Wave that Flag (Or Not)

Dear Friend and Reader:

It's Flag Day in the U.S.: a barely observed celebration of the adoption of the flag of the United States on this date in 1777 -- which this year falls the day after a rather, shall we say, strangely energetic New Moon in Gemini. It also happens to be Pres. Donald Trump's birthday.

The Portland Observatory gets all dressed up for Flag Day, but the light was terrible today. This shot is from Valentine's Day 2017. Photo by Amanda Painter.

I don't know about you, but I'm not doing too much flag waving these days. I find it hard to feel proud of my country when its so-called leader seems to be celebrating his birthday by cozying up to a known (and seemingly unstable) dictator (Kim Jong-un of North Korea); insulting perhaps our closest geographic, cultural and economic ally (Canada); and -- even more horrifying -- by continuing to mandate and approve the traumatic separation of immigrant children from their families, detaining them in facilities reaching capacity, and illegally turning away asylum seekers.    

I'm not going to give Trump the honor of speaking about his charts; after all, Eric did that quite well in 2016 here (the lead essay there focuses more on Trump's progressed chart for that time, but includes an image of his natal chart; scroll down that page, and you'll reach a Planet Waves FM program with more on the topic).

Instead, I'm going to urge you (if you're a U.S. citizen) to contact your U.S. senators and representatives. I'm just as guilty as anyone when it comes to falling into the trap of only voicing my outrage and asking officials to be accountable on social media. But they need to hear from us. Detaining children separately from their parents is barbaric; and as long as it's happening and we're not seeking out those who can stop it -- demanding answers and that they figure out a way to change it -- we're complicit.  

With Ceres in Leo making contact with other female-oriented bodies in the zodiac (Vesta in Sagittarius, Juno and Eris in Aries), maybe it will help you to tap into your mama lion to roar for these kids. After all, Venus just joined Leo and is approaching the lunar North Node, which relates to dharma. I can think of no higher dharma than making sure those kids are loved and protected.

I also suspect that doing so might reflect the more constructive side of Mars, slow and powerful, about to station retrograde in Aquarius on June 26: the individual standing up to a ruling group. Insofar as Trump is behaving like some renegade God of War, perhaps he's embodying the shadow side of this stationary Mars -- rebuffing the cadre of world leaders at every turn. I do wonder what the retrograde proper will bring.

What's New with You?

As we emerge from yesterday's Gemini New Moon and whatever you experienced with it, the theme of "new" appears to be carrying forward. Questions you might ask yourself include "Where in my life do I need something new?" and "What am I willing and able to do to seek, cause or attract it?"

Note that since this astrology is happening as Mars prepares to station retrograde in Aquarius on June 26, those questions could have a background quality of feeling like you're standing in contrast to everyone around you. You may want to track that over the next few weeks.

Crescent Moon two days after last month's Taurus New Moon (and Uranus ingressing Taurus), viewed from the Kristin Linklater Voice Center in Orkney, Scotland. Photo by Amanda Painter.

Since the Gemini New Moon made contact with a variety of objects around the zodiac, notice whether you feel like you had to juggle or synthesize several very different encounters, influences or perspectives. How is that process going for you? Do you feel closer to clarity on a particular issue or further from it?

With Mercury -- the planet of the mind -- in Cancer as of Tuesday, and Venus -- the planet of receptivity and relationships -- in Leo as of yesterday evening, you might be noticing a slight shift in how you're perceiving and responding to those around you.

Mercury in Cancer could be enhancing sensitivity (both empathetic and reactive); Venus in Leo tends to be compassionate, but with an inclination toward drama and a little more willfulness than is usually associated with Venus. Both of these planets are involved in aspects today and tomorrow that will likely emphasize these shifts in mental and emotional tone -- as well as how you're thinking and feeling about what kind of newness you need.     

Venus in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus tonight into early tomorrow. This is a reminder to seek new experiences in relationships as consciously and intentionally as possible. The better you can do that, the less likely you are to push back against habits and routines in ways that provoke a fight.

