Aries (March 20-April 19) — Feed the weird part of yourself this week: the nonconformist, the artist, the original thinker. This takes slightly more courage than doing what you might usually do, or going along with what everyone else seems to be doing. You can feed that aspect of your psyche as well, taking as few risks as possible — though if you do, you’ll be missing out on some glorious opportunities. The planets look like this: to think differently, you have to break free from the structure of your past ideas, and the past in general. This is unusually easy at the moment; everything is conspiring to draw you in that direction. Yet internally, you’re craving deeper contact with yourself. Mars, your ruling planet, has re-entered Scorpio, which is calling on you to be submissive to your own inner emotional truth. You have not reached the bottom of your journey there; stay open and guide yourself deeper. You’re doing this for one reason: liberation.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You’ve arrived somewhere you’ve been before, perhaps only recently. Your challenge is to see it as a new place. The way to do that is to change your vantage point in some way, such as remembering something you learned that influenced your understanding of your life or of a relationship. You seem to be under pressure to resolve some form of indecision or uncertainty, though I suggest you keep your mind open to the possibilities. Key situations are definitely not resolved, though you may not want them to be. ‘Unresolved’ means subject to change, which in your scenario will likely be change for the better. Over the next week or so, you will be able to put words and ideas to things you’ve been thinking for a while but have not been able to consider clearly. Just make sure that clarity does not fix your viewpoint. Keep your thoughts, your eyes, your ears moving. Turn your head from side to side and notice what you see.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — The debate over whether love works, or is real, or lasts forever, is meaningful only to those who are obsessed by guilt. Once guilt is seen as the obstruction that it is, the nature of love becomes obvious. Yes, it’s something that you offer to the people around you; yet in our era, perhaps the greater need is to accept the love that’s offered to you. You can only have as much as you’re willing to receive, and I suggest you open all the way up and just let people care about you, feel for you and support you. You might be thinking that love and support are just not there; or “I’ll receive it when there’s more available.” That, however, is not a formula for happiness. Embrace what is offered to you. Little kids smiling at you count. Random dogs saying hello count. Your ex emailing to see how you’re doing counts. Even an honest ‘no’ gives you information about how and where to proceed: count that as a form of affirmation.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You can see and feel ‘both sides’ of yourself with unusual clarity right now — so well that you might decide there are a lot more than two. Yet they aren’t separate; you are not separate from yourself. Inner division is an optical illusion, yet it can take some learning to understand that on an intuitive level. You might try a meditation for the next week or so, in various forms: I am united with myself; I am one being; I act in harmony with my own intentions; I am aligned with my creative force. It’s true that one of the most challenging spiritual quests is healing the sense of a Self divided against itself. As you explore, learn and facilitate that healing, you’ll experience many points of personal reunion; each of them beautiful, each a reclaiming of something that’s truly yours. And as you do this, you will become stronger, more honest and less easy to deceive.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You cannot control how other people perceive you. Try as you may, everyone is going to come up with their own idea. There is no point resisting or resenting the attention that you get, when you try so diligently to be visible and to make the right impression. It’s interesting how much energy people invest in being their own publicist, stylist and manager trying to get a grip on their image, and the mixed feelings that result. While you cannot control what others think, you can influence it. The distinction is relevant because wielding influence is different from the illusion of controlling someone’s perception. One distinction is that it would necessarily lead you to pay attention to the response you get from your environment. That will tell you a lot, and you’ll have more fun. You just need to hang loose and be more transparent. Open up and actually offer people insight into your thoughts, and notice what happens when you do.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Reach for something big. Yet recognize that means offering yourself wholly to what you want. Our whole society is centered around getting right now. There seems to be little recognition that getting anything involves an exchange, and when what you want is something dear to you, something you identify with, the thing you give is yourself. This is making a good few people freaky, as it seems like they’re sacrificing something. Giving, however, is different from giving up. Offering is different from sacrificing. You expand, you grow, you become, by offering yourself. Your whole life is about growth, becoming and evolving, and if you leave out that crucial part about surrendering your energy to what you want to become, one result will be inner conflict. The question is: what benefit would you see from rolling yourself into a little ball and holding on tight? A flower blooming is a sign of life. Vulnerability not only demonstrates love; it makes love possible, and makes it real.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — What limits do you suspect are wrapped around your potential? Said another way, do you decide what is possible today based on what you accomplished previously? That would be a mistake, because the definition of an accomplishment is doing something you’ve never done before. That’s the whole point. So you need a better basis for assessing what you’re capable of than the past. This would take you out of your proverbial comfort zone, though you might ask yourself how comfortable it really is in there. Or, you might ask: Does self-doubt make me feel good? And if so, why? Anyway, you can go beyond that, though you would need to tap into some long-forgotten resource or talent. There is something you know perfectly well how to do, and it holds a key to your ability and willingness to do so much else. Remember, this comes from you, not from someone else.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — There’s a reason to avoid going deep into your feelings: you might learn something about yourself. It would be something you could no longer deny, and would therefore need to rearrange your life around. It looks like you can sense the potential for radical changes to your day-to-day activities, the way you structure your life and — most significantly — who you think you are. What may be making you nervous is that you don’t have any sense of who else you might be. But that’s like saying you don’t want to leave your room because you don’t know what you would find when you do. The whole point of discovering and admitting that you don’t really know who you are is so that you can enter the unknown with a sense of adventure. But you’re not really going far; you’ve been carrying a vast, unexplored world within you your whole life — and now it’s calling you.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the United States president from 1933 to 1945. He is famous for many things, including a statement about the nature of fear that they used to teach (in partial form) to schoolchildren. He said: “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” Your astrology is insisting that you have a clear, fully aware relationship to any form of anxiety, hesitation, nervousness or the bouts with outright panic that so many people experience these days. The reason you want a conscious relationship with these feelings is that it’s the only way to resolve them. You can bob, weave and dodge all you want, but you will still feel pursued by your own inner emotions. Just remember: fear and desire often masquerade for one another. You would do well to pause and ask yourself what’s really going on.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — As one challenge eases, another seems to come on. Yet have you considered that this energy is coming from inside you? For many years, you’ve built your life on an idea of stability and predictability. You’ve associated an idea of consistency with being a good person. Yet did that equation serve to create either goodness or consistency? Now, any direction you want to move demands that you change. That’s because you have no choice but to grow, and growth is change, which means being different. It’s possible to try to build your life on some concrete idea of yourself, oriented mainly on being secure. Yet you’re likely to create a tense, rigid emotional state when the thing you need is to move and flow. There is so much energy rising up from your core that it would be dangerous to block it. That includes hanging around people who reward you for being stuck or narrow. Your real friends embrace you in all your contradiction and wild potential.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — What you need is experience, not theory. It’s easy to chew everything over in hypothetical form, especially if you live mostly on the Internet. Genuine exploration happens through your physical body. Even if you’re a theoretical physicist, a designer of bridges or professor of philosophy, you don’t really know something for sure until there is an actual experiment performed. I suggest you set about doing that experiment, by which I mean anything prompted by an idea, which also has an uncertain outcome. You might do something like driving to an odd part of the countryside, intentionally getting lost. Visit some strange part of town or some other city, where you would never ordinarily go and where you know nobody, and do something the natives do. Take any chance to immerse yourself in unfamiliar environments, and to expose yourself to points of view you totally disagree with. That will stoke your creative (and social) fires brilliantly.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Don’t take the pressure so seriously. Most of it is based on abstract thought. It’s true that you’re being called to greater things in every facet of your life simultaneously. What you’re experiencing as stress is actually energy, which can work for you or against you: that’s your choice. Therefore, it will help if you connect everything to your motivation, by which I mean take inspiration from anything in your environment. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. It’s amazing how that can foster the efficient use of time. In that spirit, I suggest you invest no precious time waiting. Rather, make conscious choices and take action. Look at your limits and decide what to do with them, rather than merely living with them passively. Everything — by which I mean every problem or scenario — has a workaround. Learn how to identify your options and choose from among them. You have plenty.

Dear Friend and Reader:

This week, there’s quite an exciting development: during the Gemini New Moon, which happens Saturday, June 4 (the 5th in the U.K. and Europe), we will have an event known as a mutable grand cross. This means that planets will be present at around the same degrees in each of the mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.

The mutable grand cross might be a mentally challenging aspect. Most of it is well in place now, by the way — it’s merely being emphasized by the New Moon.

The challenges this pattern seems to present are mostly on the level of the mind. Remember that this aspect describes the environment, which will influence everyone. How you tap into or relate with your surroundings is your choice.

Mainly, “environment” means your fellow people, but also the thought waves conducted through the collective mind, even if we’re talking about your office mates, your housemates or your drinking mates.

However, the power of choice is moderated by past conditioning. To the extent that you can free yourself from tendencies that limit your flexibility to choose, you will free yourself in general. The idea is to respond to what is actually happening rather than what your previous scripts misinform you is happening.

This is also known as stopping and thinking, something different from emotionally reacting. In fact it’s so different it might seem totally weird, when your conscious, reasoning human mind comes to life and says, so what’s happening here?

Beware of the battle of words, much ado about nothing and not really believing in what you might argue for. That’s when to pause and do something like stop speaking and listen, and find something more productive or entertaining to do.

This New Moon could come with some drama, but if that’s true, it’s time for you to become a playwright. I love that word, because the “wright” part means to construct or build, though it’s a also pun on write.

Our forthcoming grand cross New Moon in Gemini is an ideal opportunity to step from the role of actor in your own drama to author of the text. This is the big leap that anyone seeking growth is really longing for. I realize this often gets cloaked in wanting a ‘higher power’ to come in, though your higher power is the fully sentient, connected-to-spirit aspect of you that understands this whole setup perfectly well.

Lovingly,

Inspiration, the Way You Want It

“Your words of inspiration carry me through many moments of my life. Please never underestimate what you do — it is truly a gift to all your subscribers.” — Michele Mirto Valenzuela

If you’ve already visited the Planet Waves Boutique, you’ll know there’s an impressive number of ways Eric’s words can uplift and sustain you.

Our wide selection of readings, memberships and classes ensures you can find exactly what you need in order to make that mental leap you’ve been waiting for.

