Jupiter, Neptune, and the Aquarius Full Moon

Dear Friend and Reader:

During these chaotic times, it's essential that you maintain a boundary between what is outer and what is inner: what is your life, and what belongs to "the world" and the mirage arising before us on the internet and TV.

That boundary is where you gain a measure of influence over the flow of your thoughts and feelings. Slamming the door to what seems external to you won't work; that resistance will create an energy dam. Neither do you have to throw yourself into the mess.

	Photo by Kristin Giordano.

That said, the public issues are intensely personal, reaching into our homes and communities: for example, the absurd denial drama regarding weapons of battle being used at WalMart or the Garlic Festival (one might reasonably get the idea that it is indeed a war).

Those who know and love people on the "pro" side of the gun debate are sick of hearing the excuses, and the denial is long past the point of being disturbing.

Then there's the matter of an accused human trafficker (who is friends with the world management team) purportedly killing himself, when he supposedly had already attempted to do so, but was taken off suicide watch after a few days and placed in a cell alone.

Anyone who is a survivor of sexual assault is, by now, aware of the suicide problem. In particular, where the abuse of young people is concerned, a good few perps take their own lives. That said, even the mainstream press seems a bit skeptical of this one. Based on the astrology, I have zero confidence that he killed himself, and I would estimate at least 50/50 odds that he is still alive.

The deeper problem here is how many people whose faces you regularly see on TV took rides on the "Lolita Express." How do they get to boss the rest of us around, while presenting themselves as moral paragons? To see this hypocrisy and its impact on your life, you need to get a little closer to the "inner/outer" threshold, and notice where your values engage with those of the world around you. That is the point of friction. Make sure you feel the itch and the scratch. Don't just slather on the Benadryl.

Meanwhile, plenty of challenges are arising for us as individuals, associated with the same astrology that is making the world seem to spin and tug in three different directions. Your first priority has to be taking care of yourself. Distract yourself from any persistent anxiety if you must, or confront it directly if you can.

Wax On: Aquarius Full Moon

The Aquarius Full Moon is exact at 8:29:11 am EDT on Thursday. The waxing Full Moon has a way of dominating the psychic environment from the background. They all have a hint of Neptune to them: what you're looking right at but may not be able to see.

	Aquarius Moon fashion statement.

However, if you can tune in and catch the feeling of the rising tide, the Full Moon is a useful resource for setting yourself free from impasses. It will reveal the nature of the conflict, and the potential points of agreement. Gently guide the direction into the energy of friendly opposition, and let the discussion proceed. Don't force the matter, but rather let things be revealed for what they are.

This Full Moon has many interesting features, including the Sun's exact conjunctions to Venus and asteroid Sappho. While evocative of an initiation ritual on the Isle of Lesbos, these aspects describe getting people together. I don't mean a Facebook watch party or "going live." I mean together, such as in your living room or backyard.

The crux of this particular Aquarius Full Moon is that Moon and Sun (and all points aspecting the Sun) are exactly square Vesta in Taurus. One of the patron saints of Planet Waves, here we have Vesta in her space-holding capacity: directing one's attention to make sure that something is possible. With Vesta, this usually involves the organization of physical space around a core idea (the hearth or city fire); and the mental and emotional holding open of a field of consciousness.

Have you ever done this? You silently stand guard and make sure that a certain event, development or gathering is facilitated, and can actually happen. You might need to tend the fire (or the kettle). The energy is that of protecting and allowing — gently, persistently, and mostly with your awareness. In this role, you are not a bystander.

Jupiter Direct in Sagittarius

As of Sunday, Jupiter has stationed direct conjunct a deep-space point called the Great Attractor. Jupiter says large, and the Great Attractor says incomprehensibly so. So this Jupiter move has a big feeling to it. (Did anyone see the Moon-Jupiter conjunction Friday night? The Great Attractor was lurking back there 250 million light years away.)

	With Jupiter square Neptune, pay attention, as the road of life (or, in this case, the Golden Gate Bridge) may be foggy.

Jupiter stationed direct just 17 arc minutes (about a quarter of a degree) conjunct the Great Attractor, so this event is pointing to something a bit too large to see, at the moment.

Usually Jupiter direct in Sagittarius would be all systems go, let the arrow fly; however, Jupiter is about to make its third square to Neptune in Pisces. That is like shining a light into a thick fog. You may not be able to see where you're going. So this is about slowing down and proceeding consciously, and thoughtfully.

Any obstacle presented by Neptune is something you cannot see; something slippery rather than solid; an illusion rather than a reality; a factor of your imagination rather than the physical world. Under Neptune conditions, it's necessary to catch yourself making assumptions, and verify with facts: against the map, GPS, a landmark, the time of day — any tangible reference points.

