Here I am in my fourth full week of being miserably sick with Goddess knows what!  I truly do not have the energy to write or to inspire and my friend Nancy, our resident Astrologer, drops me a line today with how to get through the Holiday chaos.  So to all my good friends, seen and unseen – Happy Thanksgiving and savor the memories of time spent close.

From Nancy:

Thought I would write a few pithy ways to get into the Holiday Spirit, and also survive the madness that encompasses these few days of bliss…  according to the stars.

We are so lucky to have the moon in Pisces, the sign of peace, love, kindness, empathy and caring on Thanksgiving Day — (can you tell I’m a Pisces?)  Alrighty then — let me clue you in on the less positive side of the sign — Pisces can also be whiny, too sensitive, scattered, indecisive (is that the same thing?), and overly emotional…  However — we can concentrate on the positive aspects and not only save our sanity, but enjoy our friends and family during the “crunch” of activity that might be driving us mad…

First our focus should be on thankfulness — there is always something to be thankful for even in these stressful jobless and credit ridden times.  Concentrate on the good, the happy, the funny (always have to have that sense of humor) and the fundamentals that make up our lives.  We choose to be happy, even when there is strife and hardship everywhere; it isn’t always easy, but for these few days a year, I always feel better when I set my mind to be positive no matter the aura of those around me, or the chores that lie ahead.   And — with the Sun in joyous Sagittarius, we have the bonus of looking ahead with more insight and with more anticipation that all will be well.  Yes these two signs don’t always blend well, but in this case the fiery sun tempers the watery moon and if any tears are shed — they should be of joy…

The planet of magic Neptune, and the planet of good luck Jupiter are in Aquarius, making us aware of all mankind and the journey it has taken to get us to this point in time…  We feel love and compassion for those less fortunate, and also for those members of our family who are not doing well on their pathway through this lifetime.  We reap what we sow — and we get back in triplicate what we give out — lavish those you love with caring, kindness and understanding, and you will be rewarded in kind with more love, respect and honor than you would ever believe.

Venus the planet of love and caring is in passionate Scorpio — so the only caveat is to be aware that emotions might overflow — no discussing politics or sports teams…  Mercury is riding alongside the Sun in Sagittarius and will make conversation flow easily and with witty repartee, and yes you do have to laugh at “Uncle Joe’s” jokes (that you’ve heard 100 times before).  All in all a wonderful alignment of the planets to ensure that we will have a joyous and bountiful Thanksgiving Day –

May your day be filled with family, friends, fun and, of course — Food !!!!  Enjoy !!!

Tags: Aquarius, Holiday Joy, jobless and credit ridden times, Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, overly emotional, Pisces sign of peace, reap what we sow, Scorpio, Sun in Sagittarius, Thanksgiving, Venus planet of love

This information from Nancy, our resident Astrologer, is so powerful!  When I read her information I realized that THIS New Moon phase is a critical turning point for me.  I sincerely hope you take the time to read her wisdom more than once ~ allow it to sink in to your consciousness and let your consciousness uplift you.

Thank you Nancy!

Scorpio is a fascinating sign — whereas most signs have one or two symbols that help explain their “personas” — Scorpio has four, the scorpion, the dove, the serpent, and the eagle — Scorpios are intense, secretive, noble, opinionated, sexy, emotional (although you might not perceive it), loyal, stubborn or determined, magical, and wonderfully complex.  They can reach the heights of humanity (like Gandhi) or the depths of infamy (like Manson) — they are fantastic in the breadth of their individuality…  to befriend a Scorpio is an achievement worthy of note.  They are selective and wary, and will never give up all of their secrets.  Yet they are loyal friends, partners and cohorts — you are blessed to have these complicated and fascinating people in your life.

This month has had more than its share of planetary activity that might have shaken up the status quo.  There are some major planets that have moved or will be moving into new signs, or going direct from a retrograde motion, our lives are being thrown into a state of confusion and most of us don’t enjoy being sidelined by unexpected happenings.  However, as the dust settles, our pathway will be made clearer, and the attainment of our goals will be something we can get a grip on — Those areas that are not working for us will be able to be cleared up, and a more positive frame of mind will help us in planning and executing our plans for the future. Just in time for the busy holiday season — our energy and excitement will match our needs in order to get things done.

