Action Memo: Mercury Storm/Full Moon

Dear Friend and Client:

The article below takes the astrology out to early April. The next few paragraphs (in this short article) sum up my suggestions for the next approximately 10 days, through the end of Mercury retrograde and the weekend of the Full Moon. Many more details are in the article below. This is just a summary.

We are experiencing what has been a particularly challenging retrograde for many. I suggest handling the coming week and into the weekend as if we were already in Mercury storm phase, which is still about five days away.

	Shanghai, Xizang Road Market. Photo by Lanvi Nguyen.

The combination of the approaching Full Moon, Mercury changing signs in retrograde motion (re-entering Aquarius), and then slowing down to its station, plus other details (Venus square Saturn, for example) are advising caution, particularly in business transactions.

Things are going to proceed fast as the Moon waxes toward full phase, so beware of anyone wanting to speed things up and/or corner you. Bide your time as you can, which means abide in your time. Practice saying, "I'll get back to you in a few days," "We will retype that and get it to you," "I have to bring this back to my client/boss/team for discussion," and so on.

I recognize that it's not always possible to place taking action on hold for a week or more, but it usually is. You will have to decide that based on your circumstances, though if you can pause or slow down the movie, I suggest you do. I am not talking about passively waiting. I am talking about actively using your time to gather and organize information.

Recommended delays would include making major, irrevocable commitments; major purchases or that of crucial equipment; finalizing negotiations; or thinking you understand what is happening when your understanding is critical to the situation.

Mercury in Aquarius warns, "Know when you don't know." Set that on your highest level of sensitivity. I have found that many people are oblivious to when they don't know, while others are certain they're experts. Be cautious of this, and of decisions made based on gut responses. You may be wrong, you may be right, but this is not a good time to experiment, nor to drive fast on icy roads.

If you absolutely must take action, the key words are double due diligence. Believe nothing. You want the documents.

With love,


March Astrology
It's Not About What You Believe. It's What You Know

Dear Friend and Reader:

The word March comes from Mars, the ruler of the sign Aries, where the Sun arrives this year on March 19. Another word for Mars is Ares. There is energy in the air. Mars is still very active, and as the month develops, the Sun is about to ramp up its energy too.

Let's start with the coming week or so.

First, following astrology, it's best to keep your finger on the solar-lunar pulse. The Moon is now waxing toward first quarter (that is Monday afternoon); the Pisces New Moon was about one week ago.

The Virgo Full Moon is March 9. Neptune is involved in this event, which looks like rain — the torrential thunderstorm of deception and confusion comes to a peak.

The question, "What should I believe?" is irrelevant. The real question is, what do you know, and what are you doing about it?

The Full Moon Cluster of Events

This is part of a cluster of events, all related to making discoveries. Mercury goes direct on March 9, a few hours after the Full Moon. We are now (as of this writing Sunday, March 1) in the endgame of what has proven to be a particularly challenging retrograde around health issues.

There is a moment of clarity Wednesday, March 4, when retrograde Mercury re-enters Aquarius. This opens up a channel of reason and rationality in a world where this seems to be going out of style fast. Once again: remember, awareness is not about what you believe, it's about what you know.

Knowing involves finding out. It is much easier to pick something that sounds good and simply believe it. The consequences can be high. Mercury in Aquarius says know when you don't know, and refer to multiple sources of information.

Saturn Enters Aquarius, at the Equinox

Then there is the equinox cluster. March 19, the Sun reaches the sidereal vernal point, a fancy way of saying "enters Aries." The Sun makes a lot of aspects that first week, including to the Chiron-Salacia-Pholus-Quaoar pattern.

This could stir up a multitude of healing issues on various levels; try to tamp your paranoia down, and let your concerns come up and out in a thoughtful way. This may indeed be a good time to have otherwise difficult conversations.

Then Saturn enters Aquarius. The last time that happened was Feb. 6, 1991, so it's been a while. This is the topic of An Aquarian Era (covering out past 2021), which I am now writing; stay tuned for more discussion in this space.

