Astral meanders 6-12 February 2013

 

In general: Life will be getting better in significant leaps on February 6th and 7th, with Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus giving out very positive energies. On the 10^th a New Moon in Aquarius aids self- expression but can compromise any group and friendship commitments. This New Moon is all about awakening to new realities and letting go of outmoded ideas that no longer serve us. We may be extra prone to mental fatigue at this time unless we take care to find rest and rejuvenation. The facility to initiate change in a major way becomes easier from February 12. If your birthday falls this week then expect the year ahead to be  an opportunity filled one, where important and positive changes can and will come about! On the world scene expect that prominent individuals may have a way of getting up the nose of the group dynamic. Locally enjoy the positive vibes.

Thought for the week: If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

Aries

You are riding a wave of success and great communication paves your way. During this cycle, you are also establishing seeds for the future, dreaming up plans that you might begin to develop later. You are likely to require a certain amount of seclusion in order to get your thoughts composed or to be mentally productive.

Taurus

With Saturn in your partner sign at the moment, people’s demands can seem tough; to avoid conflict, humour and an imaginative approach, both help. You are radiating charm and grace, particularly around the 6th-7th. Your mind is lively and active during this phase, and you have the ability to come up with inventive ideas.

Gemini

Highlighted points this week are February 7th and 12th. You are getting ready to grasp opportunities and go after precisely what you want. You are received particularly well from the 6th-7th, when you can also have the chance to extend your horizons. Your ideas may come into public vision now.

Cancer

Whilst you appear to be ready for action, a lot of introspection is going on inside. Feelings are more powerful than usual, although not uncomfortably so. The capacity to analyse and explain some of the deeper elements inside yourself can assist you. You are more conscious of subtleties and nuances.

 

Leo

 

The 10th to 11^th is full of challenging distractions and requires careful steering and patience. You are more instinctive than usual, harvesting all of the unseen cues from people around you and reading between the lines. This is an outstanding phase in which to do some financial planning and organizing.

Virgo

You are apt to to weigh the pros and cons of every issue during this phase, taking into account others' needs as well as your own. You have a strong desire to cooperate and communicate. There is an emphasis on communications with partners and best friends. You can make peace with people in your life

Libra

Treat this week as a nesting phase or renewal time for you and/or your home. It's an excellent period for sorting out the details of your daily existence. You are motivated to make to-do lists, pay bills and sort out clutter. Your powers of attraction run very high this month, particularly around the 6th-7^th.

Scorpio

You are pleased with your ideas, and very good at communicating them to others effortlessly. Your thinking is more creative than usual. Home and family matters capture your attention and are a strong source of pride now. It's a time when worldly matters are not as important to you.

Sagittarius

You’re prone to keep things to yourself this week, not wanting to be criticized for what you think or your ideas. Your memory is more retaining than usual, and your thoughts often turn to personal matters, family, and loved ones. You might particularly enjoy discussions about your early life, the past, or family matters during this cycle.

Capricorn

You’re more curious about the world, can pick up new things easily and are full of information. You have no problem communicating with people now, and you have many people to talk to. You might make some very sound investments, particularly on items that develop your health or working environment,

Aquarius

This is a strong period for analysing your cash flow, income, and earning power. You are more practical and rational in your approach to assets during this period. Financial gain may come through communications with others. Speculation and gambling are not advised right now either.

 

Pisces

You may find yourself acting more independently instead of going along with the flow and blending in now.You have more communication than usual this week. You get and give advice, you learn about lots of new things, you get lots of new information, and your mind is going fast.

Astral Peeks: A little Astrology history

The origin of astrology is thought to begin with the ancient Babylonians two centuries before the birth of Christ.

The first areas of the world that astrology spread to were China, India and Greece. Each culture infused the basic Babylonian astrological belief structure with their own myths, legends and interpretations.

Astrologers were some of the first scientists in medieval Europe. It was astrologers that made the first accurate maps of star movement as well as the orbit of the moon and many astronomical observations about the Earth, itself.

Not only were some of the first scientists astrologers, some of the most respected scientific minds in human history were practicing astrologers. Historic names such as Kepler, Jung, Galileo, Copernicus and Brahe were all significant contributors to astrology during their time as scientists. Even with the marginalization of astrology that was ongoing even in the time that these famous figures were alive, they managed to practice and further the belief in astrology, along with their better known scientific practices.

Education and astrology have had an intertwined past. In Europe, during the medieval period, a university quality education was divided up into seven separate categories, one for each known planet. These disciplines became known as the liberal arts; a term still used today on many college campuses. These arts evolved into the modern sciences, but their roots are firmly planted in the field of astrology.

 

Meditation moments: Lughnasadh

On February 2^nd the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh is recognised in the southern hemisphere. At Lughnasadh, the Wheel of the Year begins to change from growing time to harvest time. The subtle changes of the waning sun that happened at Summer Solstice become more evident as the balance of day and night seem to shift more dramatically. The slight seasonal variations in weather, and the declining arc of the sun, are other pointers of this shift. This is the time of the first harvests. At this celebration we give thanks to the Earth for its bounty and beauty.  In times past, celebrations typically centred on the assurance of a plentiful harvest season and the celebration of the beginning of the harvest cycle.

Lughnasadh is a time of individual reflection and harvest, of our actions and deeds, events and experiences, our gains and losses. It’s a chance for us to get rid of blocks and fix what’s wrong before the cycle of the year ends and winter is upon us.

A great meditation for this celebration is purely and simply conscious eating…being mindful of and grateful for the food you share. Most of all, as you feast and give thanks for your bountiful table; I encourage you to consider what promise and commitment you might give to the sacred land itself that makes possible your abundance?