Sun into Capricorn, Change Taking Root

Snow covered cars stranded on white roads in the Midwest, icy tree limbs buckled across frigid streets in the Northeast and even a roaring fireplace to stave off the unusual cold here in Los Angeles herald the onset of winter.  Though the Solstice is still a few days away, on December 21st at 4:04A.M. PST, the annual pull inward into stillness is at hand.  And given that the Sun’s journey through somber Capricorn marks the ending and the beginning of the year and the return of Light, some quiet reflection on the past and the future is wise.  What have we learned during the past year?  What will we create in 2009?   Capricorn offers ambition, pragmatism and stamina, and this year six planets will gather in this cardinal earth sign.  We have a rare opportunity to experience the fullness of this enterprising dedicated energy and to harness its industrious and long-ranging powers.  

December 27th offers a new moon at 4:22A.M. PST and is the day on which six planets will meet in Capricorn.  This is an extraordinary day for contemplation, prayers or ritual for what we want to see manifest in the short and long term.  Remember that now that Pluto is in Capricorn our deepest drives and dreams can meet reality, or reality checks.  This Pluto cycle is 15 years long, so the plans you activate internally or externally at this time can have very long lasting effects.  Assisting this down to earth magic will be Capricorn’s ruler Saturn in fellow earth sign Virgo.  

While the hefty economic changes the world has undergone since this Saturn transit began in September of 2007 may have given it a bad rap, it has been such a crucial and necessary journey.  This has been an exceptional time to get our business in order, to learn money lessons and to consider the impact of our materialism.  And in case we have more to understand or refine, Saturn goes retrograde December 31st through May 16th.  We’re going over the facts and figures, and the books, thoroughly, one more time.  By the time Saturn goes direct we should begin to see the light at the end of this economic downturn tunnel, and 2009 will see Saturn move into Libra in late October. In the meantime, with Pluto now firmly lodged in Capricorn, and Mercury (January 1st) and Jupiter (January 5th) heading into humanitarian-minded, innovative Aquarius where they will join spiritual Neptune and healing Chiron, the higher good that these sea changes are ushering in is in evidence. 

Have you ever turned on the “news” and wondered what entity could possibly describe our world with such vulgarity and distortion?  You’ve likely tuned out the unyielding stream of war, human depravity, suffering and division.  You’re not alone.  Last week the Tribune Company, owner of 12 major daily newspapers and 23 television stations, filled for bankruptcy.  The story behind the story is that on a very large scale, we the people are rejecting this appalling and unbalanced view of ourselves and our lives.  We’ve migrated to the Net, to our social networks, to images of hope, help and connectivity.  And have you been noting the appointments to the incoming Obama cabinet?  This will be the greenest administration in U.S. history, and it will be greeted by a welcoming world eager to heal the planet.  While the fount of fear and violence was being turned off, European leaders were formally embracing the 2020 initiative.  This is a comprehensive plan to obtain 20% of all energy from renewable sources by the year 2020.  

The moon is full on January 10th and the first of 2009’s four Mercury retrogrades begins on January 11th, lasting through the 31st.  The Sun enters Aquarius January 19th and Inauguration Day is of course on January 20th.  Why do I bring this up now?  Because now is the time to begin thinking about the future.  No doubt our world is experiencing colossal changes.  We voted for change.  Our consciousness is our key and our compass for navigating these peacefully.  Are you clinging to an outmoded paradigm or shifting with the tide?  Some believe that a Divine hand paints our world, much like an artist with a canvas.  On Inauguration Day trickster Mercury, ruler of thoughts, dips back into Capricorn, the sign it is in as we begin this winter.  Much like commissioned artists of a bygone era who put little jokes into their work for amusement, Spirit paints Mercury into our current sober scene, asking us to think about what’s going on in our daily lives and in our wider world, and to begin designing balanced paths for ourselves and our planet.  And if we honor winter’s call to look within, these awesome and honest Capricorn energies will help us begin bringing harmonious visions into reality.

Peas in USA Today!!

Wow, Peas is in USA Today today! It's really cool to have one of your real friends in a big national newspaper. Like I said last month, he's a totally great guy. Happy Holidays Peas!

Here's the article.

Well done!

And if you would like to listen to the music, just visit A Christmas Chill's Myspace page.

I'm working on my Sun into Capricorn article and like much of the country, trying to keep warm.

With love,
Elizabeth

About the wrapping paper...

Am I the only one who struggles with the wrapping paper dilemma? Over the weekend I baked, wrote Christmas cards and put together all of the gift packages that needed to be mailed this year, and I didn’t wrap one single present. The cookies had special holiday containers because they need to be boxed securely enough to withstand the postal process. But the notion of using all of that paper, the life of a tree that will only be thrown out shortly after unwrapping, was just something I couldn’t make peace with. I just hope that the folks receiving the goodies understand. At this point, I only do gift wrap for the tots, and even they are required to be tiny and have "eyes all aglow." The only little one of the list this year is four-months-old. I’ll assume he won’t trash me for the absence of tree product.

Still, not wrapping a baby’s present seems kind of Scrooge like, years of societal pressure and conditioning I guess. The Dr. Seuss classic was on last night, btw. In a sea of screaming pundits all of whom seem intent on talking over their fellow commentators and demonstrating the most intolerance for opposing political opinions, mindless mellow dramas and sitcoms, nearly nonstop holiday advertising, which I guess is a welcome break from the endless list of side effects caused by prescription drugs, and various fear and terror mongering, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was a welcome reminder of the meaning of the season. There’s a new more popular green character with a holiday special. But what little I watched of him involved nose picking, belching and loads of other gross-out acts. Thanks, but not so much. I’ll snuggle up with the sweet Dr. Seuss tale with its vintage animation any holiday.

I guess I could take a poll. The blog marketers insist that polls are the way to drive traffic to my blog, increase sales, blah, blah, blah. But really, that sounds totally exhausting, especially with while teetering on the edge of a cold. Still, because this wrapping paper thing has me feeling a little badly about possibly being perceived as less caring or festive, I’ll put a poll on here. And I’d like to hear from you. It's there above this post, so thanks if you click.

Btw, I put on my first fire today. Silly perhaps for someone living in Los Angeles where it’s 61 degrees, but such a simple and comforting pleasure. It's getting along famously with the pot of chicken soup I made. Happy Holidays!

With love,
Elizabeth

Release Day!!! It's so exciting

Happy Holidays!!

Pardon me, but the festivities have already begun. Today the Cincinnati Enquirer is running a story about my producer Peas and his new chillout holiday CD, the one I posted about a few weeks ago. Cincinnati is his hometown. How nice that must be to have a positive story about yourself in the old hometown paper. Congrats Peas! You deserve it.



As I went to write this post my friend Diane emailed to firm up plans to pick me up from the train station in San Diego on Thanksgiving. The funny thing about this is that amongst my friends down there, a theme song for my visits has emerged over the years. Sung to the tune of “Dirty Old Time,” “Elizabeth’s In Town” is our chorus and it has had many a cheerful rendition, not all in a state of sobriety. Still, it’s great to have your own theme song amongst friends, and all the better that it’s to the tune of a famous Irish drinking song. Anyway, as I opened Diane’s email, the version of “Dirty Old Town” that randomly came on my iTunes player was by my friends Culann’s Hounds. This is an Irish band from San Francisco with whom I worked for a little while, about this time of the year two years ago. I was with them when they played San Diego and a small show at Camp Pendleton. That was way cool to be involved w a show for our Marines. Anyway, it’s funny how serendipitous things are at times.



So, with the Cincinnati Enquire story about my producer (did I write “my” enough? lol), one of my best friends in the world heading to the train station to greet me for the holiday, and a happy tune by other friends running through my head, I wish everyone who is reading this many blessings and a really happy holiday. Too cute, my favorite pub in Coronado is Mc P's, get it? It's clearly a Peas thing today.

And if you are looking for some hip, sweet holiday music, do check out Peas’ new CD “A Christmas Chill,” which went on sale this morning. To hear some of the music, check just click here. You can also make friends with and listen to the CD at Myspace and follow us on Twitter. Let’s rock this Yule tide!



With love,
Elizabeth

Ps: Did I mention that I just LOVE Spaces, a program on my new iMac? This thing is so bleeping awesome!!!!!!!

Sun into Sag - It’s About Optimism

It’s a friendly, enthusiastic and visionary fire sign.  It’s ruled by generous expansive Jupiter.  It’s symbol is the archer’s arrow, urging us to take aim at our dreams.  It’s the sign Walt Disney was born under.  And best of all, it’s finally here again!  This year’s journey of the Sun through the sign of the gypsy, the student and the philosopher will see Pluto move into Capricorn, Uranus go direct and what is likely to be the most lively full moon of the entire year.  

