Aries (March 20-April 19) — It’s good to honor the mystery that is your life. Existence on our planet comes with far more uncertainty than it does assurance. We have no idea how we actually got here; all we have are a bunch of made-up stories. Short of certainty, or false certainty, it’s healthy to stand face-to-face with the mystery of who you are. This will soften the edges of your personality. Your false confidence will soften into a gentle kind of assurance, and you will be less defensive. Your life is a gift to you, though we don’t know from whom. If you live that way, you’ll be more conscious of receiving the gift and taking a positive approach to existence, and a helpful approach to your fellow humans. There’s that aspect of life that’s all about you, and the other, more pervasive idea that life is about existence, which you get to experience.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — When there are lots of planets in Pisces, life is usually good for Taurus. Pisces is the 11th house of Taurus, the house of what you might call “all good things.” Right now, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Juno, Neptune, Chiron and many smaller points are in Pisces, which is your house associated with the people you care about, and the good things in life. This is the time of year to be out among your community, to make new friends and to try on new ways of being. As the Northern Hemisphere starts to warm up again, it’s time to get outside the house and into the woods or your garden or out for a walk next to the river. Though you are good at customizing your digs, you’re not an indoor person at heart, so get your hands into the dirt or at least some fresh air into your lungs.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — This is a great week to make headway on career plans, especially if you’re in a creative line of work, or want to be in one. Though Gemini is ridiculously adaptable, your natural tendency is toward creating art, love and beauty. Your idea of power is the ability to help people. This is associated with having Pisces on your house associated with achievement, reputation and responsibility. Now, one thing you should know is that success in the style of Pisces is not the usual kind of thing we see in a capitalist country. You have much more interest in collective progress than most people, and you don’t see your success as necessarily competing with that of someone else. So you need your own concept, and you have your options open. I would propose that you aspire to the life of a dog: bring out your passion for participation, service and community.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You have the power to guide events and developments in the direction of wholeness and stability. Let any blips or misunderstandings give you ideas for just how you can make your life a better place. Now is the time to enact certain long-standing plans and intentions that the busy world has made difficult to engage. With the Sun and many planets traveling through the most visionary angle of your solar chart, you are blessed, and you can claim that as a resource. You stand a better chance of success in enterprises with long odds than you usually do, and if you’re reminded today of a goal or aspiration that you’ve long set aside, make some moves to put it into action. This is likely to involve international travel, a publishing project or an endeavor you consider art or pleasure for its own sake (clothing optional).

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Not everyone is into sex. If you are, particularly the deep and intimate kind (or whatever you want the very most), you’re likely to be able to create that for yourself, if it doesn’t create itself for you. Speak to those for whom this would be an appropriate discussion. Wade through a little embarrassment if you have to; that will only make it better. Note that the way your chart is set up, these experiences might not enter your life “the usual way” — rather, the “unusual way” is more likely to be the one. That said, if you have no interest in anything erotic, your chart is set up perfectly for that thing known as sublimation — transferring or reassigning sexual energy into something creative, like embroidery. If you do that, just make sure it’s what you really want. Opportunities like you have now don’t arrive often.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — From the look of your solar chart, everyone wants to marry you. Proposals should be coming in like bouquets of flowers flying toward the stage during a curtain call on opening night at the opera. Tinder, Grindr and OurTime crashed and needed to be reinstalled. However, you cannot always take what astrology says literally. It’s true that your relationship house is populated with so many planets you should have no problem getting at least some attention — as in, very positive attention. If you’re in a committed relationship, you might at least expand your social horizons. If you’re in one of those situations where commitment means avoiding socializing with even a potential suitor, you might consider the true, underlying nature of that jealousy. What your chart really is saying is: have fun with people. Be bold about having actual, face-to-face conversations where you say something, and learn something.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — This may be one of those weeks when you wish you didn’t have a job. If you love what you do, and look forward to coming to work (breaking news — these people exist), this will be a positively lavish week for getting things done, beautifying the office, and clearing up old, lingering business. It’s worth reminding Libras on a regular basis that you need to be one of these people who shows up every day someplace you actually like to be. This is far more important than having power or making a lot of money — if your happiness, health and sanity matter to you. Every chart element that describes your career and profession comes back to this theme: working in a caring, nurturing environment. Starting where you are, do your part to make it so. Put beauty into whatever you handle. Be a font of good vibes, and help people get through their challenging days.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Yours is a water sign, and like your cousins Cancer and Pisces, you feel better when the tide comes in, and there’s a little rain. And right now all three water signs have their cisterns full. One fact of Scorpio is that it benefits from an abundance of Pisces, which you have now on two accounts: Jupiter (the ruler of Pisces) is in your sign, and six other planets are in Pisces. That adds up to a bold invitation to set your worries aside and to have some fun. Do what gives you pleasure, hang out with people whose company you adore, and dive into your creativity. If you feel a touch of “should I really be doing this?” then you’re headed in the right direction; you will benefit greatly from overcoming any pleasure anxiety you might feel. Where work and projects are concerned, remember: a little creativity saves a lot of effort.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You have an unusual event happening in your sign right now: a conjunction between Mars and the asteroid Vesta. This uncommon pairing brings together the planet of action, assertion, aggression and self-serving acts, with an asteroid related to taking some distance from your passion. Vesta’s influence is often about doing things for their ‘higher purpose’ or some purpose other than what is obvious. You might need to stand guard over someone else’s interests, such as their privacy, or their business affairs. You may need to hold open the space for the right thing to happen, which is a form of protecting others. Set aside your personal desires and let your energy and choices be directed toward selfless service. This conjunction would seem to indicate there’s something specific that needs your attention, knowledge and warrior energy. Take up the task; your personal agenda will not suffer for helping someone else.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You need dependable ways to vent steam: physical energy, ideas, creativity, sexual desire, anger and every other form of passion. The usual vent provided by society is swilling down a few drinks. If you’ve ever wondered why so much alcohol is consumed every day, the world over, that’s my theory. However, this is both a special temptation for you now, and something to avoid. I’m not suggesting being a teetotaler, but rather not using alcohol specifically as a pressure release — or as your only one. You need to be able to work that valve yourself, and to direct your abundant energy in sane, healthy and productive ways. It will help if you get good at relaxing enough to have fun with minimal lubrication necessary. It will help if you have the ability to process anger and frustration in ways that resolve them rather than push them back under the surface of your psyche.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You’re going through a vitally important growth phase that involves balancing out your life. There are many aspects to this, one of which is seeing the ways that your habits of thought don’t serve you. Part of this is recognizing that you do, indeed, think in patterns, and that to be free, you need to let go of crusty old ones and establish some new ones. This will shift your relationships; in particular, by helping you experience common ground rather than rugged individualism. There’s a potentially helpful indicator in your chart, which offers a clue. As a child, you had to develop certain strategies to deal with the all-powerful adults who surrounded you. Those tactics worked for a while, though they need to be identified and questioned now. The upshot is that you need to respond to people as they actually are, not as stand-ins for the roles of your early caregivers.

