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Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say
Dear Friend and Reader:
This week's astrology features Mercury and Mars in Cancer making a series of aspects throughout the week. Mercury in Cancer, particularly, can indicate a mind that's very sensitive to others -- to people's moods, to what they say, to what they seem to leave unsaid. Which means that it becomes extra important to say what you mean, and mean what you say.
As Eric suggested in an email about this astrology, "make actual statements of fact. Do not hedge or pussyfoot around the point."
I recognize how incredibly difficult this can be for many people -- especially in person.
Years ago, I remember a college professor of mine pointing out that, more and more, he was hearing students say, "I feel that..." when they were actually trying to express their thoughts about an academic topic, not describe their feelings.
The phrase "I feel that..." seemed to emerge as a way to soften the critical opinion being put forth (critical as in, 'critical thinking'). It was a way for students, particularly young women, to avoid seeming confrontational; it betrayed a lack of confidence in their thought processes and in their right to assert them, by couching everything in 'feelings'.
That was 20 years ago that my professor made that observation, prior to the internet as we know it. In today’s digital environment, it seems the stakes are even higher for speaking up. Saying nothing can seem 'safer' -- though we know silence often comes with dire consequences.
Here's a rundown of some of the week's most prominent aspects:
On Monday, Mars in Cancer makes a trine to Neptune in Pisces, though it's been in effect for a few days. Got the urge to help someone out with something? This energy is perfect for it: you're more likely to be conscious of others' needs, and can take satisfaction in helping without needing a pat on your head (or ego).
Tuesday, Mercury squares Jupiter in Libra and trines Neptune in Pisces. Mercury square Jupiter can be deceptive in that it reveals a tendency to exaggerate. Particularly with Mars square Jupiter in the picture, that could be out of anger or revenge, and if unchecked, it's unlikely to work out well. This aspect is about the need for fact-checking, no matter how right you may think you are.
In the presence of that square, Mercury and Mars trine Neptune can add to the deceptive quality, such as believing exaggerations. The trine aspect sometimes manifests as "if you lie, I'll swear to it," and in this case, it might mean, "I'll believe whatever bullshit you hurl at me."
That said, on the whole this aspect pattern is good for creativity -- such as writing fiction or taking dramatic photos -- and for contrasting two versions of events.
Finally, on Thursday, Mercury in Cancer opposes Pluto in Capricorn. If you need to investigate a problem or mystery in an interpersonal situation, Mercury-Pluto can facilitate getting to the bottom of it. That said, watch for the urge to persuade someone of something using anything less than the absolute truth (as far as you honestly know it).
'White lies' are so-called because people consider them to be innocent. But stop and think about it: any time you tell a white lie, it's because on some level you're uncomfortable with letting someone see the truth. Maybe you're afraid of how they may react, or feel sensitive and defensive about your motives. Whatever the reason, a white lie is a subtle form of emotional manipulation. And people manipulate to gain power over someone else.
You don't need power over anyone other than yourself. And that's not the kind of power that comes from a hard shell, emotional defensiveness or sidestepping confrontation. It's the kind that comes from being willing to stand fully as who you are, and to receive others as who they are.
Yours & truly,
Amanda Painter
-- with Eric Francis
Just in time for the Great American Eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017, you'll have access to a helpful, excellent video astrology reading. These will be done by sign and rising sign; each reading is about half an hour. You can pre-order now for the best price: $66 for all 12 signs. The price for all 12 will gradually increase in $11 increments over the next few weeks, capping out at $111 once we publish.
I've been a devoted student of eclipses since beginning astrology. Here's some of my earlier writing, published before the grand cross and total solar eclipse of Aug. 11, 1999. These few paragraphs below will give you a feeling for just how significant eclipses are. This one is one of the most important in American history, which I've covered here.
Eclipses are astrology we can't deny. If there is a conjunction between Saturn and Uranus, it's invisible, and while many people may experience changes, only astrologers and their merry bands of readers and students know what's happening. Yet when the Sun vanishes, you can be sure that normal activity will come to a stop.
Our busy world will pause, and everyone, from shepherds in the hills of Bavaria to businessmen in London, will stand in the silent shadow of the cosmic order with the astonishment of small children coursing in their hearts.
This doesn't happen often, and you can imagine the awesome power of so many people embraced in a kind of simultaneous, captive meditation as everything around them momentarily ceases to be normal. Call it a reality lapse, only it's one into which the real reality can flow very easily.
