Astral Meanders 13-19 March 2013

 

In general: Mars and the Moon are in Aries as we start this week, energizing us and encouraging us to start new projects. We may find we have a greater than usual urge to act and often the actions will come too quickly and impulsively, so be prepared for impetuous moves, both from yourself and others, and of course their subsequent withdrawals or rerouting. It’s wise to try and avoid being swept along with this energy unless you really mean to follow through with projects. If you do, nevertheless, the flow is with you. The 18^th March sees Mercury station direct, at last. The weeks of grander confusions than we’d have liked are on their way out and we can get back on track with additional self-assurance and a renewed sense of purpose. If you are celebrating your birthday this week then it augers well for a more dynamic and driven year ahead, just be careful to think things through thoroughly, first! On the world scene it seems like the quiet before the storm as we hot up to some dynamic Uranus activity next week. Locally it’s wise to pace yourself!

Thought for the week: The cyclone derives its powers from a calm centre. So does a person. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Aries

You seem more closed than usual and it may be tough to put things into words, or intellectualize your feelings for the time being. Love relationships might include some form of expense or simply a lot of giving and lending of support instead of receiving during this phase.

Taurus

From the 17th onward, you will profit from working on clearing up any difficulties that have arisen with friends. This is a time for feeling hopeful, emotionally content, and socially popular. It's a good time for meeting new people. Collaboration comes easily, and sincere friendships can be made throughout this phase.

Gemini

Put off making fixed career decisions as much as conceivable for the time being. You may be re-thinking matters concerning your life path, which is a worthy idea, but it's best to think rather than act for now, as your judgment may be compromised. It's time to analyse your work tasks and simplify them.

Cancer

Travel or scholastic plans have a better chance of coming together after the 17th. You are likely to feel the need to assert your individuality with those in authority, family members or a partner. This can be a good period to become self-employed or start a business; you also pour more energy into career activities generally.

Leo

Leo, you desire to feel supported by others, both financially and emotionally. It's also a strong phase for determining your own hidden talents as well as learning interesting things about a partner. Delays are very likely when it comes to getting support, loans, and taxes however.

Virgo

With Mars in fire sign Aries, you become driven to create a transformation in your life. You could focus in on one area in particular that requires change or put emphasis on yourself, your issues, or your body. However, you may become obsessed and could take it too far. It’s wise to use caution and thought.

Libra

You will try to strengthen your commitments now, working harder at fixing the issues and complications in your relationships. For many Librans this can be a good time to begin a professional partnership, participate in negotiations, or stand up for fairness. You value others who listen and are more willing to listen.

Scorpio

This week it seems you want to tackle each and every thing on your to do list. If you get a new job or start a new work project or a new health regimen now, this could be something that nourishes you for the next couple of years. Your only issue is the feeling that you have no time for enjoyment or fun.

Sagittarius

You may not be up for work very much and just want to have fun this week Sagittarius. You could spend more time on a hobby, feel more creative and artistic, and be more inspired, however. You also seem to desire more attention from others than usual. You enjoy sharing affection and warmth.

Capricorn

You guys are driven to improve your living situation at this time. You can start home improvement projects or redecorate. You should also enjoy spending more time with your family, family get-togethers, and social activity in general. You come across as inspiring, nurturing, and sensitive.

Aquarius

Aquarius, you may seem scattered in your approach this week, but despite the external chaos, you do know what you’re doing. You probably should be on the lookout for a propensity to create your own financial stress however, due to some very extravagant spending habits. Make a budget.

Pisces

You are more communicative than usual, Pisces. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that conversations are their best right now, because you are more interested in voicing your own views than listening! You are particularly observant and a little intellectual now. This can be a resourceful time for you.

 

Astral Peeks: Astrological gardeners….

Aries like a garden that requires little or no work, they are far too distracted and busy! Taurus love to be in the garden, getting soil on their hands and fresh air in their lungs! Gemini has a well laid out garden, often tended by someone else! Cancer nurture through the garden so theirs is mostly edible! Leo like showy gardens but are not too keen on working hard to achieve their results. Virgo labour in their gardens with some intensity. Theirs are the perfectly laid out vegetable patches and neat flower beds. Libra wants a garden that is easy to spend time in, beautiful, aesthetic and comfortable. Scorpio takes any task intensely and a Scorpio garden will have a dramatic bent, plus of course a water-feature of some sort. Sagittarius uses gardening as therapy, it grounds them, so working hard in a garden is a right up their alley. Capricorn garden with a goal, once it’s reached, they lose interest! Aquarius keeps it very natural, some might say un-cared for, but there is method in there somewhere and lots of colour. Pisces like water and a place to dream, but they aren’t up for the hard labour.

Meditation moments: Practising awareness

Fully focussed, graciously witnessing, or open and expansive? Which of these  is the best way to practice awareness? Is there an better way to pay attention? The answer is "all of the above," All of the above are better, depending on you, the time and experience. Awareness is enormously malleable, and it is important not to fixate on any one way as best.  Some traditions teach that losing the self and dissolving into a breath or absorbing into an experience is the optimal form of attention. Other traditions believe that resting in the widest angle, the open consciousness of space, is the peak teaching. Still others say that the middle ground—an everyday, free and relaxed awareness of whatever arises here and now, "nothing special"—is the highest achievement. Yet in its true nature awareness cannot be limited. Mindfulness itself is both large and small, particular and universal. At different times our practice will require that we embrace all these viewpoints.