Planet Waves :: Your Monday Morning Horoscope

New York, March 4, 2018 | View as Webpage | Order 2018 Annual Reading | Individual Signs

Initiative, Review, and You

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Dear Friend and Reader:

Although there's a significant concentration of bodies in Pisces this week, the focus shifts to other signs for the main events -- specifically, Aries (planets changing sign) and Scorpio (Jupiter's retrograde). You may notice a shift in tone, tempo or orientation as a result.

Photo by Amanda Painter.

Early in the week, Mercury and Venus both leave Pisces and enter Aries on Tuesday. Mercury makes its move at 2:34 am EST (7:34 UTC), and Venus follows suit at 6:45 pm EST (23:45 UTC).

At its most basic, this nudges emotions, thought processes and communication into more impulsive, inventive and enthusiastic (or possibly reactive) territory. You might find that you need to make a little more effort to sustain your concentration at times, or to put yourself in another's shoes and offer some empathy. Yet with several notable planets and the Sun still swimming in Pisces, there's a natural softening and stabilizing influence to keep things balanced. We'll be getting some good Aries initiative to pair with the dreamy visioning Pisces is so famous for -- and that can be a recipe for getting really interesting things done.

Yet there's another dimension to Mercury and Venus entering Aries: they're landing on the Aries Point -- that hot little parcel of zodiac real estate that connects your personal experience with that of the collective (such as through politically charged events and issues).

Not only that, but Mercury and Venus make aspects to three minor planets that have featured prominently in Eric's Art of Becoming annual readings: Salacia in Aries, and Pholus and Quaoar in Capricorn. Salacia seems to be connected to our relationship with sex -- especially in the form of the sex scandals that have become prominent news in the last six months or so (though it likely has other important themes). Pholus and Quaoar both have strong associations with the origins and perpetuation of familial and ancestral patterns, especially in Capricorn.

You'll want to watch the news for any events that highlight any of these issues, particularly the ways that patterns of dealing with our politicized version of sex have been handed down through the generations. Yet remember to track your personal thoughts and feelings on these matters, too -- both in terms of your reactions to the collective manifestations of these issues, and in terms of whatever patterns you're aware of within your own family and immediate experience.

The square aspect between the Aries planets (Mercury, Venus, Salacia) and the Capricorn planets (Pholus and Quaoar) implies tension and a need for action. Do you need to do something to shift a pattern of behavior, or shift your habitual response to something? Remember that with Pholus involved, small, incremental moves can count for a lot.

Then on Thursday (Friday in some time zones) -- just after Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow or echo phase in Aries -- Jupiter stations retrograde in Scorpio. That happens at 11:45 pm EST (4:45 UTC on Friday). Jupiter will continue moving in apparent retrograde motion until July 10.

Bottom half of the chart for Venus ingressing Aries, on the right side just below the dark horizontal line. Mercury is just above the line. On the left side are the Moon and Jupiter in Scorpio; note that Jupiter is already in the degree where it will station retrograde. View glyph key here.

Like most retrogrades, this is a review phase: a time for a little introspection to better understand what Jupiter in Scorpio is about for you.

It might even be a time to draw in or pull back on some of what Jupiter has been expanding and increasing in your life, so that you can check the integrity of that growth before plowing onward.

Questions you might ask (or be met with) in the next four months could include (but are not limited to): Is the growth you're experiencing lining up with your ultimate goals? What secrets are you still keeping, especially related to sex, money and changes you want or need to make? Is everything in order for your next phase of progress? Are you ready to receive more, or do you need to clear some space for it (physical, emotional, mental or energetic)?

With the major events this week involving the two Mars-ruled signs (Aries and Scorpio), desire and motivation are underlying themes. While the Aries planets would seem to prompt forward motion toward what you want, the Scorpio retrograde may invite you to assess whether what you've been getting lately is really what you want. It's up to you to connect the two related processes in a way that works.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Planet Waves (ISSN 1933-9135) is published each Sunday and Thursday evening in Kingston, New York, Planet Waves, Inc. Core Community membership: $197/year. Editor and Publisher: Eric Francis Coppolino. Web Developer: Anatoly Ryzhenko. Astrology Editor: Amanda Painter. Eric's Assistant: Ellen Dockery. Client Services: Amy Elliott and Victoria Emory. Technical Assistant: Emily Thing. Astrology Fact Checker: Len Wallick. Copy Editor and Fact Checker: Jessica Keet. Media Consultant: Andrew McLuhan. Music Director: Daniel Sternstein. Bass and Drums: Daniel Grimsland. Additional Research, Writing and Opinions: Cindy Ragusa and Carol van Strum.

