Aries (March 20-April 19) — To get what you want, turn up the passion. You don’t need the ordinary kind of desire; you need the instinctual, lusty kind. This is partly about wanting something enough, or wanting it more than others. It’s also about being so devoted to what you do that you draw others into your vortex and encourage them to take up your goals. This devotion starts with you, and your approach to your work and also to your existence. Right now your existence and your purpose must merge into one thing of beauty, that being you. This is one version of leadership by example. Never underestimate how important this is, even if nobody admits it out loud. Many people around you are struggling to care about anything; many strain to understand why anything matters at all. You get it; and your demonstration of commitment is essential proof of what’s possible.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Faith can move mountains. The history of anyone who has accomplished anything unlikely or seemingly impossible has demonstrated this. Faith ranges from quiet certainty to a deep emotional alignment with what is right and true. It’s the kind of knowingness you have in your body rather than in your mind. This same feeling makes a different kind of sexuality accessible. Erotic feelings that rise to the level of spiritual devotion are something you may have heard about, read about or imagined in your mind; such is a real thing in the world. Yet to go there requires deep inner focus and a kind of moral orientation that takes you beyond judgment. Ordinary ideas of right and wrong do not matter; what matters is your own affinity for your soul and how you want to express yourself, for your own sake and for the people with whom you choose to share energy.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Now is not a good time to make important decisions in your relationships. If you work through the current challenge, you will have another perspective more liberating and beautiful than you might be feeling now. It’s not your relationships that are holding you down; it’s an idea you have about them. You’re in a rare phase of your journey when you can clear those tendencies out of your life. First you must see them for what they are: relationships that are more about structure than about feeling; more about commitment than about devotion. The difference is nothing less than that between what you’re supposed to do, and what you want to do. If you consider this possibility and you feel the allure of freedom, and then you feel guilt, know that you’re moving in the right direction. Guilt is your confirmation of what you really want.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You have an unusual opportunity to connect with someone in an intimate way. Whether this happens in the context of an existing relationship, or a new encounter, the experience will lead you to a deeper place. You might even wonder why connecting with others cannot be like this all the time. It can be, if both parties are willing. It can be, if both parties have as their agenda human bonding rather than a corporate arrangement. Human bonding would tend to disregard the official rules and emphasize the rare and beautiful opportunity of the moment. It’s about what feels right because it is right, not because anyone is living up to a theory. The astrology I’m describing is about more than one encounter with one person. You are looking at the potential for how you can live your life: you might say in direct relationship to existence rather than to anyone’s expectations about it.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You might do what you love; you might also love what you do, whatever it may be. Both are necessary skills at different times in life. Both are possible for you now. Whatever you’re doing, do it with quality and attention. And when you’re done with that, then explore something that you want to do, or simply must do. This is one way to make the divide between “one’s work” and “one’s art” less daunting. Being an artist or craftsman means doing whatever you do with the intention of excellence. This is about you, not whomever you’re working for. It’s less about the product and more about how you feel while you’re engaged in your activity. If you do an unpleasant job with care and love, you will soon understand that you can do even better work, and feel worthy of it. Said another way, master one task and move on to the next.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You’re still susceptible to the manipulation and self-deception of others. There are people who would have you forget their past, or your own. There are people who would lure you into believing that there have been no consequences to their actions. You tend to fall for this because it seems easier than enduring your own self-criticism. With your tendency to service and healing, you might also think you can help people like this, though history tells us otherwise. You have options. There are people you can relate to who exist outside of your comfort zone. You will recognize them by their adherence to their own ethics. You will see a certain mirror in them, perhaps cast in a different light, but still, what seems like a true reflection. Yet to even notice their existence requires a change in perspective. Your life and your relationships would need to be devoted to learning something new about yourself, and choosing people in your life who are devoted to showing you how beautiful you are. That, and you must be willing to see.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — How would you live if you could be emotionally independent of your family, and of your history with them? This is so unusual as to seem impossible. Yet your growth process going back many years has been driving you in this one direction: into your own need to free yourself from your past, and in the process, develop genuine emotional independence. That means not letting your parents run your life, whether via Facebook or from “the other side.” In order to do this, you will need to face your own insecurities. You will need to see your past in context, realistically. You would have to recognize that the influences that shaped you then do not need to shape you now. And, knowing that, you would select influences that you consciously want to shape you now. Such a moment is upon you. Give yourself credit for how much you’ve accomplished, and get ready to take the next step.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You’re learning not just how to say what you feel, but how vital that is to your sanity. Yes, you may have been trained to suppress your own voice, your own needs, your own desires and intentions. And you know that you simply cannot live your own life if you keep doing that. Aspects this week invite you to open up to yourself, and feel the pulse of your own existence — and allow that to guide your voice. When you tune into that feeling, let your voice out, any time you’re inclined to use it. Feel the beauty of speaking or in any way vocalizing and of being seen and heard doing so. You need this affirmation — which is both self-affirmation and taking the risk of inviting others to say yes to you, to who you are and what you love. Follow your feeling of danger, embarrassment or reluctance rather than avoiding them. Let yourself out of your bindings and you will enter a new dimension.

