Astrology Says: Another Ordinary Week Ahead

Listen to the new Planet Waves FM tonight at this link.
Dear Friend and Reader:

This week's standout event is Mercury conjunct the Sun. This happens six times a year, and is akin to the lunar phases; only it's the phases of the Sun with its closest known planet.

Before I go there, one thought: the big astrology in the background, and by far the most intriguing (and challenging) of the year is Mars retrograde, which begins June 26. I just spent the past 10 days in front of a video camera, exploring this event for all 12 signs and rising signs.

Mars retrograde in Aquarius is going to shake up the social order. The whole tribal thing we're witnessing is about to be met by a burst of individuality. There are some among us who have had enough of thinking like everyone else thinks because that's how everyone else thinks.

On an individual level, Mars retrograde will shuffle your thinking: your preconceptions and ideas about how things are, and give you something tangible to consider, something real and immediate. Much of this involves family and its influence, as well as an organic drive for individuation that is bursting out of Chiron in Aries.

My spring reading explores these themes, in an easy to follow, optimistic, motivational way. That's the whole point of seeking wisdom from astrology: the combination of insight and a burst of self-esteem.

You may order all 12 signs here, or individual signs here. For special requests, financial needs, or package offers, call (845) 481-5616.

Mercury Conjunct the Sun

When Mercury is conjunct the Sun, you know that you're exactly halfway between Mercury retrogrades (as is the case with the Tuesday, June 5 conjunction in Gemini) or that Mercury retrograde is halfway over. So it's a midpoint, the half-time marker, a pause at the 50-yard line.

That's where we are now -- with Mercury in one of its signs of rulership, Gemini. That is encouraging clear thinking. However, Mercury-Sun are square Neptune, which is just chaotic, and demands a level of attachment to truth; by which I mean something that can be stated in verifiable facts.

Our world is currently under the thrall of Mercury, and we had best remember that. The Moon's conjunction to Nessus and Neptune during this event heaps on the Neptune factor, and describes the out-of-control emotional weirdness that has gripped much of society.

This includes a stormy love affair with "whatever I believe is true because I believe it" and "appearances are all that matter" and "my delusion is better than your delusion."

It's especially dangerous when there is rage and violence in the air. Mars in Aquarius describes a kind of social-justice-warrior quality; though, when you find yourself on the side of the majority, you should start asking questions. That would be Mars retrograde. One day you might wake up and figure out that you're surrounded by fools.

I have noticed that we are living in a kind of mock-1970s these days, with talk of boycotts and equality and fighting the corporations. This is a charade. One thing about the 1970s was that people knew how to enjoy themselves, while they were busy burning bras and fighting the power.

Don't forget why you're alive; and if you need a reason, come up with a good one. It won't take much.

With love,

I just listened...it was so interesting. I do very much admire how you look for the layers, the subtle underpinnings, rather than the glaring neon signs. You nailed it about me doing art for art's sake, and about feeling a kinship through kindness. I sometimes feel like audiences are family and that I am taking them in from the cold for the night. Also about the respect for tradition but the pull toward something higher.

-- Rosanne Cash, in an email today

Tonight on Planet Waves FM Inside Mars Retrograde; and Rosanne Cash, the Great Attractor

Dear Friend and Listener:

In tonight's edition of Planet Waves FM [play episode here], we have an offering from Rosanne Cash: her music, selected by her.

I first encountered Rosanne along the astrology trail when I was working in New York City about 12 years ago, having no idea who she was. It is rare that one gets to meet someone of that depth of talent and global fame human to human, with no preconceptions whatsoever.

Eric, midway through the Sacred Space of Self.

Looking back on that experience, I am laughing: how was that even possible? Well, I have gaps in my cultural exposure, which in this situation allowed us to engage as fellow humans on the planet, figuring out life; and that's who we've remained to one another.

