A Penetrating Mind, and Mars Changes Sign
Dear Friend and Reader:
What do you need to dig into, investigate or persuade someone about? Astrology this week offers support in those realms, though with a caveat: empathy and a goal of mutual benefit need to be guiding principles -- along with an awareness of the potential for obsession and self-righteousness.
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Dragon-horse sculpture by Taiwanese artist Hung Yin in Manhattan. Photo by Amanda Painter. |
In this era of binge-watching shows online and falling down Google rabbit holes, it seems we're becoming acclimated to a certain level of obsessive behavior. That can be problematic when it comes to getting distracted when you're on a work deadline; or when an inability to avoid the pull of obsessive diversions undermines personal goals. When it becomes a habit, self-esteem can suffer.
Yet there's a time and a place for hyper-focusing. Many kinds of research and high-stakes tasks require it for brief stretches. If you're investigating a mystery, engaging in intense, penetrating thought could be the key to solving it -- as long as you don't fixate on one detail to the exclusion of others that might, in fact, lead you to the solution.
As Mercury nears its conjunction to Pluto in Capricorn this week (exact Wednesday), these are some of the themes to watch for. You may find your mind is predisposed to getting under the surface of something; perhaps what you say to someone will strike at the heart of a matter, or persuade them of your point of view. If so, being considerate of others' feelings, and not misrepresenting yourself, are important.
Mercury receives some assistance this week in the form of a sextile to Jupiter in Scorpio (Jupiter is similarly still sextile Pluto). This would seem to further heighten powers of observation, and potentially help in the exercise of sound judgment. Yet Jupiter is having a magnifying effect on Scorpio's already intense energy. This makes it all the more important that, as you go for what you want, you make sure others benefit, too. In fact, helping others get what they want or need might be the better starting place.
Either way, Mercury's aspects suggest that this is a good week for business negotiations, contracts and planning for the future. Partly that rests on this whole idea of 'mutual benefit', which is the foundation of any true negotiation.
On Friday, Mars leaves Scorpio and ingresses Sagittarius at 7:56 am EST (12:56 UTC). In a natal chart, Mars here tends to indicate someone who's optimistic, impulsive, talkative and desires freedom; possibly a good salesperson or an active traveler. They may be open, direct and philosophical at one end of the spectrum; or self-righteous, overly blunt and prone to gambling at the other end. Physical activity is an essential way to channel the energy of Mars in this sign. You might notice some restlessness begin as Mars gets itchy in the last degree of Scorpio; if so, do your best to use it constructively -- which, for Mars, means actively.
Interestingly, just a little inside the doorway at two degrees of Sagittarius, the asteroid Karma is waiting to meet Mars. If that is not a reminder to follow the Golden Rule this week, I'm not sure what is.
We reap what we sow; and no matter where we travel to, or how much freedom we strive for, or how philosophical we get, this cosmic law can be fascinating (and damned humbling) in its effect -- both across lifetimes and within this one. With Pluto lending considerable subterranean energy to thought processes and communication this week, you'll want to use that power well -- which might mean 'with control' as well as 'with emotional intelligence'.
Yours & truly,
Amanda Painter
Understanding Key Life Transits of Saturn, Chiron and Uranus
Dear Friend and Reader:
The Art of Becoming is your 2018 annual reading. This is my 20th time at the rodeo! And that's a good thing, because to write about the transits of this year will take experience. If you're new to the discussion of this project, I've linked a letter in the last paragraph.
I've added three new features to The Art of Becoming, for those who pre-order all 12 signs: videos that cover Chiron in Aries, and Aries Chiron returns; Uranus in Taurus, and Uranus oppositions; and Saturn in Capricorn, including those two Saturn return groups (first and second). These cover many age groups and sub-generations.
Particularly regarding Chiron, the astrological profession for a while was starting to figure out this planet, which was discovered 40 years ago this month. Now astrologers seem to be forgetting or losing interest. I have not.
I have been a student of Chiron every day since early 1995, and will share what I have learned both from study, and from reading the Chiron transits of countless hundreds of clients.
These videos are included if you pre-order all 12 signs. Then they will be spun off as separate products. They will not be included with post-publication orders, or single-sign orders. Each will be offered separately for $37.37 each.
I've wanted to do transit readings like this for years! One distinction about my astrological career is that rather than predicting transits, I've been listening to my clients tell me the stories of their transits for more than two decades.
You may pre-order all 12 signs here. This includes chapter-length written readings, plus the Saturn, Chiron and Uranus video presentations. Those will be published before the written readings, by the way; in fact, I've already produced the Saturn video. You may choose your individual signs here.
Delivery is expected at the end of this month. That's the time estimate, based on 20 years' experience doing this project. If you're curious to read more about The Art of Becoming, here's a detailed letter describing how I do the readings and what they contain.
And if you have not read your 2017 reading, you may do so here at no charge.
