Rob Brezsny crop
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpios are obsessive, brooding, suspicious, demanding, and secretive, right? That’s what traditional astrologers say, isn’t it? Well, no, actually. I think that’s a misleading assessment. It’s true that some Scorpios are dominated by the qualities I named. But my research shows that those types of Scorpios are generally not attracted to reading my horoscopes. My Scorpios tend instead to be passionately focused, deeply thoughtful, smartly discerning, intensely committed to excellence, and devoted to understanding the complex truth. These are all assets that are especially important to draw on right now. The world has an extraordinarily urgent need for the talents of you evolved Scorpios.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “If you’re in pitch blackness, all you can do is sit tight until your eyes get used to the dark.” That helpful advice appears in Norwegian Wood, a novel by Haruki Murakami. Now I’m passing it on to you, just in time for your cruise through the deepest, darkest phase of your cycle. When you first arrive, you may feel blind and dumb. Your surroundings might seem impenetrable and your next move unfathomable. But don’t worry. Refrain from drawing any conclusions whatsoever. Cultivate an empty mind and an innocent heart. Sooner or later, you will be able gather the clues you need to take wise action.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Have you thought about launching a crowdfunding campaign for your pet project? The coming weeks might be a good time. Have you fantasized about getting involved in an organization that will help save the world even as it feeds your dreams to become the person you want to be? Do it! Would you consider hatching a benevolent conspiracy that will serve as an antidote to an evil conspiracy? Now is the time. You’re in a phase of your astrological cycle when you have more power than usual to build alliances. Your specialties between now and December 1 will be to mobilize group energy and round up supporters and translate high ideals into practical actions.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 2008, writer Andrew Kessler hung out with scientists at NASA’s mission control as they looked for water on the planet Mars. Three years later, he published a book about his experiences, Martian Summer: Robot Arms, Cowboy Spacemen, and My 90 Days with the Phoenix Mars Mission. To promote sales, he opened a new bookstore that was filled with copies of just one book: his own. I suggest that you come up with a comparable plan to promote your own product, service, brand, or personality. The time is right to summon extra chutzpah as you expand your scope.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Right now you have a genius for escaping, for dodging, for eluding. That could be expressed relatively negatively or relatively positively. So for instance, I don’t recommend that you abscond from boring but crucial responsibilities. You shouldn’t ignore or stonewall people whose alliances with you are important to keep healthy. On the other hand, I encourage you to fly, fly away from onerous obligations that give you little in return. I will applaud your decision to blow off limitations that are enforced by neurotic habits, and I will celebrate your departure from energy-draining situations that manipulate your emotions.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I’m greedy,” says painter David Hockney, “but I’m not greedy for money—I think that can be a burden—I’m greedy for an exciting life.” According to my analysis, Aries, the cosmos is now giving you the go-ahead to cultivate Hockney’s style of greed. As you head out in quest of adventure, here’s an important piece of advice to keep in mind. Make sure you formulate an intention to seek out thrills that educate and inspire you rather than those that scare you and damage you. It’s up to you which kind you attract.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): French philosopher Simone Weil described the following scene: “Two prisoners in adjoining cells communicate with each other by knocking on the wall. The wall is the thing which separates them but is also their means of communication.” This muted type of conversation is a useful metaphor for the current state of one of your important alliances, Taurus. That which separates you also connects you. But I’m wondering if it’s time to create a more direct link. Is it possible to bore a hole through the barrier between you so you can create a more intimate exchange?
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I had tended to view waiting as mere passivity,” says author Sue Monk Kidd in her memoir. “When I looked it up in my dictionary, however, I found that the words ‘passive’ and ‘passion’ come from the same Latin root, pati, which means ‘to endure.’ Waiting is thus both passive and passionate. It’s a vibrant, contemplative work . . . It involves listening to disinherited voices within, facing the wounded holes in the soul, the denied and undiscovered, the places one lives falsely.” This is excellent counsel for you, Gemini. Are you devoted enough to refrain from leaping into action for now? Are you strong enough to bide your time?
CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Venice is to the man-made world what the Grand Canyon is to the natural one,” said travel writer Thomas Swick in an article praising the awe-inciting beauty of the Italian city. “When I went to Venice,” testified French novelist Marcel Proust, “my dream became my address.” American author Truman Capote chimed in that “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one go.” I bring this up, Cancerian, because even if you don’t make a pilgrimage to Venice, I expect that you will soon have the chance, metaphorically speaking, to consume an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one go. Take your sweet time. Nibble slowly. Assume that each bite will offer a distinct new epiphany.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do you have any interest in reworking—even revolutionizing—your relationship with the past? If so, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to do so. Cosmic forces will be on your side if you attempt any of the following actions: 1. Forgive yourself for your former failures and missteps. 2. Make atonement to anyone whom you hurt out of ignorance. 3. Reinterpret your life story to account for the ways that more recent events have changed the meaning of what happened long ago. 4. Resolve old business as thoroughly as you can. 5. Feel grateful for everyone who helped make you who you are today.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “As a bee seeks nectar from all kinds of flowers, seek teachings everywhere,” advises the Tibetan Buddhist holy text known as the Dzogchen Tantra. That’s your assignment, Virgo. Be a student 24 hours a day, seven days a week—yes, even while you’re sleeping. (Maybe you could go to school in your dreams.) Regard every experience as an opportunity to learn something new and unexpected. Be ready to rejoice in all the revelations, both subtle and dramatic, that will nudge you to adjust your theories and change your mind.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t you wish your friends and loved ones would just somehow figure out what you want without you having to actually say it? Wouldn’t it be great if they were telepathic or could read your body language so well that they would surmise your secret thoughts? Here’s a news bulletin: IT AIN’T GOING TO HAPPEN! EVER! That’s why I recommend that you refrain from resenting people for not being mind-readers, and instead simply tell them point-blank what you’re dreaming about and yearning for. They may or may not be able to help you reach fulfillment, but at least they will be in possession of the precise information they need to make an informed decision.
Homework: Imagine you get three wishes on one condition: They can’t benefit you directly, but have to be wished on someone else’s behalf. Freewillastrology.com