Mars opposite Chiron — Coming to a Boil

Dear Friend and Reader:

There is always something cooking, though a new wave of aspects is coming to a boil over the next few days, culminating in a rather deep Full Moon square Pluto on Sunday, Oct. 13. That is one peak of energy this month; the other is Mercury stationing retrograde on Halloween.

	Mother of All Fractals — the Mandelbrot Set.

Our current week of Oct. 7 is sparky for a few reasons. Monday, Mercury in Scorpio opposes Uranus in Taurus. Oppositions can represent confrontations and showdowns that move the story along. This is the first of two such aspects this week.

Mercury's presence in Scorpio has a secretive feeling, though as it encounters Uranus, you can figure that not much is going to stay contained.

Uranus represents a surprise element that can unravel previous plans, so make sure you have Plan B; and it will help if Plan A has some integrity to it, and does not involve confidential information. One of the themes of our era is that people think keeping secrets works, until they are revealed.

Monday, the Aquarius Moon squares both Mercury and Uranus, which will have a knock effect all day. This is a "beware of gossip" kind of aspect. Refrain from speaking until you have all the facts, if you even need to say anything at all.

As of this coming Friday, Mercury will officially enter its echo phase (sometimes called shadow phase), meaning it is entering the degrees of the zodiac where it will be retrograde starting on Oct. 31. This emphasizes the need to get information out and into the open sooner rather than later.

We see another direct encounter in Mars in Libra opposite Chiron in Aries. An opposition is the full expression of two planets. Mars and Chiron both represent facets of masculine warrior energy. This quality is turned inward by Chiron retrograde, and somewhat muted by Mars in Libra, which feels diplomatic.

	Image by VibekeAlvestad.

This aspect is about how you handle confrontations. The thing to remember is that you have options. You don't have to react. You don't have to do much of anything till you figure out where everyone is coming from.

So if you are finding tension building in any situation, first figure out how you feel and what you want, and then apply that to everyone else who is involved.

You may be able to guide things into a sane conversation and defuse a showdown. If there is an impasse, figure out what the issue is. Is it something significant, or is there a bone of contention for its own sake?

You can work the Mars side of the equation (diplomatic engagement) and the Chiron end (determining how people feel and what is really going on). Between the two, you should be able to arrange a solution where everyone saves face.

Meanwhile, be aware that the Full Moon is developing, and it's a big one — square Pluto and conjunct Eris. Big forces are moving. Stay grounded; that means keep your feet on the ground, listen to what people you care about have to say, and don't let yourself get distracted by any dancing skeletons.

Today I return to the weekly horoscope; thanks to Amy for assisting last week.

With love,

PS — The new Planet Waves FM is ready. Here is a link to the show. 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, 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. Monday, Oct. 7, 2019 (The Day of Defiance) Creative work often requires walking a fine line between rational thought and flights of imagination, while drawing on the strengths of both. There will be days when you can blissfully float into wonderful fantasy worlds, and others when you're happier managing logical matters; and still others when you want nothing more than to clean house or go for a run. The key is almost always diligence and perseverance. So long as you keep your eye on the goal, getting there is all but certain. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019 (The Day of High Romance) You have something beautiful to bring into the world, and you need to do so boldly and without apology. There are ways to use diplomacy and tact that don't involve compromising what is important to you, though in any case your needs, and not other people's convenience, are paramount. Your determination and passion, along with a little chutzpah, will get you past any significant bumps in the road, and your progress will likely be accompanied by big strides in personal healing. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 (The Day of the Penetrating Gaze) A particular project has now reached a point where the goal is in sight. You may be feeling some impatience to get there and move on, though it will help you to make sure all of the ground is covered. Rushing may cause you to retrace some steps, and in fact you have plenty of time -- enough to take the scenic route and enjoy each stage of the journey. It might even be argued that having something to delight in, at regular intervals, is as important and useful for you as completing your mission. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 (The Day of Prudent Economy) Were there not sufficient time for pauses and smelling the flowers, our lives would be rather dull. Society seems to place little value on such moments, but you know better; you're aware that finding something in each day to enjoy is the summit of human experience. Make sure you keep that understanding in mind this year, especially during those times when you're at your busiest. Let the child and the artist in you out to play often, in order to kindle and rekindle your love of the world and its many beauties. Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 (The Day of Gracious Ease) Regardless of how long it takes you to get there, what you are currently aiming for is within your power to achieve. You might think doing so will necessitate some deus ex machina, but you already contain all the resources you require, in terms of skill, knowledge, character and sheer guts. Even if this isn't immediately clear to you now, certain tools tend to become visible as they become necessary. Take courage. You have everything you could possibly need to draw on, and then some. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 (The Day of the Grand Gesture) You may find your one-to-one relationships gaining a touch of extra zing this year, whether that involves meeting exciting new people or getting some pep injected into current connections. Variety being known for its relish, visiting some unfamiliar places or trying a different hobby will almost certainly encourage a sense of freshness. The thing to remember is that any particular change you wish to foster can start within you; you can set an example for those around you to follow if they wish. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 (The Day of the Tough Cookie) Given that your birthday is marked by the Aries Full Moon closely square Pluto, it's safe to say this is likely to be a big year for you. There's a lot you can get done, and you may well find yourself holding the torch to help guide friends and loved ones into the next phase of your collective experience. Not only do you possess unique wisdom that you can share, but you also seem to have a finger on the pulse of our time in history, and a means to lead the way forward into the future.

