Sagittarius Full Moon, Conjunct Karma

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Dear Friend and Reader:

Tuesday at 10:19 am ET (14:19:28 UTC), the Sun and the Moon oppose one another from Gemini to Sagittarius. This is one of those events where I have the feeling that writing about it can't possibly do it justice. You just have to stare at the chart in amazement (so we've provided the one I've used to write the weekly horoscope, and this column).

Gemini and Sagittarius are signs on the mutable cross. So, too, are Virgo and Pisces. There is so much to cover on that cross, I'm going to focus my thoughts there, though I will end with a comment on the forthcoming Mars retrograde (and I'll be highlighting both in tonight's Planet Waves FM, my next project on the docket after I push "send" on this essay).

The endless knot, a symbol of enlightenment and unity, from a relief found in Thimphu, Bhutan. Photo by Christopher J. Fynn.

So, karma. That thing, which (praise Ganesha, Kali and Lakshmi) has made its way into the Western lexicon. My first introduction to that word was when the janitors let me into the tunnel between the old Norton Union and the new Norton Union (then renamed Squire Hall) at SUNY Buffalo.

I was the founder of a brand-new campus magazine called Generation, and I had heard rumors of the graffiti in this tunnel (which had a door near my office, locked in my era). So I got the guy with the keys to let me in -- and I was amazed. It was a time capsule of the 1960s, stretching 100 feet below the main quad, absolutely packed with the commentary of students of yore. I could feel the days when the tunnel was a teeming thoroughfare between the old and new student unions, though now dimly lit, silent and abandoned.

On the wall scrawled boldly in red spray paint was the statement, "No One Can Escape What They Create. -- The Law of Karma."

I pondered that for years, and have since come up with a more compassionate way to state it, which is that one must ultimately address what one creates. Yet this is still a notion of karma rooted in the past; in truth it's a principle that applies every second of every day of our lives.

Let's rewrite that graffiti: "You experience the effects of what you create, as does everyone else. Therefore, proceed lovingly, and create consciously."

That would be the best suggestion I can offer this week, as this is no ordinary Full Moon. The mutable cross in the degree range of the lunation is just loaded. Starting at 7 degrees and going out to about 11 degrees, we have the following points in tight aspect to the Moon-Sun opposition, in degree order: Bacchus, Karma, Orcus, Sun, Moon, Nessus, Apollo, Sisyphus.

Translated into keywords: alcohol and enabling behavior; the results of your actions; cold disrespect for life; the vital force within; the personality shell; more cause and effect (especially regarding sex, as well as the drama triangle); making the same mistakes over and over; and unrewarded or seemingly useless effort.

That accounts for every point in range of the Full Moon, choosing from a set of about 100 objects with every class represented (my usual palette).

Carpet page from the 8th-century Lindisfarne Gospels, showing an intricate Celtic knot design.

The upshot here would seem to be: don't make your life harder by making ridiculous decisions that you know will hurt you. Notice the mistakes you make repeatedly. Pay attention to who you might be enabling and, therefore, whose karma you might be taking on.

Being hapless or unwitting just does not cut it these days. Living in a bubble is popular, though the oxygen runs out fast.

Speaking of bubbles, if we go a little further out, to about 17 degrees mutable, we find Neptune, which is squared by the Full Moon axis. The Moon and Sun are said to have a 10-degree orb, but as a minor planet astrologer, I prefer to work with a much tighter degree range for all aspects -- except when Neptune is involved. Neptune has the widest orb of all the planets. When Neptune is around, especially in a square aspect, keep a little pouch of salt on your belt, and scatter some on the floor if it seems slick.

Neptune, on one level, is a deep well of creativity and imagination. On another, it's like a coating of grease on which most people will slip in a matter of moments. Between the presence of Bacchus (associated with the influences of alcohol, and therefore codependency), and Neptune, you might want to make sure you stay far away from booze, and people who abuse it, over the next few days.

Neptune demands attentiveness and devotion to truth. Being able to say, make, or think anything (as we can, here on Earth) calls for an ethical orientation: a code that you live by. This code needs rules for amending the rules; don't just bend them willy-nilly. Neptune is currently trine retrograde Jupiter in Scorpio.

