The Day of Uncertainty Resolvers: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is July 23
The Day of Uncertainty Resolvers | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

Keep your mind turned toward the wide and open horizon of your ideal visions. Some may find this freedom of thought disconcerting, and try to confine you within convenient boundaries. Yet your power lies in this capacity you possess for bold exploration, and the ability to see what’s real, without the filters of social or authoritarian pressure. Don’t let anyone, especially you, box you in. You’re beginning to understand just how far your mind can fly.
— by Amy Elliott

Do you have a Leo Sun, rising sign or Moon? Your last couple years may have left you reeling trying to figure out which path forward is best. Hear Eric’s thoughts on expediting your post-eclipse process in your 2019-2020 Leo Astrology Studio reading.

Written in the Planets

The Sun entered the sign Leo overnight, signaling the core of the Northern Hemisphere summer. Leo is ruled by the Sun, offering an important reminder that just as solar light and power can create and warm life or damage and destroy it, so can our own light and power. What makes the difference is whether your heart or your ego is directing those forces.

Venus passes through last week’s eclipse degree via Cancer today, ringing the bells of Haumea in Libra and Eris in Aries. Given the recent contact Venus just had with Pluto (and the centaur Chariklo), you may want to keep tabs on how your emotions — particularly feelings of love, sexual desire, a need for attention or to feel ‘helpful’ — are influencing your choices. If you notice a need to be needed by someone, what’s that really about? Holding space for someone in a helpful or healing capacity ideally is not about what you will get out of the experience.

That agenda is something else, and probably signals that it’s time for a frank heart-to-heart with yourself about what you might be projecting onto a situation that you could (and probably should) be finding and recognizing within yourself. You appear to have a choice right now: birthing new ways of relating that are well-balanced, even if they seem to come from unusual places; or resorting to game-playing — however subtle and seemingly innocuous — to get the emotional response you crave. The Leo Sun’s trine to Ceres in Sagittarius reinforces the abundance of nourishment available to your heart and soul right now. All you need to do is let it shine in.
— by Amanda Painter


COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

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Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Gemini monthly for October 13, 2016.

oracle

There are different types of contests. Some are private, others public. Sometimes the stakes are high; other times the outcome is more of a learning experience. To help your own cause regarding any bones of contention you are faced with right now, give some thought to the interests of others. You need to understand both the motivations and objectives of those you are contending with. In addition, it would be helpful if you were cognizant of how those only looking on are invested. If there is a way you can participate so that everybody involved feels like a winner, your prestige and influence will be unavoidably enhanced.


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The Day of Occupational Fluctuation: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is July 22
The Day of Occupational Fluctuation | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You may be developing a new perspective on your career trajectory, and what your vocation means to you. Perhaps your work is evolving along lines you did not anticipate, but by which you are nonetheless intrigued. It’s also possible you’re more inclined to take a daring path, which might involve some risks but would certainly afford you more room to be yourself. Only you can determine your best options, though remember that your potential for growth never ends.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

The Moon enters Aries early in the day, but the big news is the Sun leaving Cancer and entering Leo. That happens at 10:50 pm EDT (2:50:14 UTC Tuesday). You might notice that impulse control is a little trickier today, between having the Moon in a fiery, action-oriented sign and the Sun making its way through the last degree of Cancer. Having the Sun in the last degree of a sign can have an edgy, ‘let’s just get on with it’ sensation.

If that describes how you’re feeling, beware of letting it come out through harsh or judgmental words. The Sun’s square to an asteroid called Rhadamanthus suggests this dynamic. Yet it’s Mercury’s retrograde condition that describes potentially complicated misunderstandings or unnecessarily hurt feelings as a result. (And don’t ignore the ways self-judgment can be just as difficult to navigate.)

Integrity is important, and must be expressed when core values are at risk of being compromised. Integrity does not, however, mean inflexibility or a lack of empathy. Think of suspension bridges: they balance strength of structure with an ability to flex with the wind. In doing so, they enable us to get where we need to go — efficiently, safely, and in the company of many, many other people.
— by Amanda Painter


COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

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Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Monday, July 22, 2019

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Cancer weekly for October 24, 2016.

oracle

Nearly all the energy coming at you involves sex in some form or another. That might include desire, love, lust, attachment or attraction. And, because many people have some issues around sex, a diversity of shadow emotions are possible — meaning the things that are difficult to acknowledge or understand, such as shame, guilt and repulsion. How you experience these things depends on your state of mind. We live in times when the seemingly logical first thing to do is to get offended (rather than to laugh at something). You have better options open than that. Given that laughing or taking offense is not necessarily appropriate, you might try talking with whomever else is involved, by which I mean speaking and listening alternately till you gain some understanding. You might make a discovery, such as what initially seemed weird or offensive turns you on like nothing before.


