Sun into Capricorn 2011: Collisions, Decisions & Visions

When the Sun enters conservative Capricorn on December 21st at 9:30 P.M. PST it will usher in the cycle that will bring us into auspicious 2012.  Much of the astrological world is already abuzz about two of 2012’s biggest events, the exact Uranus Pluto squares taking place on June 24 and September 15th.  These are the first in a series of seven occurring until March of 2015, and their influence is widely anticipated to be a major source of the great societal, cultural and institutional transformation ahead.  While those seismic events are building on the cosmic horizon, the immediate Capricorn solar journey before us will give us a sense of their essence. It will also offer some creative strategies for staying on track during changing times. In part that is because Pluto is already transiting sober, pragmatic and dedicated Capricorn, and on January 7th Mercury will enter this Cardinal earth sign.  The full moon of January 8th in Cancer will contribute to the Cardinal crossfire.  It will also nurture empathy, trust and security.  In addition to the squares they form with Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Libra, the planets in Capricorn will form supportive earth trines with Mars in Virgo and Jupiter in Taurus.  This cycle will also host innovative air sign trines, mainly courtesy of a Venus transit through inventive Aquarius.  In short, momentous 2012 is dawning under a Capricorn sky that will bring issues to the fore as quickly as it serves up ground-breaking solutions. The art of working toward the realization of our dreams while sea-change abounds is the gift of austere, determined Capricorn, and the cycle ahead will offer many occasions to master it.

Shortly after the Sun enters conventional Capricorn, it will collide with Uranus in spirited, independent Aries in the form of a square.  The disruption unleashed by squares presents opportunities to address nagging issues and to release ourselves completely from unsustainable situations. Venus, newly arrived in original Aquarius, will offer some objective insight and ingenious ideas, and benevolent, expansive Jupiter will form a supportive trine to the Sun. In astrology planets travel from zero to twenty-nine degrees through each of the zodiac’s twelve signs.  Zero represents a starting point is associated with moments of infinite possibility. At the start of this Capricorn cycle Uranus and Jupiter will be at zero degrees, and the faster moving Sun and Venus will move from zero forward. This signals a time to find new ways at looking at old problems or the right time to make a fresh start by clearing the slate altogether.

   The initiating energies are bolstered on the 24th under a new Capricorn moon, and on the 25th another force of renewal is activated when Jupiter turns direct. The plentiful planet has been retrograde since August 30th. In constructive earth sign Taurus, its forward motion will breathe life back into shelved projects and give weighty momentum to new endeavors. By the 29th the Sun will be conjunct (exactly aligned with) Pluto at seven degrees. Capricorn’s long-range perspective fueling the Sun and Pluto makes this a stellar time to work on big-picture ventures. To only think about New Year’s resolutions under these influences is to be shortsighted. This is Capricorn’s most industrious power and it can sustain the enterprises to which it is applied for years to come. Marking the days from December 22nd through New Year’s Day with the phrase “Life Vision” and spending some quality time contemplating its meaning wouldn’t be a bad idea. To underscore the point, a motivational Aries moon arrives on December 31st, kicks off 2012 under its bold, brave influence and stays through January 2nd. Happy New Year!

The Cancer Full Moon of January 8th creates a Grand Cardinal Square involving six of astrology’s ten planets. Mercury, Pluto and the Sun will be roughly 90 degrees away from Uranus in Aries which will be about 90 degrees away from the moon in Cancer. It will in turn be 90 around degrees from Saturn in Libra which will be approximately 90 degrees away from the planets in Cap. Of course oppositions are formed along the Cancer Capricorn axis as well as the Aries Libra line. Symbolized by the mountain goat, ambitious, resourceful Capricorn sets its goal and takes one deliberate step after the next to attain it. Dutiful, responsible and relentless, its standards are high and uncompromising. The confrontational aspects occurring while this moon reaches its zenith, under a complete Grand Cardinal Cross, suggest the unmasking of those unprepared to walk this exacting walk. After all, Pluto is a major part of the eventful equation. Cancer’s mission is to provide protection and safety and to foster emotional security, Uranus in Aries signals an awakening and Saturn in Libra champions fairness. As the cosmic waves crash over the weekend of January 7th, the true architects and custodians of the New Age will emerge as those committed to dispelling fear and competition with stability and trust.

Beaming brightly throughout this cycle will be a nearly exact trine between powerhouse planets Saturn in fair-minded, harmonious Libra and Neptune in progressive Aquarius. Also traveling through broad-minded, humanitarian Aquarius will be loving Venus. Aquarian airwaves of brilliance, originality and mental electricity in her care will be especially clear on January 13th when she trines Saturn and conjuncts Neptune. This air-sign trio will ring the bells of freedom and justice from higher octaves throughout the Capricorn cycle. If we tune in, we’ll be able to view all arising challenges from a wiser and wider perspective. As the Capricorn season closes, Venus moves on to holistic Pisces. This too is a harbinger of an important aspect that will be in effect far beyond 2012, Neptune’s transit through Pisces. Pisces is dedicated to unity and integration and Neptune offers a pathway into our innate creativity. Neptune will reach its watery home on February 3rd where it will remain until 2025. Artistic Venus will lead the way, showing us how to begin tapping into these vast and visionary reserves now.

It's Day 6 of the 12 Days of Giving

Hello,

I hope that your holidays are going really well. I just wanted to post a quick update on the 12 Days of Giving Promotion. First of all, thank you to everyone who is participating. It has been so much fun catching up with so many of you. It has also been my pleasure to give you readings as we all prepare for momentous 2012. So far my daily winners have picked a wide range of great causes, and I am completely honored to donate to them.

The contest details are all spelled out in the two previous posts below, so please read those for details. Finally, it's Friday and that means that the Hay House Book Club will be on at 11AM PST on Hay House Radio. Today's edition is our interview with Scott Blum from the DailyOM, whose book "Winter Moon Rises" is one of the books contest winners can choose from the 2011 Hay House Book Club Collection. I hope you will tune in for this show. With the Hay House Radio App, you can listen anywhere. It's free and a great resource. Lastly, our 2011 rewind show has been moved to the 23rd.

There you have it! Thank you again for your likes, calls, retweets, etc. Happy Holidays!

With love,
Elizabeth

It's Day 3 of the 12 Days of Giving!

Hello,

Just wanted to post a list of the books from the 2011 Hay House Book Club. Each day's winner of my 12 Days of Giving promotion will be able to select one of these wonderful, inspiring and empowering books and a favorite charity for a $50 donation. Each winner also gets 12 free minutes toward another reading and a beautiful Robyn Nola bookmark. Just got those yesterday and they are gorgeous! Thank you Robyn! Here is the book list.

May 2011: Married to Bhutan with Linda Leaming
June 2011: Peace from Broken Pieces with Iyanla Vanzant
July 2011: Ravenous with Dayna Macy
August 2011: The Angel Therapy Handbook with Doreen Virtue. September 2011: Shift Happens! with Robert Holden, Ph.D.
October 2011: You Can Create an Exceptional Life! with Louise L. Hay and Cheryl Richardson
November 2011: Winter Moon Rises with Scott Blum

To be entered into the daily drawing, come have a reading with me today or any of the designated 12 Days of Giving and be sure that you are a member of my personal email list. You can listen to the Hay House Book Club at Hay House Radio every Friday at 11AM PST and in the archive. Please join us on December 23rd for our year end rewind show. It's going to be a lot of fun and we'd love to have your with us. Happy Holidays!

Love,
Elizabeth

12 Days of Giving Begins Now

Happy Holidays!

Ok, Mercury is retrograde, so I'll blame that for getting my annual contest started a little on the tardy side. In any case, it’s time to celebrate! 2011 is winding down and the auspicious energy of 2012 is awakening. That means that it is time for my annual 12 Days of Giving promotion. I hope that year’s gifts will serve as a mutual affirmation of abundance, compassion and the sharing of wisdom.

Here’s how the 12 Days of Giving Promotion works. I will hold 12 drawings in total throughout December. To enter, you must be a member of the Elizabeth’s Oracle mailing list and have a phone or chat reading of five paid minutes or longer with me. I will announce each of the 12 contest days from my website, my app and via social media, and draw a daily winner from each day’s readings. There will be 12 winners in total. To sign up for my mailing list, please visit my website.