Jupiter in Sagittarius may represent your highest aspirations; it can, and we all need to aspire to something. Keep those ideals in mind, as you remember that Jupiter is approaching Capricorn (the scene of the ongoing Saturn-Pluto conjunction I reference at least once in every article).

That calls for another kind of realism: this time dealing with the practical world rather than flights of fancy. But one step at a time. Jupiter squares Neptune on Sept. 21, right before the equinox. Jupiter enters Capricorn on Dec. 2. Today's station-direct is part of that process, with some added momentum from the Aquarius Full Moon.

By the way, that happens on the 50th anniversary of Richie Havens walking out onto the stage in the Town of White Lake, Bethel, New York. And 50 years since Wavy Gravy cast the I Ching that Friday afternoon, and got Hexagram 13, Fellowship.

To wit: "What you seek of others is really your gift to give; offer it freely."

With love,
PS — I've revived the Vision Quest programming on our main Mixlr stream. Vision Quest is the in-house Planet Waves ambient rock ensemble, which emerged as part of the 2016 annual edition. The queue now has 80 hours of recordings, writing sessions, rehearsals and live performances. Tune in here, free, any time. It is difficult to feel good these days; it's challenging to focus on your growth and self-care, or even to relax. We are pulled out of ourselves constantly, and often distracted from our core purposes. IN THESE TIMES, the Planet Waves autumn reading, will help.

Daily Birthday Readings from Planet Waves

Here are the next week's Birthday Readings; if it's your birthday this week, many happy returns to you. Please note you can also read these entries as daily posts on our Intelligence website. Sunday, August 11, 2019 (The Day of Validation) Life may be something of a wild ride at present, though you seem generally grounded and able to weather the various plot twists. Part of mastering this is basically accepting that chaos and novelty are a part of existence. Once you recognize this, the process becomes more of an adventure. You have everything you need within you, and just now you seem to possess a knack for fashioning lasting and valuable gifts from a continually fluctuating world. This is an impressive capability indeed. Monday, August 12, 2019 (The Day of Convention) It might seem to you as if various recent storms and shake-ups are essentially the shape of your daily life now. Yet every moment of change or turbulence is offering you an opportunity to review and make alterations where you see fit. Put another way, you could consider these events as a kind of beta test, showing you how far your current routines serve you. This should also highlight any knotty areas, most likely the sources of any dissatisfaction you feel. Focusing your energy there will make the biggest difference. Tuesday, August 13, 2019 (The Day of Long Odds) You appear to be having a form of 'no-bullshit' moment with regard to your one-on-one relationships, of all kinds. This could very well be useful, in terms of both letting go of connections that no longer make sense, and meeting new people. The key is to consider whether you bring out the best in one another. The healthiest interactions result in you growing closer to your higher self and to all that is inherently sacred and beautiful. There comes a point when nothing less will suffice. Wednesday, August 14, 2019 (The Day of the Mortal Mirror) With the Sun conjoining Venus, you are sure to possess some extra sparkle. You may find yourself with an abundance of suitors, or at least a few extra admirers; yet what you seem to crave most of all is a deep, passionate, meaningful soul-level connection. This means you'll want to exercise some discernment amid the glamour and allure of more superficial pleasures. Notice when others practice what they preach, or don't; notice who is honest and who is not, and respond accordingly. Thursday, August 15, 2019 (The Day of Royal Command) This is likely to be a pivotal moment for you, highlighted by an influential Full Moon on your birthday. You'll probably find yourself with fresh motivation to focus on matters you might previously have begun to let slide, or able to clear certain hindrances that may have seemed immovable in the past. The choice of where and how to devote your energy is yours alone; you'll therefore want to be sure you can voluntarily honor any commitment you make, through all weathers. Friday, August 16, 2019 (The Day of High Voltage) You've recently come a long way in terms of finding your feet in the world, and you may well go even further this year. Your charts suggest you'll be able to tackle certain old challenges, which will help you release any situation in which you weren't benefiting in a meaningful way, or were compromising too much. If some kind of collaboration is involved, you'll either want to change the parameters or break away altogether. Make a rule that your autonomy and principles are not for sale. Saturday, August 17, 2019 (The Day of Explosive Power) You seem to be on the verge of completing a project or moving forward into the next phase of one, and at least part of the outcome may be uncertain, or subject to apparent chance. In some sense, however, this is true of all major decisions and actions we take; the future is unpredictable, and helping to create it takes courage. Focus on what you do know, the factors you can control for, and the strides you've already made. You are more than likely thoroughly prepared for whatever comes next. Sunday, August 18, 2019 (The Day of Endurance) Gradually you are coming to view yourself and the ideals you cherish most in a new light, and with Mars changing signs early on your birthday, this is likely to be an ideal period for bolstering your self-confidence. As part of this, be wary of any mindset that involves variations on shame, embarrassment or self-doubt. Try exchanging these emotions for "I want to..." and "I can..." and see how that feels for you. It would help you to start with the understanding that nothing, in fact, is forbidden.

