astral meanders jan 26-feb1 2011

In General: Saturn is now retrograde and this rather sober energy will no doubt make for some complex and difficult moments this week. When making decisions expect nothing to be simple and make sure you pay attention to all the details. The last quarter moon in Aquarius this week has the sun in square to it. This is not a good time for starting new projects but rather is a time for completing old ones. Our search for truth may turn up a few truths we had rather not know about this week so be aware of where you decide to take this. Next week the New Moon on the 2nd will bring some difficult battles into our world so it’s best to get the facts straight this week and realise just what you are likely to be up against! If you have a birthday this week then it’s time to get organised and get unfinished business all nicely tied up and out of the way! On the world scene I expect to see the early build up of an ensuing legal battle or two and perhaps the build up of more havoc raising natural phenomenon. Locally it’s a great opportunity for catching your breath before the next challenge comes along!

Quote of the week: In the presence of eternity, the mountains are as transient as the clouds. ~Robert Green Ingersoll


Aries
March 21- April 20
This has been a challenging month and now you are being asked to rise to an even greater height of personal bravery! Group activities and shared resources need your attention and you are the one with the decision making power now. Trust your instincts now and realise that you have all that you need to do the task.

Taurus
April 21-May 21
Saturns retrograde phase seems to agree with you guys overall, giving you a matter of fact approach and a belief that if it needs doing, you can do it! You seem to be growing in confidence now and your sense of purpose and direction has been revived. The 26th is the only day when your inner strength appears to waver.

Gemini
May 22-June 21
The 26th can be a difficult day as Mercury squares to Saturn. Words are not as effective for you as they usually are on this day and its best to demonstrate your feelings in appropriate actions instead. Just remember less talking more action and more attention to others feelings! Personal achievements are just around the corner so hang in there.

Cancer
June 22- July 23
Ambition and drive get a little extra spurt this week which is good for you guys! Just watch out for the 26th and the 1st as these are troublesome days and require some attention. On these days old issues and family patterns can rear their heads again and cause you to behave in a way you might later regret.

Leo
July 24- August 23
You are in a new and more positive cycle now so it’s easier to keep that lovely Leo smile happening! You are likely to be feeling more adventurous and a little restless, wanting to embrace new ideas and past-times. So go for it! Relationships are highlighted nicely and some great bonding moments are imminent.

Virgo
August 24- September 23
Overall a good week, it still requires a little attention where relationships are concerned however. Try not step backwards into patterns from the past that you know do not work for you! The 26th is definitely your danger day so keep a low profile then. From February everything just seems to flow along smoothly.

Libra
September 24- October 23
Do not despair guys, February with its ease of action, better relationship interactions and a feeling of joi de vivre is nearly here! January has been the hardest month you may have all year! There are a few days left of it though so determine to practice the gentle art of letting go and take it all with a laugh and a toss of the head!

Scorpio
October 24-November 22
Spending time with the family, completing home based projects and generally enjoy the comforts of your immediate surroundings serves you best this week. You have goals that are eluding you just now, but exerting too much force to achieve them will have the opposite effect to the one you deisre. Go easy on yourself and others.

Sagittarius
November 23- December 21
A much more light-hearted week then many of your contempories are having, or indeed than you have had of late! Relationships will get better and better from her on in and many unexpected opportunities close to home will be offered to you. Get ready to enjoy the journey again and breathe freely.

Capricorn
December 22- January20
Keep quiet about anything of importance on the 26th as it’s very likely you will give information to the wrong person and create obstacles that you do not need. Others can be a tad frustrating this week and you are in serious mode so it all seems worse than it really is. Lighten up and take some time out.

Aquarius
January 21- February 19
Your emotional self is experiencing an intense and full on time at present! This can work for you so try to let it! Keep cool and go with your week as if it were an interesting adventure! Advice from others and an uncanny coincidence can be very insightful and put you on the road to success.

Pisces
February 20 March 20
Its time to focus less on the spiritual and the erratic bravery you have displayed of late and more on the practical! Make some long term decisions now and determine to get that life of yours in order. Anything not completely above board will work against you this week and into early February so be sure to keep it all out in the open.

Astral Peeks: Lughnasadh or Lammas February 1st. Southern Hemisphere.

This Celtic harvest festival takes its name from the Irish god Lugh, one of the principal gods of the Tuatha De Danann, giving us Lughnasadh in Ireland, Lunasdál in Scotland, and Laa Luanys in the Isle of Man. It is historically the death of the corn king in the mating ritual and the promise of his rebirth in the seed. It’s Celtic name Lughnasahda means ‘mourning for Lugh’. Summer is on the wane, as the Sun’s strength dies we mourn his passing. In a sense this is a wake as well as a celebration! It is the time when fruits drop or seed and we bring in the harvest. The keeping of the seed ensures future crops. Our seeds are the recognition of the positive in our past year and the goals we look toward. We celebrate possibilities and look forward to the contemplative months of Autumn and winter.
British pagans often refer to the date as Old Lammas. This date has long been considered a 'power point' of the Zodiac, and is symbolized by the Lion, one of the 'tetramorph' figures found on the Tarot cards, the World and the Wheel of Fortune (the other three figures being the Bull, the Eagle, and the Spirit). Astrologers know these four figures as the symbols of the four 'fixed' signs of the Zodiac, Christians have adopted the same iconography to signify the four gospel-writers.
Following are a few suggestions for your own celebration and ritual.
1. Buy a good quality vegetable oil and place a small amount in a bowl as an offering.
Symbolically oil is connected to fire, heat, flames and passion: thus with the sun. Place it in a sacred place and intent the following: “as the sun offers energy to the earth, I too will do so and offer my strength for her well being. I bring (whatever gift you feel you can offer that will help preserve our environment) and will protect the earth whenever I can.”
2. Visualize a temple or sacred space of soft green coloured light. Seek an image or symbol for your seed or potential. When ready paint or draw this symbol and keep. Later, seek a second image of your seed becoming fully grown .Draw this too. Hang these up as a reminder of the seed you protect and nurture during the next few months.Revise these if necessary.
3. Harvest your own fruits, dry your herbs, preserve and pickle and of course bake bread and above all give thanks.