Astral meanders July 18-24 2012

In general: It’s a bit of a mixed bag this week.  Early on it is all too easy to make some really big mistakes if we are not careful, clear and focussed.  The Cancer New Moon on July 19^th is the climax of this troubling energy and after this, things will begin to improve. The rest of the week will be a great time for new plans, travel, and get-togethers. Mercury’s retrograde will bring longstanding friends back into our lives. On the 22^nd the sun enters dynamic Leo. Spontaneity, social engagements and a little fun and light-heartedness suddenly begin to make us smile again! If you have a birthday early this week it could be a demanding year ahead, which will require your focussed attention. If your birthday falls towards the latter half of the week then you can expect a fun and enjoyable year ahead. On the world scene this week brings some confusion and travel delays but also some positive new projects to the fore. Locally expect to be catching up with old friends.

Thought for the week: The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~Elisabeth Foley

Aries

As the week progresses you begin to feel as if you are finally coming out of hiding! You start to feel more like your old self again. There are new social engagements and opportunities for adventure. However communication can still be a bit tricky so it’s best to be very clear about any plans you are making.

Taurus

Family members seem to be on edge this week.  In fact anything around the home is a bit off centre. Home repairs may not turn out as anticipated, misunderstandings abound and travel related delays are likely. Try to put off key decision-making where possible. New money making ideas may come to you unexpectedly.

 Gemini

Social contact is highlighted during this period, and should be enjoyably light-hearted and fun. It’s a good week to give other folk a little extra time and thoughtfulness and make an effort to strengthen your relationships. There is a hint of forgetfulness in all you do as retro Mercury often affects you this way!

Cancer

Whilst this presents as a powerful and forward moving time for you guys it can also be quite stressful. It is not a time for big risks or adventure now and you feel happiest in familiar surrounds doing what is comfortable. Money-making projects may be put on hold due to situations you have no control over.

Leo

The end of the week presents you with opportunities that can move your life forward in a way that will please you. Any old issues that you have neglected to deal with are likely to revisit you earlier in the week and if you can let go or bring closure then you have much joy and happiness to look forward to.

Virgo

This is a good time to gather your energies and formalise plans. This week also gives you the opportunity to get some rest and relaxation. Friends will gather around and you can take time to evaluate your life direction and find a better inner balance. You have been through a busy time so don’t feel guilty about a little self-pampering.

Libra

Mercury retrograde has settled in and is affecting you guys quite profoundly. You feel less optimistic about your future and are questioning whether or not you’re seeking the right things. Don’t give up, because you should feel a lot restored after the retrograde is over and you will see things more clearly.

Scorpio

It’s time to expend your energy building on your long term goals and ambitions this week. This will spur the energy of the next few weeks which should prove influential and inspiring. Things may not exactly as expected right now but do not worry, the ground work is being laid and everything you do now will eventually bring rewards.

Sagittarius

On July 22nd, the Sun enters fellow fire sign Leo, and you should feel more like yourself than you have for some time! You will concentrate on expanding your view of the world, rediscovering philosophical pursuits, writing, creating and permitting yourself to have the freedom to move as you choose.

Capricorn

Mercury retrograde is affecting you this week. Your moods will be more cynical than usual, and you can get trapped in negative attitudes easier. A good thing to ensure now is that you don’t attempt to do too much new stuff until after the retrograde is over. Rather put your energy to changing old routines and habits that are not working for you.

Aquarius

Mercury retrograde occurs in your opposing sign of Leo now and brings with it difficulties in your close relationships and partnerships. You won’t see eye-to-eye and it results in conflict. No matter how hard you try to convey what you think and feel and you are misunderstood. Take a step back and meditate on it.

Pisces

The new moon this week makes you feel a little lighter and happier than usual. You are also feeling more social. You feel your best when you’re concentrating on the little details and getting unfinished tasks completed. You are inspired check everything off of your list and make sure it all gets finished accurately.

 

Astral Peeks: Lego takes on the stars!

The Brisbane Astronomical Society has created a telescope made out of Lego, and at a scale which is child friendly. They can learn all about “how it works”, because all the interior optical parts are clearly visible. And yes this is a real telescope! Below are the specifications and where to go for more information!
6” Dobsonian.750mm focal length build time - 2 weeks Cost - approximately $2000

http://www.bas.asn.au/legoscope.html

Meditation Moments:  Alzheimer’s and memory loss.

Two recent scientific studies have shown some advantage in helping brain functioning in Alzheimer’s patients. One study was on the effects of meditation, the other on rosemary oil aromatherapy. For the study on meditation and Alzheimer’s, researchers enrolled 15 older adults with memory problems that ranged from mild age-associated memory impairment to mild deficiency in a mantra-based meditation course. Participants meditated for 12 minutes per day for eight weeks. A control group listened to classical music for the same amount of time over eight weeks. Early findings showed a substantial escalation in cerebral blood flow in the patients’ prefrontal, superior frontal and superior parietal cortices, and also better cognitive function in the group that performed regular meditation.

In the rosemary oil aromatherapy study, the investigators tested the cognitive performance and mood of 20 people who were exposed to varying levels of the rosemary aroma. Results indicated that concentration of 1,8-cineole in the blood is linked to an individual’s cognitive performance — with higher concentrations occasioning in improved performance. Participants in the study showed improvements in both speed and accuracy, researchers reported. Check out http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20120419/NEWS0107/204190317/