[Practical Astrology] An Introduction + Why I Love Astrology

Hey Reader,

Before I even get into the substance: You’re receiving this email because you subscribed to the waitlist for my upcoming Practical Astrology course.

I am so glad you’re here, and excited to get to know you.

You may have opted in on the stand-alone page or through my website, MyMeadowReport.com. I realize my name isn’t always front and center on that site, which can sometimes create confusion.

(Also, it occurs to me that making my name more visible on the blog is a perfect intention to set on this new moon in Leo… more on that below.)

Anyway…yesterday we celebrated a lovely new moon in the sign of Leo.

New Moons = New Beginnings

New moons are a reset in the lunar cycle; a time for new beginnings.

So I figured it’s a perfect time to reach out with a proper introduction.

My name is Renee Fishman. I play a lot of different roles, including real estate broker, productivity/life/business coach, yoga teacher, CrossFitter, and astrologer. Beneath the titles and roles, my mission is to help you find “home” within yourself and move through life with greater ease and confidence, and a little more flow.

Since you signed up for more info about Practical Astrology, I’ll also share my “Big 3:”

Taurus Sun, Pisces Moon, Libra Rising.

(If you have no idea what this means, you’ll learn all about it in the PA course.)

Another thing I want to share with you:

I’ve struggled with ADHD for my entire life, which has forced me to find innovative strategies for doing things that many people take for granted. In addition to giving me a framework to learn more about myself, astrology has been an essential tool that has helped me find new approaches to “time management,” planning, and staying out of overwhelm.

July reinforced for me that knowing the “astro-weather” forecast — both for the collective and personally — and working with it in practical ways can be a helpful source of grounding in turbulent times.

I’m really excited to share this tool with you and teach you all the practical ways I use it.

That said, before I even started to learn about the planets, I learned to work with the moon cycles.

What Happens at a New Moon

A new moon happens when the Sun and Moon meet up at the same point in the sky.

Astrologers use the zodiac as the map of the sky, and we are always looking at it from our perspective on Earth.

Each month, the Sun and Moon meet up in a different sign in the zodiac. You can also think of the Zodiac as a clock. A clock is just a form of map — a map of time.

Just like it’s 12:00 when the hour and minute hands are at a specific point on the clock, the new moon happens at a precise moment, when the Sun and Moon are at a specific degree in the sign.

Although the new moon (or any planetary alignment) is at a specific moment in time, the energy lasts for a few days.

At a new moon, the moon is hidden by the light of the Sun. As the Moon goes dark, it invites us to go inward to reflect, and release what no longer serves us.

New Moon in Leo: Embrace Your Authentic Leader

This new moon is in the sign of Leo. Leo is a fixed fire sign known for its qualities of being bold, courageous and confident. This is the sign of leadership.

Leo season occurs at the height of summer in the northern hemisphere — when the Sun is at its brightest. This is where we are encouraged to claim the spotlight and be visible. The stereotype of Leo is that it craves attention: this is the sign of the actor and performer.

That attention comes with risk. When we stand in our authentic truth, we risk being rejected by those who don’t get it, or who reject what we stand for.

Because humans crave connection and love, it’s common to reject our own authenticity in order to preserve attachment.

One of the themes of this new moon is to embrace our authentic leader within — and to summon the courage to allow ourselves to be seen in that leadership. This requires that we determine what we want and who we are.

Some Reflection questions for you to journal on at this lunation.

Here are some inquiries to reflect on or journal on at this lunation.

On your authentic self:

What brings me joy?
What am I doing when I feel like my most authentic self?
What are the topics and issues I truly care about?
What do I love to engage with people about?
Who do I love to spend time with?
Who do I truly love to serve?
What lights me up?

On Visibility:

Where am I remaining small?
Where do I apologize for taking up space?
Where do I shy away from being visible?
What fears keep me in hiding?

A Reset in the Midst of Change

One of the things I’ve learned from astrology is that everything happens within a context. The new moon is not an isolated event.

Today’s new moon in Leo offers a reset in the midst of change. Here’s a brief overview of what’s going down:

We just came off an aspect between Venus (currently in Leo) and Uranus (currently in Taurus) that invited us to try new things and shake up our relationships. Change can be fun, but also disruptive.

Shortly after this new moon, we will have 2 big changes:

Venus will leave Leo and enter Virgo.
Mercury will station retrograde.

Before you panic about the infamous “Mercury Retrograde,” know that there is no need to fear. Mercury Retrograde happens 3-4 times a year, for 3 weeks at a time. I like to think of it as a quarterly review.

Stay tuned for more on that this week.

What’s Resonating For You?

The most important thing I want you to know, Reader, is that I’m truly excited you’re here.

Fun fact: one of the reasons I’m offering the Practical Astrology course is because teaching astrology to others — breaking it down, explaining how it works and how to use it, and helping you use this tool to make meaning and time in your life — really lights me up.

For the past few years, people have reflected to me how passionate I get when talking about astrology. So … I’m following that calling.

I love helping you move through life with more clarity, confidence, and courage.

I also thrive on connection. In fact, Leo is the sign that corresponds to my 11th house in my chart — the area of life related to friends, groups, and associations. (If this sounds like a foreign language, Practical Astrology will demystify it all.)

I always love to hear what is resonating with you. Hit reply to this email to start a conversation.

Wishing you many new moon blessings.

Renee

Renee Fishman