Horoscopes: August-September 2023

Horoscopes

By: May Smith  8-16-23

Aries – The Universe wants you to be drunk on love and ecstatic with joy. So, let go. Let go of the resistance, inner and outer, as you allow yourself to flow. Oh, the portals that will open up for you once you lay your trust back in the divine plan, beautiful! When it comes to your career, examine the discontentment and understand where it stems from. Chances are, you’re so focused on ‘making it to the top’, that you have silenced the voice of your soul. Of course, this is not a sign for you to make impulsive decisions or make radical changes. It is, however, a reminder to make more time for pleasure and play; to balance that which you do for money with that which you create for love. When it comes to your interpersonal relationships, practice patience. Understand where the other is coming from and what could have triggered them. You may or may not find a resolution immediately, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you’re willing to show up for who and what you love, every single day.

 

Taurus – Reflect upon these wise words by philosopher Osho as you begin the month, “The mind: a beautiful master, a dangerous servant.” Consider this as your reminder to step into the role of the observer. Become aware of the stories that your mind is telling you and how not all of these stories are necessarily true. With the help of meditation and mindfulness, you will be able to break the old patterns, beautifully. What’s more, transformation is also going to be a major theme for you. But, the journey towards self-realization isn’t always going to be love and light. You will have to examine your shadows along the way and transmute the wounds that have resurfaced into wisdom. Overheard at the cosmic conference: It’s time to awaken your inner alchemist. When it comes to interpersonal relationships, resolution is indicated. By holding space for the people in your life to come as they are, you will activate the portal of healing.

 

Gemini – the disappointment and disillusionment are serving a purpose. They are bringing to your awareness that which has served its purpose in the story of your life. So, sit down with the discomfort, be beautiful, offer it a cup of tea, and listen to what it has to say. You are now ready to rewrite the old story. You are now ready to dance your way into the portal of abundance and bliss with the inner knowing that you deserve to create a life that looks as lush on the outside as it feels on the inside. Know that you’re supported by the divine forces at every step along the way. Forgiveness is also showing up as a big theme for you in the coming weeks. So, say “thank you” often and say “thank you” every time somebody lets you down. They’re merely revealing to you, through their actions and words, whether or not they deserve a spot in your sacred circle. When it comes to matters of the heart, take more chances. A wild, passionate encounter is on the cards for you this month, one that will offer you a chance to break free from your own limitations.

 

Cancer – What if we said the Universe wants you to be happy? So, be ecstatic with joy and drunk on love, wild one. By getting out of your own way, you will discover that euphoria is your natural state of being. When it comes to romantic affairs, listen to what your gut is telling you. If you feel like something or somebody has served their purpose in the story of your life, you’re probably right. Letting your attachments get the better of you will only prolong your suffering. So, cut the cords wherever necessary. Cancerians who are single or in the process of ending things with a beloved may find themselves attracted to somebody in their inner circle. Pro: You already know them inside-out. Con: You may feel a sense of trepidation when it comes to reimagining your relationship. Mercury retrograde later this month could bring into your experience members of your soul tribe you have lost touch with. Spend quality time with those who uplift your spirit and awaken the song of your soul.

 

Leo – This is the month to love and be loved! Emerge as the star of every show and charm your way through both the boardroom and the ballroom. Your social life is going to be on fire, Leo, and nobody’s complaining! In addition to reuniting with members of your soul family, you will have the chance to expand your network. The key to making lasting connections? Showing up as your most authentic self in every situation. Lions who’ve been in a committed relationship for a while will find a way to reignite the spark; to experience a sense of melting and merging with the other through this divine union we call love. Those in the early stages of a relationship may feel inspired to hit the accelerator button and experience the joy of cohabitation. Just make sure you talk about the practical aspects of the big move before you get carried away by the stirrings of your heart. In the realm of your career, a new, fruitful opportunity is likely to come knocking at your door. In order to make space for the incoming blessings, you may have to give something up. Something that has been providing you with a safety net up until now. Overheard at the cosmic conference: some risks are worth taking, beautiful.

 

Virgo – Patterns, patterns everywhere, Virgo! The month ahead is about examining the inner workings of your mind, bringing to light that which has been hidden in the darkness, and replacing the old programs. Here’s the thing about change, though: it does not take place overnight. So, allow nature to take its course as you let go of violence in favor of gentleness. Things have a way of falling into place unexpectedly. What’s more, health and wellness are also likely to take center stage in the coming weeks. August 2023 sees you watching your consumption habits and actively cutting the toxins out of your diet. If you’re feeling inspired to experiment with new forms of movement, consider joining a Zumba class or RSVPing to an ecstatic dance gathering. What you don’t want to do: let the past weigh you down. Things transpired the way they transpired because they were meant to. You were meant to learn certain soul lessons through the given interactions. It’s now time to open yourself to the alchemy of love and to feel magic coursing through your veins.

