Aries (March 20-April 19) — You seem to be discovering that there is a sacredness in service for its own sake, which feels quite unlike anything else. The more spiritual element of giving yourself freely is related to pursuing your life calling: often they are one and the same. Recent weeks have perhaps taught you much about yourself, and what the next phase of your life might need from you; now you can concentrate on providing it. Remember that when you bring the “small willingness,” the divine principle supplies the means. Have faith in the power of both.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Venus has now entered your opposite sign, where it will station retrograde in a few weeks. This will likely have the effect of bringing your relationships, friendships and collaborations into focus in some way, especially in terms of how they influence, and are influenced by, your current life trajectory. You might ask yourself questions about what sort of dynamic or energy would support this path, and where it can be found. In addition to that, there may be ways in which co-operation with others is to your mutual advantage.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Take a moment this week to look back and notice how far you have recently progressed. Likely it’s farther than you realize, and you will probably have some achievements to celebrate. Part of this is about giving your own perfectly sound principles their due, and not judging yourself by the demands of others. You know what you can and should expect of yourself, better than anyone else possibly could; especially if you extrapolate from what you have already performed. Get clear with that, and then keep moving onward.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — It might be worth keeping a close eye on your inner compass this week, especially if you’re uncertain how to react to a particular situation. Let yourself feel through the options and try to understand where your thoughts and motivations are coming from, at every level possible. You have a naturally strong sense of what is right, and what is due to yourself and others; as human beings, we tend to slip up from time to time, but we can still do our best. You might consider this as a rule of thumb: when in doubt, try being kind first.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — During these past weeks while the Sun has been in your house of resources and values, what have you learned regarding each? Do you, for example, tend to make full use of the materials you have at hand? Do you call on the help or the wisdom of friends or family when you need it? Do the rules by which you abide, other than the basic ethical ones, assist you to live your best life; or are some preventing you from receiving something you want or need? It might be worth reviewing how you truly feel about these facets of your world.

How would you like to start your solar year with some of the most useful, most accessible, most empowering audio astrology available online? Your Tarot reading for the year (called the Virgo Tarot Studio) will be published later — but you’ll get both the astrology and the tarot for just $44 if you order today. Please be aware that the price will increase again when Eric publishes the tarot segment — order soon to receive the Virgo Astrology Studio (which includes the Tarot reading) at the current price.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You seem to have a clearer perspective this week than last, and probably some time before that. Certain points that appeared fuzzy or incomplete are now easier to understand; some information formerly missing may now be in your possession. It could take time to sift through what you now know, and to reach a conclusion that makes sense to you. Be gentle with yourself as you do so; and remember that though others can offer input and advice, ultimately you are the person who must direct the course of your life.

Libra Birthdays and Rising 2018-19:

Balance and Beauty: A Perfect Reading for Your Year Ahead

“I am absolutely impressed with my Libra birthday reading! It’s like Eric was talking directly to me. Everything he said is what has been happening. Thank you for such a great birthday reading Eric! Longtime Planet Waves fan.”

— S.R., on a previous Libra birthday reading

Dear Friend and Reader:

Things are about to get interesting for your ruling planet, Venus. In just a few weeks, it’ll station retrograde in Scorpio, and progress slowly back into your sign. For you, this is likely to cover themes such as your identity, values, resources and self-perception.

This rare retrograde phase will be just one of the factors in your solar year that Eric will discuss in your 2018-19 Libra Astrology Studio (formerly known as the Birthday Reading).

Eric’s readings are consistently reliable, high-quality sources of knowledge that you can draw on repeatedly for guidance, delivered in a friendly, accessible manner. Eric uses his 20-plus years of astrological wisdom to get right to the heart of what’s important to you.

“As always, your reading is spot on and validates what I am experiencing in life at this time. The sheer acknowledgment that as a Libra I need balance, beauty and aesthetics in my life to make me tick on was just what I needed to keep going.”

— Ginger Aarons, on an earlier Libra reading

The Astrology Studio reading consists of two audio astrology sessions of 30 minutes or more, an audio Tarot reading of 30 minutes or more (the Tarot Studio), your extended sign description and links to other resources. It’s the perfect primer for your 2018-19 solar year and beyond, and makes an excellent and unique gift — whether for yourself or for the Libra you love.

Pre-order today to lock in the lowest price of just $33 — a great value for a lasting, comprehensive reading.

With best wishes,

Amy Elliott

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Some relaxation and refreshment may be in order at present. Look after your wellbeing as needed, and try to take a fairly easy pace throughout the week; get away somewhere for a day or two, or even a few hours, if you can. Some information would seem to be coming in from the direction of your intuition, and you may need to slow the record down sufficiently so as to catch any relevant messages. Review carefully any important decisions before making them, including checking in with your emotions and instincts.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Beliefs can be shaped by many different factors, including cultural context, social pressure, religion, and personal perception. It’s not altogether common for us to examine these various influences. Yet I would suggest you do just that when evaluating theories this week. Consciously avoiding speculation and sticking to the facts is a useful exercise, especially where the former seems to be rife. You have a knack for getting to the deeper issues, and for seeing through the fog of misinformation. Use those fine detection skills.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You’ve likely made more than a few discoveries recently about where you wish to invest your energies for the foreseeable future, and may already have begun taking the next steps toward fulfilling some important goals. There may be benefit in communicating at least part of what you’ve realized, and what your plans are; you could receive a useful suggestion or two. You certainly seem to have a pretty good idea of where you’re at, however; and once you’re clear on your destination, you only need to start moving.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — A specific process of revelation or realization may be coming to a peak, in terms of your higher ambitions. You might benefit from going over briefly what you’ve learned during the past few months, though there is almost certainly more to come. Your understanding of your relationship to the distant past is changing also, and is offering you a greater sense of power in your own life, and of freedom to make your choices. The more you persist in working through this material, the more autonomy you’re likely to gain in the end.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Following what might have seemed like a protracted period of slow motion and possibly frustration, you’re now starting to pick up speed again, and appear to be fired up with all sorts of energy and new ideas. There should be very little preventing you from putting those ideas to good use, especially where this involves being helpful to others. Making positive changes, in particular those of which you can clearly see the results, could be decidedly healing for you. Getting friends on board might add an extra dimension of fun.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You’ll probably feel most comfortable in productive activities this week, though be careful not to translate that into pushing yourself too hard. Make sure the space you’re using is maintained and continues fit for purpose. Keep close to your long-term goals, also. After the interesting season we’ve had, you might need to invest some conscious energy in reminding yourself exactly where you want to be heading, and what it means to you. Do that until you recall the original fire and passion from when you first had the thought.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Mars has now been direct for over a week, though it doesn’t re-enter Aquarius until Monday evening, and will take a little while longer to retrace its steps completely. You may feel as if you’ve yet to emerge from the retrograde-phase headspace, or are perhaps unsure of what you have to show for the summer’s endeavors. Close partners could well be able to help, this week; sometimes it takes the benefit of another person’s eyes to see our own achievements clearly. Don’t be afraid to draw on that assistance, should you need some.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Human progress is often slow, including in our individual lives. This can feel quite frustrating, especially when we’re desperate to see some kind of payoff for our efforts. Yet this need not stop us from striving. Art is arguably best when created for its own sake, or as a spiritual gift of deep self-expression to the collective of souls around us (this also goes for ingenuity of any kind). With this approach, it helps to remember that if you have certain passions, talents and interests, it must be because you’re here to nurture, cultivate and share them with the world. If you’re having trouble trusting that idea, it may be time for a heart-to-heart with someone who always sees your gifts clearly.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You may feel a sense of confusion or doubt this week relating to your career development or ambitions. It’s likely, however, that what you’re experiencing is a temporary revisit from a past episode of self-questioning. This can happen when one is on the threshold of a step up in life. Keep the faith. Hold on to what you know to be true, remember all your accomplishments up to this point, and understand you are more than capable of taking that leap forward. Persevering here could really bolster your self-esteem.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may feel the urge to delve into creative projects, or possibly a course of study, over the next few days at least. Whatever else you have going on, be sure to set aside some time to investigate whatever piques your interest. The blessings of art and of self-development give a richness to life that it otherwise lacks, and you have every right to pursue those blessings; in a way, expanding your mind is as important as air and water. Forget what others might think: do what brings you joy, edification and a sense of freedom.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — When interacting with those close to us, it’s possible to become confused as to where we end and they begin. Expect some blurring of that line this week; be cautious about what you project onto others, and take note of how they project onto you. We all do this to a degree; less so as we grow to know ourselves, and discover that we are complete in ourselves. If things are getting a little intense somewhere in your life, it might be helpful to step back and examine the situation from a distance, while tuning in to what makes you ‘you’.

Happy Virgo New Moon!

