Aries (March 20-April 19) — Let ‘connections’ be your key word. Itemize connections you have made in the recent past. Define ‘recent past’ as no more than three years back. Try to go beyond making a mental inventory. Go through business cards, correspondence, phone records, social media relationships and ‘favorites’ of all kinds. Let these people all know you are alive. Imply you are available to make some mutual rain — or art, or in any other way work toward mutual creative benefit. After refreshing recent connections, start seeking new ones. Look to become friends with friends of friends. If you encounter an acquaintance you don’t know much about, ask them to tell you about themselves. Admittedly this prescription for better fortune may start off feeling as though you are going around kissing frogs. Give it a few months, however, and it should at least open the way towards a princely result. — by Len Wallick

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Try behaving as if all the world is indeed a stage (with you a willing and enthusiastic player upon that stage) at this time. Look to associate with those who have something substantially illuminating to share. Show those potential associates how the light you bring could serve to enhance, harmonize with, and bring attention to the brilliance of your intended collaborators. There will be no need to come on strong. Attract rather than pursue. Persuade and win over those whom you perceive to be your fellow players as if they are your audience, at least at first. Then, continually emphasize how you are open to integrating their visions and their aspirations with the role you most want to play in the world. Above all, never doubt your own value and the value of what is within you. — by Len Wallick

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — The planet Mercury is no longer retrograde. However, Mercury is not yet up to even half its normal speed as it retraces the degrees of Gemini where it recently appeared to be moving backwards. Hence, be patient. Your time will come. Implicitly, your time will come in the company and society of others with whom you share a similar lifestyle and ways of being. In the meantime, go with the flow as regards to society as a whole. Remember that one of mythical Mercury’s main talents was the ability to go and fit in anywhere. For the rest of this month, it would be a good idea for you to employ that same talent, which you surely also possess. Therefore, as a temporary measure, consider the benefits of going along to get along as you make your own way through life. — by Len Wallick

Your 2015-2016 Cancer Reading

To Achieve the Most, Take Care of Yourself

Dear Friend and Reader:

The sign Cancer is associated with food, emotions, nurturing and bubble baths. Yet the astrology influencing your sign is about some stunning achievement. Your focus is being drawn ever-outward into the world, and if you have not noticed it yet, you will be soon.

There is a conjunction coming — Uranus conjunct Eris. Technically it’s exact in 2016 and 2017, yet it’s influencing you now, calling you to take action and perhaps even summoning you to shake up your world. For a long time you’ve been itching to do something bigger, more significant, more bold.

It would be an understatement to say that this describes a breakthrough of some kind. Note that no astrology has happened like this in our lifetimes. The last time this aspect took place was in 1928!

This conjunction is developing in the most outgoing, dynamic house in your chart — the 10th. That’s the one associated with career, reputation and what you achieve in the world. The planets are putting you on notice that your life is developing in some bold and positive ways.

Going well beyond career, this astrology describes your overall role in the world, as a leader, as a creative force and as one contributing to solutions.

I am about to prepare your 2015-2016 birthday reading. I’ll be recording a clear, practical guide to working with your astrology over the next four seasons. In that reading, I will read this aspect that guides you to toward some unusual success.

Yet there’s a cautionary note here — about the need to keep a clear focus on your home life and your relationships. Simply put, you can accomplish great things, if you take care of yourself.

My Cancer reading will help you do just that. I will offer you a complete picture of your astrology, which looks at your life holistically. I’ll remind you of the many facets of who you are, all of which add up to the whole person that is you. The key to this astrology is drawing on every facet of your creativity, strength and intelligence.

Read more…

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may already be more than halfway towards an objective you did not even know you had. Either that, or you are unknowingly well on your way to somewhere you don’t want to go. For your birthday, consider giving yourself the gift of some time to add up what has accumulated for you as a matter of course and habit. The timeframe to look at is at least the last three months, and possibly as long as the last two years. For example, consider whether you have gained or lost some weight, either on your body, in the form of possessions, or even in your influence. If you like what you see happening, apply yourself with conscious intent henceforth. If you see a trend you don’t like, you will have some unconscious motivations to examine and something to turn around. What you learn from your discovery of your unconscious doings will allow you to follow through to intentionally build on — or break with — whatever you have unintentionally started. — by Len Wallick

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Indications are that two or more parties are contesting for your time and attention. Give special awareness to those who seem to be going out of their way to flatter you. Of course, you want to be gracious rather than aloof. You also want to accept what you have earned with appropriate gratitude. Nonetheless, now would be a good time to notice when the props coming your way are out of proportion. In other words, consider the person’s motivation. Some may want a piece of you because you look good. Others may be interested in how their attentions to you make them look good. Whatever the case, stay humble, continue to work hard, and remember that your light will not always be so high in the sky. Also remember that when the contest is over, the playing field has taken the greatest beating. Those who want to win you may not have your best interests at heart. — by Len Wallick

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Some of the greatest thinkers in human history have noted how there is sometimes a stark contrast between heeding your conscience and aligning with groups you identify with. Even so, doing the right thing appears to be your thing at this time. To mitigate the downside of being in integrity with your own awareness, act so as to be at peace with yourself as a first principle in all matters. Next, consider whether there is a difference between the right thing to do for the short term and for the long run. If so, look for a way to close the gap. Also, make an effort to ensure you are seeing things clearly. Compare observations with others you trust. Finally, to be less alone in actuality, appeal to the conscience of others you trust and ask them to do right by themselves as well. — by Len Wallick

