21 February

5:35pm EST

Practicing Peace

A new energy is birthing where The Fishes swim in your Zodiac Pie. As the collective’s emotional focus shifts to a sympathetic nature, we take up initiation in the gentle sign that brings us imagination and sentimentality. How will you embrace the powerful instinct that prefers peace to find you as another Waxing Phase begins?

Moon enters Pisces,
Tuesday, 21 February, 12:31pm EST until Thursday, 23 February at 9:48pm EST
Deep and ever-active feelings love to find us as our Lunar Lady takes a swim with The Fishes. It is a great time to ponder in mystery, but be sure not to venture too far in the unknown. Emotions in mutable water lean to a susceptible energy that can easy to gravitate to indecisive, weak-willed, and lazy tendencies. There is great power in cultivating clarity and concentrating on instinct during this passage. Be cautious however of deceptive, self-indulgent, and chaotic feelings.

New Moon, 21 February, 5:35pm EST, 02 degrees Pisces
When our New Moon shows itself in the dreamy energies of Pisces -the sign that consciously aims for understanding- there couldn’t be a more auspicious time to receive impressions that open up our intuitive natures. Be sure to check the Piscean House, in particular the 02-degree Pisces spot, in your personal birth chart to see where a new energy is ideally meant to unfold. This is the area of life that heavily favors initiation in the next two weeks to follow. Seeds that you plant in this half of your Zodiac pie as the light gathers until the next Full Moon upon 08 March, are bound to reap a rich harvest further down the road.

For the Collective
The possibility of restless feelings may create some waves, so make sure you stay swimming in safe waters as this New Moon kicks off. Mercury has been journeying with The Fishes, and placing clues as to how we should best communicate our feelings at this time since 13 February. Neptune and Chiron on either side of our Sun and Moon -at 0 degrees and 04 degrees Pisces respectively- both indicate being within stillness will be the best way to receive the intuitive channel of this passage. Childhood memories may surface, which now wish to change your beliefs upon these first impressions. Wounds from the past can be gently healed at this time.

Since our last Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius, this is the 4th New Moon that initiates at the 2nd degree of the sign, furthering our understanding about nurturing the spiritual awakening that is already in forward motion on this planet. These next two weeks are dynamic in the possibilities to practice peace within our lives. By 08 March, the very last Full Moon releasing at the 18th degree of Virgo, will conclude an intense period of letting go so we can make room for ultimate new beginnings as we celebrate the New Moon in Aries.

Lunar-O-Scope, New Moon in Pisces, 2012
For the collective horoscope, again we offer advice for every sign from the outer vantage point. Remember, if you know your Rising Sign (Ascendant), read that passage too, for it typically will apply to your personal charts’ advice, more so if the earlier degrees of it. Keep in mind, the exact casting of the natal birth chart determines a precise perspective of how the current transits of the planets personally and specifically affect you.

Aries: No stranger to exploration Dear Ram, so are you ready to really dive into those inner places in your life? The self-discovery you are about to unfold will have you looking forward to all kinds of self-undoing. The spiritual, subconscious realms, and the psychological make-ups of life have already been chatting to you to journey within your own head. You love to take the lead, so keep on striking up new ideas about how you spend intimate time with your spirit and soul.

Taurus: Your friendships have been conversing about change, and now it really takes place. New groups or causes you’ve been thinking about don’t require your patience any longer. Something you’ve wished for since a child can truly come into manifestation- so listen carefully to your dreams. Organizations are quite influential at this time. Accept that invitation to socialize     -aside from emotional comfort- there is equal mental satisfaction you’ll gain from attending.

Gemini: A buzz of energy surrounds you now in the career and public life, and continue to be on the look-out for those changes. This is a fantastic time to promote or start a new business. A nice recognition may just come your way, and one you may have visualized since being quite young. Your relationship to authority can see improved communications- allowing you to arrive at an understanding you’ve not been responsible to before as old worn out impressions here disappear.

Cancer: You’ve been stimulated as of late to feel quite imaginative about a new direction you’ll take your philosophies now. Plan a trip, take one, or find ways to broaden your view of the world at large. Remember your vision of the world as a child- this still wishes to speak with you now. With sensitivity and intuition surrounding you, expand your beliefs. Tune-in to your instinct, and let in some exploration within new educational pursuits that equally serve your spiritual desires.

Leo: Your securities and investments have already been communicating how to make decisions about changes here. You can find smart ways to make not only yours, but other people’s money to create wealth for you at present. Somehow, your childhood plays a role in this current process as a surge of regeneration and change within your soul’s core eagerly awaits completion. Go ahead and feel sexy Lion, as you also tap into sensual desires to feel new in mysterious ways.

Virgo: Toss off the logic Virgin, now is not the time to be shy within your partnerships, from your romantic ties to business contacts. Present connections are of special importance to the future, so feel no doubt with any decisions moving forward. Don’t fuss or worry about the details, as the realms of communications have been speaking intuitively to you about the direction to take, which has something to do with remembering impressions you received at a young age.

Libra: Ready to embrace the opportunity with both arms to bring improvements to your health? There are new beginnings in how to find your peace when being of service to the world. Helping others at present really feels perfect. Thinking about taking on a new routine that you may have wanted to do since you were a kid? Implement it now- it has the means to stick around and continue to work. Starting a new relationship with a pet, is also a balance for your Scales.

Scorpio: Admire what power brings you, and combine that with your impressions from childhood, and you’ll have plenty of it at your creative fingertips. Excitement and confidence are now behind whatever your current projects involve. Trust that feeling to be much more playful, especially enjoying any contacts with children. Offspring or a “brain child” wish to captivate your attention now. Take a deserved bow on a center stage, but don’t let your ego take the lead.

Sagittarius: One of your multi-tasks has seen you doing some pre-Spring cleaning Archer, which has brought upon a fresh sparkle to change-up your environment. While you are no stranger to loving it different, you are all ready for them within the home. Your arrows set their aims to focus upon your family life. Aside from your impressions here from youth, déjà vu and psychic experiences, have very important messages at present for you to receive.

Capricorn: Is it possible to make you any wiser old Goat? Well, you know better than most we never stop learning, and you have been stimulated to improve your mental capacity. Go back to your hard-working childhood and see how this connects with the present ideas. Plan a short trip now if you aren’t already on one. A spiritual journey for your mind is a path that will bring you plenty of reward and that will serve in healing, as fresh way of thinking works hard to reach you.

Aquarius: There are some new values originating that get you in the mood now to take stock of your personal possessions. New ways to earn your dollars are finding their individual means to invent themselves at present. Look to your values as a child and what these mean to you now. New life seeks to enter your entire sense of security. You may find yourself making a purchase that grants a deeper understanding about what truly matters to you most, which can heal you.

Pisces: The light is on you Dear Fishes, to put on a fresh new face. Exciting new feelings of self-sufficiency take the lead in the waters you choose to swim in. While your sympathetic concern is always intense for others, be intuitive first and foremost with yourself. What has always motivated you since you were young? As the world awaits to see you differently- you have prepared to reveal the inspiring ways you’ll now receive your first impressions and approaches.

Full Spectrum Massage

Elizabeth Menzel…

You would imagine most family and friends would be THRILLED at seeing me retire over 100 pounds, right?  Well, for the most part, this is true.  One friend came up with a cute little goodbye … “It’s GREAT to see LESS of your MORE often!”  Have to admit, that took a couple run-throughs to catch what he meant. Too fun!

Part and parcel of changing my image from the inside out (see post below) was helping folks I know (who are still morbidly obese) to NOT feel threatened by my new lean and healthy body.  Many have known the FAT me for 95% of the time we’ve known each other.  These folks have watched many other drop and gain a few times.  They anticipated that would happen to me.  Since it hasn’t, at first, it seemed threatening to them.  How?  from their comments, like, “You look TOO thin.”  Or, “Are you really okay?  You seem to look a bit gaunt.”  As you might guess, these folks really struggled with the change they witnessed in front of their eyes!

I happened to ask a few folks I had just started getting to know (when I reached my goal back in 2005), “do I look too thin?  Do I appear ‘gaunt’ to you?”  All of them said, resoundingly – NO- you look great!  From those responses, the next time I heard a “you’re too thin” from one of my long-term obese relationships, I kindly, gently asked, “does my being thin bother you.”  Of course they laughed at the notion that my new healthy weight bothered them.  Months later, as our connections grew more strained, I offered them a graceful way to maintain a relationship.

With as open of a heart as I know how to make it, I look into their eyes (or asked them to listen closely to my words as we spoke on the phone) and said, “I love YOU for who YOU are, no matter your size, no matter your attitude about me.  I hope you’ll do the same for me.”  Of course, everyone always says, “OF COURSE I’ll love you for who you are.”  Now, what they seem to miss, is, ‘what kind of love’ are they willing to share. Conditional love, love that requires me to look or be a certain way, is the kind of love I shy away from these days.  Conditional love played a large role in how I got into my morbidly obese condition.  As I gained a more healthy sense of self, I watched other’s imagine, almost EXPECT me to ‘go back to my old self.”
Since 2006, I’ve stepped-up my boundary settings skills with folks.  I make it clear from the beginning that I’m on a path to live to at least a robust, lively, fully engaged 150.  That path include maintaining the best physical health I’m comfortable with.  (I have to admit, I need to get back to more walking these days.  I’ve gotten keyboard-bound with all my writing! Yes!  Yes! I Know!  I know.  Gotta step away from my keyboard more often!!)

Now, my health and wellness coaching program includes a couple KEY questions people MUST ask all those they hold near and dear BEFORE starting on my program.

Question one:  who will support your desire to gain then maintain a healthier body – for the rest of your life?

Question two:  who might be non-supportive in your quest to become more healthy in the form of teasing, less-than-kind remarks, etc.

Based on the number of people identified in the above two questions, we’ve got an excellent idea of where to start.  Until YOU have 100% support by 100% of those you hold near and dear, you may need to allow those less-than-supportive types to fade into the past. The most kind gesture I know to allow someone to be who they wish to be is to give them the space to do that!

Questions?  Need help? Click this link! Let’s talk.  Kindly know, as we come to our last segment of this 13 part series, along with our host, Peter, I’m here for you!  Engage us to help you sync-up that image you have on the inside with what you see on the outside.

WINTER WANES IN PEACEFUL PAINS… Pisces is here to break up the cold and move us towards Spring! Yet, under the ongoing Mars Rx and soon to come Mercury Rx, Winter’s exit just might make us think it has just begun. The Fish can be easily swayed, so prepare to cultivate some focus as we swim in the Zodiacs deepest waters of wisdom in the month ahead.

A MEDITATION FOR PISCES
The purpose of Pisces is in large degree the purpose of pain. This sign of spirituality is fittingly called “The Great Deep or Depth.” On the physical plane, the oceans are its counterpart, the seas that toss and surge in sounding, raging fury; yet, the same waters may sometimes reveal the placid power of sweetest peace in idyllic, silvery calm, and the lovely lull and lakelike beauty that make cognizable the tune, tempo, and harmony of the transcendental, a union with the one life of love through the Word of the world, sounding as tranquil tone. ~John Jocelyn

AS THE PLANETS MOVE in their constant procession through the Zodiac, the Universe’s energy affects us as individuals through the knowledge of our natal birth charts as well as on a collective level.

CURRENT PLANETARY TRANSITS
18 feb SUN enters PISCES 10:18pm
19 feb SUN enters PISCES 1:18am
21 feb NEW MOON in PISCES 5:35pm 2:35pm
26 feb HAPPY OSCARS! Neptune rules the film industry. Hardly a coincidence that Cinema’s highest honor is celebrated during the Sun’s transit through Pisces each year.
02 mar MERCURY enters ARIES 6:41am 3:41am
05 mar VENUS enters TAURUS 5:25am 2:25am
08 mar FULL MOON in VIRGO 4:39am 1:39am
11 mar DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS 2am
12 mar MERCURY goes REtrograde in ARIES 3:49am 12:49am
19 mar SUN enters PISCES 10:14pm SPRING EQUINOX
20 mar SUN enters PISCES 1:14am SPRING EQUINOX
Eastern Standard Time/Pacific Standard Time
Eastern Daylight Time/Pacific Daylight Time

CURRENT LONG TERM PLANETARY TRANSITS
MARS IN VIRGO RETROGRADE
JUPITER in TAURUS
SATURN in LIBRA RETROGRADE
URANUS in ARIES
NEPTUNE in PISCES
PLUTO in CAPRICORN

The Typical Pisces
These water sign natives display a knowing, dreamy, searching, understanding and receptive nature. When a Pisces denies their innate psychic gifts- they can fall to chaos, addictions, escapism, self-pity, and laziness. One way a suggestive Pisces can keep in check is to be in full awareness of never believing in delusions, but still have the scope of trusting the unknown and mystery of life. As they swim in their ocean of endless choices, cultivating determination allows them to achieve all of their many dreams.

In Your Natal Chart
The Zodiac House that Pisces’s energy rules in the birth chart is the 12th of Solitude/The Subconscious/Psyche. This is the area of life in our chart that denotes the channel that dictates where we can find reward within self-renewal and solitude. The sign positioned here points to the energy that guides our personal and inner resolve. As the Zodiac Wheel spins for any individual birth chart, the House Pisces is placed indicates how they will see an ever-questing and spiritual nature behind all they do. Natal planets in Pisces also display their inherent expression through the qualities of this wistful, impressionable, and lenient sign.

Sun enters Pisces 19 February
As we transit into the last sign upon our Zodiac Wheel, we are soon to see a change of season as the innate energy of this mutable communicator advises the collective to be ready for adaptation and shift. Neptune shows Pisces how to admire the beauty of peace that can be found through absorbing and permeating the love within humanity. When compassion is necessary, the experience of self-sacrifice easily channels through how we see movement through where The Fish affect the vast ocean of our lives. COMPASSION is the COSMOS COMPASS that knows how to PASS ON IN MASS PAINS IN NO PANIC, and no other sign is more attuned to handling pain in peaceful ways.

Mercury enters Aries 02 March
Our Messenger, a mere 10 days away from Retrograde, pops anew on the Zodiac Wheel. While Venus already has smoothed the path for what will be communicated here now, we’ll have just a taste of Spring’s energies to come before Retrograde begins 12 March. As Mercury will display alert mentalities while journeying with The Ram- direct and spontaneous forms of expression easily can find us. Patience can be a challenge as forceful energies prepare the stage for what we will all ultimately review as the Approach to our Messenger review time will have been ongoing since 27 February.

Venus enters Taurus 05 March
While Aries and Pisces get ready for some time out, The Bull is feeling fine as the planet of harmony journeys patiently here and points where to focus in the life for a good strong dose of optimism to find us. Joining up with jovial Jupiter at 09 degrees Taurus upon 14 March, there are some deep-rooted, steadfast and natural ways affections will be displayed here, which are only further expanded by the urge to see how the glass is optimally half full. However you can absorb the devotion to what is currently happening where The Bull prefers you choose stability in the life, is time happily spent. Generous opportunities continue to bestow their honest and fortunate gifts here to be embraced.

Full Moon in Virgo 08 March
Our last Full Moon in a 6-month series of release at the 18th degree of the sign, (which began upon the Full Moon at 18 degrees Aries in October 2011), we now complete an understanding of Spiritual Material Conflict at 18 degrees Virgo. With Mars Retrograde not too far away at 11 degrees Virgo, we certainly find this may be a painful lunar passage of emotional undoing. Choosing to resist the changes that desire to shape and make their way into our material lives within The Virgin, will cause eruptions. Especially under the spiritually inclined Pisces Sun, true experiences requiring the earlier mentioned compassion will be present, and self-sacrifice more than necessary to handle them. Reflect any conflict with grace- for if one feeds the angry wolf at this time, explosive reactions are given the go ahead to then occur.

Mercury goes REtrograde in Aries 12 March
Certainly there may be some exciting days that make one think Spring is about to burst, but the last half of March into early April will see quite the wavering of letting this be true. As always under Mercury’s request for reflection, the 06 deg Aries to 23 degree Pisces piece of the Zodiac Pie will see it’s fair course of upsets and change-ups to emerge here. Coupled with the ongoing Mars Retrograde in the opposing sign of Virgo, there is a rebalance of communication verses motivation that wishes to even out. Again rather than choosing resistance; allowing ultimate reassessment to unfold, lets in an understanding that can ideally harmonize these two complimentary areas of our lives. Responding, going slow, taking in pauses and taking up with stillness will be the ways to find the innate messages we are meant to receive.

As Rumi once remarked about The Fish, “Be SILENT.” It is here that we can truly LISTEN IN TIES IN TEN: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9… TEN- I ENLIST. You already hold the answers you seek. As Pisces peacefully understands our pain that heals, it is up to us to tune in to our depth of compassion to clearly hear them.

Love is or can be beautiful . Valentine’s Day can be fun or passionate. But if you don’t buy into VD tradition It’s okay. We all express love in different ways, and manifest it differently. Upon appearance it may seem that this holiday has turned into a corporate tradition that may make you question your love, or singlehood. Life is not a cookie cut out. February 14th is not the day where your romantic life is made or broken. It’s an opportunity to express love or on a cynical note to stimulate the economy.

With all the message units that tell us how to be, sometimes one may get lost in the ads and forget what love is or how to attract it. I will be leading a Learning Love’s Language workshop February 25th 3pm-4:30pm which focuses on learning your love language and how to become multilingual in expressing your needs and how to communicate love. This workshop is for both singles and those in a relationship. If you have ever heard or said “I want you to Want to….” And not understood what that meant. The mystery will be cleared. The Workshop will be composed of Kinesthetic Visualist Meditation, Cognitive Exercises, wisdom drawn from experience, Buddhism, Christianity and Parenting. It’s a global approach to communicating love.

What does a word like coasting have to share with us? With a Name Expression of the Chaldean’s understanding of the 27, The Sceptre, it is packed full of interesting insight that we can absorb as we all take the foot off the gas in our lives.

The Chaldeans’s saw The Sceptre’s 27 to mean: “This is an excellent, harmonious and fortunate number of courage and power, with a touch of enchantment. It blesses the person or entity it represents with a promise of authority and command. It guarantees that great rewards will come from the productive labors, the intellect, and the imagination. All of these creative faculties have sown good seeds which are to reap a rich harvest. People or entities represented by the 27 should always carry out their own original plans and ideas, and not be intimidated or influenced by the diverse opinions or opposition of others.”

How apropos when your life deserves a passage of coasting that these are the gifts that can emerge as blessings. As you decide to put things in neutral -just like driving any car, when your foot is not on the gas- you can better listen to your inner productive labors, intellect, and by all means the magic gains from imagination. The creative nature equally is favored to emerge any time we choose to be engaged in coasting, rather than be in any gear. Here, in the gentleness of being, original ideas are birthed. There is absolutely no reason to be intimidated, influenced or opposed by anyone, because you are in control to still steer your wheel as you align in your own personal courage. What enchanting power indeed. Like the engine of your car, tune in to how you idle, and hear the humming.

Taking a deeper look at the two ciphers composing the 27, there are such pleasures that come from the understanding of how these interact. With both being water guided and receptive channels of energy -as we embrace the Moon’s reflection through 2 and Neptune’s psychic ties through the 7- the intuition and knowing from time in solitude is amazing to behold. Like coasting -which opens the door to listening to an inner voice- the innate gifts of the 2 and 7 point the soul to imagination, nurturing, sensitivity, mystery, spirituality and sympathy.

Taking necessary coasting time to sharpen ourselves, then allows the outward energies of the 2 + 7 = 9 to emerge through Mars’s request for courage and independence as we pioneer within. However it is sharp to be aware if any conflict or aggression tries to invade us –we are not meant to reflect it, just simply as we coast, steer ourselves away from it. When the inner voice is fully awake, it is amazing what distractions and negativity we can avoid. As we all currently circulate through a Mars Retrograde that began 23 January and concludes 13 April, trying on a bit of “throwing it in neutral” within the Virgo area of our lives is truly a fantastic practice.

Lexigrams lend the final piece of being in the know that coasting is sure a wise choice to make friends with in our lives as it deems appropriate. As we look to the anagrams that can be derived from it, and spiral them into poetic phrases; we are granted more clues to let this word serve us and recognize how valid it can be to optimizing our life.

COASTING

AS I COAST, I GO ON IN NO GAS TO GAIN
I CAN GAIN IN NO GAS, AS I SIT IN A “NO GO ACTION”
I CAN ACT IN AN AGNOSTIC GO, AS I GO ON
AS I SIT AS A SAINT, I GO IN GNOSTIC GAINS
I TANGO IN NO ANTICS, NO STINGS, NO CONS AS I SIT IN STOIC GAINS
AS I SIT IN NO ACTION, I CAST AN AGO COAT TO COIN IN
AS I SIT, I GO IN GIANT GIANT GAINS IN NO ACTION
AS I SIT IN SONIC GAINS, I GO ON IN GIANT ACTIONS IN TONS
AS I SING A SONG TO AGO, A SIGN GO INTO ACTION
IT SO A GIANT GAIN TO COAST AS A SAINT IN NO ACTION

I went in.  Examined the shorts.  Sighed.  “Too small” I thought.  The likelihood of me fitting in a size 32 was laughable.  Yet something inside me said – “SHUT UP!  Try on the shorts.  The worst that’ll happen is you’ll put them back on the rack.”  Okay! Okay!  I tried on the shorts with every intention of mocking myself for being so delusional!

I wandered into the dressing room.  Baggy pants fall off easily you know!  Slipped on the shorts.  Without realizing it, I YELPED like I had just been surprised by a dear old friend materializing outta nowhere!  Actually!  I was surprised by a dear old friend – ME!

MY GAWD!  Those shorts – a bit snug – not too uncomfortable – FIT!

Those shorts FIT!  I could NOT believe it!

I gathered up my baggy pants and did a happy little Snoopy dance all the way to the cashier.  The poor woman at the counter wondered if I had completely gone off (or overdosed) my meds!  When I spotted her concern, I shared my story of retiring over 100 pounds little over six months ago (at that time). I continued to share how I thought I’d NEVER fit  into a size 32 EVER again!

She was amazed to say the least.  She also could stand to retire at least 100 pounds herself.  Do you think she inquired about what I did?

Nope!  I didn’t press the issue.  Everyone is perfect as is – right!

From that moment onward, I daily worked at syncing up the image I felt with the image I thought!  Many times, I found myself in complete denial I had accomplished what I did!  Each time my ego wanted to flog me with old stories and images, I’d walk up to my bathroom door’s full-length mirror and observe myself from head to toe.  I gently rewired my internal image to match-up with real-time body.  Granted!  35 years of being morbidly obese imprints an image that’s hard to change. As we all know, ‘change happens’ with every breath we take!

When I begin work with someone who’s goal is to reture 100 pounds or more, I help them retire their inner image as they retire unhealthy weight.   The MORE my clients DO this work, the MORE quickly, safely, naturally retire unhealthy pounds!  Go figure!  Need help?  I’m a click away!

4:54pm EST

Full Moon in Leo

Creative Intelligence

Looking to what has gathered since our New Moon in Aquarius 23 January, it’s time to bring all into fruition within the spotlight of Leo. As this 5th waning phase in a row now begins at the 18th degree of the sign, be ready to continue in the Universe’s request for material release and further spiritual alignment where the Lion reigns within your Zodiac forest.

Moon enters Leo,
Monday, 06 February at 8:24am EST to Wednesday, 08 February at 12:32pm EST
For those who are checking their ego at the door: fertile instincts, passionate feelings- generous, confident, and loyal energies can indeed emerge. The capacity for leadership, receiving admiration, radiating warmth and a creative flare are the natural gifts of Moon in Leo. When dignified responses verses pompous reactions are the practice, the outcome of truly sensing what is heartfelt becomes the victor as this lunar transit passes.

Full Moon, 07 February, 4:54pm EST, 18 degrees Leo
We all know the Full Moon typically brings intensity to our emotions. The days leading up to and following The Lion’s luminous showcase may bring up drama, opinionated feelings, self-indulgence, and conceited attitudes to those unaware. Steer clear of unbridled desires and inflammatory reactions; be on the lookout for brash, rude, and militant attitudes to be flying around.

Be sure to check the Leo House, in particular the 18-degree piece, in your natal birth chart to see where a release is ideally meant to unfold in your life. As this intriguing degree point asks us to pay close attention to any Spiritual Material Conflict within our lives as the 18 requests, see how the next two weeks through 21 February points you to reflection here and do a little mid-winter cleaning.

For the Collective
What you also find toying with the Full Moon’s natural opposition of our Sun and Moon is the mix of Mercury, as he conjuncts our Sun and will too, oppose the Moon at 18 degrees Aquarius. As the Sun and Mercury bring forth intense clear thinking which may produce some ingenious intelligence, our opposing Leo Moon may try to pull against these ideas. Honing in on the burst of creativity that this lunation can emerge, it is best to honor benevolent feelings. Lively imaginations will be present, as the collective can notice a lot of change wishing to speak with us all.  We are best to let any restless, worrisome, and wavering emotions go- instead absorbing the perceptive ways that a SILENT LISTEN allows this lunation to bring forth it’s clever messages to us.

A Full Moon that directly opposes Mercury has some heavy potentials to release slanderous energies with the excitability it can create, so be sure to be aware of sharp tongues spewing off ego related statements. It may be interesting to note -in such a place as the USA with its’ current political campaign heat- what may surface here with those in power. Egos not left at the door will be drawn to drama like never before, so do expect some queens to be on their stage for this pass.

Lunar-O-Scope, Full Moon in Leo, 2012
For the collective horoscope, again we offer advice for every sign from the outer vantage point. Remember, if you know your Rising Sign (Ascendant), read that passage too, for it typically will apply to your personal charts’ advice, more so if the earlier degrees of it. Keep in mind, the exact casting of the natal birth chart determines a precise perspective of how the current transits of the planets personally and specifically affect you.

Aries: It’s a true time for you Rams to finish up something upon the stage of your life! Planning to focus upon completing that creative adventure you’ve been diligently working on holds your attention. Should you have children, they may require your attention now, or one of your “brain children.” Whatever love affair flirts with you, this can easily move on to a higher level. Reflection mode will be required to decide whether things should move forward or be dissolved, and keep communication here as your friend.

Taurus: There are a many conclusions you will be arriving at that pertain to your home and family life. Watch out for any domesticated drama, and especially now don’t react to it- respond! Should a sense of stagnation be present- you may not feel the room to move. Look to the existing structure that may no longer be working. That sense of déjà vu has a high potential to occur, so listen to that instinct you hear from within, as its’ message is of karmic importance. Avoid being sharp of the tongue in public or work.

Gemini: What is the thought process longer serving you Dear MINI GEM? There is a worn out pattern desiring release here. You’ll find comfort by reviewing something you have recently learned. This waning passage is ideal for completing a needed educational pursuit that enlivens that need to know intellect of yours. Siblings and neighbors are around, but should they bother you, it’s time that you start thinking about another journey you are about to take if you aren’t already one that can teach you plenty.

Cancer: Financially, you should be feeling better about how you are taking in your daily bread. Spending time re-evaluating your value system, allows you to re-anchor your securities. Take a hearty look at your possessions, and what those claws no longer need to hold onto, let them wash away with the tide. Making room here now will open the door for something new to bless you later on, which is equally being talked about where you make things worth even more. Transformation is talking, so listen up.

Leo: The Lunar spotlight shines upon the King of the Forest! Be careful not to take everything around you completely to heart. In fact, it is favored right now, that you reflect upon what approaches no longer work for you and those tiresome first impressions. Sharpening the saw here is a marvelous antidote for this transit- that allows plenty of conversation to then emerge with those you partner with. Humility is real insight you need, as the world awaits for you to shed the worn out mask that you’ve now outgrown.

Virgo: Those logical feelings may not find you now. Whether it makes sense or not, it is best to take a look at the inner layers of your psyche- and not always the most comfortable place for your Virgins, the unknown. However, your subconscious is quite primed for you to pay attention to the most hidden parts of yourself. Don’t be afraid to be of service to what you see, for healing old wounds here makes room for brilliant self-realizations that will naturally bring better communications with your health and co-workers.

Libra: All will be a buzz of energy in your friendships and organizations. While you are the Zodiac Star of the never-ending balancing act of life, if there is a friend right now who is not peaceful to you, it’s time to let them go, or work it out. Prioritize and goal set in your groups right now so all of your wishes come true later on. Accept that unexpected invitation to get out and socialize: it holds some keys to the future- and you’ll find more than likely, you find your-self on stage which becomes the talk of the party.

Scorpio: Career matters are on the surface right now, and you are urged to reflect upon them. Your purpose, mission, and reputation await significant changes, as your public image takes center stage. Your views upon authority may also find you probing over this waning phase. Family and home life is feeling something fresh, but should misunderstandings emerge, don’t take revenge. Remember to soar above it all, as you find your preferred outcomes utilizing the scope that your Eagle eye is so innate at gathering.

Sagittarius: Aim your arrows in the direction of gaining more of that philosophy you love so much Archer. Reflecting upon your beliefs also captivates you.  If you aren’t on a trip, you’ll be feeling like making plans for one- but it must stimulate your ever-expanding intellect and be somewhere you’ve never been before. However you can find the way to travel, make sure you are in pursuit of something that puts your spirit in higher education. Your mind has great thoughts to share, so write them down.

Capricorn: Looking to make some financial revisions old Goat? It’s a prominent time to reassess investments, get to those taxes, or review your shared/joint resources. While you are sometime unsure of deep changes, rest assured these are ready to be embraced now. Is there a need for more intimacy in a personal relationship? Now is a fantastic time to focus upon things on a physical level, as your drive right now is completely illuminated! This core transformation, makes you value what you have all the more.

Aquarius: Those closest to you, personal or business related, now take your center emotional stage. You feel less detached within these than normal, as you yearn for human contact. If a decision needs to be made here, its’ answer will completely unfold by the next New Moon. However, now is not the time to withdraw, but to look to the self to see how to bring new life to the situation at hand. Loads of new approaches are trying to reinvent you, so let them show you a unique way to be seen in the world.

Pisces: Feeling the urge to improve your routine, personal habits, or health? Don’t doubt your psychic powers now Dear Fishes, because your intuition is spot on! Let go of a habit that makes you feel too confined. There are definite changes evolving with your service to the world, so hone in on daily patterns and make sure the waters you are swimming in are healthy and safe ones. Look to your dreams right now to especially communicate the answers you seek to complete the puzzles of your waking world.

The act of savoring is often an acquired taste. Savoring something invites us to FEEL more than THINK!  Savoring something involves ALL the senses.  Savoring is best done real-time!  (Ever try to savor the refreshing qualities of drinking a glass of chilled water on a hot day, an hour after drinking that glass of water? It’s just NOT the same is it!)

