Why a cosmic check-in at this point in 2019 is a must—and how to do one

So we’re halfway through the year, and it’s the perfect time to check in on those 2019 goals and, even more importantly, check in on the people you love most, says astrologer Jennifer Racioppi. Especially this year, this is the time when the universe supports some loving collective action—here’s how to get started.

On the heels of last week’s solstice, Monday kicks off with Venus, the planet of love and beauty, in a square to Neptune while opposing Jupiter. This combination provokes a deep need for beauty and the ability to access it within yourself. Couple this with the sun now in empathetic, intuitive, and nourishing Cancer, and it’s time to let your feminine sensibilities lead the way. The universe provides you with the opportunity to access harmony within yourself now. So take it.

The universe demands your attention at this midpoint of the year.

Allow yourself time for deep and nourishing self-care. Think luscious face masks, getting that summer pedicure, and thinking through your summer wardrobe. When it comes to relationships, this is also the time to reach out to those you love and make some plans—check in with those who mean the most to you to feel connected.

Doing so supports you massively, especially because the universe demands your attention at this midpoint of the year.

Eclipse season is (almost) here, and it’s no joke

July promises to bring change, and you want to feel ready for it. I know it’s summer, and you want to put life in cruise control, but the cosmos asks that you keep your hands on the wheel instead. Don’t worry, August brings a much more relaxing vibe. However, as we dive head-first into eclipse season—we have two eclipses in July, a solar eclipse on July 2 and a lunar eclipse on July 16— this week provides you with the space required to connect to the values that drive your life, and what makes living joyful, which prepares you for what’s to come.

Eclipses act like brooms, sweeping away the old making room for the new.

Eclipses act like brooms, sweeping away the old making room for the new. Add to that, Mercury stations retrograde on July 7 and is already in its retrograde shadow, which means that paying extra close attention to the details now pays significant dividends later.

To that point, the waning quarter moon happens on June 25 in the sign of Aries, offering a heavy dose of energy. You’ll likely feel the need to express this physically. Create space on your calendar for  blood-pumping, sweat-inducing workout. On an esoteric level, spend time contemplating that which you no longer need and wish to release before the upcoming solar eclipse on July 2. What projects in your life are incomplete? What can you bring to a conclusion?

Also, it’s not too early to start thinking about your intention for the upcoming new moon solar eclipse either. It’s one of the most potent new moons of the year. (It’s an eclipse, so it brings extra strong potential.)

Want to take it one step further? Look to the house that 10 degrees of Cancer falls in your natal chart. Notice if there are any planets there, or in aspect to that degree. Then sculpt your intention so it’s in resonance with that part of your chart. If you need support with this, reach out to an astrologer to help you to discern and integrate this information. Doing so helps you to cultivate the power of eclipse season even more.

Plus: the Mercury-Leo connection that could boost your mood

Mercury leaves Cancer, entering into Leo on Wednesday, June 25. Again it’s in its retrograde shadow, so commitments made now will be up for revision later. Nonetheless, take advantage of Mercury’s movement into upbeat and fiery Leo. Mercury, in Leo, brings contagious optimism, so allow yourself to feel the benefits of positive thinking.

On the challenging side of things, midweek the sun in Cancer makes a square to Chiron in Aries, asking you to look at unhealed shadows and wounds that still hold you back. How can you bring healing to this aspect of yourself and your life? What can you do to expedite your growth? This strong interaction has the potential to bring deep integration if you let it. Lean into what feels uncomfortable, and allow it to provoke your healing on an even deeper level.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.