Bringing Awareness to What Has Run Rampant

Dear Friend and Reader:

If you follow the news, you might have noticed some stories that fit the following theme: things that had once run rampant coming up against greater awareness, the need for deep healing, and a social justice imperative. Not all the week's news stories fit this general shape, but many do. You might even sense some of those themes in your personal life, or find that certain news stories are resonating with you quite strongly.

Photo by Amanda Painter.

Consider these examples: Bill Cosby's retrial resulted in a guilty verdict on three counts of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand; a magistrate in Australia has ordered Cardinal George Pell, one of the Vatican's most senior officials, to stand trial on decades-old sexual abuse charges; women executives at Nike have parlayed an internal, informal survey about long-term sexual harassment and gender discrimination (much of which had been reported to human resources and ignored) into an apparent reorganization of the company.

Additionally, North Korea's Kim Jong-un promised on Monday to immediately suspend nuclear and missile tests and dismantle one of its nuclear test sites, after a diplomatic meeting with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in. He even pledged to abandon his nuclear weapons if the United States agrees to formally end the Korean War and promises not to invade his country. (We'll see, but it is a fascinating statement.)

Between these stories of the pursuit of sexual justice and a potential cessation of certain nuclear and war-oriented activities, there's a common thread. Something that had been running amok in an institutionally sanctioned or corporate/governmental environment, with far-reaching consequences (Pholus in Capricorn), is meeting up with greater awareness in personal and collective realms (Chiron on the Aries Point -- the first degrees of Aries). Chiron and Pholus are in a square aspect that is exact on Saturday.

That awareness is key for any healing to occur; you can't address and heal what you don't know about -- or what you're willfully ignoring. Yet for many of these examples I've chosen, there's also a dynamic of sexual harm and scandal. We can relate that to the minor object Salacia, which is conjunct Chiron on the Aries Point. And right now, those two objects are joined by the asteroid Juno.

In many situations, Juno signifies jealousy and unmet needs in relationships. Yet some astrologers also note its potential to describe social justice issues. I'm not sure about the jealousy part regarding the news examples I've mentioned (apart from Kim Jong-un's missile-envy), but you can certainly check for it in your own life. Are you noticing some kind of unmet sexual need or insecurity, and does it seem like it has gone on far too long? Or something that began as seemingly minor, only to be prolonged or get 'set in stone'?

Toad eggs photographed one Beltane years ago. Photo by Amanda.

What would it take for you to address any tension you're experiencing as a result? You might feel emboldened by the women of Nike or by Andrea Constand to seek overdue justice. Yet maybe justice has been served in some way, or that's not what you need at this particular moment; there are many phases to healing, and many ways to get there, which could include simply choosing differently.

It's amazing how seemingly small decisions can set a person along a path of healing that takes them much further than they ever could have imagined. Yet often that first step is taken under a sense of pressure. The tension of squares in astrology, and the action they provoke, can be uncomfortable -- but quite effective if you're willing to start something new. Cardinal signs -- Cancer, Libra, Capricorn and especially Aries -- are all about getting started.

Greater awareness of what was unleashed long ago is generally very useful. It lets you deal with what you're facing in the present much more holistically. With Juno, Chiron and Salacia in Aries also opposing the minor objects Makemake and Logos in Libra, the 'logic' behind 'how things came to be the way they are now' in your relationships might very well be staring you in the face.

If you can look at it squarely -- and this goes for the individual level as well as for all of us collectively -- you can use it effectively. Yes, Aries can be combative, warlike and violent. Aries is also, however, where we locate the idea of identity; of "I am." Who are you now, who have you been, and who might you be in the process of becoming?

You have some choices. And as unlikely as the apparent reconciliation of North and South Korea may be, it certainly presents an interesting alternative to the war and suffering visible elsewhere. Consider it one of many possible places along the path of healing. Justice, revolt and retribution appear along that path, too. Where are you at?