Each of the 12 winners will receive the following:

One book from the 2011 Hay House Book Club collection, winner’s choice.

A Robyn Nola Bookmark for that new book. Thank you Robyn!!

A $50 donation to a charity in the winner’s name, winner selects the charity to benefit.

and

12 free minutes toward another reading.


To find out more about this year’s Hay House Book Club selections, be sure to visit Hay House Radio and join me for the year end show on December 16th at 11AM PST. We’ve talked to Louise Hay, Doreen Virtue, Cheryl Richardson, Iyanla Vanzandt and Robert Holden amongst others during the past year. These gifted sages and teachers offer a perspective that is sure to Light the way into 2012 and keep us inspired. And more great authors will be joining us in 2012.

In closing, 2011 has given me many gifts, some obvious public successes, others deep, internal experiences, and all tremendously valuable. I thank you with all of my heart for being my customer this year. Your loyalty, support and especially your kindness are the most gratifying part of my work, and I very much look forward to sharing the many blessings ahead with you. Now come win some goodies and let’s help others!

With love,
Elizabeth

Sun into Sagittarius 2011: New Balance

The Sun’s entrance into spirited, optimistic Sagittarius usually signals a welcomed atmospheric shift from Scorpio’s dark, plutonian intensity to the bright, buoyant lift of astrology’s Archer. At 8:08 A.M. PST on November 22nd the Sun will move into Jupiter-ruled, affable Sag, but don’t expect the transformational energies to subside just yet. Sagittarius is one of the zodiac’s four mutable signs. These signs end their respective seasons and represent culmination and closure. In 2011, the completion theme will be amplified by aggressive Mars traveling through mutable Virgo. His assertive force will clash with Solar and Lunar eclipses in Sagittarius and (mutable) Gemini, as well as the moon’s Nodes which are presently on the Gemini Sagittarius axis. Simultaneously, vivacious Venus will make her way through materialistic Capricorn where she will fortify a Grand earth trine and activate those initiating cardinal signs. Throw in a Mercury retrograde in fiery Sag, which will also be at odds with feisty Mars, and destructive and regenerative Scorpio would feel right at home. But the zodiac stipulates that we emerge from the Underworld into enthusiastic Sag’s imaginative realms and embrace the happy changes Zeus’s favorites are intent on ushering in.

To that end, the action gets underway right at the start of this cycle. Mercury turns retrograde late on November 23rd, November 24th sees a new Sagittarius moon and Solar eclipse, and Venus enters Capricorn on November 26th, where she immediately squares erratic Uranus in provocative Aries. Clearly the Cosmos is committed to shaking things up and unearthing the obstacles and impediments to progress in our lives. If resistance is futile, then rigidity is insane. Flexible, friendly Sag instead champions inspiration as direction. For instance, its Mercury retrograde, which lasts until December 13th, offers us the chance to reconnect with the innocence of our unconditioned selves and to create each day from a Sagittarius sense of positive possibility. That new Sag moon and Solar eclipse further encourage us to see life as an adventure, believe in magic and take gigantic leaps of faith. If that sounds like a precarious way to pay the rent or to get results in the “real” world, Sag’s benevolent ruler Jupiter is beaming exuberant and practical rays our way.

The giver of gifts and largest planet in the sky is flexing its expansive muscles in sensuous, constructive Taurus, and has formed solid alliances with the planets in fellow earth signs. Together Jupiter in Taurus, Mars in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn comprise a Grand earth trine. This is some of astrology’s must fertile ground for seeding, growing and manifesting our intentions. It blesses principled endeavors and hard work and showers us with patience and endurance. On December 1st, Venus joins Pluto in industrious Capricorn presenting us with even more opportunity and abundance. There is plenty to go around, and no need for greed. In fact, those bent on attaining fame and fortune at the expense of others will continue falling from grace, favor and power. In part that’s because Venus, one of the money planets, is not only aligning with the productive earth signs, but also stimulating the Cardinal Cross.

Since Pluto entered austere Capricorn in December of 2008, we’ve seen one corrupt leader or institution after the next come tumbling down. Next, stern Saturn entered fair-minded Libra in October 2009 where it has been on the same page as purifying Pluto. Finally, earlier this year, unpredictable Uranus joined the cardinal call to initiate systemic reform. Venus moving through ambitious Capricorn will revitalize these seismic forces. Add mischievous Mercury in review mode and the inherent revelations of eclipses, and something or someone is bound to go viral. That and the mutable and cardinal crosses occurring throughout this cycle are simply exposing what needs to be healed or released. Spontaneous, philosophical Sag is here to point the way to our new dreams and visions and to help us adapt to these changes. Its lucky, irrepressible essence invites us to renew our faith, dream big and make a wish.

Follow up on Carlos and Military Working Dogs.

Dear Readers,

OK, first of all, thank you to friends like Solange and Caroline who were willing to take the time to contact our government to express their concerns about the treatment of bomb-sniffing dogs used by our military. It is my firm belief that our democracy is of, for and by the people, and that means that “we the people” are compelled to participate when "we" want something done. In my mind, that means writing letters, making phone calls and taking to the streets every now and again.

As my fb friends know, I’ve been well, like a dog to a bone, since mid September when I read an email from two Air Force officers that stated the following:

“"You might be shocked and dismayed to learn that when these dogs are retired, they are snuffed out for their service. It is cheaper to euthanize them than transport them back. “

Thankfully, that is not exactly true. It seems that many Americans, like my friends and I, were outraged by such treatment. To that end, in 2000 a law called “The Robby Law” was passed unanimously by Congress and signed by President Clinton. It requires the military to put “military working dogs” up for adoption. The dogs can only be killed if they pose a threat or to prevent undue pain and suffering. There is a program in Lackland, TX that helps place the dogs with their handlers, law enforcement agencies and families willing to adopt them.

So, was that original email from Air Force officers an urban legend? No. Unfortunately dogs used by contractors are not protected by the Robby Law. Sadly also, that law was not enacted in time to save Robby's life. Of course I’m not happy about this side-stepping of U.S. law, or any done by contractors as they are de facto representatives of our interests. I’m also not too happy that the Public Affairs office never got back to any one of my four friends who called about this issue back in September, even though their message states that they return all calls within five business days. Ultimately though, that did not deter me one bit and I am glad that I have gotten to the bottom of this story. I am also very pleased that there is a way for ordinary citizens to adopt these dogs. My lease prevents me from doing so at this time, but at some other point the adoption site is the first place I will look for a dog. These posts may also help connect eligible dogs with new homes. I am grateful that Americans flooded the DoD, Congress and the President with their concern, and that the fate of these wonderful animals was changed by the people. It would be great to see the contractor loop hole closed, but I’ll leave that fight for someone else. Thank you again to those of you who got involved. It really does make a difference.

Sun into Scorpio 2011: Truth and Transcendence

Pluto-ruled, emotional Scorpio is typically associated deep-seeded change. The conventional wisdom has been that Scorpio reveals our true feelings, and they in turn send us soul searching. We recognize what we no longer need and what we desire next. Then Scorpio’s transformative power goes to work. In 2011, the Sun, Venus, Mercury and a new moon will issue the annual ticket to journey beneath the surface of what’s happening in our lives. But this year’s voyage to the underworld will urge us to delve much deeper than usual. It wants us to uncover and begin repairing the programming, filters and perceptions operating beneath our emotions. Chiron and Neptune turn direct on November 9th, the day before a full Taurus moon that will see Mars move into analytical Virgo. If the Higher Self always knows the path back to our innate perfection, then purifying Scorpio is here to clear away the emotional roadblocks we’ve constructed.

When the Sun enters Scorpio on October 23rd at 11:30 A.M. PST it will meet up with Venus and Mercury who are already traveling through the fixed water sign. The new Scorpio moon of October 26th is an ideal time to pause and listen to our internal voicemail. Venus will be squared by Mars on that day and Mercury by Mars on the 28th, a day when the Sun and Jupiter will also be at odds. Mars will square Neptune on the 31st and Mercury will square Neptune on November 1st. Paying careful attention to what disturbs or distresses us during this time can ultimately prove as enlightening as reflecting on what delights us. After all, discomfort often signals needed changes. The critical distinction to make here is this. Are these messages coming from a habitual story of unhappiness or have people and situations in our lives served their evolutionary purpose? Scorpio, the zodiac’s most adept detective, is on the case and intent on getting to the bottom of things. Can we handle the truth?

