Aries (March 20-April 19) — On Sunday, your ruler Mars will enter Capricorn, your 10th house of career and life aims. About half a day later, Mercury stations retrograde in Pisces. These two seemingly contrasting events together describe something rather exciting: a phase of experimentation. You’re already asking searching questions about who you really are. During the next few weeks, you’ll get to try out different roles and identities, and figure out whether they suit you, at least in the present. This is not a time to make firm commitments, or lasting impacts. Yet you have the chance to explore pretty thoroughly any concept that takes your fancy. Don’t worry about practicalities or possibilities for now; normal rules of play are suspended.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — While you’re working out the latest riddle of who you are becoming, be aware that time pressure is not a factor. This matter is too important to rush, and the current phase is one of sitting quietly with yourself and looking for the drives that run deep; the ones that burn with primal energy. More than anything just now, they will guide you in the direction you need. Other considerations will come into play eventually, though further down the line. For the present, turn inward: hear the rhythm of your heart and the ring of the blacksmith’s anvil at the core of you. In that is your indefatigable strength and resilience, your internal compass always pointing true north. And in that you may safely trust.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Your ruler Mercury is about to station retrograde in your fellow mutable sign Pisces. In a way, this represents the next phase of your current journey of self-discovery, as you gradually rewrite the rulebook. Part of this process is unraveling long-held beliefs regarding your character, and especially what makes you happy. With this comes an end to certain rituals or habits that had grown entrenched in your life: routines you might once have developed with good reason, but are now no longer serving you. What replaces these is ultimately for you to determine. The next few weeks at least, however, are mostly about gathering information, trying out a few new things, and fitting the pieces together.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Mars entering your opposite sign Sunday implies focusing your energy on a specific collaborative work. Its precise nature, however, is up to you, and as Mercury prepares to reverse course, it looks as if you’ll have a few options. You might ask yourself something along the lines of, “Where can I give my most passionate and sincere devotion?” This is your most important consideration, though it will probably also narrow the field of choices. During the next few weeks, an answer should slowly and gently take shape in your mind. Don’t push the river: let it flow into place at its own speed. Meanwhile, cultivate your noblest impulses and your best company, and spend time in places sacred to you.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — When in a close relationship, there is often the temptation to lose oneself in the other, because society teaches that we need this bond to feel complete. It is harder in some ways to practice self-love and self-trust to the degree we bestow these things on partners. Yet the chart for Mercury retrograde this weekend suggests you are forming a deeper connection with your own being. You’re learning how to absorb more of the warmth and light with which you so generously and copiously bless others. As you do this, you’ll recognize the delightful truth that it’s not a zero-sum game. Humans are mortal creatures, but we have an infinite capacity to give and receive love. Don’t hold back.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Remember that when it comes to your life and personal decisions, your own judgment is crucial. Nobody knows your needs or ways better than you. If you’ve been less inclined to trust your own opinion than those of others, particularly lately, Mercury’s forthcoming retrograde in your opposite sign will help you redress that balance. Loved ones might well have plenty to say, and at least some of their input will surely be valuable. However, ultimately you must take chief responsibility for choosing wisely. This is easier than you may think; your power of discernment is one of the most finely honed tools in the zodiac, though it works far more efficiently if you place your faith in it.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Mercury is preparing to change direction on Sunday. To an extent, this moment tends to feel like waiting to go on stage or enter a job interview. It’s a sense that accompanies taking a risk, which includes doing anything especially creative or skillful. There is always some uncertainty as to how we will be received. It’s tempting to shy away from this feeling and return to the comfort of familiarity. However, I would suggest you do the opposite at this time. Instead, lean in to the dissonant feeling; explore it, and notice its subtleties and twists. There is a wealth of inventive material in here, which could supply you with inspiration of a kind you might never have encountered before. Let your imagination dance.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — We’ve all heard about those moments when a child’s searing honesty causes embarrassment or amusement in the grown-ups around them. Younger kids especially have not yet developed the armor used broadly by adults to help them maintain social conventions, and stay safe and hidden, which is arguably what that’s really about. Much of everyday communication includes image control, which seems to involve a lot of obfuscation, fudging and hidden subtext, and occasionally outright lies. We could all learn a lot from children’s uncomplicated view of life and their modes of expression. Listen carefully to the young people around you, and consider what you’d say if there were no barriers.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Current charts describe you turning your attention to matters involving helping someone in need, or correcting an injustice. Your choice of cause isn’t necessarily the most significant thing here. What’s much more important is that you know clearly why you are attracted to the work; and that it brings out the best in you. This task also doesn’t have to be entirely formalized, or a permanent life calling. Some of the best kinds of good deed are unsung and momentary, performed in between the lightning and the thunderclap. Just notice when the opportunities arise and go with whatever you feel drawn to. You could well be in for some pretty unique and invaluable experiences.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Mars will enter your sign on Sunday, representing another emerging perspective on last month’s Saturn-Pluto conjunction. Mars can help instigate any changes that are needed; it has a tendency to silence caveats, and just get on with the job at hand. This can be somewhat rough around the edges, but also very useful if you’re feeling stuck or confused. While Mercury is retrograde, you’ll want to seek a happy medium between this influence of Mars and your various doubts and questions regarding the best way forward. It’s important that you know as much of your route as possible before venturing forth. However, you also need to avoid letting fear prevent you from moving at all. Summon your courage, and keep it stoked.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Humans, pretty much by definition, rarely have the capacity to predict future events with any certainty. Too many factors tend to be involved in most scenarios for the outcome to be clear. That said, at times one can guess what is likely to happen in specific situations. An opportunity is about to arrive on your doorstep — or perhaps it has already made itself known. This has arisen from an organic sequence of events. You seem unusually aware of what it means, and what will probably result if you take it up, and likewise if you don’t. Where you might be unsure is in precisely what is complicating matters. During the next month or so, that question would be worth investigating.