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter A Method for Learning Astrology
By Eric Francis Coppolino

Wednesday on my Facebook timeline, a discussion began about the best astrology books. Be it known that I am skeptical of nearly all of them. Most books over-complicate the matter, they avoid the bare-bones techniques that you need to use, and they are overloaded with pseudo psychology. Many take such a dark view of people and what we go through, there should be a trauma recovery group for astrology students.

I am extreeeeeeemely finicky about whose ideas I will let into my mind, even whose books I will keep on my shelf. Once an idea enters your mind, it does not leave. And if an idea enters your mind that makes you feel bad about who you are, or doubt who you are, or projects the fear of negative outcomes, it can take a lot of processing to move it through.

In my view as a trainer of professional astrologers, one must have two solid years of therapy before working with an astrology client. If you want to practice readings along the way, I suggest short tarot readings, which are more intuitive, and less on the level of psychic surgery. 

Therapy is essential because you will encounter many situations in the counseling room where you must be able to sort out your stuff from your client's stuff. You will need to understand projection, and how not to take on the material of your clients, or put your material onto them.

An Art of Literacy

Astrology is an art of literacy, and you must build on conventional left-to-right literacy and convert your thinking into a holographic, circular, cyclical model. You must know what words mean, and the larger concepts they convey. 

So speaking of books, start with a good dictionary (Arkana Dictionary of Astrology by Fred Gettings) and a basic encyclopedia (Anthony Lewis, but I don't trust his interpretations of the asteroids). 

Bear in mind that I learned astrology reading the New York Post horoscope by Patric Walker. By "learned astrology," I mean that I went from zero to about 50 mph just by studying a newspaper horoscope, along with The Book of Thoth and the Thoth tarot.

When we talk about reading astrology books for the purpose of learning astrology, there must be a theoretical approach in the background. It's vital to recognize that nearly all modern astrology is psychological astrology. This is considered a benefit. However, in my view, psychological astrology is like watching a baseball game from the sidelines, and theorizing. Actual astrology is like playing on the field, and going to bat.

Most astrology students fill their head with psychological astrology and very little reading of actual psychology, which is usually MUCH more interesting than astrology books. Authors such as John Bradshaw, Alice Miller, Eric Berne, Erich Fromm and Fritz Perls provide a deeply useful set of references for the practice of astrology, because they are studies in human nature -- not theoretical psychology imposed on astrology.

Classical astrology -- not medieval but Greek -- is the foundation of the astrology we use. Set within a modern context, the demonstration of the true miracle of astrology comes from working with horary: the astrology of ideas and questions. 

Natal astrology is something of an afterthought to horary, though wisely informed by it. Once you know horary, it's an easy step into progressions, which are the full expression of the natal chart. Natal and progressed go together, largely because the progressed chart demonstrates the most important thing about the natal chart: IT IS A THING IN MOTION. It's not a static picture, being acted on by transits. It develops and unfolds and becomes something new more or less constantly.

Of Houses, Motives and the Spiritual Foundation

The most useful and misunderstood topic in astrology is the houses. Without an understanding of the houses, there is no way to read astrology effectively. The houses are the basis of the syntax of the reading: the steps you follow to get to an interpretation.

The houses also form the context of any reading. They are what bring the "celestial order" to Earth and into real life. I have yet to read a decent, flexible description other than one that I've written, called It's All in the Houses.

If you want to learn astrology, I would suggest you not stuff your head with one book after the next, but rather take a minimalist approach; an orderly approach; and learn astrology mostly from charts -- from practice -- and not from loads and loads of pseudo psychology, which I would define primarily as the false study of purported motives. Once you start getting into the study of supposed and presumed motives, you're about to be lost. There is too much room for projection. If you want to understand motives, ask people, and observe them. 

Astrology needs a spiritual basis. Otherwise it's as neutral as any set of tools. For that spiritual basis I would recommend either A Course in Miracles, so that you learn how to ask for help when working with someone; or, in the alternate, the work of Alan Watts, such as The Supreme Identity or The Way of Zen.