The planet Mars is ensconced in Leo giving us energy and passion to go after what we want, Saturn is now into early Libra — changing our outlook from healthcare to concern about close relatives and neighbors, and bringing the chance of more balance into our lives.  Venus the planet of love and things we care about moves into Sagittarius on the New Moon day (16th) adding an extra spurt of emotion, insight, and caring to the overall energy of the day. Neptune turned direct on the 4th in the sign Aquarius, emphasizing the “caring for all humanity” phase of its current setting, with this direct motion might come some extra confusion for a while as we process the more positive vibes that are now coming our way. Neptune will inspire us to be more creative and will bring us to new understanding in intuitive and subconscious methods, whether in our dreams or in our meditations.  Last but not least, Uranus the planet of the unexpected is slowing in its retrograde motion in Pisces, and will turn direct at the beginning of next month — again giving us the more positive aspects of the sign — and still perhaps shaking us up in order to rebuild our lives with a better, firmer foundation.  All of these changes are in tune with the busyness of our daily lives — as we count down to the end of this year, the planetary cadences are giving us all that we need to accomplish our goals and finish whatever is needed to bring some control and balance, to help us and encourage us to move ahead.

We will be awakened to a new spiritual enlightenment, and we will be more willing to allow our higher consciousness to take over, we will be able to let go of the minor annoyances we face each day — just let it go!  Don’t keep niggling over minutiae — keep your focus on the larger picture and enjoy your life!  Remember folks — it is family and friends that make our life worthwhile — it is the relationships we forge that make us who we are.  Let go of any negative emotions, and change those partnerships, friendships or acquaintances that are not adding something positive to your life — this is your life and it’s up to you to make it a happy and fulfilling existence.  We can’t choose our immediate family, but we can make sure our relationships with them are moving in a positive direction — and if you are not getting the positive reinforcement you deserve — take a long look at what might be the problem — and if you can change it — fine — if not move on or decrease your time spent with those negative influences.  You will be happier and more positive, and in the future your attitude and changing lifestyle might just make a difference in the lives of others when they see how your life has improved.

Now we all know the New Moon is a day that will empower us to make our desires and wishes known.  The New Moon in Scorpio is especially strong and empowering, it will crest on November 16th at 2:15 EST at 24 degrees of Scorpio.  The afternoon and evening hours will be best to write out your wishes.  Since Scorpio rules transformation, courage, integrity, jealousy, and passion — make sure your affirmations include some of these aspects.  Remember to be specific and reach for the higher goals this sign sponsors…  Perhaps you need courage to end a negative relationship, or you want to increase your ability to forgive, or you need help to get control over your credit card debt, or want to attract that interesting person you met a few days ago, all of these can be enhanced by this New Moon.  There is so much power and energy in this sign and it can help you release negative emotions and get on a new path that will bring you much joy and happiness.

If you only write out your affirmations once in a while, make sure you do it this month when the Universe is sending you all the energy, passion and knowledge you need to make changes and create the life you want and deserve.  Reach for your highest goals, don’t settle for second best, and know that you are worthy of all the good, and all the best the Universe has to offer — rise to your highest level and bring along all those you love and care for into the beauty and enchantment of the light!

Tags: Aquarius, caring for humanity, Gandhi, holiday season, Leo, Libra, loyal friends, Manson, Mars, Neptune, New Moon in Scorpio, new spiritual enlightenment, November 16, once the dust settles, planetary activity, Saturn, scorpion dove serpent eagle, Uranus

Nancy, our resident Astrologer, has been receiving inquiries as to “what the heck is going on with the planets?!”  I too have opened many a private email asking me what’s up with the craziness?  Here to explain it is Nancy’s take on Saturn, the king of teaching planets:

Yes folks, Saturn the planet of teaching and karma is changing signs and might be stirring up a bit of mischief as it moves on — right now it is in the 29th degree of Virgo — and 29 degrees of any sign is always a significant point.  For some arcane reason, it is as if just by moving into another sign, there is a build-up of energy that intensifies as the transition is taking place.  Just as if you yourself were moving from a comfortable home and going into an area or place that was new and unknown — there is an intensity, perhaps anxiety that accompanies the move, even if it has been planned for and known about for some time — we fear what we don’t know — we are uncomfortable with the onset of a challenging new experience.  But there is good news — these changes help us move along, get us out of the comfortable traces that have turned into ruts, and bring us to new awareness of where we are, where we want to go, and where we should be.

