Aries (March 20-April 19) — Having a new planet in your sign, especially a slow mover like Chiron, can have a similar feeling to starting a job, or breaking in a pair of shoes. It requires you to stretch and wiggle and flex and possibly make the occasional misstep while you adjust to the differences. Chiron will be hanging out for nine years or thereabouts, so it’ll probably help to take things one day at a time, with frequent stops to look about and note what’s changed. The Sun’s recent move into Taurus should divert the glare of the spotlight a little, and help give you the space to make yourself at home. — by Amy Elliott

Taurus Birthdays 2018:

Here Comes the Sun, Taurus!

“The Taurus horoscope is so perfect, it’s poetic — but that doesn’t say much — so many of yours are, Eric.”

— Dorothy Rodriguez

Dear Friend and Reader with Taurus Sun, Rising or Moon:

On Thursday, April 19, the Sun entered your sign. No matter how confusing, frustrating or surprising some of the recent astrology and events in your life have been, having the Sun in Taurus should help you to take things at your own pace and feel more like yourself — even if you’ve been growing and changing in unexpected ways.

Of particular note is that when the Sun arrives in your sign, it will be in a beneficial aspect to Chiron, which just arrived in Aries earlier this week.

We have yet to get a sense of what Chiron in Aries is like, but this aspect looks like it’s offering you a point of inner orientation to help you get your solar year started right.

Your upcoming 2018 Taurus Birthday Reading will flesh out the details. In the two astrology segments (at least 30 minutes each), Eric will also give you the lowdown on how to cultivate the flexibility, and openness to adventure, that Uranus — which enters your sign in just a few weeks — will call for.

In addition to the astrology segments, you’ll receive access to an extended description of your sign and last year’s Taurus Birthday Reading (which you can listen to here, as an early gift) — all of it in pro-quality audio you can download and listen to on any device, at any time, as often as you wish.

“I am listening to it again now, and there are so many more gems coming to me. Profound, deep and so thought provoking….inspired!”

— Rhonda Benson

Even better, you’ll get the best of Eric’s decades of astrology experience, therapy training, and investigative curiosity — all in accessible language. In other words, this is more than an hour of some of the most motivating, inspiring, practical, reassuring and perspective-broadening astrology coaching you can find on the internet — personal resonance at a fraction of the cost of a personal consultation.

I hope you won’t take your sweet, Taurean time in pre-ordering (I can say that because I’m a Taurus, too!). When you pre-order before the 2018 Taurus Reading is published, you secure the best value: an expert reading at its lowest price. The price increases the closer Eric gets to publishing the reading.

May the Sun shine on you and within you.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. Even though all the books say Taurus likes material things, any Taurus you care about would love to receive their 2018 Birthday Reading as a gift. Remember, you can always set up your order by phone: (877) 453-8265, or (206) 567-4455 if you’re calling from outside the US.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Chiron has now taken up residence in the most mysterious house in your chart, kicking off a nine-year adventure into the depths of you. The Sun’s recent entrance into your birth sign may offer a moment of valuable insight regarding what that journey might specifically mean for you. One suggestion arising from your charts is the concept that facing uncertainty head-on can eventually bolster your sense of identity, and strengthen your beliefs through refinement and challenges. This might be a good time to remember that flexibility is itself a form of power. — by Amy Elliott

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — What is meant by the word ‘community’? Recently it’s often applied to a specific demographic, or a group that has a particular trait in common. This can help people find a sense of identity, belonging and common cause. Yet it also carries the risk of dampening our ability to see all of humanity, or all of life on Earth, as our neighborhood. Some esoteric lines of thought hold that there is an etheric web connecting everything to everything else, which strikes me as ringing profoundly true. Either way, you now have the opportunity for your concept of community to be broadened considerably. — by Amy Elliott

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The Sun in Taurus should bring a more relaxed atmosphere all round, which may come as something of a relief after the momentous astrology of the past few weeks. For now, I suggest you take a little time to relax where you can. Be especially kind to your physical body, and pay attention to any intuitive messages you receive. One lesson of Chiron’s move into your 10th house is likely that you must be prepared to stand apart and be answerable only to yourself; do what you think you ought to, rather than what other people believe you should. Your conscience suffices as an authority. — by Amy Elliott

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — The word ‘ambition’ tends to call to mind worldly successes: wealth, position and prestige. It would seem, however, you’re now receiving a challenge to understand ambition in a broader sense; in particular, how it can be applied to spiritual and personal growth. Capitalism ensures it’s possible to make big material gains without reference to these more ethereal matters. Whether one can be happy doing so is another question. I suspect you’re already aware that path probably won’t work for you, and that there are forms of success better worth your efforts. In these, you can aim high. — by Amy Elliott