One of my teachers, minor planet virtuoso Martha Lang-Wescott, has a particularly cynical interpretation of the trine aspect that I rarely ever apply -- only when it seems appropriately cautionary: "If you lie, I will swear to it."

People are fond of saying we live in the post-truth world, and many act like it. Many often think that if other people think like we think, we must be right. That is not true. Regardless of the latest trend in rhetoric, the laws of the universe all still apply.

Slow down this week. Pay attention, and imagine the possibility that you cannot escape what you create. Perhaps you can, though you would do better to create something you actually want.

With love,

P.S. In the Aquarius horoscope below, I mention previous articles I've written about the impending retrograde of Mars. You can read two of them here and here. I've also discussed the topic in this Planet Waves FM broadcast and this one.

Tonight on Planet Waves FM Sagittarius Full Moon and Bob Dylan Birthday Tribute

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Before I get into tonight's program and its many features, here's a heads-up on the Sacred Space of Self spring reading. I am now delivering signs, and the introductory video on Chiron. The four signs of the cardinal cross are complete and available; the fixed cross will be next. The set of readings is available for the pre-order price. Please email, or call (845) 481-5616 for the member discount.

A young Bob Dylan, in an outtake photo from the "Desire" cover session; taken at Plymouth Memorial Park, Plymouth, MA, on Oct. 31, 1975. Photo by Ken Regan, official photographer of the Rolling Thunder Revue tour.

This reading takes Mars retrograde in Aquarius in the context of the outer planet sign changes that have been coming on like a storm. Mars is the figure on the stage; that is us. Aquarius is the patterns of society that we will be experiencing as a counter-culture experiment.

You might say that the theme here is DESIRE. What do you want, and how is it that someone else gets to judge you for that? This theme spreads to every facet of your relationship with "the collective," particularly as defined by the internet. These readings, 40 minutes each, are offered in plain talk. They are motivating and uplifting, while taking on the challenges that we face as members of society today.

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Tonight's Program, Featuring the Music of the Bard

In tonight's Planet Waves FM [play episode here] I cover Tuesday's Sagittarius Full Moon. This is a complex event, and I am doing something rare, which is advising a kind of retreat from major decisions for one week, as the Full Moon passes, and then the Moon clears Sagittarius, Capricorn and Mars in Aquarius. By major decisions, I mean decisions that you cannot reverse, or that set chains of events in motion.

I take another close look at the forthcoming Mars retrograde in Aquarius; much of the program is based on this event, which spans from June 26 through Aug. 27, though it is in effect now, as we are in the warm-up phase.

Our musical guest is Bob Dylan, and I do a detailed reading of his chart. For the first time, I have added the minor planets, and take Bob as the incarnation of the Tongva god Quaoar, whose myth tells us how things came to be the way they are today.

Planet Waves FM is distributed without profit by Chiron Return, Inc., a federally registered nonprofit corporation. Your memberships make our work possible. Thank you.

With love

PS -- Just a reminder that you can order the Sacred Space of Self readings by calling (845) 481-5616 or by emailing us at cs@planetwaves.net. When you do, you'll get access to the videos for all 12 signs as they become ready, for the discounted pre-order price of just $88. The Sacred Space of Self Last Chance To Order at Current Price

Dear Friend and Reader:

Eric is moving out chapters of your 2018 Spring Reading, The Sacred Space of Self. I'm writing to let you know that this is our last call for orders at the current price, $66 for all 12 signs.

These are magnificent 40-minute videos, applicable to your Sun, Moon and rising signs. Each gives as much information as a professional natal chart reading. We also offer a one-purchase-per-household policy, meaning you get to share these readings with loved ones.

As this is a public holiday weekend in the U.S., you probably won't see this letter until late Monday. We are therefore holding the pre-order price for you until midnight on Monday night, May 28, so please be sure to place your order quickly. Another reason you'll want to sign up as soon as you can is that you'll get access to the videos as soon as they're complete.

You can read more about Eric's plans for The Sacred Space of Self here.

