This is an exciting week for me. I will start it in Boulder, Colorado, with my dear teacher, Debra Silverman, and colleagues. We will work together on workshops that are coming up soon, so stay tuned!

It is also exciting because the Sun moves from Taurus to Gemini, shifting energy from slow and sensual to fast and social. As a Gemini, I thrive through the Gemini season, especially when it involves spending time with friends, learning, teaching, and getting mentally stimulated. These are all things that make a Gemini sing with joy.

On Thursday, May 23, the Moon will be full in Sagittarius. As you probably know, Full Moons occur when the Sun and the Moon are in opposite signs. These signs have much in common, but they also have some conflicting aspects. On Full Moons, we are asked to create a dialogue and balance the Sun and Moon signs in our lives.

It took me a long time to understand the differences between Gemini and Sagittarius because they always seemed very much alike. They are both curious and love to learn about the world. They are eternal students and teachers. They seek the truth. They love to travel and engage with different cultures. They are great writers and communicators.

As similar as they might seem, there are many differences between Gemini and Sagittarius, and one of them relates to friendships.

My friendships are the world to me, which is typical for a Gemini. I am empowered by my friends’ love and support, as well as by caring for them and sharing my gifts with them.

Sagittariuses love friends, too, but they usually don’t need to see their friends for a matcha latte or a short hike every other week, like I do. They don’t need to know what’s happening in their friends’ lives constantly. They can meet or talk once a year, and that would be fine. They find friends wherever they go and have no problem with short-term friendships as they travel and move from place to place.

When I moved to Asheville three years ago, I separated myself from all my friends. It was a Sagittarius thing to do. I did not allow my strong attachment to my friends to hold me back from moving to the other side of the ocean. Unlike Sagittarius, my strong friendships with my friends back home are as precious to me as ever.  re as precious to me as ever.  

“The science of friendship gives you permission to hang out with your friends and call it healthy.”

~ Lydia Denworth

Loneliness is an epidemic in the US and worldwide. Recent research indicates that in 2023, 52% of Americans reported feeling lonely. Loneliness is not just a matter of being physically alone. It is a feeling of isolation, of not being understood, even when we are with others. Resolving loneliness is not just about having friendships but about having meaningful ones. 

According to a publication by the American Psychology Association from 2019, “lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder.” Social isolation is also linked with depression, poor sleep quality, accelerated cognitive decline, impaired immunity, and more. In the Blue Zones Netflix show, it was suggested that social engagement and friendships were among the main contributors to longevity.

Even though I’ve always valued friendships, I’ve also considered spending time with friends a luxury or indulgence I could not afford. There was always something more important to do. Only in recent years have I realized the importance of friendships and started prioritizing my social engagement. Today, meeting my friends is as important as any work or family task.  

There is also something to say about having the right friendships. Geminis tend to keep friendships even when they are not good for them, while Sagittariuses are better at letting them go. For many years, I maintained friendships that were not good for me, with people who made me feel like there was something wrong with me. I have learned to let these friendships go. If you do not feel supported and loved by your friend, it’s a good idea to share your thoughts and feelings. Then you can decide whether you want to keep the friendship or not. Unlike family, friends we can choose. Don’t hold on to people just because you fear they are the only friends you’ll ever have. When you let go of unsupportive friendships, you make room for new, good friendships to enter your life.

As the Sun enters Gemini, and we are approaching the Full Moon in Sagittarius, it is a good time to ask yourself whether you have healthy friendships.

• If you feel lonely often, it is time to prioritize friendships.
• Find new friends in groups and communities of like-minded people.
• Make time to meet with friends on an ongoing basis.
• Dedicate a few hours a week to engaging with friends.
• Share your thoughts and feelings with friends who are not supportive.
• Let go of friends who do not show you love and support and make you feel something is wrong with you.
• Ask yourself if you let your friendships hold you back from seeing the world, moving to new places, or changing. Your friendships should support your happiness, not prevent it. If your friends truly love you, they will be happy for any change that makes you happy and will always be your friends.

I’d love to hear about your friendships and their role in your life and how you are going to cultivate healthy friendships during this coming full moon.

Have a wonderful week,

With love,

Yael