At 5:03 P.M. PST on November 26th Pluto goes into Capricorn where it will be until March 23, 2023.  Pluto represents our core beliefs and ambitious Capricorn is all about pragmatic, down-to-earth problem solving.  This is the beginning of a cycle in which we are nearly guaranteed sweeping and monumental reform in government, business and our other institutions.  And “change” after all is what America just avidly voted for.  While no one can completely predict exactly what these major and fundamental changes will look like, I can tell you what won’t fly anymore. This past week top executives from America’s 3 largest automakers went to Washington to ask the public to pay for a $25 billion bailout.  The problem was that these captains of industry showed up with no specific plan nor any details as to how they intended to spend all of that taxpayer money.  And to add insult to injury, or as I see it, to beg the Universe to slap them, they flew in separately to make their joint plea for the public funding on their individual companies’ private corporate jets.  They didn’t even have the decency to air-pool.  Congress adjourned without so much as voting on the matter.  

     Pluto in Capricorn finds an American public in no mood for such outrages, much like it found the American psyche back 1762, the last time Pluto began its journey through Capricorn.  Three years into that cycle, the British government enacted the Stamp Act which many historians cite as the origin of the American War for Independence.  By the end of that Pluto in Capricorn cycle in 1778, that war was won and a nation was born.  It’s sweetly fitting that this time the journey begins as many Americans pay homage to the vision and fortitude of our nation’s founders with a Thanksgiving meal. 

And on Thanksgiving Day, the 27th, in the morning we have a new Sagittarius moon within a few minutes of Uranus going direct.  Back in late June, as the Sun went through the sign of Cancer, innovative and unconventional Uranus was the last of four large outer planets to turn retrograde.  I recommended that we all just go with the backward flow for a little while until more favorable aspects were on hand to assist us with bigger picture plans. In early September Jupiter and Pluto went direct, on November 1st Neptune went direct and now Uranus turns direct.  In the summer I mentioned that as these outer planets went direct, we would see a gradual building of momentum and progress with the more significant aspects of our lives.  So now we have it, at least until December 31st when Saturn goes retrograde, all of the major outer planets moving forward.  To have these huge cosmic winds at our back during the enchanted cycle of adventurous and convivial Sagittarius is yet another one of its gifts.  We can dare to dream, and we can dare to dream big!  Where do you want to aim your archer’s bow?

But before venturing too far into the Sagitarian realms of fairy tales and unicorns. there is one week I want to point out.  It is that of the full Gemini moon on Dec 12th. According to astrology expert Mark Husson, it’s not the full moon that will be stirring things up, although some planets will be squaring (off) on that day, it’s feisty, lusty Mars who will be instigating much of the fuss with challenging aspects on the 11th and 15th. On his Soul’s Journey Radio show “Love Scopes” which airs on Sunday nights at 7 P.M. PST, Mark will walk us through the events leading up to this ruckus full moon and explain why its getting so much attention.  As some clients have already called me to express concern about this mighty moon due to Susan Miller’s writing, I want to gently remind everyone that astrology is a map, one that helps us see what’s ahead so that we can plan accordingly.  So let’s listen in Sunday evening, because Mark’s greatest teaching, and gift in my view, is fearlessness.  It’s not so much where the planets are, but what we choose to do with their influences. As this Sagittarius cycle dawns, I choose optimism, expansion and magic. It's time to believe again.

Cracking the Code

and cracking up about the ways my boss and I enjoy spending a Saturday night. Wait, that sounds weird. He's
Mark Husson and I work for him over at 12Listen and 12Angel. Practically since the time I began working for him 20 months ago we've been trying to figure out how to put our availability buttons on all of these other sites we're on. Oh, it's a long story, that would bore most people to tears. But tonight, he did it! Behold:




I see these springing up all over the web in the very near future.

Aside from that I'm pooped, taking the rest of the night off due to my state of tiredness and our local wildfires. LA smells like a forest fire at the moment and the addition to our normal pollution levels is definitely bad. Sending Love and Light to all of my neighbors who are evacuating and especially those who have lost all of their possessions during this day.

In Light,
Elizabeth

Happy Veteran's Day

While out doing my part to sustain our capitalist empire today, I had many an observation that I thought I’d share. Not that anyone could possibly want to know this much about me; I just feel like writing. The mission was to go to Off Broadway Shoes, one of our local discount shoe warehouse type stores. I like these because they are the size of a football field, the prices are good and they are self-service. That last part is a marvelous contrast to sitting shoeless helplessly confined to a Nordstrom’s chair awaiting the return of an over burdened shoe sales person who is waiting on too many other people. The part of today’s adventure that I took the greatest pride in was that I had to buy new workout sneakers. That means I have been going to the gym with so much regularity that I have in fact warn out my old pair. To celebrate, I stopped at the In and Out Burger joint next to the shoe store. Never mind that I had loaded up my cabinets, freezer and frig via a Trader Joe’s run only yesterday. Am I the only one who feels pressured to eat the fresh veggies shortly after spending the money on them? The bag of baby spinach and the two highly ripened tomatoes beckoned to me from the crisper, but they were no match for the Double Double Cheeseburger on the In and Out menu. My rationalization was that it’s nearly that time of the month, and of course the warn out gym sneakers. After my meal, a sign appeared in the ladies room clearly affirming my decision: “All In and Out Associates must wash their hands before returning to work.”

On to the matter at hand, I went right to the sneaker section where I was temporarily blinded by shelf loads of shoes from K Swiss or some such brand. Their shoes were a striking shade of pure white shoe polish. It was as if someone had been up on a crack bender shining all of them. The whole section of them created a bad Pat Boone sort of reminiscence. Really, is there any such thing as a good Pat Boone reminiscence? So I found a pair of black Sketchers. Sketchers knows its customers well. These had no shoe laces. Glancing over to the old beat up pair of sneakers I had walked in wearing that were strewn on the floor, the inescapable truth that I am lazy was in evidence by their tied laces. I accepted this realization and moved on to the handbag department, black Sketchers in tow.

So there’s this prayer I have been petitioning the Fashion Angels about for the past several years. It’s the one that goes, “Would you please ask purse manufacturers to stop making handbags that double as carryon luggage and diaper bags?” Who needs to carry that much stuff? Doesn’t it get heavy? It’s for their laptops I’ve been reckoning, as if none of us could possibly be away from our computers for more than a few hours. Low and behold, it seems that Steve Jobs has heard and answered my prayers with Apple’s iTouch/iPhone. You can browse the net, have your shopping lists, calendar and address book handy, and answer your email, and it fits in your hand. The fashion world needs to catch up. And while they are downsizing our bags, I hope that they also take all of the gaudy, 60's flashback, and completely useless decorations off of these things. I found exactly one elegant, rich genuine leather, black bag with ample, but not too much room. But it only reminded me of the other reason I don’t purchase too many purses: at the “discount” store it’s price was $269. Have people lost their minds? Do you know how many self-help books you could buy with that kind of money? Read a few, and you will no longer need to carry the word coach with you in order to enter public life. I concluded that the economists are correct, the banks have been handing out far too much loose credit, and I headed for that most comforting of all wardrobe pieces, socks.

I am not a frivolous sock shopper either. Off Broadway had a generous assortment of multipacks of socks, many with a variety of colors in each pack. Tempting as attractive arrays of colors are, I have this theory about odd socks. I suspect that they are hiding out with a multitude of pens that I’ve left by the phone, laughing. So I buy several packs of the exact same socks. Maybe when I’m a home owner and have the sanctity of my own personal washer and dryer, I’ll get a little wilder with sock purchases. For now, I’m untroubled by the renegades in the bunch. I did make a happy discovery, the sport dress sock. As Fall dictates the wearing of closed dress shoes, unless you’re blond and 20-something in which case flip flops never go out of style, I was looking for dark dress socks. But I’ve always hated that terribly artificial material most are made of, nylon I think it is. It’s thin, doesn’t absorb moisture and feels so unnatural. Finally someone besides Steve Jobs thought of me as these looked seasonally appropriate and tasteful enough and were plush and soft. I bought a few pair of these, yes all black, and will let you know how they work out.

As we’re heading toward Veteran’s Day, much love to those individuals and their families who do so much more than shop for their country. I am ever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

With love,
Elizabeth

A Wedding Song

This morning has been an emotional roller coaster, and something intensely sweet, uncomfortable and powerful is afoot. First I woke from an awful dream at 6:40 in which a man with whom I had hoped, beyond reason, that things would work out (are you w me ladies?), was rejecting me b/c of the anger I carry from unresolved issues. I felt so hurt, and well angry, when I woke up. But I started calling in the Angels to help me to forgive him, to forgive myself for my less than stellar moments with him, and mostly to help me to not give my day and power to the negativity. Then when I got up for good, resolved to process the grief all of my memories brought up and to make the best of the day that I could, there were 4 emails from clients thanking me for work I've done w them, recently and months ago. While I'm used to a kind and thankful email every now and then, seeing a bunch on this, the day after this historic election, was astonishing.