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Did you know you have been showing the way? Whether you know it or not, you have been showing at least a few people a way to be for quite a while now. Whether you want it or not, at least some other people have been looking up to you to measure their own progress. Whether you like it or not, something you did about two years ago keeps returning you to where your aspirations (or lack of same) converge with what others feel they need to become. You probably will not be able to hide away and avoid being observed. So, why not simply accept that you are leading by example and attempt to grow into the role? There are worse things to be than a role model. There are worse things to become than more worthy of respect. It’s not like you will be putting yourself on a pedestal. It’s a simple case of putting yourself in your proper place. — by Len Wallick

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Don’t cave in to fear. However, just as an exercise, spend a little time (repeat: just a little) each day looking at how the worst of all possible consequences could possibly come to pass. Then, take just a little more time every day (repeat: just a little more) doing something to be better able to live with a worst-case scenario. Put a little money away every day. Stock up on a few necessities. Make do with a little less. If you can do that sort of thing consistently (and not go overboard into anxiety or compulsive behavior), your darkest, deepest worries will shrink in your perception — and rightfully so. On any given day the worst is almost certain not to happen. The cumulative effort of many days will grow. Do a little every day just in case; it will allow you more time each day to make (or remake) your life in the image of best possible outcomes. — by Len Wallick

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Whatever burdens you feel, try an experiment: shake them off. See if they stay off. Whatever does not stay off will need to be addressed in another way, such as meeting obligations or finishing tasks. Even so, there will be some things you should be done with. To get perspective, look for a chance to travel away from where you reside over the next couple months. If you can arrange for such a sojourn, try to spend most of your time with those you have not become accustomed to since this time last year. Once you get back home, look to renegotiate your responsibilities, and delegate to others a little more than you take on in return. If travel is not in the cards for you anytime soon, at least seek to accumulate less of everything. Buy only what you need, give some things away. Let go of want and become lighter. Focus on need so as to be stronger. — by Len Wallick

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Do not seek approval from others. You don’t need that. Approve of yourself, for you are worthy of your own affirmation. Give yourself credit. Yes, you have made mistakes; yet, you have also made more than that. You have quite often made the best of what you had to work with. You have even occasionally made a proverbial miracle. In spite of (or perhaps even because of) what turns your life has taken, the actions you have taken in response have shown you to be a person of substance and grit. So give yourself credit, and spend it on further enhancing your value to yourself. Learn new skills because you want to have them, not because somebody else thinks you should. To the extent that others make it their business to depreciate you, make it your business in turn to disassociate with them. Align yourself with those who accept you and want you to accept yourself. — by Len Wallick

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Show up. If your presence is required by those in authority, be there. Once you are there, you need not actually be something other than yourself unless that is what you choose. But at least show up. If you don’t, you will make it possible for others to believe or say you are something that you are not. Even more important, show up for obligations you create for yourself. That way, you will dispel doubts — and widen cracks through which the bright light of opportunity shines. Perhaps most vital, always show up in such a way that you do not show others up. Apple polishing and brown-nosing do not become you, least of all now. There is no need to make yourself look better by making others look bad. Rather, show up and make it your purpose to make others either glad you are there, or more truly aware of who you are. — by Len Wallick

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — John Muir had little patience with those who were interested only in what was ‘useful’ to them. Just as Muir made it a point to periodically step away from the world of those who did not appreciate what was useful in nature, try to get out of your world and into experiences that do not serve a ‘useful’ purpose for you. Also, take some time away from what’s most immediate and pressing for you, and take in the ways of other people. Go to the movie your date wants to see. Ask somebody older what songs she likes, and listen to them three times. Ask somebody younger what’s good to eat ‘around here’ and dine on it twice. There is more to this world than what you are concerned with or want out of it. Whatever you are not into deserves a try, especially if there is no conceivable reason you can now see for doing so. — by Len Wallick