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Despite the various manifestations of organized religion, spirituality is a deeply personal part of our lives. I suspect there are in fact as many creeds as there are people, and that belief is more often than not informed by hopes, fears, passions and experience as much as by doctrine. This has the advantage of allowing for changes of heart, and for our spiritual systems to grow with our growth. The ideals you hold dear should ultimately encourage this development as opposed to fencing you in. Over the next month, you will likely discover how much this can free you. — by Amy Elliott

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — During the next month, you may discover some new ideas about commitment in relationships. In particular, you will perhaps come to understand why a tie that initially offers security can eventually become the sort that restricts, and makes us want to burst free and run off somewhere. This isn’t inevitable — it happens because people can be uncomfortable with their partners, relatives or employees growing and changing, and try to hold them back. You know, however, that the way you’re developing is necessary and important. Do what you must, and don’t let anyone hinder you. — by Amy Elliott

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — With the Sun in your opposite sign for the next month, there should be at least a few opportunities to enjoy a bit of romance, as well as a focus on partnerships in general. One factor I suggest you look at is how you communicate your desires, and how well you hear others. Particularly while Mercury is still picking up speed, it’s worth taking the time to be clear. In addition, you may need to be careful with time management. Plan ahead, and make sure as far as possible that it’s in your power to get away from your desk when you intend to and, most importantly, when you’ve promised to. — by Amy Elliott

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — A big theme of Chiron in Aries overall is standing out, irrespective of pressure from others; for you, this may well translate to standing out creatively. You likely have the innate gift of unique expression; to some degree you can’t help but be honestly yourself. What could transpire over the next few years is a chance to bring something special into manifestation through that uniqueness. If you’re not sure what that might be, consider first what you’re passionate or curious about. With the Sun in practical Taurus, some possible first steps will no doubt soon present themselves. — by Amy Elliott

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — It’s necessary to review the past from time to time, if only to see how far you’ve come since and to deal with any lingering issues. Over the next few years, you’ll have what looks like a kind of mini-project, the aim of which is to put some aspects of the past behind you once and for all. That doesn’t mean you have to borrow a flux capacitor and head back there. On the contrary, it’s imperative that you continue living your present life, developing and blossoming into the future. The whole point of this exercise is pretty much to ensure you can do precisely that. — by Amy Elliott

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — This week you may go through a process of reviewing certain events and considering whether you’re doing the right thing, or have done so previously. You might be tempted or pressured to do this publicly, though I suggest you don’t yield to that. Speak with a confidant if you need to; but really this is much more about checking in with your internal compass, and adjusting your direction, if need be, for the road ahead. Remember that you are a whole person, deserving by that right alone of compassion and basic respect. You can give yourself at least that. — by Amy Elliott

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — It would seem you have a message to disseminate — an important one, which involves something fundamental relating to who you are. Yet you may still have some refining to do. It’s likely that as Mercury picks up speed more information will appear. Pay attention to what’s happening in your immediate environment, hour by hour, and to any instinctual feelings you receive. As you assemble the full image from these pieces of data, remember to keep in mind the purpose of your mission; and when the picture is complete, you will surely know from how the threads draw neatly together. — by Amy Elliott

Aries (March 20-April 19) — There’s been one major event after the next in your sign over the past several days, and Mercury is in direct motion. There’s a New Moon tonight (Sunday); and through the week, the Sun is conjunct Uranus, the bringer of ideas and revelations. Yet something truly momentous happens with Chiron’s entry into your sign Tuesday, a cycle that last began in 1968. We are entering an enormous time in history, as are you, in your personal journey. Chiron in one’s own sign is a radical time of awakening self-awareness, and all these other events are preparing your energy-body to be wide open enough to accept the experience. Chiron is deep medicine for the soul, and an agent of change like no other. On a deeper level, you are now embarking on an initiation process: you are an initiate. That is a distinction, though a humble one. One step at a time, plant your feet upon The Way.

Taurus Birthdays 2018:

Are You Ready to Surprise Yourself This Year?

“I’ve known Eric Francis and his work since 1997; we did a phone reading. He was my lifeline, which helped through 15 years of raising two boys solo, and he’s still helping me through life/identity crisis, post children. His vision is uncanny — he seems to know Taureans better than we know ourselves.”

— Leo L.

Dear Friend and Reader:

Are you ready for this year? Uranus, the planet of the unexpected, arrives in your sign in less than five weeks. And Chiron — raiser of awareness — begins its transition into the most veiled part of your chart in less than one week.

