Dear Friend of Planet Waves:
I consider horoscopes to be subversive literature. That's how I use them, anyway. Apart from being an under-utilized and under-developed literary form, horoscopes are a potent messaging platform. They are also an excellent way to tap into the brilliance of astrology, even though many astrologers don't agree. But as John Lennon said, there's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Usually, when you open up to a horoscope, you don't expect much. So when you actually find something, that's a a bit surprising -- especially if it's relevant.
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An actual newspaper horoscope, written by me, in The New York Daily News. Most newspapers carry syndicated horoscopes. The Daily News is an original, in more ways than one. |
This past weekend's article in The New York Times was a rare instance of their coverage of astrology. I spent more than four hours working with the writer, and providing her with additional information and quotes. As you can imagine, 90% of what I said didn't get in.
There's just one quotation I wish had made it into print: "My purpose for the horoscope column -- the theme of the whole project -- is subverting the current epidemic of low self-esteem, and helping people feel better about themselves."
The self-esteem deficit may be the most serious problem in modern-day society. It's one significant thing that stands between people and making changes in our lives -- and it's something that can actually be healed.
Most influences in the media are designed (or function) to subvert confidence, and to erode self-respect. This comes through advertising, many movies and TV shows, and much of what you read. Often, considerable research, talent and money go into making people feel horrible about themselves. The result is to get us to spend money on what we don't want and need.
Ideas can also be empowering. Many of the most helpful ideas I've learned, the ones that gave me a foothold climbing the cliffside of self-awareness, have arrived in writing. Often this has been in books, though one of the most helpful writers I've ever read was Patric Walker, a horoscope columnist who died in 1995. It was from his writing that I understood just how helpful a horoscope column could be.
There's a short interval where the reader opens their mind and lets in a thought that's supposedly from beyond the ordinary human realm. It's astrology after all -- the heavens are speaking through the writer. Plus, this writer knows nothing about you. In that moment, the reader will usually suspend disbelief and read with an open mind.
As a horoscope writer, I know that I might have a rare moment of trust, maybe five to 10 seconds, to reach a person. They might be reading on a subway train, in the back of a cab, or on a cigarette break behind their office building. They might come to the horoscope actively worried or in distress, looking for a clue or for some reassurance.
I use several techniques when writing a horoscope, which always include a reasoning process, being reassuring, and designing the message to help the reader feel better about him or herself.
Using astrology helps me focus the subject matter and message, which is what gives a well-timed and well-written horoscope its zest. Astrology is all about timing and theme. These suggest when I should say what I should say; however, in my hands, the sensation and meta-theme of every horoscope is some message that undermines the negative messages that the mind is often sending.
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This is the heap of astrological charts used since I began writing for the Daily News back in late March. Each daily gets one chart; each weekly and monthly get a set of charts, which include minor planets: centaurs, asteroids, Kuiper belt objects and hypotheticals. The top chart is for the 100th consecutive Monday morning horoscope, which was published earlier this week. You can read that column at this link. |
When a horoscope column has a voice, the reader gradually internalizes the feeling and tone of that voice, and takes it on; over time, I believe it's possible to train people how to send themselves encouraging messages. Part of how I gain a positive effect is to write directly to the reader.
I am aware that there's a living, feeling person on the other end of what I am writing, and I want them to know there's an actual person who is considering them, and who cares.
My horoscopes come in three different lengths: daily at 50 words per sign, weekly at 150 words per sign, and monthly at 230 words per sign. These different formats, and timing schemes, allow for different kinds of messages; however, the meta-theme is always the same: supplanting harsh, judgmental inner voices with reasoned, loving and friendly. We tend to internalize any voice we’re accustomed to hearing, so it's worth handling this with care and attention. There are some dark horoscopes out there, and you need to be careful not to internalize what may be judgmental, negative or resentful -- even if it seems "accurate."
I am aware that many people come to the horoscope column feeling fragile, insecure, and in need of hope. I do my best to offer you strength, confidence and faith in yourself. Others show up wanting something interesting to read, and I always do my best to keep it relevant.
We are currently running a membership drive, focusing on bringing our previous subscribers back into the fold. All membership levels include access to daily, weekly and monthly horoscopes, and many excellent articles.
Please revive or extend your subscription today -- or get a friend a gift. Here are your membership options.
Thank you for supporting and participating in Planet Waves.
With love,
PS -- If you haven't read my horoscope in a while, here's a sample of a daily (which comes with an almanac), here's a weekly column (which comes with an article) and here's a monthly column (which comes with a full-length essay).
PPS -- We have a longstanding policy not to turn anyone away for lack of funds. I know this is not very capitalist; and if I had investors or shareholders besides myself, they would not like it much, but that's the deal. If you need help, call us at (845) 481-5616, or email cs@planetwaves.net, and Ellen or Amy will be happy to help you. It may take a day or two to get back to you, though often we pick right up.
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