Author Archives: Amy Elliott

Weekly Horoscope for July 21, 2016

Weekly Horoscope for July 21, 2016, #1109 | By Amy Elliott

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Look before you leap. Undoubtedly you’ll have heard that concise bit of wisdom before; this is a good moment to pay it particular heed. If you experience some impulsive emotion that feels a bit like rage, it would probably be worth taking the time to analyze that, or to express it constructively through your favorite creative medium — whether that be painting, blogging or something else — rather than acting it out immediately. Consider carefully the needs and responses of those around you as well, and you’ll be on course to realize the important truth nestled in the swirl of emotion. It’s there, and it’s ready to speak. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — One of the things working with Eric has taught me is that healing — whether physical, emotional or at the soul level — fundamentally begins with nourishment. This doesn’t just mean eating properly, although that’s a vital component. It’s also about doing little things to care for yourself such as taking a bath, reading a book or hanging out with friends. As your sign is ruled by Venus, that also makes you deeply sensitive to beauty in nature and art. If you find yourself needing to tap that specific well this week, I suggest you go for full immersion. You don’t have to ask permission. Those treasures are yours to love and enjoy. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — There’s a reason they say nobody’s an island. If you have a particular project on the go this week and are perhaps scratching your head, don’t be too proud to ask for help. In fact, it’s quite likely that someone you know will have the very answer you seek, whether you bring the subject up consciously or happen to be discussing something entirely different. So keep your eyes and ears open; a moment of serendipity could be all you need. Moreover, if you seem to be getting bogged down in routine, you can easily find inspiration again through taking a break or switching things up. Do what you enjoy, and you’ll be doing it right. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Living is a process, and to embrace it fully means a devotion to the pursuit of truth. It’s all too easy for the human mind to get stuck on a particular recurring theme. Old or deep emotions might be acting like quicksand for you this week. If so, you can pull yourself free by consciously turning your thoughts elsewhere. Get together with friends, for example; or apply your wits to studying something completely new. Notice what this teaches you about your beliefs and values; you may discover exciting, previously unexplored conceptual territory. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Photo by Greg Willis.

Best of the best. Very deep and thought provoking material. He always hits a deep chord. — Kristy Pokorny

Any work produced by Eric Francis is almost invariably followed by a comment like Kristy’s — words that show just how powerfully his unique and perceptive ideas inspire our readers.

Eric’s 2016-17 Leo Birthday Reading is your opportunity to use some of that insight to kick-start your solar year. Mars will soon re-enter Sagittarius, your house of creativity and doing what you love. If you’re looking for that spark of motivation, or just want to discover the potential in the year ahead, this reading in audio and video could be just what you need.

Pre-order your birthday reading by tomorrow (July 22) to lock in the bargain price of just $19.97.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — The feeling of being refreshed and renewed that comes with your birthday season might be especially potent for you this year. If that’s the case, feel free to ride the wave, bearing in mind the usual caveat about considering carefully any significant risks you might be drawn to. Pay generous attention to any opportunities for developing your career or public life. What you’re particularly looking for here is a chance to move toward increased fulfillment at the soul level; this may include withdrawing from a situation that has somewhat of the opposite tendency. Be ready, and seize the moment when it comes. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — This time of year can serve to enhance your capacity for reflection, and for exploring the deepest recesses of your complex and rather beautiful mind. Your instincts are likely to be firing on all cylinders, particularly in terms of understanding and relating to loved ones and new friends alike. Listen to the wisdom of your gut. Notice also what your dreams might be telling you, and write them down if possible. This could be a chance for a creative breakthrough; so make sure your living space is arranged to give you maximum support, and then dive into your depths. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Sometimes it’s necessary to ground yourself before undertaking any new project. This is by no means a bad thing. Inspiration can be as much a product of the everyday as of the unusual. This week, count the blessings you already have, and allow yourself the freedom to enjoy them. If you are able, spend some time with your social group; preferably in person rather than on Facebook. There is an unequaled pleasure in a real face-to-face conversation. Not only will this nourish you emotionally; you are likely to be all the readier when Jupiter arrives in September to rock your world. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — This could be the perfect moment for cultivating your relationships, in every sense of that adaptable word. There are many ways to enjoy the delights of other beings in your life, and to bless them in turn with your own gifts. One thing that’s especially beautiful about human contact is that with each person in our multifaceted lives, we develop a form of love that’s wholly unique to that partnership. That makes it possible to love without reserve or restraint; and, as the song goes, the world surely needs it right now. Luckily, you have plenty to give. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Is adventure calling? Feel free to answer; only, while you’re traveling in the glorious realms of imagination, be sure to pack proper supplies and bring along a high-definition camera. This isn’t simply so that the envious folks back here on Earth can get a piece of the action. If you have what appears to be a divinely inspired idea, keeping some form of recording equipment on hand — and also tracking your progress methodically — will likely help you shape your moment of contact with your ingenuity into something concrete, lasting and thoroughly satisfying. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Many now subscribe to the view that there is a divine presence within all of us; some believe it consists of all genders. Right now, the goddess part of you is surfacing. You can welcome her and cultivate her acquaintance by giving yourself some extra love and pleasure. That could mean sex; in which case the more time, space and exploration or experimentation you can indulge in, the better. You might also spend a bit of time out in your preferred patch of wilderness. When encountering others, too, do all you can to make the experience life-enhancing and nourishing. Your goddess-self will thank you. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — When was the last time you really had fun, as in belly laughs or full-on bliss? If you’re pining for that now, by all means indulge in some relaxation. It’s not necessary to go for what’s truly risky or chaotic simply for the sake of being that. In fact, it can be surprising how well the smaller pleasures in life can answer your needs. Don’t go to the opposite extreme, either, by rationalizing away your desire for a good time; we all need to kick back. If you’re really stuck for a recreation recipe, ask someone close to you for ideas. Then simply serve and enjoy. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — The extraordinary journey of development you’ve been on lately may receive a nice boost this week. Make sure you grasp any opportunity with the firmness it deserves. This could involve, for example, a revision of old habits that seem to be holding back progress — if that’s true, now is probably a good time to jettison them and pursue more productive methods. Additionally, try to maintain focus and don’t allow yourself to be led off into tangent land. You need to preserve your energy, especially emotional, so that you leave enough space in your head for the Muse to enter. — by Amy Elliott. For your Eric Francis horoscope this week, please see this link.