Pisces Birthdays 2018

Saying Goodbye to Chiron, Saying Hello to Yourself

“I have just listened to your Part 1 and Part 2 readings and I am amazed at how accurate it has been. Like you have a telescope watching me shed a skin and transform into a totally changed person in the last 10 years.”

— P.J.

Dear Pisces Friend and Reader:

With planets gathering in your sign, chances are you feel less like a fish out of water and more in the flow of things than you might have recently. Yet this year holds some interesting developments for you — many of which Eric will cover in your 2018 Pisces Birthday Reading.

This is a separate project from the annual edition, different in every way — they make excellent companions. While the annual readings are written chapters of an interconnected set, your birthday reading is a stand-alone audio meditation. It’s something you can listen to over and over, whether you take notes or take a bath as you listen.

Eric’s audio readings are some of the most unusual astrology you’ll encounter. They go deeper than the work most professional astrologers do, reaching the spiritual essence of the chart’s message, though without the need for a natal chart.

For roughly seven years, you’ve benefitted from Chiron’s focusing power in your sign.

This year, Chiron begins the process of entering Aries — leaving other slow-moving planets in Pisces. If you’ve learned the lessons of Chiron, you’ll be better able to embody that focusing power yourself — and you’ll be in a prime position to navigate everything else the next 12 months will bring.

“Eric, as a Pisces I really appreciate all your readings, as they have truly helped me push past the insecurities and become a truly wonderful person with greater strength to become ME. Thanks so much!”

— Susan Andrews

You can pre-order your 2018 Pisces Birthday Reading here, for just $33. We offer the lowest price first; the price will increase as we near the recording and publication of the reading.

You’ll get two segments of audio astrology, at least 30 minutes each. A little while after those portions publish, Eric will record your tarot reading for the year (included in the price).

