February, 2014

Is there a 13th sign of the zodiac??

Astrology is based on the seasons and the relationships between the planets and not what sign is located behind the Sun when you were born. The zodiac signs are symbols that divide the year into 12 different and equal parts. The Cardinal signs – Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, for example, always herald a new season no matter where you are in the world. For example, Aries heralds the start of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn in the southern hemisphere. We associate the cardinal signs with being leaders and catalysts for change – and they reflect that in the changing of our seasons. Then the fixed signs – Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius – are all in the middle of the season – when the time is more settled and routines and regularity can be established. Finally, we have the mutable signs – Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces – and these are the restless signs that need change and variety and they also represent learning – and they lead back into the Cardinal signs which indicate a whole change of season and direction. That’s why we are feeling such big changes globally and personally right now in the world because many of the major planets are moving into Cardinal signs. This means that the time for procrastination is over and it’s time for action.  

Astrology was developed by the Babylonians and during that time, the constellation of Aries happened to be situated right behind the sign Aries during the spring equinox. The actual star constellations are astrologically irrelevant to modern astrology. It is vital never to equate the signs of the zodiac with fixed star constellations. Fixed star constellations are configurations of stars that can be seen in the sky. Sun signs cannot be seen in the sky as they are mathematical divisions of the annual path of the Sun in the sky of exactly 30 degree size for each of the 12 signs.

Astrologers have known about the 13th constellation for eons. In the second century BC, the renowned astrologer and astronomer Ptolemy was fully aware of precession of the equinoxes. Still, he decided to give up star constellations and to let the zodiac begin with 0 degrees Aries. He did this because he believed that the actual constellations of fixed stars were not relevant for astrology and that the sun signs should be fixed at the cardinal points of the Sun’s annual path.

Astrologers have incorporated the earth’s wobble into their understanding of the connection between the stars and life on earth. If you have ever heard about the Age of Aquarius you may also know that this follows the Age of Pisces which was preceded by the Age of Aries. The Ages go backwards to compensate for the earth’s wobble.

So I hope this explains it for those of you who are still questioning whether you are a different sign. Relax, and know that nothing has changed. If you are an Aries you have not suddenly become a Pisces – I mean, how can a full blooded Aries possibly think twice about jumping into something exciting and new?? Gemini has not slipped back into being a Taurus. My Gemini friend is married to a Taurus, and he isn’t suddenly rushing around, jumping into new projects with great enthusiasm. He is still taking his time with everything and she has days when she feels as though she is dragging a ball and chain with her….but at least he brings stability into her life.

Enjoy the sign that you are and find out the ways of making best use of its energies. Panic over!

 

Full Moon in Leo on Valentine’s Day

Full Moon in Leo – Time to Enjoy!

It’s a Good Time to:

  • Celebrate, play, have a party
  • Do something really fun
  • Plan an evening of games or go out dancing
  • You might want to have a little flutter on the horses or on the lottery as Leo does rule gambling and speculation – just don’t take it seriously, see it as a bit of lighthearted fun
  • It’s a good time for scouting out bargains in the sales
  • Be generous to those you love
  • Actively bring more romance into your life
  • Plan a romantic day and focus on the things that you appreciate in your friends and the people you love
  • Focus on what you love about yourself – don’t wait for appreciation from others, appreciate your great qualities
  • If you don’t have a partner and you would like one, be clear about what your emotional needs are and set a clear intention to draw someone into your life who ticks the boxes
  • Play like a child or have fun with children
  •  Ignite your creativity: it could be with music, art, theatre, writing, designing, or developing a hobby into a business
  • Surround yourself with bright colours that uplift you e.g. reds, oranges, bright yellows
  • Take pride in your appearance
  • Promote yourself and your ideas in a new way. Think about where can you break free from old destructive behaviour patterns, what have you been putting off that you have always wanted to do?
  • It’s a good time to get yourself organised – Leo loves to organise and boss everyone around, but are you organised enough in your life so that you can achieve your goals?
  • Speak up for yourself – don’t allow yourself to be a doormat and communicate what is on your mind

While the Moon is in Leo, the Sun is in Aquarius and the Full Moon is all about achieving the balance between the two signs. Aquarius and Leo are all about balancing our personal needs with the desires of others.  

Aquarius is connected to the 11th house of friends, communities, groups and all our social networks. That includes all the popular and growing social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, forums, online groups, as well as the friends we make through blogs, articles and websites.

Leo needs full on personal attention and needs to be appreciated.  To fulfill the energies of this Full Moon, do something nice for a friend, a possible new friend, an old friend, or a group of friends. Even a small gesture such as a phone call, a lunch date, a tweet, a message, anything that says you’re important to me in my life, you’re my friend and I appreciate you in my life.

The Full Moon falls in my third house of teaching, promoting, networking and learning. It’s a great opportunity for me to share more articles, blogs, videos, cds, dvds, and to continue to express my excitement about astrology and how it can help people in all areas of their lives. I’ve got a lot of new and exciting things planned that I will be sharing!!

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces February 6th

Mercury goes retrograde at 3 degrees Pisces on February 6th until the end of the month.