In terms of their astrological meaning, eclipses of the Sun follow this image of collective awareness and radical break of continuity. Whether you can see the eclipse does not matter; part of the miracle of astrology is it works anyway. As many of us are discovering personally, eclipses are expanded moments of often uncontrollable, unpredictable change. They also bring the civilization and its communities together, usually through important collective events and the media.
Eclipses are evolutionary gateways, which is another way of saying that when they show up, we do a lot of growing in a short time. Delays are compensated. Old accounts can be wiped clean. While each is unique, eclipses often feel like being shot through a funnel of space-time, and we emerge somewhere different than where we entered. The key to making the best use of them is to move with the energy, not cling to anything or anyone too tightly, and to stay open.
Literally, breathe, communicate, feel, love, observe and receive. Remember your intentions. The sense of panic that sometimes accompanies them yields nicely to awareness and revelation, mental conditions that are more natural than we often realize.
Don't forget to take advantage of this special gift: Eric's Daily Horoscope can arrive in your mailbox by 7 am ET, containing great astrological guidance for all 12 signs. You can sign up with our compliments, though we welcome donations.
Your Monthly Horoscopes -- and our Publishing Schedule Notes
We published your extended monthly horoscopes for July on Thursday, June 22. Your extended monthly horoscopes for June were published on Thursday, May 25. We published your Moonshine horoscope for the Scorpio Full Moon on Thursday, May 11. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope on the first Friday after the Sun has entered a new sign.
Monday Morning Horoscope for June 26, 2017 | By Eric Francis Coppolino
Aries (March 20-April 19) -- There's a clairvoyant quality to your chart at the moment, an opening to the subtle realms. This happens from time to time, as you've experienced personally. When it does, it's necessary to mind your boundaries. You might want to avoid crowded taverns where there are a lot of inebriated people, since you don't know what they're carrying around with them. Mostly you will want to observe your own mind. Process fear quickly and efficiently -- as fear, not as the presumption that what you are worried about is true. And pay attention to your dreams. Remember that in the first instance, all of your dreams are about you. They are a representation of your thoughts, feelings and life circumstances. It would be unwise to count them as 'prophetic' of anything other than your own psychology. Maintain full ownership.
Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- The more you reach into your feminine side, the more you'll tap your masculinity. This works for any gender you might be -- at the moment, they contain and enhance one another in a way that's making you magnetic and appealing. The feeling is like walking on the surface of water, supported by the tension in your environment. You can feel things that others cannot feel, and are therefore noticing things that most others cannot perceive. Yet you'll likely meet one or two people who you know are tuned in. You'll notice an aliveness in their eyes and by their presence of mind. Listen to what they have to offer. You're likely to get a whole other point of view on the very same thing you're looking at. Meanwhile, you can trust one thing for sure: your path is guided.
Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Be mindful of your anger level this week. It can slip up on you when you're not noticing, and suddenly you're in over your head. Take the subtle cues, such as when you find yourself mildly annoyed by the same person or situation more than once. Pay attention to what you're trying to put out of your mind. What's really going on is that you're actually feeling what's important to you with some emotional intensity. You've gone past the level of opinion and are at the stage where you feel what matters in your guts. One thing is for sure: it's more than about money, and you may be feeling some concern about the extent to which everything comes down to a financial issue. You don't have to live that way. You're more motivated by taking care of people than profiting from them.
The Gemini birthday reading has just been recorded. Get it while it's hot! Order here to get instant access, whether for yourself or the Gemini you love.
