As the Worm Turns

Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

Dear Friend and Reader:

Despite this week’s harrowing news about the spread of the “novel” coronavirus, and the dire projections of what is about to happen, and the stock market’s nearly 30% (so far) plunge from this year’s peak, I propose that this is a good time to look at the potential benefits of the situation.

So let’s just mark the moment. All it took for world financial markets to first stagnate, then crash, was a disease outbreak in China, and a few cases in the United States? It’s that fragile? It’s that driven by psychology, meaning fear?

This is the product of the venerated capitalist god of greed. That is impressive. We’re told that this fantastic system works the best of all. Turns out, it lacks the resiliency to handle something as basic as sick days, or taking care of the sick.

For a moment I’m going to speak mainly to Americans, who tend to have a worldview different from other Western countries. One other thought before I continue: the more we do now to avert this crisis, the less drastic the final results. There is a lot we can do, in terms of prevention, on every level. The question is, will we?

OK, now for my message to Americans.

For many, many decades, the United States has lived as if it could do no wrong, and worse, as if the wrong that it did would never have an effect. Though the “trickle down” theory of economics has proven to be a mere political talking point, the attitude of our corporate leaders has certainly trickled down to a large segment of the population — the ones who will believe anything that makes them feel good, no matter who may get hurt.

War after war, with environmental catastrophe mounting season by season, there seems to be little will to take care of our problems. Nobody was ever elected to Congress on a platform of ‘raise taxes and be responsible’. There is this little problem of wanting everything for nothing — such as the functioning of society itself.

We do not generally view society’s role as taking care of others. Our notion of society does not involve a community ethos. It has involved a spirit of what I can only call greed and immodesty that I know is beneath the true ethics of many who aspire to it. Many who partake in so-called conservative politics are in fact caring and charitable people.

The little kid in me wonders about this, somewhat painfully: why do good people go along with such plainly evil ideas, such as denying people access to medical care? Or thinking all Mexicans are criminals? Or thinking it’s OK for the president to manipulate elections and cavort with sworn enemies of our country? Why do people vote against their own interests?

What is this love affair with billionaires, while so many are homeless and hungry? What is the love affair with believing blatant lies? Lies so obvious a child could spot them?

Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

This is an Opportunity

In the course of about one month, we have watched the world change irrevocably. Whatever that past environment was, it’s over. We are now waking up to the new territory we’re in, which will require the rearrangement of our way of life, our values and our choices.

Coronavirus is a before and after moment that will shape society for the rest of our lifetimes — any society that it touches, though I think particularly the United States, as we’ve become a culture that is rigid and set in our ways. Now that is about to change, as every way we are set in will be shifted, a little, a lot, or entirely.

The events of one decade after the next have happened to “other people.” They have been local or regional events: hurricanes, wildfires, mass shootings, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes. Each time they have happened, for most Americans, they’ve happened over there. Now, coronavirus is happening right here, or somewhere close and coming closer. To put it bluntly, we all know people who will get sick, and some who will die.

That is new territory. It’s territory where we’re going to need to take care of ourselves and one another. It’s a new zone of history where we will be forced to think about what is truly important. We will need to distinguish a want from a need from a preference from something utterly irrelevant.

We will need to learn how to cooperate, and how to organize our communities. We will need to learn how to make conscious decisions together, and stick to them: as families, as schools, as companies, as friends, as small groups of associates.

Whatever else happens, many, many people will do this — including most of you reading, who tend to lean a little more into self-care and self-awareness than the average gremlin. To whatever degree possible, every last person must learn how to take better care of themselves — for everyone’s sake. That means staying cleaner, healthier, better fed, better hydrated. And my take is, this will be one result of what we are going through now.

This is a wakeup call. For example, what would you do if you had 30 days to live? That’s the situation many people are about to face. It’s a good question, too.

Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

An In-Body Experience

Here’s another way to think of it. The impact of the internet has been to drive us out of body. This started with telegraph, radio and telephone, though we’re now a century and five orders of magnitude beyond that.