Translation: how you experience yourself — both consciously and unconsciously — is about to change shape. Or to put it another way: get ready to surprise yourself.

Speaking as someone with her Sun in Taurus, I am well aware that unexpected changes, particularly the kind that seem to happen forcibly through outside factors, can be incredibly challenging. Yet, I’ve also discovered that the more I initiate doing things in a new way, or allow a new part of myself to emerge and develop, the happier I am. I’m actually curious to see how that unfolds when Uranus arrives in my Sun sign.

You can bet that Eric is going to cover this dynamic and the sign changes of Chiron and Uranus in your 2018 Taurus Birthday Reading.

If you read your annual reading for Taurus (The Art of Becoming), you have some sense of what to expect. But Eric creates the birthday readings fresh; and when he records your two segments of audio astrology (at least 30 minutes each), he’ll have the benefit of Chiron’s first weeks in Aries to draw from.

When you pre-order your 2018 Taurus Birthday Reading, you lock in the lowest price we offer. As the reading nears publication, the price increases. If you’d rather place your order by phone, you may call us on (877) 453-8265 from within the U.S., or (206) 567-4455 internationally, during Eastern business hours.

“Ah Eric — just listened to your reading. I was moved to tears by your closing words. Your passion, deep care and love always shine through; and you have the gift of all great teachers, of making one feel that one is being personally addressed, respected and taken care of.”

— Liz Glanville

Wishing you all the best for the upcoming Taurus season,

Amanda Painter

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You have a passport to experiment with some of your boldest visions. You seem to have a few of those at the moment; from the viewpoint of your solar chart, your future looks like a busy metropolitan airport. And right behind that airport is a kind of spaceport, which most people are too busy getting their flight to notice. However, there’s just one of you, and you can only be one place at a time, or have one experience at a time. So go from one experience to another and live the experience fully, whether it’s working, creating art, sharing time with loved ones or exploring sex — all of which are favored for you at this time. Or said another way, you have this beautiful opening to really and truly be you all the time. The world is a little uptight right now, but don’t let that stop you. You have the charm and the Teflon to keep the flow going and any bad vibes sliding off of you.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — One of the strangest Mercury retrogrades in modern history ended Sunday. Over the next two weeks or so, you’ll get a kind of debriefing on everything that’s taken place, and you’ll be able to see it from a different point of view. Note the contrast between what you observed the first time and what you observe now — about yourself, about others, and about the nature of recent events. You will get to rewrite some patterns and shift some expectations, which nearly all involve the way you handle yourself in group situations. The thing to remember is that you’re not responsible for anyone else’s feelings but your own. This can be challenging to see, to understand and to accept, though there’s a boundary issue involved — that boundary being the one between you and everyone else. Do not take on the projections or expectations of others. Hand them right back to where they came from.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It’s time to pivot in the direction of certain professional plans that you’ve been brewing for a long time. This involves a shift in your assignment, your responsibility level, and your point of view. Your natural tendency is to live in such a way that you’re responsible for yourself: you want to be your own authority, and you’re willing to do the work involved in having that be real. Often this will entail asserting yourself against existing structures of authority, and persisting until such time as there is either a mutual understanding, or at least agreeing to disagree. You, however, must always be in accord with yourself, which means working out your inner differences before you take a position on something. Here’s a clue about that: your opinions must be based on facts; and certain key data points are about to emerge, as well as a template for seeing the pattern — and a plan.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You’re getting one idea after another about different ways to take your life, including places you want to visit, and great things you want to achieve. At the same time, the here-and-now is calling you: you have plenty to do, plenty to keep you busy. In the midst of all of this activity, it’s essential that you focus one primary task, and work every day on a long trajectory that will arrive at a completion point around April 26. This is the one thing you must come back to every day, and aim for finalization several days ahead of your actual deadline. Make sure you use old drafts, drawings and plans as the basis for your new ones, or at least as the basis of not making the same mistake twice. You’ve already thought through most of what you need to do. Your plan requires slight modifications, but not many.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — There’s a cool term called “sapiosexual,” which means, “someone who finds intelligence and the human mind to be the most sexually attractive feature in the opposite sex.” This is a real thing, and it’s likely you’re feeling it these days. You’re also likely to draw to you someone who’s smart enough to keep and hold your attention. Apart from any immediate scenario, you must always remember that for you, brainpower is the bottom line, though you must take care because many people who seem smart have also managed to cut off their feelings. So you need a blend of a truly receptive quality, kindness, sensitivity to beauty — and intelligence. The downside of this is that it’s not an easy combination to put together, and you will have temptations to make compromises. Just don’t expect too much if you do.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You’ve had to divide your attention between a family situation and an intimate relationship, though the two have certain elements in common. One involves communication and how certain ideas come across. Remember that, as evil genius Frank Luntz wrote, “It’s not what you say, it’s what people hear.” However, there’s another side to that, which is, “It’s not what you say, it’s what others might say, and a lot depends on whether it’s true or not.” Forget what you’ve read on the internet — there’s such a thing as true; there’s such a thing as the truth, and not in some abstract philosophical sense but rather the most practical: that which can be verified, preferably from two or three sources. The whole world needs to up its game on verification and fact checking, and so do you. Don’t just accept what you hear. Verify, verify, verify; and document your facts in writing, on paper.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — With work presenting fewer challenges, easier solutions and more rewards this week, you can focus on an intimate scenario that’s been developing in your life. If there’s a new (or newly developing) relationship in your life, don’t rush matters; don’t push the river. The dominant energy is Taurus, which cannot do anything but move at its own pace. So all you need to do is allow for that movement, and then notice if it happens to be in your direction. If so, fantastic; if not, let the person move along and notice someone else who catches your fancy. You are, at the moment, a powerfully attractive force, though what attracts can also repel (think of a magnet). Be aware of that. Also, you’re currently serving to change the trajectory of other people in your environment, seemingly having nothing to do with you in the end. That might mean introducing someone to someone, and it might mean influences that you’re not aware you’re having.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — In most horoscopes for your sign lately, I’ve been emphasizing the creative process. Now, not everyone thinks this applies to them, such as if your passion is working in an insurance office. I would, though, apply “creative” not just to art and music but also to anything that’s self-creative, adventurous, amorous, or otherwise bold. Yet it’s your creative side, or rather, creative core, that will benefit the most under current conditions, where you’re being encouraged to dive in and bring up the pearls and treasures you find deep within yourself. This time in your life is about taking creative and expressive risks. It’s about following your curiosity. Most of all, it’s about becoming yourself through what you express to the world. You should know that this is the bottom line for Sagittarius, now and forever.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — At the moment, I’m tracking eight points moving through Capricorn, more than any other sign. These include Mars, Saturn, Pluto and a few so-called minor points that are anything but. You have many choices for who you get to be. They all stem from the same basic material of your soul or psyche, all from your same basic mission on Earth. Think of all the many diverse forms of life, all of which sprout from the mountains, fields and oceans: infinite modes of expression of the same basic thing: the vital force as it manifests physically and to the senses. Despite all the many options you have and perhaps the seemingly overwhelming pressure to become what you need to become, this is always an experiment. If more people knew this, they would be a lot happier and more easygoing. As Joni Mitchell sang, “I’m not sure who I am, but life is for learning.”

