Approaching Solar Virgo and Mars Direct

Dear Friend and Reader:

You might think of this week under the header of "transition." Of course, we're always in some kind of transition or another. But consider this: Mercury just stationed direct early this morning; we're entering the final week of Mars retrograde, which has characterized the entire season; and on Thursday, the Sun enters Virgo: the final sign of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere.

Photo by Amanda Painter.

All of those events carry a distinct flavor of transitioning from one mode of interacting and perceiving into another.

The mutable signs -- Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces -- all come at the end of their respective seasons. They herald a kind of energetic loosening to make way for the next season, and that gets reflected in our consciousness.

In many places, the solar month of Virgo happens to be associated with the end of a lengthy school break, and the need for parents and students to prepare themselves for a significant shift in daily rhythm and focus of activity. This particular transition phase is so deeply imprinted on us as kids, I get the sense many people carry its psychological echo well into adulthood -- no matter how their work life is structured, and even if they don't have children themselves.

Then again, maybe that's just me. Either way, the Sun's move from Leo to Virgo is a distinct shift: from an outwardly active, social type of consciousness (think of the Sun beaming out and touching all), to one that's more focused on the inner life and how we give it form (Mercury being the symbol of thought processes, which are wholly internal until we express them). Eric explored this idea in his 2013 article Threefold Goddess in a Field of Grain:

"An idea becomes real; a potential manifests. The germ of life inside the seed of grain is protected, and when the conditions are right, it emerges and grows. That is the essence of Virgo, where we see so much in the way of intellectual expression yearning for a place to take form. To do this, it's necessary to honor the life within what we're doing, and the deeper life within ourselves. This takes patience and care. It requires living in service of that inner light, until it's fully born."

This concept presents an interesting tension given the current astrology: although Virgo represents, in part, protection of the "seed of grain" and honoring the inner life, Mercury and Mars stationing direct both facilitate outward, forward motion after a period of stasis, reflection, review or even seeming to lose some ground in life.

Fittingly, there's a grand trine in the earth signs operating at the time the Sun enters Virgo (which occurs at 12:08 am EDT / 4:08:27 UTC on Aug. 23). It's made up of the Sun and the hypothetical point Transpluto in Virgo, Uranus in Taurus, and Saturn in Capricorn, all in grounded harmony.

Simplified chart for the Sun entering Virgo, showing (clockwise from top): retrograde Mars, the Moon and Saturn in Capricorn; Transpluto and the Sun in Virgo; Mercury in Leo, newly direct; Uranus in Taurus. View full chart here. View glyph key here. Note: the time for Sun into Virgo in my astrology software is off by a few seconds from the time in the article, which comes from Serennu.com.

While the presence of Transpluto looks like a reminder not to get too narrowly focused mentally on what's 'possible', 'perfect' or 'most pragmatic', the presence of Uranus and Saturn in the other two earth signs appears to bolster the tangible manifestation power of Virgo.

Here we have intuition, originality, independence and an excitement about making new discoveries, balanced by stability between old and new, and the ability to make changes while living within a clear structure. There's an indication of being willing to work for what is desired (and to do so meticulously), to make and organize life plans, and to examine your habits and other important facets of daily existence with an eye to their practicality.

Virgo being a mutable sign, it's possible for these energies to swing either more toward feeling like a fixed sign (stasis, represented by Taurus) or a cardinal sign (initiative, represented by Saturn). Yet the planets in those signs offer the opposite energy: Uranus is partly about jolting things out of a rut, and Saturn is more about containing and maintaining. So the idea here is to keep toggling back and forth between those energies, using the most productive manifestations of each to bring something from within you into the world.

With Mercury beginning to stretch its legs and Mars still a bit frustrated in its retrograde, you may find that small, incremental but solid steps work better than trying to make grand leaps. Remember, Virgo can be a very mental sign; one way to honor the inner process is not to get ahead of it while also not letting it get too caught up in itself. You can do it.

For reference, Mars will station direct in Capricorn next Monday, Aug. 27, at 10:05 am EDT (14:04:52 UTC). Also worth noting: it does so a little more than 24 hours after the Pisces Full Moon on Aug. 26.

That combination looks like a peak in energy that will likely reverberate quite a bit with the themes of manifestation, the work necessary to create and manifest change, and the inner process of transition all of that entails. We'll have more to say about that later in the week. For now, steady as she goes.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

New Tarot & Astrology Studio Readings from Eric Francis

Note: We have now provided links to pre-order your Virgo, Libra and Scorpio Astrology Studio and Tarot Studio readings in the list linked below.

