Aries (March 20-April 19) — With Mars at last direct, you might feel almost as if you’ve been reborn: somewhat raw and a little sensitive, yet renewed and looking at the world with fresh eyes. As with the Fool card in the Tarot, any type of new beginning contains a whole universe of potential. You can accomplish pretty much anything you set your mind to. Once you have an aim, the next part is to consider the details of how you will get there; what you’re willing and able to do on a regular basis. Don’t forget to take into account your experiences during Mars retrograde, and the lessons they offered you.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — A recent clip making its way around the web discussed how urban design, including that of most schools and offices, is more congenial with added brightness and variety of colors: it was actually found to make people happier. As adults, we are expected on the whole to lead a sober, rather drab existence in the name of responsibility. Yet life is much more pleasant if we let the child in us out to play, at least occasionally; and, after all, creative pursuits of every sort depend on imagination. Take up any opportunity to have some fun and bring color into your life this week.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — With the latest retrogrades out of the way, you’re probably inclined to pick up the pace as fast as you can, especially if you feel there’s some catching up to be done. However, it may be wise just to take a little time first and review how the past couple months have played out for you. It’s possible you’re still working through some of the effects, and there seems to be the potential for deep healing. While this might not appear like direct progress, it’s likely to be a necessary stage of development. Listen to your intuition and let it lead the way for the time being.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Like many in the past few weeks, you’ve likely learned something new about the dynamics between individuals and groups, including through your own experiences. What’s emerging for you may be a fresh way to assert your individuality and independence. Some information that specifically connects with past patterns could be the key to showing you the way forward, even if only by your counteracting what has served as a hindrance or complication up to this point. However, you are forging a unique path, which may also need lateral thinking and a certain fearlessness.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Most children learn something from families that they then have to pick apart as adults. In part, this is due simply to the progress of the species through succeeding generations. We cannot think exactly as our parents did before us, or nothing would ever change. Added to that is the effect family expectations have on our estimate of ourselves and our capabilities, which is almost always lower than the reality. It might actually be healthier to consider no skill off limits, and to cultivate the ones you want. If you’re interested in something particular, why not give it a try?