On November 2nd Venus and Mercury bid heavy Scorpio adieu and head into optimistic Sagittarius. Uranus in fearless Aries and Mars in lionhearted Leo strengthen and encourage Sag’s enthusiasm. The general fire sign trine these four planets form offers the alchemy that can turn insight into inspiration. Are you ready to sing your heart song? Providing rich celestial soil for seeding our renewed sense of possibility will be the full Taurus moon of November 10th. Healing Chiron and metaphysical Neptune station on November 9th, thus bringing their forward momentum to the full moon.

Fixed earth sign Taurus represents stability, peace and fertility. Expansive Jupiter is already in the sign of the Bull where it is in harmonious accord with regenerative Pluto in industrious Capricorn. Adding the third and final earth element will be Mars entrance into Virgo on the full moon. Jupiter, Pluto and Mars form a supportive earth sign trine that will hold through June of 2012 when Jupiter moves on to Gemini. The full moon marks the end of our lunar elemental journey from intuition, to inspiration to implementation or water, fire and earth. True to its phoenix form, the full moon of the Scorpio cycle is of course really only a beginning.

This cycle’s insights and evolutionary intentions can only be fully realized through practice. After all, we didn’t grow those negative neural pathways overnight, and the genetically downloaded ones have been with us throughout this incarnation. For the next eight months aggressive Mars will be our self-help personal trainer and lead thought analyst as it transits astrology’s top thought editor, Virgo. Is our thinking undercutting or serving our growth? When we find ourselves believing anything other than that life loves us, uncompromising Mars will tell us so and go to work on our neural plasticity. We are talking about an actual physical metamorphosis as Mars works with its earth sign inhabiting counterparts. Lastly, Louise Hay says that it is better to dissolve a habit rather than to try to break it. Traveling together, Neptune and Chiron are the best cosmic forces for dissolving problematic patterns, and they will be doing their finest work beginning in late February when they re-enter gentle, compassionate Pisces. For now, intense, complex Scorpio is asking one simple question: Are we really ready to let go and let God?

Louise Hay joins Elizabeth and the Hay House Book Club this month on Hay House Radio. Catch one of the many broadcasts of this very special Book Club edition and join the Book Club discussion on Facebook. To keep up with Elizabeth, download her new free app at here.

Sun Into Libra 2011: Breakdown to Breakthrough

According to popular author Robert Holden, Ph. D., “If you are alive, you need help.” In his book “Shift Happens” he asserts that defenses are the work of the ego, that unwillingness to ask for help is an invitation to struggle, suffering and loneliness, and that while independence looks desirable from the outside, it is really based on a deep fear of intimacy. He uses the term “dysfunctionally independent” to describe this mindset. The idea of extreme independence also runs counter to the truth of Oneness, that we are all connected and interdependent.  As Holden’s premise seemed intriguingly appropriate for the Sun’s entrance into collaborative Libra, gifted astrologer and writer Aleta McClelland has joined me for this article.

When the Sun enters Libra at 2:05 A.M. PST on September 23rd, it will join Saturn and Venus who are already transiting the sign of cooperation, relationship and beauty. On September 25th Mercury will also move into this mental air sign and prepare us for a transformative new Libra moon on the 27th. On the one hand, five planets (the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Saturn) in diplomatic Libra will make harmonious trines to Neptune and Chiron in fellow air sign, visionary Aquarius. They will also receive supportive sextiles from Mars in courageous Leo and fuel from the presence of a total of eight planets in signs with active yang polarity (Mars in Leo, Neptune in Aquarius, Uranus in Aries and the five in Libra). On the other hand, or side of that famous Libra scale, squares from Pluto and oppositions from Uranus to the Libra bunch are in store. These aspects promise to bring important issues to a head and matters to the fore, especially around that powerful new moon. Lastly, this period will host seven planets in Cardinal signs, marking an auspicious cycle of new opportunities, beginnings and growth. Here’s Aleta on the Aquarian aspect.

  “When we see Neptune and Chiron retrograde in Aquarius, a call to liberate through healing has begun!  The retrograde is here to assist by intensifying our spiritual depth while maintaining the stamina to get the job done. This combo is nothing like sweet dreamy Neptune or wounded Chiron.  These are power players who have come to get to the root of things, heal and move on to their true objective; making the new dream real.  Placed in the fourth house of core foundations, there is an almost plutonian penetration to this event, which is a nice way of saying, the chaos is sincerely on our side.  Neptune and Chiron are compelling us to externalize and collaborate about our healing needs individually and collectively.   Not coincidentally, with the Sun, Venus, Saturn, Mercury and finally the Moon lining up in Libra, there is a ground swell of energy around broad based and quite idealistic community.  We need our peeps right now and we know it! Although these planets are emphasizing the collective energy there is nothing general about it. The Sun and Venus play off of each other to create a feeling of warmth and affection, but not the amorous kind!   Here, we see Venus in her most diplomatic persona, urging us towards a down to earth version of universal love.  It’s the epitome of universality, updated and matured as Saturn conjunct Juno chime in. Saturn wants to insure that what we dream has a practical form so it can become real. The planets in Libra trine with Neptune and Chiron cause us to (often through disruption) reevaluate what we think are core relationship necessities, values, health, and even sanity; however it is not interruption for its own sake.  They are calling in the transpersonal, a new definition of the collective, Oneness…..a taste of the actual qualities of the Aquarian Age wrapped in Libras iron butterfly commitment to balance and harmony…..and none of them are afraid of a little radical housecleaning and healing before creating anew.  Just see what Pluto is doing in Capricorn!”

September 25th-28th is one of this cycle’s hottest spots, and it may will offer some defining moments. Destructive Pluto transforms and it will form squares to the moon on September 27th and the Sun and Mercury on the 28th. Progressive Uranus in independent Aries will oppose the Sun on September 25th, Mercury on the 26th and the moon on the 27th. During this time individual needs will be pitted against collective ones and the call for release will be intensified. At its best, Libra values fairness, partnership and grace. At its worst, it fails to make critical decisions. With the pressure from Pluto and Uranus, indecision will not be a viable option. Paths are being cleared for new beginnings. In fact the new Libra moon will bring the total to a stunning seven planets in the instigating Cardinal signs. With them, we can redefine how we experience life. It’s not so much about acquiring new stuff or starting new ventures. It is all about embracing an enlightening new perspective.

Holden asks us to consider which filters we are viewing our lives through. Do we see endless struggles, grievances, anger and stress? Are we running on fear and lack? Or can we see the negatives as signals to change course? Can we empty our bowls of yesterday’s rice and access our personal alchemy to heal our lives? How often do we recognize the clarity, happiness and trust that are always available to us? Libra Louise Hay’s motto is, “Life loves you.” Astrology’s Libra celebrates the colleagues, friends, partners and family members who have journeyed all this way to remind us.

Elizabeth has just released an exciting new app! It’s free and available in both iPhone and Android formats. It features music, oracle messages and upcoming appearances such as her date with C.A. Brooks on “Simpletales” on 12Radio, and her interview with Robert Holden on the Hay House Book Club this Friday, the 23rd, also at 11AM PST on Hay House Radio. For all the details, download her app now.

Sun into Virgo 2011: Keys to the Matrix

Way back in 1984 Louise Hay published “You Can Heal Your Life,” a book that has sold millions of copies, been translated into 30 languages and made Hay House a self-help publishing empire. In it she espoused her theory that our thoughts play a critical role in our health. Even in her wildest dreams and most robust affirmations, Hay could not have possibly foreseen the tens of millions of lives her work was waiting to reach, aid and connect. We were all on the other side of the third dimensional veil waiting for someone to flip the switch, and she did. Hers is a great example of how a matrix works and of how one voice can active it, and its mind-boggling complexity and intricacy. The Sun moves into gentle, discerning Virgo at 4:21 A.M. PST on August 23rd and becomes part of a grand earth trine. Venus and Mercury will add their strength to this trine, and supportive new and full moons make this cycle fertile ground for establishing the frameworks of our own matrixes. On September 6th, Hay will join author and astrologer Mark Husson on Hay House Radio to talk about her work. In the meantime, the planets are lining up to help us plan, build and transition to new worlds.

