Dear Friend and Reader:

As you may be aware, we’re in the thick of Mars in Cancer making “the” aspects of the season (and of the year): oppositions to Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, which themselves are headed toward a stunning conjunction in January. We’re also building up to a Full Moon in Sagittarius on Monday that appears to carry some profound themes.

Photo by Amanda Painter

Speaking broadly, that’s a lot of energy looking for a way out, and it’s likely to find its expression in your relationships with other people. The Mars aspects indicate navigating the difference between empowered interactions and power struggles — with a layer of karma-fueled growth pointing toward new territory. The Full Moon, taking place on the ‘mental/spiritual’ spectrum, also carries its own karmic twist, which you may be able to apply to your relationships.

First, a refresher of the Mars aspects. Tomorrow (Friday), Mars makes an exact trine to Neptune in Pisces and makes its exact opposition to Saturn in Capricorn; on Wednesday, June 19, Mars opposes Pluto and heads toward Eris. All of these aspects have been in effect and growing in strength for a number of days already; you may find it useful to review Eric’s coverage of the themes from earlier in the week.

There’s potential here to experience a ‘slow burn’ kind of anger or irritation; the sort of thing that can seem easier to internalize rather than express because it’s not a clear-cut, explosive kind of reaction. Particularly with Mars in Cancer, the desire to side-step confrontation may increase, or could seem to cycle through phases of self-defeating thoughts like “it wouldn’t make a difference anyway,” and phases of determination to make your will (and feelings of frustration) known.

Where’s the sweet spot? Somewhere between indirect passive-aggression and full-on meltdown directed at the person who seems to hold all the power and authority, there’s likely a way to do what you need to do and say what you need to say that’s balanced, grounded, centered and confident. In other words, without being emotionally violent either to yourself (through stuffing your feelings), or to the other person should you reach a breaking point.

It’s possible that speaking or acting from a place of inner security in such a situation constitutes new territory for you. That can feel a little scary, but it appears to hold the most potential for growth and a mutually mature outcome. It may require curiosity and a bit of courage to try it out, as it may feel like a vulnerable position compared to the way that unleashing anger can feel like strength — though it often indicates insecurity.

On a more mundane level, Mars-Saturn oppositions can indicate an opportunity to work on a project with meticulous care and concentration. I’m also curious about the more sexual side of Mars in this position. Is any of your frustration or sense of power inequality (if you’re experiencing such) related to your desires, to existing erotic relationships, or to partnerships where caring and ‘care-taking’ seem to have gotten confused? Finding that sweet spot for expressing yourself in relation to what feels like a limit could still be key here.

Simplified chart for Monday’s Full Moon, featuring (counter-clockwise from far left): the Sun in Gemini, the lunar North Node, Mercury and Mars in Cancer, the Moon in Sagittarius, the lunar South Node, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn, and Neptune in Pisces. View full chart here.

Mars trine Neptune does not tend to be a very high-energy aspect on its own, but in this situation may describe a softening of the edges of whatever ego drives are at play. Combined with the ‘care-taking’ potential of Mars in Cancer (that is, the co-dependent way of doing more for loved ones than is truly emotionally or spiritually healthy for either party), this does raise the issue of sliding into a ‘savior’ mindset or role. If you feel called to help others, try your best to be sure the assistance is actually needed, and that you can offer it without expectations attached.

Mercury making these same aspects on Sunday describes an increase in sensitivity to one’s environment and the people in it. You may wish to be wary of over-thinking annoying or disappointing situations, though ‘practical’ thinking on how to move something forward may benefit from an infusion of imaginative wandering (or seeking advice from someone older/wiser whom you trust). Jupiter making a square to Neptune looks like it should help with some optimism — even if you cycle through moments of feeling challenged in your ideals.

Now, for that Full Moon: the Moon enters Sagittarius on Saturday at 5:03 am EDT (9:02:58 UTC). Monday morning it will finally pull into position to oppose the Gemini Sun, late in their respective signs (25+ degrees, also known as the 26th degree).

