Tag Archives: Mercury

The Day of the Social Realist: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is May 3
The Day of the Social Realist | Order Your 2019-20 Taurus Reading | All Other Signs

Tackling whatever challenges you face from the ground up may give you an edge this year. That means starting on the most basic physical, practical level. Take care of your immediate surroundings, bodily health, finances and other such matters, and ensure all of these are functioning as well as possible. Then you can deal with more abstract questions. You will probably find at this point that you’ve already advanced farther than you expected.

Written in the Planets

Mercury meets up with Eris in Aries today. Do you have any ‘crazymaking’ tendencies when it comes to how you think (which might only affect you) or what you tend to blurt out (which obviously can have social repercussions)? The Moon passes through the conjunction during the wee hours of the morning (Eastern time); so if you happen to be awake and in contact with others then, you might feel an emotionally reactive undercurrent that’s hard to pinpoint. Can you track its source?

Also note that Mercury and Eris are still in close contact with Pluto in Capricorn and retrograde Jupiter in Sagittarius. Pluto brings in the potential for obsessive thought loops, which you may want dearly to speak about no matter how much they might throw things into chaos. It also raises the potential for coercing someone via subversive means if you repress the need to speak your truth. What to do?

See if you can lean in the direction of Mercury’s trine to Jupiter. There’s an openness to new ideas available there, along with a broader understanding of your situation, and its potential. The moment you feel like you might be over-focusing — whether on a particular thought, desire, or fear — see if you can take a few metaphorical steps back. Perspective is likely everything today, and should help you to guide your communication toward that middle path — the one where you can speak your mind constructively and with consideration.

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.

The Day of Human Observation: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is May 2
The Day of Human Observation | Order Your 2019-20 Taurus Reading | All Other Signs

Keep your aim in sight, and remember that the point is to get there rather than moving above a certain speed. Haste without deliberation may result in your needing to retrace steps; instead, plan your route carefully, and draw as much information as you can from all sources. There will likely be moments when you have a clear road in front of you; at these times, you should be fine to forge ahead.
— by Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

As we approach Saturday’s Taurus New Moon (which is smack-dab in the Beltane zone), the Sun makes a rather auspicious aspect to help you warm up for any weekend festivities. Specifically, the Sun is conjunct Lempo, an asteroid rather recently named for the ancient Finnish goddess of fire and fertility. (You can read a little more about her here and also here.) Get fired up — but if you’re not actually planning to celebrate your fertility by making full use of it, do remember to use a condom (that is, if you’re in a hetero situation and not honoring the goddess on your own).

Today’s sky also features a square between Mercury in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn. This looks like a reminder to beware of obsessive thoughts (possibly sexy thoughts in particular — channel that energy physically rather than getting stuck in your head about it). When dealing with others, try to keep an open mind in important matters. Do you really need to coerce someone to your point of view, or can you let them have their opinion? If you can use this energy to get introspective about hidden parts of your psychology, you may reap a deeper awareness that’s truly useful.
— by Amanda Painter

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.

The Day of Ironic Insight: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is May 1
The Day of Ironic Insight | Order Your 2019-20 Taurus Reading | All Other Signs

Reconsider your ideas as to what is and is not possible, and make room for approaches other than the solely pragmatic. That is to say: do not dismiss a hoped-for or intended outcome on the basis of what seems achievable in this moment. Take confidence from what you have accomplished in the past, and from your sense of devotion to what is truly important. You have both the passion and the capability you need to make it happen.
— By Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Can you take some initiative today with tasks that require discipline and a lot of mental energy? Mercury is making aspects to Mars and Saturn today that suggest this course of action could prove effective. The more you can own the project and your efforts, the more likely you are to enjoy the benefits. This may mean focusing on a personal goal or project first, to generate a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. After that, moving on to the obligations you have to others could feel a little easier.

Also note that we’re in Beltane territory — the ancient Pagan holiday associated with honoring the fertility of the Earth, which occurs when the Sun reaches the middle of Taurus. Plus, May is Masturbation Month. So how do you want to get your freak on? Venus conjunct Vesta in Aries today may be signaling an ‘unorthodox’ sexual relationship or encounter, but could also be prime energy for ‘tending your hearth’ solo, if you know what I mean. The Moon entering Aries is a reminder to watch impulsiveness — especially with your temper or libido, if either one is feeling the heat. There are plenty of ways to express both energies that take their impact and potential consequences into account, without bottling them up.
— By Amanda Painter

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.

