Will You Become More ‘You’ This Year?

“I think you may be the only astrologer who writes about Aries in a way that I can actually relate to. You really understand the complexity hidden behind the often talked about Aries traits and speak about them in such a way that I can see myself as I am now, while also beginning to understand how I might be able to grow and change in order to one day proudly wear those ram horns in a positive manner!”

— Beth Reineke

Dear Aries Friend and Reader:

This week the Sun entered your sign for the equinox. We begin a new astrological year with you and all that you embody: the spirited chutzpah it takes to get things started — whether it’s a new phase of life, a new desire, a new project, or just the new day.

Two of the most interesting and dynamic planetary events this year involve your sign directly: Uranus leaves Aries (and enters Taurus); and Chiron enters Aries for the next eight years or so. Along with everything else happening around the zodiac, this signifies a true shift in focus for you — and your 2018 Aries Birthday Reading by Eric will be just the thing to help you adapt to the changes and set your course.

“This reading is so amazingly dialed-in that I can’t believe it wasn’t written specifically for me. Thank you, Eric, for tying together many strands of intuition of which I was vaguely aware: now I can begin to own and embody them with confidence.”

— Anthony, an Aries

As usual, you’ll get two astrology segments of at least 30 minutes each, along with an extended description of your sign and access to last year’s Aries reading. This is a separate project from the annual edition, different in every way.

Eric’s audio readings are some of the most unusual astrology you’ll encounter. They go deeper than the work that most professional astrologers do, reaching the spiritual essence of the chart’s message, though without the need for a natal chart — and they stand up to many playings, whether you take notes or listen while you fall asleep.

You can pre-order the 2018 Aries Birthday Reading for the lowest discounted price we offer: only $33 for a surprisingly personal and in-depth reading of your year ahead.

Despite all the chaos we’re living through, I hope you find the beginning of your solar year to be invigorating, inspiring and empowering.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Aries (March 20-April 19) — This may well be one of the most unusual and distinctive times in your life, if you would only notice. The difficulty in noticing is that the world is so chaotic, and at the same time, our lives are all so densely packed with activity and so-called information that there’s no time to think. We have little time to reflect on the past or the future, as we’re all so intensely involved with the seemingly urgent priorities of the moment. So the challenge you face is interposing some space between your thoughts, and some time: enough to feel and to reflect. At times this seems impossible; at times it seems dangerous, as there’s this not-so-subtle fear of losing one’s step and getting trampled. Yet you will only know yourself, and know what to do in the midst of our current maelstrom, if you slow down enough to feel who you are, and what you want. Concepts alone are not going to cut it.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — One of the unusual qualities about Taurus is its inner dialog. Other signs are supposed to have this quality and perhaps they do, though I’ve never known people whose minds are so active as those born with the Sun in Taurus. This may mean you have a lot to say to yourself; particularly at the moment, as your ruling planet Venus is moving through the Uranus-Eris conjunction right now. That is the conjunction that sums up all the chaos of our moment, a situation that (despite only meek hints describing the issue) is rooted entirely in digital conditions. The digital world is “unreal,” and it’s having the effect of soaking into the physical world. You, however, are real. You are not an abstraction. You live in a body, and you love that you do. Whatever else you may have going on, do everything you can to stay connected to the physical world. Food, nature, yoga, sex, water and art all count.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mercury, your ruling planet, is now retrograde. This goes on through April 15, for about three weeks. It’s happening in Aries, the angle of your chart where you project yourself into your community; whether that be hanging out at the local cafe, or through social media onto the internet. This is an opportunity to do several things, one of which is to experiment, and the other of which is to reshape both your image and your role in the world that immediately surrounds you. However, it will help if you slow down enough to figure out what is really happening, both within you and around you. This is essential because your role is secondary to your defined purpose. One very serious problem we face right now is that many people try to have a role without a purpose, which will lead nowhere. You have time to figure this out. Keep asking yourself, wherever you are: where am I, and what am I doing here?