As you gain then maintain a healthy weight, kindly do yourself a HUGE favor!  Savor every step of the process.  LOVE every minute no matter what.  Allow all the compliments you can stand – IN! If ever you experience a set-back of any kind, savor it as well.  How?  Know that everything has a divine reason of some kind.  While that reason may not be readily apparent (if ever) there is a reason someplace.  As I trust this notion of divine timing, it allows me to savor life more fully, each and every day!

If you need help in re-awakening your ability to savor – anything – let’s connect.  I have a couple open seats in my private coaching practice.  Send me an email with your request.  We’ll set-up a day / time to meet face-to-face via Skype or enjoy a fun, focused call. We’ll savor a few ah-ha’s along with a few hearty laughs!

Now, try to savor something within the next hour – will ya!  Let us know what you savored by clicking this link to share a comment or two.  And THANK you taking the time to read this post.  How about sharing this post with others ehh?  Namaste!

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Being within the healing arts world I find it an important aspect of my practice to engage the community in relaxation and calm. I know many great practitioners of various modalities that appreciate offering their services to the community. Sometimes individuals may not give themselves permission to try something new, or may not permit themselves to spend money… if the latter is true the great thing about this event is that the practitioners are donating their time. This is our gift to the community.

Last year we had Reiki, hypnosis and chair massage. Our event has grown and changed. This year there will be a free restorative yoga class prior to the event (limited space) from 5:30pm-7:00pm with Kyle McGough, RYT-200. From 7:00pm-7:30pm reception snacks and beverages. From 7:30pm-9:30pm mini-sessions will be offered by Rachel Hardy, LMT (chair massage) , Adriana Franco, C.Ht. (Reiki), Trinity Capili, RYT-500 (breath and bodywork) and myself (Mini-HypnoArt Workshop). Reminder there is no “I love you” without the “I”. Love is better with the “I.” And love is stronger and more powerful when you allow it to be a conduit from self. Join us for a celebration of self.

Where?
Hypnotiq Solutions Studio
(enter from Hollydale)
3058 1/2 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039

A friend of mine thinks I’m “crazy” and does not believe in any forms of holistic healing, the stuff I champion. His way is to use basic allopathic medicine in the form of drugs and surgery. He does not believe anything said to him unless it comes from some with the letters MD after their name. Some time ago he had neck surgery to “fix” a painful problem that he had been experiencing for several years. The surgery was a success and he felt much better, going back to his previous life with relative ease after a drawn out recovery period that included many months of physical therapy. After about seven months he felt fantastic and boasted of his wonderful health. I was tremendously happy for him but I noticed that he had not changed. He was the same guy before and after the surgery; same beliefs, energy, behaviors, and actions. From my own personal experience and through several years of working with clients I have come to understand that dis-ease/pain is a teacher. We must learn the lesson it has to teach us if we are going to truly heal. Within a year of his miraculous recovery he was laid up again and unfortunately in even more pain then the first time. He did not learn the lesson his dis-ease had come to teach him.

My friend only addressed his dis-ease on the body level of existence and completely ignored the Mind and Spirit levels of his dis-ease. Often these lessons have been in our awareness on some level for a long time. In these situations, we simply did not spend the time required to learn the lesson OR we refused to even acknowledge the lesson and we suppressed it or ignored it. Eventually these become patterns and the pattern will get more and more severe, like a kid throwing a temper tantrum, until it is finally recognized, dealt with, and processed. He never looked at the cause of his dis-ease and he refused to even acknowledge that his behaviors, thoughts, and spiritual awareness (or lack of) had anything to do with his physical pain.

If you are feeling the pain or discomfort that comes from being in dis-ease I ask you right now to stop! Turn within and ask the dis-ease what it needs from you to heal. Seriously! You will be surprised by the request it makes. For some of us, it is starting a spiritual practice, for others it is going back to school or re-committing to your true passion (you know the one you gave up on and walked away from for that high paying job). For others it might be taking a daily walk, forgiving a loved one, or simply pulling weeds in your garden. Ask your dis-ease, “What action do you need me to do that is Spirit/Body/Mind based that will help you heal?” Then, just listen for the answer. It may come as a whisper, as an “Ah-Ha” moment, or as a slow realization. From this point on, your job is no longer to fight the dis-ease but to do what it wants you to do so that it can be “heard” and loved.

If you’re interested in learning how to do this and make your dis-ease your friend then check out my private practice and/or workshops at www.PeterBedardHypnotherapy.com. I hold you as already healed!

It comes on slowly but surely and doesn’t happen all in one day, but watch, the dream is shifting and there is a gradual emergence of a new level of creativity that demonstrates our evolved imaginations. This is Neptune going into Pisces now for the next 15 years. There will be fantastic new images, ideas and events that transform reality.

Now all three higher octave planets are in new signs, Uranus is in Aires, Pluto is in Capricorn and finally Neptune is in Pisces. Hence the constant reminder of the dawning of a new era. The structures have been shaken and fractured enough that the soft Neptune fingers of creative imagination, the possibility of spiritual refinement and enlightenment can come in and give us an alternate personal and collective vision. This new placement of Neptune will stimulate compassion, grace, sensitivity, increased psychic awareness, and a deeper connection to the divine.

Neptune the planet of spirit, that which is ineffable, that which cannot be defined or caught or controlled or held, Neptune the energy of illusion and betrayal and poison, drugs, toxins, oil, the ocean and dreams, is arriving back home. After traveling all around through every sign of the zodiac since 1863 when Neptune was last in Pisces, and after a brief three month preview in 2011 (think about what came into your life last April – July), Neptune is now in Pisces until 2026!

It might feel like “seeing” what’s been there the whole time, hidden in plain sight, discovering what you just couldn’t figure out a minute ago. You may feel “awakened” to something obvious; see the truth or the wound or the potential of a person, place or thing that wasn’t clear before. Notice the pieces to a puzzle gently fall into place. It might also feel like the opposite for a while too, like nothing fits and you don’t believe in anything or don’t know what you believe in anymore or who you are. Feeling enlightened or confused as to what the new dream, hope or vision is, a feeling of numbness or vagueness while the old dream leaves and before the new one has come in. Therefore, it is a great time to change your image, a new face, body, hair, clothes, or life style.

Moving pictures, spiritualism, hypnotism, séances, slavery, the first oil well, Moby Dick, idealistic manifestos – the history between 1845 and 1863 when Neptune was last in Pisces is fascinating and worth a study because all of those themes will take a huge evolutionary leap in these next 15 years.

We already have a relatively new obsession with 3-D in the movies, which will quickly lead to some next newer version of creating illusion. We’ll see holographic projection and then virtual picture participation . . . and on and on, always trying to bridge the ordinary world with the non-ordinary world. Stepping directly into fantasy, time travel, shape shifting and creatures from other dimensions are all becoming part of the norm.

It will be a spiritual and creative renaissance, the next 15 years will bring revolution in music, painting, theater, fashion, photography, pharmaceuticals, the ocean, and of course film. It’s a large amount of reality changing focus, some subtle and invisible, some highly fantastical, whimsical and theatrical. Mars in Virgo is a good antidote during this initial phase of Neptune into Pisces, it will help identify the fakirs and snake oil salesmen, the false prophets and out and out liars who will start to wear a new kind of mask and invent new kinds of fraud. Religion is a prime target for re-focus.

Neptune in Pisces is a new “collective reality”. The prayer is a Pisces reality of peace and compassion, mystical consciousness; it’s about finding a new collective dream. The old dreams are hard to believe in anymore, we need new ones, new myths, new Gods.

Neptune wants so badly a reality beyond this mundane limited place of suffering and hardship. The magical mystical sacred presence of the divine is there and here and everywhere at all times and Neptune in Pisces can give us the new level of consciousness required to understand how to make our brains microscopes and telescopes and kaleidoscopes depending on what kind of vision we need at the time.

Understanding that reality is relative to ones belief, believing makes it so; if you believe it you can achieve it. If you don’t believe it, then it becomes impossible. We are looking for renewed faith, and we will find it. We can know our inner Shaman and Healer while we’re kicking butt in the material world.

We have to watch that our thirst for illusion and mysticism and escape isn’t so rampant and lacking in discernment that we allow a new “magician” or “savior” to come and pull the collective wool over everyone’s eyes. We may discover new species and life forms; it’s all a reflection of our own evolved imagination and the need to know that which is higher than us. Our imaginations are what have gotten us to this reality, as beautiful and painful as it all is. Our imaginations will now concoct new worlds of magic and possibility and channel the next dimension of the divine. This may also be accompanied by the loss and disappointment one feels when the old dream fades away. Go to sleep to the old, wake up to the new.

Watch for many grand new theatrical productions on the stage of world events.

There’s always a dominant drug signature during planetary time periods and Neptune in Aquarius was the horribly destructive addiction to Oxycontin, which has only been around since 1996, as long as Neptune was in Aquarius. Watch for a new wave of pharmaceuticals, even more alluring magical drugs that claim to cure everything.
This next decade will be the widespread incorporation of marijuana into the fabric of society, which we in California think has already happened!

The worst part of this placement of Neptune is becoming enslaved by the belief in your own jailer, the most powerful of which is fear. We must watch out for believing in fear, addiction, weakness, sickness, toxicity, betrayal or any other debilitating feeling as a justification for our own imprisonment. The jailers count on the cooperation of the incarcerated for the whole plan to work. It’s a great time to break free from whatever enslaves us.

Neptune moving from an air sign into a water sign will make a big difference in the way we perceive information, psychic breakthroughs and renewed interest in our multi dimensional senses will start to rival our obsession with technology. Hypnosis, astral travel, sleep therapy, dream manipulation, consciousness altering of all kinds will be in vogue. The Ocean will take on tremendous new importance, hopefully because we decide to really protect and heal it.

Much shifting is occurring, this is the time when Pisces People come into their own and shine! Wherever Pisces is in your chart is the shore upon which untold magical mystical treasures are washing up and twinkling silently.

Love, like everything else, is a vibration or energy.  And so is prayer, which is a topic I want to focus on this month. I’m often asked, “Do our DPs hear us, and do they hear our prayers?”  The answer is yes, absolutely!  Indeed, prayer can be used to create healing vibrations that transform our own lives and assist our beloved DPs on the Other Side as well. Also, thru prayer, we can prepare ourselves to receive our DPs’ transmissions, by letting them know of our love for them, and showing that we want to hear from them.  Never think that your prayers are not felt or heard-they most certainly are!

One of the most respected members of his field has shown time and time again how prayer can have a very positive effect.  Of course, I’m talking about Dr. Masaru Emoto, of whom I’ve written about before.  His philosophy is that with the power of prayer, all of us can be conduits in healing the planet.  He demonstrated the validity of that message in July of 1999, at a ceremony offering prayers to Lake Biwa, which had been extremely polluted.  About 350 people gathered and participated.  A month later, an article came out in the newspaper saying that this was the first year they didn’t receive hundreds of phones calls complaining about the foul smell from the lake!

In a recent article from the magazine “Pure Inspiration,” there was an interview with Dr. Emoto which focused on his discoveries regarding the power of prayer, and especially his observations about the power of water.  As I recently took a walked along the beach, I couldn’t help thinking about Dr. Emoto’s philosophy in relation to the greatness of the ocean. The ocean does, without question, take your breath away with its magnificent beauty and power.  More about Dr. Emoto’s theories can be found in his books, “The Hidden Messages in Water,” “The True Power of Water,” and “The Secret Life of Water.”

When thinking about the power of prayer with respect to water, I am reminded that throughout history, most indigenous cultures have had a deep respect for Nature.  They also had ways of giving back, ways to say “Thank you,” to show their gratitude for what our Higher Source and Mother Earth have given us.  Native Americans and other indigenous cultures have always believed that Nature is divine, and have always demonstrated a deep respect for that which we are only part of.  Indigenous cultures engage in many celebrations as a way to communicate with the Spirit of Mother Earth.  A form of prayer, if you will, and in the big picture, a demonstration of Love.

As you enjoy your Valentines Day and all of this February 2012, remember to send thoughts of Love to all who are near and dear to you, whether here in the physical, or on the Other side.  Feel free to include a message to Mother Earth and add an extra dash for those who could use just a smile, thought, or a phone call.  And meanwhile, remember, your DP’s can hear your prayers sent on their behalf, for energy is everywhere and everything!

I learned all about sleep apnea upon returning home for a long West Indies sailing adventure.  I shared a cabin with two other friends, who, upon the first night together, I’m amazed they didn’t throw me overboard!  During breakfast the first morning out to sea, they both told be I snored loud enough to possibly break our cabin portal!  They also mentioned they feared for my life!  Why? I’d stop breathing for long periods of time, only to shatter the silence when my body convulsed enough to restart my breathing.  I had NO clue about all this until that fateful morning.  Of course, I felt terrible about all this. Looking back, I see now how my obesity took its toll on the health of two dear friends.  (Your health does, indeed, factor into the health of everyone you hold near and dear.)

After the dust settled from that trip, I spoke with my Doctor about my sleeping habits.  I received a referral to a sleep apnea clinic. WOW!  What an experience.  The technician was amazed that I didn’t exhibit the traditional signs of sleep apnea based on my sleep study results.  Given my results (a 95 out of 100 score on their scales), I should have been one of those folks who falls asleep at the wheel when driving, falling asleep at my desk, etc. Based on their scales, newborns may score a 25 on their tests (meaning, just about everyone has some form of sleep apnea from time to time).  A 95 was considered life threatening.

My Doctor wanted me to IMMEDIATELY start using a C-PAP machine to help me breath better while sleeping. GREAT! A face-mask strapped to my fat face forcing air into my nose and mouth all so I might experience a sound sleep.  I understood the implications of turning down a C-PAP machince when I opted for the more dramatic option.  Surgery.  A risky procedure known asUvulopalatopharyngoplasty (or UPPP) combined with a full tonsillectomy. Thankfully, all turned out well.

Moral of the story, obesity often results in sleep apnea. Sleep apnea robs our bodies of necessary deep sleep time.  If you’re partnered with someone, you may be robbing them of their sleep time with all that snoring! As we all know, lack of deep sleep depletes our immune system as well as increases our chances of being less than kind to ourselves and others.  Think about it!  If you’re over weight and feel tired all the time, it’s time you realize you may have a severe case of sleep apnea.  Get this checked out ASAP!

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It’s sometimes hard to know what is metaphor or prediction when we access the same Records as a group.  But it’s a very empowering and exhilarating experience to have multiple people tuning into the same Akashic energy and receive similar information or feelings each in their own way.

Highlights from our December reading about 2012 include:

• Do not be afraid. There is nothing to fear.
• You are supported. Your heart and awareness is opening up more. There is much to enjoy and appreciate no matter what is going on.
• The power of women will be enhanced. We’ll notice it at election time. The influence of Venus will be very profound this year.
• Remember that prophecies are not concrete. We all have the power to change what is coming. We need to focus on the positive.  The Records keep changing depending on the energy of the collective masses.
• We’re influencing the energy through our thoughts, word and feelings.
• We have always had ups and downs. People’s fear can influence how things look and feel. We can shape the face of how things look.
• The consciousness shift is now more collectively active. The holiness of this year cannot be overstated. Do not be caught up in appearances.
• Many people will suddenly wake up to a new Consciousness this year. Lightworkers around the world are creating the critical mass to help others raise their consciousness.
• Large structures are crumbling. Everything is changing.
• Prayer will help stabilize everything. Pray from your heart.
• We’re becoming a Global Community, not just a Tribal Community.
• What’s evolving is like a dirty glass of water with clear water being poured into it. The clear water is stirring up the muck to bring it out, to bring it to the Light for healing. The chaos around the world is like the dirty, murky water. As more Light and Love are poured into these situations and healing takes place, there will be a clarity, a “cleanness” like the clear glass of water after all the muck has been displaced.
• We’re in the shift of a cycle. It’s a whole year of transition. It’s the late 60’s on steroids now! But it’s happening in a more concerted, rational and compassionate way this time.
• We and the world are mirrors of each other – we are going through our own internal shifts.   The Global Internal Shift will happen by 12/21/2012. We may not see the External Shift until later.
• There will be a Communion between the Akashic Records and human beings. This will be available to more and more people.

Highlights from our January reading include:

• 2012 brings symmetry and strength as people realize that we are all one.  We will be more grounded.
• 2012 is like a dark room lit up from inside by a bright flame.  As the heat and light of the flame expands, the darkness is replaced by the light.
• People will lose their emotional “armor” — it will fall off like the scales of a reptile or skin of a snake.
• New gifts are being given to us from other dimensions.
• A global cleansing and clearing is already underway — everything we are holding onto from the past can be cleared this year.

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Our LA Akashic Practitioner group will be opening 2012′s Records every few months as 2012 evolves.  We’ll see what new insights, perspectives or information become accessible as our Collective Consciousness continues evolving and the Soul-body of Humanity expands.

Stay tuned!

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Barbara Schiffman is a Life&Soul Coach, Akashic Records Advanced Practitioner & Certified Teacher, and author/speaker on personal evolution.  Based in Southern California, Barbara creates and teaches practical transformation tools designed to help people enjoy their lives and evolve their Souls.  She offers workshops, individual readings (in person and by phone), guided meditation CDs, books and more for Soul Seekers and Conscious Evolutionaries.

Barbara’s next Akashic Practitioner Certification Training in LA is 2/24-26. For info, call her at 818-415-3479 or AkashicLA@gmail.com, or visit:

http://YourLifeandSoul.com

http://YourSoulSupportShop.com

I consider Paula Deen an addict. Like an alcoholic she cannot help herself and she continues to abuse herself by engaging in her addiction. Like Charlie Sheen, she even flaunts her addiction and tries to get everyone around her to indulge in this addiction. She preaches the value of high cholesterol, trans fats, and obesity. And, like the smart woman she is, she capitalizes off the misery she is creating. Unfortunately for her she has been caught in her own web of destruction.

A few years back Paula was diagnosed with diabetes, now the 15th cause of death in the United States, and it is most likely due to the lifestyle that Paula so proudly flaunts regularly on her television show. A life of little exercise and lots of processed foods full of butter…oh, did I say butter? Well, add another stick of that creamy death wish to your heart and smear some on your thighs while you are at it.

An addict does not know when to stop, they often recognize that their behavior and choices are a problem, but they feel powerless to do anything about it. This appears to be the case with Mrs. Deen. Paula is taking a very classic stance in our “fix me” society. She not only is looking for others to heal her, as demonstrated by her taking a $500 a month diabetes drug AND becoming the spokeswoman for the pharmaceutical, but she is also apparently indulging her addiction even more…another pattern of an alcoholic most often referred to as denial. Instead of looking at her life and taking responsibility for her health and then doing something to improve it, she is leaning on a band-aid fix with terrible side effects and killer possibilities (the side effect may include pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, and more). The first step towards true healing is taking responsibility for yourself exactly as you are; no blaming anyone for what happened to you or what was done to you. Once you can step into this and let go of the victim you can move forward and start making decisions for yourself that move you into a state of health.

In Paula’s case she is still actively in the dis-ease and looking for outside sources to heal her. Her strategy is management, not healing, and she is not doing anything to look at herself from a Body, Mind, Spirit perspective. If she did she would most likely see a wounded little girl who uses food to medicate her feelings and who has a deep association of feeling wanted, loved, and needed by those donuts and deep-fried butterballs she loads into herself. In addition she would see a body that has been unloved and neglected, that is full of toxins, free radicals, and trans-fats, and that is also highly acidic – the perfect condition for growing dis-ease. Dare I say that she also does not appear to have much of a Spiritual life, and I do not mean God. A spiritual person has awareness for life, an awareness of how they treat and respect their body (and the body/person of others), and they are tuned in to the cause and effect of the Universe. Such as the behavior that, “If I eat fatty, processed, greasy, fried, chemical laden food I am not going to be healthy and strong.”…oh, Paula, it is so simple to see.

Too bad Paula is not waking up to how she can make the world a better place. Instead she promotes a world full of sickness and unhealthy habits/food all sugar coated with a pretty confectionary buttered frosting. If she truly wanted to make the world (and her life) better she would show people how to make tasty meals that are whole body healthy. She would use her celebrity to inspire people to lose weight and firm up…not gain more fat and rely on pharmaceutical drugs to help them stay alive. Maybe she would actually even save someone’s life by being an example of someone who found the “gold in the garbage” and turned their pain towards health and stopped eating themselves to death. The garbage being all the food she eats, and teaches others to eat, and the gold being the lesson she is refusing to learn about self-responsibility and self-love.

Like all addicts, Paula will hit her bottom one day (soon maybe). Hopefully, she crashes before it is too late and something can still be done to help her heal. I hope she does not lose that beautiful smile and flashing eyes to diabetes. Did someone say, “Intervention”?

HOW TO VIDEO BELOW!
Mayan Abdominal Therapy is inspired by traditional Maya healing techniques as taught by Don Elijio Panti, the great Maya Shaman of Belize, Central America. These techniques were further developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo based on her apprenticeship with Don Elijio Panti and her research as a naprathic physician. The technique works for Men and Women to restore the body to its natural balance by correcting the position of organs that have shifted and to open the flow of blood, lymph, nerve & chi energy throughout the body.

Don Elijio believed that a woman’s center is her uterus. “If a woman’s uterus is out of balance, so is she,”. Midwives and healers of Central America agree that most female troubles are caused by the wandering womb. The work is best known for the correction of the prolapsed, fallen, or tilted uterus and for the prevention and treatment of benign prostate enlargement in men, and for relief of many common digestive disorders.

Benefits for Women

Uterine ligaments are made to stretch to accommodate a growing fetus inside and to move freely when the bladder or bowel is full. The ligaments and muscles can weaken and loosen, causing the uterus to fall downward, forward, backward or to either side. When this happens, women are generally told, “your uterus is tipped, but that is normal and don’t worry about it.” Yet women have a laundry list of physical and emotional symptoms that result from this condition. When reproductive organs shift, they can constrict normal flow of blood and lymph, and disrupt nerve connections. By shifting the uterus back into place, homeostasis, or the natural balance of the body, is restored in the pelvic area and the surrounding organs. Thus assisting in releasing toxins and contributing to more balanced hormones. This is essential for healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Other conditions that Mayan Abdominal Massage can help with are adhesions from invasive treatments to the pelvic and abdominal area, such as fibroid tumor and cesarean surgeries, as well as endometriosis and digestive issues. In addition, urinary and bladder problems can be greatly reduced.

Benefits for Men

By ensuring a full blood supply to the prostate, the abdominal massage helps to prevent swelling and inflammation. Men report that they can feel a distinct difference in blood flow after a treatment. Not only does the massage relieve prostate swelling, but it helps alleviate varicose veins, premature ejaculation, some impotency problem, as well as some digestive issues, and the need to urinate frequently.

For Men and Women

The Mayan Abdominal Massage technique can often relieve symptoms of such disorders as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Indigestion, Constipation, and heartburn. Overall, this massage work helps create a healthier body and in turn a sound mind.

Marcia Lopez – True Healing Bodywork

(310) 514-6009

marcia@truehealingbodywork.com

truehealingbodywork.com

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I wouldn’t have know about internal cleansing programs unless a student was kind enough to share with me how he keeps his body so fit – WITHOUT – a workout program.  (Given the time, money and effort I’d placed in gyms, trainers, traffic, parking, etc., my ears perked up when he shared his cleansing story.)

In the span of a few short days, I researched like mad anything I could find concerning internal cleansing. For starters, our Chinese family have used cleansing programs for centuries! There’s the old colon cleanse.  (I tried one of those, found it fascinating, but NOT something that I’ll engage on a regular basis.)  Then there’s my liver, the primary body part involved with cleansing my body of unhealthy toxins.

Based on what my student reported, I tried his liver cleanse program. That program, known as Isagenix, opened my eyes – BIG TIME – to the benefits of liver cleansing.  Why?  In nine days I retired 12 pounds.  Keep in mind, that’s MY results.  Of course, your results will be different.

As I researched HOW I managed to clear 12 pounds in nine days, I found myself amazed at how well my body put up with my (what I thought to be) healthy diet.  For example, did you know adults can retain several pounds of undigested meat in their intestines for days!  Yikes!  Then there’s the  issue of consumed toxins in the form of pre-packaged foods, additives in livestock and produce, the air we breath, etc.

Did you know your liver attempts to protect your body from these toxins by stuffing them into fat cells if it can’t eliminate them correctly?  For example, if you don’t drink enough water (see my previous post on this topic) your body can’t eliminate all the toxins you take in.  Your liver then places those toxins inside your fat cells.  Fat cells act much like a balloon.  The more toxins you have, the larger the fat cells become.  Not enough fat cells for all those toxins?  No worries, our bodies create MORE fat cells!  Yikes!

Today, I eat pretty much whatever I wish well after retiring over 100 pounds years ago!  How?  I feel safe and secure that my monthly cleanse program helps me detox / deflate those fat cells while at the same time helping my digestive system digest more efficiently by eliminating intestinal plaque.

FYI for all you body builders!  I’ve got scores of professional body builders getting leaned out and buffed up!  How?  They’ve engaged my program as well!

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Can you manifest things in your life? Of course! Can you do it with positivity? Undoubtedly! In this blog, I am speaking of giving emotional space and the freedom to experience your anger or negative emotions. By honoring your emotions you are increasing the likelihood of manifesting the life you want and positivity.

A while back a colleague was talking of life stressors and being angry. Said person had moved to new location for a job opportunity, said job opportunity didn’t work out, dissolution of a relationship, unethical business practices of another entity, and loss of 2 loved ones. The person was clinging to the positive, not allowing the darkness to seep in from their perspective. As the person spoke about not allowing themself to be angry regarding the experience but wondering how much suffering they could take. Their anger emerged from every pore in their skin releasing like ectoplasm on those in the surroundings. There was rage, and deservedly so. None of their losses were just a mere inconvenience but actual loss… and just one of them would create a sense of shaking ground beneath anyone’s feet.

As we spoke, another person was present. And stated how they resented the fact this person felt they were suffering. And claimed that the other person whose life had been involved in a topsy-turvy switcheroo was just selfish and these were first world problems. Noticing the transference and projection abounding from both individuals. I stated that human suffering is suffering. Subconsciously it doesn’t matter if you are a victim of a national disaster or victim of circumstance there is no delineation. Suffering is suffering and real to each person. The anger and denial of anger was swelling between the two. I suggested to the person of great loss, to give themself each day space to be angry for 5 minutes allowing the rage to swell up and feel the emotion. And how like a pressure valve, it would slowly release in a gentler manner than the current expression.

We cannot control our emotions, but we can choose how to react to them. Chop vegetables, scream into a pillow, pull weeds, tear apart cardboard. Whatever it is that you need to do to express your anger/rage in a productive nondestructive method do. Honor that emotion. Release that emotion. Anger when not honored is a messy gooey relationship challenging emotion. Snarkiness, being dismissive, snappish and rude tend to emerge as one tries to bottle their anger. Assess whether or not you are able to work through the negative emotion or if you would benefit from outside assistance. An objective third-party perspective may offer the release you are seeking.

DIY Recipe for Honoring your Negative Emotion

1 part anger or negative emotion
1 part acknowledging that you’re entitled to feel emotion
7 parts – 5 minutes

Find a place or space within your apartment that you will allow this emotion to emerge. Sit, stand or lay down in the space add 1 part acknowledging that you’re entitled to feel emotion. Then allow the 1 part anger or negative emotion to rise. Give 1 part of the 7 parts – 5 minutes daily until the emotion lessens. When time is over go about your day feeling less stressed and more receptive.

We collectively celebrate the Chinese New Year on 23 January 2012: The Year of the Dragon/Water Year. The Chinese Zodiac can lend anyone insight into their personality and natural tendencies, like our Western Zodiac can provide. Our friends in the West take their Zodiac and divide it into 12 signs as does Western Astrology, yet one animal sign influences an entire year verses one month.

The intricate link in understanding the common ground of these two systems is the transits of Jupiter, which take approximately one year to transit through one Zodiac sign in the West. Here in the West it only takes that same years’ time to represent all 12 signs on our Zodiac wheel, while our friends in the East take 60 years to complete a full cycle, as each animal every 12 years is depicted through 5 different elemental years of earth, metal, water, wood, and fire.

Thinking big and promoting optimism will be rewarded in 2012, as the collective can expect this to be a time of dramatic flare, spectacular events, and an auspicious year to begin anything anew within. The energy of being bold and daring is favored to stimulate fortunate outcomes in new adventures of any kind, from business to marriage. The most outlandish, eccentric, original and different ideas will be rewarded as the months within 2012 unfold.

Now the collective experiences the 5th year within a 9 and 12-year cycle, where the seeds planted in 2008 are seeing some true blossoming and complete currents of change to eventually reap a harvest, just a couple more years further down the road. With Mercury guiding the singular 5’s energy over 2012, there is plenty of movement, risk-taking, versatility and communication to be found amongst the Dragons’ urges for the magnificent. 2012 marks the time where never seen before ideas will bring the masses together in a more unified understanding of who we are as part of the wholeness of humanity.

Grasping some true Lexigram wisdom when embracing the MAGNIFICIENT plays a important role in what 2012 can hold for anyone, as we poetically phrase the anagrams we can derive from it. What joy can be found when I AM IN A FINE MAGIC GAIN IN A MAIN TIME TEAM. Or realizing I AM A ENIGMA MAGNET, INFECTING AN INFINITE ENTICING AGE.  If we are to adapt smoothly to what exciting and irresistible energy the Dragon is here to share with us -especially within the added intuition of the Water Year- we are best to hone in upon our own sense of psychic ability when it comes to quick change within our lives to find our necessary answers.

All is set to come alive in our outside world and community life in a Water Dragon Year as we allow our diplomacy, compassion and idealism to tackle social situations requiring resolve. The Dragon asks that we awaken a visionary, intelligent and scrupulous instinct within ourselves. Once more under the Water influenced year, being the eye of any apparent storm is key to knowing how to handle a Dragon’s natural excessive energies. With the Dragon representing Yang Wood energy, what transpires over the year ahead brings forth profound success or failure, depending upon the genuine intention behind initiations.

The Dragon is the only Chinese animal that is from myth upon their Zodiac Wheel. However, they firmly believe that this symbol is the most powerful of all, and when one is born in a Dragon year, there is much fortune, money and luck to be found all along the life. Even in the midst of mistakes along the way, Dragons are well known to always still come out of the most pressing situations still smiling. So chin up to any 2012 gloom and doomers: while it is best to be prepared for adventurous change, wearing a SMILE will most certainly go for MILES in this Dragon Year ahead.