The Day of the Cultivator: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is April 26
The Day of the Cultivator | Pre-order Your 2019-20 Taurus Reading | All Other Signs

Start preparing to sprint for the finish line on a current project or ambition. Keep your focus, and move on to a new task each time one is completed, as soon as is practicable. Make sure you’re thorough, however; this is more about organized action than speed, and not at all about haste. Once you catch a glimpse of what’s next on the horizon, you will have more than enough drive for what’s needed now.
— By Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

You may notice a brief boost in your emotional energy today — though it could come in the form of some semi-conscious inspiration or insight, so notice your dreams and any moments of synchronicity. This is described by the Moon entering Aquarius to square Uranus in Taurus, and then squaring the Taurus Sun for the last quarter Moon. As eccentric as the prompting might feel, you may be able to use it to move some kind of process or project forward — possibly in a rather inventive way that still feels true to your values. Deviating from typical routines should additionally offer support, in the form of extending the effects more than you might otherwise expect.

That said, the square between Mars in Gemini and Neptune in Pisces is calling the day’s tune (it’s ‘precisely exact’ tomorrow, but functionally exact today). If you’re feeling low in physical energy — or like you can’t quite move decisively between one option or desire and another — it’s okay to take things at a slower speed. The thing to be wary of, however, is the temptation to be dishonest or evasive as a result. Facing adversity, or the unpleasant consequences of past actions, could make that option especially easy to slide into.

If that describes your situation, can you receive the lesson you’re being offered and see the silver lining, without sliding into denial about what has happened and how you can do better in the future? In other words, can you acknowledge and integrate all facets of the truth, and use it to fuel actions that align better with your ideals? A trine between Mercury in Aries and Ceres in Sagittarius suggests that your more impulsive ideas could actually be harmonizing with your sense of spiritual nourishment. Even so, check your facts and stay sensitive to any group dynamics that you’re currently part of. Be sincere above all else.
— By Amanda Painter

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.

Shadow Meeting; photo by Amanda Painter.

Dancing on (or with) the Edge: the Libra Full Moon

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By Amanda Painter

Tomorrow morning, at 7:12 am EDT / 11:12:03 UTC, the Libra Moon opposes the Aries Sun for the Libra Full Moon. While a Libra Moon tends to be a ‘people-pleasing’ placement — an intellectual and artistic Moon that seeks harmony — the chart for this event describes an emotional current that’s under pressure, and which therefore could tip either way: toward creativity or toward disruption.

Shadow Meeting; photo by Amanda Painter.

Shadow Meeting; photo by Amanda Painter.

In fact, you may already be experiencing provocative encounters with certain people in your life; possibly someone is being reactive. Or could it be that you’re the reactive one?

Remember that one inherent property of a Full Moon is that the Moon is reflecting the Sun’s light. It’s a great metaphor for the type of emotional projection that can happen between people, especially if a situation carries unacknowledged baggage from the past, or if a current-moment factor is being left unsaid.

We human beings can have a hard time being introspective when something is thrust in our face; or when too much is demanding our attention around us. Yet one thing this Full Moon appears to be asking for is a high degree of self-awareness — in particular, some self-monitoring of our less-controlled urges.

For one thing, the Sun and Moon are facing off from the very last degree of their respective signs. This may translate to an added edginess — especially since the Sun and Moon are also both in close contact with Uranus in Taurus. The Moon will oppose ‘the cosmic sparkplug’ later on Friday; the Sun will conjoin Uranus on Monday.

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The Day of Serious Purpose: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is April 17
The Day of Serious Purpose | Order Your 2019-20 Aries Reading | All Other Signs

Pay attention to your environment, and to your emotional responses. Consider no form of information as inherently needless. The world around you is rich and vibrant, and is inviting you to share in its glories. You may be on the brink of realizing something that has previously been just out of your reach; once you obtain it, much is likely to make sense all of a sudden. Breathe the living air around you and let it kindle inspiration.
— By Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Mercury moves into Aries today, which may pick up the pace of any ongoing mental meanderings. Aries tends to be a decisive placement for the planet of the mind and communication, though, which could help if you need to get a handle on your thought processes. Mercury here can also be prone to impulsive decisions, and can get frustrated with delays in addressing problems. Given that we’re heading for a Full Moon in Libra (in the last degree of that sign) on Friday morning, it’s worth noting that the Moon enters Libra shortly after Mercury enters Aries. So that’s kind of like a mental-level trial run of the Full Moon energy — and it’s a good reminder to stop and think before you speak.

