Musing from Avalon

Sun Into Aquarius 2012: Walking the Line Into the Mystic

2012-01-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

During the cycle ahead Mars, the planet of passion, aggression and battle, will turn retrograde in orderly, detailed Virgo. Saturn, the planet of limitations, authority and discipline, will also go retrograde. While those two go into review mode, creative, deceptive and intoxicating Neptune will return home to Pisces for a 13-year stay. To launch our journey, the Sun arrives in original, detached and progressive Aquarius at 8:10 A.M. PST on January 20th. This time out, the celestial emphasis is on conflict resolution, and the eccentric perspective and brilliant ingenuity of this fixed air sign can help us weave the seemingly disparate planetary threads of Mars, Saturn and Neptune into cosmic coherence.

Synchronistically enough, Mars turns retrograde on the new moon of January 23rd. That new moon initiates the Chinese Year of the Dragon. The mightiest sign of the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon, like Mars, is associated with ambition, strength and dominance. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with any of these forms of power in and of themselves, the challenge lies in finding healthy ways to express their key ingredient, aggression. According to psychological astrologers Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas, for aggression to be healthy, it must meet the following criteria:

“Healthy aggression (1) serves as protection against predatory attack, (2) is a positive impulse to comprehend and master the external world, a force deep inside us which provides the impetus to learn new skills, (3) is the basis for achieving independence and breaking away from those who would dominate or overprotect us and (4) endows us with the will to unfold more of who we are and grow into what we are meant to become.”

While road rage, domestic violence and murder are obvious examples of unhealthy expressions of aggression, the greater danger may lie in repressed aggression. Metaphysical teachers theorize that, in the larger context, projections of collective aggression into the mass conscious result in everything from threats of nuclear warfare, to suicide bombings, to full scale war. In personal terms, Mars will be retrograde until April 13th in Virgo, the sign of service. In the context of serving our evolutionary needs, this transit can help us uncover the true sources of our internal struggles, and outward behaviors. With that understanding, Martian aggression is transformed from the lead weighing us down and holding us back into the Alchemist’s gold that fuels our development.

February 7th marks the full moon of this Aquarius cycle and is also the day of another important retrograde. Like Mars, Saturn is known as a malefic planet. In modern astrology these can be thought of as forces that help us see, and heal, our shadows. When Saturn turns retrograde at 29 degrees of Libra, it will be only a half degree away from Scorpio. The later degrees of each sign are considered the most potent. So it’s interesting to note that rather than progressing on to the next astrological sign, the planet of lessons, restraint and responsibilities will have to travel back through Libra’s most intense territory. On June 25th when its retrograde is complete, Saturn will be all the way back to 22 degrees of Libra. Retrograde in the sign of partnerships, balance and deliberation, Saturn will encourage us to weigh the effects our actions have on others.

The theme seems like an agreeable one to integrating Aquarius, a sign also concerned with fellowship and cooperation. Where the Sun and Mercury (transiting Aquarius from January 27th through February 13th) may beg to differ from Saturn, and Mars in perfectionistic Virgo, is on the subject of “the rules.” Saturn and Mars will want to enforce them, while Mercury and Sun in freedom-seeking Aquarius will want to break them. Fanning the revolutionary flames with provocative angles to Saturn and Pluto in conservative Capricorn will be Uranus and Venus in instigating Aries. Amid these conflicting energies, understanding the origins of our aggressive impulses, courtesy of the Mars retrograde, will go a long way towards causing healthy rebellion and conscious change.