To understand why humans need astrology, you must understand sex and the inherently spiritual basis of sex. I will attach a separate reading list at the end; however, I recommend two works:

<> Tantra: The Indian Cult of Ecstasy by Philip Rawson
<> The Function of the Orgasm by Wilhelm Reich

Classical But Without Getting Hung Up

Having trained many professional astrologers, I've developed an approach that lays down a foundation of classical astrology without getting hung up in it. After one has studied ethics, and is widely read in at least three non-astrological subjects (one science, one literary and one musical or artistic), I would suggest this:

-- Learn some basic form of divination and get pretty good at it, such as I Ching or tarot. Divination is the basis of astrology. My goal in educating a beginning student is to get them to the point where they can understand what I consider the very best astrology book and one of the few books I would take to another planet: The Moment of Astrology by Geoffrey Cornelius. 

This might take a year or two of study and reading charts, to get up to the point where you can follow along the chart examples that Cornelius uses. No other book describes what one does when one does astrology as well as The Moment of Astrology.

Additionally, you will need:

-- A quality loose-leaf notebook with good paper, blank wheels, sheet protectors to collect random scraps, and a good mechanical pencil. I recommend keeping your notes in pencil, so that you can erase, and are reminded that the world is subject to change.

-- An ephemeris in book form. Absolutely essential. The New International Ephemerides from Aureas spans the 20th and 21st centuries. Astrology students are abandoning the ephemeris, which is like musicians abandoning scales.

-- For a general reference, The Astrologer's Handbook by Sakoian and Acker is the most spiritually and technically clear, without a lot of heavy-handed viewpoint or dogma. It's just the basics.

-- For another general reference, though somewhat heavier handed, and an excellent introduction to Pluto, Astrology: A Cosmic Science by Isabel Hickey. The beauty of this book is that Hickey was so well read in Alice Bailey, and some of that comes through.

For classical astrology, here are my most trusted titles:

<> Whole Sign Houses by Robert Hand (monograph)
<> Night and Day by Robert Hand (monograph)

Astrology is part of a wider area of subjects, broadly known as "the occult." 

<> The Book of Thoth by Aleister Crowley covers tarot, kabbalah and astrology, particularly Pluto. As such, it stands as a fantastic introduction to "occult" topics, written with Crowley's acerbic wit and astonishing breadth of knowledge. It is by far the best book on the tarot, and thus an excellent foundation to astrology. Crowley understood Pluto before anyone else.

What is called "modern astrology" addresses the three outer planets of the 20th century: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. To that end, I recommend: 

<> Prometheus the Awakener by Rick Tarnas. (Monograph) This precedes Cosmos and Psyche by many years; I think it's more accessible, a small fraction the length; and it makes all of the same historic points beautifully. 

Then we get into the postmodern era -- the minor planets. I recommend:

<> Saturn, Chiron and the Centaurs: To the Edge and Beyond. Melanie Reinhart gets it right when she teaches Saturn as a prerequisite to the centaurs Chiron, Pholus and Nessus. This is by far the best exposition of Saturn, put in simple, clear and humane terms. She then goes over Chiron and introduces Pholus and Nessus -- the first book in English to do so. This is a seminar transcript, which moves quickly, is fun, and is easy to read. Melanie's transcendent wit and love of existence shine through.

<> Chiron and the Healing Journey by Melanie Reinhart. The best book on Chiron -- best as in humane, deep, soulful and relevant. This book emphasizes "the work" of Chiron and the struggle to become whole. 

<> Chiron: Rainbow Bridge Between the Inner and Outer Planets by Barbara Hand Clow. This is a whole other take on Chiron, what you might call the Uranian rather than Saturnian take. I practically memorized this book and, assuming you study Melanie's work for some balance, it's a brilliantly useful work by someone who was, earlier in her career, a work-a-day astrologer on the level of Evangeline Adams. Clow's book borrows heavily from Zane Stein, who wrote an earlier work called Chiron: Essence and Application.

