Author Archives: Eric Francis

What I’ve Learned About 2012 Astrology (So Far)

Dear Friend and Reader:

We finished the 14th annual edition of Planet Waves last night and — lo and behold — we have a weekly issue for you today as well. As you may know, I woke up Saturday morning with one sign left to write (Pisces) and discovered that four signs I had written, and their backups, were not turning up on my laptop. My MS Office database was crashing and Word could not remember where it was putting anything. So that was a job for the data recovery guys at Tech-Smiths in New Paltz, who recovered every deleted or ‘deleted’ file on my drive, including the lost ones. A few doses of arnica, a bit of panic and a couple of days’ delay — and we have your readings for you. This link tells you more about them.

The Whirlpool Galaxy NGC 5194 in Canes Venatici is one of the most stunning showpieces of the evening sky and perhaps the best example of interacting galaxies. As indicated by the image above, aside from being a very impressive face-on spiral galaxy with distinct and highly resolved arms, it is cannibalizing a smaller galaxy (NGC 5195, M51B) in the immediate vicinity with a very clear and distinct ‘bridge’ between them. Read more here. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

In sum, what I’ve learned about 2012 astrology after studying it from numerous viewpoints, over and over, is that it is real. Whatever you may make of the turnover of the Mayan Long Count calendar on Dec. 21, 2012, the Western astrology suggests a time of progress, growth, healing and some cultural turmoil. These forces combine to make a perfect storm of progress — and as these conditions gather, there will be no denying what’s up. The astrology is active from so many angles I doubt there will be anyone who does not feel in some way drawn in, called to participate, or called to do something more with their lives.

I have been looking at 2012 charts my whole astrology career, and preparing my clients for these changes for many years. Over the past six months, what started as a few charts has grown into an organized little heap of them, including studying many, many of the minor planets and what they are doing.

What this astrology is about — that is, the story that it tells — has arisen like a vision in the mist, but gradually. We have been living through it, in phases, for a long time. Planets started taking their positions in 2008 and then in about six different stages between then and now, the energy has gradually taken shape — but we have not yet experienced the first peak, which comes on with a wave of changes that will span from mid-May through late June 2012, getting things rolling at full strength.

Two things are going to happen, before then. First, Mars goes retrograde in Virgo on Monday, Jan. 23. I have interpreted this through the signs as a preparation phase; a kind of mental and psychological systems check that lasts about 10 weeks, so that we’re ready for the fast changes of the late spring and early summer (said in Northern Hemisphere seasons). Virgo is where we ‘store’ many of our mental scripts, our concepts, our psychological patterns, and our ideas about being on the Earth and part of the Earth. Mars retrograde presents us with a phase of inquiry, investigation and working out (such as issues, and maybe at the gym; if you make time that will have extra benefits). This lasts through April 13 (though Mars remains in Virgo through July 3). It will influence each of the signs and rising signs differently, as it appears in a different house (that is, department of life) for each of them.

Then on Feb. 3, Neptune is going to ingress Pisces. Not counting a brief visit last year, the last time Neptune was in Pisces was between Feb. 17, 1848 and Feb. 13, 1862. Just as Neptune was leaving Pisces the last time, the Civil War was getting going, which is a reminder not to be caught in a fantasy bubble as this transit develops. Note also that just as Pluto was leaving Capricorn the last time it was there, the American Revolution was getting going (both of these sign changes will repeat, nearly simultaneously, in the mid 2020s).

Bands of high-altitude clouds cast shadows on Neptune’s lower cloud deck. Photo: NASA.

We could surmise that Pluto in Capricorn and Neptune in Pisces predate eras of massive structural change, yet changes are evident in the moment we occupy right now. While many things about human nature have remained the same, some have evolved, and Neptune in Pisces is part of accelerating that process, granting us the potential for a deeper connection to faith, beauty and inner truth than we usually opt for. Neptune joins Chiron in Pisces, so we will have a strong focus on the most elusive of the signs — the one that represents the oceans that cover three-quarters of our planet’s surface.

These placements are encouraging us to go to greater spiritual depths, and to clear our emotional bodies as we can. If there are incoming energies, we need to make space and free up bandwidth for them. These transits, as well, influence all of the signs and rising signs differently. That enhanced sense of spiritual contact — which you might experience as love, as affirmation or as a healing crisis — will be useful when we reach the first of seven exact squares of Uranus in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn in late June. I have interpreted this from three angles — the Aries angle of self-actualization; the Capricorn angle of participation in the world; and the midpoint, which is in Aquarius — the cooperation factor. This Aquarius factor is significant because it provides a release point on some of the darkest aspects of human nature, which tend to show up when people form groups.

One last. Perhaps the most interesting (and visually spectacular) astrology of 2012 happens when Venus passes between the Earth and the Sun on June 5 or 6, 2012 (depending on your time zone). This happens in Gemini, and it seems to be a kind of emergence — the two ‘halves’ of the psyche indicated by Gemini emerge as a sum greater than the parts. We all struggle with dualism to some degree, with multiple facets of our nature, with aspects of ourselves that conflict. This astrology seems to offer a way through that, helping us make contact with something much more tangible than ‘the split’ that we often feel.

Venus transit of the Sun on June 8, 2004. This image shows Venus crossing the disk of the Sun, and the smaller images give details of the egress. This will be visible from some parts of the world on June 5 or 6, 2012, and will not be seen again by human eyes until the 22nd century. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

The Venus Transit of the Sun is about the emergence of the solar feminine (I’ll be adding a special audio about this to the annual site in the next few days). That is, the feminine that is under her own power and providing her own light, not the reflected light of the Sun (for example, as is the Moon). As I’ve noted before, the Venus transit of the Sun is extremely rare; the one in June had a counterpart back in 2004, and there were none in the 20th century. The next pair after this year’s begins in 2117. The annual edition has an article explaining what to do if you want to see this event with your own eyes.

There is one point from the Dec. 21 2012 chart that I want to mention. When the Sun makes its storied, much-mythologized alignment with the Tropic of Capricorn at the solstice, it’s in an exact conjunction with Juno, one of the first asteroids, discovered early in the 19th century. If you consider that the Mayans oriented their 5,125-year cycle on the Capricorn solstice of 2012, consider that on that very day the Sun is conjunct the Queen of Heaven. This by the way will be the second time, on a key day of 2012, that there is a solar conjunction with a major feminine archetype.

In psychological astrology, Juno represents the concept of marriage, certain attributes of one’s spouse, and on the shadow side, the bone of contention in a relationship. She’s strongly associated with jealousy, after the infamous tyrannical controlling fits of her Greek predecessor Hera.

We arrive at 12/21/12 — day 13.0.0.0.0, at the end of a 1.89 million-day cycle — with a message about relationships. In particular, there is a message about jealousy. We don’t need it. It’s not good for us. It may well be the root of all evil. And the beautiful thing is we can do something about it.

Lovingly,

The Sun remains in Capricorn, though the sky has a Pisces theme at the moment. Friday there are two inner planet to outer planet conjunctions: Mercury conjunct Pluto in early Capricorn and Venus conjunct Neptune in the last degree of Aquarius. Venus also makes a trine to Saturn just before it conjoins Neptune, though it is essentially all one event. Saturday, Venus ingresses Pisces, running vanguard for Neptune (which follows suit Feb. 3). Once there, Venus sextiles Jupiter in Taurus and then on Monday makes a conjunction to Chiron in Pisces. Mercury sextiles Vesta in Pisces on Sunday. The Moon is in Virgo all day Friday and into Saturday, when it enters Libra at 8:28 am EST. Monday at 11:33 am EST the Moon enters Scorpio. Also on Monday, the Capricorn Sun squares minor planet 1992 QB1 in Aries.

Tomorrow Venus enters Pisces and on Monday makes a conjunction to Chiron. Barbara Hand Clow described this conjunction as the orgasmic fusion with the cosmos. That is no small thing. And neither is surrendering to love — or erotic energy. But what is the key to surrendering to love in creative, holistic fusion rather than getting caught in a tsunami of delusion (which is quite possible, with Pisces and Neptune involved)? Self-knowledge. Anais Nin put it this way: “Eroticism is one of the basic means of self knowledge, as indispensable as poetry.” And she should know: her Venus was in Pisces, sextile Chiron. This weekend Chiron is going to focus this sense of love and surrender and show you where and how you can use it to heal your relationships — beginning with your relationship to yourself. Specifically, with Venus involved, expect the focus of healing to be your feminine, receptive side. Find your inner Nin. Catalyze the fusion of the cosmos this weekend. Know yourself — and know you can heal.

The Republican party seems to have a bad case of Eris — total personality fragmentation and identity crisis (on the light side) and vicious infighting (on the dark side). Yes, the party of Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt has been reduced to a bunch of fundamentalist, self-contradictory millionaires who are creating so much bad press for one another that it’s amazing that any of them will withstand a general election. Mitt Romney won Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, with Ron Paul coming in a strong second place. Romney is the corporate raider who thinks that forcing companies into bankruptcy and laying off workers makes him a ‘job creator’. Ron Paul is the supposed libertarian who thinks we need to arm ourselves against African-American carjackers. In last week’s Iowa Caucus, Romney and Rick Santorum tied for first place, though Romney spent 18 times more on his campaign than did Santorum — whose entire platform consists of an anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-polyamorous sexual morality trip.

Throw in wingnuts Rick Perry and Michele Bachmann (now withdrawn from the race), and erstwhile pseudo candidate Herman Cain, and we can see that the Republican party has become a collection of fragments, each representing a slightly different but equally nutty concept of conservatism. Looked at another way, the ‘Pubs are trying to exist as a coalition, which is the usual style of the more diversified Dems. Perhaps it’s time to consult with the Rev. Al Sharpton for advice about how to better manage themselves. Next week’s South Carolina primary will probably decide who the Republican candidate will be. Reminder that on Election Day 2012, Mercury stations retrograde right in the middle of the proceedings. The last and only time anything like this happened for a presidential election was in 2000, when Gore won and Bush got to take office.

There may be a lot of places like home. In a new paper appearing in the Jan. 12 edition of the journal Nature, astrophysicist Kem Cook, as part of an international collaboration, says that planets around other stars are the rule rather than the exception. The results of his study point to more planetary systems resembling our solar system rather than being significantly different. An exoplanet is a planet outside our solar system. Over the past 16 years, astronomers have detected more than 700 confirmed exoplanets and have started to probe the spectra and atmospheres of these worlds. While studying the properties of individual exoplanets is undeniably valuable, a much more basic question remains: How commonplace are planets in the Milky Way? The team found that approximately 17% of stars host Jupiter-mass planets. However, cool-Neptunes and super-Earths are more common, occurring 52% and 62% of the time, respectively. “This is what I have felt all along, wrote one commenter to the article. “It was only a protestant fantasy that assumed earth centricism and uniqueness of life only here on this world. We will probably find out that life is also prevalent on many of these worlds. Bearing in mind the tiny fraction of time that we have been able to be self-aware nothwithstanding communications abilities with regard to geological time not to mention universal time scales, the fraction of these worlds inhabited by people we can communicate with electronically or gravitationally or thru superspace could be quite small.”

Tend to feel behind the curve in getting the hang of technology? Check this out: apes might be on the verge of Skyping with each other. Six months ago, the Milwaukee Zoo introduced iPads to its orangutans. The gadgets are used as part of the daily intellectual and creative stimulation the zoo is careful to provide captive great apes. While iPads are too fragile to be handed over to the orangutans — who are up to seven times stronger than humans — handlers are able to show the apes videos through glass and let them play with finger-painting and drumming apps through a mesh barrier. As you might expect from one of our most closely-related species, they’re a bit vain, and like to watch videos of themselves (in the case of a four-year-old) and each other (a 34-year-old female displays particular interest in videos of males). From this, Richard Zimmerman of Orangutan Outreach said the idea sprang up to eventually incorporate cameras so they can watch each other — and eventually try video chat, perhaps between faraway zoos. Orangutan Outreach is careful to note that donation of the iPads did not involve public funds; their hope is that if people identify more with these endangered animals, they’ll support conservation efforts. No word yet how quickly the apes’ communication may devolve into abbreviations and emoticons.

Planet Waves will be providing pre-coverage and on-scene coverage of the United Astrology Conference, which takes place in New Orleans from May 24-29, 2012. Before I get into what that conference is, if you already know about it, be aware of the registration fee increase on Jan. 15. Here is a link to the conference’s website.

Rob Hand and his left hand at UAC 2008. Photo by Eric Francis.

So, what is UAC? Well, it’s the Burning Man of astrology, only it happens every four years or so. Looks like there will be about 2,000 people at this event, which its organizers describe as follows: “This global conference will be the largest gathering of astrologers, and astrology-lovers, in the world. From China, Nepal, Russia, India, Serbia, Argentina, Brazil, Bali, Germany, Australia, France, Great Britain, Mexico — from everywhere — we will gather to commune and share.”

Conferences are one useful way to learn astrology; many of your favorite astrology writers will be there. It’s a great opportunity to meet the people you’ve been reading or studying for years, and even participate in a class with them. I am appearing as faculty in two presentations — collaborating on a daylong marketing your astrology business seminar for professional astrologers (which will be good for holistic practitioners in any field). I will also be on the media panel, helping astrologers handle public and press relations. To see these presentations you will need to arrive a day or two early — please check the schedule!

Planet Waves is serving as ‘official conference press’, a function which I will be handling mostly by creating a channel on Planet Waves FM that will feature interviews, reports and panel discussions from the conference. (Lots of coverage of prior conferences is on our FM site.) During the few months between now and UAC, I will be providing pre-coverage in this space, including short items and interviews with conference faculty and organizers. If you are on the faculty and would like to be one of the people we interview, please write to me at dreams@planetwaves.net.

Hugo Farrant as 2012 expert Terrence Moonseed, on Rap News.

Talent is abundant these days, but some projects manage to stand tall. One of my favorite discoveries of recent seasons has been Rap News, created by The Juice Media. Their newest edition is the best summary of 2012 I have ever seen, heard or otherwise encountered. The video takes on the political, environmental and spiritual angles, all at once — brilliantly. The only thing they don’t mention is Uranus square Pluto, evidence that they did not work with an astrologer to create the piece.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if 2011 was a prelude, a portent of things to come, then it’s dramatically clear we’re in for a massive year,” says Rap News host Robert Foster (played by Hugo Farrant). “This year’s headline: will we avoid the precipice, or dive off the edge of it? Whatever your preference, creed, conspiracy or party membership, our fate could depend on what we want 2012 to represent. This date that we’ve subconsciously identified as our collective, self-imposed deadline for correcting our way of life, with so much energy aligned on this point in time, with all that we are, and could be, potentially on the line — could this be our final meeting point, prior to the rising or turning of the tide?”

Speaking of turning the tide, this episode actually has Noam Chomsky making an excellent cameo appearance. The scripts are written by Giordano Nanni and the whole thing is produced in a home-studio/suburban backyard in Melbourne, Australia. Zoe Tame is Rap News’s in-house Photoshop blackbelt and graphic designer. Check out their archive of episodes, one more brilliant than the next. I am working on getting Hugo Farrant’s birth data. Any guesses?

Planet Waves Monthly Horoscope for January 2012 included the written version of the Top Five Events of 2012 (available as audio here). This was the long written horoscope, with extended interpretations for each of the 12 signs. We also published the Inner Space for January 2012, a shorter horoscope that came out one week later. The February extended monthly horoscope will be published to subscribers on the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 25. There will be just one issue that week — the long extended monthly and its introductory materials. There will be no Friday edition. If you are not a subscriber and want to receive all of the Planet Waves horoscopes, you can get a free trial subscription, or you may sign up for up to one year. If you regularly forward Planet Waves materials to friends or relatives, please purchase them a gift subscription. We offer special discounts if you want to sign up several of your friends — if you would like to take advantage of that please call Chelsea at (877) 453-8265 or email chelsea@planetwaves.net.

This week’s horoscope is written by Priya Kale. Eric Francis will return next week.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You’ve been working hard and it won’t be long before you receive solid recognition for your efforts. But what do you most hunger for? And what is your definition of success and where did this come from? If you are conscious of your own motives in a professional situation, you can let go of ambitions that no onger serve you. This will allow you to reclaim authority and redirect your energy constructively into what feeds your passion and deepest purpose. Let go of some ‘idea’ of success, and you can achieve the kind of success that not only looks good to the world, but also feels good right down to your bones. In a close personal relationship and your friendships, the same idea holds: seek truth and depth rather than appearances. Offering freedom and acceptance to another can strengthen a bond, offering tangible results.

Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check. has been published and is available. It is still available at the special subscriber discount price for all 12 signs, or the pre-order price per sign. This year’s annual offers an extended written report plus 90 minutes of audio for each sign and rising sign. You will love it.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — We each have a special role to play in this cosmic drama called life. Yet until you embrace and accept your individual talents, you’re likely to feel like a fish out of water, or worse, one swimming in a sea of endless comparison. Something you’ve been working towards is stabilizing this week, bringing you the recognition you’ve long deserved professionally. Along the way, events are asking you to move past subconscious limitations you carry regarding your success (baggage that may be related to your religious or moral beliefs) as you recognize your authority and power. You don’t need to impress anyone, nor do you need to worry about what others think. Even if others are impressed, I suggest you remain grounded in your self-awareness and a soul-truth of what you are working for and you won’t get carried away or lost in a crowd. You were born for greater things. Accept it.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Powerful changes are taking place beyond your control, particularly in a financial situation or sexual relationship you fear you cannot live without. Confront any fears you may have honestly and investigate your values surrounding sex, marriage, money and commitment. You can then consciously uproot those that prevent you from going deeper within a commitment and exploring the beautiful opportunities beckoning on the horizon. Our world can be harsh, but as long as you play fair and are conscious of your own motivations, you don’t need to fear being taken advantage of or losing anything or anyone precious to you. If you are feeling a sense of loss right now, trust this is creating space for something rather heavenly to enter that can enrich your life, lifting your spirits and heart. Financially as well as emotionally you’re on solid ground. Loosen your grip and you can be liberated to discover just how blessed, loved and safe you truly are.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A conversation this week is deepening your understanding of a relationship, revealing a sweeter reality than the one you’ve been clinging to. We tend to subconsciously base our expectations of relationships on the roles enacted in our childhood by caregivers, that is, until we get tired of running the same old dramas. What is the subconscious imprinting you need to let go of? You cannot control others, nor can you erase the past. But you can consciously let go of expectations, past resentments, anger, and fear and acknowledge your desires and needs to yourself first. Then you can be warm rather than scalding, and ask for what you need rather than demanding it and creating tension. You are in a process of building trust. Be less critical, keep an open dialogue and you can have the financial support, as well as the deep intimacy, trust and acceptance you need from a sexual partner and those to whom you are connected in flesh and spirit.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You may be obsessing about work, or a situation you care deeply about that you think is out of your hands. Rather than fret about what you can’t control — since worry never solved anything, or hardly anything — recognize how much you have to give and what you have the power to do. It really doesn’t matter what you do, rather how alive you feel each morning when you greet the day. Be conscious of what motivates and drives you, and let go of what is no longer working. The love and financial support you need is indeed present, but it will require you to move past pride or mental resistance and have honest conversations that deepen your trust. As long as you are not being blinded by shallow beauty, or being too rigid or picky, you can open yourself wider and heal something that has been irritating you for a long time.