Art of Becoming: Twentieth Annual Readings Complete

Dear Friend and Reader:

Sunday afternoon, wrapping up your Capricorn reading in The Art of Becoming, I noticed it felt a little strange writing the annual reading on a warm day. Since 1998, my annuals have been written through many cold days with low clouds, and long nights, and Christmas Eves and Thanksgiving weekends -- in places that include Paris, Brussels and Vashon Island.

Illustration for The Art of Becoming for Pisces. Each reading includes custom artwork created just for this project by Lia Simone, a local artist whose work I adore.

My heartfelt thanks goes to all of our customers who have patiently waited for me to finish. This is the first year I've written the annual while simultaneously writing a daily horoscope.

Despite such a hectic schedule, I vowed to have no loss of quality, detail or workmanship in any of my writing. To this end, I've had immense help from Amy Elliott, Jessica Keet and Amanda Painter, who are the core of our copy team.

Each written reading takes about 12 hours to write, plus research time. Usually they are done in three writing sessions. Many took an entire weekend of work. Henry Miller said that it takes a writer a million words to find his voice. I have banked that just on these annual readings.

The readings are focused on the current year, though cover (and prepare you for) transits many years into the future. They are equally effective for your Sun and rising signs. Many people find great value in reading their Moon sign.

I consider it ethical to read for partners and loved ones. And best of all, The Art of Becoming is one purchase per household; that is, you may share it.

Each Sign is a World of Its Own

Each set of annual readings has its own atmosphere, and is written in response to the forthcoming astrology, the state of the world, and the human quest for meaning. They are written with the passion and care that a novelist invests in his or her work -- though this is a book about you. For that reason, I must be especially careful.

I understand the struggle that so many people are going through right now. I understand the potential of our moment. I write to both conditions.

Solar chart for Leo, 2018, which summarizes all of my notes. This places Leo on the 1st house, and describes how all the other signs relate to it. The transits are for the cross-quarter, when the Sun reaches the midpoint of that sign. Many extra points are included, such as Eris, Psyche, Asbolus and others.

My annual readings are a truly unusual astrology project. There is nothing like them anywhere, that I've ever seen or heard of.

These readings are the hybrid of three different skills I've developed: one cultivated through doing thousands of tarot and astrology readings, since way back in 1989; the second is my devotion to research astrology, meaning original research into newly discovered planets; and my ongoing morphing of journalism with astrology.

This last one is the most important ingredient. I write not like an astrologer, but as someone intending to convey meaning in clear terms. I strive to make astrology useful, understanding that it's one answer to the complexity of the lives we are leading right now.

My many years of experience with A Course in Miracles, as well as training in Holistic Therapy, Gestalt Therapy and Hakomi Therapy, also inform my work.

If you've never experienced one of these readings, please give it a try. If you're familiar with older editions and have not checked in for a while, I trust that you will find this work clarifying, reassuring, motivating and perhaps nourishing to your peace of mind. I strive to be reassuring, and also to provide strategies for growth, self-development and survival in our wild world.

Each of the 12 readings is its own world, with its own sense, feeling, and effect. In order to write 70,000 words for 12 signs, it must be interesting to me, and I must learn something with each one of these chapters. Each takes on a life of its own, telling the story of our lives from a different point of view.

The reviews this year have been heart-warming, and this has become an international bestseller: we've reached people on every continent, and sales are nearly tied with the most popular annual ever, the 2012 edition (Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check.)

The Solar Chart and Rising Sign

The Art of Becoming for Gemini by Lia Simone.

What makes these readings possible is that I have pretty much mastered the solar chart. This is the system used by Sun-sign astrologers (that is, newspaper horoscope writers, most of whom don't really trust it). It was the 20th-century masters Linda Goodman and Patric Walker who showed us what could be done with the solar houses.

As part of this tradition, I write directly to you, speaking in plain talk, explaining any technical terms I must use, and avoiding them whenever possible.

This technique turns each individual zodiac sign into a mandala. Each sign relates to all the other signs differently. Turn the same chart by one sign and you have an entirely different figure.

This is one way I'm able to go to such depth. Also, because (for example) this is my 10th year writing about Pluto in Capricorn, I have gained an understanding of that journey, and can apply everything I've learned to each new reading. The same is true for all of the developing outer-planet transits. If you would like to see the actual charts I used to write these readings, click on this PDF (for some reason, the signs are not in order; we will fix that soon). These charts summarize a stack of data, covering everything from the minor planets to retrogrades.

Themes of This Year's Reading

The theme that came up the most strongly is family constellation work. The ingress of three planets into Capricorn, all of which reference family and what you might call cosmic origins, provided much of this material.