How would you like to start your solar year with some of the most useful, most accessible, most empowering audio astrology available online? Your Tarot reading for the year (called the Virgo Tarot Studio) will be published later — but you’ll get both the astrology and the tarot for just $44 if you order today. Please be aware that the price will increase again when Eric publishes the tarot segment — order soon to receive the Virgo Astrology Studio (which includes the Tarot reading) at the current price.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Relationships of all sorts require boundaries; and as the Sun in your sign opposes Neptune, you may be inclined to strengthen yours. On the one hand, it’s always useful to know where you draw the line. On the other, it’s possible to be too rigid, and to hem oneself in with complicated sets of rules. Overthinking is a difficult habit to shake, and it can stifle creativity. Be prepared to flex and bend a little; if you try to confine yourself too much, you will only rebel. Leave plenty of room in your world for enjoyment and new experiences.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — This week even everyday life may have a touch of the surreal and magical to it. If you’re an artist, you might want to keep some tools of your trade close at hand; record any dreams you remember, also. The results of this will likely take some time to emerge, but it’s worth having patience with yourself, and with the universe, and letting things transpire as they become ready. Meanwhile, don’t forget to take care of your earthly vessel; there is no reason why you cannot eat, sleep and move around as normal.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — If you wish to understand those with a different point of view from yours, this requires a certain amount of empathy, open-mindedness and willingness to apply logic. There are often hidden reasons why we might take umbrage at someone or their stated opinion. If you find yourself reacting with unexpected animosity (or even passionate agreement), it helps to figure out why, and to remember you’re human rather than machine, meaning that it’s okay to feel emotions. Honor yourself by acknowledging them ingenuously.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Your sign has a close relationship with Chiron, who among his other exploits was a renowned healer. I’m wondering how far, and in what ways, you identify with that quality. There are many methods by which we can bring about healing in the world: from actually working in the medical professions, to smiling at strangers in the street, to endeavoring to improve the daily lives of those around us, and so on. This week’s astrology is inviting you to weave this association, by whatever means, more deeply into your existence.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — With so much going on in the world, anyone can be forgiven for feeling distrust in people or in the universe, and developing a case of the grumps. If you’re annoyed about something, however, it might help to give that some form of expression more concrete than occasional muttering under the breath. Venting your emotions in a safe manner might be a way to restore your faith in the cosmos and in your fellow humans, especially if there is someone to whom you can speak confidentially, and know they’ll listen with generosity.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your sign is famous for its supposed ability to detach and set itself apart, though at present you might be finding that’s not quite the case. The desire for intimacy is there in all of us, to a greater or lesser extent, and it’s part of what makes us human, alive and in the flesh. Should you discover that you’re opening up to someone, or opening in a more general sense, try to avoid the temptation to shut that process down. You could learn a great deal about yourself and others by allowing a connection between you to flow freely.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — At present you might be feeling as if you’re something of a blank canvas, onto which others paint their ideas of you, and on which they see their own reflection. You’ve perhaps long felt like a conduit for the journeys of those with whom you come into contact. Yet you too have a story, which should not be set aside. However dearly held other people’s notions are, the only one who can truly describe your sentiments and thoughts is you. Don’t be afraid to be communicative in laying down your own narrative sequence.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — In the internet age there’s emerged a trend toward moral absolutism and a preference for punitive justice, and a corresponding loss in compassion. People forget, in judging others, that no-one is perfect. If someone makes a mistake this week, especially if you feel inclined to be severe, take pains to consider any nuances involved, and show a little kindness. Applying this rule to yourself also should make that easier. Demonstrations of mercy are needed at present. Be proud of your humanity.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Don’t be afraid to display your creative skills openly when you have the opportunity. Remember that they are an expression of your uniqueness; therefore, forget worrying about how you compare with others, or what those who are not involved in your artistic process might say. We all have special gifts that only we can bring forth into the world, and which necessarily enrich the lives of those around us. By offering them, we can also evolve ourselves and experience greater fulfillment.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — There are many people who choose to follow in the footsteps of their parents when it comes to selecting a life path. Still others pursue entirely different careers, responding to a vocation unique to them. Either method can succeed. The point is that no one person is merely an accident of birth. Whether or not there is such a thing as innate or inherited talent, it’s up to us to build on whatever foundations exist. You are not your family, nor bound by their expectations. Believe in yourself.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Trying new experiences and visiting new places can be daunting, but also incredibly life-enhancing. Heading off the beaten track might be useful, though I imagine the point is really to absorb what’s going on around you, by listening, learning and suspending judgment. The fewer expectations you bring to an outing of this kind, the more it can nourish you. Try to seek out the unfamiliar this week; and where you encounter it, be prepared to go in with heart, mind and ears open.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Hopefully the extraordinary astrology of your birthday month inspired you and strengthened your self-esteem. Your next order of business is to keep that momentum going. Certainly there will be days when you feel less confident than on others; that’s perfectly normal. But you very likely have more resources than you’re yet aware of, including friends who will gladly remind you of your best qualities and your most impressive gifts. Draw on these when you need to; and above all, count yourself in.

Virgo Birthdays and Rising 2018-19:

Are You Getting Ready to Shift Gears?

“Mars retrograde in Aquarius, your 6th house, describes you as someone in the role of problem-solver. This looks like some kind of systems administration work, though there’s a social dimension — that of keeping people organized. To do this, you’ll need either to break some rules, or to establish new ones.”

— Eric Francis, in The Art of Becoming 2018 annual edition for Virgo

Dear Friend and Reader:

Just how are you doing as a problem-solver, rule-breaker and rule-maker this year? It’s possible the current retrograde of Mars (and recent retrograde of Mercury — your ruling planet) have slowed your progress some. But with Mercury now direct and Mars stationing soon, are you ready to shift gears?

If you’d like access to a fresh, of-the-moment take on how your next 12 months (or more) could shape up, I hope you’ll pre-order your 2018 Virgo Astrology Studio with Tarot Studio. This is what Eric used to call your “Birthday Reading,” just under a reimagined name.

You’ll still get two segments of audio astrology; and if you pre-order the reading before it publishes, you’ll automatically receive the tarot reading for your sign or rising sign when it’s ready. As always, you can download the audio files and listen as many times as you’d like.

Even though our recent eclipses were not in Virgo, there’s still plenty going on that’s having an impact on your chart: for example, Uranus in fellow earth-sign Taurus is jazzing up your house of spirituality, long-distance travel and higher education (among other things).

Meanwhile Chiron, in your Aries-ruled 8th house, is bringing your attention to some deep matters that include sex, surrender and money. You can count on Eric having plenty more to tell you about your charts this year.

“Thank you. I’ve been a fan for a few years and always feel nourished by every reading — my own and others. This particular reading hit home and felt like a swoop of fresh air pointing me home. Thank you again.”

— Elaine Sonne, on a recent Virgo reading

Eric is sure to cover the most important details of these issues and astrology (and more) in your upcoming Virgo Astrology Studio and Tarot Studio recordings.

His current sabbatical is proving restorative, which means he’ll be able to access the best of his decades of astrology and tarot experience, his therapy training and his creativity to encourage and empower you, nudge you with questions and new perspectives, and inspire you to get right to work with what you’re learning — in your relationships, healing process, career, family, community and inner evolution.

