Working up to Sun Square Saturn; Venus square Chiron

When I was a cub newspaper reporter who whose editor happened to be an astrologer, we were involuntarily instructed in the cosmic science. Flo Higgins, editor of the Echoes-Sentinel (infamous for moonlighting as an astrologer) would stamp around the office in her high heels, informing us of the impending astrology as we wrote our missives about the goings-on in various government agencies in central New Jersey.

Flo Higgins: Not taking any bullshit from Mercury.

Among her favorite aspects was what she called "Saturn square the Sun," which she said was about Discipline! Discipline! And more Discipline! (Which translated to, keep typing! If you're ever wondering how, where or why I learned to write five articles a day, now you know.)

What Flo meant was Sun square Saturn -- when the Sun approaches Saturn at a 90-degree angle, the two form a square aspect. With the Sun in Cancer now aligning just that way with Saturn in Libra, Flo is probably expecting an extra-thorough article about the Borough of Watchung Planning Board. The aspect is exact Sunday, July 15. I am giving you extra advanced notice because it's a good one to work with if you have any goals that seem out of the reach of your motivation.

You have more than a week to gather your energy and focus it into something meaningful. Organize the basement. Purge your files. Empty your storage shed. Do some other thing you might think is impossible.

Mercury goes retrograde the prior day, on Saturday July 14 (this was another of Flo's favorites -- she could get the entire publishing group of five newspapers worried about this one). As Mercury approaches its station retrograde (in Leo), you may have the feeling of building up to something: a goal, or a sense of urgency about time for something running out. It's best not to take that too seriously with Mercury stationing retrograde; at a certain point you have to let the dice tumble.

This will be the next in a sequence of inner planet retrogrades whose energy has dominated nearly all of 2012. So far we've experienced Mars, Mercury and Venus retrograde -- and now we get another ride on Mercury. When that resolves on Aug. 8, we will have a spell of no inner planet retrogrades for four whole months -- which ends on Election Day in the United States (though I will come back to that).

Closer to the moment, as reported previously, Mars has entered Libra, a placement that will stir the pot in relationships. The possibilities include the burning desire to get in or out of a relationship, to establish your independence within one, and/or to see the extent your identity is invested in a partnership. it's one thing to be invested; your identity is another matter.

At the same time, Saturday Venus forms a square to Chiron. This is more about sex and less about relationships, though it does involve the ruler of Libra, which is Venus. So there does seem to be a tipping point involved: are you making a decision of some kind? Are you making a commitment to yourself? Are you admitting what you really want? If so, you're right on time, though the astrology doesn't add up to a fairy-tale -- more like an adventure where the author doesn't know the outcome of the story.


Not Exactly Bringing Good Things to Life

A Japanese parliamentary panel has declared the 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant a profoundly man-made disaster, in a report released this week. Both the government and the plant's operator, Tepco, were cited with numerous deficiencies in their response to the disaster, which "could and should have been foreseen and prevented," and its effects "mitigated by a more effective human response."

More broadly, the report notes Japanese cultural conventions, including a reluctance to question authority, as contributing factors. Mariko Oi, giving analysis for the BBC, notes that, "The panel called the disaster Made in Japan, because the mindset that allowed the accident to happen can be found across the country." Contrary to the previous official story, the panel stated that the plant may have been damaged by the earthquake preceding the tsunami (common sense would say inevitable, with a 9 on the Richter scale).

This raises concerns over the government's recent authorization to restart two nuclear reactors in western Japan that also sit atop a fault line. The reactors at Fukushima were GE Mark 1 designs, used extensively around the world. This was among the problems that Kurt Vonnegut was warning about in his novel Cat's Cradle, which popped up a week before the meltdowns.


WikiLeaks Releases Syria Files; Assange in Ecuador's London Embassy

On Thursday whistle-blowing organization Wikileaks said that it has begun releasing "the Syria Files," which comprise more than two million emails from Syrian political figures, ministries and associated companies, dating from August 2006 to March 2012.