DID YOU KNOW??? DRAGON TRIVIA

*They are a Dragon!
When you see an enthusiastic, successful, persuasive and strong spirit that eagerly shows that life is to be savored by living every day as if it where your very last.

*The Typical Dragon
IS frank, at times demanding, enjoys starting things they may not always finish, makes their home wherever they are, excels at problem solving, exudes self-confidence, prefers to take it as it comes verses a routine, possesses an innate sincerity, dislikes waiting for anything, avoids feeling dissatisfied and discontented.

*Dragons & Yang Wood Energy
The external masculine represents the leading role and gravitates to activity, sociability, passion and efficiency. The symbol of wood allows for an ambivalent and dual nature to emerge. The energy of the Dragon can become unbalanced when strong emotions overtake them- turning kindness to anger, and their natural exuberance to vulnerability.

*DRAGON YEARS in History
The Dragon’s energy marks a universal time for renewal and growth within what already exists. Dreams are motivated to become reality for any new venture from a business to marriage, and seemingly, the more outlandish it may be, the greater outcome for success it will have.

1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, all saw large-scale changes within these areas on a global level, as will 2012, as along as intuition is carefully listened to with the Water energy guiding this particular year. As the months ahead pass, look for financial situations to stabilize and find simpler, grounding means to display true value through mid-year as Jupiter finishes up in Taurus. Once Jupiter enters Gemini, get ready for an explosion in the communication industries, optimism to return to the publishing world, education, fashion, the performing arts, and prosperity to ignite moral ideas that continue to truly evolve humanity.

CHINESE ZODIAC FUN FACTS
*The Chinese New Year is always celebrated upon an Aquarian New Moon here in the West.

*Legend has it how the Chinese Zodiac Wheel order formed is that the Rat hitched a ride on the Ox who didn’t originally intend to become the second animal in line, when Buddha challenged the animals to a race to win a position on the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The least competitive of all the animals (the dog enjoyed a bath along the way, while the pig decided to make sure he was full and even napped) fell into place to complete the 12 Animal Wheel.

*At the ages of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 82, 94, 106, typically one experiences a very positive year as their animal returns. Coinciding with West’s planet of luck, Jupiter, returns to its’ natal point also every 12 yrs.

*At 60, the Chinese believe one’s greatest wisdom begins to unfold as one full cycle of their wheel concludes. Simultaneously in the West, the 2nd Saturn Return, in agreement with this passage also marks the soul being released into the finest period of self -expression and inner power after learning our most important life’s lessons over the previous 59.

CATCH the PODCAST from 17 JANUARY!
What’s Your Sign? I Have Your Number?
Special Guest Astrologer Chris Flisher and Sharita dived into a hearty discussion of East meets West, and what both Zodiac perspectives indicate is to unfold as 2012 continues.

2:39am EST

New Moon in Aquarius

Emotional Intelligence

Check any egos at the door, and get smart with the humanitarian picture as we initiate emotional energy in the sign that loves to bring innovations to life. Our NEW Moon kicks off in Aquarius, 23 January, 2:39am EST, as another waxing period of gathering begins. Where can some originality coupled with a fresh and friendly attitude begin all kinds of new feelings with you in the next two weeks?

Moon enters Aquarius, Sunday 22 January at 9:53pm EST until Wednesday, 25 January at 4:11am EST
Aquarius passages are the perfect time within our winter’s wisdom to lock into some more clues that ground us firmly to the season at hand. This recognition rewards us later with the keys to our soon to be Spring, now a mere two months away. As our Lunar Lady renews in the inventive energies of The Water Bearer -the sign that brings new life to everything- it is a great time to prophesize and put forth ideas we wish to implement and watch develop for the entire year ahead.

New Moon, 23 January 2:39am EST, 02 degrees Aquarius
Be sure to check the Aquarian House, in particular the 02 degree Aquarius spot, in your personal birth chart to see where something fresh is ideally meant to unfold. This is the area of life requesting you bring improvement and new life to on some level in the next two weeks to follow. Seeds that are planted in this area until the next Full Moon upon 07 February are bound to reap a rich harvest further down the road.

For the Collective
As the Chinese Year of the Water Dragon also now begins, energies will see the possibility of detached feelings swirling in the air, but don’t take too much offense. When progressive forces are around, there logically needs to be some time off from intimacy. The capacity to engage in those ingenious thoughts is high. So if some unconventional and independent personalities display themselves to you, now you know why. They should, however, be friendly to you!

Of interest to note is this third passage of New Moons since our last Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius that initiate at the 02 degree of the sign. Our Full Moons presently are releasing at the 18th degree through the 9’s energy of finalizations and endings to our relationship to the material. Within the balance of the opposing New Moons, the singular 2 offers an ancient opportunity to receive the sensitive, nurturing, and imaginative impressions that in 2012 birthing a new spiritual awakening on this planet. Being non-judgmental and kind with our thoughts, allow the most intelligent emotional sensations to open within any individual, one where it is highly recommended to tap in to the utopia of embracing LOVE to EVOLVE.

Lunar-O-Scope, New Moon in Aquarius, 2012
For the collective horoscope, again we offer advice for every sign from the outer vantage point. Remember, if you know your Rising Sign (Ascendant), read that passage too, for it typically will apply to your personal charts’ advice, more so if the earlier degrees of it. Keep in mind, the exact casting of the natal birth chart determines a precise perspective of how the current transits of the planets personally and specifically affect you.

Aries: Get ready to meet some new pals! If there is a group or cause you’ve been thinking about joining, your timing couldn’t be any better at present. You’re already a chatty soul, but you’ll find you are especially willing to talk to just about anyone right now. Should a social invitation show up you weren’t expecting, don’t even think about turning it down. Attending it is of great importance for the future, and you might even encounter a new soul mate.

Taurus: A fresh start now awaits to emerge in the career and public life for you, so if you’ve been feeling little stagnant over these winter months, gear up to be sending your branches higher and your roots deeper. A fantastic time to promote or birth a new business, do expect a nice recognition to come your way if you’ve done your proper legwork to receive it. Be on the look out for a new way of looking at authority figures, as these should take on a friendlier form.

Gemini: Not that your mind doesn’t have enough to think about, but there is definitely an original direction you’ll take your philosophies now. You are stirred to embark on a spiritual adventure engaging your higher education and urge to travel. If you aren’t already on long journey, you might be finding yourself planning one for the near future. New beliefs are being born within you and you couldn’t be any more excited about what they are equally teaching you.

Cancer: If you’ve been worried about your securities and investments, it’s time to make decisions here. Be on the lookout for found money, or finding ways other people’s money can help your cause. Better yet Crab, there may be an exciting sexual encounter to come your way. However new life comes to you now, you can rest assured, will transform you in ways you’ve never known before- so get ready to shed that shell, and let out a regeneration from the core.

Leo: Get ready to receive oh generous Lion, a pleasant gift from the Moon this month. You’re really been thinking about those intimate partnerships, and now you really sense their true rewards gracing themselves upon you. From romantic ties to business contacts, there are a many blessings about to show themselves to you within your closest relationships, and soul mates tend to find you easily. Legal bindings here are equally favored to flourish far into the future.

Virgo: You will just embrace this opportunity with open arms to bring improvement to your health and all the ways you love to be of service in life Dear Virgins. Look around to the workplace and see what is meant to reform and improve.  If you’ve been looking to implement a new routine, or take on some better habits, go for them now. Should there be any urges to adopt a pet, now is the perfect time to get over to the animal shelter and rescue a new friend.

Libra: All the world is a stage Libra, and it’s you who is shining upon it now! Whatever you’ve been personally creating lately, there is excitement and confidence surrounding it. New projects, and original ones inspire you. Keep listening to Saturn, as he is still requesting your responsibility to the self. Extra playful, interaction with children is favored, whether they are your own offspring or a “brain child.” A new love affair is ready to birth something you’ve not expected.

Scorpio: You’ve already been cleaning the house Scorpio, as you also put forth some new ground rules within your home environment. There equally is an innovative energy abound requesting you rejuvenate ties with your entire family life. Old judgments no longer are able to be tolerated in this fresh friendly space.  Be on the look out for déjà vu and psychic experiences, which have a very open channel for you to receive their important messages presently.

Sagittarius: If you’ve been thinking about sending off your arrow to improve your thinking and mentality Archer, go ahead and aim high! New ways of bringing the latest to your communications has you feeling like a genius. You’re probably also thinking about travel as usual, and if you’re not already on a short trip, you’ll find yourself planning another one soon. Siblings or neighbors also find themselves in fresh waters with you, and these are friendly ones.

Capricorn: You are the one who innately knows about value old Goat, and you are in the mood now to take stock of what’s cooking in your own personal possessions. Something new may be in the works about the way you earn your dollars. You are never far away from the material, so take this time to visit your sense of security, and try something original to improve upon it. There may be a new purchase you wish to make, but be sure it will hold its’ worth for long-term.

Aquarius: You should be feeling fresh as a daisy swaying in the breeze. It’s time to allow the world to see you a bit differently, and take on a new way to receive your first impressions. Get ready for some self-focus and attention to your image, even if you feel you don’t want to get intimate with it. The world is so ready to see a new mask you are about to put on, so get cozy with yourself and be the bearer of new life to that entirely is ready to birth an original new YOU!

Pisces: Hidden waters call to you Dear Fishes. It’s time to explore those inner places in your life. where a break through awaits you. While dreams always tell you things, they especially hold the clues as far as how to bring improvement to your waking world. The spiritual, subconscious realms, and the psychological make-up of life call for you to spend some time within your deeper and intuitive waters. It’s doubtful you’ll want any company, so be prepared to take a solitary trip.

Image: synchrosecrets.com

Mars has been journeying within Virgo since 10 November 2011. Perhaps, you’ve taken note of the sense of excitability emerging within this area of your Zodiac Pie. Our Pioneer planet does not hold back in the dynamic action that is moving energy here in all kinds of ways. As much as Mars loves to get things going, he equally draws forth conclusions to arrive down here below from wherever he is traveling within our celestial skies above, and sometimes, these are delivered in abrupt and rash ways.

As Mars reached 23 degrees Virgo on 19 January, his station occurred as he prepares for Retrograde motion on 23 January. Mars won’t move back to the 22nd degree of Virgo until 27 January, then his backwards journey will take him to 03 degrees Virgo. Here, he will station once more at 03 degrees Virgo on 07 April before going Direct 13 April. When any planet is within the station surrounding retrograde activity, it can bring on some intense energies down here below.

This entire passage marks a profound time to take a look at motivation and “what makes you tick” in the area of life that these degree points in Virgo rule over from both the natal birth chart and collective perspective. Mars prefers to convey his energies in “his own way” and can appear selfish from time to time. What is important to innately understand about “self” at this time is the difference between the attention to self and selfish acts. The first is a true response that is a gift to our Soul, while the latter is pure reaction that tends to create storms within our Spirit.

The natural energy of our Pioneer planet drives us to do things and at times do them rather quickly. Yet, under any Mars station and retrograde passage, it is in all of our best interests to sloooooow down, and take up with a patient pace. As we all take up further within our Winter’s retreats, certainly there couldn’t be a better time for some Mars reflection to take place. By the time it is complete 13 April, wowo, if your free will has chosen the SILENT LISTEN, what keys you will then have to unlock your Spring! As Virgo energy is at its’ best when all doubt is erased, truly it will be a time to come charging out of the gates, completely refreshed as Mars’s motivation will be ready to move forward again.

For the collective, be on the look out for endings and true conclusions to arrive in what Virgo’s purity and sense of discrimination represents for us all. As John Jocelyn speaks of this sign, “Ever does Virgo seek the reason; it wants to know why. Virgo, using the brain, requires sight and knowledge as to how one knows why. Virgo says, “Demonstrate to me how you know why!” Virgo attains to the power of discrimination, for discrimination is the one needful thing for Virgo souls. What is discrimination if not the ability to know the true from the false, the essential from the non-essential! Evolved souls in this sign get at the very core, the kernel of the exterior man, as well as to the center of things.”

This Mars Retrograde will tie up some interesting energies connected to what Saturn brought to the surface to be responsible for when he was transiting here September 2007 to October 2010. Virgo is the sign of the auditor, and those collective details that were examined and scrutinized over that time now get a true last once over. There is a discipline that will unleash itself, and whatever lessons did not fully come to pass from Father Saturn’s time here, Mars will now finalize the details of these deals.

So too, will you see these same kinds of activity from wherever Virgo seeks to be of service and brings a natural understanding to your life. Your natal birth chart that is calculated from your time of birth grants the true individual view, while the simplicity of knowing your sun sign casts the outer picture for how Mars’s reflective request also urges to speak with you. Remember, even as Mars goes Direct again upon 13 April, he will take all you have reassessed here moving forward to remain within the Virgo slice of your Zodiac Pie until 03 July, when he enters Libra.

A little quick guide is below from the collective perspective on which area of life Mars presently will request your courage to unfold as he journeys backwards for a pass. If you know your Rising Sign/Ascendant (determined from the time of birth) then look to how 23 to 03 degrees Virgo precisely sits within the natal birth chart for closer insight to how you can make the most of rising up to your core and grace.

Aries: Health/Being of Service/Employees/Pets

Taurus: Creativity/Children/Love Affairs

Gemini: Home/Family/Emotions/Environments

Cancer: Thinking/Mentality/Communications

Leo: Values/Earning Power/Possessions

Virgo: Approaches/Mask to the World/Motivations

Libra: Inner Psyche/Clearing of the Past

Scorpio: Innovations/Friendships/Organizations

Sagittarius: Career/Public Life/Opportunities

Capricorn: Philosophies/Foreign Travel/Education

Aquarius: Transformations/Sexuality/Wealth

Pisces: Partnerships/Marriage/Balance with Others

Mars Retrograde will test our patience and truest sense of how we handle aggression and penetration within our lives, being he is -aside from the role of The Pioneer- the true warrior within the Zodiac. Yet, instead of reacting to any pressure that may come our way in conflict, there is another innate energy of Mars that will bring us the best results as we reflect. This, simply, is the response of COURAGE. URGE OUR CORE, CURE OUR RAGE, CURE OUR EGO, GRACE OUR AGE.

May rising up in courage bring you the brightest blessings Dear Stars as you discover and reflect upon all of your whys. Namaste.

READ UP MORE on Mars in Virgo!

WINTER GETS WISER! Aquarius firmly organizes us into our present season of hibernation that Capricorn’s leadership patiently started. Now Uranus -the planet of innovation- brings us to new life within The Water Bearer, so be prepared for something original to emerge in the month ahead.

A MEDITATION FOR AQUARIUS ~John Jocelyn
Spiritual intelligence in the sign of the Angel in Man, Aquarius, leads to intelligent love and friendship. To Aquarians, no one is a stranger or an alien, not even the person who lacks love entirely, or who love himself solely, or who isolates himself by race or narrow-minded nationalism. They know that, basically, all human beings are related, despite marked differences in their evolutionary status.

As The Planets Move in their constant procession through the Zodiac, the Universe’s energy affects us as individuals through the knowledge of our natal birth charts as well as on a collective level.

CURRENT PLANETARY TRANSITS
20 jan  SUN enters AQUARIUS 11:10am 8:10am
22 jan  NEW MOON in AQUARIUS 11:39pm
23 jan  NEW MOON in AQUARIUS 2:39am
23 jan  HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR
Year of the Dragon- Water Year
23 jan  MARS REtrogrades in VIRGO 7:54pm 4:54pm
27 jan  MERCURY enters AQUARIUS 1:12pm 10:12am
03 feb  NEPTUNE enters PISCES 2:03pm 11:03am
07 feb  SATURN REtrogrades in LIBRA 9:03am 6:03am
07 feb  FULL MOON in LEO  4:54pm 1:54pm
07 feb  VENUS enters ARIES 10:01pm
08 feb  VENUS enters ARIES 1:01am
13 feb  MERCURY enters PISCES 8:38pm 5:38pm
14 feb  HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
LOVE 2 EVOLVE all 365 days of the YEAR!
18 feb  SUN enters PISCES  10:18pm
19 feb  SUN enters PISCES  1:18am
Eastern Standard Time/Pacific Standard Time

CURRENT LONG TERM PLANETARY TRANSITS
MARS in VIRGO DIRECT/RETROGRADE
JUPITER in TAURUS
SATURN in LIBRA DIRECT/RETROGRADE
URANUS in ARIES
NEPTUNE in AQUARIUS/PISCES
PLUTO in CAPRICORN

The Typical Aquarius
These natives exhibit a liberal, inventive, prophetic, and scientific nature. The humanitarian picture is of deep concern to The Water Bearer who seeks improvement like no other sign through their inventions. When Aquarius becomes too fixed to being detached- the free will makes opinionated, remote, agnostic, unpredictable choices. Within their innovative flare for seeing what is human, choosing to be aware of genuine personal touch completes the entire picture as the other necessary component for how we all truly evolve.

In Your Natal Chart
The Zodiac House that Aquarius’s energy rules in the birth chart is the 11th of Groups/Organizations/Friendships/Hopes/Wishes. This is the area of life in our chart that denotes how we prefer to express our energies within these ideas. The sign positioned here also will point to the presence as we relate to the groups, acquaintances, and dreams we have in life. Looking to how the Zodiac Wheel may spin in any individual birth chart, the House Aquarius falls is the area of life where you will see an against the norm and unique nature behind all you do. Any planets possibly placed in Aquarius at the time of birth also take on their innate expression through the qualities of this friendly, tolerant, and experimental sign.

Sun enters Aquarius 20 January
Fixed Organized Signs bring the collectives’ energies to truly focusing upon the season at hand as we ever spin within our Zodiac Wheel. Aquarius, in its’ airy intelligence, settles us into Winter; requesting that we snuggle up with investigation, co-ordination, and synthesize our plans for reform. Our Water Bearers, as they breathe new life into any endeavor, are completely in tune to knowledge and a sense of altruism wherever they go. Any Aquarius innately knows how to consciously aim for the truth: yet this ideally is accomplished by cultivating warmth and human touch to the practical within their lives.

New Moon in Aquarius, The Year of The Water Dragon 23 January
We always know, upon the annual celebration of our Aquarian New Moon, that we enter a brand New Year of understanding from our friends in the East. While any lunation within The Water Bearer appreciates progress and prophetic nuances, we truly kick off the Chinese New Year with these same ideas as the entire Year of the Water Dragon begins. As change, reform and dynamic energies release upon the collective- the masses are encouraged to be different, go against the grain and find that eccentric light within to unleash success throughout 2012.

Mars goes Retrograde in Virgo 23 January
No doubt you have been feeling The Pioneer’s surges where The Virgin seeks to purify it all within your Zodiac Pie. Since 10 November, this slice of life has been seeing it’s fair share of motivation and assertion as taking up with action has been favored here. Now, as we enter a reflective period throughout 13 April, it’s time to truly tap into a courageous nature to reap the best rewards. The practice of patience will undeniably be tested within this area of the life, and time spend on reassessing what really makes your Virgo energy tick is well spent, so you can charge out of the gates when Spring arrives, absolutely moving forward.

Neptune enters Pisces 03 February
One of the most significant outer planetary shifts since Uranus entered Aries in 2011, Neptune now returns to its’ comfort zone at home with The Fishes. Aside from the little “taste” of this energy from April to August in 2011, the collective has not seen Neptune at 0 degrees Pisces since 07 December 1848, where it transited until 14 February 1862. This passage -marking the next 14 years until Neptune enters Aries in 2025- promises that humanity gets syrupy sweet in spiritual realms, as beliefs in the unknown and what we can not physically “see” become all the more respected, as well as in the healing arts. Get ready for true telepathic ties and genuine compassion to bring our entire consciousness to the next level.

Saturn goes Retrograde in Libra 07 February
Our planet of karmic justice since October 2010, has been slowing down where The Scales balance it all out for you. As this second period of reflection is requested here, take note of how Fatherly Saturn is striving to develop wise decisions and objectivity here. In as much as this area of the life may appear stagnant, this last Retrograde passage through 25 June offers the opportunity to ideally observe what still remains to find harmony. As Saturn asks for patience, the collective is smart to adhere to diplomacy and honor to bring peace to all relationships, as we continue to absorb the lessons he wishes for us to learn.

Venus enters Aries 08 February
The planet of harmony is way ahead of everyone and not holding back as she excitedly begins anew upon the Zodiac Wheel.  Get ready for some pleasures to give you a taste of the Spring to come where The Ram energizes your life, and be sure to take up with some romantic adventure to bring forth enthusiasm here. Collectively, affections are urged to the impetuous, non-restraint and easy arousals as balance smoothly can be found through mental activities, devotion to ideals, and concentrating upon the essentials. A straight forward motion happily wishes to display itself as we all can find the means to be just a little more playful within our Winter’s retreat.

As Winter’s Wisdom continues, Aquarius invites you to get friendly with your innate ability to tap into your spiritual intelligence, which holds the promise of warming up to inventing in your own way, a current in life that finds LOVE for all to EVOLVE.

Love of course encompasses many things; love or passion that drives one to create, protect what we love or care for. This of course is just a few ways, but not to drift away from the love I want to convey here is, the love that continues after physical death.  Or more the spirit/energy that continues after death.

The big question or fear or whatever else comes into question when we are faced personally by the loss of someone we love or our own mortality. That force that will effect everyone on earth, there is as they say “no escape”. The one thought that most do not want to think about until it hits them personally.

The truth of the matter is; we don’t die.  Yes, we shed our physical bodies, and yes, the thought of not being able to hug or talk in the way we once did with that person will be forever gone on this plane or dimension.  But, that does not mean contact, or connecting is done, just not the way we know it to be without our physical bodies.  And it is our job to understand that difference or the way that that communication can continue for us. Of course, this is assuming we care enough or have the faith to believe that door is possible. Love will  keep that door open to the many possibilities.  I speak about many of them in my books, but your way will be just that, your way.

I can tell you there are deaths one never gets over and children are one of them. I’ve dealt with so many mothers, fathers, grandparents that go through these losses, and I have to say I am always amazed how some, without question continue those connections even after years of their children’s passing.  Of course there are others whose grief can never let that door open, for them I always feel so sad for I know without question, that their children so much want them to know they are near.

I will tell you, there are no rules, or set ways that connection will happen, but I can tell you it will if you but listen. There will be unlimited possibilities. They will come to you in the ways that they know are the ways that you will know it’s them.  However, you are the only one that can take the big leap of faith.

You will find many books out there now where a parent will write about the loss of their child.  Some will be quite simply, how communication happens and how by listening it opens a whole new world.  People whom you think would never write such a book, writes one.

There is such one of these books that just came out recently, Kayak Morning: Reflections on Love, Grief, and Small Boats by Roger Rosenblatt.  It’s a beautiful and poignant story of the loss of his daughter and how his daughter returns to him on his kayak.  He listens in the way he knows best, it is in the quiet of his kayak that he continues to know the way for him.

And he quite literally listens, and knows she will always be with him.

This morning, the Business section of the L.A. Times has an article about the “Lap-band.” Because of the timing, I can’t help but comment on these two items.

People are reminded of the Lap-band all the time, and also of prescription medications. They see billboards, news articles, television commercials, you name it.

It doesn’t even seem to matter that it’s half bad press. The t.v. commercials spend as much time on side effects as on benefits. Lap-band articles now are more about the dangers than the weight loss.

Still, they get more business. Why? Because they’re out there continually proclaiming the (supposed) virtues of what they do.

When will people respond more to options like colon hydrotherapy, nutrition counseling/supplements, exercise/physical trainers and hypnotherapy? When will they see the inter-relatedness of mind-body-spirit and planet?

When they hear about these possibilities consistently and professionally. Until then, they just won’t know what’s available.

If you’re looking for new weight loss ideas, visit us at www.HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com and find the products/services that will work for you.

It’s so common that people don’t or can’t get enough sleep and it negatively affects their activities and relationships. Yet, they often feel guilty for needing sleep. I think that guilt stems from society sending the message that the need for more than just a few hours of sleep per night means you are lazy or weak, and if you deprive yourself of sleep you are a more advanced super human. But guess what? Sleep deprivation doesn’t make you super human, it makes you super tired because a human body NEEDS THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SLEEP. Spending your day sleepy decreases cognitive function, alertness, and productivity which leads to mistakes and accidents that can even cost a life. Forcing yourself to stay awake longer than your body naturally wants to long term can go as far as putting you at risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer!

The burning question, “How much sleep is the right amount?” has been a source of shame and debate for centuries. Well all you long-sleepers, you can now hold your head high! Doctors have found that sleep requirements vary based on genetics – not laziness. There is a gene mutation known as hDEC2 that regulates the sleep cycle in natural short-sleepers. A very rare genetic short-sleeper who only needs 4-5 hours a night to feel rested is not better than us long-sleepers, who require 8-10 hours; just luckier.

I revel in my love affair with sleep, and before I hit the sheets for nine hours of blissful oblivion, I’d like to share my natural sleep remedies with you. Ditch those habit-forming pills that ruin your circadian rhythm and practice these instead.

1. Get off the caffeine. You might think it doesn’t affect you, but if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, think again.
2. Get plenty of exercise. Proven to improve sleep quality and quantity.
3. Make yourself beautiful for sleep. Clean jammies, clean sheets, clean face and teeth, right temperature, lay on your back, perhaps a pillow under your knees and calves, and breathe deeply and slowly.
4. Start at your toes and gently command each body part to slumber. “Toes, sleeeep. Feet, sleeeep. Ankles, sleeeep. Etc”
5. Repeat to yourself, “I am sleeping. I am asleep. I’m so grateful I’m asleep.” Over and over and over until you wake up the next morning having slept all night. I use this one regularly and as silly as it sounds, it works wonders.
6. Dream yourself to sleep. Invent some ridiculous fantastical story and put yourself in it as the main character. Go on adventures, travel, fly, slay dragons… the more ludicrous the better it works. Soon you’re really dreaming and sound asleep. This one is my favorite.
7. Drink a cup of chamomile tea an hour before bed-time.
8. Empty your mind by writing out every little thing you are freaking out about 30 minutes before bed-time. Then fold the paper in half, place it on the nightstand, give it a pat and say, “There is nothing more my mind can do with you tonight. I am going to sleep now and while I sleep, all is resolved. I release my problems to the Universe and my mind is clear and calm. In the morning I will take action and deal with you. Good night.” This is very powerful, because truthfully, there is nothing you can do about it during the nigh and taking a break from thinking allows the Universe to work it’s magic on your mind!
For these last two suggestions, please consult a nutritionist.
9. If you really really really need help, check out Calms Forte, a homeopathic sleep remedy.
10. For jet lag, consider Melatonin. You start taking it 4 days before and continue for 4 days after your trip. It helped me when I was crossing the pond every 8 weeks.

Play with these, practice, and sleep tight.

(Photo of sleeping woman by “Sunchaser”)

So, Mars taking a little waltz around the sign of Virgo seems to be a time to roll up our sleeves and take care of any and every little thing that has come into dis-repair.

I’ve already started to hear about surgeries that have been postponed for years being scheduled, machines that have lain dormant and broken making themselves known again and getting fixed, psychological wounds welcoming the soothing balm of forgiveness and anger provoking situations feeling some sort of possible solution. It may feel challenging to get these things organized at first, but it will get easier and quicker as the time progresses.

Virgo is about health, food, service and small animals. Mars in Virgo for 7 months this year is a super long time because usually Mars transits through a sign for between 4 to 6 weeks, not months. That’s a lot of crud to clean up! Also this is a nice time to reflect on what IS working nicely in our lives and give thanks for how much progress we have made.

Mars went into Virgo in November 2011, so it’s already been getting the job done for 3 months. The forward motion, then back, then forward again, means we’ll have extra help getting things ordered and healed and cleaned up. We’ll have extra help getting back to work and continuing the work of deep inner and outer healing. We don’t’ get to just skim over the surface; we have to go deep, all the way down to where the rot is.

This is a time to “go to war with your shit” as a good friend of mine stated and that’s the offering Mars the planet of action brings in Virgo the sign of perfection. Entire systems can be re-ordered and perfected with this energy to assist. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and FIX IT. Bring a quick efficient analysis to that which requires aid, get in, get it done and move on to the next situation.

Watch the tendency to be extremely critical and bitchy and unforgiving, this energy can bring a complete intolerance for stupidity, hoarding and procrastination. Don’t complain, just change. Give and receive constructive criticism as a feedback mechanism, to help each other with kindness not judgment. It’s a clean, spare, pared down energy which will be a vital balance for Neptune going into Pisces February 4 for the next 15 years, which I will talk about in greater depth closer to the time.

Mars in Virgo tells the truth about everything that is not working, it’s relentless and has intense endurance – at its best it’s a laser focus of repair, at its worst it’s bitter negativity.

Take special care of your small animals. There may be some vegetarian revolution because of some real problem with the health and safety of meat – besides the obvious. We may see much rebellion and revolution concerning food safety, our lack of health care, and the health or lack thereof, of our returning soldiers. The Occupy Movement has plenty of issues to rally around.

Be a warrior for health, not just with diet and exercise, but with healing thoughts and deeds of well being –this is when we get to practice becoming WELL BEINGS in all we do!

In 2012, we are beginning a new 5-year cycle.  2012 is a universal “5 year” (2+0+1+2 = 5) – a year of energy, change, travel and passion. A year of connecting with people in a social way and igniting one’s dreams into action.  Hurray!

Five has a vibrant and active influence and hopefully we will find our lives to be more fluid and fun!  With 5 as an energy vibration, we will have an increased sense of lightness and enthusiasm for changing what no longer suits us. A key question for any 5 year is, “What is your passion and how can you achieve it?”  Ask yourself, what steps can you take today to seek what you love and what is important to you?  Yes, 2012 should be a time to really making something happen. So…how will you do it? The lesson for many will be discipline…with so much to do, how will you commit to that one thing that can really make a difference?

This, of course, is just my 5 year two-cents in general.  For how 2012 will impact you personally, consider checking with the numerologist or astrologer of your choice. Of course, I often have numerologists and astrologers do guest spots on my radio show.  This month, for example, I’m having the astrologer Bill Attribe on January 9.  Check him out here http://astrologerbillattride.typepad.com/astrologer-bill-attride/ !  Bill is a very well known astrologer who has been doing this work for over 30 years.  Tune in and enjoy!

Along with continuing my radio show, this year I also will be traveling internationally and speaking at some wonderful conferences, including:  ”The Afterlife Conference” in March and the “Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Conference” in November, both of which are in Virginia Beach.  As always, visit my website — http://www.suzanenorthrop.com — to see if I’ll be coming to your neck of the woods.  Other areas I plan to visit include: Mexico, Florida, California, Chez Republic, Canada, Tucson, Portland, Seattle and, as always, many parts of New England.