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Quick order links:
Astrology Studio: Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio
Tarot Studio: Pisces | Aries | Taurus | Gemini | Cancer | Leo | Virgo | Libra | Scorpio

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Dear Friend and Reader:

We are all going through a lot with Mars and Mercury retrograde, and a series of eclipses. And I have some astrology and tarot for you, if you want it. Audio samples are included, so you can get a feeling for the vibe of the reading.

Prior to taking a month or so off, I've completed my backlog of overdue readings. I've done these through the past eight days or so, working very early in the morning, when the world is quiet. I want to get them to you, and I don't want to return to a backlog -- I plan to hit the ground running.

The readings are enhanced by the fact that I'm not doing any astrology writing at the moment, so I'm living a human schedule. I've cleared up some space in my mind, and I'm working rested, in a quiet place -- perfect for doing this kind of reading.

I've taken the opportunity to redesign my tarot readings, which are now called Tarot Studio. In the future, they will be included with your astrology reading with pre-order only; then the two sessions will be offered separately.

We got this response last week to one of the readings: "Absolutely amazing. Beyond words how pertinent this tarot reading is for my life right now. Even more powerful the second time. So much love and gratitude."

As ever, I think it's amazing that this stuff works at all, though it certainly seems to. I offer these readings in the spirit of helping you make the best decisions you can make.

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

With love,

PS -- You may access birthday readings for all the signs here. If you're having difficulty ordering on the internet, you may call us at (845) 481-5616. Give us one to two working days to get back to you, and make it easy for us to reach you! It'll probably be sooner. Thank you again for your business.

PPS -- We will re-mail this a few times, to make sure we catch everyone. Please check out the audio samples!

Read more...
As Mars continues its retrograde journey following some profound eclipse events, we wanted to remind you about Eric's 2018 Spring Reading -- the perfect guide to help orient you through this interesting period and beyond. The Sacred Space of Self consists of 12 video readings of 40 minutes or more. Ordering options and links to samples are below.

Mars Retrograde: A Rare Example of Astrology

Dear Friend and Reader:

You might say this is the perfect time for Mars retrograde in Aquarius. The energy patterns that are represented in the collective, archetypal version of this vitally important sign have indeed grown overbearing. We need some change; we need a rearrangement of our personal contracts.

Eric recording the Pisces Spring Reading video.

And most of all, there are many people who deeply need the opportunity to express themselves as individuals rather than as people whose only option is to follow the rules of the game. The whole purpose of growth, of the spiritual path, of self-actualization, is to be able to express yourself, as you are.

To that end, I have prepared a set of readings for you, in video format.

Taking my friendly, positive and clear-headed approach, I work through Mars retrograde for every sign and rising sign. And while I am at it, I cover the many sign changes of outer planets that we are experiencing now, particularly Chiron in Aries, Uranus in Taurus, and several points entering Capricorn at the same time.

The readings are available as a set, or as individual signs. We've prepared some sample videos -- you can see them here.

Read more...

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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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Our Gifts to You: A Little Something Extra

Dear Friend and Reader:

It took me a long time to figure out what kind of gift to offer for new and returning subscribers. Tee shirts seemed too complicated; you need at least six sizes to get started, and not everyone wants a shirt. Tote bags are useful but kind of boring.

So I thought: journals. I love notebooks, and just about everything I write starts scribbled down on paper. I know my readers are a little old-fashioned, so this seemed like the perfect thing.

Black smaller, pink larger, embossed with the Planet Waves logo. There are a few hand painted sketchbooks left, with heavy, acid-free paper.

Then...I researched embossed journals for about six months. That’s how long it took. I requested or purchased samples of the best that suppliers had, and all kinds of stuff came floating in the door. It was more challenging than I imagined to find a nice one, though finally I did.

Everything had to be right: the paper, the lines, and how the book feels in your hands.

However, the one I selected was being discontinued. I ordered as many as we could reasonably afford. We now have two main options: small black ones, and larger pink ones (these are new).

Together, they are the approximate color of Good & Plenty candy. I am one of these people who loves anything pink (sweatshirts, nail polish, headbands, a hot pink Squier guitar that I gave to Zosha a few years ago). We also have a few hand-painted notebooks left, which are acid-free sketchbooks.

You can get an embossed notebook with any monthly, quarterly or yearly membership to Planet Waves. If, by the way, there's a calling for hand-painted ones, I will make one more-or-less to your preferences (for those who sign up for a full-year Backstage Pass).