We are now, collectively, having an in-body experience, of dealing with an actual problem on the physical plane of reality. We are being forced to think about what we touch and the air that we breathe.

The central problem we are existing with now is how many people think that life is all a fantasy, a kind of virtual or enhanced “reality.” You may not walk around thinking, “I’m not really here,” but you’ve been carefully conditioned to not really be here.

I understand that from the standpoint of metaphysics this is “all an illusion,” or “all part of the great maya.” Though for that matter, not everyone who takes LSD or ayahuasca is an enlightened master.

If you read me at all, you’ve probably read this quote at least three times, maybe 10, by the late Eric McLuhan, son of the even later Marshall:

“The body is everywhere [everywhere you take it] assaulted by all of our new media, a state which has resulted in deep disorientation of intellect and destabilization of culture throughout the world. In the age of disembodied communication, the meaning and significance and experience of the body is utterly transformed and distorted.”

To repeat the operative phrase, “the meaning and significance and experience of the body is utterly transformed and distorted.” We are now experiencing this problem, and trying to address it, in the context of utter transformation and distortion.

Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

Traveling at Electric Speeds

Earlier this month, Eric’s son (and my McLuhan study pal) Andrew sent me another quotation of his father that completes the idea. Remember, he’s talking about all of us. Try this on:

“At electric speeds, we, not messages, are sent. It is an old observation that on the phone or on the air you are in more than one place at a time, minus the physical body that you once used to define identity. The cybernaut abandons his body and physical identity and self (including gender) whenever he embarks on each trek into cyberspace. The conditions for disorientation are complete: out of body, out of time, out of space.”

(Note, when I first entered the internet in the 1990s, I could feel this palpably — like I was in some weightless dimension, and it was great fun. Gradually that gave way to the feeling being “normal.”)

By this metric, you can count on quite a few people thinking none of this whole virus thing is real enough to be concerned about. Heck, Fox “News” commentators can claim that this is all a hoax to manipulate the stock market and make Trump seem like he’s not doing such a good job.

Oh really, Mr. Smith. Have these space aliens been visiting you for long?

That is what I would call “total distortion.” That is what I would call “out of body, out of time and out of space.”

On Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who heads the infectious diseases section of the NIH, was testifying before Congress. Trump summoned him to the White House during his testimony, i.e., shut him down. He was telling our elected reps we have a problem on our hands that we need to address. Trump cut the mic and dropped the curtain. Total distortion.

Now, Congress itself may be banned from meeting, in order to protect senators and representatives from exposure. Several were exposed at that conservative fest the other day; one of them, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, the guy who wore the gas mask as a joke, flew with Trump on Air Force One and got a ride in The Beast (his armored limo). These are vehicles that travel through ordinary time and space at ordinary speeds. He is now under self-quarantine. We can only imagine the decontamination efforts undertaken in the presidential vehicles after he left. Heck, the Secret Service driver could get infected. [At press time,we learned that Gaetz tested negative for the virus.]

One last thought. Both Biden and Sanders canceled campaign rallies on Tuesday, and will debate next week without an audience — to protect the public. Trump’s rallies will continue, or that is the plan. The problem is that those who are out of body can have an impact on those who are thoughtfully addressing the physical plane of existence.

Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

One Last Thought: The Fear Factor

As you may know, I’m a fan of homeopathy. Were I not an astrologer, I would be a homeopath. So I guess I’m a little more than a fan. Here is what I can tell you, from having looked into this over the years. All of the homeopathic remedies associated with flu-like respiratory illnesses involve fear.

Homeopathic remedies address physical symptoms, though all have notes about the associated mental symptoms. They read like this, just as an example: “Melancholy with timidity, fear. Anxious and pale, with cold sweat. Irritable, cross, infuriated by least annoyance.”