If, like Michele, you’re impressed by the inspirational quality of Eric’s horoscopes and readings, check in at our Boutique and discover the source of guidance that will boost you further along your life’s journey. These perfect gems of wisdom also make unique and lasting gifts for loved ones.

Find Yourself: The Astrology of Now

An Audio/Video Seminar With Eric Francis Coppolino

Noon EDT, Saturday, June 18, 2016

Astrology can focus on the past, the present or the future. Most astrology skips the present and orients on what happened before, or what might happen in the future, skipping over the most meaningful time there is: right now.

“This present moment is the stargate through which you will leave the prison of human definition and expand into an awareness of divine perception,” says The Starseed Transmissions.

“It is the crack between the worlds, not only the worlds of past and future, but the worlds of time and space, spirit and matter, time and being. It is a timeless zone, the gateway through which you will again begin to participate in the adventure of creation.”

In The Astrology of Now, we will find our way into the present moment and begin participating in the adventure immediately.

This class will cover the Uranus-Eris conjunction, happening now for the first time since 1928. This conjunction is about what is happening to our minds now, under the influence of global networking technology and the “mental robotics” of the Internet.

I will cover other epic astrology: Neptune in Pisces, Chiron in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn, all of which are having new influences, today. I will include discussion of how to work with the energy of recently-discovered minor planets and how they describe our current lives.

Read more…

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You are being called deeper into your awareness than you have in a long time. All the doors in your emotions that you typically walk past are now asking to be opened one by one. Through this process, you will gradually discover how you actually feel, and what you truly need. It’s easy to gloss over these most important elements of living, and it’s sometimes difficult to stop long enough to locate yourself. Yet at this point self-awareness is your only viable option, if you want some genuine experience of guiding your own life. You’re being taken through a process of bringing energy and consciousness back to anything you’ve disowned or cut off. You’re being guided to regain awareness of anything that you’ve denied. You might think that this would be overwhelming. Yet what you’ve really been experiencing is a lack of information and sensory data, not an overload. Sensitivity will feel good, and you will learn more.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Confusion is the state before enlightenment. It’s OK if you’re feeling uncertain, or like you don’t quite have your bearings. You’re in a position to let go of much of what felt solid and real but which was really getting in your way. Rather than rush to make up your mind about how you feel, hang out with your uncertainty for a few days. It’s far better than the false certainty that we’re pushed again and again into believing is helpful. And it’s fine to have two opinions about things, until you have to make a decision. Here’s the thing: opinions are informed by values. Something is good or bad, helpful or not, based on its context. What is it that you want? How do you define your purpose? That is really the central question of your life right now. Remember that you can always change your mind, but when you encounter an idea that really works, you will know it.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Anytime you see a finished creative work, or someone’s solid accomplishment, it’s easy to forget what went into it. You might not consider all the steps involved, including how what you’re currently looking at began in an entirely different form (such as the musical that started as a novel). It’s also easy to forget that creating a work of art or culture changed the artist or the author, sometimes radically. You are involved in a process of discovering who you are at the same time you’re discovering what you want to achieve. Remember that these are the same process, the same journey. And this is always a journey into the unknown within you. It may be a cliché to say that there are no easy answers, nor answers that come from outside of yourself. Yet the beauty of those ideas is that they can point you in the right direction: inward, where the real creative fire is, and then outward, in the spirit of everything — everything — being an experiment.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your inner life is rather rich right now: your fantasy life, your dreams, your imagination. I suggest you feed this fire, and push the boundaries of what you consider appropriate (within your own mind, there are in fact no such rules unless you say there are). Yet don’t stop there. You are craving some physical expression or connection: to actually feel in your body what you’re imagining in your mind. You may well have opportunities to do that, especially if you’re open and welcoming of them. Remember, there’s always a translation between imagination and physical reality. Sometimes something is lost, sometimes something is gained (usually both are true). If you don’t set concrete expectations, you will find it easier to navigate the translation process. This is, of course, a metaphor for all of life — how thought inspires action and what happens along the way. It will help you to be familiar with this territory.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Pay attention to the inconsistencies between what you say and how you really feel. Notice how your image differs from your inner reality. Do you promote the difference, or do you strive to have your ‘inner being’ match your outer presentation? Ponder this question for a while. It’s been hanging around your life for some time, though it’s really coming into focus now. There are other ways to play with this: notice what you say about your reality to some people as opposed to others. Notice the slightly different way you present yourself to everyone. What is really going on? It may be that each time you encounter a new being, you have a different energy resonance with them, and a new version of you emerges. It may be that people mirror you or that you mirror them, creating a unique experience every time you encounter someone else. This leads back to a very old question: who are you really? You may not have an answer yet, but it will feel good to ask.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Be careful of all the invisible ways others try to set your agenda or control your priorities. The emphasis here is on invisible: it’s the people who don’t state their agenda whom you need to be concerned about. This is important because you have plans, goals and ideas of your own. So do other people, which may or may not match your ideas about what you want. The dimension to be most conscious of is your emotional environment. This is where you’re the most easily influenced, and will tend to respond before you even know what’s happening. It’s never too late to catch yourself and ask, what am I doing and why am I doing it? I mean this particularly in the context of relationships. When you get one of those wake-up moments, come out of automatic mode and ask yourself: what am I feeling? What is the purpose of this? Is this really about love? Then listen quietly for the answers that come back.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Your mind is in big adventure mode. All these planets in Gemini (there are several currently, including the Sun, your ruling planet Venus and a fantastic asteroid called Vesta) have you thinking toward the future. You seem to be allowing yourself to consider much wider possibilities than you might otherwise. There are, however, so many of them — so many options — and many are truly appealing. One thing I suggest you watch carefully is any split between what you want to do and what you think you should do. Given that choice, I suggest you lean toward what you want rather than what you ‘think is right’. In the best scenario, what you want is what you think is right, and by ‘want’ I mean with passion and gusto. While I cannot suggest what you want (by topic), it is likely to be the option where you feel like you’ll shine the brightest. Trust that it’s possible.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Mars, the official Scorpio planet, has returned to your sign, where it’ll stay for more than two months. The message: seek completion in yourself. Our culture has a concept that the only way we can become whole people is by finding some missing element in others. While others can be helpful, as a total plan it doesn’t usually work. Seeking self-esteem in relationships doesn’t get the desired result because relationships tend to be unstable and wrought with judgment. Seen this way, it’s clear that your relationship to yourself needs to be the most stable one in your life. That requires depth, and Mars retrograde in your sign will give you that if you’re willing to take the journey within. You might say this astrology describes questioning all of your assumptions about yourself. The trick is finding them. And the way to do that is, notice when you come up against a contradiction or inner conflict of some kind. That is where to pause and listen.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You may feel as if some sort of showdown is brewing, which seems like a reasonable enough concern on a planet dominated by conflict. Yet you would be the main source of friction, and you can avoid that by being flexible. A fancier way to say that is ‘psychically mobile’ — which means being able to move your point of view, reconsider your opinions, and figure out what other people are getting at. One thing that tends to make people ‘fix’ their point of view is fear. So if you notice that you’re stuck, ask what you’re afraid of. Conversely, if you notice fear, also notice what that leads you to stick to. It will help you greatly to unmask this psychological tangle. It may not seem like much, but once you get free of the bindings, you will see the clear benefits. One of them will be getting along with others, or rather having more fun with them. I know you have a lot of work to get done; taking human companionship breaks will make it easier.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Last week, The Onion, a satirical website worth checking out, published an article about a space probe crashing into the edge of the universe. The joke, of course, is that the universe doesn’t have an end or a wall or a cliff that a thing can bang into, or fall off of. As you seek the deeper truth of yourself, it will be helpful to recognize that you don’t have such an edge either — though you might feel as if you do. You’ll discover yourself as deeply as you want to go. You might believe there is some limit that you must not exceed, some depth that’s too dangerous to fathom. Most people will obey their fear and stop long before they get anywhere near there. I would encourage you to keep going: to keep pushing your inner limits, and most of all, to experiment being evermore truthful about who you are to your friends. This, and little else, will give you the confidence you seek.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You might feel as if your career is stalled out or going backwards, though I assure you that’s not true. You’re in an important phase of both rethinking and preparing for developments in the not-too-distant future. Though it may feel particularly challenging now, the thing you need to do is set goals. This will come, of necessity, with reviewing your previous objectives, plans and desires. To do new things, it’s essential to get outdated and/or conflicting plans and desires out of the way. Dedicate yourself to this over the next few weeks. Really sort out your goals, by which I mean your very highest desires for your life. Notice when you seem to reach a limit of what you think is possible. That might be a place you’re inclined to stop your ambitions. I suggest you keep going, for one reason: anything worthwhile that anyone achieves was once considered ridiculous, unlikely or impossible. In hindsight, it was none of the above.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — If you feel like you’re at a turning point, then keep turning. Your astrology reveals that you have more leverage than you think, though at times you may feel like you’re mysteriously stuck. Actually, you’re surpassing one limit after the next, though they may be subtle limits, many of them mental. As you do this, it’s important to be aware of your significant gains. Pay less attention to the day-to-day ups and downs and more attention to the longer scenario. Where were you at a year ago? What about two years? Make a list of every challenge and obstacle you’ve successfully navigated. Consider what you’ve built, made or created, and give yourself extra credit because it’s so challenging to be enthusiastic about anything these days. Yet if you want to get your life onto the next level, it will help if you think of yourself — not your life — differently. Your life is not about what you do. It’s about who you are, and what you do follows from that.

At Home in Your Own Mind

Dear Friend and Reader:

During the past three days, the Sun changed signs to Gemini, the Moon reached full phase from Sagittarius and Mercury stationed direct in Taurus.

Photo by Joe King.

All of that is likely to feel supportive. Even something so simple as the Sun changing signs can have a sense of relief and reset.

The Full Moon can release a feeling of nervous tension (though sleeping well may still take a little extra focus for the next few nights).

Mercury stationing direct can release some pressure and help things become unstuck, and is a cue to resume or implement certain plans you’ve been developing or delaying. That said, take it slow this week. Build momentum carefully and consciously, adding one ingredient or one project at a time.

Note that each of these events involves Gemini: the first of two Full Moons with the Sun in Gemini, and Mercury (associated with both Gem and Virgo) making a helpful move. Gemini is a sign strongly associated with the mind, with ideas and with communications.

