Tell Me Anything, Hosted by Eric Francis, Planet Waves FM

Beginning at 7 pm EDT Monday, Eric will host a "Tell Me Anything" session for his clients, subscribers and customers. This will be an open conversation on any topic (besides one's personal felonies, misdemeanors and gossip, current news items excepted). The discussion may be accessed by phone, Skype or internet. Note, others will be listening as this is a public call. Estimated end time is about 8:30 pm, so get aboard early if possible.

CALL IN AND PARTICIPATE:

Time: Monday, September 30th at 7:00 PM Eastern
Phone number: (206) 402-0100
PIN Code: 279234#

LISTEN LIVE AT THIS LINK Time to Get into Gear

Dear Friend and Reader:

Have you noticed that some weeks feel more clearly than others like a car shifting into a higher gear? This looks like one of those weeks, though you might not notice the full effect until we're closer to the weekend.

According to our astrological road map, we have two major planets changing sign this week, and a third that's stationing direct. The Moon is also waxing again, after Saturday's New Moon, adding another — gentler — layer to the sense of picking up speed or directing more power to your engine.

	This guy's in gear. Photo of the Portland, Maine, Climate Strike by Amanda Painter.

Of these events, the first is Pluto stationing direct in Capricorn on Thursday. I can't say I've ever really noticed a particular sensation or event associated with Pluto stationing; not the way I have with Mercury or Mars, for example, though perhaps you have. What makes this station direct of Pluto notable is that it's the final change of apparent direction either it or Saturn will make before they meet for their conjunction in January.

Pluto is a 'take no prisoners' agent of change and surrender in astrology. Even though Saturn is associated with structures, it has its own way of compelling change and growth. Much has been written about these two planets and their upcoming conjunction; suffice it to say here that Pluto stationing direct signals a new phase where any shifting undercurrents that have gone unnoticed thus far should begin surfacing. It'll likely become increasingly harder to deny that they're real.

Less than two hours after Pluto stations on Thursday, Mercury ingresses Scorpio at 4:14 am EDT (8:14:07 UTC). Incidentally, Scorpio's modern ruler is Pluto, and its traditional ruler is Mars (the other planet that changes signs this week).

Mercury in Scorpio suggests sharp thinking — and often even sharper tongues. Yet it's the depth of thought and enquiry that you may find most useful over the next two months.

Yes: two months. Due to Mercury stationing retrograde on Oct. 31, we'll get a longer than usual taste of this mental tone. Mercury will finally leave Scorpio on Dec. 9.

Keeping with this week, though, Mercury in Scorpio describes a concentration of intellectual and intuitive power fitting of its two ruling planets. Mars and Pluto also indicate a need to handle that power carefully, however. In part, this means remembering that not every situation requires getting the final word at all costs.

Finally, Mars leaves Virgo and enters Libra at 12:22 am EDT on Friday (4:21:50 UTC). As Eric has written in the Libra horoscope below, this is a placement that can easily ignite the 'human blowtorch' quality of Libra. Like with an actual blowtorch, you mainly need to be sure you're directing the flame where it belongs — such as toward creative and physical projects, consensual sex, or taking the lead in some way that's needed.

If you can put this energy toward genuine diplomacy — as in, working toward agreements and solutions that are equitable even if they are not 'equal' — you may gain traction where it had been lacking. However, indecisiveness could come out sideways as hostility toward self or others. If you get caught that way, can you retrace your path back to the point before your desire got complicated by 'shoulds' or too many options?

You may already feel like you're in a productive gear, which is great. In that case, think of this week as getting more traction on increasingly solid ground. If you can guide your insights deeper, and focus your energy where it matters and is needed most, you'll likely notice some real results.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter In These Times — 2019 Autumn Reading It has called forth all of my knowledge, experience and wisdom to do this work. I have proceeded in the spirit of therapy, knowing that most people do not or will not go. That spirit first involves seeking refuge, becoming aware of your situation, ordering your priorities, and then making choices. But the single most important factor of therapy — and of old school spiritual mentorship — is not giving answers, but helping the client find them for themselves. What I have to offer you are 12 readings of approximately one hour each, which use astrology to address the matter: the one about how to orient yourself to make the most of the difficult and challenging times we are in.