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — For years now, there has been an event taking place in your house of profession and reputation: the Uranus-Eris conjunction in Aries. If your career has felt a little like a trip through the funhouse, you now have a clue why. Even though you may not be the computer type of person, every facet of your work, and your aspirations, are being filtered through digital consciousness. Right now, Venus is passing through the Uranus-Eris conjunction, which is bringing you right into the action. The upshot is that your perceptions about what matters now, and how to guide your work and your professional aims, are remarkably in tune at the moment. You can feel the otherwise invisible conditions of society; and that’s allowing you to be guided in a way that would be the envy of marketing executives everywhere. You have dreams and you have ideas. You have the potential to do bold and brilliant things. Keep your ears on — information is incoming, rapidly.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Lou Reed once said that it takes a busload of faith to get by. He was right. Nothing else works in our world, unless of course you count brute force; even that is only good as far as it goes — and you don’t make any friends. Cultivate faith: in yourself, in your vision for your life, and in the road ahead. It’s a modern scourge to live as if there is no future. There is one, and you have one. We are all currently being smashed by living under digital conditions: pushed out of our bodies, pushed out of reason and logic, and thrust into a world where everything is made of stolen data, fake news and a nonstop onslaught of very serious problems. We are all swimming in a sea of code that we don’t understand. However, if you pay attention, you will notice patterns. You will tune in to people, and experiences, you actually love. Not that you “like.” Not that make you type a smiley face, but which actually warm your heart. That is where to go.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Your solar chart at the moment looks like a Texas roller-rink on a hot Saturday night. Yet the subject matter is agreements, contracts, financial matters and — lurking beneath it all, like the biology that unites us — sex. As long as we deny this bottom-line factor — the one that leads to all existence, the thing that drives nearly all motives (in whatever form that may take, from denial to obsession to sublimation to violence to sincere desire) — the point will be lost. Your current solar chart boils down to an evaluation of your agreements with people. The full content of their subject matter needs to be considered, with nothing left out. Everyone’s motives must be considered, on the level of self-interest, altruism, and mutual benefit. The challenging part for you is a matter of identity: in order to re-evaluate your agreements, you have to consider who you are, who you have presented yourself to be, and who you want to be. This will take time and thought.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — With Mercury moving retrograde in your house of relationships, now is the time to wrap up various pending matters, and have one or two conversations that have been put off for the past few months. This is not about showdowns; or it doesn’t have to be. It’s more about coming to an understanding, and focusing on completion of pending matters. Meanwhile, you’re having a kind of revolution somewhere in your amorous life. You are going through a transformation that’s being spurred by your openness to someone, whether you’re intimately involved with them or not. The sum total of all of these ideas is about being in tune with the moment you’re living in, and not lingering around in the past. The present is much, much more interesting. That is both the risk and the reward: to really live, you will be living on the edge. To really love, you will be loving in uncharted territory. To feel at all, you will feel deeply.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Work for you is much more than work. It’s your creative space, a place to experiment, and somewhere to explore who you are. If you have not managed to create a working life that meets this description, imagine how good it would feel to have one. Use all your influence, your will and your considerable powers of persuasion to make it so. If you have managed to shape a creative work environment, you are likely to be pushing it to a new peak, and you will indeed have an impact. I suggest, however, that you conduct the next three weeks of Mercury retrograde as an experiment. You can try ideas on a small scale, and see what happens. Do a little test marketing. Try new approaches, particularly where visual presentation is concerned. One last: you are likely to learn something from a partner, colleague or loved one that could have a revolutionary effect on your thinking, and on the trajectory of your work. Be open to new ideas.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Times sure have changed since Saturn was in your sign. It’s as if you’re an airplane that dropped needless weight, and can now fly much higher, faster and further on the same amount of fuel. Mixed in with this experience is an ongoing creative revelation; or certainly such is possible. You can focus on talent development, which really is the fusion of experience and energy flow. However, speaking of energy, it would be wise to conserve some. Slow down your burn rate, and your pace, even if just a little. Adjust the trend from doing a little more each day, to doing just a little less. Just shifting that momentum from acceleration to deceleration will give you an improved sense of timing and control. Then, gradually, cool off a bit until you’re at a pleasant velocity. At a certain point you’re going to need to focus on one specific project, which you probably are aware of. Take some time and prepare your plans, your notes, and your ideas.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Your current burst of confidence involves two factors: Mars in your birth sign, and the Sun in Aries. Both of these objects are well placed in their current signs; they add up to a feeling of belonging and inner accord. Remember this feeling, since you don’t have it all the time. Focus on what you feel in your mind, emotions and body, and try to stretch your memory and compare what you’re feeling now to a time when you did not experience this. It would help, at this point, if you introduced an extra layer of reflection into your consciousness. Track yourself, and notice how you’re traveling through your reality. Mercury is retrograde, and that’s designed to help you lay the groundwork for your long-term happiness. This is about going beyond the feeling of power or confidence, or the strength of your identity, and tapping into the spiritual current flowing up from the ground of your being.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Aquarius is considered the sign of inventions and ideas; though, in my thinking, this is best described in having Aries (the sign of initiative) placed in your 3rd solar house (cognition, communication, community). The 3rd house is the mental engine; and many planets are gathered there now, including retrograde Mercury (innovative intelligence), and Venus (emotional intelligence), now passing through the zeitgeist aspect Uranus conjunct Eris. To borrow a common phrase, you are dialed in. Now, you need to connect this to focused, coherent workflow. This is brainpower that deserves to be documented and developed. Therefore, pace yourself, and be meticulous. You will find the solutions and create the inventions and see through the paradoxes that you perceive. Remember that your best approach is part science, part art and part literature. Use your whole brain. It’s waiting eagerly for you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Current aspects describe you engaging something rare enough to find on our planet at this time: your sense of purpose. This is indeed a sense, like sense of direction, sense of humor, or even smell or hearing. It is less like eyesight, in that it does not necessarily follow “common sense” or strict rationality. It’s not as simple as turning down a street or even an alley; at least one knows those pathways exist, even if unsure what might be there. Purpose can be more like navigating in the dark. It’s easier if you realize that you’re navigating through yourself, through your inner environment. This is why self-knowledge and inner awareness are so crucial, and why it’s such a concern that for many, they are in short supply. You, however, are strongly guided at the moment. The events of your life at this time are a demonstration of your deepest values. You know what they are because, even if you feel challenged, you feel right. The more you feed this experience, the greater your awareness will become, and the better choices you will make.

