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(Pixabay)
Just a few weeks into the New Year we now dip our toe into the flow of Aquarius, the life-giving water. Yet, this is no watery sign; this energy brings the fast-moving element of electrified air, and with it the stormy winds of change emerging from winter’s horizon.
Shortcuts: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces
Under Venus retrograde, Mercury turned to follow her on Jan 14, creating another layer of communicative breakdown and mercurial shenanigans. But how is your life truly ‘functioning’? This is the deeper contemplation of Mercury. And, have you had any issues around current love or past relationships come into your field yet? Well, expect the fun to continue until Venus goes direct Jan. 29 and Mercury follows on Feb. 3. And remember, making adjustments now, will only improve our effectiveness and coherence in the months ahead.
Aquarius: Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Did you have a bit too much fun over the holiday season? Well, there is more to celebrate, as your birthdays tick off each day, giving you and your network of Aquarian friends multiple reasons to connect. For the next few weeks, Aquarians, shine your light—you are the ambassadors of the New Age! Since your astrological DNA is designed to be keen-eyed and sharp-witted, you are the visionaries dreaming the new dream into being. However, you should expect a few brain mazes that will need to be puzzled through in the social realms in which you like to roam, however you may find yourself center stage unexpectedly with a mic in your hands. Just remember, whether you stay or whether you go, it is still the truth that sets you truly free!
Pisces: Feb. 19-March 20
Empathic Pisces, this may be a month you are called to refuge as sometimes ‘feeling the feels’ just becomes a bit too much! And it’s ok, with the retrogrades falling in your ‘friends and community’ sector, you may be in deep reflection of who you like to run with anyway. With Jupiter in your sign, (the most Watery of the signs), remember, don’t get lost swimming in the depths of the imagination to the point of diffusion, or indulge in one too many cocktails, particularly on Valentine’s day! But do expect the Piscean desire to ‘dream a Brave New World’, to be the defining signature of this whole year—for better or for worse. Dream the impossible dream.
Aries: March 21-April 19
If the last few weeks have taken some steam out of your engine, youthful Arians, you will most likely find this shift into an Air sign more to your liking; possibly providing that needed oxygen boost at just the right time to get you back on the road and back in the game. Because ultimately for you, life is a friendly competition—or it’s just no fun being you! Like Arian Sun signs Will Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, it’s time to boldly go exploring another universe, other than the one you have created for yourself! By finding yourself among new friends, you get to tell your story to a whole new crowd. If you are baiting for new love, someone is bound to take a nibble.
Taurus: April 20-May 20
As Uranus, the planet of evolution, continues its long pass in your sign this year, you might be asking yourself what should be preserved and what should change about collective human nature. You might actually be asking yourself all kinds of deeper questions this month like, ‘Am I even in the right field?’... or, ‘Do I even believe in that any longer?’ We know you like things solid and defined earthly Taurus, but have faith! These retrograde-review cycles will help you deepen your roots in the long run.
Gemini: May 21-June 20
Looking to the right, a sign reads ‘look left’; looking to the left, a sign reads ‘look right’. How long do you keep doing what each sign says before you decide to be yourself again, dear Geminis? Well, after 18 months of the nodal axis pivoting through your sign, and the many battling streams of divisive information that has come with it, you should have better-honed navigation tools now, allowing you to be more of your authentic self. Along with the Sun’s shift into the sign of your Airy cousin, your rational objective approach will pay off and help everyone get to the heart of the real question, “Who is really writing these signs we keep following in the first place?”
Cancer: June 21-July 22
Oh tender warmhearted Cancer Crab, how many of you have lost yourself in the frosty detached Aquarian wintery coldness? This can be good or it can be bad. If you get to hunker down with a loved one by the fire in a cold snap, it could be wonderful for some; or it could make you home-dwelling crustaceans burrow deeper into your crusty old hole. But if you intentionally enter into the spirit of the sign, you should not feel these forces as challenges to your natural instincts but rather as a necessary spark for new life. Don’t be afraid to show that heart to someone new on V-Day.
