Hello! It’s your amateur astrologist, Jesse. I hope you all had a lovely Gemini and Cancer season and you’re currently soaking up Leo season in all of its glory. (For the uninitiated, Leo season is July 23 – August 22.) Today, I want to talk about some really interesting astrological happenings that have either taken place already or have not yet occurred in this Leo season. So, sit back, relax, and let the stars do the talking. 

• The Lions Gate Portal

Yes, you are reading this right. Portals do exist, just maybe not in the sense you think. The Lions Gate portal which occurred on August 8th was essentially when the Sun, currently in Leo, aligned with a star called Sirius, which is known as the spiritual sun, to create a high frequency energy that is supposed to “open the portal ” between the spiritual and physical world. It’s almost like your third eye opening. A great practice to participate in during a Lions Gate portal is to meditate. Meditation is very important if you plan on manifesting good things for your life, and a Lion’s Gate Portal is a fantastic time to do that. What is manifesting you ask? Manifesting is when you picture a specific goal or aspiration in your mind and think of ways to move closer to it. I also suggest doing your meditation and manifesting with crystals! Crystals like Tigers Eye, Blue Kyanite, and Clear Quartz are great to hold while meditating, especially during the Lions Gate Portal because Tigers Eye promotes willpower, grounding and energy, while Blue Kyanite promotes finding a higher level of spirituality and releasing negativity, and Clear Quartz promotes clarity, focus, and prosperity–the perfect trifecta for manifesting your perfect life. Through this you can access your mind, body, and soul. Although it is too late to practice these things during the Lions Gate Portal,  you now know for next year and can even begin practicing your manifesting and meditating skills today. They’re still great practices even if there isn’t a giant portal open in the sky.

• Pisces Full Moon

You still have time to participate in this one! It’s this Sunday! If you’re confused why I’m telling you about a Pisces Full Moon when this post is about Leo season events, don’t forget that although the sun is in Leo, the moon still changes signs every two to three days, and the full moon is different every season. Full moons are one of my favorite astrological happenings. Because it is a Pisces full moon, let’s start out with what the Pisces part of that means. During this full moon you are likely to feel more sensitive and small things will mean more to you. You are likely to be more thorough in your daily habits and slow down to smell the roses. You are likely to feel calm even during whatever stressful situations life throws at you. If you were born under a Pisces moon, you are even more likely to feel emotions intensely. So how do you make the most of a full moon? Meditation and manifesting are a great place to start. This is a great time to cleanse your crystals by setting them out in the moonlight overnight. You can make moon water, which is water that you leave out in the moonlight overnight to cleanse it of bad energy. Personally, I think it tastes better, too. A full moon is also a great time to “appreciate the harvest.” So make a big meal, and eat it with people you love, under the moonlight preferably. Really take the time to appreciate the meal as well and all of the nature around you for that matter. Just take the time to get your energies right going into the next season. 

So, that’s all! I hope everyone has a happy and plentiful full moon this Sunday and learned something for the Lions Gate Portal next year. Come back next week where I will tell all of what’s to come in this quickly approaching Virgo season and start delving into the world of crystals and chakras.

Thanks for reading!

Your Amateur Astrologist Jesse

It’s Taurus season! Don’t know what that means? Based on your birthday, you can learn a lot about the personalities of you, your friends, and your family. Take a minute to read this detailed article by our Guest Astrology Blogger Jesse Denyer!

By Jesse the Amateur Astrologist

Hello, I’m Jesse, and nothing gets me more excited and energized than talking to people about their Zodiac signs and what they actually mean. Lately, I’ve noticed the majority of people at Palm Valley either don’t know their sign, or they know it but they don’t know what it means. Have no fear. I am here to grow Palm Valley’s understanding of their signs!

So what is the Zodiac?

The zodiac is a particular part of the sky that goes approximately 8 degrees north or south of the ecliptic. The path of the Sun, Moon, and other planets are visible within the belt of the zodiac. They move across the celestial sphere over the course of a year. The zodiac is divided into twelve signs with corresponding constellations. Depending on where the twelve signs were in the sky on the date, time, and place of your birth, your core personality was shaped by the sign’s placement. 