We’ll Remember Your Birthday

Dear Friend and Reader:

People with birthdays around the holidays are often forgotten. Years ago my readers made it clear they want birthday readings, even though the annual edition comes out in December. We’re offering you early pre-order prices on your birthday audio readings. Sign up today and we’ll send you a notice when the reading is getting near, and when it’s ready.

Thanks for being part of Planet Waves.

w/love

Sagittarius	Capricorn	Aquarius

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — A relationship may seem to take a serious turn over the next few days; don’t take that so seriously. What someone close to you is looking for is an open ear and an open heart. They want you to be flexible in your views, and in your view of them. If you open up and offer yourself to this process, you will make some beautiful discoveries about how easy it is to relate to others, when you understand your own power. Borrowing a metaphor from something called Transactional Analysis, the current shape of the relationship might be that of a child trying to get a parent’s attention. If you can shift the discussion to that between two adults, leaving out all the parent-child dynamics, you will find that the conversation goes much more smoothly. You, however, are the one who must initiate this shift, as a fully conscious gesture. Be strong in who you are, and open up to mutual reception.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — There’s a kind of healing that can only happen through an honest conversation. Honest and healing begin with gentle, and emotionally grounded. That means close to the Earth, close to the center of your body, and tuned into your feelings. From there, you can tune into the feelings of those you’re intimate with. In any conversation of this kind, there may be references to the past, though be clear about what they are. Acknowledge what has happened and how you feel about it; ask your conversation partner their view on what happened and how they feel about it. Mostly, keep your focus on the present, facing the future, because that is the only direction you can travel. In any discussion, consider that you may begin with one idea about what matters most, or what you have to say, and through the discussion make a whole new discovery.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — It’s now necessary, even urgent, to consider your relationship to all this technology that surrounds you. This is particularly true if you’ve had any kind of mishap that you attribute to something like texting or email. Or you might be figuring out what being surrounded by the digital environment has done to you spiritually. Consider your life before all this tech took over all of known reality; how did you feel, and what kinds of relationships did you have? What did you want from life, and how did you feel about the future? The remedy to all these digital robots that engulf our lives is being human. You are an Aquarian, which means quirky and highly social. Get with people, in person. Take a chance and risk face-to-face encounters. Be yourself and remember who you are.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Put your wheels on the ground, sit down in the driver’s seat and point yourself in the direction you want to go. Take leadership of your life and make the decisions you need to make. Don’t talk about it: begin taking steps, and get it done. You must aim your sights high, though. Draw upon the objectives and goals that you hold most dear, and select three of them that support one another. Do not waste time wondering whether you’re taken seriously. You are. Do not waste time with others who do not take themselves seriously; they are not your problem. Of all the signs, Pisces is the one that has the greatest blessing of aspiration. You also have a wide perspective, which can sometimes get in your way, because you know that everything is possible and that on one level, all things are equal. Now, indulge yourself in the art of setting priorities, and aligning yourself with specific goals that you allow to be more relevant than others. Then give it everything you’ve got.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — The best sex is always a little chaotic, a bit messy and unpredictable. Never fold your clothes when you undress. Toss them off with abandon and just make sure nothing lands on a lit candle. This is the way to live your life right now. You are the seducing influence in every situation. Your presence will lead people to reveal themselves, and to get in contact with their desire. Yes, you may get some unwanted advances, though that’s part of being attractive — at least you have your options, and just about everyone has something to offer. Mostly, the thing to do with your portable disinhibited zone is to have fun. You’re free to flirt wildly with people and take pleasure in what they say to you and how they look at you. You may wonder how it is that you’re prompting everyone to reveal who they are without really doing anything, and the answer is Scorpio Power.