For humanistic astrology, that is summed up nicely in one work:

<> An Astrological Mandala by Dane Rudhyar. This is the most accessible book on the Sabian symbols and I think the jewel of Rudhyar's work. This is now a rare volume! Buy all the copies you can find, if at a decent price (such as $25 or so); note that they are going from $90 to $400 many places.

Returning to classical for a moment:

<> The Book of Rulerships by Lee Lehman is in my experience an excellent work on classical associations of the planets and signs. Lee Lehman is a true scholar and devoted author. This book is in dictionary form, so it's an easy reference.

Then there is spiritual astrology.

<> Esoteric Astrology by Alice A. Bailey to me is THE foundation of spiritual astrology. You do not read this book; you imbibe it over the course of a few years, a few pages at a time. There is no better description of the astrological signs in existence. She takes you below the surface levels into what is happening in the canyons and on the mountain peaks. Once you know this work, you will be able to smell the veracity of other astrology books from across the room.

For mundane astrology:

<> The Book of World Horoscopes by Nick Campion is your essential guide to mundane data -- the births of countries, states, and many major world events. If you are studying mundane (such as news astrology), which is essential to being an astrologer since we live in the mundane world, this book will be your best friend.

And one last: the groovy personality-level astrology of the 20th century has a home in a most excellent work, which nobody survives in one piece. This is a brutally funny book that will pack the kitchen at any party and has the most insightful, incisive thoughts on your basic "what is this about" astrology:

<> Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook by Debbi Kempton Smith. This book is so funny and so astute that you will tend to memorize it as you go.

And there you have it. If I needed to import astrology to another planet, I would bring these few books. When I travel, I only take two books -- An Astrological Mandala and Esoteric Astrology -- and I am good to go. Chiron in Aries: The Challenge of Individuating

Dear Friend and Reader:

Chiron is now in Aries, for the first time since 1977. This is about the quest for individuality in the most deeply personal way: the cultivation and growth of your soul. There are challenges associated with doing this, which I plan to address eloquently and in a way that you will find reassuring and helpful.

Eric Francis at his video desk, in Kingston, NY.

Chiron in Aries is good news for those who love learning about themselves, growing and living in a way that is fully committed to who you are. Following up on The Art of Becoming 2018 annual edition, I'm honored to offer you The Sacred Space of Self spring reading.

The Sacred Space of Self will come in the form of 12 video presentations, each approximately half an hour in length. These readings will apply to Sun sign, Moon sign and rising sign. They are offered as a package, and will interlink with and support one another. 

One topic I will focus on is the special challenge of growing and evolving when you're involved in an intimate relationship -- and your partner is not growing as fast as you are, or does not want to.

The Sacred Space of Self will cover Chiron's transition into Aries over the next nine months. I will also look back at Chiron in Pisces, which began in 2010. I will give a detailed reading of Mars retrograde in Aquarius (June 26-Aug. 27). And I will introduce Uranus entering Taurus. (NOTE: In the Midyear Reading over the summer, I'll further develop Uranus in Taurus, and give a detailed reading of Venus retrograde in Scorpio.)

Delivery is projected for the month of May. Given the complexity of the project, there's no way to give a better estimate, but May (as early as possible) seems doable.

Pricing Policy: Please Read Carefully

First, this is one purchase per household. You may share with your significant other and relatives. This reading will contain useful information for both adults and children.

Planet Waves products are introduced at the lowest price, and then we increase gradually. We are introducing all 12 signs of The Sacred Space of Self for $66, which is $5.50 per sign. Soon after, we will increase to $77, then $88, and then, right before publication, $99. Once we publish, the final price will be $111. If you want the best bargain (nearly half price), please purchase early!

Please order early if you would like the current best price. You will then get a delivery confirmation email, which would be good to print and keep in a safe place. 

You may pre-order The Sacred Space of Self here.

Thank you for your business, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

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About My Readings

My readings are warm, personal, and presented in plain talk, not astrological jargon. When I make an astrological point, I will show you using a clear illustration. In these readings, I draw upon my experience as an astrological counselor, a workshop presenter, plus extensive therapy training, and tantric work. 