A Refreshing New Moon

Tragic Kingdom

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True to Uranus-Eris and the age of the internet, it would seem quite a few of my fellow Brits sleep-voted on Thursday. Certainly the morning-after regrets are bitter as we all wake up to the nightmare that is Brexit.

The Leave campaign: not at all racist, honest guv. Billboard illustrates an apparent line of migrants entering the UK, sold as a reason to leave the European Union. Photo by Reuters

The first twinges of horror undoubtedly occurred as Nigel Farage swiftly backtracked on one of the best-known campaign promises. (Admittedly, you’d have to be daft to believe the present government would give any extra money to the National Health Service.)

Next came the startling discovery that frantic Googling on the question “What is the EU?” had actually hit a spike just after the polls closed. As if that wasn’t enough, some Leave voters have said they didn’t understand the implications of Brexit and would now choose Remain. And now a petition calling for a second referendum — ironically started in May by a Leave supporter, just in case — now has over three million signatures.

Three days after the event, and we’re already beyond Monty Python style farce, into something so much more surreal it hasn’t yet been named.

So as we enter this brave new world and begin to clear up the debris, what exactly are we facing? As yet, no-one really knows. But there are some worrying indications.

Firstly, this is about much more than a quiet little divorce between the EU and the U.K. Scotland, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar all voted overwhelmingly for Remain (in Gibraltar’s case, it was 96%). That means we’re looking at another independence referendum in Scotland, and Spain eyeing up the little rock to its south.

The consequences for Northern Ireland are a tad more serious: the Good Friday agreement was ratified on the back of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Where the border with Eire existed only in theory, now it’s suddenly more concrete.

A message to Glastonbury Festival-goers. Photo courtesy of Linda Rock. Click to enlarge.

Speaking of the ECHR, this handy little document — alongside some important workers’ protections, such as the 48-hour week and paid parental leave — will cease to be effective the moment we’re out the door.

Further, there has been a rise in racist and xenophobic incidents. I’ve heard a few people suggesting the Leave argument was much more complex than simply fears about immigration. I’ve thought a good deal about that over the past few days, and have finally reached this conclusion: bullshit.

Certainly, the EU is very far from perfect. It is a capitalist organization that serves big business as fervently as does the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — with some notable exceptions. But forgive me if I display skepticism at the idea of a campaign run by the likes of Farage and Boris Johnson centering on the delicate ethics of how best to eradicate world poverty, or to help developing nations. On the contrary, both campaigns have been criticized for their negative focus. Even the murder of an innocent and kindly MP seems, in the end, to have taught this nation nothing.

The apparent somnambulism at the ballot box speaks volumes about the level of consciousness of the entire referendum; as do the absurd afterthought reactions. It’s as strange an event as any involving the Drumpf. And frankly I am running short on patience, because it’s evident how little thought was given to the likely consequences of a result we may all now have reason to sorrow over. And despite the regrets and petitions and protests, there would seem to be no turning back. The sleepers have been rapidly and sharply awakened; and all Europe is feeling the jolt.

Until I Sing

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I am openly a Jane Austen fan. She was sophisticated, witty, funny and a truly gifted writer. Even the fact that she was published under her own name in the early 19th century makes her a feminist icon. I’ve read all six of her completed novels, several times over, with very good reason.