Wishing you a happy birthday and an illuminating year,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you love someone with a Virgo Sun or Virgo Rising, you can also pre-order the Virgo Astrology Studio with Virgo Tarot Studio as a gift. They’ll receive both parts automatically when they’re ready.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Trust is a necessary ingredient in close relationships. This includes trusting that when someone loves you, it’s because you’re inherently worthy of love; they just happen to recognize it. This isn’t always easy if you’re prone to self-criticism, which is a habit that requires effort to break. If someone is encouraging you to feel good about yourself, you can probably rest your faith in their judgment and build your confidence from there. Don’t forget to pay it forward: express gratitude where it’s merited, and support your loved ones when they need it.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Given the fast pace of today’s environment, when there’s been a lot of retrograde energy passing through it’s very easy to feel confined, and then to burst out of the gate the very minute of the station direct. You might well likewise be tempted to bolt like a cheetah, especially after Mars changes direction on Monday. It’s perhaps worth keeping a rein on that feeling as far as possible, at least until you’ve got your bearings. Take it easy and let events flow naturally for the time being.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — It’s not fashionable to admit one has made a mistake; the usual policy these days is to double down, although the error might be obvious — in part because even the most human of slip-ups are frowned upon. If you should find yourself getting stuck, however, or needing to change direction, I suggest you buck the denial trend and recognize the fact, at least internally. You are capable of deep transformation; just think of any such shift as a small course-correction along the way.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — This week you might benefit from a spirit of cooperation, especially with colleagues. It would almost certainly be worth taking up any opportunity you have to participate in a team project, even if it seems dull or routine; you could bring your creative imagination to bear in new ways, and learn something in the process. Good working relationships are as helpful as any other kind, especially where you’re able to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — One of the common stereotypes of your sign is that of the grouchy old man, refusing to be at peace with a changing world — an echo of your ruling planet Saturn. Yet Capricorn is a cardinal sign, which at the very least infuses you with a pioneering spirit. You are as capable of evolving as everyone else, and right now you’re probably noticing this part of you waking up and paying attention. Go along with it, and eventually you’ll not only be keeping pace with the best of them, you might actually be setting it.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —
You’re probably feeling more in harmony with yourself than you have for a good while. Yet you seem to be concerned about the potential reactions of loved ones to your newfound confidence. I have a sense this is more the result of ingrained habit than the reality of your environment. However, if you need a litmus test, take note of how your mood shifts in the presence of others. If you’re not getting sincere support, or you’re feeling low around someone, that’s your cue to review matters.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — The Full Moon in your sign this week draws attention to your relationships. Make time to enjoy the society of the people dearest to you, at least if they help you to feel good: it’s refreshing and nourishing to the soul, and it keeps you close to your spirituality. If you take up opportunities for pleasant company, it can maintain your sense of charity with yourself and with the rest of the world. You don’t need to live for love entirely to let it brighten your eyes and warm your heart.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Mercury stations direct overnight Saturday, and this event tends to bring with it revelations. What you might discover, regarding your current creative or work-related goals, is a point on which you’ve been having underlying doubts or where there’s been a delay. Grasping this in its full capacity is likely the first step to letting go of any concerns, which should make it easier for you to move forward. Take this one day at a time, however, especially while your ruler Mars is still retrograde.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Breaking free of particular constraints or inhibitions can be an involved and sometimes turbulent process. You may notice feelings emerging that you had thought long buried, or which you may not have realized existed at all. Be careful not to judge yourself for your emotions. Rather, consider them a form of illumination, helping you to find a way out of the labyrinth of the past, and into freedom. How you act on what you feel is your choice, and where your power lies.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — As Mercury turns direct, you might feel anxious to push forward with the next stage of your plans for development. It would, however, be worth taking at least a little time to review how the past few weeks have been for you. There may also still be a discovery or two to come. By this time next week, you’ll likely have a good deal more information; at least, enough to organize a coherent schedule that also gives you sufficient space to breathe and relax.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You seem to be undergoing a sort of enlightenment process in terms of seeing your true capabilities. Close partners and specific experiences may be helping you recognize certain skills and qualities you possess, though in truth the movement is coming largely from within you, as a result of accumulated knowledge. It should help you commit to valuing yourself justly and generously. Doing this will in turn make it easier to discover the opportunities for abundance available to you, and to embrace them.

There are several ways to enjoy your new 2018 Birthday Reading, Leo (though please note: it is now being called the Leo Astrology Studio with Leo Tarot Studio). You can purchase it on its own for $44 (this is all segments of the astrology+tarot, available for instant access). If you have a lot of Cancer in your chart — or simply want more insight into all three of eclipses we just had — you can buy Leo+Cancer audio together at a special rate.

Then again, if you missed The Art of Becoming — the 2018 written annual edition — you can pick up your Leo birthday audio + Leo written annual for $55. If you’re new to Eric’s audio readings, you can hear a sample of the Leo Astrology Studio here and a sample of the Leo Tarot Studio here. You’re invited to tell us what you think of your readings!

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — The past few weeks may at times have made articulating ordinary phrases seem like trying to recite tongue-twisters. You’ve perhaps wished to express yourself on a particular point, but felt prevented from doing so for whatever reason. Over the next few days the mists should start to clear; however, don’t rush to the mic. Be sure your message is in its most refined form before delivering it. It’s likely important enough that you’ll want to get the communication right the first time.

Virgo Birthdays and Rising 2018-19:
Are You Getting Ready to Shift Gears?

“Mars retrograde in Aquarius, your 6th house, describes you as someone in the role of problem-solver. This looks like some kind of systems administration work, though there’s a social dimension — that of keeping people organized. To do this, you’ll need either to break some rules, or to establish new ones.”

— Eric Francis, in The Art of Becoming 2018 annual edition for Virgo

Dear Friend and Reader:

Just how are you doing as a problem-solver, rule-breaker and rule-maker this year? It’s possible the current retrogrades of Mars and Mercury (your ruling planet) have slowed your progress some. But both planets are preparing to station direct soon; are you ready to shift gears?

If you’d like access to a fresh, of-the-moment take on how your next 12 months (or more) could shape up, I hope you’ll pre-order your 2018 Virgo Astrology Studio with Tarot Studio. This is what Eric used to call your “Birthday Reading,” just under a reimagined name.

You’ll still get two segments of audio astrology; and if you pre-order the reading before it publishes, you’ll automatically receive the tarot reading for your sign or rising sign when it’s ready. As always, you can download the audio files and listen as many times as you’d like.

Even though our recent eclipses were not in Virgo, there’s still plenty going that’s having an impact on your chart: for example, Uranus in fellow earth-sign Taurus is jazzing up your house of spirituality, long-distance travel and higher education (among other things).

Meanwhile Chiron, in your Aries-ruled 8th house, is bringing your attention to some deep matters that include sex, surrender and money. You can count on Eric having plenty more to tell you about your charts this year.

“Thank you. I’ve been a fan for a few years and always feel nourished by every reading — my own and others. This particular reading hit home and felt like a swoop of fresh air pointing me home. Thank you again.”

— Elaine Sonne, on a recent Virgo reading

Eric is sure to cover the most important details of these issues and astrology (and more) in your upcoming Virgo Astrology Studio and Tarot Studio recordings.

His current sabbatical is proving restorative, which means he’ll be able to access the best of his decades of astrology and tarot experience, his therapy training and his creativity to encourage and empower you, nudge you with questions and new perspectives, and inspire you to get right to work with what you’re learning — in your relationships, healing process, career, family, community and inner evolution.

Wishing you a happy birthday and an illuminating year,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you love someone with a Virgo Sun or Virgo Rising, you can also pre-order the Virgo Astrology Studio with Virgo Tarot Studio as a gift. They’ll receive both parts automatically when they’re ready.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — When there’s a lot of focus on the 12th house, the most secret and deepest place in one’s chart, what happens may not always be easy to comprehend. Yet this time also plants a seed of potential for inspiration and growth. This, in turn, develops over time and usually blossoms as the activity shifts to the more conscious realm of the 1st house. Your ruler Mercury stationing direct overnight Saturday into Sunday should help you make sense of your recent experiences and unlock their wisdom.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Etiquette can be a useful guide to navigating social situations (unless you’re one of those blessed folk who have a knack for fitting in regardless). The difficulties start when it becomes binding, and thus restrictive — for example, if it prevents you from asking someone you like out for coffee, seeking a decent pay rise, or traveling somewhere you’ve always wished to go. As long as you’re not actually hurting anyone, you can safely dispense with conventions and unwritten rules.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — It’s rare for any person not to have some influence over the lives of others: whether as a parent, a boss, or in some other capacity. Even if you don’t possess any formal authority, your words and actions still have power that can be used for good or ill; that can help and support those closest to you, or not. Try to choose, this week, to err on the side of kind and generous, and to place trust in people’s motives unless you have reason not to. You’ll surely feel better for it, and others probably will too.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — The word ‘idealism’ is treated more often than not as a derogatory term, as a way of describing an almost hopeless naivete, rather than an aspirational way of looking at the world. As a Sagittarian, however, you probably recognize that having ideals and trying to live up to them need not necessarily conflict with reality or truth, or even pragmatic thinking. After all, if everyone simply accepted the status quo, nothing would ever change. Be fearless in your beliefs.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You seem to be getting wise to the fact that buried feelings don’t stay buried for too long. They will invariably continue to resurface until acknowledged and addressed. Doing this is a function of taking care of yourself, and of refusing to shut down parts of you for the convenience of others, which is another term for living honestly. Don’t be afraid to accept the emotions or vulnerabilities within you, and express them without shame; they are a part of us all.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —
With Mercury changing direction in your opposite sign and Mars having slipped back into your 12th house, be extra wary of misunderstandings this week, especially in a close relationship. If you feel offended or upset by something that’s said (or not said), you would almost certainly be well served to slow down and look for other possible interpretations. Where there is ambiguity, you might give partners the benefit of the doubt, or just ask. At the very least, don’t rush into action.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — A love of life, an awareness of some kind of spiritual presence and a sense of purpose all give to our everyday existence a touch of magic. Our world is brightened by the understanding that we’re a part of something greater than ourselves. You are naturally close to that concept, though this week sees an opportunity to be exceptionally so. If you’ve been feeling distanced from your spiritual or ethical leanings, for whatever reason, you’ll find a way to bridge the gap and reconnect.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — We usually think of maturity in terms of taking on the many dull yet necessary duties of adulthood, such as managing one’s accounts or keeping up with the housework. Yet there are other qualities also, one being the ability not to take life too seriously. However paradoxical that sounds, it relates to a commitment to learn and grow throughout life, to treat it as an ongoing adventure, and to avoid general complacency. Regardless of what other people do and think, it is not your business to be satisfied with the dull. Give yourself time and space to frolic.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — The question of what we would say to our younger selves can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, we can more easily see what we’ve learned since the year specified. On the other, it’s possible to feel regret for what one might consider missed opportunities. All that said, the present-day you is the younger self you could address in the future. Likewise, there are plenty of ambitions and dreams that it’s never too late to fulfill. If there’s anything you regret not having learned, ask yourself whether you could start now.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — In the public eye, the right to freedom of speech currently seems most often to be associated with its abuses, perceived or real. Yet its importance as a cornerstone of democracy cannot be underestimated. This is similarly true in terms of individual self-actualization. Too many of us have been silenced in one form or another; prevented from expressing ourselves as we need to. If there have been obstacles to you doing this, now would be an excellent time to root them out, face them, and begin knocking them down one by one.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — With self-publishing tools like Facebook and Instagram so readily available to everyone, it’s no wonder that there is confusion between the concept of living right and that of appearing to. It’s expected that successes, failures, and the good and bad of each person’s character are displayed in full public view. Yet you know, really, that doing good in the world and acting in accordance with one’s principles does not depend on ‘likes’. You have nothing to prove, and can value your conscientiousness regardless of who else sees it.