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Remember at all times that your life springs from inside of you. Your inner life is your point of origin, and that is the place to focus. When you get there, you may notice that you’re within somewhat of a labyrinth. Only you know how complex you are inside and, ultimately, what your true point of simplicity is. However, the thing to do is to be aware of your interior mental and emotional space, and leave the light on for yourself. Imagine there’s a fireplace in your mind, and your job is to tend the flames at all times. Stay with yourself. Keep the fire burning at a steady pace — not a bonfire, but never allowing the flames or embers to die out. You want a constant, steady flow of warmth, enough to make your mind an inviting place to hang out. From there, you get to emerge and explore and play in the physical world, though always honoring your inner reality.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — This is the week to make some financial moves, in particular, to launch a new plan of some kind. You might be ready to apply for jobs, or to initiate a new project, launch a marketing campaign, or develop a new business plan. You have a rare window of opportunity between now and early June to make some progress, and set yourself up for the rest of the year. One of the most vital and essential elements of your long-range growth work currently involves your relationship to money. There’s a line from A Course in Miracles that I just love: “Every decision you make stems from what you think you are.” The implied message is to think big, and to connect your sense of being solid with yourself into doing something solid in the world. Chiron is involved, and its message is that you must always be true to yourself. First and foremost, this applies where values meet money.

Dear Friend and Reader:

I’ve finished the Aries reading, and thought I would share a few short notes. Sometimes I go into the reading with a loose plan, and then something new comes through. That happened here.

I began with a discussion of the “inner life,” which has pretty much been eviscerated from our contemporary existence — turned inside out by being inundated with electronic media. This shows up for Aries as Uranus having been in your birth sign for seven years, along with the many events involving Uranus (seven passes of the Uranus-Pluto square, three of Uranus conjunct Eris, and others).

Yet while this was going on, Chiron was present in your 12th house, providing a point of inner orientation, which was indispensable. Chiron in Pisces offers direct spiritual access; and for you, a tap into the inner light.