Syria has been the site of brutal violence against protesters (plus massacres of non-protesting civilians) since the Syrian uprising began March 15, 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring -- one of our first clear signs of the Uranus-Pluto square heating up. Protesters are demanding the end to nearly five decades of Ba'ath Party rule, currently headed by President Bashar al-Assad. According to WikiLeaks, The Syria Files shine a light on the inner workings of the Syrian government and economy, but they also reveal how the West and Western companies say one thing and do another.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could not attend yesterday's press conference announcing the release of the emails because he is still inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London, where he has been since just before the Cancer solstice on June 19, attempting to avoid extradition to Sweden. Assange's supporters fear his removal to Sweden would facilitate his extradition to the U.S., where he would be prosecuted for his work with WikiLeaks. Last week, Susan Benn of the Julian Assange Defence Fund said Assange will remain inside the Ecuadorean embassy while his application for asylum is processed, stating, "Under both international and domestic U.K. law, asylum assessments take priority over extradition claims."

Meanwhile, the head of the United Nations observer mission in Syria says violence has reached an unprecedented level in the country. On Thursday, Major General Robert Mood again called for a ceasefire to allow hundreds of monitors stationed in Syria to resume their work.



Planet Waves FM: Full Moon, Mars in Libra, and Independence

Here is this week's edition of Planet Waves FM. I posted it early to stay ahead of the holiday -- and because the Full Moon was Tuesday.

Eric Francis.

For those interested in a detailed written account of the Full Moon, please see Monday's edition.

In this week's Planet Waves FM, I look at the details on Tuesday's Moon-Pluto occultation, followed by the Mars ingress into Libra. These events were simultaneous, in theory separated by about 20 minutes but in truth part of the same experience. There's something here about our concept of self and the patterns of our relationships. In the first segment I look at some of the possibilities.

After a song break, I go over the Full Moon chart -- that was at 2:52 pm Tuesday. The Full Moon resonates with the Uranus-Pluto square, as well as rings bells throughout the sky. Venus, Chiron, Pallas Athene and Mercury (among other points) are involved in the aspect structure.

I also look at the Sibly chart -- the main July 4th USA chart. If you would like to see the chart, you can browse this subscriber edition of Planet Waves (please note my misspelling of Sibly on the horoscope -- there is no 'e' in the name). We are still in 'going through changes' mode as Pluto and Uranus make aspects to many planets in the USA chart, including the big ones -- when Pluto opposes the USA Sun as Uranus squares it (that's around 2014).

Last, I read the Declaration of Independence. It's not that long -- and it's pretty darned interesting. In case you're having a weekend July 4th party tomorrow, the recording is in a separate file so you can blast it from your iPhone's PA system.

Here is your program in the old player, where you'll find the full archives and a downloadable zip file.




Friday, July 6, 2012. Weekly Horoscope #909 | Eric's Zodiac Sign Descriptions

Our new zodiac glyphs are by Neisha Hirsch.

Cancer Birthdays this Week (also valid for Cancer rising)

The essence of your life right now is about learning to trust the unseen. You may be asking, how can I do that, if I can't see it? The answer to this question is spiritual development. There's a psychological element to this, which is about developing an understanding of who you are, which involves discovering what you didn't know before -- and this is one element of the 'unseen'. There's an emotional element, which is about knowing what you feel and having some sense of why you feel that way. Then there's a mystical element, which is about making friends with the vast cosmos you contain, and the many possibilities that hints at. Now, if you're wondering what I could possibly mean by 'vast cosmos', I would propose you have little to lose by trusting that statement, and then pointing your attention inward to see what's in there. You will find a mix of contradictions -- and a marvelous way that they resolve themselves into something more beautiful.