Wishing you a beautiful birthday season,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you love a Pisces, make their day: give the Pisces reading as a gift.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — It’s your birthday season, and many planets have joined the party. Among others, Venus and Mercury are in your sign, which bestow a natural charm and ease of communication. You can say less rather than say more. Notice how others perceive you, and play with that, rather than trying to correct them. All this Pisces energy is likely to have you feeling good, like life is worth living, and like you have enough resources to go around; enough to be able to afford to ease back just a little and have some fun, despite the extremely busy days that have subsumed the world. You will need to do this as a conscious act: that is, as a choice. Saturn and other factors have you in a mode where you’re highly responsive to your calling and your responsibilities. But your ability to do your best work will only benefit from doing a little less of it, at least this week.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Don’t worry if the week gets off to a stormy start. Take a day to reorient yourself consciously now that the Sun is in a new sign, Pisces. You’re now living between the dream world and the real world, even a little more than is usual these days. The message is that you must stay grounded, which means orienting yourself in the physical world of place and time, of your commitments, and your physical surroundings. You will inevitably be drawn into the cosmos of fantasy, and you must draw yourself back out, and plant yourself down to the ground. If you can do that, you will get to experience the abundance of creativity that’s flowing into you and through you — though this is not so useful if you can’t engage it in the world. Part of engaging with ideas means to dance with the unpredictable, and that’s the best approach to any changes of plans today.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You may be feeling restless or anxious, though you won’t show it. That’s a good thing, as you’re at your most visible and social at the moment. Just so you know how others are likely to perceive you, dreamy is the word; and people might project their fantasies. This is true to some degree all the time; we tend to see one another as we are. Yet with Venus and Neptune glowing in the social universe of your 11th solar house — the one where you mingle with the world around you — people see you as shining that unusual invisible light of beauty. You might just dance with this and have some fun. You don’t owe anyone anything for being seen however someone wants to see you. And you have your options open; though, of course, the fantasy of who someone thinks you are is different from the reality. If you engage with someone, you get to take them from one place to the other.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — There’s a place in every chart called the 10th house, and it covers both reputation and responsibility. You would think the two go together in the world, but not in these tough times, where many people want all glory and no accountability; power and no rules. Your 10th is where the action is now: your ruling planet Mercury has just arrived, as has the Sun. Venus is there, and so too are Neptune and Chiron. This is a moment of leadership for you, and that means leading by example as well as by your words, thoughts and plans. You may need to overdo the responsibility/accountability angle. This is not just about your reputation; it’s about the longevity of your work, which is based on whether people trust you in the long run. Living “in the moment” is all the rage; however, you will benefit greatly from aligning the past, the future, and your mission and calling right now.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The Sun has entered your sympathetic water sign Pisces, which has a way of making you feel better about life. For those of us who live in the northern climes, winter is losing its grip, the Sun is coming back to warm us, and the possibilities are opening up. You have a life, and you have more than that: you have faith in yourself, which has come through many trials and tribulations, large and small. When there are many planets in water signs (which currently include Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron), your life flows. Rather than push the river, you need to guide your vessel. It’s true that we live in what seem like horribly uncertain times, though that’s a reminder of how life has been in most times and most places during the human experiment. We are not guaranteed certainty; there is no such thing, and the illusion of it never works in your favor.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — If you want depth, you will need to open up a little and let it in. You might feel like if you open the gate just a crack, the unknown will rush in and flood you. You may feel like there will be too many demands, or that you’ll lose your individuality. None of that is true. The sky is dominated by planets in the water signs right now; and when that is the case, everyone has to learn how to swim. You move differently in water compared to how you do on land, though there’s nothing like it. It used to be that fire was the element hidden away, replaced by electric stoves and microwave ovens; smoking has become vaping, and who exactly has spent time sitting next to a campfire? Today, however, water is the “secret element,” portioned in little plastic bottles, mixed with flavors and colors; and, in our times of rising seas, it is considered the enemy. Turn up the heat. Dive in. Water is your best friend.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Planets are gathered in your opposite sign Pisces, the one that represents your intimate relationships and work partnerships, and which describes your environment. This tells me you may have a lot of suitors showing up. While everyone loves attention to some degree, this might be a bit much to manage. However, actively resisting is not the best idea. It’s a little like when you’re at the beach and a big wave is coming: the best thing to do is dive right into it, and you emerge safely on the other side. If you retreat, push back, or hide away, you’ll only feel the tightness of your own defenses. Take this opportunity to engage people openly. Have the courage to speak, to ask questions, to share your thoughts, and to decide what you want to do with whatever attention comes your way. You remain in control of the decisions you make. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Work may be the last thing you want to do this week, especially at work. If you have some extra vacation days, or personal days, this would be an excellent time to take them, and do something rather un-21st-century: nothing special. However, if you have work to do, or if you must show up and take care of the tasks at hand, find a way to make the experience as pleasant as possible. One thing about Libra and its affinity for beauty is your biological need to work in a fresh environment: with lights and plants and some artwork. You are not the cubicle type. You’re not the chicken factory type. You are very much the work-at-home type, or the one who takes on the unofficial role of beautifying the office. See if you can find other “Venus types” (Taurus and Pisces come to mind), and get some help tidying up, washing windows, investing in plants, and bringing some art objects into your work space. And whatever you may do, do it beautifully.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Yours is the sign associated with sex, all the way back to the earliest days of the astrology that we use. This is associated with biology, and it can be described using evolutionary science. But you don’t need books, studies and reports to know this basic truth, especially now, with planets collecting in one of the most sensuous and erotic regions of your chart, Pisces. Here’s the thing: your imagination may be all kinds of freaky right now, though your true calling is to translate this into physical form. With Mercury in the picture, this is more about a conversation and less about getting lucky or seeing what happens. Use a wide definition of sex, which includes a spectrum of sensual experiences, from food to music to the atmosphere of the space you’re in. However, the presence of Pisces is calling for private rather than public spaces; making your own food rather than paying someone else to do it for you. Find out what partners and loved ones want, and what’s on their mind — and make the very most out of their creative ideas.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Mars (the planet of desire) in your sign is conjunct an asteroid called Vesta, which is making a long-term visit to Sagittarius. Vesta is one of the most interesting elements in astrology, in that it describes unusual relationship scenarios. The ordinary interpretation of Vesta is about people who try to distract themselves from intimacy by staying at work. However, on a subtler level, Vesta suspends the usual rules of love and romance to make room for the many other kinds of desire that people feel, including those that are lesser known (or understood). You might say that Mars-Vesta in Sagittarius is offering a direct connection to the most spiritual elements of sex and relating. For you, the suggestion is to hold space for whatever is happening. Stand back a little, and observe rather than judge. Make sure you account for the fact that you and anyone you relate to need a kind of sanctuary, where anything can happen. Let that be a quiet space, free from electronics, interruptions and time limits.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You may have a lot to say right now, and no idea where to begin. You could start with describing the weather. Keep a weather journal for a few days, as an experiment. Do this in a little notebook, which will remind you that old-fashioned tools are the ones you like the best. Describe how the air feels, how the sky looks, and how you relate to the temperature. Start by restricting your report to just describing the conditions of your environment as you experience them. Then gradually let the entries get longer, and expand, just a little, into how you feel about the prevailing conditions. Then, notice what being so observant is doing for you: how it’s changing your perception, and what else you notice. You have an important mission, which includes developing your awareness and your power of observation. This can be done in the very simplest of ways, all of which start with being in tune with your senses, and the part of your mind that receives the information.