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Venus in Capricorn might bring out your conservative streak, but let’s not forget the devilish quality of that sign. This would be conservatism in the style of the saucy one in the turtleneck with the modest skirt — and a steamy mind. There’s no such thing as pure or puritan. You’re an earthy person. You like being in your body and you like adventure. All week long, Venus is working its way toward Neptune, which will help you melt your inhibitions and stoke your imagination. It’s the blend of physical presence and fantasy that will make you happiest. Meanwhile, work is also calling you. You may be expected to take leadership and you would be wise to rise to the calling. Bring your passion, charm and charisma to your professional environment and you will be met with respect and recognition. People love who you are; that is, who you really are.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — All is not fair in love. It may be fair in war, but they’re not the same thing, and the competitive situations in your life are far from combat. As for love, you need to be guided by your personal code, and decide consciously when you choose to bend or amend it. In other words, when faced with something you consider a temptation, consider the consequences and make a conscious choice. It may be worth the risk — only you know. One question that will be floating around is: what is the meaning of marriage? If that one appears on your radar, ask the question honestly and from as many viewpoints as you can. It would be beautiful if there were not winners and losers in love, and in truth that is actually possible. Along the way, you have the strength to be kind to people, and honest with them. That will lay a strong foundation for the future.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Monday’s Full Moon will shine the light on you and what you’re doing. Worry less about what you’re wearing and more about keeping a smile on your face and your heart wide open. As I roam the world, I keep noticing how socially awkward people seem. It’s as if they have no sense of their own presence, or think they’re being judged by everyone. If you feel this way, remember it’s all in your imagination. Feeling good is a matter of choosing to do so. Being loving is a matter of summoning the love you’re capable of and letting it out. It’s not a finite substance; and you will feel less vulnerable, not more so, if you’re open, positive and affirming of the people you interact with. Said another way, you have only to gain by being positive and friendly with the people around you. This more than anything is what they will know you by and love you for.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You must be true to yourself. What are you waiting for, and why would you want any other option? Go straight to the point. This means acting with commitment. You could read your current solar chart a few different ways. One take is that a romantic adventure gets serious. The greater path is commitment to your art; that is, to creation along your own personal edge. Art is your spiritual path. It’s about staying connected to yourself, and disconnected from the madness of the world. It’s about making your own way in life, and making your life into what you want. This is often spoken of but rarely embarked upon with genuine sincerity — and you can do it. Yet this takes commitment to yourself. And in a sense this precludes commitment to others, but only of a certain kind: the neurotic kind.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You’ll get a look at a reflection over the next few days. Look gently and know that you can change what you see. Most of what you’re seeing is, in a sense, your own personal history. Yet it’ll be easy to think it’s something else. So, when you encounter a situation that you find challenging, perplexing or painful, ask yourself some questions. One might be: how would this conversation sound if I expressed my real needs? Ask yourself of whom and what the scenario reminds you. You have an opportunity in your hands to uncover, identify and reveal something that you have long wanted to heal. It’s about how your family background colors or taints your intimate relationships. Healing is possible anytime, though sometimes there is an alignment of circumstances with awareness; and this allows you to go deep and make some real progress resolving something — if you make the connections and use what you know. Step one is stop blaming people who are in your life now and recognize they are actors on the stage.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Insecurity is a drag. You don’t need to be ruled or even influenced by it. Yes, that may seem like a tall order, here in the land of the touchy, the shaky and those hanging by a thread over thin ice. The world is currently an uncertain place. I will let you in on two ancient secrets: one is, it always was uncertain. Two is, you don’t have to let your fears get in the way of anything, or stop you from doing anything, though that requires taking a risk. Here’s what that looks like: if you find yourself getting bogged down in any form of fear, worry or rumination, go into creative mode. Focus on the present, face toward the future and plot your way forward. Fear may seem like an affliction. Actually, it’s an attachment, or a kind of self-feeding addiction. Beyond everything you fear is an actual creative opportunity, though for that to be real, you must fully engage that idea — and you can.