Astrology Studio for Pisces | A New Reading by Eric Francis

This is a momentous time in collective history, and a turning point in your life. As the year develops, most of the movement — including Pisces’ ruling planet Jupiter, and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction — will be pointing into Aquarius, the most sensitive and innermost angle of your chart. I will also cover the retrogrades of Venus and Mars, and the forthcoming Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in your friendship sign Capricorn. Mostly, I will help you orient on your profound journey, and offer guidance how to harmonize with the world at this unusual time. Pre-order this reading here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — As Mercury stations retrograde in your sign this weekend, note that you may experience one or two circumstances where things don’t turn out quite as you expected, or where something surprises you. Occasionally this type of event is necessary to help you re-examine particular beliefs or assumptions. For example, you might (as we all do) become carried away with a specific theory, such that you lose sight of the initial idea or reality from which it sprang. The process of rectifying this may be discomfiting at times. However, it’s worth seeing that through rather than clinging to false concepts, and potentially facing another confrontation on the same subject. Keep an open mind instead.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — It is not your position or your reputation that grants you influence. It is your ability to relate to others on their own terms. This may not mean a lot today, though over the next few months, you would be wise to make this a way of life. Pluto moving through your 10th house since 2008 has emphasized your desire to climb professionally. Though there have been plenty of shakeups between then and now, it is likely you’re in a much more solid position than you were a decade ago. Saturn moving through the same territory has only emphasized the point. However, let’s consider a bit of wider background. While you aspire to be a fair-minded person, let’s set this into context. Throughout the duration of Pluto in Capricorn (2008-present), the world has experienced the popularization of the power grab, and it’s getting old. Step ahead of the trend. Prepare yourself to become an innovator and teacher of cooperation and collaboration.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Once you figure out that your old beliefs no longer hold water, much less serve you, it’s time to live on different terms. What you’re now discovering is that you must write your own constitution. This is a restless time for you, perhaps even a revolutionary moment. You are starting to feel your potential in a whole new way. And you know the rules and limits that were instilled in you as a child simply do not serve your purposes, or make sense in any objective way. It is fair to say this is a moment of breaking free for you, even if you’re not sure what that means. Yet it is vital to your nature to have an investment in tradition. If you’re doing the most innovative experimental theater, read Shakespeare. If you’re creating an avant-garde music experiment, listen to Mozart. Your role is to keep a certain tradition alive, rather than to abandon it.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Friday’s eclipse of the Moon aligns exactly with your ruling planet Mercury; this is a personal message for you. One of the themes of your life for many long seasons has been figuring out why people seem to hold so much power over you. This may have come in the form of financial situations, sexual relationships, employment situations and other scenarios when you were least expecting it. It is now clear that you must be your own advocate, and moreover, must understand what it means to give your power away. Once you have a clue about that, it’s a lot easier to stop doing so, and to claim it back. To do that, you need your own internal moral guidance. You must know what is right and true for you, and not fall prey to the guilt trips and traps that others lay for you. It’s essential that you study the agendas of others, and work with that information. Then you need a plan of your own.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Friday’s lunar eclipse in your sign is a magnificent opportunity to redefine yourself, in concept, in word, in deed and in reality. An element of this is letting go of some vexing emotional attachment from the past. Indeed, you must commit fully to the past no longer defining you. This is, of course, the great challenge of the spiritual path and that of self-actualization. You know by now that you are a person with a mission. You now have a focused calling. It is the invitation to rise to a challenge. What is easy and familiar is most likely representative of the past. What seems laden with obstacles is also likely to be part of the done deal of history. Hear your calling and take up your mission joyfully. Commit to leadership in the form of living your life well and truly. Remember that everything you do, down to the smallest decision, sets an example for others — and they are watching.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — By now you’re aware that your personal healing journey is the theme of your existence. You must take what you’ve learned in these years and reduce it down to a few basic guidelines. Speaking as someone who aspires to be gluten free on the parts-per-million level, I know both how challenging this is at first, and then how liberating it is once mastered. ‘Mastered’ means that it becomes a central organizing principle of my life. This is what I am talking about, in terms of how you organize your own efforts at self-care. It must begin with self-awareness: monitoring how you feel, what your body is telling you, and awareness of your limits. Speaking of limits, those are often talked down, though they too become a structure for accomplishment, because they compel you to set priorities and focus your activity. This is something you can get better and better at, which will multiply your efficiency and effectiveness, and help you feel good.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — I believe that the central Virgo quest, or struggle, or challenge, is that of aligning with your self-expression for its own sake. You may not even know what this feels like, or it may have taken you many years to figure it out. The current momentous astrology is pointing to a breakthrough. This is less about waking up a musician, a poet or a painter, and more about making contact with your vitality. Removing or clearing any seemingly minor blockage can go a long way toward increasing your flow of energy. It will help if you get the message to stop resisting yourself. Do whatever you do with your full attention, your full intention, and just enough passion. Balance out your activity in the moment with your awareness of a goal; you need both, so that you’re working within a wider context. The more creativity you allow through you, the less isolated you will feel.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Our once-in-a-lifetime astrology is the perfect setup for an earthquake, and it happens to be taking place in the lower region of your chart, where you make contact with the ground. And that ground may be shaking right now, or it may be tense, and you may be wondering what you’re going to do about it. You don’t have to do anything, really, though it would help if you ask yourself one question. That would be the one about what it means to feel safe in a world that is rife with one change after the next. You know your confidence must come from you and only you. You’ve been through enough tests and trials and tribulations to have built up a well of confidence. You have learned that your personal foundations are stronger than anything in this world. Now, you are free to face the future with a sense of optimism, knowing you can rise brilliantly to any challenge.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — The time has arrived when you must be driven by your own motives and your own necessities. And when you engage that, you can expect to meet some resistance. That might come in the form of an overt rebellion, or what seems like some sly form of betrayal. What is crucial is that you not betray yourself or your own cause. You are at a point where you must get all self-destructive tendencies under control. You do not have a lot of wiggle room here, not if you want to see at least some of your most cherished goals come to fruition. “I have a weakness for that” is not an excuse; it is an alert. Eventually, you will come to love the feeling of success more than submitting to emotional games, unwholesome habits (whether of thought, or physical), or having days when you don’t give a toss. This is a significant time in your life, rivaling any and all others. Stay awake.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Mars in your birth sign is pumping you full of confidence and drive. Neptune in Pisces is a well of uncertainty and insecurity that keeps on hassling you. You get to decide which one is the true voice. Our particular moment of astrology is sending you a bold, clear message: you must live for what you know to be true, for you. Be aware of when you make small compromises, which will no doubt be based on some fear or insecurity. Pay attention to your decision-making process. Notice, as well, who in your environment inspires your self-confidence, and who drains your energy and brings you down. You have a choice about whom you associate with. You have a choice of whose energy you allow to affect you. Note that you are most susceptible to infiltration by family and in domestic situations. This is not exactly late-breaking news for the human race. The big news would be how you respond.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You may be prompted in forthcoming weeks to re-evaluate or revisit certain life goals. In doing so, it would be worth taking into account any new ideas you’ve recently learned, and also noticing if you’re inspired in a particular direction. Keep your options open, and be cautious around any concept that you need to persist in a specific path purely because you began it. Some pursuits do take effort and perseverance, and if that involves a vocation or passion, you need no other justification to do whatever is required. This is ultimately about your self-actualization, and letting nothing stand in the way of the purpose to which you are called.
— By Amy Elliott

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Mercury stationing direct in your opposite sign yesterday may have revealed some truths about your relationship world, and how you interact. The unveiling process might be ongoing, as the messenger planet gets up to speed. One way you can assist is by reviewing the nature of intimacies past, possibly from the very beginning of your dating life onward, and checking for patterns. Does anything stand out? The Sun in your 8th house, aided by Chiron, may shed light on deeper feelings and motivations that you might have avoided seeing. Take courage and open that door to yourself. What you know, you can work with.
— By Amy Elliott

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — The Sun will soon enter your relationship zone, and this could well be accompanied pretty speedily with opportunities to meet new people, or add some extra zing to current partnerships. If you’re hesitant or feeling low in confidence, it might be worth putting that aside for now, and heading to some new places. Be open to possibilities, and they are likely to show up. You’re exuding charm, and there’s a sense that you have an instinctive key to getting through to people just at present. In part, this will be due to your accumulated experience, and your ability to listen to people and acknowledge them, as well as a certain comfort with your own desires.