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Monday Morning Horoscope #186 for July 22, 2019

Aries

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Notice whenever you hesitate. By that I mean pausing before you want to do something, the reluctance to try something, concern about someone you’ve met, or not wanting to respond to a question. There are several different reasons you might do so, though you might not distinguish them. Each has its own message, and you need to know what it is. Typically in the course of human events, people either allow their hesitation to stop them, or power through it and do what they want to do anyway. I am suggesting you explore the wide middle ground, which involves tuning into your feelings and getting beneath them enough to have a sense what is going on for you. You want this information, though it may be subtle, and responding will compel you to ask yourself how you really feel, what you really want, and whether you actually trust yourself, or someone else. And there will be rewards for doing so. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Changing one’s mind is an art form. The term, in English, means something akin to “deciding something different,” “changing one’s opinion,” or “accepting an idea previously rejected.” I think it goes deeper than that: when one changes one’s mind, there is a change to the mind itself, not just related to the topic. It’s about reconsidering one’s thinking process. Most people are quick to take a statement and agree or disagree. It is rare that someone pauses and assesses what a statement might mean, or imply, and what the permutations are, and whether for example the opposite might be true. It’s rare that one actually traces the path one took to arrive at a conclusion. I suggest you practice doing this. Size up your own viewpoint or opinion on any issue you seem to care about, and ask yourself how, exactly, you got there. Then, question each step along the way. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Be careful not to make your financial decisions on emotional grounds. You might think you’re making perfectly rational decisions, though they may not seem that way in a week or two. Good ideas are not enough; the thing you will benefit from is analysis that is based primarily on columns of numbers. By that I mean the actual financial facts, in which so few people take an interest. Yet what you’re experiencing at the moment is just a sub-sample of a much larger scenario where a lot is at stake. Apart from any facts or outcomes specific to the short term, or to your more deeply entrenched scenarios involving partnerships and shared investments or resources, there is the matter of how you are able to handle yourself, regarding both cash flow and more complex elements of finance. There are the numbers in the spreadsheet, and there is the human factor. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Sunday, the Sun aligned with Mercury in your birth sign, which was also the indication of Mercury retrograde being halfway over (the midpoint was exact July 21 at 8:33:55 am EDT). Plenty else is happening on the Cancer-Capricorn axis, which has been a primary focus of astrology going back to May. It has been intense and dramatic, and you’ve probably had enough of all of that. However, with Venus in your sign now opposing Pluto, you’re likely to be more sensitive than you want. This may also translate to being driven by some passion or deep need, though be aware of how you can get yourself out of sorts under these conditions. Mercury retrograde is cautioning you to keep your mind on the present, rather than obsessing over the past, or planning for the future. Do your best to stay loose, limber and focused on what is a priority now — and set yourself up for the next few moves. Make sure you have food in the fridge, gas in the car and your batteries charged, so you can go about your business smoothly when the time comes. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.


We will soon publish Eric’s Solar Winds reading, Astrology Studio for Leo Sun, Moon and rising. Leo has just been through an extraordinary experience of eclipses (including the Great American Eclipse), and you are still reorienting from those experiences. We will move from there into the influence of the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, which talks about the profound changes you’re going through in “everyday life,” including matters related to work and wellbeing. And of course, Chiron in Aries will feature prominently, in this extended reading for Leo. Take a break from the mental stress and frustration of society, and enter a world where you are at the center, where your potential is real, and where your problems yield to your spiritual gifts.

You may pre-order now. This reading is included with the Backstage Pass and Galaxy Pass.