Now, before you begin to think that this is all bogus, let me explain an important factor in this that will be explained in detail in a later blog post. You may read the summary of your sign here and think, “I’m nothing like that” or “Only some parts of that are right.” You must remember that although your birthdate indicates your sun sign, the time and place of your birth affects your moon and rising signs. Those two other signs have a massive impact on your personality as well. For example, a Capricorn with a Leo moon might not be as aloof as a core Capricorn because Leos are extremely outgoing. For those of you who are left curious about your moon and rising signs following this blog post, don’t worry…. we have something special for you in the next astrology post. 

Without further adieu… Let’s get started. 

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Hello, my fellow Aries! I have a special place in my heart for us. Not to be biased, but we are a very special sign for a lot of reasons. We are the first sign of the zodiac chart, meaning we are the start of a new zodiac cycle. We represent the beginning of new life and the spark of new beginnings. We are also one of three fire signs, associating us with fierce liveliness and an abundance of personality. We are the sign of the ram, meaning we are hard headed by nature; we are known to be very courageous though sometimes reckless. We are naturally fierce competitors and don’t like to go down without a fight. We can be honest sometimes to a fault and tend to have no filter. We can also be sensitive but do not like to show it. We are very generous and would do almost anything for someone else. We are very energetic, loud, and fun, and we enjoy being the life of the party. However, we do have an introverted side, and our social battery does run out after a while. Most of all we are extremely loyal to people, but if trust is lost, we Aries are quick to move on.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Taurus is the next sign of the cycle. They are one of the three Earth signs meaning that they feel a special connection with the serenity of the outdoors and have an overall relaxed attitude. As the sign of the bull, Taurus can be rather stubborn and do not like to take advice. They are extremely ambitious and do not shy away from a little hard work. They value honesty very highly and will turn on you quickly if deception is detected. They will never shy away from an argument, and nothing brings them joy like being right. Tauruses look for security and feel very comfortable in routine and will stop at nothing to maintain that sense of security. They are known to have very kind hearts and are very patient. They are also known to lack confidence at times and may not aim as high as they can for fear of failure. However, if they persist and keep their ambitions high, they can achieve anything they set their strong minds to.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

As an Air sign, Geminis are known to be very “go with the flow,”and are known to be very flexible people in general. They are the sign of the twin because they are not known to be the most emotionally stable of the signs. They can be very moody and change feelings and opinions on a dime. They are very intellectually inclined and find joy in learning new things. Due to their witty behavior, and usual sense of humor, Geminis can be very fun at social gatherings. They are hard to hold down and routine is something that doesn’t really matter to them. They are not known for making plans unless they are at the head of it. They are good multi-taskers which helps strengthen their intellectual abilities. Sometimes they can come across as very cold and aloof, but do not let that fool you as Geminis love very deeply. Sometimes they just forget to show it. Geminis are achievers and don’t stand for laziness, making them great workers in life.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

As a Water sign, Cancers are known for weaving really well between their emotional space and the real world making them an extremely philosophical sign. Cancers love the feeling of home and comfort. As the sign of the crab, they always like to know they have their shell to retreat back into for comfort. Cancers are very protective and will stop at nothing to protect those they love. They are known to be very outgoing but also have a shy side. They are extremely strong willed and can tend to have a “my way or the highway” attitude toward life. They feel emotions very deeply. Though they are good at separating their emotional status from their real life, they are a very emotional sign and can be extremely sensitive. They are very devoted to family and their relationships and will be extremely loyal to you. Cancers are very motivated to get what they want and can sometimes have tunnel vision. However, that motivation ultimately leads them to success. 

Leo (July 23-August 22)

As the second Fire sign in the cycle, much like Aries, Leos are known for their passionate nature. As the sign of the lion, Leos have a lot of pride (haha get it). But, in all seriousness, Leos love nothing more than being the center of attention, and they often achieve this with their fiery, enthusiastic, and courageous natures. However, sometimes, they come across as arrogant, as their self confidence is almost always at a 10. They are also natural born leaders, sometimes to a fault–that fault being giving leadership where it is not needed and stepping on other people’s more submissive toes. They are extremely creative as well and love showing off their talents. I promise, if a Leo walks in the room, you’ll know. 

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

As the second Earth sign in the cycle, much like Taurus, Virgos are known for their realistic approach to life and have a deep-rooted connection to the material world. Their zodiac sign is represented by the female, meaning they tend to be sensitive and fragile, but also picky and critical at the same time. Virgos are very loving deep down, but on the surface they can appear very cold, as they sometimes suppress emotion. They are very independent and usually successful because of their ability to go at it alone. Although they can appear cold, Virgos are always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. They are known for being perfectionists in their work and work meticulously to achieve their goals. They love to better themselves in any way possible and growth is something they find extremely appealing. 