In the background of all this, the asteroid Vesta entered Gemini. Vesta is the representative of the hearth fire, of devotion, of service and of young women. It’s the slowest-moving factor of everything I’ve mentioned so far; it will remain in Gemini for about two months, until July 25.

Vesta represents some beautiful, helpful ideas. Consistency and devotion are things the world could use a lot more of lately, especially with communicating. We tend to have scattered minds, as a result of many scattered channels of thought. Vesta is saying draw all of that into a circle, and concentrate on a few tangible ideas while you’re doing everything else.

In a word, focus. In a phrase, focus and devote yourself to what you’re thinking. We also live in a culture that obsesses over the images of young women. You might take a moment or two to listen to what young women are thinking and saying, and if you consider yourself one, to be bolder than you might ordinarily be and speak up. Get the attention of the people around you and engage others in a real dialog: take turns speaking and listening.

I have more to say in the new Planet Waves TV, and will be back with Planet Waves FM on Tuesday evening.

With love,

Get Inside the Planet Waves Boutique, Get Inside Your Self

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We try so hard to come to terms with ourselves, our relationships, our career and sometimes it’s all just too much to get a hold of.

Step inside the Planet Waves Boutique and allow Eric Francis to guide you through to a new level of understanding.

Eric’s wisdom, dedicated time, energy and love are all put into the classes and readings here in our boutique, specially made to help you find the guidance and support that you may be searching for.

It’s time to take charge of your own life and find peace within yourself. Visit the Planet Waves Boutique today and let your inner spirit soar.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Slow down the conversation, whatever conversation you’re having. Set a specific place and time, to ensure you increase the odds that you hear one another. There is plenty of room for miscommunication, and there’s also an unusual opportunity to discover and resolve an issue that was lurking under the surface. That thing lurking is something that appears to be an unspoken priority of yours, one that you’re finally going to bring up. You will help your own cause if you set the time, place and feeling of the conversation. First, you want to avoid any feeling of a showdown. As you’ve seen, confrontation has been in the air, and it will be up to you to defuse this feeling. Be aware when you’re clinging to a belief or an opinion. It won’t be long before you either figure out you didn’t have it right, or question your motives and realize you don’t need to be so attached to your point of view. Keep the floor open for any discussion.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Mercury just changed to direct motion in your sign. This is the perfect image of self-discovery, likely to come with the feeling of something you knew all along and somehow did not notice. You might take this as a cue to notice all the other things that have eluded your attention. You’re in a position now where you can admit things to yourself that you might not ordinarily want to own up to. Take this as good news, because the more of yourself you’ve claimed, the more energy you can concentrate; therefore, the more of your own power you have. Don’t be deceived by what seem to be dilemmas with no resolution. You know enough about yourself to make a fairly easy decision every time you’re faced with a choice. If you find yourself wondering what to do, ask yourself what really matters. Be bold and put the question in those exact terms. You can use this as often as you like. It will save you plenty of debate and confusion.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — The Sun recently entered your sign, with an unusual traveling companion: the brightest asteroid, Vesta. Associated with devotion, with young women and — most of all — with the use of physical space, Vesta is a reminder to make room for yourself in your own life. We tend to have crowded existences these days; our time is stuffed, we often share living spaces, and our minds are crowded by a dozen different inputs going off night and day. Your astrology is urging you to make quiet space for yourself, especially here in your birthday season. What you’re seeking is the sensation of returning to your inner sanctuary. Warm up that space. Get the fire going. Make sure you have what you need: your notebook, music or a musical instrument, your sketching pencils, your tarot cards. Come home to yourself, and get to know yourself again. Vesta was last in your sign four years ago, in the summer of 2012. Tell yourself the story of what has happened since then, and read it back carefully. You’ll be impressed.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It’s true that life is a journey of self-discovery, though you are poised to have many unusual revelations about yourself. It would appear that emotions, choices and observations that seem to have made no sense are about to come into focus. You will see, I believe, not the folly of your ways, but rather their wisdom. This is likely to come with a well-needed shift in your social environment. Here’s how the astrology reads: the more honest you are with yourself, and the deeper peace you make with your inner truth, the more you will attract to you people who actually get you. If there is a risk, it’s about living close to the surface of who you are. You are not your own representative. You are your one self, even as you iron out your inner contradictions. What you’re likely to discover is that you’re not really at odds with yourself. To feel how that is, take a chance and set aside that very fear: the fear of being seen as a contradiction.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — It looks like some professional issue, a hitch or delay of some kind, has come unstuck – or is about to. If you are planning any sort of career move, the next few weeks are a good time to aim for. You must, though, be aware of a rapidly shifting environment, and certain developing matters that are likely to come to a head between now and early June. That means keep an open mind, and listen more than you speak. If you do, you will learn many things that influence your decisions, and reveal the best strategy to use. Meanwhile you would be wise to keep your plans under wraps, while making any necessary moves behind the scenes. With the current emphasis on what are called mutable signs – Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces – be prepared to adapt and pivot, and to take advantage of unplanned-for opportunities. Most of all, work with the state of flux and keep your mind wide open to the possibilities.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — This is an unusual phase of learning and growth for you. It’s as if every factor in your mind, emotions and surroundings is calling on you to be yourself. You are being pulled by some invisible magnetic force to grow into who you are, to learn about everything you can, and to understand others. However, this may be drawing you out of your comfort zone. Growth and learning mean change. Most of all, you are being summoned to make friends with what is unfamiliar. You are too young to be set in your ways, or to have made your mind up about everything. You might therefore approach life from the viewpoint of being open to all possibilities. Make friends with the unknown and it will make friends with you. You are well into a process of genuine personal evolution. There is no turning back at this point, nor can I imagine a reason why you would want to.

These beautiful notebooks are pleasant to hold, high quality and have excellent paper and binding. Eric checked out about 15 varieties before choosing these. They are also available in black. He says he’ll add a splash of paint if you like. You can get your journal, while stocks last, by signing up for a one-year Core Community Membership at this link.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Spirituality is organic, if you love and respect life. Apart from that, there’s nothing to teach, or to learn. This basic honoring of existence is now opening up for you in a new way. All you need to do is make room for it – and to recognize opposing influences that might get you to do otherwise. Our culture may finally be coming out of a long phase where selfishness was revered as the highest virtue. In a world that depends on nothing more or less than cooperation, that cannot possibly be true. I suggest you question everything you hear, and ask yourself whether it’s coming from a place that is respectful of life and human worth. You might apply the same question to your own thoughts and ideas, and guide yourself in the direction of faith and trust. I recognize that not everyone around you is on board with this, but you will still provide an important example to those who care.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Self-esteem is based on another idea: self. It’s impossible to have one without the other. Yet one’s concept of self and the actual, underlying reality are often two different things. The story of your astrology is about penetrating through your notions and concepts of who you are and experiencing your actual inner existence. It may be necessary for you to betray – which really means to reveal – the people who taught you falsely about yourself. You are under no obligation to accept some other person’s untrue idea of who you are. This takes less courage than it may seem. Once you have made contact with your own essence, that has a way of becoming the dominant force in your psyche. Be bold about letting go of what is not true. Celebrate every time you discover an old self-deception you can rid yourself of. Feel the beauty of remembering who you truly are.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Mars has been retrograde in your sign since mid-April. This process is about to take a new turn: Mars will leave your sign and enter Scorpio this week. This is going to challenge your confidence, in the form of pushing you to rise above your fears. It’s true that Sagittarius has a reputation as being all courage and daring, though you’re human like the rest of us. We all must rise above insecurities and some lurking sense that existence is pointless; that is, we must if we ever want to find courage and meaning. You might call this the journey to your deeper humanity, and at this stage, you are being invited to face your fears, your insecurities and any lingering darkness from your past. The healing potential of this astrology is rare and beautiful, and nothing like it will repeat for many, many years. Summon your courage, and remember you are bigger than any fear.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Remember that integrity is not a concept, nor is it an appearance. It’s from a Latin root that means “soundness, wholeness, completeness.” This implies that the main action connected to this word is inclusion of all that you are. You might, therefore, ask what you are afraid others might find out about you. What, specifically? And what would the presumed result of that be? The results of this thought experiment will give you a good idea where you’re holding back; what you might be leaving out of completeness. You would go a long way toward explaining certain recent struggles by identifying those elements of yourself, and inviting them back into the fold. It’s the cast-off aspects that tend to wreak havoc. Once you embrace and take ownership of who you are, you will have far more strength, and your life will be easier. So pay attention and notice what you try to give away or pretend doesn’t exist – they hold the key to your liberation.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Much of your existence right now is centered on the wellbeing of others. How is that for a perfectly Aquarian theme? I suggest you not go halfway with this; give yourself the honor and the pleasure of going the whole distance. The hard thing to get over at this point of history is that it’s not all about you. But once you make contact with that, you might catch glimpses of how the whole world, and the whole life you are living, and all that you perceive, is a reflection of you. As you offer your loving support and assistance to people, it’s as if you are reconnecting with scattered aspects of your soul. In a very real sense, you’re being called upon to be submissive to your own existence, as a gesture of respect. As you do this, you will get to know yourself in new ways. You will become personal witness to how every facet of life relates to every other.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — If there’s such a thing as ‘sacred space’, it would be your home. You might think of this as the space that you recognize and accept as an extension of yourself. It’s not where you are; rather, it’s who you are. This is a vital principle of inclusion that, in the end, welcomes you anywhere in the world, and allows you to feel comfortable with anyone. There’s some beautiful astrology developing in the home angle of your chart. The Sun has just entered Gemini, which describes where you live and how you like your home to feel: in a few words, sunny, breezy and light. So push open the windows and let in the spring air. Tidy up and reclaim your inner space. More than anything, stretch out your awareness, relax and feel at home in the world. Speak your mind. You might do something else: if you’ve had a writing project you’ve wanted to get to, it’s beckoning you right now.

Last Days of Taurus, Sagittarius Full Moon

Dear Friend and Reader:

The Sun is moving through the last five degrees of Taurus this week. With the Sun at the end of a sign, there can be some “let’s get this wrapped up” tension, and I would encourage you to take your time and reach for completion. The Sun’s trip through a sign is a journey. Taurus is a deep sign. Every day counts.

You’ll get there. Photo by eswendel.