So when I found this passage in Persuasion, you can imagine my disappointment:

Believe it or not, I have the body of a goddess. This is Venus of Willendorf, from c. 25,000 BCE. Photo by MatthiasKabel

They were actually on the same sofa, for Mrs Musgrove had most readily made room for him; they were divided only by Mrs Musgrove. It was no insignificant barrier, indeed. Mrs Musgrove was of a comfortable, substantial size, infinitely more fitted by nature to express good cheer and good humour, than tenderness and sentiment; and while the agitations of Anne’s slender form, and pensive face, may be considered as very completely screened, Captain Wentworth should be allowed some credit for the self-command with which he attended to her large fat sighings over the destiny of a son, whom alive nobody had cared for.

Personal size and mental sorrow have certainly no necessary proportions. A large bulky figure has as good a right to be in deep affliction, as the most graceful set of limbs in the world. But, fair or not fair, there are unbecoming conjunctions, which reason will patronize in vain — which taste cannot tolerate — which ridicule will seize.

This makes painful reading, especially so since nearly two hundred years have passed, and this stereotype is still in place. The word “fat” has the edge of a weapon, and obese people are more often than not portrayed as lazy, stupid and coarse.

Austen here displays the difficulty of characterizing an obese person with any kind of refinement; a problem that seems to have followed us all the way into 2016. In stories of all kinds we’re still the comic relief; swept off to the sidelines, unlike the devastatingly attractive hero and heroine. If we are allowed emotions, they tend to be of the cruder sort: near-comatose stupefaction, primitive anger, unquenchable cheerfulness. Or depression linked to the fact that we’re fat, and therefore ugly.

It would probably surprise many people who know nothing of me but my appearance that I’m thoroughly literate, that I enjoy intellectual pursuits, or that I care deeply about the state of the world. Or that my chronic dysthymia has no original causal relationship with my weight, other than in terms of the rather horrible upbringing that contributed to them both.

Working for Planet Waves and being exposed to Eric’s writing has shocked me into one realization in particular: that I’ve been living in denial of my sexuality. As a fat person, I’m not only considered undesirable; but I am not supposed to even feel sexual desire, except in the darkest recesses of my (obviously warped) mind — certainly not to express it. Sure, we’re a porn fetish genre. But definitely not mainstream; and an object, not a person.

It’s not exactly a healthy existence, physically or emotionally, to believe oneself ugly, disgusting, repulsive; to file away every compliment as given out of pity; to think one’s feelings are best kept under the hat, so as not to alarm or revile. Being the bloody world champion of unrequited love, and not being able to conceptualize real love coming in the other direction, is a dreadfully lonely place to be.

And I can’t bear it any more, so I intend to sort it out. I apologize in advance if my desires, hopes, dreams and affections offend my readers. But I’m afraid that as of today, I refuse to pretend they don’t exist.

Sorry, Miss Austen.

The Planet Waves Boutique has plenty of balm for your soul. Come pay us a visit, put your feet up, and enjoy discovering all the wonderful readings we have to offer.

Crossing the Limits

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Our trickster friend Mercury finally stationed direct Sunday morning, as you may be palpably aware. Continue to take things slowly and with as much awareness and focus as you can as Mercury gradually gets up to speed. This Friday, there will be a change of another kind, one that Planet Waves has been anticipating all season: Mars will enter Scorpio at 9:51 am EDT (13:51:13 UTC).

Kirlian photograph of a nautilus shell. Enjoy.

This is likely to manifest as some form of shift in perspective, especially in terms of questioning dogma, as Eric has previously discussed.

What might be less immediately apparent is a sense of crossing the threshold almost in an initiatory capacity; that is, a change so profound that it feels somewhat like rebirth, a repositioning of your whole being.

To do this consciously, I would suggest that you pay sincere attention to the reactions of your body and emotions; the more primal they are, the more important this is.

These feelings are the foundation of the building that is you. They may reveal deep-seated desires, or responses to early life events — so it’s crucial that you acknowledge them without judging. One way to do this is to document what you are experiencing, in as much detail as possible. This can be in the form of words or art of any kind, so long as it really speaks to you.

What I am describing is in some ways diametrically opposed to the kind of documenting so many people do on social media. This isn’t about what your friends might think. It’s not about anyone else at all. It’s about you, and for you. If that means you need to reach out and share with someone you trust, go right ahead.

You may find, during this process of investigation, that something very specific has been holding you back. If you can identify that obstacle, consider it a breakthrough and a step toward letting it go. One way or another, if you can connect with the raw and real you this week, it could well lead to a newfound and lasting freedom.

Visit the garden of delights that is the Planet Waves Boutique, and find the top-quality reading, class or membership that you need, or that special gift for a loved one.

