A Dream of Pisces

Were you beginning to wonder if March would ever get here? I know that I'm very grateful that winter is almost ready to move along and spring approaches fast. With the last vestiges of winter upon us, we've also reached the realm of the final sign of the zodiac, the dreamily ethereal Pisces.

Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac, and therefore naturally resides in the twelfth house of the unconscious mind and mystical inspiration. Its symbol is a pair of fish, one swimming upstream and one swimming downstream. It's often said that this represents the dichotomy of Pisces traits: they can either be extremely motivated and excel in the more earth-bound matters, or be somewhat ungrounded, preferring to float along through life with their thoughts and focus on more mystical matters. Either way, these individuals bring something distinctive and otherworldly into the mix. Pisces is considered a feminine sign, and the energies of most Pisceans who follow their Sun sign traits are gentle and compassionate by nature. Since the Piscean element is water and exhibits a mutable quality, these individuals tend to be intuitive, emotional and changeable.

Initially ruled by Jupiter, Pisces acquired the more appropriate affiliation with Neptune upon the planet's discovery in 1846. Since Neptune is the planet of idealism, compassion, creativity and spirituality, Pisces snuggles up quite comfortably with the eighth known planet in our solar system. Naturally playful by nature, Pisces is friendly, charming and rather enchanting. They have a mystical quality about them that is open-minded and genuine, and their eyes tend to be large and dreamy.

Being watery by nature, Pisces is emotional and naturally psychic. Because of the murkier qualities of Neptune, however, without proper grounding their perceptions may not be entirely reliable. It is important that they learn methods of discernment and practicality to avoid being challenged by their sign's less savory qualities of illusion, confusion and deception. Pisceans can often experience periods of extreme uncertainty and self-deception, and could benefit from a trusted friend or loved one to recognize when they're in crisis, and gently remind them of their need to check in and ground on occasion. The use of the stones Fluorite, Jade and Lapis Lazuli can be a soothing influence and also help bring clarity and focus on these occasions.

Because the influence of Neptune can inspire a more murky sensitivity, fear can play a large part in how Pisces perceives his surroundings. Extremely sensitive, many Pisces individuals may find the world to be a particularly harsh terrain to navigate, and some may choose to escape into alcoholic, chemical, or even spiritual indulgence as a way to buffer themselves from reality for a time when it all becomes overwhelming. As water signs, alcohol can be particularly seductive for them. As a healthier alternative, Pisceans can choose to empower themselves by engaging in more positive activities such as joining groups that promote healing and acceptance, using therapeutic methods like stone therapy or massage, and taking up daily practices such as yoga, meditation and gardening to bring energies on all levels back into alignment. One particular stone that could be of use when one is feeling fearful or worried is Lepidolite. Alexandrite is regenerative, and can also be useful in helping to restore balance, reinforce one's self-esteem, and assist one in experiencing joyful appreciation of the interconnectedness of all.

Pisces tends to see beyond the everyday, and into the mystical realms of understanding that can reside just beyond our grasp. Those who wish to enhance their innate psychic abilities can utilize the energies of Moonstone and Aquamarine in their daily meditations. Pisces creativity is remarkable, and those who harness the ability to articulate all the wonders of their unique perceptions in a way that the rest of us can understand will truly be a gift to themselves and others.

There is a quote that I've recently come across by Frederick Buechner and I'd like to share it with everyone, and particularly any Piscean who is called to read it here: "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." While I find this to be deeply inspiring on a personal level, as I'm sure many will, I feel that it could be especially poignant for those with Pisces Sun, or in a prominent position in their chart.

With that said, I'd like to end with a special message to all Pisceans: You have a place in this world, my dear, though at times you may not feel it. There is a hunger that exists now in the world for your unique qualities of compassion and insight. When you find your footing, and learn to express your perceptions in a voice that others can hear, you can be a part of the vanguard of souls who lead us into a new way of being and becoming. I believe in you.

Namaste.

The Aquarian Focus

Happy February, everyone! I especially love this month because it represents so many good things to me. For one, it contains my birthday, and I do enjoy birthdays! They present a great opportunity (and reminder) for those around us to show that they’re really happy we were born, and I am blessed with many fine people in my life who do just that. An additional benefit of February is that it’s the last theoretically wintry month of the year, which makes it the portal to spring…and who doesn’t love spring? Some religions celebrate Imbolc, Candlemas, or Brigid’s Day on February 2^nd, which is the first of three spring celebrations. I can personally see real wisdom in choosing to celebrate joyously what could otherwise be seen as a rather icky month, and I encourage us all to find every excuse to create joy during the last stretch of this wintery season.