Perhaps Esoteric: Centaur square Centaur

Running in the background of all we've been seeing is an event March 7, which is the peak of a pattern developing since 2016 — Chiron square Pholus. I describe this in detail in the article above the March horoscope, last section.

The essence of this aspect is highly disciplined, Saturn-like Chiron regulating the out-of-control quality of Pholus. This is the last of seven exact events, which have gone on for four years. There will be a final near miss in early 2021, ending the pattern. For now, we are in it.

In the midst of a pandemic, or the fear of one, Chiron (who in mythology taught medicine to the god of medicine) is demanding that you acquire personal knowledge about healing and taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

Here is the challenge.

The best conventional medicine (meaning accepted "science") and all the experts in the world can do is say, wash your hands, and avoid hand-mouth contact. Don't come to work when sick. That is good information, but it's not enough. Note, hand washing does NOT mean hand "sanitizer."

Beyond the Authoritarian Model of Medicine

Most people are used to the authoritarian model of medicine: do what the doctor says. Doctor knows best. Follow doctor's orders. But all doctor can say is, "Wash your hands and avoid hand-mouth contact."

We are now entering territory where traditional herbal remedies, immune support and antivirals such as colloidal silver are going to be essential front-line preventions and solutions.

	Elderberries.

The problem is that you have to figure out who you trust and decide what to do without an authority figure saying, "Just do this, take this pill." Now you must become your own authority. That means getting information from multiple sources, considering it carefully, and using your discernment.

Generally, this takes years of practice to develop knowledge and confidence.

You may be new to the territory. If you are, settle into a learning process. Figure out how to identify reliable sources of information. They exist. You will need to use your full intelligence, discernment and reading comprehension.

This I assure you: from the holistic medical perspective, this situation is workable. But you are going to go beyond medical science, which will be accusing everyone else of being a charlatan. So you will need to withstand that as well. Be cautious of those who are trying to protect their market share or other turf.

Here is a clue: none of the solutions are particularly expensive, by which I mean they are at the cost level of something like supplements or juice concentrate. But they all require gaining personal knowledge, which should be from a combination of books, discussions with professionals, and reputable periodicals and internet sources.

The most important thing you can do is take care of your immune system. Eat a clean diet, get enough rest, reduce any and all chemical exposures, limit the use of drugs to a bare minimum, and dial back or eliminate drinking alcohol. Your body needs its natural resources. One of them is lung capacity. If you smoke, you now have a fantastic reason to quit.

I consider over-the-counter cold medications and cough suppressants to be toxic, useless substances. Suppressing fever can be VERY dangerous. Please check with a naturopathic physician or homeopath.

One Last Thought: Jupiter Conjunct Pluto

One of the distinguishing factors of 2020 is a series of conjunctions between Jupiter and Pluto, in Capricorn. The first one is April 4; the second is June 30 and the third is Nov. 12. We are very much in this now, though it may seem to be in the background.

It's not. News reports predicting megadeath are indicative of this aspect, though it's calling for a spiritual approach to any question we may encounter. Jupiter conjunct Pluto can, if we let it, highlight what we all have in common, across the continents, the countries, and the political divides.

In the end, all of that is meaningless. What we have in common is all that matters, and it's high time we focus on it.

I offer a much more detailed analysis of the coronavirus situation, and the associated astrology, in the new Planet Waves FM.

With love,


Planet Waves TV is Back!

With so much happening, I'm having fun doing short editions of Planet Waves TV. There are several new ones — the latest being one on Mercury retrograde.

These little clips are a good way to get acquainted with me and my work, and to refer Planet Waves to others. Please click on "subscribe" so we get a little more ranking on YouTube, which has recently tightened its grip on the little guys.

You can reach our channel via the direct shortcut PlanetWaves.TV.

