Planet Waves :: Your Monday Morning Horoscope

New York, Sept. 10, 2017 | View as Webpage | Order Your Midyear Reading

Rough surf in Boynton Beach, FL, on Sunday. Photo by Jim Rassol/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/AP.

From Crisis to Awakening

Dear Friend and Reader:

Once again we begin the week with a national crisis on our hands, born of a global situation: one of the most powerful storms on record has ravaged Caribbean islands and now Florida and, potentially, surrounding states and others as far north as Tennessee.

Larry Kahn, an editor of a news website based in the Florida Keys, was quoted in the Miami Herald Saturday: "Everything is underwater. I mean everything."

Evacuation of "gypsy chickens," who roam around as part of an island tradition, from the path of Hurricane Irma by local residents of Key West, FL. Photo by Key West Finest.

As everyone knows, this follows by mere weeks the flooding and storm surges of Hurricane Harvey that devastated the Gulf Coast of Texas, and by a few days a massive earthquake in Mexico.

Wildfires are currently raging in many Western states. Just a few days ago, our beloved friend and editor in Oregon, Carol van Strum, as a forest fire lingered just miles away, was busy figuring out how to load her family of birds and dogs into her truck. We all knew that her donkeys and horses would have to be left behind, should the fire reach her neck of the forest. Thankfully they were all safe. Not everyone was so fortunate.

It is exhausting to be confronted with this kind of news several times a week, endlessly. It may seem that only those at the scene are involved, and for everyone else, these are conceptual events. Yet because we are connected via an extended nervous system, which reaches directly to the scene of every disaster and feeds your eyes and ears, we are in a sense right there.

The usual response to the news is to cut off or glaze over. The sensations coming through the extended nervous system are too strong to endure for long.

Yet over time, these experiences are changing many of us. There's hardly anyone who has, at some point, not been directly touched, so to some extent we can all empathize.

Is there a tempering process going on, or a softening? Are people getting sick of the hard-line political views that mask pure greed, and make these problems worse? Are we starting to see through that? Is it starting to become clear that dealing with nonstop crisis is a distraction from building the future, or even admitting that it exists?

U.S. West Coast, August 29, 2017 (satellite image). Large fires visible in the Washington and Oregon Cascades. Photo by MODIS satellite sensor/NASA.

The antics of our global-warming-denying president have (for the moment) dropped to the background: the criminal investigation of the Russia deals and election tampering, the throwing out of the country of nearly a million young people who arrived years ago as immigrants, and the white supremacy rants.

Insane crosstalk between North Korea and the White House, which has dominated the news several times recently, has temporarily subsided and, at the moment, threats of the hydrogen bomb have gone silent. There were no air raid sirens in Japan this week; there were recently.

The threats of nuclear annihilation, all the other threats of war, are part of an agenda directly related to xenophobia, paranoid racial vitriol and the destruction of the natural environment.

The constant lying and criminal behavior by and on behalf of the oil industry, and the White House becoming a home for the insane, are part of the same agenda. There's a relationship between corporate-sponsored politics and religiosity, and it's both painful and designed to inflict pain.

Many are looking out at the world thinking: we have to make this better.

Some are seeing a reverse image. The website Right Wing Watch reported that a televangelist pastor named Kevin Swanson said the path of Hurricane Irma would be altered by God if the Supreme Court quickly made abortion and gay marriage illegal, "before Irma does her damage." If storms, floods, earthquakes and wildfires are not enough to send a wakeup call, this kind of idea might be. If you're looking for a simple answer to a complicated question, you'll feel better.

Eventually, just like fires crack open seed cases to spawn new life, prolonged pain can make people compassionate, and possibly get them to make different choices. There are no guarantees, however.

The person to watch is yourself: how do these experiences change your perspective? How do they influence how you treat yourself and others? How does witnessing or experiencing so much loss affect your priorities and your choices? Those observations and choices are the mode of awakening.

I'll be back with you on Tuesday's Planet Waves FM.

With love,
eric

Astrology Roundup Through the Equinox

As Hurricane Irma moves through the Florida Keys and Florida, Venus is in the degree of the Aug. 11, 1999, total solar eclipse (19 degrees of Leo), and in the same degree it occupied on Sept. 11, 2001. Eclipse degrees can, in this way, speak for many years. This is a reminder not to forget history.

Currently the Moon is in Taurus, waning toward last quarter, which is Wednesday.

