The Lion’s Share

I’ve known many Leos in my time thus far, and each of them in their own unique way has inspired a greater understanding of the complexities of this human experience. They are a dynamic lot, these courageous souls, and while at times infuriating, they do have the potential to really spice up the mix a bit!

Leo is the fifth astrological sign of the Zodiac, and therefore finds its natural home in the fifth house of pleasure, fun, creativity and romance. Not all Leos take full advantage of these qualities, but enough of them do to make things memorable for the rest of us. Masculine by nature, Leo’s element is fire and its quality is fixed and stubborn. Ruled by the Sun, Leo exhibits a passionate, vibrant, fiery quality that is at once attractive, if not a little dangerous. Those of us who feel compelled to fly a little too close to the warmth of Leo’s center may get our wings singed a bit from time to time…ah but such is the nature of the beast, and some prices are worth paying dearly for. That is, if you’re into that sort of thing.

The Sun dances through Leo every year from around July 23^rd to approximately August 22^nd, depending upon the year. The symbol for Leo is the lion, due to its proud, regal and dramatic nature. Leo likes to be in charge, and those with Sun in Leo definitely rule over his or her particular patch of the jungle. Every Leo I’ve ever known makes it quite clear from the get-go that they are most assuredly in charge, and woe to the individual that attempts to assert their own brand of authority in the realm of the Lion. Anyone blessed by the presence of a Leo in their lives have experienced both the highest levels of affection, and the loudest spine-rattling roar from their Leonine loved one when circumstances inspire.

Leo loves the drama, comfortably taking center stage at any party or production and delighting us with its playful, yet powerful sense of nobility. I had a Leo friend during my teenage years who would enter a room full of people with a flourish, and a resounding “Hi!” We simply had no choice but to pay attention to him when he was present, and he made it worth our while by amusing us with his lordly theatrics. The only people remotely miffed by his flamboyant, attention-grabbing behaviour were the other Leos in the room…and there were quite a few. The smartest of us simply ducked out of the path of all Leos present and watched the drama unfold from the sidelines. Each lion – male and female alike, would vie for the center seat in all gatherings using every clever method they could devise, (sometimes subtle…sometimes not so much,) and the rest of us would simply pop popcorn and wait to see which one remained unscathed to the end. Hey, in those days they rolled up the sidewalks at 5 pm in Royal Oak…we youngsters had little else to do to amuse ourselves!

Leos generally make loving, affectionate parents who dote on their children as extensions of themselves. They take their role as parents very seriously, and their children quickly become the measure of their abilities. Care should be taken by all Leo parents to allow their children the freedom to spread their own wings, to develop their own unique sense of self, and to express their individuality. Trust me, if you give them the option, they will make you proud. Your strength, loyalty and devotion have given them the greatest tools to venture out into the world, and at some point, you will have to let go and let them fly. This is especially true if your little ones are also little Leo cubs. See yourself in them. Remember the freedom of expression you craved as a young lion. Know what would have inspired you to thrive as a child growing into adulthood, and behave accordingly. You will then know the realization of your greatest accomplishment as a parent: the complete acceptance and devotion of your children in the form of strong, self-assured, successful adults.

Leos can be the most loyal, supportive and enthusiastic of friends. Their sunny dispositions and clever sense of humour add to their already attractive nature, and they can be a great deal of fun to be around. The Leos who exemplify this trait will be there for friends and family through thick and thin, fiercely defending them to a fault, and always showing up with a lavish gift on special occasions or a bottle of wine and Belgian chocolates when one’s heart has been broken to pieces. A Leo’s heart is a big one, and those who have been raised to know their own power will courageously share their affections expansively.

The most rewarding careers for Leos are those which allow them to express themselves creatively and powerfully. Politics, law, entertainment in the form of music, theater and other art forms are ideal choices for Leos. Bill Clinton, Madonna, Amelia Earhart, Mick Jagger, Peter O’Toole, Menachem Begin and Martin Sheen are just a few of the many Leos who have stepped into the public spotlight and dazzled us all with their abilities, in addition to providing us with dramatic, provocative and colourful situations that really turn our heads!

Namaste.

July’s Fourth

Tangible and intangible shifts are afoot since the Sun completed its energetic trek through Gemini on June 21st, and arrived to join Venus at Cancer's annual tea party. We all can expect heightened emotions and intuitive flashes during this celestial visit, which will take on a more communicative flavour when Mercury comes to call on the 11th. The Sun will languish in the hospitality of feminine Cancerian comfort until moving to arrive on Leo's doorstep the 23rd of this month.

Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac, and therefore rules the fourth house of hearth & home, property, and the environmental conditions we create for ourselves. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer's natural response is highly emotional, which can often take on an intuitive flair. Extraordinarily sensitive, it is no accident that the key phrase for Cancer is "I feel". As a feminine sign, Cancer's urge is toward nurturing others and establishing a secure home for themselves and their families.

Cancer is the mothering sign, and many take to this task like ducks in water, happily nurturing and protecting their children and pets with zeal. It's very important that Cancer parents learn the value of loving without smothering, and to cultivate the ability to recognize when they are being overbearing with their children, making strong attempts reel themselves in a bit on such occasions. Trust me on this one. Kids respond better when encouraged to enjoy the freedom of unique self-expression, coupled with the security of knowing that their parents will be available to them when and if it's needed the most.

It is entirely fitting that Cancer is symbolically linked to the crab for a variety of reasons. If you ever have the occasion to watch the way a Cancer native moves in and out of various situations, you may note that he or she does so in a rather side-stepping, indirect kind of way…just like a crab! The hard shell of the crab is symbolic of the fearful, self protective nature of Cancers; they often don the armor of cold indifference to disguise their extreme sensitivity and shyness, as well as their physical and emotional vulnerability. Whenever they are hurt, or faced with the possibility of being hurt, Cancer will withdraw and seclude themselves in order to maintain their carefully established sense of security.

Cancers tend to cultivate homes that serve as very secure nests, with darkened, comfortable, almost den-like surroundings. A Cancer native friend of mine prefers to keep her windows tightly closed, blinds drawn, and the doors securely locked no matter what time of day it is. Her house resembles an impenetrable fortress that feels stifling at times. Whenever I've tried encouraging her to open the windows and let the place air out…or even lift the blinds and let the sun shine in, she always responds dismissively by saying she doesn't want other people looking in and invading her privacy. Okay…

While I love her dearly, as an air sign I cannot fathom why anyone would want to live in an air-tight environment, but hey…we all have our idiosyncrasies, right?

Money is seen by Cancer as a powerful form of security and they will rarely gamble with it, preferring instead to stash it away for a rainy day. The only exception to this is if their future security requires taking a risk of some kind. In this eventuality, Cancer will likely use someone else's money instead of their own. Rest assured to potential lenders that if this is the case, they will watch over that investment due to their deep sense of responsibility toward others, and will likely find a way to pay back their debt.

Generating emotional stability for individuals experiencing Sun in Cancer is paramount to their long-term physical and mental health. As happens quite often with sensitive individuals, their emotions can run a bit amok when faced with fear-inspiring challenges or discomfort. With this in mind, I am recommending Moonstone to be the ideal accoutrement for Cancer natives and those with prominent Cancer influence in their charts to wear or carry around with them on a regular basis. Moonstone will offer the benefit of calming aggressiveness and emotional overreactions, while encouraging these individuals to express their more positive Cancerian traits. It will also inspire the individual to further develop their innate intuitive faculties.

There is a strong dichotomy with Cancers that is worthy of mention: While at times they appear as sturdy and capable as a giant, at others they can seem as weak and helpless as a newborn baby. This natural complexity can be a bit confusing for the average onlooker, and it's often difficult for anyone close to them to know which experience will be encountered at any given moment, and how to act accordingly. While they may have the best of intentions, because of the changeable influence of their ruler the Moon, Cancer natives can shift between sweet and charming one minute, and depressed, distant and melancholy in the next. While they can be very diplomatic and driven to achieve their objectives, when Cancers are wounded, that carefully cultivated grace falls woefully by the wayside. Utilizing the healing energies of Moss Agate can prove to be of great benefit to Cancers at these times. This stone will assist in balancing the emotions, encourage improved self-esteem, and help them learn to let go of anger and bitterness.

