Examining Purpose - BitchScopes for August 30-September 6

There are SIX quincunxes this week. I find the quincunx aspect very interesting, but after having a DOZEN of them in August, and having felt the sting of their awkward adjustment energy, I’m over it. Next! More trines please!

There are 5 more quincunxes in the remainder of September, making at least 11, and possibly making September at least somewhat similar to August (shit!) and some degree of uncomfortable... Again. Still. As usual. Ad nauseum. Fuck.

I will say that I feel that the slates were mostly cleared in August and that in September we begin to start something from scratch. The New Moon in Virgo is a great opportunity for us to set intentions for creating and inviting things in our lives that we care about, activities that matter to us, and relationships that serve us better than the ones we left behind in August. The ground IS fertile. Because even after a fire scorches the earth, little green saplings will poke through the destruction as they reach for the Sun. Endings and Beginnings, Life and Death, blah blah blah. It isn’t much fun. But I do not think September will be nearly as harsh as August for most of us.

Mars is very active this week.  He's currently in Virgo, so our perfectionistic tendencies will be strong, and impatience may be an issue.  This makes for good productivity if you can harness it correctly.  Mars can help you get things done at work, but this placement isn't super for relationships. Also not super for relationships is the Venus Pluto square.  We can't ignore Pluto, even if we try.  Power struggles are a strong possibility.  I feel these will likely take place in personal relationships, but many of our work relationships  could feel tense too.  

Speaking of work... Vesta appears a few times this week, and I haven’t seen her around these parts since July. Vesta rules our sacred flame - the work we do in the world that is sacred to us. Service matters so much to Virgo, so this feels very timely. The same is true of Ceres (to a lesser degree), who also peeks out this week. Ceres is sometimes considered the co-ruler of Virgo, as she is the goddess of the harvest. Work and Purpose will take a front seat to relationships this week, which might be an OK thing since relationships might be touchy. Try not to get too buried in any one project, because you might miss the big picture. And try to tread softly in relationships, because insecurity may run amok at this time. Listen to your heart, both in regards to your calling and higher purpose, and in regards to your intimate partnerships. Listen more than you speak. Give more than you take.

Neptune makes 3 difficult aspects this week (more appearances than the last several weeks), so art and music could soothe the aching soul. Listen to music that soothes you or provides you catharsis. I used to listen to Audioslave on my way to the job from hell (we miss your voice, Chris Cornell!). Or sometimes I would listen to Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen (sung by Tori Kelly), or “Ave Maria” (my fave is by Christina Perri, but take your pick) on repeat. Both would help me clear my emotions and my head before entering the war zone. Since these transits are a bit awkward and bajiggity, if we lean into the Neptunian portion of it, we can maybe find some solace. Just be sure to not lose yourself in the escape.

Having said all that, there ARE some nice, juicy trines in the rest of September. There are also some squares...but squares can provide us with the impetus to make change, so I don’t find them wholly objectionable. Feeling sassy is better than feeling crappy! This Fall IS shaping up to be juicy, so keep your bitchy lil chin up!

8/30

• Mercury enters libra - diplomacy rules

8/31

• Sun quincunx Saturn - a divide between what you want to do and your responsibilities and obligations

9/1

• Mars opposite Pallas - you impulsiveness goes head to head with your strategic genius
• Saturn trine Ceres - your nurturing can tende to be more pragmatic and stoic

9/2

• Pallas quincunx Vesta - changes in your work can challenge your instincts and intuition
• Mercury trine Lilith - expression of your more rebellious ideas comes naturally. eep!
• Mars opposite Neptune - feeling discouraged, inadequate and insecure.

9/3

• Sun square Juno - potential for feeling at cross-purposes with your partner, conflicts in relationships
• Venus conjunct Vesta - effort to have a peaceful environment; focus on material needs
• Mercury trine North Node - the words and ideas that can advance us toward our calling

9/4

• Venus quincunx Neptune - you may be blinded to harsher truths and instead feel dreamy and romantic. Honestly, I’ll take it. Its temporary. Enjoy that fantasy.
• Sun quincunx Chiron - creativity helps heal wounds
• Mercury trine Saturn - good focus and concentration
• Neptune quincunx Vesta - your focus on your work is required; disappointment at work is possible; lack of motivation

