astral meanders 4-10 September 2013

In general:  This week may begin with some difficulty as Mars energy is quite dominant and can make us restless and uneasy. Many of us will be feeling extra tired, or we may find ourselves working harder than we anticipated. Postponing what we can and opting for some down time would be best. The new moon on the 5^th is in Virgo and asks us to double check details and pay attention to the order and process of things. Around the 7^th the Sun and Jupiter bring some optimistic energy and a little more light-heartedness to play. Finally it’s time for some fun! With Mercury entering Libra at the weeks end expect that no-one will find decision making easy, seeing both sides of a story is natural now!  If you have a birthday this week, the year ahead will be a somewhat draining one and it’s wise to pay extra attention to rest and a good diet. On the world scene expect to see difficult interactions between world leaders and some restless confusion when it comes to decision making! Locally save any celebrations until the 6^th and after.

Thought for the week:
Nothing so conclusively proves a man's ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself.  ~Thomas J. Watson


Aries

This week you could begin a new work project, move to a new office, be offered a new or revitalised work opportunity, or start a new job. With Mercury in Libra later this week you seem to come up with your best ideas when you’re with a partner. You need someone to bounce ideas off of.

Taurus

You can find yourself working on a lot of little projects and doing all sorts of small tasks and chores at work and at home this week. With the new moon in fellow earth sign Virgo, you can initiate a creative project, start a fresh hobby, or take some time off from your everyday jobs to just have some fun.

Gemini

You may feel your more nurturing, mothering side comes to the fore early this week. In the latter part of the week, you have a hard time focusing on your work and responsibilities, Gemini. This is a good time for an artistic project however, and very good if you’re a creative writer.

Cancer

You could get some good news, or find some information you need this week. Your focus will mainly be on family and family matters this week, Cancer. You think a good deal about the past and situations will naturally bring up old memories. An opportunity could be presented via a neighbour, friend  or sibling.

Leo

This week is all about communication! Everyone wants to talk to you, share information, advice, and gossip, and come to you with their ideas. As a result you can also be more scattered and unfocused mentally. The first half of the week could offer you a new opportunity to increase your income.

Virgo

Romance and relationships are in the spotlight. This is the time to make adjustments in your life that will help you attain the fulfilment and contentment you have always wanted. Neptune will induce a state of idealism in love, and a romantic surprise or two. Make the most of this dynamic energy!

Libra

On September 9th, when Mercury enters your sign, Libra, your mind naturally moves at an even faster pace. You may be more interested in spirituality and the metaphysical. Any ideas you come up with now should be written down as there are so many you can easily forget them later!

Scorpio

You can come up with a new dream for your future this week, Scorpio. From the 8^th you don’t much feel like chatting with anyone and tend to come up with your best ideas on your own. You have a more active imagination, and can daydream the day away. You are more innovative with the solutions you come up and embrace the extraordinary.

Sagittarius

You can get a raise, be promoted, or get some sort of job recognition this week. You may also find yourself in the public eye! Certainly many of you will be able to see the future more clearly after this week. You can also come up with ideas that are innovative and unusual at this time.

Capricorn

What a transformational time for you guys! You will feel like expanding your world, life, or mind now. You may take a trip to somewhere you’ve never been, sample foods you’ve never tried, take up a new language, start a new course of study, or just plan your visit to faraway places.

Aquarius

This is a good time to learn something new, take a class, pick up a language, or do some travel. You want to explore the world now. You’re hopeful and gregarious, and others find you engaging now. You can begin a transformation of something in your life or of yourself this week.

Pisces

You will become more focused on serious subjects, and take a more serious approach to situations, this week. Having someone by your side and doing things with others can bring you the most opportunities at this time. Look to others to help you, and then again, help others as well.

Astral Peeks: September skies

If you look overhead as darkness falls anytime this week, your eyes will fall on the brilliant star Vega in the constellation Lyra the Harp. At magnitude 0.0, Vega is the brightest member of the prominent Summer Triangle asterism.

Brilliant Venus lies low in the west-southwest shortly after sunset all week. Shining at magnitude –4.0, the planet appears conspicuous as darkness falls to anyone with a clear sky and an unobstructed horizon. It stands approximately 10° above the horizon 30 minutes after the Sun sets. 

Also as darkness falls in early September, Saturn lies about 15° above the west-southwestern horizon. The ringed planet shines at magnitude 0.7 among the background stars of eastern Virgo, some 15° to the upper left of Venus. 

Meditation moments: Mindfulness and scientific proof!

Mindfulness involves paying attention each moment to things as they are, with an open hearted and non-judgemental attitude. This is a process of observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they come and go, with an attitude of curiosity and acceptance.

Mindful awareness can be applied to experiencing every day activities such as eating, walking, washing the dishes, and having a shower. Practicing mindfulness can help us to be less caught up in stress, worry, low mood, by helping us to develop a greater capacity to engage in our lives by being more fully present. 

What researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered also is that, in long-term practitioners of relaxation methods such as yoga and meditation, far more ''disease-fighting genes'' were active, compared to those who practised no form of relaxation.

In particular, they found genes that protect from disorders such as pain, infertility, high blood pressure and even rheumatoid arthritis were switched on. The changes, say the researchers, were induced by what they call ''the relaxation effect'', a phenomenon that could be just as powerful as any medical drug but without the side effects.

''We found a range of disease-fighting genes were active in the relaxation practitioners that were not active in the control group,'' Dr Herbert Benson, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, who led the research, says.

To Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/relax--its-good-for-you-20090819-eqlo.html#ixzz2dftxHoMP