Leo Birthdays 2018-19:

Eclipses, Retrogrades and You — Oh My!

“For what it’s worth: never heard anything so right on, dead on, aligned with what I am looking at, aware of, dealing with, leaning into — especially professionally and emotionally. I can’t even list them all — so many subtle angles and aspects that all resonate and add up. Affirming experiences, potentials, challenges. To a T. Wow. Will be getting these transcribed so I can read them over and over.”

— Robyn Landis, on a previous birthday reading

Dear Reader with Leo Sun, Rising or Moon:

Big things are happening in your sign right now. Can you sense it? Are you feeling energized and excited, on edge, perplexed, stuck, like you’re right in the sweet spot of your flow, or just plain curious?

Remember last year’s big eclipse in your sign? Smile — you have more coming! Photo by Amanda Painter on Aug. 21, 2017.

Any of those responses (and more) would make total sense: Mercury is now retrograde in your sign, and on Friday, July 27, there was a total lunar eclipse in your opposite sign (and relationship zone) Aquarius.

But that’s not all! Soon, we’ll get a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 11 — in the same part of Leo where a storied eclipse took place in August of 1999.

Your solar year is getting off to a dynamic start — and the events and energy of these weeks will ripple out, develop and influence your life for the next six to twelve months. That’s why no matter when you listen to your newly published 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading, you’re sure to discover a wealth of helpful and inspiring insights you’ll be able to get to work with right away.

If you’re new to Planet Waves and Eric’s audio readings, you’re invited to listen to last year’s reading as a gift. The 2017 Great American Eclipse occurred in your sign last year, and it has been reverberating ever since — so listening to your 2017 reading is sure to help you review your year and get oriented on what’s to come.

When you order your 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading, you’ll receive access to two audio segments of astrology (at least 30 minutes each) and an extended description of your sign, plus custom-selected music by Vision Quest, the Planet Waves musical ensemble.

“Planet Waves has been crucial for me lately as I navigate this topsy-turvy landscape; life is in transition on so many levels and it’s been an incredible resource in my life, especially now.”

— Ronny K.

Thank you again for your patience, faith, and for being a valued Planet Waves customer in these wild times.

Wishing you an excellent eclipse season,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you have any questions or prefer to order by phone, please call us at (845) 481-5616; you can also email us at cs@planetwaves.net. And don’t forget: the 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading makes a fantastic gift.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — As we approach the zenith of your birthday season, feel free to take some moments to relax and experience pride in all that you’ve accomplished, especially in the past year. Despite the cultural messages we usually receive about pride, it’s normal and healthy in moderation, like many other things. Let the child within you out to play; spend some time on activities you really enjoy, and bask in the sunlight for a while. Your natural effervescence draws people to you, and your good cheer may well brighten their days as well as yours.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — The most potent healing certainly feels challenging, and may even be somewhat scary. That’s because the deeper sort of growth tends to involve confronting what holds you back, which usually comes in the shape of fear or guilt. This is an ongoing fight for many, and there are invariably both triumphs and setbacks. The thing is to persevere. As you do this, be gentle with yourself; pay attention to how you’re feeling, and explore those emotions as fully as you can. More often than not, the rewards are proportional to the difficulties.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — If you’ve been feeling challenged, tense or unlike yourself recently, that should take a turn for the better this week. If there’s something you need to get off your chest, however, remember that there’s probably at least one person willing to listen. People need one another, regardless of how many judgmental types would have you believe otherwise. When you are grappling with any problem, input from others — even if only advice or moral support — can often be of material use. Take courage, and confer with a trusted friend or three.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — While Mercury being retrograde comes with certain cautions, usually around making purchases or big decisions or signing contracts, this doesn’t preclude flights of fancy or inventive concepts from forming at all. Indeed, the general slowing down that this phase tends to make requisite means that people sometimes have more room for their imagination to take wing. Yours could well be on point this week: be sure to jot down any ideas that come to mind, even if they seem quirky. You may view them in a different light later on.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Finding oneself in new surroundings affords a certain amount of license, rather like a blank sheet of paper, since old habits and limits are essentially no longer relevant: in effect, you can reconstruct who you are almost entirely, if you choose to do so. All this depends on what you want, in the deepest sense of that question. Consider your most fundamental desires and highest spiritual aims alike; assume you can fulfill them, and sketch out a plan for how you might get there. You are a child of the universe. Much is possible.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — The problem with ingrained patterns of behavior is that they can be activated more easily than changed. By that I mean: if some former figure in your life tended to make you feel small or lacking in power, it may take effort to prevent that happening again. The good news is that you can do it, even many years later. The main point is consciously to practice loving yourself, trusting yourself, and giving yourself permission to live your life. You can make great strides in that this week, and it will likely lead to a new sense of peace with the past.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —
Part of the delight of relationships and of sex is the opportunity to have fun together, to be playful, to experiment and to relax. There’s also the ability to be completely yourself in someone else’s presence, which is an extraordinarily liberating experience. Of course, everyone involved needs to hold space for each other, which requires mutual trust. Surround yourself, this week, with people who are willing to do precisely that, and for whom you can do the same. Give yourself real opportunities to be saucy and/or creative.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — It’s possible that a good work-life balance, especially on a daily basis, may be more important to you than any other sign. This week might be a particularly helpful time to weight that scale on the side of play, though that can include anything productive that helps you to feel enriched as a person. When at your most organized, you can get the more mundane tasks out of the way pretty quickly. Go to places where the nurturing, loving energy of the Earth is tangible, and draw on the support of those who are happy to take care of you.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Two of the most famous psychological studies have demonstrated the power of pressure from others on human behavior. In one, the pressure came from an authority figure; in the other, from apparent peers (really, actors). Both showed that the longing to be accepted and acceptable is a considerable force in human nature. Fitting in is safe. Expressing yourself honestly, no matter what the potential reaction of others, requires courage. Fortunately, nearly everyone has at least one subject or one artistic area in which it’s difficult not to stand out or speak with authority. If you need somewhere to begin being bold, start with your passion.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Everything has its cycle, and every long-term project includes phases when you have to retrace a certain number of steps — or at least pause — and check that your work is solid and that you’re still heading in the right direction. There are also moments when you can rebuild your inspiration by recollecting what spurred you on to get underway. It’s possible you even had influences that you didn’t understand at the time, but which are coming out now. You might consider the next few weeks something like an archaeological dig. It could well be an interesting adventure.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mercury is pushing you to focus on your communication, a facet of life that’s usually bread-and-butter to your sign, and to look at it from a different perspective. That could mean, for example, trying out new methods: perhaps calling more people on the phone if you’re the type who prefers text and email, or working on your listening skills, or taking additional time over what you say if you’re the type who usually goes for improvisation. This is a matter of experimenting and noting how you feel, rather than seeking a specific result. Engage your curiosity.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Life isn’t so much like a box of chocolates as like having a bunch of raw ingredients in front of you, and an infinite number of recipes. It’s up to you what you study, and what you decide to make, and how far you’re willing to add your own unique twist. You may recognize that mastering any discipline requires application: it’s not easy to make a good souffle when you don’t know how many eggs you need. That said, if you wish to do something about that, there is nothing stopping you. You have no need, for example, to ask anyone’s permission.

Leo Birthdays 2018-19:
Eclipses, Retrogrades and You — Oh My!

“For what it’s worth: never heard anything so right on, dead on, aligned with what I am looking at, aware of, dealing with, leaning into — especially professionally and emotionally. I can’t even list them all — so many subtle angles and aspects that all resonate and add up. Affirming experiences, potentials, challenges. To a T. Wow. Will be getting these transcribed so I can read them over and over.”