It might seem obvious to connect an illness that feels like suffocating to fear, though it deserves consideration. The kinds of fear connected to flu-like respiratory infections include anticipation anxiety, paralyzing fear, waking up in terror of death, we’re all gonna die, fear of going out, fear of germs, and so on.

The remedy that would resolve or prevent H1N1 of 1917-1918 was called Gelsemium, which is about paralyzing fear and anticipation anxiety. It saved a lot of lives — if someone was fortunate enough to be treated by a homeopath prior to being given aspirin by a conventional doctor. (This especially pertained to ships returning from World War I at the peak of the crisis. Some had homeopaths as the ship’s physician and some did not. The ones that did not fared very poorly. The ones that did fared very well.)

Many have commented that the real pandemic is fear. I agree that is the more serious problem, because fear itself is so distracting from rational thought and conduct. It is also the thing driving markets down, which will do some serious damage to the economy. So on the good days those traders are driven by greed. On the bad days, they are driven by terror, resulting in a massive selloff. Mind you, this is all happening in cyberspace, with repercussions on the physical plane.

So — as the worm turns, as society changes, we have some choices to make, nearly all of which involve our relationship to our bodies: whether and how we take care of them; how we feel living in them; the ultimate value we place on them.

I understand that “the body is not everything.”

However, while we are here, it remains the temple of the soul.

With love,

PS — Here is a song that I often play when the going gets rough: “Before the Deluge” by Jackson Browne. It carries a firm caution: good intentions are not enough.

Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

Planet Waves (ISSN 1933-9135) is published each Sunday and Thursday evening in Kingston, New York, Planet Waves, Inc. Core Community membership: $197/year. Editor & Publisher: Eric F. Coppolino. Web Developer: Anatoly Ryzhenko. Associate Editor: Amy Elliott. Assistant Editor: Joshua Halinen. Client Services: Victoria Emory. Illustrator: Lanvi Nguyen. Finance: Andrew Slater. Archivist: Morgan Francis. Technical Assistants: Emily Thing, Cate Ryzhenko. Proofreading: Jessica Keet. Media Consultant: Andrew McLuhan. Music Director: Daniel Sternstein. Bass and Drums: Daniel Grimsland. Additional Music: Zeljko. Additional Research, Writing and Opinions: Samuel Dean, Yuko Katori, Amanda Painter, Cindy Tice Ragusa and Carol van Strum.

Many times I have quoted Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche: “We do indeed live in an age of decadence, but the dharma is not decadent. The dharma is the same as it always has been.” Despite the challenges of our time, you can focus on your purpose, which is related to the World Purpose. You can step into your calling as one who came to our planet to make a positive difference. This is integral to your healing path, your personal mission and the necessities of the world. In this new video reading, about work and relationships, we will use the astrological markers of our moment to point the way, and clear the way. Pre-order all 12 signs of THE DHARMA here.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Thursday, March 12, 2020

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Today’s Oracle takes us to the Virgo monthly for October 1, 2004.

The time has arrived to set your financial house in order. Financial planners say that even if you have no significant income, organizing your money and planning for the future are perfectly in order. You’re no longer in the situation of having nothing to show for your efforts or your intelligence. By now, you know that the tide is turning, and that material rewards are on their way, if they’re not already in your bank account. But there are pitfalls to success, and success is a learning process. I strongly suggest that, to the extent you stand to gain, you do your utmost to preserve those gains. If you’re going to be extravagant, plan for it; the temptation to go overboard is dancing on the tip of your nose. Yet what you need, in my view as an astrologer, is an overall scheme, an organizational structure, and a systematic method of testing and implementing your ideas.

The Saturn-Pluto conjunction is separating, but still strongly influencing our experience. While this event will happen two or three times in the lives of most people, this particular instance is a moment of convergence and reckoning for the world and for us as individuals.

Eric has completed recording RESPECT, the 2020-2021 Planet Waves annual readings, to cover the momentous astrology of the coming year-plus. You can read more about the project, and order the readings for instant access, here.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Wednesday, March 11, 2020

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Today’s Oracle takes us to the Taurus monthly for December 24, 2010.