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Family: why are they so influential, so potent in our lives, so necessary? You don’t need to be an anthropologist to know that humans are tribal. We traveled through the wild in clans of about 20 for some three million years before gradually settling down on one patch of ground so we could cultivate our food. We could not survive without our clan; we would literally be eaten by wild animals. That is no longer true; yet much of the same power resides in families — granted, in phantom and psychological form. The thing about tribes and families is that by their inherent nature, they demand that you not be an individual. And all of your personal momentum is insisting that you be your own person. You will need to be bold, brave and independent — and not let anyone drag you back down. They cannot harm you and have no power over you that you do not personally hand them. Remember that.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You are your lover, your spouse and your domestic partner. You are your own best friend, and if you don’t feel that way, it’s time to make the commitment. This means focusing on your point of origin: your consciousness is the source of all that you experience. Right now, your consciousness is urging you to be self-aware and aligned with your own best interests. Doing this is often the single most relevant turning point in a person’s life, and the most challenging. Many other false loyalties must be questioned, put on hold, or severed (usually in that order). When you do this, confidence is easy; in fact you could say that the lack of confidence is caused by not aligning with your best interests. When you make this switch, when you choose to align with yourself, you can experience a seemingly miraculous boost in your sense of personal power.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Money is not a matter of luck. It’s not a matter of position. It’s a matter of wanting the stuff. If you want it, and you use your intelligence, you can get it. Problems arise when your desire for money puts you in the position of going against your moral code. That’s the place to start. If your ambition (or desire for wealth) exceeds your knowledge and your ethics, you can have a real problem on your hands. You would be wise to temper yourself until you’ve got that clear, and focus on doing the right thing. This means focusing on the task at hand, for its own sake. The question of the right thing to do is answered in what you would do, were you not getting paid. If you are doing anything for the money, especially if you consider it a lot of money, it’s time to reflect and meditate. If you’re in a rush, ask yourself what that’s about.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Now is the time to engage your plans. For a couple of months you’ve gradually attained a wider, brighter and more interesting concept of your own possibilities, and therefore, your own future. Dreaming, plotting and planning are one thing; taking action with your hands and feet is another, and it’s now time. You have an opening to connect productive action to your ideas about your future. This will last a little while, though it won’t last forever. The thing to do with these astrological windows is to initiate your choices by action. That’s a form of commitment, and it’s the kind that we move toward, and providence moves toward us. In other words, your chart is the meeting place of personal choice, action and what seems like some spiritual agency at work. Keep at it.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You are letting go of some old ideas about yourself, ideas that don’t work for you. Some could be called delusions, and others could be called illusions. Some were lies you were told about yourself and others are ones you made up. They’re all the same thing; pull the plug and drain the pool. A lot is said in supposed spiritual circles about how the past no longer exists and it’s an illusion and all that. If that’s true, how come the world is drowning in its own history? Why ever that may be, you can allow and cooperate with releasing your own history. Your desire and your willingness to do so are the catalysts. Then you must align yourself with the process at the same time you take concrete steps forward. You must be bold because this is a bold moment, and you are being summoned to leadership.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Success is a conspiracy. Work with your others to make it happen. There’s no abstract concept of fairness that you must adhere to, which leaves you free to get the help of people who believe in you and who support what you’re doing. It’s possible that you will be an asset to someone, and that would be another reason for them to facilitate your progress. What matters is sincerity, and your willingness (and ability) to come through with what you offer. One theme of the times we’re living through is an extreme form of everybody doing their thing. Understanding of the strength and pleasure of cooperation and collaboration is rapidly evaporating. But those qualities have the same value they always had. Define success for yourself, and then plan for it with others who have a similar idea as you do.