Monthly Archives: October 2018

Down to the Wire: Of Bombs and Elections

Use this link if you’re listening on an iOS or mobile device. Download MP3.

As we go deeper into this most unusual, challenging and potentially troubling phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves, now available for pre-order.

Hey Scorpio — the astrology segments of your 2018-19 Scorpio birthday reading by Eric are now available for instant access. Order today to lock in the current price.

Dear Friend and Listener:

Last week, I ended the program with the song “Bombs” by Faithless, having no idea what was about to happen.

In tonight’s Planet Waves FM, I reach out to all Scorpios and others who are feeling this Venus retrograde as some extreme experience of struggle, discomfort or weirdness. There’s no rush; I take my time with that one.

In the second segment, I look at the news of the past week, which included a kind of hoax bomb campaign, a synagogue shooting, the president spouting his toxic word soup like Linda Blair spewing green pea soup in The Exorcist — and most significantly, how to cope with this kind of dark intensity nearly all the time. You did not sign up to be a war correspondent, but you may feel like one.

I look at the chart of Neil Young, the consummate Scorpio (with an Aquarius Moon), and we feature some of his songs to illustrate who this truly unusual person is (chart is below, at full scale).

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Sun Opposite Albion: Beyond This Obsession

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Sometimes it really does seem like the world is obsessed with death — every day, basically. This may be the root of all of our social ills, and our failure to fix the physical ones. Greed, for example, is driven by death-obsession (in case you were ever looking for a rational explanation).

Illustration of Albion by William Blake (1757-1827), from ‘A Large Book of Designs’.

Pluto, now minor planet (135340) Pluto, was discovered in 1930, between the two world wars, and just before the rise of the Nazi party in Germany and fascism throughout much of Europe. Named for the lord of the underworld from Roman mythology, he was known for wearing a helmet that made him invisible, and then he would kidnap people to the underworld. I’ve read that shrines to Pluto were often abandoned, as nobody wanted to go there.

One of my reads on Pluto as a collective entity is that it represents the obsession with death that seems to permeate societies everywhere, and most individuals within them. People are driven to do strange things when they don’t confront their fear of the unknown, including many shades of treating one another badly, running from their problems, drowning them in alcohol, failing to get help, and many other permutations.

Modern astrology often construes Pluto as an evolutionary force, meaning that it can drive people to the point where they have no option but to grow. Yet the way Pluto works, this often feels like “grow or die.” It’s nice that we have this (even though many people seem to prefer self-destruction to growth).

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Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018

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Today’s Oracle takes us to the Capricorn monthly for June 22, 2012.

You are poised to take charge, though I suggest you work with a strategy. Step one involves something called power analysis. This is a conscious dissection of your goals (and figuring out what they are and why you have them); of who in the situation has influence over whom; and of your actual leverage in the situation. You need to place having a clear strategy over your tendency to react or respond emotionally, no matter how strongly you may feel about the situation. You’ve spent a long time analyzing the ethics involved, and examining your own psychological tendencies. Now that it’s time for action, I suggest you remember one thing. The scales of justice can be tipped on way or the other by a single gram. It is therefore vital that you use your influence wisely, and with precision. If you proceed in a reserved, understated way, you will gain the respect of others — particularly if you spend time listening. This process will also build trust. There will be many developments over the next month that seem to take on a life of their own — though I assure you that they’re reasonably predictable — and much more flexible than you might imagine, in case you want to sway things in another direction. The thing to remember is that exerting less influence is better than overdoing things. You want to be respected, not feared. And these days, fortune favors those who are capable of changing their mind — which is another way of saying capable of growing.

The Daily Oracle offers a horoscope selected randomly by our Intelligent Archive Oracle program, unique to Planet Waves. It’s also a database of my horoscopes going back to the late 1990s. You can use the Intelligent Archive Oracle to answer questions and give you ideas for how to handle problems and situations you cannot see through. This feature is available to our Galaxy, Backstage and Core Community members. See this link for more information.

