Astrology

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The Great American Eclipse, Part 1: What is happening, exactly?

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The Great American Eclipse, Part 1: What is happening, exactly?

For all of you wondering what this eclipse is all about and how it relates to you (and for my own urges to go into detail), I’ve decided to write a two part blog to address The Great American Solar Eclipse 2017.

Part 1: What is happening, exactly?

You probably already know that a solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and earth line up such that the moon blocks sunlight from the earth. You may also know that this total solar eclipse is called the Great American Eclipse and it will begin in Oregon and end in South Carolina on Monday, August 21, 2017.

In astrology, solar eclipses are times when we are being urged toward something—either to let go of something (when the eclipses occur at the lunar south node) or to move toward something (when the eclipses occur at the lunar north node). 

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A Reflection on the Capricorn Full Moon

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A Reflection on the Capricorn Full Moon

Sunday, July 9 marked a full moon in Capricorn, significant to me because it’s my sun sign.

I’ve seen a lot of astrologers lately who are writing about full moons. Full moons are a time to examine a completed cycle, to find wholeness in ourselves, and to look for balance in our emotions. But what does it all mean?

The emotive energy of the moon joining with the practical energy of an earth sign can be confusing. Often, when I’m doing readings, people ask for practical answers and examples to balance the abstract language of astrology.

Every life is unique, and our circumstances are distinct (just like our astrology charts). So, here is what this full moon meant to me: a lot of surprises, namely, I broke my back.**

I am okay, or I would not be writing this. I took a fall, and have a compression fracture in my lumbar spine. Luckily, there was no nerve damage, and I should be able to recover fully (although the jury is still out on whether my upcoming holiday plans will remain in tact).

This is, however, an excellent learning opportunity for me, not only in my daily practice as a yogi, but also in my self-understanding as a human being.

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What an Emily Ridout Astrology Reading is Like

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What an Emily Ridout Astrology Reading is Like

Last week, I attended the Joyful Heart Psychic and Wellness Fair in Eugene, Oregon. I was struck by the great variety of healers, psychics, palmists, and astrologers. In particular, I was interested in how people within the same discipline each offered a distinct approach to their craft. Different strokes for different folks, as they say.

This experience led me to reflect on my own approach to astrology. Certainly, my approach is distinct to me, and I want my clients to know that before they arrive! There are a lot of astrologers out there, and a lot of astrological philosophies. If you’re searching for the right astrologer, it can be tricky and frustrating finding your ideal astrologer. 

So, if you’re on the lookout for an astrologer, or if you’ve signed up for a reading and are simply curious, I’m writing this post for you.

Some people believe that astrology is fatalistic, that it will predict your future and tell you what to expect, that it won’t empower you to take action in your life. This is not what I believe.

I believe astrology is a fantastic tool to help you understand yourself better—your multifaceted personality, your desires, your hopes and fears, your challenges and boundaries. I also believe that tools are meant to be used. In other words, once you gain insight into an area of your life or your personal make-up, it’s time to make a plan to harness that energy and use if for your benefit!

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Review of the Joyful Heart Psychic and Wellness Fair in Eugene, Oregon

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Review of the Joyful Heart Psychic and Wellness Fair in Eugene, Oregon

I started today like I do most Sundays, teaching my regular yoga class at Mudra Yoga by Eugene's 5th Street Market, and then working with an astrology client.

But, today was a special day, because it was the inaugural Joyful Heart Psychic and Wellness Fair. I confess...

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The BIG Why: Why astrology, yoga, and folklore matter to me

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The BIG Why: Why astrology, yoga, and folklore matter to me

Do I believe that the stars literally affect everything on earth or that fairy tales are real? No.

I believe in the power and resiliency of the human spirit in the face of obstacles. I believe that people like you and I can harness our innate capacities for good, and use that good to create powerful and lasting change on this planet.

I believe that symbols (such as those in astrology, tarot, folklore) have power and depth that inspire us to new heights. And I believe that through it all, our physical body grounds us, sustains us, and allows us to create powerful, positive change.

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But WHY Do You Like Astrology?

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But WHY Do You Like Astrology?

Among the top questions asked of astrologers (and astrology enthusiasts) are: Why do you like this stuff? How does it work? Isn’t it all a lot of hooey?

So, if you’ve booked an astrology reading and find your coworker peeking at your calendar, or if you tell your mom/boyfriend/girlfriend/best friend, and they say, "What? How on earth can astrology actually work?" or "Why do you like it?", here’s a list for you.

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The Zodiac Has Shifted, So Why Hasn't Astrology?

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The Zodiac Has Shifted, So Why Hasn't Astrology?

Did you know that the date for Easter was established in the year 325 by the Council of Nicaea? They debated between using a solar/Julian calendar or a lunar calendar, and eventually determined that Easter would take place the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox (a solar and lunar approach). 

I mention this for one reason: humans have invented many ways to keep track of events using solar bodies!

Lately, I’ve been asked a question about time and systems within astrology that this holiday is the perfect time to address.

Q: Since the stars don’t line up the way they used to, are the dates astrologers use (for sun signs) inaccurate?