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — The next few days are likely to take you through a stream of new, different and even strange feelings. You may experience everything but stability, though it’s clear that you’re held by a larger container than emotions and physical sensation. One way to read your astrology is that by letting go into the flume ride of your experiences, you will discover how wide and how deep your spiritual context really is. The fact that you can let go of control and still not have everything suddenly go out of control is some evidence that you’re working with your deeper intelligence. Said another way, you’re opening up and allowing that intelligence to flow through you, body and soul. Pleasure is meaningful, and it contains wisdom. There’s nothing more spiritual than feeling like you belong on the planet, and knowing you’re safe.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You’re in a good position to buy, sell or trade secrets. Your chart is the very picture of intrigue. Just remember, you would be playing with fire. Looked at another way, you have access to inside information for a reason. That would be to enhance your ability to succeed and to help others succeed. This is about gaining an advantage — but not an advantage over anyone. Use your information honestly and fairly. You must be mindful of a few things, one of which is making sure that your facts are correct. Proceed only with data that you’ve verified a few times. Get other viewpoints and assemble your own picture. Also, people are likely to reveal to you sensitive information that they might regret having said. Like a competent journalist, you must protect your sources. And it’s never good form to take any pleasure at all in the pain or struggles of others. Rather, help any way you can.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Where money is concerned, you want to get yourself onto level ground; that is, with people who are much more successful than you currently are. What New Agers call ‘poverty consciousness’ — that is, the idea that there’s not enough to go around — is a serious trap. There is plenty to go around, and it’s helpful to observe and learn from people who have figured that out for themselves. Central to this is addressing the idea of sacrifice. The people to rub yourself against are those who work with the concept of mutual benefit rather than win-lose. Neither you nor others have to sacrifice anything to have things turn out well. Yet this depends on your state of mind, which you can enhance greatly by sharing what you have. Yes, sometimes it’s necessary to offer to someone else something that you really need. Most of the time, though, you can offer from a place of excess, and you have plenty.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Your solar chart is a study in how to have fun without over-committing. Borrowing from that old joke, you don’t need to bring a U-Haul on the second date. The kind of pleasure you want, and can have, is based on your freedom of movement. Go from experience to experience if you want to keep the sense of adventure alive. The thing to be cautious of is jealousy. It’s easy to get caught in that loop if you feel like a playmate is having more fun than you are. Pay attention to your own experience and train yourself to take pleasure in the fun that other people have. This is one of the most enlightened states of mind; or rather it’s the door that opens up a realm of true liberation. Mostly what gets liberated is you. One positive experience leads to the next, and you get some freedom from negative fixations.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You are walking a fine line emotionally. You’ve been holding back and holding fast for a long time; now you’re feeling the inclination to cut loose. So far you’ve been able to manage that, but you might not be able to contain yourself. Therefore I suggest you plan a safe space to let yourself blow off some steam: emotional, creative, sexual, spiritual — it’s all the same, and you want it all. Your astrology is urging you not to judge yourself. One of the great quests of this time in your life is setting yourself free from the expectations of your parents, whether you consider them negative or positive. Most of the time these expectations are internalized: they have an origin somewhere else but they exist inside you. You are your own person with your own desires, living in your own time and place. Make room for that fact of your life.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You have a wider safety buffer than you may think. It’s true that you like to err on the side of caution (that is one likely explanation for the somewhat-famous challenge Librans have making decisions). However, you don’t need to take the safe route all the time. You would be well served to consider the possible implications of what you choose, though sometimes you must spin the wheel. You must be especially cautious under the influence of alcohol or substances, though. Those can mess with your sense of appropriateness. So if you can, consider what you want in a few different states of mind. That of course is not always practical. Sometimes you have to spin the wheel and do something because it’s the thing to do in the moment. Sometimes it’s necessary to break conventions and taboos.