Incidentally, this February begins with a rather beneficial, especially cool conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in Capricorn, which will be visible in the east-southeast, early morning sky beginning on the 1st. Check them out on February 4^th, about 45 minutes before sunrise, and you will be additionally treated to a planetary triangle formed by Venus, Jupiter and a lovely crescent Moon. I think I’ll set the alarm clock for this one!

So to commemorate this quirky, delightful month, my focus for this article is the equally quirky and mostly delightful sign of Aquarius. The Sun transits Aquarius every year from January 20^th to February 18^th. Its symbol is the Water Bearer, which sometimes causes a bit of confusion because Aquarius is actually an air sign, and is intellectual in nature. To clarify, Aquarius is a sign of great knowledge and wisdom, and Aquarians are said to enjoy a direct line to the Akashic Records, which can be likened to Universal Memory. Aquarians enjoy sharing the knowledge gained from such unfettered access with those around them, indicated symbolically by the pouring out of wisdom (represented by water) from the Water Bearer’s jar. Thus, the water actually represents knowledge, which is in line with the element of air.

Aquarius is the sign of harmony and unity. As the 11^th sign of the Zodiac, it naturally occupies the 11^th house of friendship. Aquarians make loyal, devoted friends and often regard their friendships as being the most important relationships in their lives. The more evolved an Aquarian is, the more likely she will create friendships within all of her relationships, be they familial, romantic, or work-related. Friendship is imperative to Aquarius in all aspects of relating. In my personal experience, the breaking up of a romantic relationship -- while potentially heartbreaking, is buffered by the opportunity to retain that person as a good friend. I choose romantic partners who have excellent friendship potential, and as a result, many of my greatest and most enduring friendships began as romances. What I find especially sorrowful is when a romance ends, and my former lover chooses to end the friendship as well. I can happily say that this has been an extremely rare occurrence. It is very difficult for Aquarians when they lose friends, as these close connections have become so much a part of their lives, that it leaves an awful hole when they’re gone. It’s a good thing that Aquarians are charming and outgoing, enabling them to make new friends so easily!

Aquarius is a positive, future-thinking sign which chooses to look at the potential good of every person and situation. If you’re looking for someone on your team who can conceptualize future trends and ideas, recruit an Aquarian. You’ll need to suspend disbelief a bit, since these intellectuals tend to think and communicate in the abstract. Fixed in nature, once an Aquarian sets her mind to do or believe in something or someone, she can be unshakeable and steadfast. If mistaken, however, an evolved Aquarian will be able to shift his thinking quickly in order to accept a different path. This will occur only after the error has been proven beyond a doubt, and being the born detectives of the Zodiac, an Aquarian will leave no stone unturned to get to the truth of the matter.

As innate humanitarians, you will often find Aquarians engaged in some altruistic passion or two in their spare time. We tend to be drawn to socially conscious, compassionate causes, as well as politics and matters of societal justice. Cruelty and unfairness are repulsive to Water Bearers, and being socially outgoing and openly honest, we tend to let those around us know when our sensitivities have been abused by bigotry and hateful statements. The more mature of us have learned to do this in a respectful manner, due to the acquired awareness that on the mundane level we are all entitled to our opinion, and at the spiritual level we are all at different stages of our own evolutionary paths. Even mature Aquarians will stand up at full volume where appropriate, however. We’ve simply learned to pick our battles wisely.

Traditionally, Aquarius was thought to be ruled by Saturn, a terribly uncomfortable alliance for the sign that insists upon marching to the tune of its own drummer. Upon the discovery of Uranus in 1781, however, it became obvious that the eccentric, unpredictable and unconventional energies of this quirky planet were more in tune to Aquarian nature. Uranus has the unusual distinction of revolving on its side, and its unique teal cloud cover is too dense to reveal anything of the planet’s physical secrets to modern science. This maverick planet is a much more fitting overseer of Aquarian energies than staunch Saturn, as it represents the qualities of personal freedom, individuality, new discoveries, and innovative ideas. To provide balance, however, Saturn still maintains co-rulership of Aquarius. This can be thought of as beneficial in that the planet of discipline and restraint helps to stabilize the otherwise erratic, uncontrolled energies of Uranus.