Though most descriptions of your sign cast you as practical, grounded and organized, you have one of the dreamiest minds around. This is due to the influence of the watery signs on your chart. It’s why you can find yourself getting caught in fantasy, and it’s why material things often take so long for you. The story of your astrology for 2011 and well beyond is about gaining clarity. Most of that clarity is to your emotional nature. You are sensitive; the solution is about enhancing and focusing your sensitivity rather than toning it down. Though it may seem odd to say, your true liberation will come from fully honoring your inner life. That will set you free to act with confidence in the world. One of the most exciting aspects of your journey through the next four seasons involves figuring out that you create who you are by allowing your gifts and talents the opportunity to come forth. At times this may feel like a ‘path’ of discovery, but that’s an illusion of time. By focusing your intentions and your desires, you tap into what is already within you on deeper levels than you’ve accessed before. You can do this whenever you want. You have no reason to depend on who you were yesterday no more than you must put off any goal into the future. Part of your inherent creativity is the ability to come up with a new idea today, and another one tomorrow. And you can. Yet the thing about having a lavish imagination is that it truly helps to be disciplined about it. As part of that discipline, I suggest you transform your perception of everything you’ve considered a fault into an asset. For example, if you consider yourself a procrastinator, you can discern the thing you’re most motivated to do at any given time — such as choosing the thing on your ‘to do’ list that’s the most fun. If you do that consistently, you will not only get everything done; you will be able to go beyond the feeling of ‘having to get it done’. If you are a raging idealist and don’t think the world is ready for you, then test out your own belief and try something specific and see what happens. The trend of your life is moving away from theorizing and into action; away from guilt and into pleasure; away from being concerned about risks and toward being a kind of test pilot of the soul. As you experiment in all these ways, remember: manifestation always proceeds from an idea into tangible form. That idea is based on knowing what you want, and choosing that. The one thing that stands between the idea and its expression is, most often, what you believe. So if you want to make real changes, change what you believe. Notice self-defeating beliefs, and adopt new ones. It’s easier than you currently believe.

Coronavirus

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By Jen Sorensen.

Read our frequent updates on the coronavirus here.

Pre-order your 2020-21 Aries Astrology Studio now for the lowest price of just $33.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Tuesday, March 10, 2020

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Today’s Oracle takes us to the Taurus weekly for August 8, 2003.

It’s amazing how little we really need to be happy when being happy is what we really need. There is nothing superficial about it, no need to hide one’s head in the sand, only to ease into the inevitable flow of life and the reality that this moment is actually real. This is, actually, a very good place from which to set priorities and objectives for the future. This is true in part because right now you can feel how delicate of a process that is: of combining your growth needs with your material and emotional needs with your creative visioning process. The blessing is that now, you can take them all into consideration at once.

Monday Morning Horoscope #219 for March 9, 2020

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You can also now find horoscopes by Eric on this page.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — You need some time in the sanctity of your own thoughts, to consider where you are at in life, and what you want. Various events keep extracting you into the world, particularly via the digital sphere. You have an important investment of yourself there, particularly social, and you’ve figured out how to have actual fun. I suggest you remember that there is much more to who you are, and recall other modes of social interaction that were, in prior times, deeply meaningful to you. Still, it’s like a magnet, and for you there is something stabilizing about how you present yourself and how you exist in these strange, electronic ethers. In your true inner realms, though, you access the deeper levels of your creativity, and your sensitivity. As Mercury changes directions, you will feel that draw into your inner ocean, or at least to the shore. If you hang out there, you will feel some relief from the pressures of the world. Music ameliorates. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