9/5

• Venus square Pluto - possible power struggles in relationships
• Venus opposed Eris - jealousy is possible in relationships

9/6

• Mars quincunx Eris - more power struggles; impulsiveness
• Mercury enters shadow phase (retrograde 9/27-10/17) - this retrograde will happen in Libra...so partnerships and relationships may feel a little detached; but depending on your chart, this could increase connection and intimacy. Let’s not panic just yet.
• New Moon in Virgo 5:51PM PST - Clean slate for starting fresh new intentions.
• Mars trine Pluto - ambition
• Venus trine Jupiter - optimism in love (thank goddess!)
• Sun trine Uranus - positive change and excitement
• Mars quincunx Jupiter - distracted from the real opportunities by shiny objects and busy work; impatience

ARIES - Your 6th and 12th house axis will be activated  this week, so work is highlighted.  What you do in the world, perhaps as a service, is emphasized, as is your spiritual side.  Mars & the New Moon will be transiting your 6th house, and Neptune is in the 12th.  Be aware of your shadow behaviors like moodiness and heavy- handedness, particularly about things that mean a lot to you.  Vesta will be in your 7th house, activated by a number of aspects, and will naturally bring your focus to relationships.  Be aware of either criticism or disconnectedness (caused by irritation) .  Use the moon to manifest a new routine with your partner.  

TAURUS - Your  5th and 11th house axis is activated this week, which is pretty cool, honestly.  Creativity, children, friends, hopes & dreams are all activated for you. Vesta  will be in your 6th house of routine;  the New Moon and Mars will be in your 5th house of creativity and fun, and Neptune is in your 11th house.   I smell a furniture re-arranging or re-decorating project! That would be an excellent way to channel your energy this week, particularly if you are feeling meh, insecure or just crappy about your home/family life.

GEMINI - Mars and Neptune activate your 4th and 10th house axis this week, so the pull between work and home/family is emphasized.  Vesta will be in your 5th house, which is great for you.  The New Moon and Mars will be in your 4th house of family.  You have a busy mind, and in this energy you can utilize that in creative ways to get things done both at work and at home.  If you need to throw yourself into writing, art, painting etc. in order to avoid a blow up in either place, do it!  Feelings of betrayal will pass.  Use the New Moon to create a fresh new beginning!

CANCER - Your 3rd and 9th house axis is activated this week.  Mars & the New Moon will be in your 3rd house of communication, so if you have something to write or publish, get after it.  Neptune in the 9th will stimulate your spiritual side. That 3rd house energy could be really fruitful for you, so beware of the desire to be lazy.  Normally I would tell you to soak it up and relax, but this week, its the little devil on your shoulder telling you to procrastinate that might getcha. 

LEO - Your 2nd and 8th house axis is activated this week, bringing a focus to money matters, as well as values and intimacy.  Mars and the New Moon hit the 2nd house, so use the moon to manifest! Neptune will be in your 8th house, so you may be in some denial about debt or loans.  That Virgo energy in your earned income area, however, can compensate with great management and organization. This is a period of transition for you, so get those ducks in a row and utilize that New Moon energy. 

VIRGO - Your 1st and 7th house axis this week, bringing focus to your identity and how you project it into relationships.  Be aware of self criticism.  This New Moon and Mars will be in that 1st house, so if you want to change something about yourself, make sure you do it for the right reasons.  Be careful of anything or anyone who doesn't seem honest.  However in this current energy, you'll need to watch for that in yourself as well.  If someone doesn't value your part of a relationship, don't assume they are right. Do the deep work and find your own value.  Use that New Moon!

LIBRA -  Your 12th and 6th house axis is activated this week, while Vesta is busy in your 1st house of identity. Mars and the New Moon are in your 12th house of shadows, do you may feel withdrawn.  Your instincts can feel muffled in this placement for Mars as well.  So if depression creeps in, just realize it is temporary.  If your routine has been upended, find something to keep yourself busy.  Beware of the desire to procrastinate or be in denial about some part of your life.  While you may not feel particularly empowered, you can use the New Moon to manifest some positive new habits. 

