Looks Like Libra, Smells Like Scorpio

Dear Friend and Reader:

Although the Sun is still in Libra, some of this week's news events appear to have a distinct Scorpio scent. This would seem to relate to astrology involving Mercury in Scorpio that is bookending the current workweek, layered over the continuing Venus retrograde in Scorpio.

We began the week with news coverage intensifying about the disappearance of Washington Post journalist and Saudi national Jamal Khashoggi.

True to the intrigue emblematic of Mercury in Scorpio, it seems that a possible scapegoat for Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance was also the point of contact for Saudi Arabia's offers of help to the Trump campaign in 2016. Rachel Maddow teased out the threads Wednesday.

Turkish officials allegedly have audio and video evidence of Khashoggi being tortured and dismembered within the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, which he had visited to obtain legal documents pertaining to his upcoming marriage.

We might interpret this as representing a dark shadow side to Mercury conjunct Venus in Scorpio, which was exact on Monday and which was also sextile Vesta in Capricorn. Usually astrologers describe Mercury-Venus conjunctions as stimulating an appreciation for beauty or declarations of love. Yet Mercury-Venus can also help one to see the underlying patterns in a relationship. The alleged events surrounding Khashoggi's disappearance and apparent murder do appear to be laying bare certain unsavory facets in the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Here we have the communication role of Mercury in a few ways. For one, Khashoggi was a journalist. Second, I'm considering this event from the perspective of when new reports spiked in popular awareness, rather than looking at an event chart for the alleged murder. Third, the evolving reporting has elicited shifting responses from the Saudi government, as well as Pres. Trump's vocal desire to protect arms deals with the Saudis.

Retrograde Venus shows up in terms of a diplomatic relationship now suddenly under review, and gets echoed in the marriage documents Khashoggi sought: he had to ‘return' to Saudi Arabia — in the form of its consulate — to be able to proceed with his marriage (which tragically will never happen now). Scorpio's themes of death, money and secrets are all over this story. And, just for good measure, Vesta in Capricorn could be hinting at a government making a sacrifice of someone who'd once been its own (Khashoggi has previous close ties to the Saudi royal family).

Fernanda Jacqueline Davila, in Tegucigalapa, Honduras, earlier this year, has been in government custody since she was taken from her grandmother at the border in late July. She recently came before the bench in federal immigration court in New York at two years old. Photo via The New York Times.

Another news story to catch my attention this week is less directly Scorpionic, but still has an association thanks to the sheer hell immigrant families are being put through in the U.S. — the underworld being the province of Pluto. Pluto is considered the modern ruler of Scorpio.

On Wednesday, Pluto received a square from Ceres in Libra. We can see this symbolized in reports that the Trump administration may resume its policy of forcibly separating migrant children from their families along the U.S.-Mexico border; this despite the fact that hundreds (if not thousands) of children seeking asylum still have not been reunited with their parents after having been separated earlier this year, and detained ever since.

On top of that, Democracy Now this week reported that data from Amnesty International suggests immigration officials separated approximately 6,000 families between April and August, a significantly higher number of children and parents torn apart than previously thought. As I wrote in Wednesday's Four Winds Almanac, one interpretation of Ceres in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn in this configuration is that it looks like the archetype of “mother" squaring off against an authority figure or institution that's putting people through hell. Regardless of your gender, you may have felt compelled this week to pay attention to your instincts to care for and protect others, especially children.

Back to Mercury in Scorpio, and More

As I mentioned initially, aspects involving Mercury in Scorpio bookend this work week. On Friday it enters an interesting aspect pattern, making a trine to Neptune in Pisces and a square to Mars in Aquarius. Note that Mars is the traditional ruler of Scorpio.

One way this could be playing out is through irritability with anyone who challenges your desire for escapism. For example, how many times have you posted about a favorite movie on social media, only to have people pipe up with their unsolicited critiques of it? That's one possible example.

Another reading of this energy could be heightened sensitivity to the rampant gender rage in our culture. If that's the case, bear in mind that while much of the debate centers on behaviors that can have life-and-death stakes, challenges to your ideas and point of view are not themselves actual threats to your existence.