Yet this idea of trying to be flexible and seeking excitement is always a curious prospect in the fixed signs (Taurus and Leo in this case; Scorpio and Aquarius are the other two). It's a bit of an oxymoron on its surface, but it doesn't have to be. One key would seem to be speaking up sooner rather than later. It's possible to stay committed to a routine simply because it's the routine, while chafing inwardly, until you finally explode and burn your bridges -- but it's not necessary.

A Venus-Uranus square can also be useful for getting an issue (such as what you need that is not being addressed) out into the open. That in itself can feel daring and like a new way of relating; as an added bonus, you might even find that the other person is excited to work things out with you, and the whole process could unfold into something new and unexpectedly satisfying.

Another option could be trying familiar things in new ways -- like doing something you know you enjoy in a new place or at an atypical time. I suspect the more you can focus on pleasure and creativity, the more likely you are to find enjoyable ways to be flexible -- rather than getting drawn into sudden upsets. That said, sometimes push really does come to shove. In which case, taking action with empathy, compassion and a desire for the highest good of all concerned may help you to move forward in constructive ways.

Chart for earlier this morning, when Venus in Leo (bottom, next to the dark vertical line) exactly squared Uranus in Taurus (left, above the dark horizontal line). View glyph key here.

Mercury, for its part, is in an opposition to Saturn in Capricorn (exact Friday night into Saturday). Mercury-Saturn oppositions can be tricky, because they tend to highlight the theme of 'separation' that is inherent in any opposition: two bodies on opposite sides (of a circle, of an issue, of a relationship, of a conversation). And with Mercury in Cancer, the emotional component of that separateness could feel more present (as in, loneliness or similar).

That seems to be something especially worth watching for given our reliance these days on digital media to connect with others. It has separation built into its mode of connecting -- unlike, say, walking to your favorite café and chatting with the baristas. Our cultural habits necessitate making a little more effort to connect face-to-face (or even voice-to-voice), but it's not insurmountable. Often the only thing standing in our way is the inertia of habit.

Luckily, Venus square Uranus is offering some impetus to get over that inertia of habit. And if you feel mentally preoccupied, or you have a specific project you need to focus on, Mercury opposite Saturn could be quite useful for serious, practical, disciplined thinking. If you see something that needs correcting (especially in your immediate or domestic environment), this astrology is great for that. Make the correction -- and then remember to move on to the next thing.

Remember, as mentioned, that all of this is happening with Mars barely moving in Aquarius as it prepares to station retrograde in less than two weeks. That makes it powerful right now. As you think about what it is you want and need to be 'new', consider the ways you can interact with others to achieve that in more effective ways (and in less effective ways, so you can see the contrast). I suspect you'll come up with something.

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter Mars Retrograde: A Rare Example of Astrology

Dear Friend and Reader:

You might say this is the perfect time for Mars retrograde in Aquarius. The energy patterns that are represented in the collective, archetypal version of this vitally important sign have indeed grown overbearing. We need some change; we need a rearrangement of our personal contracts.

Eric recording the Pisces Spring Reading video.

And most of all, there are many people who deeply need the opportunity to express themselves as individuals rather than as people whose only option is to follow the rules of the game. The whole purpose of growth, of the spiritual path, of self-actualization, is to be able to express yourself, as you are.

To that end, I have prepared a set of readings for you, in video format. Taking my friendly, positive and clear-headed approach, I work through Mars retrograde for every sign and rising sign. And while I am at it, I cover the many sign-changes of outer planets that we are experiencing now, particularly Chiron in Aries, Uranus in Taurus, and several points entering Capricorn at the same time.

The readings are available as a set, or as individual signs. We've prepared some sample videos -- you can see them here.

Are You Curious About Astrology?

Detail of the Leo Spring Reading chart, showing Mars retrograde on the right.

The astrology school thing is big business these days, often costing hundreds or thousands of dollars -- and being of questionable use. One thing I do in these readings is I leave all my notes in the margin, so you know how I am figuring out what to say, using my colorful hand-drawn charts to describe my interpretation process.

If you are studying astrology on any level, you will have nearly 12 hours of video for the cost of one of my classes. I share my ideas so you can borrow, revise, adapt or outright steal them.