Your Aries 2018-19 audio birthday reading by Eric is now available for pre-order. Don’t miss out on this invaluable guide to what promises to be a pivotal year — whether you’re Aries Sun, rising or Moon. Get your copy today and lock in the earliest price of just $33.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — The Sun is about to enter your sign, and take you on a most interesting journey through the physical world. You have had more than enough of fantasy and imagining. You’ve experienced the interior of your mind in some delightful ways, and now it’s time to bust free, into actual lived reality. Just be aware that this is a significant transition, from imaginary space into the imperfect physical dimension. Don’t expect one to fit neatly into the other. Let yourself squirm a little, and stretch into the glove of incarnation. Despite how it may seem at first, there’s more freedom in the physical world than there is in the imaginary world. One is a blueprint; the other is a space you can explore and live in. And like any new space, it can take some time to settle in. Appreciate the beauty of this journey. Softening your expectations and preconceptions helps.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You must be feeling restless, like you want to burst out of your own skin, or learn how to fly a small airplane and hop across the country 500 miles at a time. You may suddenly decide that something you were certain was true is now a thing of the past, replaced by a much more radical idea. How exactly you handle this astrology is, of course, up to you; though don’t be afraid to be rad and a little wild. Life is not a choreographed event. Life is an experiment, and you will certainly want to live that way. This may require some staying up past bedtime, trying absinthe, trying a threesome, or some other naughty thing that cracks open your idea of who you are and allows some more lavish expression of you to come out. And make no mistake: this really is a “coming out.” Out of that inner closet, out of the past, out into the beautiful daylight.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You must hold the vision for your life, and for who and what you want to become. This is the sacred flame that you carry. It’s more than about intention; or you might say, a special form of intention that you protect as if you’re a candle in the wind. Your soul’s purpose is stronger than that, but it’s the act of guarding and nurturing your own creativity that is what cultivates your growth. Yet the heat and light that you make are only relevant if you use them, so part of your role is to make sure you express yourself in some daring way. This will only strengthen you, even if you experience setbacks from time to time. Over the next few weeks, you will have many opportunities to experiment with who you are, with what you offer to the world, and with the message that you share. Be bold and loving about this.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The Sun is about to enter Aries, joining many other planets in the most ambitious, adventurous angle of your solar chart. Known as the 10th solar house, this region of the chart has two purposes. One is reputation. The other is taking responsibility. The two are inseparable; where there is one, there must be the other — though you would never know it in our world, where power is so often abused. You do not have that prerogative, but you have much better ones. You’re one of the guardians of our world, one of the nurturers, one whose empathy is nearly inexhaustible. For you, accomplishment specifically means making the world a better place in all that you do. In this sense, responsibility and reputation are the same thing, since all you need to be recognized for is the quality work that you do — which is a tangible form of love. Therefore, shine like the Sun at noon.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Currently, common wisdom extols the virtues of living in the moment, which is another way of saying living as if there is no tomorrow. Yet there is a tomorrow, and there is a yesterday, even if these things are a little too abstract (so far as we know) for most dogs to understand. You must use your imagination and see into the future. And equally, you must take everything you’ve learned in the past and put it to the very best use that you can. It’s true that obsession with either past or future is unhealthy; though there’s a way to apply them gently, and to be the builder of a bridge between the two, with your conscious power of choice and the miracle of mindfulness. Making a plan is not like laying railroad tracks. It’s more like a sketch, which you can erase, redraw, and finally paint to its full beauty.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — One of the most unusual properties of Virgo is the depth at which you identify with your relationships. You make some of the most valuable discoveries about yourself through investing yourself in others. There are many implications to this. For example, you can hold off on your growth by backing away from intimacy. Conversely, if you become over-invested in a person, you can hand them the keys to your independence. In this respect, you walk a narrow edge, where you must maintain self-awareness at all costs, without becoming self-obsessed. All of this is described in the sign Aries, your 8th solar house. Many planets are now there. The Sun is about to enter, and Chiron — perhaps the most important planet associated with Virgo — arrives in a few weeks. Be kind to yourself, and to the people who hold space for so much of your beautiful self-discovery.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — There exists a long, complex work of spiritual psychology called A Course in Miracles. One of its most potent ideas, though, can be summed up in three words: perception is projection. In other words, what we see, we have shined on the world like a movie projector. We see the contents of our own minds. Given that our minds are responsible for the whole experience of consciousness, is anything else possible? Well, yes — you might call that enlightenment. At first this comes in flashes, like a burst of light that illuminates what was hidden by the darkness. You’re about to get such a moment of awareness or awakening. As it happens, you may have the feeling of, “Aah! So this is how the world really is!” (Hint: it will be better than you thought.) Then it will be up to you to remember what you perceived: how people looked and felt, and the way forward that will be revealed, if only in a glimpse.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — This can be an amazingly productive few weeks for you, though you must work to preserve some sense of balance — especially at work. You seem to be involved with, or responsible for, quite a few people. The way to handle this is to keep communication open and clear. You can benefit from following one easy-to-remember rule, which is to understate your case, clearly. Then seek some confirmation that you are understood. Listen carefully to what is said back to you. But do all this in a tone slightly above a whisper. If you must correct someone, do so gently. If you find yourself being corrected, make sure you understand what you need to do. The power of all communications is magnified wildly in your chart right now. Small doses of the medicine known as language will go a long way. You will learn something about the nature of reality from these experiences.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Planets are storming into fire sign Aries, which is one of the most exciting angles of your solar chart. Mars has exited your sign, leaving just one major point in Sagittarius — an asteroid called Vesta. The glyph for this sign is a chevron, which is a container for fire. That suggests your role is to provide a space for your burning creativity. You can think of this as containing the power of your mind, and directing it to its specific purpose. Vesta is conjunct the Galactic Core, adding to the intrigue. It’s as if you’re standing between the universe and the Earth, guiding the flow of energy into some worldly form. This is what any creative person does, whether they think of themselves as an artist or not. With the subtlest movements, you can open up whole new realities. I know you may be sitting on the D Train or crosstown bus reading this, though as Jerry used to sing, you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — The big news of the week is that Mars is now in your sign, which is another way of saying you have all the motivation, strength, power and energy you could possibly need. Or, you do if you can get out of your own way. This will be the whole exercise of Mars in your sign, which lasts a good long time — until May 16. You will have many opportunities to stumble over yourself, and just as many to tiptoe around your inner obstacles; or better yet, to remove them from your path. One could go to therapy for five years only to learn that it’s better to clear the stumbling blocks than it is to throw them in your own way. Yet you can just figure this out for yourself, noticing all the times you choose to do one or the other. Here is an easy example: if you have plans to do something fun for the evening, don’t plan anything later that night, or the next morning. Give yourself the opportunity to go for the full experience.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — What’s the world’s most serious problem? There’s a good case to be made that fear is the one. You might say fear is the root of all evil, since just about all the mean things that happen are motivated or justified by this odd emotion. Yet the other effect of fear, anxiety or worry in any form is to convert creativity into something toxic, and to block nearly all constructive use of the mind. Anyone who can master these issues will be an influential person, in their own life and in the world around them. You have this opportunity right now, and will through much of the spring. Get in the habit of transforming all of your mental and emotional power into something positive. Understand what provokes you, and get a sense of why that is. As you go through this experience, you will be able to clear all kinds of baggage from your mind and your emotions. You will, in a real sense, claim your life — claim it back, or for the first time.