All 12 signs are currently $111. I am keeping that price low to encourage having access to all of the work. Individual readings are $44 for the first and $22 for each additional. 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, Sept. 29, 2019 (The Day of the Charged Reactor) You're well-positioned to tap your psychic reservoir, to activate the devotion necessary to further aspirations this year. You have direct access to both right and left brain intelligence, and the more you follow intuitive prompts, the easier you'll navigate your way. A strong, yet subtle blend of rational strategy and spiritual commitment is a key resource now. Faith and discipline are necessary in equal measure. When in doubt, center your compass on the true north found in what can only be described as your heart. Therein lies wisdom. Your efforts have momentum behind them.

— By Victoria Emory Monday, Sept. 30, 2019 (The Day of Glaring Truth) You are something of a natural in terms of mental exploration, and presently you may be experiencing more curiosity than usual. Yet there is only so much you can grasp from theoretical knowledge. If you want to understand how something operates, interact with it on a practical level, as far as is safe. Along the way, there may be an opening for you to bring your inventive abilities into play: that is, to fix a problem you see, or improve on a working model. This is likely to be useful all round. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 (The Day of the Top Dog) Regardless of your current forms of relationship, it generally helps to view yourself as a whole entity, independent of needing anyone else to 'complete' you. The human brain is a magnificent organ, full of wonders that even neuroscientists are still discovering. As a thinking person, you contain a rich, plentiful world of complex ideas, feelings and senses. Celebrate and honor all of that, and remember that loving yourself enhances, rather than diminishes, the love you exchange with others. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 (The Day of Verbal Acuity) There's a somewhat edgy or liminal quality to your astrology at present, as if you're gearing up for a big breakthrough in either your situation or your consciousness. You may need to employ patience, and focus on making the best use of the resources you currently have, of which there are plenty. Whatever change you've been working toward will likely happen at precisely the time it's meant to. In the interim, support your inner growth as a continuous journey. Much progress can be made in these threshold moments. Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019 (The Day of the Trendsetters) In the deepest regions of your mind, in the very core of your soul, resides a truth that is both powerful and fundamental. This is the essence of who you are, and its pulse is the music you need to listen for assiduously. When you dance to that internal beat, you are not rejecting the objective reality of the outside world. You're falling in step with it, because you are working from the perspective of total honesty. In this time of pervasive illusion, there can surely be no approach more helpful. Friday, Oct. 4, 2019 (The Day of the Incorrigibles) Now is your moment to step into the next phase of your journey, or to kick-start that project you wanted to get underway. You're likely to be busy. This year's astrology isn't just on skates; it's driving a Ferrari. You'll want to stay alert, and be prepared to steer the energy in a productive direction — in particular, toward your personal growth and healing. If what you're doing now isn't contributing to that, you may want to consider doing something different. Check in regularly with your inner guidance system. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 (The Day of the Just Cause) You've traveled quite a distance in the past year, at least metaphorically speaking. Ongoing, you'll want to continue and consolidate your various achievements and successes first of all. When it comes to the setbacks, look for the lesson you've taken from them or the ways in which you've grown stronger. You've certainly become more resilient and more tenacious, as well as bolder. Perhaps more importantly than anything, you know what you want, and have the determination you need to get it. Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019 (The Day of the Good Life) A major new stage in your life is beginning, and it's time to shake off any lingering doubts or fears regarding how ready you are, or how capable. You've proven countless times that you are both, and then some; and once you've taken those first few crucial steps, you'll probably be surprised at just how well and easily you're adapting. True, in any situation there are challenges, though facing them is how we learn and develop. Gather your courage and take this opportunity with both hands. You'll be glad you did.