— 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) — It's often said that relationships are mirrors. I have about six different opinions on that subject, though this week, there will certainly be some mirroring going on in your personal, intimate and social encounters. Mars is in your opposite sign, and it will be coming face-to-face with Chiron in your sign. Note how others you meet reveal something about yourself. Someone may hold up an example in a way that feels provocative at first, then makes sense. There are times when it seems people present us with "missing" pieces of ourselves, and this is potentially one of them. Pay special attention to confrontations, or situations where desire is involved. Consider how you prefer to be approached when either someone has a critique, or someone shows interest. Notice what you prefer, and do not prefer; notice how you respond when you feel triggered. You may make an exciting discovery, and at the same time, experience a breakthrough. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Someone you care about may be a little tweaked by their own response to you; they're experiencing something a bit more intense than they may have anticipated. It's one of those situations where they may not know whether to be attracted or repelled. You're not accustomed to people having such strong reactions, though welcome to Uranus in your sign. This is the antithesis of your usual energy presentation, which is usually all about being understated, or rather, people perceiving you this way. Usually you are in full control of your image, though those days are behind you. One challenging life lesson (especially for sensitive people) is not taking personally how people respond to us, even if that response seems to be personal. Another aspect of your new dynamic is giving yourself permission to be more spontaneous, and to bring out your weird side. There is no point hiding it; it's impossible not to notice. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — You may be tempted to guide yourself by public opinion, though that's pointless. Assuming anyone even understands the public these days, it's no way to choose your actions or to form opinions about yourself. You're more likely to be responding to some inner restlessness that's provoking you rather than anything outside of yourself. Consider that what is "out there" is based on something "in here," and it may make more sense. This is particularly true where sexual attraction is concerned. It's easy these days to say "that person is attracted to me," whether out of some concern or just for the sake of gossip, but how do you feel? What is your response, whether to your own desires, or the quality of someone else? Sometimes you have to peel that back a few layers; at the moment, it will flash right at the center of your mind. Now, what do you do with this information? Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — The Sun passing through Libra, your 4th house of home and security, will be square the lunar nodes. This is like a mini-eclipse, or what some call "Moon wobble." It may feel like a little shakeup, facilitating you coming out of a comfort zone and trying something new or making a change that shifts your awareness. Notice the ways your home is and is not conducive to relationships, and perhaps make any adjustments you need to make. Other factors may precipitate an honest discussion where one is needed, which may turn out to be a lot more fun, or at least intriguing, than you were expecting. Your natural orientation around sex and relationships is not as conventional as you may think. You will be better served by being open about your curiosities and desires than by trying to downplay them. Remember, your role in life is not to make people comfortable. It is to be yourself, and be present for how others may respond to you. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — Be mindful of your stress level, and get enough rest. Saturn and Pluto in your sensitive 6th house (work, wellbeing) may be leading you to push yourself and get it all done, though Saturn in particular says pace yourself. The old expression "take your time" really means "use your time well." That includes stopping to rest, reflect and recharge, on a fairly regular basis. The thing about all this Capricorn influencing you is that the message may be coming across as the drive to over-focus on specific goals. Focus would be enough; returning to a task daily will get you a tremendous result in the end. Remember that it's more realistic to plan the early stages of a timeline, and use the later dates as check-ins or benchmarks. If you're involved in leadership at work, which is likely (and fairly typical for you), make sure the foundations are laid, and that efforts progress, then say something like, "And then let's see where we are in three months." Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Insecurities are so often paralyzing. I'm sure you've noticed this thousands of times over the years. There is, however, one of those seeming paradoxes in that we don't tend to go beyond insecurities until we challenge them directly. I know it's tempting to think, "I will find my confidence, and then I will try that!" However, most people who have succeeded at anything will tell you they gained their confidence by attempting to do things they sometimes failed at many times. Seen this way, you might say confidence entails the willingness to get it wrong, to mess up, to be a fool, to make a mess. Part of doing this well is learning to distinguish actual cautionary messages from anxiety and paranoia. This again takes experience. We now live in a world that tends to make experience seem too scary or dangerous to bother attaining. I'm here to tell you there is no substitute. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here. Your Electric Life and Other Poems: Instant Access

"I am absolutely impressed with my Libra birthday reading! It’s like Eric was talking directly to me. Everything he said is what has been happening. The last year has been a tremendous challenge in pretty much all areas of my life, but the birthday reading gives me hope that I really am on the right track."

