The Day of Unfailing Vision: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is May 21
The Day of Unfailing Vision | Order Your 2019-20 Taurus Reading | All Other Signs

Begin your solar year by celebrating everything you value about yourself. This goes deeper than the cultural ritual of the birthday party: it’s about you looking within and honoring all that you bring to the world. We may all be minuscule on the grand scale of the cosmos, but each of us contributes something unique to humanity that is irreplaceable. Be proud of your share in this, and keep on being yourself.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Prepare for your mind and your mouth to begin moving a good deal quicker today. The Sun enters Gemini this morning, and then Mercury — ruler of Gemini — follows just a few hours later. With two such expressive planets moving from deliberate (yet sometimes blunt) Taurus to a sign that runs on multiple tracks at once, keep your hands firmly on the wheel as you lean into any curves the day throws you. You may in fact be able to grasp multiple sides of a story of concept, and that sense of clarity could be very useful. It’s also a great reminder to ask others their thoughts on any issue at hand — and then truly listen — just in case they can see something from their vantage point that you’re missing.

On a much less cerebral level, an opposition between Venus in Taurus and Typhon in Scorpio offers an image of confronting strong emotions, either your own or those of someone you’re close to. No matter how intimidating that kind of vulnerability may feel, remember that there is tremendous strength in emotional honesty. The thing is, it’s the kind of strength that reveals itself most clearly as — or after — you step into it to express what’s been going on beneath the surface. When you show up in this way for yourself, you might be surprised to discover how willing the other person is to rise to the occasion.
— by Amanda Painter

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Libra monthly for November 14, 2005.

oracle

You’ve got some complex ideas that you don’t really understand. Why should anybody else? But they are serving a purpose, which is to gradually guide you toward the light of freedom and simplicity. Living deep inside a maze is not a way of keeping yourself safe. And the ideas you think are dangerous are actually made more of common sense than any other ingredient.


We're in the midst of some big-news astrology: Mars in Cancer, making aspects to many planets -- particularly Saturn, Chiron, Pluto, and Eris. Eric has not covered these transits in any birthday reading or the INTELLIGENCE readings, but he just dove into 12 spirited, accessible, genuinely useful videos that put the movements of this key planet (of desire, drive and aggression) into personalized context for you. These videos -- titled Call the Astrologer! -- are available for instant access in a 12-sign bundle. Watch this space for individual sign purchasing info soon. You can read more about them here.
Mars in Cancer is making some big-news aspects to many planets — particularly Saturn, Chiron, Pluto, and Eris. Eric has not covered these transits in any birthday reading or the INTELLIGENCE readings, but he just dove into 12 spirited, accessible, genuinely useful videos that put the movements of this key planet (of desire, drive and aggression) into personalized context for you. These Spring Reading videos — titled Call the Astrologer! — are available for instant access in a 12-sign bundle. Watch this space for individual sign purchasing info soon. You can read more about them here.

Interview with Johnson v. Monsanto Juror #4

Use this link if you’re listening on an iOS or mobile device. Download MP3.

Dear Friend and Listener:

Tonight we have an incredible edition of Planet Waves FM for you. The main event is an interview with Robert Howard, who served as a juror in the first case involving Roundup to go to trial. That was in August 2018; Lee Johnson was the former groundskeeper at a California school who had to use Roundup regularly, and got very sick from exposure.

Eric Francis.

The jury awarded him $289 million — and Bob Howard was in the room. He tells us what happened, and how he felt about it. Then, he was present at the two subsequent Roundup trials, both this year — Edwin Hardeman v. Monsanto,, and Alberta and Alva Pilliod v. Monsanto.

I warm up with the astrology. Tuesday, the Sun enters Gemini in a conjunction with Mercury, aligned with the fixed star Alcyone (the Pleiades star cluster). To understand a bit about Alcyone, I borrow from Alice A. Bailey, who wrote in Esoteric Astrology: “The energies coming from Alcyone impregnated the substance of the universe with the quality of mind. As a consequence of this most ancient activity, the same force was present at the time of individualization in this solar system.”

