Astrology: Describing The Elements of Progress

Dear Friend and Reader:

Well -- not including looking at these charts years in advance, I have been over the astrology for 2012 five times -- forward, backward in three layers, and then forward again. I've studied the major planets, the asteroids and many of the new discoveries. I've gone over the charts for each of the Sun's ingresses into the signs, as well as key major events such as Uranus square Pluto, the Venus transit of the Sun and the pattern of 29 eclipse-like events we have this year. The main results of this work are the astrology readings contained in the 2012 annual edition.

My kitchen table desk, where I have written and recorded nearly all of Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check. Those are the Voyager tarot cards to the right, and to the top left is Raphael's Ephemeris, the one used (and published) by the Brits. Photo by Eric.

The audio presentations are done and ready, and I'm close to finishing the written interpretations. With any luck at all, I plan to have the readings available to those who have opted in by Monday night. I am on schedule to finish the written version of Pisces on Saturday, then I've given myself two days to go over the signs and tune up the language; plus the proofreading and production team will be putting the finishing touches on the website. Included are numerous articles, useful resources and the key charts for 2012. There's also a blog that will track the events, astrological and worldly, as they develop.

Yes, 2012 is the year that the Mayan long count reaches the date 13.0.0.0.0. Nobody is really sure what this 'means'. Yet I can tell you as a Western-styled astrologer that we are slipping into some extremely rare and exciting aspects, which really heat up in late May. The phase from now until late April is a time of preparation, evaluation and adjustment. Then the real excitement begins. What we saw in 2011 was just the warmup for much more interesting things to come.

Stepping outside of marketing presentations for this project, what I have done with the 2012 astrology is to personalize it for each of the Sun signs and the rising signs. I have meticulously gone through the aspects, and using my gift for developing detailed readings for the Sun signs and rising signs, presented the astrology to you in clear terms, covering the most important areas of your life.

Zoom H4n digital recording setup with popper stopper. In the background is the full archive (cassette and DAT) of Radio Navigator on WDST Radio Woodstock, 1996-1998.

I've prepared these readings recognizing the difficulties that many people are facing, as the pressures of life impact them, and as the world changes. I speak to what is a nearly universal desire to participate in the changes that are happening. And I speak to the fear of the unknown that so many people are facing -- which relates to both a sense of something ominous, and some unusual potential.

The audio presentations are as motivational as they are informative. They are intended to get you going. Many people are fed up with the persistent negativity that surrounds us, and the sense that it's impossible to make real progress as politicians fixate on the uterus and ignore the economy; as companies focus on profits and lay off workers; as banks hog cash and pay bonuses, but don't lend money to small businesses.

I know -- it's chilly out there, in many more ways than these. However, I blow through all of that and get to the heart of how and why we can take advantage of the raw power and precise leverage offered by the aspects of 2012 and beyond. What we're calling 2012 is a gateway to an extended era.

I have crafted this work to provide as much information, strategy and clear perspective as I can. I do my best not only to translate, but to put you in contact with your astrology, and your astrology in contact with you. Presented in both written and spoken format, these readings are designed to be accessible and to present the information in a way that will help you work with the incoming energies and, borrowing a phrase, to be in tune with the times.

I am looking forward to wrapping up this project over the weekend and putting it into your hands; you are welcome to avail yourself of my efforts with the subscriber discount. To all those who have signed up already -- thank you for your business, and mostly for your trust in my work.

We will send a note out to those who have opted into the 2012 annual when the readings go live on Monday evening.

Lovingly,



Today Mercury conjoins the Galactic Center in late Sagittarius. On Saturday, Mercury simultaneously sextiles Saturn in late Libra and Neptune in late Aquarius, just before it ingresses Capricorn Sunday at 1:34 am EST. This will be the first time Mercury is in a sign other than Sagittarius since Nov. 2. Also this weekend, Venus is conjunct Nessus in Aquarius and square Sedna in Taurus. Pluto in Capricorn makes a sextile to Vesta in Pisces. Once Mercury enters Capricorn, it trines Jupiter in the first degree of Taurus and squares Uranus in the second degree of Aries. On Monday, Mercury sextiles Chiron in Pisces; Ceres squares the GC. The waxing Moon enters Cancer Sunday; Full Moon (Moon in Cancer opposite Sun in Capricorn) is Monday at 2:30 am EST. For a closer look at this weekend's astrology, you may check out this article in the Daily Astrology series.


