Today is Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016
Hebrew date is 30 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 1 Safar 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 11 Chuwen
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.16.11
Julian Day is 2457694

Today’s Birthdays: Jan Brozek (1585-1652), Sippie Wallace (1898-1986), Edward Said (1935-2003), Jim Steinman (1947), Tim Cook (1960), Sophie B. Hawkins (1964), Tina Arena (1967), Aishwarya Rai (1973), Penn Badgley (1986).

“The [role of the] intellectual … cannot be played without a sense of being someone whose place it is publicly to raise embarrassing questions, to confront orthodoxy and dogma (rather than to produce them), to be someone who cannot easily be co-opted by governments or corporations, and whose raison d’etre is to represent all those people and issues that are routinely forgotten or swept under the rug.”
— Edward Said

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Today is Monday, Oct. 31, 2016
Hebrew date is 29 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 30 Muharram 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 10 Ok
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.16.10
Julian Day is 2457693

Today’s Birthdays: John Keats (1795-1821), Julia Lee (1902-1958), Muriel Duckworth (1908-2009), Michael Collins (1930), John Candy (1950-1994), Peter Jackson (1961), Rob Schneider (1963), Adam Bouska (1983).

“Many have original minds who do not think it — they are led away by custom — Now it appears to me that almost any man may like the spider spin from his own inwards his own citadel.”
— John Keats

Special Comment: The World of the Spirits is With Us

If you missed last night’s comment on the thinning of the veil and the Scorpio New Moon, you may read that here. We also have an oldie for you — the telling of some of my adventures with the world of what we call ‘ghosts’ as an astrologer. From time to time clients come to me with concerns involving the dead or the here-beyond, and this article is about some of the assignments I’ve accepted. It’s called Tales From the Other Side of Astrology.

PS — I’ve referred to “Spanish” tradition associated with Halloween and Days of the Dead. This article by our beloved Jeanne Treadway tells the story more completely — and, I reckon, more accurately.

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Today is Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016
Hebrew date is 28 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 29 Muharram 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 9 Muluk
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.16.9
Julian Day is 2457692

Today’s Birthdays: John Adams (1735-1826), Elizabeth Madox Roberts (1881-1941), Otis Williams (1941), Larry Wilmore (1961), Nia Long (1970), Stalley (1982), Danielle Fong (1987).

“There is something very unnatural and odious in a government a thousand leagues off. A whole government of our own choice, managed by persons whom we love, revere, and can confide in, has charms in it for which men will fight.”
— John Adams

Special Comment: The Night Between the Worlds

All Hallows Eve, the last night of the Old Religion’s year (what we call Halloween night), is considered to be when the veil between this world and the next is the thinnest. These are the Days of the Dead in many different traditions, not just south of the border but (from what I’ve read) as far back and east as ancient Egypt.

In the Mexican tradition the way is lit for the souls of our relatives to find their way home.

Walking through the Catacombs of Paris does indeed give a sense of the world of the dead. Along endless miles of tunnel lie the remains of seven million previous inhabitants of the city.

There is a tradition of offering as gifts to one’s ancestors rum and eggplant in cemeteries. The scent of the rum is alluring to the ghosts of our friends, and the spongy quality of the aubergine is pleasurable for them to inhabit for a little while.

Meanwhile, all over the U.S., kids are roaming around in costumes collecting candy on threat of frightening you. You never know. The kids in the skeleton outfits might be an actual apparition.

Something about these nights of the year shifts our relationship to death and decay. While you’re alive, that means growth, evolution and transformation. Yet then there’s the reality of the ultimate fate of everyone incarnate. Nobody can live fully without a conscious relationship to death. It serves as an essential anchor to one’s maturity.

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Today is Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016
Hebrew date is 27 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 28 Muharram 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 8 Lamat
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.16.8
Julian Day is 2457691

Today’s Birthdays: Martin Folkes (1690-1754), Caterina Scarpellini (1808-1873), Don Simpson (1943-1996), Melba Moore (1945), Dan Castellaneta (1957), Randy Jackson (1961), Winona Ryder (1971), Milena Govich (1976).

