The Day of Personal Leadership: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Oct. 18
The Day of Personal Leadership | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

One of the most helpful things you can do for yourself at this time (alongside everyone else) is to ensure the ideals you espouse are ones you can actually live by. That doesn’t mean not challenging; just realistic. We tend to set impossible standards and then become disappointed when we can’t follow them. Try a different pattern: aim for targets that are within reach and don’t require you to work against your psychology. You’ll likely find you’re a lot more relaxed.
— by Amy Elliott

Do you have your Sun, Moon or rising sign in Libra? If so, Eric has much to say about stabilizing your relationships in the chaos of the internet, getting some traction in your career, and most of all, how to frame your own reality. in the 2019-2020 Libra Astrology Studio, now available for instant access. Check out the video preview for the reading here.

Written in the Planets

“Free your mind, and the rest will follow,” as the song goes. The flip side of that might be something like, “The more you think and feel others are trying to hold you back, the more you’ll resist, and the less likely you are to fulfill responsibilities you normally would have with no problem.” Not as catchy, I know. But this appears to be one of the dynamics at play as the Moon moves through mid-to-late Gemini, especially as it opposes Ceres and Jupiter in Sagittarius. You probably have more choice than you realize in how free you feel; either way, it’s your internal sense of liberty (or lack thereof) that will likely determine how you respond to others today.

With the Moon also aspecting the Libra Sun and Neptune in Pisces, there’s some great social harmony available, with potential for a high degree of environmental sensitivity (especially when it comes to people’s emotional energy). In fact, the day could get quite chatty given the Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius influences, despite Mercury being in secretive Scorpio. So if you have a major deadline to meet or many tasks to cram in, beware distractions.

Setting a timer on things like checking social media, texting friends or going out for lunch might be helpful. Same with heading down any meandering internet rabbit holes. Chances are such pursuits will be quite attractive today. If you can direct that inquisitiveness toward your most pressing matters, you may discover much of great use.
— by Amanda Painter


In 2020 we have not one but two conjunctions that mark the turn of a generation, and of an era in history. On Jan. 12, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn form their once per 33-year conjunction. Then on Dec. 21. 2020, Jupiter and Saturn, both now in Aquarius, form a conjunction in the first degree of that sign. Read more here…

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Friday, Oct. 18, 2019

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Aries monthly for February 1, 2006.

oracle

You may not know how you’re going to navigate or even find the turning point you feel approaching, but I suggest you go entirely on intuition. From where you are now, you cannot get to the wrong place. Though there is an element of chance involved, that’s the opening through which a rare kind of awareness will enter the equation of your life. Move slowly rather than quickly; look in all directions rather than straight ahead. Remember to look up and down. You are anticipating a turn to the left or the right, when really the curve develops in an entirely different direction. Likewise, if you find yourself expecting certain specific outcomes, you’ll only get in the way of the wide diversity of possibilities that are making themselves available to you now. Just because you cannot see them, or even conceive of them, does not mean they’re not there.


My autumn readings, called In These Times, offer a place of refuge, an opportunity to suspend self-judgment, and my careful reading of the charts. I offer you reasons to be motivated, and strategies for handling the strange complexity of society at this time. To this work, I bring all of what I have learned as a journalist, editor, astrologer, spiritual student and man of the world; and I offer it to you for an affordable price. Read more here.

In These Times is now available for instant access!