If you fall in love with an Aquarian, you can certainly expect a break from the norm. Aquarians are a rare breed indeed, and even the more conventional ones will surprise you on occasion with an unexpected trait that peeks out of hiding when you get close enough to really know them. Intellectual by nature, be prepared to share in your Aquarian’s love of knowledge, which they soak up like a sponge, seeking out new opportunities to learn in every moment. Life is a discovery for Aquarius, and those who sport this Sun sign are childlike in their desire to know everything there is to know. This passion for information leads the typical Aquarian down many paths in life, and they never seem to tire of shifting on a dime toward the next experience that will bring them closer to ultimate enlightenment. At times this behaviour can make your head spin, so if you’re the type that likes everything to be orderly, commonplace and plodding, you may want to just keep this interesting individual as a friend. However, if you’re looking for a break from routine, someone to stir up your pot and inspire you right out of your comfortable rut, Aquarius is the person for the job! If nothing else, it’ll be quite a romp, and Aquarians certainly love the company on their many experiential jaunts.

One thing of note to understand about Aquarian emotions: They are like Scorpio in that still waters run deep. While on the surface they can appear aloof and icy when something dramatic is happening, if you look a little deeper you will understand that they are feeling the experience every bit as much as you are. The difference is they’re just trying their best to process it while keeping their cool, in an effort to come out on the other side as intact as possible. For example, on New Year’s Eve this year, my boyfriend and I had to drive quite a distance through a snowstorm to get home. (Those of you in southeast Michigan know exactly what I’m talking about!) Some years back, I had experienced a rollover accident in wintery weather, and since then I get a little nervous being on the road in these conditions.

My boyfriend drove, fortunately, and I withdrew inside myself not wanting to panic and make the situation worse. He asked me to talk to him, and I calmly informed him that talking was probably the last thing he wanted me to do at that time! It’s true. If I had tried to talk, the fear would have escaped the carefully constructed compartment in my mind that I’d shoved it in, and the trip home would’ve been entirely different. By remaining quiet, I was able to focus on prayer, working energy for us and all the other drivers, and successfully avoided freaking out and making matters worse. Moral of the story: If your Aquarian love appears to be indifferent to your situation, look deeper. Trust me; they are totally with you in it. It is very likely that they are taking great pains to stay calm and be of better use in a rather trying state of affairs. Remember, these are intellectuals; reason and pragmatism are their tools in tough situations.

Because of the abstract nature of their thinking and communicating…especially those of us with Mercury in Aquarius…it’s very easy to misunderstand the meaning behind an Aquarian’s statements and behaviour. In suggestion for those involved with a Water Bearer, try to respectfully ask for clarification if anything seems a bit off-key. Give him a chance to shift gears and reassemble his thoughts, presenting them to you in a more down-to-earth way. I can almost guarantee that this method will prove to be most beneficial in maintaining a happy relationship! Conversely, I’d like to suggest to my Aquarian brothers and sisters to remain open to the possibility of explaining themselves, and to not take offense when asked. Most of us are aware that we’re a bit “out there” at times, and are therefore more than willing to comply to preserve harmony in our relationships.

Aquarians tend to be the “airiest” of Air signs, and oftentimes appear to be uncomfortable with this human, earth-bound existence. That’s because we usually are. My best friend calls me her “absent-minded professor” because while at times mentally brilliant, I’m often overwhelmed by some of the more mundane activities! Unless we have some strong Earth sign influence in our charts, we can float through life relatively ungrounded. Our heads are often in the clouds, and our eyes are focused on the future. One of the challenges Aquarians face is to become accepting of our purpose in this existence, and to bring ourselves more into the “Now”. We’ve decided to pay Earth a visit for a reason, and accessing this purpose will enable us to fulfill it, and move more easily along our paths.

Meditation and Hatha yoga can be quite beneficial, as well as gardening (digging your hands in the Earth is a great way to ground.) I have been blessed with two Earth sign sons, who have provided me with plenty of opportunities to ground! Carrying powerful grounding stones, such as black onyx or tourmaline, and “earthy” stones, such as malachite or turquoise will help keep us more in the present, while stones like fluorite will help us to focus our often scattered energies. We don’t want to overdo it, however, because there is a purpose for our airiness, and too much grounding can dampen our brilliance and promote depression.

Remember always that balance is the key, so enjoy your radiance and continue to shine your light on the world!

Namaste.

Capricornucopia!