More than anything, I strive to be motivational. 

Over the past 24 years of doing this work, I have developed the "solar chart" method of reading more effectively than it's ever been used before. The solar chart allows me to give readings close in detail to a personal reading, but without needing your birth data.

This allows me to bring you real astrology at a small fraction of the cost of a personal reading -- and often deliver observations and insights that might not make it into a one-on-one session.

Notably, this is the time of year when I can do a few individual readings, which you can learn more about here. Hooray, Hooray, the First (Okay, Third) of May!
By Amanda Painter

While "astrological" Beltane is not officially until May 5, and May 1 was far too chilly in the Northeast to engage in much outdoor frolicking sans clothing, it's still the traditional time of year to celebrate the Earth's fertility, our bodies and each other in a particularly frank way.

While Jonathan Coulton's song "First of May" might not be safe for work (at least, not without earbuds in), its cheerful and playful celebration of "fucking outside" is not really graphic apart from that one phrase. You can check this version with lyrics on simple blue backgrounds, or -- for a real treat -- try this version performed in American Sign Language. (Listen and watch with the closed captioning turned on to see how the ASL phrasing differs from what is sung, but be sure not to miss the facial expressions of background signers Kevin Saunders and Greg Briley.)

One note of caution: at the end of the ASL "First of May" video, there's a note to check out a "Bad Philosophy" web address. Do NOT type in that exact address, or you'll be taken to a disturbing porn website -- apparently thanks to the domain name being bought by someone else in the years since "CaptainValor" (Stephen Torrence) posted the video to YouTube. Torrence used to host a "Bad Philosophy" podcast, archived here, which is what he was trying to direct viewers to. 
This Week on Planet Waves FM Your Beltane 'Mini-Eclipse' Edition

Dear Friend and Listener:

We have a special extended edition of Planet Waves FM [play program here] for the recent Scorpio Full Moon. This is a musically rich edition, featuring compositions by Lost at Last and, at the end, a new release from Planet Waves house band Vision Quest.

Moonrise over a Canadian lake. Photo by Craig Dennis.

I begin with a reading of the Full Moon chart, wherein the Moon-Sun opposition meets the lunar nodes at a right angle -- making this Full Moon a miniature eclipse.

Ceres is on the north lunar node, so the Full Moon is also square the Earth mother. Somewhere in there I describe the cross-quarter days, the set of holidays that occur when the Sun is at the midpoint between an equinox and a solstice (as it is now, at Beltane time).

I take a close look at the conjunction of Juno (asteroid associated with marriage and jealousy) and Chiron, on the Aries Point -- an invitation to let go of toxic jealousy and live your relationships in a way that allows for genuine independence. I develop an idea introduced last week that "there are no private thoughts" and consider the ways that thinking we do have private thoughts and separate realities is responsible for most of the conflict in our relationships and on Earth.

Then in the last segment, I discuss consent and the deeper issue of trust, including the discovery and establishment of boundaries and what that really means. Finally, I describe a recent experience of learning to trust women as part of my tantric process.

The last song (following Ocean of Mercury) is a new release from Vision Quest; here's a link to download.

Planet Waves FM is part of the Pacifica Radio Network, a nonprofit organization devoted to global peace. We're produced and published by Chiron Return, Inc., the nonprofit arm of Planet Waves. We're supported by your donations to Chiron Return, which are 100% tax deductible.

Thank you for participating.

with love,

PS -- Here is the latest incarnation of Lost at Last -- Jaya and Ananda.

PPS -- I mentioned that Vision Quest has a Soundcloud stream, and a Mixlr stream. Those links will get you there.

Larry Harvey, Founder of Burning Man (Jan. 11, 1948 - April 28, 2018)

We are saddened to report the death of Larry Harvey, the founder of Burning Man. Larry was a visionary, a philosopher, a builder, an idealist, and a friend to humanity. To me he was the living representation of Aquarius at its most creative, intuitive and evolved.