Virgo completes the summer season and like its fellow mutable signs signals a time of change. During August, provocative Mars has been traveling through Cancer, where it formed an exact square to Uranus in Aries and an exact opposition to Pluto in Capricorn. The issues Mars stirred up began pointing the way to needed changes in our lives. With Saturn in Libra in the Cardinal sign mix, the message of release for renewal was powerfully reinforced. From June 2012 through March 2015 we will undergo a series of seven exact Uranus squares to Pluto. The recent Mars activity gave us a small glimmer of the immense energy and new directions available when these planets form challenging angles in Cardinal signs. Virgo is the 6th sign of the zodiac and is recognized as the sign of service. Renowned for its trouble-shooting prowess, organizational expertise and planning genius, it can help us devise reliable strategies for the life-altering times ahead. The forthcoming grand earth trine offers time and material support for building new foundations and paradigms.

Venus ventured into Virgo’s calm, cool and collected realms on August 21st where it met Pluto at 5 degrees Capricorn and Jupiter at 10 degrees Taurus. On the 23rd, the Sun follows suit as will Mercury on September 9th. The earth signs, Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo, relate to finances, career, health, resources and the physical plane of reality. Whether it is involved in the contentious energy of squares and oppositions or the softer, harmonious stimulation of trines, Pluto purifies through destruction. In the upcoming configuration, Pluto will trine Jupiter in Taurus and the Sun, Venus and Mercury in Virgo. We will have to trust that any loss we experience through Pluto in industrious Capricorn is paving the way to necessary progress. The new Virgo moon of August 28th, occurring two days after Mercury comes out of its retrograde, is an ideal time for harnessing that Plutonian power to seed the desired changes we want to see and be in the world.

The September 12th full moon in mystic Pisces provides the chance to tap into more intrinsic and intuitive support. By then Mercury will be in its native Virgo where it, Venus and the Sun will oppose the moon. Impeccable logic and practicality meet stunning psychic insight on the solid ground of the grand earth trine. This full moon is the time to write the software for the programs your developing matrix will run in the future, or more plainly said, a 5-star day to write affirmations. Jupiter will turn retrograde on August 30th (until December 25th) and Pluto goes direct on September 16th, and it will be months before they move past their shadows. Earth signs require projects, goals and aspirations to prove their endurance and reliability before tangible rewards are given. What should emerge during this Virgo cycle is a profound sense of being on the right path and some welcomed confirmation. Keanu Reeves’ character Neo ends the movie “The Matrix” with the line, “Anything is possible.” Louise Hay and Mike Dooley teach us to be conscious of how our thoughts are creating our possibilities, perceptions and realities. Observant, dedicated and mild Virgo prefers to spend her time remembering, our innate perfection.

Be sure to catch Elizabeth this Tuesday when she visits Power Peek astrologer C.A. Brooks on “Simple Tales” on 12Radio at 11:00 A.M. PST. Elizabeth has just released her new app which features music, videos, her writing and much more. You can download it for free here: http://www.elizabethsoralce.com. Lastly, Elizabeth welcomes Dr. Doreen Virtue to the Hay House Book Club this Friday on Hay House Radio at 11:00 A.M. PST.

Woman Who Runs With Marines: Why I Said Yes to the MCM

Sometimes your routines need some serious shaking up. Sometimes you need a new goal to push yourself past complacency. Sometimes you just want to abandon the tedium of endless responsibilities and obligations for something totally fresh and inspiring. Then again, maybe it’s just me.

Last week the Director of the USO center where I volunteer sent out a notice about the 36th Annual Marine Corps Marathon. It takes place in Washington, DC at the end of October. While I thoroughly enjoy volunteering at our Charlotte Airport location, something about her memo struck an adventurous chord in me. So I began Googling. Visiting America’s historic sites was, after all, on my list of things to do when I left sunny California for the East Coast two years ago. So far, I haven’t gotten around to seeing anything beyond Wilmington. Funny how life works that way if you don’t begin seizing its opportunities. On the fitness front, this summer I’ve topped out at 4 miles on my runs, rationalizing that the extreme heat and humidity of the South at this time of year are physically challenging enough, for now anyway. Fortunately, the Marine Corps Marathon hosts an accompanying 10K run for those of us who aren’t quite up to, or more honestly, nowhere near, running 26 miles. So, I signed up, and I joined Team USO.

In the coming months I’ll hit up those of you who I know well for (large) donations. I’ve already begun increasing the distance of my runs, and am enjoying the returning enthusiasm. That I get to run with our Marines, and for all of our military service members the USO supports, is humbling beyond description. And even with all of the political animosity of late, I deeply look forward to visiting our country’s capitol. I will keep you posted as I train. In the meantime, you can visit my Team USO page and make a donation, and a difference.

Since the original post, I had time to make this video! Enjoy!

Book Review: “Ravenous” by Dayna Macy, 5 Spoons For Sure!

If you had to survive for a few days relying only on the food growing in your neighborhood, what would you eat? If you dedicated a portion of your backyard to growing your food, what could you grow there? Where is the closest farm and what is in its fields right now? These are just a few of the many questions that came to mind as I read Dayna Macy’s thoroughly appealing new book “Ravenous.” In it she takes readers on an odyssey through her favorite foods and her lifelong struggle with her weight and eating issues. Along the way she connects us with the sources of our food and acquaints us, in very personal terms, with practices such as foraging, organic growing and humane animal raising and handling. To her credit, her writing about those intriguing and politically provocative topics is never preachy or self-righteous, but thoughtful. To my relief, “Ravenous” is also not some dreary tell-all about food obsessions and emotional problems. Macy is much too keen to fall into either trap. What makes “Ravenous” interesting, enjoyable and ultimately so rewarding is her clarity.

The book’s chapters are organized around her favorite foods, like cheese, chocolate and olives, and each ends with a recipe. Yet the book never becomes predictable or formulaic. A long-time yoga practitioner, her writing has a presence that guides the mind’s eye through the book’s many settings and subjects. Seamlessly Macy takes us from a meat market where sausage is made to the origins of her food issues in suburban New Jersey, to an olive grove in California, to a joyful family seder and through so many touching and engaging points in between. Ultimately it’s the yoga that helps Macy come to terms with food, her body and her weight. By the end of her journey, and the book, we celebrate her success, her honesty and her newfound peace of mind.

Dayna will be a guest on the “Hay House Book Club” on Friday July 29th at 11:00 A.M. PST over at Hay House Radio. Fortunately I got to be part of the taping of this episode, and I must say that it was the most fun one to date. That may have been because we book clubbers got to talking about food. In any case, being in the delightful company of these readers was a wonderful experience and getting to meet Dayna on the phone made it even better. Her presence is a gift and she has lots to share. As a regular commentator on the show, and for all official reasons, my copy of “Ravenous” was provided by Hay House. You are welcome to join the “Ravenous” discussion on Facebook and to tune in live at Hay House Radio for this edition of this “Book Club” (or one of its many rebroadcasts). Bon appetit.

Sun Into Leo 2011: Here For the Party!

Leo, the bright, shiny and charismatic force of cosmic encouragement is poised to host her annual celebration on July 22nd when the Sun enters its home sign at 9:12 P.M. PST.  From the onset, Leo’s solar journey is shaping up to be one of 2011’s liveliest and most glittering planetary gatherings. Venus will join the Sun in Leo, Mercury will turn retrograde, Neptune will wander back into Aquarius, and Mars is due for a few contentious battles. To enjoy the entertainment and festivities, regal Leo has assembled an impressive and stellar guest list. VIPs chatty Mercury and attractive Venus will be her guests of honor as they accompany the hosting Sun through Leo's glamorous and dramatic domain. Let’s mingle.

That Leo trio will be making electrifying alliances with spontaneous Uranus in instigating Aries. Can you say tequila shots? Aged sipping tequila is probably the better beverage selection. That’s because Venus, Mercury and the Sun are also planning some productive schmoozing with reserved Saturn while he’s in agreeable Libra.  Generous Jupiter has of course been invited. Unfortunately the prized planet of plenty is traveling through Taurus and thus forming some uncomfortable squares to the Sun and Venus on August 1st and 5th. But it’s nothing that a little royal charm can’t smooth over.  After all, both Leo the Lion and Taurus the Bull appreciate life’s luxuries and both recognize the value of hard work. A winning choice for conversation topic would be their latest shopping expeditions.

