Aries (March 20-April 19) — This week, the element of surprise will be running strong in all facets of your life. You can only prepare by being flexible and maintaining situational awareness. That means paying attention to your surroundings, and tracking the relationships between the people around you. This counts even when you’re in your own home, or the home of someone you’re close to. One risk you run is being emotionally reactive, which can be part of your nature, though it’s particularly strong now. So, slow down and do what you can to stay calm. Drive cautiously, a little slower than usual if you have a heavy foot; and, this week at least, turn off your phone before getting into your car. What is the upside to this astrology? You want to be independent, emotionally and otherwise. It’s time to cut the apron strings or unhook the leash, as long as you know freedom entails responsibility.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Do you have any actual reason to resent people who hold positions of authority around you? Or is that a hangover from your childhood relationships to your parents? We live in a society where people need to grow up and be adults more than they need just about anything else. Your desire to have a calm, dependable existence will be your motivation. Your need to achieve real goals will also motivate you. To do these things requires a mature approach to life, and the desire to collaborate. What’s most important is feeling good about yourself and what you’re learning. This is a matter of practice. Every day brings its modest advances and its small setbacks. You may be experiencing both in equal measure, though any setbacks can count as important lessons learned and accepted, if you are mindful and respect your own learning process. This is merely a matter of perspective.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You don’t need to take everything personally. If you do, you’ll go nuts, which would be pointless given that little of what you see and hear is actually about you. You will need some emotional filters and strong boundaries this week. Of the people around you, you’re one of the best situated to take a helpful rather than contentious approach. You can see all the dynamics that are at play; you can handle the different viewpoints people have; and because of that, you could serve as the adult in the room. You can afford to have a light-hearted attitude and a creative approach to problem solving; you can remind everyone that a problem is an opportunity to advance an idea. For most people, this is merely a concept they may have heard of, though you’ve actually experienced its power and potential. Keep the people around you focused on the positive.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The recent Full Moon in your opposite sign Capricorn is still ringing like a bell. There’s been some shift in your relationships, and in your relationship to the world. Chances are this is a positive development, though there’s a possibility that you’re feeling shaken up. One of the long-range lessons of your life right now is how you handle dependency on others. You know that you must learn to stand on your own emotional strength, meet others as equals, and in some way compel them to do the same. Otherwise, the relationships are not going to work. The Full Moon helped you get to the bottom of a particular issue, and you now know the truth. That central idea is unlikely to change much, though you can adapt your methods, your desires and your approach to life, which will grant you the freedom that comes from having a more realistic perspective.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You possess your own value. Be real about this: it doesn’t come from anyone or anything else; you don’t have to negotiate; you don’t have to be endorsed or have any letters after your name. Remember this if you find yourself in some strange conversation where you’re being expected to establish your worth. You don’t need that person, and you don’t need to convince them of anything — they’re unlikely to be convinced, so there’s no point trying. Focus your creativity and do the projects that you want to do. Don’t worry about monetizing your ideas at this stage. That would be minimizing their worth, and it will hamper your creative process and diminish your potential. Do what you’re doing for its own sake — that’s so rarely done in our era. You can afford to proceed without fear or concern for the future, and let the developments of this week reveal their interesting wonders.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Love more generously. I could end this horoscope right here, but they tell me I still have 140 words to write — so I will elaborate. Love is the only thing that’s in actual abundance, and the best thing is, it’s free. This means appreciating the people in your life. Thank them for what they do for you, and show your appreciation in more tangible ways. If you find yourself closing down, as if you somehow cannot afford to be generous with your gratitude and praise, perhaps take a look at that. Ask yourself what you think you’re losing by making others feel good. It’s a known spiritual truth that you will have in abundance what you offer to others. Therefore, open up your heart and soul, and shine your light on everyone around you. Convey, in feeling, how you appreciate people who support you and your world even in the most modest ways.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You’re receiving a kind of promotion. It may not be the usual type, with the invitation to the boss’s office and all of that. This is much more significant, much more meaningful. It’s about the level on which you exist in society: your status, in the true sense of the word. Status is the actual respect you carry, which reflects how you’re treated. It’s likely that some recent discovery has led to this, probably an emotional breakthrough where you established your independence from your family. To actually make your way in the world, it’s necessary to break free from the crusty kinds of relationships that keep you feeling awkward and uncertain. Keep breaking off that crust, and proceed with the confidence of a person who can stand on the strength of your legs, the power of your vision and the beauty of your own ideas. Then get ready to work your ass off for what you want.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — It’s only when your faith is challenged that you find out how strong you are. It’s only when you’re given an assignment that’s way over your head that you discover what you’re capable of. And this discovery process has only just begun. What you’re now involved with is a kind of real-life leadership training program. This is a hands-on course, taught on the ground, not in a classroom. If there is a theory, we could sum that up in one word: ethics. Your ongoing challenge is to do the right thing, even if you have to call out people in positions of authority. There’s a way to do this effectively, and you will learn how that works. You will learn how to take charge when others leave their post or abdicate responsibility. Note that this is about claiming actual authority over your affairs and, very likely, an organization you’re involved with. Take small, calculated steps.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Many people who think they’re sexually liberated don’t even have a clue. Anyone who is squeamish about their body or that of their partner has some territory to cover. Anyone worried about being ‘found out’ is simply trapped. Those who cannot speak honestly about their desires, or vocalize their pleasure, have before them a vast territory to explore. Often this territory will be entered in an awkward way at first. You might stumble in; you might find yourself in seemingly the wrong place with a seemingly inappropriate person, and go with the flow. This is a creative discovery process, meaning that it involves entering the unknown, learning something, and responding in an inventive way. Here is a key: At the core of everything I’m describing is a form of nourishment that can only be accessed through daring self-exploration. These nutrients are not available on the surface. You must go deep, and you’re being summoned to do so.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — The very recent Full Moon in your sign stirred up some of your insecurities, and might have come with the feeling that you’re more alone in the world than you realized. Yet that is the first step toward making real contact, both with yourself and with others who can actually reach you inside. Unless you get to that place of existential solitude, you have not reached the core from which all authentic relationships spring. This week, the high-potency astrology continues on an almost daily basis. Certain events may trigger your deepest insecurities. Yet be mindful that these events are not causing your feelings; they are merely serving to reveal them. These are the same fears and weaknesses that have caused you, again and again, to give up your power, and then wonder how the heck that happened. This goes back a long way. So, let yourself be triggered, and claim your strength.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You must take care of yourself this week. That has several meanings, the most significant of which is balancing work, rest and other modes of self-care. It also means staying out of unnecessary conflicts, whether emotional or at work (or potentially both). Said simply, you must manage your energy — no matter how much you may think you have, or how much you’ve gotten away with abusing your body in the past. Those days are over. The pressure and the stakes are too high; you’re expected to perform like a professional athlete, which always involves a hybrid of mental and physical conditioning. The thing to start with is food. Note all the ways you’ve been slacking or skimping; get yourself to the nearest farmer’s market. Then, move on to sleep. Keep your devices out of your bedroom; having them near you is like sleeping with a bright invisible light on. Then comes work. Choose your priorities, and invest your energy well.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — After a long phase of development, certain events have recently come to a head, with some surprising results. The truth always flows through the cracks in so-called reality, and that’s about the size and shape of what is happening for you these days. It’s important to remember, at all times, that you’re working with powerful forces, and factors much larger than yourself. On one level they may seem disruptive, unpredictable and difficult to control. On another level, these are generative forces: the same ones related to the power of the body to heal an injury, or of the Earth to grow back after a forest fire. What happens over the next week will demonstrate how discovering your creative abilities can shock you to a new level of self-respect. Stay in a positive frame of mind, let your strength flow, and you’ll wonder how you could have possibly ever doubted yourself.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — This week builds to its peak with the July 9 Full Moon in Capricorn, the sign that for you is associated with your professional ambitions and your reputation. Potent forces are at work: among them, the Moon is conjunct the distant and soulful planet Pluto. You’re approaching a turning point, beyond which it’s necessary to practice this elusive thing called ‘right livelihood’ with full devotion. What does that mean? I would say, doing work you’re willing to do for its own sake. It’s time to subtract yourself from situations that are purely financially motivated, and invest yourself in the ones that feed your soul, and that are designed to make the world a better place. You might think that’s not easy right now, but Pluto’s usual modus operandi is to commence with something modest, which develops into something with deeper and further reach. This is your point of departure.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — From one viewpoint, the story of your life going back many years is about you seeking to understand the relationship between the religious facets of your upbringing and your true spiritual connection to yourself and to existence. Taurus always gets intense assignments; it’s not a casual lifetime for anyone. If you love comfort and sensuality, it’s only a meek buffer between you and the profound growth work you’re called upon to do in this lifetime. This Full Moon describes you shedding part of your childhood husk. This is not your true inner child, but rather the conditioned personality level that you no longer need. Your bold, beautiful, actual inner kid is alive and well. If you feel you’re losing something, notice that you’re gaining awareness of something else. Your primary vehicle of growth is not psychology and it’s not spirituality. It’s allowing yourself to be sexually and creatively free.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — There’s one particular region of an astrology chart that represents the deepest and often most dramatic transformations. It’s called the 8th house. One enters the 8th in one form, and leaves not only in a different form but often substantially, inwardly changed. Material of the 8th house includes all that most people are the most afraid of, yet curious about, and inevitably drawn to. For example, it’s where one might explore the relationship between sex and death, which extends to all concepts of creation and destruction. You’re about to experience a Full Moon in this house, intensified by a conjunction to Pluto. The message is that you must be submissive to whatever you do with full intention, and to whomever you love with your body and soul. There is no going halfway, or living partially. To really be alive is to take the risk of offering yourself wholly and entirely to life.

