Aries (March 20-April 19) — In the internet age there’s emerged a trend toward moral absolutism and a preference for punitive justice, and a corresponding loss in compassion. People forget, in judging others, that no-one is perfect. If someone makes a mistake this week, especially if you feel inclined to be severe, take pains to consider any nuances involved, and show a little kindness. Applying this rule to yourself also should make that easier. Demonstrations of mercy are needed at present. Be proud of your humanity.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Don’t be afraid to display your creative skills openly when you have the opportunity. Remember that they are an expression of your uniqueness; therefore, forget worrying about how you compare with others, or what those who are not involved in your artistic process might say. We all have special gifts that only we can bring forth into the world, and which necessarily enrich the lives of those around us. By offering them, we can also evolve ourselves and experience greater fulfillment.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — There are many people who choose to follow in the footsteps of their parents when it comes to selecting a life path. Still others pursue entirely different careers, responding to a vocation unique to them. Either method can succeed. The point is that no one person is merely an accident of birth. Whether or not there is such a thing as innate or inherited talent, it’s up to us to build on whatever foundations exist. You are not your family, nor bound by their expectations. Believe in yourself.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Trying new experiences and visiting new places can be daunting, but also incredibly life-enhancing. Heading off the beaten track might be useful, though I imagine the point is really to absorb what’s going on around you, by listening, learning and suspending judgment. The fewer expectations you bring to an outing of this kind, the more it can nourish you. Try to seek out the unfamiliar this week; and where you encounter it, be prepared to go in with heart, mind and ears open.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Hopefully the extraordinary astrology of your birthday month inspired you and strengthened your self-esteem. Your next order of business is to keep that momentum going. Certainly there will be days when you feel less confident than on others; that’s perfectly normal. But you very likely have more resources than you’re yet aware of, including friends who will gladly remind you of your best qualities and your most impressive gifts. Draw on these when you need to; and above all, count yourself in.

Virgo Birthdays and Rising 2018-19:

Are You Getting Ready to Shift Gears?

“Mars retrograde in Aquarius, your 6th house, describes you as someone in the role of problem-solver. This looks like some kind of systems administration work, though there’s a social dimension — that of keeping people organized. To do this, you’ll need either to break some rules, or to establish new ones.”

— Eric Francis, in The Art of Becoming 2018 annual edition for Virgo

Dear Friend and Reader:

Just how are you doing as a problem-solver, rule-breaker and rule-maker this year? It’s possible the current retrograde of Mars (and recent retrograde of Mercury — your ruling planet) have slowed your progress some. But with Mercury now direct and Mars stationing soon, are you ready to shift gears?

If you’d like access to a fresh, of-the-moment take on how your next 12 months (or more) could shape up, I hope you’ll pre-order your 2018 Virgo Astrology Studio with Tarot Studio. This is what Eric used to call your “Birthday Reading,” just under a reimagined name.

You’ll still get two segments of audio astrology; and if you pre-order the reading before it publishes, you’ll automatically receive the tarot reading for your sign or rising sign when it’s ready. As always, you can download the audio files and listen as many times as you’d like.

Even though our recent eclipses were not in Virgo, there’s still plenty going on that’s having an impact on your chart: for example, Uranus in fellow earth-sign Taurus is jazzing up your house of spirituality, long-distance travel and higher education (among other things).

Meanwhile Chiron, in your Aries-ruled 8th house, is bringing your attention to some deep matters that include sex, surrender and money. You can count on Eric having plenty more to tell you about your charts this year.

“Thank you. I’ve been a fan for a few years and always feel nourished by every reading — my own and others. This particular reading hit home and felt like a swoop of fresh air pointing me home. Thank you again.”

— Elaine Sonne, on a recent Virgo reading

Eric is sure to cover the most important details of these issues and astrology (and more) in your upcoming Virgo Astrology Studio and Tarot Studio recordings.

His current sabbatical is proving restorative, which means he’ll be able to access the best of his decades of astrology and tarot experience, his therapy training and his creativity to encourage and empower you, nudge you with questions and new perspectives, and inspire you to get right to work with what you’re learning — in your relationships, healing process, career, family, community and inner evolution.

Wishing you a happy birthday and an illuminating year,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you love someone with a Virgo Sun or Virgo Rising, you can also pre-order the Virgo Astrology Studio with Virgo Tarot Studio as a gift. They’ll receive both parts automatically when they’re ready.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Trust is a necessary ingredient in close relationships. This includes trusting that when someone loves you, it’s because you’re inherently worthy of love; they just happen to recognize it. This isn’t always easy if you’re prone to self-criticism, which is a habit that requires effort to break. If someone is encouraging you to feel good about yourself, you can probably rest your faith in their judgment and build your confidence from there. Don’t forget to pay it forward: express gratitude where it’s merited, and support your loved ones when they need it.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Given the fast pace of today’s environment, when there’s been a lot of retrograde energy passing through it’s very easy to feel confined, and then to burst out of the gate the very minute of the station direct. You might well likewise be tempted to bolt like a cheetah, especially after Mars changes direction on Monday. It’s perhaps worth keeping a rein on that feeling as far as possible, at least until you’ve got your bearings. Take it easy and let events flow naturally for the time being.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — It’s not fashionable to admit one has made a mistake; the usual policy these days is to double down, although the error might be obvious — in part because even the most human of slip-ups are frowned upon. If you should find yourself getting stuck, however, or needing to change direction, I suggest you buck the denial trend and recognize the fact, at least internally. You are capable of deep transformation; just think of any such shift as a small course-correction along the way.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — This week you might benefit from a spirit of cooperation, especially with colleagues. It would almost certainly be worth taking up any opportunity you have to participate in a team project, even if it seems dull or routine; you could bring your creative imagination to bear in new ways, and learn something in the process. Good working relationships are as helpful as any other kind, especially where you’re able to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and support.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — One of the common stereotypes of your sign is that of the grouchy old man, refusing to be at peace with a changing world — an echo of your ruling planet Saturn. Yet Capricorn is a cardinal sign, which at the very least infuses you with a pioneering spirit. You are as capable of evolving as everyone else, and right now you’re probably noticing this part of you waking up and paying attention. Go along with it, and eventually you’ll not only be keeping pace with the best of them, you might actually be setting it.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —
You’re probably feeling more in harmony with yourself than you have for a good while. Yet you seem to be concerned about the potential reactions of loved ones to your newfound confidence. I have a sense this is more the result of ingrained habit than the reality of your environment. However, if you need a litmus test, take note of how your mood shifts in the presence of others. If you’re not getting sincere support, or you’re feeling low around someone, that’s your cue to review matters.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — The Full Moon in your sign this week draws attention to your relationships. Make time to enjoy the society of the people dearest to you, at least if they help you to feel good: it’s refreshing and nourishing to the soul, and it keeps you close to your spirituality. If you take up opportunities for pleasant company, it can maintain your sense of charity with yourself and with the rest of the world. You don’t need to live for love entirely to let it brighten your eyes and warm your heart.