Leo: July 23-Aug. 22
“Life, it's a mixture of sunshine and rain, laughter, pleasure, teardrops and pain.” Leos, you are sent as ambassadors of the sun, you shine despite the astrological weather. Human emotions are more complex than you would like them to be but you were made for the people. Your compassion eventually wins out. For what would you be without at least two others in your audience; one to sing your praises and another to hear them be sung. You might have a fling with a returning fan around Valentine’s; the full moon in Leo on Feb. 16 shows the world your vulnerability. Look into the future with a new creative vision, where you will see your talents taking center stage again!
Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 21
Virgoan and Aquarian energy can work surprisingly well together. Both mentally oriented and acutely focused on details, Earthy Virgo can organize the data that the mind storm blows in. Your kind likes to serve and the Aquarian spirit stirs up a bit of radical eccentricity, sometimes this can create a ‘50 Shades of Gray’ kind of adventure! Don’t be afraid of breaking the societal rules, you might just find you are into that sort of thing! The doorway is opening to something new for you, so just be ready to change course in your way of thinking. To be blunt, you should be getting your inner freak on this month, whatever that means to you.
Libra: Sept. 22-Oct. 23
This time of review for your lovely Libras pertains mostly to affairs on the homefront. With the transiting Sun in Air Aquarius and Jupiter in Pisces, despite the chaotic world around you things begin to align, at least for a moment. Capricorn has been square to your native energies for the last month, feeling like a clog in the chain. The changing of the signs and the current mix of planets should favor the dreamier side of your Venusian ruled sign for you to venture out again amongst close and established friends, not to mention deepening of love vibes. However, it’s not a month to expand your social circle; wait until April for that!
Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 21
If you didn’t know better, you’d almost think it has been an extended Scorpio season. Has the world shifted in your favor? For many conscious Scorpios, it has, even with all the retrograde action going on. But if you’ve been playing things too hard and fast in the rocky shadow realms, it could become increasingly uncomfortable this year with the Lunar nodal shift turning its focus now toward you. There is no need to unconsciously represent the darker parts of your archetype right now. This is a good time to remember the point of your uniqueness among the many. You may have forgotten that the other signs will always respect the fact that you are the one with the stinger.
Sagittarius: Nov. 22-Dec. 21
What are you still waiting for, Centareans!? Still counting up all of the inspirational projects you want to start? You will probably still find yourself in the confusion of your own abundance at the start of the new sign. Creativity is pointless without manifestation; if you haven’t already—get moving. The paths to our own hells are paved with good intentions. Aquarius can provide you with a fixed focal point and the mental resources now to take on the monumental production you’ve been imagining. Just after the midpoint of the month, roll the dice on with some of the new connections you have made along the way.
Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Don’t be too hard on yourself this month Cappys! Taking a good sober look at yourself is a healthy gesture from time to time, but don’t solely pick out the flaws! This is a good month to start that new workout routine or make those dietary shifts—you have the perseverance that most other signs envy! I know it’s been a rocky road these last years, but remember, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! And do make time for family, it’s your foundation that gives you the fortitude for the journey.
(*Note: When reading your monthly horoscope, it is always good to read not only your "SunSign" but also your "Ascendant"— referred to as your "Rising Sign.")
Shannon Gill is a local Evolutionary Astrologer, Jungian Counselor, and the co-founder of 'The Shift Foundation' at Samadhi Retreat Center. To learn more about her work, or to schedule a personal session, you may contact her at shannonleigill.com.
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Popular
(Russ Holm)
We’ve all heard it before, ‘Austin isn’t what it used to be,’ despite residents complaining about their beloved city morphing since the 1880s. However, that’s not to say Austin hasn’t changed.
With expansive population growth, new businesses steadily flowing in, celebrities snapping up local property and constant new development, Austin is making its way through some growing pains.
Here are some of the parts of the city longtime Austinites gripe about and newcomers don't notice.
