astra meanders may 27th- June 2nd 2009

In General: On May 29, Neptune begins its annual 5 months of retrograde movement. For many this means a slight shift in their perception of the world and perhaps a change or two in the way they precede with things in general. Mercury goes direct again this week and this heralds a break from all the hold ups and restrictions of the past few weeks! Finally we can move forward and feel as though we are achieving something! Mars moves into Taurus and Venus prepares to do the same. We are entering a more comfortable stable place where emotions are predictable and issues of security and safety take the upper hand. The Sun in Gemini is square Saturn in Virgo, which suggests a need to be careful of how we say things, or there is a danger we will be badly misunderstood! If you have a birthday this week then you will enjoy a year of travel, practical projects and comfortable emotions. On the world scene this week will bring our attention to practical details and open us up to different ways of looking at things. Some miscommunication is again likely and all you hear may not be exactly true. Locally, it’s time to clean up our act and get organized.
Thought for the week....
‘It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.’ Alan Cohen

Aries
March 21- April 20
You are in demand but also need time alone to reassess and find some inner healing on unresolved issues. However everything points to heightened social activity this week, so you might just have to go with the flow! When Mars leaves Aries on June first you will need to focus on the material things in life. Finances could do with some tweaking.

Taurus
April 21-May 21
You can feel as though you are drifting away from those who are close to you. You seem to be spending more time alone or lost in your own thoughts! Do not despair, changes are on the way and with mercury back in forward motion you will begin to feel lighter and more able to speak your mind. Some relationship readjustments may need to be made along the way though.

Gemini
May 22-June 21
Positive stimulation is again on the way. Once Mercury goes into direct motion on May 31 you should be feeling excited and anticipatory about life once more. There are some lovely energies from Venus this week too which will encourage others to appreciate you more and boost your personal ego for you! It should all be enjoyable.

Cancer
June 22- July 23
It is a quiet time for you this week and indeed for the next few weeks. Friends and those you work with are important to you now. There’s lots of talk and social activity and it can be really helpful in the long run. In the mean time just enjoy the ride and don’t have unreasonable expectations. Stay positive.

Leo
July 24- August 23
It’s a hard time for you guys because you want to see more action and get more results than are forthcoming just now. You need to be patient until mid-June for any real activity on plans and projects. In the mean time sort out any mixed communications and problems that have been brewing for some time.

Virgo
August 24- September 23
You are probably feeling a little tetchy this week. It can be hard to see things as they really are and some information you are privy to may not be exactly accurate. You will be better able to see things clearly after the 31st and then you can start to plan for a brighter future! You are in your element getting organised!

Libra
September 24- October 23
Venus favours you guys this week and there will be plenty to smile about. Spending time socialising, doing fun things with friends and romancing those you love are all on the cards. Just remember to curb the intensity of your emotions this week and don’t have unrealistic expectations of others. Stay grounded!

Scorpio
October 24-November 22
You are in serious financial thinking mode and need to get real about what you can and cannot do. Setting things about the home front in order is necessary now. It’s time to discipline self and prioritise, but you are in the mood to do this so it will not be a chore. The first few days of June can have you confronting an old problem again!

Sagittarius
November 23- December 21
All the good and all the contentious seem to be visiting you at once this week. It can have your head in a spin. Grasp your composed centre by de-stressing with friends and increasing your focus on the spiritual aspects of your life. Starting a new regime of meditation, or other positive self help activity is a must.

Capricorn
December 22- January20
You can look forward to some financial rewards and better organisation this week. With Mars, then Venus, moving into Taurus from June 1st, you begin to feel more in your element. Romantic opportunities are found close to home. Your personal magnetism is on the increase so why not use it to your advantage!

Aquarius
January 21- February 19
You are well due for some appreciation and a pat on the back. A good deal of energy has been going into domestic matters of late and this week is no exception. Others still need your support. You should find a creative outlet to help you cope comfortable with outside demands, and to feed your inner soul.

Pisces
February 20 March 20
Life is never going to be straightforward when Saturn opposes Pisces and as this is where you have been you might be feeling a little tired of it all! You feel the need to escape the hardship and find some personal peace. Others are teaching you ways to solve your problems but you need to pay attention. Then this time is an unusual gift!

Astral Peeks: astrology and the computer...
Did you know that the ancient ancestor of your modern computer was a Greek device called the Antikythera Mechanism which was designed for the specialized purpose of casting astrological horoscopes. A young British physicist and historian of science, Derek Price Derek Price wrote in the Scientific American in 1959 identifying this device as being from circa 80 BC. While much of the original gearing was obviously missing, there was enough left to show that the device had likely been intended to provide the motions of the Moon and Sun. “The mechanism is like a great astronomical clock without an escapement, or like a modern analogue computer which uses mechanical parts to save tedious calculation. It is a pity that we have no way of knowing whether the device was turned automatically or by hand.” It gives me a different view of this old computer of mine and seems only fitting that it serves a similar astrological purpose!!