Full Moon Door: Your Pisces Reading is Ready

Dear Fellow Pisces, Pisces Rising or Pisces Lover:

It was crazy busy the week I finished The Art of Becoming, while also keeping up with horoscopes and playing investigative reporter — but I just had to do the Pisces birthday reading in time for the Virgo Full Moon.

From your fellow Pisces, Eric Francis.

That is now ready for instant access, for $44 (the final price will be $66).

My job is to provide encouragement, reassurance, and actual information about your transits. I do my best to provide just that.

This is a mellow but detailed reading, which starts with a long discussion of relationships and the need to be discerning. This is directly related to claiming your full value in the world, and feeling good about yourself: what some call self-esteem.

From there, I talk about the ingress of planets from water sign Pisces to fire sign Aries, which in the coming days will include Mercury and Venus, then Chiron. In the second segment I talk mainly about career, profession and community involvement — this is a discussion of Saturn moving from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

There is plenty more. You can get a personal reading from me lasting 75 minutes for $555 — or a reading I would be very happy to get, 75 minutes for $44. Get instant access now.

Thank you for your business, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

P.S. The Art of Becoming is now ready. This reading is a very detailed report on Chiron moving from Pisces to Aries, among other things. You can get individual signs here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — The week begins with the Sun in a close conjunction to Chiron — the last of many such events that takes place with Chiron in Pisces. While this aspect verges on too deep for words, much less a horoscope column, I will do my best. When existence is lived consciously, it can have a perilous, delicate, vulnerable feeling. Many people live feeling separated from Source or God, and spend their lives endlessly searching. Chiron’s eight years in Pisces have helped you tap into the strength of vulnerability, and focus your search inwardly. You’ve lived through many experiences that have given you reason to have faith in yourself, and in your wider experience of the world. Experience is the real teacher. Theory is good for a while; and then one really gets the point with the discovery that something is possible, or when that the notion of “impossible” vanishes like steam into the air.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — If there’s one solution to all problems, it is: proceed with irreverence. Make sure you notice the utterly ridiculous social conventions people are expected to follow, then do what you want. There may be some use (to others) in what seems useless (to you), and this may be about the ridiculous games people play. However, to break the rules, you must proceed in the right spirit, which would be irreverence in the spirit of reverence and respect. There’s a whole tradition devoted to this approach, in the Lakota culture called the Heyoka; and, in societies more familiar to us, the Trickster. Those are the people who can get away with anything and enlighten us in the process: the South Park guys, everyone at The Onion, Stephen Colbert — but, as Steve said, you can only pull it off when your material is good. Therefore, aspire to excellence.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You may recognize that partners or someone you love is coming from a very high place: you know they are doing work as directed by the light. This is worthy of your respect and cooperation; but more than that, your participation. You may already be directly involved, in a supporting role, as a trusted friend, as a lover, or confidant. Your contribution is more important than you may imagine, though you don’t need to do more than recognize that you are indeed valued. Upcoming aspects may lead you to doubt that very fact. Don’t fall for it. Proceed without any reassurance if you must, motivated purely by faith, love and respect for existence. In the kind of process we’re talking about, there are not necessarily immediate rewards. But you can look around at the world and recognize that, mostly, it’s in a very different state compared to the sphere that you inhabit.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Your chart is the perfect blend of out and about, having fun, and the potential for serious business to come up. So, when you set foot out the door, be ready for anything. And when you’re home, be open to anything, because this setup describes an intimate situation that will help you get underneath your public persona and reveal more deeply who you are. There’s quite a bit of interplay between the public you and the private you. I once had a client claiming to have this situation in her life. She was a real estate broker whose face was on ads on shopping carts in all the local supermarkets. I did my best not to laugh. Your situation is more interesting than that, and much more fun. Get out into the neighborhood, ring some bells, push some buttons, and nudge your friends into having some actual fun in our all-too-stuck-up world.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You seem like you’re about to make contact on an important professional matter, after a good few near-hits and near-misses. Proceed slowly and carefully, checking your work as you go. Say what you mean, only considerably less. Stop and ask questions, and get whomever you’re talking with to draw themselves out. If you have to slow down the movie, follow the wisdom of Kasia Urbaniak: repeat the last thing the person said to you. Don’t interpret it; just repeat it, like that’s just the thing to do. Then, don’t make any commitment immediately. Read all the fine print in any written document, and give things a day or three. Remember: you’re the one with the talent. The other guys may have the building, the lights, the seats, the box office and the tickets, but it’s all useless without someone to look pretty and sing brilliantly on the stage, and that would be you.