Introducing the Planet Waves All Access Pass for 2012

Last year we offered an All Access Pass for subscribers who wanted access to everything we offer in a calendar year. The response from our All Access subscribers was overwhelmingly positive, and we are happy to once again offer one of our most popular products: the Planet Waves All Access Pass for 2012. One price gets you a subscription to the weeklies and all other products on Planetwaves.net through December of 2012.

Using one password for everything, which you choose yourself, you’ll have easy access to every product, including birthday reports and special audio recordings, weekly email service, the annual edition, and whatever additional projects we create. It’s a great discount on a year of our work.

We trust that this idea is a fun way to meet your needs, whether you use astrology for daily spiritual inspiration, therapeutic purposes or pragmatic decision-making. And it’s truly a valuable resource for students of Astrology.

With the All Access Pass you’ll receive:

– Tuesday/Friday Email editions of Planet Waves weekly content and horoscopes. Follow Eric’s weekly and monthly interpretations for all of 2012.

– All sign birthday/ascendant audio for 2012. This is almost like getting a personal consultation with Eric for yourself and any loved ones whose astrology you track. Each audio report includes a fresh perspective on current transits and how they extend into the future, along with a special tarot reading for that sign.

– Your choice of the 2012 or 2013 annual edition, all 12 signs. This book-length online publication includes written and audio segments, is accessible by password at any time, and always meets rave reviews by readers who refer to it throughout the year for its long-range, big-picture guidance.

For More Benefits of the All Access Pass, Visit This Page.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — If you’re feeling like a part of you is dying, it’s natural to want to cling to all you once loved. We do indeed create our reality, or most of it, even though it’s not always clear how. If that reality currently seems a little too much to bear, look for the blessing. You can deny a truth to the world till you’re blue in the face, but you can’t deny it to yourself. There is no shame in admitting that your childhood desires for yourself, what you want out of love, life, and even your creative goals are changing. It may feel risky, but you don’t need to compromise your values. Just dig past superficial desires and be honest about what truly matters to you in your heart of hearts. Then you can unearth the golden nugget: your authentic potential. Let go of an old desire, and you will see how beautiful life can really be right here, right now, if only you surrender to it. You are unearthing and reclaiming your Self now — the real dream you can live.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Events this week are asking you to confront the past and let go of your attachment to it. What this really means is letting go of an idea you have about someone. This may not be easy, but relax long enough to stay in the present and you will see your strength in the light of all you’ve been through. As you more consciously confront the shadows cast on your early life, you can reclaim it and your authority to live your life by your rules. Use this opportunity — and the space you’re clearing — to create a more colorful reality with this newfound power. You may be making up your mind to trust a situation even though you have no real proof of why you feel this way. As long as you are being honest with yourself and are in no denial of the lessons you’ve learned, you can trust your judgment and be guided by the love you feel. Give your shadows their place, and then freely dive into the soulful pleasures stirring in your heart.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — What do you believe? And why do you believe this? And what are the ideas surrounding success and failure you need to let go of? You’ve been obsessing about something, and the time has come for you to pull your head out of the sand and face the truth. This may scare you, but in truth reality is a lot sweeter than you think or fear. Financially as well as within a domestic relationship or situation, you have more support than you realize. Consciously let go of expectations and assumptions, especially the negative ones. If you speak for what you know to be true, you can reclaim your power in a situation, freeing you from a worry, bringing you the security you’ve yearned for. Hint: that sense of security originates with you. As you feel safer, you will experience the world as a safer place, where love feels more natural. You will be more likely to notice what you want rather than what you don’t want.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — What defines your sense of self-worth? Is it success? Respect from your peers? Wealth? Your relationships? You’re in the process of discovering that it’s really none of the above, which will arrive with the sensation of setting you free from something that has long felt like a trap. Don’t forget what you learn today and this weekend. Only you have the power to define your worth, though sometimes you will discover this through a process of reduction. In other words, as you let go of every influence that did not work, or that was incorrect, you will eventually figure out that you had the right idea all along. The key to your longterm happiness is reaching a balance between radical self-sufficiency and healthy dependency. If you learn toward independence, you will make room for a more natural exchange of support. Yet if you lean too far in that direction, you will push others out of your life.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You’ve been questioning your role in the bigger picture and here comes a moment of deep clarity. Remember though, clarity also means confronting important truths and getting to the core of the only question that matters: “Who am I?” You are evolving and letting go of a carefully carved identity you’ve long ago outgrown. In letting go of false ideas about yourself, you can be free to reach for your noblest ambitions fearlessly, with the curiosity of a child in a new world. Choose your mountains wisely and you can reclaim your power to make choices that feel right for you as you pursue goals that are truly worthy of your efforts. Trust the rewards of this process; this will go way beyond just the tangible. And if you haven’t looked in the mirror lately, you are beautiful — body, heart and soul — and worthy love, not just the hope of love.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Have you been feeling like a small cog in a big machine, rather in the dark about a situation that is drawing you deeper into the unknown than you may care to venture? Sooner or later you will figure out that fear is the scariest thing in the world. Although a financial commitment or sexual relationship is heating up, you can trust it is evolving just as it needs to even if you can’t see it yet. Trust your intuition about what you might sometimes feel is out of your control. That will help you be more aware of the subconscious fears that haunt you. These fears prevent you from making the progress you’re so devoted to these days. Recognizing this will help you summon the support you need. Yes, most people walk around the planet feeling little to no support for who they are and what they want. Yet that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Be your own friend and you will make some fun discoveries about who else wants to be your friend.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Are you wondering if you can trust another’s motives? You’ve been burned before, but it is also true that a lot of your disappointments have come from your own illusions, expectations and fantasies. You have an incredible psychic gift that allows you to peer into people’s hearts. First you must admit your own secret longings and desires; then you can see through others’ without fear of projection. Doing so lets you choose friendships in which you feel safe enough to bare your heart, body and soul, as they evolve and strengthen. You may think you know the way the world works, but being less critical can liberate you from darker doubts that prevent progress. You are deeply loved by this Universe and more people than you realize. Inspire the support you need and there is no Earthly reason you can’t bring a collective dream to life.

Astrology: Describing The Elements of Progress

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Dear Friend and Reader:

Well — not including looking at these charts years in advance, I have been over the astrology for 2012 five times — forward, backward in three layers, and then forward again. I’ve studied the major planets, the asteroids and many of the new discoveries. I’ve gone over the charts for each of the Sun’s ingresses into the signs, as well as key major events such as Uranus square Pluto, the Venus transit of the Sun and the pattern of 29 eclipse-like events we have this year. The main results of this work are the astrology readings contained in the 2012 annual edition.

My kitchen table desk, where I have written and recorded nearly all of Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check. Those are the Voyager tarot cards to the right, and to the top left is Raphael’s Ephemeris, the one used (and published) by the Brits. Photo by Eric.

The audio presentations are done and ready, and I’m close to finishing the written interpretations. With any luck at all, I plan to have the readings available to those who have opted in by Monday night. I am on schedule to finish the written version of Pisces on Saturday, then I’ve given myself two days to go over the signs and tune up the language; plus the proofreading and production team will be putting the finishing touches on the website. Included are numerous articles, useful resources and the key charts for 2012. There’s also a blog that will track the events, astrological and worldly, as they develop.

Yes, 2012 is the year that the Mayan long count reaches the date 13.0.0.0.0. Nobody is really sure what this ‘means’. Yet I can tell you as a Western-styled astrologer that we are slipping into some extremely rare and exciting aspects, which really heat up in late May. The phase from now until late April is a time of preparation, evaluation and adjustment. Then the real excitement begins. What we saw in 2011 was just the warmup for much more interesting things to come.

Stepping outside of marketing presentations for this project, what I have done with the 2012 astrology is to personalize it for each of the Sun signs and the rising signs. I have meticulously gone through the aspects, and using my gift for developing detailed readings for the Sun signs and rising signs, presented the astrology to you in clear terms, covering the most important areas of your life.

Zoom H4n digital recording setup with popper stopper. In the background is the full archive (cassette and DAT) of Radio Navigator on WDST Radio Woodstock, 1996-1998.

I’ve prepared these readings recognizing the difficulties that many people are facing, as the pressures of life impact them, and as the world changes. I speak to what is a nearly universal desire to participate in the changes that are happening. And I speak to the fear of the unknown that so many people are facing — which relates to both a sense of something ominous, and some unusual potential.

The audio presentations are as motivational as they are informative. They are intended to get you going. Many people are fed up with the persistent negativity that surrounds us, and the sense that it’s impossible to make real progress as politicians fixate on the uterus and ignore the economy; as companies focus on profits and lay off workers; as banks hog cash and pay bonuses, but don’t lend money to small businesses.

I know — it’s chilly out there, in many more ways than these. However, I blow through all of that and get to the heart of how and why we can take advantage of the raw power and precise leverage offered by the aspects of 2012 and beyond. What we’re calling 2012 is a gateway to an extended era.

I have crafted this work to provide as much information, strategy and clear perspective as I can. I do my best not only to translate, but to put you in contact with your astrology, and your astrology in contact with you. Presented in both written and spoken format, these readings are designed to be accessible and to present the information in a way that will help you work with the incoming energies and, borrowing a phrase, to be in tune with the times.

I am looking forward to wrapping up this project over the weekend and putting it into your hands; you are welcome to avail yourself of my efforts with the subscriber discount. To all those who have signed up already — thank you for your business, and mostly for your trust in my work.

We will send a note out to those who have opted into the 2012 annual when the readings go live on Monday evening.

Lovingly,

Today Mercury conjoins the Galactic Center in late Sagittarius. On Saturday, Mercury simultaneously sextiles Saturn in late Libra and Neptune in late Aquarius, just before it ingresses Capricorn Sunday at 1:34 am EST. This will be the first time Mercury is in a sign other than Sagittarius since Nov. 2. Also this weekend, Venus is conjunct Nessus in Aquarius and square Sedna in Taurus. Pluto in Capricorn makes a sextile to Vesta in Pisces. Once Mercury enters Capricorn, it trines Jupiter in the first degree of Taurus and squares Uranus in the second degree of Aries. On Monday, Mercury sextiles Chiron in Pisces; Ceres squares the GC. The waxing Moon enters Cancer Sunday; Full Moon (Moon in Cancer opposite Sun in Capricorn) is Monday at 2:30 am EST. For a closer look at this weekend’s astrology, you may check out this article in the Daily Astrology series.

Monday the Moon is full in the sign Cancer, its home sign. This feels a little like a rising tide of emotions, in effect for days before it happens. At the same time, Mercury is now conjunct the Galactic Center in Sagittarius, which is not exactly given to clear thinking or an accurate sense of perspective. On this theme, Venus is approaching a conjunction to Neptune — one of those things that make it challenging to ground one’s emotions. Therefore, remaining thoughtful and cool is strictly in manual mode at the moment. The first thing to do is slow down, and be mindful of your thought process — in the face of impulses telling you to do the opposite. Simply put, you need to become aware of when you’re not actually thinking, but rather reacting or going into automatic mode. Doing this can mean the difference between getting it (whatever you’ve got going on) right or making significant mistakes; so thought and reflection count for time well spent.

You may find yourself in a state of constantly trying to adjust to relationship partners of the opposite sex, without ever quite finding a balance that feels right. This setup asks for negotiation — which means making sure both parties get their bases covered, rather than going for ‘all or nothing’. Venus is conjunct Nessus in Aquarius, forming a quincunx to Mars in Virgo. The nature of the quincunx, which is one sign off from an opposition, is that resolution of the tension is never quite attained. So instead of focusing on the end goal with an intimate partner, keep your eyes on the quality of the negotiations. That’s what matters. Mars in Virgo provides an energetic drive to serve, but could get demanding over details; step back and take a breath if so. Venus conjunct Nessus in Aquarius can be the use of sexual attraction as a weapon (often by women) perpetuating social patterns of abuse. That needs to stop, if we’re ever to have healthy relationships. Watch for this potential in your relationship negotiations, particularly in less formal environments. We have the opportunity to use Venus-Nessus to bring light to, and heal, cycles of abuse — no matter how subtle they are.

Rick Santorum ‘came from behind’ to ‘tie Mitt Romney’ in the Iowa Caucus held Tuesday night. Well, it wasn’t a tie, Romney won by eight votes after spending 18 times more money on his campaign than did Santorum. A former Pennsylvania governor, congressman and U.S. senator, Santorum sets the benchmark for social conservatism, being against birth control, abortion, gay sex, straight sex, pornography, ice cream sundaes and flying kites. Who the heck is this guy and why is he so confused? We have taken a look at his astrology in this article on Planet Waves.

Keith Little, one of the last remaining Navajo code talkers, died in Arizona Tuesday. He was one of about 400 Native Americans who was used during World War II to transmit secret tactical messages in a code based on the Navajo language. He was 87. The program was begun during WWI using the Choctaw language. Little’s family now hopes to carry out his dream of a museum near the Arizona-New Mexico border that also will hold wartime memorabilia and serve as a haven for veterans. Little was 17 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, having no idea about the program. Their code helped confound the Japanese and win the war. “My motivation was to fight the enemy with a gun or whatever,” Little told The Associated Press in a July 2009 interview. “When I went into the Marine Corps… I knew nothing about the Navajo code. It was really astonishing to me to get to Camp Pendleton and there were a bunch of Navajos there, and they were working with a Navajo code.” No birth data was available for Little.

The mysterious blackbird deaths we reported at this time last year resumed in recent weeks — and then the U.S. Department of Agriculture admitted it is responsible for the mass poisoning of tens of millions of birds over the last several years. Natural News reported this week that it’s part of the USDA’s program called “Bye Bye Blackbird,” responsible for the deaths of birds (and many other animals) by intentional poisoning. Natural News published a spreadsheet that documented how many birds and other animals that the USDA killed, intentionally and unintentionally. At the time, Planet Waves reported based on several factors in the astrology that the chart pointed to a cause that was “corporate and/or involves the government.”

Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit against Monsanto alleging that the company is responsible for contaminated homes and schools near a chemical plant in Nitro, West Virginia, heads toward trial next week after mediation efforts failed, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Though Monsanto has created nothing but liability and pollution, it is rare for litigation against the company to go to trial — and interestingly, one of the most famous cases that the company lost involved Nitro. Residents of the town, where a Monsanto plant produced chemicals and herbicides for more than five decades, claim their properties were polluted by dioxins, a highly toxic class of chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases. The plant in Nitro produced, among other compounds, 2,4,5-T, an ingredient in the chemical defoliant Agent Orange, widely used in the Vietnam War. Dioxins are a contaminated byproduct of the manufacturing process. The lawsuit, filed in 2004, is seeking medical monitoring and regular testing for as many as 80,000 residents. A separate class action also is seeking damages. Nitro was also the scene of one of the worst dioxin incidents in the history of industry, reported previously in Planet Waves.

Finally, we now understand what Neptune in Aquarius (which ends Feb. 3 after some 14 years) was leading up to. It’s obvious, but like most things with Neptune we didn’t figure it out till later — information as a religious sacrament — and this is now official. BBC has reported that the Church of Kopimism has been recognized by the Swedish government. The church, founded by 19-year-old philosophy student Isak Gerson, claims that “kopyacting” — sharing information through copying — is akin to a religious service. The “spiritual leader” of the church said recognition was a “large step.” But others were less enthusiastic and said the church would do little to halt the global crackdown on piracy. The Swedish government agency Kammarkollegiet finally registered the Church of Kopimism as a religious organization shortly before Christmas, the group said. “We had to apply three times,” said Gustav Nipe, chairman of the organization. “For the Church of Kopimism, information is holy and copying is a sacrament. Information holds a value, in itself and in what it contains and the value multiplies through copying. Therefore copying is central for the organisation and its members,” he said in a statement.

An interview with Eric Francis was published in the December edition of The Artful Mind, the Massachusetts-based magazine. In the interview, Eric talks about how he writes astrology for his readers, his background in journalism, and other topics ranging from photography to music. “Astrology and newspaper reporting have always had a close relationship in my life,” he says. “I started studying astrology with high focus in 1994, at the peak of my investigative work. At the time I was unraveling how Monsanto, General Electric and Westinghouse had polluted the world with chemicals called PCBs and dioxins. This is heavy stuff, and I had been doing it full time for about three years when I discovered my passion for astrology.”

There is not a regular edition of Planet Waves FM this week. The latest installment of the Top Five Events of 2012 free audio series is a two-part podcast on the secrets of the Mayan calendar. Part One addresses the Mayan calendar systems and what day 13.0.0.0.0 on Dec. 21, 2012 might ‘mean’. It’s actually a critique on attempts to pin down the meaning of the day. Part Two is an interview with Carlos Cedillo, a daykeeper of the Mayan calendar. A forthcoming Part Three will include my own thoughts on the matter.

You can access both currently available parts of this latest installment — plus all previous Top Five Events podcasts — here. The first four installments cover Uranus square Pluto, the Venus transit of the Sun, planets entering water signs in 2012, and Mercury retrograde on Election Day. This entire audio series is part of Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check.— the 2012 annual edition of Planet Waves, which is also available for purchase by individual sign.

Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #886.| Eric’s Zodiac Sign Descriptions

Aries (March 20-April 19) — What at first seems like routine news may turn out to be a lot more meaningful than it seems on its face. Therefore, I suggest you think in terms of the implications of what you learn, and the possibilities of what it might represent for you. You seem to be pushing for big changes, or they seem to be calling out to you. Anything you learn, any information that comes your way, has the power to lead to a sequence of new ideas, and as such may represent a turning point. You will have to listen; you need to pay attention, in particular, to the details. There are two distinct sides to any news that may seem strange or jarring, and I am not saying this as a truism. Look quickly for the silver lining and keep thinking in that direction. It is not a side benefit; it seems to be the whole point.