When the Sun changes signs on Friday, May 20, the Moon is nearly at opposition — and the Full Moon takes place on Saturday, May 21. So, as the Sun moves through the late degrees of Taurus, the Moon is waxing toward full phase, and that will be an adventure.

Pay attention, and do your best to defuse negative tension rather than feed it. Alternately, you have the option to play with tension in a positive way (conversation, friendly debate, actual exploration of ideas, role play and so on).

The heat of this event is described by the Full Moon closely conjunct Mars retrograde in Sagittarius. This will bring to the forefront the many questions of Mars retrograde, which we’ve been covering week by week all throughout Planet Waves (including in the horoscope below).

You can reasonably expect some previously hidden feelings, ideas, necessities or underlying issues to rise to the surface. Here is the thing to remember: How you handle them is up to you.

The action in the sky is about to shift in the direction of what are, in theory anyway, the most flexible signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. This is a reminder that your mind is flexible. You have the ability to see options and to make decisions. You have the ability to change, which is a necessity of growth. Said another way, growth IS change. And the wave that is rapidly approaching is encouraging you to embrace this basic fact of existence.

I describe the Sagittarius Full Moon and Gemini New Moon charts in Planet Waves TV. I will take it much slower in Tuesday’s Planet Waves FM. See you there.

With love,

Planet Waves Boutique: Your Gateway to the Infinite

“You’re amazing, Eric — and your visionary work is a tremendous boon and inspiration during these volatile times.” — Jost Van Dyke

Whether you find yourself needing the psychic equivalent of a hug and a hot meal, your curiosity is leading you to dig deeply into the mysteries of life and astrology, or you simply can’t get enough of Eric’s clever and thoughtful work, the boutique is the place for you.

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So if you feel you’re missing a piece of the jigsaw, visit our boutique today. Chances are, you’ll find just what you need.

The 2016-17 Taurus birthday reading is now available for immediate access. Check out this fantastic video preview by Eric. This reading makes a special and lasting gift for the Taurus you love. You can order that here.	If you haven’t yet secured your copy of our excellent 2016 Spring Reading, here’s a new video preview just for you. Don’t forget, you can get all 12 signs or choose individual signs. Written horoscopes coming soon!

Aries (March 20-April 19) — How important is your opinion? I would propose that admitting to the facts of what you know is more meaningful than your idea of what they might mean. Facts, by which I mean things you can demonstrate to be true for you now, must point to the need for a decision if they are to be considered relevant. Once you intervene with your opinion, that can become a huge sidetrack, like pundits on TV endlessly debating some future probability but unable to do anything about it other than stage a debate. There seems to be one situation where you are missing vital information. If that’s true, it deserves some acknowledgement. When you make this particular discovery (which is about yourself, and one seems inevitable), that is the time to set the appropriate plan into motion. This is a matter of confidence, and you’ll know it when you have it. Give it a week; there’s no rush.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You often have a habit of keeping certain information to yourself. It’s true you have a right to not say anything. Yet if you’re looking for an easy way to let off the pressure in your relationships, it will help if you’re more transparent about what you need. I see the dilemma, though. You might know something, but to admit it outwardly subjects it to a reality test. You might not want to debate the point, for example. There may be another level to this: by not describing your reality, you leave yourself free to change your mind. Here’s an idea: even when you reveal your reality, you’re free to make a new decision (which is inevitable, as nearly all decisions get reviewed and remade eventually). Yet, when you don’t reveal your needs, what you do is deprive people close to you of the ability to respond to who you are in your current reality. Everyone will benefit from that opportunity. And it will do something helpful, which is to keep you focused on the present.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — In a few days, the Sun will burst into your sign, which I reckon will come with the feeling of being set free. Yet from what, exactly? A state of mind, mainly. You might call it density. Lately it’s as if your thoughts are moving in slow motion. At the same time it’s become difficult to change your mind in the usual way, to shift your thinking or to change the topic. This may be a reminder that something brewing requires focused, conscious thought. Developments this week will make that possible. I suggest, however, that you create mental space to work out your question. By that I mean the equivalent of clearing a table for the purpose of doing a specific project, such as assembling a puzzle. It’s obvious that something like that needs its own dedicated location for a while; you can’t keep moving it around, or taking it apart and putting it back together. The same is true with the problem you’re solving. Leave it out, where you can see it, with a light shining on it — and the solution will come to you, along with a few other brilliant, practical ideas.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You seem to need a personal retreat. Obviously it’s not practical to go underground, and you have good reasons to stay accessible and visible most of the time. Yet you might take some extra space for yourself over the next few weeks. Time away from the Internet would be helpful, even if it’s just an evening here and there, or a whole day during the weekend. This is not for the sake of purity, but rather to give you an opportunity to clear your mind. You might think of this as designating an inner sanctuary for yourself. Some might consider this avoiding reality, though you are born under the sign that is associated with seclusion. If you are busy with your career, your relationships and your family, that’s all the more reason to take time and space out, so that you can figure out what you’re feeling, or more likely, give yourself permission to be ambiguous. It’s healthy to indulge that every now and then.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — There is big movement in the house associated with your career, though there is little room for error. That can be a dangerous combination, so you need to slow down and make sure that you take any necessary precautions without stilting yourself. Said another way, make sure you take responsibility for both ends of any line of communication for a week or so. This will require some executive micromanagement, such as calling someone up to ask if they got your email. You’re good at that, anyway; though the key will be maintaining your wider vision at the same time. You must keep a high vantage point and a broad perspective. Know what larger plan every smaller element fits into. Go for efficiency points and make things applicable to various goals and purposes. And when you’re dealing with higher-ups, bosses and others in power, take extra responsibility and measure your words carefully.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You might experiment with not trying to fit everything through such a narrow opening. You have two main influences working in your chart at this point (and for the foreseeable future). One of them has you funneling your whole reality through a pastry-decorating bag, squeezing your emotions through in impeccable detail, including the big chunks. The other is like a brightly colored parachute on a cool, clear day, as you sail silently through the sky and land gently on the ground. This setup seems custom designed to show you how your mind works in closed and open modes; in self-critical and self-embracing modes. While you’re considering these possibilities, I suggest you do whatever you can to increase your flexibility, such as touching your toes and then hanging there loosely for a while every now and then. Overall the theme of your solar chart is about listening to your body. That’s another way of saying feel, and get the message.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You might not appreciate the fact that you’re in the role of teacher, guide or the person holding the rudder of your relationships. Yet this is a more meaningful role than you may imagine. While you may find it irksome that you cannot quite get a handle on ‘normal’, you’re certainly gaining experience with eccentric and interesting. Yet if you agree to do your part and hold space open for whatever is strange or unpredictable, you are doing something else, which is fostering a revolution. You have needed a real change in your relationships for a while, which happens to be the same change the world is either eagerly wanting, or avoiding with all its might. Consider yourself a midwife who is helping others birth new ideas about who they are. You can learn a lot about yourself along the way, though your gift of holding space open for the progress of others will be a precious gift in their lives in the coming days and weeks.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Do your best to keep clear with others this week. Monitor your environment for information; listen to what people say, and remember what they say (especially any ‘off topic’ comments). Notice how one particular situation seems to be on the verge of taking a step, though don’t rush the process. Over the next week or so, you’re likely to make a discovery about someone close to you that provokes an even deeper discovery about yourself. You can afford to take your time with this, and to work without any specific goals for a while. You are in the process of diving into some deep spiritual waters, and you will thrive on the experience if you take the time to feel where you are, and notice what you’re experiencing inwardly, all the time. Water is the deep element. You don’t need to exert much force to move your body. In fact, the less, the better.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Mars retrograde in your sign is having the effect of making the obvious seem obvious, even if it contradicts what you previously believed. Be glad of the occasion to unburden yourself of so much that was not true. This is a vital step in the process of discovering what is true, getting the clutter that passes for information out of the way. You are gradually entering the realm of direct knowledge. This will take the place of many forms of opinion and theory. Remember that most of this knowledge comes from your relationship with your body, rather than what we think of as the mind. The body has a mind of its own, you might say — and that is the mind you are learning to listen to. The body does not speak in riddles, and it doesn’t speculate. It speaks in clear terms, like thirst (respond by drinking water) or craving anchovies (respond by eating anchovies). You will get other messages as well.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Your life seems to be an ongoing study in questioning assumptions about yourself. This process set in slowly, and now it’s taken over. However, should you find yourself in any kind of quandary, difficulty or special challenge, you might return to the yoga of investigating what you presumed to be true before you actually verified it in some way. Apart from the obvious problem with this, assumptions deny you the pleasure of curiosity, investigation and experimentation. And your chart is glowing with these things now — with the craving of direct experience, the thirst for learning by doing, and experiencing the freedom to learn from your mistakes. This will help you get out of your head and into your body. You can afford to take more risks than you do, and most of them involve things like the crazy discoveries you make by being ‘wrong’, exploring new feelings and noticing how you respond to people and things the first time.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Take some time out of every day and remember to feel safe. If it’s raining out, be grateful for having a dry place to live, or that the plants have something to drink. If you have critters, be grateful for your ability to feed them, and to the mutual loyalty of the relationship. It is true that we in the Western world either don’t know how good we have it, or we lose sight of that basic fact. I suggest you keep this truth about your life firmly in mind. Even if you are struggling financially, which is possible with Mercury retrograde in Taurus, you might take time to appreciate your astonishing resources: be they talents, skill sets, values or collections of people and things. Identify your form of abundance, love it and share it. That’s the best place to come from if you want to live even more abundantly. Said more simply, you have what it takes.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You are learning the benefit of keeping your viewpoint moving. This is a real moment of clarity for you, especially where the grand experiment of following your true calling is concerned. Yet you don’t want too much clarity. I suggest you avoid the mistake of thinking you see things ‘as they are’, remembering how much you’ve gained from taking a circumspect approach to reality. Therefore, explore as many points of observation as you can, and make sure you view your activities or your goal from many perspectives. You will still have the power to focus yourself and to make decisions, but they will be smarter decisions that embrace more of your potential. As a Pisces, you are blessed with the gift of seeing how everything relates to everything else. Use that generously. See the interplay of all things, of all ideas, of all people, and it will be easy to spot your various best roles within the planetary symphony.