Note that pushing the ‘pause’ button before you express yourself is not the same as bottling everything up. But it might mean the difference between throwing fuel on a fire that you did not realize was smoldering just below the surface. Libra Moons indicate a preference for harmony; sometimes to the detriment of direct self-expression. So today could feature one person taking a forthright and uncomplicated approach to a situation, and the other person involved trying to steer interactions with diplomacy. You might even find yourself switching between those two roles.

Another thought: as Mercury moves into contact with a few key minor objects early in Aries and Capricorn, track where your thoughts are being drawn. Do you feel like you’re searching for a point of action, leverage or pressure-release between who you are (or think you are) and the patterns of your family of origin? Is any of this material coming through as previously repressed sexual energy, or something about your sexuality that you prefer to keep secret? If you can find a way in the coming days to express whatever it is safely (which still might feel risky, daring or just plain scary in its vulnerability), you may discover that you don’t even have to say that much to enjoy a sense of relief and acceptance of yourself.
— By Amanda Painter

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.

The Day of the Policy Makers: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is April 11
The Day of the Policy Makers | Order Your 2019-20 Aries Reading | All Other Signs

Spend some time forging a manageable balance between work and play. The optimal arrangement is different for everyone, and generally depends on the nature of your vocation, as well as your various ambitions, desires and needs. It has less to do with social expectations, relationship escalators or what you think anyone else wants from you. Start with what you consider to be the ideal picture, and work out the details from there.
— By Amy Elliott

Written in the Planets

Keep checking everything from different viewpoints today. That may go double for things like beliefs, which have a habit of resting on emotion and inherited narratives more than on facts. The more flexible you can be in this, the more likely you are to catch any gaps in your understanding — or in an otherwise decent plan or business transaction. Mercury may be direct, but it’s still in its post-retrograde ‘shadow’ phase in impressionistic Pisces.

Today Mercury makes a conjunction to an object called Borasisi (named after a fictional god in Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle), and also squares Jupiter, which just stationed retrograde in Sagittarius. Mercury-Jupiter squares tend to offer useful optimism for ambitious goals and big-picture ideas, but details can be elusive. To guard against rash or poor judgments, it may be helpful to be very methodical — no matter how sure you are that everything happens for a reason, and that everything will be fine. After all, sometimes the ‘reason’ something goes awry is to bring our attention to what we overlooked and could have easily caught. Why not be proactive?
— By Amanda Painter

Have you tried the Astrology Readings Channel?

Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We’ve taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you’re up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you’re curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.

“Mystic Mountain,” a detail from the much more extensive Carina Nebula, which astronomers are studying the complicated physical processes that form new stars. Photo by NASA, ESA, and M. Livio and the Hubble 20th Anniversary Team (STScI)

What We Birth Amidst the Chaos

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By Amanda Painter

On Saturday, the Aries Sun slides right into the square between Pluto in Capricorn and Eris in Aries. As was written about at the beginning of the week, this is part of a long series of era-changing and defining aspects covering the last ten-plus years. Chances are you can see a substantial amount of the change, stress, growth and discovery in your own life in that span of time as a reflection of this astrology; this week’s rumblings may be stirring up some uncertainty and tension — possibly with deep roots, along with great creative potential.

“Mystic Mountain,” a detail from the much more extensive Carina Nebula, which astronomers are studying the complicated physical processes that form new stars. Photo by NASA, ESA, and M. Livio and the Hubble 20th Anniversary Team (STScI)

“Mystic Mountain,” a detail from the much more extensive Carina Nebula, via which astronomers are studying the complicated physical processes that form new stars. Photo by NASA, ESA, and M. Livio and the Hubble 20th Anniversary Team (STScI)

One thing that could feel tricky about it, though, is getting a handle on how this energy is coming through for you personally.

Eris and Pluto move slowly; they tend to describe generational (or longer) processes.

Pluto, in particular, drives social (and, in Capricorn, institutional) evolution by breaking down what’s no longer functioning constructively. Eris adds a destabilizing factor: an element of chaos, subversion and (in its recent association with Uranus) provocation via the ways we define identity itself.

Another thing that might be challenging right now — yet easier to grasp — is the lingering effects of Mercury, and now Venus, moving through the focus-dissolving, imagination-distracting, and enticingly escapist field of Neptune in Pisces. Mercury is also still working through its post-retrograde shadow phase (it exits for new astrological turf on April 16). I’m hearing from a number of people comments about how this is still feeling a bit hiccup-y. It’s okay to continue taking things as slowly and deliberately as you need to.

Looking at Saturday’s chart, I noticed an interesting complement of minor objects in close contact with the Sun-Pluto-Eris aspect. I think they paint a fairly clear thematic picture, whether applied personally as you see fit, or culturally. I’m going to list them briefly.

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