Eclipses, Total and Partial, Aquarius and Leo

Dear Friend and Reader:

Thursday overnight into Friday (depending on your time zone) there was a most interesting eclipse of the Sun, in the sign Cancer, opposite Pluto (read our coverage here). As mentioned previously, we're in a series of three eclipses, all of them exciting and a bit unusual and distinct, even as eclipses go.

In this multiple exposure, the phases of a partial solar eclipse are seen over the Gateway Arch in St. Louis on Aug. 21, 2017. Photo by Jeff Robertson.

The opposition between Thursday's eclipse and Pluto has a sensation of finality to it, and also a push in a necessary direction. Strong aspects to Pluto can have the feeling of what Patric Walker would call "enforced changes," or what I would call compelling circumstances that guide us into making adjustments.

For some, this was no doubt leaning more toward enforced than compelling. The opposition had a touch of do or die to it, whatever that means to you, depending on your personal conditions.

The next eclipse will be at 4:20 pm EDT on Friday, July 27. This is a total eclipse of the Moon in Aquarius. Like all lunar eclipses, it will be visible anywhere you can see the Moon, which happens to be nowhere in the United States, the UK or Western Europe. Points east may have a view, such as Russia and China.

What distinguishes this event is that it's a South Node eclipse, conjunct retrograde Mars. All of the obvious pointers are to the past. This includes the Moon, which can represent a sponge of memory, personality patterns, and all of the above as relates to the public.

Mars retrograde in Aquarius is doing its best to rip open and expose what is underneath the mesh being imposed on us by the internet. I don't mean to sound too violent here, though it is that kind of process. The mesh that currently surrounds us is a kind of psychic and psychoactive Kevlar that at times seems invisible and at other times seems impossible to shed.

The only way to cut ourselves free is to be aware of our thought patterns, and how those extend into the social interactions we swim in all day. Most emphasis on relationships is dyadic, meaning one-on-one; we need to think wider, and recognize the interplay between one-on-one partnerships and group dynamics, and vice versa.

Talking to Felix; 2006 photo by Eric Francis.

I've seen in my reading of natal charts that people with Mars on the South Node are working out some past tendencies involving a little too much Mars. When Mars is retrograde, these can seem intractable, though that's more often because the tendencies are unconscious. Awareness and the power of decision are the solvents.

One important thing to remember about the south node is that it offers a degree of protection or immunity. For these reasons, it can also be a blind spot. So the key is to raise awareness and then work with what you become aware of.

Now let's add the eclipse. There are several ways to think of a lunar eclipse. Alice Bailey described the Moon as a veil over another planet (she said Uranus). This is perhaps another discussion, though think of a lunar eclipse as drawing back that veil and revealing what is there: in this case, retrograde Mars in Aquarius.

If we could take a look at all of the aggression that's encrypted in everyday language and transactions, we might have some incentive to let it go. This is not about guilt. It's not about blame. Those are precisely the roots of the aggression. We could start by dialing it back just a little, and then paying attention to the inner feeling underlying any aggressions -- and focus on considering that.

Remember that here in the Global Village (as the McLuhans pointed out 50 years ago), violence is often used as a primary means of establishing identity. This seems to be all too true today -- particularly on the personal level, in a time when the internet casually strips away individuality, or it's given up willingly.

Speaking from a slightly different angle, we could also interpret retrograde Mars as frustrated desire, involving some situation where the individual (Mars) is pitted (retrograde) against a larger collective (Aquarius).

For many, this has become a risky thing to say. Photo by Eric.

What if you could ask for what you want; that is, what you really want? Maybe if we could do that, we would be a lot less aggressive, angry and frustrated. Maybe we would find people willing to share, and willing to receive. You have plenty to offer others that would be no loss if you shared it.

Admitting what you want involves several risks, top among them taking a chance on rejection and denial; embarrassment; and facing the fear of being judged. However, it would seem that these are essential ingredients in self-actualization. If you don't overcome these fears, how are you ever going to live your life?

