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Aries (March 20-April 19) — Work with people behind the scenes and you’ll have much more influence over the flow of events. You don’t need to reveal who is helping you, though you would be wise to seek assistance if you need it. This might come in the form of ideas, intel or a direct advocate who works on your behalf. Your true strength, however, will come when you remember to take a moment and ask for help on the inner, invisible or spiritual level. Summon your own strength and healing gift. It makes a difference to ask. Rather than pleading, simply state your request for the outcome that you want. Be courageous and declare your sincere desire for the best possible outcome. Then, trust yourself and the flow of events. While you’re at it, you may notice that someone is seeking your assistance, particularly with something you’re specially suited to offer. Your heart will guide you on what to do.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You are demonstrating what is possible, which is teaching you about the beautiful things your own creativity can accomplish. Yet at the same time, you’re serving as an example for many that it’s possible to live your life your way. This has a liberating effect on others. If you devote yourself to the greatest good for all concerned, you’ll discover there’s no limit on what you can accomplish for yourself. This collective approach takes you to the roots of your true spiritual calling. You can live for yourself in a way that benefits others. You can support others in a way that detracts nothing from your life. You are well aware of the pain and struggle that competing interests and win-lose situations create. You’re also aware that none of this crisis is necessary, though it takes creative people to come up with solutions where everyone comes out ahead.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mercury is now working its way forward again through your solar 8th house of contracts and agreements. The implication is that anything you signed up for or otherwise agreed to in recent months can now be renegotiated. Consider carefully which contracts or promises, whether formal or informal, are not working for you. Then figure out what, exactly, would be preferable or acceptable; and then propose that, and see what happens. It may be that everyone involved wants better terms, or that your counterpart(s) have some needs of their own that they want addressed. You’ll probably never know unless you speak up. This astrology relates to business and financial agreements, though it also potentially describes the terms of a sexual relationship. You don’t need to do things the way your grandparents did. You and the people in your life are free to do whatever you mutually agree to. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to be yourself.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The asteroid goddess Vesta has returned to your sign, where it will remain through early May. Right now Vesta in Cancer and the Sun in Capricorn are face to face, which is reminding you of certain deep commitments that you’ve made to yourself and to others. The beauty of Vesta is that if you hold open the space for something to happen, usually it will. Rather than being about an urgent kind of need or motive, the commitments of Vesta are made real by a process of allowing and encouraging. Through this, you will get a look not just at how but also why your relationship patterns differ from those of the people around you. You serve a purpose in the lives of close partners different from anyone they’ve ever experienced. Your relationship patterns are unusual, though they exist for a reason that you will discover is loving, beautiful and sincere.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You may feel like you have so much to work out that you don’t know where to begin. Don’t let your mind get lost in the seeming complexity of your circumstances, or overwhelmed by how much feels unresolved. You don’t need to have all the answers or solutions for everyone, and you must pause and remind yourself what really is not your problem. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, you need to set some boundaries. If you notice yourself being called upon to make sacrifices that don’t seem fair, take a step back and reconsider your viewpoint. When the Sun enters your opposite sign Aquarius in a few days, you will find the present moment much more interesting than the lingering problems of the past, particularly those that are not your own. You like to have clear understandings with people, and you’re free to emphasize those relationships where there is a genuine mutual consideration.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — With so much happening in your opposite sign Pisces, you may feel like you have to disappear or be overwhelmed. Perhaps take the opposite approach and dive into the fray. You can afford to take bigger risks than you think; by which I mean social, creative and erotic experiments. You’re more conservative by nature than you may imagine yourself to be, by which I mean averse to what seems like taking chances. However, the little kid in you wants to have some fun. You seem to be feeling curious and you want to express that. You’re not going to go off the rails if you do — though you’re likely to discover something completely unexpected that will influence how you see yourself, and experience yourself. Any actual creative or amorous experience requires entering unknown territory. Then in that new and unpredictable space, you get to respond on the spot. That’s art; that’s love.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You can think of your life as a study in what you have to offer rather than in what you need. You can try this approach no matter how much you may imagine you’re lacking, or how much abundance you currently have. Pass the good vibes forward. Make sure that the basic needs of everyone around you are met. If someone mentions a problem, find out a little more; there’s likely a way you can be of service. It’s one of those basic metaphysical facts that you discover your abundance through sharing it. You have considerable influence in setting the tone of your environment, particularly your work environment, and this influences many people around you. Pull open the blinds, water the plants, make sure there’s fresh coffee, and keep the positive, friendly and flirtatious vibes going around. They will come back to you in many ways.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You’re walking that delightfully fine line between fantasy and reality. You seem to know what you want, though as you consider it and focus your ideas and make the possibility real, you may be feeling a little edgy. I suggest reassuring yourself with the idea that everything you do with passion is contributing to your healing process. I know that most notions of healing include the smell of rubbing alcohol, or perhaps aromatherapy, in a treatment room. You can take a wider view of your life and of your growth process. You can take a wider view of your devotional practice. You were born to celebrate the beauty of life. Remember this, from the poetry of the goddess: “all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.”