Saturn moves into the sign Libra on the 29th at 12:09 PM EDT — it has been in Virgo for approximately 2 1/2 years — so it takes Saturn about 30 years to traverse the entire Zodiac and hit every one of the twelve signs.  When the “Hippies” told everyone not to trust anyone over 30 — they had a point — by the time we are 30 — Saturn has covered the entire 360 degrees of the Zodiac — and we are changed just by that experience alone.  In each sign, Saturn has attempted to teach us the lessons that sign wishes to impart.  And these lessons are modified by the “house” they reside in within our own charts.  Needless to say — those challenges we face all the time might be sparked by Saturn crossing over a natal planet or house cusp.

There is an upside to Saturn that is seldom mentioned — there is a Saturnine reward system that is as steady as its teaching system.  When we “listen” to what we are being shown, told, or forced into doing by Saturn — and we attempt to abide by the lessons that are being imparted, we get a bonus — a prize — a reward…  Now — we are all not going to win the lottery, or find our one true soul mate, or even find the perfect job… but we will be rewarded in kind with the lessons we have learned, be it patience, anger management, not giving up, being better listeners, just about anything we NEED to learn in this lifetime, is probably going to be Saturn’s goal for us.  And we will be rewarded unequivocally with equal and amazing results.

Now for all the Librans out there what does Saturn have in store for you in the coming couple of years?  I’ll try to answer in a non-threatening and calming way — Yes there will be tests in store, there will be disappointments, there will be times that you won’t want to face — BUT — think about what is going on in your life right now — are you happy with the status quo?  Are there things you know you should be changing?  Are there relationships or friendships that aren’t working?  Do you wake up each day looking forward or are you dreading the next sunrise?  Everyone knows their own needs and wants and desires, but sometimes we need a little push in the right direction to keep on our pathway.  Along with Saturn, Pluto has changed signs and is in Capricorn — this will give early Librans a little more stress but will make those situations that need changing much clearer.  These are dynamic planets and they are working to make you sit up and take notice.  Jupiter the planet of good luck also changes signs and will move from Aquarius, into Pisces and Aries and back to Pisces…  when it is in Aries it stimulates more activity and will spur you on to make those changes you need to make.  This period is from late July into early August — you may find the strength and energy to get out of a draining situation, you will find the determination to break free.  Stand up and fight for your right to be happy and fulfilled.

There will be positive and negative people coming into your life during this Saturn period, and you must be aware to pick up on the clues as to whom to trust.  With our economy being stressed and people looking for an easy way out — you could be vulnerable to that sad tale or sob story–check the facts, don’t take someone new at face value.  No I don’t want you to become so insular that you won’t be open to new and good experiences, but just be your own best counsel — if something doesn’t sound right — check it out — if it sounds too good to be true — well — you know the rest!

On April 7th Saturn Retrogrades back into Virgo — so yes Virgos (and Libras and the rest of us) — might have to go back to some situation we thought was settled and reconfigure the outcome.  It might be as simple as a car repair that returns or as monumental as the fact that your new house has a lien on it that wasn’t discovered when the home was purchased… just be aware of what is going on now and make sure you cover all that you humanly can — then let it go.  Keep all your papers and correspondence from this time period so you will have your information at your fingertips if something unforeseen should occur.  Forewarned is Forearmed — preparation goes a long way in easing tense and complicated negotiations.  Saturn will then reenter Libra on July 21st.  So early Librans and late Virgos are going to be in the throes of Saturn’s pull for a good part of the next year.  Please take note — this can be the opportunity of a lifetime — pay attention — keep your eye on the prize — take one day at a time, and make each day a little better than the last.  You can and will survive and flourish during this period — and just might find that you are a stronger and healthier person than you ever thought you could be.  Work with the Universal energy and it will bring you to a higher plane of existence in the here and now!