Saturn's ingress into Capricorn will start to put things back together after years of the rather intense experience of Pluto in this sign -- as well as Uranus square Pluto from 2011-2015.

Another recurring theme was self-discovery. Chiron's ingress into Aries will help us start to make sense of all that's happened the past seven years of Uranus in Aries, and Uranus conjunct Eris in Aries.

Solar chart for Sagittarius, 2018, summarizing all relevant data. This chart features Jupiter in Sagittarius, which you can see in the 1st house, Chiron entering the 5th house, Asbolus in the 7th house, and other features. One of the most interesting things in this chart is the Mars-Neptune conjunction.

I have helped sort out the chaos stirred up by the series of eclipses across Leo and Aquarius. I've covered the Venus and Mars retrogrades, though I will focus a special project on them in the form of the Spring Reading that comes out in April.

New Planets Developed

Most of what I write about comes from a deep understanding of classical astrology. I work with all of the traditional planets (Mercury through Saturn), the modern planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto), the centaur planets (Chiron and others) and a great many asteroids.

This year, I've gone to unusual depth working with several relatively new planets. Those include Pholus (discovered 1992) and Quaoar (discovered 2002), which reference family and ancestral themes. I have developed a point called Salacia (discovered 2004), which will spend the next few years in a conjunction with Chiron in Aries. This is about self-discovery and sexual healing intertwined as one idea.

What Your Reading Includes

Each written reading is chapter length, approximately 5,500 to 6,000 words. They are presented as a webpage and as downloadable PDFs (US Letter and A4). Additionally, we have included your 2017 written reading, The Book of Your Life.

We have also included the most recent birthday audio reading (the 2017 edition), as well as In The Shadow of the Moon, the 2017 midyear reading covering the Great American Eclipse.

One last -- I've done three videos about 2018 transits, including an overview, Saturn transits and Chiron part one. I will soon complete Chiron part 2, and Uranus in Taurus. Once this is done, these video readings will be sold individually. They are included with your purchase.

The Art of Becoming for Scorpio by Lia Simone.

Experiencing is Believing

I recognize that one objection to these readings is the thinking that it's not possible to go into any detail without the birth chart. But once people experience reading the first page, that concern evaporates immediately.

There is also a benefit to being liberated from the “personality profile” of the natal chart and going to the level where the collective meets the individual.

These readings will help you understand what is going on in your life, what is going on in the world, and in my practical style, where the two meet.

You may get all 12 signs here for $111 or individual signs for $44.44. You will want all 12! They are that good. Individuals on a fixed income or in financial hardship, please email Ellen Dockery. If you have already purchased an individual sign, look for a discount upgrade letter tonight or tomorrow.

Backstage Pass and Galaxy Pass holders, please call us at (845) 481-5616.

Thank you for trusting me as your astrologer -- and thank you for being a Planet Waves customer.

With love,
eric

P.S. If we get 10 requests, I will schedule a phone conference to do a Q & A session on the annual readings. Write to me at efc@ericfrancis.com. Please say the most convenient time of the week to do this. I am thinking a Sunday afternoon.

P.P.S. here are client testimonials.

P.P.P.S. here are short samples of the readings.

"From the daily/weekly/monthly horoscopes to access to the Intelligent Oracle and the Celtic Wings tarot spread and Planet Waves FM -- to have all that available and more -- it's been absolutely vital for my healing and development (and sanity!) over the past three years.
-- Patricia Sanders

Planet Waves is a guide through these times we live in: excellent horoscopes, original news analysis, detailed and soulful readings, an understanding of the internet, and passion for human potential: all of this defines what we do, and we provide this service for you, our readers.

Eric is devoted to making Planet Waves a phenomenon that will enrich your life. He designs the astrology to be worth multiple times what we charge, and to give you more than you're expecting -- when you need it the most.

We offer a number of affordable options for membership -- you may find out more here, including how to sign up. If you're already a member, please consider giving a membership as a gift. If you need additional options, please feel free to email us.

Your Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

We published your extended monthly horoscopes for March on Thursday, Feb. 22. Your extended monthly horoscopes for February were published on Thursday, Jan. 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 March 5, 2018 | By Eric Francis Coppolino

Aries (March 20-April 19) -- Don't be afraid to have your life be all about you. It is, no matter what you do, even if you generously offer yourself to others. And this you've been doing for a while, with your ruling planet Mars expressing itself in its most selfless way possible, conjunct Vesta and moving through spiritually focused Sagittarius. However, you have your plans; you have ideas; you want to experiment; and all those things call for making sure that you honor your priorities. Yet, on a deeper level, remember that all of your experiences are yours, no matter what they may seem to be about. The best metaphor is when people play music together. The sounds you're making are about what you're feeling, though it helps immensely if you're in harmony with the people around you. Then sometimes you leap out and fly solo. That is what your charts look like this week.