It blurs, dissolves and dilutes, and it will infiltrate the cosmic conversation on February 3rd when it returns to holistic Pisces. Generational Neptune’s influence is anything but obvious and its impact is indelible. One tiny sip from its enchanting chalice can be the gateway to addiction, delusion and loss or the nectar of visionary creativity. When Mars completes its retrograde on April 13th, it will have traveled all the way back to 3 degrees of Virgo where it will be only one degree away from a direct opposition to Neptune. As that opposition builds, illusion, glamour and escape lure us to one side of this tricky axis, while practicality, logic and organization hold down the other. Is this a message to accept our imperfections so that we are less judgmental of others? Even the Laws of Physics make allowances for bends and inconsistencies in the four known dimensions. Or, have we been shrewdly enrolled in the precarious and unprincipled agendas of others? Radical and inexhaustibly inventive, Aquarius can rationalize the most outlandish schemes, sometimes tragically to the point of total alienation. Seductive and nearly imperceptible, Neptune can make fast matchstick girls out of those who fail to recognize its influence. Listening intently to our intrinsic truths, even when they speak to us in the uncomfortable language of anger, conflict and contradiction, is one way to decipher. At the oracle of the temple of Delphi the great axiom “Know Thyself” is written. For 2012’s celestial mavericks, its wisdom is their ancient bridge to the future.

Sun into Capricorn 2011: Collisions, Decisions & Visions

2011-12-20T14:00:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

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. Tomorrow, the 10th, we are having a sate at 12Listen to celebrate the eclipse and I will be available for readings later in the day. Then on Monday, as we do each month on the 12th, we are having our 12th Day Sale which I will also be working, again likely later in the day. You can schedule a reading during either sale and that will reserve your time and enter you into the daily drawing.

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!

2011-12-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

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 at 12Listen 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

2011-12-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

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 at 12Listen. 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
12Listen Advisor

Sun into Sagittarius 2011: New Balance

2011-11-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

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.

2011-11-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

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

2011-10-21T16:30:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-22T08:06:00.001-07:00

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

2011-08-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

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.” and on August 16th when she joins Mark Husson and fellow 12Listen advisor Laura Lazono for the " Power Peek hour" on Hay House Radio. You can sign up for Elizabeth’s free e-newsletter at her site: .

Peace From Broken Pieces Book Review: Life After Loss

2011-06-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

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. To better understand how this works on a practical level, here are two interpretations of the current Nodal placements.

Mark Husson, “Lovescopes” author and Host of “The Power Peek Hour" on Hay House Radio.

“(The) South Node in Gemini takes the role of the translator or diplomat in the family, communicating issues from say Mom to Dad. Often used as the messenger, this person is at the hub of all information, Those with this placement are often cordial and find it easy to understand a diversity of people. The South Node gets in the way when a person relies solely on the mind for fulfillment. The North Node in Sag asks the adult to take a leap of faith (in the direction of its house placement and Jupiter). Rather than looking for cues from others, this person must trust an inner knowing. If we learn to start with the North Node, the issues of the South Node automatically get healed.”

CA Brooks, Power Peek Astrologer and host of “Simple Tales” on 12Radio.

“This energy pattern would emphasize the need to know when enough is enough and to learn to trust your own intuition. South Node in Gemini tends to be a perpetual information gatherer without ever coming to a decision or applying the information. This position is a call to slow down, and enjoy the moment and what you already know and to release the need to look for validation and expertise outside yourself.”

Underscoring those points 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

2011-05-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

   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.

To join Elizabeth's email list and receive her free monthly astrology newsletter, sign up on the form to the right or click here..

Speaking Words of Wisdom

2011-04-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Editor's Note: After this article was published, my wonderful colleague and gifted astrologer C.A. Brooks, pointed out a very significant aspect of the cycle ahead in her column in Mark's Power Peek. From March 26th through April 20th Venus will travel through Pisces. This will be another one of the planetary influences helping us access calm and intuition. I thank C.A. for her work and astute observation. The Venus transit is an important piece of this astrological puzzle and I'm glad that she brought its loving energy to light. Please see her article for further detail on Venus. In the meantime, I'm blaming Mercury for my missing the Venus angle!

Please be sure to join me when I visit with Power Peek Astrologer C.A. Brooks next on April 12th on "Simple Tales at http://www.12radio.com. You can also sign up for my free astrology newsletter at http://www.awakeningqueenmaebh.com/contact-us.html.