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Your famed tendency to self-criticism sometimes means that taking on additional responsibilities requires a sort of suspension of disbelief, until you’ve proved to yourself sufficiently that you are in fact perfectly capable. This might look to others like an odd technique, but it can work — provided you actually allow a threshold of proof that isn’t equivalent to becoming a bodhisattva. In other words, try to be as fair to yourself as you know you are to others, and accept compliments and praise when they are merited — which they almost always will be.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Particularly when things are going smoothly in our lives, we can be inclined to shy away from the more challenging kinds of emotional work, choosing instead to sweep discomfiting feelings under the rug. You may have found, however, that Mars has had other plans as it gradually changes direction. Confronting what might seem like irrational reactions to a situation isn’t easy, but you might consider each occasion as a step toward inner peace. Listen to your instincts, and gently remind yourself of all the progress you’ve made so far. There is strength in vulnerability.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — There’s a certain sense of freshness and anticipation in the air, which is unsurprising given the summer we’ve all had, plus the fact that back-to-school season is fast approaching. You may be noticing this especially, and are perhaps pondering a change in some area of your life, such as beginning a new course of study yourself, or an additional hobby. It’s always good to keep the synapses firing, and you have plenty of options as to where to invest your energy — probably more than you realize. While Mars is getting back into gear, you might check out what’s available.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Your creativity would seem to be in full flow, and opportunities may be appearing at work where you can put it to use. Yet a part of you is perhaps hesitant to take them up. You might be recalling a previous moment in your life when you accepted a seemingly ideal position or embarked on an artistic journey, only to find all was not as it seemed. That’s fair enough, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with being cautious or seeking further information. However, I would suggest that you at least be open to the possibilities. Some risks are very well worth taking.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Who are you, and who do you want to become? These are questions everyone tackles at some point in their lives, often on an ongoing basis. Very few have a glaringly obvious vocation, and still fewer are absolutely sure of how to fulfill it. Most of us find out by degrees; besides which, we are all constantly changing and evolving. Don’t be too concerned with having definite answers in this matter. The journey to discovery may, after all, be a calling in itself; as is healing; as is psychological development. Staying true to your ideals is enough.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — By now you’ve probably gotten to know yourself pretty thoroughly, with the recent astrology precipitating one revelation after the next. You likely feel somewhat that if you have to do any more soul-searching you might as well be looking for a unicorn. Yet you’ve come a long way, and in the process have unearthed a potent and useful stock of resilience, along with a host of abilities and wisdom that you can work with in the next phase of your journey. In addition, you pretty much have a blank slate. Whatever you most desire to accomplish is within your reach.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Despite the importance in modern society of the concept of consent, very few people actually have clearly delineated boundaries — whether in sex, friendships, work or any other sphere of interaction. It helps to be aware of this, and to pay attention when someone draws a line that is not to be crossed. Be vigilant also in terms of your own boundaries; read any proposed contracts carefully before you agree to them, and listen closely to your instincts. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t forget that you can ask. More information is almost always better.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Your ruler Mars turns direct at the end of August. This is likely to be accompanied by a considerable release of tension; and a consequent sense of freedom and energy, and of feeling more like yourself — almost as if you’ve been on a long holiday and are just now returning with fresh eyes. Your mind may seem extra elastic and inventive, which should enhance just about any project on which you choose to bestow its power. It would certainly be worth giving some careful thought to that point, if you are not already clear on what sparks your passion, what interests you most deeply, where you feel you can make a positive difference in the world. There is really nothing more fulfilling than a vocation of this kind.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Part of your mission, during this particular phase of your life, is arguably to maintain a broad perspective about who you are and can become. Uranus in your sign is expanding your field of choices exponentially. Perhaps you’re frequently stopping in your tracks and wondering how the hell you’re doing what you’re doing, especially if you happen to look back a few years and see how far you’ve come. You may at times be tempted to retreat to the comparative safety of your former existence, though now that might feel something like squeezing into the clothes you wore in sixth grade. Ultimately the decision is up to you; in the long run, it would likely be much easier to let the winds of change carry you along.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Psychological growth nearly always involves addressing memories and past influences at some point. Because early interactions tend to make strong impressions, it often isn’t easy to recognize the difference in one’s power as an adult. Yet you can weaken the hold of messages designed to keep you back, and unlock the profound healing inherent in doing so. It’s sometimes tough work, but you are capable of making big strides toward claiming your strength. In a way, you’ve already begun the process of re-interpreting former times, and of reconstructing the way you see yourself. You have significant resources, including your native intellect and adaptability. Take as much time as you need.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Yours is a sign that tends to uphold and respect traditions, possibly in part because doing so may afford you a sense of security. The issue with this approach comes when it gets in the way of essential progress, or when you become chained to a specific routine for its own sake. At that point it’s necessary to let go and move forward. Identify those practices that no longer serve you, and see whether you can refine or reshape them. It may be a case of throwing them out altogether and beginning again with a clean slate. What you forge out of this process could fulfill a need in wider society also. The chances are, in fact, that your relationship to tradition itself will undergo a significant alteration in the weeks to come.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — The past month has been especially meaningful for your sign, having taught you a lot about who you are and where you want to go. To say that you’ve experienced changes is almost certainly a whopping understatement. Your mission over the next few weeks will likely involve manifesting your discoveries, both for the benefit of the wider world, and to help you cement your new understanding. The reason the image of the everyday hero is so popular is because it provides an example to people of how they too can shine and stand out; there are few images more inspirational or potent. You are now in a position to offer that same demonstration to those immediately around you, at least. Do it boldly.

Virgo Birthdays and Rising 2018-19:

Are You Getting Ready to Shift Gears?

“Mars retrograde in Aquarius, your 6th house, describes you as someone in the role of problem-solver. This looks like some kind of systems administration work, though there’s a social dimension — that of keeping people organized. To do this, you’ll need either to break some rules, or to establish new ones.”

— Eric Francis, in The Art of Becoming 2018 annual edition for Virgo

Dear Friend and Reader:

Just how are you doing as a problem-solver, rule-breaker and rule-maker this year? It’s possible the current retrogrades of Mars and Mercury (your ruling planet) have slowed your progress some. But both planets are preparing to station direct soon; are you ready to shift gears?