Order Eric’s Autumn Reading, which will cover Venus retrograde and beyond, and comprises all 12 signs. This will give you crucial insight into your Sun and rising signs, plus those of your closest partners, friends, family members and prospective lovers. Each sign will be 30 to 40 minutes each, and the set will come with a video introduction. You may order here, or call us at (845) 481-5616.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018

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Today’s Oracle takes us to the Scorpio monthly for March 14, 2005.

Do the words ‘fated’ and ‘inevitable’ describe your life? Certain changes are in fact fated and it’s inevitable that you go through them now. But you’ll soon see that they are not as bad as you think; what you thought was providing a base of security was in fact holding you down. Thus you not only had false safety you were being shielded from the real thing. I am sure you’ll agree that it’s better not to be fooled and the main deception you must deal with is the notion that fear solves anything.

Trump Admin Opens Up Alaska for Drilling, Threatening Already At-Risk Arctic Biodiversity

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Links to today’s show transcripts:

Trump Admin Opens Up Alaska for Drilling, Threatening Already At-Risk Arctic Biodiversity
Today’s show begins with the historic announcement by the Trump administration to approve a plan to drill for oil off the Alaska coast. On Wednesday, the Department of the Interior approved Hilcorp Energy’s proposal to drill in the Beaufort Sea, six miles off the Alaskan coast. It would be the first oil and gas production facility in federal waters in Alaska. Hilcorp plans to build a nine-acre artificial island about 20 miles east of Prudhoe Bay, not far from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Dubbed the Liberty Project, the operation plans to extract about 70,000 barrels of oil per day on the state’s North Slope. This latest move continues the Trump administration’s targeting of the Alaskan Arctic. Subhankar Banerjee is interviewed, who is an activist, photographer and professor of art and ecology at the University of New Mexico. He is the author of “Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land” and editor of “Arctic Voices: Resistance at the Tipping Point.” His work is included in the exhibition “Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment” at the Princeton University Art Museum.

While Trump Calls Climate Change a Hoax, Hurricane Michael Damaged US Fighter Jets Worth $6 Billion
On Thursday, Vice President Mike Pence traveled to the Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, just over a week after the base was largely destroyed during Hurricane Michael. The base is home to a fleet of 55 F-22 stealth fighters. Before Hurricane Michael leveled the base, at least 33 of these jets were flown to safety. But at least 17 of the planes, costing $339 million each, were likely left behind and possibly destroyed. There are several air bases located right on the coast in storm-prone areas in states in the South where scientists anticipate that climate change-induced hurricanes will grow more intense and more frequent. But on Thursday, Mike Pence vowed to rebuild the entire base. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dave Philipps of The New York Times is interviewed.

“I Believe in the Bible. I Also Believe in Science”: How One Man Built Florida Home to Survive Storm
Fifteen miles from Tyndall Air Force Base is Mexico Beach, Florida, which was practically wiped off the map after Hurricane Michael. On the beach, just one house still stands—it is known as the Sand Palace. Over the weekend, Democracy Now! traveled to the Florida Panhandle. They spoke to Russell King, an attorney from Chattanooga, Tennessee, who owns the Sand Palace.

Saudi Ties to U.S. Universities Under Question Amid Ongoing Crisis over Khashoggi Murder
As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urges Saudi Arabia to disclose who ordered the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the ending of today’s show looks at how U.S. universities are facing new scrutiny over their close ties to Saudi Arabia in the wake of Khashoggi’s murder. In Connecticut, activists are calling on the University of New Haven to cut ties to King Fahd Security College in Saudi Arabia. According to news reports, the Saudi forensic doctor who allegedly dismembered Khashoggi’s body served on the editorial board of a publication tied to King Fahd Security College. Dr. Salah Muhammed al-Tubaigy’s name was removed from the publication’s website this week. A forensic scientist from the University of New Haven served on the editorial board with him. Stanley Heller, executive director of the Middle East Crisis Committee, and Harvard Medical School fellow Yarden Katz are interviewed.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Friday, Oct. 26, 2018

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Today’s Oracle takes us to the Leo weekly for June 10, 2005.