With Rosanne's consent, I describe some of the major features in her chart, including how she has the Great Attractor rising [learn more in the 2017 Sagittarius annual reading], and a configuration that describes her as an embodiment of Athena, the goddess of wisdom.

In the first segment, I offer the background on a project I just finished -- The Sacred Space of Self, your 2018 spring reading, in video format. I may go into too much detail; who knows, though this is intended as background: the readings themselves flow like water.

Just for fun, I do the etymology of the "C Word" that has made news recently thanks to the B Word (Samantha), followed by a look at the Daily News horoscope for his sign from the day that Nixon resigned, followed by some thoughts on Mars retrograde and a possible Supreme Court decision over whether Herr Drumpf must testify before the grand jury, or answer questions of the special counsel.

In Tantra this week, I talk about what I call the "conception drama."

I know I'm not supposed to say this, but the Sacred Space of Self is a work of astrological art, a guide to growing through and living through the forthcoming Mars retrograde. Here is a sample of the cardinal signs. You may get one sign, or access all 12 signs. Call us if you need to, or want to order by phone. We help those on limited budgets.

Planet Waves FM is distributed without profit by Chiron Return, a 501(c)(3) federally registered service corporation. Your contributions are tax-deductible if made within the U.S. Thank you for supporting this project.

With love,
The Sacred Space of Self Astrology on the Horizon

Dear Friend and Reader:

There is some astrology coming. I've been writing about it all year.

By far the most intriguing (and potentially challenging, in a rise-to-the-occasion way) of the year is Mars retrograde, which begins June 26 and lasts for two months. The last time Mars was retrograde in Aquarius was in 1971 -- 47 years ago. Rare means powerful, unpredictable and potentially challenging.

Recording your 2018 Spring Reading for Scorpio. These are illustrated readings, with bold, hand-drawn charts [see sample], where everything is explained patiently, like I have all the time in the world.

I just spent the past 10 days in front of a video camera, exploring this event for all 12 signs and rising signs. These friendly, clear-headed readings are available to everyone in The Sacred Space of Self spring reading from Planet Waves.

Mars retrograde in Aquarius is going to shake up the social order. The whole tribal thing we're witnessing is about to be met by a burst of individuality. There are some among us who have had enough of thinking like everyone else thinks because that's how everyone else thinks.

On an individual level, Mars retrograde will shuffle your thinking -- your preconceptions and ideas about how things are -- and give you something tangible to consider, something real and immediate. Much of this involves family and its influence, as well as an organic drive for individuation that is bursting out of Chiron in Aries.

My spring reading explores these themes, in an easy-to-follow, optimistic, motivational way. That's the whole point of seeking wisdom from astrology: the combination of insight and a burst of self-esteem.

You may order all 12 signs here, or individual signs here. For special requests, financial needs, or package offers, call (845) 481-5616.

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

With love,

P.S. We currently have an exciting bundle offer of all 12 signs of the Spring Reading plus one year's Core Community Membership, worth $226 in total, for just $133. If you've never been a Planet Waves member, or are due for renewal, this is your perfect opportunity to sign up. Get this special offer here.

P.P.S. Get this reading free if you upgrade to Backstage Pass, including via monthly membership!

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Listen to Vision Quest on Live Stream

Planet Waves has an in-house music ensemble, called Vision Quest. We have a 38-hour loop of our music, which you can listen to any time. Included are finished pieces, rehearsals, live concerts, drum grooves, and spoken word recordings. I consider it a kind of musical divination. Click in randomly at different times of day and see what you discover.

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Four Winds Almanac Now Includes Daily Horoscope

Planet Waves publishes a nifty daily astrology newsletter called the Four Winds Report. Designed as a fast read arriving early in the morning, we're now trying an experiment -- we're including the daily horoscope for everyone.

Were it not for horoscopes, I wouldn't be an astrologer. It was the Patric Walker daily that convinced me there was actually something to astrology, and I got my basic education studying his column each day in the New York Post.