Continue reading this letter here.
Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

Your extended monthly horoscopes for August were published on Thursday, Aug. 9. We published your extended monthly horoscopes for July on Thursday, June 21. 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) -- Your ruler Mars turns direct at the end of August. This is likely to be accompanied by a considerable release of tension; and a consequent sense of freedom and energy, and of feeling more like yourself -- almost as if you've been on a long holiday and are just now returning with fresh eyes. Your mind may seem extra elastic and inventive, which should enhance just about any project on which you choose to bestow its power. It would certainly be worth giving some careful thought to that point, if you are not already clear on what sparks your passion, what interests you most deeply, where you feel you can make a positive difference in the world. There is really nothing more fulfilling than a vocation of this kind. Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- Part of your mission, during this particular phase of your life, is arguably to maintain a broad perspective about who you are and can become. Uranus in your sign is expanding your field of choices exponentially. Perhaps you're frequently stopping in your tracks and wondering how the hell you're doing what you're doing, especially if you happen to look back a few years and see how far you've come. You may at times be tempted to retreat to the comparative safety of your former existence, though now that might feel something like squeezing into the clothes you wore in sixth grade. Ultimately the decision is up to you; in the long run, it would likely be much easier to let the winds of change carry you along. Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Psychological growth nearly always involves addressing memories and past influences at some point. Because early interactions tend to make strong impressions, it often isn't easy to recognize the difference in one's power as an adult. Yet you can weaken the hold of messages designed to keep you back, and unlock the profound healing inherent in doing so. It's sometimes tough work, but you are capable of making big strides toward claiming your strength. In a way, you've already begun the process of re-interpreting former times, and of reconstructing the way you see yourself. You have significant resources, including your native intellect and adaptability. Take as much time as you need. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Yours is a sign that tends to uphold and respect traditions, possibly in part because doing so may afford you a sense of security. The issue with this approach comes when it gets in the way of essential progress, or when you become chained to a specific routine for its own sake. At that point it's necessary to let go and move forward. Identify those practices that no longer serve you, and see whether you can refine or reshape them. It may be a case of throwing them out altogether and beginning again with a clean slate. What you forge out of this process could fulfill a need in wider society also. The chances are, in fact, that your relationship to tradition itself will undergo a significant alteration in the weeks to come. Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- The past month has been especially meaningful for your sign, having taught you a lot about who you are and where you want to go. To say that you've experienced changes is almost certainly a whopping understatement. Your mission over the next few weeks will likely involve manifesting your discoveries, both for the benefit of the wider world, and to help you cement your new understanding. The reason the image of the everyday hero is so popular is because it provides an example to people of how they too can shine and stand out; there are few images more inspirational or potent. You are now in a position to offer that same demonstration to those immediately around you, at least. Do it boldly. Virgo Birthdays and Rising 2018-19:
Are You Getting Ready to Shift Gears?

"Mars retrograde in Aquarius, your 6th house, describes you as someone in the role of problem-solver. This looks like some kind of systems administration work, though there's a social dimension -- that of keeping people organized. To do this, you'll need either to break some rules, or to establish new ones."

-- Eric Francis, in The Art of Becoming 2018 annual edition for Virgo

Dear Friend and Reader:

Just how are you doing as a problem-solver, rule-breaker and rule-maker this year? It's possible the current retrogrades of Mars and Mercury (your ruling planet) have slowed your progress some. But both planets are preparing to station direct soon; are you ready to shift gears?

If you'd like access to a fresh, of-the-moment take on how your next 12 months (or more) could shape up, I hope you'll pre-order your 2018 Virgo Astrology Studio with Tarot Studio. This is what Eric used to call your "Birthday Reading," just under a reimagined name.

You'll still get two segments of audio astrology; and if you pre-order the reading before it publishes, you'll automatically receive the tarot reading for your sign or rising sign when it's ready. As always, you can download the audio files and listen as many times as you'd like.

Even though our recent eclipses were not in Virgo, there's still plenty going on that's having an impact on your chart: for example, Uranus in fellow earth-sign Taurus is jazzing up your house of spirituality, long-distance travel and higher education (among other things).

Meanwhile Chiron, in your Aries-ruled 8th house, is bringing your attention to some deep matters that include sex, surrender and money. You can count on Eric having plenty more to tell you about your charts this year.

