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.

Spring Forth with Aries

It seems very appropriate that as we begin a new cycle of life, and enjoy the new hope of spring, our focus turns to the first sign in the zodiac, Aries; the sign of new beginnings.

The Sun makes its trek through Aries between March 21st and April 20th, inspiring a mood of adventure and enthusiasm. Aries is a masculine extroverted sign, its element is fire, and its symbol is the Ram. As a cardinal sign and ruled by Mars, Aries is the vanguard, the initiator, and way too "take charge" to be a follower. As courageous leaders, if you have an endeavour that requires fearless action right out of the gate, a self-motivated Aries at the head would be a good call. Be sure to include stable and persevering Taurus to perform the follow-through activities, however. This wisdom is inspired by Aries' restless enthusiasm which, like most fire signs, peters out pretty quickly leaving many projects undone. Taurus, on the other hand, may be plodding initially, but gains momentum and stamina as a project continues. Aries is perfect for lighting the proverbial fire under Taurus to inspire them into action, happily jaunting away in search of the next big adventure, while Taurus steadfastly sees things through to completion. I'm convinced it's no accident that Taurus follows Aries in the procession of signs through the zodiac, since they both complement each other so well!

Of course, for a well-rounded team you'll need other signs in the mix, each bringing their own brand of expertise to the project. Rest-assured I'll present my ideas for that in a future article.
For now, let's refocus on our delightfully impetuous Aries friend with a word of caution: It stands to reason that all that fiery Martian energy is likely to generate a few pretty heated moments in the life of an Aries, and subsequently those who share space with him (or her). This is often the Achilles Heel for our neighboring Rams: their scorching temper. While most firestorms are quick to set and very short-lived, the Aries brand of displeasure can be rattling at best, caustic and devastating at worst - especially to more sensitive folks. I once associated with an Aries, and can honestly say that as fun as he could be at times, when he blew I was certain a mushroom-shaped explosion could be witnessed for miles around! This volatility can obviously have several detrimental effects on Aries and those around them. Number one on the list is personal and professional relationships, which can suffer greatly from these extreme fluctuations in emotional temperament. This same Aries I mentioned has plowed right through several potentially promising relationships, both work and romantic, and always afterward sits there scratching his head wondering where the heck everybody went!

Another possible negative result of the explosive nature of Aries is in the realm of health. While Aries is naturally robust, a semi-constant barrage of passionate rage can make even the sturdiest of physical constitutions a bit on the wobbly side. Aries rules the head and brain. Consequently evidence of excess can manifest in such physical experiences as headaches, migraines, neuralgia and depression. Other physical challenges could include indigestion and nervous disorders, while accidents and physical injuries are also a strong possibility, due to Aries rashness and impetuosity.

With that said, Aries would benefit greatly by availing him or herself of constructive methods to cope with their fervent nature, such as getting involved in Martian-inspired physical activities like contact sports and martial arts. In this way, they will find an outlet for their powerful energy, enabling them to expend it in much more positive ways. While Aries is usually drawn to items that feed their insatiable passions, a truly savvy Ram will recognize the need to surround him/herself on occasion with more calming influences that will help them to create balance. Some suggestions on how this can be achieved is by using the colour blue for decor and apparel, getting out into nature and relaxing by a quiet lake, and carrying stones that have a calming energy, such as blue lace agate and rose quartz.

A little advice here for the parents of Aries children: make sure that physical activity is a part of their everyday experience. Get them out into the fresh air and sunshine, let them run until they drop, allowing them the joy of energetic self expression and they will thrive beautifully! A happy Aries is an active one who is allowed to explore, with a modicum of safety, all the wonders this world has to offer. Let them know consistently that they are loved and accepted precisely for who they are, that they have a wonderful purpose in this world, and they will then be inspired to love others with the same level of respect and appreciation.

Aries energy is that of a child; eyes wide open and full of wonderment. They want to fully experience everything, everyone, and everyplace. Restlessness in all areas of life is a common byproduct for all this innate gusto, which can come with its own brand of challenges. Learning sustained focus and commitment is one of the major opportunities in the Aries experience, and they would do well to be mindful of the benefits of staying on task. It is possible to have a well-rounded experience and get things accomplished at the same time. It's all in the attitude. The clever Aries will find adventure in seeing things through to completion, experiencing every phase of development along the way, and gifting their associates with oodles of dynamic enthusiasm. That sparkling Aries energy can make even the most routine project a bit more exciting.
Wherever Aries and its ruler Mars reside in your chart is where you expend the most energy. Therefore, everyone can benefit from finding out where Aries resides in their own chart. By understanding the area of life influenced, one can then choose the more constructive forms of Martian expression. For example, Aries in the Sixth House may indicate a tendency to switch jobs frequently, or to bring dynamic effervescence and enthusiasm into any professional environment. Aries in the Fifth can signify romantic restlessness, or the ability to create an atmosphere of newness and adventure within a committed relationship. Again, it's all in the attitude.

And so, lively Aries…I will leave you with these words of wisdom: Enjoying the journey is what it's all about. Milk each experience for all it's worth, bringing your own brand of uniqueness to every moment. It's astounding what you can miss if you walk away from something too quickly, so stick around a bit and give it your best effort. You may be pleasantly surprised at the results. Ram on!

Namaste.

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.