In These Times graphic

Weekly Horoscope for Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 (#1265)

Aries

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Mars, the cosmic warrior and your ruling planet, will continue to rouse relationship issues for weeks to come. Together with other dynamics impacting your chart, this points to a need to address tension between partnerships of whatever sort, and mounting pressure you’ve felt to realize over-arching professional goals. An important opportunity window is opening to release some emotional backlog, and quite possibly advance professional aspirations as well. Take time for an honest personal inventory, and let yourself actually feel what you may have been holding in. You’re able to tap into deeper psychic strata than usual these days, and the more you respect messages arising from your emotional body, the more you’ll align with optimal trajectories. Channels are wide open for communications with those in a position to assist, perhaps regarding resources to help further your ambitions. Keep your inner ears open and your dream memory on. Your intuition and career path are moving into beautiful, synched-up harmony. — By Victoria Emory

RESPECT, the epic 2020-2021 annual edition by Eric, is now available for pre-order. Picking up where Intelligence left off, RESPECT will track the story of the astrology as we cross the bridge into our new era. You may pre-order the full reading today.
Taurus

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — The rock ‘n’ rollers at the vanguard of current astrology are pulling you up on stage to dance. I’m speaking about Uranus’ passage through your sign and the tightening Saturn-Pluto conjunction. Dancing requires a flexibility and freedom that might feel liberating and exciting, or intimidating and awkward, depending on your self-image. That is, what you’re conditioned to believe — about yourself and the world ‘out there’. Focusing these long-term influences right now is a concentration of energy in your relationship sphere. Whatever jolts you may have experienced in that department recently, R.S.V.P. to invitations arriving this week. You might need to look for them stuck in a corner of your mailbox, but you’ll be glad you followed through. A significant meeting of minds is possible, which strengthens important ties while expanding your worldview in some way. Take advantage of occasions to get together while you can. Pressing demands on your time will take over soon enough. — By Victoria Emory

Prepare to follow the astrology of 2020-2021 with RESPECT, our new annual edition. In the forthcoming Aquarian mini-age, old challenges will give way to new opportunities, and this reading will help you get ready to receive them. Pre-order now for best price.
Gemini

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Activity in your chart points to opportunities to get out ahead of work issues that Mercury’s upcoming retrograde will bring to the fore. Talent is one thing; craft is another. Inspiration could be pouring out of your ears, but to bring whatever gifts you have out to the world in a meaningful way, you need technique: skills you can depend on. Regardless of whether you consider yourself an artist or not, keep that image in mind this week. The more disciplined your approach to job-related activities, the more you’ll be able to seize openings over the coming days to negotiate financial and professional channels to your advantage. Keep your antennae up, as significant advancement is possible. Doing so now will help mitigate potential challenges that may soon arise between your need for personal freedom and self-expression on the one hand, and security-related partnership matters on the other. — By Victoria Emory

How do you deal with any sense of uncertainty, instability or enforced changes? The astrology of 2020-2021 is about to usher in a brand new paradigm. With RESPECT, our forthcoming annual edition, you can get a head start on the action. Pre-order here.
Cancer

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Pressures that emerged over last weekend’s Full Moon signify the need for both courageous changes and the healing that makes them possible. This is the week to express some of what’s built up, with significant others and/or with one whose counsel you trust. Conditions are right for constructive encounters that get to the nitty-gritty heart of what matters. Your need for self-expression and creative thinking will be emphasized for many weeks to come; but regardless of who you’re in dialogue with, remember to listen, as well as hold forth. It’s conceivable you’ve grown so accustomed to grinding stress that you aren’t entirely conscious of what you’ve been sitting on. Make space available and encourage emotional movement. Often simply feeling received with compassion will open those gates. If initiating communications feels too intimidating, understand that opportunities taken now will help minimize potential tension down the road. — By Victoria Emory

RESPECT, the epic 2020-2021 annual edition by Eric, is now available for pre-order. Picking up where Intelligence left off, RESPECT will track the story of the astrology as we cross the bridge into our new era. You may pre-order the full reading today.
Leo

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Your tribe is known for its charismatic flair, expressive talents and capacity to lead others. What’s rarely mentioned is the well of emotional intensity at the root of your being. A natural deep-sea diver, you’re able to recognize buried truths and bring treasures of insight and healing up from the past. Your perception has been heightened over the last few weeks; both internally and regarding the outer world. You’re now in an ideal position to take some of what’s recently come into focus, and tap available channels of communication to move toward resolution on pressing, key issues. These could be work or health related, or some combination of both. Matters concerning your home, family or personal history may be involved. Whatever your specifics might be, the lines are open, so dial in. The more you reach out to connect this week, the easier the next few months are likely to go. — By Victoria Emory