Sun into Pisces 2011: Awakening Sweet Dreams

2011-02-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

Under the full Leo moon of February 18th, at 4:25 P.M. PST the Sun quietly slips into peaceful, reflective Pisces. On February 21st communicative Mercury follows suit as does aggressive Mars on the 22nd. Already transiting the deep and dreamy waters of this mutable sign are newly arrived Chiron, associated with healing, and innovating Uranus. With so many planetary bodies swimming in Pisces meditative, nebulous depths for much of this cycle, our psychic sensitivity will be heightened as will a need to pull inward. Pisces completes the annual tour of the zodiac and prepares us for spring and the year ahead. In 2011, that yearly urge to move forward will get an early and rousing wake up call when rebellious Uranus abandons mystical Pisces for trailblazing Aries on March 11th. This Pisces solar journey will also see the moon nodes shift from the Capricorn/Cancer axis to the Sagittarius/Gemini on March 3rd. So while much of this cycle offers us time to contemplate and integrate the experiences of the past year, the impulse to begin changing things will prove equally irresistible.

Though fellow water sign Scorpio is reputed for its transformational powers, Intuitive, creative and unifying Pisces is also a gifted game-changer. With compassion as its guiding principle, perceptive Pisces goes about her work with empathy and serenity. The Sun, Mercury, Mars, Uranus and Chiron will be in her gentle tow on the new Pisces moon of March 4th, making it an excellent occasion to wade into her healing, spiritual waters. In her quest to help us make ourselves and our lives whole, Pisces encourages our muses. Through daydreaming and artistic endeavors, we unearth and confront the content of the unconscious. Distinctly different from her logical opposite sign of Virgo, Pisces could care less if we are just “making it all up” or whether it makes any sense. She implicitly understands the value of the truths being expressed in our stories.

Also, associated with the 12th House of astrology, Pisces is undaunted by anything unpleasant that may be lurking beneath our placid facades. Ruled by Neptune, she is fully equipped to descend with us to our darkest, most unsettling depths. Her job after all is to support us in assimilating all of the pieces of ourselves, including the messy and monstrous ones. For only when they are brought to the surface can we truly heal. What are we do to with this newly gleaned self-awareness? Pass the cosmic baton to Uranus.

Law-breaking, authority challenging and proudly unorthodox, Uranus swaggers into the bold, fearless fire sign of Aries on March 11th for a seven year stay. There his talents are well placed to help us break the new ground needed to manifest the lives we dreamed up under the Piscean influence. This volatile mixture of Uranus’s revolutionary spirit and Aries provocative, independent style is sure to prove explosive at times. But meaningful change cannot come from maintaining the status quo. Uranus and Aries are lovers of freedom, excitement and progress, and they will leave little room for mediocrity and complacency. In combination with that unfathomably deep Pisces quest to make life whole again, we are being given some awesome tools for self-reflection, inventory taking and courageous change.

Adding an another layer of enlightened inspiration to the airwaves will be the moon’s nodal shift from the Capricorn/Cancer axis to Sagittarius/Gemini one on March 3rd. Conventional thinking in astrology holds that the moon’s North node represents the lessons ahead while the South node describes those previously mastered. The term karma is often used to explain their relationship with the idea that our past experiences help us navigate the future. In this case, Gemini lies in the position of the past and Sagittarius points the way forward. Gemini is renowned for its journalistic skill. It scans the world ceaselessly for information. Sagittarius on the other hand, needs to find the meaning behind all of those facts and figures. The philosophical fire sign is also known for its warmth, imagination and enthusiasm. With the moon’s North node in the sign that believes that life always gets better, a benevolent note will constantly ring as the music of the spheres plays and the planets and asteroids do their dance through August 2012. In June of this year, the eclipses also fall along this axis, giving these energies a deeper resonance. So as we glimpse ahead, prescient Pisces arrives to offer up consciousness. It’s time to scry through her loving, holistic lens

For more news on the upcoming Pisces cycle, please be sure to tune into “Simple Tales” this Tuesday, at 11:00 A.M. PST on 12Radio when Elizabeth joins Power Peek astrologer C.A. Brooks. Happy Birthday C.A.!! You can also join Elizabeth's mailing list for free monthly astrology news.