Which leads to the Aug. 11 partial solar eclipse in Leo. I'll have more to say about this as it approaches, though this eclipse marks an important anniversary -- that of the grand cross/total solar eclipse of Aug. 11, 1999. I covered this eclipse in one of the very first Planet Waves articles (back in the days when this column was called Star-Navigator). That piece was called Thinking of You on Judgment Day.

The joke, by the way, comes from a set of greeting cards (never produced) that were polite little messages you could send people ahead of the end of the world (presumed to be Dec. 31, 1999).

This is a partial solar eclipse on the 19th anniversary of the impressive total solar eclipse that streaked across Europe in August 1999. Anything of this magnitude in Leo represents finding your place at the center of your world, and working from there. I'll have more to say next week -- and on tonight's Planet Waves FM.

With love,

This Week on Planet Waves FM Eclipses and Mars Retrograde: Going Beyond Sex Stereotypes

Dear Friend and Listener:

Tonight's edition of Planet Waves FM [play edition here] focuses on the sequence of eclipses we're now experiencing. Before I describe the show, please take a look at this letter introducing our membership drive. Thank you! We are sending it separately as well.

Radiohead perform Friday night at Madison Square Garden. From left to right: Ed O'Brien, Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood. Not shown are Colin Greenwood on bass, Philip Selway & Clive Deamer on drums. Photo by Eric Francis.

We're experiencing three eclipses during Mars retrograde in Aquarius, which is adding some emphasis to whatever this unusual transit is about. Thursday overnight into Friday was an eclipse of the Sun in Cancer, opposite Pluto.

On Friday, July 27, there will be a total eclipse of the Moon, conjunct retrograde Mars in Aquarius. Then on Saturday, Aug. 11, we'll experience a partial eclipse of the Sun in Leo.

This is on the 19th anniversary of an eclipse that came at the culmination of the 20th century, which I wrote about in a 1998 article called Thinking of You on Judgment Day. Wow, that was 20 years ago.

Tonight's episode has a double edition of Tantra Studio. In part one, I take apart the sex stereotypes that are flying around right now -- often perpetuated by otherwise well-meaning people.

These involve both men and women, and propagate a political model of sex, where everyone is either a potential perpetrator or victim. In this model, there's little room for desire, freedom or, for that matter, the pleasure of appreciating one another's company.

In Tantra Part II, I talk about how someone named Cat manages group sex parties at an underground club in New York City. I talk about the different kinds of parties they have, and the different guidelines and boundaries that apply to them. Yet the goal is not to impose rules; rather, the goal is for people to have a good time, and to feel relaxed and free enough to express themselves with others.

Planet Waves FM is part of the nonprofit Pacifica Radio Network, and published by Chiron Return, a 501(c)(3) corporation. Thank you for your tax-deductible contributions. You are invited to help us pay our way with monthly or one-time donations. You help us keep the lights on and the new programs coming.

Thank you for your support.

Please don't miss our membership drive. The first letter is here, and I'll be keeping them going for as long as I have interesting ideas.

With love,
The Sacred Space of Self Have You Watched Your Sign's Sample Video Yet?

"You're the best! I love your readings and I appreciate this; share so much as a Cancer with Cap rising, especially. Lots of insight! Thank you so much."
-- L.J. Innes, on the Sacred Space of Self sampler video

Dear Friend and Reader:

I just wanted to be sure you've had a chance to watch the sample videos we have available for the Sacred Space of Self spring reading. If current events have you feeling overwhelmed or a little raw, you might find some solace and inspiration here to keep plugging away at whatever challenges you face now.

Currently all four of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn) are compiled in one video. We're working on separating those into individual samples -- although, if you have one of those signs as your Sun or rising sign, you'll definitely get great insight from watching the whole compilation.

The fixed and mutable sign samples are available individually (each is linked from the sign name). The cardinal sign links go to where the sample for each sign begins in the compilation video.

