Aries (March 20-April 19) — With your ruler Mars gradually approaching its station retrograde, you may be feeling somewhat more hesitant than usual. This is especially possible if you’ve been experiencing some tension recently in interactions with others. Provided you don’t have any immediately urgent decisions to make, it’s okay to sit with the uncertainty for a while. Answers will come at the appropriate moment; they are likely already written somewhere within your psyche. Let doubts flow right past you until they are safely out into the ethers. — by Amy Elliott

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Even before Uranus entered your sign last month, you’d already evolved in some fundamental ways; and you are currently beginning, at least, to see the results of that. Hopefully you’re feeling all the better for it; though if you’re hearing objections from any quarter, make a point of not worrying about being accepted. It’s not possible or even desirable to please everyone. As you go through these changes, those among your acquaintances who are true friends will support you unequivocally. Stride forward: the future is wide open. — by Amy Elliott

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — The past month with the Sun in your birth sign has hopefully helped you establish your independence and autonomy more concretely. The chances are you’re already making certain relevant changes to your life, and gazing forward with a fresher outlook. Keep gazing, and keep hold of what you’ve learned, as we enter the new season. Some people will undoubtedly try to influence you. Don’t allow any human being to intercede between you and whatever you hold as the Divine. Instead, try to live as if setting an example; because you may be. — by Amy Elliott

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Cancer Birthdays 2018:
On this Solstice Like No Other, What Do You Want?

“I felt deeply connected to much of the reading, both the current moment (turning point), and the historical energy (Pluto in Capricorn). Indeed it has been an intense and deeply revealing time in my relationship life.”

— Jennifer Cobb, Backstage Pass member, on the 2017 Cancer Birthday Reading

Dear Friend and Reader:

We’re almost at the Cancer solstice — which means we’re almost at your birthday! And this year, the cosmos has some special gifts for you, which you’ll hear all about in your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading.

First of all, there’s a unique opposition between Venus and Mars on the solstice (June 21). But even more importantly, Mars will be stationing retrograde just five days after the Sun enters your sign — setting in motion an intriguing journey.

On top of that, the major planets Saturn, Uranus and Chiron are all in signs with direct and special relationships with your own. Life is on the move. And even though people always joke about those born under your sign moving sideways and retreating into a shell, the truth is 2018 is looking like your time to shine: Saturn, Uranus and Chiron are occupying some of the more public and relational zones of your chart.

As always, Eric will bring his insights to you in accessible language designed to empower, motivate and reassure you all at the same time. Sure, there may be challenges; but you of all people know that the awkwardness of growth always results in a fuller, more capable version of you.

“I have just listened to your Part 1 and Part 2 readings and I am amazed at how accurate it has been. Like you have a telescope watching me shed a skin and transform into a totally changed person in the last 10 years.”

— Pauline J.

You’ll get at least an hour of audio astrology (divided into two parts), access to last year’s reading, and an extended description of your sign — which you can access as many times as you like, for as long as you need — all for only $33. But please note: we offer the best price on these readings early. When Eric nears publishing it, the price increases.

I hope you’ll take advantage of the discounted price and pre-order your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading soon. Here comes the Sun!

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. Eric designs these readings to be useful for anyone with Cancer rising or a Cancer Moon, too — not just a Cancer Sun. And it makes a beautiful gift for any of your Cancer loved ones.

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Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Keeping to your commitments is really a version of honesty. This is, in fact, partly about knowing what you actually can commit to safely at a given moment; which requires a measure of self-awareness. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into pledging what you might not be able to deliver; wait until you at least understand what’s being asked of you. Indeed, this is probably a good time to re-evaluate present plans, and use discernment in deciding which of them to carry forward, or not. Remember that you’re human, and have limits. — by Amy Elliott

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — With Leo prominent in your chart you’re probably used to sparkling at least a little, and standing out among others. Venus now in your sign is lending you some extra-special charm, so that you can really turn up the spotlight. Be kind and respectful, and you’ll likely find it almost ludicrously easy to please people; though first and foremost this is really about having the freedom to please yourself. The two need not be mutually exclusive, even if you’re feeling a little rebellious from time to time. It’s important that you have the room to explore possibilities. — by Amy Elliott

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — You’re at something of a pivotal moment in your development, and it’s crucial that you focus on what is important, and not allow ego (yours or that of others) to interrupt you. Your ambitions should be at the forefront of your mind. Anything else, aside from necessary and humane duties, may be considered a distraction. Keep your inner compass pointed firmly northward, and re-focus quickly if you start slacking. This is no time to sideline your own plans in order to fall in with others; make sure anyone who thinks differently finds that out in short order. — by Amy Elliott

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You may be experiencing both a newly confirmed sense of purpose, and confusion as to how you might fulfill it. Figuring out where to start in practical terms, and how to manage day to day, might feel like an unresolvable puzzle at this moment. You can help yourself, however, by starting with a definition of your broad goals, and then working your way gradually toward fleshing out the bones. Keep in mind where you ultimately want to go, and you should find that you’re heading in the right general direction, complete with an abundance of tools. — by Amy Elliott

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — The astrology this week is offering an apparent opportunity to revise your understanding, at a fundamental level, of your capabilities — especially in terms of creativity. In order to take it up, you’ll likely need to suspend mentally any limitations you’ve put in place for yourself over the years. Try to evoke the childlike mindset we all possessed at one point in our lives, by considering for a moment that the possibilities might be endless, and by looking at the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. You’re free to change more than you realize — if you want to. — by Amy Elliott

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Try to be kind and patient in your close relationships this week. Nobody should ever brook deliberate abuse; but most grievances between loved ones arise from much smaller things. Keep in mind that no-one is spotless, including yourself; a fact that is often forgotten during social media flame wars, where the slightest offense can cause one to be placed beyond the pale and ascribed the very worst of qualities. You’ll probably do best to avoid this form of absolutist thinking; instead, go large on mercy, forgiveness and reflection. — by Amy Elliott

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — This week, you might find yourself repeating a specific line of thinking, or a way of communicating, that stems ultimately from past challenges. If so, first off, try to plot out all the steps that get you to your conclusion, and review them carefully to ensure your ideas are following a logical pattern. If you need to, run it all by someone you can trust. Reducing everything to its component details should soon help you break through any particular trope that’s holding you back, and place it firmly in the trash can of history, before moving on. — by Amy Elliott

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) —
Everyone experiences hitches in self-esteem from time to time, or some form of doubt as to where they’re headed. If you should find yourself dealing with something similar, it might help you to make a list of everything you’ve accomplished recently, or over time. Seek the input of people who love and support you to make sure you don’t leave anything out. Next, make a second list, this time of everything you intend or wish to do. Then simply start doing it, one task at a time. What you manifest every day is your decision alone, and there’s power in that. — by Amy Elliott

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — You are a constantly developing entity. That means you are not your past; you are not who your parents or caregivers told you that you were, or wanted you to be. Likewise, you’re not a two-dimensional character created by a bad writer and serving one sole purpose, fitting neatly into a convenient box. You’re much more than that. For one thing, you’re a real, flesh-and-blood person, with all the attendant complexities and fascinating little diversions. For another, you’re inherently stronger by far than any potential challenge to your success. — by Amy Elliott