Cancer Solstice, Venus and Mars

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Dear Friend and Reader:

On Thursday of this week the Sun enters Cancer for the Northern Hemisphere summer solstice; just five days later, Mars will station retrograde in Aquarius. If this year's Cancer solstice has a message, it seems to be: no matter how troubling a situation seems, you can always try to make changes for the better.

At any rate, you have options. Therein lies considerable power.

A seasonal shift always brings an air of decisively ending one chapter and beginning the next. Particularly at the solstices, it can feel like the changing of a tide.

Solar analemma by the Temple of Poseidon in Athens, Greece. Photo by Anthony Ayiomamitis.

This year there's clearly a good deal of apprehension as to what precisely might be ending, and what might follow on its heels.

The recent news stories emerging of refugee children crossing the U.S. border being snatched from their parents and locked up have been deeply horrifying for many to witness. (If you've not yet called your elected representatives regarding this, please do so; see the P.S. at the bottom of this letter for more info.) So, too, Attorney General Jeff Sessions' assertion that women fleeing domestic or gang violence do not qualify for asylum.

Mistreatment of vulnerable people by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in the U.S. is not new to the current administration, however, though it's certainly been made worse; one silver lining of this unsavory presidency is its tendency to expose deep underlying issues, which can then be addressed.

That presents an opportunity to seek a more humane way of approaching policy in future, such as thinking of every human being as a neighbor and treating them as such, regardless of where they happened to be born.

The question of humanely addressing immigration and refugee issues is certainly not limited to the U.S., though. For example, Italy's new Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Matteo Salvini, reportedly just blocked two additional rescue boats filled with refugees -- just a week after the aptly named Aquarius was prevented from docking.

Speaking of Aquarius: another feature of this week's astrology is Venus opposing Mars. Mars is in an interesting state right now, being close to its station retrograde next week in Aquarius, which lends the opposition greater significance.

If Mars retrograde in Aquarius represents the perils of tribalism and peer pressure, Venus in Leo perhaps offers a solution: appreciation of each individual for themselves, and loving them in and for their uniqueness. There is a choice presented here also; and a challenge to recognize how much more varied and delightful life can be when you refuse to conform to groupthink and allow your imagination free rein.

Relating to imagination, the third factor of note this week is Mercury in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces, which takes place a few hours before the solstice. With the obvious caution to stay grounded -- which applies whenever Neptune is prominent -- this has an inspiring feel, especially in a creative sense. Remember that every work of art begins with a vision, and a certain amount of audacity. Therefore, dream big.

It can be easy to forget things like inspiration, audacity and options when you feel like just one person against many, or you're up against an established system. As the Sun enters Cancer this week, you may find yourself getting reacquainted with the many shapes that "taking care" can take; Mars and Venus seem to describe meeting that opportunity. You have it in you to meet it well.

With best wishes,

Amy Elliott
-- with Amanda Painter

P.S. In addition to asking those in Congress to pass a "clean" DACA Act, you can ask your Senators to support a specific bill: S. 3036, the Keep Families Together Act, to stop the separation of immigrant families at the U.S. border. Be sure to leave your name and ZIP code and tell the staffer you are a constituent. The Capitol switchboard number is: (202) 224-3121. Tonight on Planet Waves FM Father's Day: The Tree and the Apple

Dear Friend and Listener:

Tonight I have a special father's day edition for you, featuring my dad.

As I've grown older, I've become fond of saying that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree [play edition here]. But it cannot fall in the same place. The last hour or so of the program is a conversation with someone named Joe Coppolino, who lives in Long Island with his wife Yael. He's a college professor; he teaches communications.

Joe Coppolino, at home in Long Island.

Somewhere there's a photo of me about tall enough to stand up and grab the railing of a crib, and next to the crib is a Gibson amp, and next to the amp is my dad playing a 1957 Gibson ES-350T that he still has, and I've got this huge smile on my face. I heard that before I heard the sound of a subway.

Speaking of music, tonight we have for you Anoushka Shankar.

The first section of the program is another take on Mars retrograde in Aquarius. I keep looking for new ways to interpret and develop this rare event, which has never happened the way it is about to; and which last happened in any form in 1971.