Long ago, Melanie Reinhart described me as a "master of applied astrology." I took the compliment -- but more so I took it as a challenge, specifically to focus on making astrology real for you, and helping you learn how to apply it to your life.

If you watch these readings, you will be much better equipped to interpret your own transits and aspects, as I demonstrate an easygoing method for doing so, one that does not require a lot of book knowledge.

You get an excellent discount if you purchase as a set, or as individual signs. We've prepared some sample videos -- you can see them here.

Thank you for signing up, and for trusting me as your astrologer.

With love,

P.S. Don't forget to watch our other sample videos: we have a compilation of cardinal sign previews, or you can watch the entire video on Chiron transits here. Languages of Life
By Amanda Painter

Two years ago, the TOSTA2016 initiative brought together seven minority language communities of Europe’s Atlantic coast (Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Friesland, Galicia and the Basque Country) to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote artistic creation.

As such, TOSTA2016 served as one of the travelling embassies of that year's European Capital of Culture. (Each year, the European Union designates a city as a "Capital of Culture," and that community then organizes a series of cultural events with a strong pan-European dimension.)

According to Scottish participant Sophie Stephenson, "As part of the project one visual artist from each community was hosted by one of the other communities where they undertook a residency in order to create a piece of work which would be exhibited at festivals in each of the places. There was also a Tosta band featuring members of the Basque Band Orek TX along with musicians and singers from the different countries."

Yet, the real stars of TOSTA2016 are the marginalized, minority languages of the seven represented communities. These languages constitute living heritage that's in danger of dying out, but which presently exists side by side in the minds and mouths of (relatively) small groups of people. As you watch the 13-minute documentary teaser (which is more like a mini-documentary), you'll be treated to the languages spoken by these artists and cultural ambassadors -- including an official TOSTA2016 song, sung on a boat by participants in their native languages.

TOSTA2016 and the mini-documentary represent some of the hallmarks of Gemini: doubling; speaking and thinking (in this case, in more than one language); the quickness of mind required to shift between listening to speech and reading subtitles. I wonder, though: do these languages stand to benefit from the global awareness offered by the internet? Or will the internet serve to further language homogenization and the eventual demise of minority languages?
This Week on Planet Waves FM Gemini New Moon and the Question of Suicide

Dear Friend and Listener:

In this week's edition of Planet Waves FM [play episode here], I look first at the Gemini New Moon; we have included the chart below.

Then I look at the New Moon in the context of the forthcoming Mars retrograde. That is about to become the thing that we notice the most. The ultimate Aquarius question of where the individual meets the group is coming into focus.

Joe Strummer, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash, with their drummer Topper Headon in the background, performing live at Warfield, San Francisco, in 1980. Photo by Michael Zagaris.

This is happening under the influence of the internet and other electrical media, which tend to make everyone and everything more tribal -- all themes that apply to Aquarius.

Yet Mars is about to assert itself, and this will not be as easy as shouting down or blocking someone whose views you don't like.

With the remainder of the program, I discuss suicide. I've been asked to do the death charts of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, who both took their own lives last week. I am, however, reluctant to use astrology to peer into the motives, or the pain, of someone I don't know.

Instead, I take the matter in a personal form, and talk about you and me. And I look at how the problem of suicide masks the far wider problem of alienation, pain and loneliness.

My musical guest is The Clash, focused on two albums only -- London Calling and Sandinista.

For those looking for my reading on the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy 50 years ago last week, please see this article.

Planet Waves FM is distributed without profit by Chiron Return, Inc., and is part of the nonprofit Pacifica Radio Network.

We are supported by your product purchases and contributions. Please become a monthly sustaining member.

Thank you for participating in what we do.

With love,

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Deepen Your Presence and Connection: Get a Planet Waves Membership

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Listen to Vision Quest on Live Stream

Planet Waves has an in-house music ensemble, called Vision Quest. We have a 38-hour loop of our music, which you can listen to any time. Included are finished pieces, rehearsals, live concerts, drum grooves, and spoken word recordings. I consider it a kind of musical divination. Click in randomly at different times of day and see what you discover.

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Four Winds Almanac Now Includes Daily Horoscope

Planet Waves publishes a nifty daily astrology newsletter called the Four Winds Report. Designed as a fast read arriving early in the morning, we're now trying an experiment -- we're including the daily horoscope for everyone.