Now Chiron, fresh with all that energy, is going to infuse itself into Aries, and bring this soul growth up and out into the conscious level of your personality awareness.

Soon after this happens, Uranus leaves your sign and enters Taurus, which will ground you in your body, cool off that Uranian energy, and give you a break from the relentless pressure you’ve been under.

The other angle of your chart that’s unusually active is your career house, Capricorn — where, last night, Mars and Saturn were still in a conjunction.

Based on this and other factors, I describe the unusual openings that will be available to you, allowing you to both challenge existing norms and authority, and to work with these things to further your own ends. The reading is about 80 minutes in two parts. I have not added music yet; I will do that soon. I felt it was more important to get it into your hands.

You may get instant access here. For more options, please go to this link. You can also purchase by phone by calling us at (845) 481-5616.

It’s been excellent to do this work for you.

With love,

PS — Here is access to last year’s audio reading, and last year’s written reading from The Book of Your Life.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You don’t need to make the same mistakes twice or three times. It’s far better to make new mistakes, because this demonstrates that you’re learning from the old ones, and gives you some evidence that you’re stretching into new territory. And that new territory will be exciting, unpredictable and an adventure — just like you love your life to be. Looked at one way, the world is in a fragile state where everyone is freaked out that just about anything could happen. Looked at another way: all bets are off, the rules are suspended, reality is full of wormholes, and just about anything can lead to anything. You can, in fact, get there from here, though you will most probably end up somewhere other than where you planned. This week will bring something of a wild tour of reality and its many possibilities. Keep your schedule loose and your mind open.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Venus, the Taurus planet, is now in your sign, which happens for just a few weeks every year. This is an invitation to connect with your love of luxury and comfort, whether that means eating in your very favorite restaurant three times in one week, or getting a new set of bed sheets. The deeper experience is about enjoying your life without any guilt. This is not easy. We live in such a way that there’s always something more to do. It’s like owning a farm, only more abstract; since much of what we feel pressured to do can wait, or doesn’t need to happen at all. Taking pleasure in your existence, taking time for yourself (every hour counts), and granting yourself some freedom, are commitments for you. It’s the difference between your life living you, and you living your life. You may encounter how challenging this is, at the same time as a revolutionary spirit rises in your heart.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — We have one more week of Mercury retrograde. In some ways, it will be a less ridiculous week than last, which was adorned by Mercury getting mixed up in the path of Mars and Saturn in Capricorn. Thankfully that whole affair only happens once, though I suggest taking careful notes on what you learned, specifically for that reason. This week comes with another type of intrigue, beginning with Mercury slowing down to its station-direct position (which occurs Sunday, April 15). While this is going on, the Sun passes through the Uranus-Eris conjunction — that once-in-a-lifetime astrological sigil of our extremely weird era in history. The Sun will align with Eris on Friday, April 13, and with Uranus on the following Wednesday, April 18. The net effect here is that we’re all going to get a concentrated revelation about what it means to be alive at this time in history.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — If you’re the kind of person who fancies yourself having a career, mission or vocation rather than just a job, this will be an exciting week. Action in the casino of life is moving fast. Several games are going on at the same time. New plans and goals are arising before you, and you’re able to set previous aspirations aside. It seems like you want to do something different, or do what you currently do in a whole new way. Either of these works — it’s your choice, and you’ll feel guided one way or the other. This is the week to push your luck, a little or a lot. Aim for something higher than you think you can achieve. Place a bet on some seemingly impossible odds. Be bold about being yourself: fly that freak flag and smile warmly at everyone who wishes they could. Then do what you want, and what you must. Make your presence known, particularly with the top dog.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You’re making a choice between the past and the future, whether you recognize it or not. This is a week of reorienting. And that means focusing on what you want. The planet involved is Venus, which has reached a balancing point with elements in your sign and your opposite sign (the lunar nodes). You have the energy of a tipping point to work with; and since the focus is Venus, that means desire. This can be a real area of conflict for many people, who don’t feel it’s their prerogative to ask for what they want. You may also feel that it’s too soon to commit, with so many parts of your life in motion, and the world in such an unkempt state. However, that has nothing to do with what you want, particularly what your life mission is. Here’s the thing about one’s true calling or vocation. It’s not subject to style. It’s an inherent part of you, if you choose to notice, and to respond.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Mercury is continuing to move retrograde in the region of your chart that addresses shared financial matters, contractual matters and sex. Yes, those are all in the same house, and it’s one where you tend to seek your identity (Aries and the 8th solar house). You may be feeling an odd mix of confident and edgy. You may be wishing you understood your most intimate situations better, and why you’re in them. I suggest you collect your questions, and let them stand, without trying too hard to answer them. In fact, let them multiply, as the Sun continues to move through this region of your chart, and Mercury slows down and stations direct. There is clarity coming, in the form of Chiron (a planet with deep resonance to Virgo) entering Aries on April 17. The most likely effect of that event is to take you deeper: to help you ask better questions, and to seek more relevant answers.