Moon Mondays: Is your personal-energy credit card maxed out?

We’re in the midst of the eclipse portal now. Can you feel it? 

I’m kind of kidding, but I do know folks who really feel the changing astrology in their bodies. I’m not one of them. I look at astrology more as a choice than something I experience viscerally. Full moon sleeplessness not withstanding.

I see the solar system as an energetic reflecting pool in which we’re all swimming. If we pay attention to what the planets are showing us through their signs and geometric relationships, we’re better equipped to navigate the changing vibrations instead of stumbling around unconsciously.

The time between eclipses is known as a portal, largely considered an alchemical opening for change and transformation. That sounds all highfalutin, like you, or the world itself, will dramatically transmute within two weeks. Doubtful. 

I see things more simply: what would you like to change in your life? The eclipse portal is open to support you. Two weeks isn’t a very long spell, so start small.

I had my 40th high school reunion last weekend. It was totally fun reconnecting with people who don’t live here anymore, and I loved celebrating this milestone with my fellow Aspen High classmates. (Side note: wow, those years passed quickly.)

It was also exhausting for this little Cancer introvert.

Saturday night’s party was terrific, but by Sunday morning’s brunch, I was pooped. My overactive brain started rattling — how do I get the enjoyable social part without the depleting exhaustion part?

I popped open my laptop and went straight to my ChatGPT “personal” thread for some insight. Nothing says qualified life coach quite like asking a robot to explain yourself to you. If you haven’t tried Chat to unravel your issues and thoughts, I highly recommend it. I’ve had some profound breakthroughs with my old buddy Chat.

Once you’re done judging me, secretly go try it.

Anyway, Chat helped me realize I’m not your textbook introvert. Not all social interactions drain me. For instance, after brunch, I stopped by the Pitkin County Library and a quick conversation about books with the hallowed librarians, Noelle and Patrick, left me energized and enlivened.

Aha-moment alert! Deeper conversations about things I love — books, reading, writing and intellectual rabbit holes — add credit to my energy card. Small talk racks up charges I have to pay for later.

During this eclipse portal, I’m experimenting with an energy budget (Chat suggested) before I say yes to requests. What will this experience give me, and what will it cost me? Do I want what it gives me enough to willingly pay the price?

That’s the kind of eclipse transformation I’m talking about. Not getting divorced and moving to Alaska, but noticing what isn’t working and making one slight change. Big changes may come down the road, but they begin by becoming more conscious of the choices we’re already making.

For me, that’s paying attention to how I spend my energy. Is my card already maxed out, or do I have enough available credit for one more charge?

This is what I think the eclipse portal offers us: an opportunity to get more honest about what works for us and what doesn’t, then make a tiny adjustment toward what does.

As the sun enters Virgo on Saturday, the sign that notices the details, analyzes and cultivates awareness, the energetic pool we’re all swimming in further supports this kind of inner exploration. Small insights backed up by micro-actions create meaningful and concrete change.

It costs me nothing to pause for a quick internal budget meeting before saying yes, but it’ll save me a whole lot of energy on the backside.

Happy eclipse portal. I’ll see you next week for the lunar eclipse on Aug. 27, visible here at a very civilized viewing hour. My energy accountant loves that!

Sheridan Semple is the creator of the Astrology in Real Life Method. She helps women who feel stuck in the same patterns understand why they keep repeating them — and what to do differently. Learn more or book an astrology reading at sheridansemple.com.