The stars at night are big and bright in our Lone Star State, so we are dedicating a special section of our little internet corner to reading them, deciphering them, and finding some patterns deep in the heart of Texas. Every month, Jasmin Alejandrez-Prasad, also known as Esoteric Esa, will serve as our in-house astrologer and psychic. We’ll bring you a monthly reading on notable Texans, along with some pop culture predictions. Let’s be real, Texas is a wild place, so whether you “believe” in astrology or not, isn’t it fun to see if our state’s fate is somehow written in the stars?
It’s been a cosmically theatrical year, and the pendulum seems to have swung wide from extreme moments of connection and hope all the way to isolation and despair. From an astrologer’s perspective, 2024 has been one of the most chaotic, dramatic and memorable years of the century, as defined by its intense astrological transits. The intensity emanated from the fire sign energy of Aries (due to the current North Node position on one of the points that represents fate, purpose, destiny, and karma). It also originated from Pluto’s rambunctious transit in Capricorn, which concluded a 16-year cycle of reforming patriarchal constructs. This has consisted of decolonizing how we live our lives, reclaiming our power by voicing our needs — against the harms of capitalism and all the ways indoctrination has oppressed people of color.
If you’re reflecting on the year — and realizing that the past 16 years of your life have been exhausting — it’s not just you. Trust me, we’ve done too much collective work to shame ourselves out of those feelings. Basically, yes, you’re TIREDT with a T! And so are we.
The political climate has been more aggressive than ever. Much of that is attributed to that current North Node transit in Aries. Aries is the zodiac sign ruled by Mars. This means the zodiac sign is powered by traits such as anger, combativeness, and impulsivity. Aries is the warrior and strategist of the zodiac and is powered by egoic ambition. It’s the sister sign of Libra, the sign of rules, politics, and karma.
Together, the Aries North Node and Libra South Node transits this year have influenced a collective stir around advocating for our bodies (Aries rules the body), and fighting for justice (Libra rules justice) — among many other important hot topics. More specifically, this has been felt on a personal level where many have reflected on the relationships in their lives involving career, friendships, cultural values, and societal norms. We’ve most recently felt inspired by this energy as a collective and used our political rights to fight for abortion care and integral reproductive rights across the nation. This energy could have influenced you in equal parts motivation, fear, and diplomatic determination to fight for what’s right. The recent presidential election took center stage as the primary example of how these celestial energies can manifest, creating an influx of intense emotions that require self-regulation and continuous grounding within our bodies and minds.
Chances are, you’re filled with more questions than answers for what’s to come. It’s totally normal — and cosmically appropriate — to say you’re not okay right now. We’re here to help you sort through these low vibrational energies because, let’s be honest, we have four years ahead of us to navigate together. Here are some recommendations to help cleanse your energy when you’re in need of a soul realignment, a grounded presence, and a little help shifting into mindfulness.
Rituals to Release Energy and Realign:
🌊 Water Ritual
Water rituals work with the element of flow and surrender. A water ritual is a powerful way to remind yourself to be adaptable and move away from resistance. For those who need a little nudge toward agility, creativity, and inspiration.
Go to an ocean, river, or stream (luckily, these are plentiful all over Texas). Write down on a piece of paper what you feel is holding you back or keeping you stuck in an anxious state of mind. Then, write down how you’re calling back your power, and why you’re releasing the barrier. It can be a circumstance, person, or state of mind. Your notes can be as short as a single sentence or as lengthy as a 10-page letter. Go to the body of water nearest to you, and give gratitude to the element of water. This feminine energy is willing to work with anyone. Ask the water to help wash away this limitation or burden, and let your letter drift away in the water. You can sit and meditate, or reflect with the water for a while. Then conclude in gratitude by crossing your hands over your heart, closing your eyes, and taking three deep inhales.
🔥 Fire Ritual
A Fire ritual is not for the weak. It’s powerful and transformative. In this case, you’ll want to get your hands on an unscented candle. (Please do this in a safe place where you have access to fire extinguishing materials.) You’re going to commune, essentially be one, with the candle’s flame. This is the perfect ritual to help you sit with emotions like anger, disbelief, betrayal, or rage. Fire is a motivating and productive energy, and oftentimes we only sit with a one-sided perspective towards its alchemy. This ritual will allow you to feel deeply. Sit in these feelings of loss, grief, and fury so that you can explore how these emotions manifest in your body’s physical reactions. These powerful emotions can help propel you into an elevated state, create good, and use the light of the flame to send more light into the world.
First, (again, safely) light your candle in a quiet space where you can dedicate at least 15 minutes with little to no distractions. Acknowledge the spirit of the flame from the fire of the wick. Keep your eyes open, and gaze at the flame. Allow yourself to drift into a daze. You might find that you start to daydream or drift, but if you relax and allow yourself to stay in a state of curiosity and flow, you will begin to receive messages from your higher self, your intuition, and your imagination. Set an intention of what you want the fire to burn from your aura and mind. Anything or anyone that is making you feel imprisoned can be given to the spirit of fire. Ask that they/it be transmuted into the light, and wish love upon the situation or person. Let the fire speak to you through your third eye, and reconnect with a fresh frequency. Be sure to blow out your candle when you’re done with the ritual and are ready to step away. Conclude in gratitude.
🌝 Moonbathing Ritual
Mother moon is a nurturing presence in the sky. The moon is a feminine energy in astrology — planets are classified by elemental energies such as feminine or masculine. The moon’s illumination amidst a vast landscape of darkness is a reminder that we have light and answers within us, even in the most mysterious of times when we can’t see beyond the darkness. Performing a moonbathing ritual can be done under a new moon and a full moon. However, my preference is during a full moon, as that is when her illuminance is the brightest and most brilliant. Find a nice space to sit outside, or at a window that is facing the moon, so you can connect with her presence.
You can perform this fully clothed or in your natural essence (nude), and meditate for at least 10 minutes under the moon’s auric field as her light shines upon you. Visualize the moon clearing your energy or aura and removing any karmic energies that you feel are binding you. Visualize the moon’s white light energy forming a bubble around your aura and creating a protective shield to preserve your energy. This is an especially helpful ritual when you feel you have given your power away, when you’ve felt triggered or overwhelmed. Moonbathing is also a great ritual to cut cords and strengthen your energy so that you stand in your power. You can ask the moon to send you visuals through your third eye to help you trust your intuition and build more self-trust during especially challenging times. Conclude in gratitude. You can also give an offering to the moon, like a bouquet of flowers in your home.