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Your relationships may be hot or a hot mess at the moment. Your best role will be to see your part in everything you’re experiencing. Mercury retrograde is about to make a conjunction with Hebe, an asteroid that’s about enabling behavior and which represents the “drama triangle,” represented as a martini glass. Yes, there is such a symbol. Unraveling anything even vaguely codependent is about seeing your role in the process, and altering that first. The trap is trying to change, or even understand, someone else, apart from acknowledging what they say and what they do. So you may as well start with that. The thing is, keep it on the most basic level: don’t seek to understand motives, which is almost always a pretense; and the spiritual level need go no further than forgiveness. Your most necessary role is to live your own life, and to take care of yourself.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — It may be difficult for you to focus on your work these days, though you need to muster up some extra discipline and focus. You might not get as much done as you want to every day; the most important thing will be attending to one or two top priorities and making sure those happen. Be sure to evaluate in the morning when you start work, and then again with enough time at the end of the day to take action on anything you may have overlooked. Keep a schedule and make sure that you’re running 15 minutes ahead of all appointments. Then, do your best. There will definitely be some surprises at work this week; however, nearly all of them will have either the quality of setting you free from some idea or routine that you’re not interested in keeping, or jolting you into a creative solution to a problem that seemed impossible to solve. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on the big stuff.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Few question the role that sex plays in their lives. Driven by pleasure seeking and the desire for contact, sexuality is often fraught with conflict. Its source is rarely seen for what it is — and the payback, in terms of pleasure and contact actually attained, often falls subject to the law of diminishing returns. We all deserve better than this. You deserve better than this. Your solar chart this week is a setup for a series of discoveries and revelations about your desire nature. This will tie into your creative life. For example, one question that might arise is: do your sexual relationships support you as an artist, or do they detract? Do they provide energy and inspiration, or distraction? If you’re an artist in any form, you want the partner or the lover who thinks that’s hot: who loves that you’re an actor, or the sound of you practicing bass, or that your hands are always covered in paint.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — The tensions of the past week may have left their emotional mark on you, and you may be feeling a little shaky. Yet in an odd way, you’ve found some strength and built some confidence, if only you’ll tap into it. This may feel like a razor’s-edge kind of thing. The bottom line is your autonomy: your ability to assert your desire, to make decisions and overall to be real with yourself. This may cause you some insecurity on what I think of as the tribal level of Capricorn — the way you are drawn to identify with family or a group as your primary means of seeking your identity. Now that is being challenged. You may be seeing the ways that you don’t fit in. You may, at the same time, be feeling uncertain about invoking the power of making your own decisions. Yet the bottom line truth is: nobody can make your decisions for you, and you can never actually conform to someone’s expectations.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — There are some deep forces at work in your life, and in your psyche. You may not have control over them, though you have some room for how you choose to respond. It does not help that everything seems to be occurring behind a scrim or a veil, where you can’t even perceive most of what’s taking place. Yet you do have the ability to perceive what’s in your own mind, as long as you’re aware of where it’s happening. It will help if you stay in contact with supportive people, particularly ones who know you intimately. Also, writing will help. It’s an activity that’s naturally introspective, and will keep your focus inward, where it needs to be.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Mars, Saturn, Pluto and other planets moving through your 11th house of public contact and exposure may be stirring the pot for you socially. In our tribalized world, there hardly seems to be a “safe” space except among one’s own group, though even that is so heavily conditional that in the end, everyone has to go their own way — or so it would seem, where true friendship is not a factor. And that is the matter at hand. There are many false uses of the word friend, and common and accepted manifestations such as a frenemy. You don’t need any of those in your life. You have actual friends, people whose trust you’ve earned, and who have earned your trust. That is your foundation: the trust itself. The most important thing in all of this is that you be your own friend, and that you trust yourself. Then, this makes it possible to expand into the world around you from a place of fidelity and strength.

Aries Birthdays 2018

On the Cusp of a New Journey

“I love that he does not just give ‘information,’ like what planets are coming and going, but also what that means for my sign, and how to make the best use of that transit or placement. Like having the issues that might be a challenge, and he offers insight on how best to work it for my highest good. Always informative! Presented with humor, and sensitivity.”

— Laura Garrity

Dear Friend with Aries Sun, Rising or Moon:

Not only is this your time of year, but this year marks the beginning of a uniquely dynamic time in your life. Just a couple days before the Sun leaves your sign, Chiron arrives for a nine-year journey.