Aries		Taurus		Gemini	Cancer		Leo		Virgo
Libra		Scorpio		Sagittarius	Capricorn		Aquarius		Pisces

Please note that those are only very short excerpts of the Sacred Space of Self readings! Each sign's complete video is a full 30-50 minutes long.

You can order individual signs of the Sacred Space of Self here. Or, go all-in for the complete 12-sign set, and you can watch the videos for your loved ones, too.

"I enjoyed these videos and all of them are surprisingly, completely in-depth. Well, not so surprisingly if you have heard Eric speak on other subjects."
-- Samantha Hampton, on the 2018 Sacred Space of Self readings

If you have any questions (including questions about arrangements for financial hardship), please email us at cs@planetwaves.net -- or, call us at (845) 481-5616.

Wishing you well,

Amanda Painter

---

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.

---

Dedication to Truth: Join Planet Waves



Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

We published your extended monthly horoscopes for July on Thursday, June 21. Your extended monthly horoscopes for June were published on Thursday, May 24. 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) -- Self-discovery is ultimately a process of trial and error; while society as it is now seems loath to forgive the latter part of that formula, false starts and restarts are a factor in being human. You are outside your comfort zone and feeling your way around this unfamiliar territory; this is how people grow. Consider any blunders or scrapes as learning experiences. Also, note that the answer to the question of who you are cannot be crowd-sourced. Friends, family, lovers and the spider in the corner of the ceiling can offer their thoughts, and you can by all means listen; remember, though, that you have the casting vote. Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- Everyone has creativity, however that manifests, and it seems you're about to take some steps forward in claiming and expressing yours. The astrology of this week and the next in particular is offering you a special forum in which you can bring your love of beauty into the world in an especially tangible and immediate way. One possible medium for this is writing; another could involve moving your body. On one level, this may be a culmination of years of growth, at least some of which will have been about learning to be unashamed of who you are. Let your light shine, and stand in it proudly. Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- If you're noticing any form of challenge with bringing your ideas into manifestation -- that is, getting concrete results -- you may need to revise a certain process. This would seem to involve letting go of a particular habit of thought or communication, which is somehow holding you back from expressing the full splendor of your vision. If you don't see a way at present to realize a specific concept, I suggest you don't sweat it too much, or try to push the river. Any needed revelations will likely emerge during the next few weeks; be patient with yourself and let your mind work in its own time.
Cancer Birthdays 2018: How to Celebrate Your Eclipse with Planet Waves

Dear Friend and Reader:

Thursday night there was a partial solar eclipse in your sign -- opposite Pluto. And while the accompanying eclipses in the next month happen in Leo and Aquarius, you'll be getting more eclipses in your sign (and in your relationship sign, Capricorn) next year.

I know you'll want to be in a good position to make the most of those events. What better way to prepare than with your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading?

Eric always designs these audio readings to look well into the future, which makes them ideal for repeated listening over the course of several months.

Right now, you're being called to step up and step into your life in new ways. I'm sure you can feel it, though it can be hard to trust that calling at times. If you need some immediate guidance, I hope you'll consider pre-ordering your Birthday Reading in combination with this year's written annual reading for Cancer. You'll get instant access to the written part, and we'll email you as soon as the audio reading is ready.

If you already have The Art of Becoming (this year's annual) for Cancer, you can pre-order your 2018 Birthday reading on its own.

The price of your Birthday Reading increases when it publishes -- so I do recommend pre-ordering it soon to secure the discounted price of $33.