At work I hold the space for my clients to crash, to be angry, to be hurt, to fall apart, to confess, to express what they're going through uncensored. And by the grace of spirit, I am able to do that with total love and support for them. One letter thanked me for this in particular. Its author mirrors me in many ways, so her words of gratitude were especially appreciated and touching. Anyway, I don't know where I'm going with all of this, but all of these emotions have inspired me to post the lyric to my newest song, the one Peas and I will begin recording on Friday.

A Wedding Song

In a moment a life is changed
Light is lost to dark
Everything that was anything
completely comes apart
The pain is strong
And the spirit low
There is no tenderness
There is no way home

In a moment a life is changed
Love finally finds a way
And the heart that had given up
gives way to grace
It sings a song
of the strength of soul
There is untold tenderness
There is always a way home

This moment is everything
We exchange our vows
The miles of uncertainty
are one Path now
Through summer fields
and winter snows
Love’s voice will sing to us
Love is all we need to know
Love’s voice is in everything
Love is all we need to know

To Peas & Lori!

Can I just tell you how happy I am? This week has simply been awesome. That doesn't mean that it hasn't been without its challenges. On Monday we found out that my apartment has a massive termite infestation which has caused me to move my harp far, far away from the party crashers. The exterminator used the "tent" word. With only five more months on my 2-year lease, I'm blessing the little guys, accepting whatever happens and trusting that it's all for the highest good. Maybe I'll get to move out sooner than I had hoped to - Denver, Austin, Sedona - possibilities exist. Anyway, the week's good news came in on two major fronts, like a sweet reminder from the Universe that we always can choose where to put our thoughts and energy; termites, legal battles and moving or Lori, Peas and success.

On Thursday I learned that Lori Andrews, the harpist who graces my recordings has a CD that has made it into the 30 finalists in her category for a possible Grammy nomination. We'll know if it will be one of the five official nominees in about a month. I am just THRILLED for her! She's talented and innovative, a solid player who has been polishing her craft for years, but most of all, she's a genuinely good person. My experience has unfortunately been that you don't find so many of them in this town. That something this good is happening for someone who is kind and a consummate pro affirms all that I want to believe about life and the Universe.

And then there's Peas!!! I met producer Peter "Peas" McEvilley five years ago when he first arrived in Hollywood. His talent immediately landed him work on the "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" soundtrack. Instantly recognizing his considerable abilities and grounded presence, I asked him to work on my first single, "Hey Dublin." He graciously accepted and whipped the song into shape, and we have been working together ever since. He's also one of the nicest people you'll ever meet in this town. This week we began a PR campaign for his forthcoming CD "A Christmas Chill." I heard it about a month ago and my heart chakra just blew open. For one reason or another I was having a bad day or moment and the Angelic voice and harmonies of featured vocalist Rachel Leslie, whose has toured as a backup vocalist for J-Lo, coupled with Peas beat-driven ethereal sonic bliss nearly made me cry. That the songs are in praise of Jesus/the Divine made the music all the more powerful. Right out of the box, AOL Music has offered to stream tracks from this CD for an entire month as part of its holiday programming. Honest, ethical and sincere, I cannot think of a more deserving guy for the success and I wish all good things for Peas and this gorgeous collection of holiday music. If you'd like to hear some of the music, check this out.

On November 25th everyone can buy it at iTunes or on CD at Quango. Until then, come follow "A Christmas Chill" at Twitter and make friends with us at Myspace. Additionally this week, many of my work mates just launched a metaphsyical internet radio network called Souls Journey Radio and my friend Betsy Jordan whose very first book just came out. My copy arrived on Monday. My boss likes to say that when one of us wins, we all win. Here's to success!

With love,
Elizabeth

The Astrology of the 2008 Election: The Election of Change

Hello,

This article was co-written by my very talented colleague Astrologer C.A. Brooks. She is one of the newest additions to our prestigious staff, and I had the pleasure of meeting her when I visited Denver last month. During an exhausting week that saw my sweet and dear cat Boris both turn 14-years-old and become terribly ill again, one too many drama trips in my home and other assorted upheaval, I cannot put into words what a touch a grace C.A.'s eloquence, kindness and appreciation were. It was such a pleasure to write with her and I look forward to doing so again soon. This article is dedicated with love to change.

The Election of CHANGE
(C A Brooks, Elizabeth Pendleton)
 
                It’s no wonder each of the top presidential candidates in the U.S. 2008 election has adopted the slogan “Change”.  Historic planetary aspects are taking both on Election Day itself and in the broader background leading up to and following this momentous day.  From the Spring of 1964 through 1966 Saturn had a series of oppositions to Uranus.  In short hand, Saturn represents tradition and structure while Uranus challenges the status quo.  These two powerful outer planets begin their next series of oppositions on November 4th.
 
                Both Virgo and Pisces are mutable signs which are known for their ability to see more than one side of a situation.  Mutable signs tend to break apart or dissolve the fixed energy of the signs preceding them (Leo and Aquarius in this scenario) and paving the way for the new energy of the cardinal signs to follow (Libra and Aries). In a nutshell, the mutable signs represent Change.
 
                At its best, Saturn represents maturity, wisdom learned through experience, self-knowledge leading to self-discipline and accepting responsibility for our lives and our choices.  At its worst, Saturn feels like external rules and regulations, structure, and oppression – the ultimate outside authority constricting our lives.  Without periodic and sober reflection it is true, the structures we create and accept in our lives can become outdated and cease to function as originally intended.  
 
                Sitting on the other end of the astrological teeter totter is Uranus, the rule breaker, representing rebellion, the independence and sometimes genius of adolescence, and forever the seeker of change, the novel and the new.  This rebel is all too willing to challenge the status quo, fly in the face of convention, and force us to reevaluate every value we hold dear whether we want to or not.
 
                The tension of these two forces in opposition to each other is easily recognizable in the campaigns dominating this election.  While it would be totally unfair and unrealistic to characterize either candidate as representing just one end of this continuum, as we step back and view the “stage” we see the action taking place.  The John McCain critics accuse him of being “too old and crotchety, out of touch” and wanting to use all the old methods and structures for solving problems (Saturn).  The critics of Barack Obama claim he is “too inexperienced, too radical and even dangerous – palling around with terrorists” (Uranus).  McCain’s campaign encourages him to draw to his strengths by highlighting his experience, and long history of serving his country (Saturn) while cautioning him to avoid emotional outbursts and “erratic” exclamations and behavior (Uranus).  Meanwhile Obama’s advisors encourage him to demonstrate calm and assertive leadership (Saturn) and avoid getting “rattled” (Uranus).
 
                As usual the truth is usually found in the middle ground. This is actually an exciting, if uncomfortable time.  Both planets are change makers in their own ways.  Saturn likes to clear the clutter – anything deemed not useful or functional and set up new boundaries and rules.  Uranus is usually flashier – wants to create some chaos, fight the establishment, and break things apart – which may be warranted at times.  Uranus change is not the soothing predictable and slow evolution like the tides moving in and out.
 
                And just like the election is not the end, but rather the beginning of something new, the storm (or is it fun?) of this planetary oppositional pairing is far from complete.   Over the next two years the two planets will each move along in their designated courses, both continuing their dance of opposition as each planet moves in both forward and retrograde motions. In fact the two will be in direct opposition in February and September of 2009, and in April of 2010.  If we have done our homework – examined our lives, our beliefs and been open to new information, the July opposition in Aries and Libra will allow us to give birth to something new.  No doubt we will see the fruit of our labors as a country as well.
 
                While Saturn and Uranus may have the greatest influence on Election Day itself, Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto are also set to play important roles in the shapes of things to come during the next Administration. 
 
                                Beginning on September 2, 2007 Saturn entered Virgo which is when stories of the current mortgage crisis began to surface.  Saturn’s stern and sober review of the books coupled with earth sign Virgo’s relentless attention to detail will continue to leave no stone unturned in the world of financial affairs through October 29, 2009 when Saturn enters Libra.  Saturn in its highest aspect is one of life’s greatest teachers.  It gives sound structure to realistic goals, provides consistent strength and encouragement to worthwhile endeavors and rewards work well-done.  But it will not tolerate sloth and dishonesty.  That the fatal flaws of a financial boom built on unhealthy lending practices fueled by unprecedented greed from the bottom up are having a serious reality check now is no surprise.  Saturn simply won’t stand for cooking the books nor self-indulgence.  Add Virgo’s meticulous approach to life, particularly the material world, and its devotion to service, and the irregularities and faults of our economic system will continue to be exposed.   Saturn will demand that the next President help us get our fiscal houses in order, personally and nationally.
 
                Also making the economy the ultimate focus this election year has been the planet of Jupiter in Capricorn which began back in January.  Capricorn is an earth sign ruled by Saturn.  So our national examination of the financial facts and real value of assets has been subject to this second heavy dose of reality.  In January 2009 Jupiter will move into  humanitarian minded Aquarius.  Under the right leadership, this is an excellent aspect for political change that serves the common good.  An example of how this could manifest would be government spending on infrastructure improvements and tax incentives for investments in green technologies.
 