— Robyn Landis, on a previous birthday reading

Dear Reader with Leo Sun, Rising or Moon:

Big things are happening in your sign right now. Can you sense it? Are you feeling energized and excited, on edge, perplexed, stuck, like you’re right in the sweet spot of your flow, or just plain curious?

Remember last year’s big eclipse in your sign? Smile — you have more coming! Photo by Amanda Painter on Aug. 21, 2017.

Any of those responses (and more) would make total sense: Mercury stationed retrograde in your sign early this morning. Then tomorrow, July 27, there’s a total lunar eclipse in your opposite sign (and relationship zone) Aquarius.

But that’s not all! In just two weeks, we’ll get a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 11 — in the same part of Leo where a storied eclipse took place in August of 1999.

Your solar year is getting off to a dynamic start — and the events and energy of these weeks will ripple out, develop and influence your life for the next six to twelve months. That’s why no matter when you listen to your upcoming 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading, you’re sure to discover a wealth of helpful and inspiring insights you’ll be able to get to work with right away.

You should be aware that since Eric is taking a dearly needed and hard-earned sabbatical for a few weeks, your Leo Birthday reading will likely be delivered a little later than usual — so we thank you tremendously for your patience, and your faith in Eric’s ability to deliver a professional and spiritually clear reading as soon as he’s recharged.

As part of our gratitude to you, all purchasers of the 2018 Leo Birthday Reading will also receive the Leo chapter of the Art of Becoming, Eric’s stunning 2018 written annual readings.

If you’re new to Planet Waves and Eric’s audio readings, you’re invited to listen to last year’s reading as a gift. The 2017 Great American Eclipse occurred in your sign last year, and it has been reverberating ever since — so listening to your 2017 reading is sure to help you review your year and get oriented on what’s to come.

When you pre-order your 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading, you’ll receive access to two audio segments of astrology (at least 30 minutes each) and an extended description of your sign when the reading publishes — all for just $33 (the price will increase when the reading is ready).

“Planet Waves has been crucial for me lately as I navigate this topsy-turvy landscape; life is in transition on so many levels and it’s been an incredible resource in my life, especially now.”

— Ronny K.

Thank you again for your patience, faith, and for being a valued Planet Waves customer in these wild times.

Wishing you an excellent eclipse season,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you have any questions or prefer to order by phone, please call us at (845) 481-5616; you can also email us at cs@planetwaves.net. And don’t forget: the 2018-19 Leo Birthday Reading makes a fantastic gift.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Tomorrow’s lunar eclipse will be followed in two weeks by its solar counterpart, which will also be the last of this cycle with the North Node in your sign. What have you learned in the past year or so about your path through life, and in what ways have you progressed along it? This may also in some ways feel like the culmination of a longer journey beginning in the summer of 1999. Reflecting on all the changes through these years may well be of use in helping you determine what’s next in the cards. You have a lot of options: give yourself the freedom to consider them all.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Dealing with confidence issues can sometimes feel like looking into the belly of the beast: there’s often a need to dig into old material that you’d rather leave well alone. Particularly if you’re the type who tends to put others’ needs before your own, you’re likely wondering how it could possibly be helpful to tread over so much ground you may have thought was in the past and forgotten. Think of it as a way of unlocking even more of your energies, which you can then use as you please: whether as a gift to the universe, to yourself, or to the people you love — or all three at once.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — There was a time in the not-too-distant past when one’s obligation to family, however unpleasant it might be to associate with certain members, was cast in stone. These days the rules are a good deal more flexible, and we now have the “family of choice” — that is, people who are brought together by shared values and mutual appreciation rather than by blood. Right now you’re being drawn to consider who forms part of your personal collective, and why. Are there any changes you’d like to make? Do you need to widen or refine your perspective?

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — There are certain novels that contain so much layered information, packed together so well, that you can discover something new in them on the hundredth read. Likewise, performing a similar set of tasks can, if there is even slight room for maneuver, produce entirely different outcomes. If you’re finding that now is not the time to pursue your grander ambitions, spend a little time in the world of the small. Take an interest in the people around you; observe all the variations that you see. Slow down and chill for a while. You’ll be on the move again soon enough.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — The “small cause, big effect” concept behind the centaur Pholus could be considered a synonym for ritual magic and Hermetic theory; so too the idea from A Course in Miracles that if you bring the small willingness, God (or the universe) will supply the unlimited power you need to grow. Consider your mind as a miniature of everything that surrounds you, all the way out into the vast dimensions of space. That’s basically a fancy way of saying: if you want to accomplish something, however much time and effort might be needed to get there, start with intention.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Most of us keep secrets from ourselves. That is, we refuse to admit certain truths, push them aside and/or bury them under a pile of cat videos. Part of that is about wanting to convince ourselves and others that we’re appropriately alive to all the ‘right’ social issues, or fully paid up members of the church, or whatever. The fact is, we all have flaws. Accepting that is one of the hallmarks of psychological maturity. Your idea of who you are is undergoing something of a refining process: all that’s obscured from view is slowly opening to the light. Go with it, and take complete honesty as your motto.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —
Your perspective on relationships is changing fundamentally. Recent events have helped open up new (or possibly restore old) ideas about what you want from a partner, who can best support you, and what sort of interactions to avoid. Eventually you will reach the point where your understanding of your desires and needs is clearer than perhaps it’s ever been. We tend to get in the way of ourselves here, by settling for less. You don’t need to bother with that, and in any case you’re getting past the point where you can cope with it. Consider that a good thing.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — What’s the best possible scenario in terms of your daily routine? What would your perfect day job look like? True, you have to feed yourself; and you probably have other commitments too. But still, visualize that optimal situation. Write it down. Edit it as new thoughts make themselves known, so long as you’re not trying to curb yourself in favor of realism. Once you have a clear picture in your mind and on paper, let it brew. You may notice a plan starting to form. See, that phrase “nothing is impossible” is actually true. It also makes a damn good mantra.

Eric has requested that for this week’s edition you have a full set of horoscopes relevant to tonight’s powerful eclipse. Each sign will therefore include today’s (July 12) daily, the Monday Morning horoscope for this week, and the July monthly.

Aries (March 20-April 19)

Daily: It’s said that success takes confidence, though it also works the other way. Don’t sit around waiting till you feel like you can conquer the world to begin doing it. Just begin, and act on your best ideas — and you will tap into a depth of strength, connection and grounding that will surprise you.

Weekly: Act protectively, not defensively. Offer the benefit of your awareness and resources to anyone who may need them, particularly young people. Your survival instincts are running strong right now, and you can do plenty to secure your boundaries, feather your nest, and work toward your greater wellbeing. Yet you may also expand that into a kind of “protectorate” of anyone who comes into your sphere. What you cannot do is protect people from their own folly, self-destruction or delusion. If you observe that is what’s happening, you might consider not investing your resources, emotional or otherwise. Attempting to save people from themselves is, in itself, self-destructive on the part of the rescuer. Yet you can at all times act in your own best interests, and you can make it known that you’re available to anyone who chooses to be responsible to themselves. That, however, must be your bottom line.

Monthly: You will have an unusually close-up view for one of the strangest shows on Earth, and you may also be a participant in the changes that are now in progress. The first thing to be conscious of is who you consider a friend. This is not an honorary position in your life; the word must have real meaning, which is demonstrated through both correct action and honesty. Most people you know have already established a track record with you. You will need to be aware of what that is, and not pretend it’s something else. A friend is someone who accepts you as you are, who embraces you no matter what you are going through, and no matter what your opinions may be. That may seem like a tall order — and in fact, most of us have very few actual friends. You are likely to find yourself in many situations where you will feel called to go against the grain of what is popular, and this is likely to last through the summer. You are also inaugurating another phase of your life, wherein you live up to your reputation of being the headstrong one who always goes your own way, who sees the world through your own eyes, and who makes all your own decisions. Pay attention: this is about leadership.

Taurus (April 19-May 20)

Daily: You have something to say. And when you speak, or write, you come from your feelings. It’s true that your views change more than you may be comfortable with, though if you follow the cycles you will notice there is a logical progression — and you have breakthroughs.

Weekly: You must say what you mean and mean what you say, as your words will have impact on both you and the world around you. This is often forgotten in the Twitter Age, where the majestic power of the alphabet has been degraded and cheapened. It’s up to you to make sure that every paragraph, sentence, word and letter count. You have it in you. You are, at heart, an efficient, cautious, yet also creative being. And you have something on your mind, and whatever that is can have an influence on your environment. Yet the real beneficiary of one who makes a clear statement of their ideas is whoever dares to do so. The way you know that writing is real is because it in some way changes the writer. For you that will mean deepening your feelings, tuning yourself into your local environment more keenly, and associating only with people you deem responsible. The stakes are high.