Prepare to follow the astrology of 2020-2021 with RESPECT, our new annual edition. In the forthcoming Aquarian mini-age, old challenges will give way to new opportunities, and this reading will help you get ready to receive them. Pre-order now for best price.
Virgo

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — We tend to think of ‘conscience’ as our duties or allegiance toward others. On the collective level of society, the need for personal accountability is one (enormous and critical) thing. But a form of conscience often overlooked is the haunting weight that results from denying one’s need for personal fulfillment. Keeping food on the table pulls rank in terms of priority, and financial security has been on your radar, no doubt. But when creative aspirations feel urgent enough, the will finds a way. Self-expression is on your agenda — projects that have simmered on a back burner might be occupying more of your thoughts. Chances are you’ve got a backlog of unexpressed impulses straining at the bit to be set free. Your ruling planet Mercury’s upcoming retrograde has an advanced message for you: it’s time. You have something to say. Alignments this week are perfect for getting thoughts onto paper or into appropriate ears. — By Victoria Emory

How do you deal with any sense of uncertainty, instability or enforced changes? The astrology of 2020-2021 is about to usher in a brand new paradigm. With RESPECT, our forthcoming annual edition, you can get a head start on the action. Pre-order here.
Libra

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — The high-voltage Full Moon last weekend likely stirred deep-seated material that left you more consciously aware of what you must let go of, and what you require to feel safe on a fundamental level. How to bring those needs forward may be the question, but your evolutionary path demands that you overcome indecision and hesitation to act on your own behalf. The alternative is festering frustration and exacerbated, mounting pressure — something’s gotta give. Resources and values factor largely in this scenario. Relationships with a financial component may well play a role. Fortunately, opportunities for fruitful communications are available over the coming days, which can help pave the way for changes you’ve probably wanted to make for a long time. Issues related to your home, your past, or your family are up for resolution, and will necessitate some work. But steps taken now can help steer you onto the most direct route to the inner security and stable environment so essential to your wellbeing. — By Victoria Emory

RESPECT, the epic 2020-2021 annual edition by Eric, is now available for pre-order. Picking up where Intelligence left off, RESPECT will track the story of the astrology as we cross the bridge into our new era. You may pre-order the full reading today.

You may pre-order your Scorpio Astrology Studio now. Astrology Studio is a different reading from the annual; it’s difficult to say just how it’s different but think about it like two albums by your favorite musician. It’s the same artist, but another concept. Astrology Studio comes with a bonus recording, “Self and Society,” and with a tarot card reading. Pre-order for best price!
Scorpio

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — The word “learn” derives from an ancient root meaning “to follow or find the track.” That’s a pretty good metaphor for activity dominating your chart this week. Your entire conceptual framework has undergone major reconstruction for some time, courtesy of the heavy-hitting Saturn-Pluto conjunction in your sphere of ‘mind’. Mercury, planet of cognition and expression, is traversing your sign and will soon backtrack through it again. This will afford ample opportunity to trace aspects of your psyche, your past and your approach to the world in a way that refines your perspective yet further. A series of stimulating contacts between these two influences signal an educational journey ahead. First previews begin this week, so pay attention. Follow the trail of what piques your interest; you’re primed for serious encounters with respected sources of wisdom in one form or another. Places of study could offer social opportunities at just the right time. Revealing synchronicities, creative or even romantic inspiration, are possible. Heed the omens. — By Victoria Emory

Prepare to follow the astrology of 2020-2021 with RESPECT, our new annual edition. In the forthcoming Aquarian mini-age, old challenges will give way to new opportunities, and this reading will help you get ready to receive them. Pre-order now for best price.
Sagittarius