Dear Friend and Reader:

Good Monday morning to you. While we have not had a dramatic journalistic buildup to today’s Mercury transit of the Sun, this is an unusual event and, speaking from the standpoint of astrology, indicates a genuine opportunity to make a change in some pattern you may have decided was just not gonna give.

I describe the physics of this in the article below (which you may have already read, though it’s worth emphasizing the point). When you are considering what this might apply to, start with the very thing putting up the most resistance in your life. That might be a current issue or something going back decades.

See if you can reduce the matter to three things: your intentions, your options, and a decision you might therefore make. Be tangible and speak in words that are clear to you. Burn off any fog in your mind and be clear, first, about what you want. Then guide yourself in the direction of options and then of a decision.

Be as real as you can about what is truly important to you. My newest YouTube presentation describes the Mercury transit from a few different viewpoints. The horoscope below was written based on the chart for the Mercury-Sun alignment.

With love,

Monday: Mercury Transit of the Sun

Monday is the midpoint of Mercury retrograde. At that time, Mercury passes between the Sun and the Earth. That is the essence of the retrograde — Mercury going by. That’s called the interior (previously, inferior) conjunction of Mercury and the Sun.

The most recent Mercury transit of the Sun, from Nov. 6, 2006 — shortly after Eris was named and Pluto was ‘demoted’ to minor planet. The transit is an invitation to define your own turning point in your life.

When it does, it usually passes a little above or below the Sun. Most conjunctions are not exact alignments; they are a little off, on the vertical axis. When Mercury and the Sun meet on both the vertical and horizontal axes, that’s called a transit of the Sun — and that’s what we get Monday.

This happens in the sign Taurus. The most fleeting of the planets, Mercury, meets the Sun in its most solid and stable sign, in a kind of mutual infusion of energy.

To me the symbolism is about where mind meets substance. We might scoff at the notion that we can conjure things with our minds, but tell that to someone who sketches a skyscraper on a napkin and then goes and builds the thing. Tell that to someone who writes a hit song, or any song. In one sense the whole universe as we perceive it is a figment of the imagination.

Now we have this exact alignment where mind and matter meet directly. This provides an occasion to develop the connection in your own life. Taking that a step back, you might acknowledge the degree to which your thoughts and your decisions determine much of what you experience as real and as true.

My Monday Morning horoscope below is devoted to this aspect.
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We have great options for every sign — and they make excellent gifts. Find your next piece of Planet Waves wisdom here.

This week in Miracle Hour [play episode] from the Pacifica Network, Eric Francis addresses the question of sexuality in A Course in Miracles. He speaks directly to material in the Course pertaining to the body, to relationships, and to how everyone brings all the meaning to what they perceive. On one hand the Course seems to embrace Christian dualism, and on the other to advocate relationships that go beyond “specialness” or exclusivity. He also offers some of his own experiences. What results is an exciting, fresh philosophical narrative. This edition is the first to make reference to what is called the “unrevised manuscript” of the Course.

Substance, Value and Beauty: Your Taurus Birthday Reading

Dear Friend and Taurus:

Imagine that you walk into an antique shop or guitar shop and you see something that’s way underpriced but you know how rare and valuable it is — that’s an Eric Francis prepared reading. Most people might overlook it, or think that the relatively low price means it’s not valuable; but you know otherwise.

Artist, pioneer, legendary actress and Taurus. Your 2016 birthday reading will help you tap into your inner Katharine.

The insights offered, the production value, the ethics and passion that Eric brings to these readings are all so above par, it’s difficult to compare them to other astrology products out there.

I know you understand what a steal it is to get something so singular in its quality, beauty and longevity for the pre-order price Planet Waves offers.

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

—  Robyn Landis

Eric wrote recently that, “Taurus is a kind of worldly incubation process for spiritual growth and movement, on a wider scale than we might imagine.”

Right now both Mars retrograde and Mercury retrograde are taking you deep into yourself. The intensifying Uranus-Eris conjunction also has significant implications for you personally. All of this astrology (and more) is getting at the core of your “incubation process” in a particularly unique way.

I hope you won’t wait to pre-order your 2016 Taurus Birthday Reading. You are certainly welcome to pay full price (or more, if you like), since you know it’s worth it. I suspect, however, that you’d rather snap it up now for $19.97 and score yourself an incredible deal for your birthday.

This will be a mix of studio-quality audio and high-def video, including a tarot reading — a feast for your senses. Or as one reader put it:

“… very much like having an intimate conversation with a valued friend and mentor.”

— Nora Connaughton

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. The 2016 Taurus Birthday Reading is a gift even the most discriminating Taurean loved one will value. Pre-order it now, and they’ll get access as soon as it’s ready.

This is Just the Beginning: Uranus-Eris is Yet to Come

Dear Friend and Reader:

Mars retrograde is only part of this season’s dynamic astrology. In the background, the Uranus-Eris conjunction is nearly exact — you might notice certain issues of identity and self-perception are insisting on your attention.

Eric covers how Uranus-Eris and Mars retrograde interact for each of the 12 signs in the 2016 Spring Reading.

The Sun rises over the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, in this May 16, 2009 photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

Have you listened to the free audio introduction Eric recorded for this project? It’s only a taste of what he brings to the video sign readings.

“Brilliant reading, Fire Breathing Fish. Love your maverick personal style too! Onwards, Inwards, Upwards and Outwards!”
— “watersnake” / Linda, commenting on the Libra Spring Reading

As we near the midpoint of Mars retrograde later this month, Eric will be writing a special Mars retrograde horoscope to be delivered to all purchasers of this reading. If you want to receive that hot off the presses, be sure to sign up now for affordable individual signs — or, you can still nab all 12 signs at an amazing price.

Incredible and perfect. Thank you Eric; how many times I’ve said it — I don’t know how you do it but it’s just beautiful!
— Dorothy Rodriguez

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Planet Waves Astrology Editor

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You have a significant financial opportunity right in your vicinity, though it’s likely to come in the form of a discovery. You might think of this as figuring out how to use what you already have, to some unusual profit or benefit. In leaner times, people were more creative, and would consider the value of their current resources before acquiring or venturing into something else. Now we just buy things. I suggest you take the older-fashioned approach of assuming that for any need or desire, you already have the thing you need in your possession. Now imagine this can work on a much larger scale, and that the ‘thing’ in question may be the solution to a puzzle, an idea for how to expand a business, or a new way to think of your talent. Remember, this is not about getting anything else; it’s about discovering what you have and how to use it in an interesting way.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Many people who have experiences of enlightenment feel them as an awakening to something they already knew. It’s as if they remember their real self all at once. In that moment it seems like the most obvious thing in the world; amazing that they ever could have missed it. Then one of two things happens: either the person embodies the new idea and begins a new journey, or they forget their revelation and go on living as they had. Sometimes the discovery will be actively denied. Your solar chart describes an experience of you remembering something deep and real about yourself. It may be easy to overlook. You cannot force your memory, but you can listen to yourself more carefully. Underneath what you might think of as the usual chatter of your mind, there is an important message coming through.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Your mind has the power to conjure reality. People dispute this fact, though bridges and skyscrapers, clever inventions and the lyrics of hit songs all begin with thoughts, often simple enough to write or sketch on a napkin. If that is not a form of conjuring I don’t know what is. Some highly unusual astrology is presenting you with the opportunity to put this power to work. On Monday, the planet Mercury — the one associated with your sign — will make a rare transit of the Sun. This is an exact conjunction similar to an eclipse, which is likely to make news reports in every country. Rare astrology describes a rare opening in your life. This takes place in your chart where your imagination merges with the substance of the material plane. This is another way of saying that you can create something tangible with the power of your imagination. It’s time to get busy.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your solar chart right now is all about your connection to the wider world, whatever that means to you: expanding your circle of friends, connecting to new communities, or connecting somehow to the public. Despite the reputation of your sign for being private and cloistered, you are so comfortable in this realm that it could be viewed as one of your spiritual homes. It’s not so much that you want to be seen, as that you want to be known for what you do, what you offer and who you really are. Those are qualities you’re being invited to extend into the world now, and to share generously. Yes, to do this, you will need to trust existence. You may need to rise above some misgiving or question. You can do this boldly now, because you and what you are offering are of genuine value and worth to a community that expands well beyond your own four walls.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You may not think this is the best time to be making professional decisions. Yes, Mercury is retrograde in your career house; that’s supposed to be a cause for concern. Yet sometimes the exact opposite of conventional wisdom holds true, and this is just such an occasion. You can do something unusual now; for example, embark on a project, a business or a series of moves to enhance your career. There’s just one condition for success, though: in addition to the necessity for impeccable quality, you must do what you’re doing in a way that is truly your own. This is success dancing to the beat of your own drummer, based on work so good that you are willing to sign your name to it. Said another way, this is not the time to follow the rules that others have set; it’s the time to follow your own calling and your own inner code, which is a high standard indeed.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — If you’ve been doubting yourself, you now have reason to be assured of what is true. You must be your own reassurance in this world. Yes, it’s helpful to have the approval and understanding of others, but that cannot determine the course of your existence. You might think you need much more confidence for that. This is really a matter of building your confidence by proving to yourself that you know what’s best for you — by doing it. You must be a leader in your own life, not a follower. There is nobody else worth following, no matter how much you may care about them. Claim back your power by being the person who defines your own needs, your own desires and your own priorities. Your astrology is blazing with one message, which is about you setting your priorities and aspiring to your own desires. If this shakes up a relationship, press ahead and you can come to a point of breakthrough where things get a lot better.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You may find yourself able to reach an unusual agreement with a close partner — something that has no resemblance to what is normally thought of as compromise, but rather a whole new kind of double-win situation. You have always known this was possible; for you, mutually beneficial agreements are on the level of a biological instinct. It’s just that humans (at times, yourself included) can have an uncompromising approach to life. Yet now it’s as if what was previously unmovable and inflexible has reached a melting point. You will be amazed how little needs to change on the mental level for so much to change on every other level. Nobody is asking for a lot. Everyone involved seems capable of offering, and even willing to offer, far more. Yet embracing the notion of symbiosis — a biological relationship where two different entities thrive on one another’s presence — will lend itself to much happiness. The keys: listen, and be open.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — There is extraordinary movement developing in your house of partnerships this week. This might influence your bonds with others on every level, be it personal, professional or in the many places they overlap. Something you either have deemed impossible or have not recognized the potential of is emerging as a distinct possibility. Yet in order to get the benefits as they are offered to you in the form of an opportunity for closeness, there’s something it would be helpful to hear. Your situation may be one of not wanting to hear, though it also could be that you don’t quite understand the language someone is speaking. You might lean in a little closer, or you might remember a certain idiosyncrasy you’ve noticed in yourself lately. It’s about how a particular thing is important to you, and you don’t know if anyone gets it but that doesn’t matter. Proceed from there and you’ll get it.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — One never knows what the future holds. Some use this as an excuse to trounce and elbow their way through life. Others use it as an excuse to be loving toward others, and to take a gentle approach to existence. Usually, this is based on how one treats oneself. Several factors indicate that you may be feeling stressed or irritated without really understanding what the issue is. You might be feeling impatient, as if you’re behind your time. I suggest you settle into a gentle and patient approach to both yourself and to your relationships. You can afford to set aside expectations, and to live a little closer to the present moment. If you do that, you might notice that certain stuck areas are starting to move, and that important goals are showing signs of life. Remember, though, the universe is made of one thing only, and that is relationships.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Your life has been defined recently by the relentless pressure to change and to grow. Like anyone who lives under intense conditions, eventually you get used to them. Then, when some factors change, when the pressure lets off or a welcome opportunity comes your way, you might notice how you’ve felt all along. One factor that’s working in your favor is a better ability to feel your own future. Try it and see. There’s no longer an invisible force making you look over your shoulder all the time. Yet the thing about the future is that it’s always born of our creative experience of the present moment. And that, too, is coming into focus. You might feel it as some inspiration, or better yet, the desire to experiment. That is the thing to do, without any thought of what might become of your idea or your project. One definition of learning is making the discovery that something is possible. And you do that by trying something you thought was, if not impossible, then beyond your ability or talent.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — No amount of money or number of things is an assurance of feeling secure or confident. Extremely wealthy people are often the most insecure of the lot, which is because wealth on that level only provides a limited kind of confidence. And often it will substitute for other, far more meaningful, kinds of confidence — or worse, interfere with cultivating them. Right now you have an opportunity to experience what happens when confidence comes from deep within you. This may feel like the ground cracking open on a hot day and fresh water spouting out. You might feel like you’ve come to an understanding with yourself, which relates to your genuine value in the world. It is true that many people who contribute the most, and who mean the most to their friends, rarely get to feel that. Listen to yourself this week and you will hear the message that you need.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You are about to get the boost that you need. In many areas of your life, balances are shifting in your favor. You might say that your star is rising: Jupiter has just turned to direct movement and is heading toward the top of your chart. In many other areas you can make note of improvements and of a solid quality that has gradually entered your life. Yet there’s still an awkward feeling in the air, something you cannot pin down, or have not been able to put a name to. Be with that for a while. Notice that there are things you want to do, there are things you need to do, and there are others that you absolutely must do for some reason you may not understand. Honoring that, I suggest you do something that is perhaps out of character for your sign, which is to work with specific goals. Choose one from each category, carefully, making sure you write in pencil so that you can change your mind. Very soon, you will have a clear agenda, and that makes success infinitely easier.