Hanging out nearby are the asteroid Chaos in Gemini (conjunct the Sun) and the center of our Milky Way Galaxy, also called the Galactic Core (GC) conjunct the Moon. Chaos is named for the primordial, creative state that birthed the universe in Greek myth. Many astrologers associate the GC with a kind of soul-level ‘homing signal’. Right off the bat, this suggests to me an especially fertile — even cosmic — meeting of mind and spirit. Given the apparent density level many people are operating at, however, I can also see how this arrangement could be confusing and chaotic for some, or simply unfathomable for others.

I don’t think this Full Moon is going to be a moment of magical awakening for anyone who’s committed to staying asleep. It might, however, offer an opportunity — even an imperative — to those who are trying to wake up and are looking for their next steps. Thanks to a cluster of asteroids in Pisces, this event could offer more than the typical mirroring we often experience with other people during a Full Moon, including the attendant sense of heightened emotional confrontation or deadlock.

Within about a degree or so of an exact square to the Sun and Moon are: Borasisi (issues around belief, including believing the lies we tell ourselves to feel better — named after a fictional deity in a Vonnegut novel); Karma (exactly what the name implies); Photographica (photography, visual images, our ability to interpret visual signs); and Hera (jealousy, vindictiveness and scorekeeping; but also fairness in relationships, partnership events, and marriage and childbirth).

Minor planets closely aligned with the Sun and Moon in the mutable signs on Monday; data from Serennu.com.

Photographica is the closest in aspect to the Sun and Moon: just one arc minute (or 1/60th of a degree) away; Karma is the next closest. One of the ideas this suggests to me is the question of whether we’re willing to see the metaphorical street signs — or the proverbial handwriting on the wall — of a certain situation. It might be a spiritual question; that question may be taking form in a specific relationship, but have broader implications for your personal evolution in this lifetime.

One delineation I’ve read for the asteroid Karma square the Sun or Moon suggests an ability or opportunity to overcome challenges and setbacks to grow spiritually. That would seem to imply doing so without blame (of self or other), guilt or attachment, and without causing another person harm — remembering that someone feeling upset because of your choice to grow and heal is not inherently the same as causing them harm. Borasisi and Hera appear to flesh out these ideas: the lies we tell ourselves to stay ‘comfortable’ in our lives; the damage we can do to each other in ‘stuck’ relationships that lack honesty and respect.

Between this Full Moon and even the Mars aspects (with Mars and Mercury conjunct the North Node, a symbol of karma’s opposite: dharma, or purpose and evolution), I see a suggestion here that old habits and beliefs are something to push off against in the coming days. That is, you may be able to use them as leverage if you can see them for what they are. In so doing, you may feel like you’ve been thrown into chaos by someone — or like you’ve caused it for another. That deserves a closer look, perhaps with an eye to what had been ignored or suppressed till now.

On the other hand, you might find yourself expressing your truth in a way that feels both lit by something universal and ineffable, and yet full of intellectual potential. If that’s the case, remember to take some notes lest the insights dissolve as the Full Moon separates. Or, perhaps better yet, take a photo.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Help From Astrology When You Need It Most

Individual Signs, Personal Reassurance

Dear Friend and Reader:

To be alive in our moment is to live constantly at the edge of uncertainty. My role as an astrologer is to bring you closer to your sense of purpose, and to help you find your way through the maze of space and time.

When you finish listening to an astrology reading, the idea is to feel better about yourself, and that is how I work. [See video preview here.]

Still of Eric Francis doing one of the Call the Astrologer readings.

Last week, I completed a set of 12 readings for all of the signs and rising signs — Call the Astrologer. These readings are now available for individual signs and rising signs.

This is astrology made easy, without losing any depth. You will find your reading to be helpful, reassuring and clarifying of your purpose. You will feel better about yourself.

All 12 signs are still available at a reduced rate. You may share these readings with friends and loved ones. My purpose is to bring the very best of professional astrology to you at a small fraction of the cost — to put professional astrology within reach.

Please let me know how your reading helped you, and get in touch if you have any questions. Thank you for your business, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

PS — Buy two signs and get a third for free. Once you’ve completed your purchase, write to us at cs@planetwaves.net to get your third sign, which you may give to someone else as a gift.

PPS — You may see a video introduction to this reading, and several video sign previews here and here.