The Journey of You and Chiron | A New Reading by Eric Francis

Anyone who has encountered it is curious about Chiron. Planet Waves provides one of the few dependable online sources of information on this unusual planet. For the 10th anniversary Astrology Studio reading, I will be covering Chiron in Aries — a momentous event for all those born under this sign, and of high interest to everyone else. Pre-order this reading here for the best price.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Freedom is an inner state of being, much more so than an outer one. Yet if you’re feeling restless and like you need to stretch out, take some tangible steps and do it. Even pushing one seeming limit of your life or your world will help you. I suggest social. Take a moment and consider what would be your ideal social environment, which means human environment. That feeling of wanting to experience a liberating burst directly involves your contact with other people, and your need to be accepted for exactly who you are. That is possible, though it begins with self-acceptance, or said another way, being at peace with yourself. I know this can seem impossible to a good few people, or so rare as to be a kind of dream. Even if you want to change and have a long list of things you want to change about yourself, making progress comes from boldly meeting the challenge of inner harmony. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mercury is now stationing direct, after one of the longest, strangest retrograde trips in recent memory. They usually have a touch of weirdness; this one has spread its influence all over the world. Your little planet has landed in late Aquarius, which is your solar 9th house — that of your worldview, your big plans, and the elements of your faith. Certain persistent questions have come to a point where you may be able to phrase them in ways open to a viable answer. I suggest you focus your intentions on one particular goal or motive, and work with that for long enough to get a result. It is again time to rethink the whole notion of ‘career’ and ‘profession’ from the inside out. That means starting from your deepest creative impulse and translating that into tangible work. You might take that as “what do I like to do every day, and where do I like to do it?” Ask that question, without any prejudices about what is possible. Ask, and write down your honest answer. Then stare at it for a while. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Several different factors are working together to make you more visible and to power up your sense of purpose, in relationship to your surroundings. You will like this because you’re getting opportunities to take care of people in ways that are suited to your nature. While you have a conservative streak (what tantra calls ‘preserver’ energy), you’re also a little quirky and a tad particular. Let that work for you. You don’t really want to fit in anywhere; you want to take leadership doing what only you can do. Leadership does not necessarily involve being police chief or captain of the rugby team. In your case it means connecting to life so as to give you the pleasure of full commitment, and letting others see that such a thing is possible. Yes, there are always challenges associated with this, and true individuality often comes with a touch of feeling isolated. But take note, that is usually an illusion. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Remain true to yourself and to your purpose. Don’t let anyone distract you, or convince you of anything that is not true for you. Focus on the idea of what you want, and want to become; you don’t need to put as much effort into it as you may think. In fact it would help a little if you temper your drive to get things done, and focus more on being what you want to be. I know that in Western civilization, “doing” and “being” are considered the same thing, which is a theory that deserves to be tested. You can test it by experimenting with existing in the state you aspire to. You slip into this like a glove. There is no concern or anxiety involved, no more than in calm breathing. Most people think that if they work hard enough, they will get to a place where they are satisfied with their lives. You have an opportunity to start with the result, and then gradually backtrack into the appropriate level of activity. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You’re in the process of having a revelation about the nature of both a personal relationship, and a work situation. Once you see the scenario for what it is, you will feel much better; you will see how you have room to expand your sense of who you are, and stretch into a new reality. Belief presents one of the most serious obstacles in this world, whether it’s true or not. Once belief is seen for what it is, the alternatives seem much better: awareness, understanding, curiosity, and acknowledging your need for adventure. The world may seem like an exceedingly dangerous place right now. But most of that danger is coming through provoked emotions and a level of intellect best described as theoretical. In reality, many paths are open to you, and you remain in possession of your individual quest, and your individual karma. Count on the big scenario of the world taking care of itself. Focus on something specific to you. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You may be craving a daring experiment of some kind. Maybe it’s a financial experiment; the markets are volatile enough for someone who knows what they’re doing. Maybe it’s an emotional experiment, the choice to reveal your feelings to someone you care about. Maybe it’s a sexual experiment. Typically for humans in our moment in the world, these desires are usually suffocated under ten layers of denial. The available bandwidth seems to get narrower and narrower. Yet you’re not actually bound by it. Something, a feeling or desire, may break through to the surface, and if it does, you have the potential to experiment. This is about pleasure and sharing; it’s about investing yourself in an experiment. Contrary to nearly all of the sexual values of our world, no power over anyone else is involved. No value is exchanged except for what is inherent in the experience: what you offer, what you feel, what you learn. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — You could be seeing a bold, simple situation as much more complex than it is. Perhaps this is due to your tendency to overthink most things to an exponential degree. Yet that often works out to be a means of rationalizing yourself out of your desire to have a far more interesting life. Have you considered the sources of the fears that trouble you? Have you considered how much better your life will be without them? What you will have to ‘give up’ is the false certainty associated with restricting your experience. Yet once you step outside of that, you will invoke a kind of vulnerability that is especially freaky these days. One generation ago, the things you want to do were for many people just simply the thing to do. It can be that easy, though the first attachment to let go of is needing the approval of others (mostly, surrogates for your relatives, or the actual people). Thankfully, there is someone in your life who is calling you to another place, another time, another kind of existence. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Take the opportunity to improve your financial situation. This is always driven by motivation. It’s not about luck; intelligence plays a role, though it’s useless if you’re not connected to an energy source — and you now have one. Relying on others for your financial wellbeing is not a good strategy for you. You are more the self-reliant type, though there are always points of contact. Partnership questions are therefore mostly a matter of structure. It’s better if you’re the one who controls the accounts, your cash flow and your spending priorities. It’s better if you set the agenda, and fortunately you have one. You’re in a better position if you don’t want money for its own sake, but rather to accomplish specific tasks, whether that means paying the electric bill, helping a friend or acquiring something you want. Connect dollar amounts to specific plans, and set structured goals. Once you get into the swing of intending to do something and then succeeding, you will want more. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — This is a potential moment of clarity for you, when the fog clears and you can see into the distance. Inwardly, envision the sediment of your emotions settling to the bottom of the lake, and the water taking on a transparent quality. In this space, ideas will come to you. You will see through previously vexing problems. And you have the ability to get out of your own way, which you can refine into a method. Mostly what you stumble over involves questions of priorities. The word “priorities” means paying attention to what comes before something else, and this can be based on time, or on preference. You can resolve that easily by stopping and asking yourself what has to happen next. Get difficult or complex projects started long in advance, even if you begin with a few notes scribbled down. Gently get things moving, and keep your energy flowing. Even if you’re knackered or stressed, do your best to stay focused. Persist gently and your stress level will drop, and your energy will bounce back. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Mercury stations direct in your sign Monday, combined with a Full Moon across the sensitive partnership and commitment angle of your solar chart. You may be asking yourself who you can really trust. That’s a good question. The answer is most likely those who demonstrate their trustworthiness, through consistently treating you well. Notice who is good for their word — that is, those for whom the promises they make matter. Take the opportunity to track your own patterns and guide yourself into being committed to fulfilling what you agree to. Today would be a good day to reflect and make a list of any unkept promises. Then reach out and let people know that they’re still on your mind, and you intend to fulfill them. You might find this goes further to calm your anxiety than anything else you can do. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Astrology Studio for Pisces | A New Reading by Eric Francis

