Signed Advice by Dainesha Nugent-Palache & Meech Boakye | Eleventh House

boredom by remaining mentally stimulated, especially through late summer when Mercury is transiting your fifth house. Explore various outlets for the dissemination of ideas, and look to others for stimulating conversation.

my voice is necessary, my voice is powerful, the things I say affect change.

acquiring new knowledge in privacy, which can later be shared on a larger platform when the moment presents itself. Follow the pull to explore new philosophies and esoteric ideas, as the information you amass will help you either shed or reinforce existing preconceptions. You are in the process of building a more powerful version of yourself and, through spring and summer, your attention will shift towards researching how to achieve your more personal goals.

of the role that you play within the groups you belong to, and to how you contributribute to the dynamics within your friendships. Is it possible that you’ve outgrown some of these connections, or should you adjust the way you approach some of your relationships? Check in to make sure your ego hasn’t taken centre stage. Instead of trying to control other people, consider what you can do for the community at large.

prosperity. You’ve got luck and charm on your side, and the universe wants to reward you for staying true to your passions. When Jupiter and Pluto conjunct, and the ways of everyday life begin to shift before you, envision how you can make use of your status to usher in a better world.

building the best public version of yourself as you prepare to be thrusted into the spotlight. Think about your definition of success and what you can do to get there. When Saturn and Mars conjunct in Aquarius, entertain the possibility of redefining your objectives to include the community at large. The binary tensions between self and other, public and private, can be quashed by seeking comfort and familiarity when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

of what you choose to reveal. As much fun as you’ll find it to be social, you will simultaneously find yourself battling your intuition urging you to keep some distance. Don’t reveal things until they are solidified beyond the point of tampering, be it energetic or otherwise. Without stirring up paranoia, remember we all have the ability to conceal our true intentions, also, you never know who’s a snitch! Remaining cautious when speaking to others will prove beneficial to you in the long run.

knowledge in all its forms; endeavour to be a much wiser and informed version of yourself by the end of this period. Explore anything that piques your interest, and discuss ideas deeply with whoever is willing to partake. If you come across an idea that feels unexplored or incompletely articulated, take time to delve into it as you may uncover an opportunity for innovation.

any unwillingness to grow beyond what you already know, literally and figuratively. Just because you’ve held onto a philosophy for most of your life, or applied numerous hours to a vocation, doesn’t mean you cannot branch off into other directions.

I look backwards to move forward; my past is a stepping stone to the future, but does not define the present.

the embodiment of true love. You don’t have to seek this in an individual, unless that’s what you’re after. True love can be realized in the pursuit of a passion, or in the commitment to a craft or community. The act of learning to truly love yourself is, also, always a worthwhile pursuit.

your inner demons. Facing your darkness can stir up a lot of complex emotions that make it difficult to assess the best way forward. Don’t indulge your darkness by embracing, trying to justify it or attempting to bury it away. Instead, show compassion to yourself and for all that you’ve been through. Addressing your wounds will actually make it easier to relate to others.

I am the best assessor of my accomplishments; external measures mostly exist to remind my ego.

taking stock of your principles and what it is you think you know. Do you feel like there are gaps in your knowledge worth filling, or beliefs you’ve held onto that are worth reassessing? Do that at this time. Do you feel spiritually disconnected? Explore this void and see where it leads. Be a sponge, but be discerning. At the same time, make sure you’re putting your ideas into practice; your intellectual and spiritual leveling up will assist you as you push towards material growth, and career success.

of any intuitive downloads you receive, especially as they relate to the things you do in the public eye and your life path. If you feel an impulse to create something, don’t put it off until later or it could lose its authenticity and potency; this might be easier to do when Mars is in your tenth house earlier in the spring, assisting you to work furiously toward your goals. However, you should be especially attentive when Neptune goes Rx in June and your judgment becomes more easily clouded. During this time it could feel natural to find contentment in conceptualization alone––this is a trap! Don’t delude yourself into thinking that thought alone is enough to manifest your material goals. Visualizing what you want is an important first step in manifestation, but don’t gloss over physical work involved if you wish to attain tangible results.

clearing space to absorb new energies and opportunities. Each year, as we approach our solar return, we experience shifts and endings that prepare us to begin a new cycle. Addressing psychic wounds that have been ignored, concealed or left unresolved will expand your capacity to align with your higher self. Often, the same is true about the people we surround ourselves with; is it possible that your ‘friends’ don’t actually have your best interests in mind? Do you experience interpersonal power struggles? Is it possible you’re the one negatively impacting your relationships? Work to build social and professional connections that compliment the direction you intend to move in.

of all the growth you’re doing over these next months. Keep record of your goals, accomplishments and epiphanies to return to later, since mentally you’ll be too engrossed in new information and engaging speculative ideas to pat yourself on the back in the moment.

harmonious social relationships. Your desire to feel wholly accepted, supported and listened to by those around you can be realized at this time. Leading up to the new moon on April 22, think about what kinds of bonds you would like to forge; meditate on the kinds of people who could add richness to your life. It would serve you well to engage communicative friendships that are rooted in intellectual exchange, since you will require much more cerebral stimulation and release when Mercury, the planet of communication, transits your eleventh house.