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — The more confident in yourself you are, the more generous you’ll be with close partners. The more insecure you are, the more likely you are to hold them to a standard and to be picky about the details of what’s happened in the past. Notice that you are the variable. Your point of view shifts how you perceive, and therefore treat, the people you care about. Therefore, focus on your self-assurance above all else. You may be feeling more emotional than usual; more oriented on your needs rather than your desires; more sensitive to the views of others. You can experience these feelings with no corresponding need to defend yourself or to assert yourself. You’re not usually the one who needs the reminder to be more objective and detached from your feelings; that’s your specialty. Today I’m here to remind you to take a deep breath and a step back, and remember that people care about you — and that you can be confident of that fact.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You may not feel inclined to put your thoughts into words. From the look of your astrology, it’s all either way too personal, or way too confusing. Yet you need to bring the personal forward into your personal encounters. And one dependable way to get un-confused is to lay out what you’re thinking in front of you where you can see it. Start with the basic facts. Ask yourself where you stand with each of the important people who are now in your life. Consider the feeling of your environment. As you do this, you’ll begin to clarify your thoughts, which will make it easier to put your perceptions into words, which will help. You might take up the morning pages routine from The Artist’s Way — free-write three pages a day, every day, which you don’t read for a month or two. You need techniques like this to keep your mind awake and alert.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — One thing you don’t need to worry about is your public image. Sure, it’s almost always useless to concern yourself with what people think (especially since they so rarely do). However, at the moment, you’re perceived as something of an exemplar: one committed to doing the right thing, for the right reasons. If you have the feeling that your life would be easier if you didn’t have to do this, you are correct; and that’s a good sign. Keep taking the high road. Do the right thing instead of the popular thing. Maintain your policy of being friends with those who are unpopular or who are getting a raw deal. Your example of living as one who is true to your own values counts for more than you know. Carry on. Don’t worry about whether you’re making an impact. You are, where it counts the most — in the lives of individuals who respect you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — If you could take a look at an astrology chart, you would see so many planets in your sign that your head might spin. Pisces is currently the center ring of the astrological circus, though there’s one aspect that stands out: Mars is conjunct Chiron. It’s rare enough that Mars comes to your sign (every two years), and rarer still that Chiron is with you (eight years out of every 50). Now the two are focused into one idea, and for you, this is an initiation into spiritual warriorship. Your recent and present experiences, what you’re learning, and what you discover, all point to you taking a bold step into a new dimension of your reality, and a truly new phase of your life. Focus your mind, think carefully, and act with precision. You are being bestowed with a new element of power, which in itself is neutral. You have the ability to use your gifts to heal or to harm, and in this you must be fully conscious. Make no assumptions. Be willing to walk the narrow way, celebrating as you go.