If you’d like access to a fresh, of-the-moment take on how your next 12 months (or more) could shape up, I hope you’ll pre-order your 2018 Virgo Astrology Studio with Tarot Studio. This is what Eric used to call your “Birthday Reading,” just under a reimagined name.

You’ll still get two segments of audio astrology; and if you pre-order the reading before it publishes, you’ll automatically receive the tarot reading for your sign or rising sign when it’s ready. As always, you can download the audio files and listen as many times as you’d like.

Even though our recent eclipses were not in Virgo, there’s still plenty going on that’s having an impact on your chart: for example, Uranus in fellow earth-sign Taurus is jazzing up your house of spirituality, long-distance travel and higher education (among other things).

Meanwhile Chiron, in your Aries-ruled 8th house, is bringing your attention to some deep matters that include sex, surrender and money. You can count on Eric having plenty more to tell you about your charts this year.

“Thank you. I’ve been a fan for a few years and always feel nourished by every reading — my own and others. This particular reading hit home and felt like a swoop of fresh air pointing me home. Thank you again.”

— Elaine Sonne, on a recent Virgo reading

Eric is sure to cover the most important details of these issues and astrology (and more) in your upcoming Virgo Astrology Studio and Tarot Studio recordings.

His current sabbatical is proving restorative, which means he’ll be able to access the best of his decades of astrology and tarot experience, his therapy training and his creativity to encourage and empower you, nudge you with questions and new perspectives, and inspire you to get right to work with what you’re learning — in your relationships, healing process, career, family, community and inner evolution.

