Planet Waves :: Your Monday Morning Horoscope

New York, July 30, 2017 | View as Webpage | Pre-order Your Midyear Reading
Lunar Eclipse Preparation: Organizing to Shine

Dear Friend and Reader:

In one week and one day, we'll experience the first of two eclipses: the Aug. 7 Aquarius Full Moon and partial lunar eclipse. That will open the door to the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse in Leo. These are the key midyear events; so you'll want to notice whatever happens in your life this week, and the coinciding astrology, and use it to prepare yourself and get pointed in a direction that's best for you.

Partial lunar eclipse from 2007. Photo by Steve Ryan.

Consider for a moment the Sabian symbols for the Full Moon eclipse degrees (the Sabians are a series of channeled symbols for each zodiac degree). For the Sun at 16 Leo, we get: "The storm ended, all nature rejoices in brilliant sunshine," with the keynote, "The surge of life and love after a major crisis."

Meanwhile, the symbol for the Moon at 16 Aquarius reads: "A big businessman at his desk," with the keynote, "The ability to organize the many aspects of an enterprise involving a large group of human beings."

This pair of symbols, taken together, seem to speak of both the new space that opens up between eclipses for vibrant change and growth, and the clear need to get organized (within oneself and with others) to facilitate that. If you've felt a little too overcommitted, distracted or overwhelmed with self-doubt to begin getting focused on your desired trajectory, it's possible that the inherent energy peak of the Full Moon and partial lunar eclipse might come with some tension or sense of deadlock. As that comes to a head, it could offer some useful clarity.

Before we get there, on Monday, Venus enters Cancer. This brings Venus into the Moon's home sign -- a more instinctual, sensitive, emotional and perhaps even subconscious role compared to how its energy expressed in Gemini. Notice if your inner tides feel more cyclical; pay attention to how you feel about your sense of 'security' and about things like family.

On Wednesday, Mercury makes a conjunction to the asteroid Vesta in Virgo. With both Vesta and Virgo related to service, this looks like a reminder to let your thoughts and words serve a tangible purpose -- as in, a purpose beyond yourself and your own gain. How can you make your devotion manifest? It's possible that can happen through keeping your inner creative flame lit, and expressing it to the world.

Moving things along in the background is Jupiter in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn (exact Friday) -- and this aspect will still be quite close during the Full Moon at the end of the week. Jupiter-Pluto is an engine: the ambition to achieve great things, especially if it involves repairing, rebuilding or restoring something.

Composite image tracking the progress of a lunar eclipse in late September 2015. Photo by Dominique Dierick.

Operating between cardinal signs related to relationships and justice (Libra) and institutions and structures (Capricorn), there's a reminder here to work from the inside out. That is, if you find yourself getting a little obsessive about reforming a social group, a longstanding tradition or a relationship partner, you're likely to meet considerable resistance.

The upcoming eclipses are portals for your own quantum growth; that's not something you can force on others, no matter how enthusiastic you are about it. Even so, when the Moon and Sun oppose each other on Aug. 7, they'll be applying within a couple degrees or so to Jupiter and Pluto. This means the upcoming partial lunar eclipse is tapping into that background engine. Keep yours warmed up, and stay sensitive to your instincts.

To shine outwardly like the Sun, it helps to get your inner facets of Self working in harmony. As this Aquarius Full Moon and partial eclipse is a South Node eclipse, it may be helpful to remember that part of any thorough organizing effort is the process of releasing what is no longer needed, to make space for what's ready to emerge.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

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. 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 July 31, 2017 | By Eric Francis Coppolino

Aries (March 20-April 19) -- In times of high pressure, chaos or confusion, it's not easy to pull back and celebrate life in a meaningful way. Yet that is exactly what you're being called upon to do, or rather being given the opportunity to do. Mars and the Sun continue to streak across the sky in Leo, which is the most creative, sexy and adventurous angle of your solar chart. Yet to use your creativity is a conscious act. It doesn't just happen. People are more typically conditioned to squander their talent, passion and curiosity. If astrology means anything, you are being encouraged, guided and boldly invited to stretch your boundaries and do something genuinely meaningful with your abundant energy. If you're doing this well, it'll feel a little daring, like you're pushing a boundary or violating a taboo. Creativity requires courage, and by all rights you would have that in abundance right now.