Libra (September 23- October 22)

As an Air sign in the cycle, much like Geminis, Libras are very easy going and prosper in a life of harmony and balance. Their sign is represented by the scales, meaning they are extremely diplomatic and try to bring balance to their lives and serve as the balance for other people as well. Libras are extremely charming and make strong relationships. They enjoy the little things in life and are easily pleased. They are naturally kind, even tempered, and extremely empathetic. In their search for balance in their life, Libras can actually be very indecisive. They hate conflict and do not handle it well. Libras are the peacemakers.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

As a Water sign, much like Cancers, Scorpios are known for their strong emotions and intuitiveness. Scorpios are the sign of the scorpion, and they usually receive a bad rap. They are stereotyped as being vicious and conniving, with stingers just like actual scorpions. However, this is simply not the case. When you understand a Scorpio’s traits, it makes more sense. They feel emotions very intensely and react the same way. They appear friendly yet their emotions are volatile and unpredictable at times because of their deep passion. Therefore, they react in a volatile and unpredictable manner sometimes. They are also good at self defense. If they feel as though they are being cornered or in danger they will lash out appropriately. They can get carried away with their feelings. Intellectually, they have a lot to offer and just the way they get carried away with emotions, they can get carried away with academics and hobbies. I am quite fond of Scorpios because I understand the way they are wired. Kill the stereotype.  

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

As the third and final Fire sign, much like Aries and Leos, Sagittarians have a controlled flame to their personality and do everything with passion. Sagittarians are represented by the Centaur, a half man-half horse creature from ancient mythology. This is because Sagittarians are courageous, fierce, and always ready for an adventure. Sagittarians have a deep love for exploring the world they live in and love to adventure into things they are passionate about. They are known perfectionists and can be very self critical. They are known for their positive outgoing personality and enjoy attention. However, they do enjoy their alone time as well. Sagittarians hate to be wrong and will rarely back down from a fight or argument. They are known for being very self protective and independent. 

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

As the third and final Earth sign, much like Taurus and Virgo, Capricorns are very stable and grounded to the earth. Capricorns are represented by the Sea Goat, a half goat-half fish creature from ancient mythology, meaning that they flow easily between different types of people and are versatile to different situations. Capricorns are generally pretty serious and confident. They love structure and thrive under direction. They are extremely ambitious and complete anything they set their mind to. They are stubborn, and, even though they can come across very melancholy and quiet, they have an extremely sunny disposition. They are known to worry a lot and stress about things. They are very intelligent, and, especially under direction, Capricorns thrive in challenging situations. 

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

As the third and final Air sign, much like Gemini and Libra, Aquarians are known for dealing with new information and ideas in a balanced and relaxed way. Aquarius is represented by the Water Bearer, meaning that Aquarians are able to take on other people’s emotions effortlessly and are not influenced by them. Aquarians are strong and dominant in life. They know what they want and aim to get it. Aquarians are very good at seeing both sides to every story and are fantastic mediators. However, on the other hand, they can also be fierce in arguments as nobody knows what they want more than an Aquarius. They are extremely good at forgiving and forgetting especially if they are wronged by someone. They tend to hide their emotions as they want to appear sturdy and unbothered. It would take a lot to make an Aquarius cry. They are extremely intelligent and love nothing more than showing off their knowledge, but not in an arrogant way, in a proud way. 

Pisces (February 19- March 20)

Pisces is our final stop of the zodiac cycle. As the third and final Water sign, much like Scorpio and Cancer, they float effortlessly between emotions and reality and do let the two interfere from time to time. Pisces are symbolized by two fish swimming away from one another, which exemplifies the separation between emotions and reality. As the last sign of the zodiac cycle, Pisces are thought to be the wisest sign of the zodiac as they are the oldest. They are very sensitive, compassionate, and understanding of others. However, they do not like to put their emotions on display and prefer to keep them under wraps, as they prefer to focus on their own personal journeys in peace and quiet. They avoid confrontation at all costs and prefer to let problems sort themselves out. They are very creative and artistic whether that be through their work or hobbies. They are generally very gentle natured and easy-going, making them friendly and easy to love. 

So, there you have it. Do you well represent your sign? No? Stay tuned. Jesse will explain how your moon and rising signs factor into your personality as well.

Sagittarian Editor: Sara Habibipour