How to Breathe Under Water

Dear Friend and Reader:

We're about to experience one of the most unusual Mercury stations in a generation. On Thursday, Mercury turns to direct motion in an exact conjunction to Neptune. This takes place in Pisces; that is Mercury churning through a lot of water.

The conjunction of Mercury and Neptune has been going on for many days, and will continue well into April. It is a defining feature of our moment along the river of night, and it seems to be asking more questions than it is providing answers.

Chart for this week's Monday Morning horoscope, depicting Mercury stationing direct in Pisces. See full-size image at this link.

This is difficult in a time when so many people are expressing a desire for resolution and to move on. But it's been satisfaction with false answers and moving on from responsibilities that have led us to where we are today.

Many others spend their lives waiting for a moment that never arrives. There have to be alternatives to these approaches.

Neptune and Pisces tend to drop to the background; in the foreground we've been experiencing a dramatic conjunction of the Sun and Chiron in Aries, bringing in many other influences from the cardinal signs. I covered this in detail last week and the prior week.

Mueller Investigation Summary Published

Even for a casual student or observer of astrology, these are charts worth considering and seeing how they manifest in real life, as events develop.

As this edition was going to press, the attorney general's summary of the report by Robert S. Mueller III was published. For the past 22 months Mueller has been investigating whether and how the Trump administration collaborated with the Russians to steal the 2016 election. This is covered on the new Planet Waves FM.

I cover charts on tonight's Planet Waves FM for the president being notified of the report's completion Friday afternoon, and also the contents of Attorney General William Barr's letter. The program appears on the front of the Intelligence website. (We continue to update PlanetWaves.FM as well.)

What really stands out, though, is that the White House received the call with the Sun exactly conjunct Chiron -- precise to a small fraction of a degree. This would seem either to deliver a mortal wound to Donald Trump, or to confer a kind of immortality. This is a complex chart, and I will do my best to sort it out from the perspectives of both classical and modern astrology.

Across the Atlantic Ocean, Brits are dealing with Brexit, which reflects a society divided even as much as United States society is -- and it's all being driven from below by the same basic set of factors, which is causing people to suspend their intellects and form their opinions based on their emotions alone.

We could say this has always been true, but it's a little like sugar consumption. The more there is, the more people eat. In 1820, Americans ate about two or three pounds of sugar per year on average. By 2000 it was nearly 100 pounds. The internet is the current equivalent of sugar feeding a kind of mindless approach to existence -- here at our critical turning point in global history.

Our successors not so far in the future are going to wonder: What the hell were those people thinking? Oh, they hardly were.

The Melting of Reason, or Deep Creativity

Nothing quite sums up the melting of reason and rationality like Mercury conjunct Neptune. In someone highly aware, this will be inspiring astrology, granting access to the deeper realms of thought and intuition.

Two things stand between us and that possibility. One is how much work it takes. The other is the desire for clarity. Truly creative people make it look easy, but what you don't see is how much thought and deliberation are involved. My take is that most people are much more intelligent than they let on, but that a kind of intellectual sloth gets in the way.

Yet fearing the results of thought is the real obstacle. It's not just that action is the fruit of knowledge. It's that awareness compels a response, and we all know that's going to take more work.

In the short run, it's easier to let it all melt away. In the long run, that's a dissatisfying way to live, to think, and to exist. There are options, though they require effort and cooperation and courage. They require the willingness to change and to grow. This may feel like learning how to breathe under water. I reckon it's much easier. It's more like learning how to breathe at all.

See you over at Planet Waves FM.

With love,

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Aries Birthdays and Rising 2019: Rise (to the Occasion) and Shine, Aries!

Dear Aries Sun, Rising or Moon Reader:

In a world full of pressure and chaos, your solar year just began with a bit of a bang: just hours after the Sun ingressed Aries on Wednesday, the Moon opposed it for a Libra Full Moon that contacted some potent points in a very active sky. How was it for you? Energizing or tense?

One of the Full Moon's key contacts was with Chiron, which recently began a long-term journey through your sign. It also reverberated with 'small cause, big effect' Pholus (in Capricorn), and with an asteroid called Salacia (in Aries) that seems to relate to a process of maturation around sexuality.

Did anything relating to those themes manifest for you in the last couple days?

Chiron in Aries is going to help you focus on who you are in the world now -- and who you're in the process of becoming. Uranus, which just began its journey through your second house, Taurus, is there to help you reevaluate what you value (including how you use your body, your possessions, your talents and your self-worth). Get ready to innovate, improvise and re-set -- while keeping your feet firmly on the earth in the process.

"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."

-- Ronny Khalil, on last year's Aries Birthday Reading

If you've read or listened to your INTELLIGENCE annual reading, you have a sense of Eric's long-range take on these transits (and others), looking a couple years into the future. In your 2019 Aries Astrology Studio (also known as the Birthday Reading), he'll be offering you a fresh, of-the-moment take on how your solar year is beginning and how you can navigate it best.

This is the audio reading that comes in two parts of astrology with a third part consisting of a tarot reading for your next 12 months. And right now, you can pre-order this entire reading for only $33. The price will increase as each segment of the reading publishes.

