Astral meanders 20-26 March 2013

 

In general: The Sun and Venus enter Aries this week making for a fairly sudden shift of energy from peace and quiet to urgency and action! It’s time to get up and go, but exactly where to may be the issue for many of us. It’s the start of a fast-moving autumn! We will probably notice that our tempers are getting shorter too. It will be a good idea to use extra caution driving, because accidents will be more likely this week too. With Mars, Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto conflicting one another over the weekend of the 22^nd it’s an intense time. Just don’t rush into anything as most of us will be experiencing muddled thinking. Also don’t overreact to situations! Count to ten, breathe and ask yourself, “What difference will it make in a hundred years?” before taking any hasty action. If you have a birthday this week then expect the following year to be a dynamic if demanding one! On the world scene expect some fiery tempers to explode inappropriately and some volatile action, Locally just be extra careful, especially on the roads.

Thought for the week: If you can't meditate in a boiler room, you can't meditate. ~Alan Watts

Aries

You are fabulously charming and seem to embody attractiveness this week. Others are clamouring to be with you! You are prepared to put your past behind you and to start a new personal phase. You have presence and you project self-assurance. It's time to fashion your own path in life.

Taurus

You are commencing a period best used for emotional revitalization, tying up loose ends, and keeping a low profile. Your mood is introspective and the tendency to hibernate is strong. Rest and reflect and perhaps even allow a little daydreaming, and prepare for a more outgoing cycle later this month.

Gemini

Some extraordinary opportunities are set to arise this week and into the rest of the month. Your roles within an essential group or team are the focus point. Time to activate your networking skills! You are enthused by all that is unusual during this cycle, and your ideas are original and enlightened now.

Cancer

On March 20th, the Sun enters Aries, and you feel focused on working hard, striving for success, and accomplishing something in your life. You’re motivated with your life path, the direction that you’re going in, and how you want your life to mature long-term. You can also present yourself well publicly at this time.

Leo

What a great time for Leo! You come up with big notions and don’t think there’s any reason why you can’t achieve them. You’re optimistic about whatsoever happens, and you feel good. You can see the big picture and are courageous enough to push boundaries. Enjoy this fast paced time!

Virgo

At best you are a serious sign, Virgo, but it’s much worse now. You seem more penetrating when you’re with people, can’t stand superficiality, and want to get below the surface of everything, peeling back all of the layers. You’ll want more closeness and desire in your romantic relationship too.

Libra

You’d rather focus on other people than yourself this week. You come across as more helpful, compromising, charming, and fair-minded. You’re also extra romantic and may want to bring that into your important relationship. Your popularity is growing, and is strengthened by your ability to co-operate and harmonize.

Scorpio

This begins the really frenetic time to come when Mars squares off to Pluto from March 23 onwards! You will have a larger workload than usual. It's a great time to take charge of your health. You have the energy at your disposal to step up a fitness and physical activity program.

Sagittarius

You want others to take notice of you this week Sagittarius! However, you are also more sensitive to whether people appreciate you or not. You might be a bit of a showman at this time. You are feeling good in general, and want to spread the joy. It's natural for you to turn on the charm without thinking.

Capricorn

You are more open and gentle on a romantic level at this time and tend to be sentimental or nostalgic. If things are out of balance on the home front, you will do whatever you can to create a serene and stable atmosphere. Your mind is often distracted now too, so this is not the best time for focusing on one task or project.

Aquarius

You are hotly in demand and implementing plans is easy this week. You are especially resourceful and you could find yourself enjoying attention for your intellectual know-how. The capacity to communicate your ideas is extremely imperative to you at this time. You are eager to explore new things.

Pisces

This week, if you find yourself itching to make unnecessary purchases, know that at the root of this urge is the desire to indulge and comfort yourself. You could find yourself in a position in which there is a combination of financial matters with social or public affairs. Again be aware of over spending!

 

Astral Peeks: 2013 Autumnal Equinox, March 20th

An Equinox is an astronomical event that happens twice, once in spring and once in autumn, each year when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun. During Equinoxes the tilt of the Earth (with respect to the Sun) is 0° and because of it duration of the day and the night are almost equal on Equinox day i.e. 12 hours.

On an esoteric level you can see that this celebration marks the middle of harvest, it is a time of equal day and equal night, and for the moment nature is in balance. It is a time to reap what you have sown, of giving thanks for the harvest and the bounty the Earth provides,  for finishing up old projects and plans and finding a contemplative space to consider both what you have learnt and what you feel needs more thought.

Meditation moments: Balance

The equinox is an excellent time to consider the essence of balance in your life and in yourself. A lovely way to do this is to mindfully practice the “Tree” yoga position (vriksha-asana). First stand with both feet together and arms by your sides. Bending the right leg at the knee, raise the right thigh and bring the sole of the right foot as high up the inside of the left thigh as possible. Whilst balancing on the left foot, raise both arms over the head keeping the elbows unbent and joining the palms together. Hold the posture while breathing gently through the nostrils for about 10 complete breaths. Then lower the arms and right leg and return to the tad-asana, standing position with feet together and arms at the sides. Pause for a few moments and repeat on the opposite leg. Poor balance is often the result of a restless mind or distracted attention. Regular practice of this posture will help focus the mind and cultivate concentration (dharana).