Welcome to 2008! Wow! A brand-new year just brimming with possibilities! Have you determined your objectives yet for the months ahead? I’ve settled on a few reasonably joyous ones, and am holding the intention that this will be our best year yet!

Now that the Jupiter-inspired extravagance of the holidaze are finally tucked in for the time-being, January usually signifies a period of putting away our party hats, rolling up our sleeves, and getting down to the business of organizing our finances and lives for the coming year. It’s no accident that this is also the time of decidedly industrious Capricorn to be highlighted. While we can choose our approach to the aforementioned duty, finding joy in the process, Capricorn can inspire us to become quite serious, facing the task at hand with a grim, potentially overly-serious determination.

The Sun transits the sign of Capricorn once a year, usually from December 22 to January 19. Being the tenth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn naturally resides in the Tenth House of professions, public status, and how we rise above, or fall below the social or economic station that we were born into. Ruled by Saturn, the stern disciplinarian of the zodiac, it’s easy to see how your Capricorn loved one arrived at her or his sober disposition honestly. As an Earth sign, we tend to rely on most Capricorns to be stable, solid and practical -- however, I have personally known a couple of Capricorns with Sagittarius rising that will at least occasionally become exceptions to that rule! These individuals, while retaining many of the recognizable Capricornian traits, seem also to challenge the boundaries of their sun sign’s typical behaviour. Famous Capricorns who may be seen as fitting this seemingly nonconformist profile include Nick Cage, Marilyn Manson, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, Al Capone, and Diane Keaton.

This brings me to a significant point: In reading up on the Sun sign of friends, loved ones or your current romantic interest, it’s important to remember that our Sun signs, while a major inspiration for us, are also merely a part of what is potentially a vastly diverse whole. Other factors include the ten known planets, their placement in the twelve houses on the zodiac wheel, the sign that inhabit each house, and the relationships between the planets and houses that work as important energies in signifying our complete selves. For this reason, the horoscope section in your local paper, while interesting and entertaining, may not be entirely accurate to every person sporting each sign.

Capricorn is a Cardinal sign, which denotes a character that is forceful and dynamic, initiating action and providing leadership. When Cappy is in a position of management, it’s like watching a duck in water. One of the many great qualities of Capricorn is their ability to be hardworking, shrewd and practical individuals who exhibit responsible, persevering behaviour within the workplace, as well as without. They make excellent, reliable workers, and exhibit an extraordinary stick-to-it-ness that is beyond compare. They carefully finish projects begun by the more pioneering signs, and quickly become an integral part of any company they work for.

Capricorn is a very ambitious sign, and those who exemplify its qualities will work tirelessly to climb the ladder of success. On their way up that ladder, they can become resourceful, determined managers who set high standards for themselves and others. They respect discipline from their superiors, and in turn expect it from their staff. Their ambitious nature is profound, often leading to a measure of wealth, and can inspire them to endure personal hardship for the sake of their families and careers. Business owners in need of someone who can spearhead a project, while seeing it through to fruition, would do well to hire a Capricorn for the job. As careful planners with tremendous organizing ability, they are thorough and frugal; often achieving great results with just a modicum of effort and expense, and can be quite adept at handling several projects at once.

One of the challenges that Capricorn faces is the tendency to get into a self-imposed rut. They are so steadfast in the direction they choose, that even when this path becomes challenging to their health and/or happiness, they will continue trudging along the same lines regardless of how they feel about it. I’ve actually seen this in action, and it sometimes hurts just to watch. A Capricorn in this state will fret and moan, kick the cat, as it were, and yet continue to stay in an unhappy relationship, job or living situation, rather than make the changes necessary to insure their own peace of mind. The reason is at minimum two-fold; on the one hand, the acquisition of income is vital to our goat-like friends, and many of them will endure great hardships to insure they make it to the top. On the other hand, they tend to settle into the ‘known’ so deeply, that the prospect of change, or facing the unknown, literally frightens them.

In this case, what Capricorn can choose to develop in order to grow beyond this fear-based behaviour is a healthy level of curiosity and adventure. Yes, I know; the mere thought of this is causing some Cappys out there to break out in a cold sweat. Trust me, you will survive, and even thrive, if you allow yourselves to walk off the proverbial cliff or two on occasion. I’m sure that there are many souls around you who love you and will be there to see you through; that is, after they’ve gotten over the shock of actually witnessing you doing something so uncharacteristic. I should think the stunned, gape-mouthed look on their faces would be worth at least half the price of admission for you! There is a Cappy friend of mine who I love dearly, and watching him slave away year after year in a job that he was miserable in was difficult at best. Words can’t describe how elated I felt when he gave up his security and started his own business! As an Aquarian who has walked off several cliffs in my day, I can assure you that sometimes there’s an owie waiting for you at the bottom, and sometimes the change you initiate could be the best thing you could ever do in your life, one that you will thank yourself for over and over.