How can you use these energies wisely?

Because Mercury rules communication, transportation and technology, you may have some challenges in these areas during the retrograde. There could be delays and you could be frustrated about emails getting lost, a phone call that was promised not happening or adverse weather conditions affecting your travel plans.

Make sure you double-check all information you are given, repeat instructions and get everything in writing. During the last Mercury retrograde, my taxi arrived half an hour late to take me to the airport and as if that wasn’t enough, he took me to the wrong airport!

If you work with the energy, Mercury Retrograde can be a very rewarding time. As it’s in a Water sign, this is a time for listening more, for coming from your heart.

Go for a walk in nature, be near water, meditate and allow your mind to slow down. Do some journaling, listen to music, dance, take photographs, make films, do anything creative.

Try to become aware of any area in your life where you are deluding yourself, or where you are being unrealistic. For example, I had a client with Mercury in Pisces in the 4th house and she has had her property on the market for sale for over 6 months. She keeps telling herself that it’s a bargain and she can’t understand why there hasn’t been any interest in it. I told her to use this retrograde constructively and reflect on the reasons as to why it hadn’t sold. Was it priced right so it could sell, or was she dreaming of the impossible? Was her realtor putting enough energy into selling the property? Maybe she should change realtor?

I told her not to take any action until Mercury goes direct at the beginning of March, but to use this time for quiet reflection, reassessment and realignment of what she wants to achieve.

Depending on where this Mercury retrograde is falling in your chart, this will show you which life area needs to be re-evaluated or reworked. In my chart, it falls in my 9th house which is the house of publishing. I am in the process of writing another book, and Mercury retrograde periods are always good times for writing as the mind slows down and can articulate thoughts more easily. And with Neptune touching this transit, anything connected with astrology and metaphysics is favourable.

It’s a wonderful time for completing things that have already been started. I’ve been working on an upgrade of my website for the last few weeks and it’s going to go live during the Mercury retrograde. Because people’s thinking processes are not quite as clear during Mercury retrograde, it will be the perfect time to correct any kinks in it.

I don’t know about you, but I’m already feeling the effects of this retrograde. This morning I had an appointment with someone and when I called her to find out where she was there was no reply. I called a half hour later and I heard a sleepy voice at the end of the line apologising saying she had overslept…

Where is it in your chart and how will it affect you?

Aries
Be careful about sharing your innermost thoughts and feelings as there could be misunderstandings. If you have any important business to accomplish, e.g. signing a contract, make sure you have everything in writing, that you have triple-checked it and that you have printed hard copies of everything.  Spend time alone, relax and recharge your batteries.

Taurus
This is a good time to meet up with old friends. Take time to really listen to them and focus on coming from your heart. You may have an opportunity to see an old relationship in a new light and to find a deeper bond between you. Reflect on your goals and dreams and make sure you have paper and pen by the bed as your dreams will guide you towards your next steps.

Gemini
There could be confusion in the workplace, so make sure you have kept impeccable records of all discussions. Reflect on what you want in your career and reconsider your next steps. An old boss or work colleague may get in touch with you and offer you a new opportunity.

Cancer
This is a great time to research a new course of study. Re-examine your educational qualifications and see if there are any extra skills you need to learn. Writing, journaling and publishing are under excellent aspects. Think about your dream destination for that special trip and start connecting with people in that country.

Leo
Be careful about signing any important contracts, especially anything involving finances as you may have to repeat or revise something when Mercury goes direct in March. Re-evaluate everything connected to your finances: your banking arrangements, your pension, your insurance etc. This is a wonderful time for deep meditation and for studying anything in the metaphysical field.  

Virgo
You may experience miscommunications in your relationships. Try to give people the benefit of the doubt as their thinking processes are not as sharp as usual. Don’t take things too personally and try to listen to the message behind the words. This will help you to achieve greater closeness in your relationships.

Libra
There could be confusion in your workplace and this would be a great time to use your diplomatic abilities to smooth ruffled feathers. Make sure your diet is healthy and that you don’t relapse into old unhealthy habits. Re-evaluate your exercise regime and anything connected with your health.

Scorpio
This is a great time for anything that gets your creative juices going. Anything connected with the arts, dance, music, doing things with your hands is under positive aspects. If you are in business for yourself, this is a good time to research new products and services that you can add when Mercury goes direct.

Sagittarius
Communications related to family members or issues around the home could be confused or delayed. Use this time to go inward and to find quiet space on your own. By the beginning of March you will be ready to take action.

Capricorn
You may experience travel delays so make sure you allow extra time for getting to important meetings. This is a great time for research, for study, for getting to the bottom of a situation.

Aquarius
Make sure you are being realistic about your finances. Avoid buying big ticket items as they may be faulty or you might not like them any more when Mercury goes direct. If you do purchase something, keep the receipt and warranty.

Pisces
Relax, rest, take time out. Meditation will be very powerful at this time as the Pisces energy will bring answers to issues that are concerning you. Focus on your heart energy and be kind to yourself. Listen to what your body is wanting and give it the love it is craving.

Most of all, trust your intuition and if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.