Astral meanders June 19-25 2013

In general: This week begins with a joyous Sun and Jupiter conjunction!! Bounty and plenty are in the atmosphere waiting to be tapped by us all, thus bright prospects are available to those who tune in right now.Mercury and Venus are also conjunct on the 20^th. A keen eye for the beautiful is in sharp focus as a result and a strong sense of shape and proportion makes for good judgment. The Sun enters Cancer on the 21^st and we celebrate our southern hemisphere solstice (see below for more information!) The 23^rd gives us a beautiful and strong full moon in Capricorn. Financial concerns can be blown out of all proportion on this day so do keep that in mind before over-reacting! Mercury is about to station retrograde on the 26^th so as the week ends we may begin to feel its shadow! This should be a welcome opportunity to take a breather and revisit urgent and sometimes hasty moves that could use a little refining before continuing with the journey ahead. If you are celebrating a birthday this week then expect be enjoying the ascetically beautiful in the months to come and make the most a little extra taste of luck! On the world scene a financial crisis may be taken out of proportion and art and architecture may also be in the news more prominently! Locally remember to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

Thought for the week: Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.  ~Lorraine Hansberry

Aries

The Full Moon on the 23rd can bring a work matter to a head. You might find yourself in high demand. The focus should be on cultivating and nourishing your inner foundations that support you and your growth however. This is a time to collect yourself or to fill your well. This should be an opportunity for  more calm.

Taurus

You have more energy at your disposal this week. This can be a very creative time, when you make the most of what you have. You have great energy for new money-making projects, or for stepping up existing ones. You may even receive bring significant gifts, bonuses, or recognition.

Gemini

Money matters can improve greatly this week, but you have to avoid over-indulgence. Extravagance with your purse is something you may especially want to look out for, nothing is really wrong with it, but there are inexpensive and even free ways to make yourself feel good.

Cancer

The Full Moon on the 23rd brings a relationship into high focus. The urge to improve yourself and grow is very strong. You project confidence, positivity and fervour, and others receive you particularly well. Insomnia may be an issue for some of you, remember to let go and relax.

Leo

Your energy is mainly applied to personal and private affairs at this time. Your temperament is more than usually introspective. Go with the flow, rest and reflect and prepare for a more outgoing phase later. Quixotic matters, as well as pleasure-seeking events, will come to the fore now.

Virgo

The Full Moon on the 23rd can kindle some sort of production surrounding a romance or children. Overall though this is a rather happy, goal-oriented cycle with a lively personal agenda! You continue to do a lot of thinking and contemplation about your own happiness and longer-term goals.

Libra

Recognition is likely to come your way this week, whether you ask for it or not! You are particularly passionate and bolder than usual now too. Some restlessness and a hunger for adventure will be a part of the overall picture too. Taking a few risks will help you to feel good about yourself.

Scorpio

There are strong opportunities to expand your finances this week. More than any other time during this year, you are adventurous and keen to take a leap of faith. This is also an exceptional time to make a budget or financial plan and rid yourself of bad habits that weaken your sense of personal power.

Sagittarius

This week is especially strong for enticing or augmenting partnerships. There may be some material profits coming from real estate or family. This is still a time when you are most eager for personal change. Elimination of personal bad habits may be a big part of the picture now.

Capricorn

Don't push yourself too hard this week, Capricorn. You are attracted to volunteer or empathetic lines of work now, and these can bring a pleasing sense of accomplishment. A profound and close connection made with another now could be uplifting and even healing for you.

Aquarius

It's time to bring a sense of order to your life Aquarius! This phase presents an opportunity to get rid of what doesn't work in your life, whilst also ascertaining what does. You will tend to want to take more interest in organizing your working environment this week and this is an exceptional time to do so!

Pisces

The full moon on the 23^rd offers an opportunity to reach out to others and do some networking! You will instinctively know how to place yourself in the best light in order to make a good imprint on others. You might discover that your talents or services are especially valued now.

Astral Peeks: Midwinter Solstice June 21^st

The Solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice, once in summer and once in winter, each year when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the North or South Pole. During Solstices the tilt of the axil of the Earth (with respect to the Sun) is the maximum at 23° 26'. 

Many folk have forgotten some of the simplicity of living, and seasonal rituals can bring us all to a simpler time in life and bring us closer to nature! Solstice celebrations don’t need to be complicated, overly serious affairs; a solstice ritual can be as relaxed and simple as sharing a potluck meal and having your guests share a funny story from the previous year. Ask guests to make a wish for the upcoming year while lighting a single candle. With each wish, the room grows brighter — a symbol of the light returning. A small rosemary plant, known as a herb of the sun can be used in table decoration!

Meditation moments: A little Winter Solstice Meditation

FIRST Light a candle in front of you to start the meditation. Softly open your eyes and take a look at the candle light clearly. Then close your eyes and imagine the light in your solar plexus (lower belly). Adjust your breathing to be slow and even. Feel each of your breaths making the light brighter and brighter in your belly. Meditate as long as you can. Before ending, please say a little prayer ? Say, "The Spiritual Lights shine within my heart and body! May the Spiritual Lights shine within my family and friends! May the Spiritual Lights shine within all beings! May the Spiritual Lights always shine with peace and harmony for the World!"