Mossy micro-landscape at Acadia National Park in Maine one year ago. Photo by Amanda Painter.

Culturally, we have a problem with letting our egos and identity get so closely identified with our ideas and beliefs that it's nearly impossible to have a reasonable, open-minded conversation about certain topics. The internet seems to be codifying this social dysfunction; a Mercury-Mars square can exacerbate it.

Alternatively, the Neptune influence could have you preoccupied with daydreams and creativity. This is generally harmless and even beneficial, especially if you can find someone simpatico with whom you can share your dreams. (Also: do you get dressed up for Halloween? This might be a good time to brainstorm your costume if you haven't already.) The thing to watch for is if you let fantasies based in unexpressed hostility or anger provoke you to impulsive action, or if rage-fueled imaginings distract you while driving or dealing with hot/sharp objects.

In other words, be aware of your thoughts and urges the next few days, and the ways you feel compelled to express yourself. For now, the Libra Sun is still offering some sense of balance, despite all the aggression, intrigue and upsetting news we're suspended in. The Sun will leave Libra and enter Scorpio on Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Just three days later, on Oct. 26, the Sun will meet up with retrograde Venus for their interior (or inferior) conjunction in Scorpio. That will mark the astrological midpoint of Venus retrograde. And then on Oct. 31, Venus will retrograde back into late Libra.

It will be interesting to see what secrets Venus carries backward into Libra with her. If you feel like you're putting together pieces of a puzzle, hopefully you're taking some notes. I'll be curious to know if anything clicks into place or finds a new equilibrium when Venus stations direct come Nov. 16.

Between now and then, we have the midterm elections in the U.S. on Nov. 6. If you're a U.S. citizen and live in a state where there's still time to register to vote, please do.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

There's no turning back -- and we need just one thing

Dear Friend and Reader:

Life would be easier if more people used the full capacity of their minds. That goes for all of us. As we go deeper into this most unusual, challenging and potentially troubling phase of history, intelligence is the thing we need the most.

That is the theme of the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves. How can we tap into our ability to find creative solutions to problems? How can we envision, design and create a better future than the one we seem to be heading for? How can we handle our personal growth in a way that is sensitive and efficient?

I'm getting ready to record and write the 21st annual edition of Planet Waves. I will be setting aside all but the most essential other work to write what amounts to an astrological adventure novel.

The answer is intelligence.

For the past 20 years, I've been offering annual readings that bring top-quality astrology direct to you for an affordable price. Recent editions, THE ART OF BECOMING and THE BOOK OF YOUR LIFE, have been remarkable bestsellers and helpful to my clients.

Tonight is the initial purchase offer for INTELLIGENCE, my 21st annual reading, published by Planet Waves. This letter contains important information about the discounted pre-order phase, which will be relatively brief compared to previous years. This is in part to avoid excessive email, to save staff effort, and to allow us to focus on what promises to be a truly exceptional annual edition.

Tonight we are offering a discounted purchase for all 12 signs, for Backstage Pass holders, Core Community members, and Horoscope Lover subscribers. For Galaxy Pass holders, the annual edition is included. Full price for all 12 signs, once the written portion is complete, will be $222. Tonight and through the rest of this week, we are offering INTELLIGENCE at a substantial discount to our most dedicated customers.

Unlike in previous years, I plan to deliver RESET 2019, the first section of the reading, by New Year's Eve. Additional sections will follow in January and February, and there will be updates throughout the year. I will use written, audio and video formats, and the reading will feature an original soundtrack by Vision Quest.

The Astrology: From Jupiter to Eris

These are comprehensive readings based on the solar chart. I am one of a very few astrologers who can do a thorough, relevant and in-depth reading without the need for a natal chart. I am able to provide helpful, healing, and most of all motivational information. The motivational piece is essential: many people are feeling burned out, and many are struggling to have a positive view of the future.

My job is to help you see the possibilities, have faith in yourself and get some spring in your step.

