Tag Archives: Mercury retrograde

The Day of Tragicomic Controversy: Birthdays and Planet News

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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

COMING SOON FROM PLANET WAVES…

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The Day of Ups and Downs: Birthdays and Planet News

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

You’re coming to terms with many elements of your past, which will aid your endeavors to leave them firmly behind you. This phase is an important part of your development, which cannot be overlooked or rushed. Once it’s over, you will find it much easier to move on to new and brighter adventures. For one thing, you’ll likely have a better sense of your capabilities. Many people limit themselves unnecessarily; this process will help you remove any barriers you’ve placed in your own way.

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

If you feel compelled to pass judgment on someone or something, be aware that one of today’s aspects describes the potential to do so rather harshly. Words might not be sticks and stones, but it’s still wise to use them gently in most cases. This could be a matter of being self-critical, as well — particularly about past choices and statements, such as the ways you’ve communicated your feelings or caring for another person.

Remember that in a frame of mind of this sort, there is a difference between assessing yourself so you can make healthier choices in the future versus simply beating up on yourself. If the situation in question relates at all to some kind of perceived second chance regarding your sense of purpose or ethical considerations, you might have to make continual small adjustments for a while to get to a place that clicks.

Note also that Venus in Cancer is moving into an opposition to Pluto and the centaur Chariklo in Capricorn, and both are square Eros in Libra (exact tomorrow). Do you feel like you’re in (or chasing after) emotional intensity in a relationship? If so, are you able to see where the boundaries are between the intimacy you seek and the personal space that allows the situation to stay balanced and life-affirming?

In other words, watch for signals of co-dependency, especially if you have an urge to ‘help’ the other person in some way. If you realize things have gotten blurry in that area, you may have to be the one to take initiative in redirecting your powerful feelings toward creative change in your life. This is best done directly; manipulative tactics such as guilt will serve nobody involved.
— by Amanda Painter

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The Day of Controlled Movement: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 19
The Day of Controlled Movement | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

Mercury returning to your sign on your birthday suggests that you potentially have an opportunity to go over old ground. Are there any particular aspirations or dreams you laid aside in the past that you might now be free to take up again? Or perhaps you feel inclined to restructure your daily life, so as to allow more time for what is most important to you. Either way, remember that only you ultimately have the power to determine where your energy is directed.
— by Amy Elliott

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

With a fair number of planets in water signs currently, do you feel like the current keeps shifting? That could apply to your inner emotional tides, or to what’s going on with the people around you. The primary sources of dry land right now — astrologically speaking — also speak more of change than stability (specifically Uranus in Taurus, and the building Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn). Can you hang a little loose, and go with the flow?

By that, I mean keeping your expectations of yourself and others loose, while still letting a general vision for what you want guide you. Venus and Neptune are assisting with the imaginative power needed for that. Yet with Mercury retrograde — and leaving Leo to enter late Cancer early today — it’s wise to remember that your thought processes might not be as precise as you’d like. Mercury returning to Cancer looks like a signal to remember your emotional intelligence: keep a finger on how you’re truly feeling (and how to express it rather than react from it), and stay as aware as possible of others’ emotions.

Do your best to say what you mean and mean what you say — while understanding that the person you’re talking to might not be quite as vigilant on that score. Asking direct questions the moment you realize you’re unsure of someone’s intended meaning is likely the best policy, even though (or maybe especially because) the sky’s emphasis on Cancer describes a tendency to proceed sideways or indirectly, based on intuition, empathy and one’s own sensitivities. That strategy has its place, but looks potentially more unreliable than usual right now. If you encounter an intense romantic or sexual situation, the need increases to integrate those softer forms of perception with conscious communication. Tonight’s Pisces Moon favors artistic pursuits and entertainments, whether you seek them out on the town or cozied up at home.
— by Amanda Painter

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The Day of Conviction: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 18
The Day of Conviction | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

It’s possible you’re lately feeling stretched a little thin. If so, make a point of keeping in mind that your time, energy and funds are all precious and have their limits. Everyone needs to withdraw from the bustle of the outside world sometimes, even the most flamboyant of extraverts. You can be unapologetic about taking a little more space for yourself when you need it, and you can delegate where necessary. There’ll still be more than enough to keep you busy.

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

Today’s trine between Venus in Cancer and Neptune in Pisces suggests a pretty thorough soaking in all things day-dreamy, fantasy, intuitive and sensitive. Yet it’s been in the works all week — so rather than getting suddenly doused, chances are it’s been more like gently wading deeper into the warm waters of your more romantic or sentimental inclinations. If that has felt at all worrisome (or too soggy to be able to stay on top of practical matters), know that this is the peak and the effect should begin gradually evaporating in a few days.

