astral meanders Dec. 19-25 2012

 

In general: The sun enters Capricorn on the 21^st.As a result Holiday parties could actually turn out to be quite pleasant, well organised affairs. We should be set to slow down and appreciate the charm and beauty of the holidays. Self-discipline will be strong, and our speed will be moderate. By far a less hectic Christmas week than usual!  Mishaps are conceivable on Christmas Day, however, as our energies become dispersed under the scattered Gemini Moon. On Christmas day we also have Mars entering Aquarius giving impetus to humanitarian impulses and our need for personal freedom. If you have a birthday this week then you can expect that the year ahead will be a focused and well-paced one! On the world scene this week can be a bit surprising but energy should be directed to humanitarian causes with some gutso! Locally travel on the 25^th should go well but do be careful of the little details.

Thought for the week: It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” W.T.Ellis

Aries

It's a career peak right now, so take advantage. You can feel a little fidgety if you don't find new and unique ways to explore. It's an exceptional period for looking at your life from an altered perspective and in particular, a broader one. Acknowledgment and appreciation  is likely to come your way!

Taurus

It would be prudent for you to think through scheduling a vacation, or a course that grows your mind. These do not have to transpire at this time, but taking time to identify your needs for fleeing the daily grind, taking risks, and nourishing your spirit for self-expression will support you to feel good about yourself.

Gemini

On December 21st, the Sun enters earth sign Capricorn, and you nurture this energy by feeling most like yourself when you’re doing research and looking beneath the surface of things. You can’t stand shallowness, and you want to unite with people on a deeper level. You crave new experiences.

Cancer

You feel maximum comfort when you’re with someone in a one-on-one scenario this week. You don’t like being in a group or alone quite as much. Mars enters Aquarius on December 25th, and you have much less patience with trivialities, always wanting to get to the heart of a matter.

Leo

You begin to focus more on work this week. You seem more in charge and hard-working, dealing with the day-to-day tasks and chores that you have professionally and quickly. You will spend more time focussing on relationships this week too, be sure however that you keep the focus on all the positive stuff!

Virgo

Home and family matters seize your attention now. It's a time when worldly problems are not as significant to you. This is a very lively period of the year, when you are inspired creatively and emotionally. Pleasure and enjoyment play a vital role in your pursuit of freedom and self-expression now.

Libra

Your mind is particularly inquisitive during this phase. Learning, short trips, and other forms of communication will appeal. Some of you are restless or nervous during this cycle, perhaps due to the increased errand-running and general Christmas hustle and bustle. Others enjoy the challenge of tackling a variety of issues.

Scorpio

Do be careful when handling machinery or driving as accidents are more than usually probable now, due to your tendency to rush.You might be in the position to increase your income, but should still watch out for over spending and extravagance. You could find it tough to deny yourself anything during this phase! 
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Sagittarius

You are apt to to put more effort into making money or making your life more comfy and secure this week. Your desire to be economically independent may well lead to progressive outcomes, such as paying off debts or increased initiative. Holiday festivities are not likely to go as prearranged, so be as flexible.

Capricorn

The Sun enters your sign on December 21st, and you want to put yourself out there more, get some credit for the things that you do, and increase your vitality. You could be presented with a new and very promising opportunity. You want to make as much money as you can, and may take on a second job.

Aquarius

You will find your energy is drained and you want to spend more time alone this week. People are more draining to you than is usual. You may seem more sensitive, lost in a fantasy world and quiet. You may also seem more selfish because you’re making your needs a priority.

Pisces

You don’t have the drive and energy that you normally have, and would prefer to spend time alone, away from people. You should avoid planning anything that requires too much energy during this time. You’ll also have your hopes and dreams for your future at the front of your mind. You’ll doubtless make a lot of resolutions this New year.

Astral Peeks: Astronomy for kids

If the kids get bored these holidays why not foster a little interest in the heavens…Astronomy for children, students, and kids of all ages. KidsAstronomy.com, part of the KidsKnowIt Network, is the absolutely free astronomy resource designed to teach children about the exciting world of outer space.

New South Wales is an ideal place to explore astronomy, with a number of destinations perfect for amateur and professional astronomers. Ninety percent of Australia's astronomy infrastructure is currently housed in NSW, with major installations including the Siding Spring Observatory just outside Coonabarabran and the CSIRO Radio Telescope in Parkes-aka "The Dish".

Meditation moments: Summer Solstice

The flux of the seasons is like a personal clock that allows us to work on ourselves in ways appropriate to the natural flow of the earth's energy. For example, the natural urge in winter is to withdraw, looking for warmth and safety, sitting by the fire, reading, going to bed earlier. We create more time for reflection. With the coming of spring, we begin to enjoy the outdoors again. We picnic, take time to garden, go for walks.

This yearly cyclic journey is a mirror for the whole of the human life. On a smaller scale, each day is a cycle unto itself. The night is like winter; the dawn is like spring and so forth. The cycle is constant and can be attuned to, on many levels. Eventually one begins to see the flow of one's own life, reflected in these natural cycles. Midsummer in the Southern Hemisphere occurs on the 22nd December. The celebration of Midsummer is a two-fold one. Recognizing the sun’s glorious peak of power, we rejoice at the abundant Midsummer harvest, and at the same time, we understand the inevitable journey into the dark nadir of winter.
In our lives we mirror the sun’s progress at this time by realizing our own ‘harvests’. It is a time to reap a natural harvest of reward from activities we have been pursuing through Imbolg and Spring. Anything we have been doing with passion and intent can be enhanced at this time.
Within the vegetation harvest, a further mystery of symbolism unfolds. There is the representation of a ‘little death’ through the reaping and ‘birth’ through the saving of seed. It is in recognition of this seed within us, the seed of light, love, passion, that we can constantly be reborn and renewed.
That is the essence of Midsummer, it is a time to reflect and rejoice upon the good things we have and have achieved. It is a time to sort out our grain from our chaff and keep the healthy seed alive within us.