Cancer natives work to avoid any mental or physical discomfort at all costs, and usually enjoy neat and tidy work and living environments. With their powerful imaginations, it is very important for Cancers to understand the Law of Attraction, keeping their thoughts positive and free from obsessing about illness and failures. Since in their efforts to win affection Cancers tend to be overly solicitous to others, they need to learn the value of saying yes and no when appropriate. It is also important that they learn to control their tendency toward moodiness, intolerance, timidity and excessive emotions. Carrying or wearing Pearl will assist them by encouraging a strong sense of self-worth. Snowflake Obsidian is another stone of benefit to Cancers, as it helps to prevent depression, inspiring one to value perceived failures as well as successes as opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. It also assists in forming a balance between body, mind and spirit.

Enjoy your July everyone, and remember to celebrate yourselves and each other.

Namaste.

Geminastics in June

As of this writing, I’m gazing out the window of my office at the beautiful, sunny vista that is my backyard. While physically I am here in front of my faithful and highly utilitarian laptop, my consciousness is out there in my bikini, blissfully soaking up the sun. The soft breeze that murmurs through an open window, tickling my cheek and beguiling me with the scents of warmest spring is certainly not helping me to maintain my focus. The idea of being elsewhere is exceptionally seductive in this moment. And this, my friends, is a prime example of the dualism that exemplifies Gemini; a foot in each world. While the Sun makes a dash through this ever-shifting sign, between May 21^st and June 21^st, it’s likely that we all are feeling a bit unsettled and out of focus. This is especially true while Mercury, the ruler of Gemini, is in retrograde motion in this sign until the 20th.

Gemini is the third sign on the zodiac wheel, and makes its natural home quite comfortably in the Third House of communications and thought processes. If you’ve ever spent time in the company of a Gemini, you will nod your head knowingly when I say that they love to talk. And talk and talk and talk! My sainted Grandmother was a Gemini, and she could talk ‘til the cows came home. Whenever a visiting loved one tried to leave, she would follow them to the car, chatting with them the entire time, and then continue the conversation while they pulled down the driveway. It took even longer to get her off the phone. My family still talks about Grandma’s lively chatter...in a loving, affectionate way of course!

While Geminis are typically quite verbose, almost everything that comes out of their mouths is both fascinating and clever. As air signs, these are highly inquisitive people who go through life with eyes wide open, taking in every bit of information they can. My Grandmother spent many hours sharing her life experiences with me over pot after pot of tea, and I never tired of it. Because they love to share what they’ve learned with others, and are skilled in the use of language, Geminis often make excellent ministers, highly effective orators and gifted writers.

The symbol for Gemini is the Roman numeral for two, referring to the dualistic nature of its qualities. This can manifest in a myriad of ways, including the ability of most native Geminis to do several things at once, often much faster and efficiently than it would take the rest of us to accomplish just one task. Many Geminis are fluent in multiple languages, and can carry on several conversations at once. Their tendency towards quick shifts in focus have inspired many to consider them two-faced or possessing multiple personalities. Honestly, the speed and deftness at which these people do most things will likely make anyone’s head spin; so much so that I’m convinced that the idea of multi-tasking was likely inspired by a Gemini.

As a masculine, extroverted sign, Gemini natives tend to be charming, friendly and sociable by nature, enjoying the company of others who appreciate their wit. They like to associate with others of similar intelligence level, and will happily pick the brain of anyone having information they desire. Being an air sign, Gemini is intellectual by nature, often living almost entirely in his or her head. This is great while immersed in an activity that requires tremendous mental acumen, but on the relationship and everyday life fronts, things can get a little dicey for our Mercury-ruled friends.

Restlessness is a way of life for those with Sun in Gemini, especially if they have no prominent Earth placements in their charts to help ground them. Gemini is not humble by nature, and can be quite hard to pin down. The Artful Dodger certainly must’ve been a Gemini, as they can talk their way into, and out of almost any situation. For example, have you ever tried to grasp a bit of mercury in your hand? I actually hope not, since it’s highly toxic! And so is a Mercury-ruled Gemini when you try to tie them down in any way. They will squirm, fret, and break into a million tricky pieces in a typically successful effort to slide through your fingers.

The challenge with romantic relationships that many Geminis face can involve several different factors, other than their mainly cerebral focus. Typical Geminis have little patience for sentimentality and can be viewed as quite insensitive by the warmer, more romantic types. Their restless nature makes it challenging for them to stick with any single situation for very long, and their focus shifts so quickly that they can have difficulty maintaining enthusiasm for someone that they simply couldn’t live without a short time earlier. People that tend to have the longest staying power with a Gemini are those who can match and stimulate them intellectually, and who don’t require a great deal of affection or emotional validation. Those with heavy Libra or Aquarian influence are thought to be the best candidates for any long-term relationships with a Gemini.