This week’s edition of Planet Waves TV covers the old-religion holiday of Beltane, one of the cross-quarter days. I also look at the double inner planet retrograde, of Mars at one end of the zodiac (in Scorpio) and Mercury at the other end (in Taurus). Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Dear Friend and Reader:

This week ushers in the astrological Beltane, which is the moment the Sun reaches the midpoint of Taurus, on May 4 at 9:42 pm EDT (01:41 UTC May 5). The Taurus New Moon takes place shortly after that, on May 6 at 3:29 pm EDT (19:29:27 UTC). The last days before the New Moon, coupled with two inner planet retrogrades, make the first few days of this week the ideal slow-down-and-review moment.

Beltane maypole antics. Photo by Paxus.

Eric has written plenty about the cross-quarter days and their relationship to the Aries Point (see here and here for example).

The astrology of this week treads the intersection between the personal and the collective in a decidedly Taurean way. It does so by emphasizing the logical path of our values.

What I mean by this is that when we subscribe to a particular set of morals, this can have consequences wider than ourselves. Note the effect of Christian morality imposed on, for example, sex education and birth control in public schools.

For you, this week, there is a calling to review your own values — to ask yourself searching questions about what you truly believe. The time to do this is when you find yourself in some sort of quandary or issue over what is important, or what decision to make. Values are not abstract. They are connected to choices and to action.

It helps to be real with yourself, and to not play games when it comes to admitting what you want. Yes, this is a process, though it’s true that well begun is halfway done. Give it a go. When you’re asked something, experiment with giving the real answer and see what happens.

You might not get the result you were expecting; you might get a better one, and you’re likely to shift the dialog. These kinds of changes in direction are part of what Mercury and Mars retrograde are about.

With love,

Amy Elliott

Planet Waves Client Services

With Eric Francis

Hi Taurus — Eric will soon be recording your 2016-17 video-audio birthday reading. New to Eric’s excellent birthday narratives? You can now check out last year’s reading here at no cost, or read his inspiring love letter to Taurus natives. Eric and Planet Waves will show you the beauty in you and how to let it shine.

Integrity, Conviction and Heart: Your Spring Reading

Dear Friend and Reader:

Eric’s experiment with video for the 2016 Spring Readings is proving to be a great hit. I’ve already watched my Taurus Spring Reading and took notes, and I look forward to watching my rising sign soon. But I’m going to let our clients tell you what they think of it all.

Hey, guess what? It’s still spring (or autumn if you’re down under), and Mars is still retrograde! Don’t wait for it to be over and then wonder what happened. Order your individual signs now (or order all 12) and figure out what you want, how to get it and what to do with it. (And don’t you want to know what Eric is saying here?)

And wow Eric again… This reading has given me a lot of insights. Thank you. — Hillary, on the Spring Reading for Aquarius

Brilliant reading, Fire Breathing Fish. Love your maverick personal style too! Onwards, Inwards, Upwards and Outwards! — Linda/”watersnake” commenting on the Spring Reading for Libra

“I loved the video format — seeing you in your lovely studio, with chart in hand. Everything, as always, was totally spot on. And I truly enjoyed watching you, instead of just hearing a disembodied voice.” — Liz Glanville

Excellent Spring Reading, Eric! You are a lifesaver. And this Sun sign or whole sign stuff is just as relevant as a natal reading. I loved your cute little dogs in the background — they looked so cozy and adorable and peaceful. You speak with such integrity and conviction and heart in your work. That’s so rare. — Joel Jodrey

By the way: did you know that you can also call Planet Waves to speak to a real, live person and order this reading by phone? Call toll-free within the U.S. at (877) 453-8265, or call toll-free from overseas at (206) 567-4455 to speak with Amy or Victoria.

You also have options for how many signs to buy: If you’re a super astrology fan, consider ordering all 12 signs for the surprisingly low price of $57. You can also order signs individually for $19.97 for the first one, and $9.97 for each additional.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Planet Waves Astrology Editor

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Once you know what matters to you, everything else falls into place. Therefore, consider your priorities carefully. If having more money is on your list, I suggest you take that a step or two further and ask yourself what you would do with it. Money is a symbol, and it always represents something else. The question is what, and why. If having a certain kind of relationship is on your list, ask yourself what you would do with that experience. You’ve noticed there’s pressure to emphasize the structure of relationships (marriage, for instance) rather than the content or purpose. From many different angles, your solar chart is illustrating the need to get under the surface image or seeming idea and figure out what’s going on a few levels down. This kind of process might take a while. I suggest giving yourself three weeks of daily self-inquiry, taking notes so you know where you’ve been.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You seem to be facing a contradiction: feeling some unusual new potential, yet also being pulled in the direction of some unresolved experience or desire. The two are not at odds, but rather can work well together. For example, the sense of something unresolved might be an instinct to retrieve something you left behind: an idea, a goal, a person. You might need some time to yourself to consider carefully what this might be. I recognize that ‘quiet time’ is starting to become something you might look for in a vintage shop or museum, though it will help you considerably. As for that sense of potential: ask yourself whether you believe what you want is possible. It may seem too good to be true, or more than you deserve. Don’t let that get in the way of your vision. Yes, you must always bring your integrity to whatever you do. That is good news.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Have you ever had one of those experiences of thinking about something, but not realizing you’re doing it? Or that sensation of remembering a dream, in little pieces, throughout the day? And then you stop and consciously remember what you experienced? Your chart is describing you having what I call ‘parallel world’ experiences. These might include the feeling of deja-vu, or the sensation of being two places at once. In case you’re wondering, I consider these to be not just normal but also helpful; they are indications that your consciousness is expanding. Think of it this way: there is much more of you than is typically invited into the circumstances of your life. There are feelings, thoughts and visions that don’t fit into the usual day-to-day, and those are the places you’re growing into. Let them seep into your mind, and remember to set aside some quiet space to consider what they’re telling you.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Here’s an idea: write one personal ad a day for a week. Change it up every day: what you’re seeking, how you describe yourself, what your specific needs are. You don’t need to post these anywhere, though of course you have the option of sharing them. Really, this is between you and you. It’s clear that you’re looking for some new adventures in your social life, though it’s not always easy to know what you want. And usually, that’s a discovery that comes in layers. The idea of writing something new every day is to help you remove some of those surface notions and go deeper, get clearer and perhaps make a discovery. One thing to monitor is your idea of ‘how people might respond’ — that is, the people you know and think might judge you. The ideas that you think are the most taboo are likely to be the ones that will make you the happiest.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You seem to be reshuffling career goals, with an aim of setting your sights on something more meaningful and more profitable — in that order. I suggest you start with what would be meaningful and leave out the financial end. That’s really a separate project, and a lower priority. Getting a real idea of what you want is the more challenging thing. I suggest you take your time, and stoke your imagination. It’s easy to walk along a city street, or for that matter, through a small town, and think that there are limited opportunities for you. You want to go to the other side of the spectrum: let yourself believe, for as long as you can, that anything is possible. Worry not if you ‘don’t think you can make a living at it’. Nearly everything that people thrive on economically today was considered impossible or nonexistent just 10 or 20 years ago, and with this experiment, you are pointing the ship of your life toward the future.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Who do you see yourself becoming? One effect of contemporary life is the seeming disappearance of both the past and the future. In some odd Buddhist style, we appear to live perpetually in the moment. Yet what’s really going on in ‘the moment’? Are you trying to stay the same, or are you embracing the truth that everything forever changes? Think of your life as a process of ‘becoming’ rather than ‘being’. Right now becoming has two elements: unraveling something that seems stuck (likely to be the residue of the forgotten past) and seeing the potential of what might be (having a vision for your life, and stretching into it every day). You have material you need to resolve, and you will feel better for even making the most basic effort. And you have a life that you want to live. But to even consider that possibility you must open up an idea of the future — and face it with an open heart.