— By Amy Elliott

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Like many facets of life, service is really about quality rather than quantity. Your energy is finite, and it pays to be discerning in terms of where you bestow it. Before investing your efforts in a large-scale project, ask yourself what you want from it, and what will be the likely result. The two answers may differ, which is your first clue that something about the plan might need adjusting. Potentially, you’ll find it easier to begin from the end point — that is, to start by defining your ultimate goal, and then figure out the best route to getting there. This is likely to require some initial investigation, albeit with a net saving of your time.
— By Amy Elliott

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Tomorrow the Sun, your ruler, enters your 5th house of creativity and play. With Mercury also having recently changed direction, you may feel like a coiled spring about to be released. If so, stretch right out and leap high. Get out into the world and soak in all its beauty. There is an increasing gravitational pull toward your zone of work and service, and eventually you’ll return to Earth with a decisive onward path in mind. But not yet. You need space to dance and sing and run around, to gather your strength, to get the artist in you thinking. Practice paying attention to your senses, and drawing in the data they provide as nourishment.
— By Amy Elliott

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Though Mercury is now direct, you may still benefit from considering certain elements of your past in the weeks to come. In particular, aspects you perhaps hid from yourself for whatever reason — whether because of the emotions involved, or so that you could move forward. You’re on stronger ground these days, and able to reflect on former times without walking back any of the progress you’ve made. The important thing is not to judge yourself for any previous mistakes; we’ve all made them, and what matters is where you are now, and what you can learn from this exercise in retrospection. Be sure to notice also how far you’ve developed. — By Amy Elliott

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — One of the wonderful things about the human brain is that it doesn’t lose the capacity to receive new information and form new pathways. We need never stop learning unless we choose to. It helps to open your mind and leave room for the possibility of error. On specific matters, you might experiment with uncertainty, and with researching different perspectives. Avoid the assumption that you’ve discovered everything there is to know on any subject; there is always more. Discernment and critical thinking are always useful, though remember there is a difference between healthy skepticism and blanket dismissal.
— By Amy Elliott

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — With Mercury still working through its change of direction in your sign, it might be useful, especially over the coming few days, not to rush into any new project. You might treat this as something of a stocktaking week. First, you could slow down and review how you’re feeling within yourself — that is, in your physical and emotional body. Then carry out an inventory of your resources, which includes checking your funds in the event you’re tempted to make a significant purchase. If anything particular has transpired following Mercury retrograde, take what time you need to absorb the new data and recalculate your plans accordingly.

— By Amy Elliott

Everyday Secrets: Sagittarius Astrology Studio

Dear Friend and Reader:

I will soon have the Sagittarius Astrology Studio reading ready. It will cover Jupiter’s conjunction to the Galactic Core, a review of Jupiter in Sagittarius and a preview of forthcoming Jupiter in Capricorn. I will focus on the Saturn-Pluto conjunction and many other exciting facets of your astrology. My readings are easygoing and easy to follow, and address real-life matters of life, work and relationships.

You may pre-order here for $44. Gift purchases welcome.

Thank you for your business.

With love,

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — As the Sun makes its way into your sign and kicks off your birthday season, you may be feeling the urge to hold off on the partying for the moment. Part of this is likely due to a sense that you need to wrap up certain matters decidedly before shaking it loose. Jupiter is about to move into Capricorn, on Dec. 2. It would almost certainly be useful for you to take some time and review all that has happened in the past 12 months; in particular, all the ways in which you’ve developed as a person. Your new year is beginning a little early; if you have particular aspirations, keep them in mind, and don’t hesitate to grasp opportunities as they come your way. — By Amy Elliott

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Increasingly, you’re being pulled into a space of introspection and self-reflection, and aligned with your intuitive wisdom. It’s as if the noise of all the activity in your sign, instead of drowning out your inner voice, has canceled itself out instead. As a result, your sensitivity is at full strength. You might also be feeling the various battles we can all see taking place, in microcosmic form, inside yourself. This is a lot to deal with, so be sure to allow yourself the time and space you need. There’s a chance for some deep healing work to happen, as well as important messages from the Divine realm to come through. Listen closely.
— By Amy Elliott

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You’re likely to experience a broad change in mindset over the next few days, with a more decided drive toward your ideals and major aims. Part of the form this takes may be in reviewing the people and communities with whom you currently associate. Is there any factor in your social environment (whether online or in the real world) that is working against your development or providing a distraction? Are there other areas you feel the need to invest in more heavily? Follow your instincts, which are at present tuned in closely with the nobler sympathies of your nature. If you’re true to your principles, you’ll know where to go.
— By Amy Elliott

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Gradually you are rediscovering the thread of former trajectories, and renewing some subtle connections with the more refined aspects of yourself. You have the capacity to look out into the world and recognize much of its beauty and abundance, despite the current environment not being especially conducive to that end. This will lead you to opportunities — potentially for major expansion of your purview in some respects. Though these may look daunting, I suggest you take the position that all things are possible if one can only find the path. You have many resources: remember this, and be sure to make use of them.
— By Amy Elliott

Aries (March 20-April 19) — As the Saturn-Pluto conjunction draws ever closer, your 10th sign Capricorn is under an increasingly focused spotlight, which seems to be turning your work environment into something resembling a pressure cooker. Regardless of the source of the tension, you may need to be the one person who keeps a cool head when others appear unable to. Drawing on past experiences here could prove useful, even if what is happening is unprecedented. If you can take the long view and remain outside the fray in spite of provocations, you’ll be rendering an invaluable service to colleagues, as well as shoring up your own internal strength, and proving your capability.
— By Amy Elliott