I feel compelled at this point to make a very important observation. While it is vital that we all learn to accept and appreciate our authentic selves, which is comprehensively indicated by our birth charts, our main objective is to evolve beyond our typical behaviours. We can do this by electing to step outside our comfort zones and engage in activities that inspire our growth; things that lift us up, always up.

With that said, the savvy Gemini could carry gemstones of a grounding nature, such as Brown Tourmaline, which will stabilize and help them to stay on task with everyday matters. Moss Agate will assist them in shifting from the cerebral to the intuitive outlook. Chrysocolla will inspire them to think before they speak, while Green Calcite will bring an emotional sensitivity to Gemini’s standard mental/physical response.

Utilizing stones such as these, with the appropriate intentions, will assist Gemini in enhancing an already fascinating nature into one that is even more effective and functional. Just remember to make it fun, and enjoy the romp!

Namaste.

The Heart of Taurus

Indulge me for a moment, as I’d like to dedicate this month’s article to the late Rita A. Jackson; my astrological mentor, my nurturing spiritual mother, and my very best friend. Rita was a Taurus who embodied the very essence of the highest qualities of her Sun sign. An exceptionally gifted astrologer, Rita could instantly recall anyone’s chart she had ever examined, even if she hadn’t seen it in years. Her passion for astrology was contagious, and she generously shared her extensive knowledge with me during the course of our 18-year friendship. She truly enjoyed this insightful science, always had a book in her hand, and continued studying until her transition in the early morning hours of March 17, 1999. Her kindness was exceptional. She was one of those rare amazing people who gently enter our lives, instantly winning our hearts and unexpectedly facilitating our transformation from sleeping Buddhas to fully awakened spiritual beings. Rita lovingly understood and accepted the timid, broken girl that her daughter brought home for dinner one night, and proceeded to mother me into the woman I would become by showing me the jewel that she saw within. I am honoured to have been chosen as her “adopted” daughter, am grateful to my own Higher Wisdom for allowing this experience, and will forever remember her with warm, loving gratitude.

Good journey, Rita…until we meet again.

The month of May begins with the warm energies of a Taurus Sun. Taurus is the second astrological sign on the zodiac wheel, and makes its natural home in the second house of personal possessions and values. The Sun moves through Taurus from April 21^st to May 21^st of each year, and signals the beginning of warm breezes and the delightful aromas of rich earth and blooming foliage. As a sensual sign, it’s only fitting that Taurus rules the time of year when our tactile instincts reawaken along with our desire to create beautiful and fragrant surroundings, and we emerge from our cocoons to enjoy the warm sun on our faces again. Our appetites for the pleasures of life are reactivated, eager to participate in the joyful reawakening of the Earth. The ancient celebration of Mayday or Beltaine occurs at this time, and the sensual energies of the day have Taurus written all over them!

The symbol that represents Taurus is the bull, likely indicating its fixed nature. While these people are generally kind and gentle, if a Taurus doesn’t want to do something, there’s absolutely no way to convince them otherwise. This can be one of the most challenging traits that they, and those who love them, will face. My eldest son is a Taurus, and I recall a humorous event from his early childhood that made this tendency glaringly clear to me. For an entire year prior to this event, all he could talk about was riding a school bus; he was so enthralled with the concept. His favourite toys were school buses, or involved them in some fashion. When we moved to a new school district that made it necessary for him to ride in one, he was ecstatic and looked forward to the experience with adorable enthusiasm. Yet on that first day when the cheery yellow contraption rolled to a stop at the curb and the doors flipped open to welcome him, his face went white. It was likely the enormity of the actual real deal that overwhelmed him, and/or the roar of the other kids restlessly waiting inside, but whatever the case, he wasn’t about to budge. Try as I might, I couldn’t motivate the little tyke to board the thing he cherished the most. The driver and I both tried everything at our disposal, including attempts to physically lift him from the pavement, but he’d set his jaw and wouldn’t have any part of it. It was like he had grown roots right where he stood and I finally had to relent and drive him to school myself. This, my friends, is a prime example of the stubbornness Taurus can display.

