Astral Meanders July 17-23 2013

In general: Uranus turns retrograde in fire sign Aries on the 17th, and we are likely to feel a tad bored with the everydayness of life and experience a sense of inner restlessness. Mercury finally stations direct again on the 20^th, but expect its meddlesome energy to continue to affect our activity for a few more days. The sun enters Leo on the 23^rd and we find ourselves in the warm glow of the lion. This day also gives us an Aquarius full moon. This will be a perigee Full moon and yes it will look larger than usual hence the coined phrase Super Moon. It falls one day after the moon’s closest point to earth in this month’s orbit. It won’t be as ‘super’ as the June moon though! It’s great for creativity, passion and innovation. Expect some interesting adventures and of course the unexpected! Change is on the mind of many! If you birthday falls this week then the year ahead is about change and the unexpected! On the world scene political upheaval can lead to tumultuous and unexpected events. There is revolutionary possibilities for breakthrough, endowing grass roots movements with the potential  to bring about change. Locally prepare yourself for some little unexpected happenings, don’t make hard and fast plans.

Thought for the week: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde


Aries

The 21-22 is a potent time for taking action, especially around the home and with family. You could have more energy to spend on homemaking, house repairs, re-decorating, or family activities. It's also a solid time for putting your energy into intellectual ventures or studies.

Taurus

An inner sense of peace and security tends to take over now, or the desire for peace inspires you now. Your affections are strong and you prefer quiet moments with loved ones. This is an excellent time for working on intellectual tasks with more staying power and passion. A sudden job opportunity comes your way.

Gemini

This week you can make progress by first focussing on background work, particularly and leaving the big stuff like starting new projects or making large purchases for the end of the week. The ability to express and communicate your ideas is enormously important to you at this time.

Cancer

Your ability to manage stress and pressure increases this week. You are able to stand your ground and affirm yourself more than usual. This is also an excellent time for assertiveness and physical vitality. It's definitely time to put some energy into carving your individual path in life.

Leo

When the sun enters your sign on the 23^rd you really begin to feel that your life is taking off. The ability to communicate well with others might enhance your finances during this period. You might find yourself in a position in which there is a amalgamation of financial matters with social or public matters.

Virgo

This week has some extra satisfying moments when something you have yearned to experience ensues for you. With Venus in Virgo on July 22nd, things just keep getting better and your personal schedule looks very decent. You are overflowing with ideas about how manifest your desires and dreams.

Libra

You are entering a period that offers pleasing opportunities for success and good financial returns! You are very likely to be doing some multi-tasking regarding career and business matters. Try not to worry unnecessarily about your public standing and personal responsibilities.

Scorpio

Any ideas you put out there now could grow into something impressive and workable later. Your enterprising spirit is about to soar. The motivation to go after what you want returns to you. The end of this week sees you enjoying time with your friends and finding pleasure in being in a group.

Sagittarius

With the sun in Leo, it seems that action comes more easily for you. You will find the world much more receptive than usual to what you have to offer. Your imagination and creativity can increase now, and you relish exploring your spiritual nature. You may need to do something to spice up your intimate relationship.

Capricorn

Many of you could pick up a new hobby or interest, start a new project, and have an easier time settling legal matters, plan or do some travel now. Many of you are also likely to contact someone who hasn’t been in your life in a long time and see if you can develop a bond once again.

Aquarius

The Aquarius full moon on the 23^rd is yours to enjoy! Make the most of its creative energy. Some of you may however want some mental stimulation that you don’t or can’t get, and this can make you uneasy, irritable, and impetuous. If you’ve been working hard you’ll be pleased to be rewarded now.

Pisces

You will enjoy spending time with other people in one-on-one settings this week. You crave the intimacy and closeness of this scenario. Be as flexible as possible and go with the flow at this time as changes are afoot that you may not be able to control. It’s an auspicious time for giving yourself a second chance at something.

Astral Peeks: Aquarian Full Moons.

Two consecutive full moons are occurring in Aquarius, this full moon in July and the next full moon in August. This puts extra focus on Aquarius issues. If you're an Aquarius Sun, Moon, or rising, you may feel the effects of this moon most. In a global sense it puts the focus onto humanitarian issues and causes. A Full Moon brings light and awareness into the particulars of its sign. Aquarius is the revolutionary, guided by a vision of freedom, fairness and unity. This is a positive time to achieve breakthroughs, generate new visions and new answers in areas of life that might require some support. We can open our intuition, be inspired and be inspirational to others.

Meditation moments: Helping keep the body Healthy.

Any condition that's caused or worsened by stress can be alleviated through meditation, says cardiologist Herbert Benson, MD, well known for three decades of research into the health effects of meditation. He is the founder of the Mind/Body Institute at Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre.

"The relaxation response [from meditation] helps decrease metabolism, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart rate, breathing, and brain waves," Benson says. Tension and tightness seep from muscles as the body receives a quiet message to relax.

There's scientific evidence showing how meditation works. In people who are meditating, brain scans called MRI have shown an increase in activity in areas that control metabolism and heart rate. Other studies on Buddhist monks have shown that meditation produces long-lasting changes in the brain activity in areas involved in attention, working memory, learning, and conscious perception.

Why aren’t we all doing it??