Aries, your birth sign or rising sign, is getting a transit from the planet Uranus — which is a wild wakeup call, and a bold creative influence. I’ve recorded an hour of astrology and a tarot card reading for you. Learn more by visiting this page.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Remember your negotiation skills. I only remind you because negotiation is not in vogue these days — making demands is, typically in the style of all or nothing. Given that nobody really needs it all, but nothing does not suffice, keep in mind that the essence of negotiation is making sure that everyone gets the basics covered. You can afford to think with a little more foresight than what you might want or need right now. Devise a way of consciously prioritizing. And you will have to be the one who rises above any atmosphere (or perceived intention) of less than pleasant psychology. Part of being a professional is contributing to reducing tensions rather than escalating them. The question to ask is, ‘What if everyone acted this way?’ Many people don’t realize it but they are waiting for someone else to set a good example — you’re the one who would be that example.

I’ve recorded an hour of astrology and done a tarot reading especially for you. It’s information that will help with your relationships, your professional life and your personal growth. Visit this page to find out more.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — At the moment, you seem to be at the mercy of what a partner is going through — and you probably think you have little influence over the outcome. The more appropriate thing to be wondering about is whether you want any influence, and if you did, what exactly it would be. The situation seems more clearly designed as something you will have to adapt to, which is another way of saying you’re dealing with a force much larger than yourself. What you experience may seem on one level like you’ve reached a turning point in a relationship, but what’s really happening is that you’ve arrived at a point of no return in your own life — and the relationship is just a reflection of that. Remember the Serenity Prayer, and remember that the most important part of that is ‘the wisdom to know the difference’ — and I would add: then you have to use that information well.

Gemini is one of the most misunderstood signs — and as someone born under this sign, part of your role is to hold a mirror to the world. I’ve recorded an hour of audio for you, plus a 20-minute tarot reading. You can get access to these by visiting this page.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Pay close attention to what aspects of a relationship or partnership situation are working, and which are not. You don’t want to wait around to find out what happens when you’ve got all the information that you need. Meanwhile, there are ways that you can contribute affirmatively toward a positive outcome. Much of what you’re dealing with in one particular involvement are your ‘hidden tendencies’ coming to the surface — tendencies which I would imagine you would let go of, if you could. The time has come to evaluate everything you say and everything you do on the basis of whether it adds or detracts from your quality of life and your quality of work. Many factors are compelling you to rise to the occasion of your life, as it is today — not how it was yesterday, or how you wanted it to be 10 years ago.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You need to strike a balance in a relationship situation between idealism and cynicism. That balance would come in the form of ‘none of the above’, which is to say, not trying to form a compromise between the two. Rather, a spirit of working from common ground, common values and a shared vision for what is possible will help you make the most of your situation. I suggest you give this at least a week or two to work itself out, as your emotions are currently under the influence of some form of projection. When Neptune leaves your opposite sign early next month, you will gain a more realistic perspective, and a lot more breathing room. To sum up, you have made a long series of compromises that it’s now time to begin reversing, though this will not happen overnight. It may take years, but it will help immensely if you know the specifics of what you’re working with, and what you have gained along the way.

The 2011 Leo birthday report is 70 minutes of in-depth astrology plus a 20-minute tarot reading for you, exploring relationships, personal growth and your professional life. Visit this page for additional information.

Introducing the Planet Waves All Access Pass for 2012

With the All Access Pass you’ll receive:

– Tuesday/Friday Email editions of Planet Waves weekly content and horoscopes. Follow Eric’s weekly and monthly interpretations for all of 2012.

For More Benefits of the All Access Pass, Visit This Page.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — There should be a word for ‘fear of depth’ or perhaps paranoia connected to curiosity. Anyway, neither of those will be particularly helpful right now and either could become a pretty big detriment. Therefore, go deep, and encourage your curiosity. You’ve been on a project the past few years of gradually letting go of your inhibitions. Now is an excellent moment to both take advantage of what you’ve learned, as well as to go deeper and experience something new. Your sense of adventure may be mingled with some questions about whether you’re exceeding your proper boundaries, or some code of decency you’re being held to but that nobody had the courtesy to inform you of. There are no actual rules and regulations, and to the extent there were, Pluto — currently your best friend — has taken care of them. All you need are basic ethics and your ‘common’ sense.

The 2011 Virgo birthday report is ready! I’ve recorded 70 minutes of astrology plus a tarot reading for you, exploring how you’re working through family material, your use of spirituality, some new energy in your relationships and your professional goals. Visit this page for additional information.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — How far will you go for love? You may be inclined to think that you’ll go too far — however, the dream you’re following will soon lead you to a new feeling, emotional experience or depth of healing. This may feel a little like going down the rabbit hole, but unlike the one that Alice discovered, the dimension you’re entering makes a lot more sense and is better suited to your nature than the brainy abstraction (or odd psychological tension) of the past few days or weeks. The theme of your life shifts clearly and somewhat boldly in the direction of healing, though what you may have forgotten is the extent to which that, for you, involves imagination and creativity, rather than some kind of technique. Both you — and your relationships — need space to move in, space that is reflective, sensual and creative, rather than adorned with too many ideas or chilly intellect.

Your Libra birthday audio for 2011 is finished. Created outside next to an open fire, this reading covers the astrology for your sign in about 70 minutes (looking at career, relationship, home life and the many influences to change you’re now experiencing). It also includes a Voyager tarot reading. Visit this link for additional information.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You may be noticing an odd sensation in your life, as your ruling planet Mars slows down to a retrograde. This may feel like the soundtrack is out of alignment with the frames of the movie, or like the air (or your mind) is getting a little thick. I suggest you take the cue and slow down. This is not the time to blaze forward, but rather, for a careful reassessment. Mars retrograde lasts between Jan. 23 and April 13 — which will give you a chance to look back on the past two years, and moreover, to prepare for the astonishing events of mid-2012. Take this opportunity to work out any hangups, disagreements or conflict over the most important thing you can do with your mind — deciding what you want. Remember, you don’t have to make all your decisions at once. You have some time, and I suggest you use it consciously.

Hello Scorpios! Your 2011 Birthday Report is ready. It’s about an hour of astrology, plus a 20-minute tarot reading. It’s hot with transformational energy. I focus on your ruling planet Mars, your imagination and desire nature, and a phase of solid achievement. Please check this page for more information.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You’re about to have an opportunity to develop your financial resources; that is to say, to either make money, get a gig, or tap into some existing resource that has more value than you think. The key to financial success, for you, is grounding. You don’t necessarily like ‘the material world’, and you know that there’s more to life than that — but when it comes to money or wealth in any form, your success will come from a practical, planned-out and in some ways traditional approach. As the next few days develop, I suggest you take any conversations slowly and patiently, particularly with bosses or clients. Small successes can lead to much larger ones, though you must take things one step at a time, no matter how brilliant or innovative an idea or proposal might be. Make no assumptions, and keep a close eye on the timing of commitments.

The Sagittarius 2011 Birthday Report is ready. It’s about an hour of astrology, plus a 20-minute tarot reading. Sagittarius is encoded with a sense of cosmic mystery, and the recent, hot eclipse activity in your sign will continue unfolding for the next 6-12 months as you journey. Visit this page for additional information.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Any secrets you may be keeping from yourself will soon come to light — and you may wonder what the hush was about. However, what you’re about to discover — either about yourself, or about something deeply meaningful to you — has the power to shift your perception of life — and that means, the path of your life. Most of the time seemingly little revelations are forgotten as fast as they emerge; it’s time for you to recognize the power of an idea. Now, the thing about ideas is that they are like seeds (and not everyone recognizes the value of these). In the present case, we’re talking about an idea equivalent to an heirloom seed. It will need to be cultivated and cared for, and this takes time, patience and continuity. The initial excitement of possessing the thing must develop into something more mature — with a focus on continuity and respect for the growth of living creatures.

Happy birthday! There will indeed be a Capricorn audio birthday report! Watch your email or check this space for additional information in the next edition.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You are certainly getting a tour of the light, the dark, the beautiful and the beastly. While I could be philosophical and say that it’s all part of the kaleidoscope of human experience, I am sure you would rather have your life be simpler. I know you’re getting exhausted with spending your days experiencing the kinds of extremes of existence that have characterized not only the past week but the past few months. You are at the end of a long, challenging phase of existence. By long I mean consider that what you’ve been living through is a phase that began in the late 1990s. You will recognize this a lot more clearly once it’s over — which by the way happens in early February, around the time of your birthday. Being a long phase there will not be an abrupt transition; tune in quietly and you will feel the subtle motion, ephemeral though it may be.

To pre-order Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check., your full-length 2012 reading including written and audio segments for Aquarius, please go to this link.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — One thing I know from living through a lot of astrology is that when Venus enters your birth sign, that’s good for you. It’s a moment of not only appreciating the finer things in life, but actually having them be within reach. In a sense they always are, and we’re often too busy or distracted to notice. But this is a special moment, as Venus makes a conjunction to Neptune and then ingresses Pisces, where it will be for a few weeks. Then, Neptune enters your birth sign. No matter how fast you may be going at the moment, or what challenges you may face, this is a moment to slow down and make space in your life for who and what you want the most. Share your abundance with others you care about. Within the madness of life, so much of it unnecessary, take a long moment and feel how beautiful your existence can be.

To pre-order Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check., your full-length 2012 reading including written and audio segments for Pisces, please go to this link.

Happy New Year — and Schedule Update

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Don’t miss Eric’s free audio presentation on the secrets of the Mayan Calendar. This image is of a Mayan stucco frieze from Placeres, Campeche. It’s displayed in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. Photo by Wolfgang Sauber / Wikimedia Commons.

Dear Friend and Reader:

Good Tuesday morning, and welcome to the first working week of 2012. So far so good.

This is the week of the year when I am wrapping up your annual readings (contained in Reality Check, the 2012 annual edition) and resuming regular publishing. Note, for subscribers and other publishing clients looking for the subscriber discount, here it is (that link takes you to the proper area).

The audio readings (each in three sections, about 90 minutes per sign, covering all of the major and some of the subtle events of 2012) are finished and ready. I have a bit more than four of the written readings to do, and I should be able to have those done Friday, if I keep everything else light this week. So what I can promise weekly subscribers for a Friday edition is, at least, a weekly horoscope. Any more and I’m pushing the annual edition schedule. So — look for a weekly horoscope on Friday morning. (In case you’re in Woodstock I’ll be at Taco Juan’s writing that.)

As for the annual: it will take us through the weekend to get the pages together, do the final edits, and tidy up any production details. So I anticipate that being ready Monday. This edition features not only your 2012 readings, but also articles by a diversity of writers, a resources area and a daily diary that is now running.

The Top Five Events of 2012 audio series (free to all readers) has been updated with a two-part series investigating the Mayan calendar and its significance. This features an interview with Mayan daykeeper Carlos Cedillo. There is one last part in this series forthcoming — my personal viewpoint on the turnover of the Mayan calendar.

I will see you Friday — and remember, Daily Astrology is running all week as well.

Lovingly,

Capricorn 2012

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Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 #930 | By Eric Francis
One theme of the astrology the past few months has been about inner reality vs. outer. In a world dominated by appearances, it’s easy to forget that there is an inner reality, though you’re unlikely to be missing that fact now. The question seems to be not what you want to bring forth into the world, but how exactly you’re going to do it. Your inner space is churning with passion and pathos; with questions about your past, and an urgent desire to enter the moment you are in now. Crossing over this barrier can seem like finding your way through an invisible portal, or making your way into a parallel universe. It’s really not so difficult; ordinary circumstances will draw you out of that veiled world. Bring your feelings into your daily experience. Remember at 10 am that you’re the same person who had those thoughts, feelings and desires at 6 am when you were dreaming. Remember that you’re never separate from yourself; you are yourself.

Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 #929

There is a lot that seems ready to burst out of you right now. You may wonder if you will set the house on fire by allowing any of whatever that may be out of yourself; there is a lot in there, and it has the approximate constituency of cosmic fire. One of the biggest Capricorn secrets is how passionate you are. I know it’s easy to conceal behind your somewhat formal demeanor and your constant attention to your image, but that does not change the fact of what is behind the veil. If astrology offers any clues, the time is long gone that you need to conceal who you really are. Indeed, it’s verging on impossible for you to do so, and if you pretend that nobody knows, you will just seem silly. Here is an analogy: imagine you’re wearing thin summer clothes, and you get rained on and they become transparent — and you have nothing dry to change into. If you want to feel good, acknowledge everyone can see what you’ve got — because they can.

Planet Waves Inner Space Monthly Horoscope for December

At least you’re not expecting everyone — or anyone — to do it for you. You may be in the most self-determined moment of your life, with more options than you’ve ever had. I suggest you make a point of noticing them, especially if you’re feeling limited. Yet far from feeling hemmed in, you might be feeling like you have way too much energy and you don’t know how to contain yourself. You may have the feeling that you’ll never live up to your potential. That is a feeling — not the reality. Yet no matter how much energy you have now, I suggest you remember, and trust, the fact that real progress takes time. Be content with the fact that your life is going in the right direction, and do yourself a huge favor: avoid unnecessary conflict like it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. In actual fact, it is.

Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 #928

You don’t need to push yourself, anyone or anything as hard as you may think. There is plenty of momentum carrying you, and your boundaries are working well enough that you have no need to be defensive. In fact, you could let your guard down at the same time you ease off on the push energy, just a little. Just enough to see that you feel good relaxing into an environment that you have every reason to trust. One thing you may want to be aware of is that over the next week or two, your fantasy world (yes, your rather exotic erotic one) is about to set itself on fire, as the Sun in Sagittarius makes a series of aspects and Venus and Mars continue to dance around your chart. Your imagination may even take on a life of its own, and seem so vivid as to be real (this, I call phantasy). This is sometimes a form of astral contact and it may be that you are actually communicating with some of the people who enter your mind. I suggest you stand way back from judging anything you imagine; just let it work its wonders on you.

Planet Waves Monthly Horoscope for December | By Eric Francis
Standing in for Weekly Horoscope #927

“Become the change you want to see in the world” may be getting old as a slogan, but not as the thing to do. The 2012 phenomenon — day 13.0.0.0.0 of the Mayan calendar (marking the completion of a 5,125-year cycle of time) — happens when the Sun ingresses your birth sign in December. What is the message, to you personally? It’s a resounding cry for social justice, which can only be answered in the embodiment of leadership by example. It’s the only kind that works, whether intentional or not, and whether the example is of corruption, truth or love. Therefore, be conscious of the example you provide. Be conscious of the alignment of your words and of your actions. What you say, what you do and who you are has an impact on the world. You may not feel that way, yet. One thing that will help you notice your influence is to pause in trying to live up to what you think others would have you be. You do not need to be anything but who you are. In our particular world, the fact that this may not be acceptable to some people is evidence that you’re doing what is right, and popularity may be a sign that you’re wasting your time. Express your passion for justice by being just. Include people rather than exclude them. Make nobody conform to your point of view. Offer your empathy and consciously, vocally refrain from trying to control anyone — especially yourself.

Planet Waves Inner Space Monthly Horoscope for December

Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 #926

Mars is about to ingress your birth sign, and that’s likely to arrive with a bolt of energy and the release from anxiety you may not have noticed you were experiencing. If you did, it may have come in this form: is anxiety the cause of inaction, or is inaction the cause of anxiety? When this riddle resolves itself, it suddenly may not matter which was the cause and which was the effect; action itself is a form of relief. Focus helps you clear up the blurry edges of your thoughts, and expressing energy gives you more energy rather than consuming anything. As the next week progresses, this sensation may build. I suggest that you invest yourself into your choices and actions without hesitation. Practice living as if you have total confidence in yourself. Think of it as a gift you give to yourself. Dare to go beyond any feeling of doubt, taking confident steps. Fear is an emotion and it rarely speaks the truth. What we think of as freedom always takes courage, and offers courage as its first reward.

Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 #925

For the next week or so, notice how you feel being seen, particularly in public places. ‘Being seen’ may translate to the sensation of being felt, and being responded to, which even under normal circumstances is an experience that can arrive with depth and vulnerability. It’s as if you feel naked in public, which may soon feel like naked and under a spotlight. What’s different about this moment is the influence you’re having on your environment, and the way that the vibes you exchange with others can influence your perception of yourself. The sensation factor is going up: deeper feelings, with a more poignant effect, and it’s like a feedback loop. There’s a word for it, which is biophilia. For a concise explanation from one who knows what’s she’s talking about, play the recording at the bottom of Bjork.com. Meanwhile, as you navigate this territory, it’s best to make small, subtle moves. There’s no point running for the shadows when you can adjust your posture by a millimeter or two and get a much better effect.

Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 #924

Beware of ambition — or any tactics that might indicate you’re driven by any motives that might lead you to suspend your ethics. We live in a time when it’s popular and even accepted that people will throw their conscience to the four winds if that’s what it takes to win the game. You are now walking a razor’s edge where you must emphasize fairness and sincerity as your first responsibility, particularly if you’re in a position of leadership. Neither is this the time to kiss the ass of anyone in authority. It’s time to align your choices and your actions with what you really value. Any attempt to put image over substance could backfire. Therefore, devote yourself to quality, to sincerity and let your actions speak louder than your words. Pay attention and you will notice that your inner world is calling you more loudly than your desire for outer success, and if you attend to this seemingly subtle level of awareness, and stay clear and in alignment with yourself, you will not have to worry about succeeding in the world.

Planet Waves Monthly Horoscope for November 2012 #923

In retrospect, you may decide this was the month you actually woke up and figured out that you’re alive, and that you’re here to live your life, your way. One element of this is the discovery that it’s simply impossible to please everyone, and a miracle when people actually recognize who you are. The message coming through from life and from the planets is: don’t bother trying to please anyone, and recognize and appreciate who you are. Acting on this intention will introduce a shock to your psyche, making you more alert and calling several people around you into focus. Then, you’ll get to have a different kind of conversation. When you feel a real level of trust, take the opportunity to push the boundary of who you are — and by that, I mean not only to stretch but to exceed your comfort zone. The idea is to be realer than you’re accustomed to being, even to the point where it feels a little dangerous. Yet I suggest you do this in a contained environment, not live on YouTube. Perhaps the most significant aspect of this journey is an experiment in revealing what you would have been reluctant to reveal before, or indeed, what you would have never considered. You cannot be comfortable with yourself if you’re not comfortable being yourself and allowing others to see who you are. While you might think that you would feel confident before making any such revelation, your growth will proceed in the other direction.

Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 #922

Your charts are rather emotionally potent at the moment (an understatement), and I suggest you ask yourself whether you’re feeding on intensity for its own sake, or you actually have something to express. You seem to be seeking peak experiences, which isn’t unhealthy in and of itself — the question is the content of those experiences, what they offer you, and what their influence is on the environment of your relationships. Are you creating a diversion of some kind, or are you reacting to pressure within you that you don’t know how to handle? It’s possible that there’s an exaggeration effect going on; you’re perceiving others as being overly serious, and they are perceiving you as failing to see the virtue of self-control. If so, there’s some truth to the equation. I would ask, however, what is underneath all of this emotional intensity. What is driving you? What’s the source of your restlessness? You may just be reacting against gaining the emotional discipline you know you need to cultivate.

Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 #921

You need to act on a career-related matter despite your emotional reservations, and despite the fact that it might not be a perfect situation. Your own hesitancy is most of what’s getting in the way of your judgment; were you to take a more objective look at the situation, you would probably agree that it’s set up to work in your favor. There may also be someone influencing your judgment, primarily by their subtle refusal to acknowledge your influence, talent or your power over your own life. This, and you’re famous for your perfectionism where professional engagements, plans or ambitions are concerned. I suggest you set aside the notion of ‘perfect’ and substitute ‘practical’. Then ask yourself whether what you’re considering, or being offered, bears any resemblance to what you’ve said over and over again that you really want. If it does, I suggest you trust that the details will take care of themselves — and that you have a distinct advantage as the underdog in the situation.

Weekly Horoscope for Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 #920

Saturn, the planet most associated with Capricorn, changes signs this week. There is something in this move, from Libra to Scorpio, about your figuring out that you are involved in some form of collective responsibility. Even if you cannot discern something specific, I suggest you consider the wider implications of everything that you do, and of everything that happens to you. Consider the ways in which you’re influenced by the wider world in the choices you make, the feelings you experience and the values that you claim as your own. This is a time to start questioning the many ways you’ve been infiltrated, and to sort out who you truly are and what is really yours. Yet the influences of the collective, wider world are becoming more important, not less. This requires careful discernment, and really knowing when you’re thinking something and whether someone is thinking for you; when you’re coming from commitment or obligation; when your actions are self-serving or for the greatest good of all concerned — including you.

Monthly horoscope for October 2012 standing in for Weekly Horoscope #919

This is the time to be responsible not to your own ambitions, but to your community. I know that this idea is pissing into the wind of the privatization, privation and exclusion that is all the political rage now. Greed worshippers can keep their lies; not only don’t they influence you, you must stand up to this false philosophy, both in yourself and in society. Establish a commons in your life: hold the space for an authentic, equitable exchange of resources. This is leadership in action; there are goals and results involved. There are competing interests involved. There are those who will immediately take advantage of any fair system, and you will have to address that factor as well. Note that there are aspects of this that will happen in your ‘official’ capacity (such as your professional role) and outside of any official capacity, and perhaps even out of sight of others. Another way to describe the aspects that are developing in your chart is that you are shifting your concept of self-interest into a full embrace of the conditions of the world around you. Your role is to use your power, your knowledge and your experience to uphold the personal values you have stated many times are precious to you. Acting on those values requires taking a chance, not the least of which is wondering what all those greedy people will think of you when you insist on fairness and integrity. What they think of you is their issue; what you do is yours.

Planet Waves Inner Space Horoscope for October 2012

You need fewer, better friends who understand that friendship is more than palling around. It’s a matter of mutual support and integrity. Some of the people who will become more significant in your life over the next few years you already know. Some you’ve yet to meet, though the situation is similar with both — their presence will come into focus as you make certain recognitions about your own self-worth, your value to others, and what this informs you about your role in the world. This is about a phase of settling in: it’s as if you relax into how you present yourself, what your purpose is and accepting what you offer to others. That will have a way of commanding the loyalty and respect of those around you, based on both emotional harmony and sense of purpose.

Friday, September 21, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #918

There is an imperative on emotional maturity right now; consider this a kind of professionalism in the face of change, uncertainty and the demand for leadership — that is to say, your leadership. You have a unique, and well-seasoned, perspective on the unsettled quality of the moment, though you are also in full contact with the potential that’s lurking beyond the chaos. In times such as these, people who can offer a steady example and have a vision are the ones who have the opportunity to shine, while everyone else is scrambling around. Now, as for the maturity piece: this is a learned skill. It’s learned from experience and by following examples, and you have both. The pace of events is about to pick up; you must slow down, long enough to confer with certain people you trust (most likely older than you) and to make reasoned decisions that you don’t have to reconsider. Take things one step at a time — that number is one, not two. And if you find yourself positioned high up, use that as a means of gaining perspective, rather than demanding respect.

Friday, September 14, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #917

If you’re feeling the urge to be spiritual, I suggest you go for practical. ‘Spiritual’ is almost always a ruse, and too often it’s a cover for egotism. It’s almost always a way of saying that the allegedly spiritual person is better than someone else, and too often it’s used as an excuse for hypocrisy. If spiritual means anything at all in real terms, that would be about ethics, honesty and friendship to the people in your environment. This is why I suggest you stick to practical, which is to say, love is what love does. Get away from theory and get down to the business of taking care of the people you love, and the people who take care of you. This is likely to extend into your professional life, an aspect of yourself that has been under major development the past three years. That comes down to one theme: your professional relationships are real, and call for the same respect as anyone else.

Friday, September 7, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #916

It’s time to update your resume and portfolio. This counts if you’re the CEO of a multinational company, a sophomore art student or anything in between. I suggest you focus carefully on what you’ve accomplished since 2009. Speaking of that particular year, you may have done more than you think; it was not a ‘lost year’, as you may be inclined to think — though I suggest that you do a careful, month-by-month review and see what changed. Meanwhile, the process of updating your resume will provide a forum for you to track everything you’ve achieved and accomplished. The first draft of this list needs to be in long format, including such activities as helping others with their career or business ventures, any activity that raised your public profile, and people you met who had an influence in your life. Then, tighten it up for public consumption. I think there’s a good possibility that in this stretch of time, you ended one volume of your professional history and began another. Now, as you proceed, you need this organized inquiry into what you’ve accomplished as a foundation to stand on, and as a reminder of what is possible.

Inner Space Horoscopes for September 2012

September 2012 is the last full month of Saturn in Libra. I suggest you do a review project, on the topic of responsibility, leadership and your reputation. Let’s go back in time to Oct. 29, 2009 — when Saturn first touched the shores of what’s called your 10th solar house — the one that addresses themes of authority in every form. Where were you then? How did you feel about who you are, and what you do? Did you have the self-respect to command the respect of others? I suggest you track what you’ve learned since that day, and take full ownership of it. I know there were ups and downs; that is life, though everyone knows that humans tend to learn more from struggle than from achievement. Make sure you learn from both.

Friday, August 31, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #915

If you’ve learned nothing else the past three years that Saturn has been in Libra, your house of career and reputation, it’s that you need to expand your horizons. Have you done that? Have you looked over the teacup walls of the thing that you used to call your career? What for you might seem like a wild experiment would feel to those around you like a basic wholesome idea. Therefore, you can afford to push a certain limit, which may be associated with how you identify yourself as a ‘responsible person’. You usually take this too far, and much of it is an image, anyway. If you set the image aside, you’ll see that you need a lot more room to maneuver. You might also notice that in truth, your responsibilities are a shared burden, though when you’re in a position of leadership, your most significant role is to provide some ethical guidance. Open up this discussion with the people around you, including (when appropriate) those you consider to be in a position of authority over you. You don’t simply do what you’re told; you do what everyone agrees is the right thing.

Moonshine Horoscope by Genevieve Hathaway, standing in for Planet Waves Weekly #914 for Friday, August 17, 2012. Edited by Eric

Have you noticed people gravitating to individuals who are open, raw and real in what they share with the larger public? In an era when much of our interaction with another person is their projected image, a dose of authenticity is attractive and refreshing. This applies to you, too. Individuals who are entering your life now are interested in meeting the genuine you. Authenticity involves sharing all parts of yourself, including the more tender emotions. It also means understanding the concept of pretense, and avoiding it. Trust is involved, trust that exposing the softer, more sensitive aspects of yourself will be met with a positive response. Working from this place attracts those who are best suited for you, and also allows the other person to know when you need some emotional buoying. You present a tough shell, but you’re softer than water inside. Focus on the idea that the people entering your life will embrace your fears and insecurities — and love you for them. This is a form of self-acceptance, though it really helps when others set the example for us. — By Genevieve Hathaway

Friday, August 10, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #913

You’re at a critical juncture right now, and more is at stake than you may realize. I don’t mean for this to stir up any anxiety. I suggest you relax and loosen up enough to take your situation — and your potential — seriously. One thing that you must be mindful of is honoring the chain of command in any corporate or professional system. Without breaking ranks, you can work politically to build a consensus and get your way, and you do seem focused on a particular outcome. While you may not be in a position to take authority from others, you are certainly in a position to persuade them to use their authority. You just have to go about accomplishing that goal in a way that is savvy and which accesses your deepest professionalism. That said, you have more official power in this situation than you may recognize, and even if you are acting within the bounds of your jurisdiction, I suggest you work the territory smoothly and never for a moment seem to act like the boss.

Friday, August 3, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #912

You want to think like a chess player when it comes to your professional aspirations. Clearly, you’re brewing something up, though it’s now time to think five steps ahead. It’s true that you cannot exactly predict the choices of others, though you do know their general tendencies. Over the next week or so, however, there’s going to be a shift in the planetary pattern — and the pattern of your life — that may have you rethinking your most important goal. The feeling will be of something ‘settling in’, as if you shift from the mental level of a topic to understanding how you feel about it. That information will make it easier to map out your game plan. As part of this, you’re likely to have a collaborator at some point soon, at least on the level of understanding your agenda. I suggest you open up your thought process, once you’ve identified someone as truly having your best interests at heart. The emotional grounding piece is the one they will be able to help you with.

Inner Space Monthly Horoscope for August 2012

Mind your ethics. That is to say, your awareness of ‘right and wrong’ needs to be an ongoing study that you reconsider from situation to situation. There is no strict code except the need to question yourself, and to be alert to the particulars. The more involved in leadership you are, the more important this will be; there are various temptations on the radar, such as to take advantage of power to cheat justice in some way. In particular where a joint financial arrangement is concerned, you may feel that it’s possible to get away with anything. It’s not. What is possible is for you to co-create a situation that works for everyone, which in any modern concept of ethics would be the focus. This requires flexibility and, at the moment, you have it.

Friday, July 20, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #911

Make sure that fairness is on top of your list of things to aspire to over the next week or so. You want to be fair, and also give the impression of being so. Do not seem arbitrary. Include as many people in your decisions as you can. It’s a fact of your situation that you must take charge, though there are several ways to do that. Particularly in the business world, we live in a time of power exercised for its own sake — and you now have the power to replace that with something better. I suggest you apply your political skills and think for the future. Know who your best allies are, and put them to work for you. You’re approaching a point where you will need to make a decision where you may not have the flexibility to be as open as you do now, and the goodwill and trust that you build over the next few weeks will help you significantly when this time comes.

Friday, July 6, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #910

There’s no debate that people are free: both you and the people close to you. This is true no matter how trapped anyone may feel, by whatever they think is trapping them. I suggest you take some time over the next few weeks and consider the agreements you have with others, or what Carolyn Myss calls ‘sacred contracts’. Those are all up for review now, which does not mean cancellation but rather a clear evaluation. Consider the commitments you have to others, the commitments they have to you, and where these promises intersect with your life path. You need to ask some basic questions, such as, does this agreement serve to benefit everyone involved? Under what circumstances was the agreement made? What was its purpose and does your arrangement still serve that purpose now? This is an approximately one-month review phase, so you actually have time to think — and to feel — your way through the questions.

Friday, July 6, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #909

Express your leadership skills in moderation. You will seem bossier to others than you feel within yourself. In your own mind, you’re just doing your job and fulfilling your mission. To others you may seem to be swaggering, arbitrary and even unfair. Therefore, make a habit of being diplomatic. If you’re making a decision that influences others, make sure that you get their input, and offer them some evidence that you’ve considered it carefully. The thing to emphasize is fairness, and remember that what’s fair in your mind may not be so in the perception of others. This is why you want a collaborative effort, even if you’re in a leadership position where you get to be the one who makes the final decision. You may have the upper hand today, but you will need allies in the not-so-distant future, during a phase of your life when your negotiation skills will count for a lot. So I suggest you make a point of refining them now.

Inner Space Monthly Horoscope for July 2012

Avoid the temptation to base your relationships on your attachment to the past, or to the way you think things were. It would only be a distraction, and you don’t have time for that now. You have many significant responsibilities to attend to, and setting things right won’t necessarily be a simple or fast process. I suggest you embrace that complexity, and make sure you focus on one agenda item at a time, starting with what you decide is the most important. If you do this with some persistence, you will build your confidence and gradually bring a sense of order to what may seem entirely out of control right now. One potential distraction is unhealthy emotional attachment. Do your best to keep your focus right now, and stand back from those who obsess over the way things were.

Friday, June 29, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #908

There are those times in life when you actually feel met, and this is one of them. Pay attention to who you encounter and stay sensitive to your environment. You’re in a position where you can be noticed, by which I mean seen clearly and recognized for who you are. A diversity of factors are conspiring to make this one of the most interesting weeks of the year. This is not a passing trend but rather a threshold through which you’re moving. Look at the world every day through new eyes. Be present in every moment; get yourself out of automatic mode and guide yourself consciously from moment to moment. Without expectations, assume that every encounter is a meaningful encounter — this includes people you pass in the elevator, the TSA agents at the airport or meeting a dog. Then apply that to everyone else you meet; listen to what they say. Honor the unknown, and call yourself fully present from moment to moment.

Friday, June 15, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #907

It’s time to integrate your approach to health and wellness. There are basically two ways into the matrix — conventional and holistic. For example, a conventional approach to weight loss would be cutting calories; holistic would be looking at everything you eat and developing a nutritional plan. You may be someone who tends to go from one end of the spectrum to the other without much time spent along the spectrum. Integrating the best of conventional and holistic approaches is especially important where treatment of any chronic illness is concerned, even if the conventional side of the equation is input from a doctor that you trust. There is a time and place for painkillers or antihistamines, but that place is limited; plus, there’s a ‘natural’ alternative to every drug, and I suggest you find the ones you need. Yet an approach that fosters prevention and bringing your system into balance is helpful because you’re more involved in the process, and you have to learn the issue from many sides in order to get results.

Friday, June 8, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #906

It’s not always about sex, but usually it is — especially lately. And when that’s true, there are those moments when you have to unleash the furies. You don’t have to release them all at once, though — try letting them out of their cages one at a time, and see how that feels. Meanwhile, every time you worry about your ‘reputation’, I would propose that’s a mirage for fear of your own power. In other words, what you believe is ‘bad for your image’ (or some desire that allegedly threatens your position) may be the very thing that is good for your strength and integrity. You seem to feel like you’re visible right now, and like you have some influence in the world. This is lining up with your passion and a touch of inner chaos in a way that might threaten to unravel everything you’ve built (which seems to be trapping a lot of energy). If that’s true, then I would say keep going.

Friday, June 1, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #905

Every time I hear the words ‘sexual healing’, I think — that’s a beautiful thing, but where would anyone go for that? We live in an era when even therapists and psychologists are terrified of having the sexual conversation with their clients, concerned that they might be sued for malpractice if something is taken the wrong way. Yet the pain that many people suffer is driven directly by their need for sexual healing, which connects to and influences the emotions on every level. If this describes you, I suggest you be open about this fact with yourself. If you can do that, you can take the next step and develop a description of your situation, so you know what your healing goals are. If you can state a problem coherently, the solution is usually right around the corner (borrowing from A Course in Miracles, “Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.”) Remember that your sexual past goes back to the time of your conception (what I call the conception drama) and may go back even further. Be open to healing and trust that the right assistance will arrive — most of which, in truth, will come from you.

Inner Space Monthly Horoscope for June 2012

You are changing in ways that you feel but have not necessarily put a name or a clear description to. Actually, changing is too weak of a word to describe what is happening; an unusual momentum of growth has taken over your life, and it’s now moving at full strength. What you’re doing is penetrating a kind of emotional veil that was cloaking your true strength from yourself. This is allowing you to emerge as someone who may have been clear to you as a child, but who was gradually fogged over as you became an adult. A simple way to express this idea is that your soul is pushing its way through the layers of your personality and into manifestation. This will not happen all at once, though you’re about to take a very significant step along the way.

Friday, May 18, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #904

The world around you may seem to be spinning out of orbit, but you are grounded and safe. You have what you need, and if you don’t, you can go a long way by opening up to receiving it. That sensation of opening to receive — so rarely remembered, if it was ever experienced before — is a gentle feeling. There’s no struggle, no question of deserving, no push or pull. It’s as natural as a sponge absorbing water. You have something more, though — the ability to self-create. In a sense, you are absorbing from within, which is one of the exalted creative stages because it means you can access your inner well and have something unusual to express. I would add a note about any health worries you may have: this is the weekend to put them behind you, whether by recognizing they are merely fears, or by deciding what action you can take to resolve the issue.

Friday, May 11, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #903

Have you ever paused to wonder why so many people seem to have heart attacks over the whole gay thing? What, exactly, is the shock, that anyone might be attracted to anyone else? We could extend this to mixed-race situations, differences in generations and people of wildly diverging political persuasions for whom this fact is blotted out by the love they feel for one another. The power of attraction is working magnificently in your life right now, and the crazier the diversity, the better. Any hangups of the past can be seen as precisely what they are — somebody else’s bad idea, based on nothing but fear. Taking this to a more personal level, I suggest you experiment with going past any anxiety you might have about who or what you’re attracted to, or who is attracted to you. The weirder, the more interesting, the more unconventional, the more fun you will have. For extra pleasure, play with the idea that everyone is a mirror.

Friday, May 4, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #902

How do you respond when others act like they are totally insecure? It’s tricky enough to even notice when this is happening. People display their neuroses in all kinds of creative ways, sometimes as bravado, sometimes as approach-avoid behavior, and sometimes as inconsistency. Often to figure out what’s going on below the surface, it’s necessary to be truly discerning, which means to see past your own subtle fears. It’s even safe to assume that people are going to be coming from an unstable or uncertain place, expecting the world to count them out of the game. The more encouraging you are, the more willing they will be to reveal their vulnerability, and thus take a step into authenticity with you. You can, with no damage to yourself, define one of your primary roles as being supportive of the ideas and plans of others — even if it’s moral support you’re offering. This will take a lot of pressure off of your social environment.