your social anxieties––yes, obviously it’s not that simple! But instead of beating yourself up over the split between your impulse to connect and an inability to do so as you’d like, accept things for what they are. Spending time alone, getting to know yourself better will actually assist your social confidence when you’re out in the world.

to understand others I must know myself. Through others I locate more of myself.

a version of yourself that strives for cooperation, never allowing ego to dictate action.

all feelings of intellectual inferiority. Not knowing is truly exciting! Admitting that you know very little in the grand scheme of the world shouldn’t be shameful, it should be freeing to realize you aren’t confined to what you already know. Knowledge is mutable.

uncertainty leads to discovery if you’re curious enough.

strengthening your platonic bonds and devotion to community building, as this will support the inner work you’ve been doing. Leos are ruled by the sun, so you’re naturally attractive to others––and that’s just the way you like it––exhibiting magnanimity intensifies this effect, assisting you to widen your circle. However, it would be wise of you to be considerate and intentional when befriending people, especially since it’s likely most of your time will be spent concerned with private matters best left unexposed. Instead of forging superficial bonds, think about your own capacity to contribute meaningfully to the relationship, and the potential that you can rely on one another. Collaboration is key for you. Align yourself with those who share a similar vision, and consider ways to communicate your message to a larger audience. Don’t be afraid to pull inspiration from your past, as this could be healing, but apply the knowledge you’ve acquired to illuminate lessons gained from your experiences.

of your financial and physical wellbeing. Health = wealth. To be physically well is to possess true abundance. Think about the last time you were incapacitated by poor health; there was definitely a point where you couldn’t help but mourn all the things you took for granted when you were healthy, and what you were unable to accomplish while ill. Even in order to meet material goals, it’s worth remembering that your potential is as limitless as your physical and mental capacity to follow through. Protect your health, grow your wealth.

refining the details of your day-to-day life. The name of the game is to achieve peak efficiency in order to carve out more time for creative projects and to spend with others. Your inclination will be to connect with existing friends and the community at large, and in doing so expect to encounter an immense amount of luck. In order to reap the rewards Jupiter and Venus intend to bestow upon you over these next few months, ensure your daily commitments are managed intelligently, leaving room for experiences that are less mundane. Move towards experiences that provide a sense of belonging.

of your health right now. In what ways have you neglected your health; are there issues that have been swept under the rug, or habits you could improve upon? Make wellness a priority right now, and be proactive in taking preventative measures to stay in top form. This process can be enjoyable if you treat it like a learning opportunity; look to online forums for information and opportunities for discussion.

your dreams by letting people know you have them. You can’t expect people to want to help you if the right people aren’t aware that you’re seeking assistance in the first place. If there’s a goal that you’re gunning for, ensure that you’re armed with a clear plan for the vision and an elevator pitch for whoever’s interested. Without it being contrived, make an effort to reach out to people to discuss what you’re excited about, working on or thinking about. Seek out communities you feel would be beneficial to be aligned with.

any temptation you have to be a know-it-all! Acting in a manner that suggests you know everything––or simply stating “I know” all the time––can cut you off from valuable information.

every interaction, every disappointment, every achievement brings me closer to understanding.

membership into communities whose interests align with your creativity. Especially towards the end of the summer, you’ll want an audience to reveal what you’ve been working on in the earlier part of the year. Set yourself up to be in a position where it is possible to receive feedback and collaborate. The insight that comes from allowing friends into your process could actually make it stronger.

the impulse to control other people or dismiss their advice too quickly. Presenting an aura of superiority isn’t in your favour, as it could very well leave people unwilling to help you in the future.

my past can only chase me when I choose not to confront it.

leveling up your creative talents by striving to be more inventive. Learn everything you can to grow within your creative practice, especially if you feel it has become stagnant or too formulaic for your liking. There’s always something more to be learned within every discipline, and you’re due to make some fresh realizations now. Seek out beauty, follow your curiosity, then intellectualize whatever you discover to the point of understanding. Apply your findings creatively. Saturn is urging you to make the most of your creative gifts.

when self doubt begins to take over. Step back and observe it. Consider if what you’re experiencing is simply a fear of leaving your comfort zone, or if you’re truly powerless in the situation. The hardest part of beginning something new is taking the first steps; this comes from excessive attempts to visualize the unknowns of the present moment. Combat this by seeking concrete information to provide a more realistic depiction of what you’re up against. If your doubt still remains, don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends. Feel zero obligation to maintain the belief that you can only depend on yourself– sometimes a feat is much bigger than yourself.

tuning into your inner child. Now is the time to play and be expressive in ways that you previously have not allowed yourself. The only restraint you should be exercising is when it comes to expending all your energy!

of any mental blockages that inhibit you from communicating as effectively as you could. Is it possible that you’re more reflexive rather than responsive? Remember that the things you communicate do bear impact. You don’t have to be serious all the time, but it would be wise to think about what you say; are you simply trying to get a rise out of people, shock or entertain them?