Retro-Active

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Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. — Vincent van Gogh

Monday sees the rare transit of Mercury across the face of the Sun. Astrologically, the precise conjunction takes place at 11:12 am EDT (15:12:02 UTC).

“The Sower” by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)

The Moon is on the Atlantis degree, 28+ Gemini, in that chart, and is aspected by the asteroid Atlantis itself, among others. Many of us have experienced a relatively rough ride in the past week; or at the least, one or two bumps in the road.

It’s well known that Mercury retrograde can be a royal pain in the backside. Yet for many it’s actually a source of relief, rest or inspiration — particularly if one flows with the proverbial tide. If you have experienced a less than ideal phase, this week’s conjunction may be of use. There might be a moment of sudden clarity or realization, in which the path ahead becomes straighter and possibly easier. If you’re going one step at a time, knowing where to put your feet next can be like liberation.

This week’s astrology suggests that the thing to do is to persist in spite of any apparent obstacles; those barriers are unlikely to be as big as they seem, and you are stronger than you know.

That doesn’t mean you have to write a novel or paint a masterpiece every day. If persistence means getting out of bed, that’s all that’s needed. Chances are you’ll feel stronger for the effort, and all the better once Mercury swings around and starts heading forward once more.

Mercury Retrograde in Taurus: Ideas For Living

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The Spring Reading is now published. Order all 12 signs here or choose your individual signs here for immediate access. You may listen to a free audio introduction here.

Thanks to Eric for helping me write this week’s piece and making sense of the astrology. Here is a thoroughly informative article from the PW archives on Mercury retrograde.

It’s that time of year again. As Mars wends its way back toward Scorpio, Mercury this week also turns retrograde. The station takes place on Thursday at 1:20 pm EDT (17:19:39 UTC).

The chart for this event is remarkable, and highlights a lot of points — including Mars, which contacts Eris all but precisely in a sesquiquadrate, or 135-degree angle. Also noteworthy is Vesta, which has accompanied Mercury on its passage through Taurus and is just a degree and a half away at the moment in question. This describes many forces of nature and of psyche acting on one another simultaneously. Friction has a way of making fire.

Don’t forget to leave yourself a little extra time.

Each Mercury station has its own nuances, but the themes tend to be broadly similar.

We know enough about Mercury retrograde, especially the first few days before, to remind you to use your head, slow down, and be alert and aware. This will save you time and trouble. Also, make backups, perform extra checks and avoid signing contracts.

Eric also suggests you leave yourself extra time to get places. Calculate accurately, including things like parking; and then add on 15 minutes as a buffer. That’s helpful any week, though it will save you inconvenience this week; and the Taurus influence will make itself felt most pleasantly if you make sure there is some ‘you time’ factored in.

Approached with calm and caution, Mercury retrogrades can be a restful and gentle moment. This is especially the case in mellow Taurus, with the mood already set by Mars. Plan, deliberate, think before you speak or act. Then, hopefully, all you’ll need to do is relax and enjoy.

A few thoughts on the retrograde connection between Mercury and Mars

While Mercury will be retrograde in Taurus, Mars — which is lit up like a beacon in Mercury’s station chart — is working its way toward Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of Samhain, or Hallowe’en: the festival when the veil between the worlds thins out, and when the various Underworld descent myths are most vividly evoked.

Inanna performs the Dance of the Seven Veils (yes, really); Isis rebuilds Osiris; Herakles pops down for a visit (and to rescue Prometheus). Meanwhile, Persephone starts off as a carefree girl and, as we all know, ends up running the place.

Don’t forget your Spring Reading, either. Eric has created extended readings for all the signs that are excellent, informative and available right now.

Tartarus has a way of turning normal parameters upside-down, of causing miraculous transformations, and of playing host to lost or forgotten items that might just reveal themselves to be the most precious of all.

In the midst of the darkness, we often find what we were missing the most. In terms of the tantric nature of the quest, that might just be our animus or anima — the hidden other within ourselves that once claimed makes us whole unto ourselves, and therefore truly free.

Mars has invited you to participate in your own version of the descent-retrieval-emergence tale. I would suggest that Mercury’s own change of direction (exactly opposite, by the way, the degree in which Mars will eventually turn direct) adds an extra factor of consciousness and judgment to this process. If Mars has set the course, Mercury and Vesta are providing the tools you’ll need: sincerity, devotion and deliberation.

Be prepared to embrace all the facets of your being as you discover them — male, female, Goddess, God, the random fragment from Ganymede, and everything in between. Be patient with yourself, as well as determined, and listen to the wisdom (Mercury) of your body (Taurus).

What matters most of all in the weeks and months to come is that this process of growth and healing is both meaningful and beneficial to you. You deserve no less than to return whole and strengthened into the light, with that divine spark inside you blazing away. May you find all that you seek.

Open Access Audio Samples of Aries Reading