One More Week Till Uranus Enters Taurus

Dear Friend and Reader:

On its face, this week's astrology looks relatively quiet. And yet, personally, I can't seem to shake this feeling of being rather overwhelmed, or on edge; maybe it's just because I have not been sleeping enough and am juggling a couple projects, but I suspect some of the background energy I'm running is related to Uranus hanging out in that last degree of Aries for what seems like an eternity. Hopefully you're having an easier time of it.

We have just over another week before Uranus finally enters Taurus on March 6. Later that same day is the Pisces New Moon. And the day before that, on March 5, Mercury will station retrograde in Pisces.

Photo by Amanda Painter.

In other words, we're winding down a lunar cycle; a major planet is gearing up to leave a high-energy sign; and the planet of the mind is starting to apply the brakes in a sign known for being highly sensitive to psychic and emotional energy.

If you think about it, that perfectly describes a potentially challenging mix of urgency and waning (or compromised) energy.

None of this is permanent. Which means that you really only have to figure out how to get from one moment to the next. Yes, there are goals and deadlines and desires and plans to factor in. But much of that will take care of itself and unfold as it needs to if you can just focus on your primary needs at any given time, one day to the next.

Between now and next week, here are a few astrological highlights that may prove useful:

Tuesday is the last quarter Moon, with the Moon in early Sagittarius squaring the Pisces Sun and the centaur planet Nessus (the Sun makes its exact conjunction to Nessus on Wednesday). You might want to notice when you're identifying more strongly than is needed with outdated hurts and emotional patterns. Remember the difference between simply sharing what's going on with you and unloading a lot of emotional or psychic energy onto an innocent bystander.

A square from Ceres in Sagittarius to the Sun offers another option to seeking sympathy, which for many people is their default mode: it might actually feel more nurturing to exert the freedom you have to explore a new experience. The same could be said for how helping another to succeed has this beautiful way of distracting us from our own difficulty long enough to feel better -- with the added benefit of channeling the energy into something more constructive.

Simplified chart section for the Pisces New Moon. Clockwise from left: Mars and Uranus in Taurus; Eris and Chiron in Aries; Mercury (retrograde), Vesta, Neptune, the Moon, the Sun and Nessus in Pisces; Venus in Aquarius. View glyph key here.

Even so, Uranus is not simply sliding quietly into Taurus. On Friday, Venus in the last degree of Capricorn makes a square to Uranus -- a little more than four hours before Venus enters Aquarius. That's likely to come as some form of edginess in intimate relationships -- though there are certain edges that can be a lot of fun when you're talking about love and sex.

Leaving aside the obvious BDSM jokes (Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, being the sign of limits and restrictions), Venus-Uranus squares often indicate a need to seek stimulation. Lots of things count for that -- anything from flirting with someone new (just don't take it too seriously or pile too much expectation on it), to provoking an argument with a lover just to get some sparks and energy moving. You (or a partner) may feel a need to get something out in the open, which is rarely a bad thing -- though it will show you how flexible the relationship is (or is not).

Hint: the more open a relationship is to new experiences, the easier this aspect will likely be. This might even be a useful teaser for Uranus moving into Taurus next week, since that sign is ruled by Venus. Taurus and Venus are not one and the same, but there are important resonances. Once Venus moves into Aquarius on Friday, it might be easier to take a slightly more detached approach to anything that's gotten riled up.

In the meantime, you'll want to begin battening down the proverbial hatches as Mercury prepares to station retrograde in a week: back up your computer; get a handle on your finances and any backlogged correspondence; either get your taxes done ASAP or plan to tackle them after Mercury stations direct on March 28. Also, since we're talking Mercury in Pisces, it might be worthwhile to dedicate some time to 'psychic hygiene' -- whatever that means to you in terms of your self care, checking on your energetic boundaries, and keeping your intuition grounded in reality.

Actually, that's a good practice no matter what the astrology is, and no matter what the day of the week.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

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Introducing the Astrology Readings Channel Planet Waves offers readings for all the signs and rising signs. These readings are must-haves among a core group of people who love them, though perhaps you have not heard what Eric is doing. We've taken many readings from 2018 and put them on a 24-hour audio stream, which anyone can tune into. Whatever your sign, you will find it interesting no matter when you tune in. If you're up late and want something soothing and informative to listen to, or if you're curious about astrology, tune in here. No login is required.
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...

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Astrology Studio for Pisces: Instant Access to Part One

Dear Pisces Sun, Rising or Moon Reader:

Now that Chiron has finally left your sign, you may finally feel like you've developed the gills you need to swim in this ocean of life. Current aspects and upcoming changes in the astrology indicate it's time to start using all your new insights and skills fully. With Uranus changing signs as well, and your two ruling planets -- Jupiter and Neptune -- in contact with one another, there's more than enough going on to fill several readings with rich detail, insight and heart-centered guidance.