Monthly: Mars retrograde takes place in your solar 10th house. While this region of the horoscope has many associations with fame, notoriety and profession, it also comes back to your dominant parent. That’s the one who did most of the parenting; and in the 20th century, that usually meant mother. Mars retrograde in Aquarius is about challenging the thought patterns that have, in a sense, ruled your life, or that at least set templates you have tried to follow. Underneath all the activity and the choices and the strange ways that mothers tend to maintain control over their daughters, there is a thought form lurking. This would be easier to find, if anyone knew it was there. It would be easier to address, if you could identify it and maintain a dialog with it. Yet let’s translate that: whatever this notion, idea, or concept is, it lives inside you, although it came from somewhere else. All of the rationalizations and neurotic tendencies that grow from it are meaningless. Even so, this thought form is concealed by them. It is a specific fear or belief. It is closely related to religious ideas, and all the knots they tie people in. Remember that religion is built on declaring sex as its antagonist. Sex is about your body but it’s also about your capacity to love. God is great. Human love is what you need and must learn to trust.

Gemini (May 20-June 21)

Daily: Today’s eclipse falls along the financial axis of your chart. The message is to figure out how incredibly well set you are — in the way of talents and resources. Well, perhaps incredible is not the right word. You are indeed credible, and you provide a vital gift to the family of humanity.

Weekly: Be careful who you get into financial arrangements with. You need a vetting process that lasts anywhere from 90 days to a year. That may seem like a long time, though it’s not. If you’re talking about marriage, the process would need to last at least two years — one full Mars cycle, so you know that you’ve experienced at least one instance of every kind of disagreement you can have. With Mars retrograde in Aquarius, the thing to be mindful of is the bottom-line relationship to existence: what you might call the meaning of life. The place to start that process is to gain some understanding of why you’re alive. Many people struggle with this, though it’s a high priority. It’s not something discovered by theoretical pondering but rather through direct experience. Think of it this way: what do your experiences mean to you? What do the people in your life mean to you? What do you make, and why do you make it? That is the meaning of your life.

Monthly: We are in an era where belief is proving to be extremely problematic. It always was, though we’re entrenched in times when to believe something is to think it’s not only true, but that it must be true for everyone. Questioning one’s beliefs takes courage — and it takes the mastery of certain spiritual and psychological tools. Yet it’s also the work-a-day tradecraft of people known as fact-checkers, who spend their day asking one question over and over: “Is this true?” Translating a little, it means: how do we know this is true? What evidence is there to support this assertion? Is this number or quotation or location accurate? Does the story check out? The way to “question your beliefs” is to spend your day questioning them, in a structured manner. Therefore, the first step is identifying something as a belief. The way you do that is to question all of your thoughts, and you find the ones that are not standing on a foundation of facts and data. This is likely to include anything that you have not personally witnessed, or read about from multiple sources — none of them accessed on a smartphone or through a social media platform. The problem here is that most people don’t recognize their beliefs as such. They’re just simply “what is right.” So that is the place to start. Therefore, strive to prove yourself wrong. You will discover many interesting things: about yourself, and the world.

Cancer Birthdays 2018:
How to Celebrate Your Eclipse with Planet Waves

Dear Friend and Reader:

Tonight there’s a partial solar eclipse in your sign — opposite Pluto. And while the accompanying eclipses in the next month happen in Leo and Aquarius, you’ll be getting more eclipses in your sign (and in your relationship sign, Capricorn) next year.

I know you’ll want to be in a good position to make the most of those events. What better way to prepare than with your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading?

Eric always designs these audio readings to look well into the future, which makes them ideal for repeated listening over the course of several months.

Right now, you’re being called to step up and step into your life in new ways. I’m sure you can feel it, though it can be hard to trust that calling at times. If you need some immediate guidance, I hope you’ll consider pre-ordering your Birthday Reading in combination with this year’s written annual reading for Cancer. You’ll get instant access to the written part, and we’ll email you as soon as the audio reading is ready.

If you already have The Art of Becoming (this year’s annual) for Cancer, you can pre-order your 2018 Birthday reading on its own.

The price of your Birthday Reading increases when it publishes — so I do recommend pre-ordering it soon to secure the discounted price of $33.

What better time to commit to the growth and healing of your relationships, your career, your family, your creativity, your spirit, your sexuality and more than during an eclipse opposite Pluto, the profound planet of change? Whether you have a Cancer Sun, rising sign or Moon, this looks like an auspicious time to commit more deeply to these processes.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Daily: Today’s eclipse in your sign represents a turning point for you — a push ahead, new challenges, new opportunities, and a new depth of sensitivity. It is true that the world has an impact on you — and you have an impact on the world. Be your own leader. Claim your power, and don’t give it away.

Weekly: Thursday’s New Moon eclipse in your birth sign is exactly opposite Pluto in Capricorn. This chart has two main features: one important matter or relationship you must focus on, and many things you need to be aware of but leave to themselves. All that stuff off to the side might seem compelling. It might seem dramatic. It’s likely to include a cast of characters who have no idea what is good for them; some may be delusional, and you need to not let yourself be sidetracked by their antics. You have, on the other hand, a perfect alignment that will help you move heaven and earth — and make some important changes you have been working toward for a long time: potentially going back 10 years. What you’re experiencing now is a culmination of that process (symbolized by Pluto in your opposite sign Capricorn). You might say you’re going to do a lot of catching up with yourself in a short time.

Monthly: The 8th house is the one that covers ordinary secrets — the kind we tell to others. So it’s not really secret at all; rather, it’s the house of pillow talk, financial arrangements and whisper campaigns. It’s the house of information that’s supposed to stay in the family. Now, we live in a world where the 8th house has exploded, largely due to the internet: the concept of privacy is nonexistent. For this reason, it’s better not to have secrets. The necessity to live transparently has never been more urgent, because if people know the truth about you, you have a much greater chance of setting the terms of your life. For the next two months, Mars will be retrograde in this region of your solar chart, and you will be making discoveries about what you want. You may come up against some seemingly invisible pressure not to desire that person, or experience. This is where you will need to go your own way, which will take some rearrangement of your psychology and possibly your relationships. In essence, your contracts with the people around you, which are one form of your contracts with existence, must permit you to be who you actually are. This will be a process of both negotiation and defiance. Yet you have many options besides destroying your relationships. Try being who you are. Yes, it takes practice.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23)

Daily: The eclipse of the Sun that happens overnight is urging you to take practical measures when it comes to maintaining your health and wellbeing — especially your spiritual, mental and emotional health. This matters every bit as much as what you eat and whether you go to the gym.

Weekly: Most of the work you have to do is what might be described as inner work. There may be some outer manifestation, though that’s secondary to the awakening you’re going through, and the choices you’ll be making as a result of it. The thing about inner work is that for many, it’s often elusive, lacking tangible form or substance, or words to describe it. And frequently, the interior described is itself nebulous, and difficult to access. This week’s partial eclipse of the Sun is taking the opposite approach: there is specificity; there’s substance; there is illumination of your inner realm. Yet with that may also come what A Course in Miracles calls “the fear to look within.” This fear is based on the premise that what one will find, if one looks within, is darkness and judgment. Yet what if the opposite were true? What if you looked inside yourself, and discovered that you are made of love, and that love is your only reality?

Monthly: One thing that Mars retrograde is likely to bring up for you is the necessity for you to associate with people who have similar belief systems, particularly where religion is concerned. It’s true that not everyone is “religious,” though everyone was impacted by some form of religious tradition. Especially in American society, there has been a false imposition of the beliefs of a certain few people onto everyone, and this, too, presents a condition we must address. Also, everyone has a relationship to existence, though for some this is dim, and for some it’s more conscious. Consider any changes that develop in your relationships within this frame of reference and they will make more sense. The one thing you cannot do is pretend that you abide that which does not work for you. You don’t need to be violent about this, or aggressive, though you will need to hold space for the ideas that are true to your soul. What you may find out through this process is that you’re discovering what those ideas are; nothing is a given. Nothing is fixed, and part of what you’re doing is challenging fixity itself. The real difference between the beliefs of one person and another may not be the content, but rather whether there is the ability to adapt to one’s circumstances and human environment. One other bit: It’s been said that “sex changes everything,” to which I would add, “sex must always change.”

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22)

Daily: An eclipse of the Sun later today takes place in the angle of your chart associated with the rewards of your work. Your value is not how diligent you are, or how much effort you’re willing to invest, though those things help. Rather, your true gift is creativity, coupled with chutzpah. Remember!

Weekly: Art has the power to transcend social and political strife like few things can. Nobody fully understands this property, though we’ve all seen it in action. Whether we’re talking about a novel that changed the consciousness of a population (Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Grapes of Wrath), an artist who made AIDS awareness friendly and accessible (Keith Haring), or a musical that transcends racial and cultural barriers (Hamilton), the creative process is a transcendent power, and is a force for healing. If you seek to change the world in some way, you might try art rather than politics. This does not mean turning art into a political statement. Rather, you would create art in response to what you feel, or what you witness. The creative process must come first. Beauty and integrity must precede your message, and you must strive to allow your work to change you, before anyone else will change. I reckon you’ve been waiting for this moment a long time.