Sun into Aquarius: Higher Wavelengths & New Frequencies

2011-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

What is on your mind? In 2011 how each us answers that question at any given moment will become increasingly important. On January 20th, the Sun moves into the sign of the future, community and innovation. This Aquarius solar cycle will see benevolent Jupiter move into pioneering Aries, intellectual Mercury join the Sun and active Mars in progressive Aquarius and the healing asteroid Chiron enter holistic Pisces. Individualistic and humanitarian, Aquarius compels us to express our unique identity, yet it obliges us to do so in service of the greater good. Fortunately for us, Ghandi revealed the shortcut to this lofty objective when he said that we must BE the change we want to see in the world. And that leads us right back to that original question; what is on your mind? In no other time has the answer to that question determined so much. It is shaping our future, the future to which we are all connected and in which we share a collective stake. Aquarius is here to assist us with our visions and associations as we map out the year ahead, and she has brought along some inspiring companions.

The first mover and shaker of this cycle is Jupiter’s reentrance into self-oriented, instigative Aries on January 22nd. Jupiter’s job is to expand and amplify the energies it touches, and Aries insists that we break new ground. Favorably aligned with feisty Mars and the Sun in inventive Aquarius, the desire to boldly ditch the herd to blaze trendsetting trails will be practically irrepressible. Then, on February 3rd, when Mercury ventures into unorthodox Aquarius, our thinking will become highly original and those new frontiers brighter and more enticing. Aquarius is after all ruled by erratic and revolutionary Uranus. Still under the influence of that new Aquarius moon of February 2nd, Mercury’s presence in eccentric Aquarius, in combination with the Mars, Sun and Jupiter placements, will charge the air with electricity, passion and exciting new ideas.

Fully prepared to restore law and order, should that become necessary, will be a sober and stern Saturn in Libra, the sign of partnerships and fairness, and ruthless Pluto in grounded Capricorn. Jupiter’s reentry into Aries after all, reignites that famous T-Square, and Uranus is set to join the action on March 11th when it also reenters Aries. Saturn in Libra will directly oppose Jupiter (and then Uranus). And like a cosmic referee, sitting 90 degrees apart from both sides, Pluto is set in pragmatic Capricorn. With Venus also moving into the austere earth sign on February 4th, a healthy balance should be able to be struck between the radical impulses hellbent on rebellion and the forces devoted to fair play and the common good and the preservation of useful institutions and productive endeavors.

Elizabeth joins astrologer CA Brooks every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11:00 A.M. PST on 12Radio.com

To fuel our nobler Aquarian aspirations, on February 8th wounded healer Chiron enters Pisces for the beginning of a seven year voyage. If we learn empathy from pain, then life’s slings and arrows deepen our understanding and compassion. Chiron beckons us to remember our hurts, but not for the sake of erecting yet another altar to Victimhood. Its aim is to teach us empathy and to assist us with healing and personal growth. In the sign responsible for assimilating our lessons in the cause of unity and integration, Pisces, we see the richest expression of Chiron’s purpose. Best-selling astrology authors Rick Levine and Jeff Jawer describe the Chiron through Pisces transit this way.

“Its association with forgiveness while in compassionate Pisces reminds us that blame only perpetuates our problems. This isn’t about avoiding the truth; it’s about the power of unconditional love as a healing force that releases others and ourselves from the past.”

Now there’s a wavelength to be on in 2011. Associated with the 11th House of astrology, one of Aquarius’s other sphere’s of influence is friends and associations. This makes perfect tense in the context of future-building. For as gifted and astute astrologer Steven Forrest points out, “Friends reflect our goals.” When surrounded by supportive energies, our aspirations are strengthened and energized. In turn, and in true Aquarian fashion, we gladly share our love and support to buoy the world around us. The Chiron through Pisces transit will assist us in choosing healthy relationships so that the energies of giving and receiving are in greater balance. So, back to that initial question; what is on your mind? Just notice it during the cycle ahead. The Aquarian energies on hand can help us refine our ideas, align with like energies and take those first brave steps into the future.