Were it not for horoscopes, I wouldn't be an astrologer. It was the Patric Walker daily that convinced me there was actually something to astrology, and I got my basic education studying his column each day in the New York Post.

I pack a lot of energy into each sign's 50-word write-up. Part of the value of astrology is the timing, and daily allows for precision, as well as chronicling a narrative day by day.

Your almanac also includes information about Mayan astrology (long count and short count dates), several formats of the current date (including Hebrew and Islamic), a daily birthday reading, and special discounts on products and services.

Best of all, we take no outside advertising.

Sign up free here. Monthly Horoscopes and Publishing Schedule Notes

Your extended monthly horoscopes for June were published Thursday, May 24. We published your extended monthly horoscopes for May on Thursday, April 26.  Please note: we normally publish the extended monthly horoscope on the first Thursday after the Sun has entered a new sign. Aries (March 20-April 19) -- With your ruler Mars gradually approaching its station retrograde, you may be feeling somewhat more hesitant than usual. This is especially possible if you've been experiencing some tension recently in interactions with others. Provided you don't have any immediately urgent decisions to make, it's okay to sit with the uncertainty for a while. Answers will come at the appropriate moment; they are likely already written somewhere within your psyche. Let doubts flow right past you until they are safely out into the ethers. -- by Amy Elliott Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- Even before Uranus entered your sign last month, you'd already evolved in some fundamental ways; and you are currently beginning, at least, to see the results of that. Hopefully you're feeling all the better for it; though if you're hearing objections from any quarter, make a point of not worrying about being accepted. It's not possible or even desirable to please everyone. As you go through these changes, those among your acquaintances who are true friends will support you unequivocally. Stride forward: the future is wide open. -- by Amy Elliott Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- The past month with the Sun in your birth sign has hopefully helped you establish your independence and autonomy more concretely. The chances are you're already making certain relevant changes to your life, and gazing forward with a fresher outlook. Keep gazing, and keep hold of what you've learned, as we enter the new season. Some people will undoubtedly try to influence you. Don't allow any human being to intercede between you and whatever you hold as the Divine. Instead, try to live as if setting an example; because you may be. -- by Amy Elliott

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Cancer Birthdays 2018: On this Solstice Like No Other, What Do You Want?

"I felt deeply connected to much of the reading, both the current moment (turning point), and the historical energy (Pluto in Capricorn). Indeed it has been an intense and deeply revealing time in my relationship life."

-- Jennifer Cobb, Backstage Pass member, on the 2017 Cancer Birthday Reading

Dear Friend and Reader:

We're almost at the Cancer solstice -- which means we're almost at your birthday! And this year, the cosmos has some special gifts for you, which you'll hear all about in your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading.

First of all, there's a unique opposition between Venus and Mars on the solstice (June 21). But even more importantly, Mars will be stationing retrograde just five days after the Sun enters your sign -- setting in motion an intriguing journey.

On top of that, the major planets Saturn, Uranus and Chiron are all in signs with direct and special relationships with your own. Life is on the move. And even though people always joke about those born under your sign moving sideways and retreating into a shell, the truth is 2018 is looking like your time to shine: Saturn, Uranus and Chiron are occupying some of the more public and relational zones of your chart.

As always, Eric will bring his insights to you in accessible language designed to empower, motivate and reassure you all at the same time. Sure, there may be challenges; but you of all people know that the awkwardness of growth always results in a fuller, more capable version of you.

"I have just listened to your Part 1 and Part 2 readings and I am amazed at how accurate it has been. Like you have a telescope watching me shed a skin and transform into a totally changed person in the last 10 years."

-- Pauline J.

You'll get at least an hour of audio astrology (divided into two parts), access to last year's reading, and an extended description of your sign -- which you can access as many times as you like, for as long as you need -- all for only $33. But please note: we offer the best price on these readings early. When Eric nears publishing it, the price increases.

I hope you'll take advantage of the discounted price and pre-order your 2018 Cancer Birthday Reading soon. Here comes the Sun!

