By Jen Sorensen
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 Waves — audio now available for instant access. See more information here. If you’re looking for individual signs, order here.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib: I Won’t Apologize for My Comments About Trump—I Still Want to Impeach Him
Newly elected Democratic Congressmember Rashida Tlaib of Michigan made headlines last week for declaring, “We’re going to go in there, and we’re going to impeach the motherf***er,” in reference to President Donald Trump. Tlaib made the comment at a Washington, D.C., bar, days after she made history last week when she and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota became the first Muslim women sworn in to Congress. Tlaib is part of the most diverse and most female class of representatives in U.S. history. Rashida Tlaib is interviewed from Detroit, Michigan.
Rashida Tlaib: The Senate’s Anti-BDS Bill Is an Unconstitutional Attack on Free Speech
A new Senate bill would allow state and local governments to boycott any U.S. companies which are engaged in a boycott against Israel. Congressmember Rashida Tlaib is interviewed, who has come out out against the bill, tweeting, “They forgot what country they represent. This is the U.S. where boycotting is a right & part of our historical fight for freedom & equality. Maybe a refresher on our U.S. Constitution is in order, then get back to opening up our government instead of taking our rights away.”
“Crime + Punishment” Exposes Racial Quotas in the NYPD & Retaliation Against Officers Who Speak Out
A group of New York Police Department officers are challenging what they call a racially charged policy of quotas for arrests and summonses. Known as the ”NYPD 12,” they risked their reputations and livelihoods to confront their superiors, fight illegal quotas and demand a more just police force. Democracy Now! looks at a film following their story called “Crime + Punishment.” It has just been shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Documentary. Stephen Maing is the film’s director and producer, and Lieutenant Edwin Raymond is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the NYPD 12.
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 Waves — audio now available for instant access. See more information here. If you’re looking for individual signs, order here.
You seem to be in a position where you have to take leadership, though you might not feel like you’re getting any traction. Remember that in the world there are two kinds of authority — formal and informal. Formal power is the headmaster of a school. Informal power is a student who understands how to win people over and make things happen, having nothing to do with any official line of authority. Your charts suggest you may be in a dilemma that would be described well by these two possibilities. The way to accomplish what you want to accomplish is to win hearts and minds. You do that by socializing and fraternizing with people, though not for recreational purposes. This is for your mission, for your project. Work the room, speak to people one by one, address them by name, and get them on board with what you are planning. Offer your help with what they might need. There’s a special kind of sharing involved: people are your assets, and more significantly, you are theirs.
The Daily Oracle offers a horoscope selected randomly by our Intelligent Archive Oracle program, unique to Planet Waves. It’s also a database of my horoscopes going back to the late 1990s. You can use the Intelligent Archive Oracle to answer questions and give you ideas for how to handle problems and situations you cannot see through. This feature is available to our Galaxy, Backstage and Core Community members. See this link for more information.
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 Waves — audio now available for instant access. See more information here. If you’re looking for individual signs, order here.
Ari Berman: Dems Introduce Sweeping Voting Rights Bill to Combat Rampant Voter Suppression
Voting rights activists are hailing a new House bill that aims to restore voting rights to millions, crack down on the influence of dark money in politics, restore the landmark Voting Rights Act, establish automatic and same-day voter registration and other measures. The bill has been dubbed the For the People Act. It is the first piece of legislation introduced by the new Democratic majority in the House. Ari Berman is a senior writer at Mother Jones, reporting fellow at The Nation Institute and author of “Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America.” His latest piece is titled “Democrats’ First Order of Business: Making It Easier to Vote and Harder to Buy Elections.”
Sunrise Movement: Pelosi’s Actions on Climate Fall Woefully & Inexcusably Short of What We Need
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is facing criticism from some climate activists for failing to back a Green New Deal. Last week Pelosi announced the formation of a new Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, headed by long-standing Florida Congressmember Kathy Castor. But the committee is far weaker than what backers of a Green New Deal had envisioned. The committee will not have subpoena power or the power to draft legislation. Varshini Prakash is the founder of the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate group that has occupied and lobbied at congressional offices, risking arrest to demand adoption of the Green New Deal and bold climate leadership.