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY TWELVE 2011 LOUISE HAY DAILY AFFIRMATION CALENDAR APP FOR ALL

2010-12-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY ELEVEN THE 2011 ROBYN NOLA JOHN HOLLAND WALL CALENDAR

2010-12-11T04:55:00.001-08:00

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY TEN 12 FREE MINUTES

2010-12-10T07:56:00.000-08:00

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY NINE ASTROCARTOGRAPHY READING WITH JULIA STONESTREET SMITH

2010-12-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY EIGHT $200 DONATION TO FREEDOM SERVICE DOGS

2010-12-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Welcome to my 12 Days of Giving Promotion. This tradition began a few years back and is one I really look forward to each year. For 12 days in December, the 1st-12th, I pick a winner from the day’s readings and award a daily gift. It’s my way of saying thank you. To qualify, simply join my email list and have a reading of five paid minutes or longer with me, and at the end of each day I draw the daily winner.

December 8th is an emotional day for me. It marks the anniversary of John Lennon’s tragic death, and two years ago on this date my sweet and beloved cat of 14 years, Boris, left this plane. This week the songs we listened to while he was sick, songs about losing someone dear, have come on my MP3 player. In 2008, I had made a special playlist simply called “Boris” which featured songs like “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “How Can I Help You To Say Goodbye?”. The one that always moved me the most was Dolly Parton and Altan’s version “In the Sweet By And By.” Boris was a huge, gregarious cat who came out to meet everyone who visited. So long as they passed his security check, his warmth and charm had most guests rubbing his fluffy white Buddha belly within minutes of their arrival. On many occasions during his nine-month long illness, I would sit on my favorite patio chair and cry. His consistent weight loss and thinning body made the path ahead clear. Without fail, he would jump into my lap to comfort me. He was just that kind of pet. So this week, with the anniversary of his passing coming, I could hardly listen to “our songs” as they randomly came onto the shuffle mode. Then on Monday, when putting up the holiday decorations, I pulled out the family stockings which still include his. All of the feelings of missing him, mixed with the gratitude for all of the time we had to say goodbye, came flooding back.

After much deliberation. I decided to make today’s gift a tribute to our beloved pets. So I will donate $200 to Freedom Service Dogs in today’s winner’s name. I know Boris approves. So many of our veterans are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with injuries and disabilities, and Freedom Service Dogs provides them with dogs specially trained to assist them. Our soldiers do a tremendous job, one that all too often gives them life-long physical and emotional challenges and problems. Freedom Service Dogs, and these very special animals, do an amazing job of supporting the troops. I am grateful to be able to help. This post is also dedicated to all of those who will hang up a stocking for an departed and missed loved one this season. My heart goes out to you.

To qualify for today’s drawing, sign up for my email list and have a reading of five paid minutes or longer with me on Wednesday, December 8th. Everyone who does will be entered into the daily drawing. I will be giving phone and chat readings live from 9 A.M. - 3 P.M. PST.

Lastly, congratulations to Barbara, another Day Three app winner. She doesn't own any Apple products, so in lieu of an app, I sent her five free minutes toward her next reading. Thank you all for your support and participation.

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY SEVEN LIGHT RESONANCE HEALING SESSION

2010-12-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Welcome to my 12 Days of Giving Promotion. This tradition began a few years back and is one I really look forward to each year. For 12 days in December, the 1st-12th, I pick a winner from the day’s readings and award a daily gift. It’s my way of saying thank you. To qualify, simply join my email list and have a reading of five paid minutes or longer with me, and at the end of each day I draw the daily winner.