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The Day of Prolific Expression: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is May 20
The Day of Prolific Expression | Order Your 2019-20 Taurus Reading | All Other Signs

Be kind to yourself as you head into the next phase of your growth. A gentle pace may be wisest in this already rather hasty world. It’s also vital that you have space to enjoy the journey, to smell the flowers, and to soak in the new and unfamiliar experiences. There will still be plenty of time to devote to your mission and accomplish enough to satisfy the most ambitious of goals.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

How do you talk about sex with someone — especially the more secretive or ‘lascivious’ sides of the topic (at least the parts of your personal life that feel that way)? Do you have all the words and concepts you need to communicate accurately and sensitively? There is a ‘logic’ to this part of your relationships — but to see it and understand it better might require looking to your cultural and political context. This is being described by an opposition between Logos in Libra and Salacia in Aries (both of which Mars is talking to from Cancer).

You might also consider any oaths or promises you’ve made to yourself — particularly regarding what nourishes you in the realms of spiritual seeking, higher education, mentorship or adventure. If you feel any tension in this area (for example, if you’re not following through as you swore you would), can you think of a concrete step you could take toward your stated intentions today? A square between Ceres in Sagittarius and the minor object Orcus in Virgo suggests this could assist you toward better integration in a self-nurturing way.
— by Amanda Painter

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Monday, May 20, 2019

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Capricorn weekly for June 17, 2005.

oracle

Surprise (or surprising) professional developments this week can have far-reaching implications for you and others though this may not be obvious at the moment they occur. However it will be obvious by this time next week. It’s important that you not judge what’s happening but rather put your energy into responding in a calm and professional way. A number of people are waiting in the wings to help you who would in fact make an excellent team. Hopefully you’ve been courting their support and making sure they know you love and trust them. If you have not been sending that message now’s a great time to start.


intel

As we go deeper into this most unusual and challenging phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most. That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Wavesaudio and written signs available for instant access. See more information here. If you’re looking for individual signs, order here.

