Truth or Dare in the Manifestation Zone

We're about a week out from the last of three eclipses -- a lunar eclipse in Sagittarius -- but before we get there, there's even bigger news: Monday, May 20, is an exact contact of the Uranus-Pluto square. Uranus-Pluto is the defining signature of this current era, 'the 2012 aspect', though we will not know its full effect and meaning until years later. 

The third contact of the Uranus-Pluto square, the 2012-era aspect. There are many other squares in this chart, including Mercury and Venus square Chiron, and the Sun square Neptune. This chart is about the provocation to action, but it also questions human capacity for accepting and working with what is true.

But it's easy to see in action: sudden upheaval, sparks of revolution, and the potential for evolution. We would be wise to question how exactly this aspect is working, however. In other words, whose revolution are we in the midst of? Are progressive or regressive forces getting more traction?

Monday's Uranus-Pluto contact is exact at 7:02 pm EDT. The chart to the right is set for Washington, D.C. This will be the third out of seven exact contacts, which stretch from June 2012 through March 2015 (with a few years on either side when the effects are noticeable). Also on Monday, Venus becomes the first of the personal planets in Gemini to square Chiron. This is the beginning of the expression of 'what is really true', in response to questions Neptune has been raising.

Chiron will get your attention, especially if there have been lapses of integrity in your love relationships (Venus), letting you know in no uncertain terms how you can heal. Hint: it will take an active choice to come into alignment with the truth.  

Meanwhile, Mercury, Venus and the Sun have been making a series of squares to Neptune, adding a chaotic, deceptive energy to the mix. If we're going to have a revolution, it's going to start with telling the truth. But that's not what the sport or business of politics is based on. So we either need a total transformation in the political realm or to take the discussion outside of politics, or both.

Uranus square Pluto has the potential to open up our cultural fabric in a way that lets us weave something new; something that actually moves us forward as a society. But that will take holding a positive vision and being vigilant in recognizing those who would fill the opening with 'advancements' that actually set us back. The vision must be backed with action, and not 'action by others'. This is about each of us, individually and collectively. 

On the more internal, personal level, consider Uranus-Pluto a kind of booster rocket for whatever evolutionary leaps you're making during this eclipse season. Whether you're feeling these eclipses as subtle tugs to your subconscious or clarion calls too loud to miss, Uranus and Pluto will likely add some spark and muscle to the process -- if you work the energy.

Chart of the Sagittarius lunar eclipse on May 25, 2013. Note the triple conjunction in Gemini -- of Venus, Mercury and Jupiter. The Sun and Moon are both square Neptune, a powerful applying square. Saturn and Neptune are in a trine aspect, something that deserves a closer look, which we will do soon.

The Sun ingresses Gemini Monday, May 20, and will make a square to Neptune. That early Gemini Sun is then met by the May 25 lunar eclipse in Sagittarius, which has both the Moon and the Sun square Neptune. In the current week, Venus and Mercury are square Neptune.

So what's with all these squares to Neptune? They represent questions of integrity. It's about what is true, what you believe, how you describe your experience. In other words, the integrity piece is about speaking the truth and discerning what is not true. The May 25 eclipse looks like it bursts the bubble on illusions. That's to say, you probably don't want to be floating on one of those bubbles when the moment arises. The time to get gritty is now, though the sensation may be that 'real' is the least convenient option of them all.

Remember, where there are eclipses in the neighborhood, we're in a manifestation zone, where patterns are noticed, erased and rewritten. If you're someone who claims to live for truth, now is the time to question and notice everything that is not necessarily true. Subject everything to the same basic line of questioning. Scrutinize your intent. Listen to what you say and what others say to you.

Notice when you're believing something that's not true, or saying something that's not true. This is a habit. So are the white lies that we tell and believe. You could say this is a game of truth or dare. Are you willing to speak your truth, and in particular, to speak the truth of your feelings? Would you dare yourself to take action on who or what really matters to you? That is a pattern I think many people would say they want -- to let go of little deceptions, muster up some courage, and take an authentic emotional risk.