Inner Space Monthly Horoscope for May 2012

Remember that God isn’t always watching you. You’ve heard that ‘He’ is lots of times, and at least let’s consider that it’s a disturbing thought; what you do isn’t anybody’s business but your own. That is, it’s not if you don’t make it so; therefore, take your space. You might actually have to do something like experiment and consider the consequences later — if there are any. That’s the problem with thinking you’re being spied on: guilt makes it difficult to know what you’re really entitled to experience. Therefore you have to stretch that particular boundary and see what you discover once you do. One risk you run is the discovery that you could have had a lot more pleasure in your life, which I would rate as a positive, given that you’re still very much alive.

Friday, April 27, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #901

With Pluto moving through your birth sign, you are in a prolonged period of deep introspection. At times it may come with the sensation of being pulled so far into yourself that the light from the outer world does not reach you. Yet the Sun’s light is essential to feeling warm, strong and alive. Recently, you have started to make contact with that light, and have entered a period of revitalization. There will be a boost to your emotional resources, a chance to infuse your soul with the liquid light of Vitamin D. Take time this week to indulge in activities that make your highest sense of self feel alive and connected to the universe. Get out into the sunlight. Resist the urge to do more work (or housework). When you’ve fully charged your fuel cells, work will have an effortless feeling, and being introspective will be replaced by the sensation that you actually exist. — by Genevieve Hathaway

Friday, April 20, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #900

If you quiet down what your whirling, rapidly moving mind is saying, you’ll discover that you know something in your gut, and knew it all along. Given that this something is about you, you might wonder how it is that you somehow missed the obvious. That’s always a good question, though the obvious is so bold and has such deep implications that I could see it making you a little restless. You might say that the truth is so large that it’s difficult to see, something that’s often the case. The central theme here is who you are becoming. You’ve been in a transformational process that has been working under the surface layers of awareness. Yet now it’s starting to bubble up to the top. You are seeing the extent of the changes you’re going through, and this in turn is giving you a sense of your trajectory. What you’re getting now is just a little sample of the incoming energy; this will gradually ramp up over the next six weeks until you discover, somehow much to your surprise, that you really are this entirely different person you suspect you’re becoming.

Friday, April 13, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #899

The Sun opposed to your home planet Saturn this weekend is a reminder that true strength comes from within. Authentic motivation is something you carry in your body, not something that you get from your environment. Yet if there is one environmental factor, it’s a sense of grounding in your personal space. You need a measure of emotional stability in your life, no matter how challenging that may be to create. Notice all of the factors around you that are designed to knock you off balance, which in turn creates the need for things you don’t really need. These influences range from advertising to religion, which are basically the exact same social force. When you feel complete in yourself, you feel capable of anything. This is not a mirage — it’s actually true. I suggest you take time this weekend to cultivate that sense of grounding. Go where you feel the most sane and secure. Take some time and make a simple improvement to your living space. Pause and actually get enough rest — and then notice what happens to your anxiety level.

Friday, April 6, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #898

So much of what’s happening around you must feel like an enormous debate about nothing, conducted by people who don’t believe what they’re saying. Fortunately, you’re situated such that you’re out of the direct line of controversy, though people you care about seem to be caught up in the storm; this could provide a way in for you. I suggest you keep your distance on any issue that doesn’t meet one of two qualifications — the first being that it directly affects you, and the second being that it has a significant impact on your environment. These guidelines will filter out anything that’s abstract, or designed to distract (the concepts are similar). As you have noted, there are a number of dog and pony shows in addition to the wrestling matches and smoke screens. Stay true to your mission as you have stated it to yourself many times, and make sure that everyone around you knows that’s what you’re doing.

Inner Space Monthly Horoscope for April 2012

Leadership implies service. When the service aspect is removed, obsession with power rushes into the space, which is precisely not what you want. There are at least two levels to what you offer the world. One comes from the visible aspect of your position: what you’re expected to do, and what you observe needs to be done. The other is subtler, even covert. It’s what you do for others because you can make it happen. You’re the one who decides whether any such action is ethical, and whether you’re willing to face any consequences (the first question is the more important one). Then you act because you can. This may involve assisting someone through an obstacle they could not get past on their own. This may give you an idea — how to do this for more people.

Friday, March 30, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #897

Keep a close eye on any developing situation involving a contractual matter. Delay committing to any agreement not only till both Mercury and Mars are direct, but also until you feel like you have a true understanding of the situation and where everyone is coming from. I suggest you use the ‘know when you don’t know’ principle in place of any shade of false certainty — that may take some extra self-awareness. We humans tend to paper over when we have missing information, though just like wallpaper covering a hole in the wall, there’s an obvious weakness palpable to the touch if not the eye. As regards contracts, I suggest you make sure you actually can deliver anything you’re expected to promise — and if you cannot, say so as soon as possible. If you’re hesitating on any commitment, I suggest you investigate why — there may be a good reason, and if there is, you want to know what it is. The current astrology is perfectly arranged so that you’ll get to the bottom of any shaky situation. Proceed with the faith that you’ll be told everything you need to know.

Weekly Horoscope # 896 for March 23, 2012 — by Priya Kale

The dynamics within a domestic situation or family are changing, demanding your attention. You may feel a little like a lost child in your own home, something may be too close for comfort, or it may be a blast from the past that has you feeling rather emotional. You are at the start of a new cycle now, which has the potential to bring you greater material and emotional security. Don’t be afraid to go deeper into your past and confront childhood fears and insecurities so you can move forward with less baggage and a clean slate. Also re-examine childhood beliefs about what you once thought security meant and ask what is true for you today. Your parents’ idea of security need not be your own. If you’re worried about how this may affect long-term plans and goals, as long as you are honest about your priorities, you can trust you’ll find a balance that works. You are not a child anymore, and once you realize that, you can start making important choices about the foundations you want to build your life upon. — by Priya Kale.

Friday, March 16, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #895

You seem to be in the midst of an emotional tizzy of some kind, though it may be subtle. Mainly it’s messing with your confidence, but I have a suggestion. You’re better off, for now anyway, being a little off-kilter, as if you just stepped off of a boat and can still feel the motion of the waves even as you step on dry land. I suggest you feel each step you take, putting your feet on the ground carefully and one at a time. You have an opportunity to take nothing for granted. This may involve a specific emotional matter very close to home. The astrology for the next few days might make you inclined to jump to conclusions and be emotionally reactive — that won’t help. Bide your time and listen to what others are saying, and listen to what that deep voice in your belly is saying to you. You really do know how you feel, but it just may take you a little while to figure it out, and to feel confident that how you feel matters. There is no rush. Remember that, especially when you’re inclined to speed things along.

Friday, March 9, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #894

One dimension of Pluto in Capricorn is that energy of concentrated lust and soul reaching deep into you and turning over fresh, humid and fertile parts of your psyche. That crust you used to live in just doesn’t fit anymore, though the better news is that you figured out it simply isn’t practical. Now that you have freedom of mobility and a craving for life, look at what’s being offered to you. Notice the opportunities for creative pleasure that you’re drawing to yourself. Don’t misread that one; they are not merely ‘coming your way’ — rather, your inner momentum and willingness to explore a different facet of yourself every day are acting like an energy magnet. Therefore you can trust what’s traveling in your direction, and you never have to give up your power of choice whether you want a certain experience or not. Remember that nothing is stopping you, there are no shoulds or should nots — only action and its results. At the moment, your astrology says that pleasure is prudent.

Friday, March 2, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #893

Your feelings are loaded — and loaded with information. Over the next few weeks you may be making many discoveries, potentially involving a range of subjects including your family, your father’s family, certain misunderstood events of the past, your local community and your current living environment. I suggest, however, that you pause before you make any decisions based on any of that information. At this stage, once you decide something, you’re likely to discover something else that shifts or even radically alters your viewpoint. No information is final at this stage, and you have so much left to learn that I suggest you consider it an ongoing process that will last a while. I don’t know if you’re excited about any of this yet, but you’re in a dimension where one discovery will lead to another, and eventually you’ll be hooked on the process of learning and the experience of your perception changing. We both know you have a craving for history and the truth of what went on in the past; you now have access to one of the most interesting attics of your life, so take your time exploring.

Inner Space Horoscope for March 2012

Bono has a line of poetry that I’ve pondered for years: “You don’t know if it’s fear or desire.” Now is a fine time to do a study on the differences. You’re living in an entirely new environment right now, whether we’re talking about physical location or an emotional state. Many things you previously held as permanent are showing signs of coming unstuck. Many emotional tendencies you’ve lived with your whole life are suddenly coming under the microscope. I see in your charts a deep craving to know yourself, even if these new developments are shaking you at your roots. The brilliant observation contained in Bono’s line is that there is a fine line between fear and desire, and sometimes we’re afraid of what we want the very most.

Planet Waves Weekly Horoscope # 892, for Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 | By PRIYA KALE

Can you trust what someone is saying to you? And can you trust yourself? You may not be sure quite what or whom to believe at the moment. But a New Moon in your 3rd solar house, the one associated with communications and your community, suggests where you are willing to clear your mind of preconceived notions, clarity will come. Our thoughts and opinions are much like ripples in a pond that distort our ability to see reality for what it is. Avoid any temptation to gloss over the truth. Also be conscious of how much of what you believe is subconsciously influenced by your mother’s ideas of the world. The more you can be honest with yourself, even if it is painful to do so, the easier it will be to express yourself to others gently and compassionately. And you will find others can handle it pretty well. In a relationship, or conversations with partners — speak and listen with your heart. It hears and sees things your ears and eyes do not. And your heart is dependable, wise and will guide you toward unveiling the underlying reality of any situation. Then you can see the potential that exists, allowing you to create a vision into a solid reality. — By Priya Kale for Planet Waves

Friday, Feb. 17, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #891

The job of any leader is to get people working together. Humans are motivated by making money and going to war, so you might say that the job of any humane leader is to find motivations that are neither destructive nor based on greed. That’s another way of saying honoring life and what we do with it for its inherent value, which you have a gift for noticing and expressing at the moment. State the obvious both when writing and speaking. Get feedback and make sure people are onto what you’re talking about. It seems inevitable that you’ll be involved in some unusual depth or amount of written communication, and I suggest you begin any project by defining a clear strategy. The kind of writing you’re doing now is not about being inspired, though that would help. This is writing that has to work, like a sheepdog or plumber has to work. I’m not suggesting that you not use elegance or beauty, but rather that you set goals for your projects, so that you give yourself guidance and you have a way to measure whether your efforts are getting results.

Friday, Feb. 10, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #890

I suggest you be cautious of any ideas that equate money to power. They are likely to be turned against you. You can think of money as creative potential or energy, but that is different than this thing we call power, as in the power to get people to do things, or to motivate you to action. If you’re looking for motives or inspiration, find more imaginative ones. You might think in terms of what inspires people to cooperate toward a creative goal, or any goal, for that matter. These days it seems that ideas have more energy than cash when it comes to focusing the energy of groups, and there’s certainly no shortage of those right now. I would note that there is a bold, new quality to what is coming through, which may seem to challenge your preference for what is tried and true. Yet it’s a fact that time marches on, and you’ve been trying to light the fires of progress for a long time.

Friday, Feb. 3, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #889

There seems to be some unusual potential opening up in your relationships. This is based on two things, I believe. One involves your gradually finding your way to people whose values are similar to your own — similar enough to have a real conversation. The second is the gradual dissolving of the formerly strict partition between ‘lovers’ and ‘friends’. There is a third factor as well, which is that you’ve experienced just about every insecurity about yourself that a person is capable of feeling, and you’re now ready to stand on more solid spiritual ground. Ideally, this combination of factors would lead you to make braver, bolder choices in life. It would lead you out of your shell and make you willing to at least approach other people on potentially equal terms. There seems to be something holding you back. Can you figure out what it is?

Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #888

Many religions feel that if you’re a good person, God rewards you with wealth. I’m wondering how you feel about that theory, and related issues, like how many patently evil people have so much. My theory is that financial success involves two things: one is how you feel about yourself, and the other is motivation. Now, many people feel positively horrid about themselves and make a lot of cash — I don’t count that as success. Your astrology is encouraging you to work out a meaning of success that includes faith in yourself and faith in something beyond yourself. However, I suggest you take them in that order, and do everything you can to withdraw energy from the expectations of others — especially your parents. In case you’re in a religious mood, every time you think of the concept God or spirit, insert your parents into the equation and see how it adds up.

Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #887

You’ve been questioning your role in the bigger picture and here comes a moment of deep clarity. Remember though, clarity also means confronting important truths and getting to the core of the only question that matters: “Who am I?” You are evolving and letting go of a carefully carved identity you’ve long ago outgrown. In letting go of false ideas about yourself, you can be free to reach for your noblest ambitions fearlessly, with the curiosity of a child in a new world. Choose your mountains wisely and you can reclaim your power to make choices that feel right for you as you pursue goals that are truly worthy of your efforts. Trust the rewards of this process; this will go way beyond just the tangible. And if you haven’t looked in the mirror lately, you are beautiful — body, heart and soul — and worthy love, not just the hope of love.

Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #886

Any secrets you may be keeping from yourself will soon come to light — and you may wonder what the hush was about. However, what you’re about to discover — either about yourself, or about something deeply meaningful to you — has the power to shift your perception of life — and that means, the path of your life. Most of the time seemingly little revelations are forgotten as fast as they emerge; it’s time for you to recognize the power of an idea. Now, the thing about ideas is that they are like seeds (and not everyone recognizes the value of these). In the present case, we’re talking about an idea equivalent to an heirloom seed. It will need to be cultivated and cared for, and this takes time, patience and continuity. The initial excitement of possessing the thing must develop into something more mature — with a focus on continuity and respect for the growth of living creatures.

News About 2012 Annual Edition — and Your Monthly Horoscope

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Holiday Market at Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium. Photo by Eric Francis.

Dear Friend and Reader:

We’ve arrived at the last mailing of 2011 — what a year it’s been. At the end of this note, I’ll include a few flashbacks to some key events of the past 12 months. Being involved with the news, I’m accustomed to seeing a lot of water going by under the bridge, but this year has been phenomenal. The wave of energy that rippled around the globe was the first blatantly obvious result of the Uranus-Pluto square: the one that was long ago described as being part of the cycles of revolution.

The first exact contact of that square takes place in May 2012 and the last for this cycle in 2015 — so this is the beginning of a long and unpredictable ride. The world we know will indeed be a different place on the other side of this rapid, concentrated flow of events, and we’re just about to slip into the vortex.

Work is progressing on your 2012 reading, part of the annual edition of Planet Waves — Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check. Since 2012 is an extra special year, I am doing an extra special job on the annual. This year’s edition will include extended written readings — and a three-part audio reading that I promise comes close to a personal reading with me. I give a careful, easy to follow account of your astrology, that is both thorough and designed to be highly motivating.

Since you’re a subscriber to Planet Waves or Light Bridge, you can get the subscriber discount at this link. You may use this for gift purchases as well. If you would prefer to purchase individual signs, then use this link. I strongly suggest working with your Sun and rising sign, and if you’re a Moon child, your Moon sign as well.

Don’t forget to check for Part Five in the Top Five Events of 2012, when I will offer my view on the Mayan calendar turning over. I plan to have that, along with a regular edition of Planet Waves FM, by the end of the week.

Lovingly,

P.S. Here are three flashbacks to 2011: My analysis of the Tucson shooting (which looks at the theme of gender rage, and discusses Eris and Chiron), Here at the Edge of the World, an article on Atlantean themes which discusses the nuclear predicament, and an article called With Love from Borasisi, which indirectly predicted the Fukushima situation that happened just one week later. Okay one last — here is a bonus memory, on a much lighter note — my article about the 13th sign hoax, called You Are Who You Are.

I’ve finished Planet Waves FM just in time to include it with this mailing. In this edition I recap some of what happened in 2011, and how this is just a warmup for 2012. I reprise the song Fingers by Roxy Rawson, and take a look at her natal chart. Then I look at the super interesting current astrology, including Sun conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, and Mercury conjunct Pholus. All in all, this podcast might be a pleasant way to spend an hour, worth it entirely for Roxy. spend an hour, worth it entirely for Roxy. I’ve just looked at her website — she’s raising money to mix and master her first CD. If you’re someone in a position to help out — I am sure she would be most grateful for that.

This is the last regular edition of Planet Waves FM but I’ll see you later in the week with the last installment in the Top Five Events of 2012.

Inner Space Monthly Horoscope for January 2012. | Eric’s Zodiac Sign Descriptions

Last Days of 2011: Watch What You Say and What You Drink

As 2011 turns over into the fabled 2012, we get a couple of common-sense cautionary notes from the astrology. The Sun makes a conjunction to Pluto on Thursday, something that happens just once a year. An aspect that focuses the will into a laser, this is astrology advising using your creative power carefully. Actions speak a lot louder than words, and focusing your mind before you take action will go a long way toward ensuring the right outcome. Meanwhile, Mercury is making a conjunction to a potent minor planet called Pholus, which has two notable effects: it can cause a release that’s difficult or impossible to contain; and it warns against misjudgments when the mind is impaired by any intoxicant, especially alcohol. Words spoken now can have effects far beyond what you understand or intend. Put these factors together with Sun-Pluto and there is a potentially volatile combination that urges awareness, conscious decision-making and sobriety. By sobriety, I include proceeding from motives that you actually understand, and following thought patterns that are guided by logic that you stop and verify when necessary. As the 2012 astrology develops, we will need to use these tools as if it really matters.

Planet Waves has a special area devoted to 2012 issues, including a place to get detailed astrology readings that I am now preparing. I will also be continuing my Top Five Events series tomorrow, which you can access for free here. I’ll also repost a 12-sign feature from one year ago, if you would like to review your 2011 astrology.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You’re discovering the value of taking care of your health, in terms of the details rather than the broad strokes or general goals. Among the larger themes, however, it’s clear that your habit of pushing yourself too hard seems to be coming to an abrupt halt. I suggest you be grateful for any minor problems that will serve as wakeup calls or call your attention to more important issues. Focus on your relationship to food, and by that I mean scrutinizing every bite that you put in your mouth. In the midst of a moment of awakening that is encompassing all areas of your life, it’s imperative that you turn general goals into highly specific ones. The moment you identify something general you have as an objective, come up with three specific ways to make it real.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You’re limited only by what you believe, and most of the time your beliefs belong to someone else. To resolve this riddle you would have to take two steps. One is figuring out what your beliefs are, and the second is figuring out where they came from. One way to identify a belief is to identify a limit that you experience. You seem to be involved in a struggle that involves creative risk-taking, or taking any risks at all. You could ask yourself how far you want to take hesitating to express your ideas or your desires. The problem seems to be not that you avoid taking large risks, but rather that you avoid the ideas that might lead you to experiment. Can an idea be dangerous? The answer is yes, but the real question is: to whom?