Monthly: You depend on your work patterns to be as productive as you are, and this summer will be an excellent time to make sure that your routines really support you. This is especially important if you are devoted to the work that you do, or to the organization you serve. Your wellbeing and your ability to be of service are closely related. Another factor you may engage with are changing social patterns; and, if those are influencing you, it will help if you go deeper than what may seem obvious. When it comes to the ways that society organizes itself, including on the most mundane social level, things are rarely what they seem. One reason for this is that the perceiver’s point of view is rarely taken into account. We are encouraged to claim that a certain thing is reality, without questioning who is doing the observing and the interpreting. This is what you most urgently need to do. Many factors of your reality are based entirely on your quest to get to know who you are. To do that, you invest yourself heavily in people and in situations. Part of your process involves a measure of conflict, which is understandable if you look at it closely; we really do learn about ourselves through clashing and crashing into others, among other ways. Is that really your first choice, though? There are many methods to work out relationships. Some are more pleasant than others.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23)

Daily: Tonight’s partial eclipse of the Sun in the achievement and reputation angle of your chart is a message that you are noticeable, and that you are being noticed. You need to cultivate a level of comfort with this. There are drawbacks for sure, but the advantages outweigh them considerably.

Weekly: Make your important decisions in accord with how you want to be known, going forward. This is about more than your reputation, which in our era exists mostly in the commercial realm. This is something bigger: it’s about what you’re known for creating, which is an extension of the deepest vision of who you are. Indeed, your creations are an extension of you, in a way similar to how parents create children. And just as children grow up to live independent lives, so too do your creations, and the results of your work. All you can do is put as much integrity and love into them at the time you have the chance to influence them, especially at the beginning. And even then, things don’t go perfectly. Even if there would seem to be some disturbances around you, trust that your core message has come through. That is another way of saying to trust that who you are comes through your work; you are the message. You set your own example.

Monthly: From time to time, people wake up for a moment and question the impact of technology on their minds, and on our society. Now is an excellent time for you to do so. There are two main facets to the question. One is the impact of the technology you use on your ability to think coherently; meaning, in language that makes sense. What have you noticed on this topic, in your personal meditation on your life? I would ask: what is the condition of your writing skills now, as compared to 10 years ago? What about reading? Just checking: what was the last book you read that deeply influenced you? Second topic: creativity. Do you use your technological devices as creative tools, or are you more of a consumer? If you determine that you use the web more for consumption — by which I mean either to read, to view videos, or to make purchases — I suggest you begin to shift that balance. The impact of technology on society is something you can monitor, and observe your part in. Yet your personal experience of the digital environment is something you can do a lot about. Here’s how Marshall McLuhan put it, many years ago: Most people pick up a technology and, because it’s so intense, they numb out. An artist picks up a technology and uses it to stay awake, alert and expressive.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22)

Daily: An eclipse of the Sun in your 9th house is encouraging you to expand your vision, and be bold about the future. This arrives when we’re all being trained to live like there’s no tomorrow. Yet that will not serve you. You need a long-term plan, and the courage to carry it out.

Weekly: At the heart of any spiritual project or mission must be love and forgiveness. When those are present, there is no need for morality, and there is nothing to teach, and there is nothing to learn. The problem is that love and forgiveness contradict every value of the capitalist system in which we live, which is inherently based on isolation, scarcity, competition and, worst yet, deception. Love and forgiveness are about mutually shared interests, not separate ones. Love is about truth and truth alone. The question you may face is how to bring these values more fully into your lived reality, when you must be a creature of the world. And that is where the spiritual life must evolve into a direct relationship to what you might call “the living information.” This comes through most strongly when you are committed to love and forgiveness as a way of life. This is an act of faith. And through that act of faith, you discover something called soul.

Monthly: The importance of family and tribe stands out for Scorpio in a way that is unusual among all the other signs, even in our increasingly tribal world. The thing to study is patterns: in particular, where your family of origin’s social and psychological patterns seem to mimic those of your current world. You are in the process of becoming aware of, and clearing away, the tendency of your current social experiences to mimic those of the past, seemingly to no end. Yet you must claim your space, and your right to organize your world in a way that consciously suits you. The question on one level is about patterns; though, on the visceral level, it’s about attachments. If you endeavor to consciously make changes in your world, that will require changes in individual relationships. You will need, therefore, to trust that the loving ties that bind are more valuable to everyone involved than the toxic patterns you are trying to transcend. At first it will seem to require the greatest depth of courage you’ve ever mustered — unless, of course, you’re aware that you’re suffocating or otherwise stifled. Even then, it can take some guts to draw a whole breath and assert your right to some freedom to move about the planet, and the social spheres, on your own terms. Remember: this all comes back to very old patterns, long predating your current life.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22)

Daily: You seem to be reaching for a new agreement or understanding with someone close to you. They appear to need something conventional and dependable; you need something innovative that gives you room to grow. The question: is there a compromise between those two positions?

Weekly: So much chaos and controversy surround the realm of sexuality, it’s amazing anyone on the planet has a single positive erotic experience their entire life. Yet you long for this. Your sign may be the most exotic of all, in terms of your sense that you’re not “from here.” Whether that is a metaphor or something more tangible, eroticism is one of your ways of finding home on our planet. It’s one of your deepest sources of emotional nourishment. This week’s partial solar eclipse is in this region of your chart, the sign Cancer, which represents mother’s milk, breakfast in bed, your home and the very coziest spot in it, and your style of lovemaking. See if you can filter out all the noise and madness that surround something so natural. See if you can go beyond the economic interests, meaning anywhere that money might infiltrate the erotic realm. See if you can find a way for what is loving and natural to be just that.

Monthly: You are rapidly letting go of old thought patterns, which will make room for a new form of intelligence. Yet as those old thought forms crumble, you may feel like you’re losing something valuable; in truth they are no more useful than the outgrown shell that a sea creature is shedding. You are an unusually intelligent person, though certain forms that your mental abilities take limit your ability to perceive ideas. The patterns are too rigid, and need to be challenged, and evaluated, based on their capacity to do what you want them to do. You may, therefore, encounter issues that require you to think in new, different and expanded ways. This is not merely about ‘knowing more’ but rather about how you work with the information and the perceptions that you have. This is likely to arrive in real-time experiments, based on immediate circumstances you may be facing. We have all heard the term “thinking outside the box,” which refers to a specific puzzle you can find in Wikipedia. This is a good example of what you’ll be learning, only imagine this on a three- or four-dimensional model. You can practice this by doing things like physically looking at a circumstance from as many viewpoints as possible. Take one question and get 10 opinions and notice the patterns. Remember that mathematics is an invention of the human mind. You are such an inventor.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Daily: No relationship is really under your control. The best you can do is practice goodwill every day, and adapt to the natural changes that your partners always seem to cycle through. That is the main thing to remember: relationships run in cycles, and you’re currently in an important one.

Weekly: You have a more profound impact on others than you may imagine. The effect of this is to draw you more deeply into your relationships than you may feel safe or comfortable going; and through the mirror effect, you may only notice the depth to which you experience people, rather than how they experience you. It will help you, and the people close to you, to tune in to the effect you have on others. Now for the challenge: what if, for example, someone you care about deeply is a hot mess, and claiming that this is somehow about you? Well, now you have a boundary question of the first order. You might start by taking the claim at face value, and inquiring whether it has any validity. Then, consider the person’s personal history prior to your arrival in their life, and see if you can detect any patterns. You have the ability to work this out. Remember how much of life and of happiness depends upon one’s agenda.

Monthly: You must have some strong motivation to get your finances in order, and I suggest you ride that horse while it’s fresh and the day is young. You can start anywhere: for example, digging out and organizing your old files, or picking a current project. One exercise I advise my clients to do, when money is a question, is to figure out exactly where they stand: determine precisely how much debt, how much cash and how much credit you have. Just the process of doing this will be empowering, and I mean that directly. You must know where you stand. Then, do an evaluation of all of your other resources: a kind of inventory of talents; people who will help you; spaces that you own, rent or can use; ideas you’ve developed; art and manuscripts lying around; undeveloped ideas; and whatever else you might consider an asset. Once you have this inventory going, you will start to get ideas for what to do next. You will also clarify what no longer needs to be part of your life. It’s important to dispose of anything you don’t need, don’t want and don’t use, which can include passing many things forward to others. The overall idea here is to clear the way for what is new, what is alive, and what you really want. This is best done as a conscious act, so that you stay one step ahead of nature.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Daily: The thing you must remember, which so many people forget, is that the first thing to take care of is your health and wellbeing. You are sensitive, more so than you give yourself credit for being. Honor that sensitivity, and nourish your life with exactly what you need.

