Astral meanders 15-21 August 2012

In general: August 18^th’s New Moon in Leo drives us forward. An inspired, fresh energy is released when the Sun and Moon connect in Leo. Mars and Saturn make everyday responsibilities easier to complete than usual and give discussions a practical edge. Mercury and Uranus invigorate social events, and could perhaps bring an unforeseen call from a friend. The Sun and Mars however, will send uneasy energy our way, and some of us may end up doing something we will later regret. Be cautious and think before you act this week. If you are enjoying a birthday then expect the next 12 months to be progressive and filled with personal growth. On the world scene it’s a humanitarian time with a focus on activities that hep others in some way. Locally, consider thinking before you take that leap!

Thought for the week: Man must search for what is right, and let happiness come on its own. ~Johann Pestalozzi

Aries

This week should work well for friendships, networking and partnerships. If there are any difficult issues they will most likely arise from one individual opposing you in some way. The key is to stay firm and nicely detached from it all. It’s a passing energy and not worth getting bent all out of shape over.

Taurus

This is a good new moon for Taurus. It strengthens both family and friendship ties and provides some excellent energy on the home front for personal recharging! Home life and public life will give you satisfaction this week. Communication also gets better and relationship issues become clearer at last.

 Gemini

Progress across all areas of your life is likely this week. Meetings and work related matters are highly favoured. Be prepared to really listen to others this week however or your lack of concentration and attention will be noticed. It’s a busy time filled with inspiration and new challenges that are very much to your liking.

Cancer

You may have a more money-oriented view of life at the moment, or at the very least you will have an amplified interest in your own assets. You possibly ought to be concerned about f a tendency to make your own financial stress due to excessive spending habits. More energy and gusto is conveyed to your home life now.

Leo

This week brings a whole new orientation for you. There is a sense that you're beginning to move forward. Yet, your head and your heart might not be on the same page, as your heart is attuned to the past in some way and is finding it hard to focus on your present reality. You will also be busy running errands in this phase.

Virgo

Your physical energy levels are still not up to par. This is your body telling you to take a break. It’s not an idyllic time for pushing forward with any new projects and plans. It is better instead, to complete projects and tie up loose ends. You are more easy-going than usual and somewhat disconnected.

Libra

Get excited Libra because the energy for all good things is really beginning to take action for you! You might join a different group or take up a new cause. A hope or dream for your future can be realized. You’re also more open to innovative ideas and diverse ways of doing things, ready to break free from the rule.

Scorpio

A new moon occurs in Leo this week, and it serves you guys well. You might have a new opportunity come up for you that will help to further your career; some of you will also attain recognition for your work and a measure of prestige. Others are ready to listen to you, and pay attention to you now.

Sagittarius

You should feel happier and much more optimistic about life this week, Sagittarius. Anything creative and innovative is highly favoured. Education and learning are also well favoured now. If you have the opportunity for a small trip this week then make the most of it! Old issues can be healed now.

Capricorn

There may be a little financial gain or windfall this week. Partnership ventures and all things relationship oriented are favoured now. It’s a great time to focus on getting your life back on track and making sure you really are heading towards your gaols.

Aquarius

This week is about dealing with old issues regarding communication and misunderstanding. Others will be willing to go easy on you now and you’re ready to share your feelings with others. You could also form a new partnership, or relationship. Partners may also have something special happen to them this week.

Pisces

This could be one of your best weeks this year to begin a new health regimen, look for a new job, or tackle your to-do list. Fixing things that have needed your attention for some time should be a focus now. Talk with someone you’re close to about the relationship you have with them and in what way you can improve it.

 

Astral Peeks: Our night sky

Wednesday, August 15^th Venus reaches the peak of its morning apparition today when it lies 46° west of the Sun and rises before 3 a.m. local daylight time. This bright planet shines at magnitude –4.4 and stands nearly 30° high in the east an hour before sunrise. You won’t mistake Venus for any other object — it’s the brightest point of light in the entire sky.

Thursday, August 16^th One day after Venus reaches its greatest western elongation, Mercury follows suit. The innermost planet appears only 19° from the Sun, however, so it pokes above the horizon just 90 minutes before sunrise. Mercury shines at magnitude –0.1, which is bright enough to show up against the background twilight. If you have trouble spotting it with naked eyes, scan with binoculars above the eastern horizon about 45 minutes before the Sun comes up.

Meditation Moments:  Humming

Humming is a soporific form of sound medicine, infusing your body with many therapeutic benefits. It’s also an easy and enjoyable way to appreciate a meditation practice. Humming slows down your breathing rate considerably, which helps to slow down your heart rate and brings down your stress level. It calms your nervous system as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It also improves sinusitis. The vibration helps move and clear mucous. 5 minutes of humming can reduce your blood pressure between 10 – 20 mmHg. Mahamantra (The Great Mantra) meditation is a technique to make your mind centered and integrated, and fill you with energy. This technique is designed to make your whole body mantramayaa (vibrate with the mantra) through humming. Chanting the mahamantra is known as the mahamantra uchchaadana – uttering the mantra which is beyond utterance, beyond speech or writing, beyond expression. This meditation should be done on an empty stomach or two hours after a meal. It is best to practice it early in the morning, as it generates a tremendous amount of energy in your body. If you practice it at night, it could interfere with your sleep.