2018 Astral meanders

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2018 begins with a strong Mars and Jupiter in Scorpio, making us all feel focused on transforming ourselves and our lives for the better. We are heading into a year of building, restructuring, manifesting and the laying of foundations for the life we truly want to lead. Jupiter rules optimism and is generally a happy planet, while Scorpio rules the seriousness of life, together, they can combine to help us traverse the more practical issues of our journey with a sense of positivity and hope. Saturn and Uranus will both be sitting in Earth signs for the most part of this year and the consequent earthy energy should help all of us to start bringing more structure and order into our lives. 2018 also begins with a super full moon in Cancer and the positive energy of all the planets in direct motion, where they remain until March.

There are a total of 5 eclipses in 2018, in the signs of Leo, Aquarius, and Cancer. These open the door to a new cycle that encourages our intuition and empathy. Globally this should have a positive impact on international relations and humanitarian projects. The first eclipse is January 31^st in Leo. Dreams, ideals, goals and creativity can open up new vistas for us. A Solar eclipse two weeks later on February 15^th in Aquarius will help us to realize the value of connecting with others.

Quote for the year: There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day. ~Alexander Woollcott

Aries

General: During 2018 Aries are charged with the need and desire to tidy up the loose ends of their lives and get organized. Things that are no longer relevant will be pruned out and the things that are precious will take on greater importance. There is a sense of personal growth and deeper maturity for Arians this year. Particularly helpful is Pluto in your career sector. Between March and June, some of you guys will make relationship commitments and others will enter a new and rejuvenated phase in their relationship.

Meditation: There is a practice called the 5 Tibetans which are Energy Rejuvenation Exercises. You can do the whole routine in 15 minutes and only need enough floor space for your body while laying down and enough air space for your arms to be outstretched. They will ground and center you as well as give you a good a workout! http://www.lifeevents.org/5-tibetans-energy-rejuvenation-exercises.htm

Inspiration: Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life. ~Rumi

Taurus

General:

For Taurus people the year 2018 is generally one of peace and harmony. Jupiter starts the year in your relationship sector where he will remain until November. Relationships, as a consequence, seem to benefit from your increased understanding and sensitivity to others. Whilst it is basically a good year for career growth and development it is not a time to be making big changes to your job or place of work. Stability is key in 2018. Your confidence levels receive a nice boost, go with this and avoid your usual self- criticisms.

Meditation: You should optimize your confidence boost by purchasing a blank exercise book and making yourself a three compliments journal! When you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, then grab the journal and pen, and give yourself three compliments. Eventually you will come to think of yourself in more loving and glowing terms!

Inspiration: The strongest force in the universe is a human being living consistently with his identity. ~Tony Robbins

Gemini

General:

2018 is a period of high energy in almost all areas of life for Gemini. There is a sense that this year is about re-birthing yourself and that new opportunities and will easily come your way. Seize them without hesitation as there is a lot to be gained from making changes now. There are many folk wanting to support you and offer help for advancement both in your personal and professional life. Your budget may need some rethinking and reorganizing though and this should be your main focus at the beginning of the year.

Meditation: A meditation in nature can provide a visual lesson and calmness to help you get ready for your next big change. Find a comfortable spot outside, set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes, and observe. This observation meditation requires you to have your eyes open. Ask yourself these questions as you meditate. 1.What is the complete picture before me? Take a mental note of everything you see: the sky, the animals, color of the trees, and items on the ground. 2.What is happening as I watch? Are leaves falling? Do animals come and go? Do the clouds stay the same? Maybe the weather has even transitioned. 3. How does the picture differ from when I first sat down?

Inspiration: The poetry of the earth is never dead. ~John Keats

Cancer

General:

The New year begins on a wonderfully positive note for most Cancerians and with a Lunar eclipse in your money sector, good luck is very much on your side. Good news or a fortunate encounter will boost your confidence. Major changes are likely on the home front this year, heralding a new phase of your life. Some big decisions may need your attention and its best to try and stick with logic and practicality as opposed to emotionality.

Meditation: The following meditation practice isn't just about generating more money, but cultivating more abundance into all aspects of your life. First of all relax and begin to watch your breath as it goes in and out. As you breathe in say to yourself, "I breathe in abundance," and as you breathe out say, "there is always more than enough."

Inspiration: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill

Leo

General:

There will be some significant changes in your personal and professional life throughout 2018. You will be able to do more things this year than ever before, however, whilst you will feel the urge to expand your horizons, try new things and to have more fun and make more money, you must not spread yourself too thin. Ultimately the urge for personal or professional success should not be curbed, but rather, channeled into a few important projects instead of many.

Meditation: Try a regular Body scan to help with relaxation. This technique blends breath focus with progressive muscle relaxation. After a few minutes of deep breathing, you focus on one part of the body or group of muscles at a time and mentally release any physical tension you feel there. A body scan can help boost your awareness of the mind-body connection.

Inspiration: We all need empty hours in our lives or we will have no time to create or dream.  ~Robert Coles

Virgo

General:

In 2018 opportunities to meet more people from varied backgrounds will lead you to new and interesting relationships. This year is one where a boost to your ego and confidence lets you make some positive and lasting changes to your life. Business, career, relationships in general and finances should all go well for you with seemingly little effort. Higher education is particularly favoured.  Your popularity increases and fate smiles on you. Go with the flow and take full advantage of this exciting year!