Thank you for trusting me as your astrologer, and for participating in Planet Waves.
With love,
Your Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes
We published your extended monthly horoscopes for January on Thursday, Dec. 21. Your extended monthly horoscopes for December were published on Wednesday, Nov. 22. 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 Jan. 22, 2018 | By Eric Francis Coppolino
Aries (March 20-April 19) -- If you find yourself making a mistake you've already made, particularly at work, pause and reconsider your actions. You may not know until you start to see some negative effect, though the sooner you draw back, the better. The most important thing to remember this week is that your words have impact, particularly in a professional context. It will serve you well to be respectful, to the point of being a bit courtly. Take a formal approach; stand up when someone important enters the room, shake hands, be polite and strive to make less of an impression, not more of one. As the week progresses, you will be booming out at 50,000 watts, and what you whisper, people will carry across the airwaves. As the evil genius Frank Luntz said, it's not what you say -- it's what people hear.
Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- You have the ability to bring people together, and you probably have good reason to as well. Put the two together, and have a real meeting of the minds. In person would be much preferable, even if these are one-on-one meetings. If that's not possible, meet in real-time, such as by video conference. You will want to stay a few steps ahead of the game this week, so make sure you're watching trends as they develop, listening to gossip without saying anything, and keeping your eyes on the horizon. You can act on factors you're aware of without revealing to others what's motivating you. These very days can bring out your best leadership qualities, which you have in abundance but rarely get to use. Even if you don't think this is your style, give it a try. You will learn something about yourself.
Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- You may have a tendency to overreact this week, so moderate your responses to the situations you encounter. If you find yourself experiencing strong emotions, pause and step back. A little detachment will go a long way. A variety of factors could lead you to feel like a powerless child in the presence of all-powerful adults. That's not true. Your ability to take some distance and observe matters with a touch of objectivity will be helpful. So, too, will your ability to communicate. There is no situation in which you don't have the right to ask questions or assert your needs. If you have an opinion and feel uneasy about stating it, that's probably a good reason to do so. Most power dynamics are in your mind. Remind yourself of the many ways you actually have power, particularly over your own affairs.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- You will need to be patient with people, particularly in intimate or partnership situations. If you find yourself reacting to someone (for example, if they keep making the same mistake), that's the time to slow down and take a different approach. As the week develops, you might notice that certain individuals are pushy, argumentative or seem determined to convince you something is true by writing it on your body with a tattoo needle. Rather than push back, the thing to do is dance with them. Play along rather than resist. This may take conscious thought on your part, though once you start to move with the energy, you'll notice that you're successfully de-escalating the situation and can then turn it to everyone's advantage, starting with your own. There is plenty of room for mutual gain. You just need to see the opportunity, and work well with the human factor.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- You might rid yourself of the idea that people are equal, and instead, work consciously with power imbalances. This is not a slight on your idealism, just a practical suggestion that will help everyone be at their best. All people have power differentials, whether we're talking about the ability to do calculus or bench press or wealth or a skill at strategizing. Who is good at what? You may attract people who far exceed your abilities in certain areas, and you can work with them. You are gifted in ways that others are not, and you can make those assets available to others. Usually these differences are overlooked, or are the subject of jealous competition. They can also be a source of strength. In physics, voltage is also called "potential difference." The greater the difference, the more voltage you can have.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- You're heading into an unusual week that will be distinguished by a creative breakthrough, probably related to business. This is about something obvious, something that was always there, only suddenly it's appearing in a prominent way. If you already know what this is, focus your thoughts sooner rather than later. Work out some of the details in advance. Once this idea picks up, there will be work to do, and time will be of the essence. So, too, will accuracy. The creative potential needs some substantiation, and a meticulous approach even if things must move quickly. Look back over the past and notice what errors you've made more than once. Those are entirely avoidable in the future, if you're aware of the history. Most of that seems to involve lack of imagination, something that's easily remedied.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- An important family matter is on the horizon, and this may be the week you finally resolve the issue. Your solar chart describes two competing tendencies. One is to get wrapped up in the situation. The other is to be ahead of, and a little bit above, the situation, and therefore to be available as a facilitator. You can use the aspects that describe your getting drawn in, but for something better: gaining an understanding, particularly of elements rooted in the past. You'll be much more helpful if you're not emotionally invested, and you have the power to do that. This will allow you to guide people to being on the same level; that is, to see eye-to-eye and maybe even hear one another out. However, as the week progresses, the lure of jumping into the fray will increase. Beware of temptation.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- You need to be so careful with your words this week that you develop a new relationship to them. The most important thing you can do is slow down. Interpose delays between what you feel, what you think and what you express. You may feel righteous, and who knows, you may even be right. Yet you won't help the situation any if you repel others with what you say, or incorrectly demonstrate that you don't have a clue. You actually do have a significant understanding, though it won't be till Wednesday's meeting of Mercury and Pluto that your thoughts fully come into focus. Once they do, you will understand and feel something so strongly that you will want to stop the movie and make sure it sinks in fully. Therefore, pause, listen, rethink and revise. And hold your fire.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- You may be called upon to make a financial commitment of some kind, though if you can at all avoid it, don't sign anything before Thursday. There's plenty of information that will come out over the next few days, information that you need. As this astrology develops, you'll also become more keenly aware of your value to whatever organization you're serving, and can work your relationship grounded in the mutual financial realities. There's no need for urgency, only for deeper thought. The more intimately you are connected with your purpose, the more closely you can bring that into someone else's purpose (that's the idea of a contract or agreement). Remember that this is about partnership. For that to work, it has to work for everyone. And that is certainly possible -- in ways that will reveal themselves in the near future.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Your solar chart this week is a study in understanding the mistakes you make repeatedly, and how you can avoid doing so. This calls for careful self-reflection, and you may find yourself mixed up in one such error before you decide it's time to hit the brakes: and better sooner rather than later. Here's something you may not have considered, which is the context of your family. It would seem that the kinds of problems you run into involve in some way trying to please your family, such as attempting to meet their expectations. This may go back a long way; so far, in fact, that it's considered a normal and natural part of tribal law in your family, despite the obvious problems. And further, you may feel that you'll be opening Pandora's box if you try to shift things -- all the more reason to do so.