Thanks for tuning in!
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 main website. By Eric Francis Monday, March 2, 2020 (The Day of Undying Loyalty) Make feeling at home and at ease in your own space a priority. Your personal sanctuary, where you can release the outside world, rest and revive your energies, is essential to your emotional equilibrium. If domestic relationships are a source of tension, discuss that openly. If you're looking to finance home improvements, start small, on projects that you can do yourself. Acknowledge what needs to be done and set your intentions. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 (The Day of Design) Being truthful presents challenges for many people, and you must rise to them. Be honest with yourself, which includes presenting your truth to the people around you. If this makes you nervous, ask yourself why. Gradually, take down the various veils that conceal who you are, from yourself and from others. It is not actually possible to live in a bubble. If you think you do, burst it and set yourself free. Wednesday, March 4, 2020 (The Day of Creative Isolation) It is one thing to avoid conflict as a means of escapism. It's another thing to recognize drama for what it is, and step back from it. Be mindful of the ways that people try to drag you in, and the ways you tend to fall for it. You have the opportunity to work with the miracle of what some call "art" and transform your personal challenges into experiences that offer you growth, and create beauty. Your most productive world is within you, rather than around you. Thursday, March 5, 2020 (The Day of Heaven and Hell) Be not afraid to look someone in the eye and tell them what you know to be true. Be not afraid to walk away and do your own thing. Do you really need to explain yourself? Ask this with special emphasis if you've tried to do so many times and not succeeded. Set a high standard on the use of language. If what you're saying is not beautiful, then you probably don't need to be saying it. Friday, March 6, 2020 (The Day of the Beauty Lovers) Be cautious of saying too much, or speaking spontaneously. Invest time and energy in listening. Write your thoughts, and then rewrite them, and gain some inner clarity. Yet the way to do that is not anywhere near the public eye, or with any form of an audience. This is a big change from what we're used to these days, always having a coffee table to stand on. I have a better idea: use it for coffee, and your notebook.

Astrology Studio for Pisces | A New Reading by Eric Francis

This is a momentous time in collective history, and a turning point in your life. As the year develops, most of the movement — including Pisces' ruling planet Jupiter, and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction — will be pointing into Aquarius, the most sensitive and innermost angle of your chart. I will also cover the retrogrades of Venus and Mars, and the forthcoming Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in your friendship sign Capricorn. Mostly, I will help you orient on your profound journey, and offer guidance how to harmonize with the world at this unusual time. Pre-order this reading here.

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Saturday, March 7, 2020 (The Day of the Abstract Structure) You may be wondering what you've been through the past couple of years, and why your life was so challenging. That wave has passed, and you will find it much easier to get some traction and have a clear thought. That implies keeping all four wheels on the ground, and staying out of the mud. Stick to traveling on solid earth. You don't need to take unnecessary risks to have an adventure, and you don't need to change in order to please anyone. Be your own best friend and you will notice who is truly interested in you. Sunday, March 8, 2020 (The Day of Nonconformity) Today's Sun-Neptune meeting on your birthday is a personal blessing, and will grant you the ability to shape your own character. You get to be who you want to be, as long as you're true to your deeper nature — which is versatile and flexible. Think of your life as an experiment in discovery. Grant yourself the freedom to experiment. It's a gift that few people ever give themselves. This will set you apart, and you may need to make new, equally courageous friends. Monday, March 9, 2020 (The Day of the Voyager) The extraordinary astrology on your birthday describes a year of setting your spirit free. Projects and personal growth endeavors that seemed delayed or stalled out will now tend to yield to your willpower. The approaching Full Moon is about deadlocks coming loose, and Mercury direct will help you gain a deeper understanding of your own motives, and those of the people you care about. Yet you must be fully attentive, and use what you know. Tuesday, March 10, 2020 (The Day of the Soul Searchers) You will now have a better sense of who you trust and can rely upon. This must be your first qualification before making, or receiving, a commitment from anyone. Many elements of your life are in transition. The thing they are in transition toward is more grounded, mutual forms of understanding and reliance. You need no rosy, romantic notions of relationship. If it's easy to set a time and place for dinner, that's a good indication of commitment. If everyone shows up, that's even better. Wednesday, March 11, 2020 (The Day of Progressive Intuition) We are told over and over through life that we must adjust ourselves for others. There is a limit to which this is possible, though when it is, there is usually a mutual meeting involved, where two people create some changes together and are both the better for it. Yet this is a rare condition, requiring sincerity and strength of character. Therefore, be wary of any relationship where you have to make any adjustment that another person is not willing to make in kind.
An Aquarian Era Update on RESPECT 2021+ Written Readings