                But the most subtle yet significant aspect of all in the 2008 election is Pluto’s movement into Capricorn in late November, a trend that will last until March of 2023.  The last time Pluto went through Capricorn was 1762 to 1778.   One only needs to recall the Tea Taxes of the early 1760’s and resulting American Revolution to understand the powerful implications of this placement.  In short, it is a generational opportunity to reshape business, government and our other major institutions under Capricorn’s no-nonsense vigilance. The good news about this ambitious sign is that he gives us both realism and the stamina for long-term goals. He is not interested in being an overnight sensation. And given the magnitude of the problems we now face, his endurance, pragmatism and willingness to roll his sleeves up to do what needs to be done are well-timed.   So, as we can see, the consequences of our selection on November 4th are profound and far-reaching.  2008 is indeed a time of “Change”.

Sun into Scorpio: Tide of Profound Change

As we journey into this year’s Scorpio season, the pressure of the building Mars square of Neptune on November 3-4 and more significantly, Saturn’s opposition to Uranus, on Election Day mounts. Tradition is being confronted by a push for revolutionary change, illusions of security are giving way on a daily basis to new realities and we may often feel we are walking a tightrope with hope at one end and a staggering abyss of fear beneath us. With a nation’s future direction hanging in the delicate balance and historic economic changes afoot, these are to say the least exciting times we’re living through. Halloween’s familiar procession of ghosts, skeletons, and annual reminders of death may be a little more unnerving than usual in 2008. But really, would intensity seeking Scorpio have it any other way?

According to author and astrologer Mark Husson, November boasts 2008’s largest group of planets changing signs in one month. Add Neptune turning direct on November 1st, which will snap a whole other set of misconceptions into reality, and the only certainty in the days ahead is change. The Sun enters under-worldly Scorpio on October 22nd at 6:09 P.M. PST, and the new moon in Scorpio begins on October 28th at 3:14 P.M. PST. Mercury delves into the dark Scorpion depths on November 4th where it is joined by provocative Mars who will be in the heat of a battle with newly realigned Neptune. But the astrological blockbuster is on Election Day when stern conventional Saturn in Virgo will be in exact and direct opposition to radical rebellious Uranus in Pisces (Virgo’s opposite sign). This is the event that is most responsible for the deep sense of dramatic change permeating our lives collectively and individually.

What this Scorpio cycle urges us to do is to wholly embrace these transformational energies by living our lives based on what we “feel” the most deeply and strongly. That can be a tall order amidst these sea changes. So here are some ideas for restoring a sense of calm and centerness. Attune to the 10.10.10 vibration. 2008 in numerology equals ten, which breaks down to one, a symbol of new beginnings. And in the tenth month of October we have three 10.10.10 alignments, on the 10th, 19th and 28th. Lightworkers around the world are holding special mediations on these days to assist our planet with its new alignment to higher frequencies and vibrations of Light. Connecting with this group energetic of peaceful renewal can give one a profound sense of well-being. Work with the crystal Chrysocolla. This blue-green stone is renowned for instilling a great sense of inner strength, dispelling negative energies and restoring our energy systems to a tranquil state, especially in the midst of seeming chaos. Call upon the Angels. Azrael, Raquel and your guardian Angels are here to assist you through times of change. And if you’d like a little extra support from the Angels, be sure to leave your prayers at the 12Angel Prayer Board. I have the privilege of co-moderating this very special and loving space on November 1st and 8th.
But you can leave your prayers there anonymously at any time.



As the saying goes, when one door closes, a window opens. The same could be said of Scorpio. He just doesn’t like saying it in such a flowery manner. But his scare tactics are only here to compel us to live more fully. His obsession with death is a mirror of Truth about our lives, one he absolutely relishes in holding up to us. Are we living our Soul’s Contract? Are we doing what we really came here to do? When you contemplate those questions honestly, fear and resistance give way to understanding and a renewed sense of purpose. Things that appear to be losses are suddenly seen as the proverbial blessings in disguise or needed reforms they truly are. So the new, even if only in the form of awareness, is born. And that, is the gift of our dark magical friend Scorpio.

To that end, here are some births to be celebrated this November. 12Listen turns two-years-old, 12Angel turns one, Souls Journey Radio, a new metaphysical web-based radio network, will launch and Cristof, a very gifted healer and workmate of mine. has a birthday. Being a Leo, I certainly can’t resist an invitation to a party. So my contribution to the festivities will be a free detailed astrology report with every reading of ten minutes or longer during this year’s cycle of Scorpio (October 22 - November 21, 2008). Other launches are in the works and I’ll be blogging about those very shortly. But while we’re still in October, be sure to take advantage of our Saturday sidewalk sales when all readings are on sale from 1-6 P.M. PST. Next week look for a special edition article about the Astrology of Election Day 2008 that I’m co-writing with one of our newest Astrologers C.A.. That piece will detail the astrology influencing the candidates and the election. Finally, be sure to come trick-or-treating at 12Listen.com and 12Angel.com on Halloween to find out what goodies we have in store.

And because this is my blog, I’ll leave you with a Tim McGraw lyric that underscores my sentiments about this momentous time we’re sharing.

Live Like You Were Dying

He said: "I was in my early forties,
"With a lot of life before me,
"An' a moment came that stopped me on a dime.
"I spent most of the next days,
"Looking at the x-rays,
"An' talking 'bout the options an' talkin’ ‘bout sweet time."
I asked him when it sank in,
That this might really be the real end?
How’s it hit you when you get that kind of news?
Man whatcha do?

An' he said: "I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

He said "I was finally the husband,
"That most the time I wasn’t.
"An' I became a friend a friend would like to have.
"And all of a sudden goin' fishin’,
"Wasn’t such an imposition,
"And I went three times that year I lost my Dad.
"Well, I finally read the Good Book,
"And I took a good long hard look,
"At what I'd do if I could do it all again,
"And then:

"I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

Like tomorrow was a gift,
And you got eternity,
To think about what you’d do with it.
An' what did you do with it?
An' what can I do with it?
An' what would I do with it?

"Sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I watched Blue Eagle as it was flyin'."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."

Sun into Libra: Truth, Justice, Peace & Love

Autumn Equinox takes place on Monday, September 22nd at 8:44 A.M.. On September 9th Pluto turned direct and pulled up a lot of old residual emotional energy for people. That and the full Pisces moon on September 15th gave us an opportunity to do some deep heart clearing in preparation for this very important change of season. This autumn will take us through the Sun cycles of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius, will include 2008’s final Mercury retrograde, and will see Neptune and Uranus turning direct and Pluto entering Capricorn, a cycle it has not transited since 1762-1778.   

This year’s Libra cycle will host the last of 2008’s Mercury retrogrades (September 24th - October 15th).  Mercury greatly influences communication and information, and its retrograde cycles are ideal for reviews and revisions.  Have you noticed that this year all of the Mercury retrogrades have taken place during the Sun’s passage through air signs while Mercury has also been in air signs?  Libra, symbolized by the scales, strengthens the mind’s ability to weigh all of the facts. Ruled by Venus’s loving energy, Libra deeply desires balance and above all, harmony, so invites us to stand in the other person’s shoes and to consider all points of view. And look what just happens to be taking place at during this Libra Mercury retrograde cycle.

First presidential debate:
Friday, September 26
University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
Vice presidential debate:
Thursday, October 2
Washington University in St. Louis, MO
Second presidential debate:
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, TN
Third presidential debate:
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Libra’s unrelenting quest for truth, justice and ultimately peace will permeate the air and psyche of the American voter.  Under these intellectually alert astrological conditions, 2008’s debates will give the candidates the chance to define and articulate their positions more clearly and voters the opportunity to scrutinize these statements most keenly. And with Mercury’s penchant for bringing information from the past to light, who knows what stories from a candidate’s past might surface sometime between September 24th and October 15th?  

In terms of what has become this year’s most important political issue, the economy, we will continue to be forced to face the cold, hard facts.  Jupiter went direct in staunch pragmatic Capricorn on September 7th and Saturn is still making his uncompromising way through detailed Virgo.  Add the previously mentioned Mercury retrograde to the mix, and more information about the mismanagement of our financial system and institutions is highly likely to emerge.  In the end, Libra’s judicious approach to the “fuzzy math” will tee us up perfectly for the life-and-death energies of the Scorpio cycle and Election Day. 



So, as seismic shifts take place around us and the campaign for the White House intensifies, remember that astrology is a tool of empowerment.  It reassures us that everything runs in cycles and is ever-changing.  If some of the headlines are hitting a little too close to home, you can take comfort in the ancient and wise adage that “this too shall pass.”  Astrology vividly describes the conditions influencing our lives and shaping our world and explains the options available to us at any given time.  Enlightened with this knowledge, we are in a better position to calculate, consider and decide.