“People think that they just want movies like Pretty Woman, when really they — at least the ones that I know personally — have been waiting for something that doesn’t completely insult them.”
— Winona Ryder

Moon Phase: Moon is in waning crescent (Balsamic) phase and enters New phase on Oct. 30 at 10:38 am PDT / 1:38 pm EDT (17:38:08 UTC).
Next New Moon is in Scorpio on Oct. 30 at 10:38 am PDT / 1:38 pm EDT (17:38:08 UTC).
Corresponding Full Moon is in Taurus on Nov. 14 at 5:52 am PST / 8:52 am EST (13:51:59 UTC).
Moon Sign: Moon is in Libra and enters Scorpio today at 7:01 pm PDT / 10:01 pm EDT (02:00:46 10/30 UTC).
Sun Degree: 07-08 Scorpio.

Planetary Stations and Sign Changes
Moon enters Scorpio at 7:01 pm PDT / 10:01 pm EDT (02:00:46 10/30 UTC).

Interesting Selected Aspects | Data from Serennu
— Mars square Uranus at 9:06 pm 10/28 PDT / 12:06 am 10/29 EDT (04:05:36 UTC).
— Vesta square Pelion at 2:09 am PDT / 5:09 am EDT (09:09:16 UTC).
— Mercury sextile Psyche at 10:23 am PDT / 1:23 pm EDT (17:22:36 UTC).
— Venus conjunct Saturn at 5:45 pm PDT / 8:45 pm EDT (00:44:50 10/30 UTC), and Great Attractor at 5:45 pm PDT / 8:45 pm EDT (00:44:59 10/30 UTC).
— Saturn conjunct Great Attractor at 5:47 pm PDT / 8:47 pm EDT (00:46:37 10/30 UTC).

If Your Birthday is Oct. 29
(The Day of New Ideas) | Get Your Scorpio Birthday Reading
Surprise! What’s that? You don’t like surprise parties? Think of it this way: relatively few things in life offer the opportunity to shift fixed tendencies like the unexpected does. This, in turn, provides an opening to regenerate what you’ve metaphorically cut yourself off from. While others are scrambling in chaos, you get to focus on what you truly desire, which is the most obvious way to adapt. Any new solution that emerges hints that your sense of self-worth will as well.

Written in the Planets
If someone tells you, “Wow — I never expected that from you!” in response to something uncharacteristically bold that you’ve just done, take it as a sign that the growth you’ve been engaged in behind the scenes is ready to bear fruit. (If it’s in response to losing your temper, what needs have you been suppressing?) Today’s square between Mars in Capricorn and Uranus-Eris in Aries could be quite productive if you’re honest and up-front about changes you need to make, and if you have constructive ways to channel any frustration or sexual energy you’re feeling. Speaking of which: Venus in Sagittarius seems to be saying, “Run away with me!” If you immediately reply, “Oh, no, I can’t,” ask yourself why not — and then check whether you’re being pulled in that direction despite your professed belief of limitation.

Eric has begun the early pre-order phase of the 2017 annual edition. You can read his full letter about it here. Or, go straight to the purchase page. (If you’re a Core Community or Backstage Pass member, please email us at cs@planetwaves.net for your discounted price.)

Today is Friday, Oct. 28, 2016
Hebrew date is 26 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 27 Muharram 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 7 Manik’
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.16.7
Julian Day is 2457690

Today’s Birthdays: Harold Battiste (1931-2015), Caitlyn Jenner (1949), Bill Gates (1955), Julia Roberts (1967), Maryam Nawaz (1973), Matt Smith (1982), Frank Ocean (1987).

“There is just some magic in truth and honesty and openness.”
— Frank Ocean

Halloween Special Planet Waves Includes November Extended Reading
In this week’s edition, Eric looks at an intriguing event that took place around this time in 1938: Orson Welles’ broadcast of War of the Worlds, a novel adaptation some people took as a real invasion from Mars, or the Germans, or someone. You may read that here.

Moon Phase: Moon is in waning crescent (Balsamic) phase and enters New phase on Oct. 30 at 10:38 am PDT / 1:38 pm EDT (17:38:08 UTC).
Next New Moon is in Scorpio on Oct. 30 at 10:38 am PDT / 1:38 pm EDT (17:38:08 UTC).
Corresponding Full Moon is in Taurus on Nov. 14 at 5:52 am PST / 8:52 am EST (13:51:59 UTC).
Moon Sign: Moon is in Libra and enters Scorpio on Oct. 29 at 7:01 pm PDT / 10:01 pm EDT (02:00:46 10/30 UTC).
Sun Degree: 06-07 Scorpio.