Aquarius Solar Eclipse Reading from Planet Waves

Dear Friend and Reader:

I’ve just finished the Aquarius audio reading. It’s now available for instant access.

This is a separate project from the annual edition, different in every way. This is a 75-minute astrology reading in two sessions, based on Thursday’s solar eclipse in your sign — the last solar eclipse in Aquarius until Feb. 17, 2026.

Chart for Thursday’s solar eclipse. The monograph behind it is by the German philosopher Dieter Duhm.

This chart has a lot to say about relationships, self-esteem, family and ancestral matters. I do my best to help you orient inwardly to experience these dimensions of growth and healing not only as real, but as accessible, workable places to focus your energy and time.

Your reading is available for $66. My audio readings are some of the most unusual astrology you’ll encounter. I believe 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. This reading will stand up to many playings.

Doing this work takes experience and preparation; if sold as “self help” these readings would be going for many times the price. My intention is to keep them accessible and affordable.

I’ve prepared a sample of the reading lasting about six minutes, which you can play as an mp3, or download as a zip file. The music is an original piece by Vision Quest, the Planet Waves in-house ensemble.

My method of reading opens up so many dimensions that I could devote hours to each chart. Yet this reading distills certain vital messages, catching you up on the past few months of Saturn in Capricorn, and previewing the transits of Chiron in Aries and Uranus in Taurus.

I’ll be following up with a tarot reading in a month or two, a feature that’s included with your reading, though is about to be split off as a separate product. That’s not delivered on a schedule — it’s ready when it’s ready.

Your reading also includes access to last year’s audio reading (so that you can review it) as well as The Book of Your Life 2017 written reading.