"Wow!! Eric! Your readings are spot on, in terms of what I’ve been experiencing this year as an Aries with Taurus rising. You explained or confirmed the changes I’ve been going through. While I’m listening I shake my head and I’ve got a big smile on my face, because this year really has been an internal journey. Thank you!

-- A. Wilson, on a 2018 Aries reading

We're all adjusting to the new placements of Chiron and Uranus, which will take pro-level tools to handle consciously. I hope you'll take advantage of the inspiration, grounded coaching and thought-provoking, heart-level questions Eric offers in this reading -- 2019 looks like quite a ride.

Wishing you a brilliant year,

Amanda Painter

P.S. If you have questions or would like to order by phone, please call us at (206) 567-4455 and we'll be sure to get back to you.

P.P.S. With the significant astrological events we're heading toward, consider giving your favorite Aries their 2019 Astrology Studio reading as a gift.


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) -- You are making your mind up about something, though you may not know what it is yet. This is a deep and somewhat mysterious process that is difficult to name, though the decision may involve your commitment to a healing process that you've been concerned about for some time. It's one of those lurking things that are difficult to get underneath, though you're in a moment when you can do that. What seemed perfectly cryptic and intangible can emerge in a form that is tangible and understandable. This will not last forever; it's a kind of temporary awakening that you can both access and use to make adjustments to your state of mind and your life patterns. It's as if a portal into your deeper dimensions is opening up, and you have a rare opportunity to do inner work -- and to make contact with a level of your being that's evasive and elusive most of the time. Your timeframe is about 10 days. Your mission is to focus your awareness inwardly during that time. Do not concern yourself with results, only with where you direct your attention. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- Pay careful attention when you're out of the house in social situations. This also applies to any online or public presence that you have. Be sure to sniff the air, listen to the wind and check the tide chart before you go too far or do too much. Notice those little flags flying at the end of the dock -- the ones that warn you about gale and gusts. And keep checking, because conditions are likely to change unexpectedly. Pay attention as well to the human environments that surround you, and take the temperature of where people are coming from, and notice if you want to take your jacket off or put it on when you're around someone. You can't really believe anything you hear outside of your own home, but you will pick up on some interesting scenarios, a few ridiculous claims and some significant wisdom mingled in among it. The thing you can do is follow your curiosity to some deep places, like the mermaid or merman that you are. This will be great fun as long as you don't commit to anything in particular being true. Rather, listen and consider. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- Your life continues to be a study in what you dream of, as contrasted to what you think is possible. In one direction things seem boundless, and in another, hemmed in. It's vital that you pay attention to certain bottom-line elements of life, but even more important that you consider your ideals and your dreams. This is more than about balance. It's about transcending your limitations. For that to work, you have to know what your limits are, or what you think they are. This is actually the line of demarcation of what you think is possible. As you gradually adjust (or suddenly revise) your ideas about what can be achieved, those seeming limits will appear to move, open or seem to be an illusion of the past. This may lead you to the question: what exactly stands between you and others? Is it something real, or is it some figment of your thoughts or beliefs? And if the latter, what purpose do they serve? It will help if you know your primary purpose for being in any relationship. You have one, whatever it is; and that is the angle to explore with that person, first. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- There are two unusually strong forces working in your life right now: one is a calling to focus your spiritual development, which really means your inner awareness; and the other one is to be out in the world, taking responsibility for your existence and achieving some of the great things you know you're capable of. Everyone should be so fortunate to have these working at the same time, because they are the perfect complement to one another. The drive to build, or to change the world in any way, dearly needs to be informed by deeper layers of ethics and conscience, the ones that come right from your inner creative source. Spirit and wisdom need means of expression, and modes of action. I suggest you err on the side of telling more of your deeper truth rather than less. Don't be so quick to filter out what you want and need to say. Creative leadership requires taking creative risks. So does being an artist, whose primary commitment is to stay awake and connected to your senses and to the world around you. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- Every moment, you're making the choice about how to live. You affirm your life plan with every word, every idea, every contact with another person. Your relationships are reborn every moment. You influence your experience through your presence: physical and verbal; sensory and emotional -- all forms of engagement count, particularly under the current astrology. Slow down and take the time to be with people you care about. Make sure you have plenty of one-on-one time with those closest to you, and invest the energy necessary to listen deeply. You will find true freedom in doing so, and a new depth of mutual understanding. This is likely to change and evolve over the next two weeks; it's not the kind of thing you can hold in your hand or keep in a jar, nor do you want to. The unpredictable and genuinely mysterious quality of the astrology during this time is a necessary element in the creative process -- the great art studio known as your life. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- There are aspects that say, "a significant meeting is on the horizon," and you're in one of them now: Mercury turning to direct motion in your 7th house of relationships, in Pisces, conjunct Neptune. Yet such a Mercury-Neptune contact also describes a mysterious and potentially invisible process. The best way to handle this is to think of it not in terms of what stands out within your environment, but rather, what is going on in the background. That means away from view, off to the side, behind the scenes -- or generally, everywhere. Treat every encounter as meaningful enough to pay attention to. Notice how you feel around anyone you may meet. You're likely to be picking up subtle vibes and sensory perceptions that will be easy enough to ignore, particularly if you get lost in someone's charm or charisma. So keep your focus and remember who you are at all times. If you find yourself making an effort to stay above the surface of the water, keep going. But you don't need to exert too much effort. Listen to your senses and maintain a dialog. Listen to what you hear, and to what you say. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- You may be initiating or influencing events in ways you don't understand, and far beyond your perception. Imagine that your words, your actions and your thoughts ripple through existence, affecting people far from you, many of whom you do not know. While that's happening, someone appears to be throwing you a curve, compelling or demanding your attention. Don't be so fast to respond to anything that may seem hot and heavy. Rather, invest a few days in allowing the facts to come out, giving yourself time to think, and getting a better idea of what's really on the minds of people you're invested in or working with. They have problems and situations you may not be aware of, and may not understand. Keep some perspective and some distance there, enough not to make those problems your own in any way. You will find yourself in a position to be supportive, though you must take care of yourself first. Amidst many other intriguing developments, Venus enters the health and wellbeing angle of your solar chart on Tuesday, and Mercury is about to station direct. Focus on yourself for a while -- enough to make a difference. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- Many people wonder if the whole sex thing is worth it, but you don't wonder for long. Now is the time to immerse rather than to avoid, which does not need to involve anyone but yourself. It can, of course, and it may well. The new pattern that has taken shape in your solar chart is about unexpected developments, people arriving or departing without notice, and you being in a position to respond or react. And with many truly unusual events in Pisces, your solar 5th house of playful, creative and erotic experiences, this has rarely been more exciting. One issue is that many people have made up their mind about sex, or feel betrayed or let down by it -- and would rather not get hurt again. If that is true for you, there's a backstory; there may be lingering events and experiences that need attention. Now is the time to devote yourself to that. If you suddenly find yourself having more space in your life, use it well and wisely. Remember that however you get there, healing means a return to trust, pleasure and sharing. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Be careful not to let the seeming exigencies and urgencies of others sway your judgment, or tug at your emotional strings. You have your priorities, and you must think in terms of your bottom line. This is not your usual way of being; you're more often reluctant to translate anything into dollars and cents, preferring other forms of worth or value. Yet this is not really a matter of money. The numbers point to values, to willingness, to honesty, and to the truth. So stick to your number, and don't be so fast to state out loud what it is. Rather, let the discussion flow out in your direction; size up carefully what others are saying and what they are thinking. Be aware it could take you days to actually come around to what that is, so for this reason I recommend delay, delay, delay, while you observe, observe, observe. Think with the part of your mind that does not chatter, which may mean not thinking at all, so much as you can make that so. Dig in the dirt or play a drum. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- You may have experienced some shock to your foundation or security base recently. But you must take it in stride and keep one foot swinging in front of the other, until you either get away from something you don't like, or work your way toward something that you do. Life is full of surprises these days, and you probably have a few more to come. However, I suggest strongly that you not hang yourself up in hope. Sold as the most fantastic product in the world, it's an inert substance. Rather, learn from what you observe. Notice what is really a thing of the past, and what is a present concern. That's something that must be evaluated carefully, especially during these confused days. Mercury still moving retrograde for a few more days is a caution that you might be thinking too much in terms of the past and not enough about what is a present and active concern, potential or opportunity. In fact you may be thinking too much, when music would be a far more nourishing environment. You will feel less suspicious in a week. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- You may not be fully set in your agenda, but you have a good idea what you want and what you want (and need) to do. It's just a matter of that information settling into the water in your soul, and letting it mix and mingle there for a while. You also appear to be processing some karma from the distant past, whether it's family baggage or stuff you have in a storage locker. If it's on the emotional level, be aware that it may have nothing to do with this lifetime or your generation. If you determine that you're addressing something from the distant past, make sure you respond appropriately and treat it as such. There are times when you must look at a situation and take care of it directly. There are other times when it is fair to size something up carefully, and hand it back to whomever it belongs to. Do not assume that everything you're confronted with is your responsibility to resolve. Make a conscious choice in the matter. Then take ownership of what is yours, and fully engage your plans. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You can trust what happens this week, even if you don't think you can right now. Yes, there is an unpredictable energy in the sea around you, and the ocean is nothing to be taken for granted. Yet it is your home and your environment. It's where you were born and where you live. Others around you may not be so adept at so much Pisces in the sky right now, as Mercury aligns with Neptune over the next week. Yet it represents a role reversal, and the potential for deep bonding with someone you value or want to be close to. Venus enters your sign on March 26, and is providing reassurance that you can trust your feelings and the flow of events. Take this process one moment at a time, rather than projecting into the future, or lingering around in the past. Stay right where you are, make eye contact, make voice contact, listen and share. This does not look like a situation where you go to someone, or pursue them in any way. It's more about someone or something coming to you. This is also helpful astrology if you have any bonds or ties that you want to dissolve, even if this has proven challenging in the past. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

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