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Being stuck is not an option, and freezing up and being unable to move or make a decision is not a sign of integrity. It would be better if you didn’t sell it to yourself as such, or use that as a cover; if you’re feeling blocked, say so. You contain all the building materials necessary to be a strong, balanced and integrated person, though flexibility is what makes any of this meaningful, or useful. That includes allowing your viewpoint to move, rather than thinking that you know something for sure. Be leery of certainty, or the feeling of absolute clarity. If you think you know for sure, set out to disprove your own theory, or at least to come up with two or more alternative possibilities. When an approach to a topic starts to feel dangerous, or like some comfort level is threatened, then you know you’re on the trail.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You may suddenly unravel a deep connection between your early family relationships and your adult intimate relationships. Everyone knows there’s a connection, though due to various blind spots, many of them induced by insecurity, it’s often difficult to see the association, much less do something with it. Here’s the main thing, following the themes of your solar chart: in truth, your family is far less important than you may think, both as an early influence and as a current one. Your origins go much deeper. Your connection to source is more relevant than the psychology and politics of any household. Once you have that message in your body, it will be much easier to address the concerns of your worldly emotional affairs. Your presence is a kind of collective reference point for everyone else feeling safe. But this is not really about you; it’s about something coming through you.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Discussions in the early part of the week may take on a serious cast, though you can remain positive, which also includes curious. You’ll give yourself an advantage if you take every opportunity to put yourself in the position of other people, and try to see the world from their point of view. You cannot do this 100%, as you cannot get into the mind and body of others; but you can, in a sense, sit in their seat, or walk a mile in their shoes. You can use your imagination and consider their concerns, feelings and complications. And you can imagine how they might see you. Just your willingness to do this will be helpful, because sometimes a little willingness is all it takes for the greater truth to come in. It always helps to listen, and in any conversation, to say, “This is what I hear you saying.” Then, listen and see if anyone thinks you got it right.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Jupiter has stationed retrograde in your sign, which will give you an opportunity to make some observations about the seemingly chaotic nature of your life. One thing to track is the fact that you’re in a state of discovery, and that can be disruptive to what you thought you previously knew. Given the makeup of your psyche, a little shaking and quaking of the status quo is one of the more dependable ways to get through to you. To keep your mind fresh, you must question your beliefs; and to do that, you need to know what they are, and notice their effects. This is where the ripples of Jupiter retrograde, and its current aspect to Eris, will come in handy. Notice when things get a little weird, and ask yourself how and why that happened. Be observant any time one of your presumptions is challenged; for example, any time you make an incorrect guess.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Mars in your sign is now conjunct the Galactic Core. It’s also square Chiron, for one of the grand and glorious Sagittarius alignments in recent memory. In my highest reading of this aspect, you can feel the edge-like nature of existence, and of your own presence in the world. It’s way too easy for us humans to troop across the city and take for granted the many unknowns about our experience here. With Mars, Chiron and the homing signal at the center of our spiral island in space all aligned, you can see and feel things that are seemingly impossible to perceive. Take slower, more careful steps. Breathe consciously, and feel, and listen. Imagine your body clinging delicately to the planet’s surface, held down only by gravity. Walk like you’re on a tightrope rather than on solid ground. Feel the vast expanse of space below our tiny planet. Notice where you are.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You may decide that it’s time to outgrow your insecurities. That would be a worthy goal, though it will help to understand where they come from. When you identify with something strongly, and invest your identity there, you give it power over you. It could be a relationship, it could be your family, it could be your social status. Then, if there is some change in that extrinsic thing, or if you feel like it’s not working out, or not fully accepting of you, that has a way of bouncing back onto you and making you question your worth. This is the thing that has to end. Fortunately, you’re now stronger within yourself, and you don’t have to fall for the illusion that your identity is in any way threatened. You might even retire from identifying with things (movements, brands, opinions) and exist as your own independent critter. You do not need a master.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The only way to learn how to say difficult things is to say them, and listen back, or read them over, and make revisions, and try again. This could relate to anything, whether some deeply intimate matter, or writing a sales presentation, prospectus or pitch. You just keep doing it over till you get it right. Often, the feeling of being blocked or uncertain is the feeling to work with rather than to retreat from. If you plunge in and dare to say what you really mean, you have a chance of getting it right. Just remember: if the feeling is there, don’t edit yourself to death. Stay close to the original, and develop it a little — remembering that these days, brevity is gold. Remember this in your thought process with yourself. The truth of how you feel and what you want is usually pretty simple.

