Astral meanders 2-8 July 2014

In General: July, finally a month with no inner planet retrogrades and no grand crosses! This week take a breather and survey where you sit in the great scheme of things. On the 5^th we enter the 2nd Quarter Moon phase. Over the next week, it’s a great opportunity to make adjustments to where you want to go and how to get there. Towards the end of the week, the Sun and Pluto are at loggerheads and it’s in our better interests to avoid confrontation as much as possible. However despite the potential uproar and drama, this opposition can refresh, rejuvenate and even flush out noxious energy. Also throughout most of July, there is a lovely trine aspect between Venus and Mars, as Mars conjoins the North Lunar Node. This certainly is a time when your intentions and resources sync in and you can get back onto a proactive and positive life path. If you have a birthday this week then it’s time to plan your longer term future, lots of positive changes are in store. On the world scene it’s a pivotal week and foundations for change will be laid. Weather conditions will calm down. Locally take some well-earned time out for yourself!

Thought for the week: I believe in intuitions and inspirations...I sometimes feel that I am right. I do not know that I am. ~ Albert Einstein

Aries

Health could be a little bit delicate this week so really look after yourself. Overall however, you should feel like life is going a lot smoother now that it has all year. You’ll feel more energetic and proactive and confident in conversations. You focus on fun with family and people, laughing and lighthearted.

Taurus

This week puts complicated issues and confusing situations back on track and you should feel like life is going a lot smoother now, that it has all year. You feel happy to be yourself again! It’s not an action packed week and you can enjoy the slower pace! Finances can be put in much better order too.

Gemini

It’s an upbeat week for you guys! Love will simply find its way to you and the Universe will contrive to fill your heart with happiness. Psychologically you will be feeling more positive and proactive in general and this will make for some great personal decisions. Health is improving too!

Cancer

Studies, travel, spiritual fulfillment, or large-scale project management are all highlighted this week. A good deal of your time will be taken with these and you will need to be wary of over committing yourself! You will have more ambition and energy, though, which is exactly what you need.

Leo

This week promises a lot of fun and brings emotionally uplifting opportunities instigated by friends, or by participation in group activities.However, your energy levels are low and you will need to pace yourself! Look after any health issues immediately! Have plenty of rest and try to relax.

Virgo

New relationships can successfully get under way now and old relationships can receive a nice new spark! You are very possibly joining a new group, or wanting to break out of your usual routine and get more involved in fun activities. The planets are definitely supportive with this.

Libra

Domestically you may be called upon to lead the way on something, or take control of a situation. In the professional world there are opportunities to move up the ladder of achievement, or maybe there is even a career change for some. This early part of the month will be a period of increased responsibility.

Scorpio

Having vision, and the faith to follow it, makes all the difference this week and indeed for the whole of July. If you can stay focused during the quiet first weeks of this month fortune will smile on you from the 16^th…so this week, keep up the positivity and enjoy the ride! Things are shifting in Scorpio favour!

Sagittarius

This is the ideal time for liberating what you are no longer using in your space or your life and creating room for what you will use and want. The general astrological focus for you guys right now is in your own areas of give and take, shared support and financial business. It’s vital to devote your energies and time, to fruitful objectives.

Capricorn

This week is highlighting the relationship area of your life. The influence or contribution of other people could now have a substantial bearing on the decisions you are making. Probably the changes happening to people around you are also having a great impact on your own state of affairs.

Aquarius

Greater health and general wellbeing are in store this week and indeed for the most of July! Optimism increases with your better energy levels and you should be your old smiling self again! Folk are likely to come into your life now that can provide some teaching and wisdom on a higher level.

Pisces

Inner questioning and a deep search for validation is on the cards now. If you are prepared to be brave and let opportunities that arrive into your world then much can be begun and achieved this week.  But you have to give yourself a chance first There can be a tendency to doubt both self and others!

Astral Peeks: Jupiter in Leo

Jupiter will change signs to Leo on July 16th 2014 and remain there until August 11th 2015. Jupiter in Leo, makes for easy gains in our life. It’s a smart time to sow some very important seeds. Jupiter is at home in a fellow fire sign and in the spotlight of Leo should encourage growth through self-expression and the performance arts. Jupiter represents success but also excess. There’s been so much blocked energy over the last several months that this transition will be a good thing and end up giving a much needed positive energy enhancement.

Meditation moments: Stay calm… Meditate with your Children.

Now that we are in the School Holidays perhaps practicing a little easy mediation with your children is a good idea. There is so much science behind meditation showing the many benefits such as; aiding in sleep, increased immunity, supporting asthma sufferers, reducing stress etc.  It can be a wonderful and fun journey to explore with your child. Below are some easy mediations to do with your child.

Tune your hearing into what's going on outside the room –people chatting, a dog barking, the sound of the wind. Then acknowledge the room you're sitting in – a ticking clock, electrical appliances buzzing. Finally bring your attention within, to the feel of your heart beating and any areas of tightness in your body. As you breathe in repeat to yourself "I am here" and as you breathe out "I am now". Then smile and laugh!!

Breathe! Take Five Breath… Your breath is always with you. Learning to check in to it from an early age is a major tool. Try "take 5 breath" where you inhale for five, and exhale for five. Use your fingers to count as you breathe. Slowing your breath will slow down your mind. Can you feel your heart rise and fall as you breathe? Can you feel the breath enter and leave your nose?

Take a jar and fill the bottom with a bit of sand. Then cover with water. Shake the jar so that all the grains of sand begin swirling all around. Tell your child that each of those grains of sands represents a thought. It could be a happy thought, a sad thought, an angry thought. But, the grains swirling around represent all of the thoughts buzzing around our heads throughout the day. Next put the jar down and allow the sand to settle. See how the sand "thoughts"