Of course, I am well aware that for many of us, January can be a very difficult month, as we crash from the holidays with raised expectations and have to face the pressures of our New Year’s resolutions. I know this experience can be even more intense if this is your first full year following the loss of a loved one. Especially if you are in that situation, rather than putting undo pressure on yourself, why not give yourself an after-year gift of doing something you’ve wanted to do that is fun? Take a water painting class, for example. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, learn how to snow board. Or . . . go sledding or tobogganing. Whatever! Even if it’s your 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th or 90th etc. year on the planet, you might just surprise yourself by seeing how much fun a new adventure can be. I’ve recently read that surfing for the 50′s folks is on the rise. That should appeal to those of you in warmer climates, or to those who can get away to the warmer areas! In any case, whatever you decide, make it simple. Often, less is more.  To avoid frustration, set goals that are truly reachable, and then go for it!

I think we can all agree that one good thing about the end of the holiday season is the end (for now) of all the TV advertisements for gifts that most of us don’t need or have the money for. If you received money as a holiday gift this year, consider doing something personal, like getting a massage or a pedicure, or visit your favorite medium and touch base!

Given all the talk about the end of the Mayan Calendar, we will all be interested in seeing how things actually play out  in 2012. Meanwhile, let’s not worry about it but instead focus on living life to the fullest, and remembering to play a little, or even a lot!  We are meant to experience joy!

Here’s to another year of connecting, sharing, and meeting many of you for the first (or thirty-first!) time. Sending my best wishes of love and peace to all of you!

Eighty-three years ago in 1929, Dr. King was born upon January 15th. Originally named Michael Luther King, he came down to 28 Lifepath, with the Chaldean Karmic Mystery of ‘The Trusting Lamb.’ As one walks along a 28 lifepath, there are incredible achievements and responsibility given to the person. The 28 asks that careful planning be adhered to secure what one has gained. One is highly advised to be watchful of trusting the wrong people, as intense resistance can occur in career or business matters over the entire course of the life.

The singular influence of Dr. King’s 28 lifepath is the 1, The Initiator, and he adhered to this kind of energy along his short yet extremely worthwhile journey. There is no doubt it would be a sadder world to live in today had Dr. King not started the awareness and movement that he did. The benevolent qualities of this 1 Lifepath blended well with the leadership of his Capricorn sun sign.

Dr. King was practical, grounded, chock full of wisdom and innately understood the concept of hard work- all attributes of any steadfast Goat. Also blending equally well was his Karmic Path of the 15. Numerically known by the Chaldeans as ‘The Magician,‘ this influence colored his personality and character with an undeniable charisma in public speaking. Venus influences the singular 6 here, indicating a soul that is driven by love, compassion and is urged to bring harmony to the human heart.

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Looking to name numerology, each of the letters in our alphabet vibrates to a numerical energy. This equally telling form of analysis explores the sum of the letters contained within our names, lending insight to our expression and career path.

All of Dr. King’s name changes are riddled with the uncanny 4/8 phenomena, as their singular energies are known to cause sacrifice and victimization when combined. The Chaldean Karmic Mysteries of the compound numbers for each of his names display the very lessons he was to adhere to. Even in Dr. King’s final days, the numerical cycles he was experiencing tie into the continual mystery of the energies of the 4 and the 8.

His original name, MICHAEL LUTHER KING, vibrates to the 40=4.

MICHAEL, alone vibrates to the 22, ‘Submission -Caution’ a Master Number reducing to 4.

His first name of MICHAEL was changed to MARTIN at the age of 6.

MARTIN, alone vibrates to the 17=8, and is coined the ‘The Star of the Magi,’ and is the number of immortality, denoting the person’s name will live on long after they pass on.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, vibrates to a 26=8, granting one the immense ability to help others yet indicates to watch for troublesome partnerships in the life.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., vibrates to the 35=8, and carries the same meaning as the 26, that the Chaldeans deeply understood to mean ‘Partnerships’. “This compound number vibrates, in a strange way, to a unique kind of power, based on compassion and unselfishness, with the ability to help others, but not always the Self. 35 is full of contradictions. If 35 is the Expression of the name, it might be best to change the name to a more fortunate influence.”

Had Dr. King utilized the analysis of Numerology, we’ll never know now whether it would have possibly eased his path or more importantly saved his life. Without a doubt, there where plenty of untrusting people partnered with Dr. King that resulted in his numerous arrests and assassination becoming an unfortunate reality, while his true intention was to unselfishly help others.

“A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Over the years Dr. King’s selfless efforts saw him in and out of jail, yet this never deterred him. This need Dr. King so obviously possessed to bring his message to humanity saw him in 1963, within a 26/8 Personal Year of ultimate reward, recognition and gain, when he was named the ‘Man of the Year’ by Time magazine, and became known to the entire world as the valiant leader of American Blacks. Previous to this he had already delivered his infamous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech for the March on Washington.

The year to follow in 1964 concluded a 9 year cycle for Dr. King from his new beginnings in 1956. (all soul’s continuously spin in 9 year spans of time, each year denoting what we are to see on the stage of our life.) In a 27/9 Personal Year of universal fame and celebrity, Dr. King was the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize at the ripe age of 35. He immediately at that time returned his prize money to continue to aide in the Civil Right Movement.

“I am not interested in power for power’s sake, but I’m interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

1968 was Dr. King’s last Personal Year of the 31/4, one of foundation and structure. In April, he was in the personal month of the 8, one where karmic ties are known to be settled. He was murdered on 4/4/1968, a Universal Day of the 32/5, where movement and permanent change is paramount. In this 8 personal month the 4th of April granted him nothing else but the very combination of the 4 and 8 itself, the 12: ‘The Sacrifice – the Victim,’ as a 12/3 personal day. His 31/4 personal year cycle and his known name vibration of the 35=8 at the time only intensified how these energies contributed to his fatality.

“If physical death is the price that I must pay to free my white brothers and sisters from a permanent death of the spirit, then nothing can be more redemptive.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

There is no question Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sacrificed his precious life by bring inspiration and change to humanity. With Saturn governing his Capricorn soul along with his 8 name vibrations, he showered us with lessons to be learned, while the minor expression of his first name left his eternal mark upon history. Dr. King’s ‘The Magician’ karmic path did not fail him as he forever remains famed with compassionately addressing issues with the intention to bring balance to humanity’s differences.

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

As always we conclude by looking to the Lexigrams of Dr. King’s birth name and its’ changes. The mysteries that lie within this uncanny art form lend us the final insight into “it’s all in a name” the story to be told of his short yet incredibly meaningful 39 years. Yes, all the anagrams that can be derived from either tell us the poetic tale in truth that we saw him lead the human heart in from his own.

MICHAEL LUTHER KING

A REAL TRUE MAN IN A GREAT HEART

HE CAME IN A CHARMING NUMERICAL “MAGICIAN” LINE

KARMA GRANT HIM A TIE TO KARMIC HEALING

HE IMAGINE THE HUMAN HEART HEALING THE HATE

HE CAME IN A REAL THINKER TRAIL

HE CAN TEACH THEM IN MICHIGAN

HE CAN TEACH THE HUMAN HEART A GREAT THING

HE CAN CHANGE THE AMERICAN HUMAN RIGHT

HE CAME IN A MIRACLE HUMAN RIGHT TRAIL

HE CAME IN A CHALLENGE, HE CAN ILLUMINATE MAN

HE CAN LECTURE IN THE LIMELIGHT RECITING

A GREAT THING, REACHING A MAGNETIC LENGTH

HE CAN CREATE INTRIGUE IN THE HUMAN HEART

HE TAUGHT THE HUMAN RACE TIME A MITE THING

A KILLER’(s) TRAGIC HATE HIT HIM IN ILL-TIMING

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

HE TAKE A DARING NAME CHANGE IN THE “KARMIC EIGHT”

A REAL TRUE MAN IN A GREAT HEART

HE “HAD A DREAM,” A DARING UNITING DREAM

HE GET DUE TIME IN JAIL

A GREAT TALKER IN A DARING MAGNITUDE

A REAL LEADER IN THE HUMAN RIGHT
AND THE HUMAN NATURE

MARTIN URGED IN HEALING THE HATE IN THE HUMAN HEART

MARTIN A TAME MAN IN TUNE, A REAL MEDITATING “GURU”

HE IMAGINED THE ULTIMATE HUMAN ALIGNMENT

HE TRAINED MEN IN RETHINKING THEIR HEART

HE INITIATED A GREAT GAIN IN THE HUMAN RIGHT

IN THE END, KILLED/MURDERED IN A MAD RAGE

MARTIN KILLED IN A DARK INHUMANE HATE IN THE END

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/brthplns.html#About

Once you have decided what choices are important for you during your birth, discuss them with your care provider. It is important to have these discussions well before your baby’s birth so that you do not have to worry about it on the day your baby is born. Adding chiropratic care and acupuncture into your routine can also be very beneficial…both are known to help women have easier, more comfortable birthing experiences. It’s important to be sure that your chiropractor and acupuncturist have special training working with pregnant women. Helpful resources for acupuncture and chiropractic care are as follows: https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/ACUPUNCTURE+AND+PREGNANCY

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/chiropracticcare.html

http://icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique.htm

Please check back next month for the final installment of tips on how to get the birth experience you want
Kim Gross, CD(DONA), HCHI, Student Midwife, NCM

https://www.serenebirths.com

If you’re like most parents, you may find that a cartoon, a show for babies or sing-along movie provides a little bit of respite for the parent and relaxation for the infant. Here are a few more things to think about when considering television for your infant-toddler:

• Let media inspire your interaction. Something positive about many shows targeting infants and toddlers is that they allow children to repeat phrases, sing songs, tell stories, identify items, and be entertained with light and sound. If your baby is attracted to some of the sights and sounds, sing along and dance with your baby. Or turn the sound off and describe what they might see on TV. If you find that your baby has a preference for certain songs, you can sing these songs to play, comfort, or connect with them at another time (ie. in the car when they don’t want to be in a car seat). For older toddlers, press the pause button and ask about how a character is feeling, doing or thinking. This builds empathy, connection, articulation and expression of language. If you want your child to learn another language, learn a few phrases and songs in other languages to talk or sing with your baby.

• Sit with your infant while watching a show. If you notice your baby bobbing their head or dancing, reflect and mirror their movements. This is fun for parents too!

• Don’t let TV replace book reading or interaction time. This means that TV time will automatically be limited and not as important as going out to the park, playing a patty-cake game or looking at pictures in a book. Babies sleep a lot so when they’re awake, stimulating their growing brains with connection and communication is vital!

As a parent, you are able to make creative decisions based on your child’s temperament and needs. If you have questions or concerns about being overwhelmed with parenting or connecting with your child, please email me confidentially at: Chai.B.Benson@BabyAwareness.com.

Practical Imagination

We celebrate our first Lunar Lady light show of 2012 under a Full Moon in Cancer, which is ready to let your imagination flow! While our Sun is still in practical Capricorn, feelings surrounding this lunation are here to balance how we can go with our gut and still be stable and patient enough to trust our instinct for this next waning phase. The 4th Full Moon in a row at the 18th degree of the sign, get ready for more intense release in the life where The Crab cozies up at home.

Moon enters Cancer
Saturday 07 January, 4:05pm EST to Monday 09 January, 11:35pm EST
We can be quite influenced by our environments under a Cancer Moon passage, as the Moon is right at home in it’s native sign. Steering clear of reacting with moodiness but responding with a well-developed and active instinct will allow your imagination to let go of what is no longer necessary in this area of the life. The capacity to cherish and relive experiences is strong under any Cancer Moon, but beware of that typical Crab tendency to hold on too tight to the past. Pulling into the Sun in Capricorn’s ability to go slow and listen to reason brings one right back to center.

Full Moon, 2:30am EST 09 January, 18 degrees Cancer
Reflection mode is now being requested where 18 degrees Cancer falls in your Zodiac Pie, indicating the area of life you ideally should focus through our next New Moon in Aquarius 23 January. Naturally, your Cancer ruled house will bring pull to the opposite house the Sun is current transiting through in Capricorn. Be sure to note this other area of life that is equally part of your star advice- pointing how to manifest personal balance, and where some new beginnings are in their own ambitious stages right now.

For the Collective
Our first Full Moon of 2012 within Cancer casts a sympathetic, sensitive, and passive mood upon the collective. Getting domesticated, enjoying the feminine and basking in the glory of the home, family and good food so pleases a Cancer vibration. With a little friendly motivation coming from Mars in Virgo, there is plenty of logic tied into helping the imagination from running too wild. One easily can find the path to making sense of what this lunation from the The Crab is requesting should be let go of in the life.

This month, as we arrive at the 18th degree of the sign to do so, we see the 4th lunation in a row at this degree point. We started this pattern back with the last Full Moon in Aries upon 11 October 2011.  Take a look at this third of your Zodiac Pie from Aries to Cancer. Here is where there has been a “no turning back” energy offering itself over these past months. As the 18 represents adapting to a spiritual nature over a materialistic one, we are wise to keep this in mind as our conclusions here continue to play out.

LUNAR-O-SCOPE, Full Moon in Cancer 2012
For the collective horoscope, again we offer advice for every sign from the outer vantage point. Remember, if you know your Rising Sign (Ascendant), read that passage too, for it typically will apply to your personal charts’ advice, more so if the earlier degrees of it. Keep in mind, the exact casting of the natal birth chart determines a precise perspective of how the current transits of the planets personally and specifically affect you.

Aries: Even though the career presses you hard at present- there is attention you are wise to devote to the nest egg and family. Focus upon realigning your sense of comfort and security is time well spent. Anything within the home that you’ve been procrastinating about cleaning, now is your perfect opportunity! Don’t ignore the deja-vu that may come up, these contain important messages that wish to nurture you. New friends, hopes and dreams are on the way soon.

Taurus: Stop clinging to that worn out idea. Uproot the past, and find healthy channels for your imagination to regroup. Gear-up for some new career sparks that will need the room to unfold by the next New Moon. Siblings and neighbors may call to you now- whatever is unsettled in these areas, work them out in your patient way. This is a great time for taking pen to paper, and being your creativity is motivated these days, you’ll be happy you can look back again to remember it.

Gemini: There is a possession in your life you should logically throw out, or better yet, give away to charity. Time to let your reflection bask in what you hold dear -for what you think is absolutely secure may not be- and release that old worn out value. You’ll be making room for some better philosophies to come into play shortly. Won’t you be all the happier, having more room to let your beliefs unite and shine like the MINI GEM that you already are?

Cancer: It’s your month Dear Crab to be in the Lunar spotlight of reflection. There’s an entirely different emotional standpoint you’re meant to nurture from. Check those approaches, for the room you make now allows a pretty intense rebirth to initiate by the next New Moon. While steering clear of being selfish, focus on you before others. People are tired of seeing this worn-out mask you wear to the world, as there isn’t any more security left for you to hide behind.

Leo: Carefully examine the depths within your truest sense of transcendence. The subconscious wishes to purge. Pick up with your dream journal, for your nighttime ones have a plenty to say to you about your waking world right now. Preparing you for some new one-on-one relationships to blossom soon enough, these two weeks will result in a serious alteration within your inner world, but it’s up to you to recognize what no longer needs to be in your own royal court here.

Virgo: Worried about friends or a group? If you’re holding on to someone or something that doesn’t serve you, you’re just going to get more and more nit-picky. Possibly there may be a hope or a wish unfulfilled here, so it may be time to move on. Use that Mercurial logic of yours and make the right choice, and by the next New Moon, you’ll be ready to serve others better than ever before. Should a spontaneous social invitation present itself, don’t shy away from it.

Libra: It’s time to stop relating to what no longer is necessary within your career and public life anymore. If not now, Saturn will make sure you listen to reason later, and that just might tip your Scales a little too much for your taste. Take some time in the next two weeks and revisit how you care about what you do- what needs refreshing? This ultimately allows the room for some new innovations to be able to emerge within your creative nature by the next New Moon.

Scorpio: Relinquish a worn out philosophy. While you are well adapted to surrendering to regeneration, rest assured by the next New Moon there will be some invigorating energy stirring within your home and sense of security, so make the necessary room now for it. Try on an educational review; reflect upon a recent trip, spiritual quest, or how you’ve recently expanded within your life. These kinds of probes unravel another mystery you’ve been waiting to solve.

Sagittarius: Now that your recent Solar Eclipse initiations are finally moving forward, there still are more regenerative energies that await to find you. So put down your arrow and realize your aim should focus upon reflection within your wealth, other people’s money, and how you ultimately transform. Gain scope of everything surrounding you- for what you restore now and dispose of has your thinking and mentality emerging your best ideas yet by the next New Moon.

Capricorn: Excellence, like all else you do in life, also applies to your relationships. If there is a memory of one that no longer works weighing you down emotionally- let it wash away with the tide. Arrive at conclusions here with any one-on-one. Yes, old Goat, it is tough that tradition could be broken but that’s the toil. Whether they stay or go, it’s your journey of perfection. By the next New Moon, you’ll see exactly what this makes room for within all that you value in life.

Aquarius: There’s always a way you are looking to bring new life to things- best now take this to your health, habits, and that friendly way you enjoy helping others. Didn’t stick to your original resolutions? Shhh… we won’t tell but you have one more opportunity to revamp your regimes and routines. Examine how you really bring service to others: what can be improved? By the New Moon, innovative and fresh approaches find you, so reflect well upon your daily life now.

Pisces: Your psychic powers do not deceive you, so what’s not been working for you creatively lately? You are wise to revisit the ways you nurture your lovely sensitivity and all it wants to initiate. An on-going creative adventure completes itself. Swim swiftly to improvements to your channels of creation, just IMAGINE them: I AM IN A MEGA MAGI GAIN! Children may also desire you to pause amongst your vast ocean and tread some water with them for a while.

2012 represents a 5 Universal Year in it’s presence, and is guided by our Messenger planet Mercury. Undoubtedly, you have already heard this year will be one of significant change. Indeed these are not rumors to be cast away lightly. But our changes, as they will display themselves, are certainly something any soul should not choose to fear.

As we all do as spiritual beings having our human experiences, we personally encounter Mercury and his 5 energy every 9 days, 9 months and 9 years. We share in not only our own individual and personal forecast as we flow in time with that of The Universe, but witness what occurs in the world’s experiences that affects the larger part of the entire whole.

On a collective level, humanity too, goes through 9 year cycles. Our last year of major changes was in 2003. Previous to that, 1994, 1985, 1976, 1967, 1958, 1949, 1940, 1931, 1922, 1913, and 1904 are all of the years throughout the last century that have represented years that changes to the masses on one significant level or another occurred within. Go back in history and see what links up here.

So, here we are again now amidst a collective year that promises to change the landscape of the world at large in a massive way. 5 is the midway point of any cycle of the 9. In the 5, as blossoming and change wish to occur, these all are stemming ideally from the new beginnings planted 4 years prior.

Looking back to 2008, this is a time that the collective first started the seeds which have completed their understanding of being nurtured (2009), then sprouted (2010), and have the depth of root and security (2011) to be able to permanently change from the foundation that has now been built. The platform is in place for real change and movement to unfold as 2012 progresses.

As we will be concluding 2012, October brings in a tremendous astrological shift from Saturn, the planet of karma, responsibility and patience as he will then enter the realms of transformational Scorpio. With the combination of a 5 Universal Year and this planetary alignment, you can be sure some of the most intense changes of the year come in the latter months of it.

In pure planetary “reversals” our planet of regeneration and change, Pluto, already has been reflecting on everything that will see it’s greatest shifts, as he has been slowly making changes upon the collective in the ambitions of Capricorn since November 2008. Undoubtedly, the last 3 months of 2012 are ones where shift truly come through as Pluto and Saturn see themselves in the sign the other one innately rules. Karmic changes indeed.

There is no better time to take a deep breath and be ready for the future. How -as a collective unit- will we be able to adapt and be versatile enough to accept the changes before us all? For whatever reasons, the very idea of EMBRACE SPIRIT came to mind as I asked myself this very question. When I went further to ponder the Name Expression of this phrase, I guess it didn’t surprise me too much that it ticked to the blessings of the 23, the Chaldean’s innate understanding of ‘The Royal Star of the Lion.’

Within this most fortunate 5 vibration, the 23 promises that by tapping into it, we can receive its’ wisdom. Of which the Chaldeans’ spoke of this numerological gift: “This is a karmic reward number. 23 bestows, not only a promise of success in personal and career endeavors, it guarantees help from superiors and protection from those in high places. It’s a most fortunate number, and greatly blesses with abundant grace the person or entity represented by it. Other numbers don’t have much of a chance to bring about serious trouble when the Royal Star of the Lion is present during difficult times. No number can challenge the Lion’s strength and win.”

Still a little antsy about the changes 2012 promises? By remembering to EMBRACE SPIRIT, there isn’t any doubt that when we look to one more star secrets treasure of the Lexigrams it can derive, we  -in all of our human experiences as spiritual beings- will survive them and remain in our personal strength. As the letters within can be poetically phrased to tell the truth of the matter, who wouldn’t look forward to these Universal gifts in 2012?

EMBRACE SPIRIT

I AM A SMART SPIRIT MAP
I BE A PRIME PRECISE PRAISER
I REAP A RARE STREAM
I BE A SCEPTRE AS I BEAM
I SEE STAR SECRETS TRACE A CRITERIA I RESPECT
I CREATE A PRIME SPACE I BE BEST
I AIM AT A TAME PACE AS I BE
I PRESCRIBE A MERRIEST PACE AS I BE ME
I BE BEST AT A TEAM MERIT AS I CREATE ME
AS I PRAISE ME, I CREATE A RARE STREAM I REAP
AS I CREATE, I SEE A TEAM SPACE I RESPECT
AS I SEE TIME IS MITE, I BE SMARTER AT PEACE
I PERMIT PEACE AS ME PASTIME AS I ASPIRE
I AM A MASTER AT PEACE AS I RISE, RISE, RISE

Now, as always Dear Stars, I didn’t give you all the answers.
What do you see about the rewards of the practice of EMBRACE SPIRIT?

Happy Happy Spirals of Change in Your 2012.

Namaste.

Fortunately, I enjoyed the ability to walk out my front door, and within 10 minutes be walking in miles of ongoing, uninterrupted beach.  (One of San Diego’s perks is its miles upon miles of beaches!)  That first day, I managed to walk about two miles. Given the amount of sweet pouring out of me, you’d think I had run a marathon. I didn’t mind!  I proudly wiggled out of my sweets with a sense of glee unlike ever before.  I felt a sense of wind beneath my wings that morning.  I could sense my soul applauding me for getting off my lazy butt to start a process I’ve come to LOVE without question.

To set the stage for this walk, you need to know this walk happened months after I started my morning walking routine. I walked the same route every day at almost the same time every day.  While my route and time remained fairly consistent, weather and tide variations always mixed things up a bit.  One morning, I encountered May gray (a common seasonal weather event in San Diego – especially during the month of May) with high tides.  May gray combined with high tides challenged my determination to even get out of bed!  It’s cold.  It’s windy.  It’s cloudy.  Not the most inspiring weather to walk in.

On this May gray morning, as I walked past one particular cliff (a cliff I’ve walked past dozens of times), with the help of a momentary ray of sunlight, my eye caught a shimmering Valentines-day-sort of heart twinkling on the face of the cliff.  When I turned around to confirm what I thought I saw, the heart was gone.  (So was the sunlight.) For just a second, I though I entered the twilight zone!  I KNOW I saw a heart-shaped symbol shimming on that cliff wall!  I decided to back up and look again.

In the time it took me to back up and walk back to where I first saw (what I thought I had seen), the sun appeared for split second.  In that second, the sunlight light-up some kind of transparent paint (much like Elmer’s glue, it’s white when you use it, it’s clear when it dries).  Someone had painted a big ol’ heart on the side of the cliff in a medium that appeared only when the sunlight hit it in just the right angle at the right time.

What a magical moment, to say the least.  I looked for signs of being loved that morning. I got it BIG time! In that moment, I cemented my resolve to continue walking no matter the weather, place or time.  This resolution resulted in retiring my first 40 pounds in less than two months! Granted, walking is one part of my program.  Increased consumption of purified water also plays a BIG role in helping the rolls around my middle to disappear.  More on the benefits of drinking ample amounts of clean, fresh water coming up!  Check out my next post!!

In the meantime, whatever your excuse is for not getting out for at least 30 minutes a day for a brisk, refreshing walk, kindly consider dissolving that excuse! For those living in the concrete jungle (big cities) I bet there’s an enclosed mall not too far away.  Forget the shopping and focus on how many times you can walk around the entire mall and still see something NEW each time.  I know of high-rise dwellers who purposely walk the stairs every day for exercise.

Of course, common sense is the key here.  Listen to your body.  Be gentle.  Consult your health care provider if you have questions about how much walking you should do when first starting out.  I’ve a hunch your body will tell you how much is too much – quickly!  Allow your body plenty of rest on this program as well.  We’ll review the power of rest in an upcoming post as well!

Now – get those walking shoes on and get busy!

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As my practice of positively affirming what I DO want evolves, I find myself still releasing the ill effects of my early years of negative affirmation. I spent years shaking with anxiety and then months stagnant with depression. But now I spend mere moments in agony and that is all I am willing to take! When these rare agonizing moments now arise, I force myself to affirm the opposite of whatever scary thought is terrorizing my mind. It is one of the only times using a forcing energy current is not only safe, but usually necessary to jump off the downward spiral. Saying the first few positive affirmations are like pushing a boulder up a hill – or my dreams where I’m trying to run but the wind is so forceful it keeps me running in place. But I endure, I repeat the positive affirmation a few more times, and find humorous ways of saying it that do a great job of shifting my energy from gloom to light hearted.

Here is my 2012 affirmation: “I am bursting with gratitude at my glorious life! Dale and I are more in love than ever, Women’s Wisdom Community is helping thousands of women world wide, my home is safe and clean, I get to travel with Dale, I am 100% healthy, and I have more money than I could ever spend!”

What’s yours? Come affirm it on the mountaintop with a group of conscious friends New Year’s Day. We’re meeting in front of the obelisk at Griffith Park at high noon, taking an easy hike, and shouting our positive affirmations from the mountaintop!

According to the Akashic Records of 2012 — which I consulted to write a chapter for “2012: Creating Your Own Shift” **– the focus on this event can create an octave shift in our evolution.

As we move into 2012, more people are being called to work directly with the Akashic Records than ever before as our spiritual antennae are becoming more receptive to its frequency.  Individuals who are not mystics or gurus can now tune into this cosmic energy-bank via various methods — including vibrational prayers like Linda Howe’s Pathway Prayer Process©, which I use and teach.

When I consulted 2012′s Records a few weeks ago, they told me that “with over 7 billion people on Earth — more souls at one time than ever before — humanity is like a pearl becoming too large energetically to remain in its oyster.  The original grain of sand – which some call God – has rubbed against the inner shell long enough to generate a strong and iridescent gem.  This ‘pearl’ is now being influenced to better see itself as cohesive and beautiful.  When it does, the sense of separation between the metaphoric grain of sand, the shell and the pearl will dissipate.”

They also reiterated what they’d previously told me:  that “12/21/2012 is connected to the turning of the Mayan calendar to focus humanity’s consciousness on the current requirements of evolution.  It is not a day to be feared or revered… What is most critical to 2012 is already stirring within every human, animal, tree and rock:  a quickening of the frequency that binds everything together and always will…

“Many things have been said, written and predicted about this time in relation to man-made calendars and events which may not occur as what is to come is still evolving.  The subtle and amplified frequency shifts occurring between today and that date will shape what occurs.

“The collective energy of Humanity influences how the Earth, Sun and Stars resonate with humans and with each other.  People of the past were more attuned to these subtle energies.  People today are increasingly desensitized due to the abundance of manufactured electronic energy which overlays the natural frequencies connecting each human to each other and the Earth.

“Creating a new equilibrium and maintaining balance between the natural world and the new yet necessary global connectivity via electronic pathways and airborne wavelengths is essential to prevent the Earth and humanity from imploding… So it is vital for humans to raise their own vibrations and harmonize this in physical form.

“If this can be done before 12/21/12, an atmosphere of peace, calm and connectedness will infuse the Earth, Sun and Stars.  Making time to consciously vibrate at the frequency of peace and unity will calm and connect each individual on Earth.  By tuning into the collective energy of the Records and ‘feeding’ them with positive light and love, each of you will also receive more light and love directly and continually.”

More on this next week — as we move into 2012′s energy…

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** Portions of this article are excerpted from Barbara’s chapter in “2012: Creating Your Own Shift” available at Amazon.com or YourSoulSupporttShop.com

Barbara Schiffman is a Life&Soul Coach, Akashic Records Advanced Practitioner & Certified Teacher, and author/speaker on personal evolution.  Based in Southern California, Barbara creates and teaches coaching processes designed to help people enjoy their lives and evolve their Souls.  She offers workshops, individual readings (in person and by phone), guided meditation CDs, books and more for soul seekers and creative evolutionaries.

Reach Barbara at 818-415-3479 or AkashicLA@gmail.com, or visit:

http://YourLifeandSoul.com

http://YourSoulSupportShop.com

******

I’m still offering a special $50 discount on all phone or in-person Akashic Readings completed by 1/6/12.

My next Akashic Intro workshop is 1/29/12 in Burbank and my first Akashic Records Practitioner Training weekend of 2012 is 2/24-26 in LA/Burbank.   To learn about working with your own Akashic Records, visit http://YourLifeandSoul.com or call me at 818-415-3479 for info.

Guaranteed stress/anxiety reducer… celebrating responsibly. Let us say that you are one of the souls filled with merriment and New Years curiosity and wish to go out into the hustling/bustling world. Perhaps the desire to imbibe the sweet elixirs of social lubrication is within you. I suggest a designated driver or if everyone in your party wishes to engage in this yearly celebration of imbibing, the MTA is offering free rides from 9pm-2am on both bus lines and rail. Should you find yourself intoxicated and with the keys of your car in hand AAA is also providing free tows within 7 miles of pick up. Callers simply dial 800-400-4 AAA and tell the operator, “I need a Tipsy Tow.” This service runs from 6pm-6am starting December 31st (this service will only get the driver home, no passengers). If you are host to an awesome party and notice that a drunken attendee has the intention to drive, take the keys and call AAA.

Ring in the New Year without stress, by choosing an effective and safe means of transportation while celebrating. I guarantee waiting for a free AAA tow, will be way less stressful than one offered by the LAPD ($12,000).