Caring Uncaged

By Amanda Painter

Yet one more possible interpretation of Mars in Cancer opposite Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn — with creative Neptune in Pisces lending support — is to use art in an assertive manner to stand up to abusively restrictive governmental power. Many residents of Manhattan and Brooklyn encountered just such an example this Wednesday: a chain-link cage on the sidewalk containing a child-size mannequin wrapped in a foil blanket, with audio playing of migrant children crying.

According to Huffington Post, more than 20 cages were placed around Manhattan and Brooklyn as part of a campaign called #NoKidsInCages by immigration nonprofit RAICES and ad agency Badger & Winters, in an effort to draw attention to the alarming numbers of asylum-seeking children and adults being detained at the U.S. border with Mexico in unconscionable conditions. The audio played was the viral recording released by ProPublica last summer of kids wailing for their “mamá” and “papá” after having been separated from them.

“We want to bring this back to the consciousness of the American people,” RAICES CEO Jonathan Ryan told HuffPost. “One of the many unfortunate consequences of the repeated traumatic stories coming from the border is that, as horrified and angry as people have been, we also become desensitized. It’s important for people … to be confronted with the reality that this is about children, human beings, whose lives are forever affected.”

“This is being done in our name by people who we elected,” he added. “And if we don’t do something to stop this, this will become who we are.”

New York police and city workers had removed most of the #NoKidsInCages installations by midafternoon, but not before onlookers had tweeted photos and videos. With a former WWII Japanese internment camp in Oklahoma now slated to house the overflow of detained migrant children, history seems clearly to be repeating itself. Is anyone noticing? Art installations are one way to get attention; but in this age of digital saturation of worldly horrors, is it enough? Mars in Cancer seems to be asking: what are you willing to do to care for this world?

Planet Waves FM: The Mars Edition

Dear Friend and Reader:

This week’s edition of Planet Waves FM [play here] focuses on the Mars transit that engages the next several days — Mars on the North Node, opposite Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. I’ve been going on forever about this; after watching my new edition of Planet Waves TV, someone wrote to me and said, “I’m finally getting the scale of this transit.”

I also introduce the eclipses in Cancer and Capricorn that are coming in July. Then I revisit the political and related spiritual themes I touched on last week, associated with the gun violence problem in the United States, and the public’s reception of the Mueller report.

	Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

In Tantra Studio, I consider the concept of heterosexual liberation, playing off of the proposed “Straight Pride Parade,” a concept recently floated that has been met with some ridicule. I’m not endorsing that parade or any; rather, I develop my longstanding discussion encouraging heterosexuals to come out of the closet.

In the spirit of Mars, my musical guest is The Grape and the Grain, musicians all either in or close to Vision Quest, our Planet Waves house band. However, Grape/Grain is nothing even vaguely, remotely close to Vision Quest — it’s on a whole other level of writing, energy and musicianship. If you want to contact The Grape’s Daniel Grimsland, here’s his producer profile.

In news from Camp Bob, I have an announcement — a new Dylan film directed by Martin Scorsese (The Last Waltz, Taxi Driver, et al.) goes up on Netflix Wednesday, so you will finally have something exciting to watch besides The OA. Here’s the official trailer. Thanks to Michael Ackerman for calling this to my attention.

Monday night I taught the first Key Life Transits live class, which included a particularly interesting look at the chart of a young musician who was on the call. You can sign up for the second part and get the first as a full recording. I’m offering a new reading focused on the Mars transit, called Call the Astrologer; and we have a special page designed for sharing that points you to all of our free services — from which you will discover more lavish offerings than most paid services.

We remain supported by your generosity and loyalty to our business. Planet Waves FM is published by Chiron Return, Inc., a (501)(c)(3) corporation. Every contribution counts. Here’s how to sign on. For those who cannot afford to contribute, you can help out by forwarding this email or link.

Thanks for tuning in and turning on.

With love,

PS — If you want to talk to a live person and ask questions about any of the services we offer, you may call (206) 567-4455. We’ll either pick up or get right back to you.

Attention Gemini Sun and Rising — A New Reading For You

Where Does Your Power Go, and How Do You Get it Back?

Dear Friend and Gemini:

I recently finished the Gemini Astrology Studio reading. It’s on the server and ready to go.