Thank you for being a Planet Waves customer, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Last week’s solar eclipse in your birth sign is gradually working its effects on you. When an eclipse is building, it’s like an invisible storm is blowing in. The psychic air pressure changes, there’s tension in the atmosphere, and a sense of things running out of control. Now that the eclipse has passed, you may have noticed a drop in the pressure, and a sense that you have more influence over your own affairs. Take a deep breath. You are involved in a clearing process, one that’s taking you deep into some problem areas, compelling you to reorganize, restructure, and expand your awareness to every facet of your life. This also includes your relationships, which may seem out of sorts or in transition — though you can trust that this process is leading you somewhere you can actually place your feet on the ground. Make the changes you feel called upon to make. Clear out space in your mind and in your life. Set your priorities, and act on them.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — In astrology, the 12th house is the one that is usually said to correspond with yours, the 12th sign. This is the most mysterious house, which is about all things invisible, and not available to the normal senses. How have your dreams been? Have you noticed that you’re doing some kind of deep working out? Have you noticed that the air feels a little cleaner, like in the morning after it’s rained all night? Last week’s eclipse took place in your 12th house, which was like a psychic purge. Periodically, this house needs the pressure equalized with the rest of your life, your mind and your chart, and that’s what happens when there’s an eclipse in this area of your chart. Notice your new clarity, feel it, and pay attention to what you notice. Make sure you do that Pisces thing and keep your point of view moving rather than fixed. One benefit to this event was that it’s helping set you free from thought-forms that had grown too rigid. Look at everything and everyone, including yourself, from as many angles as you can.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — One reward of this time in your life will be new friends, new groups to hang out with, and new social patterns. If you find yourself among people you don’t know, go with it. However, this could be enough to cause panic among the younger generation, which prefers everything to be familiar and somewhat scripted. So if you suddenly find yourself among people you’ve never met, and don’t know much about, what do you do? Start by introducing yourself. Pick someone who looks friendly, walk up to them, and say hello, and tell them your name. You can even ask their name! It’s totally OK. Social circulation is good for the universe, and making new friends is good for you. A gathering may have a specific reason, though this is not necessary. No matter what the stated purpose, the underlying motivation is likely to be social. You don’t need an excuse to have fun.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — This week’s solar eclipse in your house of reputation and achievement will wake you up to the role that you’re serving. Most likely this is through some professional activity, though it’s not necessarily associated with your formal role. It could be, though every person serves a purpose in a social environment. For example, if you answer the phone all day, you spread your vibes to everyone you talk to, and by extension, everyone they come in contact with. Locate yourself within the social network you contact through your profession, and notice the ways you can tune up the role that you play. If your work specifically involves messaging of any kind, whether sales, or politics, or media, you are part of establishing a new pattern of speech and thought. You may not see yourself this way — but then, you might want to look, in such a way that you do.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — What is the future, really? Is it a thing that already exists, and we wait for it to reveal itself? Is it something we create, and aspire to? Or is it an experience that’s creating us right now, as we proceed in its direction? Every one of these possibilities is conceptual, and unproven. However, some have demonstrated that it’s possible to envision something, to aspire to it, and to have that thing happen. It’s also noticeable that many have a fixed view of the future, or seem to ride along a path that’s set down like train tracks. (Take the local, or take the express, but don’t get off till you find success!) This week’s eclipse of the Sun in Aquarius will shake up your concept of the future, and free some bandwidth and energy that will help you make decisions. More than anything, you need an open mind, and to be aware that you’re not living your parents’ life — therefore, you’re not subject to their beliefs.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A deal is a deal, right? Well, it is, if everyone keeps their promises. In the business world, that’s called good faith: everyone trusting that everyone else means what they say, is willing to come through, and is able to deliver. It doesn’t matter whether this is a verbal contract or is in writing; the sincerity of a promise is all that matters. On any pending business or financial matter, check in with yourself, and make sure that your promises are in good faith. Evaluate the track record of those you do business with, and size up their intentions based on what they actually deliver. In this realm, peer pressure usually comes in the form of blaming an organization for delays, lack of flexibility, or the failure to deliver. If you notice a shock to the system, or some unexpected change, take advantage of it. Utilize anything out of pattern, or where there is some disruption to the usual social order.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — This week’s eclipse of the Sun takes place in your relationship zone, Aquarius. If you keep an open heart and mind, this aspect — a conjunction of the Moon, the Sun, Venus, Mercury and asteroid Juno — will teach you something about the potential of your relationships. The old Flock of Seagulls song “Modern Love is Automatic” describes the reality for many, who struggle with a seeming lack of choice, with incompatibility, and with lack of freedom. This may emerge from not seeing one’s options, or not choosing consciously. You’re being encouraged to open your eyes and notice who is available, and on what terms, and to engage in a real conversation. Beware of seeing yourself in others; make sure that the commonality you notice is not a projection. Pause before doing something you’re supposed to do, or that’s expected of you. You are free. Proceed in manual mode.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — The changes at work are coming on fast and furious. Yet you would be wise to slow down, and notice that what’s really happening is that new patterns are being established as the old ones break down. Rather than dealing reactively with the confusion, create something that works better, particularly on the human level. With so much activity in Aquarius (including Mercury, your home planet), one might make the mistake of thinking this is all about technology. But Aquarius is more about human design than it is about anything else: those group relationships that so often prove so challenging. The more you honor the voices of individuals, the less the group dynamic will dominate. And though we’re all drowning in technology, the world was, is, and will always be about people. So listen to what they say, and feel what they feel, and help create a world where everyone is welcome.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — A diversity of aspects, and worldly events, are conspiring to liberate you from the past, and open up the future. The main element of freedom from the past that you’ll benefit from is freedom from your insecurities. You’ve turned a corner here in recent months, as if you suddenly have a more stable foundation. Now you get to test that out. You may be familiar with the dilemma: do you do what you want because you’re making enough money, or do you do what you want, and figure out how to have that support you? These days, it seems like the second one is more valid for you. Time is precious, and you’ve crossed enough thresholds to prove that you can make progress toward your goals. At a certain point you have to claim that progress and seize an opportunity when you have it.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You’ve reached a point where it’s time to ask yourself how much involvement with your family is appropriate. Even asking this question can send shudders down the spine, which means it’s worth considering boldly. You may rationalize your involvement on the basis that they all need you, and if so, that’s the first thing to question. It makes a convenient excuse, in part because it may be true. However, do you need them just a little more? You may be trying to cover what you perceive as a psychological weakness that prevents you from being more independent in your choices. The way to heal this is not to cover the weakness but rather to reveal it for what it is, and get an understanding of how it may be serving you in some way. For example, do you use it as an excuse in any way? You want real confidence, not a substitute.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Mars in your sign, or anyone’s sign, would usually describe being in a self-serving and competitive mood. Yet due to the presence of other planets, you’re more in a self-sacrificing state of mind. This could inspire you to serve others, or at least to put their needs first. The world could use more of this, and it’s likely to be a dominant force in your character for a while. Just two cautionary thoughts, though: One is to pay attention to whom you’re serving, and to what end. The other is to make sure that you’re not avoiding intimacy, using work or service as an excuse. It’s one thing if you’re actually involved and invested and need to get a job done. It’s another if you’re avoiding something. You’ll have a better sense of this by next weekend, and can evaluate your situation then. It’s likely that you are, in fact, working for the good cause, not as a sacrifice but as a gift.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — The theme of financial reorganization is all over your charts, and it’s going to happen one way or another. Get a grip now, while the gripping is good. Take charge, which begins with a breakdown of the numbers. Know exactly where you stand. As you do that, notice how you’re keeping track of both the figures and your documentation. This really is a paperwork question, though it’s ultimately about the framework of your financial life. There is a psychological element to this, and a maturity element. Freud said that challenges around money involved father issues. Jung said they involved mother issues. We can speculate and say that when we’ve resolved the lingering baggage of our parents, the matters of finance are both easier, and more personally meaningful. If at this moment you don’t have ease, go for meaning. Your income potential is significant; you have every reason to involve yourself in an improved approach to the subject.