Meditation: Make the most of this year by learning to love yourself more and love more unconditionally. Be kind to yourself and put yourself first. Experiencing yourself as the empowered, magnificent, unlimited and beautiful being you are. There are so many ways to do this. Here are a few practical ideas: a bubble bath, a massage, a healthy nutritious meal, writing a list of things you love about yourself, indulging in something you love, sticking up for yourself by speaking your truth quietly and clearly.

Inspiration: He who knows others is learned; He who knows himself is wise.
~Lao-tzu, Tao te Ching

Libra

General:

A solar eclipse occurs on February 15th and this kick starts a year of getting in touch with your emotions, bringing new love into your life, or reigniting the energy within existing relationships. The overall emphasis in 2018 is on your finances, with Jupiter bringing you positive, new financial opportunities. Mars in your financial sector at the start the year also helps you to kick off the year on a positive note financially and really take advantage of the opportunities you have.

Meditation: Keep life simple. Far too many of us are always over analyzing and looking for the most complicated way of doing things in life. Sometimes life was meant to be simple – a walk through the park, a simple yes or no answer, or a quiet evening with the family. Don’t try and clutter your life with unnecessary decisions by making everything complicated and complex. Keep it simple! 

Inspiration: The mind is what it thinks. To make it true, think true. ~Nisargadatta Maharaj

Scorpio

General:

In 2018 you can make progress and experience success with your goals and ambitions if you are prepared to work hard, smart, and responsibly. January in particular sees you with surplus energy and drive! The August 11th solar eclipse occurs in your career sector, and you can set new goals and get attention for achievement at this time. Pluto and Saturn will be keeping your outlook and mood more serious and somber than usual in 2018, but don't forget to allow yourself a little fun.

Meditation: Be present in your moments! Take 5 minutes and focus on only one behavior with awareness. Notice how the air feels on your face when you’re walking or how your feet feel hitting the ground. Enjoy the texture and taste of each bite of food. When you spend time in the moment and focus on your senses, you should feel less tense.

Inspiration: The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go. ~Steve Maraboli

Sagittarius

General:

Mars is in your sign late January through to mid-March, and consequently your energy will increase, you’ll feel more driven and enthusiastic about life and work and will make the most of opportunities coming your way. It's a great time to take the initiative and get started with something new or innovative. From May onwards you might want to make some changes to your work life. The work opportunities you pursue, the kind of people you encounter through your work and what you want from work can work can change.

Meditation: Release tension in the body on a regular basis. Place a warm heat wrap around your neck and shoulders for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and relax your face, neck, upper chest, and back muscles. Remove the wrap, and use a tennis ball or foam roller to massage away tension. Place the ball between your back and the wall. Lean into the ball, and hold gentle pressure for up to 15 seconds. Then move the ball to another spot.

Inspiration: Kindness is just love with its workboots on. ~Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith

Capricorn

General:

Life makes better sense in 2018, Capricorn. A clearer perspective will make it much easier to achieve your goals and dreams. Your personal planet Saturn is at home in Capricorn, and this greatly empowers your year ahead. Mars will be in a very positive angle to your Sun sign indicating it’s time to spread your wings. This will positively affect travel, training, intellectual or legal activities and foreign connections. You could also be seen more as an advisor, trainer or teacher yourself, helping others in some way.
Meditation: Nature and exercise are both prescriptions for improved health and well-being. And considering you are something of an adventurer, why not find a hike near you. Try searching the internet to find a hike near you. As you hike, bring awareness to your breath as you move. Notice the sensations in your body, observe how your heart rate increases on the hills, and watch your calves engage as you descend. Notice every detail of your surroundings: the colors, the plants and fauna, any animals you pass, the rhythm and pace of your movements, and your feet as they hit the ground in a cyclical manner. Take it all in without distraction.

Inspiration: Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.  ~Juvenal,

Aquarius

General:

Out with the old and in with the new is they 2018 theme for Aquarius. One way or another a different world will open to you through unfamiliar places and people or just those with a different mind-set or background to your own. Conflicts can occur but you tend to keep your frustrations bottled up so the advice is to take up an activity that releases your emotions or have a heart to heart talk with someone close which allows you to gain clearer perspective. The Solar eclipse in November helps you achieve your goals.

Meditation: Start a Journal. Writing about your feelings or writing them in the form of a letter can be a release from mental obsession. Read your words to a trusted friend, sponsor, or therapist for added relief.

Inspiration: Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. ~Winston Churchill

Pisces

General:

Love relationships or work in a team or as a partnership should prove to be very productive for you in 2018. Travel, foreign connections, higher education and/or liaising with those at a distance could be a part of the picture. Jupiter will put you into a more outgoing, positive frame of mind, generally, making it easy for you to make new friends. You are inclined to be in a more sociable, upbeat mood as you are beginning to see an easier and more positive journey unfolding for you.

Meditation: Go to a laughter yoga session or just find ways to laugh more! It helps you to be in the present and go with the flow to see things as funny, rather than frustrating. If you can learn to laugh at things, you’ve come a long way. Try laughing even if you don’t think it’s funny — it will most likely become funny.

Inspiration: Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. ~Author Unknown