I fell in love with his ideas when researching my original Burning Man series of articles in 1999. This link takes you to the main piece in that series, where you can read parts of an extensive interview with Larry at the end of the piece. He likened Burning Man to the analog version of the internet.

"Unlike conventional media, the Internet is radically accessible, interactive, egalitarian and non-hierarchic. It is not easily made subject to central control. Because it is so readily available to vast numbers of people, it has the potential to generate manifold personal connections that transcend normal boundaries within our society.

"Burning Man is an analog of this process. It forms a concrete image of the internet. Participants in Burning Man are empowered to create unique virtual worlds of their own devising, much as web sites can be generated within cyberspace. They are also enabled to interact with other people on the basis of an absolute equality."

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Planet Waves: Quality Astrology and Journalism

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Listen to Vision Quest on Live Stream

Planet Waves has an in-house music ensemble, called Vision Quest. We have a 38-hour loop of our music, which you can listen to any time. Included are finished pieces, rehearsals, live concerts, drum grooves, and spoken word recordings. I consider it a kind of musical divination. Click in randomly at different times of day and see what you discover.

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Four Winds Almanac Now Includes Daily Horoscope

Planet Waves publishes a nifty daily astrology newsletter called the Four Winds Report. Designed as a fast read arriving early in the morning, we're now trying an experiment -- we're including the daily horoscope for everyone.

Were it not for horoscopes, I wouldn't be an astrologer. It was the Patric Walker daily that convinced me there was actually something to astrology, and I got my basic education studying his column each day in the New York Post.

I pack a lot of energy into each sign's 50-word write-up. Part of the value of astrology is the timing, and daily allows for precision, as well as chronicling a narrative day by day.

Your almanac also includes information about Mayan astrology (long count and short count dates), several formats of the current date (including Hebrew and Islamic), a daily birthday reading, and special discounts on products and services.

Best of all, we take no outside advertising.

Sign up free here. Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

We published your extended monthly horoscopes for May on Thursday, April 26. Your extended monthly horoscopes for April were published Thursday, March 29. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope on the first Thursday after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) -- This week sees a major Aries Point moment in the form of the latest square between Chiron and Pholus, on the day of Beltane. With Mercury now fully out of shadow phase, this is an ideal time for shaping the information you've gained into a constructive form. Consider everything you've learned as a resource, which you can now apply to whatever major project you have in mind. Keep a positive and grounded attitude, and you should be good to go. -- by Amy Elliott

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Taurus Birthdays 2018: Happy Beltane, Taurus!

"Just to compliment your marvelous work for Taureans again this year. What you write is supportive and comforting. It is as if you were right here, observing and knowing me."
-- Michael

Dear Taurus Sun, Moon or Rising:

Even amidst the juicy upsurge of Beltane energy, you may already be feeling the reverberations as Uranus knocks on the door of your sign. Taureans are supposedly uncomfortable with change -- though, really, it's a lot subtler than that. When the changes are necessary, yours is the sign with the power to understand this, and to carry it through, from beginning to end.

In your forthcoming 2018-19 Taurus Birthday Reading Eric will help you harness that strength, and use it to forge the world you want to see.

With two segments of astrology (at least 30 minutes each) you'll get the motivational coaching, insight, reassurance and practical tools you need. You can download the audio to listen as many times as you like, and you'll also get an extended Taurus sign description.

"You have an uncanny knack and precious gift to be able to zero in on what is real and current in our lives, Eric. Thank you for being you."
-- Priya

Make the most of Eric's gift to focus your life for the next solar year and beyond. Pre-order your Taurus Birthday Reading today to secure the lowest price.

With best wishes,

Amy Elliott

P.S. If you'd like to listen to what Eric had to say last year for your sign, you can do that here at no cost. Note that this reading also makes a great gift for the Taureans you love.