The Sun is well past the midpoint of Virgo, heading for the Libra equinox on Sept. 22. Before it gets there, the Sun will make a series of squares to points in late Sagittarius including Saturn (on Wednesday), and an opposition to Chiron in Pisces (on Tuesday, Sept. 19).

Meanwhile, Virgo continues to be the focus of the current astrology. Mercury entered Virgo overnight Saturday to Sunday, joining Mars, the Sun and Vesta.

Mercury is also conjunct a hypothetical called Transpluto, which is a reminder to keep an open mind and a wide view of life. Usually this happens in small ways rather than sweeping ones. Having an open mind is something conducted one decision at a time, where it matters.

Mercury is still slow and powerful after its recent station direct in late Leo. It will creep across Virgo for the next six days, seeming to be in pursuit of Mars. The two will form a conjunction on Saturday, Sept. 16. Mercury exits its second shadow phase on Tuesday, Sept. 19, taking new territory for the first time since the retrograde began. Mercury enters Libra on Friday, Sept. 29.

We've now published In the Shadow of the Moon, the exciting 2017 Midyear Reading by Eric Francis. Although the video readings for all 12 signs use the Great American Eclipse of Aug. 21 as a starting point, Eric develops the themes through some of the most important astrological events you'll encounter in the remainder of 2017 and beyond. We'll be increasing the price again soon, so don't hesitate to order your copy here, or choose your individual signs here.

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.

September Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

Your extended monthly horoscopes for September were published on Thursday, Aug. 24. We published your extended monthly horoscopes for August on Thursday, July 27. Your Moonshine Horoscopes for the Aquarius Full Moon were published on Thursday, Aug. 3. 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 Sept. 11, 2017 | By Eric Francis Coppolino

Aries (March 20-April 19) -- Before you try to solve everything at once, look for the one thing that might really be a problem. Put more time into thinking than anything else, retrace your steps and your mental process, and figure out what you actually need to fix. If you begin by tearing things apart, you'll make them worse. If you take a step-by-step, pure-logic approach, you'll get a much better result. The chances are that your thinking is more the problem than some device, system or service. So begin with your own awareness of the facts, and your own mental state, and move from there. If you're feeling time pressure, note that this may be an illusion or based on a misconception of some kind. Construct an actual schedule plotting from the final time something must be done, and working your way backwards through the steps on the way to getting there.

In the Shadow of the Moon, the exciting new 2017 Midyear Reading by Eric Francis, has just been published. Don't miss this essential guide to life after the Great American Eclipse. Order all 12 signs here (recommended), or choose your individual signs.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- There are many kinds of strength, and one consists mainly of keeping your heart open. You don't have to be a hero, save anyone or anything, or prove your power in any way. Rather, bring your sensitivity and willingness to listen, and perhaps some of your confidence, and quietly await information about what to do next. If you're in a situation where you're waiting for the perfect suitor or candidate, you might consider coming up with a standard that's easier to attain. Any need for perfection, since it's not really possible to attain, is likely to be a ruse for making no choice at all. Make sure you're applying your own criteria, rather than striving for what you believe is in some way acceptable to others. Once you're thinking for yourself, the scenario will be much simpler and you'll see a path to your goal.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- If you find yourself stuck in a family situation, drama or household scenario, ask yourself: who are you angry at, and why? This isn't necessarily for public consumption, though you need to know, because that's what's motivating you. And if you don't know that, you don't have much to work with if you want to resolve anything, or make any progress. Remember that you're not angry for 'no reason', though it will help if you trace your thought process and your history with these people. You may find that others are trying in some way to dissuade you from how you feel or what you believe. While you don't need to defend yourself, you must understand why you, personally, are concerned, because your primary responsibility is to protect your own interests. Don't let anyone tell you what you would really do, if only you were more loyal (to them). It's a false argument.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- If you want to feel better, focus your efforts on understanding what you eat, and what it does to you. You may be experiencing some kind of dietary disruption, perhaps due to travel, change in work pattern or via the direct intention of cleaning up your act. Take advantage of this shift, and start developing new habits. You don't necessarily need to do this by the book, and even if you're well-read, where diet is concerned, the ultimate call is usually intuitive or instinctual. Your body makes most of the choices, though now is an excellent time to get your mind into the dialog, at least as an observer. Even if you don't go so far as to keep a food diary, logging what you eat and how you feel each day, pay attention to what you do; and be aware of such rudimentary facts as caffeine interferes with sleep.

