astral meanders 30 November - 6 December

In General: As we begin this month Mercury is still in retrograde in Sagittarius. Many of us will be questioning our life direction and asking what it is we really want and need on our journey. At this time Mercury retrograde also forms a square to Ceres complicating decisions we make about our needs and what others need from us. On December 1st when Venus forms a conjunction to Pluto it will be easier to see the big picture and know which decisions to run with. Now is the time to see how we can use positive measures to make the changes that are right for us in our lives. Venus is in Capricorn where it stays until around December 20. We are inclined to take things seriously and are prepared to work for what we want during this time. Relationships that are not honest and up front will suffer and many will be questioning where their loyalties lie. If you have a birthday this week then the year ahead promises to be filled with focus and a strong purpose of direction. You will be happy to work for your goals. On the world scene travel and communication are areas of difficulty and governments all over the world are likely to have no choice but to make some firm decisions around very old and protracted issues. Locally it’s a great time to instigate the changes we have desired to make but have not had the focus to initiate.

Quote of the week: Change your thoughts and you change your world. Norman Vincent Peale

Aries: It’s hard to apply restraint this week and that pertains to communication in a big way too! You would do well to practice counting to ten at this time. You will be keen to move forward with goals but your focus may be a little fractured. Use this week to weed out the unnecessary and hone the useful.

Taurus: This week may reveal areas in your life that are not working for you. Use this knowledge to make the necessary changes rather than to feel sorry for yourself! It’s an excellent time to plan for the future in fact and get that blueprint ready for action in late December. Work and travel are on your mind, try combining the two!

Gemini: You feel more stressed than usual at the moment and can be over-reactive to others as a result. Try to practice some relaxation techniques and take some time out. It’s very important to prioritize properly and get plenty of sleep now. Complications, confusions and changes of plan at this time do not help your peace of mind!

Cancer: Misunderstandings can be healed now and you feel more able to cope with the ups and downs of life. A great deal of healing can occur now. You need to allow yourself to be available to others and let them show you the affection they have for you! You tend to hide in your shell rather than open up!

Leo: Family, children and loved ones may surprise you this week in the oddest of ways and plans can change at a moment’s notice! Going with the flow, seeing the humour in things and showing your warm and fuzzy side is the key to having a smooth-ish and enjoyable week! Paper work may need extra attention to avoid mistakes.

Virgo: This is a strong time for Virgo. You have the extra energy and motivation required to achieve even the most difficult of goals and are willing to persevere with a smile. Do however, be prepared for delays and changes to plans along the way as these are a given whilst Mercury is still retrograde!

Libra: The general energy of this week is pleasant and peaceful just the way you like it, but a few unpredictable elements are like as well. The opportunity to enjoy your life and make the most of friends and loved ones is also strong though, and should give you much to smile about. Be supportive of others teetering emotions now.

Scorpio: It’s time to watch the purse strings and practice a little more frugality! Research very well anything large that you intend to purchase now as problems could occur. Relationships are still highlighted in a lovely way and can provide a much needed balance in your often hectic pace of life.

Sagittarius: This really is a fated period for you guys and as such it’s an excellent time to pursue your dreams. Lots of work and a hectic rush to complete some overdue projects may also be on the cards though, so prepare to organize your time wisely. Spending time outdoors in nature can keep you balanced now.

Capricorn: This retro cycle can see Capricorns feeling a little out of sorts and losing their usual robust confidence. Try to keep on top of things by keeping busy and spending time outdoors. Go with flow now and all will be well! Actually it’s a good time to plan for the future and your problem solving skills are heightened too.

Aquarius: Your good intentions can be misunderstood at the moment and others may not understand your real willingness to be of service. You might also find that you bite off more than you can handle when offering to help others. Keep an eye on your words and actions now as you tend to be a little harsh at times.

Pisces: New career potentials and more responsibility are likely but be sure this is what you want before you commit. You need to happy doing what you do so use this as a deciding factor. Remember that you cannot keep everyone happy all of the time and this will be an easier week to negotiate.

Astral peeks: What’s happening in the sky this month.

27 November 2011, Crescent Moon close to Venus.
6 December 2011, Moon close to Jupiter.
7 December 2011, Mercury and crescent Moon close.
10-11 December 2011, Total Lunar Eclipse.
14 December 2011, Geminid Meteor shower.
18 December 2011, Mars and Moon close.
23 December 2011, Mercury and thin crescent Moon close.
27 December 2011, Venus and thin crescent Moon close.

Meditation Moments: Christmas stress…

Christmas can be a very stressful time, particularly if you are liable for buying all the presents, cooking the Christmas dinner, entertaining guests and attending lots of parties.

One way to relieve the stress is to use some Christmas Meditations.
1. Locate a quiet place where you won't be interrupted and sit in a pose that is comfortable. There is no "right" position - you only need to be comfortable and able to relax.
2. Shut your eyes and permit your muscles to relax. The best way to do this is to focus on each muscle in your body, starting at your feet and working up.
3. Slow your breathing while repeating your mantra. A mantra can be something like the "ohm" that is the conventional example or something else that has meaning for you.
4. If you find your mind is starting to meander, don't get upset by it. Remain relaxed and direct your thoughts back on track. This is something that will improve with practice.

If you do this regularly, you will help your body and mind to be more peaceful and relaxed. You'll see results not only in lower levels of stress, but also in physical and mental functions.