— S.R.

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. 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) — With Mars newly in your sign, you may feel ready to take on the world. For now, though, take it on gently. With this week's predominant aspect being Mars opposite Chiron, pay special attention to your human encounters. You might check out the Aries horoscope for a description of this astrology; I will offer another here. As you go through this week (and your life), you may notice that some people put their injuries on display, while others lead with their strengths. I think both are attempts to say, "I am human." Chiron teaches a specific kind of human alchemy: that of using one's sense of injury, and one's pain, as a means of concentrating strength. Note carefully where people are coming from: do they allow their pain or struggle to compel them to grow? Or is it more of an excuse? When someone presents themselves as strong, is that strength rooted in an understanding of the fragility of the human realm? This will help you consider the same matters for yourself. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Take full possession of your thoughts and ideas. That is to say, they're yours, so own them rather than deny in some way whatever it is you may be thinking, or assume it's coming from somewhere else. It's now vogue to claim someone "made" someone else think or feel a certain way, without a hint of irony. It's true that other people may provoke, inspire, surprise, disappoint or intrigue you, but that's not making you do or feel something. Anyway, your chart is bursting with what looks like an inventive, creative and fun idea. That's yours to use, if you want it. Everything I just wrote works the other way too: if you have an idea that shakes people up, or is a little too real, there comes a time when that must be everyone else's problem. Therefore, give yourself permission to say what you need to say, even if certain people get a little itchy and scratchy, or go into reaction. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — Since 2005, a small planet called Pholus has been in your sign. This is in the centaur class, similar to Chiron. Many planets, small and large, have come and gone from Sagittarius during the past 15 years, though Pholus stands out as one of the more meaningful, in terms of potentially describing your experiences. One property has been things tending to go out of control, or for you (or others) to have exaggerated reactions. Another is small causes leading to large effects. Another is your family seeming to be a factor in nearly everything. We're now in the last weeks of Pholus in Sagittarius; its transition into Capricorn is nearly over. One thing you've learned is how to get a result. You may not always use your skill, or know the result you want well enough to get it. Yet you've acquired a collection of tools and resources that you get to keep — various practical souvenirs of the recent long phase of your life. Use them wisely. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — Last week Pluto stationed direct in your sign; Saturn stationed direct there on Sept. 18. We are now on course for the Saturn-Pluto conjunction. Many things in the world around you began to come unstuck as this happened, and are gaining momentum fast. What about your own plans, your journey, your healing process? Are you finally experiencing some movement, or allowing yourself to get into the flow? I understand that you may be nervous. You are approaching a point of no return. So is everyone around you, though you're probably feeling it more directly and personally than most. I will leave you this week with a question, one I'll ask again a few more times. If you could change just one thing in your life, what would it be? Maybe you know intuitively; maybe you'll have to think about it. Get your priority list down to one thing, and focus on that — no matter how difficult or seemingly impossible. Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — The sensation of being stalked by anxiety is at epidemic proportions, though you seem to be releasing this feeling a little more every day. As you do, you may question some of the choices you've made in recent months, particularly when you allowed negative expectations and self-judgments to run your life. While fear and insecurity are persistent emotions, you don't need to be their slave. This begins with wanting to not be run by them: that desire is imperative. Then you need to observe yourself, so that you get your own attention every time you find yourself submitting to making a decision or undergoing a bout of paralysis driven by anxiety. Then you go from there. What everyone who succeeds at this project is recognizing is that their feelings come from within them, not from an external source. Once you have a handle on this basic fact, you have a lot more power. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — The cloud of Jupiter square Neptune (in full force from January through September) is gradually clearing. This is allowing you to be more realistic about your desires, your ambitions and your overall life plans. Please don't be afraid to reassess anything you said you wanted to do this year, including some things you may have started and made an investment in. This will allow you to make some choices and direct your energy where you're likely to be happier with your results. The emphasis of your chart is rapidly shifting to the 11th house, which is Capricorn. This is the house of "hopes and dreams," your highest vision for yourself, your relationship to society and — notably — the money you earn from your profession. Jupiter, your traditional ruling planet, arrives there in a few weeks, after its current trek through late Sagittarius and a visit with the Galactic Core. Set some real goals for yourself. Not a lot — just a few. Set the rest aside. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

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