Astrology can help you. In the right hands, astrology can provide you with a new perspective on your life. My readings are designed to help you consider all of your possibilities, your greatest potential, and to help you see your problems in a new light. I’m about to record the Cancer reading for you. If you order now, you’ll get the best pre-order price of $33. Shortly before publication, it’ll be $44 and then the final price will be $55. These readings condense 22 years of my counseling experience, nonstop reflection on the human condition and lots of excellent astrology. They are in plain talk, easy to follow, and paced gently. They are some of my best work; these readings are an invention. And you can have all the benefits. I plan to do this reading very soon — so get on board before the next two price increases. Here’s how to pre-order. If you’re seeking a private consultation, here’s that link.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Mysterious forces are at work in your world. You probably feel this, but have not given it a name yet. The effect may take several different forms, though behind them all is one process. It will be essential for you to navigate carefully, and take precautions to minimize the chance of mistakes. You’ll very likely begin this week in one phase of your life, and by Sunday, be in another phase. Between now and then, you’ll need to endure some tension, and not let it color your judgment. This will be crucial in the days late in the week leading up to the July 9 Full Moon in your opposite sign Capricorn. Take things one step at a time, and make your choices with the help of one or two trusted advisors. Do not broadcast your business. Be curious, and ask questions with the attitude of a child. Gently, the truth will unravel.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — For many weeks, you’ve been learning about a certain kind of devotion, where your own interests must stand entirely apart from something larger than you. We often see this in shadow form: people sucking up to power, or using work and projects to avoid intimacy. You are being drawn, as if by some invisible force, to offer yourself in seva, or selfless service. This is not altruism; it’s not about ‘doing good’. Rather, you’re being summoned to a soul-level calling, which is only growing deeper. This is not easy. Compelling influences are not merely calling you or guiding you, but are drawing you like a tractor beam that you cannot easily escape. The real question to ask is: why would you want to? Uncovering your true spiritual nature is not a walk in the garden; it’s about tending that garden, understanding that it’s something equal to or greater than you.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Your primary challenge in these strange days is to keep an open mind. This is not some abstract notion, or the willingness to try strawberry ice cream. It’s about embracing the struggle to see your prejudices for what they are, and being willing to change. Not change your viewpoint. Not change your opinion. Not modify your behavior or image. Rather, actually to grow, and bring your inner being into the world, through the crusty shell of the past. Face the fact that this involves a risk, perhaps many of them. Yet to the extent that would deter you, the thing at stake is facing your fears, and admitting your vulnerability. Assuming you have fears and feel vulnerable, that’s true whether you face them or not. Do you have any interest in being a smaller person than you really are? What is really at stake here?

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — If you want to succeed, temper your ambition, and focus on ethics. Focus on the integrity of your immediate community and your household. Of course, you would be doing this in a world where everyone understands why the mayor of a town would fire the ethics board. We watch people treat one another as disposable. We witness seemingly powerful people clinging to power, who are obviously an emotional mess, and who have no support at home. You get to play a different role in this lifetime, and in our times. Here’s the challenge: Ethics is not just about an idea, some concept of what is right. It’s about being emotionally integrated, so that you become your own friend rather than your own adversary. Ethics is about having the guts to confront your parents and other powerful people in your life. It means having the stones to confront the people who have hurt you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Stand to your full stature. Over and over again, your solar chart says this is about the message you send to the world: the words that you use, the ideas you convey, and your willingness to engage in an honest dialog. Your words must come from a deep place, or you must be silent. That means when you speak or write, you say what you know to be true. This is not the current fashion: what’s in style is repeating unverified bullshit until it becomes this other kind of “true.” You will know you’re actually speaking the truth when you wrestle with your conscience; when you experience a bit of agony about what is right, and feel the impact that your words have on others, and on your whole community. People are looking to you as an example. Whether you’re correct or not on any given subject, you do not have a choice in that particular matter.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Money is too important. It has become, in our times, the meaning of life, the solution to all problems, and that which cleanses any sin. Sensitive people are getting sick of the stench. You know how much more there is to existence: you are in touch with this elusive thing called meaning. Later this week, an unusually powerful Full Moon takes place in the angle of your chart that addresses money, resources and values. You are getting the message, from both within and without, that it’s time to live for what you know to be true. That means actually having a standard of veracity and of corresponding conduct. But there is more. This unusual lunation comes with a discovery, or a breakthrough: you get to a new level of self-understanding, and of commitment. And that will give you the feeling of setting yourself free to live your life, your way.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Let others show you what you need to see. You seem to require proof; look at what they have to offer. Allow yourself to be guided out of your blind spot, which is both emotional and sensory. You want to succeed, though your current vision of success is a mirage. You need a better one, though you know that will take you through some profound changes, including giving up all the false ideas about yourself that you’ve been dragging around for lord knows how long. That will require vulnerability, which is not exactly your favorite pastime. Yet to come out of your shell, you must become that new thing born into the world. You cannot do this by projecting an image of yourself. You can only do it by bringing the substance of who you are into your environment, certain of one thing: you don’t know what will happen.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Beware the tyranny within. To do that, you must first see it for what it is, then stay one step ahead of your inner persecutor. The reason this takes guts is because you would need to take responsibility for how you feel. That would include understanding how you got to feel that way, which in turn will require you to actually understand what people did to you when you were younger. The inner persecutor is an installed device. One is not born with it. God or nature did not create it, like your eyes, heart or hands. To liberate yourself requires making the fine distinction between blame and responsibility. Blame is paralyzing; responsibility is the ability to respond. And this you have, if you maintain your inner awareness. That’s the thing. That’s the real struggle of our world right now: the fear to look within. You must be courageous.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You seem to be having a debut of some kind, an emergence into society. This is not merely a social affair, though. There’s an element of recognition, but there is more. What’s going on behind the scenes is a rearrangement of your power relationship with your community. There is such a thing. There are two levels: changes in the social structure around you; and a rearrangement of your thinking that both precipitates and adapts to these changes. So, you are both cause and result. We could sum this up in two words as confidence and maturity. You need both, and would be wise to consider them both separately and in the context of one another. Cultivating self-esteem is too vague a concept to describe what you’ve got going on. Rather, focus on its specific components. Confidence means with fidelity. Maturity means ripening. That’s enough to go by.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — There’s a clairvoyant quality to your chart at the moment, an opening to the subtle realms. This happens from time to time, as you’ve experienced personally. When it does, it’s necessary to mind your boundaries. You might want to avoid crowded taverns where there are a lot of inebriated people, since you don’t know what they’re carrying around with them. Mostly you will want to observe your own mind. Process fear quickly and efficiently — as fear, not as the presumption that what you are worried about is true. And pay attention to your dreams. Remember that in the first instance, all of your dreams are about you. They are a representation of your thoughts, feelings and life circumstances. It would be unwise to count them as ‘prophetic’ of anything other than your own psychology. Maintain full ownership.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — The more you reach into your feminine side, the more you’ll tap your masculinity. This works for any gender you might be — at the moment, they contain and enhance one another in a way that’s making you magnetic and appealing. The feeling is like walking on the surface of water, supported by the tension in your environment. You can feel things that others cannot feel, and are therefore noticing things that most others cannot perceive. Yet you’ll likely meet one or two people who you know are tuned in. You’ll notice an aliveness in their eyes and by their presence of mind. Listen to what they have to offer. You’re likely to get a whole other point of view on the very same thing you’re looking at. Meanwhile, you can trust one thing for sure: your path is guided.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Be mindful of your anger level this week. It can slip up on you when you’re not noticing, and suddenly you’re in over your head. Take the subtle cues, such as when you find yourself mildly annoyed by the same person or situation more than once. Pay attention to what you’re trying to put out of your mind. What’s really going on is that you’re actually feeling what’s important to you with some emotional intensity. You’ve gone past the level of opinion and are at the stage where you feel what matters in your guts. One thing is for sure: it’s more than about money, and you may be feeling some concern about the extent to which everything comes down to a financial issue. You don’t have to live that way. You’re more motivated by taking care of people than profiting from them.