You can now order your 2019 Pisces Astrology Studio (formerly the Birthday Reading) and get instant access to the first astrology segment; the second section and the tarot reading will be sent you as Eric completes them. He only records these readings when he is able to create a clear spiritual space to let your key messages for the year come through -- the signposts and practical inspiration you need most for your growth, healing, relationships, career and more in this chaotic world.

"A very good listen! It's already confirming and affirming my thoughts and feelings. I sure appreciate Eric's astrological perspective. Thank you!"
-- Luna M.

Wishing you a bountiful year,

Amanda Painter, Astrology Editor

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Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

We published your extended monthly horoscopes for March on Thursday, Feb. 21. Your extended monthly horoscopes for February were published on Monday, Feb. 4. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) -- Following a little turbulence in the past week, you may now be experiencing the welcome sensation of reaching familiar turf. There's still a good deal happening, and you will probably soon need to head out once more into unknown territory. After all, a comfort zone is not meant for staying in permanently. You'd feel cooped up, as if you never ventured outside your physical home. In reality, it's much more a place to return to after a long and informative adventure in the wilderness. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- Compared with the past week, you should begin to feel significantly lighter as time progresses. There may still be some encounters to unpack; however, on the whole the atmosphere will probably seem a good deal more congenial. Try to make time for leisure and social activities if you need to get away from the usual routines, even if you enact only very basic changes. You might benefit from the fresh surroundings, and from coming out of yourself a little more, if only for an hour or two. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- During the next few weeks, you'll have an opportunity to review your recent achievements and career moves, and tie up any loose ends, before moving forward to the next phase of fulfilling your goals. As you do this, make honesty your watchword. Be determinedly accurate in everything you say and do, as much as possible. Honor any promises; and when looking back, take a realistic view about how far you've come, including the substantial positives. This will stand you in good stead for oncoming endeavors. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Persevere in spite of whatever you perceive as blocking or hindering your path. The chances are any real obstacles are a lot less formidable than they seem. Fear exaggerates and can also create mirages, which is all the more reason not to let it dictate your actions. If you're facing an actual puzzle at this moment, take it step by step, and if necessary get other perspectives on the matter. If, however, you're looking at a potential tangle at some future time, first focus on getting there. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- Be wary of assigning blame or ascribing meaning in any situation where the truth is not wholly clear, which means most scenarios. These days, where any challenge arises, there is a general tendency to look outward for explanations and solutions rather than inward. It may be worth deliberately taking the opposite approach for a while -- begin by considering your responsibilities, and surveying your inner landscape. This should be useful in helping you overcome any difficulties and move onward. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- You may soon need to commence a process of re-evaluating how you conduct yourself in your most intimate relationships; in particular, whether and where you might hold back from sharing your truth with loved ones. It's natural to want to give a favorable impression of ourselves that we think will be well-received; however, stuffing down feelings and thoughts invariably leads to trouble further down the line. You need to be wholly yourself all the time, with no compromises or half-measures. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- If your daily routine seems lately to be erring on the side of all work and no play, make an effort to fix that this week, even if only with small changes. Give yourself space to relax and stretch out, and more room for activities you know you'll find fun, as well as anything you really want to try. Notice any sensations of guilt or fear you experience when doing so. Analyzing such emotions and releasing them will probably free up some energy. If you feel relief, that's likely to be a sign of progress. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- At this time of year you can generally look forward to making some creative or innovative leaps; and right now the wind is decidedly behind you, especially for any endeavor that involves collaboration. The dynamic may become intense at times, and you'll need people around you with whom cooperation involves mutual advancement, as opposed to everyone pursuing their own private agenda. Spend time with those who bring out your best qualities, and in a space where you can focus naturally. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Remember that ultimately you have free will. Your life is not a pre-programmed course, laid out by some divine hand or by movements from the past; you can change direction pretty much whenever you see fit. This, of course, entails responsibility -- for understanding the situation, and for making appropriate choices, as well as mending any mistakes. Be cautious of any temptation to give up some measure of your liberty; ultimately you need to be in control of your life, and anything less is inadequate. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Although much of the action and tension of our present era is happening in your sign, you've played host to Pluto for long enough that you're likely better able than most to cope with the rolls and pitches. That said, if you've been feeling overwhelmed, reach out and ask for help. You may be strong and resourceful, but you are not superhuman, nor are you expected to be. Check in with loved ones occasionally, and make sure you take the time and space you need to refresh and restore yourself. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Being human necessarily limits one's perspective; the alternative would probably render us effectively unable to function. That said, this week you may well have an opportunity to broaden your point of view in some ways. Keep an open mind if you are challenged in a discussion or by an event, and do your utmost to give genuine consideration to the ideas of others. In any conflict where values are at stake, aim to take the high road. At the very least, you stand to gain useful wisdom. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Pay close attention this week to any indication that you're expected to follow a specific route, or take a particular point of view. This may well involve a situation that's more complex than it appears at first sight, and you will likely therefore need the space to determine what you actually think or feel. Be wary likewise of automatically taking a polar opposite perspective in the spirit of rebellion; the key here is to carve out your unique path, which may take more effort but is necessary for aligning with reason. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

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