I pack a lot of energy into each sign's 50-word write up. Part of the value of astrology is the timing, and daily allows for precision, as well as chronicling a narrative day by day.

Your almanac also includes information about Mayan astrology (long count and short count dates), several formats of the current date (including Hebrew and Islamic), a daily birthday reading, and special discounts on products and services.

Best of all, we take no outside advertising.

Sign up free here.

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Delve Deeper: Get a Planet Waves Membership


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) -- There is a place for both rational and intuitive thinking: the discipline of astrology, for one, uses them both. Each likewise has its limitations. Pure logic risks being twisted as unspoken biases make themselves felt under the surface. Feeling-based methods potentially lead to delusion. Being able to apply either one judiciously helps balance these things out; and, as Dion Fortune noted, moderation tends to be what works, whereas extremes are where things go wrong. Aim to be measured in your judgments, and watch especially for mental pitfalls in the era of truthiness. Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- If you read these pages frequently, you're probably aware by now of some ramifications of having Uranus in your sign. While the constant new developments might well be causing you to feel somewhat bewildered, doubtful or annoyed from time to time, on the whole you seem to have a pretty firm grasp on what's happening. In all probability, you're more ahead of the game than you think. Focus on what you actually know about yourself in tangible, solid terms, and play to your strengths. Remember that you alone can be the centrifugal point in your own life. You can draw on that safely in moments of uncertainty.
Gemini Birthdays 2018-19: Are You Ready to Emerge Full-Strength, Gemini?

"It has occurred to me before that your understanding of Gemini is quite extraordinarily precise and I meant to give you that feedback but never quite found the right moment. There is always such wealth of information in what you broadcast."
-- Alexandra Marx

Dear Gemini Friend and Reader:

What did you see by the Full Moon's light on Tuesday? What are you feeling compelled to do, and what do you think about it? Tuesday's astrology was just the tip of the iceberg; as Chiron and Jupiter make big moves this year, your personal and community relationships are set to evolve in unique and exciting ways.

Your solar year is getting off to quite a start in other ways, too, as Mars prepares to station retrograde in your fellow air sign Aquarius in less than a month. If you're looking for an hour or more of Gemini-centered audio astrology to help you look ahead and stay on your toes throughout the next 12 months (or longer), I hope you'll pre-order your 2018 Gemini Birthday Reading while it's still at the lowest price.

"Eric's readings have helped me so much over the years, to overcome insecurities, difficulties and hard times. His readings have helped steer me through some of the roughest days and beyond. I have appreciated his calming, positive and practical counsel. I am amazed at his ability to do what he does."
-- Mici B

Eric will cover such topics as Chiron's move from Pisces to Aries, Jupiter's approach to your opposite sign Sagittarius, and much more. This valuable reading is designed to equip and empower you for your solar year ahead and well beyond -- through two audio segments of at least 30 minutes each, an extended description of your sign, and access to last year's reading.

At only $33 for all of that, this reading also makes a beautiful, useful gift for your favorite Gemini loved one. Please note that the price will increase as Eric gets ready to publish the reading, so don't wait too long.

Wishing you a dynamic birthday season,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you prefer to place your order by phone, please feel free to contact us during Eastern business hours at (877) 453-8265, or (206) 567-4455 if you're calling from outside the US.

P.P.S. Did you miss Eric's written readings for the year ahead in the 2018 annual, The Art of Becoming? You can snap up BOTH your 2018 written reading for Gemini and the 2018 Gemini Birthday Audio for only $55 here. It's an incredible deal for a wealth of nuanced, accessible, practical insight you can start using immediately.