SCORPIO -  Your 11th and 5th house axis is activated this week. The New Moon and Mars will be in your 11th house of friends, hopes and dreams, while Neptune will be in a great placement in the 5th house of creativity.  It is probably high time you did something fun with your friends.  Vesta will be in your 12th house of shadows, so pay attention to your dreams and spiritual practice.  If you find yourself feeling judgey of yourself, or questioning your value, remind yourself that this is temporary.  Lean on your friends and if necessary, use the New Moon to manifest new connections. 

SAGITTARIUS - Your 10th and 4th house axis is activated this week, and the focus will be squarely on your career and your desire to succeed.  Mars and the New Moon in Virgo will be in your work sector. Your energy and your social calendar will probably be pretty busy. But Neptune is transiting your 4th house of home and family.  Don't neglect your family just because they don't ask for attention all the time.  Your particular sensitivities are needed at home right now, just as much as your skills are needed at work.   This would be a good time to do some home decorating projects with your family.  

CAPRICORN - Your 9th and 3rd house axis is activated this week. Mars and the New Moon will be in your 9th house, and you may be craving new adventures or feeling a bit bored.  Use the moon to manifest those adventures you are craving.  In the meantime, utilize Neptune in your 3rd house of communication to do some creative writing or journaling.  Vesta is in your 10th house of career, so you may question the meaningfulness of your job, or crave something more.  Don't let this get you down, because this discomfort is temporary.  Lean into your spiritual beliefs to get your through. 

AQUARIUS -  Your 8th and 2nd house axis is activated this week, with particular emphasis on your 8th house of "other people's money".  Loans and debts may come up for attention or consideration. The New Moon and Mars in that house actually are on your side. Use the New Moon energy to manifest a path forward.  Meanwhile, Neptune in your 2nd house of earned income may make your money situation a little screwy, or have you questioning your value.  Don't get too bogged down in this energy as it is temporary.  Lean into your spiritual beliefs, as Vesta is waking up your 9th house.  Meditation and prayer can give you a great deal of clarity and comfort right now.

PISCES -  Your 7th and 1st house axis is activated this week by Mars, the New Moon, and Neptune, respectively.  Neptune in your 1st house can distort how you perceive yourself.  I wouldn't recommend a drastic haircut right now, or anything that changes your appearance, because the results will be distorted through your eyes. Wait until the energy is clearer.  This energy lies opposite to the relationship energy being activated by Mars and the Moon.  Use the New Moon to manifest more security in your relationships with others and with yourself, and resist the urge to dwell on past experiences. 

The Scorpion and the Shrew - BitchScopes for August 23-30

Well we have another heavy hitting week in the sky. I can’t remember a time when we didn’t. I honestly try to keep it light and hopeful around here, but the planets don’t lie. I am, however, an eternal optimist, and I do believe that difficult times give way to better times. The chaos that we feel individually is happening globally and to the whole collective. That is no consolation, really, but the point is, there are massive shifts happening and it's uncomfortable, but ultimately for our benefit.

This week, the stand out event to me is Pluto (in Capricorn) square Eris (in Aries). Eris has been stirring things up since her discovery and addition to our collective consciousness in 2003. When she dances with Pluto, it is always a dance of passion. And by “passion” I don’t mean romance. Passion is about suffering. These 2 planets are constantly vying for supremacy. They have aspected each other in various ways over the last decades; it has been a Tango, it has been a Paso Doble, it has been a Crumping street duel.

Pluto insists on transformation, and on some level, sacrifice of the self to the process. Eris is proud and egotistical, and will not be subservient, or submissive, or subjugated. It is like watching a scorpion fight with a shrew. (Yes, I went down a YouTube rabbit hole to see what animals can win against scorpions. The shrew is a tough little critter, and I chose it for this analogy because bitchy women are sometimes called shrews. Welcome to my brain. Watch where you sit.)

Watch for your ego and your triggered shadow behaviors in the power plays of this week.

Ironically, Mercury also enters diplomatic Libra this week. This makes me laugh, because the rest of the week does not feel diplomatic. It feels pouty, angry, stubborn, resentful, powerful...but not diplomatic. We have to remember to lean in to those diplomacy skills and charming behaviors, because, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. (What a weird phrase. Who wants to catch flies??!!)

You will likely feel a bit lost and confused this week. Don’t make big business decisions this week. Don’t give away your power or energy to a useless argument. Do stand up for yourself. Do spend time thinking about your goals and dreams. The whole month of August has been riddled with quincunxes, which ask us to make difficult adjustments to achieve our goals. We have made it through this hellstorm of a month. Chin up, we’ve got this, bitches!

