Note, information about private consultations with Eric Francis is in the post below, or you can access it directly at this link. Also, check out our new ad, The Planet Waves You Will Never See.

Dear Friend and Reader,

Welcome to another working week on the planet. This post, per recent tradition, includes our major aspects for the next seven days, prepared with chart calculations by Serennu.com and with interpretation assistance by Genevieve Salerno.

A couple of bits are worth mentioning up top. Today (Monday) the Sun is venturing through the last two degrees of Cancer. Typically at this stage, the Sun is done making aspects, and can be described as void of course. These are interesting days, which I describe as having a wildcard value. Odd things can happen, for good or ill, but with awareness it’s pretty easy to steer the boat toward unusual but calm waters.

However, what distinguishes this time in history is that Pluto is dangling in the last degrees of Sagittarius, ending a long era. Structurally, this means that anything that changes signs aspects Pluto first, giving things a sense of finality and if you’re in a bad mood, a touch of doom. Sun in Cancer quincunx Pluto in Sagittarius is about reconciling feelings with beliefs. We may believe in something, but do we feel it? We may feel something, but does it reckon with what we believe is possible?

Both feeling and belief are grossly overrated, but the two together are a powerful tool. Combined, they allow the ability to cross-check between different levels of awareness. Saturn in Virgo (not in this aspect structure) is saying, remember to check the facts. So too is Mars. (Mars, for its part, is currently sweeping through the natal Uranus-Pluto conjunctions of everyone born between 1964 and 1967, stirring the pot on some of the best astrology of the 20th century.)

One last big picture point. Juno, the archetype of conjugal or committed partnership, is currently retrograding across this thing called the Great Attractor. Skipping the astronomy class for now, this is magnifying the impact of or issues within conjugal and/or committed relationships to a grossly exaggerated degree. Juno will be taking some aspects this week (squares from both the Moon and Mars) so issues in those kinds of relationships that come with a scorecard can be stirred up if one is doodling along unconsciously. The message: wake up and make decisions about who and what you are committed to, or not, and get on with existence.

Here are some other not-so-random notes.

21 Monday: Mercury conjoins Varuna in Cancer. Varuna was the first of the trans-Neptunian planets to gain significant attention in the astrological community, though unfortunately it was short-lived. This is minor planet 20,000 discovered and named in 2000. According to our entry in Planet Wiki, “For someone who was once a vastly important god of the ancient Vedic world, he was demoted by invading Aryan conquerors to a god of rivers and waters. In earlier times, mortals who did not keep their word would meet his version of justice and could be killed. He could bestow immortality as well. Questions of the gain and loss of reputation, and the issue of immortality through fame, seem inevitable with this planet.” Venus sextile Chaos. Mercury sextile Logos. The Lord speaks…He says… clean thy house and edit thy copy.

22 Tuesday: Sun enters Leo 6:55 am EDT. Mercury in Cancer trine Uranus in Pisces 5:10 pm EDT. We will be distributing the August monthly horoscope at about 9 am Tuesday, because it’s the first Tuesday that the Sun is in a new sign. Moon in Pisces conjoins Uranus 1:35 pm EDT. Mercury semi-squares Saturn in Virgo. This time of year marks the approach of Lughnasadh or Lammas, the pagan celebration that marks the first harvest of the year. Leo is the sign traditionally attributed to the King, and also to the Heart. It is the sign of the Divine King, who realizes that he must Sacrifice his Life for the betterment of the World. Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-NAH-sah), is celebrated anywhere from the 1st to the 5th of August, to the time when the first round of grain is ripe. Astro-pagans mark this day as the time when the Sun reaches the midpoint of Leo. The Sun will be 15 degrees into Leo on the 7th of August. We will have more on this cross-quarter day or High Sabbat of the Pagan calendar in Planet Waves Astrology News.

23 Wednesday: Moon enters Aries 4:22 am EDT Today and tomorrow both feature very fiery energies. It is advised to take your aggression out with some nice aerobic activities, or strenuous lovemaking (to yourself or otherwise).

24 Thursday: Venus in Leo sesquiquadrate Pluto retrograde in Sagittarius. Aries Moon trines Venus.

25 Friday: Moon enters Taurus 9:14 am EDT. 1992 QB1 stations retrograde in Aries. Virgo Mars square Juno retrograde in Sagittarius. This is not a time to try to settle meaningless disputes with your parter with long, endless conversations that go nowhere.