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Perseverance is a fine art. To master it requires some technique. Your focus on future goals ties in with the radical, evolutionary changes you’ve gone through regarding your values, and how they impact self-worth and security. The situation is ripe with potential, but like the farmer so eager to reap his crop that he pulls growing shoots up from the soil, patience is your friend. Yet that doesn’t mean passivity, which is where skill enters in. Refine the essence of your desire: the feeling you’re after. If it’s financial freedom, that’s a sensation more than a number on your bank statement. From there, engage colleagues and proceed with projects in appreciation for ‘what is’. A gentle dual focus is involved. Your intuitive guidance is your best ally in getting from A to B right now, and those messages require a relaxed state of mind to get through. Just remember to stay present; all power flows from there. — By Victoria Emory

How do you deal with any sense of uncertainty, instability or enforced changes? The astrology of 2020-2021 is about to usher in a brand new paradigm. With RESPECT, our forthcoming annual edition, you can get a head start on the action. Pre-order here.
Capricorn

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Solitude and control are powerful strategies, and part of your natural skill-set. They come with a downside, however, that you’re also familiar with. Last week’s Full Moon triggered the high-pressure conjunction of Saturn and Pluto in your sign, and chances are there’s a lot built up inside that begs for release. You need human contact. A bit of warmth and communication with allies can go a long way toward helping you along the path of your highest purpose. Dynamics in your chart describe a productive overlap between worldly achievement, long-range objectives, and expressing ideas and feelings with others who share your ideals. These channels open wide over the next several days, but you may need to take the initiative. The upcoming Mercury retrograde looks like connections made now could lay groundwork for future endeavors. Social engagements this week can both strengthen existing relationships and spark inspired, creative vision. Take advantage of favorable winds and reach out. — By Victoria Emory

RESPECT, the epic 2020-2021 annual edition by Eric, is now available for pre-order. Picking up where Intelligence left off, RESPECT will track the story of the astrology as we cross the bridge into our new era. You may pre-order the full reading today.
Aquarius

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Career-related strategies will continue to dominate your thoughts for some time. Integrating your work in the world with changes on the home front is an evolving project, so strive for flexibility and give it time. You’re entering a review process of sorts, and it’s important to listen for intuitive prompts that will steadily be delivered throughout. You’re probably out in a more active, visible public forum than you’ve been in a while, and that’s set to accelerate. So sensitivity to subtle guidance from within will require more intention than usual. A tremendous amount power in your chart is focused ‘behind closed doors’, in the deepest regions of your psyche, and that’s generating considerable pressure. The more honest you are with yourself, the more willing you are to feel what’s bubbling up from the depths, and the more you’ll be able to utilize all of your resources to make optimal choices. This is no time for rigid beliefs. — By Victoria Emory

Prepare to follow the astrology of 2020-2021 with RESPECT, our new annual edition. In the forthcoming Aquarian mini-age, old challenges will give way to new opportunities, and this reading will help you get ready to receive them. Pre-order now for best price.
Pisces

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — How do your habitual beliefs dovetail with personal aspirations that can no longer be ignored? Goals you’ve cherished for years could feel intimidating, yet you’re compelled to achieve them. If only you felt secure enough; if only you knew how. Cosmic weather patterns moving in for the second half of the month suggest that to get a grip on limiting fears, some kind of vision quest is in order. Perspective is everything, and you need to widen your scope. Frustration around finances and related partnerships, strategic alliances and the direction you see for yourself presents a worthy evolutionary challenge. Your way through an apparent dilemma requires a tweak in worldview. It’s time to let your mind soar past confines you’ve grown accustomed to. That’s what Mercury’s upcoming retrograde can help you achieve. You’re primed for revelations. You may have something to teach that others need. Seize opportunities available this week to communicate with those in your circle, to open those doors. — By Victoria Emory

How do you deal with any sense of uncertainty, instability or enforced changes? The astrology of 2020-2021 is about to usher in a brand new paradigm. With RESPECT, our forthcoming annual edition, you can get a head start on the action. Pre-order here.