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With best wishes,

Amy Elliott

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Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

Your extended monthly horoscopes for June were published on Thursday, May 24. We published your extended monthly horoscopes for May on Thursday, April 26. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope on the first Friday after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) -- Most describe karma as a thing from the past, when what's usually happening is that people manufacture it by the barrel. That's another way of saying harming oneself, which in your current situation calls for avoiding what you know causes you problems or even confusion. This may take some effort, though even your most basic, sincere efforts will be quickly rewarded. Soon after comes the conscious embracing of your healing process. Once you make the shift to having something positive to engage with, and having a goal to work towards, you will feel even better. The next few days are likely to come with the revelation of what you need to do, and a reminder not to make the same mistakes over and over again. Start with considering carefully what you put into your body, and any circumstances under which this happens, including who tends to be with you. Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- You are embarking on one of the most interesting times in your life, by which I mean adventurous and exciting. There is an energy of beginning, of expressing yourself, and of inventing yourself as you go, that's surrounding you. You will want to make sure your relationship partners are fully cooperative with this process: that, for example, they are not intimidated by the fact of your growth, or by the possibility of your not being your usual highly predictable self. There will be no controlling you in these forthcoming seasons and years of your life. All that will work are collaboration, cooperation, and standing back with some awe at who you are becoming. This, however, may present some challenges for you, since you like to know who you're going to be from one day to the next. We could sum that up by saying: you will be someone in a constant state of self-discovery.
Reach For Clarity With Your Gemini Birthday Reading

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Dear Friend and Reader:

With so many outer planets transitioning into new signs, many people are feeling confused and uncertain of what will happen next. As a Gemini, you may be more comfortable with change than most: you understand that your best bet is to work with the turns in the road. Yet it helps to have a map; and there's a handy one available in Eric's forthcoming 2018-19 Gemini Birthday Reading.