Wishing you a happy birthday and an illuminating year,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you love someone with a Virgo Sun or Virgo Rising, you can also pre-order the Virgo Astrology Studio with Virgo Tarot Studio as a gift. They’ll receive both parts automatically when they’re ready.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Given your recent experiences, Mars direct will probably come as a relief and a refreshment. You may feel as if you’ve been through almost a rebirthing process, and are seeing the world with new eyes. The next month may well involve sifting through and extracting the lessons of the last one, which should provide a high yield of useful information. One thing suggested by the astrology of this moment is that you collaborate with others, especially if you’re unclear on a particular point. It would almost certainly help you, in any case, to speak about what you’ve felt or noticed, in the spirit of inviting thoughts as well as sharing them. Treat any offered ideas with respect — they will probably contain at least something of value.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — There’s an odd trend of late for videos that are supposed to promote feelings of satisfaction, by showing the viewer orderly, complete processes and patterns, or precise skill and dexterity. This presumably caters to the common desire to have things neat and rounded off, and the discomfort we often feel when this is not the case. Yet we are all creatures of emotion and instinct; suppress that part of you, and it will only resurface in some fashion. In the long run, you would benefit instead from accepting it and working with it consciously. After all, you are not a factory production with right angles and exact contours. You are a unique, changeable, and gloriously imperfect living being.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Over the next several weeks, you are likely to receive the opportunity to be influential in your immediate social milieu; possibly in your wider community. You may already be aware of how you would use that power. Yet your classical ruler Mars turning direct will almost certainly bring about new ideas or information, which might challenge your current thinking in a number of ways. Certainty, especially when it comes to human matters, rarely proves entirely correct. I suggest you leave at least some room for doubt and differences in perspective before making any concrete decisions. You may find there’s a whole dimension of relevant wisdom that you’ve not yet seen or imagined.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You’ll be in a prime position during the month ahead to enhance your working life. It’s possible this might begin in the form of a simple promotion, granting you additional autonomy and responsibility. However, the most significant changes are more likely to come from your actions. What you’ll want to look for is the chance to inject extra creative freedom into your career, either in your present role, or in a different or new one. You could even resurrect a childhood dream that you may have thought impossible to fulfill, or been dissuaded from. However this alteration comes about, you are capable of great things; do not allow yourself to get in your own way. Keep following the scent of your passion and conviction.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Mars stationing direct in your sign, followed within ten days by your ruler Saturn changing direction too, will perhaps feel rather like waking from sleep. For the past month or so you’ve been grappling with what might seem almost like a world run on dream logic: everything might have seemed just a little distorted or changed, and even while the laws of physics were still firmly in operation, the law of cause and effect may have appeared suspended. Give yourself sufficient time to feel that you have your feet planted on the ground before you start running again at full speed; when that moment comes, you’ll hopefully be able to cover a considerable distance, and with little danger of stumbling.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The recent combination of retrogrades and eclipses has hopefully put you more in touch with your emotional world and its accompanying needs. This may relate especially to intimacy: in what ways you experience it, and also all the ingenious ways you might avoid it. The ensuing month is likely to help underscore this process of enlightenment, by offering you the chance to further cultivate healthier relationships with significant others and with your own more profound feelings. I would suggest that the easiest way to make sure you’re engaging with this process is to adopt a no-bullshit principle: that is, to be baldly honest, with yourself first and foremost, about what you really feel and what you really need.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — During the past month you’ve probably felt much of what you thought you knew being stripped down like wallpaper, or an old snakeskin. This might well have been disconcerting in some respects; even so, you now appear to be left with a sense of raw truth, keen awareness and unprecedented freedom. You can look at the present and future determinedly, almost rebelliously, and forge the very life you need as you press onward. In doing so, you’ll be able to release potentially a lot of important material from your past, and step into your power in a way that you might previously have experienced rarely or not at all. I suggest you embrace this new order of things fearlessly, and who you have become with pride.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Your ruler Mars is in the process of re-entering Capricorn for the final two weeks of its retrograde phase. It’s likely that what you’ve been learning from these recent months has been woven into your consciousness gradually, one thread at a time. You may already be starting to see a pattern coalescing. Stay with it, and err on the side of seeking as much information as possible. This is a valuable opportunity to consider many things from an unusual perspective. When the tide turns around the end of the month, you’ll probably be able to put this knowledge to swift and creative use.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Nostalgia for the past is often accompanied by a hazy memory for certain details, usually the drawbacks of the era in question. Familiar things can feel safe, and you might be tempted to revisit a time when things were simpler. Yet there are reasons why you’ve moved forward, which you can call to mind if the present seems a little challenging. You’ve also changed within yourself, such that if you did somehow manage to return to the way things were, you would likely be chafing at the restraints. You’ve come far, and eventually you’ll be able to see and measure that distance clearly.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You’ve been gifted recently with a certain eloquence that’s unusual even for you. One of the ways you can make the most of that, this week, is by practicing expressing your deeper emotions as a form of sharing yourself. There are, of course, certain people in the world who would prefer not to discuss any such thing. However, there will surely be others very willing to listen; and at any rate you’ll be setting an example for everyone. Genuine vulnerability seems to be avoided these days unless it can be exploited for reality TV. You can remind people what it actually means.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Whatever you might currently be aiming for or seeking to change, you have perhaps by now caught a glimpse of how achieving that would look. With two inner planet retrogrades still in the works, meaningful progress will probably take time; but keep a hold of your vision, and have patience, and you’ll hopefully see a difference soon enough. One thing you could do in the meantime is to invest in others, whether in terms of energy, funds or moral support. There is a certain similarity between generosity in giving and openness to receiving; not that reward ought to be a motive. You can help anyway.

Leo Birthdays 2018-19:

Your ‘Birthday Reading’ Under a Whole New Name

“My Birthday Reading was expansive and mind-blowing, and absolutely on the money in everything. You helped me immeasurably as I change and change and grow, and change some more. What a time!”

— Linsey

Dear Friend and Reader:

How have you been faring throughout the series of eclipses? Could you use a little more insight into what you’ve encountered and how to best navigate your options?

Eric has been using his relaxed schedule well, and recorded your annual Leo audio reading last week. He’s calling it the Leo Astrology Studio — and you still get more than an hour of audio astrology, plus custom-selected music.

As you’d expect, Eric does a careful reading of the series of three eclipses we’ve been experiencing including the solar eclipse in Cancer, the lunar eclipse in Aquarius, and the Aug. 11 solar eclipse in your birth sign. He works with the whole pattern together, and with the events individually, and also demystifies several of the other major planetary transits affecting your sign.