The Sun moves into the sign of Capricorn December 21 at 10:30 pm marking the beginning of the return of the light. Hence a lot of different celebrations at this time of year focusing on a theme of the Sun/Son being born and lights being placed on evergreen trees and gifts being given and feasting and candles being lit in all different forms of celebration.

The Ancient Ones marked the Winter Solstice with great reverence because the Sun, the source of all life, now starts to grow in light thus ensuring another cycle of survival. The darkness is reduced a little bit each and everyday as the light increases.

The sign Capricorn makes practical use of the resources of the material plane, realistically providing for survival during the cold months. It’s a good time to take care of business and prepare for the next chapter of productivity. The holidays are sometimes disconcerting because Capricorn wants to ACHIEVE and lots of things shut down during the holidays so it’s difficult to accomplish that sense of productivity Capricorn longs for. Organizing, clean-up, and planning the next level of foundation building help focus the energy and give some sense of satisfaction.

The moment of birth of this Sun into Capricorn, Uranus in Aries is challenging and Jupiter in Taurus is supporting. This combination creates a winter season marked with impulsive high energy and determination to expand. The urge to be an individual, to be unique, awakened and liberated yet at the same time abundant and generous, good natured and funny make for a really balanced combination. Jupiter will mitigate and mellow some of the Uranian volatility.

Uranus will stimulate this entire season to continue to strive for truth and awakened evolution. The unrest will remain prevalent but the Jupiter influence will help lift our spirits, give us hope and optimism and the ability to create abundance rather than poverty.

We are sick of the collective spell of poverty, yes we need to conserve resources, be more responsible and limit our use, but the Jupiter relationship to the Sun in the moment of birth of this equinox signifies a time of good humor and balance between restriction and expansion.

This winter will be filled with opportunity and pleasant surprises. The volatile energy of Uranus in Aries, unexpected changes and new beginnings is still highly activated but our friend Jupiter has joined the party and loves to be a benefactor and embody the spirit of abundance. The changes are of course still afoot, but lots of them are wonderful gifts of life, love and laughter.

When looking to the very word of resolutions, we see that it carries a name expression via Chaldean Numerology of the 46. Breaking it down to the 10’s The Wheel of Fortune, we find we are, when making them, at the very root number of the 1.

Certainly there is no coincidence in what the ancient Chaldeans understood about their number to letter match up system, which differs from the one that Pythagorean Numerology utilizes. As we know, anytime we take up with resolutions, we should be in the space of initiation, which is what the 1 wishes to create through its’ energy of new beginnings.

Yet sometimes, we all discover -as one may experience with carrying out those resolutions- that they don’t have much lasting power past February as the truest sense of those winter blues may surface. How can we set better intentions for ourselves when making improvements within our lives?

Looking to the 10 and The Wheel of Fortune’s guidance over knowing what we are dealing with within our resolutions, we can tap into this advice from our Chaldean friends:

“10 is symbolized by Isis and Osiris. A number of rise and fall, according to personal desire. Every event is self-determined. 10 is the symbol of LOve and LIght, which create all that can be imagined, and also contains the code: Imagine.  10  Ordain. Imagine it and it shall be. Ordain it and it will materialize. The power for manifesting creative concepts into reality is inherent, but must be used with wisdom, since the power for absolute creation contains the polarity power for absolute destruction. Self-discipline and infinite compassion must accompany the gift of the former to avoid the tragedy of the latter. Discipline must proceed Dominion.”

So, when making your resolutions for 2012, take some time to sit with the self and truly IMAGINE the possibilities! For then, your most certainly will be the one saying later on, I AM IN A MAGI GAIN. Then when you ORDAIN these into manifestation, you’ll be happily IN AN ADORN ON A ROAD IN NO RAIN by February.

We’ll also be ringing in the Universal New Year of 2012 amidst an Aries Waxing Moon. Boy, are we all ever blessed with gathering from the astrological source of new beginnings as we equally let go of what no longer serves us to move forward and be ready to receive the dynamic changes that 2012 will offer to us all.

One more piece of star secrets wisdom on those resolutions comes from the makings of the very word itself. As we tap into some Lexigram magick, we can see how able the anagrams found within are ready to share their story with us in their poetic ways. Taking up with well-intended and imagined resolutions definitely will ordain some great food for your soul.

RESOLUTIONS

I LISTEN TO ONE SILENT SOUL
I UNITE IT IN ONE SOUL SOLUTION
I IS RESOLUTE TO RISE TO IT
SOULS UNITE IT IN ONE
I RE-ROUTE ROUTINES
I LET OUT LOSER LIE UNTIES
I LOSE LIES TO UNTIE IT, TO LOOSEN IT TRUE
I NOTE TRUE CORE OUTLINES
SUNRISE TO SUNSET I UNITE IT
I IS IN SURE SERIOUS RESULTS IN ONE SILENT LISTEN
I ORIENT IN TO TRUE SOUL LINE
I LISTEN IN TO OUR SOULS TRUE TUNE
I LET IN OUR SOULS’ TRUE SOURCE, OUR CORE
I LISTEN IN ONE SILENT SOURCE TO TIES SENT IN TEN: (ONE, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 TEN!)
I LISTEN IN TO ONE SILENT SOUL: I SIT, I LET IT IN, I SIT IN IT.

Adding on the “New Year” as we all tend to do, takes our Lexigram wisdom to one more level:

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

YES I UNITE IT IN ONE REAL WISE SOUL ANSWER TO ANOINT IT IN ONE

I’ll let your Lexigram thinking cap take on the rest….

HAPPY Universal New Year 2012 Dear Stars.
Imagine and Ordain well.
Namaste.

Time to dive into a before / after review of my home life as it relates to my desire to gain, then maintain a healthy body, mind and soul!  I’ll define my “before” period as a time of extreme expense in money, health, relationships and respect.  My “after” period is how I live NOW based on almost seven years of enjoying better health than most of my life!

Before / money: cost of pre-packaged foods didn’t phase me. I shopped the frozen-foods isle with glee! My time was more valuable than money. I shopped with a ‘three-step’ food rule for decades.  Step one:  buy it.  Step two:  open it.  Step three:  eat it.  (I guess you’d add one step more, “Step four:  throw away lots of packaging.)  What I didn’t know at the time was how nutritionally bankrupt and toxic this food really is!  I was always hungry, so no wonder I bought and ate so much of it.  In the long run, it bankrupted my health to such a degree I faced Type 2 Diabetes.

Before / health: medicate stress with food.  That was my home motto!  If life sucked, then it’s time to suck down something yummy, decadent and momentarily fulfilling. You never know when death decides to knock on the door.  Better to have another delightful treat before that knock!  Right?  (What I didn’t want to face was how I sent out an invite for that knock with every spoonful of midnight delight I enjoyed for years!)

Before / relationships: my previous post (02/15) talked about how my professional relationships revolved around eating and drinking.  This applied to all my relationships actually.  To say I spent more than some small countries gross national revenues on dining out is NO JOKE!  Yes, it costs me lots of money.  I thought I had to spend that type of money to create and maintain the types of relationships I needed to live.  Nasty cycle to say the least! I’m glad that cycle is O.V.E.R! I’ve no doubts the amount of dining out (most often – at buffets) contributed significantly to my waist line.  It certainly laid waste my finances!

Before / respect: As my girth grew, my mirth about my girth grew.  I laughed at anyone who expressed any concern about my health. My standard response to anyone wanting me to get more healthy was, “I’m happy, thanks.  Which do you want more for me, happiness or health?”  Talk about arrogance!  WOW!  Looking back, I not only had little respect for others, but even less for those who cared for me.  I guess it’s true we tend to hurt most the ones we love most.

Now, time to look at my home life - today . . .

Money:  I have to confess.  I still enjoy the convenience of pre-packaged food. While I do have two more steps in my food-rule, they take less than a minute each! What’s changed is what I consume.  I eat Isagenix more often than not. Yes, it’s pre-packed.  Yes, the packaging is recyclable. Now, I’m no longer hungry all the time. My meals are so packed with nutrition it feeds my body at deeper levels. Excessive snacking / eating is completely unnecessary. My program also helps me maintain a healthy life in more ways than I have time to share in this post.  Next, I’ve cut my grocery budget in half! My cost per meal, to include taxes, shipping along with a wide variety of add-ons (supplements, greens, fruits, etc.) is less than $5.00 a meal.  I don’t need to drive to a store to shop. I order online. My order is delivered in less than three days with standard ground shipping costs.  I save on gas, utilities, and waste.  (More often than not, if I was adventurous enough to purchase produce in my “before” stage, that produce often turned to science projects well before I ate it!  Tossing out spoiled food is the same as tossing money into the garbage can.  Go throw a $5.00 bill in the street and walk away the next time you throw out spoiled food!)

Health:  I often chuckle when folks look at my before/after pic.  When I ask people to guess my age when I show them my picture featuring me at 33 years old, they often guess 50′s and 60′s.  I enjoy more naturally created energy now than I had in my 20′s.  I receive glowing compliments on my skin whenever I meet a cosmetologist, esthetician or similar skin care professional. These professionals don’t believe me when I tell them I ‘don’t use product‘ on my skin.  They don’t believe how a daily shake for breakfast actually improves my largest body organ, my skin.  I just smile and change the topic.

Relationships:  if I could monetize how I feel about my current circle of family, friends, colleagues, students and clients, I’d be a multi-trazillionaire hands-down!  Over the past few years, not only have I dissolved over 100 pounds, physically, I think I’ve dissolved 100 TONS emotionally by allowing myself to stop judging myself and others on all sorts of ways.  No matter who you are, you’re perfect in my eyes.  No need to fix or change anyone.  Allowing folks to be who they are with no need to judge or fix them allows me to respect them more and I can express in words.

Respect:  as my pounds dissolved, I discovered an entire new world of respect for myself.  As each year passes with continued good health, if I’m ever tempted to awaken old home-life habits, I realize I would not only disrespect myself, but everyone I hold near and dear as well.  It’s much easier to bypass the frozen-foods section when I tap into the love, care and happiness I savor by respecting my health, each and every day.

Yes, my home life has changed considerably over the past decade. What ever time savings I thought I earned by eating all that prepackaged food was later spent at a gym.  My desire to daily practice the notion that everyone is perfect, inspires me to admire people who they are and what they wish to become.  Before, I focused on who they HAVE BEEN or what they haven’t accomplished.  Over all, my home life changed from reminiscing about the past or daydreaming about the future to BEING IN THE MOMENT.(Now, where have you heard THAT before!) Many of the shows you’ll find here on Create Your Health inspires a ‘real-time’ appreciation for who you are right now!  Be sure to click around this site to uncover ways to spend money wisely, improve your health, daily, foster and savor healthy relationships with a new level of respect unlike you’ve ever dreamed of!

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Grounding Practical Feelings

Welcome to the final NEW Moon of 2011! As we have just celebrated the Winter Solstice, it is now time to gather up initiations and embrace the gifts of the season in true forward motion. While the Shadow of the recent Mercury Retrograde still remains until 01 January, be ready for a fresh and favored energy to emerge where The Goat ambitiously climbs in your life.

Moon enters Capricorn
Saturday, 8:47am EST 24 December to Monday, 12:14pm EST 26 December
Depending upon your personal feelings, Winter may not be your favorite time of the year to feel “anew” within. Yet, as life always presents us with change, heeding to the wisdom within winter can be valuable beyond the typical “blues” that tend to be experienced. Remember the Goat’s virtues of stability, patience, responsibility, and ambition- these are the ones the Universe requests we utilize. Our Lunar Lady’s transit through this practical sign requests that we get a little more serious about what we feel, and bring those emotions right down to earth to find a sure direction to flow.

New Moon, 1:06pm EST 24 December, 02 degrees Capricorn
There is no better time to tap into discovering some diligent outlooks, some which may seem a little too serious- but reliable these will be to grab hold of. Whichever area of life the 02-degree Capricorn piece of the collective and natal Zodiac Pie falls is where you can expect to see some fresh starts to emerge. Take the next 2 weeks to plant the seeds that will, with proper intention, reap a fantastic harvest in the life further down the road. Should you choose to partake in the tendency for a Capricorn Moon to gravitate to brooding, gloomy or suspicious feelings, you’ll miss the opportunities to recognize the new mountains you are meant to climb in this area of the life.

For the Collective
2011 opened and now closes its final New Moon cycle within The Goat. Looking to how the Solar Eclipse that paired up with 04 January’s lunar kick-off at the 13 degree Capricorn point, as we have evolved through this Universal Year, no doubt we all have seen those new beginnings from last Winter having arrived at a completion of energy where Capricorn affects our Zodiac Pie. As this month’s New Moon emerges, it’s time to take that patient pause and take in what we are meant to take charge of and be ready to initiate as a whole new cycle starts.

Taking note of our Taurus slice of life, we find a nice alignment of communication between this New Moon and where Jupiter is currently transiting at 0 degrees. Our planet of luck, fortune and growth returns to Direct motion upon Christmas Day. Whatever is presently cropping up in Capricorn, Jupiter aides this lunation to bring out this fresh energy with a nice dose of optimism as it trines from the area of life where The Bull firmly plants stability within your life. Expect what feelings come to be expanded, sincere, and most certainly dignified in their outcomes.

LUNAR-O-SCOPE, NEW Moon in Capricorn 2011
For the collective horoscope, again we offer advice for every sign from the outer vantage point. Remember, if you know your Rising Sign (Ascendant), read that passage too, for it typically will apply to your personal charts’ advice. Keep in mind, the exact casting of the natal birth chart determines a precise perspective of how the current transits of the planets personally and specifically affect you.

Aries: While you may feel like playing like a kid, it’s time you think about some fresh starts in the career, which are further blessed by your earning power at present. There is some recognition and reward that wishes to bless your public life. Promotions and publicity are easy to find you, as the way you take in those daily dollars boosts whatever business or work you toil in. A new way of regarding authority displays itself, which may deal with a paternal figure in your life.

Taurus: Time to make those travel plans if you aren’t already jet setting somewhere, so don’t be stubborn and miss them! Whether you use your passport or your mind, you are journeying to new faraway places. There’s an abundance of fresh beliefs and higher learning coming your way, which leads to a true spiritual quest. With all the happy energy that has been fueling those first impressions and approaches, if you are bored this winter, you’ve stayed stuck for too long.

Gemini: Mini Gem, get ready for some wealth and to increase what you already have. There are some new starts to emerge within your investments that bring improvements here. Whether it be through a windfall, the ability to have other people’s money work for you shows itself. Make sure you do unite the powerful urge to transform, which truly will align when you spend time in solitude and examine your nighttime dreams. Intimacy and desires for you equally feel alive and well.

Cancer: The relationship blessing is upon you once more! You’ll find yourself in the pursuit of a new partnership, whether business or romance. Should an existing relationship need closer examination, your focus moves here, to any close alliances to flourish for you now. Utilize a healthy imagination and sensitive nature to watch them grow, as you may also find these relate to the groups or friends you already know. Wish well this New Moon, for they will come true.

Leo: If it is new it is for you regarding health, routines, habits, and your ability to be of service. You are stimulated to clean-up and organize a new regime that benefits your personal skills. Your daily routine is motivated to a more serious responsibility. There is a true stability to be found in your work environment, which is gladly met with the happiness happening in your career and public life. Thinking about a new pet? Someone special awaits for their royal master to arrive.

Virgo: As always, it is no time to be shy with the new creative projects that require your flawless detail and attention. There is a vibrancy that arrives to your overall self-esteem. Children or “brain-children” take your focus. Your desire to play, simply have fun, as you captivate the energies surrounding your closest feelings. A love affair flirts. All allows you to be the student as well, as you wish learn something new. Traveling opens up your creative nature all the more.

Libra: Those Scales are ready to find balance by taking up with your environment. The home front is calling to you, as there are improvements to be had within your comfort zone. Your family involvements and ties with parental figures will be prominent. Don’t ignore that deja-vu you receive. Remember, with Saturn presently in your sign, patience is essential or those lessons may appear. That slow pace is bringing rewards within your wealth, so let this transformation in.

Scorpio: The latest mystery to be cleared up finds you probing intellectual ways to reach new goals in your mentality. A short trip may just put everything into the larger perspective you innately know how to see everything from. Those thoughts you’ve been feeling- it’s now time to write it all down. Should you have siblings, you may find they will be requiring your attention as well. As you align the mind, you find your relationships with others so too becomes the victor.

Sagittarius: Your arrows aim now Archer at some fresh ways to take in what you have. Welcome a new pattern of income flow. Ideally, your value system sees some stabilizing overall, as changes ambitiously find you here. Rather than acquiring unnecessary possessions, make wise choices with them. You’ll find these value shifts make your ability to serve even more abundant and your entire state of health equally is thrilled with this new income routine that directs you.

Capricorn: How lucky are you to be the first and last New Moon of the year? And guess what you hard working Goats, the time is now to embrace fresh ways to manage all of your approaches. No stranger to the toil, you’ve got a wonderful new energy and enthusiasm in the sense of how the world views you. With your ability to create also being blessed with plenty of optimism, you are so ready to unleash something fabulous from the self, so let yourself shine on.

Aquarius: Should you choose resistance and not go to that inner place, don’t complain about feeling stagnant. Those subconscious realms await for you to dive deep and reinvent your spiritual self. Take time to study your dreams for they more than ever help you gain a better understanding within your waking world. Becoming intimate with your deepest sense of self, lets in the further alignment that wishes to bring a cozier feel to your home and family life.

Pisces: You’ve got new friends to find in the ocean, along with original goals and hopes that desire to inspire you. A new group or organization truly will appreciate your sympathy and understanding, as you direct your powerful imagination. Whatever unexpected social invitations come your way, go: they are all part of the Universe’s divine plan for your future. Tie it all in with the abundance coming from your thinking and mentality and your wishes definitely do come true.

A man and woman cultivate, store and lose chi in a variety of different ways. For men, Chi is stored in their semen, and lost through ejaculation. This partly explains why after ejaculation men become tired, have a sense of lost energy and need rest. For women, Chi is stored in their menstrual blood. During menstruation there is a detrimental loss of a woman’s Chi, so self-care becomes extra important. Reducing the number of days of bleeding, as well as the volume of blood loss, is imperative to maintain and rebuild life force energy.

Stress is a living culprit hindering health, damaging life force energy and perpetuating the duration of the menstrual cycle. When you feel stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisone, which interferes with the natural flow and balance of the body, destroys Chi and vitality, congests the mind, and promotes aging. A woman releases cortisone just after two days of bleeding. Reducing the amount of bleeding to 1 to 3 days, rather than 5 to 7 days, not only alleviates menstrual symptoms and discomfort, but helps women to reverse a detrimental loss of chi, that instead can be utilized to support greater health, exuberance, sexual prowess, and energetic power.

The breasts actually serve as a pathway to strengthening the entire female reproductive system. The Breast Massage is a powerful and effective practice that helps women connect with and engage in their body’s cycle. Its ancient methodology helps to reduce the number of bleeding days, reduce blood flow, and restore a woman’s life force energy. This practice also helps women to cultivate greater sexual drive and libido, enhances fertility and shields her from diseases and cancers of the breast.  

Please stay tuned for the next segment on the Breast Massage.

Namaste,

Jennifer

www.healthysexylotus.com

Like being with family and friends. This is especially important with children nowadays since they are so distracted by video, audio, and electronic gadgetry, to the point where nothing seems to hold their interest outside of their high-tech toys. I just recently read an article in one of those Nature magazines that focus on endangered species. It was written by a photographer who travels all over to the greatest natural parks and wildlife preserves. He shared in the article that while flying on a plane recently, he sat next to a young obese boy who was about ten years old. On the plane, the boy immediately took to playing with his electronic toy. What struck the photographer was that even while they were flying over the Grand Canyon — one of the most spectacular sights in the world — not once did the boy want to lift his head from his game to look out the window to see this awe-inspiring natural site. The photographer went on to share that for him, the greatest memories were those when he was with his father camping, fishing, and taking walks up the mountainside — enjoying Nature to its fullest. These memories more than anything else remained the strongest in his mind. Unfortunately, boys like that are now themselves an endangered species.

Remember the scenes of our families gathering during the holidays? I bet most of us can remember those connections even more than the presents we received. For matters of the heart are always with us. They truly never leave. Those special moments of connection stay with us we pass through life, forever sealed in our memories.

An elderly woman working in Utah told a story of when she was a child during the Great Depression. She said it was one of the most fun times of her life! Friends gathered to play games constantly. They shared meals, laughed, took walks on the beach (she was from California), had sunset parties, and generally cherished every moment. That’s how these folks survived the Depression. To be sure, they took to heart that message from FDR: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” And they could always remember how special those times of sharing were while they chose to have fun despite their situational environment.

With all this as backdrop, there are some simple but meaningful things I’d like you to consider assigning yourself to do during the holidays — to give back and say thanks:

1. Hug those you love and those who need love. Thank them for being in your life.
2. Stop DOING and just BE at least once every day. Create and then touch the magic.
3. Purchase candles to burn throughout the month to celebrate your loved ones in spirit.
4. Plan and carry out random act of kindness, perhaps one that was dear to a loved one in spirit.
5. Visit friends. Invite those who could use a meal over for dinner. Connect with as many as possible!
6. Decorate your house in a way that reflects your beliefs. Remember, angels don’t have to just go on the top of the tree — they can go on a mantle or table with flowers or photos.

Take a moment . . . cherish it . . . respect it . . . and keep it close to your heart. The special moments will remain in your heart, and in the hearts of those you love, forever.

Menstruation, conception, pregnancy, labor & childbirth, breastfeeding and menopause are all expressions of the sacred intelligence, and creative, sexual energy women possess. Many women resist the natural flow of menstruation each month, finding it uncomfortable and disgusting. The reality is that the cyclic nature of menstruation is the foundation of woman’s wisdom; it is a time for stillness and self-integration. It is a time for rest, self-nurturing and connection with Source energy. We are blessed with magnificence; our bodies are divinely equipped with a system of self-cleansing. Our bodies create the space to clear and release what is no longer serving us. This clearing must happen to make room for growth and newness. Resistance of this natural process yields us to greater stress, discomfort, physical symptoms, and robs us of realizing the divine essence of our womanhood.

I invite you to release your old, disserving views of your body and your menstrual cycle, and begin to integrate love and reverence for this sacred, creative intelligence unfolding that is your birthright. Make menstruation a ritual of self-power, stillness, connection and release. Celebrate this ritual, return to nature & inner balance, and honor your body by becoming still to listen.

Namaste,

Jennifer

One example of this relates to the publication of my new ebook LIVING IN BALANCE: Secrets to Making the Most of the Second Half of Life.  It’s the first book in a new series from BoomerSeriesBooks.com.  My publishing partner Deborah Brown was delayed in getting it posted for Kindle on Amazon until early this month due to an abundance of projects she’s been juggling for months.  (I’m not the only one with lots on my plate as we move toward the new year…)

Once the ebook was posted on Amazon, however, several glitches required it to be republished.  This meant waiting another 12 hours each time the book info was revised.  While waiting for the last glitch to be fixed, I got an email about a new program from Kindle Publishing which sounded great:  an opportunity to include my book in an exclusive Amazon Prime “lending library” for Kindle owners.  It included special promotion opportunities and allows Kindle owners — everyone getting Kindle Fires or e-readers for Xmas — to “borrow” my ebook at no charge.  What I’d get is a special ‘royalty’ for this from Amazon in addition to my ebook sales for Kindle and non-Kindle devices.

With the book’s purchase price at only $3.99, it’s an inexpensive “stocking stuffer,” so we liked the idea of people borrowing it to review so they’ll hopefully want to purchase their own copy.  LIVING IN BALANCE includes practical ways of staying balanced using the Four Elements — Earth, Air, Water and Fire — as everyday life-energy tools.  It’s a book you will refer to frequently, not just read once and move on, or so I’m told.

Soon after we signed up to be part of the Amazon Prime library, people started buying my book!  I’ve even gotten my first review at  http://Amazon.com/dp/B006IKEJWG.   I consider this a positive example of Divine Delay as my book wouldn’t have qualified for this special program if it had been published earlier.

Since I’ve had several other experiences with Divine Delay in the past few weeks, I don’t believe it’s a coincidence.  The positive results in each case have taught me that at the human level events may move slowly for no apparent reason but at the Soul level there’s always a purpose worth waiting for.

Where have you experienced — and ultimately appreciated — Divine Delay in your life lately?

******

My next Akashic Intro workshop is Sunday 1/29/12 in Burbank and my first Akashic Records Practitioner Training of 2012 is Fri-Sun 2/24-26 in LA/Burbank.  I’m also offering a special $50 discount on all phone or in-person Akashic Readings completed by 1/6/12.  To learn about working with your own Akashic Records, visit http://YourLifeandSoul.com or call me at 818-415-3479 for info.

Do you work in an office of some type?  If you’re self-employed – this applies to you too!  How about all you net-workers out there?  Are you constantly going to social events where you stuff your face with those yummy appetizers not paying attention to the little extra inch that happens a few days later?

Over my professional career, I ballooned to almost 300 pounds, one cocktail party, one networking event at a time.  Events with a buffet always got my RSVP!  (Hey! Food at that time always got my attention!)  While at the event with a buffet, I’d make sure “I got my money’s worth” even if I didn’t pay a dime to attend!)  Buffets are a GREAT social networking tool.  I’d often ask, “Hey- can I get you something” as I warmed-up a potential new client relationship.  I often found myself doing business with those who say, “Ya!  Bring me . . .” and learned to not bother with folks who said “No, thanks!  I’m good!”  (Can we say judgmental here?” LOL)

When the time came that I realized I needed to dramatically change my eating and drinking habits, I new I was in for a difficult time.  Why?  Just about every client I had enjoyed eating and drinking – often to excess.  This was our way of bonding.  I feared loosing clients if I rocked the boat.  It wasn’t until I faced what could have been a life-long love affair with Diabetes, did I wake-up to realize I may need to risk it all!  Now!

So, to help foster in a new way of socializing, I asked my normal drinking and eating clients if they’d mind doing something a little different in a few months.  I told them I’m making changes in my life then, and because I value their friendship, I’d like their help.

WOW!  That really boosted our connection!  Most folks were flattered that I asked them to “come along for the ride.“  When the time came to make adjustments, we first phased out all alcohol.  We then moved to eating at places known to be more healthy.  Finally, we decided to replace eating and drinking meetings with walking and talking activities (weather permitting of course!)  What a DELIGHTFUL change that was!  Our connections grew even stronger!

While it may take a some creativity and persistence to accomplish similar steps in your social circles, it’s well worth the time and effort.  As I talk about in my book, “Pay Me What I’m Worth” in chapter five, social networking is an art form.  Do it well, and your life becomes magical.  Do it poorly, and life rapidly becomes filled with more drama than you’d ever wish for.  For me, drama often invites the desire to medicate with food.   I steer clear of such drama these days.

Now, here’s a challenge for you!  At the office or while out socializing / networking, keep a refillable water bottle nearby or in your hand!  Why?  Well, we’ll talk about that in more detail in a future post.  For now, I invite you to experience the magic of drinking enough purified water on a regular basis!  It works in many ways!

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22 December to 20 January

A MEDITATION FOR CAPRICORN ~John Jocelyn

The mind of a person strong in Capricorn is so searchingly scrutinizing, in a gaze incessantly turned inward, that, if at all negative, it inclines to morose moods and gloomy brooding, whereas in positive persons it leads to fruitful meditation and eventually to an elevation of consciousness and to evolution, which discloses the light that was ever shining in the darkness.

The Typical Capricorn
The typical Capricorn native displays an austere, reliable, steadfast, and resolute nature. Always looking to fruits of the future, long term planning comes easily to the Goat who can succeed like no other sign. When Capricorn becomes too obsessed with flawlessness in any way- they can fall to becoming money-oriented, fastidious, apprehensive, superior, and boring. Capricorns are wise to recognize that being in full awareness of the character and objective behind their many goals. This practice allows them to realize that the experiences of life are worth far more than the typically high paychecks they earn.

In Your Natal Chart
The Zodiac House that Capricorn’s energy rules in the birth chart is the 10th of Career/Public Life. The House Capricorn energy falls is the one area of your “Zodiac Pie” where you will see a traditional and responsible energy behind all you do. Any planets that may be cast in Capricorn within the birth chart also take on their innate expression through the qualities of this establishing, organizational and ambitious sign.

CURRENT PLANETARY TRANSITS
21 dec  SUN enters CAPRICORN 9:30pm
22 dec  SUN enters CAPRICORN 12:30am
WINTER SOLSTICE/YULE
24 dec NEW MOON in CAPRICORN 1:06pm 10:06pm
25 dec  MERRY CHRISTMAS
25 dec JUPITER goes Direct in TAURUS 5:08pm 2:08pm
01 jan  HAPPY UNIVERSAL NEW YEAR 2012
07 jan MERCURY enters CAPRICORN 10:34pm
08 jan MERCURY enters CAPRICORN 1:34am
08 jan FULL MOON in CANCER 11:30pm
09 jan FULL MOON in CANCER 2:30am
13 jan VENUS enters PISCES 9:47pm
14 jan VENUS enters PISCES 12:47am
20 jan SUN enters AQUARIUS 11:10am 8:10am
Eastern Standard Time Time/Pacific Standard Time

CURRENT LONG TERM PLANETARY TRANSITS
MARS in VIRGO
JUPITER in TAURUS RETROGRADE/DIRECT
SATURN in LIBRA
URANUS in ARIES
NEPTUNE in AQUARIUS
PLUTO in CAPRICORN

The Zodiac Month Ahead Practical Patience
What we all can expect from the forecast of our planetary skies 22 December to 20 January.

Sun enters Capricorn 21/22 December
As a new season begins, we know a Cardinal Leadership Sign is here to take us into a new direction upon the Zodiac Wheel. The Goat lets us climb up the mountain of Winter, requesting that serenity, steadiness, and accountability be adhered to. Through this symbol and guidance of Fatherly Saturn, Capricorns are on a constant quest in life for perfection, accomplishment and the rich rewards from their labors. Ambition and reverence are their innate virtues. Any unfaltering Goat divinely knows how to consciously aim for triumph, yet this is ideally reached when the material result is not the direct result of their precise agendas.

Jupiter goes Direct in Taurus 25 December
Jupiter almost chose to say hi to The Ram again, but decided it was time to move forward within The Bull once more. Coming off its’ long retrograde period since August, our planet of joy, ease, and beliefs is now back at the beginning of Taurus at the 0 degree. Get ready for true enthusiasm to emerge after some reflection has been occurring here where Taurus marks your Zodiac Pie. Expansive yet conventional mind-oriented pursuits are able to flourish forward, as a constructive force of devotion is ready to bless the world and your personal slice of life this affects.