— By Amy Elliott Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

We published your extended monthly horoscope for October on Thursday, Sept. 26. Your extended monthly horoscope for September was published on Thursday, Aug. 29. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) — With Mars, your ruling planet, about to change signs on Friday, you may notice the temperature of your relationships goes up a little. People might seem more forward or assertive, and others may come right at you. Don't worry, you can handle it, and I reckon you like it when people are direct. So don't complain. Instead, honor their sincerity, and meet them with an equally honest response. There need not be all-out conflict, though you also don't need to focus obsessively on avoiding it. Truth must come first. On the other hand, keep an eye out for any sense that your buttons are being pushed, or for any desire you might feel to provoke someone for its own sake. Where that is the case, it would be wise to step back and get a little perspective. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Relationship partners may suddenly decide they have their own concept of "diplomacy," though if you play along, you will learn something. Part of our problem — all of our problem — is that people pretend in order to appear polite. So when they get a little rude, it might be irritating, but at least we have an idea of what's on their mind. You can respond by saying: Ah, I did not know you felt that way. Got it. You might also consider holding space for them to open up further, without judging them. Sometimes people need that release, and you're in a position right now where you can offer real understanding, and perhaps real solutions. You don't need to take on anyone's emotional or spiritual burdens in order to help them. Just listening and being kind works wonders. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — Mars is about to enter your zone of art, sex and overall creativity. But I have a question. Do you think sex is creative? Or is it like doing the dishes? Well, you might try to take the former approach and consider yourself an erotic art box, complete with pastels, pencils and a big can of red spray paint. Bear in mind that no app or virtual experience will feed your soul; you need the real thing. And to get the real thing, you will need to be vulnerable and take a risk of some kind. So decide what you're willing to do, or want to do. Then size up if it's really the right thing. This risk might be artistic, or emotional, or social. There are lots of ways to do that and still be "safe," but you may have to challenge your idea of "safety." For example, hang out with someone a little "dangerous" in the sense that your mother might not approve of them. Or make a "dangerous" painting of the kind that might get you called to the principal's office. All this "safety" is getting boring. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You may go on a cleaning binge this week, and if you do, you will love it. Libra is the sign that represents "home" for the very homeliest of signs, your own. So that means getting a grip on your physical space. While you're there, you might purge your environment of all the stuff lying around given to you by people you no longer relate to or care for. Make a "donate" box, and be equally generous with the recycling bin. You'll likely find that, once you get going, your efforts will take on a momentum of their own. In part, this is an emotional and spiritual detox. You're divesting yourself of memories and traces of influence that might otherwise pull you downward and backward, and freeing up room to let in more of the light. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — You have a way with words, and now is the time not to mince them. If you're writing, just interpose a delay between setting the words down, and pushing send. If you do that you can always dial it back a little, but in the first go, you will want to write such that your words peel paint. So fire it up and let yourself know how you really feel. Then read your words over and consider whether you actually feel that way. It can be tempting, when in the throes of strong emotions, to assume there is nothing deeper in them than what you can immediately see. In truth, just as you are a complex person, so there can be a number of layers driving any action. It's good to know the contours of your mental landscape; and not just the topsoil, but the structure underneath. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — It seems like everyone is always worried about money, even zillionaires who pour themselves $500 bottles of wine they leave unfinished. You have more modest priorities. But remember this: money comes from relationships. Someone always writes the check or makes the transfer into your account. You don't print the stuff. So make sure you honor and respect the relationships from which you benefit, and try to give back in whatever way is accessible and appropriate, even if that's only by expressing gratitude. This isn't about a sense of obligation or reciprocality. It's about doing what's right and kind. Even if you think someone has everything and couldn't possibly benefit from any gesture of yours, a friendly word costs nothing — and can be surprisingly helpful. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here. Your Electric Life and Other Poems: Instant Access

"I listened to the Intelligence audio for my sun sign (Libra) last night, and this content is extraordinary. Eric's clients/subscribers often praise his ability to get to the heart of our astrological lessons, and it's true. His ability to zero in on the import of what's occurred in the past year and prepare us for 2019 is worth the cost many times over. One of the most spot-on and insightful resources available. Thank you!"