Surviving R. Kelly: New Doc Says Time’s Up for Singer Accused of Abusing Black Girls for Decades
Democracy Now! takes a look at the shocking Lifetime documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly,” which chronicles two decades of allegations of sexual assault and misconduct against the celebrated R&B singer and producer. R. Kelly has been accused of abuse, predatory behavior and pedophilia throughout his career but has avoided criminal conviction despite damning evidence and multiple witnesses. Angelo Clary, whose daughter Azriel Clary met R. Kelly at the age of 17 and moved in with him with hopes of advancing her music career, hasn’t seen her in almost four years. Oronike Odeleye is the co-founder of #MuteRKelly—a campaign to end R. Kelly’s music career—and an Atlanta-based arts administrator.
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 Waves — audio now available for instant access. See more information here. If you’re looking for individual signs, order here.
You will be the apple of someone’s eye today, and remain delightfully attractive to many, even if you have your doubts. It would help if you relaxed about this and let your beauty shine. You don’t owe anyone anything; you have your options open. That’s an excellent place to be.
The Daily Oracle offers a horoscope selected randomly by our Intelligent Archive Oracle program, unique to Planet Waves. It’s also a database of my horoscopes going back to the late 1990s. You can use the Intelligent Archive Oracle to answer questions and give you ideas for how to handle problems and situations you cannot see through. This feature is available to our Galaxy, Backstage and Core Community members. See this link for more information.
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 Waves — audio now available for instant access. See more information here. If you’re looking for individual signs, order here.
Aries (March 20-April 19) — With your ruler Mars now back in your sign, you may well be more comfortable in your own skin. Be wary, however, of feeling under pressure to perform relentlessly or carry out impossible tasks. You’re a human, not a machine, and quite apart from anything else you probably need time to process all you’ve learned recently. Things could get a little tense during the next week or two; you might be able to burn some of that as fuel, though be prepared to rein it in if you start to feel overloaded or stressed. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.
Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Despite the rather spectacular New Moon and accompanying eclipse that’s just taken place, you may be feeling as if the old year has been extended somewhat, and you’re still waiting for the new one to materialize. Or perhaps the holiday mood is lingering, and you’re in no mind to give it up just yet. Either way, your taking a slightly easier pace into 2019 should present no problems. The seed of change is there within you; it simply needs the room and the right type of soil for it to grow, branch out and finally blossom. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.
Gemini (May 20-June 21) — At times we all find ourselves in situations, whether of our own making or due more to outside circumstances, that feel like being stuck, or unsure what our next move should be. If that sounds like you this week, remember first that you can likely figure something out if you keep at it. You also have the option of asking people around you for help, so long as you know where you need to be. The one approach that won’t work well is simply waiting for someone else to take initiative and come to the rescue. You’re more robust than that, anyway. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may be facing something of a challenge this week figuring out where others end and you begin, despite the famous outer shell of the Crab. It’s worth it to remember that you are still a water sign after all, and then take steps to reinforce that boundary when necessary. This isn’t about freezing people out; rather, it involves understanding clearly your identity, your views and your values, as apart from those outside you. If you then offer devotion or service, for example, you are doing so in full autonomy — and that’s a beautiful thing. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — By now, probably a significant proportion of people who’ve made virtually impossible New Year’s resolutions have already broken them. To give up completely something you enjoy, absent any serious health issues, is like trying to wade through chest-deep psychological treacle, especially once the novelty wears off. That said, one thing you can definitely resolve on cutting out of your life this year — however long it might take — is any notion that you’re somehow ‘less than’. You are a rare and precious being, and deserve to feel good about yourself. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Trying to get on with constructive work or a creative project in the age of the internet is a little like trying to catch a specific melody in a room filled with cacophonous noise. It’s all too easy to get lost or distracted amid the many websites clamoring for your attention and trying to keep you interested. This affects things like attention span in the long term as well. The allure isn’t easy to resist, but it’s decidedly worth trying if you want to make progress this week. As far as possible, give yourself the tools to shut out the noise and focus. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — It can be challenging sometimes to let go of the past; just now, in fact, you may be feeling a sense of frustration at certain aspects of your past apparently refusing to let go of you. There may be a delay, though it won’t be forever, and this is likely about ensuring that when you eventually do move on, you can do so completely, with a clear mind. You’ll probably benefit from setting aside any impatience and using the time to observe your emotional process as you review the relevant material. Let things happen at their own pace. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Keep an eye on your nervous system during the current eclipse season, and be ready to find a healthy outlet to release any tension. This could well include expressing yourself in writing, if only for your own reference: you might feel as if you have nothing to say, and yet once the words start flowing they can take on a pace and a life of their own. In addition, it might help you to set aside some personal time, preferably in a relatively quiet space. There, if need be, you can safely avoid whatever turbulence may be occurring elsewhere. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — You currently seem to possess an unusually clear understanding of where you’re headed, and a strong sense of your motivation, including the ideals you hold most precious. While your energy remains this focused, take every possible opportunity to stride forward and to accomplish what needs to be done. You may, of course, have moments when you feel doubtful of your aims or your capabilities; yet in reality, underneath it all, you know the answers. Keep your eye on the destination, and stay determined. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Hopefully you’re feeling mainly comfortable in yourself, and aware of your current purpose and direction. Possibly you’re still unsure at times, however; you may be concerned that something is lacking, or that you’re striving for what may prove impossible to reach. You might also feel crowded or hindered by certain obligations. Yet your sense of self is more than powerful enough to do away with these doubts, even if it’s located somewhere under the surface. Keep that strength within your sight, and use it as often as you need it. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Take it easy during the next week or two. By now you’ve become used to being out of your comfort zone in some way, and the experiences you’re likely to have in the present eclipse season will probably feel somehow like a summing-up of recent developments in this area. You may also find that you’re astoundingly well stocked in the intuition department. Keep tuned to your instincts, record your dreams, and look out for any hints the cosmos might be sending you. There could well be some useful information coming your way. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Lately you’ve had a chance to enjoy some of the fruits of recent labor, and there may well be more to come. You’re still very much focused on your present mission, yet are aware that there’s room for both work and play — and certain forms of play are more enriching than others. The key is probably to get the most out of the time you spend, regardless of the activity you choose. Changing it up every now and then is one way to stay motivated, and to minimize the chances of distractions swallowing up your energy. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.
As you likely know, yesterday (Saturday night) we experienced the Capricorn New Moon, which was also a partial solar eclipse. So that puts us into ‘the eclipse zone’: the two weeks between eclipses that can be especially useful for releasing that which is no longer needed, and for initiating new patterns that support your growth, goals and desires. Sometimes the eclipse zone can feel a little like a parallel universe, where life takes unusual turns.
Surfer at Blockhouse Beach, Florida; photo by Rusty Clark / CC BY 2.0
At the end of the two weeks, we get the second eclipse in this pair (they usually come in twos; sometimes we’ll get a trio). That will be the Leo Full Moon (with the Sun in Aquarius) and total lunar eclipse on Jan. 20-21, depending on time zone.
Eclipses are currently in the process of moving from the Leo-Aquarius axis (where they were last summer) to the Cancer-Capricorn axis. You may notice a corresponding shift in the areas of your life where change beckons, where opportunities emerge, or where your most pressing questions crop up.
The standard Planet Waves approach to eclipses has long been to ‘look where you want to be’ — a slogan Eric and I once spotted on a surfer’s T-shirt. It’s not just a key principle in surfing; it also sums up perfectly a great way to handle eclipses — whether you feel like a giant wave is crashing around you, or like you’re paddling along a calm lakeshore.
The risk of living in the present moment is that you may make choices that don’t add up with your prior plans, or with your perception of yourself. And as a result, you would need to evolve. Most people find it easier to live in the past, and as a result, take very few risks, while preserving a self-concept they may have outgrown many years ago. You’re starting to see that you have a clear agenda, one that’s different from anything you’ve aspired to in the past. Notice that it’s worth acting on sooner rather than later.
The Daily Oracle offers a horoscope selected randomly by our Intelligent Archive Oracle program, unique to Planet Waves. It’s also a database of my horoscopes going back to the late 1990s. You can use the Intelligent Archive Oracle to answer questions and give you ideas for how to handle problems and situations you cannot see through. This feature is available to our Galaxy, Backstage and Core Community members. See this link for more information.
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 Waves — audio now available for instant access. See more information here. If you’re looking for individual signs, order here.