Aries (March 20-April 19) -- If you get the feeling that someone close to you feels like they're in a burning building, don't be so surprised. To them, you've felt restless and agitated for as long as they can remember. Therefore, I suggest you keep your mind open to what someone close to you needs or wants. Any consideration of equality or balance needs to be considered on a long-term basis: this story has a history. Meanwhile, even in your day-to-day contacts with people, you may notice that they are being more assertive with you. I suggest you keep your cool. As the next few weeks unfold, you may notice that the assertive or aggressive energy coming in your direction gradually ramps up. The only thing you can control is your response, and that will count for a lot; you have the power to defuse, diffuse or clear up any situation with the quality of your response and your state of mind. The less reactive you are, the less reactive others will be. Hello Aries -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).
Taurus (April 19-May 20) -- You now have access to a truly unusual quality of communication, where you can be direct without being pushy. That's coming from a deeper place than your feelings or your mind; you have available a level of confidence that comes from taking ownership of what you're learning. Let me say that another way. You're starting to feel intelligent in a new way, like you have deeper knowledge available to you. That's the direct product of self-knowledge. It's also the product of getting some relief from your age-old conflict about what you want, and what is true for you. Now you can explore based on your increased depth of knowledge and confidence. The next few days offer you an experiment to explore what you want, regardless of any hesitation you may have felt in the past. You can go a little (or a lot) further out on a limb, particularly with what you open up and allow yourself to feel. As you do, keep your focus. You're in an excellent position to use what you know -- and you'll benefit from doing so. Hello Taurus -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed) If you would like to hear your Taurus birthday reading, please visit this link.
Gemini (May 20-June 21) -- You're at a peak of sexual power right now -- which may be granting you some unusual charisma in every other area of your life. Your chart suggests you can have any fun you want, including access to people you might never have imagined possible. There's just one caveat: impeccability with your words, and how they express your feelings. It's not enough 'to be honest'. What you want is to be precise. Your charts are so potent right now that you run the risk of not caring what other people might feel, how they might respond to you, or whether you will have exactly the influence you want. Yet if you honor the need for that precision, you will avoid most or all of the negative effects that can arrive when sexual energy is exchanged, or political power is used. Your longterm reputation is at stake, which is not a caution against having some serious fun; rather, it's about making sure that fun is beneficial to everyone. Hello Gemini -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed). Your Gemini birthday reading is ready! Click here for an hour of astrology plus a tarot reading by Eric.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Mars has changed signs into your solar 4th house -- the one associated with your security base and living environment. This is an excellent time to get control over your physical spaces -- though while you're doing that, it's also time to consider the issue of safety within your physical spaces. Let's take that concept as a full-spectrum idea. This includes the emotional dimension and the quality of communication you have with anyone who so much as enters your private space. It includes doing a check for toxic substances: I recommend a purge of your garage, storage closets and under-sink areas. Every one of those products is more dangerous than you think. Mostly though I suggest you consider whether you are emotionally and sexually free. You may be feeling a push in this direction -- and you may encounter some resistance, whether it's from within yourself or whether it comes from a relationship partner. Follow your instincts, and understand what any resistance is really about. Hello Cancer -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed). Your Cancer birthday reading is ready! It includes more than hour of astrology plus a tarot reading, and has been wildly popular (also great for Cancer rising people). Use this link to order.
Leo (July 22-Aug. 23) -- The Sun is about to make one of its two annual square aspects to Saturn, and this is about focus and discipline. You don't need to pour it on all at once; over the next week, gradually gather your energy and set a few clear goals. I suggest these goals be a little more ambitious than you think you can accomplish. I recognize you'll be doing this at what is a pleasantly social time of your life, and you value the company of the people around you. That's where discipline comes in -- and not giving in to peer pressure (for example, someone randomly accusing you of 'working too much'). In fact there is time for everything, if you keep your priorities in order. Meanwhile there are certain people in your environment who will be supportive and available to help, particularly with ideas they've thought through so well that you'll both be surprised by how useful they are. Hello Leo -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) -- I trust that it comes as a relief that Mars has left your sign. If you've been wondering why you were going through what you were going through since November, this transit may not account for that though it vividly describes the feeling of having to question every dimension of your existence. You've had to examine every element of what you want and why you want it. Said another way, you've been through what I can describe as an integrity check, which has included stress testing, investigating your health, and most of all, figuring out that it's correct for you to want what you want. Now, your mission is to trust what you've learned. You may be moving from a place of having gathered considerable confidence in yourself to one where you may be more ambivalent -- though if you call your mind present and remember how hard you've worked to learn what you've learned, that ambivalence will be meaningless. Hello Virgo -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).