Monday the Moon is full in the sign Cancer, its home sign. This feels a little like a rising tide of emotions, in effect for days before it happens. At the same time, Mercury is now conjunct the Galactic Center in Sagittarius, which is not exactly given to clear thinking or an accurate sense of perspective. On this theme, Venus is approaching a conjunction to Neptune -- one of those things that make it challenging to ground one's emotions. Therefore, remaining thoughtful and cool is strictly in manual mode at the moment. The first thing to do is slow down, and be mindful of your thought process -- in the face of impulses telling you to do the opposite. Simply put, you need to become aware of when you're not actually thinking, but rather reacting or going into automatic mode. Doing this can mean the difference between getting it (whatever you've got going on) right or making significant mistakes; so thought and reflection count for time well spent.


You may find yourself in a state of constantly trying to adjust to relationship partners of the opposite sex, without ever quite finding a balance that feels right. This setup asks for negotiation -- which means making sure both parties get their bases covered, rather than going for 'all or nothing'. Venus is conjunct Nessus in Aquarius, forming a quincunx to Mars in Virgo. The nature of the quincunx, which is one sign off from an opposition, is that resolution of the tension is never quite attained. So instead of focusing on the end goal with an intimate partner, keep your eyes on the quality of the negotiations. That’s what matters. Mars in Virgo provides an energetic drive to serve, but could get demanding over details; step back and take a breath if so. Venus conjunct Nessus in Aquarius can be the use of sexual attraction as a weapon (often by women) perpetuating social patterns of abuse. That needs to stop, if we're ever to have healthy relationships. Watch for this potential in your relationship negotiations, particularly in less formal environments. We have the opportunity to use Venus-Nessus to bring light to, and heal, cycles of abuse -- no matter how subtle they are.


Rick Santorum 'came from behind' to 'tie Mitt Romney' in the Iowa Caucus held Tuesday night. Well, it wasn't a tie, Romney won by eight votes after spending 18 times more money on his campaign than did Santorum. A former Pennsylvania governor, congressman and U.S. senator, Santorum sets the benchmark for social conservatism, being against birth control, abortion, gay sex, straight sex, pornography, ice cream sundaes and flying kites. Who the heck is this guy and why is he so confused? We have taken a look at his astrology in this article on Planet Waves.

Keith Little, one of the last remaining Navajo code talkers, died in Arizona Tuesday. He was one of about 400 Native Americans who was used during World War II to transmit secret tactical messages in a code based on the Navajo language. He was 87. The program was begun during WWI using the Choctaw language. Little's family now hopes to carry out his dream of a museum near the Arizona-New Mexico border that also will hold wartime memorabilia and serve as a haven for veterans. Little was 17 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, having no idea about the program. Their code helped confound the Japanese and win the war. "My motivation was to fight the enemy with a gun or whatever," Little told The Associated Press in a July 2009 interview. "When I went into the Marine Corps... I knew nothing about the Navajo code. It was really astonishing to me to get to Camp Pendleton and there were a bunch of Navajos there, and they were working with a Navajo code." No birth data was available for Little.


The mysterious blackbird deaths we reported at this time last year resumed in recent weeks -- and then the U.S. Department of Agriculture admitted it is responsible for the mass poisoning of tens of millions of birds over the last several years. Natural News reported this week that it's part of the USDA's program called "Bye Bye Blackbird," responsible for the deaths of birds (and many other animals) by intentional poisoning. Natural News published a spreadsheet that documented how many birds and other animals that the USDA killed, intentionally and unintentionally. At the time, Planet Waves reported based on several factors in the astrology that the chart pointed to a cause that was "corporate and/or involves the government."