You can now get instant access to all 12 signs of the 2018 Planet Waves annual edition, The Art of Becoming -- we'll be publishing the additional transit videos soon. Order all 12 signs here to read your Sun, Moon and rising sign and those of loved ones, or choose your individual signs here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- For the past few weeks, you've been both social and creative, way out in the open where people can see you. Gradually, over the next two weeks, your orientation will turn inward. You might not notice this at first, though you may want to honor the process by being a little ahead of yourself, and making sure you take sufficient time alone -- no matter what else you may be doing the rest of the time. This time of year (many years) is great for experimenting with who you present yourself as being in the world, what you reveal, and what you keep to yourself. Done well, this is an intricate balance of an inner and an outer life. A great many well-known people lose themselves in their public persona. You're too sensitive for that. You will feel better when you go beyond the dual orientation. There is no public and there is no private: there is just life.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Keep your finger on the pulse of important professional developments. Sometimes when you've worked for a goal for a long time, it's possible to lose track of what you're doing at the very end of the process. It's possible to lose your sense of purpose, or your contact with what was guiding you through the long journey. Please don't make that error. Stay in touch with what's motivating you, dial in your original plans and intentions, and verify that you're still on track. Also, beware of double endings. Don't declare the job done or the goal accomplished until long after you've finished and moved on, even if you receive some acknowledgement or accolade. Beginnings and endings are sensitive, and must be handled carefully if you're going to make lasting progress. One way to stay grounded is to identify with your responsibilities more than with your reputation. You have a job to do and you do it well -- no more, no less.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- The less you say, the less it will feel like nobody believes you. You've figured out what is true, both about yourself and about a particular matter you've been investigating. This may have involved something worldly or spiritual; you pretty much know the truth, and you've accomplished something unusual. Play that down for now; let your discovery speak for itself. Over the next few days, planets will begin moving from Pisces to Aries, and in the process, making their way into your house of achievement and reputation. This will last well into March, and through that time, it would be a wise policy to be seen for who you are, rather than saying too much about who you are. When you have to send out a press release or inform the world that you've done something, make it sound like it was no big deal and all in a day's work. You are, as usual, happy to be of service.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- Over the past few weeks, you've been working through a deeply sensitive situation with a close partner or loved one. As this process has unfolded, you've had your doubts and your revelations. You've discovered secrets you were keeping from yourself, and you've come to understand something about the nature of intimacy. It would be fair to say that the true purpose of this journey has been a healing process, though it's also been about learning how to be open to giving and receiving love and emotional nourishment. As planets move into your fellow fire sign Aries, you might be inclined to forget what you've experienced. Yet you must be cautious never to take anyone or anything for granted. Emotional bonds remain fragile and sensitive, and it's too easy to let that slip your mind. Focus on the importance of trust, and remember, you're not in this alone.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- The past week has taken you through some sensitive territory where your relationships are concerned. Where do you stand with the people you're closest to? Can you really tell? Sometimes intimacy is like a kaleidoscope. You constantly get a different view, and there's no point wondering what the real one is. However, as the week unfolds, you're likely to feel more confident about recent developments. Part of that feeling stems from the fact that many discoveries and discussions are behind you, and you've sorted out most of the important issues. You do need to remember the extent to which you find yourself by investing yourself into relationships. This is entirely legitimate, though it comes with the risk of losing your personal footing when a relationship changes. The way to stay ahead of that is to do the Zen thing and truly appreciate the ethereal and transient nature of existence.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- The emphasis of your solar chart remains on self-care. Yours is one of the signs most sensitive to your environment, particularly at work. And you're someone whose emotions and state of physical health are intimately related. If you experience an emotional disturbance or tension, that can manifest immediately in physical symptoms that seem to be of mysterious origin. This suggests that you must stay in contact with your environment. Over the next few days, beware of anyone who seems to be demanding too much of your attention. Rather than pushing back, gently sidestep those who are too pushy or who feel entitled to your energy. This may give you some clues about what you need to do with the situation in the long run, so be sure you remember what you've experienced, so you can evaluate it later. Meanwhile, easy does it, and drink enough water.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- One interesting quality of your charts over the next few seasons is that the line between work and play is blurred. The two seem to merge into one another, which will take many forms; one is likely to be discovering how much you love your work. You have to identify with what you do. When you say, "I am a [fill in the blank], there should be no odd feeling about it. So one quality of these transits will be to encourage just that connection with your work. Another manifestation could be a loving relationship with a creative partner or work colleague. I know that these are often frowned upon, and they do call for maturity and true devotion, both personal and professional. But they are some of the most relevant, healing, and happy relationships, especially if people respect one another, and know how to give one another space. These are helpful skills any day of the week.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Rather than telling someone how much you love them, show them. Words will not be so believable; actions will convey the impression you want to give. Offer yourself with genuine abandon and make sure you have fun doing it. Most of your personality consists of an adventurous side, and though you've been a bit reserved lately, and likely focused on some work-related activity, re-focus your energy on home, particularly the kitchen and the bedroom, the two most important rooms in any home (the bathroom is a given, and it can be an interesting place). As for work, you've devoted yourself plenty to one particular project, and you've done brilliantly; now you can shift the focus to something of a creative nature that has some deep personal meaning to you. If you ever wanted to transform into an artist, or have your artwork burst to life, this is the week to start that fire.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Pisces is your sign of self-expression, and that's one of the places where planets are gathering now -- in a most interesting way, involving Chiron, the planet of healing and awareness. Another gathering point is in your sign (particularly Saturn and Pluto), so you have plenty to express. We're about to go through a series of new transits, which begin this week and reach about two weeks out, and this scenario will last for a while. Once you're there, you will be wondering what you were thinking and feeling right now; so I suggest you leave yourself a time capsule, in the form of journal entries, photos and maybe even voice or music recordings. When planets move into Aries and make a series of squares to Saturn in your sign, you will want those artifacts as a source of inspiration, and a reminder of what you're capable of feeling.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- By now you see a need to be more financially independent, and to have your sources of income somewhat removed from emotional attachments. While there is no actual "independence" in the world of finance -- even the very wealthy depend on banks and investment houses -- it's possible to live in a more integrated way, and draw your sustenance from a diversity of sources. It's also important to remember that all of your income ultimately flows from your creativity. This is not true of everyone, or of all charts, though yours indicates this in bold terms. The challenge is transporting and transforming the energy from the state of pure idea through a series of steps that result in paid work that's connected to who you truly are inside, what you care about, and what you believe is relevant. However, that's actually how your energy system works; all you need to do is observe yourself.