Planetary Stations and Sign Changes
It’s oh so quiet…ssh…ssh

Interesting Selected Aspects | Data from Serennu
— Chiron trine Cyllarus at 6:48 am PDT / 9:48 am EDT (13:47:48 UTC). In myth, Cyllarus and his wife Hylonome were young centaurs much like Romeo and Juliet in their passion for one another.
— Mercury sesquiquadrate Chiron at 7:19 am PDT / 10:19 am EDT (14:18:49 UTC).

If Your Birthday is Oct. 28
(The Day of Research) | Get Your Scorpio Birthday Reading
You have an opportunity to express yourself in play, or in art. What begins in jest may turn out to be of surprisingly durable benefit; so dance, laugh and love as much as you please. It’s true that most of us have to work for a living; bring your creative mind everywhere.

Written in the Planets
Cyllarus seems to represent all the best manifestations of youth and feeling, including the ability to shift something seemingly immovable. Aspects to this point and Neptune mean that we’re all being given a gift — the chance to reclaim some of our early dreams, and the sense of idealism and possibility that seems to evaporate with age. Keep in mind two things: you never need to stop learning, and you have all the power you need to direct your life. As they said on Galaxy Quest: “Never give up; never surrender.”

Eric has begun the early pre-order phase of the 2017 annual edition. You can read his full letter about it here. Or, go straight to the purchase page. (If you’re a Core Community or Backstage Pass member, please email us at cs@planetwaves.net for your discounted price.)

Today is Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016
Hebrew date is 25 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 26 Muharram 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 6 Kimi
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.16.6
Julian Day is 2457689

Today’s Birthdays: Paganini (1782-1840), Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), Margaret Hutchinson Rousseau (1910-2000), Sylvia Plath (1932-1963), Peter Lustid (1937-2016), John Cleese (1939), Aron Ralston (1975), Vanessa-Mae (1978).

“If I like chocolate it won’t surprise you that I have a few chocolates in my fridge, but if you find out I’ve got 16 warehouses full of chocolate, you’d think I was insane. All these rich guys are insane, obsessive compulsive twits obsessed with money — money is all they think about.”
— John Cleese

Special Comment: Your Cue to Be One
Mercury and the Sun, conjunct in Scorpio, are applying to an opposition to 1992 QB1 at the moment; this goes on for another day or so — we’re in kind of a QB1 mirror. Here is an article on the first planet orbiting our Sun ever discovered beyond Pluto.

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Today is Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016
Hebrew date is 24 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 25 Muharram 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 5 Chikchan
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.16.5
Julian Day is 2457688

Today’s Birthdays: Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757), Abby Aldrich Rockefeller (1874-1948), Hillary Clinton (1947), Rita Wilson (1956), Cary Elwes (1962), Keith Urban (1967), ScHoolboy Q (1986).

“I believe that [art] not only enriches the spiritual life, but that it makes one more sane and sympathetic, more observant and understanding, regardless of whatever age it springs from, whatever subjects it represents.”
— Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Planet Waves FM’s 300th Episode!
Tonight Eric pays tribute to two men who have walked the walk: Tom Hayden, the father of many activist movements, who left the planet Sunday; and Neil Young, who still roams and plays his guitar among us. You may listen here.

Moon Phase: Moon is in Last Quarter phase and enters waning crescent (Balsamic) phase today at 8:24 am PDT / 11:24 am EDT (15:24:24 UTC).
Next New Moon is in Scorpio on Oct. 30 at 10:38 am PDT / 1:38 pm EDT (17:38:08 UTC).
Corresponding Full Moon is in Taurus on Nov. 14 at 5:52 am PST / 8:52 am EST (13:51:59 UTC).
Moon Sign: Moon is in Virgo and enters Libra on Oct. 27 at 6:50 am PDT / 9:50 am EDT (13:50:39 UTC).
Sun Degree: 04-05 Scorpio.

Planetary Stations and Sign Changes
Every now and then, everything except the old Apollo 14 booster rocket stays in its sign.

Interesting Selected Aspects | Data from Serennu
— Mercury opposite Pelion at 9:35 pm 10/25 PDT / 12:35 am EDT (04:35:27 UTC).
— Ceres opposite Rhadamanthus at 9:47 pm 10/25 PDT / 12:47 am EDT (04:47:17 UTC).
— Mercury trine Nessus at 11:12 pm 10/25 PDT / 2:12 am EDT (06:12:01 UTC).
— Venus sextile Jupiter at 8:17 am PDT / 11:17 am EDT (15:18:56 UTC).