Though she can clearly spot his mounting oppositions to her and her friends from across any room. magnanimous Leo will also warmly welcome spacey Neptune to her soiree.  He's always good for getting the guests intoxicated.  Then there’s her personally favored attendee, bad-boy Mars.  The tension is already building for his August 3rd entrance into Cancer where his August 9th bout with Uranus and August 11th run-in with Pluto are inevitable.  Lively Leo positively adores passion, and we all know how she feels about an audience.  So, if an anticipated Mars skirmish or two draws a crowd, all the better. Leo would rather die than be accused of throwing a dull party, or God forbid one that is under-attended. If her tattooed love boy becomes too unruly, Leo can always count on Pluto in conservative Capricorn to play bouncer.

Helping Leo slow down long enough to graciously listen to her guests, and to think, reason and converse clearly with them will be Mercury’s retrograde from August 2nd through 26th. While he will have just crossed into calm, analytical Virgo at the start of this retrograde, the Messenger of the Gods will traverse all the way back to 18 degrees of Leo by the time he stations. That means that most of this retrograde will be spent in those incendiary later degrees of fixed, fiery and ferocious Leo. Some party-goers could get a little loud under these conditions. Mercury’s backward motion is cautioning them and us to consciously express ourselves. Another cosmic call for graceful exchange will sound from distant, dreamy Neptune.

Also in retrograde motion, Neptune will arrive back in rebellious and innovative Aquarius on August 4th. Because Neptune is one of the slower moving outer planets, its influence is subtle and in effect over an extended period of time. Its opposition to the Sun, though exact on August 22nd, will be felt throughout the Leo cycle. Its presence is likely to heat up much of the cocktail chatter, especially if the subject of politics arises. Personal responsibility versus institutional responsibility, independence versus interdependence and the individual versus the collective are predictable themes when an opposition between the sign representing the individual will, Leo, and the sign representing groups and community occurs. Moreover, the Sun is the celestial force associated with the sign of Leo, and the astrological symbol for the Sun is a single dot in the center of a circle.  The dot symbolizes the individual and the circle infinity.  Astrologers Douglas Bloch and Demetra George describe Neptune as representing the ability of the finite self to experience transcendence through unity with a greater whole. Thus, we are presented with an axis that at one extreme asks the ego to dissolve into a greater whole and at the other to maintain its unique identity. Ultimately, Lion-hearted Leo was born to lead, to dance, to sing and to play. Through her effervescent expression, she inspires us to do the same. So while her encounter with intriguing Neptune will deeper her compassion and spirituality, she’s here for the party, and so are we!

Please join Elizabeth on Friday, July 29th, for the latest edition of the Hay House Book Club at Hay House Radio featuring Dayna Macy’s delicious new book “Ravenous.” You can sign up for Elizabeth’s free e-newsletter at her site: .

Peace From Broken Pieces Book Review: Life After Loss

Failure. The mere mention of the word sets off alarm bells throughout the nervous system. We want to reject the idea outright, to look away, and to consider something, anything else. The thought of it is far too daunting, and the fear of it is pervasive. New Agers typically respond to even the notion of it with their seemingly inexhaustible supplies of positive affirmations. The “Law of Attraction” crowd will take it one step further and practically blame the fallen for their circumstances. The Buddhists, with their rigorous practice of acceptance, are seemingly well prepared to handle its presence. The ACIM folks seem to share an ability to recognize even the worst parts of life as perfect, in the divine scheme of things. Then there’s Iyanla Vanzant.

Iyanla is a Yoruba trained Priestess who wrote an entire book about it. Failed marriage? Check. Failed major career opportunity, with none other than media icon Oprah Winfrey? Check. Home foreclosure? Yep. Loss of assets due to family illness? Iyanla’s been there and done that, too. Add the untimely death of her middle child to cancer, and you begin to get some idea of what “Peace From Broken Pieces” is all about.

Vanzant does not however, wallow in her misery. Rather she bravely combs through the ashes of her devastation. Like a dedicated forensic scientist, she pours through the wreckage of her life in search of origins, and answers. In the process she unearths family pathologies, but she doesn’t hang her story on those. Her journey is about self awareness and ultimately peace, and her courage and honestly are necessary and remarkable. The scenes, like those of childhood beatings, are at times harrowing. But her persistent search for meaning and understanding carry her and readers through them. Her willingness to share so candidly gives us all permission to take a deeper look at life’s uncomfortable side. Her strength and wisdom light our way through it.

FYI, Hay House provides the books I review, though they do not exercise any editorial control of the content of my reviews. I am also one of the featured bloggers on the new “Hay House Book Club” which air every Friday at 11:00 A.M. PST on Hay House Radio. In fact the show with Iyanla debuts June 24th. You can also join the discussion about “Peace From Broken Pieces” and other Book Club selections on Facebook.

Sun into Cancer: Expressions of Love & Vulnerability

As revolutionary 2011 reaches its midpoint, the intuitive, nurturing and initiating energies of Cancer arrive. Knowing what we want to overthrow is easy. Knowing what we want to replace it with is somewhat more challenging. And building the new utopia? Well, that is another matter entirely. Powerhouse planets Saturn, Pluto and Uranus are already traveling in close degree to one another and occupying three of astrology’s four instigating or Cardinal signs, Libra, Capricorn and Aries. The Sun’s entrance into Cancer at 10:17 A.M. PST on June 21st completes the set and reactivates a Grand Cardinal Cross. July 1st’s new moon eclipse in sensitive Cancer, as well as Mercury and Venus Cancer transits, underscore this cycle’s theme of releasing the past to birth the new.

The Sun’s movement into Cancer transforms the current T-Square the outer planets are forming into a Grand Cardinal Cross. Mercury strengthens the Cancer aspect of the Cross as it travels through the sign of the Crab until July 1st. Venus then takes up the cause on July 3rd when she enters Cancer. Encompassing all four of astrology’s elements, water, air, earth and fire, a Grand Cardinal Cross positions at least one major force (planet) at each of the four initiating points of astrology’s wheel. These energies signal and support new beginnings. The angles created between the planets however, form squares and oppositions. These aspects bring up conflicting issues in need of resolution. In an atmosphere of what astrologer Stephanie Austin describes as “change or be changed,” here are some hot spots to be mindful of. On June 26th the Sun squares radical Uranus, on the 27th it opposes destructive Pluto and on July 2nd it squares unyielding Saturn.

Cancer’s psychic prowess, maternal instinct and inner drive are some of this sign’s most valuable resources. Its motive after all is to create and foster emotional security. In 2011 however, if we are intent on birthing something truly transformational, we will need to access one of protective Cancer’s most guarded traits, her vulnerability. In part that means getting in touch with our emotional bodies. From the impact of a Tsunami, to the devastation wrought by flooding, to the ability of even calm water to eventually erode solid rock, the power of water is indisputable. Symbolized by that element, our feelings carry a similar force. Whether expressed or repressed, their magnitude shapes our lives profoundly and in ways that we rarely stop to examine. The new moon solar eclipse of July 1st gives us a sweet opportunity to connect with the emotions driving our actions and consequently writing our stories. Even the unpleasant ones are messengers. When fully embraced, they will serve as a fine-tuned navigation system for those new realities we are birthing. Later that day, Mercury will enter Lion-hearted Leo where, due to an August retrograde, he will be active until September 8th. A new moon eclipse with this Cancer-Leo combination is a cosmic invitation to begin living with less fear and more courage.

More moments of sublime clarity about how to build those new paradigms arrive on June 22nd when the Sun trines dreamy Neptune, July 7th when expansive Jupiter trines Pluto and during the July 15th full moon in constructive Capricorn. Under these conditions, Cancer’s intrinsic beauty and power are like cascading moonlight pouring onto a glass ocean. Wordless, their effusive lunar magic speaks to the deepest corners of our being. Under their luminous influence, hoarding Cancer freely surrenders old resentments, hurt feelings and perceived slights to the past. Unlocked, the Crab’s hardened shell retracts. Our crusty little creature bravely ventures into the unknown, fully exposed and completely vulnerable to life’s softness, poetry and romance. So while this cycle’s Grand Cardinal Cross is certain to bring discordant issues and messy feelings to the stormy surface at times, the mantras “It is safe to feel” and “It is safe to love” echo in the heart’s chambers.