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Retrograde Mercury in your opposite sign is continuing to prompt a review of your relationships — or, perhaps more accurately, the way in which you relate. In one sense, this may be about recognizing the true worth of what you have to offer. The inward flame that powers your stamina, reliability and passion is an invaluable and lasting gift. Understanding this is the key to applying your energy effectively, and where it is most needed. It’s unlikely you’re fully aware of how many people have already benefited from your presence in their lives, though they will surely know and remember. Trust yourself, and keep that hearth burning brightly.
— By Amy Elliott

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Your ruler Mercury’s retrograde journey through Scorpio has entered its final week. This has been rather an intense and no doubt interesting expeience, and you’ll undoubtedly feel wiser, if nothing else, by the time the messenger god arrives in Sagittarius on Dec. 9. Certainly you’ve discovered the value of persistence, and of giving ideas a proper test run before making judgments. You’ve also learned something about your own resilience, your needs and your passions. As this phase comes to a close next week, there’ll likely be a moment when everything will suddenly seem a lot clearer, thanks to the gradual distillation taking place in your mind.
— By Amy Elliott

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — If you spend a good deal of your time and energy nurturing others and supporting them through various crises, you might sometimes be at a loss for expressing your own feelings, or being vulnerable when you need to. This could seem even more of a puzzle as the spotlight increases on your opposite sign Capricorn. Yet there are people who care about your needs, and want to take your interests into account. That can only happen if you open up. Watch particularly for any tendency to identify as ‘the one who helps’ or similar. You would be better served to acknowledge the importance of your needs as equal to everyone else’s. Take care of yourself so you can take care of them.
— By Amy Elliott

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Were it usual to attain expertise in any subject or acquire a professional-level skill within a brief time, the honor of gaining such things would surely be considerably less. It is because of the difficulty and the hard work required that these achievements are so valuable. It’s natural to feel impatience, frustration or moments of despair while striving for something important to you; yet the satisfaction of finally reaching it, when that happens, is like nothing else. On the other hand, you don’t have to relinquish all your enjoyments and focus on this one goal. If you’re getting wound up, take a break. You’ll emerge all the better for it.
— By Amy Elliott

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — It’s true that human beings can be woefully contrary. Our best-laid plans often come to grief because we persist in sabotaging our better selves, and failing to apply properly to our tasks. Or at least that might be what you tell yourself every time you have trouble reaching an impossible standard. Maybe you need to start from a different premise: that you’re human, and that’s okay. The chances are you’re still managing to accomplish what would more than satisfy other people; it’s just that you sometimes find that hard to realize. Mercury’s extended stay in Scorpio, however, is doing much to underline this point. — By Amy Elliott

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — The growing focus on your 4th house is directing you to an analysis of the past, both distant and recent: encompassing everything that has brought you to the present day. Collecting memories and records helps you assemble the puzzle of what was, and gives you a stronger foundation for what is now, and what can be. Don’t neglect family legends and folk wisdom, regardless of how far you can verify them; these give warmth and humanity to all the dates and certificates. This exploration is not merely a nostalgia trip for you. It is useful both to inspire and to help you understand yourself more thoroughly.
— By Amy Elliott

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Mercury’s retrograde journey through your sign is teaching you to ask certain questions about who you really are, and what you’re truly capable of accomplishing. This may cause you some discomfort at first, especially if it unsettles some well-laid plans or some image of yourself as more limited than you really are. Like a child outgrowing their clothes, you are possibly starting to chafe against the restrictions of your current habits. What needs to change, to reflect your new understanding, will come to you gradually as long as you’re willing to hold the space. For now, I suggest you observe and keep an open mind.
— By Amy Elliott

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Despite the current trend of disembodiment and getting lost in the world of the internet, you may be experiencing something the reverse this week. A host of planets in your 2nd house is pulling your attention in the direction of the real, the physical and what is immediately apparent, including your body. Notice if there are subtle twinges or reactions to particular stimuli, such as the way your digestion behaves after a meal. You could also pick up a feel for when it really helps to stretch and move, or if you need more sleep than you’re getting, or the surroundings that give you good vibes. Taking notes will be helpful. — By Amy Elliott

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — These days you’re in a process of revising your relationship with the social world, including social media: either scaling it back, or experimenting with new methods. The resulting changes to your lifestyle and habits are teaching you more about yourself, which is particularly valuable at a time when there’s increasing attention on your sign. You need to get into a place where you’re comfortable in your own shoes, and presenting your real character to the world without any elaboration or concealment. This takes an advanced degree of self-knowledge and a lot of practice. You’ll have an opportunity to gain both in the coming weeks.
— By Amy Elliott

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Of all the houses, the 12th is arguably the most mysterious. If the chart is a room with an open door, the 12th house represents what’s behind the door, or perhaps in the secret compartment concealed by a bookshelf. An abundance of activity in this area of your chart is getting you well acquainted with all the hidden nooks in your mind. This may be stirring up some of your deepest fears. You might also be tackling some profound questions about, for example, the nature of reality and your perceptions. During the year ahead, as the balance slowly moves from Capricorn to your own sign, you are sure to become a good deal wiser on both of these points.
— By Amy Elliott

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Ideal outcomes and what is possible may not be a united circle in the Venn diagram of life, though they are closer than you think. In any case, if there’s something specific you desire, don’t give it up for lost. Rather, focus on it and do your part to make it happen. Even if the prospect seems unfavorable and the chance small, there is likely more than one path to the finish line, and probably at least one you can’t yet see. For now, you can let things ferment quietly in the background while you focus on more immediate matters. There’s still about a week left of Mercury retrograde, and plenty of time even following that for opportunities you cannot see at this time to make themselves known.
— By Amy Elliott

Aries (March 20-April 19) — This week Mars in your 7th house forms an opposition to Eris, which potentially describes old tensions rearing their head in close relationships. This could refer to arguments you’ve previously had with a partner, or the influence of patterns dating from further back. Either way, it’ll be useful to understand where everyone is coming from, and to focus on a resolution. That means avoiding wreaking your temper for the sake of it, even if you feel sorely aggrieved. Relationships are encounters between two individuals. Respecting that goes a long way. You also need to acknowledge anything you do feel, as opposed to pretending it’s absent. Your emotions are part of you.
— By Amy Elliott

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Vesta’s ongoing retrograde through your sign suggests you may be experiencing some unusual relationships at present. This can include any connection in which the dynamic is different from what is generally expected. For example, a close friendship with a person of an older or younger generation, or one specifically devoted to a common cause. Such interactions can often be informative. Should something like this cross your path, look for the ways in which it teaches you about yourself, and what it reveals. Notice if there seems to be a pattern to these encounters, and what that might be suggesting.
— By Amy Elliott