26 Saturday: Mars trine Jupiter. Mercury semisquares Mars. This is some strong energy for the “good cause,” just make sure the cause is good.

27 Sunday: Moon enters Gemini 11:55 am EDT. Mercury enters Leo. Mercury trines Hylonome retrograde in Sagittarius.

Yours & truly,

Today’s Oracle takes us to Mar 22, 2004 - Aquarius - Weekly

You’re likely to come up with some of your best ideas in a long time this week. And you may have noticed that you’re the type who has a lot of ideas, too many to act on, though you never seem to get around to the few that really matter, either. What could I lure you with, to entice you to muster the focus, discipline and minor resources it will take to plant a root in the ground? What alchemy would just make it work? Perhaps an attachment to fun and pleasure associated with your work. That’s your abundance, your reward, your desire made real. Follow that thread and you won’t go wrong.

Monday 21 July 2008

Mercury (18+ Cancer) square Atlantis (18+ Libra)
Mercury (18+ Cancer) quintile Vesta (6+ Taurus)
Venus (10+ Leo) sextile Arachne (10+ Libra)
Eros (6+ Leo) square Hidalgo (6+ Scorpio)
Mercury (19+ Cancer) quintile M87 (1+ Libra)
Ceres (17+ Cancer) quincunx Quaoar (17+ Sagittarius Rx)
Mercury (19+ Cancer) conjunct Varuna (19+ Cancer)
Eros (6+ Leo) trine Pholus (6+ Sagittarius Rx)
Sun (29+ Cancer) quincunx Pluto (29+ Sagittarius Rx)
Sun (29+ Cancer) sesquiquadrate Great Attractor (14+ Sagittarius)
Mercury (19+ Cancer) quincunx Chiron (19+ Aquarius Rx)
Ceres (17+ Cancer) sesquiquadrate Hylonome (2+ Sagittarius Rx)
Eros (6+ Leo) quintile Atlantis (18+ Libra)
Mercury (20+ Cancer) sextile Logos (20+ Virgo)
Arachne (10+ Libra) sesquiquadrate Admetos (25+ Taurus)
Sisyphus (12+ Libra) sextile Ixion (12+ Sagittarius Rx)
Mercury (20+ Cancer) quintile Asbolus (8+ Taurus)
Eros (6+ Leo) quintile Pallas (24+ Taurus)
Eros (6+ Leo) square Vesta (6+ Taurus)
Chariklo (5+ Scorpio) septile Galactic Center (26+ Sagittarius)

Dear Friend and Reader:

IN RESPONSE to recent inquiries about my consulting, here are the basics, which cover how to request a consultation, what consultations involve, my availability, and the waiting list policy.

Eric Francis in Book of Blue Studio.

I currently work two days a week as an astrology consultant (Thursdays and Fridays, with other special times as well). After a nearly two-year break, I’ve been working down the waiting list list steadily since last summer, including catching up with clients who requested sessions as early as three years ago. There may come a time when I stop or pause doing sessions because other work takes precedence. However, I am committed, if possible, to working with everyone on the waiting list prior to any decision to stop.

If you are local in the Hudson Valley, we skip the waiting list and work together at our earliest mutual convenience. This is also true for anyone willing to travel in order to do a session (I am fairly near Albany and New York City, in Kingston, NY). In emergency situations, such as illness, accident or serious family crisis, we generally skip the list and get the client in as soon as possible.

I enjoy the work that I do, and after nearly a decade and half it continues to be challenging and satisfying, and I’m well prepared for never knowing what’s going to happen or what I’m going to hear when the phone rings. I bring 20 years of highly eclectic humanistic, transpersonal and spiritual training (including doing A Course in Miracles in residence for a year), plus experience as a tarot reader and about 15 years experience as an astrologer. Many years as a journalist have refined my listening and analytical skills. And I have presented sexuality workshops around the U.S. since 1997, which makes this a topic about which I feel a sense of ease and easy communication.

My work is client-centered rather than chart centered; that is, the chart plays a vital role in the work, but the focus is on you. It is less a straight “reading” and much more of an interactive process where you and your chart both participate in the dialog. I work with minor planets and can address any question you have about their role in your chart and your life; these include Chiron, Pholus, Nessus, Eris, Varuna and others you have read about here and elsewhere.