“Astounding. My Leo Sun, Aquarius Moon, Chiron in Pisces…Reeling!”

— Barbara

Best of all: if you order your reading now, you’ll also get Eric’s signature tarot reading for your sign, when it’s available. At a later date, the astrology segments and the tarot segments will be separated and sold individually; so it’s to your advantage to order sooner rather than later.

Plus, now that the astrology portions are published, we’ll be raising the price shortly.

If you’re new to Eric’s audio readings (or you’re just curious), you can listen to a brief sample of the reading here. Remember, it’s not too late to show your favorite Leo you care by giving them their Leo Astrology Studio as a birthday gift! They’ll get instant access when you place your order.

Wishing you well,

Amanda Painter

P.S. Since the first eclipse of the series was in Cancer, you might find some additional useful perspective in the Cancer Astrology Studio reading. We’re offering Leo+Cancer at a special combo rate of $66.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You’re experiencing the opportunity to see yourself as the center of your own universe. This is an important sensation for everyone to undergo, especially given the common tendency to place someone else in that seat — whether consciously or not. That is rather like handing another person your car keys and asking them to drive you wherever they want. Ultimately, putting yourself in the driver’s seat is about your freedom to express your natural gifts and character, particularly in art and spirituality, and to live honestly. The powerful light of your soul cannot in reality be hidden from the world for very long.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — In the past few weeks you’ve been in company with some profound ideas, which seem to be shedding light on a rather knotty issue you’re tackling. Even if your efforts have dredged up material you’d prefer to be rid of, this is a sign of progress. At this stage you’ll want to keep going and trust that soon you’ll reach the other side. As first Mercury, then Mars, station direct, what you’ve accomplished should begin to piece together and form a picture. Be patient as you wait for the image to become recognizable. When it does, you’ll likely see that the uncertainty was worthwhile.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — It would appear you’re undergoing a process of simplifying your social life. Perhaps you’re moving it away from the nebulous faux astral plane of the internet, back into the real world of phone calls and in-person meetings. You may be choosing to spend more time with honest, kindly people who are not too cool to show their appreciation of you. Either change must be to your benefit. You have no truck with fakery or illusion these days, and quite right, too. Seek out genuine, sincere people whose friendship with you has deepened, or promises to, over time. Very little else means anything.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Our culture is such as to encourage people, at least some of the time, to worry more about their self-image than actually developing or rectifying mistakes. True, it can be embarrassing to admit one is a flawed human creature after all, rather than a paragon of virtue — especially since the absolutism of the present age quite happily excoriates people for their imperfections. Yet admitting that there’s room for improvement in all of us is part of honest living. Admitting it to yourself, at least, means you can focus on the growth most crucial to you, without reference to anyone else.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You seem to be approaching the concluding stages of a project that involves significant changes in your spiritual world. As Mercury and Mars turn direct in the coming weeks, you’ll likely find you have a deeper understanding of certain truths about the cosmos, for example, or a fresh perspective on your roots. A part of all this would appear to include the existence of love as a fundamental force. The chances are you can find a practical use for at least some of this wisdom, even if that means simply passing it on to others, or expressing it in kindness or a form of service.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — The sky in astrology, like the human species, is in a state of constant evolution. It’s rare that any situation remains the same for very long, and certainly not eternally. Likewise, how people feel within themselves tends to change over time also. All of this said, if you find yourself in circumstances that seem to be either longterm or consistently repeating, recognize the power you have either to make the best of things, or to make alterations that increase your comfort. If there seems to be a pattern of some kind, gather information on it. What emerges could well help you look at things differently.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Since our culture and media are packed to the rafters with romantic stories and tropes, it’s perfectly natural for us in a sense to project wishes and desires onto our prospective partners. When the person in question isn’t the same as the fantasy being we created, we can experience disillusionment and disappointment. Understanding that we do this is a part of our maturing process. Breaking that habit, or at least recognizing its existence, is a way of taking back the power of our own self-fulfillment. You’re discovering this strength within you now. Keep that knowledge in mind.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — There are some concepts we cannot, at least as yet, prove the truth of, such as the existence (or non-existence) of deities. When it comes to belief, therefore, there is a lot of flexibility on such matters. Other ideas, though, have real-world applicability, which means that what you believe can affect how you might treat others, or how you go about your daily life. It helps if your approach to such matters is therefore discerning, practical and sensible. This is especially the case regarding your wellbeing and your concept of service. Know when you need to back off from daily cares, and make sure you can.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — The creative process involves a good deal more thought and effort than is sometimes portrayed. It’s not merely a case of waiting for the divine light to descend and bless you with inspiration. Even Archimedes’ legendary cry of ‘eureka’, which he supposedly uttered on discovering fluid displacement, was at least partly the result of training his mind to notice such things. Genius is something that’s gained or developed gradually. Planning your steps, organizing your time well and working on your present project as often as you reasonably can is the surest way to reach it, even if the eventual breakthrough is not what you expect.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — It’s necessary from time to time to revisit the territory of the past, or to retrace your steps, in order to work out snags. When this happens, frustration is a usual response, especially in our culture where we want everything to move ahead constantly, often at a frenetic pace. Yet, however reasonable your emotion, remember that you can get past it and work around any delays that do arise. Every longterm effort has similar phases. You need not see these as the result of wasted labor; try to perceive them as a way to consolidate the foundations of what you intend to build when the gears are ready to shift.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — One of your greatest gifts is versatility. You have the knack for adapting to pretty much any environment that presents itself, and for getting along with all kinds of people. One useful point to remember is that this ability depends largely on your willingness to keep an open mind, and also your curiosity; both can be cultivated through education and practice. Let these encourage you to enter unfamiliar situations and expand your horizons at least a little, especially if inexperience is the only thing really stopping you. Consider this an opportunity for adventure, for learning, or for personal growth.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A lot of people get into trouble financially simply because they don’t know the extent or limits of their funds. If you’re not clear on your own circumstances, this would probably be an excellent time to find out, particularly if you’re considering committing substantial resources to anything. If you find accounts challenging to understand, get hold of someone who can help, whether a professional or a trusted friend. Have them explain to you exactly what is available and what, if anything, you owe. The more you know, the more thoroughly you can plan ahead, and it’ll likewise be far easier to avoid spending too much.

