Astral Meanders 17-23 April 2013

 

In general: Mars in Aries conjuncts the Sun on April 17, which is great for taking an original and bold approach to initiating individual projects or goals. Key breakthroughs can be made in overcoming barriers to our accomplishments. It’s imperative to focus and use this dynamic energy well but with a sense of balance! If we don’t then silly accidents and little irritating problems will start to manifest themselves. The 17^th and 18^th are also days on which to be extra careful with what we say and do! (I cannot stress this enough!) On the 19^th the sun enters Taurus. Now we need to work at staying focused and not getting side-tracked or bored! On the 20^th mars enters Taurus and our actions become more cautious, sometimes tediously so. It's a good time for putting down solid foundations and making investments that will last a long time. If you enjoy a birthday this week then you can look forward to good year, especially when it comes to setting up your longer term future! On the world scene actions taken now will have long term affects. There is a lot of dynamic energy around let’s hope it’s used wisely! Locally it’s wise to take extra care to stay focused and avoid accidents.

Thought for the week: Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Aries

This week you would do best to focus on the moment and allow yourself to step logically towards your goal! A tendency to want to rush can bring you to a standstill instead! The capacity to relate well with others can enhance your personal finances during this period. You could find yourself blending fiscal matters with social or community affairs.

 

Taurus

When the Sun enters Taurus on April 20th, it is all systems go. Finally a sense of progress in your life takes hold! You’re more confident and opportunities that appear are clearer and more direct. Personal magnetism hits the roof now. You easily get in touch with a real sense of your uniqueness and purpose.

Gemini

Your mind is ever so busy right now! You have opportunities and lots of possibilities. Just be careful to only take on what you can really handle. This is a great time to study and reflect upon your goals. You may experience insomnia now, especially if you’re not letting your intuition serve you.

Cancer

This week’s energy can heal emotional fissures; yield deep understanding and show to you the way to make all the right moves. Your humanitarian impulses can be stirred now. The part you play for other people in your life also becomes an important focus. This is an outstanding period for developing career plans.

Leo

You seem relatively driven now and will push yourself hard. Be careful it’s not too hard! Benefits can come now and possibly quite abruptly, through your connection to workmates or classmates, distant relatives, or teachers. You are coming across well at work now, and more chances to mingle and network, are likely.

Virgo

Getting close to the earth and to nature is on the agenda this week and will be good for you. Anything that broadens your experiences also attracts you now. You wish to avoid superficiality and get straight to the point; you are interested in the true facts of things. Its likely  especial rapport with foreigners is probable.

Libra

It’s time to focus on body and mind health! The key is to simplify your life and be mindful of your everyday tasks. This is a time when you are most eager for change on a deep level. This is an  intropsective time where you are more willing than usual to explore your inner self.

Scorpio

A burst of creative energy and behind the scenes effort means projects are likely to rush ahead when the Sun and mars meet. Social exchanges of a personal, one-on-one kind are highlighted. Circumstances will be such that your negotiation skills will be more than usually required.

Sagittarius

This week slows you down and forces you to do more of the dull, routine tasks of life for the sake of your long term success. Efficiency should be your objective now. Your physical health, as well as the connection between your body and your mind, is highlighted. You have energy at your disposal to or step up a health regime.

Capricorn

This is a productive turning point for you guys with exciting new goals and opportunities ahead. You're entering a very animated and stimulating period for romance, recreation, and pastimes. You can tend to put more energy into play and pleasure now! Be cautious not to burn the candle at both ends.

Aquarius

When the Sun and Mars join on April 20th, some rest and recreation at home will be good for your psychological and physical health. Loyalty and kindliness in your relationships are more important to you now than they are characteristically. You could get worked up about old annoyances or emotional issues from the past.

 

Pisces

It’s a prime time to commit to a goal or plan for your future. You need to dig deep and make sure that you know that what you are choosing is right for you.  Be prepared to shake things up, try-out new ideas, and don't be too scared to think outside of the box. You are keen to explore new things, whether scientific or technical.

 

Astral Peeks: Pluto Retrograde in Capricorn

On April 12, Pluto in Capricorn turns retrograde; starting a five-month cycle that is best used for looking at one’s secreted fears and at how individuals use their personal power. During this time, we can increase our insight and develop a new profundity of awareness about our personal life purpose.

Many may revisit people or situations from the past. A retro Pluto’s purpose is to excavate any leftover pieces of the past that are stopping us from advancing. Even though these ups and downs will start on a deep level, eventually they may take a real physical form. For some they might be presenting already.

Working with a Pluto transit means we have to let go of some things and just what these things are will become increasingly apparent to us! By letting go we can allow new growth to develop in our lives. Then we need to tend to that new growth, well. It’s an opportunity to really make important shifts in ourselves and in our lives.

Meditation moments: Learn to recognize stress

Recognizing stress is the first step in lessening its impact. Many of us spend so much time in a stressed state, we have forgotten what it feels like to be fully relaxed and alert. Being stressed out feels normal. When you are stressed, your body lets you know . Try to get in the habit of paying attention to your body's clues. Observe your muscles and insides. Are your muscles tight/sore? Is your stomach tight or sore? Are your hands clenched? Is your jaw clelnched? Observe your breath. Is your breath shallow? Place one hand on your belly, the other on your chest. Watch your hands rise and fall with each breath. Notice when you breathe fully or when you "forget" to breathe. Do you have a dry mouth and difficulty swallowing, suffer from insomnia or have inability to focus? All of these are symptoms of stress and require your attention. Stress management meditation focuses our thoughts on relaxation and stress management meditation can help to lower your blood pressure, slow your breathing and eliminate stressful thoughts. Finally stress management meditation can help to relax muscles giving the body time to eliminate lactic acids that build up when they work.