Here are some notes about what I’ve covered. The first topic is introspection. We live in a time when our lives have been turned inside out.

Scene from the Gemini New Moon.

We see this in many forms in the social media milieu: the most private and subtle elements of people’s lives are often broadcast to the world.

Even if you don’t consciously do that, the conditions around us have a way of making it happen anyway. What is yours is yours, and to be in the environment of constant exposure dilutes who you are.

So I focus on how to regain your inner vision; how to look, why you might be afraid to look, and what to do with what you see. I encourage you to fire your inner publicist.

I then move on to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in your solar 8th house, Capricorn. This is the power dynamic study. This is where we ask the question, where does your power go? The response to that question comes from Mars in Cancer — your quest for independence — financial, emotional, and from the tyranny of others defining who you are — or you even meekly allowing them to.

The reading is one hour and five minutes, in three sections, with music by Vision Quest. It comes with the Mercury Retrograde Reading, which will soon be sold separately for $44.

You may still purchase for the pre-order price of $44.

Thank you for your business, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

PS — Please call us on (206) 567-4455 to bundle your reading with an early renewal or other excellent astrology services — or to enquire about discount pricing if you are in difficult financial straits. Thank you for being a Planet Waves customer.

Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

We published your extended monthly horoscope for June on Thursday, May 30. Your extended monthly horoscope for May was published on Thursday, April 25. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope after the Sun has entered a new sign.

