astral meanders November 20-27 2013

In General: The sun moves into Sagittarius this week and immediately we should notice a shift from our need for intimate connections with individuals and with ourselves, to the desire to reach out to the world and connect with something larger than ourselves. Mercury conjuncts Saturn on the 25^th and a need to be attentive to details arises once again. The main focus of this week and into the month’s end is one of transformation… still and again, which we are being called to embrace in a proactive manner. If you have a birthday this week then pay attention to the details of things in the year ahead and you will achieve success. On the world scene we become more aware of international issues and how they relate to Australia. Locally it is a socially pleasant week.

Thought for the week: Without freedom, no one really has a name.  ~Milton Acorda


Aries

An inspiring time is to be had from now until the end of the month but you need to stay on top of health and general wellbeing to make the most of it! Pay attention to your body!You are inspired by learning and faraway places now!It would be prudent for you to consider scheduling a vacation, an adventure or a course that challenges your mind. 

 Taurus

It’s a busy, action packed time for you guys and one of possibility. Just don’t get too confused by the range of opportunities heading your way! You would do well to just listen with your heart!You are more willing to take little risks now. In your enthusiasm however, try to be sensitive to the needs of others.

Gemini

If you take a logical and practical approach to work and life now, you can come up trumps every time! This is a great time for creative efforts in your vocation, as you're likely to be more confident about expressing yourself.This may be an especially busy time as well so be prepared to juggle commitments.

Cancer

It’s a very good week for cancer, with travel, education and relationships looking much better than usual! The weeks end could see some extra special news coming your way!A possible slowdown of energy is likely overall, with the general purpose of you getting better acquainted with your innermost self.

Leo

If there are any big projects you have been wanting to get your teeth into then now is the time! You are likely feeling good in general, and you tend to spread the joy.You could find that your talents or skills are especially appreciated.Your social life brings both opportunities and some spectacle in the latter part of the week.

Virgo

It’s a good time to be aware of those you love and to spend a little time on giving acknowledgment where it is deserved! This is also an excellent period for physical training and exercise of any kind.Do be careful not to push yourself too far however. Others see you in a favourable light at this time so make the most of it.

Libra

The latter half of this week is a time to celebrate and be happy. Something that has been bothering you finally get resolved and things in general come together nicely!You are not especially focused right now.In fact, you could have a finger in many pies right now. For the time being, remember to take some time for rest.

Scorpio

It’s an effective and productive week for Scorpio and much can be accomplished now! Personal pressures have a tendency to ease from the 22nd forward, as the attention moves away from you a little and you can better tend to other concerns and comforts.Friends can be your greatest supporters and allies now.

Sagittarius

Don’t be too tempted to throw caution to the wind and don’t be too easily distracted now! Its time for finding our path and sticking to it! It can be an effective and productive week but you have stay on the straight and narrow. Whenever you can, take extra time for rest and recuperation as well.

Capricorn

This can be an exceptionally prosperous and rewarding Time for Capricorn, just go with the flow and let it happen!You may experience a stronger urge to take a break from frenzied, demanding, or competitive situations now.Conclusions of natural cycles can be a part of the picture at this time too. 

Aquarius

It’s a time when the drive to go deeper into your feelings and to understand the purpose of things, life the universe and everything, is strong! Things in general are easier now and friends are helpful! Group activities will give you lots of pleasure.This is a good time to follow your personal dreams and ideals.

Pisces

You are feeling adventurous and this week can pave the way for some truly amazing activity in your life. Around the 26th you'll feel more organized and full of purpose and direction.Your energy is strong, open, and friendly right now, and you come across well to others. Friendships can be renewed and enlivened now.  

Astral Peeks: Comet ISON C/2012 S1

In November, an icy, dusty visitor to our Solar System could put on a spectacular show. Comet ISON C/2012 S1 is so far predicted to be very bright, with some touting it as potentially the comet of the century. The comet’s perihelion (or closest approach to the Sun), will be a mere 1.2 million kilometres on 29 November and it is possible this close encounter may cause the comet to disintegrate. Best time for Southern Hemisphere observers to catch a glimpse is from mid to late November in the morning sky before sunrise. If the comet does brighten dramatically as it approaches the Sun then it may be possible to see during the daylight, a rare sight indeed! This would be around the date of perihelion, the 29th.

To help you learn about the southern night sky, Sydney Observatory provides an audio guide/podcast, transcript of that audio, and a sky map or chart each month. Check it out at: http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/category/astronomy/monthly-sky-guides/

Meditation moments: Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is modern meditation for young people developed by a team of psychologists with expertise in youth and adolescent therapy.It is a unique web and App-based program, designed to help bring balance to young lives and it’s free.

It is a not-for-profit initiative based on a process that provides a sense of clarity, calm and contentment. As you may have noticed, Smiling Mind is a unique organisation. Since all of Smiling Mind’s programs are offered free of charge, they rely solely on donations to operate. If you believe in what they’re doing and care to make a donation, you will be helping to continue providing programs as well as growing and improving them.

Smiling Mind’s mission is to provide accessible, lifelong tools based in mindfulness meditation. Creating happier, healthier and more compassionate young people.

Their vision is for Mindfulness Meditation to be on the Australian Curriculum by 2020. Smiling Mind complements the general capabilities of ‘personal and social capability’ and ‘critical and creative thinking’ and can be included in pastoral care, wellbeing and mental health curricula.

- See more at: http://smilingmind.com.au/blog/#!/category/background/what-is-smiling-mind

See more at: http://smilingmind.com.au/blog/#!/category/science-of-smiling-mind

- See more at: http://smilingmind.com.au/#sthash.BReYWsJU.dpuf