Astrology can help you. In the right hands, astrology can provide you with a new perspective on your life. My readings are designed to help you consider all of your possibilities, your greatest potential, and to help you see your problems in a new light. I’m about to record the Cancer reading for you. If you order now, you’ll get the best pre-order price of $33. Shortly before publication, it’ll be $44 and then the final price will be $55. These readings condense 22 years of my counseling experience, nonstop reflection on the human condition and lots of excellent astrology. They are in plain talk, easy to follow, and paced gently. They are some of my best work; these readings are an invention. And you can have all the benefits. I plan to do this reading next week — earlier than usual, so get on board before the next two price increases. Here’s how to pre-order. If you’re seeking a private consultation, here’s that link.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — This week’s Mercury-Mars conjunction in your birth sign will focus your efforts and help you maximize your motivation. You should know a few things. One is that your mind is going to be moving faster than the people around you; you’ll need to slow down and let them catch up. Second, your words will be more penetrating than you might imagine. Something you say off the cuff might be devastating to someone sensitive. So try to dial it back and use minimal power. Keep your words one level above a hint, and verify that people know what you’re talking about when you ask for something or make a comment. Last, you may be a bit extra-sensitive, so take a few precautions. Get enough rest, eat real food and drink extra water, because your engine is running hot.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — With the world in such a panicky state, it’s amazing anyone has any peace of mind at all. You may be walking a delicate edge this week, as you’re in a heightened state of emotional and psychological vulnerability. As long as you remember that, you’ll be able to handle it, and even use it productively. The real gift of this week’s aspects is the insight they bestow. You’ll be able to peer into the minds of others, and have an unusual level of clarity about yourself. Here’s the thing: Don’t assume you’re right. Phrase your observations as questions rather than as statements. You might even keep silent and let people reveal themselves. The thing to avoid is making any statements about how someone else feels, no matter how much insight you might have. However, empathy is always welcome.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — If you want to be effective, you must be willing to be unpopular. You don’t have to be caustic about this, or make a point of it. You only need to be willing to let others have their opinions, and possess the maturity to know that they don’t matter. This may be challenging with every last facet of life being driven by uninformed judgments. However, that’s also a reminder to compensate by having your facts, and being ready to refer to them whenever you need to. Remember to speak second and not first, and don’t provide proof unless you’re asked. You don’t need to show any cards; you merely need to be calmly and quietly correct. One other thing: if the going gets tense, you can rely on your sense of humor. Just never, ever make it personal.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Make sure you put as much energy into doing the work as you do supervising it. There are two main reasons. One is that you’re working with a vision, and though it’s clear to you, it may not translate into other minds. You want to get it right, so keep your hands on the project. Second, working with your colleagues or those who report to you will take off any edge of bossy that you might have this week, and that’s a risk worth avoiding. We’re in one of those moments when people are going to take things personally, even the new flavor of ginger ale in the soda machine. There’s a special reminder for parents: be especially sensitive to your kids this week. Really listen, feel, and listen some more. Everyone will be happier.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Take a scientific approach to every question. If you want to be stylish, get a lab coat and those fancy safety glasses you see on TV. But you don’t really need that; only to use logic where logic is called for. Break things down into steps. Do that rarified thing known as troubleshooting: the deductive process to figure out what the problem really is, as apart from what you think it might be. Then, you can actually solve it. All this counts for double because you may notice a good few people around you may be anything and everything but reasonable or rational, at the same time they’re absolutely convinced that they’re Mr. Spock. As long as you know this is going on, you won’t get caught in the mind game. Then, use a screwdriver on a screw, and a wrench on a bolt. Logical.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Keep financial discussions and sexual discussions separate. Both are likely to come up. They are part of a related issue; however, you must use your intelligence and keep them distinct, for the purposes of having sane and productive conversations. One thing I suggest is talking about money in the living room, and talking about sex at the kitchen table. Shift the usual settings for these conversations; in particular, away from the bedroom, and toward places they can happen on level ground. There is a risk that these discussions could get mired in all sorts of emotions, which would be confusing and not so productive. Also, it would be wise to attend to business in a businesslike way, and to do so before attending to pleasure. Then there will be plenty of time to work things out in bed.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Look for yourself, or some element of your own truth, in any person who approaches you with a thought, issue or question. Even if you have to stretch a little, consider the common ground you share with whoever is talking to you. That will go a long way toward defusing any tensions, ratcheting down any arguments, and shifting the conversation to a productive place. This is one of those weeks when anyone strong will need to express that through their sensitivity and empathy. Not everyone will be a neurotic mess, though; a few select individuals will be responding to this week’s unusual astrology as if it’s the coolest space weather we’ve ever had. Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, remains in your 5th solar house of pleasure, play, fun and games. Hang out with someone who knows how to keep it light.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Keep a grip on your competitive nature. It’s been decades (four, to be exact) since that New Games book came out, the one that taught us all how to play with a parachute at summer camp. You know, the kinds of games without a winner or loser, where the pleasure is getting everyone cooperating toward the same goal. We’re all pretty brainwashed that all activity has to be competitive, and that all games have to be zero sum games: that is, winner take all. You may find that the events of the week, particularly at work, give you the perfect opportunity to foster collaboration. You might say that it’s more fun and more productive, and you can also point out the various ways that competition is simply not working to get the desired result. Step one of the game: everyone agrees on what that will be.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Whether or not you have a summer vacation planned for this week, slow down and enjoy yourself. Do the bare minimum to keep the boss or the clients satiated for a few days, and have a little fun — a little, or a lot, more than usual. You are under some rare aspects at the moment, which are creating the perfect environment for anything related to pleasure, art, music and what some call romance. The key to maximizing your experience is not being attached; this is not about tomorrow, it’s about right now. What you’re experiencing may never happen again, certainly not in the same way, and that’s its special value. If you get the chance to do something you’ve never done before, or that you know only happens once, that’s the thing to do.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Make a point of recognizing the authority of others, particularly in subtle ways. Be cooperative, especially with partners and people you share your household with. Taking out the trash and doing the dishes grants considerable social standing, which in turn subverts power struggles. You alone can cultivate a sense of calm in your home life, which in turn will be helpful in every other facet of living, particularly where your professional aims and your prosperity are concerned. Said another way, your astrology is suggesting you build your life from the ground up, and from the inside out, for its own sake — and for the best results in your seemingly outer life. You may decide it’s amazing what can happen when you organize your affairs this particular way, and you see how far a little contentment can take you.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — This week’s Moon-Venus conjunction in your birth sign — right at the moment of the solstice — describes your graduation to a state of true self-confidence. Such is not a concept. It’s something you feel in your body, and take with you wherever you go. You’ll notice it in the way you sit and stand, the way you walk, and how you approach food and sex. I am describing a form of entitlement — you were born, and you’re entitled to feel alive and like you belong on the planet. That reaches into every detail of life because it emanates from your sensation of physical existence. In a most significant way, there’s something about finding your voice. Whether you’re a writer, a singer, or someone who wants to feel articulate at a social gathering, this will be a sweet season.

Dear Planet Waves Reader:

What if you could get a useful, relevant and best of all, understandable, astrology reading offering financial strategy, information about your relationships, and the place where the two meet? Forget how much it might cost. What if the information was really, really good?

My officemate Henrietta Saint Francis poses with the chart for the Gemini reading.

What if you were sure that, if you took a few moments and listened to the reading, and maybe listened through a second time, you would hear something that would shift your approach and help you solve some
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That’s what I’m offering with the newly minted Gemini audio reading for 2017-2018. It’s for everyone with Gemini in their chart: Sun, Moon, rising, Saturn or Chiron. It will work brilliantly for all of the air signs (including Libra and Aquarius). And the information is so rich and relevant, anyone at all will benefit from listening. [Audio preview here.]

Granted, this reading is not for everyone. It’s not for thoughtless people. It’s not for people who want “information” packed into their head in under five minutes. It’s not for you if you don’t like to
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However, if you’re interested in growing, and raising your awareness, and using the miracle of astrology as a kind of thought lever that helps you open your inner doors, this reading is for you. If you want
something that will give you abundant ideas and stoke your creativity, this reading is for you.

If you’re open to being motivated, and shown your true strengths, this reading is for you. If you’re interested in seeing where your best advantages are, this reading is most assuredly for you.