I’ve recorded an hour of astrology and done a tarot reading especially for you. It’s information that will help with your relationships, your professional life and your personal growth. Visit this page to find out more.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You may find yourself getting mixed up in something larger than you bargained for, and you may have a corresponding idea that there’s no turning back. You seem to have put considerable thought into your choice to make a commitment, without necessarily realizing the ways in which you would have to take some significant steps in your personal growth in order to come through. However, commitments always involve others, and I suggest you open up a clear, authentic conversation with the person you’re involved with — no doubt someone you consider more powerful or influential than yourself. You still have time to get to a point of absolute clarity about your agenda and theirs, and to work out any differences or misunderstandings in advance of taking the next step. However, this will take actual honesty and careful listening.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It’s time to get a grip on your insecurities. They may have worked for you for a while, but the risks of dragging around what amount to psychic shackles are increasing regularly. In other words, hesitation or doubt that may have lacked an obvious effect in the past could become much more costly now. Life is a process of trial and error, but that’s another way of saying that it’s about using what you learn. One question seems to be how soon you do that, once you’re in possession of vital information. Which leads to another point: what constitutes vital? For the next few weeks, assume that anything anyone says to you is potentially meaningful. Then scrutinize their opinion, look more deeply at the issue and make a conscious decision how much it means to you — and what you want to do about it.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Now is the time to clear up any lingering secrets you may be keeping from someone, which would include withholds or convenient misunderstandings. What you reveal now will serve the purpose of healing, while what you delay or avoid discussing will have undue power to cause problems in the future. You may be in a situation where you are discovering so much about yourself that you haven’t said that you don’t know what to include in the conversation. I suggest beginning with any withholds that you’re aware of as such, or clarifying any known misunderstandings created by how you’ve presented yourself in the past. You know the time has come to live more transparently. What is nice about the current moment is that others are well poised to get used to that idea.

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Introducing the Planet Waves All Access Pass for 2012

With the All Access Pass you’ll receive:

– Tuesday/Friday Email editions of Planet Waves weekly content and horoscopes. Follow Eric’s weekly and monthly interpretations for all of 2012.

– Our best-selling special reports and projects including extended audio and eBooks. Past reports have included the Midyear Audio and Mercury Retrograde reports; 2012 is sure to include exciting, as-yet-unimagined offerings as we navigate the year’s adventures.

– Research/lookup service for astrology students. We will assist you in researching any articles you need for your astrological studies through December 2012.

The All Access Pass is a little like having a personal astrologer for a full year.

Or, think of this as a custom level of service. While we tend to be close to our clients, answering the phone and responding to emails, the All Access Pass is a way of enhancing that relationship, designed for those who benefit the most from Planet Waves, whether as a spiritual seeker or an astrology student. Once you sign up, we will set up your custom login identity and keep you posted as soon as any new stuff becomes available.

Use this link to place your order. If you have questions, please give Chelsea a call at (877) 453-8265 within the U.S. and (206) 567-4455 from anywhere else in the world and she will be glad to help you.

As always thank you for doing your metaphysical shopping at Planet Waves. It’s great to know that together, we’re building a truly unique source of astrology wisdom in a time of profound change.

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Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — How do you correct what you perceive needs improvement in yourself? It’s an admirable goal to be a better person, though you need a gentle way to determine how that might look in real life. Growth is not a process of scrutiny but rather creativity. Instead of eliminating a bad habit, try creating a better one. Instead of quitting a job you don’t like, set some new goals for yourself that allow you to grow into a better employment situation. Transitioning from scrutiny to creativity can be challenging, especially when your list of things to ‘work through’ keeps getting longer. I would propose that one event around mid-month shows you how easy it can be. One way to describe the difference is that scrutiny is like planning to make decisions, and creativity is about taking action.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Creativity is a practical thing. There’s a rumor that creative people are flooded with inspiration and overflowing with the desire to express it. I would say that most people perceived as creative are actually pragmatists. Yes, it’s necessary to have ideas before you set about applying them, but the second step counts for more than the first. Your task this month is to explore the balance between the two, which is another way of saying: apply your ideas where you think they will make a difference. That difference could be improving the view of the wall from your bathtub, or it could be about creating something that serves many people. Lurking deep beneath the ocean of your astrology is an obsession with service. You’re at a point in life where what you do has to count for something.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — How far can you see into the future? The answer is you’ll see a lot further if you’re not depending on the opinions of others as a source of information. You might be especially sensitive to the people around you as reference points, but the chances are they are stuck on the small points and glossing over the more significant ones. You could go a long way by asking yourself how useful the past is as a predictor of the future. Trends analysts usually say the past is the best indicator of the future, and a visionary would say the past is the very worst. For you, the past is providing an excellent reference point for what it’s necessary to go beyond. This really is as simple as the equation: “That only worked so well. It’s time to try something new.”

Hello Scorpios! Your 2011 Birthday Report is ready. It’s about an hour of astrology, plus a 20-minute tarot reading. It’s hot with transformational energy. I focus on your ruling planet Mars, your imagination and desire nature, and a phase of solid achievement. Please check this page for more information.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — There comes that point where intelligence only goes as far as your emotional connection to whatever you’re thinking about. I don’t mean emoting over an idea but rather being able to sense the implications of something you’re considering, while you’re considering it. You’re having a lot of ideas about your goals and objectives, and your charts warn that you might lose contact with what you’re thinking. It will help if you slow down and consider your plans more thoughtfully, and recognize that every action has implications that go far beyond what you’re immediately aware of. You cannot see all of those implications, but you can feel whether something is right or wrong for you. It’s time to trust that information, and to use it wisely.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You are becoming the embodiment of an idea. Though some would say this is dangerous, I would say it’s about being real. You don’t need to be an evangelist; you merely need to allow something that is truly meaningful to you to actually change you. What good are ideas otherwise? You might perform an experiment to determine whether something is a ‘real’ idea or a puff of thought that has no energy behind it. A real idea will feel something like, ‘If this is true, then I am a different person’. Different would pertain to what attracts you or what you find to be unacceptable or totally revolting. As the next few months progress and many new, unusual experiences come your way, discernment is going to become your most important tool. And this is something you must do with every cell in your body.

Happy birthday! There will indeed be a Capricorn audio birthday report! Watch your email or check this space for additional information in the next edition.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — A very old story is drawing to a close. The transition you’re making is one that you will look back on as a turning point for the rest of your life. You can think of it as the time when you finally got it that you have to be honest with yourself; and by extension, when you figured out that honesty is the one thing on which any viable relationship is predicated. You have the advantage right now of someone close to you who is especially gifted at living in a transparent way. Lately this is something they have done with fixed determination to something they have relaxed into as a sensible way of life, even though it may feel uncomfortable at times. That feeling won’t last long; the truth is what it is, and worthy of respect.

To pre-order Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check., your full-length 2012 reading including written and audio segments for Aquarius, please go to this link.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You may feel you’ve survived without something essential for a long time — in truth, for too long. It has not helped that this something, whatever it is, feels like it can be found in abundance everyplace but where you are. You have made contact with this missing element recently, enough to have a clue that fulfillment is possible. The best thing you can do for yourself right now is to be open to receive. This will call for a conscious approach to existence, so you can notice the many ways you’ve gotten used to not having this certain something that you know is essential to your contentment. Take the lid off of your cup, so that the cosmic water can fill it up. Step into the light, were you can see more easily. When you breathe, feel the air rushing into your lungs.

To pre-order Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check., your full-length 2012 reading including written and audio segments for Aquarius, please go to this link.

The Big Question: What’s so 2012 about 2012?

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Painting by P.C.Turczyn.

Dear Friend and Reader:

It was someone named Jose Arguelles who popularized 2012 as the time we would take what he called the leap beyond technology. Arguelles was not the first to point out the significance of 2012 — though he was talking about it as early as the mid-1970s. Frank Waters (in his Hopi prophecies) also mentioned it in 1975, as did Terence McKenna in Invisible Landscape. Astrologer A.T. Mann briefly mentioned it in his 1986 book The Divine Plot: Astrology, Reincarnation, Cosmology and History.

Jose Arguelles at the Babaji Ashram, Cisternino, Italy 2009. Jose is the one who introduced the world to the idea of 2012. He died earlier this year. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Yet it was Arguelles’ creation of the worldwide Harmonic Convergence in 1987 that got the cultural meme of 2012 (and the Mayan long count) going. The Convergence was based on the idea that the 13th baktun of the Mayan long count calendar would be ending on the winter solstice of 2012, and that it was time to start preparing ourselves for whatever that transition meant. How long is long? A baktun is 144,000 days; 13 baktuns add up to about 1.8 million days, or 5,125 years, which is one-fifth of a full precessional cycle (that is, the cycle of all 12 ‘ages’ in Western astrology).

Did the Harmonic Convergence work? I say yes — so far, the world has not been destroyed by nuclear war.

Despite that barely-noticed good news, over the past 25 years, predictions of both doomsday and spontaneous enlightenment have flooded New Age literature and bled into mainstream thought, though in all of that time, none of it has struck me as particularly meaningful. Said another way, I’ve hardly ever heard a 2012 narrative I could even vaguely relate to. Pretty much everyone knows that 2012 is an important date in the Mayan calendar, but hardly anyone can tell you what it ‘means’ without drifting into speculation.

Our sin-obsessed Christian culture, clouded by truly horrid visions from The Book of Revelation (sometimes called The Apocalypse of John) — the last book of the New Testament — always seems to be waiting on doomsday. However, Judgment Day is our shit — not that of the ancient Mayans.

The Harmonic Convergence of Aug. 16-17, 1987 was a global meditation for peace. I took part in that major event as part of a spiritual community, and it had nothing to do with the ‘end of the world’ or doomsday. To the contrary, we had our minds on getting the world out of the mess that it was in — not into a bigger one. In recent years, Mayan scholars and Mayan leaders have objected to the obsession with gloom and cataclysm.

“For the ancient Maya, it was a huge celebration to make it to the end of a whole cycle,” says Sandra Noble, executive director of the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies in Crystal River, Florida. To render Dec. 21, 2012 as a doomsday event or moment of cosmic shifting, she says, is “a complete fabrication and a chance for a lot of people to cash in.”

The Western Astrology of the 2012 Era

That said, 2012 is going to be one of the most significant years that any of us have ever lived through. It’s really an era that spans from 2011 to 2016, and in truth it extends much further in both of the commonly known directions of time. Yet one year from today, we will note that 2012 was indeed a radical turning point. The Western astrology illustrates sweeping changes in culture and geopolitics, and corresponding profound changes in the lives of individuals. Most of the planets involved in the alignments were not known to the ancient Mayans — among them Chiron, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, all of which were discovered by modern science.

Detail of Venus transit of the Sun on June 5, 2012. This is a precise conjunction of Venus and the Sun, taking place in the astonishing month that spans late May to late June 2012 — the epicenter of events next year.

These are the gods of change, and for the next few years they are working in concert with one another, propelling us to wake up, pay attention and consciously advance our lives. While some will experience this as little other than a wild ride, we are being summoned to participate in existence as a personal event — and as a collective event. Yet that statement calls attention to what it would mean not to participate: to merely observe, to decline participation on the basis of fear, or to attempt to stay stuck in old ways of thinking. If you’re experiencing fear and chaos rather than a bold quest, then it’s time to update your files.

Collectively, we have arrived at a point of extreme contraction of awareness, denial, paranoia and surrender of our power. We are being smothered in our own technology. If we don’t do something about this, global conditions will get worse. It would be fair to say that we’ve arrived at a moment of potentially reclaiming what we’ve given up, and perhaps of claiming something new, but it won’t come in the form of an iPhone app. The thing about computer applications is that someone else has the idea and does the work; then we load them onto our device and they do their thing. When we follow the guidance of astrology, or with any other personal work, we become the programmer; we have the idea and must take the initiative.

The astrology you’re about to experience is a calling to personal responsibility and most significantly, to use what we have learned in all these years of study, workshops, yoga classes, many efforts at healing, self-improvement and personal growth that have become so popular since the 1960s. Now is when we put the pieces together, with a momentous feeling; we are indeed at a point of no return, whether we’re talking about the environment, civil liberties or going beyond paralyzing fear and judgment.

In short, it’s now time to decide what matters the most, and take action. Not in the future — right now. Here are the top five events that illustrate the changes. Each of them influences you personally. The following will give you an overview.

Uranus square Pluto

Uranus, photographed by E. Karkoschka et al., for NASA.

The defining aspect of our era in history, look to Uranus square Pluto when you’re trying to figure out how it’s possible that Arab Spring, the labor movements of Wisconsin and Ohio, and the Occupy movement all happened within a few months. There are many factors that make 2011 distinct in modern history, and 2011 was just the beginning. When Uranus and Pluto get together, we enter an epoch of revolution. The way that revolutionary movements start is that individual people stir to awareness, notice something, feel a need to participate, and then join forces. Uranus square Pluto combines the revolutionary nature of Uranus with the evolutionary power of Pluto, and focuses them into a powerful force for renewal and change. The last time we experienced anything like this was in the mid-1960s, when Uranus and Pluto were in a conjunction. Now that cycle is about to reach the exact first-quarter point, where we can put the many lessons of the Sixties to work for us. By lessons, I mean the many beautiful opportunities that era teased us with, and the many disasters we witnessed. Uranus-Pluto aspects are a mix of light and dark. Yet they always bring progress, especially for those who are willing to consciously indulge change and adventure.

Venus Transit of the Sun

Photo: A. Ayiomamitis.

One of the rarest predictable events in astronomy, this is a precise conjunction of Venus and the Sun — so close that if you’re in the right place, with the right equipment, you will be able to watch Venus trace a line across the Sun. In astronomy, this is the most Mayan thing about 2012, because the Mayan astronomers and lore-masters loved the cycles of Venus. Venus’ transit of the Sun is about expression of the solar feminine — that is, the side of the feminine that is not reflected light but rather direct light. Said another way, the Sun becomes Venus for a little while in 2012. Taking place in Gemini, this suggests we can begin to experience ourselves as more balanced in our masculine and feminine attributes. Most of the conflict that humanity experiences (and by that I mean war, torture and greed) has its deepest roots in sex, gender and homophobia. It is the combination of repression, inner division and fear of self that I believe leads to our tolerance of the violence we witness and experience. For those who are interested, we are approaching a rare, concentrated opportunity for emotional integration and gender balance.

Planets in the Water Signs

Neptune from Voyager 2. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

In 2010, Chiron began its ingress into Pisces (coinciding with the BP oil spill), arriving to stay in 2011 (this lasts till 2019). Last year, Neptune visited Pisces briefly, and takes up residence in February. It will remain in Pisces for about 14 years. In October, Saturn arrives in Scorpio. These water placements describe at least two things: our global water crisis, and our emotional maturity crisis. It’s no coincidence that many places the drinking water is contaminated with Prozac. That’s because many communities drink ‘purified’ sewage effluent — something that will become increasingly necessary as time goes on. Emotionally as a society we’re not doing much better, as we drown our sorrows at Wal-Mart and drink the somewhat less purified effluent of our parents and other ancestors. These important planets in the water signs — especially Neptune, the god of oceans — point to a get-real moment of emotional healing, indicating that our emotions are the heart of the matter where growth is concerned. They remind us that water is the heart of the matter where sustaining our bodies is concerned. The quality of the groundwater, rivers and oceans connects to our emotional state. Enough oil spills, nuclear meltdowns and fracking. It’s time to grow up.

Mercury Retrograde on Election Day

This is what Mercury retrograde on Election Day once looked like.

If you thought the 2010 election was crazy, and if you’ve been following the race for the Republican primary this year, just wait for the actual 2012 election. We live in an era when voter rights are being systematically narrowed down (for students, the elderly and the poor). The 2010 Citizens’ United case has opened the floodgates to politics being a wholly owned subsidiary of Corporate America. During the past six months we have been treated to a slate of candidates who cannot identify China as a nuclear power, who want to shut federal agencies they cannot name, who think gay people can be ‘cured’, who want the smaller, less invasive government to regulate every uterus, who want to eliminate entire circuits of the federal courts and drag judges before congress and who have racked up more sexual harassment and cheating than — okay I will shut up! Here is my point: Mercury stations retrograde on Election Day 2012. The only other Election Day in American history when a Mercury station (retrograde or direct) was exactly involved was 2000. We are looking at the potential for some huge scam or something really weird like an Electoral College tie. As far as I can tell, we’re about to go post-politics. We need to create something functional in its place.

Stardate 13.0.0.0.0: The End of the 13th Baktun

Sample of page 2 of what’s called the Dresden Codex — considered the most complete of the three undisputably authentic Mayan codices. The names of the codices indicate where they were kept originally. It is the oldest book written in the Americas known to historians, created by scribes who were copying much older documents. It’s believed to have been a gift of Cortez to King Charles I of Spain in 1519. It contains a lot of information about rainy seasons, floods, illness and medicine, as well as planetary tables — but nothing about the ‘end of the world’.

The Mayan cycle that got the whole conversation going is the X-factor in the equation. Obviously it is significant that a 144,000-day cycle is turning over, particularly involving some of the people who occupied the Americas long before the Europeans arrived. Yet there has been more speculation as to the meaning of this event than there has been grounded creative discussion.

We are fast approaching the point where the culture that grew out of the European colonies is not only no longer sustainable, but where many days it seems like the whole thing is about to collapse. This may be more of a synchronicity than a prediction on the part of the ancient Mayans, but their calendar is all about synchronicity.

Certainly something is changing in the nature of time and how we experience it. Technology does seem to be at the heart of the situation. Remember that when Jose Arguelles was coming up with his ideas about the path beyond technology, nobody had a computer in their pocket. Most people had never even worked on a computer, ever, much less had several of them in their house. So technology in many ways has run wild, and this is something we need to notice.

In Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch, there is a warning. I think of it as the Atlantis passage, and I’ve quoted it a few times before. “As I have said, this isn’t the first time your civilization has been at this brink,” God tells Walsch. “I want to repeat this, because it is vital that you hear this. Once before on your planet, the technology you developed was far greater than your ability to use it responsibly. You are approaching the same point in human history again. It is vitally important that you understand this. Your present technology is threatening to outstrip your ability to use it wisely. Your society is on the verge of becoming a product of your technology rather than your technology being a product of your society. When a society becomes a product of its own technology, it destroys itself.”

Lovingly,

2012 Annual Available By Sign — and Another Top Five Event

Dear Friend and Reader:

I’m back with two things — the first being a new installment of the Top Five Events of 2012 — and this is a hot one. It’s part of Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check. — the 2012 annual edition of Planet Waves, which by the way is available for general sale to all readers, by sign. Subscribers may still get the 12-sign discount rate.