Dear Friend and Reader:

The written RESPECT readings — called An Aquarian Era — covering 2021-2023 are underway. I've now published the first two readings, and more are coming soon.

This letter is for current customers of the annual, for new customers, and for people who have invested in the past. It includes a delivery notice, and also a price increase notice.

As you know, the Planet Waves annual is a truly unusual astrology offering, providing detailed, soulful, relevant readings.

I have done these every year since 1999. Each edition builds on the prior ones. Every year, I re-learn and re-explain astrology.

On the typically vapid, superstitious astrology internet, these readings stand out as works of literature, directly relevant to you.

There is nothing else available even vaguely resembling this series of readings.

Most internet astrology readings are assembled by robots. They have no cohesion, and offer exceedingly little sense of the person creating them. Many are uncredited; you have no idea what you're getting. Yet many people take them on board unfiltered, allowing them to influence their perceptions and choices.

I am offering something VERY different

My annual readings are crafted with the care of the very best personal nonfiction writing, with the ethics and the training of competent, responsible therapy, and the alive, fresh immediacy of journalism. They are carefully researched, edited and fact-checked. I take full responsibility for my work.

I am not writing for "true believers" in astrology. I am writing for some who value astrology, and for those who will be engaged by the quality of the work. I am writing for thinkers, for healers, and for spiritual seekers. I am writing for people who respect both shamanic tradition and science.

Moreover, you get much of the value of a personal reading. Not all — but most. You learn a lot about current astrology and how it influences you, in clear, concise language.

Most significantly, you get something respectful of your intelligence and your individuality.

From INTELLIGENCE to RESPECT

Your 2020 reading is in two parts — an extended written reading as part of the INTELLIGENCE package, and an extended audio reading as part of the RESPECT package.

I am now well into part 2 of RESPECT, the written part — called An Aquarian Era. Though I have promised a reading that covers up through 2021, I am taking this one out to 2023-2024, covering Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius, and introducing Pluto in Aquarius.

You will get additional information about Neptune in Pisces, and Chiron in Aries.

I have promised these for late March, and by some miracle, I seem to be on schedule. We began publishing the written pieces over the weekend: Aries and Aquarius are done, and Pisces will soon follow.

If you are already a customer waiting for this work, please review the INTELLIGENCE written reading. Please make a point of reading Aries, which is included for everyone.

Your 2020 audio RESPECT reading, which covers many excellent topics, is worth a second listen.

If you have not encountered this work, or encountered my annuals, I am very excited for you. You will not hear me say this often, but I am proud of what I have achieved, in each individual annual project, and the entire body of work.

Please take advantage of the pre-publication price. You may order single signs here or get all 12 signs here. Alternatively, you can order the full RESPECT readings together with INTELLIGENCE as one package: get the complete readings, or choose your individual signs.

Thank you for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

PS — Some ask why they would want all 12 signs, or more than one. There are several reasons. One, you may share your annual package with your household. Two, you will definitely want to read for your Sun, Moon and rising signs. Plus, each sign is designed to offer excellent material and a touch of wisdom for everyone.