Astrology is an interesting medium. One single thought that an astrologer offers can seem to turn the key in your mind, turning your thought process into a productive and self-affirming experience.

In your reading, I use the Gemini and Sagittarius tarot cards to describe Gemini relationship dynamics. Cards are from the Crowley tarot.

One seemingly little idea can offer you what you need, or give you the hint that resolves something that’s been bothering you for weeks, months or even years.

This reading contains the condensed knowledge from 22 years of consulting, teaching and writing, plus many lifetimes of study and practice.

The thing is, at ten or twenty times the cost, a private consultation with me might not offer you any more than this reading does — if you get the one thing you need. And it’s nearly certain that you will, if you’re listening carefully.

The planets speak to me, and I deliver the message to you: competently, with love, respectful of your time, and best of all, at a price that’s worth every penny. Click here to listen to an audio preview.

The Gemini reading is for everyone — especially if you’re any shade of Gemini. Get instant access here. The audio is playable on any device.

With love,

PS — I’ve prepared a four-minute audio preview of your reading. You may listen here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You seem to stand on the brink of an important choice, uncertain what to do. Drop all pretenses, and be resolutely who you are. This is a commitment that, to be real, must extend into every facet of your life, from the most casual conversations to the most serious; from your daily flirtations on social media to the preparation of your CV. Don’t just aspire to be real in all that you do; draw it out of yourself with bold gusto, and make no compromises. If you feel any anxiety that you’re overreaching or expressing too much desire, take a breath, point yourself forward, and carry on. One rare and beautiful quality of the moment is that your ability to change, grow and adapt is running at a peak. Use that for all it’s worth.

First Opportunity to Pre-Order: 2017 Cancer Birthday Reading

Do you have a Cancer Sun or Cancer rising sign? Your big month is just around the corner: next week, both the Sun and Mercury enter your sign — promising to extend your awareness and presence out into your world and deeper into yourself.

As one who tends to experience life as a series of cycles, having the Sun in Cancer usually indicates an upswing for you: a time to move ahead with who you are — even if you feel like you’re only beginning to discover that, or creating it as you go. What better way to catch the energy wave of this season’s astrology than by listening to your 2017 Cancer Birthday Reading?

As with all Planet Waves “birthday” readings, this will include two segments of astrology (at least 30 minutes each), plus a tarot reading — including photos of the cards — which may arrive a little after the astrology segments are ready.

You can lock in the absolute lowest price offered on this reading by pre-ordering now, before Eric records and publishes it. You can also pre-order it as a gift for your favorite Cancer loved one.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The Sun and Mercury enter your sign this week within hours of one another. That’s a boost in your influence and confidence, and it will be significant. What will you do with it? I suggest you do the thing you’ve always known was right, whether you succeeded in the past or not; whether it was easy or not; whether you think it worked or not. This astrology is not about the peripherals, the conditions or the seeming limits you face; it’s about acting from your most deeply held values and sense of personal truth. That’s the most effective, and incidentally, safest and most harmonious way, to put this rare, gleaming astrology to work. There’s a reminder to process every perception and every decision both emotionally and mentally, preferably at the same time. What is real works on many levels.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — This week’s developments will go a long way toward easing your stress and any lingering anxiety. Mercury and the Sun join Mars in the most sensitive area of your chart (a trippy place called the 12th house). That will bring awareness and warmth where there was previously some odd, difficult-to-name concern. With your inner lights on, you can focus on your most cherished professional goal. I don’t mean an ordinary new job or promotion: I mean the thing you know you’re destined for. Remember that destiny is not usually like winning the lottery. Rather, it’s an invitation to aspire to what’s meaningful, which wholly depends on your courage, persistence and the use of all of your talent, all the time. As you begin, be prepared to start fresh every day, and put feeling into every stitch of effort.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Prosperity comes in many forms, and I suggest you note all that apply to you. This is coming in through every angle of your solar chart at the moment, ranging from having the material resources you need, to having the spiritual awareness to make them meaningful. There is a new sense of social ease, and the feeling of being seen and recognized. Therefore, don’t play small. Don’t shrink or hide or ever tell yourself that you don’t matter. Rather, engage with the world on equal terms. Notice others and observe them noticing you. Offer your viewpoint and accept the views of others. Indeed, the whole concept of prosperity is a morph between being open to receive, recognizing what you have, and using it well. Get all of those working and you’ll feel like the most fortunate person in the world.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — We all know how challenging it can be to maintain your stability and emotional security in the mist of a profound love affair or erotic tryst. Everything can seem to hinge on so much. Yet as the season turns this week, your solar chart reveals the depths to which you can offer yourself to others and at the same time feel strong, secure and loved. Let this extend into every area of your life, from the most private and intimate to the most public. You are who you are; the positive qualities that you possess radiate into the world around you, and can manifest in every area of your life. Therefore, stand up, and stand out. Be happy to be visible, let yourself be seen, and learn the fine art of being accepted for who you are.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Your world continues to get wider, and you’re being invited to roam further from what you think is safe and secure. The further you step into the unfamiliar, the more at home you will feel. This idea spans everything from the restaurants you eat at, to the countries you want to visit, to the ideas you read about and consider. Your solar chart is swirling with a blend of spiritual growth, creative passion and sexual abundance: all you need to do is take a creative and slightly daring approach to existence. Say yes to people you want but might ordinarily say maybe to or avoid; trust that you have the passion and the awareness to meet other beautiful people on their level. There’s precious little time to waste in a human lifetime, especially in these rare and glorious days.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — This week is the solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. That’s a turning point in the space-time continuum, a turning point for the culture, and it represents an especially positive development in your life. From the look of your solar chart, you’re going deeper into a commitment; your heart is leading the way and your mind is following — which is the right order. This is not the kind of commitment that involves signing on the dotted line. Rather, it’s the kind that comes with a deep personal transformation. You become ‘another person’ in the sense that there’s a clear before and after. There’s nothing contrived about this. You don’t make it happen; you feel it happening and you go with the feeling. Someone close to you may be taking a strong lead. All you need is trust.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Relationships are an experiment. Life is an experiment. Art had better be an experiment or it’s not even vaguely art, and sex is designed to be a creative adventure. Does any of this sound familiar, or does it sound like the impossible dream? It’s time to pull the curtains and open the windows and let in some new experiences of life. If you can throw away the habit of trying to make everyone fit into your preconceived concept of reality, you and the people around you will have what seems like incredible fun. You will, however, have to be accustomed to that odd feeling of unpredictability, which comes with the territory of actually living your life rather than living a plan. Beautiful things are waiting for you, if you open your eyes and open your mind to them.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The past week put you through a kind of spiritual test, summoning your discipline and compelling you to fully embrace your responsibilities. The coming season will call upon you to be consistently productive, rather than moving in your usual cycles of devotion. Wake up every day and return to your central purpose. You have a job to do, and you’re the one who’s chosen your mission. Therefore, don’t worry about success. Don’t worry about your reputation. Most of all, don’t worry about your fears. Rather, step up to the challenges of life and do your very best work every single day. Resolve to do even better each and every morning. There are no laurels to rest on. Follow the example of those who do what they do for its own sake and for no other reason.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — On Tuesday, Mercury and the Sun enter the most creative and all-around exciting angle of your solar chart, your fellow water sign Cancer. This is the rising tide that will lift all the ships of your life: creative, erotic and whatever it is that makes you feel the most alive. The past month of the Sun in Gemini has helped you confront many of your worst insecurities. At the very least, you’ve mapped out what they are, though they’re unlikely to bother you much, particularly as you plunge into the finer things in life, in true Pisces style. Stay ahead of your work commitments so that you have plenty of time and flexibility to embark on any adventure you want, or to accept any invitation that feels appealing. There will be plenty of both.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Nearly everything about the world as we know it is designed to detach us from our feelings and our bodies. You could make a long list: technology, so-called food, many medications, the ocean of alcohol consumed daily, the obscene pace of our lives, and numerous other factors. On the other hand, everything in your solar chart right now is about connecting with your body and your feelings. Once you focus on doing that, you may be surprised how challenging it is at first — and how good it feels once you connect with yourself more consciously. Start with your dependable methods: your favorite forms of sensuality and most reliable connections to inspiration. Claiming the comforts of home will serve you well as the first thing to do. Spend some time there. Open the windows and tend to the plants.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Venus in your sign is here to help you tune up your sense of self and your presence in the world. These days, everyone is a public person, though few of us asked for that; you probably did not. It can be strange feeling so unmasked, vulnerable and subject to the critiques of others. Yet you’re now aligned with the world around you in a way that feeds you and teaches you who you are and what you want. You’re getting the hang of asserting yourself and not feeling guilty about it. Don’t worry if you break a sweat late at night wondering if you said the right thing, or were too pushy. The way to find out who you are is to venture into unknown and potentially inappropriate territory, and make some demands on your environment.

