Latest news with #Mercurial
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
What is a birth chart in astrology – and what does yours say about you?
Visually, it appears as a circle: you can imagine the upper half representing the sky above the horizon, and the lower half showing the part of the sky below the horizon. A birth chart is made up of three essential components: the 12 zodiac signs, the 12 houses and the 10 planets (including the Sun and Moon). Each of these parts represents specific energies, and their arrangement emphasises or de-emphasises certain personality traits and life themes. The part of a birth chart most people know is their Sun sign. When someone asks, 'What's your zodiac sign?' they're really asking, 'Which zodiac sign was the Sun in at the moment of your birth?' While the Sun sign is important, it only tells a small piece of the story. In reality, everyone has multiple prominent zodiac signs represented in their birth chart. While not all 12 signs will carry the same 'volume', it's common for at least two or three to stand out as significant influences. I like to think of this as a colour palette. When we bring these emphasised signs together, they create a unique vibe. Some palettes blend complementary shades, while others feature stark contrasts – both are beautiful in their own way. This explains why some people display contrasting personality traits, while others behave consistently across different situations. Similarly, every chart highlights a different set of what I like to call 'main character planets'. For example, someone might be considered Mercurial (Mercury as main character energy) if they're naturally chatty and curious, or Venusian (Venus as main character energy) if they're social and diplomatic. Finally, when we look at the houses in a birth chart, we're exploring major life topics: things like home, siblings, relationships, career and more. The birth chart can also reveal which life areas may offer the most personal growth over a lifetime, and how best to navigate those themes.
Refinery29
17-07-2025
- General
- Refinery29
Mercury Retrograde In Leo Is Going To Be A Rollercoaster For You
Welcome to this summer's Mercury retrograde in Leo. From July 18th to August 11th, the quicksilver celestial entity revisits a story that began on June 30th (so take notes to see how it maps out) and ends on August 25th (when the post-retroshade ends). All aboard the Mercurial rollercoaster that will dominate the summer! The planet of communication, Mercury, backslides in the sky approximately every three months. So three to four times a year the trickster planet slows down in speed, a time known as Mercury retrograde, often seen as having the potential to create havoc for us earthlings. We can experience difficulties in travel, communication, and technology. There may be disagreements with people due to the lack of clarity in a conversation or confusion over the tone in a text or email. The retrograde is also a time when old ghosts choose to resurrect themselves. Exes, former acquaintances, and people we haven't heard from in a while come back into our lives, welcome or not. But their reappearance is often temporary and may not go anywhere or result in anything significant. Yes, getting clarity on what went wrong and having closure is excellent. However, the connection fizzles out faster than a flat Aperol Spritz once Mercury turns direct. Once again, we could feel confused and heartbroken. Dating during Mercury retrograde could go either way. We might feel we've met a kindred spirit on the apps, leading us to jump into situationships immediately. As long as we go with the flow and don't commit to anyone, the capacity for the ship to go on is high. The relationships we form might not make sense to anyone, not even to the people involved, so it's best to live in the moment and not think about the future. As this summer's Mercury retrograde is in Leo, we can expect to receive big declarations of love and emotion, regardless of whether they're real. We will be doing the same. But we need to take the time to examine our own feelings. We must avoid situations if the amorous, intense statements we're hearing make us dizzy or anxious. If we're feeling positive and our fire ignites, then we might want to shift with the vibe. Gauge the matter by protecting your energy from hurt by regularly cleansing your home and space with herbs like sage and frankincense. But the best way to rid ourselves of negativity and to keep our vibe right is to ensure we're in good spirits. For the most part, this retrograde will be aspecting Venus in Gemini. With this close planetary connection, we will be dealing with romantic situations and notions that may open our minds to new ways of loving. The only way to get through the retrograde unscathed is to focus on what matters most to us. Meditate and contemplate on how you wish to move forward. Do not take any action until you know for sure how you want to proceed. The most critical relationship in your life is the one you have with yourself and doing anything that goes against your intuition or puts you in any harm is a red flag. The greatest love of your life is you and you'll begin to realize this during Mercury's backsplash. July 31st is the most crucial day of Mercury retrograde because the trickster planet aligns with the sun in Leo. Astrologically, this transit is called 'cazimi,' meaning that Mercury is in the heart of the sun. The force gives Mercury power and enthusiasm to act correctly and with greatness. Use this date to make plans, schedule meetings or appointments, connect with others, and to take charge of your life. Knowing how to move with the cosmic energy will help us make strides amidst the uncertainty of Mercury retrograde.