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You must work consciously and carefully with any resistance you may encounter. It will be risky to use force; it could be just as risky to yield to inertia. Therefore, persist gently and with full awareness. You are working through an inner block of some kind, and it would seem to involve what you are and are not willing to say. What do you think the consequences would be, if you were to say exactly what you think? I suggest you start by making peace with those consequences, whether they might come to be or not. Get yourself to a place where you have nothing to lose. From there you can assess the potential benefits of revealing your truth. You might also encounter a level of necessity or urgency in doing so, which could get you beyond any resistance you feel. The benefits would outweigh the risks. But are there really any risks? The greater gamble seems to be silence, which has a way of spreading its consequences. Meanwhile, take one step at a time, and keep asking yourself where you are at that moment.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Consider how good it is to have a home, and a country to live in. We don’t need images of the homeless, or guilt, or fear of loss, to make contact with the benefits of having some grounding. Instead it’s possible simply to appreciate what you have, your stability and the benefits of your physical existence. Of course marketing culture takes this simple appreciation away from us with its constant pushing everyone to want more. From that context, there’s never an appropriate time to appreciate what you have, because when you’re appreciating you’re probably not reaching for your debit card. By all indications you’re living a remarkable life right now. The larger factors are in order and so are many of the smaller details. Any concerns you might have about money can be addressed by two factors — organization and motivation. Thankfully you have access to those assets as well. And from this place, you have options. Many of them would afford you extraordinary creative possibilities. All you would need is faith in yourself.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mercury stationed direct in your sign on Thursday. This would normally help you clear up any confusion and get yourself moving after a series of delays or distractions. Yet you may still find yourself bogged in doubt and an odd lack of clarity. Other factors in your solar chart suggest that you know exactly what you want, and you know how to get it. You’re willing to override your concerns and uncertainty and make any necessary decisions. The key here is to know your options and to choose consciously. You might take a little more time to put your plan into action; I don’t think this would hurt, and it could certainly help, because over the next week or so additional information will come out in the wash. That data is likely to confirm what you already know. This does make a difference, since confirmation will help you proceed with greater confidence. You seem determined to make the right decision, and having your mind on stable ground will save a load of energy that could be wasted on doubt.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You seem to be having a crisis of faith in yourself, though at least you know this much. Events over the next few days will go a long way toward demonstrating that you’re capable of accomplishing any goal you define for yourself. Yet that seems to be included in the question — what exactly do you want to achieve? And is what you want even about achievement, or is it about being in the world in a more harmonious way? That would be my educated guess. Having said that, if you’re going to set goals, focus on the five- to 10-year time range. Many factors in your chart are suggesting that you take a much longer, wider view of your life. This would include what you want to be doing, and where you would be doing it — ideally. Don’t worry about what is possible. Dare to describe your life exactly as you would have it be. Then consider how many of those factors are present now. Some of them are, and others are not. Choose one of those visions for yourself and focus on it for a while.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You have the choice to assert yourself in a bold way, or to use the power of attraction. I suggest you emphasize attraction first, and see how that goes. Right now you have enough magnetic power to lift a train off the tracks and get yourself all the way to San Francisco. What would make sense, though, is discerning what you do and don’t want to attract. Have a clear idea of what you want, and what you could skip. But don’t stick to it too rigorously. Leave yourself room to be wrong, in the happy way — such as something or someone comes to you, and you had no idea that you would have so much fun. In fact, in all things, leave yourself some wiggle space. You run the risk of being excessively rigid when the very response called for is flexibility. Stiffness is not good for your creativity and it’s not good for you. This is especially true in anything involving sex. Modern people seem to have the idea that a situation must be absolutely right, or else it’s absolutely wrong. Rarely is that true — especially right now.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Certain issues involving your professional life are about to open up. You may get some long overdue news, or have an opening to make some progress. I suggest that you proceed slowly rather than quickly; gently rather than aggressively. There is still an uncertainty factor that you would be wise to acknowledge, especially where the intentions of others are involved. Those others might be people making decisions for your organization; they might be clients or people of influence who are watching how you handle making decisions. And how would you do that? First, know when you’re guessing and when you’re proceeding with real information. There is a difference between these two conditions, ignored though it is by many. Study the situation carefully. See if you can get information from several different sources, and put together the layers or the pieces for a more complete scenario or image of what is going on. The more you develop this picture the more you’ll realize how helpful it is.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Your star quality is shining right now, and I suggest you step out from behind the curtain. Get out where people can see you, hear you and feel you. Keep the emphasis on feeling. Notice how many people spend so much of their lives in a bubble; notice how you’ve done the same thing. I understand that your astrology may seem to pose a paradox — that of being visible when you may not want to be seen. Or liking attention and being made uncomfortable by it at the same time. If your usual tendency is to step back, stay quiet or remain off to the side, this would be the time to try a different approach. Remember that you have no special obligations or responsibilities for being noticed. Acknowledging the attraction others may feel for you is not giving them permission to do anything, nor are you committing to be anything. You remain free; you remain the one making choices in your own life. It’s just that now, you’re very likely to have better options than usual.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You have every opportunity to accomplish great things in the professional aspects of your life — that is, your chosen mission. Your chart describes recognition, but also tangible accomplishments that advance your cause and that of whoever you’re working with. But you seem to be hesitating, as if you’re not sure you’re doing the right thing. Some other option is nagging you. I would not be surprised if you feel creatively blocked in some way. I would suggest an ethic that has served many successful people well: whatever you’re doing, excel in that thing. Whatever you’re doing, learn as much as you can in the process, and relate it to everything else you’re doing. You need to access your creativity not just to do your work but also to do it in an unusually enterprising way — and to keep it interesting. Not every task or project is ‘exactly what you want to be doing for the rest of your life’, though I would propose that nothing really qualifies for that. Therefore, focus on quality in all things, in each moment.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Someone may reveal something to you that they’ve been keeping hidden for a while, and that they may have never intended to tell you about. Be calm about this. You might potentially experience it as an affront; nobody likes to be lied to. While this may not be an overt deception it would surely qualify as a withhold, or lie by omission. See if you can guide the conversation to the level where you understand this person’s motives. They are likely to be driven by desire, though of a kind that they don’t feel entirely comfortable with. There is some conflict, though there’s also a particular quality that this conflict has, which is a kind of split in their personality. Everyone experiences this from time to time. Handle this with compassion. Whomever you’re engaging with on this topic is more vulnerable than they may seem, and any aggression is likely to be a cover for the feeling of weakness. Therefore, do what you can to add strength to the equation, which could come in the form of your tolerance, acceptance, stability and sanity. If you offer these things, it will be good for everyone.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — If financial questions seem to be interfering with a work-related project, or a health-related one, then be clever and find a way to get it done. Money is difficult to overrate as a vital resource, but it would be incorrect to say that it’s the only one. Your own creativity and intelligence are much more valuable, and without them money is useless anyway. Therefore, focus on using your mind, which also means working with your connections. It looks like there are some super resourceful people in your environment, people who would be willing to help, if only you would get out of your own way and be clear about what you want. That clarity might be the very thing that’s troubling you. You seem to be absolutely certain about something, and then you doubt yourself at the same time. Can both be true? Probably not. There is a third option, which may involve a fairly typical scenario around the time of Mercury stationing direct: there is missing information, and when you have that information, you will have a much better idea what to do.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will have a lot more fun with sex if you remember that all sex begins with you and comes back to you — that it’s your experience. True, it’s an experience you share, though first you must claim it as your own. As part of that, a long overdue conversation looks like its time has arrived. The astrology here involves Mercury changing directions (which happened earlier Thursday). The chart for that event describes two things. One is that information, ideas and a real exchange are likely to come out in layers. Try to set aside the idea that everything is going to be resolved instantly, or that your desires will be met instantly. The two processes will develop together. I suggest you work closely with any uncertainty you may be experiencing, and count it as a resource. The unknown is a source of energy, of power and of strength, if you can work with it patiently.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You’ve been carrying some tension and it’s been throwing you off balance. There are many factors involved; some of them are short-term and others are long-term. Over the next few days you may get some insight into the source of this tension and what you can do about it. If you feel a need to figure things out, do your best to set it aside. What you’re experiencing is emotional and physical rather than mental. Searching for an answer or for some logic to your situation may throw you off the scent, and it may be frustrating. Therefore, stick to what you feel, and stick to your experience of being in a body. You are involved in a long-term healing process, by which I mean something that covers a period of years. This involves Chiron and Nessus moving through your sign — two centaur planets associated with deep transformation and self-awareness. At the moment, both of them are being aspected by inner planets Mercury and Mars. So you’re getting an immediate look at what you’re working out over a rather extended phase of time. Take it easy, and take it easy on yourself.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — There is such a thing as too much integrity. In order to remain standing, every structure must flex and bend. In order to flow, every system must have some resilience, and be able to tolerate some excess strain, a bit of waste and fluctuations in energy. And for you to be happy, you need to be more open to ideas — which means not being threatened by them. By one reading of your solar chart, it would seem that you’re making sure nary a single dangerous thought gets through. But I would ask: are there any dangerous thoughts? And if there are, is it sex that makes them so? And if that seems true, then what is the actual risk? Well, the risk is revealing your humanity; daring to be seen and felt. Your worst fears may take the form of ‘something actually bad’, some irreversible consequence of your choices. I would propose that what you fear is actual unscripted existence; making contact with someone and allowing them to make contact with you, not knowing what’s going to happen next. Remember when you used to live for that kind of thing?