Please join Elizabeth for two very special radio appearances this week. On June 21st at 11:00 A.M. PST she is the guest host for vacationing C.A. Brooks on “Simple Tales” on 12Radio. She will be welcoming Vedic astrologer Mo Abelbaki to talk about those Nodes and why they are such a significant part of the chart. Then the Cancer Confab begins when Cancer natives Reverend Keith Ruback, 12Listen Advisor Jamie Dawn and Hay House Radio Producer Diane Ray join Elizabeth to talk about the Crab; the good, the bad and the moody! Come celebrate the Summer Solstice with “Simple Tales!”

On Friday June 24th at 11:00 A.M. PST the latest edition of the new “Hay House Book Club” debuts on Hay House Radio. Elizabeth joins host Diane Ray, author Iyanla Vanzadt and fellow Hay House bloggers to talk about Iyanla’s powerful book “Peace From Broken Pieces.”

Sun into Gemini 2011: Flying with the Gods

Those affable, talkative Twins of Gemini arrive on May 21st at 2:21 A.M. PST when the Sun enters the mutable air sign associated with broadcasting, technology, socializing and travel. True to form, their speedy ruler Mercury will move from Taurus, through Gemini and into Cancer during this solar cycle. Neptune and Chiron will turn retrograde, Jupiter will enter Taurus, Mercury and the Sun will make conjunctions with the South Node and two eclipses will occur. Meanwhile Saturn, now traveling through judicious Libra, will trine the planets in Gemini and emerge from its annual retrograde. Such a hotbed of astrological activity seems only fitting for our hyper-chatty, multi-tasking Twins. Any less and they would be bored senseless. That being said, during the Gemini journey ahead, our inquisitive, adaptable Twins may find themselves wanting to abandon life’s uncomfortable headlines for its crossword puzzles. The planets however, will ask them to read the entire Sunday edition, thoroughly.

Mercury is Gemini’s ruling planet and the Messenger of the Gods. In astrological shorthand, Mercury represents mental activity and the Sun represents the ego. Glimpse at any chart and the two will not be far apart. That is because Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. At any given moment, the amount of information coming at us is staggering and simply impossible to fully comprehend. It is Mercury’s job is to instantaneously mine the massive and exhaustive databanks of the past and present to cull the material vital for decision-making. With such a close alliance with the ego however, the danger lies in Mercury becoming our “yes man.” Under its unconscious influence, we selectively choose the facts that support “our story” and conveniently dismiss the irrelevant rest. Positioned in Libra, the sign concerned with balance, truth and fairness, is stern, astute Saturn. If the Sun and Mercury are like two eager young journalists intent on breaking a dramatic news story, then discerning Saturn is their old-school newspaper editor. He will put these brash upstarts through the rigors of solid journalism, like extensive fact and source background checking. Old Saturn knows the damage one faulty variable can do to an entire equation and the painful consequences for us from acting on erroneous information. In noble Libra he is diligently working to insure that we do not allow our minds to play unhealthy tricks on us.

Assisting us with a much more subtle and subterranean sort of review, will be Neptune and Chiron beginning retrogrades in holistic Pisces on June 2nd and 8th respectively. Their influence takes place far beneath the surface of our endless streams of thought. From their deeper vantage point, we can get in touch with the emotional sources and motives behind our stories and the passages and narratives of it needing revision and healing. Pisces assimilates, integrates and completes and Neptune and Chiron further compassion and healing. This June they embark on a five-month-long process that ends in November when Neptune turns direct on the 9th and Chiron on the 10th. Note how closely they are traveling.

Please join Elizabeth on the debut of the Hay House Book Club on Friday, May 27th at 11:00 A.M. PST on Hay House Radio when she will be a guest blogger talking about "Married to Bhutan" by Linda Leaming.

Another large-planet, big-picture concept that will give our lovable Twins food for thought is expansive Jupiter’s journey into earthy Taurus on June 4th. With it perhaps an old phrase from the national lexicon will be amended. Can you say “rational exuberance”? The happy-go-lucky planet of plenty has been in fiery, impulsive Aires since late January. On March 11th quirky, inventive Uranus joined it there, and the two very likely bestowed some truly brilliant flashes of insight and inspiration, as well as some golden new opportunities. The calm, stabilizing presence of the bull will ground us long enough to give those Aries-born ideas form, and the bull’s patient disposition welcomes the hard work most meaningful endeavors require. With a favorable trine from truthful Pluto in pragmatic, disciplined Capricorn, Jupiter’s year-long run with the bull is likely to produce long-lasting success where we employ its energies consistently.

Then there’s the business of those Nodes. Presently the South Node is in Gemini and the North in Sagittarius. On June 13th Mercury will connect with the South Node and the Sun will make its South Node conjunction on the 14th. The South Node represents the resources we bring into this lifetime. Via genetics or reincarnation, its placement in our birth or natal chart often describes our natural gifts and abilities. The North Node suggests our growth challenge this time around.

Underscoring this activity will be this cycle’s forthcoming eclipses in Gemini on June 1st and Sagittarius on June 15th. Gemini gathers information and Sagittarius gives it context and meaning. For example, a well-functioning instrument panel with its precise and sophisticated measurements is essential for safely navigating an airplane. Who would want to fly without it? But an airplane flight is not merely a function of the math and science that make it possible. Through aspiring, philosophical Sagittarius, we begin to appreciate the magic of flying. In its awe-inspiring presence, we remember that sitting in a chair, perched thousands of miles above the earth, while hurling hundreds of miles for per hour through time and space, was once the sole domain of the gods. The new Gemini moon of June 1st will yield new data, and the Sagittarius full moon of June 15th will offer moments of enlightenment. So during the 2011 Gemini journey, if it feels like the planets are conspiring to encourage those adorable Twins and us to exchange old patterns, people and places for new adventures, concepts and horizons, they are.


You can sign up for my monthly astrology newsletter here. Also check out the new media page of my website for back issues of my newsletters as well as archived radio appearances.

To the Soldiers

A few weeks ago I heard a beautiful Edwin McCain song called “Prayer For St. Peter” on Pandora. I really admire his work, probably because he writes, plays and sings so emotionally. Most of my regular readers know that I volunteer at my local USO a couple of weekends each month. Though it is a 90-minute drive from where I live, it is always a welcome opportunity to give back. There I see U.S. soldiers (and Marines lol) heading to and returning from their deployments. I meet family members and hang out with some of the nicest volunteers you would ever want to meet. So it is pretty understandable that Edwin McCain’s poignant song would stir my feelings.

I bookmarked it, (legally) downloaded it, read up on it and even found guitar chords for it, posted by a nice guy with an AOL email address. That was very cool of him, btw. This song has become the strongest candidate for the next one I’ll learn to play on my harp. Over and over I play Edwin’s recording, and over and over the tears well up and are released. When I looked up the video, I found tons of versions with the American flag and images of our soldiers. According to Edwin, the lyric is a prayer that was written on the side of a hospital in the Philippines during World War II. Indeed we owe much to our veterans and current service members. When I hear this song lately though, my mind veers to remote parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and in my mind’s eye I see the bodies of all soldiers who die in combat. And today as I read the story of the Queen of England’s historic visit to some of Ireland’s most staunchly Republican places, again I thought of fallen soldiers, this time British and Irish.

I don’t have any “answers” or statement to make, just an avalanche of feelings and deep gratitude to Edwin for putting the words of that prayer to such moving music.

Let Them In (A Prayer For St. Peter)

Let them in Peter, For they are very tired
Give them couches where the angels sleep, And light those fires
Let them wake whole again, To brand new dawns
Fired by the sun, Not wartime’s bloody guns

May their peace be deep, Remember where the broken bodies lie
God knows how young they were, To have to die
God knows how young they were, To have to die

Give them things they like, Let them make some noise
Give dance hall bands not golden harps, To these our boys
Let them love Peter, For they've had no time
They should have bird songs and trees, And hills to climb
The taste of summer, And a ripened pear
Girls sweet as meadow wind, And flowing hair
Tell them how they are missed, But say not to fear
It's gonna be all right, With us down here

Let them in Peter, For they are very tired
Give them couches where the angels sleep, And light those fires
Let them wake whole again, To brand new dawns
Fired by the sun, Not wartime’s bloody guns
May their peace be deep, Remember where the broken bodies lie
God knows how young they were, To have to die

Tell them how they are missed, But say not to fear
It's gonna be all right, With us down here


Ps: Since the original post I found out that a songwriter named John Gorka is actually the person who wrote the music to this poem/prayer. Edwin McCain recorded it.



