astral meanders 21-27 december 2011

In general: The Sun, Saturn, Neptune, and Jupiter are conspiring to bring joy, kind-heartedness, and generosity to this Christmas week. Jupiter also moves into forward motion setting free a strong need for self-determination and expansion and a greater optimism all round. Sagittarians especially, will be experiencing a fresh sense of self- worth and beginning to understand their true direction. December 25th has a New Moon in Capricorn. Now is the time to appreciate life and all of its possibilities, to embrace nature and be positive. Venus moves into Aquarius on the Dec 22nd (summer solstice). Relationships fare well now and yet we are also happy to do our own thing. The Sun moves into Capricorn on this date too, sign of the serious goat, predetermining our focus on business, career and ambition. Christmas week can prove quite vibrant. Some power plays are likely and folks can be contrary. Try to go with the flow of any changes and let go of control. If you celebrate a birthday this week then expect the year ahead to hold an opportunity to really become comfortable with yourself and where you are travelling in life. On the world scene it is quite an intense time with some emphasis on humanitarian efforts and also some power plays between those in authority. We are entering a time of increased global activity. Locally make an effort to go with the flow and let things happen as they will.

Thought for the week: Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. John Lennon

Aries
Focus on your responsibilities now and do not expect others to be much help! Communication can be all about the past and there are some issues to resolve at a deep level. You have many good and innovative ideas at present and they can spur you on to greater things. Creatively you are very much on the ball.

Taurus
There are two things on your mind at present, work and travel. If you are a lucky Taurean you can find a way to combine both! Relationships seem to be on a better footing than earlier this year and you are a le to make those subtle changes to your routine that are so necessary for your sanity and positive outlook.

Gemini
This period is all about gathering resources and focussing ideas so that come January 2012 you are ready to move forward with a burst of activity! It’s important that you learn to go with the flow now as you are in a period where plans can change at a moment’s notice. The complications of the past few weeks will have passed now however.

Cancer
Relationships and partners are the focus of this week. Some light may be thrown on unresolved issues. It is a great time for getting on top of old and unhelpful habits now too. Get back to that exercise routine and start seeing the positive in all you do! You are more aware of your deep inner wishes.

Leo
Inspiration, new ideas and plans for the future fill your mind this week. Others are very helpful now and will be happy to bask in your warm and charismatic glow! You may also find that others reach out to you for help. You are in a magnanimous and loving phase so it should be a breeze to offer your support.

Virgo
More energy both physical and emotional is on the cards this week. Family matters are important but what you are really doing is learning more about who you are as an individual. Your new awareness of self brings a sense of positivity to your week. The 25th and 26th are particularly enlightening.

Libra
The 19th and 23rd can be a little erratic and unfocused but if you plan to go with the flow and do little then all will be well. Vulnerable family members will look to you for support this week and some genuine bonding can occur as a result. Pluto tends to intensify emotions all round now and it can be challenging to keep your balance.

Scorpio
Be sure to allow yourself some down time and time alone this week as you need this to process things in general. By listening to your inner voice you will tap into your own wisdom. Relationships are the focus now and will be for the next few months. This can be demanding but there is a lot to gain from this as well.

Sagittarius
It’s a big time for Sagittarius and it is possible to now see clearly just where it is you want to go. It can however be difficult to keep your mind on the represent as you are so full of good and exciting ideas for the future! Try to stay earthed and in the moment by doing things in nature and enjoying each second.

Capricorn
This is generally an exciting and positive time but some things and people can test your patience. In some ways you guys are reinventing yourselves and finding new directions for yourself. Finances look to increase and career is very much favoured now. Whatever happens at the moment will put you in a good frame of mind for New year.

Aquarius
Home and family matters require your attention this week. However there still remains a little time for romance and love!! This energy is very pleasant now. Use the 23-25th for a little meditation and reflection time as you need to clarify your future direction. Some things need to be let go before 2012.

Pisces
It seems you are uncharacteristically concerned with keeping your finances in order! This is a great way to move into the New Year so stay focused. There will however be some unexpected expenses this week and next so it’s best to be prepared. You are likely to meet influential folk that can help you ion the year to come.


Astral Peeks: Summer Solstice/midsummer

Midsummer is one of the four solar holidays, and is considered the turning point at which summer reaches its height and the sun shines longest. For many years it's been a day to celebrate the sun, the harvest, and the many benefits of summer's bounty. Here in the heat of the summer, the crops are transformed as are our actions, thoughts and plans. Blossoming and maturing of our works are manifested, or they wither and expire in the heat. It is a time for love, healing, protection, and purification. It is a time for the Earth to ripen the seeds first sewn and similarly it is a time for us to ripen the seeds we sown in our lives. Going back to the New Stone Age (about 8,000 years ago), stone circles such as Stonehenge were used to mark the position of the rising sun at the Midsummer Solstice. The sun would rise over a heel stone and cast a long, shadow into the heart of the circle, symbolically consummating the marriage of Heaven (the sky) and Earth.

Meditation Moments: Peace and goodwill to all….

Some beautiful thoughts at Xmas….
What is praised is one, so the praise is one too, many jugs being poured into a huge basin. All religions, all this singing, one song. The differences are just illusion and vanity. Sunlight looks slightly different on this wall than it does on that wall and a lot different on this other one, but it is still one light. We have borrowed these clothes, these time-and-space personalities, from a light, and when we praise, we pour them back in. Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi- 13th century
And now a traditional Celtic prayer…
May the blessing of light be on you - light without and light within May the blessed sunlight shine on you like a great peat fire, so that stranger and friend may come and warm himself at it. And may light shine out of the two eyes of you, like a candle set in the window of a house, bidding the wanderer come in out of the storm. And may the blessing of the rain be on you, may it beat upon your Spirit and wash it fair and clean, and leave there a shining pool where the blue of Heaven shines, and sometimes a star. And may the blessing of the earth be on you, soft under your feet as you pass along the roads, soft under you as you lie out on it, tired at the end of day; and may it rest easy over you when, at last, you lie out under it. May it rest so lightly over you.