Astral Meanders 20-27 Feb 2013

 

In general: Mercury is turning retrograde on Saturday, February, 23rd, and we are already experiencing the effects of being in its shadow. We will doubtless be dealing with computer problems, travel delays, and misunderstandings as the weekend begins. The Moon will be in Leo throughout most of the weekend too, and we should decide to do like any good Leo when confronted with challenges, take a rest. Under the Virgo full moon, on Monday, February 26^th, many of us could confront some problems with plans. If you are prepared to wing it then all is good, but if you channel your inner Virgo and decide to get all critical and demanding then things won’t go so well! If you celebrate a birthday this week then expect the year ahead to be filled with changes to plans and the odd unexpected turn of events! On the world scene it’s a time for delay and communication breakdown. Locally its ok to take time out!

Thought for the week: Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights. ~Pauline R. Kezer

Aries

Endings of natural cycles may be part of the picture at this time. Your energy is mostly applied to your own private affairs now. Your temperament is thoughtful. Uncharacteristically, resting and reflecting will suit you best! You are more peace-loving than usual.

Taurus

The 25th can bring a romantic disclosure. This is a rather happy cycle. An energetic program is promised, you're drawing quite a bit of interest and your energy for making contact with others is highlighted. However you may feel that your schedule gets overloaded at this time, there is so much to do!

Gemini

This week some of your plans may slow down or meet delays. Recognition is expected to come your way whether you ask for it or not, and the responsibility that comes along with it! You may find however, that communications with superiors and co-workers can be difficult during this cycle. Attempt to be as clear as possible.

Cancer

Finally your focus turns outward, away from the more personal fears that have engaged your thoughts recently. Much more than any other time during the year, you are feeling courageous and ready to take a leap of faith. Routine affairs simply don't seem to gratify you right now.

Leo

This is a time when you are most eager for change on a deeper level. This phase brings more in-depth understanding and an inclination to probe beneath the surface of problems to get to the bottom of them. Intimate relationships are also intensified now. It’s wise to budget rather than spend during this period.

Virgo

The Moon is Full in your sign on the 26th, bringing sharp emotions and an epiphany or peak of sorts. You might find that your talents or skills are particularly appreciated now. Romantic and social happenings may revolve around your working situation. You are inclined to flatter others during this phase.

Libra

This is a good time to build your expertise, get organized, and attend to your personal health and wellbeing. It's also a great time to make enhancements to your steady routines. This cycle grants an opportunity to get rid of what doesn't work in your life, while also determining what does.

Scorpio

This is a week in which you find delight in expressing who you are. You are most likely feeling good in general, and you tend to spread the joy. Creative self-expression of any kind is favoured at this time. You automatically know how to put yourself in the best light in order to make a worthy impression on others.

Sagittarius

During this week, you are mainly doting on the life of your home and family. You are more receptive and gentle on a romantic level, and inclined to be sentimental or nostalgic. This is a calming, sensitive influence, when humble pleasures most appeal. Just be careful not to get worked up about issues from the past.

Capricorn

You are especially quick-witted now, and you could find yourself relishing attention for your intellectual know-how. The ability to express and communicate your ideas is very significant to you at this time. You like talking about what interests you, and you find boundless value in the exchange of ideas.

Aquarius

The Full Moon can bring a reminder about excessiveness for some. This last week of February requires certain adjustments to your financial plan. Speculation and gambling are not advised right now either. Take this time to re-budget instead of making untimely purchases.

Pisces

Take steps to develop how you come across to others now. It's a good time to carve your own path in life. Extra caution should be exercised when it comes to body language. Others may misunderstand your signals. However, the good news is that family affairs improve significantly this week.

Astral Peeks: Naming a Moon…

Two of Pluto's moons have no names, but that's about to change. Planetary astronomer Mark Showalter announces a contest where you can help name the newest discoveries.

In 2011 and 2012, Hubble observations revealed two new moons orbiting Pluto, bringing the total number in Pluto's surprisingly complex system up to five. Scientists have been referring to the moons as P4 and P5, but they need proper names and that's where you come in. Mark Showalter of the P4/P5 discovery team announces a contest where, starting today, you can help decide what we'll call Pluto's newest moons; they  are trying something new….asking the public to help name the moons. Visit plutorocks.seti.org and tell them what you think. The names will still have to be approved by the International Astronomical Union, but they will use your votes to help decide the names proposed. Voting ends at noon EST on Monday, February 25th, 2013.

Meditation moments: Black and white wolves

An old Cherokee story of an old man teaching his grandson about life:

“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is between two wolves. One is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, false pride and ego.” He continued, “The other is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf will win?”

You might have heard the story ends like this: The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

In the Cherokee world, however, the story ends this way:

The old Cherokee replied, “If you feed them right, they both win.You see, if I only choose to feed the white wolf, the black one will be hiding around every corner waiting for me to become distracted or weak and jump to get the attention he craves. He will always be angry and always fighting the white wolf. But if I acknowledge him, he is happy and the white wolf is happy and we all win. For the black wolf has many qualities – tenacity, courage, fearlessness, strong-willed and great strategic thinking – that I have need of at times and that the white wolf lacks. But the white wolf has compassion, caring, strength and the ability to recognize what is in the best interest of all.

“You see, son, the white wolf needs the black wolf at his side. To feed only one would starve the other and they will become uncontrollable. To feed and care for both means they will serve you well and do nothing that is not a part of something greater, something good. Feed them both and there will be no more internal struggle for your attention. And when there is no battle inside, you can listen to the voices of deeper knowing that will guide you in choosing what is right in every circumstance. Peace, my son, is the Cherokee mission in life. A man or a woman who has peace inside has everything. A man or a woman who is pulled apart by the war inside him or her has nothing.

“How you choose to interact with the opposing forces within you will determine your life. Starve one or the other or guide them both.”