You seem to have several solid ideas working to be born ideas that have the ability to change you and change the world around you. In one sense people are already under their effect and you’re the one who is about to go through some kind of transformation and catch up with the people around you. It would help immensely if you left nothing up to guessing and maintained close communication about both your inner and outer developments as they take shape. What is happening is about everyone not about any one person. The more you take that spirit the better the results will be.

Planet Waves Weekly Horoscope for Oct. 25, 2018

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Weekly Horoscope for Oct. 25, 2018 (#1224) | By Amy Elliott

Aries (March 20-April 19) — When you think you’re looking at something objectively, be wary. None of us are brought up in a wholly sterile environment. Our culture is rife with underlying prejudices, which we cannot escape entirely. This doesn’t mean we are incapable of good decisions or open minds; just that a purely clinical point of view is not so easy to attain as one might think. We also tend to judge and therefore sideline our emotional responses, though these are perfectly valid. Consider what you might be hiding from yourself. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — How often do you rely on others to set the parameters of your self-worth? As Venus retrograde in your opposite sign forms a conjunction with the Sun this week, you may find yourself asking this or similar questions. Be on the alert, additionally, for clues that you might be limiting your estimation of what is within reach, and projecting that restrictive quality onto someone specific, or the world in general. If you’re feeling hemmed in, that may be your cue to start thinking outside the box. Don’t wait for permission to move forward. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — The week ahead will likely go a good deal more smoothly if you focus on the resources you already have; what is tangible and immediately available to you. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing dreams and ambitions; however, we must also live our lives day to day, and to some extent this is easier to do cheerfully if you are actively grateful for the blessings you enjoy now. If you have a roof over your head, running water and a regular source of food, those things count. If you can look up and see the stars at night, that’s another. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — For you, providing for those you care about affords a deep sense of satisfaction, and contributes infinitely to your emotional wellbeing. Of course, I’m not simply referring to financial provision here, but things like a hot meal, a listening ear and some friendly words of wisdom. Artistic expression is another way to offer something to the world. It’s true that altruistic sentiments are not exactly fashionable, and some may suggest you should curtail your generosity or channel it in a different way. You don’t need to listen to them. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — The astrology this week will probably shine a spotlight on part of your emotional world. Don’t be afraid to explore what you are feeling and take the chance of understanding that side of you more completely. You might even try wearing your heart on your sleeve to a greater degree. Some may react critically to that approach, but that’s their business. It certainly need not stop you forging a better and more honest relationship with yourself, and showing the world an example of what it means to be open and sincere.Get your full reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — In one part of Pride and Prejudice, the playful heroine mocks the hero by suggesting he prefers not to speak unless he has something to say that will amaze the whole room. Many of us contain, in some way, this wish to appear sophisticated or relevant, which can prevent us from saying what’s really on our minds. The current group of planets in your 3rd house of communication can help you better comprehend the reasons for what you choose to say and what you’re withholding. Imagine how it would feel to speak without any reserve. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — The Sun-Venus conjunction in early Scorpio this week may seem a little like an extended birthday season for you. Perhaps you’re feeling somewhat more stable in terms of finance or security, or just more aware of the good things around you. If so, you might benefit from finding a way to pay it forward — that is, to do something kind for others who need it. This doesn’t require you to compromise any hard-won gains, and you will almost certainly feel enriched by it in other ways. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Scorpio Birthdays and Rising 2018-19:
Your Audio Reading is Ready!

“The Scorpio reading is absolutely amazing (my Venus is in Scorpio). I actually felt it was pretty accurate given my love life.”

— Emily Rose

Dear Scorpio (or Scorpio Rising) Reader:

Eric succeeded in recording the two astrology segments of your 2018 Scorpio Astrology Studio reading Monday night. This means that when you order, you’ll get instant access to at least an hour of his expert inspiration, motivation and trouble-shooting for your next 12 months.