You can now pre-order all 12 signs of the new Midyear Reading by Eric Francis, In the Shadow of the Moon, for the introductory price of just $66. Just in time for the Great American Eclipse of Aug. 21, 2017, Eric will record a helpful, top-quality video reading. Get your copy today.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- To some extent, everyone is programmed to be a 'good boy' or a 'good girl'. Often this means kissing up to seemingly powerful people and various parent-figures, and worrying about petty transgressions. What typically happens, though, is that people become frustrated with the rules, and either simmer in that frustration or become rebellious and go a little crazy. It's vitally important that you see this pressure to be 'good' for what it is. Who exactly are you trying to please? And what little games do you play, in order to maintain your image? When you take responsibility for your choices, for your successes and failures and indeed for your entire existence, you don't need to prove anything to anyone. Once you step outside of that box, you may feel vulnerable, though that's confirmation that you're going in the right direction. Your sense of security must come from within you.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Venus traveling through your sign the past few weeks has served to remind you of another kind of intelligence. It's the type that computers will never know, because they can only simulate feeling. You are human, and you can feel. You may be discovering that feeling is different from emoting. To feel is to be receptive; to emote is to be in output mode, which is somewhat less subtle. Now Venus is about to change signs and enter Cancer. This will enhance your sensitivity even more; and it suggests that your ability to feel, to sense and to perceive through your senses is a vitally necessary part of your guidance system. Therefore, slow down and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Take possession and ownership of how you respond to what you experience. Notice your senses, and notice the mind that's behind them, receiving the information from your environment.

Eric has now published your complete Gemini birthday reading, comprising well over an hour of excellent insights. Order here to get instant access, whether for yourself or the Gemini you love.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- You have some excellent motivational power to improve your lot in life financially. You won't need to push as hard as you usually do, or think you do. As one born under the Sun or rising sign Cancer, a measure of financial security is your birthright. Yet by your choices, you can enhance this quality, or diminish it. You can resist, with emotions like guilt, or the sense that you don't deserve to have a good life; or you can stay positive, use your talents and spot your opportunities. Right now, the one thing you don't have to do is maintain your momentum and monitor your direction of movement. Guide yourself gently; there's considerable propulsion moving you forward, and small adjustments count for a lot. Look at where you are now, consider your direction of movement, and determine if you're heading someplace you want to be. Your end goal is not money -- it is contentment.

Eric has recently published your full 2017 Cancer Birthday Reading. Eric's birthday readings are accurate, friendly and long-lasting, and they make the perfect gift. Order your copy here.

Leo Birthdays 2017:

How Will You Shine This Year?

"Thanks for reassuring this Leo, who is having a year 'for the books'! You get to the core of things."
-- Barbara Peaslee, on a previous Leo reading

Dear Friend and Reader:

One day after the Sun entered your sign, there was a special New Moon in Leo on July 23 -- special, because you get another one in a month. And that second Leo New Moon will be even more special: the highly anticipated Aug. 21 total solar eclipse (in between is a partial lunar eclipse in your 'relationship sign', Aquarius).

Eclipses are unique and powerful pattern-shifting events.

Or, at least, they can be -- especially if you can get clear on what you want, set your intentions, and then get the ball rolling in your desired direction.

Working with this kind of energy is one of Eric's specialties.

And he'll be giving you the benefit of his expertise in your 2017 Leo Birthday Reading -- suitable for anyone with a Leo Sun, Leo rising or a Leo Moon. Even better, Eric will look ahead to some of the other major astrology of the year, so you'll be better able to develop whatever happens with this eclipse for months to come.

Whether you need clarity with your intimate relationships, career, self-esteem or identity, creativity, spiritual healing or family issues, you'll find ideas, encouragement, new perspectives and reassurance in this reading.

"Your work has always offered me food for thought, options to consider and clarity when needed. Thank you very much for what you do and how you present it."
-- Victoria Bouet

I hope you'll pre-order your 2017 Leo Birthday Reading soon, while it's still available for the lowest price we're offering: $33.

Eric will record the two 30-minute astrology segments first; and then a little later, you'll receive your tarot reading for the year, using the vibrant Voyager Tarot by James Wanless. As these segments are completed, the price of the reading will increase.

Welcome to a year like no other, Leo. I hope you'll be in touch to tell us what you learn over the next month or so.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you know and love a Leo, why not send them a birthday gift that will keep giving all year? You can give the 2017 Leo Birthday Reading here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- The spotlight is on Leo now, with Mars and the Sun streaking across the sky, and two eclipses soon to arrive between today and Aug. 21. This means your life is in transition; and if that is true, then it's essential that you stay in contact with what you want. Mars, the planet of desire, will help you focus your goals, and erase any guilt or apprehension you may be feeling about being authentically bold. To live the way you want requires courage, on several different levels. Most people are easily given to living with difficult situations rather than taking the chance of changing them. Yet because you have so much energy (Mars and the Sun are both hot and fiery), it's essential to dial in the power of Saturn. This is about discipline, careful timing and using structure to your advantage. Incremental changes are the right changes, at least for now.