Monday Morning Horoscope #177 for May 20, 2019

Aries

Aries (March 20-April 19) — In order to confront a situation or problem that you want to resolve, you’ll need to relax a little and not be so judgmental of yourself. The expectations you place on yourself get in your way, particularly a kind of perfectionism that has no meaningful way to express itself in the world. Yet to “relax a little and not be so judgmental” may feel like a loss of some kind. That is true: the “loss” is giving up being emotionally aggressive with yourself. This is a choice, and then it’s a choice you make over and over again until it’s habitual and the natural way to proceed. Steer clear of anyone you consider judgmental, because they can have a way of taking on the role that you might ordinarily have for yourself, which will be a distraction. Remember at all times that you’re entitled to feel how you feel. That also includes if you don’t like how you feel, in which case you can take steps to shift your inner environment. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Investigating a financial matter will take you someplace you were not expecting, into a new region of self-understanding. The topic may start with money, though you can follow the trail toward a spiritual matter that has been trying to get your attention for some time. By spiritual, I mean relating to the essence of your existence. You have, at the moment, the power to scrape away the beliefs about yourself that others imposed on you. This is part of a long process, though your tools are especially sharp and useful now. It’s not merely that many of those notions were untrue. Some were intentionally so, and it is the intent that you are after, because this will help you connect with and motivate the quality about yourself that you were being steered away from. Uranus in your sign is jolting you to experience yourself in new ways, and make fresh observations based on those experiences. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Everything will be clearer when the Sun enters your sign on Tuesday, though you don’t want to take that clarity too far. The answers you’re seeking may not be based on the real questions you need to be asking, and in that case, clarity can be a false friend. Therefore, if you find yourself in the state of mind where you think you understand exactly what is going on, pause, and see if you can suspend that thought. The other side of false clarity is sincere curiosity. People who are “absolutely clear” about reality tend not to be so curious; it would challenge their foregone conclusions. The kind of curiosity that would benefit you most would be about yourself. Here is a quote from a gem called The Book on the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are: “Problems that remain persistently insoluble should always be suspected as questions asked in the wrong way.” Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Mars in your birth sign is providing you with encouragement, motivation and energy. You may feel like you can take on the world, though for the next week or so this is something you’ll want to do gently and thoughtfully. Mars is provocative, compelling and difficult to control. With Mars in your sign, just your presence will have a way of pushing people, and getting them to notice qualities in themselves that they may not like. Mars is currently involved in a complex aspect pattern that is connecting your presence to every important facet of your life: your household and family; partnerships of all kinds; and your professional aspirations and reputation. This is a good time to maintain inner awareness, which will help you be more sensitive to the internal conditions of others. People close to you are going through deep transformations, and more is influencing them than you may imagine. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Now is the time to keep no secrets from yourself, and at the same time to share relatively little with others. There are many things you’re seeing, feeling and experiencing that would make for interesting discussion at parties, or social media posts, or emails to friends, though I suggest you maintain a policy of containment — particularly about creative ideas you have. You have much more brewing inside you than you may imagine, and you have not even made contact with a small fraction of it. The less you say to others, the more you will be able to keep your focus on what you need to do, and want dearly to do. The place you may want to open up is where you sense that someone you meet is a person of genuine depth; someone who seeks self-understanding. However, do what you can to let them do most of the talking. Open up mainly by listening. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — The image in your chart is that if you let go a little, and relax into your feelings, you’ll burst into flames that will never go out. What if that’s true? What if submitting to your reality will start you on a journey you’ve never been on? Well, you may be feeling some inhibition at the same time: like there is some authority figure poised to unload on you if you’re too sincere, curious or creative. However, your astrology is rife with mixed feelings and crossed signals. Rather than trying to sort those out, listen as an observer, and then speak to yourself in a calm and supportive voice. Remember the child you once were, and how you felt about life, and all the things you wanted to do, but somehow could not. You are tapped into a deep source of energy, and energy must go somewhere. As always, the question is, will you direct it in a constructive or destructive way? Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You may have the notion that you must give up one of your most cherished goals, though you are really in a transformation process. Current aspects are driving you to rethink and update all of your priorities, intentions and aspirations. This is something you must do from time to time, and now is an excellent opportunity given how many elements of your life have changed during the past year. What I suggest you be careful of is letting other people set your goals for you. It could easily happen, on a sly or subtle level. Therefore, make sure that when you feel like you want to accomplish something, it’s really you that’s doing the wanting. Not, for example, a partner, or the lingering residue of a parent, or the seeming conditions of society. Think this through carefully. Look for evidence of what you truly want, including a track record of having reached for something several times in the past and still wanting to do so today. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Pay attention to the ways in which your beliefs are driven by emotional reactions such as anger or resentment. Emotions place a dense filter over what you perceive as real, as valid, or as existing at all. And they are famous for being sticky; that is, prone to attachment. This colors your perception of the past, of the current moment and, based on the movement of Mars in your chart, your vision for your own life. The more intensely you’re driven by your emotions rather than an objective assessment of what is true, the more you will seem to collide with various factors in your environment: the will of other people, circumstances at work, and how you feel physically and psychologically, among them. For a clue, listen to the words you use. Pay attention to what feelings make you inclined to speak, and more significantly, notice what you don’t talk about. As you listen, notice whether it’s the past that is speaking through you. Then, see if you can find the present. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You’re poised to make a discovery about a close partner, which may have you feeling exuberant. Then it’s likely that your doubts will take over. Try not to let this happen, or at least, notice from the sidelines if it does. Your doubts are not reality; they are a level of thought or perception. You don’t need to call witnesses to prove your case. Your experience is the best teacher that you have, by which I mean your ongoing, unfolding observations about your reality rather than what you know from the past. This almost always presents a special challenge, which will compel you to pay attention: in particular, to what is said to you, and how it comports with what you think someone means. When in doubt about a person’s meaning, ask them to explain themselves, and then give them what is called the benefit of the doubt. Then, observe the relationship between their words and their actions, as carefully as you observe your own. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Much of the dense astrology of our times is originating in the sign Capricorn, and you may be particularly susceptible to it. For this reason, I suggest you find ways to vent your energy that are positive and that do not involve dwelling on yourself or your personal situation. You have many options open and available for creative expression and having fun — and express is the thing that you want to do. Look for friendly, interesting ways to direct your feelings, which allow you to stay connected to yourself (writing rather than bungee jumping; painting rather than watching a football game). Make sure that your hands and your heart are involved: that you’re shaping or touching a physical substance, and that you care about what you’re doing. Do your best to avoid lowering yourself to the level of certain conflicts that seem to be finding their way to you. You have better things to do. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You may be living with a near-constant feeling of something irritating you: something you cannot give a name to, or put your finger on, but it’s there. It may surface in the form of anxiety, restlessness, or what you think of late at night. Your astrology describes the pressure as coming from activity in your neighboring sign Capricorn. Those familiar with astrology know this is a 12th house effect: something lingering or lurking in a psychological blind spot. In fact, you are going through an important series of inner shifts in preparation for rebirth into a new phase of your reality. You cannot rush this process; it’s necessary to take it one day at a time, for real. Remember this when you’re about to write a future commitment into your day planner or enter it into your device. Leave yourself as much room as possible to experience today’s challenges, goals and feelings today, and be open to what comes tomorrow. You don’t need to predict that. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — This is one of the most exciting, challenging times in many seasons. Despite whatever obstacles you may seem to face, you have the creativity, the talent and the commitment to use them to your advantage. This must be a conscious choice, however. There are potential distractions in the environment: for example, engaging in any form of public debate. That will take you off of the path of your inner journey. Beware of any potential siphon of your energy, drain on your time, or source of needless conflict — particularly if it involves who you are or what you do. Focus your energy inside your home. The Sun is about to enter the most personal, inwardly focused angle of your chart, and an unusual conjunction to Mercury on the first day of the Sun’s new sign is saying that beautiful things are possible. If you have not done your spring cleaning, it’s time to wash the curtains and wipe down all the window sills. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