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Aries (March 20-April 19) — You now get a chance to run with your plan, and it’s likely to be an excellent one. You can presently activate some concentrated, hot idea, probably related to your profession, career or vocation (however you think of it). This involves Mercury stationing direct in Sagittarius and soon storming into Capricorn, your house of success. Here are a few reminders that will help you succeed. One is that you need to focus on the practical elements without letting your vision cool off. This is a skill that you must master; the most important learning goal of Aries is sustained effort over time. Another is to remember that your public presentation is about your reputation and how you deliver your message. The two are related. Stick to matte finish rather than high gloss. Focus on getting the job done, with quality and consistency. A little stagecraft may be necessary, but only a little, at the right time.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You’re past the point of your feelings being negotiable. You feel how you feel; you are who you are. Yet flexibility helps, as does letting go of minor grievances and controversies. Once you have your priorities in order, your actual feelings matter more, and you won’t feel a need to defend yourself. You do need to be clear, as a conscious act. Venus is close to Neptune right now, and you may think that people can read your mind, but most of them need the facts and opinions spelled out. Remember to communicate with each person you’re working with a little differently; tune into who they are and adapt your style. This includes how you relate to friends, who may be seeking out your counsel more than usual. You’re in one of those moments when people are projecting a lot of fantasies onto you, and someone may be idealizing you. Forgive them their illusions and take in the flattery.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Many people around you right now are part of your spiritual family. It’s as if you’re becoming aware that you travel with a soul group, which includes people you’ve been with lifetime after lifetime. This is your real family; these are the people who share similar spiritual goals, who are likely to be people you can count on as collaborators in your seemingly worldly goals. Look and listen for the feeling of ‘common origins’. Tune into the extent that someone lives as if they belong on the planet at this time. Notice the values you share, and what makes you happy. Sometimes, though, people are part of your spiritual family who seem to have nothing in common with you; you just know you’re part of the same soul group. Once you’re there, it’s an easy step to recognizing the common ground and common origins that all humans share.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Everything about your relationships is going through a transformation. This is not about the individual people involved. Rather, you’re becoming aware of how the ground on which your involvements with other people stand has shifted. You’re finally catching up with yourself on these changes that go back more than five years. You must rise to the occasion, step up, stand up, speak up and look eye to eye with people. When you’re sincere, you activate a fundamental equality and mutual respect. You don’t have to stand up to people for the sake of standing up, or to prove your validity. Rather, listen to what means the most to other people, and consider what means the most to you. The common ground you share is the place to explore first. Then there’s room for everyone else’s highest priorities. For you, one of them is peace of mind. You need to trust existence, which is not always easy — though people can do a lot for one another in developing that trust as something real.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You’re on the edge of a creative breakthrough. It looks like you have the idea, and are both prepared and committed to developing it into something real. Keep in mind that ideas go for ten bucks a case. All of their value is found in their development and use. This is where you have a real advantage, because your concept is visionary; and going forward, the emphasis on practical matters is available. Yet you must remember the seed idea at the center of what you’re doing. Remember why it’s so beautiful. Doing the day-to-day work of developing even a relatively small project can completely distract you from its original qualities. You must supply the fuel to keep your passion hot as you proceed through the worldly details rather than visionary ideals. Then you plant a little of that vision into everything you touch and everyone you speak to.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Sometimes events beyond your control can teach you how much confidence you have. When you simply have to do something whether you think you’re qualified to do it or not, that’s the perfect place to build your faith in yourself and in your talent. You don’t get there by doing what you already know how to do, or by managing things under ordinary conditions. So if things get a little weird and you must tap into your deeper resources, be happy for the opportunity. One skill you’ll be calling upon is your political gifts. You actually can handle people who are concealing their motives, or who are trying to deceive you in some way. You don’t even need to let on that you’re aware that’s what they’re doing. Another skill you’ll need is the subtle sense of when to take a chance. Life is not an action film, but there are moments you have to leap without looking.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Keep your mind on the big plan, your larger goals and your more challenging tasks. It will be easy to get bogged down in petty details and interpersonal politics, most of which will take care of themselves. It’s true that the fine points matter, and it’s true that you like to tie up the loose ends. You’ll have a chance to do that, but it won’t be worth much if you’re not grounded in your actual mission. Focus on building foundations and setting yourself up for long-term success. Work with the people you rely upon rather than the ones who cannot rise above the level of personality. You will thrive on adult relationships. This means encounters where people have an investment in being responsible to one another, and express fidelity to goals larger than their individual lives. This is the value to pay attention for; it’s the one you will thrive on, because that deep sense of purpose feels so good to you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Who benefits when someone feels stuck, angry or depressed? Who in the environment thrives on the creative and sexual frustration of others? Be sensitive to this question and you will make some vital discoveries about yourself. Your struggle to express yourself and to flourish into who you are may involve your fear of threatening someone when you succeed. You might say that in the politics of your relationships, there are ways in which you keep your strength (whether erotic, artistic or other) in check because it’s politically expedient. This does not help you in any way. You don’t work out the relationship and you don’t get to express yourself. It’s clear that you’re deeply craving certain experiences, even if only to try and see what happens. If this makes anyone prickly or jealous, you need to evaluate the relationship and what you’re doing there. Small indicators (such as how you’re treated, or treat others) point to much deeper problems. You must decide if you really want that in your life.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You may be feeling edgy, though your life is pretty stable at the moment. You have your options open, and you have some excellent ones to work with. Treat this time in your life as a point of maximum leverage. Tune into the goals that seem important to you now. They are likely to be the same ones that will be relevant in 10 or 20 years. You know what you want, and you have the passion to make it real. Now comes the long journey of investing in yourself: in cultivating your talent, in directing your finances toward your personal business plan, and most importantly, in focusing on what is really significant. The beauty is you know exactly what that is, and you can actually do it if you want. If you don’t focus on instant rewards, the ones that develop over time will seem that much more worthwhile.

