Tag Archives: self-awareness

The Day of Material Inducers: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 15
The Day of Material Inducers | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | The 2019-20 Leo Astrology Studio is available for pre-order | All Other Signs

You are entering a state in which it’s near impossible to be conventional, or to please for the sake of pleasing. You’re evolving as a person. This may generate some tension between you and others; it’s possible to work with them through those moments. One way to defuse any conflict is to find the common ground. That said, you are not responsible for how those around you feel, and none of this should prevent you from your mission to live your dharma.

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

Notice how you’re feeling — really feeling — today. Can you tease out the threads of your emotions and sensations? As in: what seems to be new or related to a current situation; what feels like an echo from the past; what’s really a worry or fantasy based on a possible (but not yet manifested or real) future? If that seems too complicated or daunting, maybe just start with a basic exercise: can you name your emotions? Often they mix together, or one follows another so quickly we mistake them, and react in ways that aren’t as productive as they could be. Once you name them, you stand a better shot at tracing them to their source.

Why does this matter today? Because tomorrow we have a Full Moon in Capricorn (the sign opposite the Moon’s ‘home sign’ of Cancer), and it’s also a partial lunar eclipse. There are some intense factors in that chart, which describe a need to be aware of where you’re feeling intensity, conflict, confrontation or confusion in your life. By all means, notice what sparks joy in you, and see if you can at least touch on those activities today and tomorrow. In the process, you may discover that paying attention to some of the more serious dynamics in your various relationships frees up some space and energy for the more joyful, creative and visionary pursuits.

Also, if you’re formulating a plan, do you rely mainly on established rules, or do you favor your own experiential wisdom? Chances are those two approaches need to be integrated in some way today, as described by a square between the asteroid Pallas in Libra and Saturn in Capricorn. You might also notice whether the emotions of others factor into your process. Do their feelings mirror yours, or tend to crowd yours out? Keeping the ideas of negotiation and dancing in mind may help you to navigate any flare-ups with someone over the next couple days — particularly if you can own your emotions and responsibilities without taking theirs on.
— 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 Convincing Storyteller: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 14
The Day of the Convincing Storyteller | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

Remember that relationships and collaborations of all kinds work best when everyone involved is honest and willing to do their share. Don’t wait for others to set the example; make sure you’re holding up your side of whatever agreements you’ve made. Even if you’re not used to taking the lead, this is your moment to do precisely that, and show who you really are. This will help give those around you the space to do the same, to your mutual benefit and enhancement.

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

We’re on the approach to an eclipse: the July 16 Capricorn Full Moon and partial lunar eclipse. This is the companion event to the July 2 solar eclipse in Cancer. Typical protocol in the couple days surrounding an eclipse is to do your best to focus your intentions on some goal or life vision you’d like to move toward, and to do things you love and want to cultivate as steps toward that goal. Yet some eclipses also ask us to do some heavy lifting in the process. This may be one of those events, and if so, chances are you’re already aware of that feeling. The Cancer Sun’s opposition to Pluto describes this situation.

Bear in mind that ‘heavy lifting’ does not mean forcing a situation or dictating to others in order to get your way. It might, however, mean making an honest assessment of your emotions and overall wellbeing; and in light of that information, then taking a realistic, ground-up approach to fixing what has broken down — preferably by enlisting the help of anyone else involved and impacted.

The Moon enters Capricorn tonight at about 7:05 pm EDT (23:04:35 UTC). Its immediate conjunction to the centaur Pholus is a reminder that a little may go a very long way right now, especially where reactions are concerned. You don’t have to stuff your emotions and seal the jar tight, since that’s likely to backfire. Just remember that our current sky suggests implementing a delay on all responses that come from a place of frustration, slights to your ego, or old pain being triggered.
— 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 Taken Opportunity: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 13
The Day of Taken Opportunity | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

Confront your challenges and problems head on. There is no point sidestepping them, or bobbing and weaving, or pretending they’re not there. Your challenges are what build you up, even if there are moments when they seem to tear you down. In the end, this process makes you a more solid person, connected to your inner truth, and courageous enough to speak the truth to anyone. Make sure your ears are open as well. Not everything everyone says contains vital wisdom, but it just might, and it’s worth listening.
— 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

Limitations, supposed ‘rules’, and your own past could be creating some friction with your innate sense of what really turns you on today — thanks to a square between Saturn in Capricorn and Eros in Libra. This could apply very literally to sex, especially if you still have parental voices that chime in and enforce your inhibitions whenever the potential for erotic adventure appears. (Another take: an urge to buck the ‘detachment’ rules around hookup culture.) Or, it might describe something more like The Man crowding your artistic joie de vivre, or some other authoritarian hindrance to your Life Force. Yes, we all have adult responsibilities we must fulfill, but be careful to discern those from guilt trips that aren’t really about you at all.

The Moon cruising by Jupiter in Sagittarius today describes an expanded urge to be free, play and enjoy a few of your favorite things. That should help to balance the Saturn thing to a degree — though focusing your indulgences in a few select, high-priority areas will likely carry the greatest long-term benefit.