Your 2017-18 Leo Birthday Reading by Eric is now available for pre-order. This is a seminal year for Leo Sun, rising and Moon, with two New Moons in your sign, the second one a powerful solar eclipse. Make this dynamic energy work for you -- pre-order your reading today.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- The truly extraordinary astrology in Virgo, at the moment, is a conjunction of your ruling planet Mercury, and the distinctly Virgoan asteroid Vesta. Though Vesta is a fire goddess, she's really about containing and directing the use of energy and intention for creative and productive purposes. True intelligence might use thought, but ultimately it comes from somewhere beyond ordinary thought. The way to access true intelligence is to step aside and let it flow through you. This takes some discipline, though you can save yourself effort by asking inwardly for what you need. You can also help yourself by considering what you know, in your heart and soul, and working with that. Remember that actual knowledge will never be contaminated by fear. If you're feeling fear, ask inwardly for that to be removed. In the words of one of the great sages, "You will be told everything you need to know."

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- The sign Libra is associated with the planet Venus. Over the past few days, Venus (now in Gemini) has made a series of aspects to planets in Sagittarius, which may have felt like an emotionally rough patch or, better said, a challenging few days spiritually. It would seem like you've been pushed by some unseen force to ask some deep questions. You've had to reckon with your need to address the future honestly and consciously. You may be entirely off the wavelength of your friends or partners, wondering how they can occupy themselves with such superficial things when truly profound issues are calling for your full attention. The thing to remember is that your soul's path, and your priorities, cannot be compared to those of any other person. You are not dependent on them, their ideas or their goals. To say this even more directly, your relationship to the universe is yours exclusively.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- The Moon is in your sign at the moment, which is helping cool off the extra-hot astrology influencing your life at the moment. That's what you need -- any way you can get it. Soak your body in water; drink a lot of water; and get some relief from the heat. Most important, maintain cordial and respectful dialog with anyone with whom you're in some kind of authority relationship, no matter which way the lines of authority may run. That's the place where things can most quickly get away from you, though there's no need for that to happen. You possess the foresight and the intelligence to move things in a positive direction. Yet there's one essential ingredient: having an idea just what direction that is. If you refuse to let yourself be guided by ambition or the need for power, you will have better information to work with. You have all the influence you need. Now, you must use it wisely.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- You will need to make decisions this week where you do something challenging for our world: set aside any self-interest. That does not mean harming yourself. To the contrary, something is clearly unacceptable if anyone is damaged in a transaction. Setting aside self-interest is something different. Being willing to pay a cost, or expend political capital to get the right outcome, is different. This requires a rare form of objectivity, which will mean considering the interests of everyone who is involved. You will need to account for who is the weaker party. You will need to be alert to anyone taking advantage of anyone else. You are in a position to stand guard over an important situation and ensure that truth and justice prevail. This has nothing to do with your personal success. Of course, being in a position to do the right thing is a direct result of what you have accomplished, and a big part of why you went to all that trouble.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Your charts describe you being driven by passion you cannot understand or contain. They might be describing sexual or emotional involvement with another person, or potentially a business arrangement. It might even be both at once, which would call for extra-special care. In essence, you must sort yourself out of the situation. The risk you may be running is being so overly involved that you cannot distinguish your needs and interests from those of someone else. If the relationship is mutually profitable and the vibes are positive, that's an excellent sign, though it would still be advisable to have an exit strategy if you need it. The energy will continue to build until the Full Moon eclipse on Aug. 7, at which time you will be able to see your own interests clearly. But really, you want to figure out what they are long before then. And to do that, you will need to get some emotional distance, slow down, and actually think clear thoughts.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Mars and the Sun are moving through your opposite sign Leo. If your sign is Aquarius, or if that's your rising sign or your Moon sign, that translates to intense: fast activity, unexpected developments, and people showing up in your life, potentially with an aggressive feeling. Under these conditions, there's just one thing you must do: take care of yourself. Remove any unnecessary activity from your schedule, with an actual understanding of the concept of "necessary." That means a radical form of prioritizing, with no guilt whatsoever about decisions you make. You need to take care of providing for yourself all the most basic nutrients, which includes recreational time and downtime. However, you don't need mindless diversion or entertainment, or anything even vaguely reckless. One of the most significant projects of your life right now is purging old and useless tendencies that have not served you, and replacing them with what supports your best interests.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- The essence of your life must be balance. That's not easy in the times we're living in; some would say it's impossible. It may be challenging, but it's certainly within your power to get a handle on your affairs. Much of what I've suggested for Aquarius applies to you: particularly the need for prioritization and conscious self-care. You need to know when you must "shed load." That's a term used by people who manage the power grid. If there's a demand for energy that's outstripping the grid's ability to provide it, turning off one neighborhood can save the entire East Coast from going down. Right now, err on the side of saving your energy rather than expending it. Do those things that are genuinely important, and make sure you stop taking on new projects and commitments. Use the month of August to complete what you've begun, and to do so with care for the utmost attention to detail. Your energy allocation must include what feeds your soul as a Pisces: introspection is vital. Then there's art or music (whether you create or experience these things). Take your time, which means living one day at a time.

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