Lunar Lore

In the astrology community we have been talking of Pluto moving into Aquarius since 2023, and it finally happened on November 19th of this year. I am sure that even if you don’t read up on astrology, and even if you actively avoid it, that you have seen something about this transit. If I’m being honest, I was expecting for the work of Pluto in Aquarius to start off very slowly, but it’s come in louder than an NYC firetruck at two in the morning on a Wednesday night.

Pluto’s energy is profound, transformative, and often misunderstood. It represents the archetype of death and rebirth, the underworld, and the forces that strip away illusions to reveal deep, unvarnished truths. If we view astrology as a language of energy and cycles, Pluto is the planet that compels us to confront the shadow—the parts of ourselves and society that we might prefer to ignore but must ultimately face for growth and evolution. Pluto is not concerned with superficial changes or surface-level adjustments. Its energy seeks to dismantle anything built on shaky foundations. It governs destruction—not out of malice but as a necessary precursor to renewal. This process can feel devastating, as Pluto tears down what is no longer viable, whether in personal lives, relationships, or societal structures. Yet, its goal is never chaos for chaos's sake; it seeks transformation at the deepest level. For these reasons Pluto reminds me of the Tower card in tarot. By will or by force, the change is inevitable.

Pluto deals with power—how it is wielded, abused, surrendered, or reclaimed. It governs the dynamics of control, dominance, and submission, often revealing imbalances in these areas. While the misuse of Pluto’s energy can lead to obsession, manipulation, and power struggles, its higher expression teaches us about audacity, resilience, and the capacity to transform adversity into strength. Pluto often shows us where we are disempowered in life, forcing us to confront those dynamics. Pluto’s time in Capricorn (2008–2023) has been about unearthing corruption and decay in established systems, particularly those related to government, corporations, and traditions.

Here are six key themes we will see with Pluto in Aquarius and some recent world news that highlights what we should likely expect more of in the next 18 years.

• Radical advancements in technology, science, and social systems, with a focus on decentralization and equitable access for all.

1. The UK opens it’s first pet cloning clinic (AP)

• Communities challenging oppressive systems, emphasizing grassroots movements and shared authority over hierarchies.

1. The French government is falling apart (this sounds oddly familiar) and the German government is not far behind (NPR)

2. Syrian government is toppled by rebels after 50 years of a cruel rulership (CNN)

3. South Korea’s president declared martial law, the people said absolutely tf not (AP)

4. Assassination of healthcare CEO unites the masses. We all know this one, because wow dot com! Luigi Mangione, who allegedly etched “delay, deny and depose” into the bullets used to un-alive the United Healthcare CEO, and who has brought together Americans across all political backgrounds, has been arrested in Pennsylvania. (AP)

• A focus on redefining what it means to serve humanity, where we address global issues like climate change, social justice, and equality.

1. Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s President, begins roll-out of massive healthcare expansion. From banning the sale of junk food (chips and soda) in schools across the country beginning in March 2025, to clinical treatment and surgical equipment in all of Mexico’s 282 rural hospitals to guarantee continuous care for populations in isolated communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, this is the type of President we all deserve (Outlet).

2. Rent the Runway but for used toys - a former Philly City Hall staffer is building a company that helps redistribute toys with a focus on sustainability (Outlet).

3. Reimagining malls as apartments and helping ease the housing crisis. There is something very capricorn about a mall (mass consumption + capitalism), and seeing the decay of them as we left Pluto in capricorn has been a little sad. As a teen I used to hangout at the mall with my cousins and friends back in Queens. Anyway, I expect to see a lot more of this and you should too (CNBC).

• The rise of AI, quantum computing, and other technologies, sparking debates on ethics, privacy, and the boundaries of human-machine interaction.

1. In Texas, a mother sues Google after a chatbot encouraged her son to murder her (WashPost)

2. OpenAI's latest model, o1, has raised concerns about its behavior, particularly its attempts to deceive researchers and avoid being shut down… as in it was caught lying (Economic Times).