Full Moon Door: Your Pisces Reading is Ready

Dear Fellow Pisces, Pisces Rising or Pisces Lover:

It was crazy busy the week I finished The Art of Becoming, while also keeping up with horoscopes and playing investigative reporter — but I just had to do the Pisces birthday reading in time for the Virgo Full Moon.

From your fellow Pisces, Eric Francis.

That is now ready for instant access, at the pre-order price (till Friday evening, when it goes up to $44, and then stops at $66).

My job is to provide encouragement, reassurance, and actual information about your transits. I do my best to provide just that.

This is a mellow, but detailed, reading, which starts with a long discussion of relationships and the need to be discerning. This is directly related to claiming your full value in the world, and feeling good about yourself: what some call self-esteem.

I expound on two different interpretations of the Virgo Full Moon — one based on my own writeup in the Daily News, and for contrast, the other based on Sally Brompton’s interpretation in The New York Post.

From there, I talk about the ingress of planets from water sign Pisces to fire sign Aries, which in the coming days will include Mercury and Venus, then Chiron.

In the second segment I talk mainly about career, profession and community involvement — this is a discussion of Saturn from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

There is plenty more. You can get a personal reading from me lasting 75 minutes for $555 — or a reading I would be very happy to get, 75 minutes for $33. Get instant access now.