Meanwhile, a class action lawsuit against Monsanto alleging that the company is responsible for contaminated homes and schools near a chemical plant in Nitro, West Virginia, heads toward trial next week after mediation efforts failed, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Though Monsanto has created nothing but liability and pollution, it is rare for litigation against the company to go to trial -- and interestingly, one of the most famous cases that the company lost involved Nitro. Residents of the town, where a Monsanto plant produced chemicals and herbicides for more than five decades, claim their properties were polluted by dioxins, a highly toxic class of chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases. The plant in Nitro produced, among other compounds, 2,4,5-T, an ingredient in the chemical defoliant Agent Orange, widely used in the Vietnam War. Dioxins are a contaminated byproduct of the manufacturing process. The lawsuit, filed in 2004, is seeking medical monitoring and regular testing for as many as 80,000 residents. A separate class action also is seeking damages. Nitro was also the scene of one of the worst dioxin incidents in the history of industry, reported previously in Planet Waves.


Finally, we now understand what Neptune in Aquarius (which ends Feb. 3 after some 14 years) was leading up to. It's obvious, but like most things with Neptune we didn't figure it out till later -- information as a religious sacrament -- and this is now official. BBC has reported that the Church of Kopimism has been recognized by the Swedish government. The church, founded by 19-year-old philosophy student Isak Gerson, claims that "kopyacting" -- sharing information through copying -- is akin to a religious service. The "spiritual leader" of the church said recognition was a "large step." But others were less enthusiastic and said the church would do little to halt the global crackdown on piracy. The Swedish government agency Kammarkollegiet finally registered the Church of Kopimism as a religious organization shortly before Christmas, the group said. "We had to apply three times," said Gustav Nipe, chairman of the organization. "For the Church of Kopimism, information is holy and copying is a sacrament. Information holds a value, in itself and in what it contains and the value multiplies through copying. Therefore copying is central for the organisation and its members," he said in a statement.


An interview with Eric Francis was published in the December edition of The Artful Mind, the Massachusetts-based magazine. In the interview, Eric talks about how he writes astrology for his readers, his background in journalism, and other topics ranging from photography to music. "Astrology and newspaper reporting have always had a close relationship in my life," he says. "I started studying astrology with high focus in 1994, at the peak of my investigative work. At the time I was unraveling how Monsanto, General Electric and Westinghouse had polluted the world with chemicals called PCBs and dioxins. This is heavy stuff, and I had been doing it full time for about three years when I discovered my passion for astrology."


There is not a regular edition of Planet Waves FM this week. The latest installment of the Top Five Events of 2012 free audio series is a two-part podcast on the secrets of the Mayan calendar. Part One addresses the Mayan calendar systems and what day 13.0.0.0.0 on Dec. 21, 2012 might 'mean'. It's actually a critique on attempts to pin down the meaning of the day. Part Two is an interview with Carlos Cedillo, a daykeeper of the Mayan calendar. A forthcoming Part Three will include my own thoughts on the matter.

You can access both currently available parts of this latest installment -- plus all previous Top Five Events podcasts -- here. The first four installments cover Uranus square Pluto, the Venus transit of the Sun, planets entering water signs in 2012, and Mercury retrograde on Election Day. This entire audio series is part of Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check.-- the 2012 annual edition of Planet Waves, which is also available for purchase by individual sign.


Planet Waves Monthly Horoscope for January 2012 included the written version of the Top Five Events of 2012 (available as audio here). This was the long written horoscope, with extended interpretations for each of the 12 signs. We also published the Inner Space for January 2012, a shorter horoscope that came out one week later. The February extended monthly horoscope will be published to subscribers on the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 25. There will be just one issue that week -- the long extended monthly and its introductory materials. There will be no Friday edition. If you are not a subscriber and want to receive all of the Planet Waves horoscopes, you can get a free trial subscription, or you may sign up for up to one year. If you regularly forward Planet Waves materials to friends or relatives, please purchase them a gift subscription. We offer special discounts if you want to sign up several of your friends -- if you would like to take advantage of that please call Chelsea at (877) 453-8265 or email chelsea@planetwaves.net.


Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #886. | Eric's Zodiac Sign Descriptions

Our new zodiac glyphs are by Neisha Hirsch.

Aries (March 20-April 19) -- What at first seems like routine news may turn out to be a lot more meaningful than it seems on its face. Therefore, I suggest you think in terms of the implications of what you learn, and the possibilities of what it might represent for you. You seem to be pushing for big changes, or they seem to be calling out to you. Anything you learn, any information that comes your way, has the power to lead to a sequence of new ideas, and as such may represent a turning point. You will have to listen; you need to pay attention, in particular, to the details. There are two distinct sides to any news that may seem strange or jarring, and I am not saying this as a truism. Look quickly for the silver lining and keep thinking in that direction. It is not a side benefit; it seems to be the whole point. Aries, your birth sign or rising sign, is getting a transit from the planet Uranus -- which is a wild wakeup call, and a bold creative influence. I've recorded an hour of astrology and a tarot card reading for you. Learn more by visiting this page.
Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- Remember your negotiation skills. I only remind you because negotiation is not in vogue these days -- making demands is, typically in the style of all or nothing. Given that nobody really needs it all, but nothing does not suffice, keep in mind that the essence of negotiation is making sure that everyone gets the basics covered. You can afford to think with a little more foresight than what you might want or need right now. Devise a way of consciously prioritizing. And you will have to be the one who rises above any atmosphere (or perceived intention) of less than pleasant psychology. Part of being a professional is contributing to reducing tensions rather than escalating them. The question to ask is, 'What if everyone acted this way?' Many people don't realize it but they are waiting for someone else to set a good example -- you're the one who would be that example. I've recorded an hour of astrology and done a tarot reading especially for you. It's information that will help with your relationships, your professional life and your personal growth. Visit this page to find out more.
Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- At the moment, you seem to be at the mercy of what a partner is going through -- and you probably think you have little influence over the outcome. The more appropriate thing to be wondering about is whether you want any influence, and if you did, what exactly it would be. The situation seems more clearly designed as something you will have to adapt to, which is another way of saying you're dealing with a force much larger than yourself. What you experience may seem on one level like you've reached a turning point in a relationship, but what's really happening is that you've arrived at a point of no return in your own life -- and the relationship is just a reflection of that. Remember the Serenity Prayer, and remember that the most important part of that is 'the wisdom to know the difference' -- and I would add: then you have to use that information well. Gemini is one of the most misunderstood signs -- and as someone born under this sign, part of your role is to hold a mirror to the world. I've recorded an hour of audio for you, plus a 20-minute tarot reading. You can get access to these by visiting this page.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Pay close attention to what aspects of a relationship or partnership situation are working, and which are not. You don't want to wait around to find out what happens when you've got all the information that you need. Meanwhile, there are ways that you can contribute affirmatively toward a positive outcome. Much of what you're dealing with in one particular involvement are your 'hidden tendencies' coming to the surface -- tendencies which I would imagine you would let go of, if you could. The time has come to evaluate everything you say and everything you do on the basis of whether it adds or detracts from your quality of life and your quality of work. Many factors are compelling you to rise to the occasion of your life, as it is today -- not how it was yesterday, or how you wanted it to be 10 years ago. I've recorded an hour of astrology and done a tarot reading especially for you. It's information that will help with your relationships, your professional life and your personal growth. Visit this page to find out more.