Then I get into a discussion of the news, which morphs into a discussion of existence. In the third segment, I do the tantra thing, and talk about the value of experimentation, and how to embark on, and manage, your experiments. You can hear the story of my early relationship with Betty Dodson.

Finally, I introduce Prof. Coppolino (who comes in about 1:15 from the end of the program), and we just kinda roll with the latest phase of the same conversation we've been having since I was born. 

Just imagine the five-year-old me engaging with this person, in the intensity of his youth, as a grad student at New York University in the early days of Media Ecology, a McLuhan concept then in its infancy. 

Planet Waves FM is sponsored by your memberships to Chiron Return. Please become a one-time or monthly contributor. This actually pays our modest bills, and facilitates many good things, including the Gemstone File.

Thanks for tuning in.

With love,

Are You Ready for the Sacred Space of Self?

Dear Friend and Reader:

It's not for everyone. It may be for you. Are you ready for a journey into your astrology, and the astrology of our times? Are you ready for a full-spectrum view of Mars retrograde?

This event is in Aquarius, the sign of society and its patterns. I have done something truly shamanic, which is to be transported deep into the shadowy underworld of what is going on, right beneath the level of appearances, and the level of technology. I have witnessed and experienced things I can barely describe.

All that I've learned, I've shared in the Sacred Space of Self. This reading covers Chiron in Aries, Uranus in Taurus, and Mars retrograde in Aquarius -- all of which are directly related events. (Mars is the classical ruler of Aries, where Chiron is, and Uranus, now in Taurus, is modern planet associated with Aquarius). We are working out an energy pattern.

Eric recording the Taurus Spring Reading video.

Everyone feels the need for change, sometimes to an urgent depth of necessity. These readings (12 of them, plus a supplemental one on Chiron in Aries) are a guide to moving through, working with, and experiencing these energies in a creative way.

I have designed a guide to change, as society changes.

In this letter, we have three offers for you: for the readings as stand-alone, or combined with a written reading a discounted membership or extension; and then with either my written The Art of Becoming reading, and a membership. Those are listed below.

We can customize a purchase for you, though that is easier by phone. This will also get you an opportunity to talk with Amy or Ellen, and if I'm in the office, with me.

Here are your options, described a little more elegantly:

Option One -- The Sacred Space of Self video readings, all 12 signs, one purchase per household (i.e., share with your kids); or individual signs. These are 40-50 minute readings, applicable to your Sun sign, rising sign, Moon sign and the astrological ideas you have of others. I consider it ethical to 'research' possible viewpoints of others as a means of improving communication.

Option Two -- The Sacred Space of Self plus a year of Core Community membership, whether new, an extension, or upgrade and extend. Core Community gets you all of our publications, website access, and The Oracle divination tool (and intelligent horoscope archive). This includes daily, weekly and monthly horoscopes. Also included is a Planet Waves diary (beautiful new pink ones arrived) or personalized astrology kit.

Option Three -- The Sacred Space of Self, plus Core Community, plus The Art of Becoming Annual Reading. This is if you are super curious, and you want to catch up. The Art of Becoming will always be relevant, though I propose you want the information that it contains right about now, or as close to now as possible.

Remember, if you're confused or want some other options, or need help on the financial end, call us at (845) 481-5616. If you leave a message we will get right back to you.

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

With love,

P.S. Don't forget to watch our other sample videos: we have a compilation of cardinal sign previews, or you can watch the entire video on Chiron transits here.

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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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Planet Waves Membership: Help When You Need It the Most



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) -- You must trust your intuition this week. No matter what other sources of information you have -- and you should have plenty of them -- in the end, your final choice must be about acting on what you deeply understand to be right. This is as obvious as magnetism. You might actually experiment with magnets and remind yourself what this feels like: opposite poles attract, the same pole repels -- and this is as easy to feel as hot or cold, wet or dry. It's true there are nuances and subtle points to the situation, and these need to be taken into account. Yet, in the end, a decision must be made; and you are the one to make it. One thing you're divorcing yourself from is the need to be popular, or seen to be trendy. Following, joining, or any form of true believership is especially toxic these days. Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- For you, a creative approach usually begins with the details. Some like to sketch their idea in broad strokes. Some like to use a drafting pencil. Just be aware that any idea you come up with will go through many revisions, so you can hang loose and keep your ideas flowing. With Uranus in your birth sign, the unexpected is your best friend. You might experience a revelation as a flash of light, which will give you a glimpse of a possible future. Look carefully and remember the details, and don't expect that particular light to come back on. You will get one opportunity to look and to see. Turn your head from left to right and notice what is on the periphery of your vision. Then, take special care to begin manifesting your intentions immediately. Whatever you discover this week will expire sooner than you think if you don't put it into tangible form.