8/23
Venus trine Saturn - commitments and contracts are favored

8/24
Mercury opposite Neptune - mental confusion (oh great. More? Again? always…?)

8/26
Mercury trine Pluto - problem solving, good transit for convincing someone

8/26
Mercury quincunx Eris - self sabotaging thoughts, overthinking your role, other people’s negative voices in your head.

8/27
Mercury quincunx Jupiter - unclear about goals; ambivilance

8/27
Pluto square Eris - this is kind of a big deal. There have been 3 squares between these 2 in 2020, and this is the 1st of 2 in 2021. This is a change or die sort of vibe, with a lot of ego battles thrown in for funsies

8/28
Venus quincunx Uranus - the need for independence in romantic or financial relationships

8/28
Sun square North Node - reaching your goals may require a sacrifice

8/30
Mercury enters libra - diplomacy rules

8/31
Sun quincunx Saturn - a divide between what you want to do and your responsibilities and obligations



ARIES - Pluto and Eris will activate your 10th and 1st houses of Career and Self Identity. (It may vary depending on your specific birth chart, but this is where they will hit in your solar chart). Feeling left out of something at work or around your public persona could trigger you into some shadowy behavior. It is important that you be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and innate gifts. Take personal inventory. When you are very clear about what you have to offer, you will feel less threatened by bullshit and challenges to your reputation and image.

TAURUS - Your beliefs are up for examination. Although, you may not be examining them consciously per se, it will be happening under the surface. Something is out of balance. Are you relying on “luck” too much, or are you obsessively planning for something? Are you planning for your success, or are you planning in case of failure...there’s an important difference. Somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between “pure luck” and “hard work” is the sweet spot. Check your faith o’meter.

GEMINI - You will feel the influence of others this week. The activity in your 11th house of associations, and your 8th house of other people’s money are both activated by the Eris Pluto Square. There is someone, or some thing or situation that has a suffocating type of influence on you. This feels like something that will be removed for you, but in the event that it is not, you do have the power to move this energy. A friend or colleague may be able to assist you. When you do move beyond this issue, there is an unexpected reward, either monetary or in the form of a fresh start.

CANCER - There’s a relationship that very likely needs to come to a close. This could either be a personal, romantic connection, or a work connection, as both your 10th and 7th houses are activated by Pluto and Eris. The action you need to take will be very clear, or it isn’t the right action. Once you close out this relationship, your chances of success increase by a great deal.

LEO - There seems to be a theme this week among the signs and it is that of “exits”. These are not the kind that happen to us in an upsetting way. These are the kind that we make happen because we need to. Such is the case for you. You should find a way to quietly back out of a situation or relationship that doesn’t offer you what you want or align with your principles. You can’t be the nice guy and just go along with it on this issue, you must make a move, or you will be stuck with whatever this is, and it doesn’t particularly benefit you.

VIRGO - It might be time to tidy up, do some Marie Kondo’ing, and get your ducks in a row. There’s a certain chaotic energy that is holding you back from making progress. While planning is one of your strongest skills, something is amiss. It may be something you don’t want to look at, like debt, or an unhealthy relationship. Let the light in, and the pieces will fall into place.

LIBRA - Your home and family are emphasized with Eris and Pluto squaring in your 4th and 7th houses. Home is where you can power up and take care of yourself. Let your family help you take inventory of your skills and talents so you can conquer the competition out in the world. Things will seem to move slow for you in areas other than home, but it is temporary. You’re being forced to take a breather, so this week, don’t fight it.

SCORPIO - You definitely are one of the stand outs this week in the Scopes. Some very positive developments are likely for you and it looks like it is a career or publishing opportunity. There is some type of new venture coming in and you’ll have plenty of support around whatever this is. Congratulations. Be sure to let me know what happens!

SAGITTARIUS - You may feel defeated now, but when the judgement comes down, you’ll be found in the clear (This could also be about one of your children). If there is anything legal brewing in your world, you will come out of this just fine. If you are, or have been in a dark place emotionally, you will be emerging from it, and not empty-handed, very soon.

