Mercury is out of retrograde, which, yay, but also does this mean I have to start taking responsibility for my own actions again? It’s far from the only astrologically significant event happening, however. Last month, dueling meteor showers were visible in much of the U.S., and they brought inspiration with them. And now the Perseid meteor shower—perhaps the most spectacular of the year—is giving stargazers a real treat. If you live outside the optimal viewing areas, you can catch of glimpse of the event with NASA’s live stream—but the astrological significance is far-reaching nonetheless.

“Astrologically, meteor showers can represent several things. First of all, they’re cosmic dust, debris. They look like beautiful light displays from our perspective, but in reality, they are a type of storm that happens from the breakup of a comet,” says intuitive astrologer and healer Rachel Lang. “To understand the astrological significance of a meteor shower, we need to understand the significance of a comet. Comets are made up of ice, dust, and gasses. If we read that symbolically, we might say they represent our frozen emotions and collective fears surfacing for us to see and heal. Anything we have been ignoring or suppressing can no longer be ignored. To the ancients, a comet represented change, like an eclipse.” Intense, but I’m into it.

Meteor showers symbolize beauty rising from ashes, says Lang. “Meteor showers represent the spiritual insights and wisdom gained from looking deep within the shadows of ourselves and our world. They also invite us to create new ideas and beliefs. They’re like little bursts of aha moments,” she explains.

In late July, double meteor showers were visible (double rainbow, but make it space). The showers happened in the constellations of Aquarius and Capricorn. Aquarius, Lang says, is the sign of community and innovative ideas, and Capricorn is the sign of “authority, structure, and institutions. It is the sign of ambition, determination, and our public life.” Though the showers were visible last night and early this morning, both actually started in early July and will continue into August.

“Meteor showers represent the spiritual insights and wisdom gained from looking deep within the shadows of ourselves and our world.” —Rachel Lang, intuitive astrologer and healer

“The dueling nature of these meteor showers suggests we could see new ideas and insights arising in our political and societal spheres. This could also indicate changes in our environment and political structures. The meteors offer us hope during this time of change in our world,” Lang explains. And it’s not just about the meteor showers—there are actually two prominent fixed stars that also come into play: Skat (in the constellation of Aquarius) and Algedi (in Capricorn). “They represent opportunity for us to gather together to create change as well as the patience and strength we need to have lasting change that betters us as a whole,” Lang explains.

“This is a time for inspiration and new ideas that help you live a more purposeful life,” says Lang. This time is about for breaking free from fears and self-defeating thoughts. Keep reading to see Lang’s advice on how to make the most of the energy from a meteor shower.

What a meteor shower means for your zodiac sign

Earth (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo)

The sign of Capricorn is an earth sign, and you are in good company! This meteor shower could help you distance yourself from the practical and move more into the realm of ideas and dreams. You will be able to come back to earth and focus on how to implement those ideas in due time. But for now, just be open to exploring whatever surfaces for you at this time. It’s also a time to learn and study. Your mind might be more open than usual.

Air (Libra, Aquarius, Gemini)

For you, these dueling meteor showers can help you focus your thoughts. If you’ve felt scattered during Mercury Retrograde, now is the time to bring everything into focus. You can check things off your to-do list, and move ahead on stalled projects. You could have a burst of energy and momentum. This is also a social time for you, and you might find people reaching out to you from your past. If you’ve been looking for a way to become more involved in your community, you could find the right opportunity right now.

Fire (Aries, Leo, Saggittarius) 

This could be a time to stand still and reflect. You have some momentum to go out and may even feel more social than usual. Still, take time for you, as you are open to new ideas or insights that arise for you. You could realize untapped potential and find new outlets for your creative energy. You have been through a transition, and now is a good time to ground and prioritize.

Water (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)

Emotions that have been suppressed or frozen might start to flow. World events as well as memories from your personal life might bring a tear to your eye. You’re awakening to compassion, for yourself, others, and the world. This is a shift that will help you access more of your intuition. Take time to watch the meteor showers, and you will feel inspired to release some fears. You will feel inspired in all ways, realizing your inherent connectedness to it all.

This story was originally published on July 30, 2019; it was updated on August, 12, 2019.

Oh hey, if you were born during a mercury retrograde, that’s actually great news for your personality. And here’s how to deal with mercury retrograde in a positive way.