Astral meanders April 25- May 1 2012

In general: We may strike some trivial obstacles on Wednesday, April 25th, with Mercury at difficult aspect to Pluto, but the week will end with a focus on the home front and a nice sense of the familiar under the influence of the Cancer Moon. The latter 3 days of April ought to bring growth with the Sun and Pluto working in congruence. The Moon will be in Leo, so any weekend escapes will be the finest! All in all April should end on a splendid note. If you have a birthday this week then the year ahead is yours to enjoy, especially close to home. On the world scene it’s also a generally easy week with only some edgy energy around the 25^th. Locally get cosy with the family.

Thought for the week: Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important. ~Janet Lane

Aries

You are now moving towards your long held goals and getting those finances in order.  The 1st May can be a hard day for any communication related activity so be careful of what you say or write and listen with intent.  A great deal is getting done in your life now and old projects are even coming to the fore for attention.

Taurus

This is a week to use your energy at full blast and get things happening! Yo0u are moving towards a climax of accomplishment on the full moon next week so it’s all systems go this week! The 1st works well for you and a little obvious success is likely to come your way! A good balance between work and fun exists now!

Gemini

This is a very dynamic phase and whilst it is a very positive phase as well it can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing, taking some time out for yourself will be very necessary midweek so don’t put it off! The opportunity for a little down time is there you just need to heed it! Keeping a balance brings the best productivity.

Cancer

Once again pay no heed to negative opinions from folk around you. Believe in yourself! It has been a recurrent them for a good part of this year and here it is again! Be patient, watch, listen and wait and all good things will eventually find their way to you. Some pleasant intellectual interaction with others is likely.

Leo

Some unexpected changes are likely to occur this week and this could leave you feeling a tad off balance, but they are all positive really so try to let go a little! A renewed energy and drive will have you achieving a great deal; this week and life should be good for you as a result. Career is nicely highlighted.

Virgo

This week begins an effective and enterprising phase where things that you have been waiting to accomplish can finally get moving for you! Balance and achievement are the operative words now and you are much more in your element than you have been for some time.  Others are listening to you too.

Libra

Your confidence is building again and there are many new opportunities for its reinforcement this week and indeed well into May. Things in general are finally going your way without a hitch and you should begin to believe in yourself and life again in a big way!! Doors are opening, folk are obliging and life is good.

Scorpio

Success is about to be yours for the taking, but impatience can leave you agitated and some of you may be tempted to push things along too quickly! Be patient and trust this processing time as it will bring you what you want. It’s a good time to collect your energies for the much busier time ahead!! Enjoy!

Sagittarius

You are planning some changes and the key to this is to trust as all the how’s and where’s of the process will slowly reveal themselves and some not until June! Creativity is highlighted and children are a good source of positive inspiration at this time. Underlying tensions will be revealed for your attention!

Capricorn

During this time it is imperative that you express yourself honestly and do not try to hide your true feelings! This is the beginning of a two month period where you are really preparing for the long term changes and increased independence of the next few years! Used wisely they will keep your goals in sight in a very real way!

Aquarius

The week begins in a chaotic way but ends with more stability than you might guess! It will be a fertile and encouraging week if you let it and just go with it! Friends will be supportive and there is much learn from those you love! Your enthusiasm is increasing and this will make life much more fun!

Pisces

Friends and loved ones are supportive and enjoyable company this week so be sure to show your appreciation for them! Socially this is good time too and many happy social events are on the cards. Finances may bring a few problems but only if you were erratic with this area of your life early in April.

 

Astral Peeks: Astronomical observation and storytelling.

Australia’s indigenous peoples have a rich heritage of astronomical observation and storytelling. Aboriginal Australians knew all the stars, had stories to link with their history and beliefs, recognized the phases of the Moon and identified new arrivals, such as comets, in the night sky.

Many people are familiar with Greek and Roman stories about the major constellations (groups of stars seemingly in the shape of a person, animal or object), but very few Australians know about one of the largest shapes in the sky, the Emu. This dark shadow has been of great importance to Aboriginals for thousands of years. It influenced the stylized forms of the emu on rock art, the design of some ceremonial sites and its orientation at certain times of the year acted as an indicator to when these ceremonies should be held.

This important object in the night sky is the blackness between stars and the bands of the Milky Way — it is a ‘shadow’ caused by the dust and gas clouds of space. The faint enormous figure can be seen only in areas well removed from the polluting lights of our cities and large towns. The Emu’s head is the dark shadow called the Coal Sack that sits next to the Southern Cross its neck passes through the Pointers, and its body lies across the constellation Scorpio. The Emu is most easily seen from May to September.

Meditation Moments:  The Eyes and Focusing Practices

Lots of people close their eyes while performing their meditations. However, not all practitioners keep their eyes completely closed. Zen sects typically follow a half-closed/half-open approach, where they faintly look downward. Others keep their eyes fully open. The positioning of the eyes often helps people achieve a necessary level of quiet, as well as centres an individual so that they can deeply breath, hum or chant once they have reached their meditative state. When you meditate with your eyes half open and half closed, you are doing what is called the "lion's meditation." Even while you are going deep within, you are directing your conscious attention both on the physical plane and on the subconscious plane.Focusing on objects with the eyes or breathing techniques is a common way to lower your heart rate and efficiently meditate. In Chinese qigong practice, 'navel gazing' is a common practice, which is also found within Eastern Orthodoxy circles.