Libra (Sep. 22-Oct. 23) -- You may be noticing an exaggeration effect: of desire, need, restlessness or any other focused emotion. You may be feeling more independent than usual. If you do, be aware of your environment. You are surrounded by forces much larger than you are. It's not that you cannot move, flow or dance with them -- you just need to be conscious of what you're doing, which includes what you're thinking. You are an autonomous person, though currently this has some limits on it that are calling for a disciplined approach to life. If you start to experience resistance, tension or blowback from your environment, I suggest you rein yourself in a little and investigate why that might be happening. It's true that certain people in your environment are the ones who seem reactive, though this is a dynamic response of two forces responding to one another. What is the cause and what is the effect? In your life, you're the primary cause. Hello Libra -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- The sky is the perfect setup for fantasy scenarios -- that is, as long as they don't involve Cinderella and Prince Charming. Recent changes in the astrology are opening the door for you to explore fantasies that transgress what you normally do, or deem acceptable. A partner, lover or friend may be considering the same kinds of experiments that have been running through your imagination. One question is: who should lead the way? I will say this: the astrology strongly suggests that women or those with a strong feminine orientation are feeling particularly bold, though not saying much about it. If that's you, I suggest you speak up. If you're in a position to influence someone else, set up the situation so they can state what they want openly. The free will factor is important, as conscious choice is going to be the basis of feeling safe and secure enough to act on some truly unusual and adventurous desires. The key through all experiments is keeping communication open. Hello Scorpio -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 22) -- Others close to you may seem to have all the advantages, though you have a lot you can learn from them. You're also seeing your own potential reflected in the choices they make and the ways which their lives are improving. I suggest that you guide your energy toward the healing needs you've been identifying and working with in recent years, using this moment to commit to going deeper into your most pressing life questions. You may find that certain close partners are both willing and knowledgeable enough to guide you through certain levels of yourself that you're less than comfortable with. One pressing question is the way that family dynamics manifest in your life, particularly when you find yourself in a group of people. In a word, this is about trust. While you may have the idea that you can go it alone, that's not really true, though everything depends on your ability to trust both yourself and others, in that order. Hello Sagittarius -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) -- Express your leadership skills in moderation. You will seem bossier to others than you feel within yourself. In your own mind, you're just doing your job and fulfilling your mission. To others you may seem to be swaggering, arbitrary and even unfair. Therefore, make a habit of being diplomatic. If you're making a decision that influences others, make sure that you get their input, and offer them some evidence that you've considered it carefully. The thing to emphasize is fairness, and remember that what's fair in your mind may not be so in the perception of others. This is why you want a collaborative effort, even if you're in a leadership position where you get to be the one who makes the final decision. You may have the upper hand today, but you will need allies in the not-so-distant future, during a phase of your life when your negotiation skills will count for a lot. So I suggest you make a point of refining them now. Hello Capricorn -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Your faith in yourself seems to inflate and deflate like a balloon, though at the moment it's building rapidly. I suggest you focus this through your work, and by that I mean the next phase of your work that's unfolding. Now, 'work' may be the wrong word here; the feeling is more like an erotic craving to do or accomplish something, as if your happiness depends on it. So this isn't work in the sense of effort, but rather connecting a deep desire to the focus you need in order to accomplish it. Don't worry about whether you can do it; the thing your happiness actually depends upon is your willingness to take the chance. The conditions are such right now that you have the combination of raw desire, a good idea and the discipline to go at it every day. Try this for a while and see where you end up. Remember that creative impulses need a lot of guidance on this plane of reality, which includes deflecting any opinions contrary to what you want. Hello Aquarius -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You can trust what you're feeling, even (and especially) if it's coming from below. A rare mix of factors is inviting you to feel not only safe, but free, in experiencing and expressing your deepest passions. I suggest that you use multiple outlets for what you're thinking and feeling: for example, physical, visual and in words. Of the three, words are likely to be the most expressive and helpful. What's happening to you is that an emotional element of self-acceptance is slipping into place. You know who you are, and who you're becoming; now you're feeling your state of peace with that. Part of this is reaching a deep sense of peace with how different you are. It's one thing to be different and another to feel content and confident being so. Though certain elements of your inner reality and your outer one don't necessarily seem to match up right now, that tension itself is presenting you with a truly interesting form of inner harmony. Hello Pisces -- Eric has written a new description for your sign that you have access to from this link (no password needed).