Aries (March 20-April 19) — Any frustration, anxiety or irritation you may feel about an external roadblock is feeding off ancient roots that descend into the past. The more conscious you are of old patterns related to childhood insecurities and resentments, the more effectively you’ll be able to implement strategies for moving forward. As pressures mount leading up to Monday’s Full Moon, make every effort to tune into the strong signals broadcasting from your deepest, less-than-fully-conscious emotional stations. Let off steam privately, if necessary, with awareness and compassion for yourself. Genuine power draws upon sources that extend beyond ego identification. Force, on the other hand, pushes against, and sets up a depleting counter-force. Keep your eye on the long game.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Inner dialogue is like software; it’s a program that can be changed, regardless of what messages repeatedly scroll across your screen. The personal revolution heralded by Uranus in your sign requires some restructuring of your belief system and worldview. To become truly aware of core beliefs takes practice; start by listening to what could be some pretty annoyed inner voices right now, railing against restrictions on your freedom to pursue certain goals. It will be tempting to discharge tension by projecting your irritation outwardly, but whatever that voice is telling you, its purpose is to move you past limiting beliefs. The more creatively you approach this dynamic, the more you’ll enhance self-esteem and personal security.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — What do you need to feel safe; to feel good about yourself; to feel free? Your evolution requires real emotional honesty in answering these questions. You’ve reached a point where your self-worth and sense of security must arise more from your own innate talents and resources, less in terms of relationships, intimate or familial. Greater personal empowerment is the goal; creativity, conviction, and self-acceptance are your tools. This process will last for some time, though challenges this week could push your buttons mightily. Exercise diplomacy with others, and don’t be spooked by what may seem an insurmountable wall — you can go around it. Summon courage and patience; the reward is to become more who you really are.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You’re channeling enough force to initiate a personal renaissance, and to impress the world with your gifts more than you have in a long time. How you’re positioned in relation to others is the question. If partners feel like a drag on your speed, if your patience with perceived limitations has evaporated: pause. Your relational environment — personal or professional — is evolving; you’re reclaiming some power. The more you examine old insecurities or childhood imprinting, the more effectively you’ll navigate those sensitive waters. You’ll do yourself a favor by exploring some new terrain, literally or figuratively. Break up established routines as much as possible now. Educational, philosophical or spiritual endeavors will introduce essential fresh air you might not know you’ve needed.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — There are times to forge ahead and damn the torpedoes, and times when that’s as helpful as banging your head against the wall. You’re a natural leader; you exert influence. Lately, however, your forces are less easily deployed, may backfire or could somehow undermine your intention. For what may feel like forever, just taking care of yourself amidst relentless demands on your time has been an act of power. You’re so used to rising to the occasion that you might not be fully conscious of just how over it you are. Vague anxieties or emotional turmoil are signals that a strategic retreat is in order. Focus on your wellbeing right now. Attend to both psychic and bodily needs, to re-set your mojo.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Those goals you’ve been harboring for “the future”? Prioritize practical strategies and get that ball rolling, despite perceived limitations on your creative freedom. Heavy responsibilities may have weighed you down, but you’ve matured and honed your vision, and old baggage has sapped your focus long enough. Real opportunities to take concrete steps forward are available now. A ‘destiny window’ is opening soon, and your path of power involves actualizing some project that’s been long on the back burner. Continue refining the structure as you work, and let whatever frustrations you feel serve as grist for the mill. A confidence-boosting nudge from an insightful ally can help break the logjam; don’t hesitate to draw on that support.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — From ancient shamanism to modern psychotherapy, the practice of retrieving parts of the psyche that have been somehow lost or frozen in time has been an essential high art. To engage the world meaningfully, we need all of ourselves in the game. You have a calling. Your creative gifts must be made manifest. Accumulated weight from the past has held you back, and tension between feeling stuck and fulfilling your ambition requires strategy and sensitivity to release. Whether some old family or domestic situation, you know where your power feels trapped. Creatively dialogue with your own inner voices, rather than project that frustration onto others. Clear out your space; write down your thoughts. Your liberation is fundamentally an inside job.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Don’t confuse your thoughts with reality, or even with the extent of your conscious mind. Mental habits can grow stale. A rigidity tends to set in, keeping you locked into patterns and attitudes that limit your potential. To own your true power, you must expand your belief system beyond the old confines of your established worldview. You need a vision quest. Remember your natural fascination with mystery and let yourself explore new territory; invite wonder and follow where it leads. The more creative play you bring to this journey, the less opening your mind to new perspectives will threaten your sense of security, or provoke unnecessary conflict. If challenging long-held concepts triggers anger, ask yourself why.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — What’s your bottom line? Negotiations related to values and resources, likely involving hard currency, could devolve into a battle of wills — with a dose of confusion or guilt-tripping — if you aren’t clear with yourself about your own emotional agendas around security. Guard against defensiveness, and reach for patience if partners seem intent on chewing your last nerve. Your basis for self-worth and security is evolving; you’ve outgrown old orders, and the process will take time. You’re in primordial instinct territory here. Fear is the challenge; wisdom and power are the rewards. Your tools are courage, patience and fine-tuned psychological radar. We’re not talking Game of Thrones; compassion and love may be found. Just know thyself.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — There’s a karmic element in relationship dramas you may encounter, and few concepts are more misunderstood than ‘karma’. Think of it as the magnetic force generated by intense emotional patterns, more than reward or punishment. We often confront reflections of our own denied feelings in others. Ideally, we manage to learn about ourselves and grow, as a result. You’ve been enrolled in a masterclass in Transformation, Power and Responsibility. It’s been a long, challenging ride. If relations seem combative, look within for any frustration or anger or fear you might have been sitting on, before digging in your heels or firing back. Strive for objectivity, flexibility and compromise, if possible. The wise warrior picks their battles.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your chart has the quality of a long-distance endurance runner right now. You’ll need both stamina and mental fortitude. Pace yourself, nourish your body and carve out down-time. Your identification with work and accomplishments may feel driven by an element of anxiety, or you might encounter more frustration and annoyance than expected. You’re actually building necessary foundations for a mighty new phase in your life that — consistent with the ‘long-distance’ theme — is a good eighteen months down the road. Keep the lines open to your intuitive inner wisdom and breathe. If co-workers get in your face, don’t take it personally; it’s not about you. Creative exploration looks fulfilling, but guard against overconfidence or confusion. Negotiate like a pro.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You’re loaded with enough fuel to ignite a blazing, creative fire right now. Feed those flames, for this is the hearth at the center of your greatest power this year. It’s been challenging to maintain focus on your true objectives; on some vision or project you’ve wanted to bring forth to the world. Lately that may seem so far back on the stove as to have grown cold. Do not lose heart; The Force is more with you than you realize. Be ‘in the world, but not of it’ for a while, and prioritize your own expressive talents. Fulfill obligations to your community without getting sucked into unnecessary dramas. Draw on the inspiration of your own private muse.