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

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — This week’s combined aspects are offering you many unusual opportunities. Stay where people can see, hear and feel you, and no hiding your light under a bushel. At the moment, you’re blessed with an unusual and appealing way of expressing yourself, so speak up when the desire fills you. The world is in a ridiculous state of fear and chaos at the moment, though you’re in a position to both work with the energies and make the situation work for you. Remember that you’re playing the long game. Therefore, remember that whatever you say and do today will have effects in the future. And at the same time, peer ahead and see yourself in a place you want to be, doing something you want to do, and keep taking steps in that direction. Even your seemingly modest moves and gestures can mean a lot; what matters above all else is your sincerity. You will be able to avoid most errors with a little calm reflection, in advance of making any decision, no matter how minor. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Monday, March 9, 2020

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Today’s Oracle takes us to the Gemini weekly for March 3, 2006.

Take it easy. Okay what could that possibly mean? Basic things like: remember to look before you cross the street; don’t operate a chainsaw on no sleep; drive the speed limit. You need to be able to trust how you feel, which means slowing down just long enough, and well enough, to know what it is. That won’t stop you from changing your mind, from pushing toward progress at a pace you haven’t experienced for years, or actually experiencing that excellent thing known as an appetite for life, including ideas and adventure. Just remember, knives are still sharp and it’s a good idea to chew your food.

Monday into Tuesday: Steady As She Goes

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Dear Friend and Reader:

Within approximately 36 hours of this writing (by late Monday or early Tuesday, depending on your time zone), the Full Moon will peak, and Mercury retrograde will end. That’s enough movement to give a little jolt to the psychic field and offer a sense of where we’re at.

I’ve said a lot about this confluence of events, both in the article below (reprinted from Thursday) and one that it links to, from one week ago today.

Once you have an idea that this kind of astrology is happening, the thing to do is to be observant of yourself and the world around you. Listen to what people say, notice what you observe visually, notice how you feel, and keep your subtle senses on.

Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

Helpful Practical Information

Before I get to the main theme of this article, which I promise to keep brief, here is some potentially helpful information.

We continue to update a special news feed related to the world public health situation. We are watching major news sources, Asian regional news sources, as well as dependable specialized publications. Our contacts around the world are reporting in locally. If you have news from your area, please contact us.

That federal Centers for Disease Control has denied New York State permission to allow seven private labs to test for the virus is an indication of how the federal government is handling the situation. Trump has even said that he wants to keep the reported numbers low. This is the "don’t look, don’t find, not there" method of assuring the public that everything is fine.

The new Planet Waves FM covers two topics of potential interest. One is a look at both the astrology and world situation involving the virus, in the first part of the program. The second part includes a discussion of what it means to step outside of the authoritarian medical model and learn methods of self-care.

With medical science having nothing to offer in the way of a cure or direct prevention, we are left with their best advice: keep your hands clean, avoid touching your face, practice social distancing, and learn how to sneeze and cough without infecting others. Get help if you think you’re sick. And that’s about it.

That means many people will be entering the wilderness of natural remedies, with little experience and no dependable sources of information. I discuss how to handle this situation, and how to take control of your decision making process.

Word is getting out that hand sanitizers do not help and can make matters worse.

Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

An Idea From Homeopathy

Over the years, and in recent weeks, I’ve been seeing ideas for the homeopathic remedy that might address this problem. In days of old, there would be something called the genus epidemicus, a remedy for the whole epidemic.

Remedies nearly all have mental states (psychic and emotional conditions) that come along with their physical symptoms. All of the remedies described so far have the common property of fear. It might be fear of germs, anticipation anxiety, not wanting to go out, paralyzing fear, and panicky fear of death.

While it seems obvious to say that there is fear associated with fever-related illnesses in general and with the first truly global pandemic in recent memory (and for most, in living memory), this is worth taking conscious note of.

The disease pattern of illnesses of the kind we’re looking at all take root in an environment where fear is a dominant mental state.

Whatever else you may be doing to prepare for possible disruptions, do what you can to keep your spirits high. Take pleasure in your commitment to care for yourself and your loved ones.

Meanwhile, appreciate how delicate life is. This is a good time to tread lightly on the Earth. While this situation is going to take its toll, I believe it’s possible for many individuals and for society itself to learn some important things.

We need an occasion to shift our priorities away from greed-based politics and the notion that obsessive consumption somehow equals prosperity. We need an occasion to prioritize taking care of people as the first responsibility of society. More than that, we need a self-care revolution.

For now, we’re on our own. And while we’re on our own, I propose that our approach be to keep living, and to live well. Take care of what you need to do, cut unnecessary things from your list, and make sure you do some of what you love the most.

If you are one of the strong ones, take care of yourself, so you can take care of others.

With love,