Listening to the World Go By

Dear Friend and Reader:

One of my journalistic hobbies is listening to the scanner. All I have to do is unmute Channel 1 on my soundboard, and it comes through my speakers. I can then eavesdrop on the chatter of government. I hear some law enforcement, but mainly what comes across are medical calls, fire calls and stuff like road maintenance.

Planet Waves

My basic audio setup includes a Uniden scanner (device right under the candle, made in Sugarloaf), so I can listen to public service activity in my community. I make no secret of the fact that I monitor; I discuss events and procedures with local leaders. Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

For me this is like a civics meditation. I don’t actively cover local news. When I hear something newsworthy, I will text the city editor at the Daily Freeman, which does not have the time to monitor. But that’s not my main reason for listening. I just find it interesting, and also, I feel reassured to hear that society is functioning.

One of my favorite items happens on the hour, when the toll plazas along the New York State Thruway check in with the temperature and road conditions. I can hear this because they’re on a relay system that broadcasts all the interchanges on one local channel. There is nothing special about this; what I love is hearing routine business, and also the sense of space as the toll plazas announce the weather in their immediate area, spanning hundreds of miles.

Continue reading

The Day of Precarious Balance: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Oct. 17
The Day of Precarious Balance | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

What excites your curiosity? What drives your desire? These are things always worth pursuing, though society has a way of frowning on anyone who looks like they’re having too much fun. Yet this makes doing so all the more important. By brushing off ridiculous moral codes and openly dancing to your own rhythm, you’re providing an important public service, because others will notice your example and some will follow it. In any case, though, this is the most honest way to live.
— by Amy Elliott

Do you have your Sun, Moon or rising sign in Libra? If so, Eric has much to say about stabilizing your relationships in the chaos of the internet, getting some traction in your career, and most of all, how to frame your own reality. in the 2019-2020 Libra Astrology Studio, now available for instant access. Check out the video preview for the reading here.

Written in the Planets

You may find yourself in the role of peacemaker or of trying to get things started today — potentially in response to someone who’s being less than direct about their needs. Manipulative or attention-seeking behaviors are the thing to watch for. Can you respond by taking a stance that is fair and balanced, yet still cuts through the bullshit? This kind of thing calls for being specific; that is, being able to identify why certain behaviors are counterproductive. You can do this with understanding and empathy, rather than as a punitive or shaming act.

Ask yourself: What’s it like to set boundaries and make corrections, yet allow a person to maintain their dignity? Does that generally happen best in public or in private? How do you maintain your own healthy boundaries, and not get sucked into enabling or codependent dynamics, passive-aggressive retaliation, or game playing? (Libra Sun opposite Eris in Aries is the aspect du jour.)

On the flip side, if you feel like you’re having a hard time this week, how are you expressing that? Are you able to articulate what is triggering you, what the trigger is tapping into (usually something from the past), and what you feel like you need in response? It’s the inability to acknowledge these things to yourself (or an inability to speak it to those you’re interacting with), that can start to come out sideways. When that happens, we often sabotage the very things we desire most — namely: healthy, functional, trust-based, respectful relationships with others, and with ourselves.

Everyone is under a lot of pressure these days. It takes patience and awareness to navigate its effects; for most people, this is a lifelong learning curve. Luckily, the universe is more than happy to oblige with as many opportunities as we need.
— by Amanda Painter


In 2020 we have not one but two conjunctions that mark the turn of a generation, and of an era in history. On Jan. 12, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn form their once per 33-year conjunction. Then on Dec. 21. 2020, Jupiter and Saturn, both now in Aquarius, form a conjunction in the first degree of that sign. Read more here…

Chaos, Balance and Birth

By Amanda Painter

Mercury may still be two weeks from its station retrograde in Scorpio on Oct. 31, but I feel like I’ve been noticing its effects all week. How about you? Hopefully this means the retrograde proper will be less about glitches and more about rewarding (if intensive) introspection and evolution — though that’s always partly a matter of personal intention and perspective.