 

Libra – What is yours cannot and will not be taken away from you. Understanding this is growth; it’s maturity. So, if you feel like something or someone is slipping through your fingers like sand, let them. By walking the path of least resistance, you will create space in your life for a partner who’s willing to go all in. Besides, it’s not your job to convince other people of your worth and value, beautiful. Committed Venusians, this is a time of radical growth and transformation. August sees you and your beloved dancing the dance of life alongside each other. It sees you holding space for the other to show up in the big, bad world with a brave and open heart. You don’t necessarily know where life is taking you, and that’s okay. What matters is that, in this moment, you are infinite. When it comes to your professional pursuits, you are stepping into a leadership role. You are reclaiming your power and sharing your spiritual and creative gifts in a way that you feel called to. On the downside, your finances could be suffering at the moment. Just make sure that the starving artist mindset isn’t coming in the way of creating the wealth and abundance you desire and deserve.

 

Scorpio – Who are you, if not who you’ve been told to be? Your journey this month is to observe the internal barriers that keep you from showing up in the big, bad world as the most authentic version of yourself. Just a reminder: You were not sent here to dim your light in order to make other people feel comfortable. For those who want to love and be loved, August 2023 is the perfect month to experiment with new ways of relating. Expanding your definition of what family means and taking a step towards communal living may also be on the cards for some. When it comes to career and creativity, you’re being encouraged to follow your heart. The guidance that’s being revealed to you may only make sense to you, and that’s okay. Your inner compass will always lead you in the direction of growth and expansion.

 

Sagittarius – Clarity is your greatest gift this month. You know who you are and you know what you’re here to do. You’re confident in your ability to manifest opportunities that will help you move in the direction of growth. Speaking of movement, make sure you have a suitcase packed at all times. You never know when the chance to hop onto a magic bus or take the next flight out may present itself. Geographical expansion is also indicated in the coming months, especially in career and creativity. On the downside, your finances may or may not see exponential growth in the near future. If this is a cause of concern for you, make sure you have a chat with your clients/superiors and put your expectations on the table. When it comes to your interpersonal relationships, practice forgiveness. Things transpired in the way they did because they were meant to awaken you and teach you specific soul lessons. By accepting your past, you will eventually be able to make peace with where you are and open yourself to the infinite possibility of what you can co-create.

 

Capricorn – ‘Two” is your magic number this month. In case you’re thinking about partnering up with somebody and/or expanding your business, consider this as a confirmation from the divine forces above. Thinking big and making bold moves will pay off in more ways than you can imagine and in more ways than you can count. Some of you may be considering going the teaching or mentoring route. Trust that you have the wisdom and humility required to guide those who are walking the same path as you. When it comes to love and relationships, expand your heart and your mind. Practice forgiveness often as you make a conscious effort to understand where the other is coming from and what could have possibly triggered them. You have the power to create a safe haven for the both of you, Capricorn. You have the power to rewrite the story of your togetherness with the gift of loving awareness.

 

Aquarius – If there’s something your time on earth has taught you, it’s that the Universe is benevolent and that it never puts anything in your path that you’re unequipped to handle. In other words, you have the strength, courage, and resilience required to flip the script, to make things work *for* you instead. Overheard at the cosmic conference: it’s time to tap into that wild, warrior spirit! When it comes to romantic affairs, you’re being encouraged to show up with a brave and open heart. To trust in the magic of the moment and to give yourself the permission to explore the possibility of all that you can co-create with that special someone in your life. Here’s a popular quote from the rom-com Dreams of An Insomniac to remember as you make your way into August: “Unless it’s mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it’s a waste of your time. There are too many mediocre things in life. Love shouldn’t be one of them.”

 

Pisces – Yours is not a story of defeat and failure, Pisces. So, look your demons in the eye as you offer them a listening ear. The Universe is providing you with the opportunity to turn your breakdowns into breakthroughs and to permanently flip the script in a manner that supports your growth and evolution. When in doubt, remember the magic that’s coursing through your veins and the infinite possibility of what you can co-create. When it comes to love and relationships, stability is indicated. The inner knowing that they are both your safe space and your greatest adventure never fails to bring a smile to your face. Neptunians who are in the early stages of romance may feel inspired to hit the accelerator button, exchange keys, or take that first step toward cohabitation. Only you know what’s right for you and what isn’t. Just make sure you discuss the practical details of the move and how you would like to be supported by each other as you take that next step.

 

Advice Column: How to survive your first month of high school

By: Kendall Zuniga and Brittney Rodriguez 

Are you terrified of what your freshman year is going to be like? Worried you weren’t going to have the same classes as some of your friends? How hard are your classes going to be? The seniors were in the exact same position as you were once. It’s okay to be scared of new places though, that’s all part of the journey to get to your destination. Now I know what you’re thinking, “Okay, but how did the seniors even make it through their last year? “What did they even do to get to where they are?” and the answer to that is simple. You keep going. 