Yours & truly,

Amanda Painter

P.S. Eric designs these readings to be useful for anyone with Cancer rising or a Cancer Moon, too -- not just a Cancer Sun. And it makes a beautiful gift for any of your Cancer loved ones. 

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Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Keeping to your commitments is really a version of honesty. This is, in fact, partly about knowing what you actually can commit to safely at a given moment; which requires a measure of self-awareness. Don't allow yourself to be pressured into pledging what you might not be able to deliver; wait until you at least understand what's being asked of you. Indeed, this is probably a good time to re-evaluate present plans, and use discernment in deciding which of them to carry forward, or not. Remember that you're human, and have limits. -- by Amy Elliott Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- With Leo prominent in your chart you're probably used to sparkling at least a little, and standing out among others. Venus now in your sign is lending you some extra-special charm, so that you can really turn up the spotlight. Be kind and respectful, and you'll likely find it almost ludicrously easy to please people; though first and foremost this is really about having the freedom to please yourself. The two need not be mutually exclusive, even if you're feeling a little rebellious from time to time. It's important that you have the room to explore possibilities. -- by Amy Elliott Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- You're at something of a pivotal moment in your development, and it's crucial that you focus on what is important, and not allow ego (yours or that of others) to interrupt you. Your ambitions should be at the forefront of your mind. Anything else, aside from necessary and humane duties, may be considered a distraction. Keep your inner compass pointed firmly northward, and re-focus quickly if you start slacking. This is no time to sideline your own plans in order to fall in with others; make sure anyone who thinks differently finds that out in short order. -- by Amy Elliott Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- You may be experiencing both a newly confirmed sense of purpose, and confusion as to how you might fulfill it. Figuring out where to start in practical terms, and how to manage day to day, might feel like an unresolvable puzzle at this moment. You can help yourself, however, by starting with a definition of your broad goals, and then working your way gradually toward fleshing out the bones. Keep in mind where you ultimately want to go, and you should find that you're heading in the right general direction, complete with an abundance of tools. -- by Amy Elliott Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- The astrology this week is offering an apparent opportunity to revise your understanding, at a fundamental level, of your capabilities -- especially in terms of creativity. In order to take it up, you'll likely need to suspend mentally any limitations you've put in place for yourself over the years. Try to evoke the childlike mindset we all possessed at one point in our lives, by considering for a moment that the possibilities might be endless, and by looking at the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity. You're free to change more than you realize -- if you want to. -- by Amy Elliott Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Try to be kind and patient in your close relationships this week. Nobody should ever brook deliberate abuse; but most grievances between loved ones arise from much smaller things. Keep in mind that no-one is spotless, including yourself; a fact that is often forgotten during social media flame wars, where the slightest offense can cause one to be placed beyond the pale and ascribed the very worst of qualities. You'll probably do best to avoid this form of absolutist thinking; instead, go large on mercy, forgiveness and reflection. -- by Amy Elliott Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- This week, you might find yourself repeating a specific line of thinking, or a way of communicating, that stems ultimately from past challenges. If so, first off, try to plot out all the steps that get you to your conclusion, and review them carefully to ensure your ideas are following a logical pattern. If you need to, run it all by someone you can trust. Reducing everything to its component details should soon help you break through any particular trope that's holding you back, and place it firmly in the trash can of history, before moving on. -- by Amy Elliott Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Everyone experiences hitches in self-esteem from time to time, or some form of doubt as to where they're headed. If you should find yourself dealing with something similar, it might help you to make a list of everything you've accomplished recently, or over time. Seek the input of people who love and support you to make sure you don't leave anything out. Next, make a second list, this time of everything you intend or wish to do. Then simply start doing it, one task at a time. What you manifest every day is your decision alone, and there's power in that. -- by Amy Elliott Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You are a constantly developing entity. That means you are not your past; you are not who your parents or caregivers told you that you were, or wanted you to be. Likewise, you're not a two-dimensional character created by a bad writer and serving one sole purpose, fitting neatly into a convenient box. You're much more than that. For one thing, you're a real, flesh-and-blood person, with all the attendant complexities and fascinating little diversions. For another, you're inherently stronger by far than any potential challenge to your success. -- by Amy Elliott

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