All Planets in Forward Motion 25 December to 23 January
It is a rare time of the year when there are no planets asking for our reflection from above. This year, we have a true gift as we celebrate the Universal New Year 2012, and enter this highly anticipated year in our calendar. While the Mayans indicate that there is an end to the world as we know it upon 21 December 2012, let’s not kid ourselves and take that literally. What is changing is that the quickened pace that we have become so accustomed to, will begin a shift, and this shift is already on. Whatever return to traditions and a sense of calm is in our future, you can rest assured, any soul can bear these when they simply choose to LOVE to EVOLVE.

Mercury enters Capricorn 07/08 January
Our Messenger is totally back to his preferred pace around the Zodiac Wheel. Look forward to some movement and ideas coming to communicate with our Sun in the Capricorn area of the life. This will be a fabulous opportunity to tap into some clear, methodical, and resourceful thinking. Even as perceptions can be slow and limited, it is this patient energy that will carefully emerge what wishes to express itself with precise timing and diplomacy. Be sure not to gravitate to inflexibility, lack of optimism or too serious of thoughts- going lightly still lets the rewards be reaped.

Venus enters Pisces 13/14 January
Take what will be diligently working from the Capricorn area of the life, and allow The Idealist to harmonize this energy from where Pisces swims in the Zodiac Pie. As the Messenger gets finely tuned, Venus will wish to tie in some tender, devoted, and yielding affections in to the mix. A fine time to appreciate the love of beauty, music, poetry and romantic dreams, balance comes into the collective and personal landscape. Time spent sharing emotions, exercising compassion, and in self-sacrifice allows peaceful dispositions to take away any souls’ potential for those January blues.

Remember the gifts we can all genuinely receive by engaging in PRACTICAL PATIENCE:

I CAN REAP IN AN ANCIENT PLANET PEACE PACE
I CAN ENTICE A REAL NICE NICE RELIANCE
I LET IN A PATERNAL EAR I LEARN, I APPRECIATE

Namaste, Dear Stars.

@catnipandmint we de-stress by walking, pref’bly in nature. bike rides are good too, as well as baths. yoga is helpful. also, ice cream.

@Bneato let me count the ways. yoga, giving our dog a long walk, reading my fav blogs, 2 min. meditations, therapy, getting a mani

@CNietoIII A big glass of wine and a few hours of painting with some chill music in the background is how I de-stress

@leeleepitts I don’t. But after tonight I will! I will enjoy long stretches of time in cafes, writing and reading, exercising, dancing…

@leeleepitts Another huge destressor: Treating my family to a housekeeper. Opens up massive amounts of real estate in my brain

@Kengikat Long walks, prayer, meditation jazz music, photography and alone time with ME is how I de-stress

@Yogini_Jess Laughter…silly movie or chat w/ a friend who’s sense of humor I can depend on. Sometimes just a long walk to clear my head

@ManifestYogaJen I de-stress by watching modern family, power naps, reading novels, meditating, singing rock n roll, glass of wine, hot shower

@manifestingmom I blog! RT @HypSolutions: #Twitterverse how do you de-stress?

As the Winter Holidays surround you through the media, friends, family in both joy and frustration I encourage you to tap into your de-stress zone. The Season of Giving, can also apply to you. Give yourself the gift of intrinsic joy through relaxation, creativity or physical exercise. Being pleasant and relaxed can be a gift to loved ones.

I think this article should be mandatory reading for anyone about to consider making a life-long commitment to gain and maintain a healthy weight!  It covers all the important aspects of pro-actively creating a healthy, happy space to enjoy better health, one day, one person, one step at a time.

For me, I needed to address my families ancient excuse that “we’re all big boned!”  85% of my biological family is obese! Morbidly obese at that.  The stats show how most of my clan die at too early an age from stroke, diabetes, and related lethal outcomes of a life long love affair with denial combined with ignorance!

Strong statements there.  I know!  I make them based on real-life facts. I’ve held over 500 hands (virtually – through phone support) through my health and wellness program.  Folks have retired over 5000 pounds (that’s over 2.5 tons) when they STOPPED denying they had “an issue” and started learning how complex this issue of obesity really is!

To help my family and friends begin to understand how I intended to start living more healthy, I DID what I said I would do!  (We’ll cover much of what I do in upcoming posts).  The results spoke louder than my words.  As family and friends watched me retire over 100 pounds, they went through stages.

Stage one:  ‘that’s nice Soul!  You look great!  [wink wink . . . under their breath . . . 'he'll get fat again - everyone does!]

Stage two:  “Soul, are you sick?  You look too skinny?”  [People who know you most your life as a fat person often have a hard time believing you can really be a thin person!]

Stage three:  “Wow Soul!  You’ve kept it off!  How cool is that. I wish I could.  [Ah, yes, the river of denial is a long and deep one.]

Stage four:  “What is that you’re doing to keep healthy?”  [After years of skepticism, cracks in denial begin to break open.]

Stage five:  For those who love denial, resentment flavors our interactions.  The fact I retired my weight years a go is a painful reminder they still have work to do.  For those who deal with their weight, we bond like never before!

As you might guess, preparing your family and friends to support your healthy new life make take time and persistence!  It’s well worth it!  If you need help with this – get help!  Hire Peter.  Hire me.  Hire some one who’s got the professional background to help change HAPPEN.

Now, when I visit family and friends who insist on me eating MORE than I can possible eat, or eat something that’s FAR more deadly than enjoyable, I’ve learned a new response,

“Thanks!  Would LOVE to have more! I can’t though.  I have an allergic reaction to being fat!”

Good luck with your family and friends!  Send them the article above when you’re about to make your move to gain then maintain good health!

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In my twenties I soured on Thanksgiving and Christmas and it ruined the whole holiday season for me.  Shame to the white man for trying to wipe out the Native Americans and their rich culture.  How could I celebrate that?  I raged at the panic stricken shoppers and felt betrayed that the 25th of December isn’t actually Jesus’ birthday. Christmas became a farce to me and I grimly faced the holiday season sneering at its thin veneer of good will as it did a terrible job of covering up the consumer driven frenzy. Bah humbug.

As I’ve aged, I’ve come to realize that every day is holy and deserves to be celebrated all year long, not only during the holidays. Yet, I appreciate that at least there is a time of year set aside to bring the masses attention to gratitude, abundance, charity, and peace, with traditions that light the dark days of winter.  I can’t change the injustices of the past or force everyone to respect each other and every moment of this precious life; I just go forth feeling and sharing the love as best I can.

So, I’ve taken the holiday season back, and made it my own. It kicks off at Halloween; my man and I are very keen on dressing up with fabulous homemade costumes and we always attend Dia De Los Muertos to honor those who have passed. Usually, I have a wonderful time with friends on Thanksgiving and have often been in foreign countries and thrown together some very unique Thanksgiving dinners.  This Thanksgiving I spent alone in silence and it was a deeply rejuvenating day.  Alone or with loved ones, the main course is always sincere gratitude.  My family lives far away and my boyfriend goes home to Texas, so Christmas is just my mom and I and any friends that want to stop by.  I decorate a house plant with lights and ornaments, my grandmother’s Christmas Giraffe gets displayed, and we eat, drink, watch movies, and lay around like slugs – it’s awesome! Gift giving is limited to the children in my family and something special for my boyfriend and mom.  The gifts are calmly purchased and are sincere gestures from my heart. New Year’s Eve I don’t care what I do, as long as I am with my man so that I can kiss him at the stroke of midnight and share our hopes and dreams for a bright bold new year.  I’m back in love with the holy days!

I remembered hearing the idea of holding an intention and so I put that into practice. Some time ago I saw a video of Esther Hicks (the woman who channels and energy called Abraham) and she/Abraham spoke of how holding a positive thought for 17 seconds without any contrary thoughts can allow that thought to become manifest. A year or so ago I also learned something similar from the Kabbalah tradition that says to manifest change you need to think about that change or the thing you are wanting for 18 seconds and to hold that desire in pure form with all the energy in your body and mind – no contradictions.

So, I did! I sat there enjoying listening to the speaker and watching people walk up and claim their prizes. I shifted my energy away from feeling sick and a little sad that my friend had left for the night and I didn’t know anyone to a feeling of excitement that I might meet someone and make a new friend. I shifted my feelings away from lack and connected with abundance and feelings of possibility. My thoughts helped me do this and they went like this, “There are so many cool people here. I wonder who I’ll get to meet? I feel really good about what this Green Living Project is bringing to the world. I want to win something. I like winning things. Why shouldn’t I win something? I’m just as deserving as any one else in this room. Winning is fun! Wouldn’t it be cool to jump and  grab my prize?” And the next moment my name was called out!

I had won! I ran up and grabbed my erector set like travel hula hoop and instructional videos! Woot! Now, I didn’t really want a hula hoop BUT the next moment was awesome. I still felt good about winning and as I sat back down a guy came up to me and said, “You see that lady over there? She really wanted to win that.” So, I walked over to her and gave her the instructional videos. She was so excited! She asked me what I did and when I told her I am a Hypnotherapist she told me how much she wants to see a Hypnotherapist and has been looking for one. My energetic intention led me to win a prize which led me to a potential client AND it allowed me to have a wonderful night.

What did I learn? Well, first and foremost I learned that my Critcal Mind is simply there to protect me. It says mean, nasty, and judgmental things out of love and the drive to keep me comfortable and familiar…even if familiar is miserable. I learned that I could thank my Critical Mind for what it had to say and then move on to bigger and better thoughts. I learned that I do have the power to create my world and whether I would have won that hula hoop or not this moment was an opportunity for me to practice disciplining my mind! Give it a try yourself…17 or 18 seconds of pure focused intentional thought. See where it leads you. You can do it!

Uniting in Reflection

Welcome a finalizing energy in the Gemini area of your life! Coupled by the Lunar Eclipse, think of this as an activator in your natal birth chart that will indicate exactly where you need to focus upon completion and expect some necessary reflection to take place. Now the collective’s emotions get stirred in the sign that strives for stimulating communication on any level. Where will you release an alert instinct in the next two weeks and months ahead?

Moon enters Gemini
Thursday 08 December, 9:52pm EST to Sunday 11 December, at 8:26am EST
Gemini energy must beware of opportunist, crafty, distracted, and irresolute energies that may arise. When there is plenty of logic and observation around, it is easy to gravitate to scattered, unstable, and suggestible tendencies. While a strong sense of cleverness and reasonability mark any Gemini passage, the cultivation of concentration, relaxation, organization, and the power of a SILENT LISTEN will allow this transit to reap its’ greatest rewards.

Lunar Eclipse, Full Moon 10 December, 9:32am, 9:36am EST, 18 deg Gemini
A FULL Moon in Gemini brings forth adaptable and inquisitive feelings. As another waning phase begins, it is time to take those recent new ideas and initiations out there to now reflect in the light from the last New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius upon 25 November. When our Full Moon embarks in the versatile and inquisitive energies of Gemini -the sign that consciously aims for establishing relationships- be alert to the intellectual gifts that are meant to unfold. More so than any other time of the year, this Full Moon grants a keen observational force that the Twins wish to share with the world.

Be sure to check the Gemini House, in particular the 18 deg Gemini spot, in your personal birth chart to see where a conclusive energy is ideally meant to unfold as the Full Moon peaks. The particular area of life in the Zodiac Pie it will fall- allows a trigger of energy to be felt for a significant period of time. Think of Eclipses as activators in your natal birth chart that will indicate exactly where you need to focus and expect action to take place for the long term. As we now take up with a Lunar Eclipse, there is a release and completion that you will see unfold as the months ahead come to pass.

For the Collective
This Lunation brings conclusions to what ideally began back from the New Moon June 2011 when we had a Solar Eclipse kick-off in Gemini. As we now see the 3rd Full Moon of a series of 6 release at the 18th degree of the sign, -which began in October in Aries- there is a Universal request that we take stock of the material in our lives and bring forth more spiritual understanding. As we look to this within Gemini, our sharp study couldn’t be more necessary to further upon the logic that is meant to be applied here. Looking ahead to our next Full Moon in Cancer at the 18th degree, we’ll be getting ready for some true feelings and release where emotional attachments are concerned, but for now, carefully examine the thoughts that come to you under this current passage.

Lunar-O-Scope, Full Moon in Taurus, 10 November 2011
For the collective horoscope, again we offer some simple advice for every sign from the outer vantage point. Remember, if you know your Rising Sign (Ascendant), read that passage too, for it typically will apply to your personal charts’ advice.  Keep in mind, it is full mathematical analysis of the individual birth chart that truly indicates how the current planetary energies are uniquely affecting you.

Aries: Thoughts now can be properly placed into a conclusive mental focus that you have been working towards since June. While you are no stranger to striking up ideas, many you have had now come full circle. Take time to consider a short trip if you aren’t already on one. You may find your siblings require your attention at this time, but be sure not to react to them, simply respond. Your spirited mind eagerly partakes in reflection, so do ask questions, as your curiosity brings forth these necessary answers.

Taurus: Your possessions are always of great value to you, but it is time to part with some of them. How you earn your dollars may find a decisive avenue to flow from that saw its’ birth back in June. While you cherish that deep sense of solidarity and security, logic naturally wishes to enter the situation as you honestly ask yourself, what does the material mean to me? Your patience is wise to work smarter with your finances, money, and sense of values. Let go of old roots now so new ones are able to grow in later.

Gemini: As this extra boost of Lunar spotlight shines ultimately upon your ability to reflect, be ready for witty, liberal, and self-oriented feelings to accompany your normal improvisational approach. All that has flowed anew from June completes a cycle. With your first impressions now finding the channel for release, fully commit to taking this time to re-activate the self. With all the self-renewal you’ve been working on the world is innately curious to see the completed new mask you are ready to unveil.

Cancer: You won’t mind going into some deeper waters and take the Crab on a dive into those inner places in your life, and be sure to remember the messages from your night-time dreams. Romanticizing about the past allows a subconscious discovery to unfold. The spiritual, inner realms, and the psychological make-ups of life call to you, and mentally you will require some logic to put it all into the finalizations you will arrive at. The worn out weight of the past can be washed away with the tide.

Leo: Your friendships and organizations take focus and attention. You already sense what no longer works here, and now conclusions will be drawn. If there is a group or cause you’ve been thinking about releasing, cast them out of your royal court. What you recently unleashed from your creative nature finds a way to be seen now. Accept that unexpected invitation to socialize, for there is equal mental and equal emotional satisfaction you’ll gain from attending. Keep your hopes and dreams high, and wish well.

Virgo: There is some harvest, stability, and reward awaiting results within your career and public life, so this is no time to be shy! A project comes to fruition, or a recent job may come to an end. How you view your relationship to authority also requests that you take in some reflective time that you’ve not been responsible to up till now. Clarity comes to you in how to ultimately move forward in knowing how your work is providing the best of service not only to others, but to your specific place in the public eye.

Libra: Inspiration is fueling the end of the path you have been taking your philosophies on since June. Thinking about taking a long trip to balance those Scales? You are comforted by reflecting upon planning one, (that is if you aren’t already on one), yet you equally aim to find ways to broaden your view of the world at large. You’ll reach the peak of expansion within your ideals, as you realize just how much your recent educational and mental pursuits have brought you clarity and peace. Let go of an old belief.

Scorpio: This month urges you to reach conclusions about your securities and investments, as now is the time to reflect upon whether these have been for the best or not. No stranger to transformation, you’ll find there is another turn that your regenerative abilities will find to complete, and this strengthens your passion like never before. It’s no secret you typically always feel sexy, but even more intense excitement unfolds that brings a real peak as you reflect upon thinking about your power in the bedroom.

Sagittarius: Your partnerships will be on your mind, from your romantic ties to business contacts. What needs to conclude and move out of the way here from June’s new beginnings? You’ll find there are people you have been connected with that will not remain in the future picture. Aim your arrow to stimulating conversations that captivate your interest, which more than likely will concern the past. There is definitely a friendly reflection that desires to encourage a renewed optimism with your closest ties.

Capricorn: While your world is practically perfect Old Goat, there are things that wish to conclude in regards to your health and how you bring your impeccable service to others. There’s a routine or habit you are wise to shed that finds its means to an end now. You may think all of your responsible habits are serving you, but take a look around and see which ones may be too tired to keep up with your ambitious pace. Your relationship with pets also is brought to the surface- should they stay or should they go?

Aquarius: There’s a conclusive light that brings full illumination to your creativity. Whatever project you’ve been inventing and stimulating since June wishes to be brought to fruition. While plenty of playful feelings and opportunities to socialize are around, your children, or “brain children” may ask for your ultimate attention now. A love affair may fall out of the larger picture. Enjoy this time to unravel the final touches upon what you originate, as your creative adventures wish to see the light of day.

Pisces: Get out of the water and clean your house Dear Fishes! The home environment requires your imagination and full attention as things come full circle here from June’s initiations. You sense that your family life arrives at a whole different point of view, one that may see necessary conclusions. Appreciate and fine-tune your psychic abilities to the extra déjà vu experiences that surround you: the channel will be wide open and ready for you to receive their important messages. If it feels karmic, you are spot on.

Lexigrams and a Lunar Eclipse
One MORE piece of fun star secret advice comes from the mighty Lexigrams that the title of LUNAR ECLIPSE bestows upon us. As we poetically phrase the anagrams we can derive from within, what wonders will cast their reflective unites this particular lunation wishes for us all to embrace.

LUNAR ECLIPSE

I CLEANUP, I CLEANSE, I RELEASE, I RESCUE A CAUSE;
A SUN REPLACES A LUNAR LAPSE IN A SPACE PLEASER;
I RISE IN A SÉANCE AS I ESCAPE;
I CLEAR PANIC, I ERASE LIES, I EASE CRUEL LIARS;
I CURE, I CARE;
I SEE A REAL CLEAR PACE;
I SURE LEARN EASIER;
I CALL IN AS I SEE ARISE UPRISE;
I CRUISE IN A SPIRAL AS I RECALL;
I PULL IN SLEEP IN A REAL EASE
I SEE CRIES, I SEE CLUES, I CAN SEE, I A SEER;
IN A PRECISE SILENCE I PLAN A NICER AREA IN A PURE, CLEAN, SECURE, SINCERE PLACE;
I SEE A SPECULAR PLEASURE RELEASE IN AN ALLURE SPIRAL SUPER SPREE;
I SEE A NICE CLEAR RELIANCE;
I SEE PECULIAR PEERS AS I REALISE ALL IS REAL.

Happy Holidays and warm wishes to you, as we welcome in the 2011 holiday season! For many, this is a very difficult time. Memories that lay dormant (or at least in the back of our minds) suddenly come at us full force, consuming much of our body, mind and soul. This is especially true if you are experiencing a recent loss, or if this time of year was significant for you or your loved one in some particular way. Those memories will be triggered by listening to Christmas carols, lighting a candle on the Menorah each day, or watching the exuberant laughter of children running throughout the malls. For me personally, decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments my grandmother made, and seeing photos with friends and family that are now DP’s – especially my beloved nephew whom I was with for his last Christmas – are the moments when the memories come forth.

Speaking of children, I was reminded that on Sunday, December 11th at 7 PM during each time zone around the globe, the Compassionate Friends has its “Worldwide Candle Lighting”. The Lighting unites families and friends as they light candles for one hour to honor and remember children who passed over at any age, from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 PM local time, hundreds of thousands of people commemorate and honor children, creating light around the world for 24 hours. For more information, visit their website: www.compassionatefriends.org.

I continue to be honored and thankful as we all should for all those who give those extra being there moments, the welcome hugs and a good ear to listen when we need it most. It is most honestly what truly gives each of our lives what is deeply meaningful. In all honesty, isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Respect and caring for those who need the extra moment to know someone is there, even in a hurry . . . just an ear to listen so we can share all our feelings around deep losses. That, my friends, is truly what this season is about, and is the reason why I felt the importance of just being there – because knowing that you are not alone is truly a Godsend.

So if you are like me and feel so very blessed in your life, make that extra effort to call a friend over the holidays, or even invite them for tea or cocoa.  If someone has lost someone this year, it will mean even more so,  As we know this time of year brings all those losses to the foreground.  And don’t forget those that have loss their 4 legged companions as well. For many this is their family, and don’t ever think those losses are not equally devastating because they are.

It is always the little things in life that are the most precious, and you have no idea what a smile can do or helping someone across the street.  It maybe the most loving act they have receive that day.  Some where I read: Do unto others as you would want them to do to you.

Enjoy, take in those moments for it tis the season to be jolly and thankful.

Now, any Financial Identity can be changed from what was experienced in childhood as a result of the belief choices we make as adults. An individual who lived an impoverished childhood can manifest endless abundance, and conversely, one who lived a privileged childhood can live a financially challenging adulthood. It’s all a matter of how we chose our Financial Identity. Those who live a Financial Identity from a point of lack will continue to experience such… and visa versa, those who live a Financial Identity from a point of abundance.  Therefore, clearly understanding your Financial Identity is critical to your manifesting the life you envision.

Uranus, the planet of truth and unexpected changes of direction, releases a potent dose of energy in Aries, on the same day the Full Moon in Gemini, mental awareness, communication and travel, opposes the Sun in Sagittarius, philosophy and higher minded ideals. Looks to me like one fine weekend of amazing inspiration! To boldly go where no Wo/Man has gone before. This adventure could take place solely in the mind, emotions and consciousness which is the most stunning unexplored environment we have, or you might actually hop on a plane, train or automobile and go somewhere, have a fantastic, social, mind-expanding adventure and concoct a whole new plan of action. Full Moons are always heightened times of added activity and this one will be especially so.

Uranus going direct at 0 degree of Aries is a very potent and pivotal new beginning. The urgent feeling of inspiration that started in the spring now enters phase two. Perhaps something or someone is changing, leaving, and upending the norm in some way and helping to deepen “the new”. Stay present in beginner’s mind. Knowing coupled with not knowing, this is a fine and natural balance, and the best we can do in these amazing times we’re in. This placement is where Uranus was when Japan experienced so many traumas in March and we may again experience some force of nature, a dramatic release of pent up energy causing disruption and apparent chaos in the environment, our computers or our modes of transport. There may well be some issue with explosive energy erupting from our mouths in the form of long suppressed truths that need to be told or just a lot of exciting and refreshing communication with like minded friends.

There could be a new found respect for the message and teaching of the radical movements growing all over the planet. The increased ability to integrate the raw, naked power of change. Hopefully feeling refreshed, free, honest, and able to break through ideas, opinions, and beliefs that have become obsolete. Great mental release. This weekend may deposit a grand new idea, plan or journey that takes seed and can integrate when Mercury goes direct in Sagittarius December 13. There may also be computer, technology, nervous system surges. Watch becoming overly stimulated in an ungrounded way, knowing how much energy is afoot can help us remain calm, cool and collected while riding the roller coaster.

There may be no stopping the leap frogs of opinion coming from our mouths—watch for fanaticism, preaching, or speaking with a forked tongue. This is a great time to start you next written masterpiece. Bring a little elegance to the discourse; listen to your opponent with the same respect you expect because on this most potent full moon, enhanced by its eclipse, in the sign of communication, an amazing exchange of ideas and philosophies ensue. This can produce profound friction which then leads to the fires of transformation which in turn helps blaze the trail of our collective awakening!

Visit my website at www.stephanie-jones.com
Watch my web series at www.goodjobthanks.com

I appreciate everyone’s patience with me over the last few months as I fully focused upon my Dear Grammie’s journey that began her transit from this earthly realm. Her amazing Aquarius Spirit chose Thanksgiving Day, 24 Nov, 2011 at 4:44pm to officially cross over. I am in no doubt, especially at that time and upon that date, that a myriad of angels were by her side as she peacefully drew in her last breath.

While I  could never have “predicted” how and when Grammie would choose to transit in Spirit, it did become a inkling of Lexigram thought in my mind that you can spell the very word THANKS from her full name at birth, and her married one, as you can read about in ‘It’s All in the Name.’ This word was something she always, always said…. THANKS.

We had her Memorial this past Saturday 03 December, so I have been rather occupied in not being able to upkeep my blog posts as usual. I thank you all so much for your understanding, and wish to now share, on a personal note with you, a small piece of the large place my Grammie holds for me in my lifetime. Not only is my astral health all the better for it, but my soul smiles to have had all the joy that I did with her as we shared more fabulous times in this incarnation together again.

We had a beyond, BEYOND beautiful Memorial for my Dear Grammie at the St. James Church with the masterful wonders of our trusted and beloved Father Gary. I extend my heartfelt Gratitude, to Spirit for the Love that was definitely felt and this special day of remembering was a true gift that will be cherished always. I include my deepest thoughts from the day and wish to repost them here, as after all is it still Mercury Retrograde ;-) My sincerest Love, Blessings, and Gratitude for all of your supreme support to me.

My Dear Grammie and I, when I didn’t live close by her after I graduated high school, always exchanged letters frequently for many years. I always knew the latest about what was happening in Columbia County in my absence, for she’d send me any newspaper clipping concerning someone I knew from home. Sometimes, she’d just throw in some kind of good thought or quote she would come across that always held some kind of wisdom within it. The following was an extra special one that came from the Sunday bulletin from her church, with Father Gary, and at the time I kept these words to the wise that she sent to me especially close.

GRATEFUL ~John Bucchino

I’ve got roof over my head, I’ve got a warm place to sleep. Some nights I lie

awake counting gifts instead of counting sheep. I’ve got a heart than can hold

love, I’ve got a mind that can think. There are many times when I lose the light

and let me spirits sink. But I can’t stay depressed when I remember how I’m

blessed.

Grateful, grateful, truly I am grateful. Grateful, grateful, truly blessed and duly

grateful.

In a city of strangers I’ve got a family of friends. No matter what rocks and

brambles fill the way, I know that they will stay until the end. I feel a hand holding

my hand. It’s not a hand you can see. But on the road to the promised land, this

hand will shepherd me. Through delight and despair, holding tight and always

there.

Grateful, grateful, truly I am grateful. Grateful, grateful, truly blessed and duly

grateful.

It’s not that I don’t want a lot, or hope for more, or dream of more. But giving

thanks for what I’ve got makes me so much happier than keepin’ score. In a

world that can bring pain I will still take each chance. For I believe that whatever

the terrain our feet can learn to dance. Whatever stone life may sling, we can

moan or we can sing.

Grateful, grateful, truly I am grateful. Grateful, grateful, truly blessed and duly

grateful.

I don’t believe I would know what grateful truly means if it were not for what my Dear Grammie had instilled in me from the very moment I was born. She once had told me in recent years, “I used to come visit you every night after work at Marsh’s and just hold you when you were a baby whenever you cried.” This love, this very gratitude, was birthed in such an innate way that I am not sure if there are proper words to describe it fully.

And so it began from there, the priceless journey of gratitude and being grateful that has constantly found me wherever Grammie is concerned all throughout my life. While most people are gifted with a Grandmother that holds a special place in their heart, there was a true light that shined brightly between us. Both my Dear Poppie and Grammie did a many things for me that filled in gaps where other things where missing. As a child, even then, I began to learn how to be grateful.

My Grammie had a true belief and faith in me that few people have ever come to match, and her encouragement and support was something that I never had to question nor ever doubt. The love and heart that I learned from just reflecting my Grammie as I grew up over the years is a true gift that is not one that can be bought or sold.

When it came time for Grammie to have just a “watchful eye” on her so she could still be engaged as much as possible to be her independent self, I couldn’t think of any other way to express my Gratitude to her for the incredible values and love she had so graciously engaged in me all throughout my life. While we both were more than human over these years, I think I may have learned the most about what being grateful and truly loving someone is actually all about.

To have lived a life until 40 with not only one, but both of your Grandmothers still with you, is beyond a gift to be grateful for. Some of my most treasured times in recent years was when I for the first time in my life, had both of them together in the same place. This was something that hadn’t happened since I was literally baptized, and don’t quite recall this from my 4 month old memory otherwise. It was always a moment to treasure when these opportunities presented themselves to unite them in the same visit. And what grace it is to give gratitude and love to my Grandma Lanzi to whom I am also ever-grateful to continue to have at 40 years young.

While most people may think that having a dear loved one pass on Thanksgiving Day would be a terrible memory, this is not the case for me. Grammie was the one person I have known all my life that has always said “Thanks” in multitudes of ways for anything she was grateful for. As she passed at 4:44pm as the sun set on her beautiful face, the peace that was illuminating from her Spirit as I held her hand while I had just given her last tastes of a wee bit of wine and coffee for this life, is not a memory that makes me sad. What made me incredibly happy, was to continue to be filled with gratitude to have been able to honor her wishes and make sure she completed her journey with love and support by her side.

I thank you, and I know Grammie thanks you, sincerely from the bottom of our hearts, for being here today with her favorite and trusted Father Gary to honor and celebrate in her beloved, long, successful, and grateful life. Grammie stays with each and everyone of us who knew her, because of Love. This Love that was birthed from gratitude, will never ever fade, as it lives on in all of our hearts as we all continue our journeys upon this earth so we can evolve. There is a Native American Prayer that says, as we look to nature, we can always see Love and Spirit:

I give you this on thought to keep-

I am with you still- I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints in the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone

I am with you still- in each new dawn.

My Eternal Love and Gratitude to you Grammie for being the incredible beacon of light that you are, and will always, continue to be. I Love You Forever wherever you may go. Grateful, grateful, truly I am grateful. Grateful, grateful, truly blessed and duly grateful.

Sharita’s “Grammie” ~Kathleen S. Kern~ 31 January 1920 to 24 November 2011

http://www.registerstar.com/articles/2011/11/29/obituaries/doc4ed46a050ef7c506441658.txt

1. Parents pamper yourselves- Many parents focus on their children and families but in order to take care of others we must take care of ourselves! Do something nice for yourself BEFORE the holiday craze. Consider it an early gift from you to you.
2. Take time-out with your baby- If you notice that your baby is sleeping more (or less), fussier, or having difficulty being soothed, take a moment for just the two of you. Go into a quiet room, dim the lights, play some music or better yet sing or talk to your baby. Your familiar face and routine of soothing will remind your baby “We can get through this together.”
3. Teach family members your baby’s favorite infant massage strokes- Does your baby prefer a foot massage, tummy massage or maybe some strokes along the face or head? Teach some simple techniques to grandparents, cousins, and siblings of the baby. This allows others to get involved and develop a unique relationship. And it might take a little less stress off of you!

A new baby can always make the holidays more fun and connected! Happy holidays to your family and loved ones!

As my awareness grew concerning all the complications I was headed for if I didn’t DO something – NOW – about my weight, my eyes opened wide, big time.  I was lucky to see I had choices to make before my lack of choice made some pretty hard decisions for me.  As I consumed materials concerning obesity, nutrition, diet, exercise and all the related hoopla around being more healthy, I knew I needed a plan I could actually commit to.  My plan started out by simply doing a better job at what I automatically stuffed in my face with NO awareness of what that stuff was.