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — As your ruler Mercury continues making its way backward through your 6th house, you may be experiencing a higher than usual incidence of minor frustrations or slip-ups. You may need to muster some extra patience to deal with these annoyances; also, don’t overestimate their significance. The world isn’t perfect and neither need you be. In particular, if snags are getting in the way of progress on a specific project, don’t give up. Hold on — with gritted teeth and aching fingers if you must. The more work you’ve put in up to this point, the more worthwhile persevering will be. A few weeks will likely see you on much firmer ground.
— By Amy Elliott

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — There are essentially two things you’ll want to remember this week, as the action continues in your 5th house of art and play. The first is: notice what prevents the flow of your passion and imagination, and avoid it. The other: recognize what, where and who best encourages your creative potential and supports your desires, and spend as much time as you can in those environments. Soak in the love of life, the joyful communion with all things that makes the world so much more beautiful. Then write, paint, draw, dance — however you prefer to express yourself, to bring a glimpse of the divine light into manifestation. Let it all come out; you can deal with editing and fine-tuning later.
— By Amy Elliott

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Moderation is useful in most things, and that includes slowing down the pace of life when you need to. Especially in the West, we tend to do everything as if wanting to break the sound barrier, and we don’t seem to be applying the brakes anytime soon. Stepping back from the bustle from time to time is refreshing and healing. It doesn’t mean you have to refrain from doing anything at all, and it does add to your fuel reserves, so that when you pick up the threads again you will be all the better for taking a break. Not only that, but it sets a good example for others around you to emulate.
— By Amy Elliott

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You may have gathered by now that Mercury has some lessons this month regarding the power and responsibility of communication. Words have consequences; we all know this, and yet social media is set up like a game, or a billion personal reality shows. This is encouraging an ever-growing carelessness in the way we interact online, which is also leaking out into the real world. In order to stand your ground against this tendency, you’ll need to choose your words with care, and be meticulously truthful. Getting lost in the fracas is easy, though holding on to your most foundational ethical principles will keep you anchored. — By Amy Elliott

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Maintain a cool head this week when it comes to managing your finances. Pausing on major new purchases is advised pretty much ubiquitously when Mercury is retrograde, though given that it’s happening in your second house of possessions and resources, you might benefit from extra prudence. Be especially wary of impulse buys, which could tempt you at this point in time. Even if you have your eye on something specific, there’s generally no problem with waiting two to three weeks. In that time you could find a better variety at a lower price, anyway. If you’re just looking to feel good, there are plenty of cheap ways of accomplishing that.
— By Amy Elliott

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You are gradually becoming liberated from restrictive notions about who you are, and who you can become. Others cannot dictate your identity or character; it is for you alone to decide. And you are complex; were it possible to sum up a whole human being in one sentence, I suspect our brains would be a lot smaller, for one thing; and for another we would not alter nearly so much. Don’t try to force yourself into categories that fit uncomfortably, or strip you of any one of your innate qualities. Who you are today begins with how you feel right now, what you’re doing and what you want; these are the keys to self-discovery.
— By Amy Elliott

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — If you find yourself confronted with the question of what is real, a useful way to work with that is to ask, “What is real for me, in this moment?” If you consider that idea with some depth, you’ll likely find that it leads to a better understanding of your emotions and why you feel them. This, in turn, will shed light on the macrocosmic world (the one outside of your mind), which after all is constantly exchanging information with the microcosm (within you). Note that some of what you need to know may be appearing through the medium of your dreams, or in sparks of intuition, so pay attention for clues. — By Amy Elliott

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You may find yourself stepping back somewhat from your social life just at present, as indicated by Mercury traveling backwards through that territory. It’s important that you know you’re free to do this if you need to. There’s a lot happening, both in the world and in your sign, and occasionally your nerves could well feel overstretched. You might need to recognize in particular where this is happening through social media, and consider withdrawing a little if it helps. Checking in with friends using more old-fashioned methods could actually be a source of relief; try making a phone call or, better still, visiting in person.
— By Amy Elliott

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — With the big conjunction of Saturn and Pluto brewing in your 12th house (of all that lies behind the veil), you seem to be diving deeply into some profound philosophical questions. These may appear as a review of your current aspirations and trajectory, though in reality they almost certainly begin at a much more fundamental level. What you do is about who you are. It’s as if you’re peeling back layers gradually until you discover, or rediscover, the essence of you. Those layers may be partly constructed from other people’s impositions and prejudices, which influence most of us rather too much, and which you can freely discard. From now on, you get to decide where you’re going.
— By Amy Elliott

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Mercury retrograde has a way of ferreting out hidden information, and during this one something surprising may emerge. This could take the form of a matter that seems to be a foregone conclusion turning out to have a juicy twist. Even if you’re absolutely certain on a particular subject — if the evidence all seems to point one way, for example, or if everyone around you is convinced — leave at least a little room for uncertainty and for new details to transpire. Allow yourself to be curious, and be prepared to question firmly held beliefs, however you arrived at them. We are all learning, every moment of our lives.
— By Amy Elliott

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Exercise caution during the next few weeks where matters of interpersonal trust are concerned. Mercury has just turned retrograde, so there will be a lot of uncertainty afoot, and probably some missing information. You may feel convinced that your perception is unquestionably true, though it would be wise to leave the door open in case any late-arriving facts turn up. Avoid making a definite decision for the time being. In the meantime, keep your own integrity as far beyond reproach as you can; be reliable and honest in every transaction. If nothing else, you’ll be setting a good example.
— By Amy Elliott

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Starting now, you have the chance to review thoroughly your approach to a close relationship; specifically, any concerns you might notice about developing your intimacy. For example, you may have worries around losing part of your identity, or feeling stifled. If that’s the case, knowing your own mind and figuring out where you draw the line — at least for the moment — is a useful first step. It could also be worth holding space for each of you to discuss your feelings openly. Take ownership of your emotions, and notice if you seem to project anything. Above all, avoid making assumptions; let your partner speak for themselves.
— By Amy Elliott

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — As your ruler Mercury begins to retrace its steps through Scorpio, you may be asking yourself certain questions about the best use of your time. At least a significant part of you is determined to continue the path you’ve been on for a while now; yet another part of you is yearning for change, and possibly a sense of freedom and adventure. I suggest you hesitate before making any palpable alterations, and instead get to the bottom of what is driving each impulse. Be honest with yourself. Doing so will help you notice factors you may not yet be fully aware of, and perhaps find a solution that will prove satisfactory to your whole being.
— By Amy Elliott

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Though Mercury retrograde isn’t generally pegged as a time for getting creative or receiving inspiration, the chances are you will be something of an exception this time around. The fuel for your imaginative fire may well come from unusual sources — new people or occupations, for example — and the direction in which it propels you will probably be the last one you’d expect. I suggest you keep an open mind and not worry about producing anything concrete at present. Just focus on receiving the experience and letting the feelings in. You’ll know you’re on the right track if you feel unusually awake or revitalized.
— By Amy Elliott