In part two of this three part-series I’ll take a close look at the astrology of Election Day 2008, relish in all things intense and Scorpion and add more planetary perspective on the activities of the large outer planets.  They are the ones doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, subtly and slowly reshaping our reality.  Some of these revolutionary changes begin this Autumn. And did I mention that a certain pair of websites are having birthdays in November and that a very special new website is being created for me (and you)? In other Autumn news, we're hosting an in-person psychic fair in Denver which I'll be attending on September 27th, a dear friend is having her first book published in October, I’m heading back into the recording studio to record a new song in November, work mates are launching their own radio shows and my producer Peas is going to release a beautiful holiday CD called “A Christmas Chill.” It’s a collection yuletide favorites done up in hip downtempo style and it’s gorgeous. I’ll let you more about all of this in the coming weeks.

And I can't close this post without thanking everyone who has said a prayer for my cat Boris. Having him purring away in my lap as I sat on my patio enjoying my morning cup of coffee today, our routine, made me so grateful again to have him with me as we go into another season together. So often this Spring it was uncertain as to whether or not he would indeed still be here by now. He's such a precious and loving soul and words cannot convey the depth of my appreciation for his recovered health and the love and support so many friends, clients and colleagues have so generously extended to us over these long months. Thank you so much. Happy and Loving Equinox to you!

Psychic Fair in Denver/Update on Boris

Ok, so I'm very excited about this. I'm heading to Denver where I'll be meeting a lot of the Light Workers and cleints I've been working with online for the past 18 months at 12Listen.com. And our site's founder Mark Husson is having a Fair for us to do in-person readings on both Saturday and Sunday. I'm only working on Saturday, b/c, after all, it is a vacation. And I can't wait to have a little time off to see the Rocky Mountains. If you'll be in the Denver area on the weekend of the 27th, you can call 303.777.1112 to book a reading.

In other good news, and I've been meaning to post about this for weeks, Boris is doing very well. He's my 13-year-old cat who was diagnosed with IBD this past spring. It was rough on both of us and his twin brother Nicholas. But, being the little trooper that he is, he's pulled through it. We (finally!!!) found the right diet - thank you to the people in the world who make clean, healthy pet food these days. It saved his life.



I want to thank Mavis, idara, Chris, Mark, Keith and everyone from work who kept this sweet little guy in their prayers. Your loving energies really helped the both of us. And I could not be happier to see him back to normal, except for maybe sleeping a little more than he used to. But with a cat, how exactly do you really know? Is it 20 hours of sleep a day or 21? Anyway, I'm just extremely grateful that he's doing so well and is out of the woods.



With love and extreme gratitude,
Elizabeth

Sun into Virgo: the Shape of Things to Come

Following those dramatic and intense Leo eclipses, the grounding and healing energies of thoughtful Virgo are probably more welcome than usual in 2008. This cycle of the Virgin will see much of what has been brewing for months and what was stirred up more recently begin to fall into place and take tangible form. One obvious example is that both political parties in the U.S. will choose their tickets for the November election. As syllabi map out the rest of the year for millions of students and their teachers now returning to school, we too can glimpse into the remainder of 2008 and make our plans. Virgo’s exacting analysis and gentle determination are here to lovingly guide us to our goals.

The new Virgo moon falls on August 30th and is an excellent time to clear and bless our crystals. With the resonance of this nurturing earth sign, stones charged at this time will be imbued with Virgo’s sweet stamina and endless drive toward perfection. The elemental kingdoms you tap into at this time through your crystals will hold your intentions for many moons to come.

If you feel as if you’ve been making your way through a dark nebulous tunnel the past few months, one severely lacking definition, rejoice. This Virgo cycle will help you begin to see the proverbial light of your tunnel’s end. A las there is a game plan. On September 7th benevolent Jupiter turns direct followed by Pluto on the 9th. The forward motion of these two large planets will help to bring much of what has been floating around in the Cosmos online and into form. With Virgo’s impeccable analysis, structured and organized methodology and penchant for problem-solving, an array of “a-ha” moments is in store. You will likely see “how” your aims can be achieved in very practical terms. Remember that Jupiter is in fellow earth sign Capricorn and Saturn is still making his way through Virgo. This earthy alignment will give us the energy to ground and sustain our efforts, enabling both planning and progress. And as this is the last full earth sign cycle of the calendar year, rededicating ourselves or redoubling our efforts on long-term goals is sure to reap rewards down the line.

September 7th is also the 3rd Annual International Angel Day. Hundreds of workshops will take place all over the globe on that day to open the portal between our world and the Angelic realm even wider. So if there is a special petition you would like to make or you just want more Angelic influence in your life, this is an excellent time to avail yourself to these heavenly and celestial energies. In fact the entire Virgo cycle is especially good for working with ArchAngels Michael and Raphael.

Last month we worked with color energy to strengthen the three lower and fifth chakras with Leo courage, power and generosity. For the Virgo cycle, the Virgo colors of green, blue and white offer healing energies for the heart, throat and crown chakras. ArchAngel Michael is associated with Virgo’s ruling planet Mercury, expression and communication, the throat chakra and rich, deep and vivid shades of blue such as cobalt and royal. ArchAngel Raphael is often associated with the emerald green ray of healing light and green is one of the colors associated with the heart chakra. Coupled with the consciousness of the white light of the crown chakra, this color combination can bring calming and supportive influences to us. Like no other sign Virgo asks us to take better care of our health, and she offers her nourishing energies to help us. So if you’ve been thinking that you’d like to improve your diet, meditate more regularly or practice breath work more often, these color/Angelic energies can greatly assist you this Virgo season.

Well, all of that Leo roaring is behind us for another year. Its wild fiery expression has had its moment in the sun. Under passionate eclipse energies, the seeds of our souls’ paths were planted and their energies have been sent out across the waves and ethers of the Universe. Now we are ready to answer a more subtle call. Virgo beckons us onward in our journey toward greater consciousness. If we listen with an open mind and readiness to undertake the disciplined actions she may ask of us, she will Guide us to the fruition of the dreams that truly serve our highest good.

Sun into Leo: Time of Empowerment

On July 22nd the Sun returns to its home sign of Leo, initiating one of the most powerful solar cycles of the 2008. Two eclipses, the start of the Olympic Games and the 888 movement for global harmony and healing will occur during this cycle. If this article finds you unhappy with any aspect of your life, take heart and action. This year the season of the Lion generously offers lavish sums of confidence and courage, and most importantly a golden opportunity to heal and to take our power back.

Chances are that you are already familiar with the transformational energy available during eclipses. This pair happen on August 1st with the new moon at 3:13 A.M. PST and August 16th when the moon will be full at 2:16 P.M. PST. Fiery reds, oranges and golds and royal purple are Leo’s magnificent colors and they correspond to the first three and sixth chakras or energy centers of the body. The first three chakras represent our power and expression in the physical dimension. You may want to think of these as the manifestation chakras. Their state of weakness or wellness largely determines what and who shows up in our lives. The third eye represents our spiritual awareness. The upper and lower three chakras meet at the heart or center chakra where the dance of who we truly are and how we are showing up in the world is ongoing. This Leo cycle with its eclipse energies is ideal for healing and strengthening these chakras. We can combine our consciousness with being here now in powerful new ways. Here are some suggestions on how to work with these energies.



Meditate on it. Simply relax and begin pouring color into each chakra, red for the root, orange for the sacral, golden-yellow for the solar plexus and royal purple or violet into the third eye. As you feel each color’s energy entering your energy field, allow it to wash away all old messages and memories that have made you feel blocked, hurt or dis-empowered in any way. Intend that those old, lower, dark and heavy energies are replaced with the luminous empowering radiance of each color and affirm your healing. Whether you’re troubled by a minor irritation or you are trying to clear an issue or pattern you have carried around for years, affirm that the negative energies it corded in you are released for once and for all time. Then immediately begin rewriting your “story” the way you want it to work out, fully taking in the loving and healing energies being extended to you. This practice may be applied to personal issues as well as global ones. In closing your work, affirm that you are taking your power in the situation back and ask for guidance from the Divine as to the actions to take next, trusting that the steps you need to take will be revealed. And thank the Divine for working with you. For stronger work, perform this mediation in the sunshine. Not only is the Sun Leo’s symbolic planet and our planetary source of power, it is also associated with the Egyptian god of healing Ra and ArchAngel Raphael who is the veritable head surgeon of the Angelic realm. You can also work with the purifying and enlivening properties of fire by burning Leo colored candles at this time. And you can sport the Leo colors or flashier fashions from your wardrobe during this cycle to raise those Leo vibrations.

It’s important to realize that many of our problems are caused because we gave or continue to give away our power, in one way or another. While it’s easy to blame and to project, it’s wiser to use the precious energy we are for self-healing. As we heal, so does all around us. To that end, I want to mention two things in closing. One, the Olympic Games begin on August 8th, right smack in between the eclipses. On this occasion when people are literally connecting from all corners of Earth, I request that you say a prayer or affirmation of world peace. 08/08/08 also marks the beginning of the movement for global harmony and healing. The idea is simply that for eight days we take action on the social issues that most concern us to create a butterfly effect of positive change. To whatever extent you participate or not, I invite you on one or all eight days to simply hold the space for the ascension of our collective consciousness. A beautiful white organic gardenia candle, thoughtfully wrapped tissue paper, has been sitting in my altar drawer for the past couple of months, and now I know when to light it.