Snapshot of objects in Aries when Chiron arrives. Top to bottom: Chiron, Mercury (in direct motion), Eris, the Sun and Uranus (which is getting ready to leave).

As Eric recently wrote to Aries readers, “It’s time to pull your life into focus, and to devote yourself to the changes you know you have to make,” adding, “It represents an extended opportunity to devote yourself to a concentrated, meaningful healing process.”

Whether you anticipate Chiron’s arrival with eagerness to get started on what’s coming next, or you’re feeling nervous about the changes and challenges in store, one thing is clear: beginning the process with Eric’s 2018 Aries Birthday Reading in your pocket could make all the difference in the world.

Eric designs these readings to provide encouragement, reassurance, and actual information about your transits — in language you can understand, and with ideas you can put into practice immediately.

In the two astrology segments (each at least 30 minutes long), he’ll walk you through the opportunities you can expect in your relationships, career, finances, family dynamics, self-esteem and healing process, to name a few typical areas. When you pre-order your 2018 Birthday Reading early, you lock in the lowest price we offer: just $33 for the downloadable audio, the extended description of your sign, and all supporting materials.

Please note that the price will increase the closer Eric gets to publishing your reading.

“Today I was listening to last year’s reading and I kept feeling that I needed to get this year’s reading; I’m so glad I did. It answered everything, or at least helped me to realize I’m okay and actually very excited.”

— Rhonda Benson

I hope your solar year has begun with a surge of energy and creative ways to use it.