Astrology can help you. In the right hands, astrology can provide you with a new perspective on your life. My readings are designed to help you consider all of your possibilities, your greatest potential, and to help you see your problems in a new light. I'm about to record the Cancer reading for you. If you order now, you'll get the best pre-order price of $33. Shortly before publication, it'll be $44 and then the final price will be $55. These readings condense 22 years of my counseling experience, nonstop reflection on the human condition and lots of excellent astrology. They are in plain talk, easy to follow, and paced gently. They are some of my best work; these readings are an invention. And you can have all the benefits. I plan to do this reading next week -- earlier than usual, so get on board before the next two price increases. Here's how to pre-order. If you're seeking a private consultation, here's that link.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- This week's Mercury-Mars conjunction in your birth sign will focus your efforts and help you maximize your motivation. You should know a few things. One is that your mind is going to be moving faster than the people around you; you'll need to slow down and let them catch up. Second, your words will be more penetrating than you might imagine. Something you say off the cuff might be devastating to someone sensitive. So try to dial it back and use minimal power. Keep your words one level above a hint, and verify that people know what you're talking about when you ask for something or make a comment. Last, you may be a bit extra-sensitive, so take a few precautions. Get enough rest, eat real food and drink extra water, because your engine is running hot.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- With the world in such a panicky state, it's amazing anyone has any peace of mind at all. You may be walking a delicate edge this week, as you're in a heightened state of emotional and psychological vulnerability. As long as you remember that, you'll be able to handle it, and even use it productively. The real gift of this week’s aspects is the insight they bestow. You'll be able to peer into the minds of others, and have an unusual level of clarity about yourself. Here's the thing: Don't assume you're right. Phrase your observations as questions rather than as statements. You might even keep silent and let people reveal themselves. The thing to avoid is making any statements about how someone else feels, no matter how much insight you might have. However, empathy is always welcome.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- If you want to be effective, you must be willing to be unpopular. You don't have to be caustic about this, or make a point of it. You only need to be willing to let others have their opinions, and possess the maturity to know that they don't matter. This may be challenging with every last facet of life being driven by uninformed judgments. However, that's also a reminder to compensate by having your facts, and being ready to refer to them whenever you need to. Remember to speak second and not first, and don't provide proof unless you're asked. You don't need to show any cards; you merely need to be calmly and quietly correct. One other thing: if the going gets tense, you can rely on your sense of humor. Just never, ever make it personal.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- Make sure you put as much energy into doing the work as you do supervising it. There are two main reasons. One is that you're working with a vision, and though it's clear to you, it may not translate into other minds. You want to get it right, so keep your hands on the project. Second, working with your colleagues or those who report to you will take off any edge of bossy that you might have this week, and that's a risk worth avoiding. We're in one of those moments when people are going to take things personally, even the new flavor of ginger ale in the soda machine. There's a special reminder for parents: be especially sensitive to your kids this week. Really listen, feel, and listen some more. Everyone will be happier.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- Take a scientific approach to every question. If you want to be stylish, get a lab coat and those fancy safety glasses you see on TV. But you don't really need that; only to use logic where logic is called for. Break things down into steps. Do that rarified thing known as troubleshooting: the deductive process to figure out what the problem really is, as apart from what you think it might be. Then, you can actually solve it. All this counts for double because you may notice a good few people around you may be anything and everything but reasonable or rational, at the same time they're absolutely convinced that they're Mr. Spock. As long as you know this is going on, you won't get caught in the mind game. Then, use a screwdriver on a screw, and a wrench on a bolt. Logical.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Keep financial discussions and sexual discussions separate. Both are likely to come up. They are part of a related issue; however, you must use your intelligence and keep them distinct, for the purposes of having sane and productive conversations. One thing I suggest is talking about money in the living room, and talking about sex at the kitchen table. Shift the usual settings for these conversations; in particular, away from the bedroom, and toward places they can happen on level ground. There is a risk that these discussions could get mired in all sorts of emotions, which would be confusing and not so productive. Also, it would be wise to attend to business in a businesslike way, and to do so before attending to pleasure. Then there will be plenty of time to work things out in bed.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Look for yourself, or some element of your own truth, in any person who approaches you with a thought, issue or question. Even if you have to stretch a little, consider the common ground you share with whoever is talking to you. That will go a long way toward defusing any tensions, ratcheting down any arguments, and shifting the conversation to a productive place. This is one of those weeks when anyone strong will need to express that through their sensitivity and empathy. Not everyone will be a neurotic mess, though; a few select individuals will be responding to this week's unusual astrology as if it's the coolest space weather we've ever had. Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, remains in your 5th solar house of pleasure, play, fun and games. Hang out with someone who knows how to keep it light.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Keep a grip on your competitive nature. It's been decades (four, to be exact) since that New Games book came out, the one that taught us all how to play with a parachute at summer camp. You know, the kinds of games without a winner or loser, where the pleasure is getting everyone cooperating toward the same goal. We're all pretty brainwashed that all activity has to be competitive, and that all games have to be zero sum games: that is, winner take all. You may find that the events of the week, particularly at work, give you the perfect opportunity to foster collaboration. You might say that it's more fun and more productive, and you can also point out the various ways that competition is simply not working to get the desired result. Step one of the game: everyone agrees on what that will be.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Whether or not you have a summer vacation planned for this week, slow down and enjoy yourself. Do the bare minimum to keep the boss or the clients satiated for a few days, and have a little fun -- a little, or a lot, more than usual. You are under some rare aspects at the moment, which are creating the perfect environment for anything related to pleasure, art, music and what some call romance. The key to maximizing your experience is not being attached; this is not about tomorrow, it's about right now. What you're experiencing may never happen again, certainly not in the same way, and that's its special value. If you get the chance to do something you've never done before, or that you know only happens once, that's the thing to do.
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