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Venus joins Jupiter in the angle of your chart associated with family, home and security. It’s going to be there for a while, so you don’t have to rush to get the benefits of this transit. Indeed I would propose that it represents a longterm exploration of something else, which is an experiment in what you can accomplish when your life is reasonably stable and grounded. It’s true that living on the edge of a galaxy on a little planet run by psychopaths, it’s possible never to feel safe or grounded, but if ever there was a time, this is it. Now, how much creativity can you muster up, whether directed at the way you live, or what you do with the privilege of living? In other words, what are you here to create and can you act on that drive? This is not something restricted to a few special activities. It can extend to any activity, whether it’s doing your laundry, painting your masterpiece or plotting the revolution. Think of yourself as a benefactor, breathing life, beauty and value into everyone and everything you touch.

Expert Astrology for When You Need an Expert

Dear Gemini Sun, Moon or Rising:

Your birthday reading has published — and as you know, we’re in a very interesting, even strange, Gemini sky right now. This is an excellent time to have the insight and understanding that Eric delivers in his unique style.

But don’t take my word for it; Eric has created a short audio preview to give you a taste. You may listen to the preview here (it’s the gray audio player at the top of the page).

Eric designs these readings to ease your mind, motivate you and spark new ideas. In a world obsessed with worry, he offers a short, blissful vacation from that as he sees your potential, and explains it in ways you can actually feel and use. You will discover whole new perspectives to consider what you want, what you do and who you are.

As one Planet Waves client recently wrote in: “I cannot tell you enough how Planet Waves has helped me through so many events in my life.”

 

As for the astrology: Mercury is retrograde, Mars is in your sign, and Neptune is adding a touch of mystery to the picture. This will influence you for the next four seasons, at least. Saturn will be spending two years in Sagittarius, your relationship house. What does this add up to?

The result will be an amazing year of getting to know yourself. This means going beyond all the typical concepts of Gemini and into a phase of true integration. Think of this as mind-body integration; as soul-personality integration; or that between self and other.

There are many other messages from your charts, delivered in clear language. You also get one of Eric’s unique tarot readings using the Voyager Tarot by James Wanless; access to last year’s reading; and the opportunity to participate in a live call-in session with Eric.