CAPRICORN - Your sense of self is undergoing some difficult transformative experiences. Your 1st and 4th houses are activated by Pluto and Eris, so both your identity and your family are highlighted now. Whatever is put in the wood chipper in the current processes will act as fertile soil for future endeavors. But this isn’t all doom and gloom. It looks to me like you will emerge from this with your enthusiasm fully intact, and that’s saying a lot.

AQUARIUS - Boundaries are important in your current plans. Make sure you stay within your own integrity and act fairly. Your ability to discern without emotional fuss is useful, and your style of leadership will be appreciated going forward, even if you have felt it hasn’t been thus far. Be particularly mindful of your communication, and make sure it is clear, fair, and concise. Success is on the horizon, so all of this matters more than you realize.

PISCES - The situation around money will turn out better than you think. Your friends and associates may help you as well. Your 2nd and 11th houses are activated by Eris and Pluto, so your income is undergoing some kind of transformation or reckoning. The 11th house is the house of hopes and dreams, and it looks pretty clear that this transformation is a positive one.

There's something about Aquary - BitchScopes for the week of August 16th

DejaVu?   In July we had a full moon in Aquarius, and this month we have another. There’s something about Aquary..us (its a reference to “there’s something about Mary”) - we have to pay attention to this. Aquarius rules technology, the future, change, doing things differently, freedom, community, humanitarianism and innovation. Jupiter is conjunct this moon, so whatever you (we) are releasing, it could be pretty obvious. Let’s talk about change…

What hasn’t changed for all of us in the last 2 years? Life is very different. Society is changed. Interactions are altered. Jobs are evolving. We are being forced to do things in a new way. We aren’t particularly happy about most of it, but we have ALL been swept into these changes. The fact that this pandemic...this seemingly unending, ridiculous, awful, scary pandemic...is global is not to be ignored. This isn’t just the USA having to do something new, or any one country. WE ALL do. We have to look at the climate crisis as a human species because no matter how different we are, we all live here! We have to look at these health crises, because it is ravaging all the countries. We have to look at local and global economies because it is glaringly obvious now that some of this shit that has been in place for a few hundred years doesn‘t really serve everyone the best way anymore. This is about the collective. This is about what benefits the greatest number of people.

You know what Aquarius is NOT about? Feelings. She doesn’t really focus on, encourage, or dwell on feelings, because she’s after the greater good. All of these huge issues ask us to put our individual feelings aside and do what is best for society. This could be said about the pandemic, the climate crisis, gun control, economic issues, housing shortages, minimum wage issues….all of these are up for examination. Now that Saturn is in Aquarius we are not going to escape this discussion. Period. In Capricorn, Saturn took aim at the cracks in the foundations. Now he is scrutinizing our collective ethics. So far we aren’t getting a good grade. Saturn isn’t going to let us slide, we HAVE to do that work. (His next transit into Pisces in 2023 will challenge our empathic strengths and weaknesses, and our ability to embrace other people’s struggles as our own...but more on that later.)

This full moon also falls on the 29th degree, which is called “the anaretic”. This is a critical point and another reason that whatever is being released here, it won’t be subtle or easily ignored. If you have a decision to make, you won’t have trouble making it.

We have some things in our favor this month too - We have 5 planets in domicile, or in their home sign: Sun in Leo, Mercury in Virgo, Venus in Libra, Saturn in Aquarius, and Neptune in Pisces. This gives our strengths a power boost.

The other significant energies of this week are about love, commitment, contracts, and expression of ideas. There’s expansion happening in your mind, in your relationships, and in your sense of purpose.

While I’ve written about some heavy stuff, this week actually could be very empowering if you don’t get too wrapped up in your feelings. Think outside the box of your own head, and embrace change. Contribute to the conversation in a positive way as much as possible this week, and keep an open mind about the good things that can happen as a result of change. It is often hard to see it when you're in the midst of it. So practice mantras like “How can the Universe surprise and delight me today?” “What is possible?” “How can it get better than this?” And let the Universe bring you the answers to those questions.