Photo by Elizabeth Joyce.

So, what’s the big event? Mercury stations retrograde on Election Day. Exactly on Election Day. That is to say, right in the midst of everyone voting in the highly anticipated, so close it could be a tie, who the heck are all these weirdos, one and only 2012 presidential election: exactly on that very day, Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius. I know — I could not believe it either.

Notably, Mercury has only ever stationed one other time on a presidential Election Day — in 2000, when we had Bush v. Gore and the loser won.

Now, for the second time in American history, Mercury is stationing exactly during an election. What is this about? In this segment, I cover the basic possibilities: it looks like some kind of scam, such as an overt case of election fraud. There is lying and denial; and since it’s in Sagittarius the courts may be involved. Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius, square Neptune, has a bit of the religious huckster or confidence man to it. In that way that astrology can be bizarrely literal, this chart is the perfect image of the political landscape — and it is volatile.

What could possibly go wrong? Well, what could go right? We could get a wakeup call to civic involvement, and it’s on this note that I end the discussion: with a call to civic action. This presentation includes a bonus track — an interview with Planet Waves contributor Astrodem, a political consultant in Washington, D.C. Astrodem is not an official writer for Planet Waves, just someone who contributes his ideas about astrology and politics as a commenter. You will get to meet him in the bonus segment.

Even if you hate politics, you will enjoy this edition of the Top Five Events of 2012. The link includes access to all of the previous editions — and here is the ordering page.

Lovingly,

Extended Monthly Horoscope for January 2011. | Eric’s Zodiac Sign Descriptions

Aries (March 20-April 19) — This year is about precision. You’ve been feeling this calling for a while, in particular since your ruling planet Mars entered Virgo this past autumn. Your quest may extend to your mental and physical health, your work, and many other factors in your environment. You may apply this as a drive for impeccability, integrity or even perfection. The problem is that humans are not creatures of precision; we are works in progress. Mars stationing retrograde in Virgo is cautioning you against taking overbearing positions with yourself: pushing yourself too hard, or trying to solve all your problems at once. You would best be served by an approach that works in layers. It’s a little like housecleaning — you sweep before you mop; getting the dishes out of the way is always a good start; you wash, dry and fold in order. I suggest you take that approach to personal improvement. Meanwhile, beware of over-emphasis on the past. You may encounter old issues that are calling for focus. While you’re doing that I suggest you adapt a ‘clean as you go’ approach with present-moment subject matter. Keep your current relationships, enterprises and work patterns as clear as you can. Proceed carefully and even a bit meticulously, so that you avoid creating new problems. Yet most of all, recognize that shifting your mental outlook will shift the way the world appears to you. If the world looks broken, consider whether that’s how you feel. And remember that in the spirit of pragmatism, your ultimate goal is wholeness rather than perfection.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — There is something about sex that you seem to be trying to work through with every cell in your body. I will start by saying this. You cannot simultaneously exist in a world dominated by vanity, glamour and the appearance of purity, at the same time you reach for authenticity, healing and being clear about your desires. You must choose to exist in one world or the other. The first set of properties describes a way of life that is based on cloaking yourself in various illusions, while the second is about going deeper than appearances and reaching the substance of who you are and what you have to share. When we talk about sexual healing, we might well ask what exactly we would strive to resolve, correct or improve. I would propose, first, that you would benefit from being real about what you want, and noticing any fear or guilt that comes up as you name the specifics. Then make an inventory of the situations in your life where love and guilt are transacted as if they are equivalents. Last, check in where you are attempting to experience intimacy without vulnerability, or vulnerability without trust. These three things — intimacy, vulnerability and trust — together combine to form this thing we outwardly label ‘love’. The risky territory you’re exploring involves working out just that formula, but beware that to get there, you may have to move many lesser values out of the way. To accomplish that, you must be vigilant.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Your relationship life has been nothing less than surreal the past few months, and you may feel like you’re experiencing a kind of replay of everything that you’ve been through. The question now and for the foreseeable future involves commitment. Relationships of any kind call for being held in a container made of agreements. For you right now, both the content and structure of those agreements is what is up for review. One particular relationship is calling for a complete revision of the ‘sacred contracts’ that are involved, some of which are not so holy. Once you start, this will naturally branch out into the other relationships in your life. As you embark on that you may notice that your current agreements contain all kinds of odd little clauses, riders and addenda that take you off the main point of what your relationships are about. These are silent expectations, requirements and many of those you can trace back to your parents and grandparents. It’s similar to how the deed on a house or piece of property can contain requirements on subsequent owners, based on agreements made 100 years ago. Note that the first of those supposed requirements where a relationship is concerned involves the concept of ownership itself, which is infused through nearly all of our ideas about ‘romantic’ partnership or marriage. This is the place to start asking questions, or rather, the first things to question are the obvious ones.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You must accept the fact that a relationship is changing, which does not necessarily mean changing for the worse. Actually, you get considerable influence over what form and direction the change takes, though you’re also being confronted by essential elements that are out of your control. Borrowing from the serenity prayer, you have to sort out the difference. Meanwhile, I suggest you review the history of the relationship. There was a turning point between 2008 and 2009. If the relationship in question dates prior to that era, study the developments at that time; otherwise, consider this date range as a turning point in your relationship history, in total. The changes that are upon you involve both the form of your relationships, and their content. In short, the old forms can no longer hold what you want to express, what you feel or what you need. They are simply not flexible enough. Yet you may not be aware of what new structure to use. I suggest you allow form to follow function. In other words, what is the purpose and the content of the relationship? Then based on that, how to have the relationship will be more obvious. Yet this is a bigger change than most people think. We tend to put the form of the relationship over the content or purpose. We try to fit people (including ourselves) into preconceived ideas about relationships and this is precisely what is changing.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Focus on what is necessary. Aim your entire concept of beauty or creativity on efficiency — that is where you will tap your creative power. Do your best to expend every drop of your energy consciously. There is a feeling described in your charts, which is doing precisely what is necessary to get the result that you want. You will find that this takes less effort than you think; the operative concept is leverage — not you being leveraged, but you having the leverage. I have noticed that the value of ideas to get things done is grossly underrated, even by many people who work in the realm of ideas. You might consider something carefully until you have a good working concept of what you want; it’s possible that the idea you need will just come to you. In either event it will help you significantly if you delineate what you want to get done or what problem you want to solve. This way you will have a sense of whether an idea that just arrives, or an idea that you gradually brew up, is the one that might do the job. If you don’t define the puzzle first, you’ll be much less likely to notice whether you’ve fit the pieces together correctly. One other thing to be sensitive to is whether you’ve already worked something out. If you need something, check if you already have it. If something is puzzling you, pause and think back and remember if you’ve already solved it.

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Introducing the Planet Waves All Access Pass for 2012

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The All Access Pass is a little like having a personal astrologer for a full year.

As always thank you for doing your metaphysical shopping at Planet Waves. It’s great to know that together, we’re building a truly unique source of astrology wisdom in a time of profound change.

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Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — This month, Mars stations retrograde in your birth sign. This is another way of saying Mars will spend a total of eight months in Virgo, about 10 weeks of which it will seem to be traveling backward. Mars is the most assertive planet, so this back-tracking is often considered challenging — but it serves a crucial purpose, for you and for us all. The planets seem determined to teach you how to use this mysterious, elusive thing known as your will. Everything you experience must be filtered through one question — what do you want? You will develop the skill of discernment, for example, sorting out everything in your life on the basis of whether it helps you or hurts you. You can learn new ways to correct what is not working about your life, and what you don’t like about yourself. Mars is a hot, sharp object, and it has no morals of its own. You therefore need to be the intelligence behind the changes, and cultivating that awareness is the whole point. Proceed with surgical precision, getting clear on the mental level, then checking with the deeper emotional level, and finally making your actual adjustments meticulously and carefully. Take the whole duration of the retrograde (Jan. 23 to April 13) to identify and correct the patterns you don’t like, and to cultivate the ones that you know you want and need. Take nothing for granted. There’s no such thing as too careful — unless you spend your days in hesitation.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — If you want to understand yourself, study the nature of fear. There are a few different kinds of the stuff, ranging from a kind of lurking anxiety to paranoia about specific things. Lately you may be experiencing the fear of specifics: of what might happen if you don’t take care of details, or correct certain flaws that you might perceive in yourself. There is a kind of microscope pointing into your deep hidden nature, and you need to use it carefully. Beware of obsession in any form, or of any violent thoughts you might direct toward yourself. By ‘beware’ I mean be aware, and be wary. Notice these mental patterns and see if you can trace them back to their early origins. Despite your laid-back exterior, you possess a kind of deep perfectionism, though it’s not always the healthy kind. Be especially cautious of what you think that others think of you. This is almost always incorrect, though your projections of what others might think is a good indication of what you’re signaling to yourself. If it’s not already clear, you must send yourself more positive messages, and you have plenty of material to work with. In the end it will come down to a question of which viewpoint is true. Which makes you feel healthier? Which leads to your being happier and more productive? This is indeed a time when you will make many improvements to your mental patterns and emotional habits; the question is how you go about it.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — To what extent do you rely on outside structure to hold up your life? We all do, to some extent. I am always glad to have a house to live in and boots on when I walk outside in the winter. But it’s also essential to have a strong internal structure, so that you’re the person who is actually guiding your life, and whose spine supports your being. If you’re going to put any personal growth project on top of your list for the next year, strengthening your internal structure is the one. Nearly every important transit that’s happening to you is a commentary on some form of discipline, self-mastery or being conscious of the boundaries of your life. These serve a purpose: to help you contain, cultivate and direct your creative energy. You may feel like you have so many changes to make that you’re overwhelmed at times. You have a feeling for how much territory you’re going to cover before these particular processes are over, but your inner workings also have significant momentum. You’ve achieved more than you think, though at this point there really is no looking back except to check in, briefly, with where you started. Trust that you have a solid beginning. One of the next places you’re going to be directing your energy is your reputation. The question is, are you known for who you really are, or is there something else going on? One of the themes of 2012 for you is impeccability, which in this instance translates to absolute authenticity.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — I suggest you use imperfection as your teacher. Since perfection doesn’t exist except as a concept, you need to put to good use the things you perceive as ‘wrong’ with yourself. What’s interesting is that what you perceive as being a problem and what you perceive as being your best assets may be very close together, so close that they are inseparable. You may notice, for example, what is ‘imperfect’ about your body just as you notice your own beauty. You might observe that you’re in good health but before you have time to appreciate that, you may be annoyed by the one or two persistent problems you have — and the negative can have a way of dominating the discussion. It’s like the small issue gets your attention and obscures your perception of everything else. Obviously this is not the way to make progress, especially if you want to develop your talents, be of service and feel better about yourself — all things that are eminently possible right now. You’re being challenged to work with a functional standard of quality and monitor your judgments of what is good and what is not (especially about yourself). Yet most significantly, you need to develop a sense of perspective. Perfection may not be a value, but improvement certainly is a useful one. I often think of what my old friend Melinda scrawled into my high school yearbook: Someone is not a true artist until they can see the flaws in their own work.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Faith is one of the most difficult-to-grasp concepts, but as an actual thing in the world, it’s fairly easy to see. And it’s what you need to be the most vigilant about now. Your solar charts suggest that you’re having a crisis of faith in yourself, so you may notice this quality more by its absence than by its presence. This will work — as long as you recognize what’s going on, and go to the next step. One thing I can tell you about faith is that it comes from inside you. If there is an external source, then by my definition anyway, it’s not faith. Therefore, seek that internal source of connection. At the same time, you seem to be in a colossal struggle to work out what you believe: about life, about yourself, and ultimately about what is possible. You may be feeling the effects of disappointments relating to prior plans, or a sense of failing to meet your own potential — and these may be influencing what you believe is possible. Let’s stick with that for a moment. If what was possible in the past is any indication of what is actually possible in the future, then humanity would have made no progress on anything, ever. What is possible today is, specifically, what was not possible previously. Therefore, consider what seems impossible today as an indication of your true potential. If you can gently notice where you lack faith, you’re halfway to being filled with it.

Happy birthday! There will indeed be a Capricorn audio birthday report! Watch your email or check this space for additional information in the next edition.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — For the next few months, you’re going to be working out the details of a partnership that may have you going over old ground. This is not about backpedaling; it really is about resolving unfinished business. The good news is that once this phase ends, you’ll be able to proceed forward with actual courage and confidence. The lessons you’ll learn include the nature of commitments and what it means to get into them (and out of them), and how much care you must take to ensure that the fine points are really what they should be; and a big wake-up to the power you have when you step forward with your independence rather than thinking you need others to be involved in every decision. What seems like a review will really be a planning phase for a period of your life that I would describe as a period of achievement. There is a warm-up to this phase, and you’re in it now. The more you have a grasp on the history of recent years (and some long-gone ones) the more successful you will be. In the most positive sense, your success comes down to one question: knowing what you want. That, in turn, breaks down into several subtopics, including knowing exactly what would get in the way of that awareness. In the process, you will map out your psyche and the maze of your life, and this map will be an extremely useful tool as you progress forward.

To order Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check., your full-length 2012 reading including written and audio segments for Aquarius, please go to this link.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Whatever that thing you’re most dedicated to, that is who and what you are. It’s not that you have to identify with it, but rather that you are free to do so. Remember this. There seems to be a healing process at the heart of the matter. There seems to be something about sex and your sexual identity, and how you contain and express your energy. And you’re feeling a calling to absolute authenticity, which includes giving yourself the space to be yourself. If I had to assign one theme to the next four seasons, that’s the one: hold that space open where you are free to be you. Imagine a large fire in the middle of the space, which defines the room you have to move around, and provides both an energy source and a focal point for your existence. Holding open space to exist may have the feeling of taking back territory. By doing something positive and assertive you may get the sensation that you’re doing something negative and even wrong. No doubt you’ve been through this territory once or twice (or more) but it’s easy to forget. This is one reason why I suggest you think in terms of defining your space (rather than defending it). There is room for you on this planet. There is room for you to be different, and most of all there is room for you to fulfill your purpose. In the coming four seasons, however, you’re likely to graduate to something even more powerful: living on a mission.

To order Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check., your full-length 2012 reading including written and audio segments for Pisces, please go to this link.

The Way Forward

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Dear Friend and Reader:

Rarely has the Earth felt like such a dangerous place, on the constant brink of crisis and chaos. I don’t know anyone who is not working the edge in some way, trying to keep a grip or make sense of their lives. Many are feeling pushed to one limit or another, and there is the sense of time being vacuumed out of some hidden opening. Over the past week, I’ve heard an unusual number of stories of personal losses (parents, partners), relationships being rearranged and individuals going through changes on the level of what one astrologer said felt like her DNA getting a makeover.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta speaks at the ceremony to mark the end of the U.S. mission in Iraq at the airport in Baghdad, Dec. 15, 2011. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo.

The world is indeed in crisis, and it’s taking us with it — though we have many distractions from noticing, and the excuse that we cannot do anything about it. But let’s take a quick look around. I heard on Thursday that 97 million Americans are at or close to poverty. The euro and numerous European banks are on the brink of default, which if they collapsed would ripple through the United States economy like a tsunami. American and British banks were recapitalized after the meltdown of 2008; the European banks were not, and they are still sitting on tons of bad paper.

It seems like we’re suddenly being confronted by every global crisis at once, as if we’re just discovering they existed. Fukushima and the BP oil spill are still happening — neither crisis is actually under control, they’ve just been ‘forgotten’. I’ve read many reports of new undersea leaks from the BP site, and radioactive water from Fukushima is still flowing into the Pacific Ocean. We still have no real idea how much of that stuff is ending up in our food, but we know we live in a time when it’s more convenient not to check; when most people would rather not know.

One bit of good news is that the Iraq war is ending. Thursday at 1:48 pm Baghdad time, the flag of the American forces was lowered in a symbolic gesture of the nearly nine-year occupation ending. The troops may be coming home, but more than 16,000 contractors will stay there, protecting the United States’ largest embassy. We’re being told we won the war, but Leon Panetta, the defense secretary, made his victory speech Thursday, telling us how fantastic things are going in the new, free Iraq, from the airport in Baghdad. The airport? Not the halls of parliament, or the president’s office?

Why do you think that was? I’m thinking it was the only place they could actually secure, and get him out fast enough so his life would not be in danger. And as for winning: at what cost? Okay — Saddam Hussein is gone. Yet think of the millions of lives lost or displaced; the families shattered; nearly a trillion dollars spent (before interest); and the war being used as a recruitment pretext for jihadists; the occupation leaving Iraq crushed and susceptible to invasion from Iran and Turkey.

George W. Bush delivering his infamous “mission accomplished” speech aboard the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln as it steamed toward San Diego on May 1, 2003. The White House helped create the banner. The war raged on for eight additional years and cost the lives of 4,500 American troops (not counting the epidemic of suicides) and more than 104,000 documented Iraqi civilian deaths (the real number is much higher).

Remember the lies that Iraq was responsible for the Sept. 11 incident, the nonexistent yellowcake uranium, Condi Rice promising a mushroom cloud if we didn’t take action?

Remember the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, the use of banned weapons in many battles, the entire country, and its population, and our troops, contaminated with depleted uranium and the tens of thousands of troops coming home with brain trauma and PTSD? Coming home to no jobs and struggling families, in many cases with homes under foreclosure.

All of this was done in the name of freedom, of protecting our way of life, of making the world safe for democracy, even as the civil rights of Americans were stripped away in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 incident. And now this very week, Congress is set to pass the most recent National Defense Authorization Act, which Pres. Obama says he will sign. Have you heard about this one? The law that will allow for the indefinite ‘detainment’ of American citizens, on American soil, for the mere suspicion of terrorism or association with terrorist groups?

But wait: what terrorism?

Last week we discussed the pepper spraying of student protesters at U.C. Davis. This chemical weapon has been repeatedly used on Occupy Wall Street protesters in cities across the United States. More than 5,000 Occupy protesters have been arrested for speaking up about an economic issue — the criminal conduct of the banks, and the purchasing of the American political system. It is in this context that the National Defense Authorization Act is rather frightening.

So the government is talking about terrorism but taking action against ordinary activism, and that should make anyone a little nervous. Then Congress and the president want to expand their powers to detain people without charges. As The Guardian put it, “The law, contained in the defense authorization bill that funds the U.S. military, effectively extends the battlefield in the ‘war on terror’ to the U.S. and applies the established principle that combatants in any war are subject to military detention.”