Although we’ve advertised the full published price as $39.95, we know how challenging Mercury retrogrades can be — so we’ve decided to offer it to you for $29.97 for a little while longer. It also makes a fun and thoughtful gift for any of your Gemini loved ones.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Your professional identity or official title is not who you are. Ideally what you do emerges from your sense of who you are and what is the most meaningful to you, though for most people that would be considered a luxury. At the moment you may be experiencing anything from some mild confusion to outright conflict between something related to your job and your sense of self. First, I suggest you not try to work this out so fast. It’s one of the deeper questions that we face in Western culture — working out the whole issue of ‘I am’ as it relates to what we’re supposed to have accomplished by any particular age. I would say that this issue goes far deeper than job, profession or title; we are really talking about how you relate to your mission in being alive. That is not something you find outside yourself. It’s an inner search, where outer clues count for something. Yet is the search really necessary? Don’t you just know? Or are you still in the process of admitting it to yourself? Pay attention — information is coming.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Don’t let your fears run away with you over the next couple of weeks; be cool, be patient and — remember, as Lou Reed said, you can’t count on the worst always happening (and he added, it takes a busload of faith to get by). So load up your busload of faith and start singing and clapping. Use anxiety as an opportunity to push your limits. Work from the premise that much of the world is in a frantic state, and therefore you can afford to explore some edgy territory. Let this start in your mind but certainly not end there. The purpose of your life right now is achievement and learning how to have an impact. When you look at anyone else who has ever succeeded at making a splash, they did so by exceeding some limit that was put on them, or that they thought they had to abide by. Said another way, success is a kind of uprising against mediocrity; a revolt against bullshit; the drive to do something that hasn’t been done, if only because it seems interesting and like the thing to do. Fortune favors the bold.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Venus has arrived in your sign, where it will be for all but a few weeks between now and Oct. 10. The theme of embodying one’s sense of mission seems to be in the air, and it certainly is a crucial theme for you. Consider yourself in a phase of experimentation, where you’re getting a sense of your depth of commitment to what you do. You have specific ideas about what you believe and what you value, though you don’t always follow them. Now you will get a chance to bring this to full awareness. You seem to be embarking on something promising; something that could lead to fulfillment. Give this a good, solid run; give it all you’ve got. Then you will reach a natural boundary around July 18, when Venus arrives in Virgo. That will begin a review phase. Though it will seem obvious at the time, there is one very specific question that you need to ask yourself, which is not so clear right now. No theory or concept can substitute for the actual, hands-on experience that will help you answer this question.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Venus has joined Jupiter in your 12th solar house. Somewhere in one of my favorite old astrology books — Astrology: A Cosmic Science by Isabel Hickey — she describes this as the aspect of “two guardian angels.” I’ve always thought that was interesting. I’ll leave you to consider what you would do with that kind of protection. Your astrology is describing a few other things as well. The theme of purpose is going around the zodiac these days. This may be entirely in my imagination (what isn’t?) but the way the combinations of planets and signs are shaking out, that’s what I see. For you, this is about a discovery process, and not just any random one. Your life seems to be focused on one specific revelation that’s going to be hiding behind the scenes for a while. You can have absolute trust that what you’re doing, and what you soon will feel guided to do, is leading you in the right direction. You may have to go on various hunches on the way there, which fits the astrology. I would add one thing: if you want to be ambitious, be friendly. Do everything by arrangement, agreement and accord.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You are now in the perfect position to develop your professional income. I never quite know what this means for those who work for salaries, though it seems like these days most people have more than one source of income. This could apply to any of them, but especially the one that’s variable — such as based on your creative output or how much of something you can sell or some factor involving the people you know. This variable is now the thing that you can increase, largely due to your reputation. Therefore, be bold and confident about approaching your friends and people in your social networks. Anyone you know is a potential prospect. I don’t mean to imply that your friends and their friends are something to exploit; what I am saying is that commerce is a community commodity and that communication is a commemoration of how we are all here to support one another. What you are doing is a thing of service and therefore, telling people about it is a wholesome thing. Stay on course even if someone whines.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Keep financial and contractual plans on hold for as long as possible. You’re not working with all the information you need, and there are still some vital developments yet to come. Until then, work within economic limits and do your best to follow your agreements to the letter and in spirit. Other factors in your chart describe this as a phase of high success and taking a step up in the world, though this is about more than looking good. Go far beyond image, charm or the appearance of trying. What you need are real achievements to your name, and to demonstrate a sense of mission that is driven by goals and results. If you don’t have something tangible to show for your work, looking good will look all the worse, and if you have them, it will look all the better. Saturn is about to return to your sign and emphasize the point that leadership is about what you get done. Saturn is also reminding you that self-leadership is the most important variety. You must be accountable to yourself before you can truly be accountable to others.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — If you’re managing to keep your communications clear with others, and to avoid conflicts, you’re doing beautifully. If not, you must be patient, and give others time to see the errors of their ways. Pushing them is not going to help; you will likely be met by some kind of pushback. And that resistance will likely be misguided and seem to make no sense. Therefore I suggest you tread lightly on any unresolved situation and go into fact-finding mode. The deeper truth that emerges around the time of the Mercury station direct next week will level out power imbalances and bring most of the necessary facts out into the open. Then a real conversation can begin. This astrology may relate to certain circumstances about which you’re not aware, or have a mistaken impression. Therefore, say less and pay attention more. Be alert to conflicting information and above all else, know when you don’t know.