Thank you for your business, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

P.S. The Art of Becoming is now ready. This reading is a very detailed report on Chiron moving from Pisces to Aries, among other things. You can get individual signs here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — This week’s aspects will bring out the best in you. We are nearing the end of Chiron in Pisces, which has driven your growth, maturity and awareness for the past seven years. Saturn has successfully passed through your 10th house, demanding that you take total responsibility for your affairs. You are still learning; though you’ve learned a lot, and now is the time to put that experience to use. This week you’re likely to encounter a series of discussions about your professional advancement, which you must approach with modest confidence and a cool head. Know that you have something valuable to offer, and remember that you set your own goals. Prod the conversation along, and don’t fall for anyone bluffing you or feigning ignorance. You know who you are and what you’re capable of — and so does everyone else. Now, you must get everyone onto the same page.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Don’t be afraid to have your life be all about you. It is, no matter what you do, even if you generously offer yourself to others. And this you’ve been doing for a while, with your ruling planet Mars expressing itself in its most selfless way possible, conjunct Vesta and moving through spiritually focused Sagittarius. However, you have your plans; you have ideas; you want to experiment; and all those things call for making sure that you honor your priorities. Yet, on a deeper level, remember that all of your experiences are yours, no matter what they may seem to be about. The best metaphor is when people play music together. The sounds you’re making are about what you’re feeling, though it helps immensely if you’re in harmony with the people around you. Then sometimes you leap out and fly solo. That is what your charts look like this week.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — For the past few weeks, you’ve been both social and creative, way out in the open where people can see you. Gradually, over the next two weeks, your orientation will turn inward. You might not notice this at first, though you might want to honor the process by being a little ahead of yourself, and making sure you take sufficient time alone — no matter what else you may be doing the rest of the time. This time of year (many years) is great for experimenting with who you present yourself as being in the world, what you reveal, and what you keep to yourself. Done well, this is an intricate balance of an inner and an outer life. A great many well-known people lose themselves in their public persona. You’re too sensitive for that. You will feel better when you go beyond the dual orientation. There is no public and there is no private: there is just life.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Keep your finger on the pulse of important professional developments. Sometimes when you’ve worked for a goal for a long time, it’s possible to lose track of what you’re doing at the very end of the process. It’s possible to lose your sense of purpose, or your contact with what was guiding you through the long journey. Please don’t make that error. Stay in touch with what’s motivating you, dial in your original plans and intentions, and verify that you’re still on track. Also, beware of double endings. Don’t declare the job done or the goal accomplished until long after you’ve finished and moved on, even if you receive some acknowledgement or accolade. Beginnings and endings are sensitive, and must be handled carefully if you’re going to make lasting progress. One way to stay grounded is to identify with your responsibilities more than with your reputation. You have a job to do and you do it well — no more, no less.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The less you say, the less it will feel like nobody believes you. You’ve figured out what is true, both about yourself and about a particular matter you’ve been investigating. This may have involved something worldly or spiritual; you pretty much know the truth, and you’ve accomplished something unusual. Play that down for now; let your discovery speak for itself. Over the next few days, planets will begin moving from Pisces to Aries, and in the process, making their way into your house of achievement and reputation. This will last well into March, and through that time, it would be a wise policy to be seen for who you are, rather than saying too much about who you are. When you have to send out a press release or inform the world that you’ve done something, make it sound like it was no big deal and all in a day’s work. You are, as usual, happy to be of service.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Over the past few weeks, you’ve been working through a deeply sensitive situation with a close partner or loved one. As this process has unfolded, you’ve had your doubts and your revelations. You’ve discovered secrets you were keeping from yourself, and you’ve come to understand something about the nature of intimacy. It would be fair to say that the true purpose of this journey has been a healing process, though it’s also been about learning how to be open to giving and receiving love and emotional nourishment. As planets move into your fellow fire sign Aries, you might be inclined to forget what you’ve experienced. Yet you must be cautious never to take anyone or anything for granted. Emotional bonds remain fragile and sensitive, and it’s too easy to let that slip your mind. Focus on the importance of trust, and remember, you’re not in this alone.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — The past week has taken you through some sensitive territory where your relationships are concerned. Where do you stand with the people you’re closest to? Can you really tell? Sometimes intimacy is like a kaleidoscope. You constantly get a different view, and there’s no point wondering what the real one is. However, as the week unfolds, you’re likely to feel more confident about recent developments. Part of that feeling stems from the fact that many discoveries and discussions are behind you, and you’ve sorted out most of the important issues. You do need to remember the extent to which you find yourself by investing yourself into relationships. This is entirely legitimate, though it comes with the risk of losing your personal footing when a relationship changes. The way to stay ahead of that is to do the Zen thing and truly appreciate the ethereal and transient nature of existence.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — The emphasis of your solar chart remains on self-care. Yours is one of the signs most sensitive to your environment, particularly at work. And you’re someone whose emotions and state of physical health are intimately related. If you experience an emotional disturbance or tension, that can manifest immediately in physical symptoms that seem to be of mysterious origin. This suggests that you must stay in contact with your environment. Over the next few days, beware of anyone who seems to be demanding too much of your attention. Rather than pushing back, gently sidestep those who are too pushy or who feel entitled to your energy. This may give you some clues about what you need to do with the situation in the long run, so be sure you remember what you’ve experienced, so you can evaluate it later. Meanwhile, easy does it, and drink enough water.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — One interesting quality of your charts over the next few seasons is that the line between work and play is blurred. The two seem to merge into one another, which will take many forms; one is likely to be discovering how much you love your work. You have to identify with what you do. When you say, “I am a [fill in the blank], there should be no odd feeling about it. So one quality of these transits will be to encourage just that connection with your work. Another manifestation could be a loving relationship with a creative partner or work colleague. I know that these are often frowned upon, and they do call for maturity and true devotion, both personal and professional. But they are some of the most relevant, healing, and happy relationships, especially if people respect one another, and know how to give one another space. These are helpful skills any day of the week.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Rather than telling someone how much you love them, show them. Words will not be so believable; actions will convey the impression you want to give. Offer yourself with genuine abandon and make sure you have fun doing it. Most of your personality consists of an adventurous side, and though you’ve been a bit reserved lately, and likely focused on some work-related activity, re-focus your energy on home, particularly the kitchen and the bedroom, the two most important rooms in any home (the bathroom is a given, and it can be an interesting place). As for work, you’ve devoted yourself plenty to one particular project, and you’ve done brilliantly; now you can shift the focus to something of a creative nature that has some deep personal meaning to you. If you ever wanted to transform into an artist, or have your artwork burst to life, this is the week to start that fire.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Pisces is your sign of self-expression, and that’s one of the places where planets are gathering now — in a most interesting way, involving Chiron, the planet of healing and awareness. Another gathering point is in your sign (particularly Saturn and Pluto), so you have plenty to express. We’re about to go through a series of new transits, which begin this week and reach about two weeks out, and this scenario will last for a while. Once you’re there, you will be wondering what you were thinking and feeling right now; so I suggest you leave yourself a time capsule, in the form of journal entries, photos and maybe even voice or music recordings. When planets move into Aries and make a series of squares to Saturn in your sign, you will want those artifacts as a source of inspiration, and a reminder of what you’re capable of feeling.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — By now you see a need to be more financially independent, and to have your sources of income somewhat removed from emotional attachments. While there is no actual “independence” in the world of finance — even the very wealthy depend on banks and investment houses — it’s possible to live in a more integrated way, and draw your sustenance from a diversity of sources. It’s also important to remember that all of your income ultimately flows from your creativity. This is not true of everyone, or of all charts, though yours indicates this in bold terms. The challenge is transporting and transforming the energy from the state of pure idea through a series of steps that result in paid work that’s connected to who you truly are inside, what you care about, and what you believe is relevant. However, that’s actually how your energy system works; all you need to do is observe yourself.