Gemini Birthdays and Rising Sign 2017

Welcome Home, Mercury!

Attention Geminis: Your ruling planet, Mercury, has finally come home to your sign. Celebrate by listening to last year’s Gemini reading, on us. Think of it as a ‘welcome home’ gift.

Once you’ve reviewed your last year and checked Eric’s accuracy, you can then pre-order your 2017 Gemini Birthday Reading for the lowest price Planet Waves offers. Eric will be recording this reading — two parts astrology, one part specialty tarot reading — in the near future. Please note: Eric plans to raise the price soon, and it will increase once again upon publication.

Whether you’re looking for greater focus and direction, a new perspective, some loving encouragement — or you need someone to hold a mirror up to your relationships, career options, healing goals and soul’s purpose — you’ll find that and more in this reading.

“Listening to an Eric Francis reading is very much like having an intimate conversation with a valued friend and mentor.”

— Nora Connaughton

Come home to your 2017 Planet Waves Gemini reading, and come home to yourself. (Note: this reading is not the same as the Involution spring reading.)

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mercury has joined the Sun in your birth sign, which is boosting your confidence and reminding you that you really do have something worthwhile to offer. However, through the week, Neptune makes what’s called a square aspect to Neptune, and when these influences join forces, you have to guard your integrity. The difference between truth and falsehood can blur. Since Mercury is your planet, you must focus your mind and be discerning. Use all of your intelligence all of the time, and don’t space out or pretend not to know things. It may be tempting to offer white lies or alibis, and this is one temptation that you need to resist boldly. There’s such a thing as reality, there’s such a thing as your personal truth, and you will be well served to keep them in alignment.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Many doors are opening for you now. This is partly due to your commitment to asserting yourself, and trusting your desires. Contrary to most moral theories, this is a much better way to guide yourself to do the right thing because, at least, it would be honest. Therefore, you can be a bit brassy, and guide your life with curiosity and chutzpah. You might ask, is that really a spiritual way to live? And I would say, you have to be real before you can be spiritual, and then you’ll discover that they’re the same thing. One thing you can trust is that you’re an empathetic person. You care about people. You want the best for the people you love, and you consider the world your family. That’s all beautiful, but don’t let it get in your way.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — The Sun in Gemini continues to emphasize the feeling that you’re on public display. Yet you might also feel like no matter what you say or do, you’re bending the truth. You might have one or two harrowing moments where you feel like a phony. That’s natural enough. It’s difficult to feel like everything you say and do is subject to public evaluation, and it’s all too easy to get lost in the nonstop public relations effort that our lives have become. There is a truth of who you are, and that’s all you have to concern yourself with. If you discover that you’ve exaggerated something, correct yourself and move on. However, what the planets are describing is you putting yourself into the world and showing people how beautiful you are, and what you have to offer. You can trust that.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Mercury, the Virgo planet, is trekking across your house of reputation and achievement. This is a reminder that people are paying attention to you. It’s a reminder that your words count as much as your actions, and that both count for a lot. You may have one or more occasions where you can skew the facts or bend the truth to your advantage, though you must be careful doing so. It’s necessary to consider your reputation as an honest person who does the work for its own sake, rather than an opportunist. It would be better, in any such situation, to put off the discussion and return to it at some point at the end of the week when the scenario has cleared up a bit. Meanwhile, there’s plenty you can accomplish while being absolutely true to your word.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — If you’re in a position of leadership, you’ll be able to work miracles this week, and the key is listening. People you live and work with are likely to open up about their problems. Let them cry on your shoulder. This will build trust and give you insight into what motivates them, and what issues they have; then they will be much easier to coexist with in a productive way. In the end, our world is made of human experiences — not of corporations and governments and laws and rules. Everything ends up being experienced by people on the level of their body and their feelings. If you can remember that, you’ll step into your strength and power as someone who can help many people, move a few mountains, and make a better life for yourself in the process.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Be careful in financial transactions this week. That means reading the number on every one of those little debit card slips you sign. It means understanding any contracts someone hands you, and at the moment, delaying finalizing major commitments until next week. I say this because due to the square between Mercury and Neptune, involving your house of business and shared finances, it’s likely that you’re overlooking an important detail. Someone may be misrepresenting the facts, or you may be lost in your own wishful thinking and tendency to over-trust. Under current conditions, time is your ally. You must do your due diligence, and give people the time and space to reveal their agendas. This is not about mistrusting anyone. Rather, it’s about not trusting until you have solid reasons to do so. That means reasons, plural: at least three.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — This week, the Sun in Gemini forms a face-to-face meeting with Saturn in your sign, which may be a moment of truth in a relationship. Yet you have no need to fear the truth, only reason to welcome it. One thing to remember is that others may perceive you as being a bit stuck in your position. If anyone seems frustrated, take a more flexible posture and remind them that you’re open to the possibilities. That doesn’t commit you to anything except being considerate, which really means being willing to consider what they have to say. The thing you can trust is desire. Healthy relationships are held together by attraction, and if you feel that cosmic and biological force working its wonders, you’ll be reminded what you’re doing there in the first place. That’s your common ground.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — If you’re feeling any form of emotional disturbance, remember, it’s just energy. Think of energy like waves on the beach. If you line your surfboard up with the incoming waves, you can take a very nice ride to the shore. If you get caught sideways in a wave, you can get dunked under the water. So the first thing to do is to feel the tides and the currents, and orient yourself appropriately. The Sun in Gemini aligns with some of the most potent, disruptive and potentially creative forces in the sky right now, and if you keep a positive attitude and remember what you want to accomplish, you’ll be unstoppable. Mars in Cancer, your relationship house, describes assertive people willing to help you. Align with them, work cooperatively, and you’ll be amazed at what you get done.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Lately, you’ve been under challenging, inspiring influences. Yet you’re in one of those phases where you discover that life is worth whatever struggle you’re thrown. This week, however, the planets align in such a way that describes an easing of your burdens. Your mind is on fire at the same time your discipline is at a peak, so you can put your excellent ideas to good use. If you’re developing a business, working on your career, or involved in an artistic endeavor, you will have good traction. Just make sure you emphasize your highest priorities. The only risk is getting distracted or sidetracked by things that don’t matter. Stick to what you know, from experience, is important, and focus on bringing already-evolved projects to completion. Once you do that, there will be plenty of time to experiment.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — This is the week to clean up or resolve any lingering financial issues, and to go into high gear on bringing in cash. Money flows toward structure. Structure means organization, being on time, and knowing your priorities. Spend some time setting your agenda, keep your list out, and revise it as you accomplish things and discover new priorities. It’s been said that all wealth comes from the Earth; however, in our current environment, it seems like ideas are the source of abundance. You don’t need many of those: you need somewhere between one and three workable concepts or goals that you’re actually excited about. The leading actor in your chart these days is Mars in your house of passion, curiosity and erotic adventure. Stoke that fire and you’ll keep your energy moving, and get excellent, durable results.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — There’s an old saying that “living well is the best revenge”; meaning, the most appropriate response to the slings and arrows and various other challenges of life. Yet suddenly there are not so many of those challenges, and you might well wonder where they went. So much of what you went through was a battle of words, where there were neither losses nor gains. Now you get to pull your energy in: into your body, into your home, into your feelings, and generally not toss so much out at the world. Share your feelings with people you truly care about, even if it’s just one such person, whether lover, friend or confidant. Soak yourself in a more pleasant environment than you’ve been subjected to for the past couple of months and let it seep out of you, like muscle tension into a hot bath.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Mars, the planet that represents your relationships, has entered the sign Cancer. Your planet, Venus, is about to enter your own birth sign. This draws to a close the many strange twists of the past couple of seasons, and will gently usher you into new emotional and creative territory. This may not have been an easy phase, though it’s certainly been a meaningful one. You’ve discovered some things about yourself for the first time, and remembered past discoveries that you can now implement and experiment with. If the current astrology is saying anything, it’s that life does not happen in your mind. Rather, your mind responds to the interplay between your body and your environment, and sometimes it even guides the process. Feel your own strength and be willing to lead yourself to the beautiful and necessary experiences that you want.

A Reading to Help you Choose Your Future, Gemini

“Listening to an Eric Francis reading is very much like having an intimate conversation with a valued friend and mentor. It showed me a future that can be of my own choosing. This Gemini reading is a neon sign showing me the way.”