Pps: And since then, I got the chance to record a video of the song. Thank you to John Gorka for granting permission for me to publish this song as part of a fund-raising video!! You're awesome!

Book Review: Married to Bhutan

Would you like to experience some slow living, trek through the Himalayas or learn about the history and culture of a distant and ancient land, all from the comfort and convenience of your favorite reading spot? “Married to Bhutan” might just be your passport. In the book’s 200 plus pages author Linda Leaming gives vivid descriptions of Bhutan’s remote, unspoiled terrain, detailed accounts of the colorful characters who have shaped its long history and her perspective on the possible benefits to Westerner’s of the nation’s decidedly slower pace of life. And she marries a local artist and they adopt a child.

In “Married to Bhutan” we learn that Leaming first journeyed to Bhutan in 1994, and we then follow her 10-year odyssey through moving to and living there. We are given a glimpse into a very different way of life than our own. Leaming compares and contrasts the cultures and argues the advantages of the less hurried and stressed out one. Her writing gives one ample reason to stop and ponder what our incessant rush is ultimately about as well as our relative contentment. Bhutan is, after all, the nation famous for measuring Gross National Happiness rather than product. While most of us will not make the colossal voyage to the country, which is located between China and India, “Married to Bhutan” certainly opens our eyes, ears and minds to a land rich in tradition, pristine scenery and a unique way of life.

In the interest of full disclosure, Hay House publishing provided me with my copy of this book as I regularly blog for them.

Sun into Taurus 2011: Dream it, Build It

   When the Sun moves into Taurus on April 20th, the grounded, patient energy that astrology's bull is famous for may be in short supply.  At that time, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus will be in high spirits as they continue their lively foray through bold, fiery Aries.  While many like to think of Venus as a gentle, loving energy signifying beauty, art and delicate femininity, it’s a money planet that will enter Aries late on the 20th.  With such an excitable cadre of personal and outer planets in the sign of provocation, the bull’s more tempestuous side is likely to show itself in 2011.  By the end of this solar journey however, Venus, Mercury and Mars will have moved into earthy, fixed Taurus.  Softly aspected there by Neptune and Chiron in healing Pisces, this lineup suggests that the Taurus cycle will ultimately yield the peace, calm and sense of security the bull requires.  

   At this time of the year much is written about the Cardinal sign of Aries, the sign responsible for kicking off the astrological year.  In 2011, that is especially appropriate because at any given time from March 11th through May 11th no fewer than half of the zodiac's planets, 5, will be under its ferocious, instigative influence.  Independent and free-spirited, Aries loves to get us all fired up.  Its motto is "just do it" with an "out with the old and in with the new" added for emphasis.  Did I mention “Now!”? But with tough squares from Pluto in Capricorn and oppositions from Saturn in Libra waiting at every turn, many an Aries impulse will be interrupted or curtailed.  So while the Sun will lead the way into Taurus’s tranquil and abundant pastures on April 20th, it will be well into this Taurus cycle before the other planets stop their squabbling and begin to catch Taurus's easy-going drift. Quirky Uranus and violent Mars are two of the obvious Arian agitators, but Venus in headstrong Aries exerts a force to be reckoned with, or at least one to be recognized and reconciled.

   A living tribute to the saying that it’s always the quiet ones to watch out for, “sweet” Venus represents possessions, resources and income, and she will travel through assertive Aries from April 20th through May 15th.  Also associated with art and exalted forms of beauty, one of Venus's most enduring images is in fact that of Botticelli's voluptuous goddess serenely standing on a shell.  But make no mistake, Venus, the planet, is equally all about luxury, fertility and comfort, a.k.a. money.  Even in Botticelli's loving portrait, the graceful goddess hardly looks famished.  In Aries, Venus will ignite our material desires along with our aggressive tendencies toward attaining wealth and its associated power.  Cautionary tales of the dark side of the lust for gold abound.  They include everything from the deceit, treachery and loss encountered by mythological Jason in his pursuit of the Golden Fleece, to the modern day hubris of Jeffrey Skilling, Jack Abramoff and Bernie Madoff.

    Wielding his trident like an ancient super weapon, Neptune, the enduring god of the Greeks, stands at the ageless sea of consciousness.  Through time itself he warns us of the excesses of such greed.  Corporations, nations and civilizations rise and fall, like the coming and going of the timeless tides over which he prevails.  In 2011 he has taken up residence in his home sign of spiritual Pisces, for a 14-year odyssey.  Pisces promotes integration, assimilation and a holistic approach to life.  In the company of healing asteroid Chiron, one of Neptune's old fraternity buddies, concepts like “capitalism with a conscience” emerge.  In compassionate Pisces, Neptune will work to dissolve the boundaries between "us" and "them" while Chiron devotes its energy to global healing.  So where does that leave our cantankerous, lustful bull this year?

    Taurus's motives are stability, security and physical pleasure.  Those needs can produce the sign's notorious stubbornness and its penchant for hoarding. The antidote of course lies in its opposite sign, destructive and transformative Scorpio, the Pluto-ruled sign that insists on change.  On May 17th the moon will be full in intense, truthful Scorpio. This is an ideal time to reflect on what we value and what we are prepared to release and to birth in order to possess it. The Aries courage, Neptunian insight and bull’s strength and stamina on tap this cycle offer us the power to build it.

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Speaking Words of Wisdom

When British Prime Minister David Cameron said of the latest bombing in Omagh, “Those who carried out this wicked and cowardly crime will never succeed in dragging Northern Ireland back to a dark and bloody past,” he expressed a much greater sentiment. For me his words apply equally to the thugs in Afghanistan who would jeopardize peace and security by brutally murdering UN workers, and to those who are now using this tragic incident to loot and pillage. In my view, his words also speak to the thoughtless act of Quran burning by that deranged preacher in Florida, and to Americans who now post in support of such malicious and divisive actions. Odd that some of their posts lament the burning of American flags. It seems to me that when you hold a symbol sacred, you inherently understand and respect the rights of others to hold their symbols sacred.

I believe that the despicable acts of a relative handful of rogues in Afghanistan do not represent the aspirations of the vast majority of the Afghan people anymore than the unspeakable actions of the U.S. Army soldiers who desecrated the remains of Afghans represent those of most Americans. Both actions are appalling and unacceptable. The misguided acts of the preacher, the disgraceful conduct of United States soldiers, the reprehensible killing of the UN workers and this most recent and unfortunate act of terrorism in Northern Ireland are sadly similar. I hope that as Prime Minister Cameron suggests we do not allow any one of them to drag to us into their mire.

I’ve been traveling to Ireland since 1998 when people on both sides of the border voted for peace via the Good Friday Peace Accord. Along my journey I have ventured to the North and stood on the grounds of the region’s infamous Troubles. It was a very sobering and saddening experience. In 2007, I had the great fortune of making a music video about conflict resolution with young Catholic and Protestant students from Northern Ireland. The bitter and tragic history of NI offers us an unflinching glimpse into the abyss of hatred and retribution. The overall success of the peace process of Northern Ireland is a stunning example of what can be achieved when people want peace, healing and reconciliation.

The news of the loss of this young Catholic police officer’s life, 13 years after the original Omagh bombing and initiation of the peace accord, is devastating and heartbreaking. He was only 25-years-old and had bravely dedicated his life to helping both communities. It strikes me that his courage is very similar to that of the young men in Afghanistan who nobly risk their lives daily by joining their police service. Too many of them are murdered for doing so. On a day like this I feel utterly lost and disheartened. But I remember Northern Ireland’s late Gordon Wilson and I find solace and inspiration in his poignant words. He was the father of a young woman who was killed in the Enniskillen bombing, and this is what he said to a BBC reporter at the time.

“She held my hand tightly, and gripped me as hard as she could. She said, 'Daddy, I love you very much.' Those were her exact words to me, and those were the last words I ever heard her say. But I bear no ill will. I bear no grudge. Dirty sort of talk is not going to bring her back to life. She was a great wee lassie. She loved her profession. She was a pet. She's dead. She's in heaven and we shall meet again. I will pray for these men tonight and every night.”