With Venus still retrograde in your sign, and Jupiter about to leave Scorpio and move into your 2nd house, the timing could not be better.

And when you order now, you’ll lock in the current price. When Eric records your tarot reading at a later date, the price will increase a final time.

We used to call these “Birthday Readings.” But so many people have let us know how well they work for their rising sign or Moon sign (or, like Emily above, their Venus sign) Eric decided to change the name. Don’t worry — it’s still some of the most personally relevant astrological guidance available online.

I wish you an enlightening and transformative year,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you know and love a Scorpio, this reading makes an amazing gift.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — After the recent Full Moon you may have become aware of a certain mental challenge you’re facing, like a puzzle waiting to be solved. The answer is not likely to be especially simple; however, figuring this out could well provide you with significant leaps of insight, and may also release a lot of tension. You are moving toward a clearer sense of your own intentions and your mission, and this exercise is potentially a key part of that process, drawing you closer to yourself, your identity and your strongest beliefs. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — As your ruler Jupiter approaches your sign, which it will enter on Nov. 8, take some time to recollect what the past year has taught you in terms of your most deeply held feelings, dreams and secrets. You’ve come to know this part of yourself perhaps better than you ever have, and may consider the work you’ve done as a solid foundation for the months ahead. Now you’re getting ready to switch gears, though you don’t have to bolt out of the gate by any means. When you do, it’ll be with a fuller and more substantial trust in who you are. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — It’s true that you have ample justification in relying on your personal strength, grit and willpower, all of which have been known to keep you ploughing ahead through many a challenging moment. If there’s a zodiacal embodiment of the phrase “keep calm and carry on,” Capricorn is definitely in the running. It’s not easy in such circumstances to admit that one is in need of support. If that does happen to be the case, however, try to open up and let your friends help you. If nothing else, it will cultivate trust and sharing, of which we all need more. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You seem to have reached a turning point in terms of your career or fulfillment of your ambitions, which involves releasing something that has not been serving you lately. More than likely, this is of a nature that restricts you from claiming a part of your identity, or at least displaying it in a workplace environment. You need room to cultivate and express your more refined tastes and sentiments, to bring your innate abilities to your role, and to develop your mind. This would probably be a good time to stop pretending any different. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Imagine following a spiritual path in which you are the sole arbiter of your daily practices and the rules by which you live. You set the ethical standards and the manner (if any) of ritual or worship. There is no authority higher than yours; no written guidebook; no compulsory attendance — and also no peer pressure. What principles would you set? What would you hold sacred, and what forbid? The answers to these questions could shed a lot of light on your feelings, what is truly dear to you, and the things you genuinely believe. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Void of Course Bomb Campaign

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Dear Friend and Reader:

If you’re having difficulty assembling the pieces of the “pipe bomb” story in a way that resembles a recognizable object, you’re not alone. It does not make any sense to me. The biggest clue is that none of the seeming bombs exploded. The second biggest clue is that they are all being intercepted.

Part of the Secret Service announcement of what seemed to be bombs in the mail, with the Moon at 29 Aries 32 — not making any new aspects before it enters Taurus. See full chart here.

In brief, just in case you dropped your phone down an elevator shaft and have not heard about any of this, yesterday the Secret Service announced that a number of things resembling pipe bombs had been intercepted in the mail, and that one or two had arrived by hand delivery (but were also intercepted). They were equipped with made-for-movies countdown clocks.

The first one I heard about was hand delivered to George Soros, the one-man-band left-wingnut all-in-one conspiracy of the wildest right-wingnut dreams. If “liberals” do something, he allegedly personally wrote the check.

Then packages containing what looked like bombs were mailed to Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack and Michelle Obama, and then CNN. Try to make sense of this: we’re being told that somehow, a package addressed to John Brennan, the former CIA director (and a Republican) was found in the CNN offices in Manhattan.

This resulted in the “extraordinary spectacle of the network’s correspondents reporting live from the street outside,” according to New York Times coverage. Yes, TV is once again the subject of TV.

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