— Nora Connaughton, on a previous Gemini Birthday Reading

Dear Reader with Gemini Sun or Rising:

I know a few Geminis who have been struggling this past year with feeling ‘stuck’ — with projects and jobs that aren’t really ‘theirs’, with their dreams, with options pulling in different directions. Yet I also know some who are truly blazing brightly right now.

The Cosmic Twins, by Lizanne Webb.

Whichever description fits you, consider something Eric recently wrote to Geminis: “You’re at that point where you simply must do what’s real, or do your real thing in a way that’s more daring, and reaches deeper into yourself.”

With the Sun in your sign having just made a fortuitous trine to Jupiter, you seem to have a little extra mojo at your disposal as you pursue “your real thing” — even if you’ve felt stuck in some way. But the key to working with Jupiter is to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later, taking steps to prepare the way for ‘luck’.

Pre-order your 2017 Gemini Birthday Reading, and you’ll receive at least an hour of audio astrology plus Eric’s signature tarot reading to help you keep the ball rolling as your year develops.

“It is amazing to me, that no matter what time of the birthday year I refer back to it, it has something to offer. To me it has become not only an annual upcoming preview of one’s year ahead, but a continual informative year long reference guide.”

— Ann Cortese, 87, B.S., M.P. S

You can listen to your reading as many times as you like, tapping into Eric’s uncanny ability to help you focus on what matters most. It’s like an intensive meditation that’s multi-faceted enough to keep even the most active mind engaged, and down-to-Earth enough that you’ll feel empowered to use its insights right away, no matter where you’re at.

Eric pours his heart and soul into your Birthday Reading, making it easier to hear your own heart and soul — and making it a beautiful gift for any Gemini.

Wishing you a bright and beautiful year,

Amanda Painter

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Be careful not to exaggerate your survival needs. In fact, take care to sort out needs from desires. There’s a difference. Needs are on the level of oxygen; desire is on the level of what you might choose on a menu, or what outfit you might wear. One place this shows up specifically is “emotional needs,” which are almost always exaggerated and, consequently, dramatized. It would be better for your happiness in relationships, and your happiness overall, to say want when you mean want, and to set aside the concept of need (except, of course, things like the bathroom, water and sleep). You have a gift not only for survival, but for getting what you want. You can even afford to open your ears to the desires of others and pass forward some of your good fortune.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Mars has entered your sign, which does two helpful things: one is that it removes a source of irritation that’s been bumping around your psyche for many weeks; and two, it signifies motivation and direction. You may decide this week that you didn’t know how lost you were. You may further decide that, actually, you had a pretty good idea where you were going, and that your inner guidance systems were working well all along. However, suddenly, the controls are in your hands, and remaining in contact with your motives counts for more than it did. Mars in Cancer connects your desire nature to your emotions, which for you is empowering. Just ease people into your ideas rather than coming on like a hurricane. Make a suggestion, see how people respond, and give them a little time to get used to it.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — People need ideas to live by more than they need food. There’s a survivalist impulse moving through society, though it’s sly, subtle and is rarely revealed as rooted in desperation: a toxic brew of naiveté and cynicism. You are offering something different; you have your own message, which people around you need to hear. You might invite your closest friends to your home for dinner, and engage them in a real conversation about life, or about anything. Just make sure you have them leave their devices in a designated location and pick them up on the way out. This whole digital thing is very nearly ruining human relationships, because it’s so grossly used, overused and abused. Take part in as many face-to-face conversations as you can, whether it’s small talk or about the fate of the Earth.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You’re in a rare position of leadership now, and you’re here because of your ability to understand things. Well, it’s more than your ability — your willingness is what counts. You can tell the difference between what has substance and what’s full of air. Moreover, that distinction actually matters to you, as does this thing known as meaning. Lest you think this is something normal, I would assure you that it’s far less popular than blue jeans, French fries or rock and roll. However, people will recognize your skill at listening, and the fact that you care about what others have to say, and that gives you influence. Just don’t let on right away if you figure out that someone isn’t being truthful with you. At least you can see what they’re made of, and can respond appropriately.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — It’s been a most unusual year so far, and you’re ready for something different. You’re about to get it: what looks, from your solar chart, like an experience of relationship that’s less erratic, more emotionally grounded and (lacking a better word), deeper in commitment. Yet you would be wise to scan back over the past few months and see what you’ve learned about yourself, from what looks like an extended confrontation with your boundaries, your values and your desires. It would seem that on several occasions, you’ve been taken past your limits, and made some real discoveries. And an extended conjunction between your ruling planet Venus and Chiron, in Pisces, helped you set an agenda for healing. You’re about to enter new territory and take possession of your future. Remember what you’ve learned. Call on your own wisdom when you need it.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Mars, the Scorpio planet, has entered your fellow water sign Cancer. This represents a good few good things, including the potential for a contentious relationship spell to settle down, getting a grip on your finances and, most of all, widening your horizons. You’ve stepped out of the carnival fun-house hall of mirrors and into a world of feelings, possibilities and a desire to connect with people on a deeper level. Remember that your idea of ‘spiritual’ means emotional contact above all else. You may have your beliefs and practices, you might meditate or do yoga, and you know in your soul that the Goddess is real. And all of that translates to spiritual being something distinctly human, plain to see and feel, and easy to understand. Your idea of spiritual is the same one that cats, dogs and kids understand.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Intimacy is the deepest longing of most people, and the thing that’s the most frightening. Yet the only thing we have to fear is ourselves. Your solar chart is reminding you to feed yourself on what you can only have when you’re vulnerable and allow yourself to explore. Often this eludes words, though this week, Mercury arrives in your relationship sign Gemini, which means that the universe and the people in it will seem more conversant. You may be surprised at how direct others are being, and how direct you can be. Therefore, if there’s something you want to talk about, now is the time. If there’s an agreement you want to make with someone, now’s the moment to make your proposal. Just make sure it’s a real conversation, to which you bring your love and your flexibility.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Perhaps despite your deepest hesitation, your life is becoming more passionate. Creative and amorous energy is rising within you, and approaching you. Yet there’s no compromise position between passion and hesitation. You cannot have both; you must choose one way of life or the other. The distinctly modern attempt to have it both ways is to want the human contact and pleasure without the intimacy. Not only is this unsafe, it’s not possible. Proximity to people you’re drawn to is the very thing that inspires and facilitates intimacy, and this happens on a biological level; it’s not merely psychological. Said another way, your body has its own needs and desires. You might pause, tune in and get a feeling for what your cells, your blood and your bones are telling you, every minute of the day.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Notice the many changes in the human environment that take place throughout the week. Suspend your expectations, your judgments and your plans for a moment, and observe, with your feelings, the fact that people are opening up. You run the risk of lingering in your past views of the world. Rather than speculating, become a keen observer of what people say, do, think and feel. At the same time, pay attention to what you say, do, think and feel. Right now your life mission and livelihood depend on your relationship to the public, potentially a rather broad-based and diverse one. You are poised to be a leader, which means being resonant and responsive to what’s happening around you. Through that process, you’ll find that you’re the most effective and the most successful in this unusual and relevant thing that you’re creating.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — This week, all three personal planets — Mercury, Venus and Mars — change signs. Mars has led the way, entering the most creative and passionate angle of your chart (known in astrology as the 5th solar house, which covers creativity, passion, pleasure and play). Venus follows suit next, entering Taurus (your voice, your words and your ideas). And finally Mercury enters Gemini, which arrives with the feeling that home is wherever you happen to be. All of this is positive and encouraging, representing the fulfillment of long-unmet desires. What’s best is that it describes the physical world and how people respond to you. But rather than taking big bites of life, take little sips and see how these new experiences taste. Feel your response, and let the nourishment soak gently into your cells. There’s no rush.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Avoid verbal confrontations this week, as Mars faces off with Saturn. Even logic is unlikely to be persuasive, as anyone you want to convince of something is likely to be coming from a place of intellectual or religious authority, unconcerned about the annoying facts. Since this may be one of those scenarios where the truth seems irrelevant, and where things could easily get out of hand, you might take a different approach. Perhaps focus on your own mental and emotional process. You seem to be stuck on an issue, which feels like a point of integrity; for example, you want to do the right thing, and you have to be strong. You might feel like it’s appropriate to deny yourself something, though it’s worth questioning whether you’ve got another motive, or are just being stubborn. For maximum results, focus your self-inquiry on the emotional level: what you feel rather than what you think.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You may find yourself mystified by your own thoughts and feelings this week, as if you’ve suddenly become another person. Your chart looks like you’ve suddenly decided to allow yourself to want all the things you’ve forbidden yourself, and committed to nothing short of total personal revolution. Actually, what you learn over the next few days could be enough to liberate you from certain self-concepts that have become far too restrictive. There’s nothing so radical about this; you’ve needed to loosen up your rules of personal conduct for a while. You’re unlikely to become an anarchist or run naked through the streets. You are indeed more likely to state openly what you want, and to indulge some desires that you’ve been keeping on hold for a while. As the Rocky Horror Picture Show so eloquently puts it, “Don’t dream it, be it.”