Aquarius Birthdays 2018:

The Perfect Reading for Your Evolving Aquarian Life

“My takeaway from the Aquarius reading is a sense of PEACE. You really do UNDERSTAND what Aquarians are going through these days (and yes, because you do understand and explain the issues I am going through so well). Yes: you are an honorary Aquarian.”

— Eileen

Dear Reader with Aquarius Sun, Moon or Rising Sign:

When you look back on the last year (or listen to last year’s Aquarius Birthday reading), what do you notice most? Is it the difficulties you’ve struggled to overcome; or the new and creative ways you’ve approached life on your own terms; or the way you’ve interacted with those around you?

Life as an Aquarius is in the process of shifting: we’re between two eclipses that involve your sign; one of your ruling planets has changed signs (Saturn) and another one is gearing up to do so in May (Uranus). And Chiron is about to move into Aries, shifting the focus of your learning and healing agenda, and hopefully providing a little relief.

Both your inner experience and your outer reality are undergoing significant changes. Using his signature blend of astrological experience, therapy training, life coaching, and motivational speaking, Eric will cover these major changes to the sky (along with subtler points) in your upcoming 2018 Aquarius Birthday Reading.

You can still pre-order this reading for the lowest price we offer — you get two segments of astrology audio (at least 30 minutes each) plus a tarot reading for the year. It will be the perfect complement to your Art of Becoming annual reading (if you’ve ordered that, too): an intensive audio meditation you can download and listen to anytime, anywhere.

Wishing you a happy birthday season, and dynamic use of these eclipses.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you know and love an Aquarian, show them by giving the 2018 Aquarius Birthday Reading as a gift!