The work may cover any subject that you need to work with or work through. It is true that people bring to me material they would not dare discuss with their therapist, spouse or even a close friend. While I don’t feel I am capable of true objectivity, I have a viewpoint that can, at least, allow for the presence of any experience or opinion. I will respond from my own point of view, and own my perspective and opinions, making them available to you. This article tells you a bit more about the process I’ve developed.

I also do teaching sessions for professional astrologers currently in practice who want to bring the minor planets into their work.

Once you have had your initial session, future sessions are available sooner and at a reduced rate.

It is an unusual privilege to do this work, and the members of my support team will do our best to provide you with a positive experience at what may be a significant turning point in your life. And we are working efficiently to make sure you get your session within a reasonable time. Please note that I will be suspending client work through part of November, December and January to do Next World Stories, the 11th annual edition of Planet Waves.

In response to questions about whether I travel, I will go to most major cities where there are 10 sessions and a class booked. So if you have a group of people who are interested in doing astrological work and attending an evening workshop. Please call to discuss those arrangements.

To request a spot on the client list, we ask that you be a current subscriber to a Planet Waves product. You can purchase a short subscription, or subscribe to Small World Stories (our very economical annual edition), but working with me personally is a privilege we reserve for those who feel the Planet Waves mission, message and public calling is worth supporting.

Once you’re a subscriber, you can then contact Chelsea Bottinelli, our office manager. That can be by phone at (877) 453-8265 or (206) 567-4455 for international callers. Explain what you need and she will guide you from there. Those who get onto the waiting list before Aug. 31 will be eligible for the current rate. Those who get on the list on August 1 or after will be under the new rate structure, which will bring an increase of about 20%. Those who get on the list prior to this time preserve the lower rate.

If you would like to see my page in Wikipedia, here it is.

Thank you for your interest in my work and in Planet Waves. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Yours & truly,

‘No Values Voters’ Looking To Support Most Evil Candidate

Dear Friend and Reader,

The Friday edition of Planet Waves Astrology News has been sent to subscribers, covering the Full Moon in Capricorn, the energy crisis, Judith Gayle’s account of the ripple effect and of course, the weekly horoscope.

Speaking of the weekly horoscope, Eric is now including a look into the future with a special fantasy report from 2011. Here is “This Week in 2011″:

AS CERES walked over the Aries Point, a national survey indicated that 61% of Americans were growing home gardens. Even a majority of apartment dwellers in New York City were growing easy garden crops like herbs and tomatoes on their terraces and in window boxes. A bipartisan coalition in Congress proposed a garden tax, claiming it was designed to replace lost revenue to the government, as pharmaceutical companies lobbied for a ban on medicinal plants.

The Full Moon in Capricorn can be quite challenging, and Eric writes about this and the people he is close to with a Moon in Capricorn in his lead article:

I take a special interest in the Capricorn Moon. My mother, several significant lovers, a few of my closest friends and two of my very favorite artists have this Moon placement. It always seems to be following me around, and it was certainly showing up with emphasis and a bit of cosmic humor Thursday. It is an interesting, soulful and often difficult Moon to have, and to live with. Its natives often seem to go through undue suffering, and about half the time that suffering engenders not compassion but rather a detached quality, which is often about detaching from one’s own feelings and needs.

The Cap Moon has an astonishing power to compartmentalize; it can keep many different situations going in life, but have them all in separate rooms, and sometimes whoever is stashed in one of those rooms can be forgotten for a while, anywhere from a few weeks to a few years to a couple of decades. Well, maybe not forgotten, but stashed away, out of the way. If you want to have an affair with someone who can keep things both secret and in perspective, this aspect of the Cap Moon’s nature makes them a good choice.

If there are any Aquarians out there who are considering subscribing but are holding back, take a look at your horoscope this week, and realize why thousands of people pay for Eric Francis’ weekly horoscope:

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
You know there is a lot you don’t know about yourself, and usually this doesn’t faze you. Now you’re about to make some surprising discoveries, and to unfold some of the hidden dimensions of your psyche that you may not have known existed. In astrology, Aquarius is variously known as one of the most equitable signs, and as one of the most controlling. This power-focused aspect of your nature probably confuses you, as does your tendency to become rigid at certain key times when compromise is called for. Now you can get a look at what is going on in those inner corridors of power. You can see the way your parents imprinted you with their fears and their old-fashioned worldview, clearly enough to do something about it. Don’t worry, even after you revolt against so many dusty old ideas that have nothing to do with who and what you are, you will still have enough old-fashioned respect for tradition to hold your life in order.