This is a unique year for you, Leo. The biggest events, of course, were the recent total solar eclipse in Leo and its companion lunar eclipse in your relationship house (Aquarius). But that pair of events was only the beginning -- and Eric designs each Birthday Reading to cover all your most pivotal astrology well into next year.

Are you navigating changes in your relationships or family paradigm? Do you find yourself at a career crossroads? Are you seeking clarity, encouragement and new perspectives on your creativity, self-esteem, sexuality or healing process? You'll find ideas and reassurance in this reading.

"I have just listened to your Part 1 and Part 2 readings and I am amazed at how accurate it has been. Like you have a telescope watching me shed a skin and transform into a totally changed person in the last 10 years."
-- Pauline Jones

Your reading is now priced at $44 and the first part is currently available for immediate access; so you'll want to order your 2017 Leo Reading very soon -- definitely before the price increases again. This reading is designed to work for anyone with Leo Sun, Leo rising and even Leo Moon -- and makes an amazing gift.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- Venus in your sign is giving you a boost of confidence that comes with being recognized and appreciated. You may, however, be falling short of appreciating yourself, instead filling in the blank with some kind of harsh self-critique. You're not helping yourself by doing that, though you may believe the harder you are on yourself, the better person you are. While that could be debated, it's not a formula for feeling good about who you are. It's not a formula for self-respect. Consider that you could respect yourself for correcting your mistakes (rather than, for example, striving to be someone who never makes any). Ask yourself honestly: under what scenario would you have the opportunity to learn more? Gentle correction is the best way to proceed, which includes seeing the potential benefit in any error, and the potential unintended consequences of any seemingly good choice.

The first astrology segment of your 2017-18 Leo Birthday Reading by Eric is now published. This is a seminal year for Leo Sun, rising and Moon, especially with the recent powerful solar eclipse in your sign. Make this dynamic energy work for you -- order your reading today.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- You might ease back on any endeavor involving labeling yourself. This is a temptation in a world where everything seems to be based on some official identifier or identity that proves something for some allegedly urgent reason. It carries through to the contemporary mania around branding everyone and everything. Soon we'll all be ready to go on the shelves at WalMart! Seriously, though: whether you're working on an actual marketing project, or are proffering yourself for some reason, or are just inclined to tag yourself, look carefully at what you're saying. Does it really leave you enough room to be who you are, to expand your enterprises, or fulfill your purpose? You might start with those things, and let the naming take care of itself. Credibility is earned in far more ways than presentation. Anyway, you want to be a whole font, not just a logo.

Your 2017-18 Virgo Birthday Reading by Eric will contain insightful and accurate guidance that you can use to understand your personal gifts and ignite your potential. Pre-order your birthday reading now while it's at the lowest price of just $33.

Virgo Birthdays 2017:

Find Your Passion for Growth

"If you're getting the message to grow and to become, find your passion for growth. Passion means feeling, beauty, angst, love, confusion, pain and discovery: the things you discover in every meaningful endeavor."
-- Eric Francis Coppolino in the 2017 Book of Your Life reading for Virgo

Dear Reader with Virgo Sun, Rising or Moon:

What messages to "grow and become" did you receive between the two August eclipses? Are you still trying to figure that out, or maybe planning your next steps?

Recent weeks have been interesting and intense for just about everyone, though it's possible they've felt especially curious for you.

On Sept. 5, you had the unique experience of your ruling planet, Mercury, stationing direct in the same cryptic, hidden-away section of your chart where the total solar eclipse occurred on Aug. 21.

All of it comes together to begin your next year in dynamic ways -- ways that will ripple out and develop in the months to come, aided by other significant astrology in the process. For example, major planets are gearing up to change signs (among other things).

Eric will get into all of this and more in your upcoming 2017-18 Virgo Birthday Reading. Created to help you steer through the next 12 months and beyond, Eric presents the two astrology segments (at least 30 minutes each) and tarot reading in accessible, inviting language. He'll offer motivation and inspiration for all the challenges and opportunities you may encounter in your intimate relationships, family structure, career, creativity, spiritual and sexual healing and much more.