Planet Waves
Leo

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Mars in your sign is urging you to push ahead, though other factors may have you feeling like you’re caught in a slog. In times like this, the thing to do is be happy with even modest increments of progress. I call it moving the ball forward, just a little every day. The correct mental posture is gentle persistence rather than storming the mountain. Mars may be giving you little bursts of that kind of conquering ambition, but the practical realities are likely to run contrary, until you gradually work them out. Two other factors are present: one is your sense of being overburdened by a responsibility you may need to let go of. Another is missing information about a critical matter. Whatever clue you received Sunday, you will learn a lot more on or around the 31st when Mercury stations direct. Keep your ears on, and your mind open. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You will know something intuitively, no matter what someone tries to convince you of, and no matter what you want to be true. If you’re not in a position to defer to your inner voice, then place a delay on the situation and give yourself a day, or two, or three, to think about it. You will know something is amiss when someone says something that seems untrue, and someone else swears to it. This could easily leave you doubting yourself, which is why you need time to sort out the situation. Meanwhile, where public perceptions and opinions are concerned (by which I mean anything from gossip to Facebook to the way a particular news item is tending), you must be skeptical, and take a policy of waiting for additional facts to come in. That requires two things: one is patience, and the other is being willing to stand in the face of the unknown, at least for a while. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Use care when handling professional matters this week. You are likely to be driven by deep emotional forces that don’t comport well with relating to higher-ups or managing people and projects. Mercury retrograde has also entered your 10th house of work-related subject matter — particularly the most important stuff. Though it may sound like dime-store astrology, when an email goes missing or when someone doesn’t respond to you in due time, be polite about it — particularly if that person is your boss or in any position of authority. Be the smart person who picks up the phone, asks how they’re doing, and then wonders out loud if your email (or whatever) arrived. The approach is the friendly, gentle inquiry, making no assumptions. Then work to solve the problem. Other people around you might not be so magnanimous, so you may need to contain fires, control the damage and clear all vital information before it goes further. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Professional jealousy is a serious issue. It holds back progress, wastes energy and destroys careers. So too does unmitigated ambition, or taking too much pride in one’s work. As Mars moves through your 10th house of profession and reputation, tread lightly, and do your best to collaborate rather than compete. In fact if I had to sum this all up in one sentence, that would be the one. Mars is in a long conjunction to Juno, who in some of her manifestations is the every essence of one-upmanship and scorekeeping. Be gentle, and generous in your interpretations of events. Put up with a little bullshit. Not a lot, just a little, and gently remind people that they need to stay within certain boundaries, though without seeming too bossy about it. Mars in Leo in this position is not given to self-effacing modesty, so you will need to work for that. It’s the kind of astrology that makes you seem big and bad even when you’re cleaning furries out of the break room fridge. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Are we all sitting around waiting for Jupiter in your sign to go direct? That happens on Aug. 11, with Jupiter in a conjunction to this crazy thing called the Great Attractor. Actually, this conjunction is alive and kicking right now, and it’s offering some caution that your words, deeds and thoughts have impact far greater than you may imagine. The way the Great Attractor works, this reaches into the realm of what you cannot perceive, usually because it’s too many degrees of separation from you. Or the results of what you do land in some (seemingly) entirely removed quarter of existence — a little like the Coke bottle tossed from the helicopter window landing amidst the island natives in The Gods Must be Crazy. Still, aim your thoughts and actions carefully. Refine your message to the degree where you’re more likely to be understood, and survive a few rewrites. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Take the next couple of weeks and carefully re-evaluate your goals. Bring them up to date with who you are now, and what you want to be doing in the reasonably immediate future (say, two to five years). It looks as if you’re clinging to some old goals that you need to consider carefully, and may need to shed. The thing is, these are deeply intertwined with your identity. Letting go of an outmoded goal may feel like giving up part of yourself. I propose that’s the very thing that will help you. This enmeshing of the obsolete goal with an element of your psyche is the essence of your situation. Address the goal and you will get to address something within you that’s getting in your way. Making matters more complex, it may not even be your personal desire that’s lingering around: someone else may have set that agenda for you. So in truth what you may be doing is claiming back an aspect of yourself, which really means yourself, rather than giving something up. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — What exactly is motivating someone’s desire for you? You’re not going to find out overnight, though if there is any hint of hostility in a new relationship, you had best let it go. Getting along with people is a mutually supported endeavor. Take note if you find yourself not getting along with someone. Track the transactions and notice where things may be going off-kilter. Pay special attention to your own actions and motives. If you don’t like someone, then avoid them rather than provoke them. If you like someone, engage them rather than tease around the edges. It’s vital that you listen to what people say to you, particularly the first thing they say, if you want an idea where they are coming from. Listen to their actual words, and their inflection — though the words, in this case, are what really count for the most. That’s how you will know where you stand. And of course, if there is some conflict between words and actions, take note. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Take your time when it comes to reaching for your most cherished goals. Prepare the ground. Make contact with people you want to work with. Keep your desk in order. Return phone calls and maintain all routine business. You must also continue to be cautious with money as you get accustomed to the entirely new financial territory you’re in, largely described by Chiron in Aries, your 2nd house. The scale and shape of the re-evaluation you’re going through cannot be understated. It will reach into the core of your being, and the sooner you let yourself go there, the better. Ultimately the question relates to the value that you put upon yourself, from which stems the value that you place on everyone and everything else. This is a process that must originate entirely with and within you. Certain obstacles you face may assist you in going in that direction. So take those cues and prompts and let them guide you. Be patient with the process, and quietly claim your victories and your breakthroughs. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