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Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Sunday and Monday, the Sun in your sign is aligned with the core of our galaxy. I recently read a description of galactic energy by an astrologer I trust, who said it relates to Ray IV in the Theosophical system: "Harmony through conflict." That means being present on Earth, amidst all the insanity and madness, and creating something beautiful. The time to focus on what is loving, what is true, and what is necessary is precisely the time that you may be feeling the most tension or doubt. Step up to the challenge. Use your abundant talent, particularly your unusual gift for self-expression, and create beauty in all that you do. You can consider your life an art project, treating everything more or less equally as a canvas to paint on, as stone to sculpt or, most likely, as a story to tell us.

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Cancer Birthdays 2018: On this Solstice Like No Other, What Do You Want?

"I felt deeply connected to much of the reading, both the current moment (turning point), and the historical energy (Pluto in Capricorn). Indeed it has been an intense and deeply revealing time in my relationship life."

-- Jennifer Cobb, Backstage Pass member, on the 2017 Cancer Birthday Reading

Dear Friend and Reader:

We're almost at the Cancer solstice -- which means we're almost at your birthday! And this year, the cosmos has some special gifts for you, which you'll hear all about in your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading.

First of all, there's a unique opposition between Venus and Mars on the solstice (June 21). But even more importantly, Mars will be stationing retrograde just five days after the Sun enters your sign -- setting in motion an intriguing journey.

On top of that, the major planets Saturn, Uranus and Chiron are all in signs with direct and special relationships with your own. Life is on the move. And even though people always joke about those born under your sign moving sideways and retreating into a shell, the truth is 2018 is looking like your time to shine: Saturn, Uranus and Chiron are occupying some of the more public and relational zones of your chart.

As always, Eric will bring his insights to you in accessible language designed to empower, motivate and reassure you all at the same time. Sure, there may be challenges; but you of all people know that the awkwardness of growth always results in a fuller, more capable version of you.

"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 J.

You'll get at least an hour of audio astrology (divided into two parts), access to last year's reading, and an extended description of your sign -- which you can access as many times as you like, for as long as you need -- all for only $33. But please note: we offer the best price on these readings early. When Eric nears publishing it, the price increases.

I hope you'll take advantage of the discounted price and pre-order your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading soon. Here comes the Sun!

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. Eric designs these readings to be useful for anyone with Cancer rising or a Cancer Moon, too -- not just a Cancer Sun. And it makes a beautiful gift for any of your Cancer loved ones.