Capricorn Birthdays 2017:

Get Instant Access to Your Capricorn Audio

“Remember this: the central transit of your life, the master transit, the planet that’s the central processor of your astrological computer, is Saturn in Sagittarius in the 12th. For the next two years, everything is playing a supporting role, or in some way modifies, describes or elaborates it.”

— Eric Francis Coppolino in Vision Quest for Capricorn

Dear Friend and Reader:

Are you getting the hang of having Saturn in your 12th house now? It’s a tricky place to have it, but expert assistance is available.

Eric has published the astrology segments of your 2017 Capricorn Birthday Reading, in the midst of his work on this year’s annual edition.

He designs the audio birthday reading so it takes a different approach to your astrological forecast — making it an amazing complement to the annual.

“Great audio as usual. Thank you for brightening my little attic rooms with your lights, Eric!”

— Catherine Pape

The birthday reading includes two audio segments of astrology (at least 30 minutes each) plus a tarot reading — which will be recorded a little later — along with an extended description of your sign. You can access all parts of the reading as many times as you wish throughout the year.

You can still order your 2017 birthday reading at a discounted price of only $24.97. Once the tarot portion of the reading publishes, the price will increase again.

Still not sure?

Feel free to review last year’s Capricorn Birthday Reading (as a gift from Planet Waves). It’s a great way to check Eric’s accuracy and integrate what you learned in 2016, so you can focus your vision for the year just beginning.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You have every reason to feel confident. You can push and stretch and exploit your capabilities. You can take charge, you can test limits and you can hold people to their commitments. Yet in order to truly feel alive, you must allow yourself to be vulnerable. This is what will give your life meaning, and what will allow the inspiration to flow into your experience of work or accomplishment. The way to start is with the words you say. Speak from your heart and make sure people know how much you care about them and how much you appreciate them, and remind them that you value their presence and loving support in your life. No matter how successful you are, you won’t feel human until you can home in on the human experience of trusting the people you love. This will teach you to trust yourself, which is the basis of all true confidence.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You’re moving a whole lot of karma. It’s as if something old and stuck is giving way, cracking apart and leaving you free to think and stretch out. This process is going to go on for a while. The theme of the next four seasons is about you going through a spiritual transformation where you burn off the residue of the past. You will emerge as a clearer, more open person, with greater access to your talents. You seem intent on wanting to make an impact on the world. The process you’re going through is deeply personal; and, at the same time, there’s a connection to your community. It’s as if you must go through a certain kind of change first, in a rather open and transparent way; and this takes some people along with you. Rather than worry about your impact, focus on the sincerity of your personal transformation, and keep others involved in the process. That is indeed impact.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Trust your feelings and where they guide you. This is worth writing on the bathroom mirror of any household that includes a Pisces person. However, it’s especially true now. You have little else to guide you, which is actually fine, because you’re so sensitive at the moment. Even if you’re one of those rare but amazing extroverted Pisces, keep your awareness focused inwardly. Tune into each situation and bring out the talent, skill or personal gift to suit your circumstance. You have ready access to every facet of who you are. And at the moment, you’ve got no reservations about presenting yourself to the world as the distinct individual that you are. Let nothing distract you: not the opinions of others, or how they may respond to your passion. The way you will activate the considerable healing power that you have available is by pushing limits and violating taboos, regularly.