With love and blessings,
Elizabeth

Happy Graduation Strangford

Well, today is the day that the class who made the music video for "Get Up" graduate. Their teacher Leah McBride asked me if I wanted to send them a message that will be read during the ceremony, and this is what I wrote.

Dear Strangford Class of '08,

Through your creative talents and expression you have shown people around the world the new Northern Ireland. For you embody the dreams of peace that your parents dared to dream so many years ago when they chose to support integrated education. The long promised bright future with opportunities for all citizens is now being placed into your eager and capable hands. Embrace it. Your moment in history has been centuries in the making. You the class of 2008 inherit the peace dividend and with it can make whatever you wish for your lives, for your country and for the world. That you so generously shared your abundant talents in this music video is something for which I shall always hold the deepest gratitude. Your radiant young faces have given thousands of people across the globe a glimpse into your hopeful corner of the world, and reminded all of us of what is possible when we act with courage and love. Happy Graduation. Congratulations. And thank you.

Love always,
Elizabeth

Sun into Cancer: Going with the Cosmic Flow with Love

Remarkable as it is to realize, we are nearly halfway through 2008. On June 20th the Sun shifts into Cancer, marking the Summer Solstice. Presently the large outer planets Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto are retrograde, and on June 27th Uranus joins them. The Sun, Venus and Mercury are all heading out of the intense mental energy of air sign Gemini into watery Cancer. Planetary fireworks are around the corner with August’s eclipses (the 1st and 16th), and tangible options are being made ready to manifest once the Sun moves into earthy Virgo and Jupiter and Pluto turn direct in early September. This year’s passage of the Sun through intuitive and nurturing Cancer is our Cosmic opportunity to chill. Introspection, reflection and ease are the order of the days to come. In embracing the energies and insights of the forthcoming conditions, we are very likely to access the pearls of personal wisdom that will inform the eventful times to follow. Relax and receive.

First, on the significance of so many of the influential outer planets being retrograde simultaneously, most people understand retrogrades through their experience with Mercury, who can be quite the prankster with gadgets and timetables when he goes backwards. He goes direct on June 19th, and fortunately for all of us, having most of the powerful outer planets retrograde for the next several months does not mean that we are going to have to keep rescheduling appointments, replacing tech toys and leaving voicemail messages. Each of these planets has its own unique attributes and they are quite different from those of familiar Mercury. The pertinent aspect of retrograde energy that will be helpful to keep in mind is that it pertains to a time of review. We get to go over things. The retrogrades of the immense outer planets suggest that it will be the big picture aspects of life that we deal with at this time. Fellow heavy weight and taskmaster Saturn, though direct, will also contribute amply to this no stone left unturned process because it is moving through meticulous Virgo. For the resistant and impatient, this could prove to be a very challenging time. For the openhearted and receptive, the “answers” will be generously given. These truths will be empowering and will create a profound sense of peace. Issues that may have been troubling us for months can be laid to rest, for good. And decisions taken at this time can come with the greatest serenity. This is why listening to one’s inner knowing with trust and openness during the Sun’s journey through caregiving Cancer is so important. The path to tranquility and joy can truly be revealed to us.



On August 1st we begin the next set of eclipses. While these will be especially significant for Leos and Aquarians, they alter things for all of us. Eclipses shed light. And this time, as the Sun will be in attention-demanding Leo, the realities they illuminate will simply be impossible to ignore. If we allow our deeper wisdom to emerge during this season of Cancer, the eclipse energies can be harnessed and directed in support of our intentions and Purpose, so long as those are in alignment with the Higher Heart and Divine Will. On September 7th generous Jupiter, still in pragmatic Capricorn, will go direct, and on September 8th Pluto, now in spiritually sensitive Pisces, will also go direct, enabling some of those bigger pieces of the puzzle to fall into place in the physical plane. So as we initiate this summer season with Cardinal Cancer, know that cosmic reality checks will continue as often as the solutions to problems will appear.

Earlier this Spring, through her work with author and teacher Eckhart Tolle, Oprah laid some solid groundwork in the collective cultural conscience for the days on the horizon. For ten weeks she and Tolle taught millions of people throughout the planet how to experience and practice more presence. Whether you participated in the online event or read “A New Earth” is not important, though they are excellent resources. What this cycle of Cancer offers us is the opportunity to practice the awareness of presence and to experience its gifts. In this deeply loving, healing and intuitive sign, we can get to the heart of all matters and align ourselves with Divine Guidance and Purpose. Dive in!

Hummingbirds

I think they are hummingbirds, little brown ones who sing a lot. Ten days after putting out a bird feeder they finally showed up this morning. I was beginning to wonder about the whole bird feeder thing. How do they figure it out? Do they run surveillance for a little while to make sure that it’s not a trap run by ingenious felines? Were my sunflower seeds too stale after day one? Too soggy after the weekend rain? Had some bitchy food critic trashed us on opening day? Were there trendy dieters here in Hollywood for whom sunflower seeds were the new carbs?



No. For whatever reason they discovered it today. Then they started texting their friends, because all day long lots of them kept dropping by to munch. I’m pretty sure I even heard one say “Mira” as his three friends quickly swooped in for the spread. He would only give his first name as Paco and asked not to be photographed.

The past few months have been rough. The Veterinarian says that that my cat Boris has a swollen lymph node and IBD. Last night was another long one. The prescription food that he had been able to absorb only two weeks ago passed right through his thinning body. The formerly affectionately dubbed “Chubbers” did his best to make it to the box at least three times. I filled his bowl with fresh water afterwards so he could replenish his lost fluid. Sometime in the small hours I had an overdue cry as I wondered if this morning would be the one I’d have to bring him back to the Vet’s office for good.

I’m doing my best to prepare myself and being frank about the matter. I won’t use euphemisms like “putting him to sleep.” I’m clear that he won’t “wake up.” “Putting him to death” is a little harsh and “putting him down” isn’t really right either. It will come. I’m working up “Amazing Grace” with the simple hope that I’ll be able to play him from this world into the next with the sweetness of my harp. That theory assumes that I won’t be a total blubbering basket case when his time comes.

Fate spared him today. Dr. G. had jury duty. Not knowing what to feed him, I went to Whole Foods for the cleanest turkey I could find. My thinking is that if these are his last days, he’s not going to have to eat health cat food, something that I can only imagine to taste like cardboard if it’s anything like health people food. And with the sober awareness that he may not be here when it arrives next week, I placed a small order for venison. Research shows that it helps in some cases of IBD.



With the hummingbirds to visit on this mild sunny day, he and his brother Nicholas, who can’t figure out why they’re getting Christmas food at the end of May, seemed to have had a good time. Boris blew off his morning nap entirely, opting to spend the time excitedly watching the birds through the screen door, making that funny sound cats make when they see flying prey. For me, it was a gift to see him happy and lively and the two of them together and alive. Instead of retreating to my bedroom as has been his custom of late, he took his afternoon nap on the papasan chair in the brightly lit den where he could be close to those birds. It was good to see him in his usual napping spot. I can’t recall how many days or weeks it’s been since I saw him there. And this evening he rests on the new cable box. I think that he likes the heat from it. And while the thought of a round of his diarrhea into the Time Warner gadget concerns me a little, I don’t really care. He doesn’t like the heating pad and I just want him to be comfortable. We’re taking it one thing at a time. Thanks to whoever sent the hummingbirds.

Sun Moving into Gemini: Time to Rethink Our Thinking

The power of our thoughts to effect our experience and the outcomes we attain in life is such a popular topic these days that we may think we can skip any more of the “thoughts become things” discussion. But this year the Sun, Mercury (ruler of thinking) and Venus (ruler of love and beauty) will be in Gemini at the same time, and in fact Mercury will be retrograde for most of the Sun’s journey through this air sign. With Neptune and Jupiter also retrograde at this time, we have a golden opportunity to analyze our thought patterns, and moreover to revise the ones that are not supporting us. Whether it’s how we deal with our day to day reality or how we are doing with our larger life plans, rethinking our thinking during this cycle of Gemini can truly change the course of our lives.

Thinking runs you or you run your thinking. Your thoughts are either undermining your success and happiness or they are supporting you. So, observing your thoughts is the ideal place to start. The awareness that flourishes from this practice is your key to a better life, really. To get started, simply notice what you’re thinking about throughout the day or what thoughts come up when you consider a major life issue. What kinds of feelings are those thoughts producing? What actions might your take based on those thoughts and feelings? And most importantly, do those actions and thoughts serve your goals and well-being?