My biggest eye-opener regarding nutrition was my wanderings around http://cdc.gov.  As I dove more deeply into that site, learning how awful our food supply really is (additives, vaccines, etc.) it made me realize I needed to be far more mindful of what I threw in my grocery basket. As with most folks I know, I swung myself overboard on being an organic queen.  Not only an organic queen (buying ONLY certified organic foods), but an organic queen apostle.  (I couldn’t stop lecturing people on the need to be more real with their food consumption.)

I’m amazed I still have any family or friends around after being such a drama queen about eating organic! You see, I replaced my arrogance concerning my weight with arrogance about how dumb others are about nutrition!   Needless to say, I soon realized I needed to prepare my inner circle about my intentions to become more healthy in order to achieve my goal to BE more healthy.

Stay tuned!  My next post (on 6/8)  explores how I helped those I love, love me back by being a solid support team before, during and after retiring over 100 pounds.

As social as I enjoy being, I also delight in quiet alone time. My dream this year was to spend Thanksgiving in solitude and silence, and my dream came true! It was a glorious delicious day of rest, meditation, contemplation, food, and nature – all alone but not a bit lonely.

Inward energy is often judged as non-productive, anti-social, depressed, sad, lonesome, bad, weak, and lazy, instead of being seen for the balance it gives to an overly outward focused society. This inward flow of energy is prevalent in every action on earth, and we accept and understand it as a matter of course. A cloud gives rain, the soil receives the water, the soil gives it’s nutrients to roots, the roots receive the nutrients, the nutrients make the tree grow and produce fruit, we eat the fruit and receive nutrients, we excrete the nutrients into the soil, the cycle continues. Inward and outward flowing energy are perfectly balanced in nature. Yet we judge people as weak when they require down time. We guilt ourselves into doing more more more. We force ourselves to work when we are sick and tired. We get pulled in all directions trying to make a decision. How can the outward flow possibly be better than the inward flow? How out of balance does our society have to get to make us honor the journey inward as much as we honor the journey outward?

Inward energy has a restorative quality. It is a teaming well of creativity, a gathering of energy and wisdom, rest, peace, feeling one’s inner strength, and just plain being without the need to know or do.

Perhaps it’s time to give yourself a break. Rest. Go inside YOU. It is Winter; the inward time of year. Allow yourself to be in harmony with nature’s rhythm. I will do my best to keep blogging and sharing during this inward season. I invite you to lay back, and enjoy your holiday.

Ironically, when I’m talking to someone who has already found their niche, it’s clear that it frees them up tremendously, and creates more success than they expected. Why is that? As Jesse Koren and Sharla Jacobs say in their Rejuvenate Your Practice trainings, “If you want to get rich, find your niche!” And, suppose you decide to “try it on” and see if it can work for you, how do you go about finding your niche?

The big deal is that, even though there are 10,000,000 people living in the Los Angeles area, you alone are not likely to have the resources to reach all of them. So you need a way to determine how best to spend your time, money and energy to reach those that are most likely to need, want and afford your products and services. Determining your niche helps you define your focus so that you can reach those that you can help best. So, how do you figure it out?

Remember, if people don’t hear about you because you’re not marketing (i.e. getting the message out), then you can’t help anyone!

Ask yourself a few questions: What do you do? What types of people are most likely to benefit most from what you offer? What types of people are most likely to say “yes” to what you offer? Who do you most enjoy working with (men, women, parents, children, seniors, athletes, etc.)? Can you narrow it down further? For example, are aging athletes your best clients? If so, you can focus your marketing on community centers, private gyms and related locations/publications. Are you looking for parents of teenagers or younger children? Should you be connecting at high schools or elementary schools? Are your customers more likely to be businesses/professionals or general consumers? Your answer to this will help you choose the networking events that are best for you. Hint: Some very good networking happens outside of “networking” meetings/groups.

Of course, there are always very good general marketing resources for you to consider, those that fit within your overall budget and help you reach the people that you might not reach otherwise. Marketing and networking are not just about meeting potential customers and clients, they’re also about generating ideas through brainstorming and creating relationships for collaborations and future referrals. It’s all part of the mix.

Also, when you’re considering coaches, you want to know their niche. Jenn August specializes in business women, Barbara Schiffman is an expert in life balance and Lisa Elia offers publicity services. What do you need to get where you’re going?

As you prepare for 2012, consider your goals and your resources (time, energy and money). Then find your niche and have your best year yet!

Camille Leon represents and promotes holistic and eco-friendly professionals and practitioners through The Holistic Chamber of Commerce. For more info, visit http://TheHolisticChamberOfCommerce.com or call 310-490-6862.

Yes, my home is on Hawai’i Big Island most of the time.  While off-island, I travel to host retreats, workshops and seminars featuring the material in my book, Pay Me What I’m Worth and my health and wellness program known as Leave Your Fat Behind.

First off, I’m honored and delighted to be part of the cutting-edge health and wellness family found on Create Your Health. I’ve enjoyed knowing Peter Bedard, the Founder Producer of Create Your Health (CYH) for the past few years. I applaud his efforts to ringing the bell for a wide variety of ways to live a happy, healthy life well outside the western model.

As we begin a 3-part series focused on how I retired over 115 pounds back in 2004, how about a little personal intro?

Over the past three decades, my blessings include outstanding health as I travel to over 20 countries studying a wide variety of cultures and creeds.  My health today (as I end my 40’s) is quantum leaps above and beyond my health for most my life.  You see, as a former morbidly obese gay man, I survived poor physical health from childhood to my mid 30’s largely due to the gifts of youth and ignorance.    Ignorance of how most western ways of living are actually a prescription for and early grave.  Over-eating, drinking excessive quantities of sugar-laced beverages, little actual water consumption and related practices balloon my body to just under 300 pounds.

One day, after a powerful meditation just before my 33 birthday, I realized I’d be dead in a in a decade if I didn’t radically, dramatically change just about every part of my life.  My family healthy history documented death well before 65 largely due to stroke, heart attacks and related obesity related health issues.  The awakening I received from that meditation inspired me to buckle-down and get real with myself.

Getting real with myself forms the content you’ll discover in the first 13-part series focused on my physical journey. This series offers insights on what I’ve done from a physical standpoint to retire well over 100 pounds.

Next, we’ll dive into the emotional pool to swim the waters of our minds for 13 laps (posts).  As we take a swim together (me posting, you reading and commenting) you’ll experience how I enjoy a sense of mental stability that supports my ability to live as a monk with two suitcases of material possessions to my name.

When conclude our dive into the emotional depths of my journey, I’ll knock on your spiritual door.  Based on what I’ve come to know from my travels and studies, we’ll explore a wide variety of spiritual practices featuring ways to permanently release what no longer serves you as well as invite energy into our lives to enjoy abundance in all healthy ways.

Mixed into each post, you’ll find bits and pieces of my book, Pay Me What I’m Worth to help re-awaken a more robust sense of worth on many levels!  Throughout these posts, get ready to start a journey together – with you -  to advance your awakening process with ease and grace. Click to email me when you’re ready to retire unhealthy habits, weight and stress – once and for all! If you’re curious about ‘what else I offer,’ be sure to click over to my daily blog. Feel free to connect any time! Call me toll-free at 888-332-2976.

I bow in gratitude for your time, interest and feedback.

“There is wabi-sabi in your good-morning-coffee-pot that you use day after day, it is in your hiding place behind the twisted trees that only you know about, in that fascinating irregular pattern on the ground, it is in that strangely formed cloud that pops through a row of trees for only ten seconds, and it is of course in your cat.”

When I read this I thought about my wabi-sabi. It is a Little Orphan Annie in my medicine cupboard (which freaks my husband and others out). It is a toy that I have had since 1982, when I was 7 years old. Yes, it is worn. Yes, she has scary eyes. But, when I see it. I see the girl I was and the woman I have become. I see the magic that has transformed me through life experience and exploration. When I see my wabi-sabi, I see the path I have tread from childhood, to maturity and gaining access to my potential.

Do you have an object that reflects your personal growth?

25 November 1:10am, 1:20am EST

New IDEAS as Reflecting AIDES

Aim high for one of the more auspicious New Moons within this Zodiac Year, as we equally experience the initiations of a Solar Eclipse! This month sees our Lunar Lady kick-off in Sagittarius, which has been perfectly making the space for true new beginnings to emerge here since the Lunar Eclipse in June. For certain the time is now to anticipate a long term passage of fresh energy where those Archer arrows urge to expand within your Zodiac Pie- but we will all do these with a little pause, until Mercury returns to Direct Motion in Sagittarius 13 December.

Moon enters Sagittarius
Thursday 24 November, 8:57pm EST to Saturday 26 November, 10:05pm EST
Whenever our Lunar Lady spends time with The Archer, we are encouraged to gravitate to exploration, education, philosophy, inquiry, along with a touch of luck and good fortune: the natural gifts of a Moon in Sagittarius. Fitfully enthusiastic instincts coupled with honorable, highly independent, and buoyant emotions are ready to be embraced by the collective. Meanwhile, do be on the look out for the mutable fire here to possibly catch you off-guard- as restless, outspoken, roving, and superficial energies may distastefully display themselves.

New Moon, Solar Eclipse 25 November, 1:10am, 1:20am EST, 02 degrees Sagittarius
Early Friday’s Lunar kick-off will cast an easily stimulated instinct that anyone can find inspiration within when true imagination is applied. Embracing the warm, spontaneous and intuitive feelings that wish to spark- ultimately keep any potential for argumentative reactions to emotionally explode at bay. Remember within mutable fire, there are no limits, so the innate wisdom to know when to say when is smart to adhere to.

Be sure to check the Sagittarian House, in particular the 02 degree piece, in your personal birth chart to see where a new start will be stemming from for many months ahead that will require true nurturing, sensitivity, and imagination to accompany it. Any New Moon offers us a precise trigger each month, and when coupled by a Solar Eclipse, we are granted a longer period where seeds planted here truly engage us in a lush energy that we can continue to reap and see reward from.

For the Collective
While any given New Moon brings forth the opportunity to engage in a fresh start to our emotions, we’ve kinda got a “catch 22” where Sagittarius affects us. As new beginnings do desire to aim from where The Archer lives in our Zodiac Pies, Mercury currently requests we take the necessary time for reflection and reassessments, 24 November through 13 December. Ideally, you will take note of the initiations wishing to find you, but for optimal success over the long-term with any of them, it is best that we hold off on signing legal bindings and the activation of anything important until after The Messengers’ forward motion returns 13 December. Check in with your full do’s and don’ts of this current MRx at www.sharitastar.blogspot.com.

Aside from the Sun, Moon, and Mercury, there are plenty of other energies stirring where Sagittarius seeks to expand your life. Venus is just about to conclude it’s journey here, having nicely paved the way over the past couple weeks in this area for harmony and a sense of peace to unfold. With strong request of the current North Nodes’ transit to be diligent to The Archer, this affect truly wishes for focus and perhaps even extra effort to this piece of anyone’s Zodiac Pie. Honor where the North Node is asking for your attention. If you choose to walk away, essential life teachings will be missed out upon, truly setting up karmic repercussions. Tie it all in with Mercury doing his “backwards thing” at present here, and there is quite an intensity that Sagittarius is calling for us all to listen carefully to.

One more astrological “tid bit” is the trine from Retrograding Uranus at 0 degrees Aries makes to our New Moon, Solar Eclipse and Sun at 02 degrees Sagittarius. Checking in where these two spots relate within your Zodiac Pie equally encourage us to take advantage of new opportunities offered- resulting in benefits for a long time to come. There is a wealth of extra intuition and energetic feelings that angle in with this lunation, all in an intense search for freedom and unique ways to revolutionize our lives. As your Sagittarian area of life seeks a new sense of security, Aries is paving the way for further independence to allow it to be comfortable. Understanding this dynamic connection opens a smooth and easy path- truly a wonderful gift from above anyone down here below can choose to be enthusiastic about.

LUNAR-O-SCOPE, NEW Moon, SOLAR Eclipse in Sagittarius 2011
For the collective horoscope, again we offer advice for every sign from the outer vantage point. Remember, if you know your Rising Sign (Ascendant), read that passage too, for it typically will apply to your personal charts’ advice. Keep in mind, the exact casting of the natal birth chart determines a closer perspective to how the current transits of the planets personally and specifically affect you.

Aries: A fresh philosophy awaits for you to unleash it Dear Ram. Think about taking a trip if you aren’t already in action to do so. You’ll be stirred in the months ahead to travel, even if you only simply expand the mind with some knowledge. Pursue something that puts your pioneering spirit heading towards higher education. As you keep on expecting the unexpected in your approaches and first impressions, be open to a new belief that requires your use of courage to grow and evolve.

Taurus: Been thinking about how to improve securities and finances Dear Bull? It’s a prominent time to take a look at your wealth, along with your shared/joint resources.  Yet, be cautious with any long-term investments until Mercury goes Direct. Should you be urged to grow your roots deeper in the intimacy department, a super charged energy is at your fingertips for regeneration and focus here! A core transformation comes through when you spend time in solitude that you didn’t have planned.

Gemini: You love the act of relating Mini Gem, and there is an intense draw to those who are closest to you now. Should your partnerships see flare-ups, this is a fabulous time to weigh the pros and cons of the situation. Deny the argument and kill ‘em with kindness: a truly magical formula that unites a many things, and do look forward to new beginnings here as 2012 unfolds which bond with your groups and organizations to find unusual ways to break though with honoring your hopes and dreams.

Cancer: Your gut is spot on in telling you to embark on new routines, personal habits, and improvements to your health, so strongly grab hold of these ideas with those claws! As you re-examine your means of service to others, should people be acting crazy in the work place- find a way to make them feel right at home. Innovation and originality wish to unfold within your career and public life. How about a new pet? They’ll manifest soon- or enjoy time with those you already have.

Leo: There’s nothing to stop you Royal Lions from socializing! It’s time to engage in a fresh creative adventure, one that will capture your attention for months to come. Meanwhile, Mercury also recommends returning to an unfinished project for equal satisfaction.  Any children, or “brain children” require your focus. Love affairs of new and old flirt with you, easily moving on to a higher level later. As you think about how all this is changing your original beliefs, you’ll learn something astonishing.

Virgo: Don’t be shy about what needs to start anew within your home and family life. Domesticated life is where you serve best right now, just steer clear of The Messengers’ miscommunications here! Don’t doubt that déjà vu -listen closely to the instinct you hear from within- as its’ message is of karmic importance. What is changing on your home front has much to do with your wealth and core transformations, whereby an out of the blue legacy may inspire a sudden emergence of rebirth.

Libra: New ways of thinking are ready for you to embrace them in the months ahead. Intellectually there are opportunities to aid in balancing the mentality, but of course let Mercury’s review do its’ reflective work first. Your neighbors or siblings may tip your Scales to learn from them- apply patience along with listening here.  As the lover of peace, your challenge is to seek to better understand what’s coming at you unexpectedly within your close partnerships, and let this bring calm to your mind.

Scorpio: New and necessary changes will be seen within your value system, further resulting in an upcoming adjustment of your earning power. Look at your possessions, you’ll know by 2012 when to acquire something new that feels totally worth it. With Mercury reviewing here at present, communications can stir up thoughts to clean-up principles, aiming them in totally different directions. All this nicely ties in with the innovative ways you are finding that you can be of service to others.

Sagittarius: The light shines upon your approaches to become anew Dear Archer, but slow down please to catch the energies that will be of great benefit to you now. You are wise to take a patient pace with The Messenger’s presence up front and center- so you can reflect on that new mask you’ll be wearing for 2012. As the world is eager to see this unveiling, it is even more thrilled to see what alignment your creative juices are going to invent next, originating from beyond your normal ideals.

Capricorn: The inner layers of your psyche and the unknown await your toil. Subconscious urges shift your focus from perfection to work on the most hidden parts of yourself. Best you refrain from overtime right now and really listen. Be silent. Pay attention to your dreams. Hear the opportunity to find a new enthusiasm that works well to lift your soul? You’ll find this strongly connects with your sense of security at home, which is improving amongst the sudden changes you have been seeing.

Aquarius: Be friendly to the energy wishing to bless your friendships and organizations. Set new goals in your groups, which find fresh ways for your hopes and dreams to embrace new life. Go without resistance on that spontaneous invitation to socialize- it’s a fantastic door to an aspiring adventure of future importance. Should a friend have to be released under Mercury’s reflection, you’ll survive. All streams from here let you think more clearly, originally and eccentrically than ever before.

Pisces: The Fishes find themselves swimming with lively currents concerning career matters right now, and there is a new spark that allows all to move forward once Mercury is looking where he is going. News you’ve been waiting for in regards to your purpose, mission, and reputation will have you feeling totally charged up. Tie this in with knowing there is an innovative way your earning power is meant to dynamically change, and your public life will ride the biggest wave of inspiration in 2012.

It was equally special to meet so many of you at my Cromwell Ct. event as well. It’s been a wonderful fall, getting to meet many of you for first time and reconnect with those I haven’t seen in years. I want to thank Danny and Zack from K92 bringing me back to Roanoke for another Hope for the Holidays. It was always my honor to bring laughter, hope and love to those who attended.  EVeryone went out of their way to give me that southern hospitality.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I – like many of you, I’m sure – can’t believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Here is another chance to give to those that simply need a place to feel loved, and to feed the soul as well as the body. After all, that really is what “thanks-giving” is: reaching out for those that want to share and spend time with loved ones, or those that don’t have loved ones or even a place to go. I remember years ago on Thanksgiving, a friend of mine put together as many meals as her car would hold, and went to all the places in the city where people were homeless, to give them one unbelievable meal.

I couldn’t help feeling the sense of family while I was in Southern California. Firstly, it is November – not only the time of the Thanksgiving holiday, but also the month that both of my uncles passed over, as well as my beloved grandmother. For my mother, this is always a difficult month. The other reason why this sense was so strong for me is that my grandmother lived in San Diego, a city that continues to have a strong place in my heart, even after many years.

The first time I went to San Diego was when I was five years old. My grandmother had four children (which was very common in that generation) and raised them on the farm, and her wish was to have one in the hospital! To say she was/is strong would be quite an understatement. After leaving my grandfather – also quite difficult in those days – she saw an ad in the local newspaper from a woman who was looking for a companion to go across the country with her to California. My grandmother read the ad, and as they say, the rest is history! She lived the rest of her life in San Diego, a place she absolutely loved. Not long after, my uncles followed, leaving only my mother back east, essentially in the same small town she was raised in.

Spending two weeks in Southern California and feeling my grandmother’s presence, with wonderful memories, was very heartwarming to me. She not only was someone I truly admired, but in some ways, I hope that some of her qualities – being a strong, independent, good woman – were passed down to me.

Now, I know that holidays can bring up wonderful thoughts, and some not so wonderful ones . . . however, it is a great time to make connections with those here and on the Other Side. So, enjoy the people with whom you want to share this special time, and be thankful for the many blessings we all have. It’s not so out of our realm to set a place at the table for your DP’s – they don’t take up much room and, well, with them there’s lots of leftovers! For me, and for most of us, I would say without question when you use some family recipes or dishes that are meaningful to your DPs, or just include your them in your thoughts during this thankful holiday, they will be there in spirit with you. All this just adds to the time spent together with family and friends. Again, it really is a time to give thanks for all your blessings, and send out prayers for those who could use a loving touch.

Warmly,

Suzane

Rx Begins: 2:19am EST 24 November @ 20 degrees Sagittarius
Direct: 8:43pm EST 13 December @ 03 degrees Sagittarius
Approach: Began 04 November- The last day Mercury was at 03 deg Sagittarius
Shadow: Ends 01 January 2012- The next time Mercury reaches 20 deg Sagittarius going Direct

First things first. It’s time for us all to remove our “fears” that are typically associated with this planetary transit. When approached with the right attitude, the very REwards from a Mercury REtrograde are ones that we are not meant to miss.

“Remember that planets do not “cause” anything. If instead we go back to the idea of “as above, so below” and think once more of a stage on which the planets are moving, then the times that Mercury, the master communicator and trickster, walks backward are simply extra tricky times. After all, the image of the jester walking backwards is suspicious, to say the least. What is he up to now? What is he backing away from? The already slippery nature of Mercury is even trickier to pin down during his retrograde days. During such days, he demands that we pay extra special attention to mercurial things. We can ignore this and be tricked and bamboozled. Mercury takes great pleasure in the fact that either way we are dealing with Mercury, voluntarily, or involuntarily.” –Laurence Hillman, ‘Planets in Play’

Like sleep, this passage offers the proper time within our planetary cycles to recharge ourselves. Without these needed times the Universe schedules for redoing, reorganizing, and reflection- the collective would not move forward optimally.  Being Mercury is the keeper of our thinking, mentality, communications and movement of all kinds, it is this part of ourselves that deserves a “tune-up.” (aside from any your car may request a repair for over this time ;-)

By choosing to resist the changes that a transit like Mercury Retrograde presents for us, then that “scary” energy of The Messenger undoubtedly will happily find us toying with the tricks he plays. Your free will decides upon this “fate.” The key to achieving success under any Mercury Retrograde Period is to expect change, and embrace it. Knowing like attracts like, those that choose to become aggravated and frustrated by The Trickster over this passage, willingly jump on their own chaos train. Mercury doesn’t “do this” to anyone.

This time Mercury has picked Sagittarius to bring forth the necessary RE’s of REtrograde that are well advised to follow as we weather The Messengers’ final backwards journey of 2011. The IDEAS that come to you under your reflective time are meant to be a huge part of the REwards that aim in your life as AIDES.

With Sagittarius being the sign of perspective, honesty, optimism, and expansion- these are the virtues we are meant to adhere to the most as we gravitate to the actions of: REdoing, REpairing, REassessing, REading, REvisiting, REjoicing, REaligning, REsting, REviewing, and by all means RElaxing!

As we accept Mercury’s request for reflection, REsponding vs. REacting is the key to finding REward during this passage. There will be buzzes of changes that will undoubtedly occur while this Retrograde plays out. Especially while The Messenger is backtracking in the mutable fire sign that Sagittarius is, the potential for energy to spin out of control is high to occur. While we are wise to avoid important decisions and initiations for future success at this time, our activity and behavior while in REassessment is imperative.

Look to the 03 deg to 20 degree Sagittarius piece of your personal Zodiac Pie to see where reflection urges to find you under this upcoming passage.  REmember as well…

The DO’s & DON’TS of Mercury REtrograde…

DO:
REmain Calm!
Expect CHANGE: in your plans, travel, routines, & schedules to occur suddenly
Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going
REvisit unfinished projects and our past
Have Plan B, C, and possibly D Ready at all times
Spend time in the RE’s: RElax, REvisit, REflect, REdo, REcharge!
Gravitate to REsponding vs. REacting!

DON’T:
“Freak out” when changes come up
Rush: speaking, driving, doing anything involving movement!
Sign important documents
Initiate anything new

Keep in mind, those events and situations that have occurred since 04 November- fall under the approach of this Retrograde. We tend to start to see the things that will undergo reassessment emerge over these couple weeks, in the specific areas of your life noted above. Equally before the shadow completes upon 01 January 2012, you will see further opportunities for final adjustments that need to be made from all action occurring within the retrograde period.

Another star secrets “tid-bit” from Numerology is able help us handle our understanding of Mercury Retrograde through its’ Name Expression, which calculates to a 13, that of ‘REgeneration – Change.’ Said the Chaldeans of this number that equally tells us to expect the unexpected: “13 is not an unlucky number, as many people believe. The ancients claimed that he who understands how to use the number 13 will be given power and dominion. The symbol of the 13 is a skeleton, or death, with a scythe, reaping down men in a field of new-grown grass, where young faces and heads appear to be thrusting through the ground and emerging on all sides. 13 is a number of upheaval, so that new ground may be broken. It’s associated with power, which, if used for selfish purposes, will bring destruction upon itself. There is a warning of the unknown and the unexpected. Adapting to change gracefully will bring out the strength of the 13 vibration, and decrease any potential for the negative. 13 is associated with genius- also with explorers, breaking the orthodox and new discoveries of all kinds.”

As always the uncanny power of Lexigrams is also here to REmind you how to best find ease under this passage. There is an important tale for every sign to hear that is told as we poetically phrase the anagrams found within the very title of Mercury Retrograde:

MERCURY RETROGRADE

DAY TO DAY, GREET YOUR URGE TODAY:
GOT TO REDO, GOT TO RETRACE
GOT TO REROUTE YOUR GAME
GOT TO RECREATE TO REORDER
GOT TO RE-EDUCATE
GOT TO GO TO A GREAT ART
GO TO A GREAT COMEDY
GO REDECORATE
GO READ, TRY A REREAD
GO DO YOGA
GO EMERGE, RECORD A RARE DREAM
GO MEET A TAME COURAGE
GOT TO REDUCE OUR TERROR
GOT TO REDUCE A RUMOR
GO TO REGARD TO REDUCE A REGRET
GO! TRY TO AGREE- GO TO A TRUCE
GO MEET A TRUE EGO CURE: TRADE OUTRAGE TO GRACE
TRADE OUTRAGE TO A COURAGE REMEDY
GO TO A MERCY TO CURE A GREEDY EGO
GO GREET A MORE MATURE AREA
GOT TO A REMOTE AREA TO MEET A GREAT REMEDY
GO TO A GOD- ADORE YOU!

Even though we are now amidst the merry buzz of another Holiday Season, there is priceless value in just simply going along with the course that change can naturally takes us. What area of the life will you witness these RE’s to occur? Here is a handy guide from the collective perspective to guide you in making the most of this Universal gift of REflection. Taking time to ponder REview in this area of the life will be time well spent and unwrap the true blessings that can be found. Should you know your Rising Sign/Ascendant, especially check-in with your natal chart to see the area of life 03 to 20 deg Sagittarius equally REquires your attention.

Aries: How I Believe in Higher Education/Philosophy/Wisdom
Taurus: How I Transform Wealth/Death & Rebirth/Sexuality
Gemini: How I Relate to Partnerships/Marriage
Cancer: How I Serve Health/Service to Others
Leo: How I Create my Creativity/Children/Love Affairs
Virgo: How I Nurture the Home/Family/Environments
Libra: How I Communicate my Thinking/Mentality
Scorpio: How I Have Values/Earning Power
Sagittarius: How I Am with First Impressions/Approaches/Mask to the World
Capricorn: How I Process my Inner World/Subconscious
Aquarius: How I Socialize in Groups/Friendships/Hopes & Dreams
Pisces: How I Structure my Career/Public Life

So, My Dear Stars, it’s time to RElease your fears and become friends with Mercury Retrograde. REmember to be in PATIENCE with yourself with a little I TAP IN AN ANCIENT PEACE PACE, which will ideally manifest as you choose a Sagittarian true honest LISTEN: I SIT IN SILENT TIES IN TEN- 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 TEN, I ENLIST IT.

Happy REflective Mercury REtrograde trails to you! More to come on how your Lunar-O-Scope for the upcoming New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius all tie into The Messengers energies, so stay tuned!

As you examine a challenge (whether it be specific or general), bring careful attention to how you feel and identify that particular emotion (or range of emotions) with specific words. Even if at first you find difficulty in defining your emotions, stick with it and do your best to apply words to the feelings. You may discover that your true emotions are very different than what you instinctually first thought. Take this time to define your authentic emotions regarding all situations in your life and be honest in that process. Identifying and defining your authentic emotions will provide you a secret wisdom in discovering what you truly want.

Allowing yourself to take this journey is like Spring cleaning. You get to throw out all the junk you no longer need, clean up the things that have been dumped all over you, and remove the dust from the authentic You! The best part is that by going through the hang-over process you are making room for possibility; new loves, new experiences, and more. It’s a time when you have the opportunity to move back into potential and the wonderment of being in the world from a place that is totally present.

As a therapist, I’ve found that this is often the time that we resort back to our old painful habits. The person working on quitting smoking can’t handle the feelings that are coming up so they go back to smoking (self-medicating) just as the healing was about to occur. The sober alcoholic starts to drink again, and the food addict pulls into the drive-through.

Hang-overs are never fun BUT they are great opportunities to do some really deep work. The best part is that all you have to do is feel and process; feel the emotions that come up, recognize them, allow them, refuse to medicate them, and in doing that you can let them go! It’s an opportunity to be nice to yourself, to take extra care of yourself, and to love yourself. The hang-over is a great place to start loving yourself so much (no matter your faults, opinions, and judgments) that you can share that loving overflow with another so that they can love themselves (faults and all) so much and then share that love back with you.

So, I changed the words just a little from that 70s song, “I got a ‘healing’ hang-over…I’m gonna get over!” Why not start now?

Peter Bedard is a Hypnotherapist and advocate for Holistic Healing tools and strategies. You can find out more about him at www.PeterBedardHypnotherapy.com and www.CreateYourHealth.com.

22 November to 22 December

A MEDITATION FOR SAGITTARIUS ~John Jocelyn
Sagittarius promotes the sublimation of the soul by correlating the intellect with the Spirit-mind and, through this union and transmutation, a bridge is built from the brain-bound personality, living in its physical form, to the higher spiritual being and to that spiritual realm that is the source of all ideas.

The Typical Sagittarius
These natives display a humorous, cheerful, idealistic, and exploratory nature. Always in a role where higher learning prevails, they are innate in being able to gain perspective in life. Yet, if their Sagittarian fire flames out of control in any way- they can fall to tactless, edgy, superficial, reckless, and brash behavior. A Sagittarius must keep their ever-darting quests within safe boundaries; ones that allow them to cultivate self-control, genuineness, and precise focus.

In Your Natal Chart
The Zodiac House that Sagittarius’s energy rules in the birth chart is the 9th of Higher Education/Foreign Travel/Philosophy. Looking to how the Zodiac Wheel may spin for any individual birth chart, the House Sagittarius energy resides is the one area of your life where you will see your never-ending hunger for philosophy and limitless energy behind all you do. Any planets that may be placed in Sagittarius within the birth chart also take on their innate expression to pronounce what you believe through the qualities of this multi-tasking, aspiring, and well-traveled sign.