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Aries (March 20-April 19) — Your profession is about what you have to offer the world. It’s your way of nurturing the community. Yes, there’s the achievement aspect; yet ultimately you accomplish great things based on the gifts you give. That includes your time, your productivity and your ideas. Focus on that rather than on the power aspect and you will come across to potential employers as a genuine asset to them.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — The meeting of the Sun and Pluto in your house of aspirations says it’s essential that you take the long-term view. Even if you must get yourself set up with something immediately, consider the way in which it fits the much longer story-arc of your life. You thrive with proper structure, yet we live in an era when many of the most dependable ones are crumbling. You must provide this for yourself. Work from your highest vision, and plot the steps that will get you there.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mercury has been moving backwards in your house of contracts and negotiations, and will station direct on the 8th. Until then you may feel like you’re experiencing more alterations than a tailor’s shop before prom week. Be patient with the process. Take things one step at a time, and evaluate everything on its own merits. It’s essential that you make no promises you cannot fulfill, or offer anything that you cannot absolutely deliver in impeccable form.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It may seem that others have most of the influence and advantages, though that’s an illusion. When you meet someone, look them in the eye, say hello and remember that you’re both human. This will keep the interaction on level ground. We all have our strengths and weaknesses; we all have our needs and our assets. Remind yourself that you’re a solid, competent person who can rise to any challenge, and proceed with calm self-assurance.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — There are two aspects to any career: the outer play of prestige and achievement, and the actual work that you do in the course of the week. Right now the planets are emphasizing the second. Potent activity in your 6th house of day-to-day business is saying you must attend to the details of whatever you’re doing, and get it right the first time. Get the proofreaders, the fact-checkers and the BS detectors into your game. Run every document past people with 10 years more experience than you have.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Creativity sometimes looks like a fantastic painting or stage presentation, and sometimes it looks like connecting the right idea to the right problem. In your solar chart, art is expressed mostly in practical ways, and you want to emphasize that right now. Keep your mind and your pencil sharp, and look for clever, small adjustments that help you make the connection or get the job done. Do not repeat what others have said to you without verifying it first.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Someone who may seem a little strange or eccentric will offer you an idea worth its weight in pure platinum. Let people provoke you, listen to their arguments, and evaluate their ideas, no matter what you think of them. As one born under the sign Libra, you have a talent for presenting radical ideas in perfectly eloquent terms. One of these seeming oddballs could become a valuable partner in business, enterprise or career.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Your words have impact. This is especially true now. Measure them carefully and deliver them gently. It would be wise to have someone you know you can trust go over your ideas on an important task and refine your presentation. Keep your ego out of it. Sand down any barbs, and make sure that what you’re saying comes across clearly. Stick to the basics, and use writing as a practical craft to get the job done.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Mercury will move to forward motion in your sign on the 8th, and it would be wise to delay the signing of any contracts till then — later if you can. It will be easy to delay things because everyone is feeling the effects of the current retrograde. Anyone who pressures you into making a commitment before that time, or before you’re ready in any form, is not someone you want to work with. Better opportunities are in the offing.