Another challenge that Capricorn can face is her/his innate discomfort with emotions – theirs and others. This is likely due to Capricorn’s need to always be in control, and emotions tend to be fluid, transient, and sometimes unpredictable. This could make Capricorn’s head spin right off its axis, and cause them to run screaming for the door. I know one Cappy friend who will actually get belligerent if someone is upset about something he feels powerless to fix. With this in mind, the growth-minded Capricorn individual will choose to brave out these emotional episodes with loved ones, looking past their own personal issues and reaching out to the other in support. It’s important for Capricorn to understand that the other person’s pain and suffering is solely the responsibility of that particular person to take care of, and not up to Capricorn to fix. Once that sense of accountability is released, one can then be fully there with the person going through trauma, in support and solidarity, without adding to the stress of the situation with their own issues. Facing an emotional situation is risky for anyone, and especially uncomfortable for Capricorns. However, the rewards of extending outside your own personal comfort zones can be profoundly rewarding in so many ways, and those around you will respond well to the efforts you’re making on their behalf, and to your newfound valor!

So set your jaw, lovely Capricorn, and bravely step off that ledge into your own liberation. Taking risks is a part of our evolutionary growth, and there’s a chance that you just may learn to fly!

Happy New Year, everyone! Make it fabulous, enjoying blessings of good fortune as well as your greatest joy!

Namaste.

This Sagittarian Season of Joy

Is it really December already? Wow, that’s a difficult one to wrap my brain around, even on a cold, blustery day like today! Sometimes the passage of time can be challenging to reconcile within ourselves and this just happens to be one of those times for me. It seems only a few weeks ago that we were walking around in shorts and exclaiming how we were being treated to such a long summer. Wait a minute…come to think of it, that was a few weeks ago!

December’s astrological focus will be on the fun and frolicking sign of Sagittarius, who happens to be throwing a party for most of this month, with a few key planets in esteemed attendance. Sagittarius is the 9^th sign on the zodiac wheel, and therefore resides naturally in the 9^th house of long-distance travel, higher education, philosophy and religion. Sagittarius is occupied by the Sun from November 23 to December 21, which inspires us to be more indulgent and expansive, lighthearted and optimistic during the holiday shopping season. Its symbol is the archer and centaur, who is ever aiming his arrow upward and outward. Positive, masculine, and extroverted, those who have chosen Sagittarius as their Sun sign are people who can be the life of the party, and it’s a good idea to have at least one of them in attendance as you move through this mortal existence.

Throughout my life as an Aquarian, I’ve had the (mostly) delightful pleasure of knowing several persons sporting Sagittarius as their Sun sign, and I have to say, it’s been quite a romp! It’s rarely a dull moment with these lively characters around, who will entertain you as the class clown or funny girl during school, woo you with a uniquely quirky charm in the dating arena, and may inadvertently break your heart if you venture too close, wagon hitch in hand, at too early an age for them to even consider commitment. You see, Sagittarians are the perpetual Peter Pans of the zodiac, flitting around from one adventure to another; restless for ever more exotic experiences to fill their insatiable appetites for discovery.

Many of these spontaneous souls continue this pace long into adulthood, without even a passing concern for where they left their shadow. They’re much too busy slaying (or befriending) dragons, exploring uncharted dimensions, and tasting as many flavours of human experience as they can find to simply settle down and do something as mundane and boring as, like, grow up! I’m serious. Some of them will look at you quizzically, head cocked and hands on hips, like you’d just grown a second head straight out of your third eye if you even suggest such a ridiculous thing. To put it in simple terms, these people virtually invented Never-Never Land.

Even those reserved archers who choose to adopt the more conventional standards of adulthood may do so quite loosely, altering and integrating them a bit with their own personal, pleasingly peculiar style of moving through their days. Ever restless, Sagittarius needs some form of departure from the norm, just to add a little spice to the mix. For example, the staunch businessman may occasionally raise some eyebrows by doing something seemingly out of character, like humming a few bars of “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” under his breath at the back of a board meeting. Or the outwardly prim and proper librarian who occasionally dons a dress with a neckline just low enough to let the shockingly brazen tattoo she wears on her chest barely peak out and say hi. If you happen to know that rare, conventional Sagittarian, don’t be fooled; underneath the starched shirt and grey flannel is a forest green tunic just itching to be uncovered.