P.P.S. If you’d like to review your year and check Eric’s accuracy as you head into The Eclipse Zone, please listen to last year’s reading, as a gift from Planet Waves.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The bigger your plans, the more they may evoke your insecurities. This is typical even of high achievers, though you may want to gain some insight into the issue. Consider two possibilities: one is that you’re confusing your potential success with your self-worth. This is easy to do, in a world where little attention is paid to human factors (such as feelings), and much is paid to externals, such as the appearance of success. A related matter is whether you feel you’re of value to a spouse or other intimate partner. The all-too-sad truth is that many people do indeed value their partners based on success, which translates to how much money they make. If you can account for both of these factors (which involve confusing self-worth with success with financial success), what does it mean to “accomplish something”? What does it mean to make a contribution? Is that even important to you? This week’s eclipse in your birth sign is a fine occasion to sort some of this out.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — This week’s solar eclipse will let off some psychic pressure, which you may not have known you were even experiencing. You have plenty of responsibility at the moment, and a good few aspects of your usual life seem to have gone missing. So it’s not surprising that you would be feeling some tension. However, once you experience what looks like an equalization of your inner atmosphere, you’ll be able to breathe easier and have more room to maneuver. When the Sun arrives in your sign in about a week, you’ll feel even better. Start stretching out now — your body, your traveling range, and your mental outlook. Remember how much music helps lighten your spirits. You’re feeling restless, and your solar chart describes a classic case of cabin fever, which usually gets you this time of year. It’s true that the dark, damp winter is not especially appealing to someone who would rather be on a Caribbean beach, though this would be a good time to go out exploring and see what warm places you can find, wherever you can find them.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Be courageous this week and speak up about what matters to you, no matter now secretive or sensitive the subject matter. You may feel fear around this, or tension, or some unnameable emotion, though you’re also being drawn to express your truth. You don’t need to do this in a public forum; it would be wise to keep the discussion to intimate spaces, with people you’re close to. You might, however, have an occasion to open up some discussion in a group forum. The temptation these days is to go right to the internet. With so much happening in Aquarius right now, the lure is extra strong. When you have something important to say, say it in person. The risk might seem greater, though in truth, the electronic realm is free of any risk and offers very little reward or potential for healing. Vulnerability is what you need.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Mercury, the Sun and Venus are streaking across the 10th house of your solar chart, inviting you to achieve great things. You define the term “great,” though the notion usually includes some kind of stretch beyond the ordinary. You’re likely to be doing just that; though this week, a series of aspects is inviting you to fully engage your awareness and recognize what you’re doing and why. You are tapping into a deep source of motivation and creativity, and you can bring that right to the surface of your mind — right to full awareness. That inner source is directly connected to much of what is pushing, stretching and twisting the world right now, and you’re dancing with it like it’s your best friend, the great python. We are living in a time when the entire universe is vibrating with the message: WAKE UP. You’re one of the people who is ringing that bell.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Your chart is lit right now. As an air sign, you’re especially sensitive to air-sign energy. And there’s a whole lot of that going on at this moment, with the Sun and many planets in Aquarius — and an eclipse on the way. This is a fancy way of saying that you’ve got it going on. You may be concerned that your plans are taking too long to manifest, though that won’t be a problem for long. In fact, it would be wise of you to gather your energy, focus your mind and get some rest before the pace of life picks up rapidly. One thing you can do is carefully size up whose fears (besides your own) have had a way of slowing you down. Do they belong to your mother, your father, both, or someone else? Who, if anyone, instilled a fear of achievement? Take the time to think that over, make some decisions, and clear your mind of what is not your burden. Or, said another way, clear the runway. You’re about to take off.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Last week, there was an eclipse of the Moon in your house of money, self-esteem and personal resources. The eclipse was conjunct Ceres, which came with two messages, both ongoing. One involves separating your self-respect from any negative attachments or opinions of you that your mother may have (or had in the past). The second is: respect your own ability to feed yourself. Make a conscious, daily yoga of being grateful for “the roof over your head and the sandwich in your hand,” as the old expression goes. On Feb. 15, there will be an eclipse in Aquarius, which is about shared resources and mutual respect. This is an invitation to up your game. You may feel like you need to proceed with extra caution; which is true, sure; eclipses are powerful. But you must also push the edge, be bold and be strong. Take the chance of standing your full height.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Eclipses are back in town. It’s likely that your life is still in some way reeling from the Great American Eclipse of last August — the really famous one, which was in Leo. I know that because the whole world is still shaking and quaking and wondering what to do. Last week, there was a powerful eclipse of the Moon in your sign, which had the effect of equalizing the pressure caused by the event last August. You are working your way to a new kind of equilibrium. This process will go on throughout the year, peaking once again with another solar eclipse in your sign on Aug. 11. You are going through an initiation. You may feel pushed to the edge of your abilities, your energy, your strength, your courage, and maybe your will to live. Ride it out. Take the trip. Focus on your one and only life, and remind yourself why you’re alive.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Lots of interesting and potentially weird stuff is going on at work. It’s all leading to something, which you’ll know for sure around the time of the New Moon eclipse on Feb. 15. You’re delivering efficiency and effectiveness. You are a well-oiled machine. You have great ideas. Now it’s time to bring in some heart and soul. Your work-related house, where many events are developing, is Aquarius. That can be chilly or impersonal — or it can be boldly humanitarian. You can do everything you do, as well as you do, and fully honor the necessities of the human realm. Put yourself in the place of others. Listen to what they’re saying to you about their experiences. You know you’re destined for great things, and you provide an amazing service to others. Yet, without heart and soul, it’s all just wires, boxes and balance sheets.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Roll and sway with your environment, even as it changes, minute by minute. The world is chaotic and churning, everywhere from Washington DC to Washington Heights to the back hills of Washington State. Our environments are full of interruptions and intrusions. The only way to deal is to adapt consciously. That means learning how to ride the waves; a kind of psychic surfing that, while not entirely free from risk, is a much better option than getting churned in the chaos. Your creative energy is bursting right now. You have nearly every other advantage, including being curious and restless. Some of the best astrological advice I ever got was from a surfer, who was wearing a tee-shirt that said, “Look where you want to be.” By that he meant that you steer with your eyes, by resting your gaze on your intended destination.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You can take a detached view from any family or household dramas — let yourself be drawn in by good vibes rather than chaos. People will figure out that’s the reward for your being there, especially if you tell them. You don’t need agitation; you will benefit from cooperation; you are just fine going on your own. Therefore, associate with people only when it serves your purpose or, alternately, when you know you can actually be of some tangible assistance. You are reassessing old patterns of relating that have their roots in your family. This is a rare opportunity to drop many of the dysfunctional ways of thinking and relating that no longer work. You want to listen for when people are acting in automatic mode, like robots. That’s your cue to wake up and step back, or to disrupt the scene in some minor way, to shift the energy — such as dropping a dish on the floor.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Society is now pretending to be embroiled in all the conversations it’s been avoiding since the last Women’s Lib protest in 1975. The thing is, very few people want to get the discussion to the depth where something actually moves, grows or changes. That involves taking a personal risk, which remains unpopular. You, however, are walking along the edge of feeling your entire emotional history in a keen and palpable way. There will be moments when the whole past comes back to you, with all its corresponding vulnerability. Work that energy for all it’s worth: like a performer on stage who is willing to bare all for the sake of an excellent performance, having no clue whether it’s even working, suspended between exhilarated and terrified. That’s the place where you can be real with yourself and with everyone around you. You will learn a lot about yourself, and everyone else.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Your sign is usually associated with doing things the old way rather than the new way, though at the moment you can bring the perfect blend of the two. In times of change, that’s an essential combination, the hybrid of tradition and innovation. There are ways the human condition changes, or seems to change, rapidly, and there are ways that it does not change at all. Look around you and see the difference. People still have an emotional need for affirmation and contact. They have a need to socialize together. We need to express common values and long to fulfill common needs. You have an unusually vivid psychic opening into the collective mind right now. You share many priorities with the people around you. Use this ability — it will serve you well, for any purpose you want. Remember that service to others moves spiritual energy much better than service to self.