Review: The Angel Therapy Handbook by Doreen Virtue

Excellent Resource for Beginners, Sound Advice for Pros

Virtue’s most well-articulated work to date, “The Angel Therapy Handbook” gives a clear and succinct version of its author’s take on the subject of angels, but its audience should not be limited to believers in angels. This is a solid textbook for those aspiring to learn how to give professional readings and a useful reference book for those already in the psychic business.

Under the sizable banner of psychic readings, there exists a nearly endless list of specialties including astrology, crystals, past lives and numerology, to name but a few. No one in his/her right mind attempts to be an expert in all of these areas. A good psychic, or Lightworker as we are now known, however, will have a working understanding of the various modalities. For this audience, Virtue’s book is a clear and concise primer on her views on the subject of angels. A respected authority in the field, Virtue first references her sources of information on the angels and then walks the reader through her ideas on topics such as archangels, angel numbers, etc. Particularly refreshing, she does not assert her opinions as fact or “the gospel” about angels, but rather as her experience with them. This creates an atmosphere of sharing which gives the reader the impression that Virtue’s motives are very pure and loving, to teach and to help others with what she understands. In this context the reader is free to pick and choose what works or resonates and to dismiss what does not.

Several chapters in the book detail Angel Therapy itself, Virtue’s speciality. The techniques for conducting Angel Therapy sessions, mediumship readings and angel readings are well defined and thoughtfully laid out. The nuts and bolts of “The Four Clairs: clairaudience, clairsentience, clairvoyance and claircognizance” are also given. While much of this information will feel pretty basic to the full-time professional reader, there are enough tips and tools to make reading this material interesting. For beginners, the clear definitions of terms, along with the exercises and suggestions given to develop one’s skills, make this book an outstanding training manual. With dedication and practice, anyone who wants to learn how to give readings, angel or otherwise, will benefit from this book.

Finally, and to her credit, Virtue takes on the sometimes sticky subject of reading professionally, as in for money. She confidently reminds her audience that this is a profession and that an exchange of energy is only natural. She also addresses popular myths which take a dim view of spirituality and compensation for work. Once those are dispensed with, she then provides practical business strategies. These are helpful to both the novice getting his/her business off the ground and the pro looking for ways to freshen up or grow an established practice. Throughout this discussion of business, a healthy reverence for God and the angels is maintained and in fact encouraged. This material also rounds out “The Angel Therapy Handbook.” With it, one can move from aspirant, to student, to Lightworker. Lastly, and in the interest of full disclosure, my copy of this book was provided courtesy of Hay House Publishing. However, they encourage honest reviews and I sincerely think this book is a worthwhile investment for Lightworkers for the reasons stated above.

Supporting Relief in Japan

This announcement was made in my newsletter of March 20th, and is being posted here mainly so that subscribers can recommend organizations for donations. However, everyone is welcome to post recommendations, and the offer on readings is also open to the public.

We are only beginning to comprehend the devastation brought by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  Some of you have written to me to express your heartfelt compassion for the people most effected by the catastrophic events of March 11th, and you got me to thinking. I have decided to donate my time in exchange for your donations to relief efforts in Japan. Between now and April 13th, when you make a donation of $25 or more to any organization providing humanitarian assistance to Japan, I will give you a free 5 minute reading.


Just email me your donation receipt and your Click4Advisor username and I'll add the minutes to your account. You will need a Click4Advisor account for these minutes. I want to thank 12Listen.com site owner Mark Husson for his support and direction with this idea. It is a sincere effort to reward and encourage your generosity and a powerful way for us to participate in global healing. Also I would like to invite those of you who would like to recommend organizations to post here. That way we can help those who want to make donations find out about the amazing work being done at this time.

Sun into Aries 2011: Perilous Problems and Inspired Solutions

On Sunday, March 20th at 4:21P.M. PST the Sun rolls into spirited, action oriented Aries where it will find Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus already transiting the sign of the Warrior. Fearless, agitating upstart Mars will arrive in enlivening Aries on April 1st and a new Aries moon on April 3rd will bring the planetary total in this Cardinal fire sign to an impressive six. Stern Saturn will sit opposite of Aries in Libra and reforming Pluto at a hard right angle to Aries in Capricorn, and the T-square formed by these planets will be highly energized during this solar transit. We will have a Mercury retrograde from March 30th to April 23rd, and Neptune will return home to watery Pisces on April 4th where it will merge with healing Chiron. Lately much attention has been given to the term Spiritual Warrior. The forthcoming mixture of Arian courage and leadership and Piscean insight and compassion offer this archetype sustenance.

When Uranus reentered Aries on March 11th one of the more volatile forces in the cosmos reconnected with one of the more explosive sources of energy. Uranus’s new location also added kindling to an existing Cardinal sign T-square. Uranus is associated with disruption and chaos as well as innovation and radical breakthroughs. A T-square is an alignment under which planets oppose and square one another, and in astrology oppositions and squares represent tensions between the forces involved. This T-square is considered an especially potent one because two of the planets forming it, Uranus and Pluto, are outer planets and all of the planets involved are in the Cardinal signs of the zodiac. Outer planets express generational and collective experiences and the Cardinal signs initiate the four seasons and thus reflect times of great change. Uranus is in Aries until 2018, Libra is in Saturn until October 2012 and Pluto is in Capricorn until 2023, So as of March 11th we entered a powerful 19-month-long T-square. During the Aries solar cycle immediately ahead, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, the Sun and new moon of April 3rd will be adding energy to the impulsive Aries component of the T-square. Mars and Mercury will continue to fuel it on into May and Jupiter through early June.

March 11th was also the day of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the beginning of a nuclear crisis. By March 16th the literal forces of uranium and plutonium had forged to pose the threat of a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-ich facility. While the planets of astrology do not cause things to happen, they are symbolic reflections our reality. In this case, the erratic energies of Uranus in provocative, irrepressible Aries began forming a rough square to the planet of destruction and renewal, Pluto, in Capricorn, the sign ruling governments, business and institutions. Severe Saturn, the planet representing both lessons and limitations, was and continues squaring Pluto and opposing the planets in Aries from Libra, the sign of balance, diplomacy and the collective good.

That in the wake of the unfolding Japanese nuclear event, we see a global review of nuclear safety underway is not surprising. However, Aries is infamous for getting all fired up and instigating change, but then lacking the resolve to see it through. It will be interesting to see if the initial reaction to Fukushima will be sustained long enough to institute meaningful or permanent reform in energy policy. On the bright side, original and progressive Uranus in trailblazing Aries offers great potential for technological breakthroughs and advances, and this transit will last for seven years.

Mercury is associated with quick thinking and Aries with rapid action, and together the two can prove rash and reckless. Helping us slow down enough to review conditions on the ground and the possible consequences of our actions will be a Mercury retrograde from March 30th through April 23rd. Since Mercury entered Aries on March 8th you may have noticed that people are doing a lot more talking than listening, with little to no editorial exercise. The forthcoming Mercury retrograde will give us a chance to pause between sentences, collect our thoughts and consider our options before acting. Given the array of planets in impatient Aries, Mercury’s retrograde and slowing influence should prove beneficial. But don’t expect boredom to set in any time soon.

The planet of drive, power and passion, Mars, brings its audacious brand of excitement home to fiery Aries on April 1st where it will be until May 11th. Fierce and fearless, Mars represents raw force. Often through anger, it puts us in touch with our needs and desires. It also inspires bold and decisive action. Where and how we direct its power is up to us. Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn will be poised to combat Martian aggression. But the planet of War, in step with five fellow Aries travelers, will fight unjust restriction and authority in his push for independence. Even during times of conflict, the Spiritual Warrior remains aware of his motives. He then consciously directs his actions to a greater purpose.

To assist us with tapping into a deeper source of awareness, as well as vast stores of serenity, compassion and creativity, oceanic Neptune will return home to holistic Pisces on April 4th. Named for the Greek god of the sea, Neptune is another one of those influential outer planets. An immeasurable source of guidance, it represents our dreams, psychic abilities and connection to the collective psyche. Being the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces promotes understanding, unity and wholeness. Healing asteroid Chiron moved into its curative waters back in February. Together Neptune and Chiron will remind us of the human dimension of any challenges we face. Moreover, and oddly enough, this combination of Neptune and Chiron in intuitive and inventive Pisces and quirky, ingenious Uranus in Aries may prove to be the perfect elixir for our Spiritual Warrior. Empathy, insight and imagination blended with original leadership may be just the concoction She needs for the tenuous days ahead.

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