Sun Conjunct Retrograde Mercury, and Solar Leo

This morning (Sunday), retrograde Mercury and the Sun aligned in a conjunction, marking the midpoint of Mercury retrograde. That retrograde ends on July 31, with Mercury in a square to Eris (and conjunct the recent eclipse degree). This suggests that we’re heading toward some unexpected development that has the power to shake things up, though in subtle ways.

Planet Waves

Seed head of a Tragopogon or Goat’s Beard; photo by Amanda Painter.

You will definitely want to keep your sense of humor through this phase, and treat lightly any gaffes, mishaps or lapses of reason that infiltrate your reality.

Mercury is considered the trickster, though in truth, Eris is the very master of the game, and the two will be provoking one another. Eris, particularly in Aries, would appear to signify a more aggressive form of game playing; Mercury’s tricks in myth generally were of a lighter tone, though anything in Cancer can veer into hypersensitivity.

This could be especially true if you’ve been re-living or trying to disengage from old scripts or triggers from the past. What tricks can you employ to avoid getting re-snared — in other words, what have you learned in recent weeks?

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The Day of Tragicomic Controversy: Birthdays and Planet News

If Your Birthday is July 21
The Day of Tragicomic Controversy | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

It would seem you’re becoming better aligned with yourself, perhaps more closely than ever before. Your mind is opening to wider dimensions, which previously would have been beyond the confines of your knowledge. You are discovering exciting new concepts and ways of being. Keep track of your progress, and record everything, including dreams if you remember them. So long as you’re willing to dare, you can make this year an inspiring and profound adventure.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

You might feel especially talkative today, but are you saying what you mean to say? Are you being heard and understood? What’s actually coming out of your mouth, and where is your mind? It’s also possible that you’re feeling a little more thoughtful today — but mainly about yourself and how other matters relate to you.

This could make communication a little one-sided, unless you and the person you’re speaking to (or texting, or emailing) make a conscious effort to comprehend what each other is saying. Bear in mind that with the sign Cancer prominent now, “understanding” will mean not just getting the facts straight, but also perceiving the emotional tone and intention being used.

All of this relates to the conjunction between the Sun and retrograde Mercury today in Cancer (exact at 8:34 am EDT / 12:33:51 UTC). This marks the astrological midpoint of Mercury’s current retrograde. Traditionally, this is supposed to be a decent time to finalize a deal or purchase or sign documents if you absolutely cannot wait a couple more weeks to do it. You’ll still need to triple-check the details, however; and be prepared to make adjustments later on. Today also marks Venus in Cancer exactly opposite Pluto in Capricorn. You can read a little more about that here, and also in yesterday’s Written in the Planets. If relationship stuff is feeling powerfully influential, this aspect would describe that.
— by Amanda Painter


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Planet Waves Daily Oracle for Sunday, July 21, 2019

Today’s Oracle takes us to the Scorpio daily for June 23, 2018.

oracle

Once per month at this time, the Moon makes a conjunction to Jupiter in your sign. You may feel fantastic as a result, though you’re also subject to being a bit moody. This is one situation where keeping it positive will get you far. Attitude is everything, even when life is good.


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