Full Moon Door: Your Pisces Reading is Ready

Dear Fellow Pisces, Pisces Rising or Pisces Lover:

It’s been a crazy busy week — finishing The Art of Becoming, keeping up with horoscopes and playing investigative reporter — but I just had to do the Pisces birthday reading tonight.

From your fellow Pisces, Eric Francis.

That is now ready for instant access, at the pre-order price (till Friday evening, when it goes up to $44, and then stops at $66).

My job is to provide encouragement, reassurance, and actual information about your transits. I do my best to provide just that.

This is a mellow, but detailed, reading, which starts with a long discussion of relationships and the need to be discerning. This is directly related to claiming your full value in the world, and feeling good about yourself: what some call self-esteem.

I expound on two different interpretations of the Virgo Full Moon — one based on my own writeup in the Daily News, and for contrast, the other based on Sally Brompton’s interpretation in The New York Post.

From there, I talk about the ingress of planets from water sign Pisces to fire sign Aries, which in the coming days will include Mercury and Venus, then Chiron.

In the second segment I talk mainly about career, profession and community involvement — this is a discussion of Saturn from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

There is plenty more. You can get a personal reading from me lasting 75 minutes for $555 — or a reading I would be very happy to get, 75 minutes for $33. Get instant access now.

Thank you for your business, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

P.S. The Art of Becoming is now ready. This reading is a very detailed report on Chiron moving from Pisces to Aries, among other things. You can get individual signs here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Your chart is still reverberating from last week’s Full Moon in your opposite sign Virgo. The Sun is now at the midpoint of Pisces, and is still close to Neptune, which is providing you with energy and motivation. And as of Monday, there remains a triple conjunction of Mercury, Venus and Chiron in your sign. You have plenty to work with, and you’re deeply connected to your inner sources of ideas and inspiration. Beginning this week, planets will be shifting into Aries, which represents your ability to finance your life and your projects, and also your sense of belonging in the world. The two are closely related. While Pisces is sometimes depicted as the sign least able to function in the world, a careful look at your solar chart makes a rather different point. Everything about you, including your sensitivity, your love of beauty and your clairvoyant quality, are all perfectly suited to grow and thrive in the world at this genuinely strange time.