direct July 31 and dynamics reverse. Calm waters turn tempestuous as a storm rolls in, just as problems resolve and disappear.

Saturn and Pluto join the moon in Capricorn, as matters are finalized. Limitations are defined. Issues regarding real estate arise. Power changes hands. The influence of Saturn and Pluto give emphasis to the topic of boundaries, such as walls and structures that divide, separate and support. Trauma surrounds the borders of our country, as accountability for the treatment of fellow human beings is called for. What boundaries need to be set to prevent cruelty and suffering?

The well of intuition runs deep right now. Psychic and empathic antenna is tuned in, receiving messages from the ethers. Whatever ends up lost in translation over the radio fuzz becomes clearer as the summer continues.

To allow change to enter your life, try lighting the Wishin’ Mojo candle from Coventry Creations. This candle is designed to help spur manifestation and help you grant your own wishes. To put to rest that which is ready to leave your life, bring some of Shoyeido’s Peace incense into your daily practice. This serene blend is meant to help bring a calm, even mind that can proceed forward with wisdom and purpose. To find the path which most suits you, consider adding some of Eye of Horus’ Dragon’s Blood oil to your routine. This vibrant oil has both a strong earthiness and a distinct fire and is designed to help increase our personal power and vitality, allowing us to take on life’s challenges.

If you enjoyed this article, consider booking a session with Madeline Youngstrom for your own personal astrological reading!

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New Moon in Cancer: Total Solar Eclipse
June 18, 2019 Leave a Comment

New Moon in Cancer: Total Solar Eclipse

The new moon is in Cancer on July 2 (2:16 pm, CDT) combined with a total solar eclipse (2:22 pm, CDT). An influx of energy, like a tidal wave, pushes events forward. This eclipse in Cancer probes the meaning of security in family systems.

“Family” is of a genetic lineage but can also be people, not blood-related, who are supportive in maternal and paternal ways. How is security found? Is it through the stomach, pocketbook or a warm embrace? How do we take care of others and how do we need to be taken care of? Where is “home” and what nurtures us? Cancer hoards and holds on, keeping feelings tucked away in an attic that serves as a safe space. The attic hatch gets unlocked as repressed feelings fall down the ladder and are expressed out in the open, exposing vulnerability and truth. A sense of release brings relief.

Unfinished business is served with a side of homemade apple pie on July 4. Mercury goes retrograde on July 7. Communication could become heated when hidden information rumbles to the surface. Unexpected situations are triggered, leading to a few surprises. Anger that was more restrained and held inside over June becomes more openly volcanic in July. Those cliché sayings about Mercury retrograde could apply. Tapping into your internal dialogue enhances communication, revealing solutions to old problems. Listen to intuition when commuting or using technology, picking up hints in non-linear ways.

It’s clear changes are afoot. A time of flux in our culture and government has certain structures crumbling and it’s not quite known what may rise from the ashes. Oppressive political tactics seem stronger and more aggressive during their final punch before defeat. Traditional values are glamorized now as some in our country cling to an idealized version of itself that never actually was. How can we begin to Make America Great Again before we Make America Read Again? The myth of stars, stripes and mom’s apple pie gets a second look. It’s not about throwing away old and revered traditions, but redefining them in a heart-based way more sensitive to diversity and a complex history.


A backdrop of magical creativity dances its way into the scenery, tempted by a muse! Roadblocks may appear that can serve as vessels for refinement and improvement of a project or dream. Eclipses spark change in the collective. But the influence on the individual depends on your natal birthday chart. To see what the eclipses are doing in your life, connect with Madeline Youngstrom for a reading.

To cool a heated situation, consider lighting Coventry Creations’ Heart candle. Part of their Blessed Herbal series, this blend of ylang ylang and lavender is designed to soothe hearts, calm minds, and aid reconciliation. To tap into patience, burn some of Shoyeiod’s Peace incense. This mix of sandalwood, camphor, and spices helps to bring an air of serenity into any place it’s burned in. To express deep or difficult feelings in a safe way, consider carrying with you a piece of lapis lauzli. This striking blue stone helps to stimulate the throat chakra and to vocalize our thoughts and desires in a noble, confident way.

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