Selling out our national soul: This photo of an Iraqi prisoner being tortured by American forces (hooded, forced to stand on a box, with electrodes on his hands) was seen by everyone with access to a newspaper or computer. But who exactly objected? To this day, politicians and presidential candidates argue that torture is appropriate and necessary. By what miracle do we think that same treatment of prisoners will not be turned loose on the American people?

Please — read that paragraph a second time. Any American on American soil could be considered an enemy combatant and detained indefinitely, in defiance of every constitutional principle we say we hold dear; the ‘freedom’ for which we supposedly went to war for 10 years. It would be one thing if domestic terrorism were going on all the time, but I only hear about the most ridiculous cases, not enough to justify turning the whole country into Guantanamo Bay. Does this sound a little (or a lot) like the American government declaring war on the American people?

I don’t mean to sound like Alex Jones or like I’m a columnist for Above Top Secret, but being concerned about this is not paranoia. We are watching the American people get sprayed with chemical weapons for exercising their constitutional right to protest, then hearing about how anyone could be presumed a terrorist without a trial.

Now, what exactly is a ‘terrorist’? Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) told The Guardian Wednesday, “There are laws on the books now that characterize who might be a terrorist: someone missing fingers on their hands is a suspect, according to the Department of Justice. Someone who has guns, someone who has ammunition that is weatherproofed, someone who has more than seven days of food in their house can be considered a potential terrorist,” Paul said. “If you are suspected because of these activities, do you want the government to have the ability to send you to Guantanamo Bay for indefinite detention?”

Human Rights Watch said that Obama’s decision to support the law “does enormous damage to the rule of law both in the U.S. and abroad” and that “President Obama will go down in history as the president who enshrined indefinite detention without trial in U.S. law.” They are correct: these powers have existed for a long time, beginning under Cheney and Bush. But following a fairly typical historical pattern, Republican presidents break the boundary and then Democratic presidents codify that breach of trust into the status quo.

Speaking of Obama, there is a presidential election next year. Let’s consider the political situation. First, bear in mind that many states have passed laws attempting to restrict voting, including placing nearly impossible to fulfill requirements on the elderly, students and the poor (these types of restrictions always impact Democrats more strongly than Republicans). Districts are being redrawn to get rid of ‘problem’ elected officials or to favor one party or the other — Barney Frank, regarded by many as one of the most progressive people in congress, has had his Massachusetts district taken away by gerrymandering.

Is this what democracy looks like? You have to stand back a little further to tell for sure. Photo: HuffPo.

Just a few more points and I’ll end my pessimistic-seeming rant.

Have you been following the ongoing fight for the Republican presidential candidacy? I have not been giving it the coverage it deserves, but this has been the parade that includes Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain — people who don’t know the voting age, who believe being gay can be cured, who cannot name one Supreme Court decision or the newly appointed justices, who don’t know the date of Election Day and who want to shut down federal agencies they cannot name.

We’ve seen debates where the crowd cheered for executions and applauded the possibility that someone without health insurance might deserve to die. It was like the crowd was hand picked from a pool of people reincarnated directly from ancient Rome.

Some of these candidates displayed ignorance that made Dan Quayle look like Socrates. As The Onion said of former candidate Herman Cain, “Rumors Of Extramarital Affair End Campaign Of Presidential Candidate Who Didn’t Know China Has Nuclear Weapons.” Well, not just an extramarital affair — Cain broke the record for the most revelations of sexual harassment in one week, then it emerged that meanwhile he was having a 13-year affair behind the back of his wife, who we’re supposed to believe holds him as a prince. And that is correct — he could not identify China as one of the world’s nuclear superpowers, and he has no taste for foreign policy.

The reason these candidates don’t seem to stand for anything is because they don’t. The reason they have to make curing gayness an issue is because all of the real issues are too difficult, or will get them in trouble if they mention them. These candidates and anyone who takes them seriously are posturing in the midst of a global crisis, trying either to hold up the status quo that enriches them, or not admitting the collective problem we face. And, it would seem that the Republicans are about to name Newt Gingrich, one of the most corrupt politicians of the past century, who will say whatever he is paid to say, as their presidential candidate.

If the economy is still struggling at the time of the election, or if there is some big shock to the system (such as another round of major banks failing), he could easily be president, despite all the supposed odds against such a thing happening. Frankly, given how little people seem to know and how much they will put up with, nothing would surprise me.

Yesterday the federal government was on the brink of yet another shutdown as senators debated the urgent national issue of mandatory drug tests for the unemployed. Personally, I’d love to run blood work on our esteemed congress and find out what they’ve got going on. It would be frightening.

Which Way From Here?

So what is the way forward?

I know, we’re in a pretty serious situation. I’ve read a bit of science fiction, and I have to say of the confluence of conditions we face — from the overcrowding of the planet, the prevailing state of ethical vertigo, the environmental and economic crisis, rampant debt, fraudulent business and political leadership, a political system wholly owned by the wealthy, the rise of a police state, half of all people getting cancer, many, many people suffering from depression and alienation — and a mass media that laughs at the problems — damn, this is on par with the most dystopian scenarios I’ve ever read.

Cover of Hyperion by Dan Simmons.

True, in Hyperion, the hegemony crashes a small back hole into the Earth, intentionally destroying the planet because it favors their business interests. I am still haunted by Dan Simmons’ visions of ‘replica worlds’ that are like ghost-town clones of what once was our beautiful planet. I guess it could be worse. But we’re not living in a fictional scenario. We are living on a planet and in a society spinning out of control, that we are leaving to our children, and their children.

A lot of people are wondering what we can do about this, or at least wondering what is going to happen. We always tend to look outside ourselves for the solutions; that’s a big part of the problem. We’re told over and over again that we don’t matter, and we better play the game. One problem is that game no longer works — not when someone goes to college or grad school, accumulates vast education debt and then cannot get a job. Speaking for a moment to Americans — the whole purpose of the American experiment was to get away from the old system of kings, lords and serfs. If you haven’t read the Declaration of Independence, take 15 minutes and give it a look. Remember that the “long train of abuses” was fresh in the minds of the founders when they adopted the Bill of Rights.

The solution has got to start with you focusing your awareness and your energy — even if you think that doesn’t make a difference to the big picture. I recognize that being alive in a time like this is scary, and it can seem hopeless, especially when you have so many other concerns. The thing is, it actually is hopeless — and hope is not the answer. You may need to give yourself a reason to care. That reason may be your children. It may be realizing how close you are to becoming one of the 97 million Americans, or the equivalent in other countries — or you may already be there and you know it can get worse. Those are deeply personal reasons to care that still don’t get you above the teacup’s edge to see that we need a collective solution to a collective problem.

The point is, there will be no progress without a lot of individuals focusing and working together. What gets in the way of our own awareness is specifically denial and ignorance, both of which are voluntary states. And those are the very states of mind that got us into this mess. I could make a long, depressing list of things that people did not care about when it mattered, including stolen presidential elections, fraudulent wars and the biggest bank heist in the history of the world (the 2008 ‘meltdown’ which was really a draining of what remained in the federal treasury by the super rich). If you voted for the Cheney/Bush ticket in 2004, have you apologized to anyone?

New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg has earned his billions through the distribution of news, but he has arrested dozens of working journalists trying to cover the Occupy movement. Many of these reporters were accredited by the New York City Police, representing organizations such as The New York Post and the Associated Press. Here Mayor Bloomberg visits Zuccotti Park before uprooting that demonstration. Image via the gothamist and DJ Unicorn Thunderhearts.

Maybe the concept of civil liberties doesn’t matter to you — or perhaps it won’t until one night you go out for milk and end up in a police car for being out past curfew.

Let’s phrase the question this way: What would you be willing to do, if you knew your awareness and participation mattered? Let’s assume that particular best-case scenario. What would you offer? What would you be willing to give up, to create something better for everyone else?

Let’s put it another way. What if you were to set aside all of your excuses for not getting involved, or being informed? Then what would you do?

The purpose of my writing, and I assume the purpose of your reading, is to see the affairs of the world in a way that is deeply personal, and where the framework is in essence spiritual. The lowest common denominator of all these seemingly separate problems is a spiritual issue: what they all have in common involves a lot of individuals cut off from source, who create a situation where the easiest way to get out of pain seems to be to cut off some more. Apply the concept ‘cut off’ any way you like.

Even if the whole spiritual thing doesn’t work for you, I suggest you consider the psychological impact of suppressing the grief, or even the mere awareness, at what you’re witnessing. Not participating and not speaking up are specifically ways of denying the problem. Taking this on the micro-level, one question I would ask you is, when you’re confronted by injustice and you don’t say anything, how do you feel? And when you encounter something that’s wrong and you speak up, how do you feel in that case? Early attempts to challenge authority can be met with a psychological backlash — usually arriving in the form of guilt. We are indeed taught to expect punishment when we challenge those who supposedly hold power over us.

One thing that the Occupy movement has taught us is that when there is any resistance against the machine, it can strike back with brutal force, and reveal its true nature — you know, the nature of the beast. We actually keep seeing this happen. That is scary, and fear is both a psychological problem and a spiritual problem. How you perceive the world is how you perceive yourself. In order to perceive yourself as capable of healing, growth and expressing your potential, you would have to project the same properties onto the world, unless of course you plan to join the cannibalistic feast.

So if you have any plans for creating a better life for yourself, if that’s really going to be true, it’s going to involve creating a better world for everyone. Not fixing your life or fixing the world — rather, creating the next phase of existence. As the astrology of 2012 fully engages, and pushes the crises we’re seeing to a new level, it’s also going to push your potential to a new level. And you may find yourself walking a balance where you feel you don’t know the outcome.

There is a way forward. It’s going to be different for everyone but what works for each of us will have something in common with what works for everyone else. That’s the point of contact; how to tell what is real from what is not.

Lovingly,

Note to Readers: For the next two weeks, Planet Waves subscriber edition will publish only on Wednesday nights. These editions will include the monthly horoscopes for January 2011 and related materials. Daily Astrology & Adventure will continue to update on its regular schedule. Look for additional sign-up information about Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check. — my 2012 annual readings for all the signs, or visit this page about The Most Important Year of Your Life.

I’ve completed the third recording in the Top 5 Events of 2012 series on Planet Waves FM. This week’s covers planets entering the water signs: Chiron in Pisces, Neptune in Pisces and Saturn in Scorpio. This is an unusual amount of energy in the water signs, which is — first — calling attention to water. The process actually began last year.

Photo by Elizabeth Joyce.

Chiron initiated this by arriving in Pisces within 24 hours of the BP oil spill in April of 2010. Neptune visited Pisces briefly in 2011, and will return to stay for more than 12 years in February 2012. Then Saturn arrives in Scorpio in Oct. 2012.

The themes focus on emotional awareness, healing and maturity, something that we tend to resist here in the land of Starbucks and Prozac. And we’re going to need to take care of the water on the planet: protecting the oceans, banning fracking and little things like making sure we drink enough water. Soda and juice do NOT count.

You can hear the whole series of Top Five Events of 2012 on a special archive. This series previews Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check. — the 2012 annual edition of Planet Waves, with detailed, generous astrology readings for all the signs and rising signs, plus many articles and resources to help you do your best in the most important year of your life.

Subscribers to Planet Waves receive an incredible discount on all 12 signs, which you can access at this link. For additional information about the 2012 annual, you can read more about The Most Important Year of Your Life.

The Moon is in Virgo all day Friday, and late tomorrow it squares the Sagittarius Sun to form the last quarter (waning) Moon. Moon ingresses Libra at 3:06 am EST Sunday. Also today Vesta conjuncts Neptune in Aquarius; Black Moon Lilith (a calculated point also known as the mean lunar apogee) enters Taurus. The asteroid Psyche in Virgo makes a square to Ixion, which is hanging out at the same degree as last weekend’s total lunar eclipse (18+ Sagittarius). On Sunday, Venus in Capricorn squares Saturn in Libra. Monday the Sun makes a conjunction to the Galactic Center in late Sagittarius, and a sextile to Saturn.

The last quarter Moon generally feels like an urge to finish up whatever projects you have been working on for the last three weeks, rather than starting new ones, in the last week before the New Moon. This year we have a New Moon on Christmas Eve. If you celebrate that holiday you may feel an extra sense of pressure to finalize gift-buying and other preparations, with a natural sense of completion when done. Since tomorrow’s quarter Moon is in Virgo, don’t be surprised if you find yourself a bit more particular than usual about how your holiday preparations and projects get done.

The Sun’s alignment with the Galactic Center (the core of our galaxy and our spiritual homing signal) on Monday offers a sense of contact with something we long for — if we’re open to feeling it. With the Sun making a sextile to Saturn in Libra at the same time, see if you can let this sense of contact and spiritual clarity or spaciousness infuse your relationships. This could happen in how you perceive these relationships emotionally, or in how you actually structure them. With a sextile, you can work the flow of energy from either side of that equation to inform and evolve the other. Either way, the idea is to allow contact and a feeling of surrender to genuine, loving kindness. Then by Wednesday the solstice can arrive with the feeling of time compression letting go, a destination reached.

Mars, the planet of drive, desire and libido, is in Virgo. It is nearing a square to Pholus in mid-Sagittarius, and we tend to feel Mars aspects strongly as they approach. Feel like if you let go of any inhibition, you’ll become the scarlet whore of Babylon? That’s Mars-Pholus talking — but is there any truth to that feeling? Pholus can have the sense of letting the genie out of the bottle, and has the key phrase, ‘small cause, big effect’. But rather than keeping your inhibitions rigid, it’s more useful to keep any self-critical thoughts in check — especially with regard to who and what you desire sexually, how you want the desire of others demonstrated to you, and how you do or do not allow the concept of ‘healthy service’ in your relationships.

Mars in Virgo square Pholus in Sagittarius can also come with insights about facilitating your own spiritual (possibly ancestral) healing around desire and exuality — plus the desire to do so. And it’s an advisory to notice the effects that alcohol has on your sexuality.

You may alternate between feeling constrained and then wanting to bust out over the weekend. The square between Venus in Capricorn and Saturn in Libra carries some tension. Part of this is a case of mutual reception: these two planets are occupying a sign that the other rules. This can sometimes feel like a hostage situation, and that term at least vaguely describes many ‘monogamous’ relationships where there is some sense of being captured.

On the one hand, you may feel an urge toward the material and pragmatic; on the other, there’s the potential to demand reciprocation as the rule rather than allow it as a freely given gift. Ask yourself, ‘Do I truly want relationships in which we both receive what is offered graciously? Or do I just want what I want’?

Holder Signals Tough Review of New State Laws on Voting

Austin, Texas — Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. on Tuesday entered the turbulent political waters of voting rights, signaling that the Justice Department would be aggressive in reviewing new voting laws that civil rights advocates say will dampen minority participation in next year’s elections.

Declaring in a speech that protecting ballot access for all eligible voters “must be viewed not only as a legal issue but as a moral imperative,” Mr. Holder urged Americans to “call on our political parties to resist the temptation to suppress certain votes in the hope of attaining electoral success and, instead, achieve success by appealing to more voters.”

The speech by Mr. Holder could inflame a smoldering partisan dispute over race and ballot access as the 2012 campaign cycle intensifies. It comes as the Justice Department’s civil rights division is scrutinizing a series of new state voting laws that were enacted — largely by Republican officials — in the name of fighting fraud perpetuated by individual citizens that everyone knows doesn’t exist.

Mercury Stations Direct: Keep Your Promises

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Dear Friend and Reader:

Mercury stations direct in early Sagittarius tonight at 8:42 pm EST. This happens as we are still riding through the wake of Saturday’s total eclipse of the Moon in Gemini, the second of two eclipses for this mind-bending round that began in late November. Eclipses themselves offer an astrology lesson: borrowing a line from the late Patric Walker, “This sodding stuff works,” but how it works we discover when the eclipses themselves happen. Now as we consider the implications of recent events, Mercury stations direct in Sagittarius after 23 days retrograde, which will bring out a new layer of information, revelation or at least recognition.

Photo by Eric Francis — Blue Studio, New York.

Note that the next eclipses occur in May and June of 2012, in the midst of a concentrated series of events that leads into the first exact Uranus-Pluto square. I covered that in a recent special edition podcast on the top five events of 2012.

Tonight’s Mercury station direct makes a square aspect to a Pluto-like planet called Orcus. This is an underworld deity from the days of the Etruscans, or the dwellers of the European continent before what we think of as Europe. Orcus was probably a precursor to Hades and Pluto, but he has a special property involving the keeping of oaths, and holding to account those who swear false oaths. In our time this translates to promises and agreements. Whatever else may be going on for you at this time, please review the promises you’ve made and consider the ethics and the wisdom of coming through with them.

Given that Mercury is stationing direct (concentrated, slightly overwhelming mental energy; a point of turnaround) in a square to a planet similar to Pluto, I would include on the agenda careful consideration of what you may be obsessing over. Consider the use of power over others (direct or indirect), the use of religious power in any form (such as influencing people through their beliefs), and any attempts to run an agenda that you’re not disclosing. Subversive activity, including that which emerges as a result of your psychological tendencies, is not likely to go well. Said another way, keep your plans and your intentions above the boards, especially where prior commitments are concerned.

There are a number of other minor planets in the same aspect setup (at about 3 to 5 degrees of the mutable signs). Two aboriginal figures show up in the configuration: Altjira, an Australian keeper of the dreamtime, is one of them. Opposite Mercury, this contrasts the immediate needs of the moment (decisions, commitments, promises) with a kind of alternate reality. Just make sure that other dimension is a source of inspiration and nourishment rather than a source of delusion. It’s a reminder that this reality is not all that exists without negating the necessities of what we have to do here.

The other aboriginal god is Teharonhiawako, in Pisces. He is the Iroquois creator god depicted as a giant who holds up the sky. Coming from Pisces, you might ask: What is holding up your beliefs, or deeper in, what supports your faith? Does your faith feed you, or deplete you?

Finally, Mercury stations direct conjunct the centaur planet Okyrhoe, the daughter of Chiron and Chariklo. Okyrhoe was a prophet. Mercury conjunct Okyrhoe in Sagittarius carries a message to be aware of what you know, and to use what you know. While we like to pretend we live shrouded in mystery, in fact most of the time we know what we want, and we understand the meaning and implications of our particular circumstances. Using what you know comes back to the commitments you have to yourself, particularly to make honest decisions and follow through with them. It’s a reminder not to be surprised by what you knew all along. You are your own best divining oracle.

I’ll see you Friday with a regularly scheduled edition of Planet Waves, and I plan to have a regular edition podcast later today. Please check the Planet Waves Daily Astrology page for that.

If you’re looking for where to sign up for the 2012 annual edition with readings for all 12 signs, please use this link.

Lovingly,