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dear annabel

How to Deal With the Dramatic, Life-Changing Eclipses This Summer

In this month's astrological advice column, we discuss the dramatic planetary shifts that will take place in the second half of the year, and how to prepare yourself for the drama they bring.

It's Gemini season, which raises the question: Who can you trust? Annabel Gat, Broadly's staff astrologer, of course! As we head towards June 9 full moon in Sagittarius, the sign of the seeker, we will all find ourselves asking questions that need to be answered.

In this month's installation, we discuss some of the long-term planetary shifts coming up, like Jupiter entering Scorpio, and some of the heavier transits we're currently experiencing, like Saturn in Sagittarius.

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Read more: Your Monthly Horoscope: June, 2017

Dear Annabel,
I've been single for the most part of 10 years after making the decision to leave a long-term partner because we wanted to lead very different lives. Since then, I've had one very toxic relationship of six months in 2009, and a wonderful six-month relationship in 2010—but he broke it off to be with someone else.

I've dated a lot of other people, but struggle to build a rapport because my self-esteem is low when it comes to relationships because they never seem to go anywhere. I'd really like to find someone through just getting to know someone, rather than Tinder etc., but not sure if I'm just waiting around it'll ever happen. I'd be keen to know your thoughts.

— Confused Gemini

Dear Confused Gemini,
I'm having a hard time answering your question, Gemini, since you didn't ask one. There are literally no question marks in your letter.

You say you're keen to know what my thoughts are. Here's what I think: I'm happy you knew when to end your relationship with your long term-partner, instead of forcing something to work. I'm happy to hear you're no longer in your toxic relationship, and I'm sorry someone left you to be with someone else; it's hard to keep your self-esteem high around dating when things don't seem to ever work out. Feeling insecure is a normal thing that happens to everyone—just make sure to talk to a pro if things feel too difficult!

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As for Tinder: Why not use all the options you have? It can't hurt—especially since it seems like you know when to walk away from someone when it's time to go. Limiting your options is never a good idea, especially not for a Gemini. The fact that you didn't ask me a question makes me wonder if this is how you approach most opportunities in life. Do you text people saying "I love the beach" instead of "Hey, want to go to the beach with me?"

Work on your communication skills, and perhaps in October, when lucky planet Jupiter enters Scorpio, a sexy, emotional Water sign that loves to get deep in relationships, you'll find your partner!

Dear Annabel,
Everything in life seems to be going well. I have great friends, a new job, and a healthy Netflix addiction. Unfortunately I still feel incredibly meh. I feel like I'm not fulfilling my purpose in a major way.

Yes, it could be twenty-something melodrama. But I genuinely feel at a loss. I don't know where my passions or motivation lie. What does this bountiful universe have in store for me?

— Mui

Dear Mui,
The purpose of life is to find our purpose. This is why, often, when we achieve our dreams, we experience a serious emotional crash: What the fuck is next? Life feels purposeless when we're not chasing a purpose! No wonder all this contentment in your life is driving you mad.

We've all heard that saying: The journey is more important than the destination. It sounds like you've achieved some of your dreams, but it's time for you to find a new journey—and hopefully the stars will bless you with a quest that never ends. Saturn, the planet of hard work, fear, and obstacles, is currently in Sagittarius, the sign of the centaur, who chases dreams with its bow and arrow. It will be there until December 19, 2017. Having Saturn in this sign shows we are all, collectively, feeling limited when it comes to finding a quest. We don't know where to point our arrows!

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Think back to your early childhood, Mui. Did you love being in nature, or were you inspired by big cities? If you loved mimicking conversations of adults through your dolls, what were the conversations about? Business? Get into finance or join a group for entrepreneurs. Feelings? Maybe you're meant to be a therapist, or, start a self-help book club. I loved dressing like a witch when I was a kid—and here I am, writing horoscopes!

As children, we're pretty good at tapping into what we love, because society hasn't beaten us down yet. Of course, we change over the years, but going back to what inspired you back in the day is, in my opinion, the best place to start. Find ways to bring your early passions into your life now, even if you're not "good" at whatever it is you loved, and even if it doesn't seem to be a way you can earn money (you never know what a hobby could become!).

Mid-twenties melodrama is part of life, so don't feel like you're messing up! Soon, you'll have your Saturn return, when you're about 29 years old, and the shit will totally hit the fan in your life. This sounds scary, I know, but that's Saturn's job, and by the time Saturn is done with you, you'll be a wise woman with a much clearer idea of your life's work. Good luck, Mui!

Dear Annabel,
Could you delve into your expertise to find out what our country will experience in the next six months? Specifically within our government and leadership­—where are we headed towards the end of 2017?

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— Cheryl

Dear Cheryl,
There are five astrological events over the next six months that we should watch out for, politically: the two eclipses in August, Jupiter's opposition to Uranus in September, Jupiter entering Scorpio in October (where it will stay for about a year), and Saturn entering Capricorn in December (where it will stay for about two-and-a-half years).

"Mundane astrology" is the branch of astrology that astrologers use when considering politics. When you're reading your personal horoscope here at Broadly, we'll talk about Jupiter representing growth and expansion; however, from a mundane perspective, Jupiter is all about peace and prosperity, judges and clergy.

Saturn will often be described as the planet of fears and restrictions, but from a mundane perspective, it's all about the law and order, as well as more everyday things, like land ownership.

Your horoscope will often describe Uranus as the rebel of the zodiac, and similarly, mundane astrologers look to Uranus for technology, innovation, and, of course, rebellions. Clubs and societies are also Uranus-ruled concepts.

Throughout history, astrologers have regarded eclipses as periods when shifts in power take place. The lunar eclipse in Aquarius on August 7 and the solar eclipse in Leo on August 21 will bring unexpected events, as eclipses often do, and will be a critical time for the truth to be revealed. I'll be watching to see what news about the environment and agriculture will surface, as well as news about religious tension.

Jupiter and Uranus's opposition on September 28 is certainly one to watch out for, as things are not likely to go as planned (Uranus is all about surprises). Jupiter enters Scorpio on October 10, which I'm hopeful will be positive economically, and Saturn enters Capricorn on December 19—Saturn rules Capricorn, so this is a comfortable placement, which hopefully means that Saturn will be able to do what it likes doing easily: creating structure and order. It will be difficult for a bad leader to thrive under serious Saturn in hardworking Earth sign Capricorn.


Do you have a pressing question for Annabel? Email us with the subject line "DEAR ANNABEL": broadly.editor@vice.com