— By Amy Elliott Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

We published your extended monthly horoscope for August on Thursday, July 25. Your extended monthly horoscope for July was published on Thursday, June 27. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) — Emphasize what is creative and social rather than what directly pertains to business. Summer is growing long, and there will be plenty of time to work when the world is darker and colder. Let in some of the warmth and sunshine in these rare days of your life. Appreciate who is near you, and notice the benefits that your circumstances afford you. It may be beyond the capacity of many people today to recognize and love the friendship and support that is around them, though for you, it's the essence of your astrology. So, too, is your ability to bring other people into your creative ideas: in a sense, to make beauty into a social experience. Make being the distinctive person you are into an art project of its own. You are free to lift the lid off of your own beauty. That would be the perfect act of rebellion in these strange days. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — You may feel like you're being asked to give something up, or to sacrifice yourself, though that is a misunderstanding. Actually, you're in a position to make something possible that would not ordinarily happen. That is a privilege and a responsibility more than an imposition. The better you do it, the more like a privilege it will feel. There are a few points to emphasize. One is that you are involved in creating space for a kind of gathering. There may be a risky or edgy feeling to what is happening — as if something daring is being attempted. You are among those who keep the process safe, like the person calmly standing there with the fire extinguisher during a fireworks display. Your home factors into events, and may be a focal point, such as for a meeting or social event of some kind. Such a gathering may represent the start of an important project. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — A close partner or associate may decide it's time to change their tune regarding a position they've taken for months. They may own up to something, or move forward with a discussion that has been veiled in silence, or decide it's time to participate more actively. It will take some time, a month at least, to get a sense of where they're actually coming from, and whether they're prepared to rise to a commitment. Action will be the proof, not words. You will know for sure where someone stands in early December, when Jupiter enters Capricorn. Until then, don't get your hopes up; rather, honor your commitments and promises to yourself, and carry your projects and ambitions forward under your own steam. If you need help with something, don't wait — rather, actively seek the collaboration that you need. And be bold about holding people to their promises, while at the same time making sure that you keep yours. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — How much of your personal influence involves your sexuality? More than you may imagine. This is a fact of human nature, not of your life specifically, though it happens to be shining boldly through your chart at the moment. You may as well make peace with this, and make the most of it. Sexuality first involves awareness of your environment: of who is in it, how they feel, and who is relating to whom. I don't mean this on the level of gossip, but rather on that of acknowledging the natural order of things. Most significant is how you feel. If you're feeling good, and keep your energy moving, your life will go better. We live in pent-up times, when relaxing and letting go runs counter to the prevailing environment. One thing to track is how in your body you are, which you will know based on how you feel, or perhaps, based on whether you feel. Stay awake. Stay alert and sensitive. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

---

Part One of Eric's Solar Winds reading, Astrology Studio for Leo Sun, Moon and rising, is now available for instant access. Leo has just been through an extraordinary experience of eclipses (including the Great American Eclipse), and you are still reorienting from those experiences. We will move from there into the influence of the Saturn-Pluto conjunction in Capricorn, which talks about the profound changes you're going through in "everyday life," including matters related to work and wellbeing. And of course, Chiron in Aries will feature prominently, in this extended reading for Leo. Take a break from the mental stress and frustration of society, and enter a world where you are at the center, where your potential is real, and where your problems yield to your spiritual gifts.