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — As a Capricorn you’re supposed to be a master of politics, though lately small gaffes and misunderstandings are giving you and perhaps others the impression that you’re playing out of your league. The question is, what is your league? What’s the right level of society for you to be involved on? Few people ask this question; many people fancy themselves considerably more or less than would be appropriate for their level of dedication and intelligence. I would suggest that you start exactly where you are, and determine what is expected of you, and consider what you can contribute. While you may feel like environmental factors are getting in your way, remember that the world is not as neat and tidy as it once was; information moves much faster and therefore there are more opportunities for misunderstanding. With Mercury still retrograde, you must remain mindful of communication, and seek clarity at every turn of events. This will be especially true as Mercury slows to a station next week. Keep your footing.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — For the next few months you may need to tidy up residual matters from business of the past two years. If you were to make a chronology of that timeframe, you would see how far you’ve come and what you’ve accomplished. Therefore, don’t be discouraged if you are called upon to be extra vigilant and make sure that everything is resolved; that you understand all of the developments and what prompted them; and that you’re fully committed to understanding the details when necessary. On that note, I suggest you lean in the direction of micromanaging whatever resolution of the past you need to involve yourself with — and make sure you have learned everything you need to have learned from what you witnessed and experienced. The bottom line here is that you are responsible for your own life, and for the decisions that are made on your behalf. In truth this is a happy lesson, because it holds the key to much future happiness and success. Therefore, sharpen your pencil and do what needs to be done over the next three months.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — I suggest you breathe life into the forgotten aspects in your life. That might include projects, it might include set-aside desires, goals or plans, and it might involve physical spaces. Let’s start with the latter. Clean out rooms and closets; put your work areas in order; if you’ve been so busy you haven’t used your kitchen in three months, it’s time to move out the old supplies and energy and restock with what you want. If you have a second residence, now is the time to revitalize that, open the windows and allow in the fresh air. As for goals and plans, it would seem that you’ve had to put an emphasis on certain aspects of your life at the expense of others, and now is the time to start balancing that out. I have suggested many times that Pisces needs a second residence or home away from home. This is designed to give the ‘other side’ of your nature a place to come out and play. It can be elaborate (a summer home) or modest (a friend’s place you stay at, or a B&B you visit once a month). Try it out and see what I’m talking about.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You never know what you’re going through till you’re going through it; and you never know what others are going through till you figure it out. Then you have to figure it out a few more times, and slowly get to what seems like the bottom of things. You are not there yet, though you are weeding out what is not true; what is not relevant. Process of elimination is a kind of logic and it can be helpful, as long as you remember what you have ruled out and why. In service of that, I suggest you take some notes to augment your memory. You need to remind yourself of what you know and what you’ve determined is not true. Yet what you’re moving toward is an actual discovery. At that point all the sorting out you’ve done will disappear, and an entirely new idea will be emerge. Take things one step at a time. Small acknowledgements count for a lot. Put them together and they count for a lot more.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Take nothing for granted where money is concerned. That means you must think for yourself — actual, original thoughts that lead to intelligent strategies. Although you may think so at times, this is not about going anything alone. There’s a strong element of partnership and collaboration to your astrology now; all good things come from working with others in a dedicated way. You add an essential set of elements to any collaboration, most of which is your point of view. Yet remember that’s a work in progress; you are learning as you go, and part of how you learn is from environmental feedback. Part of how you get that is from expressing yourself. So keep the dialog, or dialogs, going. Make sure that you are fully informed and that you keep others around you informed. Know when you don’t know; notice when information comes your way. Act appropriately on your knowledge or lack thereof.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You are influenced by your distant past more than you may recognize, though I think you’re figuring it out. Mercury retrograde is guiding you to look back over your shoulder. You may be experiencing bits and pieces of unresolved scenarios from the past. You may even find it productive to tidy up some of those things as you re-discover them. Being clear about resentments and the way they can hang you up would be helpful use of this astrology. But in truth, you’re being guided to seek deeper into your personal history than may seem obvious. You’re seeking information from the invisible past, the one that has disappeared into the foggy mists of time. You might ask why you need to remember or be aware of something that you forgot long ago. I would propose that you will have a lot better idea of that when you figure out what it is.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The only real secrets are the ones we keep from ourselves; once those are acknowledged, it’s easier to be transparent with others. Keeping secrets from oneself is called denial. Notice when you’re doing this and moreover notice when you decide you just don’t like it. Usually that comes along with the revelation that denial is intentional and not some kind of accident. Pay attention when others space out about their own personal truth, or turn to mist in your hands when you try to have a real conversation. One suggestion I have is to pay attention to anger. Rather than judge yourself for it or try to ‘get rid’ of it, think of it as a barometer that gives you an indication of something from your inner or outer environment. Anger may seem like an issue but it’s not the issue — it will, however point you in the direction of what you need to understand.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Make an effort not to believe what others say about you, or what you think they have been saying. This is definitely not the time to measure your self-esteem in any way based on public opinion. And I would suggest avoiding gossip in any form, even listening to it. Make sure that you really do mind your own business, which means taking care of business. This will exclude most matters of opinion unless they fall into a tangible ordering of your priorities. Said another way, identify and focus what is actually important; that will help you rule out what is trivial. There are in fact two major priorities that will come to light over the next few days. One of them is something that you have set aside from the past. This, you can resolve to your benefit and that of others. Another is a new concept or idea that will take you forward into the future. I suggest you proceed in that order, as what you discover and resolve about the past will open the way for something new to happen; something bold and a bit cheeky.