Cosmic Culture 09/27

The solar (new moon) eclipse in Libra looks to tip the scales in your favor. Just because you’re playing nice doesn’t mean you’re playing fair. Let go and set fire to the rain.

TODAY is Not Guaranteed

In the second biggest shocking item to come out of NY this week, hosting legend Hoda Kotb officially announced her departure from TODAY early next year. She will, however, remain part of the NBC family (TBD in what capacity). On the Sept 26 live broadcast, Hoda tearfully shared how her 60th birthday in August sparked an epiphany: "I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new.” She also mentioned her kids, and wanting more time to spend with them in this next chapter.  Hoda has been with NBC News for nearly three decades (!) and has co-anchored TODAY with Savannah Guthrie for over five years. Thank you, Hoda, for setting the example that there’s no shame in redirecting your life once you’ve climbed to the top of your mountain. 

✨ Cosmic alert: At 60, Hoda recently celebrated her second Saturn Return. You might’ve heard a thing or two about the Saturn Return between 28 and 30 years old...well, buckle up because planetary tough daddy Saturn makes its way around the block once more to usher in the third act of your life. This time, however, Saturn begs the question: are you proud of the legacy you’ve built? It’s time to reflect on how much time you have left and share your wisdom to pay it forward. 

Say Yes to Heaven

There is very little that Lana Del Rey can do that would surprise us. Yes, that includes marrying Louisiana alligator tour guide Jeremy Dufrene this week - a month after tabloids “soft-launched” their romance. The couple exchanged vows at the same bayou where Jeremy operates his swamp boat tours. Whatever floats her boat, we guess. This isn’t the first time Lana and Jeremy have been linked. The couple met back in March 2019 when Lana took one of his airboat tours while she was in town for a concert. That’s SO Hallmark holiday movie coded. We wish Lana and her guy nothing but love and privacy in their chapter forward. 

✨ Cosmic alert: We can learn about Lana’s romantic preferences by understanding her natal Venus. Lana has her Venus in Taurus, a grounded earth sign that seeks stability and a “simple” life. She values consistency, a "working man" ethos, and someone who matches her fierce loyalty as a Scorpio rising. Taurus is also the Zodiac sign associated with flora and fauna, lining up with Jeremy’s line of work as an alligator swamp boat tour guide. 

Thank You, Maggie

The week ended tearfully with the news of celebrated British actress Dame Maggie Smith’s passing at 89. Maggie was one of the most prolific British actors of all time, winning two Oscars during her decade-spanning career for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite. Smith also won four Emmys, three for Downton Abbey, and eight BAFTA awards. Casual. Millennials, however, will most likely remember her for her memorable turns in Harry Potter and Downtown Abbey (even though she once summarized her later roles as a “galley of grotesques”) As we settle into a requisite tributary binge-watch of Downtown Abbey, we’ll leave you with an iconic quote from the legend herself: “It’s true I don’t tolerate fools, but then they don’t tolerate me, so I am spiky. Maybe that’s why I’m quite good at playing spiky elderly ladies.”

✨ Cosmic Alert: Dame Maggie Smith was a Capricorn legend, with three planets in the earthy, resilient sign: Sun (ego and highest potential) Venus (values and artistry), and Mercury (dialogue and communication). Capricorn is the Zodiac sign often linked with wisdom and elders, describing classic and timeless exemplary energy. Capricorns are also known for their dry humor and impeccable timing. The dame was inherently a g.o.a.t—she didn’t need a knighthood or an Oscar to prove it. 

Tasha is a former Wall Street cog turned spiritual astrologer and pop culture aficionado. When she's not busy analyzing her clients' natal charts, you can find her decompressing to the soothing loop of Bravo Housewives fighting in the background. She's also the co-host of the Bravo weekly recap podcast, Popposites Attract. Follow her on Instagram  for more of her astrologically-inclined pop culture hot takes and deep dives.