What better time to commit to the growth and healing of your relationships, your career, your family, your creativity, your spirit, your sexuality and more than immediately following an eclipse opposite Pluto, the profound planet of change? Whether you have a Cancer Sun, rising sign or Moon, this looks like an auspicious time to commit more deeply to these processes.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

---

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- The season of eclipses in your birth sign, which comes around approximately once every nine years, began last week. This is likely to be an important period of transformation in your understanding of yourself and your closest relationships. We often inadvertently imbibe ideas from our elders (and those in our present lives who represent them) who had particular views on who we were, and who we should be. The current set of eclipses may give you a way to subvert what might feel like an immovable diktat. There is no such thing; as an adult, you have ultimate control of your personal narrative. Find the one that's real. Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- Over the next week or two, you would probably benefit from putting forth your best, in a behavioral sense. Treat everyone you meet as if they might one day be your boss, because at some stage you're likely to run across at least one person on whom you'll want to make a good impression. Keep your communications as gentle and polite as possible; if you wish to persuade anyone of anything, try doing it with kindness. Taking an inflexible position means that others are just as likely to be unmoved. Instead, be prepared to listen and be open to what you hear. It's an important ability, and will undoubtedly distinguish you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- Next week's eclipse on July 27, in the most private house in your chart, takes place with your ruler Mercury having just stationed retrograde in the same region. This points to a powerful shake-up that has the potential to move some deep material; possibly you've already glimpsed the extent to which you can transform your way of thinking. Keep going. You may have to revisit some difficult former experiences in order to understand them in a new light; yet this is a means of extricating yourself from their influence in a way you might not have known before, and thus becoming free to go on with the business of actually living. Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- To say the least, you may be starting to experience some broad changes in perspective regarding your career path. This is one of those times at which you are most sensitive to messages from the unseen realms, so pay attention to what comes to you in dreams, as well as in flights of fancy. Yet at the heart of this shift is the basic truth that your job cannot simply be something you do for pay. Ultimately, you need a profession that inspires and encourages you to develop the skills that mean the most to you, to a level of artistry. There are various ways of making that happen, and you're discovering some of them now. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- Mars retrograde has precipitated something of an internal revolution for you, helping you to see and understand alternative perspectives to beliefs you have perhaps held firm for a long time. This may feel unsettling; however, it's a process vital to personal growth for anyone. As the eclipse zone prepares to move into your place of spirituality and higher learning, give yourself the space to change your viewpoint -- especially in the direction of greater compassion and of thinking in more dimensions. You may find whole new ways of being that you hadn't previously considered, or possibly even imagined. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Recent weeks (or possibly months) may have felt unusually intense for you, such that you might feel challenged to recount your experiences in a meaningful way. Yet it's worth trying, especially with friends you trust. Even if what you have to say sounds unbelievable to you, those who know you well are aware you don't make things up or exaggerate too wildly. Naturally, it will help if you talk while in possession of your faculties; preferably entirely sober. You need the relief of letting go any inhibitions you might be harboring of your own free will. Those who love you best will surely listen and offer their support. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- If you have a particular ambition that's close to your heart just now, you may be anxious to view your chances in what you consider a realistic light. Yet, if the fulfillment of your aim requires movement from you, it's important that you allow yourself to dream and imagine in as wide a field as possible. You can trust your sense of caution; the effort needs to go into keeping up your spirits. Draw on whatever resources you have available, including the encouragement of those you love best, and the guidance of your inner compass. Be determined that you will succeed, and success should not be too long in coming. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Recent experiences may have you feeling as if you're being rebuilt from the ground up, to put it mildly. Yet this transformation is giving you the opportunity to celebrate the person you're becoming. It's almost as if you're enjoying a new romance, but with yourself. In fact, it might be a good idea to respond to yourself as you would to a new lover. Get in a good deal of 'you' time. Go to favorite places, or where you've never been but really want to see. Perhaps take in some fine food and wine. Above all, simply be willing to love yourself -- and to receive the abundance others are offering, also. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You don't need to think of the concept of seeking pleasure and fun as an impossible or hopelessly extravagant luxury. We all need these things in our lives. While some will no doubt turn pale with horror at the very thought, you can get busy eating, drinking and being merry. In case you actually need an excuse, remember that most people are brought up amid a miasma of existential guilt and shame. Accepting your right to enjoy life is a way of hacking that code, and paving the way for a more reasonable way of being. Loving life means loving all that lives; and there is nothing the world needs more of at this moment.

---