Aquarius Birthdays 2018:
A Reading from Someone Who Understands Aquarians
"My takeaway from the Aquarius reading is a sense of PEACE. You really do UNDERSTAND what Aquarians are going through these days (and yes, because you do understand and explain the issues I am going through so well). Yes: you are an honorary Aquarian."
-- Eileen
Dear Friend and Reader:
I know at least a couple of Aquarians who've dealt with major difficulties this year. I'm not sure how widespread that has actually been among those with an Aquarius Sun or Aquarius rising, but I suspect it has a lot to do with Chiron wrapping up its journey through Pisces: your house of what you value, including your body, your money, your talents and your self-esteem.
This year Chiron begins to move into Aries. This will shift the focus of your learning and healing agenda, and hopefully provide a little relief.
Chiron is not the only planet changing signs this year, however: both your ruling planets do, too. Saturn is newly in Capricorn, and later this spring Uranus will enter Taurus. These shifts hold very specific changes for you: both in terms of your inner reality, and in terms of the overall environment you interact with.
Using his signature blend of astrological experience, therapy training, life coaching, and motivational speaking, Eric will cover these major changes to the sky (along with subtler points) in your upcoming 2018 Aquarius Birthday Reading.
Recorded in pro-quality audio, you'll receive two segments of astrology (at least 30 minutes each) and a tarot reading for the year ahead, plus an extended description of your sign. But what you really get is practical, accessible inspiration that will help you find a more empowering perspective on challenges, and the confidence to say yes to opportunities.
"Ah Eric -- just listened to your reading. I was moved to tears by your closing words. Your passion, deep care and love always shine through; and you have the gift of all great teachers, of making one feel that one is being personally addressed, respected and taken care of."
-- Liz Glanville
Please note that when you pre-order your 2018 Aquarius Birthday Reading, you will secure the lowest price we offer --just $33. The price increases as Eric nears publication, and then increases again.
The Sun enters your sign this Friday, Aquarius -- I wish you a happy birthday season, and much joyful use of your reading.
Yours & truly,
Amanda Painter
P.S. The 2018 Aquarius Birthday Reading is distinctly different from the Aquarius written reading available in the upcoming Art of Becoming annual project. It covers your key astrology in a different format and emphasis, capitalizing on Eric's more intuitive, improvisational skills. The Birthday Reading also makes a fantastic gift for a loved one!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- The Sun and Venus are in your sign, and you're probably feeling a lot better than you have in weeks or even months. You know that positive changes are on the horizon; there's excitement in the air. A forthcoming total eclipse of the Moon in your opposite sign Leo occurs on Jan. 31, and that's an invitation to look at a relationship situation. In fact, it's an opportunity to consider the total environment of your relationships, and see what they have in common. Questions to ask yourself might involve whether any given relationship is good for you, and if not, what about that relationship reflects your total environment. For the next week or two, you have the ability to make changes that might otherwise seem impossible. Use this time well, to choose what you want, and to un-choose what you do not want.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Take a conservative approach to what you say in public this week. Public means on any platform you have, from Instagram to a network television program to what you say in the presence of any group. By conservative, I mainly mean reserved and thoughtful. You cannot demonstrate too much evidence of consideration and deliberation. Aspects describe a kind of sixth-sense about what's happening in the public sphere, which will be useful for both social and business purposes (and for you, these are often closely related). Underlying all of this is the fact that you have impact on your environment, and you want to use that impact consciously. That means proceeding with awareness of what you say and why you say it. You won't get to take your words back; you may or may not get an immediate response. That does not confirm or deny anything. In any event, be precise.
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