Pisces Birthday Reading: Last Call at Pre-order Price

Dear Fellow Pisces, Pisces Rising or Pisces Lover:

It's been a crazy busy week -- finishing The Art of Becoming, keeping up with horoscopes and playing investigative reporter -- but I just had to do the Pisces birthday reading in time for the Virgo Full Moon.

From your fellow Pisces, Eric Francis.

You can still get instant access to this reading at just $33 until midnight tonight, when it goes up to $44; the final price will be $66.

My job is to provide encouragement, reassurance, and actual information about your transits. I do my best to provide just that.

This is a mellow but detailed reading, which starts with a long discussion of relationships and the need to be discerning. This is directly related to claiming your full value in the world, and feeling good about yourself: what some call self-esteem.

I expound on two different interpretations of the Virgo Full Moon -- one based on my own writeup in the Daily News, and for contrast, the other based on Sally Brompton's interpretation in The New York Post.

From there, I talk about the ingress of planets from water sign Pisces to fire sign Aries, which in the coming days will include Mercury and Venus, then Chiron.

In the second segment I talk mainly about career, profession and community involvement -- this is a discussion of Saturn moving from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

There is plenty more. You can get a personal reading from me lasting 75 minutes for $555 -- or a reading I would be very happy to get, 75 minutes for $33. Get instant access now.

Thank you for your business, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,
eric

P.S. The Art of Becoming is now ready. This reading is a very detailed report on Chiron moving from Pisces to Aries, among other things. You can get individual signs here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Your chart is still reverberating from last week's Full Moon in your opposite sign Virgo. The Sun is now at the midpoint of Pisces, and is still close to Neptune, which is providing you with energy and motivation. And as of Monday, there remains a triple conjunction of Mercury, Venus and Chiron in your sign. You have plenty to work with, and you're deeply connected to your inner sources of ideas and inspiration. Beginning this week, planets will be shifting into Aries, which represents your ability to finance your life and your projects, and also your sense of belonging in the world. The two are closely related. While Pisces is sometimes depicted as the sign least able to function in the world, a careful look at your solar chart makes a rather different point. Everything about you, including your sensitivity, your love of beauty and your clairvoyant quality, are all perfectly suited to grow and thrive in the world at this genuinely strange time.

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