"You guide but also ask the listener to engage with their lives. Humans don't just get transformation for free and you are very precise in telling us where to look."
-- Shelley Stearns

How will you activate your potential and passion to grow and become? You can start by pre-ordering your Virgo Birthday Reading -- at the lowest price we offer: just $33 for some of the clearest, most immediately useful astrology you can find on the internet.

Note that the price of the reading will increase before the full reading publishes, and then will increase again.

May Mercury smile upon you in all that you do.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter
Planet Waves Astrology Editor

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- People often project their parental issues onto their boss. And for their part, those with people reporting to them do indeed play a parental role, in the form of looking after, supervising and perhaps even taking care of their team. These dynamics may be prominent in a number of different forms this week, so keep an ear out for them. What you want more than parent-child relating is the adult-to-adult mode. Any party to the discussion (for example, someone in a parent or child role) can make the move to bring the interaction to this level. That's done by making straightforward requests, fulfilling what you commit to, and being willing and open to negotiate. Parent-child dynamics have less flexibility; adult-adult dynamics are entirely subject to creativity and choice, though that requires a choice to respond creatively. Use simple exercises, such as, "What are our options?" or "What is an appropriate goal?"

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- There are some people who are subject to trends and public opinions, and there are those who make these things. At the moment, you're on the more influential side of this equation. What you do sets patterns; and then those patterns repeat, take root and expand. Who you are and how you feel affect the people around you. What you demonstrate is what may be considered possible. And your take-no-prisoners approach to ferreting out the truth is an example to some and an annoyance to others, which is fair enough. Therefore, persist in establishing patterns. Try not to get stuck in what came before, or where people's minds are seemingly lodged. Rather, stay with the messier, more adventurous process of formulating new ideas. To that end, allowing your curiosity to drive you more than your intellect is the path to fun and freedom of thought.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- There are two sides to your nature, where work is concerned: the big-picture visionary, and the obsessed taskmaster. At the moment, your astrology is leaning heavily in the direction of wanting to get everything done, impeccably and immediately. That's well and good, except your other role is more important: being the idea person. It's likely that someone close to you can herd the kitty cats and tie up the loose ends of projects. If you cannot delegate the stage management task, you can ease back on it, mainly keeping track of time, of the time things actually need to be done, and who is doing the doing. Ensure that your communications are efficient and complete, so that you save misunderstandings and thus conserve energy. The mental posture you need is the big wide scene, the long arc of time, and your gift for orienting on the future you want to create.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Every now and then, the charts describe a metaphor of going to a higher place to take in the view. Perhaps visit a hilltop, or take in an interesting vista from the highway. You might visit the observation deck of a tall building, or even tool around in someone's Cessna. Whatever it may be, let it involve taking yourself to a place where your eyes can see the horizon. That scene implies that there is one, and that there's also something you can see. There's some parallel related to a talent you possess and may have developed. In order to see and experience this for what it is, you'll need a higher perspective, which could come in the form of an experience, or of allowing your imagination to draw yourself into a positive and fulfilling future existence. You don't ask too much from life, but rather far too little.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Let events this week nudge you forward, or perhaps lift you into flight. You have support coming from many different directions, which is excellent if you remember that you're the pilot of your own craft. Now that you've established the credibility or validity of what you do, you may be discovering that these endorsements didn't matter so much anyway. You are who you are, and that is your real success. Still, there are advantages to having a measure of popularity, especially if you recall that your most important fans are the ones closest to you. Any potential admirers 'out there' matter rather less than those who provide you with love, energy, ideas or coffee. Though no other astrologer would ever say this to an Aquarian, never fall for the belief that you're boring.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- The world seems much more available when people meet you halfway. Your chart describes this beautifully at the moment, with Mars in your relationship house representing those who might seek you out for some purpose. Your role is to understand what that purpose is. While everyone gets a fair hearing, the balance factor is that you don't have to assume everyone has the best intentions. Don't assume anything: rather, allow people to announce themselves by their actions and to a lesser extent, their words. Yet you must be perceptive, and take the small cues and early signs as being meaningful. Consider that people are signaling to the world who they are at all times, because they cannot help but do anything else. You do the same, though as your own inner being, you can consciously choose what you broadcast and what you project. Orient from that point of awareness.

To unsubscribe, click here. To unsubscribe from all future Planet Waves emails, please write to cs@planetwaves.net
Copyright © 2017 by Planet Waves, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Other copyrights may apply.
Some images used under Fair Use or Creative Commons attribution. >>