astral meanders 6-12 July 2011

In General: This week relationships are at the vanguard of our consciousness, with both the potential for conflict but also the possibility of healing, greater enjoyment and deeper connections. During this time many of us may find that our ability to comprehend emotions intensifies and consequently relationships have an opportunity to become more balanced. On the 10th Uranus, planet of change moves Retrograde in Aries. Many will experience the pressure to make changes for the better in their lives, but this may not be easy. This theme will continue over the next 12 months as Uranus begins to move towards a square with Pluto. Keep in mind the planet of intuition and imagination, Neptune is moving retrograde through Pisces too and in fact until November. We can expect emotions to become stronger and blocks to fade away as we start to truly pay attention to our feelings. The consequence here may be more abundant opportunities for expansion and growth than are usual. Doors will open for many of us, but of course the onus is on the individual to walk through them!

Quote of the week: Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success. Swami Sivananda

Aries:
This is a week where taking time and thinking about what you say before you say it is a must. Expansion of your personal horizons is definitely happening for you now but you can blow the positive connections you make by untimely words or opinions. Spending time with family or in the home will help keep you balanced.

Taurus:
You are in a very good phase generally but you could get less out of this time than is possible because you are too content and enjoying the available good life too much! It’s important that you extend your goals and boundaries this week and indeed all month. This week is your best opportunity to plan for a big future!

Gemini:
You are in appositive phase for reducing debt and building on the security of your life. This week you may meet some very helpful individuals and ant the least will make some lovely new friendships. New neighbors are also on the cards for many and they will prove delightful for most!

Cancer:
This week can challenge your peace of mind somewhat so it’s important to keep vigilant about your personal space. Pleasure can be found with family and close loved ones so it’s wise to focus your energy here as opposed to all the outside demands of life. You are heading towards more activity so enjoy the quiet moments.

Leo:
It’s still a wonderful time for gentle, quiet, healing or contemplative activities. This is not however; your best time for rushing full speed ahead into new projects or plans. There are hold ups and frustrations if this is how you intend to use your time. Instead make the most of the opportunity to have a little down time.

Virgo:
There are challenges this week but the overall emphasis is on opportunity and success. There are definitely some irritating emotional demands being placed upon you now but rest assured you have the energy and ability to deal with these effectively. Watch the 8th and 9th as these are days when others may give you strife.

Libra:
Partnerships and relationships are still high on your list of priorities this week. Old issues and areas where a little work is needed will have an uncanny way of popping up this week and demanding some of your attention. Find solutions by listening and watching rather than judging others too harshly.

Scorpio:
You are in a vulnerable and open patch emotionally and can find that others may take advantage of your generous heart right now so beware! There is so much lovely energy about this week though that you might just find yourself enjoying work, and the people you hang out with more than usual!

Sagittarius:
Back away from any big debates or issues that are contentious as you cannot win this week! It’s wise to stay in the background and wait for a more propitious time to instigate anything radical! Stay true to yourself and lead by example rather than power. It can be a tad frustrating but it will keep you from needless confrontation.

Capricorn:
Towards the week’s end you will be feeling more romantic than usual so plan something intimate with a loved one. Prepare for changes to plans and some frustration this week. You are best advised to get ready to just go with the flow! The 10th can lay some good foundations for future success.

Aquarius:
Doing anything with a foreign edge to it will benefit you now and give you opportunity to show just how useful your quirky and innovative nature can be! Others will turn to you as the person with the solution to their problems and you will put yourself in a great position for future advancement.

Pisces:
Your ideas will be more innovative and creative than usual and you are likely to have ample opportunity to show others just how clever you really are! Love and romance are looking up and you can at the very least begin to enjoy the simple pleasures of life more abundantly this week. Enjoy the positive energy.

Astral peeks: Happy Birthday Neptune Tuesday July 12.

It is exactly one Neptunian year (or 165 Earth years) today since the discovery of Neptune on September 23, 1846. Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun in the Solar System. It is the fourth-largest planet by diameter and the third-largest by mass. Neptune was the first planet found by mathematical prediction rather than by empirical observation. It was discovered by Johann Gotfried Galle. Neptune's atmosphere is notable for its active and visible weather patterns. Astrologers call Neptune a generational planet due to its slow orbit. Neptune's glyph is the trident of Poseidon, God of the Seas. Much about this planet is fluid, changeable and illusory. Dreams, abstract thought and the mysterious are all governed by Neptune as well as our spirituality and how we harness that energy for our personal betterment. Neptune invites us to let its energy wash over us and to use a meditative state to gain insights and heightened awareness. Poetry, music and dance are among the activities which this planet favors.

Meditation Moments: Neptune’s art, Poetry as meditation.

Like other forms of meditation, writing poetry requires that you stay fully present during the process, rather than focusing on any outcome. It asks you to release inhibitions or ideas of what needs to happen so that thoughts can flow freely through you. When you write poetry, you are able to see the reflection of your innermost self printed onto a page. Try this exercise: Set aside twenty minutes where you can be alone. When you are ready, sit down with pen and paper and let the words flow. Don’t think about what you are going to say and don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or logic. When you feel complete, put the pen down, and read over what you‚ve written. You may find that thoughts and emotions you’d repressed before are now making themselves known. Writing poetry as a form of cathartic meditation lets you slow down your mind long enough for you to get out of your own way.