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Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Watch your spending, and don’t let others spend your money. There’s something in your chart describing your boundaries as being a bit loose in these areas, so you’ll need to tidy up the edges and refrain from loaning anyone your debit card. That said, you’re in an unusually opportune moment to plan future business ventures. But keep your plans to yourself or limited to a carefully selected group of people. This is less about someone stealing your ideas and more a caution against scattering your energy by talking away your ideas. What you want now is a sense of containment, so that you can think clearly and seriously. Involve others on an as-needed basis. You don’t need to reveal your whole plan to any one person; you just need to know, develop and respect your ideas yourself. You set your own ethics, your own schedule and your choice of whom to involve.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Keep your mind on what you’re doing, not what others are doing, or expect of you. You’re in a rich creative moment. Once you tap that well, there will be no stopping you. Therefore, don’t get distracted, or dissuaded from painting, writing, practicing your new song or planning a trip you’ve been wanting to take. Don’t let anyone dampen your enthusiasm. If you discover that a commitment to another person is getting in the way of your self-expression, it may be time to question that commitment, or to look more closely at what’s going on. The first question to ask yourself is: what do you want or need to say that you haven’t yet said? Then the second: what do you fear would happen if you speak up? The thing you fear the most may be the right outcome.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — In a few days your plans and sense of the future are likely to open up. With that, you may start to get the feeling that you’re painted into a corner. You’ll feel fine as long as you don’t seriously entertain the idea of stretching your possibilities. You may feel boxed in the moment you want more or extend yourself into the future. You might think that this is about social acceptability, though that’s a trap. Whether you’ve got the approval of others is the last thing you need to worry about. That’s not because you have or do not have that approval, but because you don’t need it and don’t want it. You are the person who needs to approve of yourself. This is not about telling yourself something you don’t believe; it’s about going deep into your feelings and connecting with your commitment to your mission.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Whatever you do or say over the next few days could go viral. That could be by internet, rumor or reputation. You’ll want to choose what you say and to whom you say it. That means paying attention and making choices. Be cautious about what you say that’s motivated by fear, because your concerns will probably turn out not to be true. You might take advantage of the situation and promote your own cause: a project, your business or some social message. Keep spin control by selecting your words carefully. Yet more significant is choosing your feelings, or at least knowing where you’re coming from. You can understate your case; no need to push anything too hard. Your words and your ideas have influence, and even impact. Keep it positive. Look for solutions. Better yet, focus on your best ideas.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You have an opening to take charge and make some significant professional strides. There are two parts to this process: how you feel inwardly, and what you do externally, and the order in which you take them. Start from the feeling, and only do what you truly feel aligned with. Then make your moves carefully, one by one. Choose selectively, and pay attention to what you do first. Preparation is essential, while you have the chance. While you’re busy doing this, you may notice that things seem to happen unrelated to what you’re doing: that you get results on projects started long ago or investments of effort that you forgot you made. In fact, you would be wise to consider projects you started and made progress on, and dust some of them off. The time has come for at least one of them to come to fruition.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You need a new deal, and you can negotiate it. The time is perfect. However, that won’t mean much to you if you don’t grasp the concept of negotiation. It’s a conversation where people state their expectations and what they’re willing to offer or deliver. Then, with that information on the table, you reach an agreement. For you, the basis of the discussion is what you personally want, what you want to contribute, and whether what you’re being offered is acceptable. Most people balk at discussions this direct in the personal realm; I suggest you proceed with confidence and with clarity. You’re likely to underestimate your influence or power in the situation, though don’t make the mistake of overrating yourself, either. Recognize that everyone has needs and everyone has something to offer. The question is: can you work out something that’s mutually acceptable? Whether this is personal or professional, there’s no reason why not.