Ruled by Jupiter, the indulgent planetary father, Sagittarians are seemingly allowed to run around doing and saying whatever it is they like, without any form of restraint being imposed upon them. I’ve often grumbled to a close Sagittarian friend of mine, who milks his lack of restrictions for all they’re worth, that Jupiter merely pats him on the head and lets him run amok while the rest of us have to atone for everything we do – even if it’s remotely naughty. He just beams at me, happily enjoying his unhampered, tactless self-expression, and lobs another zinger at me. I then remind him not to get too cocky; for the laws of karma also apply to Sag’s…they just don’t have to worry about it ‘til next lifetime.

In matters of love, it would appear that timing and motivation are both vital ingredients to anyone considering merging households with their freedom-loving Sag. If attempted too soon, heartache could ensue, with the Sagittarian hopelessly sabotaging everything in a blind, panic-inspired race for the door. Don’t take it personally, honey. Your fun-loving archer soul-mate likely loves you dearly, and merely fears a frightening loss of freedom if he commits too soon. The prospect of committing to one person eternally in the mind of a yet to be evolved Sagittarian can make them break out in a cold sweat. You see, one thing they haven’t figured out yet is the innate understanding that absolute freedom includes the ability to love and be loved, without the need to possess. The more evolved archers understand this, and can make for ardent, sincere and straightforward lovers, passionate and faithful spouses, and devoted parents. They are the fortunate Sagittarians who find divine freedom and joy in loving another, who have released themselves from the limiting notion that love has to involve possession, because ultimate love is without possession. They are the ones who have discovered that the adventures are much more fun when there’s another kindred spirit around to share them with.

There are a few key planets in attendance at the party I spoke of earlier in the article, who are currently transiting the playful, ever-questing Sagittarius, and contributing their unique energies to the festivities. Of course, there is the Sun, who during this transit inspires us to reach outward in the world to connect with something larger than ourselves. Our awareness of the idea that there’s more to life than the mundane is expanded, and we become courageous and optimistic enough to focus on that which is beyond ourselves; the “big picture,” if you will. With this influence, we now have the energy to nurture our faith, hope and dreams.

Jupiter will end his thirteen month transit in Sagittarius on the 19^th, so we still have time to open up and really feel the wonderful sense of optimism and growth that he has indulged us with during this expansive time. Jupiter’s transit has been inspiring us to open our collective consciousness in matters of foreign relations and cultures, law, global standards, religion and spiritual values. As individuals, we’ve likely experienced his influence through the desire for expanding one’s knowledge using such vehicles as reading, higher education, long distance travel, and the pursuit of philosophical or religious study. Overall, Jupiter has been encouraging us to learn about our own greater potential through providing elevated experiences of other viewpoints and ideals.

Mercury joins the party on the 2^nd, adding to the intellectually expansive spotlight by inspiring us to broaden our mental faculties and inner wisdom, rather than relying on external knowledge. With Mercury here, we learn to trust our innate ability to be in the present, allowing higher wisdom to flow through us. Our desire, then, is to share our inherent wisdom with the world, and to let go of the belief that we need credentials and degrees to be qualified enough to teach others. We are all teachers everyday, and we are all qualified, and encouraged, to do so.

Pluto has been in Sagittarius for quite some time, and his own unique contribution to the energies can be more thoroughly examined in the May 2007 issue of Conscious Mind Journal. Saturn will shift into retrograde motion in Virgo on the 19^th, and requests that while we’re enjoying the indulgent energies of Sagittarius, we integrate that with common sense, taking care of our physical needs and getting some good quality rest in the interim. Venus arrives fashionably late to the party, helping us to ring in the New Year with style, grace, and overflowing optimism. Flirtatious and friendly, we’ll mingle together nicely with an abundance of interesting people to bounce our ideas off of, and we’ll flow through any crowd, absorbing what we wish before moving on to the next interesting topic.

This is a light-hearted, joyous time of year, made all the more magical by the presence of so many planets in Sagittarius. Be sure to take advantage of these energies, and open yourself to allowing joy and abundance this holiday season.

Namaste.