astral meanders 8-14 february 2012

In general: Feb 8 s Full Moon in Leo can bring romantic and loving energies to the fore and mark a crucial turning point for creative projects and issues related to children. Later in the week Mercury asks us to get more decisive but it can seem more than usually difficult to do! We are fighting a battle of gut instinct versus logic! Venus in Aries brings out the inner warrior in us and encourages us to stand up for our beliefs. Valentine’s Day may see many individuals displaying their devotion in a forthright and powerful manner! If you have a birthday this week then expect a year where saying what you mean comes easily and standing up for your rights is second nature. On the world scene it is a week of voicing concerns and yet a slow week for any real action. Locally tell someone you love them!

Thought for the week: Love is not consolation. It is light. ~Friedrich Nietzsche

Aries: Working in the background and paying acute attention to detail are the themes of this week for Aries. The 8th and 9th might be the best days for a little light relief however and deserve to be given some prominence. Many of you will receive a gift on one or other of these days.

Taurus:
It’s a time for the decisive you to show his/herself and for you to make things happen! Romance and all things related to partnerships are favoured now. The full moon brings closure on many projects and lets you think about new ones! Old health issues may need some attention.

Gemini:
Work or similar related travel or short journeys seem prevalent this week. Delays experienced now will have remarkable breakthroughs later so don’t let this kind of hiccup cramp your style! Improving your living situation is still on your mind and may prompt you make some needed changes.

Cancer:
A lot of issues that have remained unresolved will be closed this week and work related secrets will out. Career energy has been frustrating lately but be patient April will fix all that. The 8-10th could also see some goof news coming your way. You may need to rethink a plan about moving or transforming your home.

Leo:
Finances are in for a boost this week. The latter part of the week is excellent for signing contracts. Those not in a relationship could easily meet that someone special this week, whilst those already partnered will enjoy a little more romance. Valentine’s Day should be especially good for Leo’s.

Virgo:
Issues to do with money and finances can be a tad frustrating this week and hold ups will be common. It is only temporary so don’t get too concerned! Tying up lose ends and dealing with the closure of projects will keep you busy. The full moon will be enlightening.

Libra:
Retrograde Saturn can make life a little less demanding for Librans this week, but it can also have the effect of holding you up in some way. Go with the flow and do nothing if that’s all you can do! The full moon has some lovely energy for you though and a good social twist!

Scorpio:
Looking after health issues should be of prime importance this week. Get those yearly checks you have been putting off. Most things you do now will move slowly which is not your usual style but slow wins the race this time! Valentines Day has great energy for you so make the most of this!

Sagittarius:
If you can manage it this is a great week for a vacation. If not then use it to plan some future travel! Others may find that dealings with foreigners or overseas companies bring rewards. It is an excellent week to focus on self development too, and indulging yourself in some self improvement activity is always fun!

Capricorn:
Now that Neptune is moving you are experiencing a positive spin in your financial affairs. Activity that includes writing, speaking and any other form of communication is favoured now and will reap some wonderful rewards for you. This is just beginning and will continue for years to come.

Aquarius:
It is a low energy week and staying motivated and on top of your game may be more than hard. It is also not a great time for initiating projects or other activity. Issues around travel and or education may also need some attention as things are not quite as you would want them to be.

Pisces:
Neptune is about to expand your mind with possibility and creative energy! Your intuition is strong now and worthy of your trust! Your communication talents are increasing and will serve you well in all areas. It’s a good time to reorganize finances as well.


Astral Peeks: Valentines Day

The history of Valentine's Day is cloaked in mystery. We know that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains remnants of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II determined that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the unfairness of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

The Christian church may have decided to put St. Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to "Christianize" the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated on February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

Members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with goat hide. Roman women welcomed the tap of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city's bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.

Meditation Moments: Love

Nagarjuna (Buddhism)said,
"If there is love, there is hope that one may have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. If the love within your mind is lost and you see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education or material comfort you have, only suffering and confusion will ensue."
Ghandi said,
“The law of love will work, just as the law of gravitation will work, whether we accept it or not. Just as a scientist will work wonders out of various applications of the law of nature, even so a man who applies the law of love with scientific precision can work greater wonders....”