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Part of the reason family dramas stay with us into adulthood is because when faced with them, we can be overwhelmed by memories, or fall into old habitual patterns. Yet with practice and reflection, we can gradually learn to deal with such situations as fully autonomous adults. A lot of healing is possible when we realize how much the picture has changed. You are now in a position to tackle some of this material if you wish to, and you may be surprised by how far you’ve developed. Go easy on yourself, however, and remember you don’t have to resolve everything all at once, or meet anyone else’s demands. This is just for you.
— By Amy Elliott

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — During the next few weeks, your ruler Mercury will be retrograde in your 3rd house of communication. You are being called to an important dharmic mission, in which truth is your watchword. It is crucial that you hold yourself to the highest possible standard in terms of honesty and integrity. Speak only the truth; be prepared to stand by what you say, and to own your mistake if anything turns out to be inaccurate. It’ll help immensely if you pause for thought and fact-check before making an assertion, and also if you remember that it’s okay to say, “I don’t know,” or “I was wrong,” or even “I want.” — By Amy Elliott

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You might be faced with the re-emergence of old self-doubt or self-image problems that you believed had been firmly consigned to the past. This is unlikely to be a cause for ongoing concern, however. For starters, you’ve gained a lot of strength since these worries last reared their heads, and as a consequence they will be much weaker. In addition, you have substantially more resources to draw on as a result of your increased maturity and groundedness. Psychologically you’re on your home turf, you know your own mind, and you’re more than ready to send this particular monster packing.
— By Amy Elliott

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Mercury retrograde in your own sign appears to offer a chance for you to break some real ground regarding your perception of yourself. You may be able to review elements of your history and character in a new light, and potentially from other perspectives, as if you’d accidentally overheard a conversation about you. The likely effect of this is some form of realization that opportunities you might once have considered out of your reach are actually available. These developments will probably be gradual; you may gain a little each day. Keep track of what you learn, and revisit your notes frequently.
— By Amy Elliott

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Your intuitive gifts and imagination are likely to come to the fore over the next month or so, as you explore the various abilities you contain within yourself. It’s likely you will get to see them in action; by all means keep a dream diary handy, as you may well be in for some vivid ones. Sagittarius has an unearned reputation for superficiality; in fact, in the most sacred and secret regions of your mind, you contain profound depths not quite matched by any other sign. The weeks ahead provide an opportunity for you to become more closely acquainted with these facets of yourself.
— By Amy Elliott

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — There can sometimes be considerable social pressure to fall in with a specific point of view, even if you have questions or feel unable to give your unqualified agreement. Should you find yourself in this position during the next few weeks, the most favorable course is likely to be the most honest one. Don’t agree to a particular stance just because other people want you to. Instead, explain your hesitation and seek answers to anything you’re not clear on. Whether or not you reach certainty on the matter is almost beside the point; regardless, it’s more than probable that you’ll make some interesting discoveries.
— By Amy Elliott

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Circumstances relating to your work or life goals may indicate that there’s more to a particular matter than meets the eye. Take note of what’s going on around you, and if you sense you’re missing a puzzle piece, this is probably an ideal time to do some quiet digging. Given that Mercury is now retrograde, it would be wise to treat this as a pure information-gathering exercise, assume nothing, and avoid drawing any definite conclusions. Your mind at this point is a well-honed bullshit-cutting machine, though this doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily get immediate and definitive solutions. Make peace with the concept of uncertainty.
— By Amy Elliott

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — What do you already know, and what do you need to know more about? This is a useful distinction to apply at any time; though in the coming weeks it’s one you may find yourself paying special attention to. An information gap is nothing to be ashamed of, especially if you see it as an opportunity to exercise your curiosity and dive in. That said, it could help you to identify situations where others may have something to offer you, and be prepared to listen respectfully. Part of the beauty of human existence is that, thanks to our unique experiences, we can all teach and learn from one another. Keep that in mind.
— By Amy Elliott

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Mars, the cosmic warrior and your ruling planet, will continue to rouse relationship issues for weeks to come. Together with other dynamics impacting your chart, this points to a need to address tension between partnerships of whatever sort, and mounting pressure you’ve felt to realize over-arching professional goals. An important opportunity window is opening to release some emotional backlog, and quite possibly advance professional aspirations as well. Take time for an honest personal inventory, and let yourself actually feel what you may have been holding in. You’re able to tap into deeper psychic strata than usual these days, and the more you respect messages arising from your emotional body, the more you’ll align with optimal trajectories. Channels are wide open for communications with those in a position to assist, perhaps regarding resources to help further your ambitions. Keep your inner ears open and your dream memory on. Your intuition and career path are moving into beautiful, synched-up harmony. — By Victoria Emory

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — The rock ‘n’ rollers at the vanguard of current astrology are pulling you up on stage to dance. I’m speaking about Uranus’ passage through your sign and the tightening Saturn-Pluto conjunction. Dancing requires a flexibility and freedom that might feel liberating and exciting, or intimidating and awkward, depending on your self-image. That is, what you’re conditioned to believe — about yourself and the world ‘out there’. Focusing these long-term influences right now is a concentration of energy in your relationship sphere. Whatever jolts you may have experienced in that department recently, R.S.V.P. to invitations arriving this week. You might need to look for them stuck in a corner of your mailbox, but you’ll be glad you followed through. A significant meeting of minds is possible, which strengthens important ties while expanding your worldview in some way. Take advantage of occasions to get together while you can. Pressing demands on your time will take over soon enough. — By Victoria Emory

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Activity in your chart points to opportunities to get out ahead of work issues that Mercury’s upcoming retrograde will bring to the fore. Talent is one thing; craft is another. Inspiration could be pouring out of your ears, but to bring whatever gifts you have out to the world in a meaningful way, you need technique: skills you can depend on. Regardless of whether you consider yourself an artist or not, keep that image in mind this week. The more disciplined your approach to job-related activities, the more you’ll be able to seize openings over the coming days to negotiate financial and professional channels to your advantage. Keep your antennae up, as significant advancement is possible. Doing so now will help mitigate potential challenges that may soon arise between your need for personal freedom and self-expression on the one hand, and security-related partnership matters on the other. — By Victoria Emory