As exasperating as they can be when they’re not willing to waver, being fixed can have its benefits. An Earth sign by nature, Taurus is grounded and stable. If there is a lasting project that requires stamina and commitment, having reliable Taurus on board is your best bet for successful completion. While at times slow to motivate, once a Taurus gets moving on anything, the momentum is solid to the finish. As long as you practice fairness and appreciation for the efforts they expend on your behalf, and find interesting ways to kick-start their enthusiasm, you will never find a more loyal, disciplined worker.

As a feminine sign, Taurus is nurturing and patient, and can make for loving, devoted parents. I believe that it is no accident that Mother’s Day is observed while the Sun visits Taurus. Affectionate by nature, any child would certainly thrive with a parent who is positively influenced by this sign. Taureans tend to have a genuine interest in their children, and a strong desire for them to find happiness, safety and comfort throughout their lives. On occasion, this interest can take on a controlling nature, and their children may feel a bit more encroached upon than is comfortable. Taurus parents need to learn to step back a bit at these times, loosen up the reigns and allow their children to find their own paths while maintaining a distant, watchful eye. If you are the child of a Taurus, try to understand that any smothering behavior you may have experienced as a child was borne of genuine love with the best intentions for your safety and happiness.

Ruled by the planet Venus, Taurus loves to be surrounded by things of beauty, comfort and pleasure. Sensual by nature, these individuals generally make the best lovers of the zodiac; for not only are they highly in tune with what pleases them the most, they also possess a sincere desire to insure that their partners receive just as much pleasure as they do. This doesn’t guarantee that all Taureans are a shoe-in for the bedroom Olympics, and that we should all sprint to find a Taurus lover as soon as possible. Remember always that the Sun sign only partially represents our full natures, and that there’s an entire chart to consider when choosing a mate. It simply means that those lucky enough to be wooed by someone who embodies the true Taurus romantic nature will likely be pleasantly awed by the difference a deliberate, attentive touch makes in all the right places.

Taurus is generally very easygoing by nature, with a contagious sense of humour. It takes quite a bit to rattle this stable sign, and on the rare occasion when he or she does become pushed to the limit, it’s best to get out of their way. A few of the top things that could make these individuals feel edgy and reactive are unfair judgments or criticism against them, an intrusion on their relationships, and being pushed too hard or rushed beyond their own comfortable rhythm. Taurus sets their own pace, and while it may seem irritatingly plodding to us faster moving signs, trying to push them beyond this tempo could have unhealthy results – for you and them. The same holds true for interfering in their personal relationships; while very loving and gentle, they are also possessive by nature, and if they perceive that you are threatening the sanctity of their partnerships there could be hell to pay. Remember the bull when it sees red? Not pretty.

If you are a Taurus, when situations arise that unnerve you to the core and make you feel unhinged or ungrounded, go outside and sink your hands or feet into some rich organic soil. If it’s winter outside and the ground is frozen, keep a bag of potting soil on hand to plunge into when the situation warrants it. It may sound a little kooky to some of us, but nothing feels more healing to a Taurus than to reconnect directly with his or her own element. Keeping stones like malachite or emerald on hand will provide a stable sort of energy that can bring you back in balance. If you’re feeling lethargic, try holding a piece of tiger’s eye or red jasper to give you that jumpstart you need. On those occasions when you feel lonely or unappreciated from external resources, rose quartz will help inspire the loving energies within that you need in order to feel better.

If you are the parent of a Taurus child, be sure to shower them with affection and acceptance. While challenging at times, practicing patience and understanding is vital for raising a happy Taurean. They thrive in comfortable, secure environments, and require these elements in order to grow up healthy and self-assured. As Earth signs, drastic change can be very unsettling for your budding bull, so be sure to buffer any sudden, unavoidable events with offers of love and reassurance. As Taurus adores physical comfort, it’s important to get your little one outside for some fresh air and physical exercise on a regular basis, barring any serious health conditions. If a love of physical exertion isn’t encouraged from an early age, a Taurus could exhibit a modicum of laziness that could later affect their health. Unhealthy weight gain is common among our comfort-loving friends, and it’s important that they keep themselves active to stay robust and in good physical shape.

So in closing, I’d like to wish everyone a happy Mayday. Celebrate this day by connecting with someone you love, and enjoying the wonders of the great outdoors. I believe with all my heart that Mother Earth is a Taurus, so I invite you to honour her this month by enjoying the gifts she offers and doing your part to promote the healing that she both needs and deserves.

Namaste.