NZ Herald
03-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Marsh attempting to teach old sprinting dog some new tricks
Well-performed sprinter Mercurial has progressed well since his resuming effort and with the addition of headgear at Te Rapa, he's expected to be more of a force to be reckoned with. The son of Burgundy will step out in the Group 1 Turf Bar Sprint (1200m) tomorrow with promising apprentice
Refinery29
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Venus In Gemini Is Here — It's Time For You To Manifest
Life is getting a little lighter from July 4th to 30th, when Venus strolls into the air sign Gemini. We'll want to be cool, calm, and collected in the upcoming weeks as well as extra communicative about our feelings. We will have a lot to let out and not enough time to do so. Unfairly, Venus in Gemini gets a lot of hate. The mirror has two faces, but that doesn't mean that either one is bad. It's all about perspective during this period, so think about what you wish to manifest. Opening ourselves up to enriching opportunities outside our comfort zone will be exhilarating, so we shouldn't hold ourselves back. Say 'yes' to invites that you usually would decline to cultivate a community with like-minded folks. Be a social butterfly. Spread your wings and fly. Why do we love Venus and Gemini so much? For starters, we become more curious, playful, and fun. Expressing ourselves will be easier than usual because we can understand our feelings more deeply and, following on from that, communicate those feelings with care and respect. It's a great time to get to know someone we've just met by sharing our aspirations and goals. Venus and Gemini are super optimistic, and we can encourage others to live their best lives and strive for greatness. There is no judgment when Venus is in Gemini since we genuinely want to see others succeed. This isn't an ideal time to commit to endeavors or others because Venus-Gemini wants to be free. No one will want to dominate or control those they care about; instead, they will offer camaraderie and liveliness. As long as the person has a sharp mind and sense of humor, we'll find that there is an attraction looming beneath the surface. Obvs, we'll be yapping nonstop (Venus is in a Mercurial sign). Send the text and the email, just be patient while waiting for a response. Other people aren't working on our timeline, so it's not exactly doom or gloom if they take a beat to get back to us. Venus in Gemini can have no chill at moments, creating unnecessary issues that aren't worth the drama. We'll have to laugh it off and focus on pursuits that matter.. Watch out for overspending during this transit. Venus in Gemini isn't known to be in tune with bank account statements or credit card bills due to its frivolous and impulsive nature. Picking up the bar tab at happy hour might seem like a charming way to show gratitude, but it'll leave you in a financial pinch. Make sure you opt to split the bill or send Venmo requests immediately. If possible, try to shop the sales. Don't blow your paycheck the minute you get it. Save a few dollars to have a safety net. The next several weeks are going to be interesting when it comes to partnerships and money matters. Venus in Gemini harmonizes with Saturn and Neptune retrograde on July 6th, making us dream of our next vision. The following day, Pluto retrogrades in Pluto, stirring the pot and bringing us power struggles and emotional turbulence. The best advice is to keep your thoughts within your inner circle and to give advice when asked. You don't need to deal with other people's messiness instead of your own. On July 21st, Venus squares the Nodes of Destiny, offering us a choice of how to proceed. Venus and Mars in Virgo shake up our desires on July 23rd — send a sexy text to your crush that makes you both blush on that date.