Planet Waves custom journals have arrived. We are offering these to people who renew or extend their Core Community membership for one year. They’re available in red, purple, blue and black, while supplies last. I’ve also made hand-painted ones for those who renew or extend their Backstage Pass. To learn more, write to cs@planetwaves.net or call (206) 567-4455.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — How much effort must you exert to get what you need? Do you find that people respond to you, or do you constantly have to push them? Before you can find a meeting place between your needs and those of someone close to you, it would help if you find your own center first. That means understanding yourself well enough to make a few clear, simple statements about which you do not feel guilty. You seem to be under the influence of someone with whom you’re not sure you see eye to eye. You can get to a clear meeting, though understanding yourself is the first step. I recognize how complicated this self-understanding thing is. But it doesn’t need to be that way. If you run into some internal contradiction, consider the two sides of the equation. How exactly did you end up with two values or desires that conflict? Where did you get the idea that you can have one of them, or neither, but not both? You did not make that one up on your own.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You may be wondering what relationship partners are up to, and why you might not be able to get your signals clear. Here is a clue: have the discussion in person. Skip all the electronica, the social media, the SMS messages, the emails and even the telephone. Get together in a quiet place (preferably private rather than public) and have a conversation. I suggest you begin the discussion with physical needs: have you both eaten recently, and what do you want to eat? Then, with food present, listen to one another. One additional clue I can offer is that any question you have for another person (whomever it might be) is the very thing that would be helpful to ask yourself. You might try a method that has proven to be useful in therapy: treat whomever you’re speaking to, and listening to, as yourself. Or, without changing anything, consider that how you treat them is how you treat yourself. When you look from that angle, what do you notice?

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — It would blow the minds of most people how much of what ails them involves unresolved relationships with their parents. To see this is to see the invisible, though it’s easier than spotting molecules of air floating by. The lack of resolve takes many forms: loyalty to parents that subverts your own needs; having their troublesome emotional habits; being subject to manipulation. With these things in place, the energy can spread, to the point where many people around you seem to have a kind of parental power. This can affect people of any age, including those who are considerably older. Here’s a simple test: When you want to do something merely because you want to do it, how quickly do you experience guilt? And on what particular topics? The presence of guilt is a little like getting snagged in the invisible fence. Suddenly you discover that it’s there. Perhaps cut the power, or just walk on through and don’t look back.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Your solar chart is describing you trying to remember something. The feeling is similar to when you’ve had a dream you cannot quite recall, and you’re struggling to get the image and the feeling back. Yet it never comes back to you that way — you need to relax and let your mind flow; in a sense, you need to forget in order to remember. Then when it comes back to you, it’s subtle, and easy to dismiss — instead, that’s when you would invite a full recall, and scribble down the central image and the feeling. The feeling is more important than anything; give that some time and space to come back to you; five minutes of quiet reflection might be enough. If you’re at home, get off the Internet for a moment; if you’re at work, disappear into the supply closet and meditate. The message wants to come through — though it’s sublime, a distant memory of something relevant now.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — There are beautiful treasures to be found right in your home: emotional, creative, aesthetic. I suggest you devote the next few days of your life to appreciating the space you’ve created for yourself. You probably put more thought and effort into your home than you have time to enjoy it, and I suggest you reverse that process. Actually feel what you’ve assembled, and allow yourself to soak in the quality of life that you’ve given yourself. Home space includes the immediate surroundings of where you live, your neighborhood and your neighbors. Much of the world is in crisis and turmoil; chances are if you’re reading this, you’re somewhere safe, warm and dry. This fact deserves more attention than you typically give it. Make sure you add the food you love to your appreciation, dining in rather than going out. If for some reason what I’m saying contradicts the facts, consider that it’s time for a new setting for your life.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You have accomplished a lot in recent months, which is likely to be the result of a year or more of concentrated effort. It’s time to slow down, catch your breath, and reflect on what you’ve done. Though comparisons to others are rarely helpful, consider what you were doing, and how you were feeling, exactly one year ago, and note the contrast. Remember that your thought, your intentions, your actions and your investment in yourself have gotten you to where you are today. You have great things to accomplish, though to make the most of your future investment of resources, you need perspective. That means a clear survey of your life, and real consideration of what your most important priorities are. As for relationships, I suggest reaching out to people you’ve lost contact with in the recent past. Say hello, find out what they’re up to, and perhaps make plans to meet up. Listen to what you hear — and to what you say.

Dear Friend and Reader:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your weekly horoscopes are below.

With love,

Amy Elliott

Planet Waves Client Services

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

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Religion is the contract that you have with your existence. It’s your understanding of why you’re here and the code that you live by. Rare activity in your solar chart is describing you in a process of questioning your old agreement and striving to make a new one. To do this well, you must question all of your beliefs, including ones that you may not have known you had. Be bold and brave about this, and trust that you’re up to the task. People tend to hold on to beliefs that don’t work for them, only because they’re afraid that their life would be unstable if they did the very thing that you’re doing. Yet for you this is not an option; you’re growing and evolving far beyond what your previous beliefs could contain. Here is the thing: you’re actually going deeper than that, deeper than mere opinions or hunches about what is true. You have begun a journey that’s no less than a search for your deepest personal truth.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You have extra support right now from what we might describe as ‘unseen forces’. The way to activate that help is to extend cooperation any time you can, and to open up to receiving it every time you need it. Support is a kind of exchange; and for that to work, it’s essential both to offer and to accept. The thing is that you will have no less for offering, and others will have no less when you receive their gifts. There is an abundance of whatever you need, and it’s likely to be somewhere accessible in your environment already. This applies to the most ordinary material objects — look around your house if you need something – and to emotional support, love and friendship. The mantra ‘I have what I need’ will serve you well. Yet you can trust that this effect is percolating deep beneath what is visible and obvious. Keep your heart and your mind open, and let the good karma circulate in your world.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Listen to yourself. Listen to the words that you say, and how you say them. Sense the feeling beneath your words, which can sometimes conflict with what language alone implies. Imagine for a few days that everything you say, you are saying to yourself. Everything you write, you’re writing to yourself. Everything you perceive is some element of your own mind. When you do that, how does your approach change? Are you sterner or gentler toward others? Are you more or less sincere? It’s not a stretch to say that everything you express has you as its first and ultimate recipient; and that, in a sense, everyone else is coming along for the ride. It’s just so easy to forget this, and it can be a profound experience to remember.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You can do wonders healing your self-image by working with photos. I don’t mean contributing to the endless stream of selfies, but rather with conscious and intentional self-portraits that you study and grow with. I suggest you pay special attention to photos where you’re inclined to judge some aspect of your appearance or of your personality, and make peace with what you don’t like. This will take you deeper than the seemingly surface level of appearance and personality. There’s actual material for spiritual growth and self-acceptance right under the surface. Pay attention to whatever you have seemed to ‘always’ judge about yourself, or the thing you think you can never get over. Right behind those negative feelings is where you’ll find the healing power you seek, not hiding so much as waiting for you to reach in and make contact with yourself. Right with that is the discovery that you do indeed have the gift of self-healing.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — At present, your solar chart describes how your life is set up to accomplish some rather large goals in some unusual ways. You are under no obligation to follow convention, as long as you don’t piss off your higher-ups or people to whom you’re responsible. This leaves you plenty of room for unconventional approaches to leadership, to meeting your goals and to succeeding in some special way. Focus on the task at hand and ask yourself what you’re really trying to do. See if you can strip away any need you have for maintaining an appearance. That kind of goal will typically lead you to some pointless places. However, remember that you’re being observed by others who may hold some power and influence in your life; and you want to do things well, and maintain a policy of genuine honesty. You will save yourself precious time and effort. Better still, you will thrive on any demonstration that the truth is your greatest source of strength.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Mercury is the planet associated with your sign. Later this week, it turns to retrograde motion, which typically happens three times a year for three weeks. For you this is an introspective moment. Focus your life on your most genuine priorities. Everyone on this planet spends plenty of time pursuing goals that turn out to be meaningless, and following rules they had no part in setting. Your main task in the few weeks ahead is to ask yourself: what is really true for you? What gives your life meaning? And, perhaps most significantly, what is your long-range goal? You don’t need to answer that as much as you will benefit from extending your present life five or 10 years into the future. Imagine the work you do, the people you’re associating with, and the things that you think are important today. If you were to write a story about each of them, and extend that forward, where would each of those scenarios be? If anything seems like a dead-end, or if the story doesn’t seem to write itself naturally, you might consider other investments of your time and emotions.