Current Astrology, my Interview with Enceno Macy and Your Free Digital Issue of The Mountain Astrologer

Dear Friend and Reader:

Enceno Macy moments after being released from 17 years in prison. Photo by Eric Francis.

In this week's edition of Planet Waves FM, I have for you my interview with Enceno Macy. He was released from prison last month after serving 17 years for a crime he didn't commit. You'll hear the story of how that happened, and discover that such a thing is actually possible.

He's been a Planet Waves contributor going back about five years, writing a diversity of articles for us -- including a new one that we've just published called Fresh Out. One of his articles, about the state of prisons in the U.S.,  also appeared in Listen, our 2013 annual edition.

Here's a Google search of where his Planet Waves articles have appeared.

Last Call: Free Digital Edition of The Mountain Astrologer

The Mountain Astrologer is considered the best English-language astrology journal. There aren't many left; TMA has persevered through the rising tide of the Internet, publishing six times a year. It now has a digital edition. I've been writing for TMA lately; last year I did an article introducing TMA's readers to my work with Eris and the centaurs (free download). In an upcoming issue I'll also have a major investigative feature, which I will leave under wraps for now.

In addition to a whole free issue of TMA, you can get a copy of this article that took me 15 years to research and six hours to write.

TMA is very good at what it does. It was one of the first astrology resources I discovered, and it helped me get my start in the business. It offers a carefully edited, selective, balanced presentation of astrology. It has some excellent standing features, including resources for following planetary movements that are not available on the 'net.

Planet Waves and TMA are doing a kind of sample swap -- we've extended an offer for a five-week Planet Waves subscription to their readers, and TMA is offering a free digital edition to our readers -- the 112-page current April/May edition. You'll get it as a digital flipbook and also have access to each article as a downloadable PDF file. Digital-only subscriptions are available.

It's fun doing this kind of exchange, to cross-pollinate our readerships, in the early ethos of the Internet. I think that Planet Waves and TMA are the perfect complement, and they've been very nice to us.

Here's the link to get your free digital issue.

If you have any problem with accessing your free sample issue, please email TMA at digital@mountainastrologer.com.

Enjoy -- and please let me know how you like it. -- efc




Your Monthly Horoscopes -- and our Publishing Schedule Notes

The May monthly extended horoscopes were published Friday, April 26. Inner Space horoscopes for May were published Tuesday, April 30. We published the Moonshine horoscopes for the Scorpio Full Moon and eclipse on Tuesday, April 23. On Tuesday, May 7, we published the Moonshine horoscopes for the Taurus New Moon. Note that the longer monthly horoscope is being incorporated into the Friday issue after the Sun has entered a new sign; a new Inner Space is generally emailed on the following Tuesday.




Weekly Horoscope for Friday, May 17, 2013 #950 | By Liam Carey
Editor's Note: This week we are happy to introduce Liam Carey. Liam has been working behind the scenes for the past couple of months helping research and write our news sections. He's also a well-trained and aspiring professional astrologer. He will be standing in on the weekly horoscope for me occasionally, and will also be writing columns on the Tuesdays when there is not another horoscope scheduled. Please let me know what you think of his work. Thank you. -- Eric Francis

Aries (March 20-April 19) -- When I was 16 years old, a loner, stoned out and nearly a high-school dropout, my father gave me a book called No Man is an Island, by the Trappist monk Thomas Merton. The well-intentioned gift was offered, I imagine, to cull me out of my rebellious ways. I was insulted. I mention this story as a lesson in how not to respond to gestures that coax one into the social arena, because you may be faced with such lessons this week. First of all, there is a powerful magnetism about you that will draw others toward you. Neither you nor those that come will know exactly what it is, but there's definitely something there. Second, even though you don't really feel like it, you're either going to talk up a storm or at least have so much on your mind you'll burst if you don't get it out somehow. Go with the flow; the interaction is necessary to reality-check your ideas and keep your ego from running riot. -- by Liam Carey


Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- There's no doubt that your solar year is off to a fast and meaningful start. Since your birthday, life has offered you quite a bit of action and depending on how you've approached it, life has been exhilarating, frustrating or maybe just plain odd. It's not over yet by any means (it never really ends, right?) as you still have plenty of adventure ahead, and plenty of ground to cover. I suspect that this week you will start thinking about how important it is to communicate what's most important, what you value most -- not just to 'be aware' of it but to speak about it. Change and growth are necessary even when they go against the grain of comfort and security. In that process things that used to be highly regarded may lose priority. While you know this to be true and integral, others may not understand and may challenge you on this new ground. Trust yourself. Know yourself, and be your own authority in this matter. It will pay off in spades for your self-worth. -- by Liam Carey


Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- It's that time of year again, when everything seems to speed up, doesn't it? It looks to me like things are moving at warp speed for you right now and you may need to remember the little things: do the dishes, walk the dog, go to the grocery store, tell the truth. Remember, the devil is in the details, though so are the angels. Seriously, there is so much energy and intensity that may engulf you, and good feelings too, that it could be destructive if not managed well. Here's one of the details: be mindful of what you say and to whom you say what at work lest there occur any regretful interactions. Be cautious about any thought of revenge. If you talk over any doubts or hurt feelings you may have with a trusted friend, you will both be less inclined to take things personally. One last detail: be sure to put the plug in the jug in time if you're out partying with friends or colleagues, lest a good time get out of hand. -- by Liam Carey




Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- The crab symbolizes the constellation Cancer and often the shell is utilized to articulate the tough exterior protecting an inner vulnerability. There is something brewing in your chart this week that may necessitate using that armor, something deeply significant about your sexuality and the conditioning patterns that govern it. We all have these impersonal rules and guidelines that govern our autonomous energies whether from church, society or family, and collectively they are coming under intense scrutiny; but this is personal for you right now. If you allow it to enter your psyche, you will feel either empowered to explore and experience the bliss of sexual union or fantasize about the several lovers you would have if unfettered. This will lead -- again, if you give yourself permission -- to a reevaluation of what you consider an ideal relationship. It's ok if what you have doesn't measure up to that ideal; it doesn't mean you have to split. It just means you've peeled another layer off that James and the Giant Peach-sized onion. -- by Liam Carey


Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- It looks like you are surrounded by fun-filled, stimulating and fascinating people with innovative ideas. I imagine it is just what you've needed after spending much of the past few weeks mired in work and pressing responsibilities at home. This week is an opening to experience yourself and all your ruminations in the light and reflection of others. It's a great time to exchange ideas and information with a variety of folks, and to learn about and formulate the manifestation of all sorts of things: social agendas, familial relationships, utopia -- your ideal world and relationships. Plus it's just nice to feel part of the crowd sometimes, and I suspect now is one of those times. It's always good to step back and analyze your own agenda when possible and especially when engaged with others. Are you misjudging someone else's or your own intentions? Are you being mindful of boundaries? Many questions have been raised about administration of resources and this can lead to emotional extremes. One way or another, you're likely to encounter lessons about give and take, whose (fill in the blank) is whose, and compromise. -- by Liam Carey


Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- You know that the overall theme right now is change. Not just a little bit of change or anything, either, but some kind of epic, world-shifting alteration is underway and you are feeling empowered to try new things, think in new ways, and experience more of reality. Just remember, it's not going to happen overnight. Step by step, day by day, and person by person, gentle persistence is your guiding principle, along with how to best use the energy that is available at any particular time. The energy right now is collection of information: data gathering, networking, communicating, and perhaps short-term travel. Through these lenses you will understand the options available to you in this process of re-creation. Searches like this have a way of stirring things to the surface that had been forgotten and you may encounter some memories that you must come to terms with. Trust your intuition if this happens and try not to over-think. Not only will you waste valuable time and cause a stir, but also you may miss the more vital message. -- by Liam Carey




Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- There is a lot of restless energy in your chart that has been building up for some time and is about to come to a peak. The energy infusion this week will highlight some of the broader ideas about life that you haven't considered in a while, and a few brand-new ones. It just may enable you to see the rut that you've been in and start planning an escape. There is definitely the energy for some long-distance travel here. Perhaps it's because the in-laws are coming? Pay your dues first; keep the peace and then the reward. There is also this concern: are you restless because of an underlying hurt that you don't want to deal with? Maybe there is the subconscious urge to move so you don't have to sit with yourself? It's been said wisely that travel is a good way to get to know yourself. A shift in geographic point of view can give you a perspective on what you've been looking at but not seeing. Then you can decide how much you like it -- which is to say, yourself. -- by Liam Carey


Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- It looks like you've built a defensive structure to protect some emotional vulnerability. That may be a good idea considering the sea of change that you've been navigating these past few months. Don't forget to give yourself credit for staying the course; this type of devotion to change is not easy. Yet if you haven't handled this so gracefully don't hang onto any disappointment or stew over a loss of pride. It's most likely part of the lesson. You're a study in contradictions right now. As much as you want and need to focus inwardly to conceive, form images, and eventually crystallize what and who you want to be, you are at the same time drawn to engage with people in intense, deep, involved discussion. (I hope that sounds appealing.) As much as you feel the need to work, alone and unhampered, pulsating and electrifying your central nervous system, you also feel this deep desire to merge with a multitude of lovers/artists in some form of creativity. -- by Liam Carey


Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Things are looking and feeling much better at home than they have in a while. It seems as though the clouds have parted recently and there is harmony in your deep emotional reserves with what you project to your partners. This is the reward derived from the hard work you've put in over the past few months. Much has been happening to highlight who you are and what you have to offer in relationships, and it has been difficult to tangle with some of these questions. Accept the harmony of the moment and recognize it as fruits of purification. Nothing can grow without nurturing and you did that well. This is part of the long-term path of dissolving those aspects of your personality that just don't work anymore, and in turn, discover what does. It's entirely possible that you'll feel like you're living in a dream -- and who's to argue with you? You can imbibe all you like but I doubt you'll match the high you'll have by being present with your love, and speaking your truth. -- by Liam Carey


Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- First came the feeling, then came the ideas, and now the light bulb is glowing about a project that you think will be well received. Not only do you have all the necessary resources but you now also have the strength of purpose and drive to administer the people and resources properly. There may be a crisis in action regarding a love affair. Love unrequited? Sex talk gone awry in an established relationship? Those are only a couple of the possibilities, but I see some tension in this area of life and some potentially volatile emotions early in the week, as the Sun changes signs to Gemini. You can't control everything, and forcing your will on others will very likely produce resentment. Discretion is the key, as is an honest, humble stating of feelings. It will be challenging to articulate your emotions into feelings, especially if you pressure yourself to, so step back and find a way to objectify them before you communicate. Make sure you channel some of this energy through physical exercise lest you burn out. -- by Liam Carey


Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- I once had a lover tell me to make love to her with my mind. I gotta tell you it drove me nuts. I just didn't get it and, well, I just didn't get it. I'm pretty sure you do though, and that you will have a driving urge to do so starting this week. Not only that but it looks like you will have willing partners in your quest for lovemaking through the mind. If this is not where the energy takes you then there will at least be a need to communicate your sense of aesthetics; your senses will be keen to this. There is a deeply creative spark that has been lit and I hope you have the opportunity to fan its flames. This is one of the most difficult and dynamic aspects of life because of the need most of us have to hang onto control in order to feel secure. To let go and play, make love and recite poetry requires a freedom of self that once granted, is a launching pad to other dimensions. -- by Liam Carey


Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- There is something extra meaningful coming through your emotions this week. It's something that you will not only recognize and think about but also seek to clarify and articulate. This is not an easy task, but it'll be worth it. Emotion is defined in a very circular way in the many dictionaries I checked that keep pointing to 'feelings', but one way to think of it is energy in motion. Feelings are definitely not emotions though; feelings are the interpretation of emotions (a Venus function that has merit here). Emotions are something that happen pre-thought and pre-verbal. There is not much control over them happening, although to make it off the playground safely it's imperative to learn how to deal with them. Emotions are often unprocessed energy that doesn't necessarily fit in the rational, social world and yet, they pulse through each and every one of us to one degree or another. This will be an important time to examine your emotions and consider how they affect your whole being. It's possible that the opportunity will come through interactions with family, or simply an event or circumstance that sparks some memory. -- by Liam Carey