Capricorn Birthdays 2017:

Begin Your Year On the Right Track, Capricorn “The last year has been a tremendous challenge in pretty much all areas of my life, but the birthday reading gives me hope that I really am on the right track. Thank you for such a great birthday reading Eric! Longtime Planet Waves fan.” — S. R. Dear Friend and Reader: With Mercury currently retrograde in your sign and the recent Capricorn New Moon on Dec. 29, this is a prime moment to reflect deeply on what has been an unusual year. Hopefully there have been many points of healing and growth for you to celebrate in 2016, along with any trials and tribulation that came your way.

And it’s hard to think of a better way to celebrate a new year of life and learning than with a Birthday Reading by Eric Francis. Eric offers easy-to-grasp yet nuanced ideas: practical insights you can put to use immediately in your life. Yet he always has one eye on the longer-term energies shaping the story-arc of your experience. “You covered all the bases of relationships, sex, career and general energies with great balance. Thanks for your work.” — Sherry-Lee For only $24.97, you can order your Capricorn Birthday Reading today. This price includes two segments of audio astrology (at least 30 minutes each), a tarot reading using the Voyager Tarot by James Wanless, and an extended sign description. You can access and replay the reading as many times as you wish. Note that the price will increase as publication nears. May you find some inner stillness and peace of mind amidst the world’s chaos as you begin this New Year. Thank you for being part of Planet Waves. Yours & truly, Amanda Painter P.S. This reading is designed to work for Capricorn Sun, Moon and rising, and makes a thoughtful gift for your Capricorn loved ones.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You may be hesitating about making a decision about what you want to do with your life. Hesitate away! With Mercury moving backwards through your sign, you’re on the path to making a discovery, and with the Sun approaching Pluto, it’s going to be a big one. You might start the month with one goal, and then as the days unfold discover that you’re ready for an entirely different career. True, you don’t like to lurch or leap, but you do seem to be onto something brilliant.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You must watch the financial aspects of any professional arrangements that you make, and watch them carefully. With so much activity in Pisces, your sign of money and resources, you have a lot to offer — and also a tendency to sacrifice your own interests. Therefore, pay attention to this aspect of the discussion. Career is about a lot more than what you get paid, however, and that’s a reminder to make your next job one that really, truly matters to you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — When presenting your talents, focus on what matters to the person you’re speaking to. You have many assets; you have many skills; you can do nearly anything. Yet in an interview situation, or when designing your portfolio, what matters the most is what matters to the person who is taking an interest in you. Tailor what you offer specifically to the situation involved. You’ll soon have plenty of opportunities to be the multifaceted person you are.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — In the world there are two main forms of power: official and informal. Official power would be the president of a college, who gives orders and must be obeyed. Informal power would be the most popular student on campus who gets things done because people like him or her and are willing to help. People tend to over-emphasize official authority and forget about informal lines of influence; you must remember both. On any question you may have, or task you want to accomplish, a combination of both is necessary. When dealing with people who have actual control, it’s necessary to work with their official capacity and their human aspect. That means listening, being helpful and doing what you’ve agreed to do (and a little more). Tapping unofficial power means keeping your ear to the ground so you have up-to-date information. And it means making sure that your allies are ready to help you when you need it.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Faith is more than just belief. That’s the thing about it. And it’s more than hope, more than wishing, more than dreaming. But what is it? It’s the thing you need the most, and it’s difficult to describe by anything other than its results. Faith contains healing power. It has the ability to reach from one mind to another, transcending the body-level of communication. It’s about aligning with your highest truth that, in turn, aligns with something that’s wider, deeper or more powerful than your individual strength — and then you tap into that greater strength. It’s possible to get there; many people have, and many are right there, right now. You might say that faith is the opposite of fear. It is love that holds the world in a safe place, and can be directed toward specific situations and people. Just remember, it’s easiest to identify by what it’s not: neither hope nor desire nor wishing nor dreaming.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You appear to be headed for a breakthrough in a negotiation process where you may lack any clear advantage. Don’t let that deter you. Consider the wider circumstances that surround your situation. Consider everyone involved; ask yourself what’s motivating them, what they want and what they need. Then you will understand the actual position you’re in. Two factors will work in your favor. One is information. Learn everything you can, whether it’s from reviewing your own notes, research, or asking for information from others. Discover everything about every person involved. And then ask people older and more experienced than you what they think. Listen carefully to the opinions you disagree with the most vehemently: they are likely to hold the very best clues. You’re trying to do something that will require some thought: rebel and fit in at the same time.