“I’ve had thousands of problems in my life, most of which never actually happened.” Mark Twain

One way of becoming clearer on how strongly your thoughts are shaping your experience is to work backwards when you find yourself in a negative state of mind. The next time that you end up in a bad mood, let your thought policeman or woman inspect the crime scene to figure out how you got there. What thoughts were your ruminating on? Were any of them reflecting a real situation that you needed to address? Or did you just get on the wrong train of thought? Actively practicing awareness of your mind’s busyness will not only break unhelpful mental patterns, it will put you in the conductor's seat. From there you can consciously choose which thoughts are best left at the station, at baggage claim perhaps, and which ones are helpful and maybe even inspiring.



This is not however a pitch for happy talk or wishful thinking. As much as I respect the work of Louise Hay, I’m not much of a fan of affirmations about things that don’t exist or are not present in our current reality. For me they trigger a mental backlash of sorts. For example affirming that “I am healthy and whole” when I am in bed with the flu only exacerbates the situation. My mind says, “Bullshit, you have a fever, can barely make it to the kitchen and need to go back to sleep.” In my experience thinking it does not necessarily make it so. Thinking is only a start and a tool. What I am an advocate of are empowering thoughts that bring clarity and acceptance to the present moment and point the mind, body and spirit in a constructive direction. In the above scenario thoughts that I would find useful would go along the lines of “I accept that I have the flu, and now give my body the rest it is asking for to process this illness, knowing that the body’s natural course is to heal.”

“I believe you could change your mind and change our lives” John Mellencamp Your Life Is Now

With four planets in Virgo (also ruled by Mercury) this is really fun stuff for me. But it can benefit anyone. So I invite you to work with the upcoming Sun cycle in one of the following ways. On Tuesday, May 20th, when the Sun enters Mercury, start thinking and perhaps writing about where you are in any aspect of your life and where you wish to be. The space in between is what we are going to work on next. Then from the 26th of May through June 19th, when Mercury is retrograde, we can analyze the thoughts we repeat most frequently surrounding these issues, and begin to re-pattern and reprogram the detrimental ones. The other method is simply to practice mindfulness during this time with whatever comes up on any given day and revise when appropriate. It’s pretty heady stuff, but no match for a soul dedicated to profound and positive change. Remember that loving Venus will be gently guiding us through this process. By Summer Solstice, on June 20th, we can emerge from this Gemini journey rewired for much richer and more rewarding lives. The shifts we make now will then go on to effect the collective of all around and ahead of us, and that’s pretty powerful. Think about it!

If you need any help, feel free to check in with me for a reading.

With love,
Elizabeth

20 Tips for Being Wealthier Now Part 2

11.  Start and maintain a gratitude journal.  As the saying goes, gratitude is the attitude. Oprah keeps one of these, and she is certainly an excellent example of prosperity.  At the end of each day list five things for which you are truly thankful.  You’ll soon discover that you don’t need to have Lady O.’s mega-millions to benefit from this heart and consciousness expanding exercise. You can literally keep a diary or count your blessings each night as you drift off to sleep.

12.  Use the library.  Chances are your county has a hip online database that lists all of its library books, CDs and DVDs that you can order from the comfort and convenience of your home. You’ll just need to drop by your local branch to pick them up and of course return them on time.  But this tip can save you lots of entertainment dollars.

13.  Try this really cool abundance prayer.  In his interesting book on wealth “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind,” author T. Harv Eker writes about how issues of unworthiness often cause people to lose money or to be unable to accept it in the first place.  For those who recognize the ever plentiful nature of the Divine, he offers the following:   

Universe, if anyone has something great coming and he/she is not open to receiving it, please send it to me.  I am open and willing to receive all of your blessings. Thank You! 

14.  Make a habit of improving your financial education.  How often have you needed that periodic table from your high school chemistry class?  If you’re anything like me, not so much.  The good news is that it’s never too late to learn about the fiscal facts of life.  Empowering yourself with knowledge and information about real estate, investing, tax benefits and the psychology of wealth is one of the surest paths you can take to your economic success.  And doing so on an ongoing basis will only strengthen your confidence as well as your monetary hand. And I bet a number of those books are available at your local library!

15.  Get the good free stuff online.  Though the market is gradually moving to a pay per use model, the web is still awash in valuable freebies.  In the self-help genre this is especially true.  For instance, every Thursday you can get the skinny on the stars with Astrologer Mark Husson over at Hay House Radio, who offer a plethora of mind/body/spirit programs for free. Yes, I snuck another plug in!  And have you tuned in to any of the “A New Earth” series Oprah and author Eckhart Tolle have been presenting at her site?  I don’t board my elliptical machine without these podcasts. The entire 10-week course including a workbook are available for free.  Again, this trend won’t last forever, so take advantage of it while you can.  

16.  Energetically shield when bargain hunting at discount stores.  Some of the people who shop at these places out of necessity often carry strong negative beliefs about money. Asking ArchAngel Michael for protection from these lower vibrations or carrying a piece of amethyst to clear your energy field while shopping at these stores will prevent you from being psychically drained when visiting them.

17.  Go green. Look into the abundant array of tax incentives available for buying more energy efficient cars, appliances and homes.  You’ll feel better for doing something good for our planet and will also benefit from the added bonus of savings on your energy costs for years to come.  And though it won’t be audible to you, thousands of people like me will be applauding you for your benevolence.

18.  Write down 10 solutions to every financial “problem” you think that you have.  This is another gem from Eker’s book.  Most metaphysical schools of thought agree with the concept that what we focus on expands.  This practice will not only begin to steer you towards solutions to your current dilemmas, but more importantly it will shift your consciousness away from the negative and onto the positive and the possible.  And that is the space where creativity and inspiration can get to work.

19.  Practice love and compassion for the rich.  I’m not joking. I alluded to this last week.  If you’ve ever been less than charitable to someone in traffic for no other reason other than that person was driving a luxury car, then you have some wealth work to do on yourself.  The problem isn’t the nice car that person was driving, but your reaction to it.  Unpopular as this may be to say, you’ll never be comfortable with money or have any while you actively practice hostility toward and resentment of the rich.  So the next time you see a beautiful home, an exquisite piece of jewelry or a better set of wheels than the ones you presently have, consciously admire that item and bless the owner.  That person has just shown you that your desire is attainable.

20.  Keep an abundance prayer/affirmation in your wallet.  If you have any debt issues, try wrapping your credit card(s) in this piece of paper and practice reading it before committing to any purchases that are not part of your budget.  If you are debt free, this tool can be employed to strengthen your already good financial habits and to positively reinforce your desire and ability to create even greater wealth.



Well, thank you very much for reading one or both of these articles.  This has been a fun series to work on.  I recall Louise Hay once saying that no other subject, not even sex, triggers people like that of money.  So I hope that you’ve found some new ideas to consider and possibly a few very useful practices to begin.  If you’d like a finance reading that includes insights and tools unique to you for wealth improvement, I’m available at 12Listen.com.  

20 Tips for Being Wealthier Now Part 1

It’s official, on April 19th the Sun moved into Taurus. This stable Earth sign provides an excellent window through which we can take a grounded and realistic look at the subject of wealth. Almost everyone wants to be more prosperous, so I’ve assembled a list of 20 tips, that, like my readings, combines the practical with the Spiritual. Whether you’re looking for ways to stretch your dollars or ways to expand your consciousness about money, the Taurus cycle is an excellent time to explore the subject. Remember that new habits initiated while the Sun moves through this fixed sign can last for years. And as we have Saturn in fellow Earth sign Virgo and Jupiter in Capricorn this year, the potential to reap long term rewards is much higher than usual. So here are some ideas.

1. Recognize the abundance already present in your life at least once a day. This can take almost any form, a flower bush that is in full bloom, mounds of fresh produce at the grocery store or a freshly folded stack of your laundry. The point is to pause and consciously focus on these examples of plenty. You may want to make a declaration such as “The Universe is infinitely abundant” at the same time.

2. Carry cash to the grocery store. According to a recent article in Woman’s Day, on average we spend 20% more when we use a bank or credit card when shopping for food. Unless you’re earning frequent flier miles with that plastic, changing this habit pays off immediately and your wealth accumulates considerably over time. How much is 20% of your grocery bill over the course of ten years? And how could you better use that amount of money?

3. Use your computer desktop for affirmations and images of wealth. For those who spend a great deal of time in front of the device, this is a great way to remind ourselves and our mega-powerful minds of our wealth goals.

4. Make your gasoline dollars go further by only filling up in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold and when your tank is half full instead of nearly empty. Petrol expands with heat, so the later in the day and the higher the temperature, the less gasoline you are getting for your money. Air aids the evaporation of petrol, so giving it less space in your tank will minimize evaporation, making your gasoline last longer.

5. Attend the Journey to the Stars webinar on May 1st - $10. So, this is a shameless promotion, but six planets will be in Earth signs on May 1st when noted author/astrologer/radio host Mark Husson presents his first webinar at Hay House Radio. If you don’t know why six planets being in Earth signs on that day is significant, this course will explain it to you. The larger planets of Saturn and Jupiter are also in Earth signs for several more months. If you learn a little more about astrology, you can find out how to put this powerful information to work when planning business, financial and career strategies.

