astral meanders 5-11 June 2013

In general: This week sees a pleasing if eclectic link forming between the Sun in Gemini and Uranus in Aries. This should provide energy for all of us to turn things around now, and head in the direction we always wanted to go! On June 7^th Neptune stations to retrograde. Neptune can fill us with eagerness and vision, but we can also be taken in by illusions. In actual fact the retrograde of Neptune takes a few days since it is such a slow moving planet, and during this time we might feel vague or muddled as Neptune distorts our vision and seeks to illuminate our deeper inner insight. Its best to try and keep our feet firmly planted on the earth as we make decisions and move forward.  There is a New Moon on the 8^th in Gemini. This moon is affected by a lot of other strong astrological activity.   On the one hand there is a water grand trine between Venus, Saturn and Neptune and on the other, Mercury ignites the volatile Uranus square Pluto in a T-square. This can stimulate our beliefs, spirituality and sensitivities but it can also breed fanaticism. This set up may also increase our anxiety and give us a generally antagonistic outlook. If you have a birthday this week then make sure that you take a second look at any plans or grand schemes in the year ahead! On the world scene we will likely see a continuation of religious themes in the news and all kinds of fanaticism. There will significant people acting on only partial information as well. Locally we would do well to take a breath and practice our relaxation techniques!

Thought for the week: Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Aries

Arians will have a finger in many pies, this week, as their interest is piqued by a larger variety of things than normal. During this time, a strong emphasis will put on home and family. There is a more receptive nature, especially on a romantic level, and a tendency to be sentimental or nostalgic.

Taurus

This is a resourceful time, when Taureans make the most of what they have. There is much energy for money-making projects or for stepping up prevailing ones. However this is also a time when compulsion buying is at a greatest. Avoid using credit now to counteract bad money habits.

Gemini

You have a lot of energy to pursue your personal goals and interests now, Gemini, and you have the support of others to further encourage you. You are able to stand your ground and assert yourself more than usual too.  This is also a firm and stable time for love matters and close relationships.

Cancer

You could find it hard to deny yourself anything during this week! This is a time when Cancerians naturally display a softer, more receptive side. Romantic matters, as well as pleasure-seeking activities, come to the forefront at this time. You are more tactful and generally agreeable now.

Leo

You could be questioning your direction now, and you might be ready to try something completely fresh. You are definitely more attracted to things that are progressive or alternative, right now. You may also find that you have more get-up-and-go than usual to want to start up new jobs.

Virgo

You are likely to make new friends or join new groups this week. You also find it easier to accept original ideas and do things in different, unfamiliar ways. The new moon could provide you with an opportunity to do something new in your work, or decide to go down a different life path.

Libra

You enjoy success more this week and find much more pleasure in achieving your goals. The new moon suggests an opportunity to do some travel. You definitely want to expand your mind and world in some way now, and travel would be a great way to do that. Overall, you feel optimistic and confident about life.

Scorpio

The new Moon is significant for Scorpio in that it heralds a transformation that improves your life in some way. There is likely to be some sort of positive financial progress, and this may come from a surprising source. You find it easier to deal with practical matters and serious issues.

Sagittarius

The new moon will bring you an opportunity and this will come through a loved one. During this phase, a financial increase is possible, and again this is likely to come through your partner. This is an outstanding cycle in which to do some financial preparation and strategizing.

Capricorn

Capricorns will have a strong desire to collaborate and communicate with others now. You will want to spend time with people on a one-to-one level, and particularly to be with those with whom you share some level of intimacy. Your own views become clearer through discourse with others.

Aquarius

This may be a bit of a lazy work period for Aquarians. Romance, social-life and even socializing on the job all take precedence now. This is a very creative time when you have loads of energy, but not necessarily the self-discipline to match! Your popularity however, will increase this week.

Pisces

Family relationships and the home environment have a tendency to to be especially pleasant and peaceful during this phase. It’s time to just sit back and enjoy the serenity.  An inner sense of harmony and security are likely to dominate and also the desire for peace influences you now.

Astral Peeks: Music of the Stars

Plato, the Greek philosopher and mathematician, described music and astronomy as "sister sciences" that both encompass harmonious motions, whether of instrument strings or celestial objects. This philosophy of a "Music of the Spheres" was symbolic. Yet, modern technology is now creating a true music of the spheres by converting astronomical data into unique musical compositions.

Gerhard Sonnert, a research associate at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, has published a new website that allows listeners to literally hear the music of the stars. He worked with Wanda Diaz-Merced, a postdoctoral student at the University of Glasgow whose blindness led her into the field of sonification (turning astrophysical data into sound); and with composer Volkmar Studtrucker, who turned the sound into music.

"I saw the musical notes on Wanda's desk and I got inspired," Sonnert says.

Diaz-Merced lost her sight in her early 20s while studying physics. When she visited an astronomy lab and heard the hiss of a signal from a radio telescope, she realized that she might be able to continue doing the science she loved. She now works with a program called xSonify, which allows users to present numerical data as sound and use pitch, volume, or rhythm to distinguish between different data values.

For more information and to listen to the music go to : http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/sed/projects/star_songs/

Meditation moments: Meditation music

If you are thinking about using music in your meditation then it's vital that you understand the diverse types of meditation music and how they will touch you during meditation.
If you wish to practice a light meditation or if you just want to relax your mind and unwind, then most forms of ambient meditation music will be of great help. If you are searching for music that will honestly augment the depth of your meditation, then it is crucial that you only use music that was precisely composed for this purpose.

These particular forms of meditation music are composed with the principles of psychoacoustics in mind (the psychology of sound), and they are intended not just to relax you, but to absorb your attention and gently persuade your mind into a state of deep meditation.

If you are using music for meditation, then make sure that you don’t play the music at full volume. Your music should not seem dominant or invasive.