Jupiter is giving you some protection and an infusion of cautious optimism during much of this period.  You will find yourself feeling more in control and you will be much more courageous in your dealings with others.  They will know where you stand without a doubt — and there might be some who will be surprised to see you not compromise or back down to ensure keeping the peace — yes you want balance, you need balance, and usually will do anything not to create chaos — this year — you find extra strength to speak your mind and focus on your own needs.  Especially women, we tend to put ourselves last in the reward system, but there comes a time when you have to reinforce your own person and make others accountable for their egregious behavior toward you.  Don’t accept second, third or fourth place — it is time you make sure that you are at the head of the line… not in a boastful or “in your face” kind of way — but in a mature, I know my worth, and I’m not accepting anything less than I should have modality.   When Mars enters your sign on July 29th until September 14^th you will feel a burst of energy and will find yourself being more pro-active in seeking what you want.  This new assertiveness might take others by surprise, but you have been working toward this “new” you for some time now, and you are not going to want to go back to the agreeable but unhappy ways of the past.

This may be a challenging time span for many Librans, but we all must remember that the sign Libra is somewhere in all of our charts — and that area will be where your next challenge might manifest, it is up to you to know yourself and your goals, and purposefully chart a course of action to offset any negative encounters or roadblocks you might encounter.  Indeed if you have learned the lessons of Saturn in Virgo, you might just get your reward as it transits Libra — there is a wonderful balance in the Universe, even if at times it seems we are only seeing the dark side — there is always light — and as Jone reinforces in all of her postings “Reclaim Your Light”  — it’s your right and your duty — and only good will come from facing your fears and conquering them — I leave you in the luminescent glow of the Light!

Tags: 29 degrees of Virgo, accepting your worth, Aquarius, Aries, becoming insular, Capricorn, challenges we face, Jupiter, Librans, October 29, Pices, planet of teaching and karma, Pluto, protection, Reclaim Your Light, Saturn in Libra, Saturnine reward

I say this every time that Nancy, our resident Astrologer, sends me an insightful post for this site:  THANK YOU! I am especially grateful for this information, as I feel side-swiped from life’s testing path by a grandfather of an invisible whiplash.  Whew! Survived it…and now on to the wisdom:

This month the New Moon is in the sign of Libra — Libra has rulership over, music, drama, artistic endeavors, and with its ruling planet Venus it also has a lot to do with marriage, courtship, beauty, and therefore, has an influence with beauticians, clothing manufacturers, interior decorators, and flowers.

But Libra is a lot more than the listing above, it is a cardinal sign which makes it very strong and forceful, but subtle; moreover, it is an air sign which brings intelligence and curiosity to the fore.  Never underestimate the Libran, who might appear quiet, shy, and not very opinionated… you will learn how determined and resourceful they are if you take them at face value (which may be a beautiful visage).  The one thing Librans need overall, is a sense of balance (hence — their scales of justice symbol) — it would appear that they can easily be thrown for a loop when unexpected occurrences happen.   But — the intuitive Libran knows their own frailty and is often prepared for just that issue.  I’m not proposing that they cannot be blindsided by a truly devastating event in their life, but needing balance, they will rally with a determined force that might amaze everyone, because in a way they have already prepared mentally for most contingencies.

Even as children, the Libra child needs to know boundaries, and schedules.  They will thrive in loving homes that cater to their need for balance and equanimity.  It is important to give them a heads up when there might be a change in their lives; living conditions, a new baby, or a new school, even a new schedule for pre-schoolers, if their classes switch from morning to afternoon.  Knowing ahead of time what to expect will go a long way in keeping them on track and will allow them to take part in creating a stable and connected way of life.  They are smart and quick-witted, and will pick up on any controversy that is around them — they value being told the truth (age appropriate) and will regain their much needed balance when they are sure of their footing. They need lots of love and reinforcement that they are an integral part of the family group.

