astral meanders...August 31- September 6

In General: As September begins we can feel the energy of empowerment. The Sun and Jupiter, herald some fortuity and big personal adventures. Extraordinarily potent transformative and healing energies can and will bring change for each of us. Initially this can manifest as a strain because the planets can stir up some long repressed feelings or issues. We also have Mercury which although no longer actually retrograde is still moving through its "shadow phase" until next week. This too heralds another look at unresolved personal issues and baggage. If you have a birthday this week you can expect a year of personal growth and healing. You are inclined to look at the big picture and will feel empowered to help others in some way! On the world scene this is still an erratic time for travel, communication and weather. Locally it’s an excellent opportunity to do something you’ve always been afraid to do.

Quote of the week: Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress. Bruce Barton

Aries:
You are now ready to take care of all the little jobs that you have let pile up of late! There’s a rush of creative energy that sees your activity level rise quite considerably. Personal journeys of transformation can also begin now and see you brave enough to attempt those things you have been holding back on.

Taurus:
Others want to be with you, help you and serve you right now so open your arms and let them in! It can be too easy to be your gruff Taurus self and keep them all at bay! This week begins a few weeks of opportunity and good fortune. It’s also a great week in which to consolidate some good healthy habits.

Gemini:
The 27th will herald a change in the energy around you and suddenly life will move at a faster and more fulfilling pace. Whatever has been on extended hold will now begin to move forward and continue to pick up pace as the month progresses. It’s a great time for home and family too so make the most of this.

Cancer:
An open and proactive approach to all of life’s little dramas will help you cope both now and later on. There is a nice energy from Mars for you guys now and this helps you to be the strong and capable one. There is a tendency for you guys to approach everything sideways but now you are more than able to deal head on!

Leo:
It seems you have had to look back a little lately and have been dealing with issues from the past. Some of these past issues can reveal a lot you didn’t know about yourself and unleashing this can boost your creativity and energy levels. Finances may be a little shaky as expenses are greater than you had imagined.

Virgo:
This is an excellent week for you guys. It seems that all sorts of blessings and good things are coming your way! Family will be important during this week and you can find yourself being the bringer of good news and blessings to them as well! It is a great time to launch new projects and get creative.

Libra:
Family can bring some drama to your life but it’s the Pluto energy offering a chance at transformation and it is really a gift! Some extra special treasures will emerge as a result. September is a month of good surprises. Energy levels are picking up and your relationship life is taking top priority, just the way you like it!

Scorpio:
It’s an excellent week to give thanks for all the good in your life and spend a few moments really engaging with how much positive energy has been in your life of late! Social life, friendships, relationship life and fun activities are making this a blessed time! There is a sensual, practical energy around you at the moment.

Sagittarius:
Work is taking a good deal of your energy at the moment and it can turn your normally happy Sag smile into a grumpy frown! You need to get practical about how you look after yourself during this taxing time, be sure to eat well, get plenty rest whenever you can and give yourself some space.

Capricorn:
You are in your element this week, with life moving along at just the right pace for you! The energy around you is progressive and you can get jobs done with speed and efficiency now! Success is a big theme too so you will have much to be pleased about. Plans made now will reap great benefits.

Aquarius:
This is a stressful time for Aquarius. You seem to be surrounded by folk with issues! Try to avoid fixing things for everyone or trying too hard to please everyone as this will only make things more difficult later on. Instead keep your own council and trust your own instincts, for success.

Pisces:
The slow and at times irritating pace of life that has been plaguing you guys will ease off this week! It’s now move forward at a speedy pace time and others will be more than happy to help you! If you are open to it there is an enormous amount of support for you out there so open up and let it in!

Astral peeks: Planets this month (September 2011)

Mercury is visible low above the Eastern horizon during morning twilight during the first part of September. Venus appears in the evening twilight sky this month low on the Western horizon. Mars is visible in the morning sky from around 3 am AEST mid-month. Look above the Eastern horizon. Jupiter rises around 9 pm AEST mid-month. Look for a brilliant white star low on the Eastern horizon after 9.30 pm. With Venus not being visible in the night sky this month, Jupiter is the brightest object in the night sky beside the Moon. Saturn is visible but only just. It sets around 7.30 pm AEST mid-month. Look low above the Western horizon before that time to locate it.

Meditation Moments: How Much time do you need to meditate?

Setting aside just a few minutes is enough. It’s easy, calming, and will help you initiate a greater balance in your life. You need to set aside only one minute of silence. Find a place where you can close your eyes, relax, and take pleasure in the silence for only sixty seconds. You should also select a single focus for your sitting meditation. It can be anything. It could be the sensation of your feet against the floor. Commonly the focus is the breath. It is an idea to pick one element of the breath to focus on: the feeling of the air passing through the nostrils, the movement of the chest as you breathe, or the expansion and contraction of the abdomen as you breathe. Sit silently for 1 minute and embrace your focus. If you find wandering awareness to be particularly frustrating, you can also put in in a smile anytime you notice your focus beginning to meander: relax, smile, and gently return.