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Pressures that emerged over last weekend’s Full Moon signify the need for both courageous changes and the healing that makes them possible. This is the week to express some of what’s built up, with significant others and/or with one whose counsel you trust. Conditions are right for constructive encounters that get to the nitty-gritty heart of what matters. Your need for self-expression and creative thinking will be emphasized for many weeks to come; but regardless of who you’re in dialogue with, remember to listen, as well as hold forth. It’s conceivable you’ve grown so accustomed to grinding stress that you aren’t entirely conscious of what you’ve been sitting on. Make space available and encourage emotional movement. Often simply feeling received with compassion will open those gates. If initiating communications feels too intimidating, understand that opportunities taken now will help minimize potential tension down the road. — By Victoria Emory

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Your tribe is known for its charismatic flair, expressive talents and capacity to lead others. What’s rarely mentioned is the well of emotional intensity at the root of your being. A natural deep-sea diver, you’re able to recognize buried truths and bring treasures of insight and healing up from the past. Your perception has been heightened over the last few weeks; both internally and regarding the outer world. You’re now in an ideal position to take some of what’s recently come into focus, and tap available channels of communication to move toward resolution on pressing, key issues. These could be work or health related, or some combination of both. Matters concerning your home, family or personal history may be involved. Whatever your specifics might be, the lines are open, so dial in. The more you reach out to connect this week, the easier the next few months are likely to go. — By Victoria Emory

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — We tend to think of ‘conscience’ as our duties or allegiance toward others. On the collective level of society, the need for personal accountability is one (enormous and critical) thing. But a form of conscience often overlooked is the haunting weight that results from denying one’s need for personal fulfillment. Keeping food on the table pulls rank in terms of priority, and financial security has been on your radar, no doubt. But when creative aspirations feel urgent enough, the will finds a way. Self-expression is on your agenda — projects that have simmered on a back burner might be occupying more of your thoughts. Chances are you’ve got a backlog of unexpressed impulses straining at the bit to be set free. Your ruling planet Mercury’s upcoming retrograde has an advanced message for you: it’s time. You have something to say. Alignments this week are perfect for getting thoughts onto paper or into appropriate ears. — By Victoria Emory

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — The high-voltage Full Moon last weekend likely stirred deep-seated material that left you more consciously aware of what you must let go of, and what you require to feel safe on a fundamental level. How to bring those needs forward may be the question, but your evolutionary path demands that you overcome indecision and hesitation to act on your own behalf. The alternative is festering frustration and exacerbated, mounting pressure — something’s gotta give. Resources and values factor largely in this scenario. Relationships with a financial component may well play a role. Fortunately, opportunities for fruitful communications are available over the coming days, which can help pave the way for changes you’ve probably wanted to make for a long time. Issues related to your home, your past, or your family are up for resolution, and will necessitate some work. But steps taken now can help steer you onto the most direct route to the inner security and stable environment so essential to your wellbeing. — By Victoria Emory

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — The word “learn” derives from an ancient root meaning “to follow or find the track.” That’s a pretty good metaphor for activity dominating your chart this week. Your entire conceptual framework has undergone major reconstruction for some time, courtesy of the heavy-hitting Saturn-Pluto conjunction in your sphere of ‘mind’. Mercury, planet of cognition and expression, is traversing your sign and will soon backtrack through it again. This will afford ample opportunity to trace aspects of your psyche, your past and your approach to the world in a way that refines your perspective yet further. A series of stimulating contacts between these two influences signal an educational journey ahead. First previews begin this week, so pay attention. Follow the trail of what piques your interest; you’re primed for serious encounters with respected sources of wisdom in one form or another. Places of study could offer social opportunities at just the right time. Revealing synchronicities, creative or even romantic inspiration, are possible. Heed the omens. — By Victoria Emory

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Perseverance is a fine art. To master it requires some technique. Your focus on future goals ties in with the radical, evolutionary changes you’ve gone through regarding your values, and how they impact self-worth and security. The situation is ripe with potential, but like the farmer so eager to reap his crop that he pulls growing shoots up from the soil, patience is your friend. Yet that doesn’t mean passivity, which is where skill enters in. Refine the essence of your desire: the feeling you’re after. If it’s financial freedom, that’s a sensation more than a number on your bank statement. From there, engage colleagues and proceed with projects in appreciation for ‘what is’. A gentle dual focus is involved. Your intuitive guidance is your best ally in getting from A to B right now, and those messages require a relaxed state of mind to get through. Just remember to stay present; all power flows from there. — By Victoria Emory

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Solitude and control are powerful strategies, and part of your natural skill-set. They come with a downside, however, that you’re also familiar with. Last week’s Full Moon triggered the high-pressure conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in your sign, and chances are there’s a lot built up inside that begs for release. You need human contact. A bit of warmth and communication with allies can go a long way toward helping you along the path of your highest purpose. Dynamics in your chart describe a productive overlap between worldly achievement, long-range objectives, and expressing ideas and feelings with others who share your ideals. These channels open wide over the next several days, but you may need to take the initiative. The upcoming Mercury retrograde looks like connections made now could lay groundwork for future endeavors. Social engagements this week can both strengthen existing relationships and spark inspired, creative vision. Take advantage of favorable winds and reach out. — By Victoria Emory

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Career-related strategies will continue to dominate your thoughts for some time. Integrating your work in the world with changes on the home front is an evolving project, so strive for flexibility and give it time. You’re entering a review process of sorts, and it’s important to listen for intuitive prompts that will steadily be delivered throughout. You’re probably out in a more active, visible public forum than you’ve been in a while, and that’s set to accelerate. So sensitivity to subtle guidance from within will require more intention than usual. A tremendous amount power in your chart is focused ‘behind closed doors’, in the deepest regions of your psyche, and that’s generating considerable pressure. The more honest you are with yourself, the more willing you are to feel what’s bubbling up from the depths, and the more you’ll be able to utilize all of your resources to make optimal choices. This is no time for rigid beliefs. — By Victoria Emory

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — How do your habitual beliefs dovetail with personal aspirations that can no longer be ignored? Goals you’ve cherished for years could feel intimidating, yet you’re compelled to achieve them. If only you felt secure enough; if only you knew how. Cosmic weather patterns moving in for the second half of the month suggest that to get a grip on limiting fears, some kind of vision quest is in order. Perspective is everything, and you need to widen your scope. Frustration around finances and related partnerships, strategic alliances and the direction you see for yourself presents a worthy evolutionary challenge. Your way through an apparent dilemma requires a tweak in worldview. It’s time to let your mind soar past confines you’ve grown accustomed to. That’s what Mercury’s upcoming retrograde can help you achieve. You’re primed for revelations. You may have something to teach that others need. Seize opportunities available this week to communicate with those in your circle, to open those doors. — By Victoria Emory