may19-1-2019

Quicksilver Gem: Mercury Conjunct the Sun

The Pleaides cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters.

The Pleaides cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters.

Tuesday morning, the Sun ingresses Gemini, with Mercury close behind. The Mercury-Sun conjunction forms a fraction of a degree into Gemini at 9:06 am EDT. There is an elegance in Mercury aligning with the Sun in the first degree of Mercury’s own sign, and this gleams out of the chart.

Be aware that until then, the Sun is void of course, making its way through the last degree of Taurus. The Sun and Mercury will form a conjunction to Alcyone, the primary star of the Pleiades, which has different connotations in traditional and New Age astrology.

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The Day of Heartfelt Persuasion: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is May 19
The Day of Heartfelt Persuasion | Order Your 2019-20 Taurus Reading | All Other Signs

Recollecting recent experiences, especially the most profound ones, is likely to give you a good primer for your next steps along the path. Consider what your memories can teach you in terms of constructive wisdom, including what you’ve already learned and how you’ve developed, as well as the changes in your relationships. You are gradually entering new and exciting territory; getting a sense of how far you’ve already come will almost certainly be of service to you.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

You may notice your overall mood lightening, if it was at all intense the last couple of days. Now that the Moon is in Sagittarius, you could find a more optimistic outlook is prevailing, even if you’re in pursuit of an elusive truth. If you take a big-picture perspective, does it start to seem more like an adventure?

You can apply this attitude to anything that the opposition between Mars in Cancer and Pholus and Quaoar in Capricorn is bringing to your attention. For example, can you see something of your parents’, grandparents’ or great-grandparents’ history in someone you’re interacting with? This could be a partner (work, creative or intimate) or someone else. Do the patterns in their origin story resonate with yours, or inform you about the things you want? Consider the sensation of being ‘uncorked’ — is it more like motivation, provocation (positive or negative) or frustration in this case?

Also note that Mercury in Taurus makes an exact conjunction to the minor planet Sedna today. One way to interpret this is: if you think you’re going through hell, keep going. After all: if you’ve come this far, chances are you have what it takes to get to a much better place. Don’t let rigid ideas about your confidence (or seeming lack thereof) cause too much tension; see if you can push off against it, instead, even if doing so feels radical.
— by Amanda Painter

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.