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Decisions about professional matters may be approaching at the rate of one every few minutes. Yet I suggest you take things slowly, one at a time, and note any decision that you can actually set aside. There will be an exaggerated sense of importance around issues that don’t really matter, while at the same time you may overlook the ones that make a difference. Pay attention to any revelations you may have about where you stand with others. Listen for clues about where colleagues and those in a position of authority are coming from, and keep that information in mind for future use. There are bigger changes going on than you may imagine, and you’re more involved than it seems. But you won’t get much information from colleagues, who seem to be oblivious to what’s going on around them. If you pay attention and bide your time, you will know exactly when to make your moves. Keep them small at first, then expand your scope.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — It may seem like your emotional life is delivering one thing after the next, leaving you little space for rest or sanctuary. This is especially salient in that you really do want a bit of comfort and security in your life, especially where your affections and emotions are concerned. We could develop a theory as to the nature of these intrusions and disruptions — why they exist and what they are here to teach you. It would be speculative to say there is a reason for everything. It would not be speculative to say that you are learning about yourself and the nature of your interactions through relating to others. You start to get on top of the game, as it were, when you begin to make choices about who you want to relate to; when you know why you want someone in your life and why you don’t want someone else in your life. You go beyond that when you recognize and accept that most of the time you actually have the power and the privilege to choose.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You can make the most of any difficult or imperfect deal, and do very well with a good one. This is, however, largely a matter of strategy. Strategy begins with having goals, which is another way of saying knowing the outcome you want. This, you need to decide for yourself. Then there is the matter of figuring out where your partners and adversaries are coming from. You will get your best clues from what people say. I don’t just mean when they make a speech or write a memo but rather from the offhand remarks they make. I mean from the things they think nobody is listening to. You may even be able to glean certain facts from hearsay, though be cautious with all second- or third-hand information. There will be a distortion factor, and you may be amused to find out what simple, harmless thing lives at the seed of the rumor. That said, make sure you verify everything two or three times. Take no chances with the truth.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — In theory, your relationships are supposed to be a bit chaotic and unpredictable right now, with all the wild astrology in Gemini. What you may be discovering is that you’re big enough to embrace the contradictions of the people you care about. That is what makes you ‘you’ at your best. Your perspective is both wide and deep, but you also have a sense of time. You know that viewpoints and one’s personal understanding change over time, so you tend to assume that it’s worth giving people some space to figure out what is valid for them. That’s exactly what’s going on with the people around you. In fact you can expect a few genuine reversals of viewpoint over the next few weeks; don’t let that torture you in any way. Keep your sense of humor and appreciate that others are gradually figuring out what’s right for them — as are you.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You may be busy, but the element to apply is intelligence rather than effort. Now, it’s true that thought takes some energy. It’s a form of effort, or it is most of the time. No need to pretend about that. What I mean is that one good idea can save a lot of labor, and get far more done than toil. This is another way of saying the pen is mightier than the sword. Solutions are easier to create than conflict is to endure. This is especially true once you get everyone cooperating, which you can do, and which in truth you know you must do. The place to begin is to cooperate with others, then see where you can advance the story into new territory. You seem to be pursuing both new and old goals at the same time, as a matter of necessity or of immediate circumstance. Here is a clue: the seemingly new and the seemingly old have nearly everything in common. They’re almost the same thing.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will be the ideal mediator if you see that there’s no conflict. Your role is to see the points of contact between seemingly opposing points of view, and explain that to anyone who is involved. It will help if you recognize that all the parts are elements or representatives of a larger whole. If you start from the whole and then look at the elements, you will work more efficiently than trying to assemble the parts of what in truth is a puzzle that’s already put together. One hint I can offer is that to do this, creativity is involved — creativity, that is, with your viewpoint. I know that’s not a concept you’ll typically see advertised, but in many ways viewpoint is everything. What lends originality is an idea such as: let’s go up on the roof and look around and see what’s visible. If I were a dog listening to this discussion, what would I hear? Is someone saying something over and over that makes no sense, and what do they really mean? Keep your viewpoint moving.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Mercury, Mars and the Sun in Gemini are exaggerating your concerns about your wellbeing and safety. Whatever forms those worries may take, you can test the theory that they’re overblown. You can also test the theory that there’s no problem you cannot think your way out of, as long as ‘think’ means a blend of thinking and feeling. The way to evaluate an idea is how it feels to you and to others, as well as whether it makes sense to you and to others. The two will be intricately related. But be patient in working this out. Your emotional body has a lot of moving parts at the moment. The combination of Mercury retrograde and Mars blazing forward suggest that the future and the past contain elements of one another, elements that cannot be separated. There’s something you’re looking for in the distant past that holds the key to setting you free today. When you’ve worked this out, the thing you will find is your confidence.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — For maximum benefit, focus your life close to where you live, sticking to your neighborhood and your home over the next few days. What is familiar is what will be both nourishing and helpful. What’s more significant is that you be available to sort out the facts in a situation that may require clarification — and direct knowledge of your local environment. If you do what you can now to resolve a small matter, you will prevent it from becoming a larger one. While it’s your inclination to trust and to take everyone at face value, your current scenario calls for careful fact checking and analysis. It’s essential that you not be stuck in any one opinion or point of view; flexibility is your best friend right now. And while you must be discerning and cautious, it’s important that you not give the idea that you’re biased for or against any one side right now. Preserve your objectivity, or at least the appearance of objectivity.