PPS — Here is a letter about how my readings work. The explanation is too long. The readings work because I not only can do them — I put in the time, the effort, the thought and the research. And I work very carefully at the writing and audio presentations. It's not an accident of nature. Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

Your extended monthly horoscope for March was published on Saturday, Feb. 29. We published your extended monthly horoscope for February on Thursday, Jan. 30. Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) — For the past two weeks, Mercury has been making its way backward through the most sensitive area of your solar chart. This describes a process of deep discovery relating to who you are. More than likely, it's felt quite gentle and subtle, an idea gradually building in the back of your mind. As Mercury slips into Aquarius on Wednesday, this should gain in tangibility, and various threads will start to form a pattern. What this amounts to is you taking notice of a facet of yourself either that you've formerly suppressed somewhat, or which has been growing stronger with the development of your confidence and self-knowledge. You will soon be able to experiment with this part of you out in the open. Meanwhile, let it continue to blossom within you. Get your full Aries reading by Eric here.

Taurus (April 19-May 20) — Your ruler Venus entering your sign late Wednesday night heralds the culmination of a phase that may have felt substantially unsettling for you. Yet something has been brewing beneath the turbulence, and you're about to get your first glimpse of the results. This is taking place in the realm of how you relate to the world, though at present it's very much an internal process. I suggest you keep trying on different ideas and various hats as they occur to you, and take care not to dismiss anything because it seems outlandish or might attract criticism. That's the eternal price of utterly honest living, and it's a rare situation indeed where that fee is not worth paying. Your freedom beckons. Get ready to meet it. Get your full Taurus reading by Eric here.

Gemini (May 20-June 21) — It's time to weigh up the experiences you've had during the last two weeks or so, as Mercury has made its backward journey across Pisces, which is your career zone. That said, you might well already have gotten a clue. Your senses are unusually sharp and clear, and even on those days when your mind feels scrambled, your instincts are on to the scent of truth. You're learning that you must abandon any illusions that remain to you of being led by the wishes of others. This is your way of playing it safe: if someone else is in the driving seat, you can believe they're responsible for whatever happens on the road. It takes courage to grip the wheel, and recognize that ultimately the decisions you make are by, and for, you. Get your full Gemini reading by Eric here.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Current charts paint a picture of you, if not quite on the big stage bathed in spotlights, then experiencing some similarities. Certainly you're becoming more noticeable, thanks to the energy you can't help but express. That in turn could lead to what feels like a sharp increase of scrutiny and random people trying to figure you out. These days, when anyone dares to stand out from the masses, both curiosity and criticism are inevitable to an extent. You can help yourself by standing firm in your dharma, and acting in ways that accord with it. Don't allow anyone else to set the terms on which you conduct your life and your business. You are by far the best person to steer your own boat. Get your full Cancer reading by Eric here.

Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) — It's generally wise not to make too many assumptions regarding what people around you are thinking and feeling. The human capacity to surprise is infinite, however seldom it is employed. Your astrology is reflecting one particular circumstance in which you might think you have a dispute or conflict of interest with someone. This is worth reviewing, even if the facts appear obvious. Just now, very few things are really precisely as they seem. If you dig a little deeper, you could easily find enough information to at least pause. This will be in the form of common ground of some kind. At any rate, make peace your watchword and summon your powers of diplomacy, at least until anything more decisive emerges. Get your full Leo reading by Eric here.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) — Mercury's reverse course through Pisces, your opposite sign, describes the potential for old feelings and insecurities being stirred up, especially in terms of one-to-one relationships. Yet you're also aware of the progress you've made since these troublesome guests last made themselves known, and therefore need not be caught in the net unless you're determined to be. Just hold on to the knowledge that nobody else can play the role of you better than you can. Your gifts are not invisible to others, even in those moments when they seem so to you. If you look carefully, you'll find abundant evidence of their existence. If your self-trust contains a few holes, this is a good time to make a point of patching it up. Get your full Virgo reading by Eric here.

Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) — Retrograde Mercury's dip back into Aquarius, your solar 5th house, is a reminder that the most fulfilling form of work is the kind into which you can bring your whole self. What really piques your interest? What draws and holds your attention? Notice when, in answering these questions, you make reference to other people's expectations or values. Then set all of that aside. This will likely need to be an ongoing rinse-and-repeat sort of process, as Venus crosses your 8th. However, this period will also give you an opportunity to explore where someone's agenda has acted on your ideas about who you are, and what you desire. Eventually, with practice, you'll be able to strip away much of the undue influence, and see the naked truth behind it. Get your full Libra reading by Eric here.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) — Though Mercury has another week before its about-face in late Aquarius, there's nothing stopping you taking note of any ideas that might pass through your mind. Likewise, there's no reason you can't clear away old debris in preparation for the moment of action. You have discernment, and it's worth putting that skill to some use this week. Discard, ruthlessly, any old concepts that have been hindering your progress. If other people show any inclination to throw obstacles in your path, withdraw from their immediate vicinity. Stay away from them as long as necessary. You need the freedom and space to consult your own unfiltered thoughts, and give them full expression. Get your full Scorpio reading by Eric here.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) — There is something quite beautiful in responding to the world as a child might, with the same trust and wonder and love. However difficult this might seem, it's a skill that can be cultivated and practiced; an art that allows you to let go and simply be for a while. Doing this can also help you retrieve certain aspirations or ideals that you held in former times; in other words, reclaim a part of yourself that should never have left you. Many people spend far too much of their lives dealing with blows to their self-trust from past caregivers or family members, even well-meaning ones. You can now choose to override any such hurdles, and give your self-confidence the reins. Try it, and see what happens. Get your full Sagittarius reading by Eric here.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) — During this week you could benefit from some gentle thought experiments, in which you ask questions regarding some strongly-held beliefs. You can do this privately, so as to give yourself full conceptual freedom in a safe environment. Notice when deep emotions are roused, when doubts or queries surface that seem to have always been there, and when you feel afraid to explore something further. You may gain understanding of the difference between a conclusion formed on the basis of solid evidence, and an unsupported belief. The question then becomes, what purpose is that belief serving? What is it preventing you from doing? And what doors might open if you let it go? Get your full Capricorn reading by Eric here.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your sign is about to become an astrological focal point, with Saturn arriving for its practice run later this month, and then the gradually building Jupiter-Saturn conjunction. This is a major shift for you after so much emphasis on your solar 12th house, Capricorn — the most veiled area of the chart. You would benefit from making use of this year as a phase of preparation. Mercury's brief visit to your sign starting Wednesday will more than likely illuminate certain areas where you might not feel quite ready to meet the changes. This would be a good place to concentrate your energy initially. Take it easy — you don't need to rush this process, just notice it. For now, let the big developments happen organically. Get your full Aquarius reading by Eric here.

Astrology Studio for Pisces | A New Reading by Eric Francis

This is a momentous time in collective history, and a turning point in your life. As the year develops, most of the movement — including Pisces' ruling planet Jupiter, and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction — will be pointing into Aquarius, the most sensitive and innermost angle of your chart. I will also cover the retrogrades of Venus and Mars, and the forthcoming Jupiter-Pluto conjunction in your friendship sign Capricorn. Mostly, I will help you orient on your profound journey, and offer guidance how to harmonize with the world at this unusual time. Pre-order this reading here.

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Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — By and large, people tend to prefer simple answers. This is why many have a love-hate relationship with the truth, which is often complex and doesn't yield to confirmation bias. You have a degree of advantage in the ability to make room for seemingly bizarre or unconventional sources, which sometimes fill in the gaps left by mainstream theories. Your open-mindedness will serve you well during the next week or so, as long as you don't hasten to any conclusions. Consider this more of a fact-gathering exercise, in which your task is to accumulate information with the intention to apply discernment at another time. Know when you don't know, and reserve judgment should you find preconceptions are trying to sway it. Get your full Pisces reading by Eric here.

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