South Congress
(Laura Figi/Austonia)
From its origins as a pseudo-red light in the 1990s to its emerging identity as a luxury shopping center and tourist destination, South Congress has been the epicenter of change in Austin. While many legacy businesses—think Prima Dora, Güero's Taco Bar and The Continental Club—are still operating, it has also seen its fair share of closures since the pandemic: Most recently, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds announced it would closing.
the south congress area is raising my blood pressure
— woman (@fiorellino__1) August 6, 2022
For each closure, there has been a handful of new openings, namely along Music Lane, which was completed in spring 2020. The new strip has brought crowds to luxury stores and restaurants that are typically reserved for the likes of The Domain, like designer brand Hermès, social club Soho House and luxury perfumery Le Labo. One person's sadness about the change is anothers excitement.
High-rise towers
Since 2019, Austin has added 32 new buildings to its skyline, with another 28 under construction and yet another 25 in the proposal stage according to a June Downtown Austin Alliance report. In the words of the antique Austin-American Statesman in 1936, “Rip Van Winkle would have rubbed his eyes in amazement,” upon seeing the difference just 10 years can bring to the skyline.
While newcomers, especially tech executives, look forward to moving into the newest high rises, they mean big changes for long-time Austinites. The new towers mean the closure of Rainey Street favorites, as well as the 4th Street Warehouse District.
Making restaurant reservations
(Aba)
One of the most universal complaints about the ‘new’ Austin, from locals and visitors alike, is the need to make a reservation at most restaurants in town. This is a big change for locals that have lived here most of their life—you rarely had to make reservations pre-pandemic. And while this isn't loved by newer Austinites, it's the norm they know.
While you can still find walk-in options—think Lou’s, Taquero Mucho, Magnolia Cafe and Terry Black’s Barbecue—most restaurants with two or more dollar signs on reservation sites like Resy are likely to require a reservation… likely a month or more in advance.
According to Open Table, some of the hardest places to get a reservation are celebrity hotspot Aba, James Beard Foundation Award-winning restaurant El Naranjo, Lady Bird Lake rooftop bar P6, sushi restaurant Uchi and farm-to-table restaurant Emmer & Rye. You’ll need to break out your calendar for those.The Domain
(Peter French/CC)
This massive development in North Austin is the go-to stop for luxury brands like Gucci, Anthropologie, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Restoration Hardware. Split into two sides: The Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE. Originally opened in 2007, The Domain has changed drastically in its 15 years of business and is often called Austin’s “second downtown” but that still doesn’t change the fact that it still feels like a new area to longtime residents.
Smart City apartment locator Maddie Hastings said she doesn’t often lease locals at The Domain, mostly people from out of town, and when she does, they don’t typically stay more than a year. Still, for newcomers, it's a fun development to work, eat and play.Austin FC vs. UT
(Jay Torres)
Verde has yet to stamp out that burnt orange cult following in town. Austin FC has gained a steady following despite only being on its second MLS season, but the University of Austin has strength in numbers from the hundreds of thousands of Longhorns who have graduated from the famous school living both in and outside of Austin.
Longhorns fans are often older Austnites or those that have graduated from the school. But for newer Austnites, they don't have a connection to the school and are instantly welcomed into the diverse and fresh MLS team.
That said, Austin FC and Longhorn fans seem to be peacefully coexisting, with part-owner and UT alum Matthew McConaughey saying "the more, the merrier."
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(STARFORGE)
The stars aligned for a breakthrough discovery.
A collaborative team led by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin has found that star formation is a self-regulatory process. This understanding could lead to more information on star formation within our own and far away galaxies.
Every population of stars in our galaxy, and in the dwarf galaxies surrounding us, has the same balance for the mass distribution of stars, or what astronomers call the initial mass function. This has confused astronomers for decades since the stars in other galaxies were born under different conditions over billions of years.
So the researchers carried out simulations that were the first of their kind. Essentially, they follow the formation of individual stars in a collapsing giant cloud while also capturing how these newly formed stars interact with their surroundings by giving off light and shedding mass in a phenomenon known as “stellar feedback.”
“For a long time, we have been asking why,” said Dávid Guszejnov, a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Astronomy at UT. “Our simulations followed stars from birth to the natural endpoint of their formation to solve this mystery.”
The research was completed on two of the most powerful supercomputers in the world and was part of an initiative known as the STARFORGE Project, which is co-lead by UT Austin and the Carnegie Observatories.
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