This has been an especially active month in the Heavens, there are many changes taking place and all of these changes can affect our senses and ability to maintain our equilibrium.  For instance Jupiter, the “good luck” planet has been in Retrograde motion for many months now (not giving us its best energy) and went direct on the 12th of this month, continuing its transit of the sign Aquarius until it enters Pisces on January 17th.  This will shift the emphasis for all of us depending where these signs reside in your own natal chart. For instance Jupiter in Aquarius has the ability to make us aware of social issues, can be enlightening to us about paranormal ongoings, religion, and might enable us to become better guardians of the environment. It can open our eyes to the true nature of current circumstances and bring us much needed wisdom in handling the situation.  Jupiter can bring too much of anything — and in this age of computers, Blackberries and other electronic devices — perhaps — too much information.  We can be bombarded with so many differing opinions, ideas and thoughts that it can overwhelm us.  It is up to us to sort through the chaff and savor the morsels of truth that are there to be seen — if we will only look. Perhaps this time period will bring us to a better understanding of our planet, and the things we have to do to preserve this world, and we just might be ready for the sacrifices that will entail… When Jupiter reaches Pisces next year — let’s hope we are prepared for what the future holds.

Saturn — the “ teaching planet” — will enter the sign of Libra on the 29th of October.   While it has been in Virgo, it has honed in on health reform, made us more aware of our own abilities in caring for ourselves and others, with better diets and exercise programs and brought to light those areas that need to be attended to — no hiding our heads under the blanket — you know where you must start to take command of a situation… it’s time to fish or cut bait.  Make those tough decisions and be strong in knowing you are on the right track.  Although Saturn might make our lives a tad more difficult, in the long run it will bring us our rewards, especially if we have fought the good fight.  It takes Saturn approximately 30 years to traverse the Zodiac — yes, by the time we are thirty years old we have experienced Saturn in all of the 12 signs — We are slowly and systematically being led into using our common sense, and native intelligence to solve problems.  When we don’t listen to what the Universe is telling us, we are brought abruptly to the ground — in order to shake us up, open our eyes to the reality around us.  Pay attention people!  Life is so much easier when we can work within the harmony and beauty that surrounds us.  Saturn will stay in Libra for approximately 2 1/2 years, Retrograding into Virgo from April 7th to July 21st of 2010.  At this time you may be required to revisit an issue you thought had been permanently shelved.  Let’s not play the ostrich and hide our heads in the sand.  Get your life in order, mentally, spiritually and financially. It is time — face your fears, be strong in your convictions, and get ready to enjoy your life, it will be what you make of it.

With the many financial crises and job losses going on today, you may be feeling out of sorts, vulnerable and very nervous about what the future holds.  Do your homework, make plans, find out all you can about your immediate situation — and save for a rainy day!  Create your foundation firmly so that you can feel a sense of control and well-being.  Even if your situation is precarious, there are steps you can take to ward off a complete collapse.  This is not the time to make quick decisions that you will have to live with for a long time.  Be careful in your business dealings and carefully monitor any contracts you might need to sign.  Be your own best advocate, get professional advice if needed and be sure you fully trust those who are handling your affairs, be it financial, spiritual, or emotional.  This isn’t a time period to be wasteful or careless with your possessions, money, or empathy.

The New Moon gives us a chance to put out our needs, wants and affirmations into the Universal ether.  You can write down your wishes and put into motion just what you want to happen in the future.  Be specific and clear in what you are writing — some things you may want to consider are Libran ruled, such as, getting more harmony and balance in your life, being more diplomatic where you work, bringing more cooperation into your life from family or co-workers.  This might be a good time to reaffirm your wishes for a new home, or perhaps to renovate the bedroom or family room.  Anything that will bring more balance and beauty into your life can be enhanced by writing down your affirmations during the period of the New Moon.

This month’s New Moon is in Libra on the 18th at 12:34 AM (add an hour for DST) — so all day long is just perfect for writing down your own special ideas and wishes — think carefully about exactly what you want to manifest.  The power is yours, the timing is right, and everything is on the table — go for the gusto — go for life.

Tags: age appropriate, Aquarius, blindsided, Cardinal sign, differing opinions, fish or cut bait, Jupiter in Aquarius, love and reinforcement, maintain equilibrium, never underestimate a Libran, new Moon in Libra, October 18, Pisces, Saturn the teaching planet, unemployment, Virgo, whiplash