Gemini Birthdays, Gemini Rising:

Set Your New Moon Intentions with Your 2017 Reading

“2017 Birthday Reading was expansive and mind-blowing, and absolutely on the money in everything. You helped me immeasurably as I change and change and grow, and change some more. What a time!”

— Linsey

Dear Friend and Reader:

We recently experienced the Gemini New Moon: the Sun and Moon merging in your sign. It represents the ability to reconcile different forms of awareness, different viewpoints — even the ‘two different people’ you may feel that you are.

Do your inner twins usually get along? Or do you find yourself often at odds with yourself?

Finding that point of reconciliation is only one of the topics your 2017 Gemini Birthday Reading is designed to address. Eric understands that some very sensitive areas of your chart have some very powerful planets moving through them — and that you’re in a position to make the most of what is being offered to you.

Your reading is two 30-minute segments of studio-quality audio astrology, plus a separate tarot reading (video or audio) for your year ahead.

It’s like getting a chart reading and a life-coaching session all in one — for a fraction of the cost.

Eric offers these readings as a dependable resource you can listen to over and over throughout the year when you need a touchstone, a moment of guidance or just a steady presence to help you focus on your deepest needs and desires, and reorient on your highest potential.

“There is no way I can begin to describe how spot on you are with this reading concerning the place I have been finding myself in over the few years and in particular from last year onwards. Very astutely described! You say something I literally keep thinking whenever I find myself among people. You are actually quoting a very frequent thought of mine. This is stunning.”

— Alexandra Marx, Gemini

When you pre-order your 2017 Gemini Birthday Reading, not only do you lock in the lowest price we offer — you set the intention to begin your year with full, focused, integrated consciousness. With all that’s going on in the world around you, that’s a bold and empowering step.

Wishing you an excellent year,

Amanda Painter

P.S. You can also take advantage of the discounted price when you pre-order the 2017 Gemini Birthday Reading as a gift — for anyone with a Gemini Sun, rising sign or Moon.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — There’s a theory of personality that says the only way we learn who we are is through conflict. Mostly that means the social bump and grind that comes from asserting who you are and what you want. Currently society is set on hair-trigger when it comes to expressing any desire that can’t be fulfilled by shoving a credit card into a chip reader. Yet you seem determined to express what you want, and since that’s the case, be prepared to ruffle a few feathers and get the chickens squawking. Whether you get what you want or not, what you learn will provide you with some valuable information about yourself. And please, don’t let anyone’s response wear down your self-confidence. Rather, be emboldened. There’s plenty of room for you on the planet. Everyone can squish over a little.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may be wondering what’s irritating you, or why you’re so nervous. You may also be feeling like finally your fears are not just under control but have been rendered irrelevant by the self-confidence that you can handle anything. Yet be aware you may be feeling a mix of both emotions, as if you’re walking between two worlds. Whatever you have going on, remember that tracking your state of mind will be essential to your success. That means understanding your feelings and your motives, in a way that’s not usually done. Humans rarely care to understand why they might be feeling something (as if the question is impossible to answer), and just about everyone feels that whatever motive they have, it must be pure. You, however, need the details. That means observing yourself carefully, and taking action only when you have an actual grasp on why you’re doing so.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Be mindful of engaging in public controversies this week. Before you weigh in, you’d be wise to assess the energy you would expend, and the potential damage to your reputation. If you’re going to speak up about something, you might start behind the scenes, asking people what they’re thinking, and engaging them in a dialog. One potential risk is that you don’t know where the loudest voices in the room are actually coming from. The thing to look for is financial motivation, particularly as it might impact you. While you’re at it, make sure you account for your own motives where money is concerned, and decide how that would look, were it to enter the discussion. The overall planetary setup is calling for everyone to have a little more integrity. Don’t get any mud on your clothes.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You have options, or at least an out; that’s the important thing to remember. It’ll be easy to forget, and you would benefit from continual mindfulness of your many possible choices. As for the scenario: Mars, slowly making its way across the career and reputation angle of your solar chart, describes you aspiring to some of your most cherished goals, and in a good position to take charge of things. Yet it looks like you might encounter some resistance any way you turn. That calls for taking careful steps, and understanding where people are coming from, as best as you can discern that. Make sure you set aside personal aspirations or your drive for success, for the moment, and understand what people mean when they speak. And if they have not said much, ask them what’s going on.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — This will be an interesting week in your intimate relationships, and you can have fun with that. The thing not to expect is everyone acting in the same old fashion as usual, which is boring anyway. Your solar chart looks like you and a partner are taking a ride on an atomic collider, the better to see what new elements you can form. Through the week, the planetary pattern describes the potential to expand the discussion of relationships to include any and all possibilities. Yes, this is a rare, momentary opening that might allow into your awareness ideas that are usually too controversial or frightening to consider. You have nothing to lose by having any conversation that comes up — especially if you or someone you love feels backed into a corner. Just try to come out of the corner first, make tea, and sit down at the kitchen table.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — This looks like the week when you can settle a long discussion that has veered into finances, agreements and sexual tendencies — and there is a possibility for things to get out of hand. The first question to ask yourself is, do you value your current situation, and if so, why? If you say you love, what exactly do you love? If you’re in a relationship where you share a home and finances, what is the common ground between you? If you find yourself coming up short, you might set aside the prior discussion and begin with that point. If you can identify values that you share with your partners, or organizations you’re involved with, then work from those values as the reality you share. Harmonious relationships, even between very different people, must be rooted in common ground.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — This is the week to practice not taking things personally. That’s much, much easier said than done, but consider this: that which is not meant for you is not personal. Just because something seems directed at you does not make it personal. Thankfully you have the Sagittarian power to stand back and let the sparks fly all around you. If you stay primarily in observer mode, you will learn much about people’s true colors, and what they’re made of on the inside. If you find yourself in a discussion with an intimate partner, do your best to be soft, flexible and open-minded, and actually listen until you have an idea how they perceive reality, including how they perceive you. Do your best not to act in a way that’s parental, officious or pompous. Assume, for the moment, that they’re right.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Events this week will help you discover, and challenge, your hidden beliefs. It’s good to know what those are; if you have some concept of reality that’s running your show, it’s best to be able to state it out loud, though that’s pretty unusual. You might discover, though, that people are holding you accountable for ideas you didn’t even know you had. Before you agree or disagree with anyone’s position, check in and see if that belief or value actually exists. This will take some self-awareness, which is what your life is all about these days. Your environment will provide clues. Make sure you take a wide view of the world around you, and see what you observe in its many contexts. Said another way, look around at the world and withhold judgment long enough to see the diversity of viewpoints — and figure out what you really believe.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Any truly creative process must in some way challenge prevailing public opinion. Otherwise, what’s so creative about it? Seen on an individual level, when you come up with an idea — something happening a lot lately — you must, in that process, challenge something within yourself. Take up that approach boldly. Notice where your newer ideas seem to conflict with your older ones; then notice the way that you challenge the dominant view of the people around you. There’s only so much you’re capable of conforming to the views of others, though if you’re going to break consensus, it helps to do so in an intelligent and thoughtful way. What you may need is time in the privacy of your own room, studio or mind, or writing in a café you don’t usually frequent, where you can say, think and feel anything you want — without regard for the responses that others might have.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — The intensity of this week’s planetary setup could have you feeling like you’re under some unusual pressure, though most of it is coming from inside you. You’ve been in building mode all year, with Saturn moving across the top of your solar chart, making aspects to Chiron in your sign. Everything you accomplish in the outer world is connected to some growth experience in your inner reality. Every time you make a self-discovery, you seem to connect that to something you want to do or express in the world around you. It’s just that at the moment, with Mars and the Sun moving through an ultra-sensitive angle of your chart, you’re feeling restless. You’re probably also feeling confined by what you’re doing. Mars is urging you to bust out in some way. So find a creative way to do that, preferably with a physical component; it just has to be something more interesting than the gym.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Self-esteem is the key to happiness, and you’re currently under the perfect aspects to practice this approach to life. One thing I’ve noticed, working as an astrologer, is that many people undermine their respect for themselves, by sending themselves negative messages. You have every reason to take a bold approach to your happiness, to your aspirations, and to your future plans. Yet you must have a personal code that you live by, and item one of that credo is being aware of any negative inner chatter. The second step is to identify its emotional source. This is not something that can be addressed just with a reasoning process. That’s part of the solution; though ultimately, you must choose to feel good about your existence, about why you came to Earth, and about who you are. Therefore, take any opportunity to love.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — The coming few days and indeed few weeks will be bristling with mental activity. Between Venus making some exciting aspects and Mercury in your sign, your mind is like a Broadway theater where a rock concert has taken up residence. Your ongoing challenge is to translate all those thundering ideas into something physical and tangible. The way to do that is to work in physical substance: put down your phone and work at a table equipped with paper and pencil rather than a computer. Keep your meetings in person as much as possible. And get outside and soak your eyes in sunlight for at least half an hour a day. Your dream life is likely to be particularly compelling this week. Try to capture those feelings, scenarios and images on paper; and remember, every part of the dream represents you.