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Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Tuesday's Full Moon takes place in your opposite sign Sagittarius, and it highlights a particular relationship that you may still be struggling to understand. There is a dynamic involved, where events are set off that in some way seem to be predestined or where the roles are scripted. Someone keeps making the same errors over and over again, but seems oblivious to this fact. There are two ways to get a handle on this -- and you can, by the way. Method one is to do so mutually: to wake up together, to agree to make changes for one another's sake, for the sake of the relationship, and for your sake as individuals. The other way is that you choose to awaken and you make adjustments that are designed to benefit you alone. There is nothing wrong with acting in your own best interests; in fact, it's one of the most important skills you can learn in life. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- You must conduct yourself with the utmost maturity as the next few days unfold, using everything you've learned in recent years. And you have learned plenty, particularly regarding matters where the world around you appears to be backsliding. A false conservatism seems to be taking over, and it's often dressed in progressive garb: that's to say, the illusion of making progress veils a deep commitment to go nowhere. This is not your trip. You're not about doing things because everyone else is, particularly at this stage of your life. You must do what you know is correct, no matter what anyone else may think. You need to evaluate all of your agreements based on what aligns with your deepest values, and your most basic way of conducting yourself in the world. You have an excellent sense of what is right for you, and your deepening role as a community leader means expanding this to knowing what is right on that level as well. Let courage lead you. Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- You will need to take anything anyone says about sex with approximately a pound of salt. This includes everyone from close partners to friends to what you hear through the gossip circuit. The Sun, which rules your sign, is about to make a square aspect to Nessus, which can stir up the part of people's mind that thinks only nefarious thoughts where eroticism is concerned. You may contain some part of this; it would be better not to feed it, and to stand clear of any self-judgment or gender rage, both of which are running at pandemic levels these days. People are people. Desire is healthy. We all know right from wrong, and anyone pretending not to is making believe. In this world, it may not be easy to stand in your truth, but it's the greatest strength you possess. And strength increases with practice. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- Take the warm approach rather than the cool one, or the cold one. Cool is just another form of cold, by the way: a gloss as slick as ice and about as friendly. Warmth is human. It is mammalian: furry, soft, cozy, and ready to embrace other critters lovingly. Remember this if things get a little weird. Your humanity is your point of grounding, and that means responding to everything and everyone in as loving and nonjudgmental a way as you can. This will take your full awareness, as this week's Full Moon is likely to stir up some consternation and confusion in your environment. You are involved in your own transitions, and your own growth process, and it will be essential that you not be too self-absorbed or self-interested. The ends, for example, do not justify the means. In fact, whatever you may do, or experience, it's all about how you play the game. Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- Your birth sign and your opposite sign Aries are so loaded with planets at the moment that you may have no idea what to make of what you're experiencing. It looks like a lot; the collection of newly-discovered objects would only be familiar to scientists at the Minor Planet Center, save for one: Chiron, which is now in your relationship house. When Chiron is working that angle, relationships can feel like they are going crazy, for reasons you just cannot grasp; though the chances are you're doing better than you believe. Yes, there are challenges, but you have a resource, which is facilitating your ability to translate what you hear. So make sure you do plenty of that; your language skills, and reasoning skills, are essential to work with at this point. So, too, is your canine discernment: is this human friendly, or hostile? If you find yourself growling, you know the answer. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- One thing you definitely don't want to do is get into any new financial arrangements anywhere around Tuesday's Full Moon, or until the dust settles; and that'll take well over a week. You simply must get the facts on whatever situation you're involved with, and make sure those facts represent the bottom line of what you choose to do. Eventually you will be responsible not only for what you know, but for what you don't know, so you would be wise to keep an inventory of both. Facts include figures; they include dates; they include the opinions of people who know more than you. In short, facts and figures include everything that's not supposed to matter here in the Twitter Age, and exclude all of the emotional turmoil, chaos and soggy opinions that make our special time in history what it is. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- This week's impressive Full Moon in your birth sign is conjunct the asteroid Karma. This seemingly cryptic word has been thrown around a lot. Let's go to a reliable source for an English definition: the Online Etymology Dictionary by comrade de plume Doug Harper. He leads with, "in Buddhism, the sum of a person's actions in one life, which determines his form in the next," followed by, "action, work, deed; fate." Hence, your deeds are your fate. It appears in Old Persian as kunautiy, which means he makes. In our world, to make is the action that you may take. So to me, you are in a moment when your actions are extraordinarily important. As one born under the sign of the centaur, and of the galaxy, you are tapped into unusual power that multiplies your actions, your efforts and even your intentions. What you say, what you do, what you think, and who you are all matter -- tremendously. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- You are under some remarkable pressure right now: to grow, to change, to become, and to let go of the past. Of all the possible actions your astrology is describing, clearing space in your life is the one thing to do. Pluto has been paving the way; though, for some, Pluto can manifest as drama, as seemingly external pressure, or as a kind of subconscious nag that it's time to grow. Saturn brings this to a much more tangible level: the level of people, places and things; of actions taken or not taken; and, most of all, of respect for boundaries. That means knowing where everyone else ends and where you begin -- which is one of the most touchy subjects in existence. The mere fact of asserting a boundary can be seen as a violation of someone else's boundaries. These days, merely being who you are can be thought of as some kind of offense. Don't fall for it. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- The planet to watch is Mars. We are now about one month from what promises to be an exceedingly interesting (there is an Aquarian word for you) retrograde in your sign. I've already written a few articles about this; we've included two of them up above, in the PS underneath the article. Please educate yourself about this event, which is unprecedented since 1971 -- a time in history much like our own. Mars retrograde in Aquarius will push the single most important theme of your sign: the encounter of individuality and conformity. Mars means business. Mars knows what it wants, and its sole purpose is to make that happen. And Mars is about to run against the grain of society to assert what it knows is right; in the process the patterns and structures of society will change. This is no time to be on the side of the majority, meaning the majority of the people around you. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- This is the week to be at your most professional; to maintain full awareness of your environment; and to navigate your way through the networks of the society you inhabit. Your actions matter; your decisions have impact; and you must use your Pisces gifts of clairvoyance and perception to identify truth and distinguish it from illusion. This will present challenges only if you are picking and choosing based on some unconscious preference that you have for things to be a certain way, and only if you're not willing to stand in your own reality. Therefore, be the strong, clear-headed person that you know you are in truth. Meanwhile, remember that at heart, you are a pleasure-seeking Pisces. Life is not worth living if it's not good. Attend to business, and make sure you celebrate, share, and appreciate the blessings you have co-created with existence.

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