6. Shop eBay. Last year a good friend recommended a $350 water purification system which I found brand new, in the box, on eBay for $210. The shampoo that costs $32 at the salon can be found on eBay for $18. Regular sellers are rated in terms of their reliability, so finding a trustworthy source is a snap. One of my best friends is married to a man whose annual salary is over one million dollars, and she swears by eBay. If the rich are doing it, it’s probably a good financial idea.

7. Live with a sense of luxury now. The notion of being wealthy is simply an idea, and one that is unique to each of us. Regularly having experiences of what you consider to be living the good life will align you more closely with your wealth vibration and the sensation of being rich. A long candlelit bath with “spa” music, time out for a leisurely cup of tea or coffee in the middle of the afternoon, or a well prepared meal served at a set dining table on your best dinnerware are but a few examples of little things you can do to feel rich now with things you already have.

8. Whenever possible. own instead of renting. The next time that you review your monthly bills, ask yourself if there is anything that you currently rent or subscribe to that would pay for itself if you purchased it instead. That water filter I mentioned is an example of an otherwise unending bill from Arrowhead Water that I eliminated completely.

9. Spend more time on the wealthy sections of town. Why not see how the other half (ok 2%) live? No you don’t have to drop $400 on a t-shirt at Barneys. Even Beverly Hills has a Gap and a Starbucks (well, officially five, but who’s counting?). Sitting awhile to sip your latte at the rich people’s Coffee Bean may also reveal areas you need to work on in terms of your abundance consciousness. If you try this, gently notice whether you admire or judge and resent the rich people you encournter. I’ll write more about this in next week’s post.




10. Come to our Journey Through the Stars After Party when our readings that normally retail for $3.49/minute will be on sale for $1.99/minute from 6:00 P.M. to midnight PST. OK, so it is another shameless plug, but a bargain is a bargain! The wealthy know a good deal when they see one and are usually wise enough to take advantage of it. At 12Listen and 12Angel.com our staff of professional advisors are simply some of the best in the intuitive business. Founder Mark Husson ran one of Denver’s most successful metaphysical bookstores for twenty years before launching our websites, and he still personally screens and approves every member of our dedicated staff. So consider allowing our psychic expertise, knowledge of planetary trends and decades of metaphysical experience assist you on your path to creating greater wealth and abundance in your life.

See you next week.

Lesson in Courage

A good friend had to postpone her plans to come visit Southern California this weekend due to the grounding of American Airlines’ flights. Fortunately for her, she had not yet begun her journey, so she was spared the extreme inconvenience experienced by thousands of passengers stranded across the country. As I wrote words that I hoped would bring her comfort, the most amazing insight came. God bless Bobby Boutris. He’s the man responsible for grounding thousands of flights, and we owe him our deepest gratitude for doing so. Because of this one man’s unwavering courage, the entire flying public is now safer. So if you’re feeling upset, like my friend was, because your plans were changed, you may want to reframe your thoughts. Bobby Boutris may have saved your life.

Last week the 56-year-old FAA employee testified before the House Transportation Committee on Capitol Hill and revealed years of unconscionable business practices by Southwest Airlines and complicit staff of the FAA. Those unscrupulous individuals literally put the lives of the flying public at risk by fudging safety records, and since 2003 Mr. Boutris, at great cost to himself and his family, has been on our side. His testimony was such a revelation in fact that the safety standards and practices of four other airlines are now under investigation, hence the flight cancellations.

In the Dallas Morning News Mr. Boutris was quoted as saying, “Anything that goes against a standard and against the law is worth fighting.“

Most of us would agree with his sentiment. But I wonder how many of us would practice our beliefs to the extent that Mr. Boutris did. Pacified with material goods and fearful of economic peril, how many of us would sacrifice so much for the common good?

In 2003 Mr. Boutris brought the muddy safety records of Southwest airlines to the attention of his supervisor, Douglas Gawadzinski. Boutris’ valid concerns were ignored. In the all too familiar scenario, it turns out that Mr. Gawadzinski had a very cozy relationship with Southwest Airlines regulatory compliance manager Paul Comeau. The solution to Boutris’ persistent concern for the public’s safety was a reassignment of his job in 2006. When the man who replaced him, Douglas Peters, sided with Boutris’ findings In 2007, the FAA used a highly suspicious excuse to relieve Boutris of his day to day responsibilities for oversight of Southwest inspections. As if all of that wasn’t intimidating enough, this year, when it was announced that Congress would grant him and fellow whistle blower Peters a hearing, the plot got really dark. Mr. Boutris received a death threat. The FBI is presently investigating that.

Last week I heard a radio interview with Mr. Boutris and could not help but notice his Greek accent. The fact that he immigrated to America, in 1975, makes his story all the more moving and remarkable to me, especially in this election year. He’s someone who left his homeland for the promise of America. Ultimately that promised was kept. Our country and the world are better for people like Mr. Boutris. In an age of skepticism and cynicism, I find him truly heroic. And personally, I consider what happened a small miracle. So the next time someone suggests that your work on a political or social issue is insignificant or meaningless, I hope you will think of Mr. Boutris, the thousands of grounded flights, an entire aviation system that has now been called into question, and the vast difference that one person can make.

And as I’m posting today, I of course want to wish the Good Friday Peace Accord and people of Ireland, North and South, a very happy 10th Anniversary. It was ten years ago today that the accord was signed by their politicians. In May it will be ten years since the public ratified it by voting for peace, a peace they now share. Don’t let anyone tell you that your vote doesn’t count.

With love,
Elizabeth

Passion into Form

Let the enthusiasm begin! The first new moon of Spring arrives on Sunday, April 6th at 7:55 P.M. PST. This past moon cycle was an excellent time to meditate, reflect and seek deeper Spiritual Wisdom. But the nebulous sometimes meandering waters of Pisces have definitely passed. We now enter a lunar cycle when Venus, Mercury and the Sun are in feisty, enlivening Aries. In short, our hearts (Venus) and minds (Mercury) are reawakening to connect us passionately with what is most important to us. If you’ve been doing some honest to goodness soul searching lately, you are about to be rewarded. This cycle will give us direction and energetic support. What is more is that this moon’s journey will also see us into the materializing forces of Taurus whose earthy energy will be strongly magnified by the presence of large outer planets in fellow earth signs. In short, what we truly love and are committed to can now come into form.

April 17th Mercury moves into Taurus where it will be joined by the Sun on the 19th, on the 20th the moon will be full (in Scorpio - how powerful!) and on the 30th (Beltane) Venus will enters Taurus. On May 2nd Saturn, currently in Virgo, will go direct after being retrograde since mid December. And Jupiter and Pluto are already in fellow earth sign Capricorn. Some of you will recall the new moon of January 8th this year when we set New Year’s intentions while four planets were in Capricorn. The new cycle will see some very tangible progress on those goals and objectives. Keep going!

If you’d like to understand more about astrology, on May1st a very special opportunity to do so will be presented by Hay House Radio. Renowned author Mark Husson is hosting his first Astrology webinar, somehow planned on a day when six planets are in Earth signs. That guy is good! Novices and professionals alike have something to learn form Mark’s keen and creative perspective on the planets. That event takes place live from 4:00-6:00 P.M. PST and only costs $10 at attend. I’ll be there and hope to be mingling and learning with you then. To register, just .visit Hay House

And, as so many notes have piled up since my last post, I want to cover a few of the more significant ones. In dreams I’ve seen that China will come to peaceful terms with Tibet. The pressure of Olympics sponsors and the transparency of the world (wide web) we now live in, plus the next set of eclipses, will make it impossible to do otherwise. Also under the influences of those August eclipses (the 1st and 16th), I saw the younger generation (Indigos and Crystals) stage very colorful, well-crafted, media savvy protests at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. But this will not be Chicago circa 1968 when the Antiwar rallies clashed with police. I was shown our youth staging creative, compelling and well choreographed messages of peace. If you’re reading this and are under 35 years of age, get to it! And remember that April 22nd is Earth Day. With so many planets in Earth signs this year, we have a more profound opportunity to improve things. So whether it’s through political practice, meditation and prayer, or via participating in a local cleanup event, please consider taking some time this year to work towards a cleaner, greener, more loving and beautiful planet.

Finally, to close out this post about purpose/passion coming into form, I’m very pleased to announce that NPR affiliate WBFO-FM in Buffalo, NY will include my music in a special about the peace process of Northern Ireland. Hosted by Bill Raffel, it will air live and be streamed online on Saturday, April 5th at 8:00 P.M EST. This is one of those dreams really do come true moments for me, and I hope you will share in the inspiration the achievement of peace really is.

Wishing Love, Light and many blessings.
Elizabeth

Ps: Saw this and really liked it. I affectionately refer to her as the brain lady, Jill Bolte Taylor, and her story is pretty interesting.