Eric Francis will be returning to write for Daily Astrology and Adventure on Monday. Until then, I hope you are enjoying the Full Moon and have a relaxing weekend. Scroll down for the full weekend’s aspects.

Yours and truly,

Today’s Oracle takes us to Jan 04, 2007 - ARIES - Weekly

You’re in no mood to have your precious ideals challenged, but I suggest you not take this as far as looking for a fight. You finally have clear goals that you value more than your beliefs, and it’s time to keep your focus on what really makes a difference. Indeed, your time this weekend would be well spent focusing your priorities and sorting what actually matters from what does not, and there is a difference. It may seem that real progress is going much slower than you had planned, but early next week, a series of rapid developments on the professional front will call for swift decisions that you get right the first time. To the extent that you’ve gained ground as a leader, you now need to back it up with clarity and vision.

Friday 18 July 2008

Eris stations retrograde (21+ Aries)
Venus (6+ Leo) trine Pholus (6+ Sagittarius Rx)
Mercury (12+ Cancer) septile Sedna (21+ Taurus)
Mercury (12+ Cancer) quincunx Ixion (12+ Sagittarius Rx)
Sun (26+ Cancer) opposite Moon (26+ Capricorn) - Full Moon
Mercury (13+ Cancer) quincunx Nessus (13+ Aquarius Rx)
Pallas (23+ Taurus) square Neptune (23+ Aquarius Rx)
Mercury (13+ Cancer) semisquare Orcus (28+ Leo)
Venus (7+ Leo) quintile Admetos (25+ Taurus)
Mercury (14+ Cancer) quincunx Great Attractor (14+ Sagittarius)
Venus (7+ Leo) sesquiquadrate Uranus (22+ Pisces Rx)
Apollo (21+ Leo) trine Eris (21+ Aries Rx)

Saturday 19 July 2008

Ceres (16+ Cancer) opposite Jupiter (16+ Capricorn Rx)
Vesta (6+ Taurus) opposite Hidalgo (6+ Scorpio)
Mercury (14+ Cancer) septile Saturn (6+ Virgo)
Sun (26+ Cancer) quincunx Galactic Center (26+ Sagittarius)
Mercury (15+ Cancer) quincunx Juno (15+ Sagittarius Rx)
Mercury (15+ Cancer) septile Pallas (23+ Taurus)
Mars (10+ Virgo) septile Varuna (19+ Cancer)
Venus (8+ Leo) square Asbolus (8+ Taurus)
Mercury (15+ Cancer) semisquare Amor (0+ Gemini)
Mercury (16+ Cancer) opposite Jupiter (16+ Capricorn Rx)
Eros (5+ Leo) semisquare Logos (20+ Virgo)

Sunday 13 July 2008

Mars (6+ Virgo) sesquiquadrate Eris (21+ Aries)
Pallas (21+ Taurus) septile Aries Point (0+ Aries)
Amor (28+ Taurus) square Orcus (28+ Leo)
Ceres (13+ Cancer) semisquare Orcus (28+ Leo)
Eros (28+ Cancer) quintile Sisyphus (10+ Libra)
Amor (28+ Taurus) semisquare Ceres (13+ Cancer)
Mercury (3+ Cancer) quintile Eris (21+ Aries)
Sun (21+ Cancer) sextile Sedna (21+ Taurus)
Arachne (8+ Libra) quincunx Asbolus (8+ Taurus)
Eros (29+ Cancer) sesquiquadrate Great Attractor (14+ Sagittarius)
Mercury (4+ Cancer) conjunct Kronos (4+ Cancer)
Venus (0+ Leo) sesquiquadrate Juno (15+ Sagittarius Rx)
Mercury (4+ Cancer) sextile Vesta (4+ Taurus)
Eros (29+ Cancer) quincunx Pluto (29+ Sagittarius Rx)
Sun (21+ Cancer) sesquiquadrate Pholus (6+ Sagittarius Rx)
Venus (1+ Leo) sextile M87 (1+ Libra)
Mercury (4+ Cancer) semisquare Apollo (19+ Leo)
Sun (21+ Cancer) sextile Pallas (21+ Taurus)
Sun (21+ Cancer) square Eris (21+ Aries)
Mercury (4+ Cancer) sesquiquadrate Chiron (19+ Aquarius Rx)