Gemini Birthdays 2017

What Do You Want For Your Year, Gemini?

The essence of mental discipline is the constant focus on your values and your priorities. Know why you’re doing what you do at all times. Check back and make sure something is actually meaningful in the context of what you have determined that you want.”

— Eric Francis, in the 2017 annual reading for Gemini

Dear Reader with Gemini Sun or Rising (or Friend of a Gemini):

In just a few days, the Gemini New Moon will offer you a unique ‘restart button’ to your year. As it approaches, you might want to ask yourself, “What do you want?”

Your upcoming 2017 Gemini Birthday Reading will help you re-focus your answer to that question — as well as offer a fresh perspective on how to move through the slower-moving astrology that’s affecting your life deeply.

The Gemini reading contains two 30-minute segments of audio astrology, plus a tarot reading for your year (and an extended written description of your sign).

But really what you get is a dependable resource every time you listen to it — and you can listen as many times as you like.

It has occurred to me before that your understanding of Gemini is quite extraordinarily precise and I meant to give you that feedback but never quite found the right moment. There is always such wealth of information in what you broadcast.”

— Alexandra Marx, Gemini

Eric ‘gets’ Geminis: he gets that you’re more than just a good talker; he gets that you’re not all secret double-agents. Most of all, he gets that some very sensitive areas of your chart have some very powerful planets moving through them — and that you’re in a position to make the most of what is being offered to you.

When you pre-order your 2017 Gemini Reading for $24.24, you lock in the lowest price Planet Waves offers. The price will increase as publication nears; it’s well worth it, but Eric likes to reward those who sign on early.

“Eric, you are so right on! Your reading engenders within me feelings of you somehow being able to get inside my mind, inside my heart, and inside my most precious sanctuary…my soul!”

— Ann Cortese, B.S., M.P.S.

With a friendly, accessible, inspiring approach, Eric designs his audio readings to point you in the direction of your highest potential. It’s like getting a chart reading and a life-coaching session all in one — for a fraction of the cost. I hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you’re not a Gemini but happen to care about one, you can also take advantage of the discounted price when you pre-order the 2017 Gemini Birthday Reading as a gift.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — An emotional entanglement has disappeared as quickly as it appeared. That gives you some evidence that such a thing is possible. Yet you still face the challenge of keeping your emotions flowing and not being distracted with people who have a negative attitude. You have way too much going for you right now to go down anyone’s dark or self-conflicted road. In fact most of the positive gains in your life will come through encountering people who take a distinctly positive attitude, and raising your vibration to the level of a supportive environment. Much of your success in the coming year of your life will be dependent upon your state of mind. Take a self-affirming view and you will invite positive developments into your life. As they say in 12-step programs, this is all about people, places and things.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — This will be an exciting week for you professionally, and I suggest you feel no hesitation about turning up the juice. Start by doing your best work, and then telling people about it. Don’t merely send out resumes. Do those bold and brash things like showing up with your portfolio, or sending a FedEx with a personal letter and samples to someone whose attention you want to get. Aim high, that is, higher than you think you’re capable of, and do the work to back it up. The most common error people make these days is thinking that success is all about image and money. For you, it’s about embodying your own success with every cell, every breath and every word you speak. Make sure that people know you’re capable, willing and ready to go the whole distance.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — In today’s world, leadership is about communicating ideas, and then getting people on the same page. That involves a process of listening, expressing yourself, and being flexible about including the ideas of others in what you’re doing. Even though you’re born under what’s called a fixed sign, the more inclusive and cooperative you are, the more you magnify the influence of your creativity. People need to know they’re being heard; indeed, that anybody at all cares what they think. And just as vital, they need a strong influence to tie together all the loose ends and serve as a kind of coordinating editor. You’re in the perfect position to do precisely that. Just do your utmost to keep pride and ego out of the picture. Leo can be brilliant at embodying the role of public servant. Now is the time.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Your persuasive skills are at a near-record level right now. Therefore, it’s crucial that you know exactly what you’re arguing for or against. Make sure that you’re correct, and have applied full-treatment fact-checking to anything you’re trying to convince anyone of. They’ll believe you even if you’re wrong, and you don’t want to have to send out a correction. One way to avoid problems is to do that thing they put law students through, which is to argue both sides of the case, and find some third alternative viewpoint. Flush out the errors in your thinking. Run your ideas past people you consider critical thinkers, and focus your ideas. If the matter involves investments or any other form of finance, you must redouble your efforts and make sure your facts and your reasoning are impeccable.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — If it seems like partners or a love interest are sending you mixed signals, don’t take it personally. For example, they might seem to be expressing desire for you, and then sending you the message that they didn’t really mean what you thought they meant. This is likely to be an illusion of some kind; be particularly cautious if the internet is involved. First, address any contradictions you find in your own mind and your own communications, and gently sort those out. Then, do something bold and ask people what they want. Not for the rest of forever, but for right now. If you speak up rather than guess, you’re much likelier to find common ground with someone you care about. Put special attention into cultivating trust. Stick to social plans, and show up on time. That’s a fine start.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — The Sun is shining its light on Gemini, one of the most cryptic angles of your solar chart, and that will help you unravel the seeming mystery of a relationship. Here’s the question: to what extent is desire allowed in your intimate partnerships? Do you allow yourself to want what you want with a clear conscience, or do you have to keep stopping to address guilt? Or, interpreting your chart a different way, there are often two sides to desire: wanting, and not wanting what you have once you get it. The more aware of these wrinkles you are, the less often they will pop up as issues that derail the conversation or the flow of passion. Most people have a hard time stating clearly what they want, with neither hesitation nor guilt. You must get good at it, and practice makes perfect.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — The Sun has joined Mars in Gemini, the relationship angle of your chart, which should help you bring your partnerships onto more level ground. Mars slowly working its way across your opposite sign the past few weeks has been a bit itchy and scratchy, except of course when the passion heats up and all of that goes away. One thing to keep in mind is that your Sagittarian self-direction and independence are running high these days, even as you seem to be taking an unusual degree of interest in relationships. There will be developments within your relationships that help teach you not just how to balance out those two seemingly different interests, but rather how to integrate them and treat them as aspects of the same thing. Healthy relationships are made up of individual people, rather than halves of a whole.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Your solar chart this week presents you with an interesting scenario: how effectively can you avoid family, household and work drama, and keep focused on the creative task at hand? This may involve your official job, or it may involve a project you’ve got going on the side. Either way, it looks like the most important priority that you just cannot seem to get to. Of course, there are plenty of compelling reasons to be distracted. The challenge you face is that of any person who is devoted to developing their talent: deciding that what you want to do is more compelling than anything that might sidetrack you. If this takes discipline, it’s nothing other than the same focus of mind and power of prioritization that all successful writers, artists, musicians and businesspeople must master. Go for it.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You’ve entered a phase of your life where, with each useless, negative or in-the-way thing you remove, you will make room for some helpful and productive thing to enter. This involves physical objects, people, groups you belong to, and ideas you have about yourself. It’s a basic principle of the Asian art of feng shui: de-clutter, open up space, and put things you use regularly right where you can reach them. As the spring and summer progress, this process will take up residence in your relationships. The key concept is balance: between self and other, and between seemingly different interests. One thing you’re likely to discover is that as you let go of persistent mental patterns, even ones you’ve experienced since childhood, you make room for a more self-affirming experience of your relationships. As you well know, it’s about time.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — The Sun recently entered Gemini, which is the home and security angle of your solar chart. Two messages are coming through. One is to invest some resources into freshening up your living space. As the old song goes, let the Sun shine in, wash the curtains, and vacuum the remnants of winter out of your windowsills and radiators. Another message may be that you need a change of scenery, even if it’s just for a few days. Pisces is one sign that distinctly needs to have a place to get away to, whether it’s something as modest as a visit to a friend’s house or a night in a B&B or hotel, or as extravagant as a second home. You encounter different aspects of your personality in different spaces you occupy, a fact of your inner makeup that gives you a distinct advantage if you use it.