Wishing you the best for your Chiron journey,

Amanda Painter

P.S. You can listen for free to last year’s Aries reading here, to review Eric’s accuracy, before you pre-order the 2018 Aries reading — for yourself, or as a gift for a loved one.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — On Monday Mars and Saturn align in Capricorn, which is your 10th house of achievement, reputation and responsibility. Part of what makes this aspect so unusual is that both Mars and Saturn are well placed in Capricorn (possessing what’s known as ‘dignity’ in ancient astrology). Therefore, this points to a rare opportunity of some kind. But it will require that you go beyond a concept of yourself that says you’re only capable of so much commitment or responsibility. And you’ll need to work through certain authority issues, as you must be the one who takes charge and at the same time is able to coordinate with others who have some power. Your actual goal, as I see it described, is to accomplish something real without compromising your integrity. And the way that works out, you will need to break a few rules — and get away with it, too.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Venus, the planet associated with Taurus, is in your sign at the moment, which you can consider a rare blessing. In particular, the degree placement of Venus is aligned with a famous degree of the zodiac, one that has the image “the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.” This is about joining the “earthly” and “celestial” orders of existence; or, said another way: you’re being encouraged to define your idea of heaven on Earth. The chances are, this will be a modest vision, where at least you have your basic needs met. Yet there’s something else: being free to seek your own truth, which means declaring yourself liberated from the oppressive ideas of others that are so easy to get trapped within. If our predecessors on this Earth actually understood the nature of reality, our planet would not be in the mess that it’s currently in. Therefore, question everything.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — How is this Mercury retrograde treating you? They’re all different. The theme of the current one, which lasts through April 15, is exploring the different ways you can present yourself in public. This can range from how you dress and what you claim you do (among the many possibilities), to something deeper, like your chosen role in your community. You’re already someone who is known for going against the grain, and doing things your own way. That’s an advantage, particularly in a world where most people are worried about standing out too much. There are other factors in your chart about standing apart, including making sure partners and loved ones know that you’re your own person. You don’t need permission, you merely need to put people on notice and then live your life your way. Anyone who loves you will endorse your freedom and your creative pursuits.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Monday there’s an alignment of Mars and Saturn in your opposite sign Capricorn. This is likely to relate to a longstanding stuck or sluggish situation that has finally reached the point where it’s ready to move. You won’t need to apply force; just firm, gentle persistence. It’s probable that others have points that are worth taking on board. If you can do that, you may discover that people who seemed intractable in the past are now willing to be flexible, and even of service. Bring the discussion around to common ground, shared interests, and the higher principles involved. And remember that you are appreciated for what you do, and recognized for who you are. You don’t need to say that out loud; just remind yourself of something that is obvious on its face, and don’t forget it. In the event of an impasse or inability to come to an agreement, you are free to move on.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You can avoid conflict and controversy at work by taking the higher ground. Part of that will include making sure you get the job done, and that you help organize the people around you in support of this. Nothing speaks as boldly as competence, and running on time. Yet the one thing you don’t need to do is assert your authority. That would probably backfire, and there are much better approaches. Instead, use charm and charisma. Ask for anything you need. Call in favors or let people know you support their plans. Do whatever it takes to get people cooperating. While you’re on the “making things happen” patrol, if you can align current developments with a long-term plan you’ve been brewing, you could be planting the acorn that will grow into the mighty oak.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Anything that depends on creativity has two main properties: it will be at least a little messy, and it will change you in the process. These facts alone account for why so many people avoid actually indulging themselves in anything genuinely evocative of art. It’s considered easier to stay the same, and preferable to keep things tidy. However, that’s not what your chart is about right now. It’s all about churning things up, breaking routines, violating rules, staying up too late and actually doing something satisfying. You have plenty of discipline; that’s not an issue. What you need to allow yourself to do is have the feeling of going off the rails, and maybe risking dropping a can of paint or blowing a circuit breaker. While your chart is describing some kind of project with a creative result, this whole scenario is equally applicable to a sexual endeavor of some kind.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Are you done feeling safe and secure? Has this obsession gotten you — or the world, or anyone in human history — anywhere, really? You don’t need to court danger. You don’t need to take stupid risks. All you need is not to put safety and security as priorities above all others. For example, if you’re writing comedy, the goal cannot be to “not be offensive.” The goal needs to be having fun, relating an idea and entertaining your audience, which may indeed involve pissing someone off along the line. If your goal is to have a secure living space, ask yourself if you’re really free to do what you want to do there; and if you feel like you might not be, you should try it and find out. You will only feel some form of safety when you know that you’re actually willing to be who you are, and to a real extent, to do what you want to do.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — If you’re angry about something, find a creative way to express it. You don’t need to rage, and you don’t need to harm anyone. You’re the natural psychological master of the zodiac, and you have a dry, clever sense of humor. Those are talents you need to keep close to you at all times. At this moment, you clearly have something to say, and you want to get your point across. Start with a plain expression of the known facts. Then when it comes to interpreting them, go for understatement. You may need to work at this for a little while, and it will be worth the effort (even if it takes five rewrites over the next three days). This is likely to get you started on a new phase of expressing your ideas, and also participating in your community. You’re a natural-born spokesman for the truth, and we need you.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You may think you have to renovate your entire financial life, though there’s just one decision you need to make. It’s the kind of decision that provides the groundwork for many others (on the level of values). Yet if you see it as one choice and not as many, it will be easier to grasp, and easier to see with the necessary contrast that will make the choice easy. Remember that you’re in a special phase of growth where you’re arranging your life around what is truly right for you. You’ve always leaned in this direction, though you know that you need to work your way up from your bottom line. Not everyone has the strength to do this, and you may raise some eyebrows along the way. All you’re really doing is taking leadership in your own life, and providing an example for others to do the same.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — On Monday there’s an alignment of Mars and Saturn in your birth sign. If you know something about astrology, you know that there’s a Mars-Saturn conjunction about once every two years. Yet it will only happen in your sign once for the next 29 years, and that day is Monday. So whatever this represents, it’s a kind of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or opening. The thing to remember is that Mars is exalted in Capricorn, and Saturn rules your sign. So if this is a matter of “what can one person accomplish?” you would be wise to set no limits on the possibilities. One other thing: when you truly define yourself as who you are, through your actions, you will almost surely be going against what you presume are the wishes of your family. And then, once you go your own way and do your own thing, maybe you can meet back up with them — this time as equals, on level ground.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The world is in a frightful state right now. Sometimes it seems like fear is the only emotion, and the only thing that people genuinely respect. Yet it’s not the only experience available; and when people respond from anxiety, fear or terror, that has nothing to do with respect. You seem to be undergoing a kind of initiation now, where you decide what role fear is going to have in your life. There can be no doubting that we’re all being influenced 24/7 to have panic attacks. Yet you’re intelligent enough to know that this cannot be what rules the world, or your world. Even so, you cannot ignore the problem. One thing I can assure you is that there is a better way. There is a solution. There are other approaches, and if you keep your attention focused inwardly, and observe what is happening, you will take a giant step toward that better way.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — One of the boldest statements being made by your solar chart is that it’s time to improve your income. This is not about a windfall or temporary gain; it’s about your standing in society, which is as much about participation and involvement as it is about money and resources. However, you’re at a stage of your development where you’re likely to find all of these things in the same place, in the same role, or the same activity. You’re close to breaking through a seeming barrier or obstacle — so close you may have already done it, and you don’t realize it yet. So the thing to do is to work your agenda, don’t be intimidated by anyone or anything, and proceed as if you’re already in what might seem like a new role — but is really your most natural expression of your soul’s mission.