Trines do not speak of an urgent need to express oneself as with a square; they’re not confrontational like an opposition. Even so, if you have any creative leanings — or simply a desire to move your life in a new direction — you might see if you can funnel some of this imaginative juice into a tangible form you can play with. The Moon in Aquarius today could describe the potential to do so in a group setting, particularly if there’s an unusual project that meshes with your inner musings.

Stay aware that Mercury is still very much retrograde (through July 31). If you noticed that it felt especially trickster-like in the buildup to the Full Moon on Tuesday, you’re not alone; take it as a reminder not to be too quick on the trigger with emails and verbal assertions. Today, Mercury makes a trine to retrograde Ceres, which is in the first degree of Sagittarius. If some person or situation has been gently, subtly teaching you things about yourself, related insights might be especially accessible today.
— by Amanda Painter

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Where We Are Now

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By Amanda Painter

Tuesday evening the second of this season’s two eclipses came and went with the Capricorn Full Moon. On an immediate, practical level, I noticed this event arrived in a way that highlighted or seemed to exacerbate situations with a distinctly Mercury retrograde flavor. I’ve heard from a number of people in the last several days who’ve been wondering why they’ve felt a little ‘off’, down, thwarted or disempowered, and so on.

Seaweed pointing the way; photo by Amanda Painter.

Seaweed pointing the way; photo by Amanda Painter.

Does any of that describe your experience at all?

Collectively, we’ve been through a lot this year; Mars moving through Cancer and igniting a couple different aspect patterns — and the global events illustrating that astrology — was followed immediately by Mercury stationing retrograde. Add in these eclipses, and it has been a lot to handle.

Yet any astrology, no matter what in your life it describes or coincides with, is a reminder to notice consciously and integrate what you’re learning — particularly about yourself, but also about the people around you, your relationships with them, and your overall environment. So, regarding the last two weeks and the two eclipses bookending that span of time: what did you learn?

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The Day of Career Concerns: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 17
The Day of Career Concerns | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You’ve worked hard to get where you are today, against some arguably formidable odds. Now it’s time to follow through, and take full advantage of the space and the platform you’ve gained. You have a unique contribution to make in the world, and this is a great moment to offer it. Be bold, therefore, and exercise your powers of innovation and originality. It’s impossible to please everyone, but that’s always true, and the critics are not the ones who matter.

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

Now that the eclipses are over, where are you standing? Has your position shifted at all, or does the landscape seem less familiar — whether inside you or around you? It may take a while to be able to assess this fully. Also, with two more weeks of Mercury retrograde, it’s possible another layer of missing information has yet to emerge. That’s a reminder to keep a deliberate pace in most things you do, especially communication.

Even though the Moon has moved on, the Sun is still in the eclipse degree, offering a reminder that your choices matter — both in the short term, and in the long term. Any need to express yourself can take a creative or a destructive form; the greater your sense of inner security, the easier it is to choose wisely, even in the face of someone else’s defensiveness.

Venus is moving into contact with the Saturn-Pluto conjunction, opposing Saturn exactly today. This can describe a classic showdown between duty and pleasure. Traditional wisdom says that you might as well get work out of the way first if work you must, since blowing it off to play with others — no matter how emotionally compelling the relationships — will likely just cast a shadow over the fun or make your obligations a drag later on. The tough part may be staying focused, since Neptune is doing its best to soften everything up into a pleasant daydream. Can you harness that imaginative power for the tasks at hand?
— by Amanda Painter

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

New in the Special Readings Series
Magnum Opus on Eclipses, Now Through Late 2020

Eric’s new 90-minute discussion of all things related to eclipses, in any sign — with a focus on Cancer and Capricorn eclipses, from the current pair through 2020 — is available now for instant access. Part audio reading, part astrology class, it offers you a lot of help processing the solar eclipse on July 2 and the lunar eclipse on July 16, and features original music. Hear it as part of the 2019-2020 Astrology Studio for Cancer, or purchase the Eclipses Reading separately for only $33.