— Valerie B. Easley

It's not easy feeling safe these days; it's not easy feeling like you belong anywhere, though astrology has some ideas for you. You're invited to order the 2019-20 Libra Astrology Studio. This reading covers your process of grounding yourself in the wild world of the Digital Age. You need some physical reality, and my reading of your chart suggests where to look for it: primarily at home. I have much to say about stabilizing your relationships in the chaos of the internet, getting some traction in your career, and most of all, how to frame your own reality.

Your Electric Life and Other Poems is now available for instant access for just $44. Reading includes an hour-plus astrology session, a tarot session and a special astrology extra, Self and Society.

I've also created a preview video for this reading [you may watch that here].

With love,
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Mars has been lurking around your 12th house, the paranoid zone. Now it's about to enter your sign, and that will turn up the "human blow torch" that you are. Libra has that marvelous quality of being able to go from cool to hot in one second, and that's about to happen. Just make sure you know that you have emotional impact on people, so if you're going to spin fire, ask your friends to stand back a few feet and take pictures. You will probably also find you possess a certain charm, which could influence people in ways you might not be expecting. With a little thought, you could turn this to the benefit of loved ones, by offering encouragement and moral support where it's needed. Don't forget to sweet-talk yourself also, should you need a boost — after all, you'll be convincing. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Soon your classical ruler Mars enters the area of your chart that most resembles a secret room in the psyche, accessible only by a hidden door. If at times you feel a little discomfited, bear in mind there may be something going on behind your immediate consciousness, and look within you for the source of the irritation. Proceed with special caution if you're convinced an outside event or person is causing the provocation. It's easy to project without realizing you're doing it. Ultimately, you have control over how you think and act, even if you experience the occasional ruffled feather. You also have an opportunity to explore these regions of your mind that are usually behind a rather thicker veil. Pay attention to your dreams, and give your keen intuition a loose rein. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — There are plenty of ways to bring good into the world. Not all of them involve the fate of thousands or millions, and very few win glory or renown. Many dharmic acts go unseen — such as a kind word, giving time and a sympathetic ear to someone who needs it, or sharing a meal with friends or loved ones. This doesn't mean activism on a broader scale isn't important. Rather, it's possible to become so embroiled in the countless political battles, especially online, that we can forget how important it is to offer friendship, mentorship and compassion on an individual basis. What's more, we have frequent and accessible opportunities to do so. You might consider where and how you expend your energy. If you feel compelled to act in a certain way, ask yourself: what will this accomplish? Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — In essence, your current astrology is best described as a "get shit done" moment. This is true to an extent for everyone, given the impending conjunction of Saturn and Pluto, but in your case it may well be more pronounced. While it's true that we're immersed in a world of never-ending distractions, there's only so far we can use this as an excuse for inaction or lack of discipline. At some point, we have to act like the grown-ups we are and relearn our ability to focus on what's important. You can aid your efforts by getting into the habit of checking in continually with yourself: remember you are in a body and listen to it; frequently call your attention back to the present moment; and keep task lists where you can see them. Unswerving determination will help you further. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — What would you risk everything for? Such a question is well worth considering as Mars moves into your zone of ideals and higher aspirations, and it points directly to the principles you hold most fervently in the depths of your soul. That is the code you need to live by every hour, beginning right now. These are not the days when we can yield our consciences to the pressures of conformity or social conventions. Mars is calling you to set an example, to serve as a beacon showing others the way to their own truth; not through words or strictures, but through your actions. Don't worry if you get some pushback; it means people are noticing and engaging with you. In any case, their reactions are not your problem. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — A rather curious phenomenon that has emerged in recent years is the popularization of introversion as a concept. Given that many people are baring their souls to the public forum of the internet, the idea of being an introvert is receiving something of an ironic twist. The digital environment is contributing to constant overwhelm and fraying of nerves. You may feel stuck in what is effectively an unspoken social agreement to endure continual beeping, flashing and buzzing. Yet you don't actually have to, and in the coming weeks you'd benefit from making a point of stepping back. Remember when we couldn't get hold of each other all the time and yet somehow we managed? Spend at least some time away from electronic objects, or figure out which settings help to silence them. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

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