a version of home that brings you pleasure. You should want to spend time at home, but when even the slightest amount of disharmony has found its way in, the whole balance is easily thrown off. Strive to have your home become a place where you can unwind, create and engage in lively discussions. If you’re still holding onto childhood memories or traumas surrounding your family life, aim to establish the kind of household that would have benefited you then, rather than continuing the same cycle.

any ideologies that don’t serve you anymore. Take stock of what you actually think and know. Locate your principles, then assess whether or not they support the direction in which you wish to move. Do you know enough to get to where you’re trying to go? What else could you learn to facilitate your journey?

softness requires strength.

any aversion you have to experiencing life in a way that engages all your senses.

speak, and I transmit love. Listen, and love is received.

communicating in a more mature manner without forgoing your mischievous charm. If you’d like people to take the things you say seriously, use thoughtful language when speaking. Display that you have given ample consideration to the ideas you disseminate by contributing only when you feel it would be generative. One on ones will be especially appealing to you in this period, as you’ll find that connecting intimately with others lends access to a better understanding of the larger collective, which eventually helps you to relate to those around you more effectively. As the year progresses, expect intuitive leaps to occur as you become more acquainted with the hidden confines of the human mind; you’ll come out of this with a thorough understanding of people’s motives and desires, and how to connect more deeply through communication.

of the desire to profusely express your emotions before regretting it all together. The spiritual highs that you’ve been receiving in those moments of open communication can leave you feeling emboldened, ready to replicate the same experience with everyone you meet. Feel it out to avoid feeling like a raw nerve after every interaction you have.

what you deserve! Confidently assert your worth and demand that the universe compensate you accordingly.

creating harmony and building supportive environments where you can be of service to others. Don’t close yourself off to external advice or to new communities who choose to welcome you. Groups and individuals alike can act as sites for deep learning at this time.

of your ego. Take note of how your psychic discomfort disrupts your ability to support others. Incubation periods aren’t particularly comfortable and can feel especially lonely, but if you lean into this growth-induced discomfort by using it to relate to others, the whole process won’t feel so punitive.

opportunities for play that lead to breakthroughs, and breed fertile ground to turn ideas into action.

the impulse to act selfishly with your resources. By dismantling ideas around what you possess, you will eventually perceive your abundance.

growth is the real reward, what follows is a bonus.

old habits that corrode your effectiveness, or put your health at risk.

there’s infinite possibility in most things; it’s okay to move on when possibilities become limited.

strengthening and trusting your intuition, as this will lead to innovation. However, you should practice restraint sharing more avant garde ideas until they begin to materialize, otherwise expect to be met with confused disapproval. If this happens, reorient without allowing judgment to cloud your vision or disrupt action. This is an excellent time to produce artwork and explore new creative territories, as your aesthetic sensibility is acutely attuned to venus energy––try collaborating with your partner or crush!

of the potential for your sense of capability to be inflated by your desires. Currently your ambitions are quite high. When Mars enters Aquarius in April, use your increased confidence and vitality to achieve your goals, but try not to be blindsided by mistakes caused by your own carelessness or haste. The conviction you’re radiating makes you especially persuasive right now, so ensure you’re not using this power to misguide others.

a space that offers you comfort and support. Rearrange your home to underpin your practice. You’ll feel a pull to establish structure and tie up loose ends concerning your work, finding joy in the mundanity and satiation from the results.

communicating in a way that is lucid and expresses the potent depths of your imagination. If you attempt to extend the ineffability of your internal world externally, do so by applying your aesthetic sensibility. Serve a new look, beautify your space, before later turning your attention to how you can bring harmony to your work.

of your energy and where you wish to apply it. If you’re compelled to turn inward, embrace this impulse by making time to spend in deep thought or meditation, and indulging your dreams. Rather than feeling frustrated by your inability to push forward in the material world, consider ways to make progress without making noise.

a sense of belonging. You can find confidence from existing within a clearly defined community, and may even feel called to take on a leadership role within these groups.

the impulse to be swept up in delusions of grandeur. Feelings of invincibility could lead to disagreements, which may result in the loss of valuable assets. It’s probably best to accept you’re cuter than you are terrifying, and people respect you for your kindness.

your needs aren’t my needs, but your needs are my needs.

Meech Boakye

Meech Boakye is a visual artist & illustrator studying at the University of Toronto. Their drawings use magical realism and vibrant colors to illustrate narratives that are often left unseen. Their studio work explores the inherently political nature of viewing the mundane as uncanny. Referencing the root of the word meaning, un-homey, their work references the domestic through practices of gardening, baking and collecting.

Dainesha Nugent-Palache

Through her performative video works and photographs, Toronto-based artist Dainesha Nugent-Palache explores the dichotomies and paradoxes inherent in representations of Afro-Caribbean femininities. With an exuberant approach to colour and display, Dainesha's work often negotiates with forms of glamour, excess, and other photographic strategies inherent to the visual cultures of capitalism. Dainesha’s artwork flirts with anthropological and archaeological realms, often produced as a result of her familial digging. Her practice is concerned with visualizations of Black diaspora across pasts, presents, and speculative futures, producing portraits and other still life-based works. | dainesha.com