CURRENT PLANETARY TRANSITS
22 nov  SUN enters SAGITTARIUS 11:08am 8:08am
23 nov  MERCURY goes RETROGRADE in SAGITTARIUS 11:19pm
24 nov  MERCURY goes RETROGRADE in SAGITTARIUS 2:19am
24 nov  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
24 nov  NEW MOON in SAGITTARIUS 10:10pm
24 nov  SOLAR ECLIPSE at 02 deg SAGITTARIUS 10:20pm
25 nov  NEW MOON in SAGITTARIUS 1:10am
25 nov  SOLAR ECLIPSE at 02 deg SAGITTARIUS 1:20am
26 nov  VENUS enters CAPRICORN 7:36am 4:36am
09 dec  URANUS goes DIRECT in ARIES 11:04pm
10 dec  URANUS goes DIRECT in ARIES 2:04am
10 dec  LUNAR ECLIPSE at 18 deg GEMINI  9:32am 6:32am
10 dec  FULL MOON in GEMINI 9:36am 6:36am
13 dec  MERCURY goes DIRECT in SAGITTARIUS 8:43pm 5:43pm
20 dec  VENUS enters AQUARIUS 1:26pm 10:26am
21 dec  HAPPY HANUKKAH through 28 dec
21 dec  SUN enters CAPRICORN 9:30pm
22 dec  SUN enters CAPRICORN 12:30am
WINTER SOLSTICE/YULE
Eastern Standard Time/Pacific Standard Time

CURRENT LONG TERM PLANETARY TRANSITS
MARS in VIRGO
JUPITER in TAURUS RETROGRADE
SATURN in LIBRA
URANUS in ARIES RETROGRADE/DIRECT
NEPTUNE in AQUARIUS
PLUTO in CAPRICORN

The Zodiac Month Ahead: Reflecting upon IDEAS as AIDES
What we all can expect from the forecast of our planetary skies 22 November to 22 December.

Sun enters Sagittarius 22 November
Sagittarius spiritedly takes on the element of fire and expresses itself within the task of communication upon the Zodiac Wheel. It is of no coincidence we engage now within the jollity, excess, and bounty of the holiday season. As Jupiter’s guidance over this fun-loving sign urges creative projects, social enjoyment, optimism, and the broadening of our ideals and beliefs (while those waistlines may see the very same). Within the limitless aims of those Archer arrows, no other sign brings forth the attuned alignment of body, mind, and spirit better than Sagittarius.

Mercury Retrogrades in Sagittarius 24 November
It’s time for our last period of mental reflection within 2011 as the collective is challenged to keep up with the adaptations this transit will bring in this mutable energy, coupled with the typical  “zaniness” of the holiday season. While you can expect to wait on lines more, deal with returns, buying the wrong item, and any best laid plan to change- checking in with where The Archer expands upon your life within your Zodiac Pie will point to where some retreat time is wise to take. The collective mind will aspire to independent and versatile methods of expression, and while under Retrograde, we are all wise to avoid the reaction to argumentative and impulsive means to get any point across.

New Moon, Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius 25 November
What may bring on some ease to those seemingly crazy changes Mercury Retrograde promises to unfold- will be the initiations and positive vibes our Solar Eclipse can cast. Keep in mind, the normal rule of holding off on true new beginnings here until after Mercury goes Direct upon 13 December still stands. With this lunation, you can expect an energy that will flow from where The Archer aims in your life for a period of months ahead with the room you have been making here since the last Lunar Eclipse in this sign back on 15 June. Once the Mercury Retrograde shadow completes by the turn into our Universal New Year, these fresh starts then will find their ideal path to move in the right direction.

Venus enters Capricorn 26 November, Aquarius 20 December
Breaking off from her recent journey alongside Mercury, our planet of harmony moves forward on her own to bring her classic ease and pleasantries to where The Goat toils. The collectives’ affections while in Capricorn get serious, constant, and sincere as the love of excellence and developing self-reliance within this area of the life wish to now eliminate any unwanted restrictions. As the holiday season kicks into high-gear while visiting with The Water Bearer, our social time seeks intellectual companionship as intimacies can expect those unexpected arousals. Trying on experimental and friendly ways to bring a new sense of peace to our lives ideally allows merriment to unfold.

Lunar Eclipse, Full Moon in Gemini 10 December
In opposition to what space has been opening within Sagittarius, look to where The Twins bring their ever active and versatile mix within your Zodiac Pie, as this is the place to expect completions to form from the new beginnings that have emerged here since the Solar Eclipse 01 June. Now is a time for release of old worn out patterns of energy, and whatever IDEAS here are no longer your AIDES, don’t gravitate to remaining in the UNTIE, for it is the time to UNITE these observations with the fitful instinct that will be available. Again under Mercury Retrograde, we’ll truly see adaptive forces at work which will move the unnecessary out of our way.

May the Spirit of the season bring forth the genuine generosity that makes up an honest holiday, allowing you to reflect upon what your soul believes to be the ultimate truth that ever-aims within your life as you evolve your ideas.

Painting- Chiron and Achilles: With Our Hands, ADAM RAZAK

I like this as a creative alternative way of looking at what’s classically known as Mercury retrograde. On Thanksgiving Day Mercury the planet known as the Messenger of the Gods, and has dominion over communication, travel and information processing goes retrograde in Sagittarius. Well, really during these next three weeks Mercury will go on a search and a journey exploring new horizons looking for adventure and inspiration.

Our minds will break free from the straight and narrow and our thoughts can be released towards a clear target like a well aimed arrow, perhaps meandering around a little like a firefly, before hitting the bull’s eye. Watch for biting off way more than you can chew but we also may discover we can chew way more than we realized, metaphorically speaking! Mind expansion is always a good thing.

November 22 the Sun goes into Sagittarius the sign of higher mindedness, philosophy, advertising and marketing. Then we’ll have a new Moon in Sagittarius on Thanksgiving Day and Mercury becomes directionally inspired, also on Thanksgiving Day, all in the sign of Sagittarius. This planetary action brings us out of the dark deep of Scorpio, we get to shrug off the cloak of psychological heaviness and embark upon the optimistic, positive, generous time of “giving thanks” for all of our gifts and abundance. This is a great time for a new approach towards promoting that idea, marketing that project, disseminating knowledge, teaching and rearranging the pieces of the puzzle to create a bigger vision.

We are aligning with the grace of our lives and sharing that grace open heartedly with all we meet. This is the time of year when the collective consciousness has had enough of poverty, fear and restriction and is ready to party! The holidays or “Holy Days” enter the stage, where, from all the way back to our beginning, at this time of year, we turn our thoughts to the Most High, literally and figuratively. We want to get high on God-ness and light, and maybe a little spiked eggnog, hot buttered rum and sugar!

Of course there are all the cliché warnings of Mercury retrograde, especially on a classic travel day. Plans may change; unexpected travel upsets, etc., items lost and items returning from the past. But I think this Mercury exploratory window will be easy and harmonious in the long run, more about discovery, exciting new ideas and even bringing a higher minded study back from the past, because Mercury makes a friendly aspect to Uranus, planet of surprises when it goes direct December 14.

This one could be an exciting adventure, sort of like taking a new path on the same old hike and unexpectedly discovering a lake or a valley full of wild flowers you never knew was there until you veered from the norm.

This is a wonderful time for all you Sagittarians and every one of us can allow for a mind blowing leap into the larger than life possibilities for expansion and lucky opportunities. Give clutched up tight frigid miserliness the old heave ho and be fantastically, pleasantly surprised!

I found the space in an unlikely place. Behind an accordion school. Not just any accordion school, but Dave’s Accordion School in Atwater Village. My short stint at my previous place was in Hel-Mel, in a studio with great energy and a fun vibe. But the moment I walked into this 300sqft studio, and was told the outdoor patio could be used as well, I knew I had walked into the new space that would offer many opportunities. Allowing my practice to be in one location, a home base.

Upon paying the deposit and having the keys handed to me, I decided it was time for not only another art show, but the first official HypnoArt Show with seven talented artists, all of whom would undergo hypnosis and create for 3 hours. All projects were to be considered completed within the three hours. As I sat there guiding the artists through the journey I felt overwhelmed with appreciation that I was given such a gift, the gift of sight, the gift of experience. Watching the artists work was humbling and awe inspiring. The general HypnoArt Workshops are more free flowing, less structured and the tools are different. I felt privileged to lead this guided excursion.

The participating artists are Carlos Nieto III, Kaliisa Conlon, Carlos Rosas, Susan Lee, Allegra Newman, Luis “Kengi” Carr and Leone Williams. All are very talented artists that come from various backgrounds of experience and traditions. It was a pleasure to work with them… to observe them connecting to their inner muse without judgment. Everyone tapped into the stream of their unbridled creativity and art was made without reservation. Each artist focused on the process and the journey. Focused on the primal desire to create a beautiful thing, happened; 14 pieces manifested. Each and every one unique.

It can be your pleasure to experience the artwork if you wish. Saturday 11/19 HypnoArt: A Conscious Collective will open its doors from 6:30pm-9:30pm. I invite you to come experience my center for calm and creativity… the new Hypnotiq Solutions Studio at 3058 ½ Glendale Blvd, 90039. There will be organic and handcrafted food items, wine, art, conversation and a video art piece focusing on the experience of the HypnoArt collective.

December will come with great events as well.

Workshops:

Dealing with Difficult Family Members 12/14/11 7pm-8pm
A Guide to de-stress and relax during the holidays
FREE

HypnoArt Workshop 12/20/11 7pm-8pm
Tap into your creativity and release the holiday stress
$25

Christmas Eve Yoga w/ Kyle 12/24/2011 8pm-9:30pm
Tap into your breath and regain balance
$10

What is self-care? I believe the ideal self-care regimen includes activities that soothe the body and mind. I also believe that each person must tailor their self-care to activities that they like and will actually do. If I tell you how powerful meditation can be and show you studies to prove it but you try it and don’t like it, it’s not going to be helpful to you.

The idea of self-care is that by doing it on a regular basis it keeps a kind of equilibrium going on in your body. In times of stress people who have a regular regimen will typically have an easier time adjusting and won’t experience large increases of negative symptoms when compared to those who aren’t engaging in such a regimen. It can be a very useful way to bring balance to your life.

Examples of self-care activities:
Meditation
Yoga
Exercise
Reading
Laughing with friends
Journaling
Art
Visual imagery
Massage
Hot bath
Taking deep breaths

Obviously some of these activities can’t really be done with your kids around but many can such as journaling, exercise, taking some deep breaths, art and reading. Just don’t expect absolute quiet time if your kids are around. So the deal is that you pick things you like, try them for at least one week straight and evaluate at the end of the week how you feel as opposed to how you felt at the beginning before your self-care regimen. I really think you will feel a difference. Erica DeSanto, MFT

Erica can be reached at Erica@ericadesantomft.com or (310)528-6724. You can also visit my website www.EricaDesantoMFT.com

Assume the position most comfortable to you, either standing in horsewoman stance (feet hip-width apart rooted on the ground, knees slightly bent, spine erect), or laying on your back comfortably with your knees bent and feet flat; you can even rest in your favorite yogic asana. Remember to continue protecting your egg by wearing panties while doing your practice until your yoni grows strong enough, and you are able to walk around for long periods of time holding and hugging the egg with your yoni. 

Now, we combine the egg with the yoni practices discussed earlier. Start by squeezing the front, middle and back rings of the yoni muscles, focusing your attention on the egg, and aligning your breath with the movement you create in your body. Squeezing the front ring of your yoni is like taking short, gentle sips of air with your yoni, gradually moving the egg upwards. The deeper, back rings of the yoni muscles create a more intense squeeze and draw upwards with your yoni. 

Begin by isolating each of the three rings; later combine all three rings in your practice. Gradually integrate a unique combination of squeezes that feels comfortable to you, both long and short. As your skill, strength, confidence and yoni awareness improves, you will notice you are able to move the egg from the front ring to the back ring, in a circular motion, and bring it back down. And, as you graduate to the next level you will be able to use your yoni strength to move the egg not only up and down, but also side to side.  

 Be patient with your body and your energy field, as this practice requires time and consistency. As the negative, disserving energy clears from your yoni and auric field, movement of the egg and power of your yoni will become more potent, graceful and natural. You will also start to notice a deeper sense of Self, stronger cultivation of sexual energy, and connection to your feminine essence as a result of repatterning your yoni energetic signatures.  

A few notes:

1)         Do not use the yoni egg if you are currently pregnant. The egg practice is for women who are not pregnant, who want to increase their fertility, and who are recovering from pregnancy.     

2)         Before placing your egg, be sure to wash your hands.

3)         Always clean and clear your egg after each use. Refer to the blog Yoni Egg Part 1 for guidance on clearing techniques.

4)         Contact me to learn about purchasing an egg that’s right for you (size and stone type)

Sat Nam,

Jennifer

 jenniferwhaddad@yahoo.com , healthysexylotus.com

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Mars enters Virgo, 10 November, 11:15pm EST

Are you ready for some action where The Virgin is of service within your Zodiac Pie? You will now be seeing quite a bit of activity in this area of the life. What makes this passage a bit different than any regular Mars transit which normally lasts about 7 weeks, is that, our motivating planet will not leave this sign until 03 July 2012.

Remember all the collective changes that unfolded from Saturn’s visit here in 2007 throughout the fall of 2010? It’s time for Mars with his penetrating energy to make things truly take up with dynamic activity that will bring more conclusions to the situations Saturn requested we pay closer attention to over this period. Knowing the economic implications and realizations that drummed up alone- if you thought this time has passed and was never to return, think again. There are a many completions and endings to what we know and are comfortable with that still await to unravel.

Why will Mars be journeying so long with The Virgin? As he reaches the 23rd degree of Virgo, upon 23 January 2012, we’ll then be witnessing another Mars Retrograde that will last until 13 April 2012 at 03 degrees Virgo. The last time we saw Mars not looking where he was going was back over the Winter of 2010.

So here we are, as we turn into the “infamous 2012” date upon the upcoming Universal New Year, with Mars asking for our further examination of those details within our lives as he takes up time within the sign that loves to audit, discriminate and fuss about everything. Being Virgo is the sign that equally loves to be well-mannered and of service, when this focus is chosen, the rewards of this passage are all the more easily found.

Mars is known as the warrior planet, and wherever he is within the Zodiac sky, we are wise to apply patience to this area of the life down here below.  Mars also brings forth conclusions and finalizations, so these too, can be more than expected. So, while in Virgo, tests will be placed here to see how well one handles situations of conflict. As always, responding with courage verses reacting in aggressive action will bring calm to what is meant to change in this area of the life.

There is a collective calling to apply disciplined energy to all that Mars logically will select for us to bring more efficiency and practicality to within our methods of desire. One thing that will be strongly felt over this passage is the request for simplification and further organization of what Saturn already requested we take responsible note of here from 2007 to 2010.

So, what about you? Just where will you see this intense passage bring inevitable change to your life? A quick guide from the collective vantage point will show one affect from this longer than normal Mars transit. Remember too, if you know your Ascendant (Rising sign) this too will apply to your natal chart. However, it is always the professional analysis of your natal chart that will exactly determine how any current transit is personally requesting your attention to better know thyself.

Aries: Health/Being of Service/Employees/Pets

Taurus: Creativity/Children/Love Affairs

Gemini: Home/Family/Emotions/Environments

Cancer: Thinking/Mentality/Communications

Leo: Values/Earning Power/Possessions

Virgo: Approaches/Mask to the World/Motivations

Libra: Inner Psyche/Clearing of the Past

Scorpio: Innovations/Friendships/Organizations

Sagittarius: Career/Public Life/Opportunities

Capricorn: Philosophies/Foreign Travel/Education

Aquarius: Transformations/Sexuality/Wealth

Pisces: Partnerships/Marriage/Balance with Others

More to come on the 23 January on how to ideally handle Mars Retrograde in Virgo 2012. In the meantime, take extra pause where Virgo politely requests you to slow down, and listen to what wishes to become more motivated here. With any activity from Mars, if we don’t take that time to be silent, we will miss tremendous opportunity to reap the proper changes within our lives, which will be urged to unfold quickly. Namaste, Dear Ones.

You can’t forget about the 2 & 0 in 2011. Leaving out the 2 & 0 is like leaving out the day or month of your own birthday. There is however, much wisdom within the energy of the 26/8 Universal energy guiding this date. It is a time to learn from experience, adhere to responsibility, and recognize the true value of work within our human existence. Reward unfolds through any of our partnerships when patience is utilized. Plenty can be pondered as our Sun reaches 19 degrees of Scorpio: see within your life what can transform, die, and rebirth once more.

There is a great call upon this date to check how divided goals may be standing in the life, and see just how a UNITE can correct an existing UNTIE. The 11th is guided by the Moon who rules over those emotions, so these are equally highly present today on the collective. Knowing, for most, that we all have our individual ways that two separate ideas may resist one another, it is the beauty of discovering how these can co-operate. Through this practice, what we can all imagine that makes a nurturing energy manifest will allow stability to become the result of all our futures.

While all dates are kinda ”fancy” and insightful in their own ways, it is wise not to think dates like this mean there is some kind of “phenomena” going on. Undeniably yes, they are “cool,” but when you really wish to study the vibration going on here, people are missing the boat by forgetting that 2 and 0! It is interesting to note, from a numerological standpoint, there is a dynamic of opposition when you just look at the 11/2 karmic path and 26/8 lifepath energies- they do bring a yin/yang completion, if one is born upon this date. It is a wonderful combination to truly honor and stabilize the emotions under. The potential for completion as the 11/2 Moon and the 26/8 Saturn influence here dance in a true opposites attract scenario is available for anyone to embrace.

Definitely pay attention to when you SEE the double, triple or quadruple digits on your own… like on the clocks 11:11, 3:33, or license plates, address, what have you. THESE are a huge part of your journey, and why do you see them at the moments in your life that you do. Monitoring your thoughts at these moments is key to your own personal spiritual experience.

11/11/”11″ is kinda like a Y2K weirdness… not that anything is supposed to go wrong, but this date does not present any kind of energy that will over power anyone verses any other day. Once we all overcome ourselves, and recognize our very power from within, humanity will be on the right track.

Certainly there is a wonderful energy behind what is going on- and it is a fantastic thing. Truly, these numbers that deal with the 11/2 and 26/8 are the primary ones to focus upon that are connected with 11/11/2011 itself.

Astrologically, as the Sun moves from 18 to 19 degrees Scorpio precisely at 1:11pm, 28 seconds EST (here is where the details on this with the exact seconds do find it further fascinating that the Sun literally shifts from the 18th degree to the 19th at this 1:11pm 27 sec to the 28th second of 1:11pm.) Again the 9 to the 1. Definitely gateway kinda things cooking. There is no doubt there still is incredible energy that is to be embraced today, but there is sooooo much more to the whole picture than getting excited about 6 ones! ;-)

11:11 itself is all about initiations when it comes to creating a new structure and foundation in the life. We pass this date every year… it is a master number energy as well. What many will misunderstand this that this 11/11/”11″ date will fall under a master number vibration with all the ones, but, it does not when you factor in the importance of the 2 and 0.

In the end, people will believe whatever they choose, and with whatever that maybe that is being backed by good intentions, no one can lose! Angels are by each and every one of us 365 days of the year… 11/11 is no different. What to ideally do on a day like today or any day? Just sit in the wisdom of a LISTEN: I SIT IN SILENT TIES IN TEN, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, TEN…. I SIT, I ENLIST IT. Maybe, we’ll have more people awakening, and that will be a fabulous feat for our future. When people are talking about a “gateway” this makes ultimate sense to me… one door closes and another opens…. perfect Scorpio scenario, death and rebirth.

Keep on in the LOVE to EVOLVE.

I would like to open this blog with a special thanks to Kali of  Soulistic Healing. The below text is re-purposed and re-blogged here of course with her permission.  After I read it the other day I felt compelled to share. Kali is an amazing yoga teacher, should you ever happen to have the chance to take one of her classes or workshops I strongly suggest doing so.

Here is her blog:

Folks have been looking forward to 11.11.11 for quite some time. For one, it is a numerically special number as it will be one of the few times many of us see this date combination in our lifetime. But surely we have seen, 10.10.10, and next year many of us will see 12.12.12, why is 11 so special?

Numerologically 11 is a Master number. 11 represents illumination, faith, and psychic abilities. In astrology, the number 11 is associated with the sign Aquarius, known for its humanitarian, innovative, liberating and progressive qualities.

Regardless of if you are into astrology or numerology, here are 11 things and events to potentially check out on this day! Whether you want to learn more or you are just in need of some self care time and renewal of your Self, I think these might do the trick!

1) Go soak at a bathhouse. Enjoy sauna, steamrooms, and baths! Water has both physical and metaphysical cleansing qualities! Restore your balance of water in your body and let stress and unhealthy thoughts be absorbed by the water. Bathhouse Choices: Wi Spa, Olympic Spa, Natura Cost – $15-$30

2) 11.11.11 Maha Kirtan Ritual at Bhakti Yoga Shala
Kirtan is one of my favorite yoga traditions. Using mantra and the voice, kirtans help folks to find their deepest voice and truth through chanting out of love and devotion and dancing ad moving. Mantra is a very powerful yogic tool to grounding intentions and creating physical manifestations.
Cost – $11 suggested donation

3) Screening of The Dhamma Brothers at Against the Stream Meditation
This film tells a dramatic story of human potential and transformation as it closely follows and documents the stories of a group of prisoners as they enter into this arduous program. It will challenge assumptions about the very nature of prisons as places of punishment rather than rehabilitation.
Cost – By Donation

4) 11.11.11 Full Moon Sound Bath with Jamie Bechtold and Daniella White
Join yoga teacher/sound + energy healer Jamie Bechtold for an evening of relaxing and enjoying the powerful sound vibrations from a number of instruments!
Live Arts LA – 4210 Panamint Street Los Angeles, CA
Cost – $20 at the door

5) 11.11.11 Meditation Flash Mob @ Occupy LA
All are welcome to participate! Meet at 10:30a at North steps of City Hall (facing Temple St) between 10.30 and 11am. City Hall is at 200 N Spring St. Folks will be gathering to meditate and use the power of peace and intention to experience internally and share with the world!

6) Yoga + Deep Meditation and Chanting at Yoga West
Join the Kundalini Yoga Family at Yoga West to usher in the Aquarian Age with chanting and meditation.
Cost – $20

7) Pranic Healing Clinic with Isabel Lacayo at Aanand Saagar
Pranic Healing is a form of energy healing using prana and life force energy to harmonize and balance one’s being. It has been known to help alleviate and treat special conditions and illnesses.
Cost – $15

8) Community Hatha Flow at Heartbeat House
A donation yoga class for $7 at 9am. Nothing like getting the day started with some yoga!

9) Reiki 1 Attunement and Training at House of Intuition
Ever been curious about Reiki or Energy Healing? Reiki is a non-invasive tool known for helping people with chronic pain and for overall balance. As a Reiki practicioner, you can take your training all around the world to help ALL people, animals, places, and things!
Cost – $250

10) Ayurveda Aromatherapy + Ritual Free Intro Talk
Free Talk on Friday at 8pm at Yoga Desa. The use of aromatic plants and essential oils is a branch of Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine. This workshop presents the use of essential oils according to Ayurvedic principles. The class covers the most important essential oils used currently in aromatherapy, categorized according to the doshas (constitutional types), subdoshas (physiological functions of the doshas), the five elements, prana (life force), and ojas (nutritional essence).
Cost – Free

11)Naam Meditation at Naam Yoga LA
Join us at Naam Yoga LA from 4:00-6:00pm as we come together for this special uplifting and transformative Meditation, which has been especially designed for this day and will be shared with Naam Yogis worldwide. This event is free and open to all.
Cost – Free

https://www.serenebirths.com

It’s that time of the year to welcome a release of energy in the Taurus area of your life! The opportunity to uproot what is no longer necessary in your Taurus piece of the Zodiac Pie is ready to be part of your Autumn clean-up. Just where in your life will this determined and persistent instinct wane throughout 24 November?

Moon enters Taurus
Wednesday 09 November, 2:45am EST to Friday 11 November, 3:10pm EST
Opportunity is knocking at the collective’s door at this time of the month when our emotions enter reflection mode. When our Full Moon embarks in the practical and patience energies of Taurus -the sign that consciously aims for security- we are now ready to allow an enduring and resourceful spirit to guide our “digging up” of what is best to clear where the Bull fixes things within our lives. Fixed Earth is Taurus’s elemental influence, so look to this passage to allow feelings to uproot, and change the grounding force that may no longer be working optimally.

Emotions under Taurus must beware of dogged, materialistic, lethargic, and obstinate behaviors that may arise. When any possessive energies are around, it is easy to gravitate to unimaginative and reactionary tendencies. While a strong sense of values and patience mark any journey with The Bull; the cultivation of enterprise, adaptability, and vision are always wise to adhere to.

Full Moon, 10 November, 3:16pm EST, 18 degrees Taurus
This offering from Taurus brings forth deep, intuitive, and sensuous feelings as our Lunar Light takes a stance with The Bull. Be sure to check the house, in particular the 18-degree Taurus spot, in your natal birth chart to see where a release of energy is ideally meant to unfold. This is the area of life that requests the proper reflection in the next two weeks to follow. What you let go of within in this section of your Zodiac pie until the next New Moon and Solar Eclipse upon 24 November makes the necessary space for new things to come in the future.

For the Collective
This is the 2nd Full Moon that offers us release at the 18th degree, as the next 4 more to follow until we reach the Full Moon in Virgo in 2012, all will peak at the 18th degree of their sign. We touched upon last month how 18 represents conclusions and endings. Being in the know that Mars, The Finalizer, guides any 9 vibration, the gravitation to courage over conflict will allow successes to occur here. Looking to the 18’s ‘Spiritual – Material Conflict’ as the Chaldeans’ so deeply understood about this cipher, this series of Full Moon passages is sending the message home to humanity loud and perfectly clear that materialism is not to be adhered to. Being ultimately in touch with whatever form of spiritually serves you is how aggressive action can be avoided.

A valuable lesson here within Taurus unfolds by adhering to PATIENCE: I TAP IN AN ANCIENT PEACE PACE. Remember too, Jupiter is also in Taurus, but much earlier on wherever The Bull rests in your Zodiac Pie, currently retrograding at 03 degrees. While nowhere near a conjunction, certainly the jovial Philosopher still casts a happy tone to allow your releases to be fulfilled.

Lunar-O-Scope, Full Moon in Taurus, 10 November 2011
For the collective horoscope, again we offer some simple advice for every sign from the outer vantage point. Remember, if you know your Rising Sign (Ascendant), read that passage too, for it typically will apply to your personal charts’ advice.  Keep in mind, it is full mathematical analysis of the individual birth chart that truly indicates how the current planetary energies are uniquely affecting you.

Aries: You’ll be in the mood to direct yourself to a change within your sense of values as you take stock of your personal possessions. How you earn your dollars may fluctuate. A worn-out sense of security is ready to release, so feel free to make positive choices here now- tossing out the unnecessary material in the home is ideal. An impulsive purchase is wise if it is at a bargain price- but make sure it serves a practical purpose in grounding your fire a bit.

Taurus: It’s your month steady Bull to release an old worn out mask you wear. Some tired and weary approaches wish for you to un-earthen your roots to them. We know you like slower changes, but right now, don’t resist the release of energy wishing to find you! Avoid surgery over these dates, and take time to focus upon you, as this is the perfect time to re-activate the self. The ways you take in those first impressions also ask you for your patience and reflection now.

Gemini: It may not seem logical for both sides of you, but it is time to unite the energies within those unseen places and deeper ideas in your life. The spiritual, subconscious realms, and the psychological make-ups of life call for you to quiet your chatty self, so you can relinquish what is necessary from the past. What value you’ll discover uniting within this inner security, and pay extra close attention to your dreams, they have important meaning to your waking world.

Cancer: Your house of friendships captures this lunar focus, so whatever may need to be cleared out, go with your gut here. Hopes and wishes you may have are equally in need of re-examination. If there is a group or cause you’ve been sensing no longer works -don’t remain in your shell- allow those claws to release their grip. Do accept that possible unexpected invitation to socialize, and grab on to the patience, contentment, and familiarity you’ll gain from attending.

Leo: Time to redefine what harvest, stability, and reward really mean to you within your career and public life. Completion is ready to emerge within that forest you reign so well Lion. Equally, this is a prominent time to reflect upon the promotion or start of a new business. A nice recognition can come your way if you’ve done your proper legwork to receive it. Reconsider a reformed view within your take on authority that you have not been responsible to up till now.

Virgo: Inspiration fuels where you reflect upon your philosophies and your beliefs. Feel that urge to take a trip Virgin? You may now reflect upon ones you’ve recently had, or how you can make plans for more perfect ones in the future. Reconsider ways to broaden your view of the world at large. As you equally revisit adventures that engage your expansion, renewed educational pursuits make the perfect space to serve your traveling and adventurous aims for the long-term.

Libra: While you always weigh the pros and cons, now these focus upon your securities and investments. Now is the ideal time to reflect upon future decisions to be made about any changes here. The doors are open to review the transformations that desire completion, as the feelings to embark upon rebirth strongly find you. With your innate beauty and charm, enjoy the passion in being friendly to those sexy feelings- just remember to be patient when taking action!

Scorpio: Your partnerships- romantic or business, are where your probing abilities research the truth of the matter now. You’ve been already wondering what should stay or go here, and now is the time to make the space that is required. The people you reflect upon over this waning period are of special importance to the successes of your future endeavors. You’ll find more mysteries will be unraveled, as your sense of security about those you are closest to gets a refresher.

Sagittarius: Aim your arrows towards your health Dear Archer, and feel the improvement! There’s a habit you should let go that will do wonders to bring in some renewed feelings of honesty for yourself. How you serve others has also been in the process of reworking itself, and unleashing a worn-out routine also brings plenty of benefit for your long-term service. Look to let go of old patterns where you are employed. Be extra cautious with pets and their whereabouts.

Capricorn: While you always enjoy an ambitious pursuit, your creative nature now desires your full attention for this request to release Old Goat. Perfection is never too far away, and this energy now watches over whatever your current project involves, asking that you reassess your inspired ideas. Playful feelings surround you, especially those involving children. “Brain children” or your offspring captivate your reflection. A renewed passion here awaits to take center-stage.

Aquarius: Ready to re-invent in the home Water Bearer? Reflecting upon improving this area of the life allows your individual way of doing things to flourish all the more later on. Family time is rewarding right now, as they can appreciate your innovative ideas for change, and may not look upon you so eccentrically. We know you possess a prophetic nature, but be on the look-out for those psychic and déjà vu experiences, as there are important messages you can tap into now.

Pisces: The waters your mentality and thinking swim in Dear Fishes now find some recycle time, as these are ready to absorb some review like a sponge. That short trip you recently went on lingers in the mind, and thoughts float off to one that could be even more satisfying! Your intuition takes a needed rest here reassessing the realms of your communications, and reveals what logically should not remain rooted in your life. Siblings or neighbors capture attention too.