Aquarius Birthdays 2018:

The Aquarius Eclipse Zone — and a Gift from Us

“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

Dear Friend and Reader:

You’ve just experienced a spectacular “supermoon” and total lunar eclipse in your opposite sign, Leo. Leo is your “relationship sign,” and as such also holds information about other sorts of partnerships besides the romantic kind (including those that are not so amicable).

Not only that, but the corresponding partial solar eclipse will occur on Feb. 15 in Aquarius — making these next couple of weeks a potentially very fertile time for you to shift your life in a new direction. What would you like to see more of in your life in the next 6-12 months? And in what ways can you aim yourself in that direction over the next couple weeks?

Eric will be taking up this auspicious astrology in your upcoming 2018 Aquarius Birthday Reading. He designs these audio meditations to be useful for the entire year, long past your birthday month — which is perfect, considering that the eclipses take moths to unfold.

He’ll also be covering the major-planet sign changes that mark this year, two of which involve your ruling planets (Saturn, which is newly in Capricorn; and Uranus, which enters fellow fixed sign Taurus in May) — and much more.

You can lock in the lowest price we offer when you pre-order your Aquarius reading; that’s two segments of astrology plus a tarot reading for the year for only $33. Note: the price will increase as Eric nears publication of your audio reading.

Why should you get both your Birthday Reading if you’re already getting the Art of Becoming annual reading? Mainly because it covers your key astrology in a different, stand-alone format and has its own unique emphasis — born of the moment when Eric records it, capitalizing on his more intuitive, improvisational skills.

May you celebrate your birthday eclipse season with a sense of potential and empowerment.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you know and love an Aquarian, show them by giving the 2018 Aquarius Birthday Reading as a gift!

P.P.S. If you’d like to review your year and check Eric’s accuracy as you head into The Eclipse Zone, please listen to last year’s reading, as a gift from Planet Waves.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Planets are gathering in your sign, welcoming an eclipse of the Sun that takes place in about a week and a half. You have resources. You are moving energy. You are about to take a tremendous step in your growth and your maturity. It’s essential that you set aside both naïve views of the world, and cynical ones. Much of your purpose in life is the gaining of experience, which is the test of theory and, in fact, the ultimate test of reality. You’re being compelled to change in ways you’ve long resisted, which includes seeing the patterns that you follow, and doing whatever you can to change them. Put your mind into manual mode. Stay awake for every waking hour. Pay attention to your environment and every bit of feedback it provides. Look for patterns in the chaos. They are calling your name.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Several unusual influences are simultaneously calling you deep into yourself, and at the same time calling you take action in the world. The order of operations would best be inner first, outer second. This of course necessitates your not getting lost in your inner reality like it’s the only one there is. Important responsibilities are calling on you to participate in the world. Yet you have the distinct advantage of inner guidance. This is a gift you must learn to use, and to trust. It’s not a plug-and-play kind of thing; it takes skill, more like piloting an airplane than sending a message on Twitter. You need to understand all the dynamics of your environment — which means your inner world, the space and energy around you, and the delicate place where the two meet. If you make a mistake, correct it quickly, and move on. If you make a discovery, note it well.