Mars, Meet Uranus; Chiron, Prepare to Move

Dear Friend and Reader:

There's a lot of pent-up energy looking for a way out currently. Can you feel it? Two main astrological factors are at work: one is a handful of planets in the final degrees of their signs; the other is a Mars-Uranus conjunction in Aries that's exact on Wednesday at 1:21 am EST (6:20:31 UTC).

Throwing sparks; photo by Tom Bullock under CC 2.0.

I'm going to describe Mars-Uranus first, because that's likely to be the influence you'll feel more personally, immediately and possibly dramatically. First and foremost: Mars-Uranus is classic “fall, crash, shock” accident astrology.

It's crucial this week to be careful with sharp, hot or electrical tools. Have someone spot you if you need to climb on a high object, even a chair, to get something. Uranus puts particular emphasis on the electrical and electronic theme, and on any kind of technology. This means drive with full focus when you drive -- no calling, texting, etc. Pull over if you need to re-program your GPS. If you're already prone to moments of road rage, please be extra mindful about taking some deep breaths and counting to 20 before reacting to anything annoying while on the road.

As luck would have it, this conjunction also takes place in the last degree of a sign -- a position often described as having a sense of urgency. Any sign's last degree (which will have a '29' next to it, but which is really the 30th degree) is known as 'anaretic'. Planets in an anaretic degree can often manifest as a sense of being at a crisis point in a certain area of life, or may come through as erratic tendencies, such as in decision-making processes.

For example, I read a recent natal-chart interpretation of Mars at 29 Aries that described how that person might come up with several plans of action, worry about all of them, and then spontaneously go with some other approach contrary to what had been considered. I don't know about you, but I've been experiencing some of this for the last week or two, and Mars isn't even in that last degree yet.

Yet, this isn't just Mars at 29 Aries that we're dealing with; it's Mars plus Uranus -- two high-voltage planets in an action-oriented sign. Aries is also where the zodiac describes the ideas 'identity' and 'individuation'. As you may have read elsewhere, we human beings do a lot of identity forging and individuation through moments of conflict: the metaphorical bumps, scrapes and friction with others that give us something to respond to. In our choices of response, we begin to define ourselves and discover where we stand in relation to everyone else.

Electric sparks by Tom via Flickr under CC 2.0.

It's also possible to use this energy constructively, not just defensively -- though it will take awareness. For example, starting some new or innovative project -- particularly one that takes a lot of energy and will be strongly identified with you when completed -- could prove satisfying (still take safety precautions). The more you can respond to surprises with an attitude of curiosity and flexibility, the easier it may be to roll with the sudden behavior of others. If you yourself are not already moving at high speed, this is more doable.

In other words, in high-energy moments, one's ability to focus that energy consciously gains importance. The more you can focus it yourself -- rather than having it focused for you by running into a painful limit -- the more creative potential you can access.

Even the Sabian symbol for this degree underlines this concept, with some interpretation (the Sabians are channeled images for each of the 360 zodiac degrees): "A duck pond and its brood."

I know it does not sound like much at first, but astrologer Dane Rudhyar gives it this keyphrase: "The realization of natural boundaries." He goes on to write that "every form of activity has its limits," and that "power must accept the principle of focalization."

Know your limits. Focus your power. Touch your boundaries rather than slamming into them.

Partial chart for Chiron's ingress to Aries on Feb. 18; it's the orange key near the bottom with a bold '00'. Bottom-right, you can see Mars-Uranus beginning to separate but still quite close, with Mars in Taurus. You can view the chart for Mars-Uranus in Thursday's issue; glyph key is here.

Mars enters Taurus on Thursday (at 5:51 am EST / 10:51:04 UTC), the day after its conjunction to Uranus. Uranus, however, will keep making its slow-yet-potent way across this last degree of Aries until March 6, when it finally ingresses Taurus for the next seven years or so. These may be an eventful three-plus weeks.

As for other prominent objects in the last degrees of the signs, we have: Juno at 29 Taurus, Pallas at 29 Libra, and Chiron at 29 Pisces. All of those are stirring the pot of the psyche -- though Juno will enter Gemini later tonight, which might help you to move toward clearer communication with intimate partners and friends. The asteroid Pallas will not leave Libra until Aug. 26, thanks to a long retrograde back into the first third of that sign.