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Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- We are now in the final approach to the summer solstice, when the Sun enters your birth sign. This is the longest day of the year, and that fact has something to do with you. You were born at the noontime of the solar year, and you have it in you to live boldly, and to live for purposes beyond your own personal needs. You will be getting information as if by chance over the next few days; and, as the Sun makes its opposition to the Galactic Core from Sunday into Monday, you may find yourself having insights that you know will make your life easier. Keep a pad and pencil handy, and write clearly. The thing about the galactic door is that it closes as easily as it opens, and it does not leave a paper trail. You have to do that yourself, and these will be ideas well worth knowing and using. Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- You need to find a balance between being spontaneous and being consistent. This is easily enough done, if you understand where you need to apply one method or the other, and then add a dash of the opposite. For example, certain elements of your relationships require that you keep all of your promises; yet there is almost always room for negotiation and a fresh approach. Professional situations may call for constant dependability and consistency, yet benefit from trying a bold idea that's never been attempted locally. The way you'll know doing something different is the right idea is that it will only seem a little unusual, a bit interesting, or like you've never heard of anything quite like it before -- and still make sense. In most areas of your life, you thrive on consistency. That will still work brilliantly, as long as you experiment on a regular basis. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- You've gone through a good few options trying to solve a particular problem, or get a result on some project where you've got a leadership role. If you haven't had the results you want, now is the time to dust off the options you were saving for last. They won't be valid for long, and you currently have an opening to try something unusual. Here are a few tips, though. The most important factor in this equation is your devotion, so what works is likely to be an extension of what you have already been doing. That, or it will depend on what you've learned so far. Second, less effort, energy, influence or input is preferable to using more. It's a little like adding salt to broth: start with a little, and then if necessary add a little more. The idea with salt is you want just barely enough to do the job. You don't want salt soup. Whatever it is you're using is more potent than you think, and will have effects beyond what you're anticipating. Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- When the goal of relationships is stability, many factors can shake them up. If you allow space for your intimate experiences to bend, flex and be transient, you may find that they flow more smoothly and are less subject to the various surprise factors of the world. This approach is not an easy one at first; though, in the end, you will discover that it's really all about going with the flow. Accept the fact that people grow and evolve. Accept that you change, and that the seasons change. In any event, a development this week that may seem to change your plans contains a gift. Take any opportunity to focus inwardly rather than on another person. You are far more independent than you imagine yourself to be, and the key to your happiness will be experiencing your freedom with compassion for yourself and for others. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- The whole world is struggling to feel safe now, even people who are facing no specific threat of danger. We might well ask where this is coming from and what we can do about it. These are themes it will help you to focus on, at the most personal level. One of the most significant elements of what "Scorpio" means is that there's a deep integration of your mental patterns and your emotions. Sometimes it's difficult for you to tell the difference, as they morph into one another so seamlessly. Yet this calls for extra discernment, which you now have access to with Mars slowing down to a station-retrograde, conjunct the South Node. When you identify a pattern, notice how it manifests first, as a mental or emotional phenomenon. Then find the counterpart. If something is an idea, find and consider the corresponding emotion. If something shows up as an emotion, identify the corresponding idea. This will make it easier to morph, adapt and grow. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- You have an opportunity to complete something that you left unfinished earlier in the year. Not only that; you have the extra resources you need to get it done. I suggest you take a minimalist approach. Plenty has changed since you set down whatever this project is, and -- if you size that up -- you will see that the effort will not be nearly as daunting as it seemed earlier in the year. It would seem that most of your focus would be best invested in gaining an understanding of where you stand, particularly in the context of previous generations who faced something similar and just could not pull it off. You are not them; you don't have their debilities, and you have many extra abilities and resources that they never even dreamed of. Most significantly, you know yourself a lot better, or you have the specific goal of doing so. That is the key. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- You're in the midst of a much deeper re-evaluation of yourself than you may imagine. It will become easier to see once Mars stations retrograde later this month, though the process is well underway. The focus is your 2nd house, which covers three themes, mainly: your perception of your talents and resources; your self-esteem; and your available cash. Think of these things not only as being related, but potentially as one and the same thing. Work on one and you are working on another. The focus right now is on unlearning. You were taught many things about yourself -- most of them by example before you were old enough to filter it out -- that simply were not true. So you must go on a hunt for all those things. You don't need to look for love; only for the thoughts, ideas and habits that block your awareness of love's presence. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- You have two main learning processes in motion, at the moment. One is an incremental reassessment and re-evaluation, of a particularly intense kind, that spans the second half of the year. Then you have going on the kind of growth that comes in jolts, sometimes by surprise, often arriving in unexpected ways. Both are related to the same process, which is about challenging what you take for granted. This will push you to the edge of your confidence, and to the outer limits of your comfort zone. That's just where you want to be, hanging around on the edges of your reality, and venturing into the unknown any chance you get. Sometimes you will be drawn there, sometimes you will get lost and end up there, and sometimes you will be pushed. So you may as well hang out with all that is unfamiliar, and learn to love the feeling because being in this place offers you so much. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- The Sun is about to move into the area of your solar chart associated with pleasure and play, which I reckon will not just come as good news, but come with good news. You can take this approach and apply it to your whole life. You're in a position where you can have fun doing just about everything. The way to do that is to take a creative approach to whatever you've got going on. If there are some areas of your life that don't respond to a creative approach, particularly certain matters associated with what you think of as your job, you need to push that; or you may want to consider being in a different line of work. Doing this will require creativity, which you have in abundance all the time -- and especially now. And you might take as your mantra something my Aunt Josie loved to say: Nothing attempted, nothing gained.

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