Leo Birthdays 2018-19:

Eclipses, Retrogrades and You — Oh My!

“For what it’s worth: never heard anything so right on, dead on, aligned with what I am looking at, aware of, dealing with, leaning into — especially professionally and emotionally. I can’t even list them all — so many subtle angles and aspects that all resonate and add up. Affirming experiences, potentials, challenges. To a T. Wow. Will be getting these transcribed so I can read them over and over.”

— Robyn Landis, on a previous birthday reading

Dear Reader with Leo Sun, Rising or Moon:

Big things are happening in your sign right now. Can you sense it? Are you feeling energized and excited, on edge, perplexed, stuck, like you’re right in the sweet spot of your flow, or just plain curious?

Remember last year’s big eclipse in your sign? Smile — you have more coming! Photo by Amanda Painter on Aug. 21, 2017.

Any of those responses (and more) would make total sense: Mercury is now retrograde in your sign, and on Friday, July 27, there was a total lunar eclipse in your opposite sign (and relationship zone) Aquarius.

But that’s not all! Soon, we’ll get a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 11 — in the same part of Leo where a storied eclipse took place in August of 1999.

Your solar year is getting off to a dynamic start — and the events and energy of these weeks will ripple out, develop and influence your life for the next six to twelve months. That’s why no matter when you listen to your newly published 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading, you’re sure to discover a wealth of helpful and inspiring insights you’ll be able to get to work with right away.

If you’re new to Planet Waves and Eric’s audio readings, you’re invited to listen to last year’s reading as a gift. The 2017 Great American Eclipse occurred in your sign last year, and it has been reverberating ever since — so listening to your 2017 reading is sure to help you review your year and get oriented on what’s to come.

When you order your 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading, you’ll receive access to two audio segments of astrology (at least 30 minutes each) and an extended description of your sign, plus custom-selected music by Vision Quest, the Planet Waves musical ensemble.

“Planet Waves has been crucial for me lately as I navigate this topsy-turvy landscape; life is in transition on so many levels and it’s been an incredible resource in my life, especially now.”