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You need less of some things and more of others. You need less authority in your life, which means taking more authority for yourself. You’ve probably figured out by now that the more you keep your own ship, your own desk and your own mind in order, the less anyone has to do it for you. You need more conscious exchange with others, which for you really means being willing to offer yourself generously and to receive what others are offering. The two are intimately related. Giving and receiving work with the same spiritual muscle, which is the one you want to exercise. “I have something you might need” and “thank you” are in essence the same thing. Withholding and taking for granted have their own special muscle, and you can safely let that one atrophy. Lastly, you don’t need anyone telling you what their notion of god thinks is good for you. You can make up your own mind about that.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — There is a way through or around any obstacle or obstruction. You will need to decide whether someone in your life is being stubborn and intractable, or whether they have an interest in growing. If you repeatedly come up against their refusal to change, and if this has gone on for a year or so, you will need some kind of workaround. They are unlikely to be interested in changing. Yet you’re too well suited to adapting to discomfort for your own good. You need to put your survivalist tendencies to good use, rather than letting them be used against you. Anyway, the purpose of relationships is not to endure; it’s to be productive, share in the benefits of life and have fun. So if you find yourself making excellent use of your coping skills, you might back off a little bit, and find other ways either to adapt or to make a real decision.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your solar chart this week is all about sex. Excellent sex; the kind where you can’t decide if it’s what you need, or what you want. This falls under the larger heading of creativity. You might count the benefits of pleasure and recreation in your assessment of what you have to accomplish; but then you probably already know about that. Take your well-earned knowledge to heart. Your primary goal needs to be feeling good, so that you can let your ideas and your sense of self flourish. It won’t be hard to find a playmate or two to help this process along, and there seems to be someone in your life of the sparky, irreverent sort. In our moment when time is in such high demand and everyone seems stressed to their limit, efficiency is the key. The most efficient thing you can do is lead an integrated life, where everything feeds everything else; where work and play serve the same purpose.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Not everything is an emotional drama, nor does it have to be made into one. The tendency to take everything personally, and to view anything in the world as a threat to your security, is one of the most wasteful plights of our time in history. You can take 10 years of therapy to figure this out, or you can just see that it’s true: without you feeding the drama, it would hardly exist. Therefore, you might consider withdrawing your energy from anything that’s negative, annoying or intrusive, and investing it in your own wellbeing. You are free to block the phone numbers, ignore the text messages and delete the voicemails of anyone who saps your strength or wastes your time. If you feel any guilt about it, presume it’s a toxin rather than a natural substance. This is a great time to bring certain emotional habits to an end, and teach yourself some new ones.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You may have recently made some observations about a person you live with, and you would be wise to act on them rather than put things off for a few more seasons, months or years. This really is a matter of confidence. If you trusted yourself, what would you do? That’s not only a question in this situation — it’s the theme of your life right now and for the foreseeable future. When you trust yourself you have access to your resources. When you don’t, the first thing to ask yourself is where your faith in yourself went, where you left it behind, or to whom you handed it over (any feelings of guilt will give you a clue as to who that is). My point being: it’s not only what you need, it’s the only thing you need, and you would be wise to devote yourself to this one purpose. It transcends all others.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — The theme of your life is finding your independence, and this is true from at least two directions: financial and emotional. It’s difficult to have one without the other, so you may as well consider them one goal. They are so intimately related that they are functionally one thing. It’s likely that your relationship to one or both parents is involved. As you understand and work toward establishing your financial sovereignty, emotional issues will come up. As emotional material comes up, you will discover that much of it is inherently financial. Said another way, your emotional clarity and strength are directly related to how you relate to money. This is the dinosaur in the room, and everyone knows it. Just listen for the actual reasons people give for staying in toxic situations, including putting up with their family. Be strong about this, and be clear: anyone who lacks financial power over you has no power at all.