Vogue Singapore
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Meet the designers behind the custom looks for Vogue Singapore's ‘Home' issue cover shoot
Zantz Han For our July/August issue, we take a deep dive right into the crux of home. What does home mean to you? On a seemingly humble scale, it could be the comfort of a warm dinner with your family after a long day—served on the same dishware that's been passed down for years, with intricate details and every sign of being well-loved. On a larger scale, home could mean community—especially within Southeast Asia. Travelling to neighbouring countries and still finding slices of your own culture a few hundred miles away: in the food, the language, and even in the way people dress. And what better way to pay tribute to the idea of home than by spotlighting regional designers who've made it their mission to honour heritage while rethinking it for today. Across custom pieces, archival finds and modern reinterpretations, these five designers shaped the looks for our shoot—each one carrying a distinct piece of tradition. Together, these pieces come together to craft a vibrant visual feast of heritage, seen through a dynamic Southeast Asian lens. Below, we spotlight and delve deeper into the five visionaries and their designs, each bringing their own distinct take on melding heritage with the pulse of today. Zantz Han 1 / 5 Adeline Esther Adeline Esther is an Indonesian fashion designer celebrated for her couture creations that blend traditional craftsmanship with fresh, avant-garde aesthetics. A graduate of ESMOD Jakarta, she founded her eponymous label in 2016, quickly gaining attention for her intricate designs and attention to detail. Her work often features structural silhouettes, elaborate embellishments, and a keen sense of experiment. In 2024, she debuted at Plaza Indonesia Fashion Week with the 'Mercurial' collection, showcasing 15 sequin-heavy gowns that shimmered like molten mercury. For the cover shoot, Esther presents two custom creations: a bridal-inspired ensemble embroidered with delicate gold threads and a coordinating headpiece, alongside a voluminous floral skirt paired with a sharply tailored black jacket—a subtle nod to the enduring East-meets-West silhouette. Shop Ester. Zantz Han 2 / 5 Behati Behati is a Malaysian fashion brand founded by designer Kel Wen in 2018, aiming to redefine traditional Malaysian attire for the modern era. The name Behati meaning 'heart' or 'blessing' in Malay, reflects the brand's philosophy of infusing cultural heritage with contemporary design. Kel Wen's background in fashion design and his diverse upbringing in Melaka, Malaysia, influenced his appreciation for the country's multiracial society. Behati's collections often feature reinterpretations of traditional garments like the Baju Melayu and sarees, incorporating modern fabrics and silhouettes to appeal to a younger, fashion-forward audience. The brand has gained recognition for its innovative approach to cultural wear, blending elements from various Malaysian ethnic groups to create a cohesive and inclusive fashion narrative. Behati's designs have been showcased at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week and have attracted a growing following among millennials and Gen Z consumers. The cover shoot sees the Malaysian designer once again pushing boundaries with bold designs that play with proportion, plus a daring, translucent peekaboo peony piece that reimagines the floral emblem with fresh, edgy flair. Shop Behati. Zantz Han 3 / 5 Laichan Local designer Laichan Goh—often hailed as the 'godfather of modern cheongsam'—was instrumental in reshaping traditional Chinese attire in Singapore with his figure-flattering cuts and a seamless blend of classic and contemporary styles. Since launching The Dress Shop in the '80s and later establishing a presence at Raffles Hotel Arcade in 1991, Laichan's elegant qipaos became synonymous with vintage glamour. After his recent passing, his visionary legacy lives on as his brother, Eddie Goh, now helms the label, carrying forward the delicate balance of heritage and modernity that defined Laichan's work. The spread features the local visionary's makings in the form of a striking red qipao worn by Zoe Tay , channelling the perfect dose of retro sophistication. Shop Laichan. Zantz Han 4 / 5 Toton Also from Indonesia, Toton Januar is a designer renowned for his ability to merge familiar Indonesian textiles with modish silhouettes. Born in Makassar and raised by his seamstress mother, Toton developed a passion for design early on. Initially pursuing civil engineering, he later switched to Media Broadcasting and eventually studied Fashion at Parsons New School of Design in New York. In 2012, he co-founded the brand Toton with Haryo Balitar, aiming to reinterpret Indonesia's rich cultural heritage through contemporary fashion. His designs often incorporate traditional fabrics like Batik and Ikat, reimagined in modern cuts and styles. Toton's work has been showcased at international platforms such as Paris Fashion Week and Tokyo Fashion Week. His commitment to sustainability and ethical practices has also garnered attention, with collections that emphasise artistry and cultural preservation. For our 'Home' issue, Toton reinterprets the kebaya with intricate lacework and modern cuts, offering a softer, romantic take on heritage dressing. Shop Toton the Label. Zantz Han 5 / 5 Raymond Wong Raymond Wong is a Singaporean fashion designer and founder of Rumah Kim Choo, known for his expertise in traditional Peranakan attire. Wong's passion for preserving Peranakan heritage has led him to acquire and restore these garments, ensuring that the intricate beadwork, embroidery, and craftsmanship are maintained for future generations. His work serves as a bridge between the past and present, highlighting the rich cultural history of the Peranakan community in Singapore. Through his collections and exhibitions, Raymond Wong has contributed significantly to the appreciation and understanding of Peranakan fashion and its importance in our local multicultural tapestry. Anchoring the cover shoot is a vibrant piece of living history—a rare 1965 koon , a traditional Peranakan wedding garment from the local designer. Shop Rumah Kim Choo. Vogue Singapore's July/August 'Home' issue will be out on newsstands from 13 July and available to preorder online.