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Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- This week, some ground would appear to be shifting at your place of work: either someone is trying to deceive or manipulate, or goalposts are being moved; or you may simply be viewing your career path in a new light. Whichever is the case, at the core of who you are is a resilient, clever and flexible mind, which is capable of navigating any quick turns. It's possible others will be looking to you for leadership and guidance; this may be an opportunity for you to show your mettle. If you do that, offer your skill in a way that's truthful, and avoid simply playing the role of manager for its own sake. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- JP Sears' brilliant satire series, Ultra Spiritual Life, perfectly captures the hypocrisy around wanting to appear profound or enlightened without actually dealing with one's shadow or difficult emotions. Underlying this, there's a fear of not being seen to conform to various social expectations of piety (in all senses of that loaded term). Yet the fact is that your spiritual path and beliefs are between you and whatever divine entities or other beings you subscribe to. Other people's agendas are their business; no-one has the right to impose their own system on you. Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- The quest for identity and meaning is a perennial one, and it's important to treat this matter with the nuance it deserves. Yet sometimes it can be helpful to answer the question of who you are by describing what you do -- not just professionally, but in your community, or among your peer group, and in your daily interactions. What are you bringing to the table at this present moment? This is a part of your character that should be taken into account. Notice especially if it conflicts with narratives imposed by others; this is a point only you can truly resolve for yourself. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- Make sure, this week, that your aspirations place you firmly at the center. You can be prone to crises of confidence, and thus to yield authority where others really have no business being in charge. You may also discover that you've been telling yourself a story, which is now being contradicted by facts that possibly emerged only recently. Though it takes a form of courage to accept a position of mastery over your own life, and the responsibility for ensuring things go well, this is what you need to do now. It's necessary for your self-respect and personal integrity. Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- Acts of heroism as shown by Hollywood are usually of a somewhat glamorous quality, and often involve the use of an improbable superpower. Meanwhile, back on Earth, courage is generally rather more of a day-to-day affair. Most of us have good and noble intentions; carrying them out, and becoming the person we wish to be, means making small, everyday choices: being kind to someone, working on that long-term project, or saying how you really feel. You might not become an overnight viral superstar; but you can help make a better world, one piece at a time. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- You could probably benefit from a more methodical or logical approach to your creative work, and to expressing yourself in it, this week. True, there's something compelling and romantic about the idea of getting lost in one's art. Sometimes that has to happen. Yet it's also necessary that you hold sufficient focus and discipline to get something actually onto the page, or the canvas; and that you don't burn yourself out. Make a point of taking care of your health, both physical and emotional. Time may be flying faster than ever, but you have more than you realize. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- A spotlight on your relationships this week suggests that you may become aware of a pattern from your early life that's repeating in the present. Most of us do this to some degree, because the programming we receive as children is hard to shake off. The first step, however, is knowing about it. That makes it easier for you to recognize when certain buttons are being pushed, and how it's happening. You might want to talk things over with your partner (or with someone else you trust); they may have valuable insights or ideas to share. Have the courage to open up and be vulnerable. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- It would seem there's a lot going on around you at the moment. If you feel particularly agitated or confused, take the time to relax yourself before doing anything else. Your wellbeing is an important part of ensuring you can carry out whatever you need to do. It's unlikely the world is going to end because you spent a few minutes meditating, or an extra half hour in the bath. Additionally, if you start to feel overwhelmed, organization and discipline will probably be your best friends; make a task list, set your priorities, and complete one thing at a time. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- One might describe the process you've undergone recently as akin to that symbolized by the Tower tarot card. You've been compelled to question many things you thought you knew, and to relinquish what no longer served you, even if it felt important. This is a tough assignment, and you may be proud of having weathered it. This week, look around you and notice what is there and what is absent. You'll likely find that as you begin rebuilding, the resources that remain with you make a far more solid foundation than before. You can safely turn your gaze to where you're headed. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You're now reaching a point where you can begin to assess past events with increased clarity and impartiality. Much of this is about understanding when other people are projecting onto you, and refusing to own that material. Be as clear as possible in recognizing when this happens, and stand firm in that knowledge. Construct psychic or even physical boundaries if you need to. You're not obliged to engage with anyone; certainly not people who are unwilling to listen or treat you with basic respect. It's safe to trust your wisdom and your instincts; you know who you are.

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