8/16

• Venus enters Libra - Venus in her home sign makes her super charming, and giving all of us a boost in confidence
• Mercury quincunx Saturn - feeling out of sorts mentally, not able to connect the dots

8/17

• Sun trine Eris - our edgy and rebellious tendencies can be expressed
• Sun quincunx Pluto - turning point, can feel like a minor crisis

8/18

• Mercury conjunct Mars - thoughts and ideas meet action

8/19

• Sun opposite Jupiter - opportunities for success; increased vitality; watch for cockiness
• Uranus Retrograde - both globally and personally - desire for freedom and change; low tolerance for inauthenticity and bullshit;

8/20

• Mercury trine Uranus - clear communication of ideas and opinions

8/21

• Venus trine North Node - our understanding of love expands; karmic healing and releasing

8/22

• Sun enters Virgo - scrutiny, analysis, service to others are all favored and emphasized
• Mars trine Uranus - impulsivity, risk taking, pleasant surprises
• Full Moon 29 degrees Aquarius 5:03am pst - our 2nd Aquarius full moon in a row The beginning of this energy was at the end of July, now we close whatever that was.
• Moon conjunct Jupiter - optimism and good luck

8/23

• Venus trine Saturn - commitments and contracts are favored

ARIES - You DO have the strength to embark on this new journey/adventure. This period of time is all about your associations, friendships, and community. You have to let go of the old in order to embrace the new, and that includes old patterns of behavior that don’t serve you anymore.

TAURUS - If you’re feeling depressed about the choices you have, examine the possibility that your expectations may have been unrealistic. This likely relates to career options, as that’s the house where this full moon lands. Unfortunately, not everyone will handle things with the integrity you would, so don’t expect them too...even though that’s a bitter pill. (you’re allowed to wash it down with vodka.)

GEMINI - If you find your state of mind is pretty negative these days, first of all, few people could blame you. It’s been rough. But don’t feel like you have to feel gloomy just because it has become a familiar feeling. Take control of your outlook!

CANCER - I feel like I’ve said this to every sign, but...endings and beginnings are 2 sides of the same coin. This full moon falls in a pretty deep area of your chart, and you may be feeling the sting of a loss pretty intensely. It is really hard to swallow right now, but better things will be coming...sooner than you think.

LEO - If your close personal relationships feel a little difficult right now, hang on. It would be really easy for you to be manipulative to take control of this situation, but you know that leads to drama (the bad kind). This full moon asks you to really let go of past emotional/relationship baggage...f’real.

VIRGO - There may be an argument or confrontation starting to bubble up around your work or your work routine. Maybe you don’t feel supported or like things are out of balance. Unfortunately, most everyone is in some kind of mood right now and has their fingers in their ears. This is not permanent, so your best bet is to bite your tongue for now, if you can.

LIBRA - You may feel somewhat betrayed, either by a parent, or one of your children. This is a tough situation. You will make more progress by remaining open and warm than if you close your self off and seethe. You’re dealing with individuals with their own will, and it isn’t a battle you can win. Try to take the high road, and vent to a safe 3rd party.

SCORPIO - If you’re house shopping, this is a great time for you. Even if you’re not, there’s something to be celebrated at home. It may be as simple as relationships going more smoothly, or a redecorating project. Let go of objects in your home that don’t reflect who you are anymore. You’ll be surprised what a declutter can do.

SAGITTARIUS- Sometimes transformation isn’t pretty. Ok, maybe “often” is more accurate. Don’t be overly stubborn and cling to your rightness to win a stupid argument. Let go and let whatever this is transform. This could be a disagreement with a sibling or a neighbor, in which case, good boundaries make good relationships.

CAPRICORN - Conflict with a mother energy is what’s afoot, perhaps with money involved, as this full moon falls in your 2nd house. That sounds like a hoot...not! This is yukky, and you obviously want it over yesterday. Be patient and calm. No...really. Hold the line. Hold your tongue. Hold on. This will pass.

AQUARIUS - New beginnings, new beginnings, new beginnings. Every way I look at your current energy this is what comes up. Tarot: the Fool and Ace of Wands. The full moon: 1st house. Saturn, 1st house. Yes, getting to the top of the heap can be difficult and exhausting. Keep going, because you are truly almost there! You’ll have a new view and a new outlook soon!

PISCES - What you could truly benefit from is a good clearing and some shadow work. There’s a burden you carry that you unconsciously hold on to because it makes you feel “real”. Pain often falls into this category, where we hang on to something that hurt us so we don’t forget. But at this point, it is holding you back. Focus on what’s in the closet and clean it out...this full moon will help. But it would be better if you did it of your own volition.