Chiron is the other truly significant sign change on our horizon, occurring quite soon: it enters Aries on Tuesday, Feb. 18, in just one week. Along with Uranus entering Taurus, Chiron in Aries is one of the central events Eric is focusing on in the written portions of the INTELLIGENCE annual readings. This is just one paragraph from the Aries reading:

Chiron and all that it represents is a compelling force. In a sense there is no escaping, only establishing a relationship with the impetus to change, and your deep personal need to heal. This means the need to grow, and that entails an entirely new basis for making decisions. Different people will respond to it in different ways. Some will choose to go deeper than others. Some will respond by grafting onto the identity politics and self-concept level, which is already pervasive. You must be able to discern the difference.

Chiron never allows us to dump the past, like tearing down an old shopping mall to build a new one; rather, there must be a careful reckoning with everything we have experienced, and what it means to us. The underlying ground must be examined and understood.

It is that careful reckoning -- rather than blowing things up, or tearing things down -- that could be helpful this week. You do have a choice, no matter how close you feel to exploding, or how often you vacillate between options. We're all together in this duck pond, no matter what your Facebook feed or TV news might suggest. Some real focus is necessary, sure; and with that focus, you may find your limits perfectly able to accommodate every bit of electricity you're running.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

Cups, Bowls and Astrology

Dear Friend and Reader:

Have I ever mentioned my pottery collection? One of my hobbies is to collect handmade cup and bowl sets. I find them at farmer's markets and little shops I visit. Sometimes there's just one or the other. I love the different patterns that potters use. Each has the touch of its maker. I appreciate the stories they tell, about firing their pots, how they mix the clay, or their experiments with techniques. And I love love love the colors.

Mostly, I love eating and drinking out of objects made by people, each one of a kind. It's one of my indulgences in art, and a rebellion against things fabricated in China by machine. Many of the pieces remind me of where I found them -- that day I took a ride with Jonah; that potter at the market in Burlington; the one my friend in Germany bought for me.

Read more...

Be Your Most Forward-Thinking Self, Aquarius

"Listening to the first part of this reading offered wonderful pieces of information, which fell easily into the lines of code I download on a regular basis…My intention was to express my gratitude for your work, both parts of this reading are accurate and true for me. A serious opportunity and call to action for all Aquarians to notice the resources they have direct and indirect access to for making change. Keep doing what you do."

-- Michael P., on the current 2019-2020 Aquarius Astrology Studio

Do you have an Aquarius Sun, Rising sign or Moon? You can get instant access to your new Aquarius Astrology Studio (previously the Birthday Reading) when you order. Both audio astrology sections (each 30-minutes or longer) are completed; your tarot reading will be ready a little later.

This has been a wild year or so for anyone with significant Aquarius in their chart -- and this year's big astrological events promise to build on the many changes you've been going through. Between major planets changing sign and the seemingly never-ceasing intensification of life itself, the world needs you at your most forward thinking.

Eric pours his decades of astrological and therapeutic experience into these audio readings -- ensuring that you get the energized motivation, inspiration, practical tips and quiet reassurance you need to tackle whatever come your way -- and to thrive in the process. You may order yours here.



Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

Your extended monthly horoscopes for February were published on Monday, Feb. 4, and are also published below in this issue. We published your extended monthly horoscopes for January on Thursday, Jan. 1. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) -- Astrological weather for the next few days is likely to be edgy for just about everyone, though some may be able to burn that energy as fuel or ride with the tide. Don't forget to go easy on yourself, as well as on others, and try to keep a grasp on the astute and pragmatic aspects of your mind. That said, amid the turbulence, you will probably have at least one profound flash of insight, which could lead to inspiration and possibly a new understanding of your current purpose. Notice also if a theme appears to be repeated. This may be especially relevant. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- Uranus is now in the final degree of Aries before it re-enters your sign for its seven-year stay. This may well be something of a restless time for you, as you prepare to stretch and grow in all the ways you'll be encouraged to. Stay in touch with your sense of fairness in dealings with others, and do your best not to let impatience govern your actions. Instead, notice where the tension is excited most, which could offer valuable information on where specifically you need to aim. This is coming from a deep stratum of your psyche; to grasp its language may bring considerable healing. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Do your best to avoid taking part in any quarrels that don't immediately concern you. Distractions and diversions tend to come in thick and fast these days, so that it can take skill to deflect them all; it's especially easy to find oneself drawn needlessly into an argument. Yet you likely know exactly where you really need to focus your efforts: what you are working on is of profound importance, and speaks to your highest purpose and goals. Keep close to your inner guidance, and surround yourself with people whose presence is congenial and nourishing to your soul. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Remember that things are not always as they appear at first glance, and that often hidden agendas or motives can exist, sometimes without the understanding of the person who holds them. This is not an invitation to general suspicion. Merely, if you're presented with an offer or request, even one that seems innocuous on the surface, check in with your intuition. If something feels strange or out of place, dig around a little and see what emerges; the resulting information, regardless of its nature, may help you understand many facets of this situation a little better. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- Be ready to take the high ground in any dispute with a partner or friend. That means listening earnestly to the other party's argument, trying to empathize with their point of view, maintaining calm where possible, and responding with compassion and reason -- which is by no means the same as acquiescing if you cannot do so truthfully. If you notice fear or jealousy taking hold, pause to analyze that material. Don't judge it; simply acknowledge its existence as a potential driving factor. All this may not gain victory for your position, but it will earn you respect. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- Go easy on yourself just now, and try to take any agitation of mind, especially relating to self-doubt, with approximately a handful of salt. Above all, don't allow it to prevent you from continuing to carry out an essential long-term project. The benefits of this may be somewhat hidden from your view at this moment, but they are being palpably felt by others -- or they will be. If faith is not forthcoming, grit your teeth and use determination instead, adding stubbornness where it's needed. Within a week from now, the pressure will almost certainly have subsided. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- You have the capacity to be a force for calm amid the storms of the week ahead, in part because you're nicely situated at present to channel your energy constructively, including through creative arts if you're involved in that. Additionally, you bring much-needed maturity and diplomacy to the table. Don't be surprised if others turn to you for reassurance, compassion or a listening ear, and be ready to offer such help should it be requested. You will almost certainly learn something useful in these encounters, which could guide your own healing and growth process. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- Tolerance may be a useful watchword to keep in mind at present. Many people, regardless of their political or moral viewpoints, tend to have difficulty tolerating specific qualities in others. The point of view that everyone is unique, or that there is always some common ground to be discovered, has gone out of fashion, replaced by identifying people with social demographics, with statistics or with abstract ideas. In the week ahead, which many will find tense and some even chaotic, you might do well to remember that we are each different, and yet also all part of the same species. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Acting with entire transparency seems like an impossible standard to obtain at this particular moment; yet it's one you would do well to aim at. This doesn't require you to make pointless disclosures to strangers; rather, it initially involves awareness of your personal motives, and then being clear about them where there is an ethical requirement to do so, which includes willingness to listen to any responses you might receive. Be the straight arrow that flies swift and sure in any wind; embrace your passion for truth. This is the side of you that shines brightest. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- One of the problems with our current socioeconomic system is that human beings are not technically viewed as having intrinsic worth; rather, our importance is tied to what we can do. This may be one reason why people are so competitive: feeling one's significance to be greater than someone else's means that at least it's higher than zero. Starting with the premise that everyone has inherent value by virtue of existing would imply a very different culture; yet this idea is fundamentally true. That includes you. Once you recognize this, you will feel much lighter in your mind. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- It is not possible to cover every eventuality with strict rules or with statistics. There will always be exceptions, hence the facility for laws to be altered and to allow for individual freedoms. It could be argued that the various permutations of the Golden Rule at times transcend everything else. Grant yourself the right to choose your independent path, irrespective of whomever this might offend -- and remember that some people are very ready to be offended. Your existence is more important than anyone's social norms, comfort or sense of certainty. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Lately, in the service of your mission, you've had to confront certain old fears. They might not seem familiar at first glance; they may appear as if they have brand new faces; yet these are more than likely to be the very same you've dealt with previously, only wearing different masks. If you notice this, it's a positive thing, because it means you've beaten these adversaries before and can do it again, and more thoroughly. Take courage. You possess more gifts and resources than you realize, and this time you're working from an excellent vantage point, armed with useful information. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

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