I will be developing the stories of three new transits: Jupiter in Sagittarius, Uranus in Taurus, and Chiron in Aries. This alone would be astrology worth pausing to consider carefully, and to be the subject of expert but also life-affirming guidance.

Since beginning my astrological adventure in 1994, I have focused especially on Chiron, and this will be a centerpiece of the reading.

Chart for Saturn conjunct Pluto, and square Eris. Eris is the red ellipse with the arrow pointing down, on the left side of the chart. That has a number 23 next to it; follow the numbers. Now look at the top of the chart, at the planets starting with the 21 (the Sun), through 23 (Mercury). Between them are Ceres, Saturn and Pluto. This is a chart of the world being transported from one phase of history to another, bringing all of us along with it. I will be using 12 different versions of this chart (and many others) for INTELLIGENCE, your 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves.

Information on Chiron is too often speculative, needlessly negative, or hit-and-miss; I bring 23 years of study and experience, including personal instruction from Melanie Reinhart, Barbara Hand Clow, Dale O'Brien and other Chiron pioneers.

But there is something more important: on Jan. 12, 2020, we have a one-time conjunction of Saturn and Pluto, which will set the tone for all of 2019 (we're already feeling it now) and then will come with a kind of pivot as the aspect comes into full focus. This aspect pattern is square the new planet Eris, and making sparks in the U.S. chart.

Be prepared to read negatively polarized, verging-on-apocalyptic interpretations of this aspect -- elsewhere. Be prepared to let them roll off your back and to allow in something more creative. I am taking the Saturn-Pluto-Eris pattern as a wakeup call, summoning us to full integrity, maturity and discipline.

We have one year to prepare: to lighten our load in life, to work through family material, and to focus our true calling. Those will be my focal points.

Early Purchase Discount

We reward our customers for getting on board early. This reduces stress at the end of the year, and helps us do something we are committed to, which is sending fewer emails.

The pre-order price includes all facets of all 12 signs, plus extra materials such as video presentations on the astrology, and a Q & A feature, which I will handle in audio or video. Also expect at least one live session via our conferencing system, probably in the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

We will soon introduce the first tier of price increases, always favoring early purchase.

You may email us for a discount. You may also order by phone, by calling (845) 481-5616. If you're a member, please look out for a separate mailing with your discount included.

INTELLIGENCE will be included with the 2019 Galaxy Pass (which grants access to all products and a consulting credit -- and an extra password to INTELLIGENCE to give as a gift). If you are interested, please email or call (845) 481-5616.

Please note that 15% of all revenue from INTELLIGENCE will be donated to Chiron Return, Inc., the nonprofit corporation that publishes Planet Waves FM and The Gemstone File, and which will soon be offering the class Investigative Reporting from the Kitchen Table.

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SAVE YOUR LOGIN INFORMATION IN A SAFE PLACE. Give it its own folder in your email system, or print it and hang it over your desk.

Thank you for your purchase, and thank you for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

PS -- The Planet Waves annual edition is an internet tradition. You may see all of the past editions here (2018 is still under password; all the rest are open access). This Week on Planet Waves FM Interview With Lara Dale on Male Survivors

Dear Friend and Listener:

This week's edition of Planet Waves FM [play program here] features an interview with documentary film producer Lara Dale. This is a one-hour interview which I've posted as its own file.

On the main program, the interview begins at about 1:55, though you may find the stand-alone convenient (it will open as an mp3, not as a web page).

Lara has a lot to say about male survivors, and how nearly all sexual abuse begins in the home, or with early caregivers. She reached out to me early last week. I won't say much more about this interview, as Lara speaks for herself so elegantly.

I also include a look at the Mercury-Venus conjunction that took place on Monday, and frame that in the context of the retrogrades of Venus and Mars. I consider the chart of Saudi national and Washington Post writer Jamal Kashoggi disappearing in Turkey earlier this month.

And then I look ahead to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction of early 2020 and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction of late 2020. These are the two primary charts I will be using to create INTELLIGENCE, the 2019-2020 annual edition of Planet Waves.