If Your Birthday is Oct. 26
(The Day of Organizational Cohesion) | Get Your Scorpio Birthday Reading
Sometimes, to move forward, we have to extricate ourselves from ties to the past; in this case it would be past ideas about money. If you learn to recognize an opportunity when you see one, you might be surprised where they turn up. Take a business-like approach to your finances, including setting actual goals, and you cannot go wrong.

Written in the Planets
Ceres is opposite a point called Rhadamanthus, which is basically about truth as a lived principle. And closer to the ordinary, Venus is square Neptune. It’s said honesty is the best policy. What’s not said quite so often is that practicing honesty, especially as a way of life, is as nourishing for the soul as good food is for the body. By the same analogy, the challenges we meet by being honest are like roughage: meeting them is part of why it’s so healthy. We can all start to do this better by cultivating trust. Beginning that process, by the way, means being open; being prepared to take a risk. Yet by doing so you set off a domino effect. Imagine that: the power of love rippling through our species.

Eric has begun the early pre-order phase of the 2017 annual edition. You can read his full letter about it here. Or, go straight to the purchase page. (If you’re a Core Community or Backstage Pass member, please email us at cs@planetwaves.net for your discounted price.)

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016
Hebrew date is 23 Tishrei 5777
Islamic date is 24 Muharram 1438

Mayan Tzolk’in Day is 4 K’an
Mayan Long Count is 13.0.3.16.4
Julian Day is 2457687

Today’s Birthdays: Johann Strauss II (1825-1899), Georges Bizet (1838-1875), Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Marion Ross (1928), Chad Smith (1961), Craig Robinson (1974), Katy Perry (1984), Ciara (1985).

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
— Pablo Picasso

Moon Phase: Moon is in Last Quarter phase and enters waning crescent (Balsamic) phase on Oct. 26 at 8:24 am PDT / 11:24 am EDT (15:24:24 UTC).
Next New Moon is in Scorpio on Oct. 30 at 10:38 am PDT / 1:38 pm EDT (17:38:08 UTC).
Corresponding Full Moon is in Taurus on Nov. 14 at 5:52 am PST / 8:52 am EST (13:51:59 UTC).
Moon Sign: Moon is in Virgo and enters Libra on Oct. 27 at 6:50 am PDT / 9:50 am EDT (13:50:39 UTC).
Sun Degree: 03-04 Scorpio.

Planetary Stations and Sign Changes
Computer says no.

Interesting Selected Aspects | Data from Serennu
— Sun opposite Pelion at 10:57 pm 10/24 PDT / 1:57 am EDT (05:57:41 UTC).
— Sun trine Nessus at 1:00 am PDT / 4:00 am EDT (08:00:27 UTC).
— Venus square Orcus at 6:42 am PDT / 9:42 am EDT (13:41:54 UTC).
— Mercury square Vesta at 8:22 am PDT / 11:22 am EDT (15:21:51 UTC).
— Venus square Neptune at 6:54 pm PDT / 9:54 pm EDT (01:54:08 10/26 UTC).

If Your Birthday is Oct. 25
(The Day of Substantive Form) | Get Your Scorpio Birthday Reading
Whatever riddle you may be facing today, know this: your emotions around it hold a key, even if they provoked the question in the first place. Dwelling on what’s behind you (or ‘what might have been’) out of insecurity about the future is one way to live. Drawing on recently learned lessons, particularly those about seeing your influence over your life, is another. Your soul’s song may take some deep listening to hear clearly, but its beauty is compelling.

Written in the Planets
Mercury recently entered Scorpio, and today squares Vesta in Leo. Your mind may be drawn to dive deep into a question: whether a sense of devotion, or of sacrifice, is at the heart of your loyalty to someone or something. If a sense of sacrifice is leading the way, you can look without fear at any hidden motivations associated with that. Sometimes it’s necessary to give up something to accomplish something else. The influence of Leo describes an opportunity to infuse some playfulness, humor or leadership into the situation; that’s the neighborhood where you’ll find healthy devotion, along with its neighbor, wisdom.

Eric has begun the early pre-order phase of the 2017 annual edition. You can read his full letter about it here. Or, go straight to the purchase page. (If you’re a Core Community or Backstage Pass member, please email us at cs@planetwaves.net for your discounted price.)