You may order here. This reading is included with the Backstage Pass and Galaxy Pass.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — The only thing more interesting than this week's Full Moon are the aspects to the Sun when it happens. El Sol, your ruling star, is conjunct three points: Venus, Sappho and an unusual object in the Kuiper Belt called Sila-Nunam. Together, these should have you feeling excited about life, and your personal potential. They will help make you the center of some social attention, which can be portable; that is, something you take anywhere. Venus conjunct the Sun in Leo has an irresistible quality. Sappho is not just about the Isle of Lesbos; it's about getting people together, for something real and sincere. Sila-Nunam is a point I've been tracking through your sign for many years, and which I think is a current keynote of Leo. I use it as a reminder to tell you that you don't have to hold up the sky all by yourself. You have help. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Some days you may be full of fire and thunder, and then the smallest insecurity can make you stumble. Therefore, focus on the smaller kind of confidence rather than the greater. For example, solve problems in your home, and make tangible improvements from which you feel better. Make sure you clear out the energy of anyone you've decided does not belong there. Open up what may feel like a challenging discussion on any topic involving the "facts of life" — finances, sex, or commitment, for example. Know where you stand before you initiate the discussion, and be honest about your expectations. You have an opportunity for a real discussion, on much easier terms than you're used to. What I would remind you of is the profound extent to which you seek self-knowledge in any relationship. Keep that near the front. Be real about it. Partners will appreciate you for doing so. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — You continue to be under spectacularly amazing aspects, though I want to check in with you about whether you feel that way. I only say this from the experience of feeling under the weather during gorgeous astrology. So check in with yourself and see if you can find what's bothering you, if something is. For everyone else: get out and among the people. Or dive into a creative project you've been wanting to do. Your artistic potential is as bold as your social potential. Sometimes the two are at odds: you really want to stay home or in your studio and finish that thing, and it's a great night to go out. Try to weave that together, and make sure you get as much done as possible when the social prospects are a little boring, so you will feel better when you have the chance to go out. Also, remember how good a little progress every day makes you feel. If I recall, pretty good. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — This week's Full Moon highlights the professional and reputation angle of your chart, which is Leo. The lunar event takes place in Aquarius, which is where you experience events related to your home and your security. From both angles, this lunation is reminding you how much you depend on people for your success, your grounding, and your overall wellbeing. Celebrate that fact, and let people know how much you appreciate them. Be the rare person in the professional world who does people solid favors: who helps them get ahead by introducing them to someone or inviting them to an event; who writes a recommendation rather than makes a phone call; who makes sure you are a resource and an example to younger people. You are a kind of rock star. Be the kind who gives a valuable guitar to the leader of your road crew, as a small gesture of thanks for all they do. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Jupiter stationed direct in your sign on Sunday. This is your reminder that it's time to put some long-delayed plan into motion. Yet it will be crucial that you not rush, and further, that you sort through any ambiguities or problems that arise in a thoughtful, thorough and cautious way. Here is the basis of my reasoning, from an astrological perspective. Jupiter, your ruling planet, is in a square to Neptune. This is a kind of high-hopes aspect, and some astrologers warn of things like bubbles bursting, motivation fizzling out, or the real goal being lost in the fog. Therefore, you're responsible for maintaining your drive and your focus, which I suggest you do in a gentle, persistent way (more like Pisces...) rather than shooting an arrow at your goal (…and less like Sagittarius). The time will come when you have to aim your bow at the one true goal; the thing is, you probably don't know what it is yet, and now is the time to find out. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — You're likely to feel better all of a sudden, as if some subtle pressure has been released. Your circumstances may not have changed. Your goals, actions and routines may be the same today as they were yesterday. Yet you just feel better, as if someone finally turned off their leaf blower across the street. It's truly important to note that feeling, and to act on it by doing something you may not previously have felt good enough to do. One way this astrology may express itself is you discovering you've had a concern for several months, that you were not admitting to yourself. Once you admit it, you can consider it, and make decisions around it, all of which count for progress. Your astrology for the foreseeable future is about a seemingly endless litany of small decisions, and several large ones, which need to be attended to day by day. Borrowing a line from our old friend Dubya, you are the Decider-in-Chief, of your own life. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The Full Moon in your birth sign is inviting you to be as weird as you actually are. Which is not that weird, really, as Aquarius is a Saturn-ruled sign. Yet you have those ways in which you are decidedly different, and feel different. And those differences are prominent in your psyche and your personality; they are what make you who you are, and they are what you're invited to celebrate this week. Take note, as well, if you are born with the Moon in Aquarius: this is a potentially glorious moment. I say all of this knowing society is in many ways FUBAR right now. I also say it knowing you're sensitive to that, and also blessed with enough detachment to allow you to feel some of your good fortune, share some with others, and save some for a rainy day. Remind yourself always: You were born to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Live that truth every day. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Jupiter, the planet from ancient astrology associated with Pisces, has changed to direct motion. Yes, this happens once a year, though this time, it's occurring in Sagittarius, your house of professional achievement, reputation and aspiration. This will help you set in motion some long-delayed plans. (Much of what I've written for Sagittarius applies to you.) The thing to be cautious of is committing to a course of action before you have full information. For the next few weeks, you will need to experiment consciously, and see what works. You are persistent, and you can be driven, though for now, you want to be efficient. There will be wisdom in taking the path of least resistance — to the place you want to go. For the best route, follow the water. Walking alongside a river is a good way to avoid having to climb mountains. (The river is your emotional flow, your most exciting ideas, and the work you truly feel like doing.) Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

---