Planet Waves FM is sponsored by your contributions to Chiron Return, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. We are part of the Pacifica Radio Network. Your monthly memberships are starting to add up toward covering the cost of the program. Thank you for your ongoing generosity. If you would like to make a one-time or ongoing contribution, please visit this link.

Thank you for listening.

With love,
After All, Half the World Has One
By Amanda Painter

Venus retrogrades are often said to manifest in ways that have to do with past relationships -- such as a former lover reappearing after years of no contact. But the current Venus retrograde is taking place in Scorpio: the sign of sex, death, secrets, other people's money and, in terms of the body, the generative system (that is, the external genitals and internal reproductive organs).

In that regard, Scorpio is linked not only to the moment and circumstances of leaving this world, but also to the circumstances that bring us into it. What might signal the 'return, review, re-do' theme of aesthete Venus retrograde in the sign of the genitals?

Enter haute couturier Fendi's new £750 Vulva Scarf.

And, if you wear it, it will look like you are entering the world…just like you did the day you were born. Made from wool and silk with a trim of real fox fur (unfortunately), the Touch of Fur shawl is also available in blue and red -- but Twitter users were quick to point out that the peachy-pink one makes wearers look like they're emerging from a giant vulva.

A sharp columnist at The Guardian has written a witty faux dialogue discussing the item. Sadly, it seems Fendi has removed the page for the pink shawl from its website -- which might make it harder for you to complete the high-fashion Halloween costume you just thought of.
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. Our Gifts to You: A Little Something Extra

Dear Friend and Reader:

It took me a long time to figure out what kind of gift to offer for new and returning subscribers. Tee shirts seemed too complicated; you need at least six sizes to get started, and not everyone wants a shirt. Tote bags are useful but kind of boring.

So I thought: journals. I love notebooks, and just about everything I write starts scribbled down on paper. I know my readers are a little old-fashioned, so this seemed like the perfect thing.

Black smaller, pink larger, embossed with the Planet Waves logo. There are a few hand painted sketchbooks left, with heavy, acid-free paper.

Then...I researched embossed journals for about six months. That's how long it took. I requested or purchased samples of the best that suppliers had, and all kinds of stuff came floating in the door. It was more challenging than I imagined to find a nice one, though finally I did.

Everything had to be right: the paper, the lines, and how the book feels in your hands.

However, the one I selected was being discontinued. I ordered as many as we could reasonably afford. We now have two main options: small black ones, and larger pink ones (these are new).

Together, they are the approximate color of Good & Plenty candy. I am one of these people who loves anything pink (sweatshirts, nail polish, headbands, a hot pink Squier guitar that I gave to Zosha a few years ago). We also have a few hand-painted notebooks left, which are acid-free sketchbooks.

You can get an embossed notebook with any monthly, quarterly or yearly membership to Planet Waves. If, by the way, there's a calling for hand-painted ones, I will make one more-or-less to your preferences (for those who sign up for a full-year Backstage Pass).

Continue reading this letter here.

Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

Your extended monthly horoscopes for October were published on Thursday, Oct. 11. We published your extended monthly horoscopes for September on Thursday, Aug. 30. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope after the Sun has entered a new sign.  Aries (March 20-April 19) -- In the digital environment, it would seem people are increasingly being judged on what they say, rather than on what they actually do. In some instances it's becoming rather difficult to speak one's mind without the strong temptation to add a preface, a disclaimer or an apology. You might wish to be considered a member of some particular group; be wary of any pressure to adjust your language, and pay close attention to the way others are using theirs. Try to avoid saying anything that does not accurately reflect your thoughts. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- There are often far more possibilities in life than the ones with which we are usually presented. In relationships, for example, people are encouraged to ride the proverbial escalator, and measure their situation in terms of pre-defined steps. You know there are many other ways to look at things, and your ruler Venus may be awakening you to some of them. If someone else wants to move things along according to their own parameters, you don't have to accede to their wishes; instead, show them how many options they, and you, really have. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- You understand yourself and your intentions better than you or others might suppose. You are also aware that having an ultimate goal in mind does not necessarily require every action you take to be hell-bent on its accomplishment. Among other things, you need time simply to be human; to relax, meet friends, enjoy hobbies and so forth. If you're worried about doing this, consider intervals of rest and recreation as useful in terms of sustaining your long-term drive and enthusiasm, in the same way that a good night's sleep supports your health. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- By now you are likely aware of the difference between your true identity and feelings on the one hand, and certain people's opinions or ideas about you on the other. The past few months have shown you how vital is the need to express oneself honestly, regardless of what might be expected or how some might react. You are not obliged to pacify anyone by conforming to artificial cultural norms. If you have a sense of fear or tension at the thought of being yourself, try to figure out what is behind that; then focus on how you could overcome it. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- You might consider this week as almost like an extra New Year; in various aspects of your life, you may be starting afresh, or have an opportunity to wipe the slate clean. If you have any habits, practices or commitments that are constraining you in some way, this is an optimal time to move on from them and form new ones. Make sure, when deliberating on this point, that you lean on the side of improving your overall wellbeing and taking steps toward reaching your potential. One clue to accomplishing this is that those two intentions are unlikely to conflict.Get your full reading by Eric here.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- A crucial part of your healing and growth process at this time is developing the ability to say what you really think and feel. Note that this doesn't simply mean speaking everything that happens to be on your mind at that moment. In some ways, that can mask what's going on at a deeper level. The first thing is to understand your emotional responses -- especially if you feel provoked to react to something immediately. What's that about? The second is to recognize that your feelings are valid, and you have every right to give them conscious expression. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- As we often stress on this site, ultimately you are the only person who can determine your identity, how you view who you are, and your most passionately held values. Yet this does not mean you need to seclude yourself from all possible influence by others. In fact, one of the ways you learn about yourself is through where those deeper parts of your being interact with others, and your experience of such encounters; genial as well as provoking or tense. You might, for example, observe this when you make art, or make love, or simply make conversation. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- Past challenges have a way of intruding themselves on present life, to the extent that sometimes we can feel as if we're being dragged back there. You may have been noticing similar sensations fairly recently; perhaps especially a feeling of succumbing to former habits of mind, or fears you'd rather have done with altogether. This week, you may suddenly gain a new perspective on these visitations; in rediscovering the thread of your current reality, potentially you've actually found a way to overcome whatever might have previously held you back. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Over the next few weeks, a specific phase of your life will be drawing to a close, with a new one forming. Hopefully you'll begin to feel more confident than you have in perhaps a few years. In part, this is about reaping the rewards of the groundwork you've assiduously prepared. The only thing that can get in the way is any fear you have of changes to your way of life. It's sometimes scary to emerge into the light after a while in the shadows, so to speak; yet this is a legacy you've created for yourself, and you're entitled to enjoy it. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- It's not always easy to know when you're doing good work, especially in stressful or busy periods; and one can very quickly lose heart if in doubt. If this sounds familiar, try taking a little time to celebrate your recent achievements. Praise from others might certainly come in useful, though ultimately your self-worth, as the name suggests, can only be set by you. Try to look at your accomplishments from a somewhat detached point of view, and be wary of applying any rule that you would not also use with someone else. You must treat yourself fairly. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Remember that fulfillment in the arena of your career and ambitions can only really be complete when you are using your inventive abilities, in as full a capacity as possible. Some workplaces certainly require one to suppress one's innate talents; if you are in that situation by necessity, make sure at least some of your free time is spent pursuing one that is worthier of you, whether through art or a different skill. Above all, you should not consider the unique luminosity of your mind as anything other than a gift, and a precious one. Cultivate it all you can. Get your full reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You may be finding yourself consistently deciding, this week, between following the loftiest and noblest impulses of your nature, and obeying the opposing drive to throw all your toys out of the baby carriage. Lapses come to us all; nevertheless, where you have the power of choice, try to choose wisely. This doesn't mean you have to be a saint. What might help is if you refrain from doing or saying what you could later regret, and instead try to look at a specific issue from as broad a perspective as you can accommodate. Chances are, you'll spot something you missed. Get your full reading by Eric here.