2016-17 Scorpio Birthday Reading

Unmask Your True Gifts

“I re-listened a few times for the deeper nuance and messaging — a good thing because I discovered so many ‘hidden gems’ throughout the reading! This was definitely a worthwhile investment in money and time. Thank you!”

— Dee McCroreyDear Friend and Reader:

Everyone knows the stereotypical ‘scary’ traits of ‘intense’ Scorpios. But there is so much more to this sign than that, and if you have your Sun, rising sign or Moon in Scorpio (or love someone who does), you know how truly devoted to a higher cause and transformation anyone born under this sign can be.

The true calling card of Scorpio is in fact that transformative ability: to bring shadow to the light, integrate it, and alchemize it into an expression of much higher vibration: creativity, passion, fearlessness, courage and the ability to heal deep wounds.

In a political season and general social context that desperately needs these life-affirming qualities, your 2016-17 Scorpio Birthday Reading will help you to zero in on your gifts — including personal power tools masquerading as ‘difficulties’.

You don’t have to wait until the day after Halloween to take your first step in removing the mask: if you pre-order your reading today, you’ll secure the best price we offer: just $19.97. When the two half-hour audio segments are ready, we’ll email you; when the video tarot reading is ready a little later, we’ll email you again. Along the way, the price will increase incrementally.

Sunday is the Scorpio New Moon, at 1:38 pm EDT (17:38 UTC). What will you discover in that richly introspective darkness? How will you bring it to the light and fearlessly transform it?

And if you have a Scorpio loved one, what will you give them for their birthday? This reading will not only let them know you get them, it will be clear you have their back as they travel along an unusual — yet fruitful and necessary — path.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Planet Waves Astrology Editor

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Sunday’s spectacular New Moon in your birth sign is a reminder that it’s time to enter a new phase of your life. Sometimes we do this as an act of will; sometimes the emotional landscape opens up and we walk into a new vista; sometimes both are happening at once, and that looks like what’s going on. Understand that you control many facets of your perception through your mental approach and attitude. Approach means how you ‘come at’ any situation, and ‘attitude’ is your position or posture. So pay attention to how you come at things, and what your posture is. You have infinite approaches to any situation you find yourself in, or any puzzle you face. Consider a few before you automatically choose the most habituated one. Every circumstance is, in fact, new — just like every person is different and every day is a new day.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You’re under less pressure than you think. You also have more resources to work with than you think, despite any recent setbacks. First, address the pressure. This is mostly psychological, though there’s an emotional dimension. What you seem to be craving is to live out some of your fantasies, whether they are of the rock star, sex diva or financial wizard variety (fill in with your own ideas). The thing to do is to make it real — whatever that might be, even if in a small way. That will help you relax and remove the annoying sense of how abstract and disconnected from reality everything (and everyone) seems to be these days. As for resources, the first thing you need is to know what you need. Be practical about this: make a list. You’ll be able to cross off about half of the items on that list because either you or someone close to you has direct access to that thing. The rest will be within reach, with some effort or negotiation.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Mars in your sign is pushing you to be at your best. But what is your best? Being a star, or doing quality work? The two motivations are mutually exclusive. For some people, in some times and some places, the drive for notoriety pushes them to actual accomplishments. For you that’s too risky; it would be too easy for your ego to dominate consciousness. That’s to say, what you do cannot be about you — it must be about the thing you’re doing, and the part that’s about you is the discipline and dedication necessary to make something happen. Be cautious about any inspiration that comes from praise or public attention. Be cautious about anything a detractor says. Consider them to have approximately the same value, which is less value than your own pressing need for integrity. That means listening with your whole mind, telling no lies whatsoever, and accounting for what you promise but do not deliver.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Monitor your fear level closely. It’s still a potentially serious distraction. Remember that there are two ways to approach any possibly fearful situation: you can ruminate over the past, or you can focus on solutions. The past might provide some helpful information; but that’s about all you need, and working with that information is not about dwelling on history, or fear. When I was in therapy school, I learned something helpful: Let the fear speak first. Rather than suppress it, or get sucked into it, listen to what your fear is saying. If you decide that it’s something valid, then translate that into a plan of action. You are being called to leadership, and the first and most important variety is self-leadership. Guide yourself forward. Take steps in the direction you’re trying to go — at least one per day, and then go for two per day, until you’re up to one per hour.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — With the New Moon in Scorpio and Jupiter in rare form, the world is leaning in your favor; the boughs with the fruit are reaching down to you. Now, you must reach back, by reaching for what you want and being willing to receive it. Some say that life is about fate; for you, life is about faith, though faith in the unseen must be met by your own choices and intention expressed as action. One thing that would help you significantly is to stop seeking approval. Rather, be a true artist and do what you are moved to do, because it’s the thing to do. Rather than those who approve of you, consider carefully with whom you might collaborate. Get the conversation going, and shift the discussion into some form of reality as soon as you can. This is not about pushing the river; rather, it’s about conducting real-time experiments and determining what works and what does not work. Needless to say, respond appropriately to that information.