If you’re feeling depressed, stressed or in some way stuck under someone else’s thumb, can you see where you’re empowered to make some changes that will benefit both you and everyone else involved? Chances are such an opportunity exists, though it might not become visible until after the situation breaks down in some way. Chaotic as it might feel at first, there’s no telling what unexpected corners might birth a solution if you’re willing to see what’s being revealed — and if you’re committed to not playing games.
— 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.

The Day of Passive-Active Duality: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 10
The Day of Passive-Active Duality | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

In anything you do, you may notice there is a difficult way, and an easier way. By difficult, I mean running into obstacles that make no sense. How do you handle them? Do you go back toward the obstacle, or do you go in another direction? Think of this as the difference between the past and the future. In any choice you make, which way are you headed? Here is the thing: there are certain elements in your life that you are really, truly done with. Know what they are, and be bold about choosing something else — something alive and fresh.
— 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

A few hours after the Moon enters Scorpio today at about 5:28 am EDT (9:28:29 UTC), it makes its way into a T-square formation with Mars in Leo and Uranus in Taurus. You may notice an extra edge (perhaps sexual) or depth of emotion this afternoon, possibly related to any restlessness you’re feeling this week. Mars aspects tend to be palpable on the approach (the square to Uranus is exact tomorrow), so you may already be experiencing it.

If you’re yearning for freedom in some form, see if you can channel that impulse away from outright rebellion and into a more deliberate process of ongoing creative change. Also keep tabs on perceived threats to your ego, since the potential for explosive reactions is higher with this aspect. With Mercury newly retrograde in Leo — and still in contact with Mars and Uranus — you’re on double alert to be careful and thoughtful with all forms of communication. It may be harder with real-time, in person conversations to press your internal pause button if needed. You’d be amazed, though, at the centering power of a couple deep breaths in such moments.
— 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 Wonder: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 9
The Day of Wonder | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

Work is good, and you like the stuff, though be aware when you’re working too hard to meet a particular goal. By too hard, I mean pay attention to the potential for inefficiency, and notice when you feel like you’re over-efforting. The moment you notice, back off a little, and reconsider your plan. Work with a conscious strategy that you tune on a near-daily basis, if only by making micro adjustments. This will keep you conscious and alert — that’s what you need.
— 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

Today’s first quarter Moon marks the halfway point between the July 2 solar eclipse and the corresponding lunar eclipse on July 16. It’s also the first full day of Mercury’s current retrograde. Did you notice anything unusual last night or this morning — such as unexpected information, in addition to any hiccups or glitches? And how is this Eclipse Zone developing for you? Are you finding it easy or difficult to keep your focus on where you want to go, and to make adjustments to your daily rhythms in service of your longer-range goals? This may be a useful day to re-set or re-orient, if needed.

The Cancer Sun makes oppositions to Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn this week — with the aspect to Saturn exact today. This could present itself a few ways. Socially speaking, it might crop up as some loneliness. We can never truly know other people beyond a certain point; and while this is always the case, it could come through with a heavier feeling under a Sun-Saturn opposition.

Mainly, though, this aspect is likely to describe awareness of your limitations — particularly those set by other people or wider circumstances. That may feel challenging if there’s something you need to express that’s in contradiction to those restrictions or to someone in authority. How can you find the balance between doing or saying what you need to, and taking care of your central responsibilities and obligations? Whatever the method, being honest — and requesting honesty from others — will be key.
— 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 Dark Pragmatist: Birthdays and Planet News

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If Your Birthday is July 8
The Day of the Dark Pragmatist | Order Your 2019-20 Cancer Reading | All Other Signs

You are edging closer to something you want, something genuinely important. Yet you need to watch your bearings. That’s a navigational term, which means know your position, your course and your speed. Check these regularly. You may be driven by financial motivation to a degree that does not work for you, and that’s one of the most important things to keep tabs on. Where money is concerned, know how much you need and why. Make sure the basics are taken care of first. And in all of your dealings, be impeccably honest. In the long run, it will pay.
— 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

Retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to Mars in Leo is exact today, though chances are you’ve noticed its influence already. That might be coming through as heightened mental and physical energy in its more constructive manifestation, such as the ability to focus on a project and persist until it’s done.

However, if you’ve been trying to navigate defensiveness, competitiveness, egos (yours or someone else’s) and similar, it may help to take step back from whatever’s firing you up. Continuing to push at someone is unlikely to bring an enjoyable outcome, though friendly debate could be extra spirited. That said, today’s Libra Moon offers a ‘make peace, not war’ vibe that may help to balance out hotter influences, as long as you stay honest in your efforts at diplomacy.

Venus in Cancer is making aspects to Chiron in Aries and Uranus in Taurus. Are you feeling inwardly conflicted about something or someone (including, but not limited to, who you are and how you love)? You might find that the more unusual, creative or unexpected option for how to deal with it offers you the best opportunity to move forward. It could also provide a more authentic sense of contact with your core values, even if it seems out of habit. Your most stimulating friends, lovers, and ‘not your typical Monday’ social situations are worth seeking out today — just do so knowing that transit and communication will require your full 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.