Astral Meanders January 18-24 2012

In general: The sun enters Aquarius on the 20th bringing a touch of humanitarianism and broadened horizons to the general picture of things. We can all do better as team players now. This energy will also mirror a change from conservative views to a new innovative look at the future. The New Moon is also in Aquarius on Jan. 23 and this reinforces our appetite for the unusual land pioneering. The Moon conjuncts the Sun on the 23rd increasing the sense of new directions. It’s also a great time to do good deeds for others; you will be rewarded down the track. Mars goes retrograde January 24th, beginning a go-slow that is in stark contrast to the anxty restless times we have just experienced. The fact that Virgo is highlighted in this retrograde movement indicates a necessity to change our routines for the better, clean up our acts, and organise ourselves. Making our space at work and home free of mess and confusion and structuring everything in a more logical way will contribute to our general effectiveness. If you have a birthday this week then it’s a great year for organising your life and getting on top of things! On the world scene it’s all about new ideas for old concepts and humanitarian issues.

Thought for the week: Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you. ~Mother Teresa

Aries
Things are slowing down for you and this is not a good time to start new projects. Rather it is a time to conserve your energies and get organised close to home. You are in need of a better health regime too and as your personal energies are feeling depleted, more sleep! The new moon is a great opportunity to have some fun.

Taurus
The new moon this week will be a highlight for you guys and some excellent career vibes are about! It’s the kind of week where you always seem to be in the right place at the right time. You will also find yourself reflecting on your relationships now and where you do and don’t connect. You might want to re think your approach.

Gemini
The 21st-23rd will prove to be some of the best days you have had of late. The new moon will offer some opportunity for travel in the future. Any work that involves communication will be especially favoured now. You may even find yourself in the spot light. Your reputation is looking better on all counts and others will be drawn to you!

Cancer
The new moon should offer some financial bonus to you guys, which will be a welcome surprise. Your charisma is at its brightest now and others are naturally drawn to you. Make the most of this pleasant time and enjoy your loved ones as well. Opportunities for some travel are also likely and will please you.

Leo
You might find a way to turn a hobby into a career this week. You will need to bounce ideas off a partner more than usual and enjoy the experience of sharing. Romance is looking very good and the need and want to deepen your union is likely. Finances should receive a timely and positive boost this week too.

Virgo
This begins a cycle of sorting, getting rid of what isn’t working and honing what is working. You are very focused on your work and the help you give others now. It is a selfless time for you. You may give extra attention to partner. Fixing rifts with others and smoothing over differences is also highly likely now.

Libra
Energy levels are not at their best now so it’s a good idea to get the rest you need and stay on top of this. It’s a time for having fun and enjoying life overall and you will get much pleasure from creative activity and a little light flirting with a loved one! Your talents and skills will be more than usually appreciated now.

Scorpio
Some confusion and delay can figure in your week. Family and home are the main focus. Creative activities are favoured at this time too. You are quite adept at multi-tasking now and others are in awe of your ability and charisma. Learning, short trips and all forms of communication figure strongly.

Sagittarius
It can be an especially busy time for you guys now. Social interaction is figured highly and others will be demanding of your time and attention. You are more receptive, romantic and gentle and adore spending time with family and in the home. Financial gain can come through communication and sharing ideas.

Capricorn
This is an exciting and successful week that will lay some solid foundations for the rest of the year. The only thing you need to do is go with the flow and see where this takes you, because in any case it will be to a wonderful place! Finances are on your mind as is ways to increase your income. Avoid any big buys.

Aquarius
How you look and how others receive you is the focus for this week. Your personal power is at an all-time high and you can really make an impression if you choose to! The spotlight is on you and others may look to you to take the lead! Relationships seem to have taken a steady more settled position in your life.

Pisces
This is a time of retreat and rejuvenation. Your mind is alert and interested and has an uncanny ability to come up with new and innovative solutions to your problems now. It is a good time to be settling on long term goals and getting your life in order. Domestic matters can cause some anxiety for you.

Astral Peeks: Aussie breakthrough…
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTISTS have completed a major development in the drive to improve their view of the night sky and significantly increase the efficacy of ground-based telescopes. While the night sky looks dark to the naked eye, to an astronomer working at infrared wavelengths the air actually glows brightly, drowning out the view of distant astronomical bodies. This occurs because molecules in our atmosphere emit their own infrared radiation, overwhelming the faint infrared light coming in from deep space.
What astronomers have wanted is a way to filter out the atmospheric emission while letting through the infrared waves from stars and galaxies. Enter the “photonic lantern” and high-tech, wavelength-suppressing optical fibres, both the brainchild of Professor Joss Bland-Hawthorn (University of Sydney) and the team he leads. The complex system, under development since 2004, recently underwent its first real test under the night sky—at Siding Spring Observatory in New South Wales—and passed with flying colours. For more info go to: http://spaceinfo.com.au/2011/12/07/aussie-tech-helps-telescopes-see-in-the-dark/

Meditation Moments: Mantra
Mantra is a technique, which involves repeating a word or a short phrase several times. The aim of using a mantra is to invoke a certain quality such as peace, light or joy. Mantra helps to quieten the mind. It works because it energetically chases away our errant thoughts. Mantra helps to clear our mind and purify our inner being. This cleansing is essential to good meditation. There are many mantras we can use. We should choose a mantra that inspires us; this may depend upon our religious or spiritual upbringing. But if we are uncertain of which mantra to use, we can try the mantra AUM. AUM is said to be the seed sound of the universe, it is the mother of all mantras. Some mantras are below:
(Buddhist)
The subject on which I meditate is truth.
The practice to which I devote myself is the truth.
The topic of my conversation is truth.
My thoughts are always in truth.
For lo! my self has become the truth.
Zen(Zen Buddhist)
One moon shows in every pool; in every pool, the one moon.