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — There’s no predicting most other people right now. The best you can do is work with existing people in your life to focus their most basic commitments to you, and to keep the lines of communication open. Whether they will show up for more is anyone’s guess. The best thing you can do is to keep your own house in order, which means honoring your top priorities. The less you count on people right now, the better. Nobody is truly self-sufficient, though it’s possible to be less dependent on others, and to focus those dependencies on people or businesses that have proven themselves to be reliable partners. At the moment it may seem like you’re treading water, or trying to hold things together. Take it lightly. This won’t last forever, and soon enough you will be focusing on the next great thing you are ready to accomplish. For now, conserve your energy, do what’s necessary and stay right with yourself.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You’re inclined to give people the benefit of the doubt, though now would be a good time to make sure that people prove themselves. This is not about being mean or untrusting; it’s about taking care of yourself. Your situation is somewhat complex right now, particularly at work. There don’t seem to be any problems you cannot solve, nor challenges you cannot rise to. Yet any person in a position to assist you can also hurt you, particularly for the next month or week or so. That translates to taking it slowly before handing anyone your keys, your password, or care of your kids or critters (especially them). So, screen people carefully, and test them on small projects before you give them bigger ones. If nobody is up to the task, do it yourself, or wait till you find someone appropriate. This goes for all facets of work. ‘Tis the season when mindfulness is essential.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Art usually happens by accident. The same holds true for most inventions and breakthroughs of thought. Of course, you do your bit. You show up in your studio or at your workbench every day that you can. You work on solving the problems that you think you understand, as best you can. You can practice music the way that you always have. Then, remember that the most likely place to make a real discovery or to come up with something original is when you make a mistake of some kind. It might violate the rules or your expectations, but it’s different, and it’s unusual. In this way, the usual process of being disciplined is the setup, and then the thing that goes wrong, or differently, or in some unexpected way, is the result. Therefore, don’t be afraid to be unorthodox, or to stretch and bend and blend colors, notes and ideas. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They can have brilliant results.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — It seems like you need some passion in your life. Currently most of the energy that would become some form of love or creative expression appears to be getting burned up by worry. Most of that, in turn, seems to surround family issues or shared living arrangements. You must look out for your own interests first, and not be distracted by others who want to hand you their problems. They may have done so in the past, and they may know how to push your buttons, though that doesn’t mean you have to go along for the ride. Anything involving your own children, if you have any, requires special handling. You probably consider them a direct extension of yourself, though be aware of the ways that can be used against you, and play a clean game. Back to my original point: you need passion, not distraction; you need love, not the kinds of political games people seem to be playing.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Are you living your past desires, or your present ones? I mean this in two areas of your life: sexual relationships, and your creative aspirations. Go back to age 16 and ask yourself what you wanted. Then pick a date halfway between then and now, and ask yourself what you wanted. Now consider what you want today — and whether you’re satisfied with your life. If you’re not, I would propose that you need some new desires; some new goals; some new reasons to be alive. You’re in a perfect position to update your files: to determine that certain older objectives and reasons for being no longer serve you, and to come up with some new ones (which you probably already have). Then you need to be brave enough, and take yourself seriously enough, to do something about it. To have progress, you must welcome change. There are two parts to that: goodbye, and hello.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — The fewer financial moves you make for the next few weeks, the better. I mean, really, keep it simple and do only what’s necessary. First, you must conserve your resources. You have plans, and your talents are worth a lot, though no matter — efficiency is always in order. One thing you can do is to spend less, and work with what you already have. If you need to buy something, the chances are good that you already have something that will do the job, or someone can loan you what you need for a while. Don’t be afraid to ask. I’ve said many times in this column that we live under the delusion that money can solve all problems. Well, most problems are actually solved by thought, ingenuity and the willingness to do some work. One thing that’s in order right now is taking an inventory: of what you have, including your talents, as well as what you owe to anyone. Give that a few weeks and get some real data to work with.