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- You need to strike a balance in a relationship situation between idealism and cynicism. That balance would come in the form of 'none of the above', which is to say, not trying to form a compromise between the two. Rather, a spirit of working from common ground, common values and a shared vision for what is possible will help you make the most of your situation. I suggest you give this at least a week or two to work itself out, as your emotions are currently under the influence of some form of projection. When Neptune leaves your opposite sign early next month, you will gain a more realistic perspective, and a lot more breathing room. To sum up, you have made a long series of compromises that it's now time to begin reversing, though this will not happen overnight. It may take years, but it will help immensely if you know the specifics of what you're working with, and what you have gained along the way. The 2011 Leo birthday report is 70 minutes of in-depth astrology plus a 20-minute tarot reading for you, exploring relationships, personal growth and your professional life. Visit this page for additional information. Introducing the Planet Waves All Access Pass for 2012 Last year we offered an All Access Pass for subscribers who wanted access to everything we offer in a calendar year. The response from our All Access subscribers was overwhelmingly positive, and we are happy to once again offer one of our most popular products: the Planet Waves All Access Pass for 2012. One price gets you a subscription to the weeklies and all other products on Planetwaves.net through December of 2012. Using one password for everything, which you choose yourself, you'll have easy access to every product, including birthday reports and special audio recordings, weekly email service, the annual edition, and whatever additional projects we create. It's a great discount on a year of our work. We trust that this idea is a fun way to meet your needs, whether you use astrology for daily spiritual inspiration, therapeutic purposes or pragmatic decision-making. And it's truly a valuable resource for students of Astrology. With the All Access Pass you'll receive: - Tuesday/Friday Email editions of Planet Waves weekly content and horoscopes. Follow Eric's weekly and monthly interpretations for all of 2012. - All sign birthday/ascendant audio for 2012. This is almost like getting a personal consultation with Eric for yourself and any loved ones whose astrology you track. Each audio report includes a fresh perspective on current transits and how they extend into the future, along with a special tarot reading for that sign. - Your choice of the 2012 or 2013 annual edition, all 12 signs. This book-length online publication includes written and audio segments, is accessible by password at any time, and always meets rave reviews by readers who refer to it throughout the year for its long-range, big-picture guidance. For More Benefits of the All Access Pass, Visit This Page.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- There should be a word for 'fear of depth' or perhaps paranoia connected to curiosity. Anyway, neither of those will be particularly helpful right now and either could become a pretty big detriment. Therefore, go deep, and encourage your curiosity. You've been on a project the past few years of gradually letting go of your inhibitions. Now is an excellent moment to both take advantage of what you've learned, as well as to go deeper and experience something new. Your sense of adventure may be mingled with some questions about whether you're exceeding your proper boundaries, or some code of decency you're being held to but that nobody had the courtesy to inform you of. There are no actual rules and regulations, and to the extent there were, Pluto -- currently your best friend -- has taken care of them. All you need are basic ethics and your 'common' sense. The 2011 Virgo birthday report is ready! I've recorded 70 minutes of astrology plus a tarot reading for you, exploring how you're working through family material, your use of spirituality, some new energy in your relationships and your professional goals. Visit this page for additional information.
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- How far will you go for love? You may be inclined to think that you'll go too far -- however, the dream you're following will soon lead you to a new feeling, emotional experience or depth of healing. This may feel a little like going down the rabbit hole, but unlike the one that Alice discovered, the dimension you're entering makes a lot more sense and is better suited to your nature than the brainy abstraction (or odd psychological tension) of the past few days or weeks. The theme of your life shifts clearly and somewhat boldly in the direction of healing, though what you may have forgotten is the extent to which that, for you, involves imagination and creativity, rather than some kind of technique. Both you -- and your relationships -- need space to move in, space that is reflective, sensual and creative, rather than adorned with too many ideas or chilly intellect. Your Libra birthday audio for 2011 is finished. Created outside next to an open fire, this reading covers the astrology for your sign in about 70 minutes (looking at career, relationship, home life and the many influences to change you're now experiencing). It also includes a Voyager tarot reading. Visit this link for additional information.