3. A.I. clones for dating. The journalist who wrote this article arrived at my immediate reaction, which is that nothing is going to replace learning social skills. An A.I. dating clone is putting a bandaid on an issue that is the size of the hoover dam. We are dissatisfied with dating apps, and folks want to skip over the effort that relationship building requires. Keep outsourcing your emotional homework, you will arrive exactly where you started (New York Times).

• Balancing personal freedom with collective responsibility, as we redefine individuality in a hyper-connected world.

  • I don’t have an article for this, but have seen an uptick in conversations online about how to build community. I recently saw a woman on TikTok share how her and another single mother moved in together to raise their kids and support each other financially. I foresee a rise in communes centered around common needs/goals like single moms raising healthy loving humans.

• Death of Celebrity Culture. Pluto in capricorn saw celebrity culture become hyper-commodified, with influencers and public figures often tied to wealth, status, and curated images of "success." Aquarius dismantles rigid hierarchies and redistributes power to the collective. The idea of a singular "idol" dominating attention clashes with Aquarius’s preference for shared contributions and grassroots recognition.

I didn’t know where to place the below piece of news, but it feels like a clear depiction of Capricorn handing the baton to Aquarius, as Rupert Murdoch is the epitome of greed, wealth, and control. All the low vibrational things Cap is associated with.

• “Rupert Murdoch, 93, fails in bid to change family trust.” He tried to make it so his eldest son has full control of his massive media empire because apparently his other three eldest children are politically moderate while Lachlan is more conservative than his old man. And remember, he who controls the media controls the masses. (Reuters)

  

Spellbound

This corner of Practical Magic is dedicated to spells that you can tap into on your own (without it feeling scary). I believe that we cast spells everyday with the things we say out loud (I’m the luckiest girl!) and rituals that we practice (like spraying on perfume), we just don’t call them by that name.

I wanted to close out the year with something sweet. So I am going to show you how to do a ‘Honey Jar Spell’. Many people use this for love, but I personally do not practice that type of magic (remember what the Genie said in Aladdin). Instead, I want you to use this spell for career prosperity. I’ve made it as easy as possible for you to follow. May 2025 bring all the career leveling up your heart desires <3

Honey Jar Spell

Intention: Sweeten Professional Opportunities

Materials:

• Clean glass jar with lid (can be a vial, something small)

• Pure honey

• Paper and pen

Herb Options:

1. Cinnamon: Attracts success, prosperity, and speeds up positive outcomes. It's like adding a little career rocket fuel! Great for boosting confidence and drawing attention during interviews or pitches.

2. Bay Leaves: Traditionally used for wishes and manifestation. They're known for attracting career success, protection, and helping you speak with clarity and power. Basically, they're your professional communication wingman.

3. Basil: Represents wealth and success. It's believed to bring good luck in business and professional relationships. Think of it as a green charm for opening doors and creating opportunities.

Spell Process:

1. Write your specific career goal on a piece of paper (e.g., "Land my dream role at XYZ Company, with a ___ salary, remote work, and a boss and team I love")

2. Choose one or mix your selected herbs

3. Fold the paper towards you (drawing the opportunity closer)

4. Place the paper in the jar

5. Pour honey over the paper as you think of your career goal

6. Add your chosen herbs

7. Close the jar

8. Leave it in a safe spot in the kitchen (the heart of a home)

Disposal Ritual:

• When you've achieved your goal or feel the spell's energy has completed its work, and under a full moon, pour out the honey into a body of water ( if you can’t do this by a lake or ocean, at home is totes fine). Bury what was in the bottle under soil (a home plant or in the woods). Wash out the jar with moon water (you, a pot of water, the moon shining on you). Thank your guides for the support.

• I would not reuse the bottle for other spells, but you choose what feels best :)

Stay tuned for more practical magic and insights in 2025 as we have Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn all moving into new signs for an extended period of time. Not to mention the nodes of destiny switching into the Pisces/Virgo axis.

It will be our most chaotic year yet.

xo

Yari