You keep going even when you want to give up, just keep swimming. Life isn’t meant to be easy, life throws boulders at you and sometimes you can’t dodge them. Sometimes you have to take the hits and endure the pain of it. Yes, this is all easier said than done but, we face the most gut-wrenching challenges in life in order to prepare us for the future. It’s all part of the process, you’re human. Try not to let the small things get you down, take your mistakes and learn from them. 

People like Stephen King have failed many times before succeeding, Stephen King’s first book “Carrie” was rejected over 30 times because publishers weren’t interested in selling negative utopia-science fiction. He decided to give up and threw his novel into the trash, King’s wife noticed the book retrieved it, and encouraged him to resubmit his novel to publishers. Today, Stephen King has written 65 novels and has sold more than 400 million copies of “The Shining”, “IT”, and “Carrie” worldwide. 

It is up to you whether or not you fail or succeed, you pave the path you walk upon. You will have people who love and support you every step of the way as you figure out and travel down the winding paths of not only high school but of life. 

Meet Our Foreign Exchange Students: Heloísa Torres & Akihiro Shi

By: Allison Collins

 

Left to right: Heloísa Torres, Akihrio Shi & Mrs. Williams posing for a selfie

Do you want to know more about the foreign exchange students here at PHS? Well, you found the place. The first two we have had the pleasure of interviewing are Heloisa and Akihiro, who are hosted by Mrs. Williams for their stay. 

Heloisa is a junior and from Sao Paulo, Brazil. For her, the biggest difference between schools in America versus Brazil is the fact that, here, we have the opportunity to change classrooms & choose what classes we can take. As she explained, “In Brazil, we have 16 subjects and it’s the same for everyone in the same year, so we don’t need to change classrooms”. Heloisa is a part of the jazz band & plays the keyboard. She also does UIL academics. She chose to be a foreign exchange student because,  “My country is my love, but I always wanted to meet the world to understand cultures and traditions.” Heloisa also spoke about how her geography teacher, in Brazil, is who motivated her to apply for the program.

Akihiro is also a junior, and from Kobe, Japan. He says the biggest difference between Pleasanton and Japan is, “this school is much freer, in japan we have uniforms and we are not allowed to go to the bathroom during class”. He’s interested in playing sports, already being in tennis. He decided to become an exchange student because “if I can speak English in Japan, it would be very advantageous to get a job”. 

If you see our new students around campus, be sure to give them a friendly welcome!

Monthly Cause: Don’t Be A Bully Month

By: Allison Collins 

 

“Back to School” season can be exciting for some. It brings the opportunity of meeting new friends, trying new classes, ect. For others, it can be the start of another year of bullying. Bullying affects many students, in fact, 1 in 5 students aged 12-18 are/ have been bullied in the past school year. 

Bullying comes in many different forms. One of the more common forms of bullying comes from verbal bullying. Verbal bullying can range from gossiping about the person, talking badly about them to their peers, to making up rumors. Actions like those cause students to feel uncomfortable in their school environment and can lead to them not wanting to come to school.

Not only can it affect the student’s education & school performance it can affect their mental health. People who experience bullying have a higher chance of experiencing things like depression & anxiety. Some of these symptoms can last up to 40 years after the original bullying took place.

One might pose the question: what causes someone to turn into a bully? Most of the time, the bully themselves is experiencing some type of negativity. Internally, they may struggle with issues like lack of self-esteem, wanting to have control of others, or they themselves feel outcasted. Externally, the bully is getting either bullied at home or someplace else. In fact, bullies are nearly twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety themselves. 

So, how do you stop the cycle? How can you help? Encourage healthy social skills. Teach kids to be nice to one another. Even if someone isn’t being nice to you, you never know what that person can be going through privately. This school year, the student council partnered with the “Dude. Be Nice” project. This project’s mission is to get people to treat themselves and others. You can stop by the PHS Library and order your own “Dude. Be Nice” t-shirt to support the cause!

Student Spotlight: Stephen West

By: Leighlah Silva and Kendall Zuniga 

 

 

Welcome back to PHS! A new school year means new students in our monthly student spotlight. This month, the Quill staff have chosen senior Stephen West to shed some green and white light upon. Though quiet to the school’s eye, Stephen makes noise with the varsity football team every Friday night whether it’s being in the game or on the sidelines cheering for his fellow teammates on getting a touchdown. In his free time, Stephen continues to play football from 4 to 7 p.m. after school. Participating in sports has brought many friends and opportunities into Stephen’s life over the last 4 years of his high school career, and continues to be an experience he admires greatly. He has shown a lot of “Eagle Pride” within his fellow peers over the years and he is excited to finish off his football career with the Pleasanton Eagle Varsity Football team.  

After high school, Stephen plans on attending A&M Kingsville University. He is uncertain what subject he wants to major in. Nonetheless, we know that no matter what he will be successful and the timing will come when he decides what he wants to major in. Stephen is highly talented both in and out of the classroom. He has an amazing future ahead of him. The Journalism staff are filled with gratitude for the golden opportunity to become acquainted with more knowledge about Stephen West. We wish him the best of luck for the amazing future he has ahead of him! Pride, Pride!