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- You may be noticing an odd sensation in your life, as your ruling planet Mars slows down to a retrograde. This may feel like the soundtrack is out of alignment with the frames of the movie, or like the air (or your mind) is getting a little thick. I suggest you take the cue and slow down. This is not the time to blaze forward, but rather, for a careful reassessment. Mars retrograde lasts between Jan. 23 and April 13 -- which will give you a chance to look back on the past two years, and moreover, to prepare for the astonishing events of mid-2012. Take this opportunity to work out any hangups, disagreements or conflict over the most important thing you can do with your mind -- deciding what you want. Remember, you don't have to make all your decisions at once. You have some time, and I suggest you use it consciously. Hello Scorpios! Your 2011 Birthday Report is ready. It's about an hour of astrology, plus a 20-minute tarot reading. It's hot with transformational energy. I focus on your ruling planet Mars, your imagination and desire nature, and a phase of solid achievement. Please check this page for more information.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- You're about to have an opportunity to develop your financial resources; that is to say, to either make money, get a gig, or tap into some existing resource that has more value than you think. The key to financial success, for you, is grounding. You don't necessarily like 'the material world', and you know that there's more to life than that -- but when it comes to money or wealth in any form, your success will come from a practical, planned-out and in some ways traditional approach. As the next few days develop, I suggest you take any conversations slowly and patiently, particularly with bosses or clients. Small successes can lead to much larger ones, though you must take things one step at a time, no matter how brilliant or innovative an idea or proposal might be. Make no assumptions, and keep a close eye on the timing of commitments. The Sagittarius 2011 Birthday Report is ready. It's about an hour of astrology, plus a 20-minute tarot reading. Sagittarius is encoded with a sense of cosmic mystery, and the recent, hot eclipse activity in your sign will continue unfolding for the next 6-12 months as you journey. Visit this page for additional information.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Any secrets you may be keeping from yourself will soon come to light -- and you may wonder what the hush was about. However, what you're about to discover -- either about yourself, or about something deeply meaningful to you -- has the power to shift your perception of life -- and that means, the path of your life. Most of the time seemingly little revelations are forgotten as fast as they emerge; it's time for you to recognize the power of an idea. Now, the thing about ideas is that they are like seeds (and not everyone recognizes the value of these). In the present case, we're talking about an idea equivalent to an heirloom seed. It will need to be cultivated and cared for, and this takes time, patience and continuity. The initial excitement of possessing the thing must develop into something more mature -- with a focus on continuity and respect for the growth of living creatures. Happy birthday! There will indeed be a Capricorn audio birthday report! Watch your email or check this space for additional information in the next edition.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- You are certainly getting a tour of the light, the dark, the beautiful and the beastly. While I could be philosophical and say that it's all part of the kaleidoscope of human experience, I am sure you would rather have your life be simpler. I know you're getting exhausted with spending your days experiencing the kinds of extremes of existence that have characterized not only the past week but the past few months. You are at the end of a long, challenging phase of existence. By long I mean consider that what you've been living through is a phase that began in the late 1990s. You will recognize this a lot more clearly once it's over -- which by the way happens in early February, around the time of your birthday. Being a long phase there will not be an abrupt transition; tune in quietly and you will feel the subtle motion, ephemeral though it may be. To pre-order Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check., your full-length 2012 reading including written and audio segments for Aquarius, please go to this link.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- One thing I know from living through a lot of astrology is that when Venus enters your birth sign, that's good for you. It's a moment of not only appreciating the finer things in life, but actually having them be within reach. In a sense they always are, and we're often too busy or distracted to notice. But this is a special moment, as Venus makes a conjunction to Neptune and then ingresses Pisces, where it will be for a few weeks. Then, Neptune enters your birth sign. No matter how fast you may be going at the moment, or what challenges you may face, this is a moment to slow down and make space in your life for who and what you want the most. Share your abundance with others you care about. Within the madness of life, so much of it unnecessary, take a long moment and feel how beautiful your existence can be. To pre-order Revolution. Revelation. Reality Check., your full-length 2012 reading including written and audio segments for Pisces, please go to this link.