Fire engine abstract #2; Photo by Amanda Painter.

Fire engine abstract #2; Photo by Amanda Painter.

Against this mercurial backdrop, the sky is offering some additional prompts to assist you on your journey of self-awareness — and in just trying to get by. Given the chaos and confusion the world is throwing at us (such as Pres. Trump escalating conflict between Syria and Turkey by turning on allied Kurdish rebels — on a dime, and apparently on a bluff), sometimes just trying to get by constitutes a day well lived.

Today’s major aspect is an opposition between the Libra Sun and Eris in Aries. On one level, this is the ‘other shoe’ dropping in our fall preview of the January Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, which will be square Eris.

Continue reading

Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Aquarius daily for October 6, 2018.

oracle

The difference between faith and hope is that hope tends to deplete, while faith tends to nourish. There is an unspeakable trust involved in faith, which is based on an active, living quality of the spirit. I suggest you stick to what nourishes you, and what fills you with some confidence and trust in yourself.


My autumn readings, called In These Times, offer a place of refuge, an opportunity to suspend self-judgment, and my careful reading of the charts. I offer you reasons to be motivated, and strategies for handling the strange complexity of society at this time. To this work, I bring all of what I have learned as a journalist, editor, astrologer, spiritual student and man of the world; and I offer it to you for an affordable price. Read more here.

In These Times is now available for instant access!

In These Times graphic

The Day of Judgment: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is Oct. 16
The Day of Judgment | 2019-20 Scorpio Astrology Studio now available for pre-order | Order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio | All Other Signs

How you conceive of yourself and your capabilities is changing and becoming broader, if subtly. You’ve grown in several significant ways from a few years ago, and correspondingly you’re noticing your life gathering a new shape and purpose. You might not have the same aims or desires you used to, though you’re likely to find the path you are now on much more congenial. If you still have questions about your direction, this would be a good year to work through them.
— by Amy Elliott

Do you have your Sun, Moon or rising sign in Libra? If so, Eric has much to say about stabilizing your relationships in the chaos of the internet, getting some traction in your career, and most of all, how to frame your own reality. in the 2019-2020 Libra Astrology Studio, now available for instant access. Check out the video preview for the reading here.

Written in the Planets

Toward the middle of today in particular, you my notice an inclination to claim, safeguard or even add to whatever makes you feel secure and at ease. It could be something internal — such as your creativity, an ability to take things at your own pace, or a sense of physical strength and wellness. Or this might be something external — such as a central part of your home, your possessions and finances, or the people closest to you.

Wherever you locate this physical or emotional space, can you see a way to appreciate and tend it without letting possessiveness creep in? The art of devotion to the creative spark and metaphorical hearth that Vesta represents relies partly on an ability to share it without fear of losing it (or of losing yourself). The Taurus Moon brings some of our less conscious undercurrents into contact with Vesta today, and emphasizes both the emotional and material sides of what it signifies.

Note that this is against the backdrop of the Libra Sun opposite Eris in Aries (exact tomorrow). Sun-Eris appears to describe a situation where one person is stirring the pot — perhaps in manipulative or covert ways — and another person is doing their best to please everyone and find the point of balance. If you find yourself in the Libra Sun position, staying in contact with that inner sense of ease and grounding just mentioned should help your internal equilibrium, even if things seem out of whack externally. If you’re in the Eris position, can you own up to whatever insecurities are getting triggered? When you can articulate that in a more constructive way, you allow others to meet you more cooperatively. It’s a win-win.
— by Amanda Painter


In 2020 we have not one but two conjunctions that mark the turn of a generation, and of an era in history. On Jan. 12, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn form their once per 33-year conjunction. Then on Dec. 21. 2020, Jupiter and Saturn, both now in Aquarius, form a conjunction in the first degree of that sign. Read more here…