— Ronny K.

Thank you again for your patience, faith, and for being a valued Planet Waves customer in these wild times.

Wishing you an excellent eclipse season,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you have any questions or prefer to order by phone, please call us at (845) 481-5616; you can also email us at cs@planetwaves.net. And don’t forget: the 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading makes a fantastic gift.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — As a personal quality, intelligence seems increasingly underrated. Currently, thanks to the tribal character of modern social discourse, there’s a tendency to distrust those whose abilities set them apart from the group. Forget all of that and don’t allow it to trouble you. You have a unique purpose on the earth, and the skill to meet whatever challenges may come is within your reach. You don’t need anyone’s permission to cultivate and make use of your resources, or to aspire toward further learning and greater achievements in your chosen field. Value both the person you are now and the one you are becoming.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Certain feelings and past scenarios we’ve not quite dealt with can have a habit of returning to visit us from time to time. If that happens, remember that you’re not alone in this experience, and also that you’ve come through all the challenges you previously faced. Human beings are far more resilient than we often give ourselves credit for; being a mutable sign native, you have this gift in spades. If something of this sort emerges, resist the urge to shove it back under the metaphorical carpet; rather, treat this as an opportunity to find a lasting and positive resolution. You will reach the other end if you keep going.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Your ruler Venus has newly entered your birth sign, which may invest you with a certain irresistible charm this week. You might plan to spend time around friends and in your general social milieu, where you tend to shine. Leave behind any temptation to doubt yourself, or to hold back if you have some fun lined up. Just make sure it’s the sort you’re really going to enjoy; a variety of people will likely be drawn to you, so you can be discerning about who you actually want to hang out with. It might also be a good idea to avoid intoxication to a level where you start to lose control of your faculties, though that’s really a useful rule at any time.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Be careful not to hold on to resentment for its own sake. The longer you maintain it, the more energy it leeches. This isn’t to say that grudges are never justified; rather, they tend to get in the way of healing when one is safe from any return of unpleasantness. In particular, this week’s astrology is suggesting that it may be practical to consider moving on from a prior conflict, so as to orient yourself spiritually in the present, rather than the past. You might also bear in mind that our memories are nearly always subjective and incomplete, especially regarding events of long ago. Turn your thoughts to the future.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Spiritual systems aren’t often associated with practicality, although I imagine in your case there would need to be at least some groundedness in common sense or realism. There’s also an attraction in simplicity. Note that over time our beliefs, and the rituals and habits we derive from them, can increase in complexity to the extent that they become less serviceable and less in tune with their original purpose or intention. That happens individually as well as collectively, and it’s why examining your spiritual framework from time to time can be helpful, so as to allow it to evolve alongside you. Don’t be afraid to consider that possibility.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — In order to reach maturity (which is the ongoing process of self-actualization), it is necessary to confront unfamiliar challenges, thus gaining in confidence and independence. That is naturally easier said than done; and some situations can be frightening when encountered for the first time. Yet growth follows on the heels of each experience. If you’re faced with a scenario this week that seems less than ideal, try meeting it boldly. Dare to dare. This doesn’t automatically require rushing in headlong or acting recklessly, however. You can take stock, make sensible decisions, and move forward one step at a time.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — If you’re not quite certain of your next steps, especially where a relationship is concerned, there should be no problem with you taking a little time and getting your bearings. Above all do not force yourself into any entanglement, for any reason. There should be enough of an understanding between you and a partner to foster mutual trust. Listen to your intuition regarding this, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if there’s something you need to know. People who sincerely care about you will respect all of this, and give you the room to move at your own pace. If someone expresses frustration, ask yourself why.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Reviewing and re-organizing your daily routine involves a number of factors. The big overall question, of course, is whether your plans work for you. Included in that is the consideration of efficiency: to borrow from Occam’s razor, the simplest solution is usually the right one, so ponder where you might remove or reduce steps. Another factor is whether you have, or can access, the resources to carry all this through. Luckily, this process is unlikely to establish traditions that are set in stone and last until they become superstitions. You’re free to experiment, to change direction and to take as long as you need.