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Sunday’s approaching Full Moon in your sign is offering you particular insights into the nature of relationships, polarity and projection. Of the many wisdoms in astrology, one of the most profound is that regardless of which signs are more prominent, every single one of us contains the whole zodiac. This has certain implications for the concept that we are somehow not complete without another person. It also speaks to what you hold in common with partners and friends (and indeed strangers). If you’re tempted to think you’re completely separate from everyone else, and that specific traits belong to others and not you, remember that in reality we’re all expressions of the same cosmos. Always leave room for compassion.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Self-confidence goes up and down, and the challenges you’ve faced recently are probably enough that you still have some recovering to do. One trap you’ll want to guard against this week is that of comparing yourself with others. This is an easy and fast road to feeling less than great. You don’t have to be Greta Thunberg in order to make a positive difference: your mission is to be yourself, as well as you can. You also don’t need anyone’s approval. Release yourself from the confining idea of what you believe to be socially acceptable; start with what is irrefutably true about you, based on your own feelings, and work from there.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Keep an eye on your thought processes, and take note if you’re expecting a series of events to follow a certain script. Doing this almost inevitably leads to disappointment. Experiment instead with taking the attitude that you’ll follow the best course you can see, and let it lead where it will. Further, let your creative ideas flow unrestricted. This can take practice, especially if you’re used to holding yourself in, though it helps if you foster a sense of openness toward the universe. That is, your willingness to receive what it offers you, and the intuitive impressions you sense from your environment. Create a space where you can let this flow without interruption or judgment.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You are already sacred, and you are already whole. That is the ultimate message of Sunday’s Full Moon in Aries. Cease to allow your view of yourself to rise and fall by the tides of public opinion — especially of those who don’t know you as well as they might think. Naturally it’s important to have an aim in life and a sense of purpose, to keep moving forward. Yet ideally this comes from within and is not dictated to by the petty whims or agendas of others, or any dampening effect they might have on your confidence. Your mission ultimately springs from the relationship between you and the Divine, in whatever form you experience it.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — While you’re off exploring the heights of ideal worlds, or traveling to unknown regions of fancy, it’s worth recalling that you actually have a body, and it has needs. I know — how very mundane. Nevertheless, it’s true, despite all the achievements of digital technology in dividing us from our physical reality. That reality still counts. However powerful your mental stamina is, it won’t do to leave off important routines or health practices, and you’ll almost certainly benefit from checking in regularly with how you feel in the moment. One particular point of note is that you might need to watch your intake of recreational substances, including alcohol. Err on the side of caution.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Your ruler Mercury is about to enter its shadow phase, and you may already be feeling a little stilted or awkward, as if not quite finding your rhythm. This is especially likely if your confidence has lately received a knock. If so, remember this is surely temporary, and just persist as much as you can. Address any doubts that emerge relating to the concept of “deserving” or similar, by using instead the language of need, desire, want — without judging any of those things. In addition, when a seeming problem arises, look for the resources to solve it within you, or in your possession. You may well find you’re more capable than you thought.

In These Times — 2019 Autumn Reading

How do we confront this dual problem of premeditated decay of society, and the inner issue of needing the strength to take some meaningful action? Where do we start? As in few other times, this calls for a response from a spiritual place: of deep caring and responsibility; the quest for honest connection above all else.

It has called forth all of my knowledge, experience and wisdom to do this work. I have proceeded in the spirit of therapy, knowing that most people do not or will not go. That spirit first involves seeking refuge, becoming aware of your situation, ordering your priorities, and then making choices. But the single most important factor of therapy — and of old school spiritual mentorship — is not giving answers, but helping the client find them for themselves. What I have to offer you are 12 readings of approximately one hour each, which use astrology to address the matter: the one about how to orient yourself to make the most of the difficult and challenging times we are in.

All 12 signs are currently $111. I am keeping that price low to encourage having access to all of the work. Individual readings are $44 for the first and $22 for each additional.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — This week’s Aries Full Moon is likely to enhance your glamour and your inherent charm. You’ll sparkle in the social realm, and probably have more influence than usual with loved ones also. Enjoy the fun; just take care to keep it real, and to value honesty as an irreplaceable component in everything you say and do. Appearances fade, and disguises wither, yet integrity has a clarity and substance that’s stronger than any illusion, as are all things rooted in fact. That also works, by the way, for false negative impressions. Even if someone takes an unreasonable dislike to you — which usually occurs when people are envious or discontented — your true self will shine through solidly.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — It may be wise to consider carefully before committing firmly to a particular course of action or theory. Take as much time as you need, and do as much fact-finding as you possibly can. Things might not be quite as they appear, especially if they appear irrefutable or beyond question. This imperfect world has ways of not conforming to clear-cut rules or utopian ideals. Let go once and for all of any notion that specific actions will guarantee a specific response, and instead focus on what is already true in the present. None of this is to say you should avoid risks completely. Rather, make sure your expectations are in line with what you see and know to be real.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Your imaginative powers would seem to be in full flow, and the approaching Aries Full Moon is likely to bring them to a peak. You currently have a knack for coming up with ideas that get to the heart of an issue. Don’t waste a moment of this precious time. Get yourself into a position where you can give free rein to your mind. Draw on all the resources you have, and all the experience you’ve gained. Make a note of everything that comes through, no matter how outlandish it might seem. It’s rare that discoveries appear in one gigantic eureka moment; they usually drip into being in far more mundane fashion, via lots of work and practice.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — The forthcoming Saturn-Pluto conjunction in your sign is highlighted on Sunday by the Full Moon in Aries. This could be a useful period to focus your efforts, and make some decisions concerning the way forward. You are likely to get a glimpse of the conditions ahead, and may well be more sensitive to them than anyone around you, so be ready to impart any insights you receive. Above all, trust yourself. The challenges you’re facing may be unlike any others you have known, yet in a way these are shoes you’ve been growing into all this time. You are more than ready to take on this moment and become the person you know you’re capable of being.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — In general, the course of development and healing is a slow path, and it’s easy to become impatient when the journey seems long or repetitive. Yet it’s likewise easy to forget how far we’ve traveled over time. You have changed a good deal, such that your younger self might find it hard to believe you could effect such a transformation. Yet here you are, with the lessons of your past experiences and trials behind you, and as time passes you are progressing still further. Your strength, steadiness and wisdom are reliable resources on which you can draw, and your presence is a comfort to all who perceive your true character.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — There is something of the visionary quality surrounding you at present, and your mind seems to be a fertile ground in which the shoots of your creative imagination can spring up and blossom. Make sure you give yourself enough space this week to nurture them. What might also be useful for you as the Full Moon approaches is to focus on bringing one or two specific projects forward, or certain ideas into concrete form. Prioritize any matter that involves keeping a promise you’ve made, and ensure you get anything like that out of the way before turning your attention to newer endeavors. Doing this will help you clear the route so you can go full throttle.