Weekly: Pluto’s position in your solar chart is driving you deeper into your journey of inner awareness. Yet you’ve reached a point where your experience is making contact with some practical matters of health and wellbeing, and that is where your solar chart stands at the time of Thursday’s eclipse. This is a moment of contact, where you’ll be able to recognize ways you can make specific changes to the patterns of your life — adjustments that, with Mars retrograde, have no doubt been in process for a while. What you’ve experienced is composed of many individual decisions, yet it goes much deeper. Life patterns exist on many levels, from behaviors (for example, what you eat, and where) to drives (why you crave certain foods) to something more existential (your relationship to nourishment). You are in a position to thread the needle on all of these at once, though it will help if you’re responsive to your desire to do so; and make a choice to let go of resistance, to the degree that you can. A little willingness will go a long way.

Monthly: This summer, Mars will be retrograde in your sign for the first time since 1971. Astrological events gain meaning and influence through being unusual, and this qualifies: it’s describing a truly momentous time in your life, a time not just of re-evaluation, but also re-creation. Don’t be afraid to ask the big questions, and trust that you will get answers. Those answers may not arrive immediately. But they will indeed show up, perhaps in pieces that you assemble, perhaps in layers, and perhaps in the form of revelations or discoveries. I would borrow an idea from A Course in Miracles that you may find helpful: your role is not to seek love, but rather to seek and find the blocks to the awareness of love’s presence. This will entail coming to terms with anger; we are talking about Mars, after all. You will need to come to terms with desire, whether sexual or otherwise. You will need to understand the various shades of assertion, aggression and attack, and gain an understanding of what those mean, and where they are rooted in your psyche. Find a way not to take anger out on yourself. Rather, direct it outward at what cannot be hurt, such as in martial arts training of some kind. When Mars is active in your life, you need to move your energy through you, and learn to focus it as you do. This and many other factors will help liberate you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Daily: Tonight’s eclipse of the Sun will open up new creative and romantic horizons for you. Doors that seem to be closed or even boarded over will turn into portals. Projects that may have languished will burst into life. Take these advantages. Use and appreciate your many gifts.

Weekly: You’re a pleasure-seeking being. It would be wholesome of you to remember that, and also to remember that we live in a culture that is, at the moment, having a love affair with a kind of neo-Puritanism. One question you’re working with is the extent to which you’re willing to allow cultural dictates to drive your choices, influence your desires, and externally impose a moral code on you. There’s another way to see this, as well: Pluto’s movement through Capricorn has created the illusion of control and, at the same time, it’s created an opening through which you have a direct path of self-expression. While you might think that this is a crack in the structure of society, the actual potential is within you; you cannot seek it outside yourself. Yet you can navigate the world both through social choices and being fully conscious of your state of mind wherever you are. Notice the ways that your emotional state and your mentality open certain things to perception and to availability.

Monthly: Mars retrograde takes place in your 12th house, which is where you keep all your deepest secrets from yourself. So we could say that the theme here is learning to be scrupulously honest with yourself, about everything there is to be honest about. As a Pisces, you have a way of containing the universe within you. My favorite way of describing our sign is to say that the ocean refuses no river. You take on a lot; all the other signs, and what they represent, flow into yours. You have a way of organizing all that you absorb; and now the time has come to clean off the shelves and dig out the closets and the storage unit and all of that. Make that your focus this summer. Lighten up your load, whether mental, emotional or material. This will have results on the spiritual level: that is, your sense of self will come into focus as you pare back what you don’t need and don’t want. You will also notice that certain ways you’ve been conditioned to think — perhaps going back to specific ancestors you can identify — no longer serve you. In sum, the bottom line here is learning how to let go of fear. You will be doing this in a time when there is plenty to be afraid of in the world, and when we live in a time of rampant uncertainty. This will make your efforts all the more meaningful.

Hello! In lieu of a weekly horoscope in this issue, here’s your Friday, July 6 Daily Horoscope, which also runs in the Four Winds Report. Amy Elliott will have a new weekly horoscope for you next Thursday, and Eric will have your fresh Monday Morning weekly horoscope in the Sunday evening mailing. You can review your July 2 weekly horoscope here.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Allow yourself to be unpredictable today. We’re all under a lot of pressure to perform, deliver, and arrive on time, with the precision of a sleek little app. But you’re not a robot, and I suggest you not let robots teach you how to be human. Celebrate your imperfections. There’s beauty in there.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Your attitudes and values in relationships are changing, somewhat despite yourself. You cannot exactly control the direction of your growth, though you can be aware of what direction you’re headed. When you discover something, make a point of remembering it consciously.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — For many people these days, the idea of community has been replaced by what they experience on the internet. Yet there is little risk involved in clicking “like” or adding a comment to a discussion; and as such, there is next to no reward. Stick to who and what are tangibly real.

Cancer Birthdays 2018:
The Best of Both Worlds: Birthday Audio and Written Annual

“The Birthday Reading was expansive and mind-blowing, and absolutely on the money in everything. You helped me immeasurably as I change and change and grow, and change some more. What a time! Thank you so much. You are one of a kind.”

— Linsey

Dear Reader with Cancer Sun, Rising or Moon:

Did you miss this year’s annual during its discounted phase, but now find yourself deeply in need of some in-depth astrological insight about yourself and your world? Do you appreciate the way your mind receives information differently depending on whether it’s in writing or in audio/video form?

If so, you’re in luck: we’re now offering the 2018 Birthday Reading for Cancer in combination with your 2018 Cancer written annual reading in The Art of Becoming.

It’s the best of both worlds: a full book-chapter’s worth of Eric’s best writing on the overarching themes your sign is working with this year (and beyond — plus some recent context); paired with a fresh, in-the-moment take on how that’s shaping up (recorded in two pro-quality audio segments).

If that sounds exactly like what you need right now to sort through the chaos of the world and get yourself re–oriented on what matters most, I hope you’ll take advantage of this combo offer here.

The timing couldn’t be better: with next week’s New Moon also a (very) partial solar eclipse in your sign, we’re about to enter a particularly sensitive time of the year — one where having the best possible astrological, motivational, troubleshooting, potential-seeing readings could be really useful. If you’ve ever gotten one of Eric’s readings before, you know this is what he specializes in — using friendly, down-to-earth language you can use right away.

“Each year I purchase the annual readings and each time I find myself understanding the depth of it precisely when I need it (or right in the midst of the unfolding), so that I can navigate the energies and alignments in a way that feels right, makes sense and moves me forward.”

— Winter Clark, on the Art of Becoming annual readings

When you order your 2018 Birthday Reading combined with your 2018 Cancer annual reading, you’ll get access to the written portion immediately. Then, as soon as Eric records the birthday audio segments, we’ll email to let you know they’re ready.

This is quite a year, Cancer. I wish you all the best in flowing with all that it offers.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you have any questions about this combo offer, please email us at cs@planetwaves.net — or call us at (845) 481-5616. If you leave a message we will get right back to you.

P.P.S. You can also pre-order your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading on its own, for only $33 — the lowest price we offer before it publishes.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Allow the random factor into your life today, and perhaps every day. You tend to need order and organization around you, and certain long-term aspects are really pushing that issue. Yet the way you tap your passion is to throw the dice, and work creatively with whatever numbers come up.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Anybody who pretends to have a perfectly orderly belief system is probably lying, unless their entire existence is based on love. That would be an excellent approach, because at the moment, it’s all we have left. Treat yourself and others gently. Be the fair-minded person you are at heart.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Wherever you go in your exploration of the world or of existence, close partners must either come with you, or wait at home for you. There is no in-between; there is no compromising your need to engage your own life fully, and no sacrificing it for the sake of anyone else.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You may experience a professional breakthrough or success, through some turns of circumstance that you could not have predicted. This will involve either a chance meeting, or getting re-routed from your plans and spotting an opportunity you would otherwise have missed.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Your work is important to you; yet your health is more important. And there is a relationship between the two, which is the relationship you have to yourself. The question goes something like this: is what you consider work an actual expression of who you really are?

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Creativity and passion involve an element of what you might call wholesome chaos. Discipline gets one so far. Then that must be let go of, and the universe in your mind allowed to flow. You tend to do well with discipline. Now is the time to hang loose and dance to the music.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Notice when something or someone shakes your confidence. Pause long enough to figure out how and why that might be. There is a reason, and it would be excellent if you got to the bottom of that. As usual, there is something here about the particular way you identify with your family.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —
Keep a dialog with yourself going. Do that whatever way works for you; for example, morning pages or some other form of journaling would be ideal. The thing I would recommend against is doing anything publicly, such as on social media. That does not qualify as a healing space.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You need time to yourself, and time doing pleasurable and creative things. The Sun is moving through your fellow water sign Cancer, which is serves you like a well. So pump some water from your depths, and soak in it. Relax and do what makes you feel good. Think: color and sound.