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Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- You seem to have begun stepping up a gear in terms of growing into your power. It's as if the universe has dropped some clarity in your lap regarding a part of your identity, of which you may have been unsure or unaware for a while. This is almost certainly an ongoing quest, so make no assumptions and keep up the exploration. Uranus on the brink of your sign may indicate a forthcoming time of self-reinvention, yet it's important first to know who you are now. -- by Amy Elliott Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Your intuition can be pretty powerful at times, and this week it seems to be unusually keen. Intuition is a commonly undervalued skill, and I think there's sense in Agatha Christie's assertion that it's often really an impression based in logic or expertise -- that is, the mind simply processing what you already know into an informed perception. Either way, it would seem yours has something to contribute at present, so be sure to give it a seat at the table. -- by Amy Elliott Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- If you were previously feeling somewhat constrained or your progress hindered in some way, you should now feel able to move forward as usual. There might be some rebuilding work to do, especially if you need any form of healing. One thing to keep in mind is that, while memories of the past have their value, former times are not for living in or dwelling on too much. Document what you need to document, and then turn your mind consciously toward the future. -- by Amy Elliott Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- You have a rare opportunity at present to stand out in your chosen career. It's likely you've prepared the way over some time, and the acclaim you now appear able to receive is surely no more than you've thoroughly earned. That said, it's also true that a little charm applied now may go a long way. That might seem irrelevant or trivial compared to the amount of work you've accomplished, and indeed it is. However, there is no harm in simply being gracious and friendly. -- by Amy Elliott Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- Part of the reason we must each be our own lodestone is simply that each of us is limited in our vision, by virtue of living at least to some extent on the material plane. Trying to reach the Divine through a human intermediary is a little like setting off a smoke machine in order to see more clearly. I recognize that trusting oneself most of all can feel risky. Do it anyway. There is nothing better able to point you in the right direction than your own feet. -- by Amy Elliott Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- Lessons from the past can sometimes lose traction when it comes to translating them into present actions and future aspirations. This week's astrology, however, suggests that a penny is in the process of dropping. A relatively small occurrence, such as a memory suddenly seen in a new light, may prove to contain a valuable piece of information. I would recommend that you hold the intention to make any needed changes, and then simply keep your eyes peeled for clues. -- by Amy Elliott Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- From time to time pretty much anyone needs to be able to unwind and spend time with loved ones. This is surely true of you also, though recently the daily grind, or a rather intense project, may have superseded that desire. Do whatever you need to do to restore a healthy balance between work and play. This may include some planning and reorganization, though it's worth the effort. In the end, both you and those you care about are likely to benefit. -- by Amy Elliott Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Whatever you currently have on hand, now would seem to be a good time to organize and optimize your daily routines. In particular, look for pressure points; that is, times of the day, or the week, when you're at the greatest risk of feeling overwhelmed. See if you can delegate some tasks or spread them out a little, by planning ahead. In astrology, what you do regularly is connected with your wellbeing. That could be a useful message for you just now. -- by Amy Elliott Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- What will it take for you to accept that it's okay to be yourself? Ultimately you cannot be anyone else, no matter how hard you try to suppress your nature or how determined others might be to reshape you. Your uniqueness is not there so you can make your friends comfortable or appease your parents. One way to find your voice might be through your creativity. We all possess this in one form or another. Think of what makes you curious, and what makes you passionate. -- by Amy Elliott Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- The things we tell ourselves are often shaped in unrecognized ways by our parents or former caregivers. Listening for the sometimes-subtle early messages that can make their way into your inner monologue can take time and patience; but learning to distinguish them is an invaluable skill. This week, if you catch yourself in the act of self-criticism, try to understand whose voice is really behind it. Then you can far more easily tell them to shut up. -- by Amy Elliott Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- A part of you seems determined to carry the entire world on your shoulders. Noble as that endeavor may be, springing as it very well might from the innate generosity of your spirit, it appears wise to hold off for now. Terrestrial planets are pretty heavy. Just think of all that iron in the middle. For this week at least, it would probably be more sensible to lift only what you must; and if you find you need help, which we all do sometimes, it's perfectly okay to ask. -- by Amy Elliott

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