"Thank you. I've been a fan for a few years and always feel nourished by every reading -- my own and others. This particular reading hit home and felt like a swoop of fresh air pointing me home. Thank you again."
-- Elaine Sonne, on a recent Virgo reading

Eric is sure to cover the most important details of these issues and astrology (and more) in your upcoming Virgo Astrology Studio and Tarot Studio recordings.

His current sabbatical is proving restorative, which means he'll be able to access the best of his decades of astrology and tarot experience, his therapy training and his creativity to encourage and empower you, nudge you with questions and new perspectives, and inspire you to get right to work with what you're learning -- in your relationships, healing process, career, family, community and inner evolution.

Wishing you a happy birthday and an illuminating year,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you love someone with a Virgo Sun or Virgo Rising, you can also pre-order the Virgo Astrology Studio with Virgo Tarot Studio as a gift. They'll receive both parts automatically when they're ready. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- Given your recent experiences, Mars direct will probably come as a relief and a refreshment. You may feel as if you've been through almost a rebirthing process, and are seeing the world with new eyes. The next month may well involve sifting through and extracting the lessons of the last one, which should provide a high yield of useful information. One thing suggested by the astrology of this moment is that you collaborate with others, especially if you're unclear on a particular point. It would almost certainly help you, in any case, to speak about what you've felt or noticed, in the spirit of inviting thoughts as well as sharing them. Treat any offered ideas with respect -- they will probably contain at least something of value. Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- There's an odd trend of late for videos that are supposed to promote feelings of satisfaction, by showing the viewer orderly, complete processes and patterns, or precise skill and dexterity. This presumably caters to the common desire to have things neat and rounded off, and the discomfort we often feel when this is not the case. Yet we are all creatures of emotion and instinct; suppress that part of you, and it will only resurface in some fashion. In the long run, you would benefit instead from accepting it and working with it consciously. After all, you are not a factory production with right angles and exact contours. You are a unique, changeable, and gloriously imperfect living being. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- Over the next several weeks, you are likely to receive the opportunity to be influential in your immediate social milieu; possibly in your wider community. You may already be aware of how you would use that power. Yet your classical ruler Mars turning direct will almost certainly bring about new ideas or information, which might challenge your current thinking in a number of ways. Certainty, especially when it comes to human matters, rarely proves entirely correct. I suggest you leave at least some room for doubt and differences in perspective before making any concrete decisions. You may find there's a whole dimension of relevant wisdom that you've not yet seen or imagined. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- You'll be in a prime position during the month ahead to enhance your working life. It's possible this might begin in the form of a simple promotion, granting you additional autonomy and responsibility. However, the most significant changes are more likely to come from your actions. What you'll want to look for is the chance to inject extra creative freedom into your career, either in your present role, or in a different or new one. You could even resurrect a childhood dream that you may have thought impossible to fulfill, or been dissuaded from. However this alteration comes about, you are capable of great things; do not allow yourself to get in your own way. Keep following the scent of your passion and conviction. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Mars stationing direct in your sign, followed within ten days by your ruler Saturn changing direction too, will perhaps feel rather like waking from sleep. For the past month or so you've been grappling with what might seem almost like a world run on dream logic: everything might have seemed just a little distorted or changed, and even while the laws of physics were still firmly in operation, the law of cause and effect may have appeared suspended. Give yourself sufficient time to feel that you have your feet planted on the ground before you start running again at full speed; when that moment comes, you'll hopefully be able to cover a considerable distance, and with little danger of stumbling. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- The recent combination of retrogrades and eclipses has hopefully put you more in touch with your emotional world and its accompanying needs. This may relate especially to intimacy: in what ways you experience it, and also all the ingenious ways you might avoid it. The ensuing month is likely to help underscore this process of enlightenment, by offering you the chance to further cultivate healthier relationships with significant others and with your own more profound feelings. I would suggest that the easiest way to make sure you're engaging with this process is to adopt a no-bullshit principle: that is, to be baldly honest, with yourself first and foremost, about what you really feel and what you really need. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- During the past month you've probably felt much of what you thought you knew being stripped down like wallpaper, or an old snakeskin. This might well have been disconcerting in some respects; even so, you now appear to be left with a sense of raw truth, keen awareness and unprecedented freedom. You can look at the present and future determinedly, almost rebelliously, and forge the very life you need as you press onward. In doing so, you'll be able to release potentially a lot of important material from your past, and step into your power in a way that you might previously have experienced rarely or not at all. I suggest you embrace this new order of things fearlessly, and who you have become with pride.

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