The Day of the Persuasive Presence: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 12
The Day of the Persuasive Presence | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

For the past year, you’ve been confronting a kind of power that seems to be coming from outside of you. There are times when it’s seemed relentless, yet the truth is, it’s pushed you to be a better person and to accomplish some great things. Now, you get to take over the process. You get to be the source of motivation, from the deepest level. Yes, there will still be some circumstances that push you, and to rise to the occasion, you must bring that rare combination of talent and discipline. Then your potential will get results.
— by Eric Francis

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

Activities requiring depth work are probably best suited for first thing this morning. After the Moon enters Sagittarius just after 11 am EDT (15:04:54 UTC), details could feel less compelling compared to the broader view. If your plans for tonight or tomorrow feel a little loose at the moment, that’s okay, as a Sagittarius Moon often favors ‘winging it’ — especially regarding new adventures, travel and socializing.

Just bear in mind that the shoot-from-the-hip potential of Sagittarius combined with Mercury’s current retrograde status could contribute to a slip of the tongue or an awkward moment. Chances are everyone will be willing to shrug it off, though, once corrections have been made. Mercury’s status is also a reminder that even spontaneous activities will likely benefit from checking things like directions, schedules, the weather forecast and other logistics (is your phone charged?) before setting out.

That said, the Cancer Sun moving into its opposition to Pluto in Capricorn brings in the serious side, especially for any interpersonal relationship where there’s tension brewing or a power imbalance. So even if you’re feeling easy-breezy overall, keep some awareness of the undercurrents at play. Anything coming to light these next few days that has an element of showing where things have been ‘off’ demands your genuine attention.
— by Amanda Painter

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

New in the Special Readings Series
Magnum Opus on Eclipses, Now Through Late 2020

Eric’s new 90-minute discussion of all things related to eclipses, in any sign — with a focus on Cancer and Capricorn eclipses, from the current pair through 2020 — is available now for instant access. Part audio reading, part astrology class, it offers you a lot of help processing the solar eclipse on July 2 and the lunar eclipse on July 16, and features original music. Hear it as part of the 2019-2020 Astrology Studio for Cancer, or purchase the Eclipses Reading separately for only $33.

The Day of the Unsolicited Opinion: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 11
The Day of the Unsolicited Opinion | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

Use your intuition — it will guide you well. However, be aware that it has certain properties. It rarely ever speaks of fear, of attack, or of defense. That is something else. Intuition might calmly guide you away from danger or toward opportunity. It’s the gentle tug, the voice whispering in your ear, the knowledge or understanding of something unfamiliar to you that turns out to be not just right, but helpful. It’s the kind of thing that comes to you; you don’t go to it.
— by Eric Francis

Hear Eric describe the impressive eclipses involving your Sun sign or rising sign in your 2019-20 Cancer Astrology Studio Reading — now available for instant access.

Written in the Planets

The current trine between the Cancer Sun and Neptune in Pisces describes heightened sensitivity to the subtler psychic realms — including through meditation or other quiet spiritual practices. This aspect briefly becomes a grand trine in the water signs as the Scorpio Moon activates Sun-Neptune. That could mean emotional intensity, or a desire to go deeper into an experience. All week the Sun-Neptune trine has been fostering this kind of thing; the Moon passing through (at about 2:00 pm EDT) might provide a sense of getting carried along with the current. If you’re especially sensitive this way already, you might wish to stay aware of your psychic boundaries.

On a less ‘woo-woo’ level: Sun-Neptune trines, especially in these signs, can indicate over-idealizing romantic relationships. If you’re putting yourself second to someone else’s needs, particularly to a degree that could be called self-sacrifice, it may be time for a reality check. Is the other person ‘worthy’ of so much of you? Do they at least seem to be trying to meet your efforts in some way? An outside eye might be helpful in assessing this.

Also exact today is the Mars-Uranus square in the signs Leo and Taurus. Beware of perceived threats to your ego, as they can easily lead to bursts of anger — and with Mercury retrograde, communication could get unnecessarily heated and complicated. If others seem to be blowing up at you instead, consider two things: one, that it may be all about their own ‘stuff’, not you; two, that it could be a signal to check whether you’ve been avoiding your own need to break away from something. Has anything related to the situation stagnated for you? The more you can be proactive about using restlessness to initiate long-term creative change — rather than just acting on pure impulse — the more likely you are to reap fulfilling results.
— by Amanda Painter

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Dec. 31, 2009. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

New in the Special Readings Series
Magnum Opus on Eclipses, Now Through Late 2020

Eric’s new 90-minute discussion of all things related to eclipses, in any sign — with a focus on Cancer and Capricorn eclipses, from the current pair through 2020 — is available now for instant access. Part audio reading, part astrology class, it offers you a lot of help processing the solar eclipse on July 2 and the lunar eclipse on July 16, and features original music. Hear it as part of the 2019-2020 Astrology Studio for Cancer, or purchase the Eclipses Reading separately for only $33.