Capricorn Birthdays 2017:

Begin Your Year Beautifully, Capricorn

“The last year has been a tremendous challenge in pretty much all areas of my life, but the birthday reading gives me hope that I really am on the right track. Thank you for such a great birthday reading Eric! Longtime Planet Waves fan.”

— S. R.

Dear Friend and Reader:

Last week was the Capricorn Solstice, when the Sun entered your sign. Whether it was the shortest day of the year or the longest day where you live, it’s the beginning of a new season — the last season of the astrological year.

Hopefully there have been many points of healing and growth for you to celebrate, along with any trials and tribulation that came your way this year. And it’s hard to think of a better way to celebrate a new year of life and learning than with a Birthday Reading by Eric Francis.

Eric offers easy-to-grasp yet nuanced ideas: practical insights you can put to use immediately in your life. Yet he always has one eye on the longer-term energies shaping the story-arc of your experience.

“You covered all the bases of relationships, sex, career and general energies with great balance. Thanks for your work.”

— Sherry-Lee

For the discounted price of only $19.97, you can pre-order your Capricorn Birthday Reading today.

This price includes two segments of audio astrology (at least 30 minutes each), a tarot reading using the Voyager Tarot by James Wanless, and an extended sign description. You can access and replay the reading as many times as you wish. Note that the price will increase as publication nears.

May you find some inner stillness and peace of mind amidst the world’s chaos as you celebrate the solstice. Thank you for being part of Planet Waves.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. This reading is designed to work for Capricorn Sun, Moon and rising, and makes a thoughtful gift.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Self-discovery never ends. You never actually ‘figure out who you are’ — but you can get to know who you are, and what your tendencies are, here in the world of forever changes. In these weeks you may make some startling, informative or genuinely useful discoveries about your tendencies. You don’t have to do anything about them; just note what you’re learning as you learn it. Notice and make friends with the process of change. Make friends with uncertainty. Being ‘certain’ is often rife with false security. So, too, is the desire for anything to be so-called permanent. The continents drift around the globe. The North Pole was once a tropical region. The Great Sphinx long predates ancient Egypt. Change is your friend, and the easiest thing to change is your mind. Let’s put it this way: if you’re going boat shopping, you don’t need a yacht. You need a very sturdy, dependable little fishing boat. Then get up every day and see what you catch.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Do not, repeat, do not let anxiety get the best of you. Your chart suggests you may be worrying to the point of obsession. This may not be about anything in particular; it may be what shrinks call generalized anxiety. While I cannot describe the astrology fully in this short space, it involves the dog-and-pony show going on in your adjoining sign Capricorn (perhaps read this week’s Cap reading for additional insight). Relax and feel the passage of time. Remind yourself that you’re an intelligent, hardworking person who has the adult power to solve any problem you might become aware of. Keep in mind that as one born under the sign Aquarius, the keynote of your sign is cooperation. That means being open to helping others, and being open to assisting when you can. Your community is your most vital resource. This is true of everyone, but each of the signs has its special theme, and this is the theme of your sign. Work that for all it’s worth.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Don’t fret that the world seems to be such a mess. It is, though what you’re witnessing is part of a necessary transition that was going to happen one way or another. You have your role in the process. Indeed you are intimately linked, both spiritually and structurally, to this next phase of developments. You have your purpose; now you need only to focus on making it work for you. Over the next few weeks you’ll have some opportunities to consider your sources of professional income. You might start with an assessment of where your financial support has come from in the past year. You will see some patterns, and you’ll be able to develop the ones that are working. Here’s the one thing you need to remember when considering your professional options. As a Pisces, your work must be spiritually compatible with who you are. You cannot go against your deepest values. Seen one way, that narrows your possibilities. Seen another, it vastly expands them.