Your Taurus Birthday Reading Has Just Published!

Dear Taurus (and those who love them):

We’ve just published the Taurus birthday reading. Whether you have your Sun, rising sign, Moon, or a favorite person in this sign, there’s an excellent reason for you to listen to it — and take notes.

Every year brings something new to navigate for each sign. For Taurus, this includes: Venus retrograde, which takes place this summer; Mercury retrograde, which starts on May 18; and the three conjunctions of Venus and Mars. What does this all mean, exactly?

Well, Eric has a lot to say here about handling money, and values toward money (that is the Mercury retrograde piece). He also looks at your relationship to your creative process, and how you can make contact with the underlying emotion that drives you do the excellent work that you do.

There is a lot — a lot — about collaboration in your charts this year. There is the story of a relationship that is, or that becomes, a productive collaboration.

You might think of this reading as an extended meditation on your life, designed to help you identify themes, spot issues and think of your circumstances in a creative way. Eric brings emotional intelligence to this work; an empathic viewpoint you can trust to help you steer in the best possible direction for you, even when things get tricky or confusing.

You can get instant access to the Taurus reading here for just $24.95 (we’ll be increasing the price very soon) — and as always, it’s easy to give as a gift.

Yours & truly,

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Your current aspects are all about writing. This comes in several flavors. One is writing to express the beauty that you see and feel. This might be expressing yourself to another person, or using words for the sake of creating art. You could count either of these as love letters to existence. But there’s something deeper, which will be in effect over the next couple of months, which is writing to understand yourself. There’s no human who does not exist within their own contradictions; that’s the nature of existence on our planet, or part of its nature anyway. Don’t let this bother you. Rather, use any seeming inner polarity or opposition like a battery that is providing you with energy. Count this time in your life as an opportunity to conduct a sincere personal inventory, which includes your many excellent ideas. Take things in layers. Proceed slowly and gently. Listen to your own words.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You may have this odd sense of forgetting who you are, then remembering, then forgetting again. But there’s one sure way to know, which is to observe your actions. Notice the choices that you make. Feel your motives at work, and watch what they lead you to do. You are confused if you forget what a kind person you are, and paying attention to your own conduct will help you remember. I would ask, though, about the source of any potential doubts. You have known certain things about your family all your life, though in recent years you’ve started to make new discoveries; well, if you can call them new. It’s more like you’ve received confirmation of what you long suspected; of what was previously impossible to know for sure. Now the question is what you’re going to do with that information.
Actually you don’t need to do much, except for make future decisions based on actual self-knowledge rather than the lies that others told you about yourself.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Venus enters your sign Thursday night, right here in the season of Venus — close to Beltane with the Sun in Taurus. This is a personalized message of blessing for you. That might come in the form of some unusual abundance, affection or relief from worry. Just remember, there’s always something to fret over. There’s always something that might go wrong, even though it usually does not. What you need the very most now are positive mental habits. Keep your mind clear of bogs, be they of your own making or due to the infiltration of others. Therefore, be cautious what you take on board, that others say to you or write to you. You are sensitive — that is one of your main assets, but you need a thicker skin. As for your own thoughts, it’s vital that you have some dependable reality checkpoints now. Those would come in the form of people you absolutely trust to give you feedback about whether what you’re thinking, feeling or planning is realistic.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You’re protected by a guardian angel and a whole lot more. What you need to do is receive your protection. One form this may take is an intuitive hint that you need to pause before making a decision. You may be inclined to lean on facts and certain other rational modes of thinking; it’s your body that will reveal the most information to you, and after that, your emotional state. If there is a conflict between the two, I suggest you be more confident of your body and your feelings than your ideas or concepts. Notice any discrepancies. I suggest you pay attention to any way in which you feel swayed by public opinion, however you define the public. It might be your friends, it might be your colleagues, or who knows, it might be the actual public. Right now it would be much better for you to set trends rather than follow them; to set opinion rather than be subject to it.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You seem to be in a position where you have to take leadership, though you might not feel like you’re getting any traction. Remember that in the world there are two kinds of authority — formal and informal. Formal power is the headmaster of a school. Informal power is a student who understands how to win people over and make things happen, having nothing to do with any official line of authority. Your charts suggest you may be in a dilemma that would be described well by these two possibilities. The way to accomplish what you want to accomplish is to win hearts and minds. You do that by socializing and fraternizing with people, though not for recreational purposes. This is for your mission, for your project.
Work the room, speak to people one by one, address them by name, and get them on board with what you are planning. Offer your help with what they might need. There’s a special kind of sharing involved: people are your assets, and more significantly, you are theirs.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You deserve to be recognized for what you do. Please never, ever doubt that. I know how easy it is to forget or deny your own accomplishments. It does not help that many celebrities and media figures who pull in seven figures are famous for absolutely nothing. This waters down the whole concept of recognition. You must evaluate yourself on another scale. Begin by giving yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished. In particular, focus on the ways in which you’ve taken leadership in your own life. Look back a few years and note the changes that you’ve made, particularly the ones you thought were impossible. This proves that you’re made of tougher stuff than you may think. Nobody should confuse your friendly exterior and elegant style with any kind of frailty — especially yourself. Your combination of style and grit will get you places, though for now the thing to do is count your victories.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You may need to make some difficult decisions, but they only seem difficult because you’re hesitating. Every corner of your chart is shouting the same message: Get clear. Focus your mind. Take action. Focus your words. There’s nothing about you that’s inherently passive, though it’s possible for you to pretend. But we might ask why. Focus, commitment and action all imply vulnerability. You might describe that as feeling. Their opposite force in the universe is apathy, which is an interesting word: it means not feeling. If you want to make progress, dare yourself to feel and to take action as a result. There are far greater risks in your mind than there are in reality, and the truth is that the most serious risk you face is from hesitating or refusing to direct your energy when you know that is precisely what you need to do. Remember, when you take action, that will change you. If you want results, be willing to adapt, to grow, to change.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Some situation seems to be calling for urgent focus on finances. There seems to be plenty of determination, intelligence and money to go around. So why are you hesitating? Does it involve some lack of faith or confidence in yourself? It would seem that way. I suggest you not count yourself out, or deem yourself incapable, of anything — particularly before you’ve tried. I would also suggest skipping the part about how nobody has decreed that you’re qualified to do what you need to do. That is something that you must tell yourself; yours is the only permission you need to do anything, or to be anything. You may have the idea that someone else needs to be committed to the cause before you can be. That would count as one more mental obstacle to something you can in fact do yourself, and do brilliantly. Notice whenever you’re hesitating, for whatever reason, and start making decisions. Then, click a stopwatch and take action in under one minute.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You may feel like the harder you try, the less you’re getting done. It would help if you focused your energy differently. You’re likely to be thinking in terms of the number of hours you put into something rather than the quality of your ideas. You may be thinking of how much effort you apply rather than the results that you get. In any mature endeavor, all that counts are the results. Yet the results are not subject to your measure alone; there must be some idea of what is necessary for the whole system. Your thinking seems to be isolated, as if you’re holding onto certain misunderstandings that could be easily cleared up by communicating directly with the people around you. It’s true that by one measure, your astrology describes you containing your feelings and your thoughts, as if you’re alone. You are not alone, and more than that, you need the people around you and they need you.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Take some time out for R and R this weekend — the real thing. It will help you beyond measure right now. Think of it this way. There’s an approach that says every hour of sleep you get before midnight counts for two hours after midnight. Right now, every day of rest and reprieve from the daily grind that you get counts for several days under other circumstances. Going into next week, the same counts for slowing down, ending your work days earlier, and getting into a place where you can actually disconnect and relax. This may or may not be your usual style, though it’s vital to admit that we are all working way too hard. This is especially ironic considering we’re surrounded by allegedly labor saving devices. You still need contact with the outer world, but you can safely afford to put a few gadgets in the freezer for a while.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Mercury square Neptune is not exactly doing wonders for your clarity in relationships, though in service of resolving that, I suggest you listen more than you speak. If you find yourself speaking because you feel like you’re not being heard, start asking questions. Find out what people know and what they don’t know. Get them on the record. Find out what they’re doing and what they’re not doing. You need to know more than you currently do in order to guide your life the way that you must. I would remind you that the people around you know more than enough. There’s just this odd thing that happens when strong people exert their leadership — and you would count, especially since Saturn entered Sagittarius late last year — that others feel like they can slack off. You can avoid that by involving people in clear agreements that they state out loud, face to face or on the telephone. Email is not enough. Text messages don’t count at all.