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Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You may have the feeling of others not making sense to you all of a sudden — even people who made perfect sense yesterday. But who is actually changing their perspective? It would seem that you are asking some deep questions, going places philosophically where your friends and cousins rarely go. This is a sign of your advancing maturity. You are someone who cares about real ideas, to an extent that can leave other people bewildered. You probably wonder why they don’t care as much as you do; why they don’t read the books that you do, or ask the questions you do. I suggest you keep reading and keep asking; and when you have the chance, ask out loud and see who joins the conversation. You are developing a rare or even unique aspect of your intelligence, which is your ability to see through false ideas and notice the ones that have relevance. You can have plenty of fun doing this, and fill a notebook you will treasure for a lifetime.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You might pause your persistent concern about finances, and focus on the people in your life. Money is important, though it matters far less than most people imagine. Dependable friends, health and emotional contact matter more — and are more challenging to attain and to maintain. If you invest your energy into loving and sharing with people you genuinely care about, you may notice that many other concerns either disappear or find their correct place in your life. One thing about friends is that some of them know more than you about the challenges you might be facing, and will be able to offer ideas and potential solutions you might never have thought of. Remember to do as much of this as you can in person and as close to home as possible. You will have more intimate conversations in private spaces than you will in public ones — plus the food and wine are better.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — It’s necessary to have tension to create movement. The poles of a battery must oppose one another; an ordinary car engine contains the force of many explosions per second. You have energy of this kind moving in you now, though I suggest you be careful about taking out any negative feelings on yourself. You’re in a particularly sensitive and vulnerable place in your life, which is entirely necessary if you want to make full contact with your talent, your creativity or your life purpose. Just make sure you remember that vulnerability when you approach the tasks you must complete, or when you strive for discipline. You are in a phase of your personal journey when it will help to do less and to feel more; to say less, and to contemplate more. You have in fact accomplished so much that it would be wise of you to choose two or three long-term goals and focus on them exclusively for a while.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You’re someone who is accustomed to living on strong foundations. These days, however, your foundations are moving, and you need to move with them. It will not help to cling to anything old and familiar just for the sake of doing so. It will help immensely to immerse yourself in your own creative flow. That means staying awake and alert in the moment, and deciding what you need to do at any given time based on what you notice, and what you perceive your needs are. Keep updating your awareness and asking yourself what is relevant now. This will be especially true if you feel insecure or as if some long-trusted source of support seems not to be there. In many, many ways the universe is reminding you that you must be your own most dependable friend and ally. Once you tap into the strength of that position, you will never want to turn back. And one of the best benefits will be seeing how much you have available to offer others.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The Sun is now in Taurus, and this places the emphasis of your life on your home. You might have noticed that you feel less appeal in going out, especially if you’ve been engaging in what we could politely call mindless diversion. You have important work to do at home, which is your actual base of rest, renewal and repair. Your mind has been active lately, and there are few people in your social sphere who truly understand what you’re going through. If you move your social activities into your living room, you will filter out most of the people who don’t quite get it, and you’ll be able to focus on the ones who do. I suggest you make an effort to prepare your own meals for the next few weeks, shaking off the distinctly modern habit of letting others control your source of nourishment. In this and many ways, you’re really the very best person to do that for yourself.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Your life at the moment is about mind over matter. Your imagination can get more done than any amount of effort, making it your most effective labor saving device. If you see a problem, start by reminding yourself that it has a solution. If you see a need, remind yourself you can meet any requirement you have for existence, and more. In other words, the first thing to do is not to talk yourself out of trusting your creativity and ingenuity, and the second thing to do is to affirm and most of all experiment with them. If you have an ability you don’t use, you’re not as likely to trust it, and neither will you have as easy access when you need it. This week’s alignment of the Sun in Taurus with your guiding planet Neptune will give you many opportunities to test, and stretch, what you may have thought were limitations on your ability to manifest. There is one requirement that turns the key to this process: knowing, and admitting, what you want.

In this week’s Planet Waves TV, I describe the difference between opposite and adjoining signs. Mars will be retrograde in Sagittarius and Scorpio, which contain more “opposition energy” than opposite signs Sagittarius and Gemini. I explain this in the context of some easy ideas from Esoteric Astrology by Alice Bailey, and classical astrology as well. Play video here.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You may find yourself questioning long-held beliefs. This might shake up some people, as if the answer to the question, ‘What if that’s not true?’ would surely be scary. I suggest you take the bold approach, and figure out which ideas you’ve held perhaps for your whole life that are not serving you. This can come with a sense of liberation, and you can add things to your list of what not to worry about any more. Be especially vigilant — or perhaps just curious — looking for things you were told about yourself that have no validity at all. You now have the presence of mind to decide what really matters the most for you, and what is an honest expression of your values. This will have the effect of influencing your long-term plans. Updating your beliefs will lead you to update your goals, and your vision for yourself.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Don’t be too eager to hold close partners to their commitments. Someone close to you may be going through some twists and turns, needing to make some important decisions. If you give them the space to go through their process, they’re likely to end up closer to you and with a better self-understanding as well. The key thing is space. Take care of yourself, make as few demands as possible and resist the urge to poke and prod. Rather, a friendly hello, an offer of some food or a loving voice on the phone will do wonders. One thing to keep in mind is that you seem to be in a similar process of self-inquiry, though it may be difficult to define. It involves something about how your perception of yourself influences how you see others.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Take a light-hearted approach to any conflict that might emerge in a relationship. You might feel as if people are being obstinate for its own sake, but you’re probably misreading the situation. One of the most important things we can learn in life is not to take things personally. This is not easy, especially when it seems personal. But how many times has that happened, and then it turned out that the way someone was reacting had nothing to do with you? That’s the most likely scenario; and if you don’t take offense, you won’t create any either. If you live in the moment and focus on your own priorities, you’ll remember all those goals you have and ambitions you’ve been cultivating. I suggest you focus on the most important one, or the one you want the most, and work till you have a sense of accomplishment.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You seem ready to answer some profound life calling, and it will pay to have the courage to act on what, to others, may seem like a wild idea or long shot. It looks like a good idea, neither wild nor out of reach. Yet your faith in yourself is the single most significant factor in this equation. It doesn’t matter if you’re the only person who thinks this is a good idea. However, you will be compelling if you explain yourself to others and seek their involvement. Just make sure that anyone you work with is with you 100% and is ready for the adventure. While you must focus on the task at hand, the theme of your charts is thinking big. Therefore, consider your idea in its present form, and two or three orders of magnitude larger. If you’re doing a business plan for one amount, write up another for ten times the value.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Be patient with any career or professional plans you may have. You seem to be getting impatient, as if your current life cannot contain your ambitions. The Sun’s move into Taurus later this week will only help you, though I suggest you remember that we’re not really talking about ‘career’ or ‘profession’. We’re talking about you: your devotion to life, your experience of your existence. You will make tremendous progress if you focus on developing your talent rather than striving to succeed at something. If you accept the fact that this will take some time and effort, and make that investment, you’re likely to get a greater return than you were expecting. The key to art is managing to have fun while you’re doing the discipline thing. That means loving the process of learning and developing your talent. Keep reminding yourself: this is what it means to be human.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You could easily give yourself anxiety attacks when there are far more productive things to do with your energy. It’s actually true that worry is misdirected creative energy. Given that, all you need to do is consciously choose to invest the power of your mind and of your feelings into something constructive. If you’re feeling insecure, it would be wise to consider what it would take to have you feel like you’re actually safe and grounded. You generate a bit of stress wondering what other people think about you, when in truth it matters far less than you think. Then there’s this other thing about the anxieties of your family. Yes, many of them are extremely nervous and you are sensitive. Yet you don’t owe it to anyone to take on their anxiety for them. Any fear worth listening to will arrive with information about how to set things right.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You’re entitled to change your mind, even if you felt passionately about something that you now admit was wrong. Sometimes it seems as if the more energy you invest into an idea, the more likely it is to be wrong, or not to serve your best interests. If you feel yourself pushing something hard, that’s a sign to pause and reflect. It might help going forward to be less attached to what you believe. You’re not being indecisive if you take a more questioning approach to your philosophy of life. As the next month or so progresses, you’ll begin to connect with the emotional drive beneath your thoughts. This will help you make more sense to yourself. You might say the goal of this season in your life is to connect your beliefs to some underlying emotional reality, and then you can decide with more clarity whether they really serve you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — There is money, and there are your values. Most people do not grasp the difference, or how important it is to live with any order or sanity in your life. Enormous emphasis is placed on the acquisition of money and material things, while relatively little emphasis is invested in sorting out what is important and why. It’s clear that you would benefit from organizing your finances more carefully. This includes having a savings plan and a more accurate accounting of your cash flow. As the great astrologer Shelley Ackerman once said to me, “money flows toward structure.” Yet on what basis will you arrange that structure? How will you decide what really matters? The basis of those ideas is called your values. They are the number one most important aspect of self-understanding that you need. Be clear about your values and you will be clear about everything.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Mars has just turned to retrograde motion in your sign, something that will last for a little over two months. While most astrologers will be describing this as frustrating, I have another idea: you have the opportunity to connect with your motivation. You know how easy it is to accomplish something when you want to do it. While I don’t suggest you abandon all the responsibilities you don’t fancy, I do suggest you tap into the elements of life that truly inspire you to take action. All in all you need to be driven less by obligation and responsibility than you are by sincere interest and passion. Then you can go through a process of exchanging things that you seemingly must do for what you want to do, one by one. Yes, it’s a process, of growth and learning, and one that will serve you brilliantly.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — There’s a fear problem on the planet right now. That’s ironic because most places, there’s far less to worry about than there was 100 years ago –- and those of us who live in Western civilization have it better than anyone else on the planet. Yet most people burn themselves up with worry, and you might be feeling that inclination. The past few years you have come a long way in your personal development, independence and maturity. You’ve overcome many obstacles, and one way to address fear is to remind yourself how much you’ve dealt with, and how much strength that reveals you to have. Yet you might consider the possibility that what you’re concerned about has nothing to do with actual situations, and is merely being created by your own mind. At first it takes courage to look fear in the face and say, ‘You are not real’. Then it’s great fun.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Aquarius is considered the most social sign, and it might pain you at times when you need to do things that don’t exactly make you more popular. It is, however, a productive exercise because you benefit from any experience of choosing not to run your life based on what other people feel or want. That doesn’t mean you need to be offensive. However, it’s clear that your long-term plan involves working yourself into the culture in a durable and dependable way. That means doing things your way, which in turn works for others, and this is the process you’re working out. There are times you will need to be abrasive. There are times you will need to be more retreating and conservative. Knowing the difference will require an ongoing social experiment, which is convenient because that’s one of the central purposes of your life.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — As I’ve been hinting for months, you’re in an extended leadership-training program. This involves planetary movement in Sagittarius, which for you is the sign of aspiration, reputation and responsibility. It’s true there is plenty else going on in the sky, but this is the undeniable focus of your life. Leadership starts with yourself: being accountable to yourself and able to meet the responsibilities you’ve taken on with both a sense of duty and with original vision. At the same time, you’re setting an example for others, and are likely to be drawing people to something about your mission that requires some collective or collaborative effort. I suggest you aspire to impeccability and be satisfied with nothing less than being real. Be strong and at the same time, be ready to meet people on mutual territory. What you learn in these weeks and months will last you for a lifetime –- so learn well.