Light Resonance Healing is healing technique developed by Valerie Camozzi that combines sacred geometry with frequency and energy healing. Performed in person and remotely, LRH sessions involve a practitioner sending energy through the hands to a recipient. Back in October I traveled to Denver to be trained in the technique by Val herself. Today’s gift is a LRH session with me.

To qualify for today’s drawing, sign up for my email list and and have a reading of five paid minutes or longer with me on Tuesday, December 7th. Everyone who does will be entered into the daily drawing. Phone and chat readings are available from 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. PST.

Also today I get to do one of the most fun parts of this ritual, announce another winner. Congratulations to Michelle who is the Day Six winner of 12 Free Minutes. Two more apps from Day Three have gone out as well as that 2011 Personal Transit Report for the Day Four winner. To insure privacy, I do not include winners’ names until I have their written approval. Thank you Michelle and everyone, for your participation. Your response and support are completely gratifying. Affirming a season filled with love, warmth and compassion.

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY SIX 12 FREE MINUTES

2010-12-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY FIVE ROBYN NOLA JOHN HOLLAND 2011 CALENDAR

2010-12-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

In other news, the permission to publish names of winners is streaming in. I thank Anne who was one of the App winners from Day Three. Congratulations to her and to all of the winners so far. This is really fun! So thank you all for your participation and support.

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY FOUR 2011 PERSONAL TRANSIT REPORT

2010-12-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY THREE DIVINATION APPS

2010-12-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

OK, for those who know me well it is no secret that I love tech toys. As apps have become more popular, so has my enjoyment of them. Being a full-time Lightworker, it’s also no wonder that I’ve begun exploring and playing with the Divination ones. The Goddess Tarot is an app, several of Doreen Virture’s Angel decks are apps, there's an Avalon deck app and Louise Hay even has an affirmation calendar app.

To share my love of these oracular gadgets, I decided to put them on this year’s gift list. And because Friday is just the best day of the week, instead of picking only one person to win today, I’m turning up the seasonal spirit by giving a Divination App to each person who is a member of my email list and who has a reading of five paid minutes or longer with me on Friday, December 3rd. Winners get the app of their choice, from that Goddess Tarot, to any of Doreen Virtue’s apps, to the Avalon app by Colette Baron Reid, to Louise Hay’s 2011 Calendar app. I will be giving phone and chat readings live from 2-5 P.M. PST on Friday, December 3rd and will send one app to each winner as a gift via iTunes. You may click here to book a reading so that a time is reserved for you. Let’s see what’s ahead for you in 2011 and celebrate technology, a full week before Mercury goes retrograde next Friday!

In the meantime, to get you in the mood for free and inspiring apps, check out the free Hay House Radio app which allows you to listen to all of their amazing and uplifting programming anytime from your iPhone, iTouch or iPad. This one is a regular for me and I think you’ll come to love “radio for your soul.” Lastly, big congratulations to Carolyn from Idaho. She is the winner of Day Two’s 12 Free Minutes.

12 DAYS OF GIVING: DAY TWO 12 FREE MINUTES

2010-12-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

12 DAYS OF GIVING DAY ONE $50 12ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP

2010-11-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

Sun into Sagittarius: Fear Less, Hope More and Keep It Real

2010-11-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

(Reprinted from Wikipedia) On a cold New Year’s Eve, a poor girl tries to sell matches in the street. She is freezing badly, but she is afraid to go home because her father will beat her for not selling any matches. She takes shelter in a nook and lights the matches to warm herself. In their glow, she sees several lovely visions including a Christmas tree and a holiday feast. The girl looks skyward, sees a shooting star, and remembers her deceased grandmother saying that such a falling star means someone died and is going into Heaven. As she lights her next match, she sees a vision of her grandmother, the only person to have treated her with love and kindness. She strikes one match after another to keep the vision of her grandmother nearby for as long as she can. The child dies and her grandmother carries her soul to Heaven. The next morning, passers-by find the dead child in the nook.

If there was ever a cautionary tale about the excesses of wishful thinking, Danish author Hans Christian Anderson masterfully articulated them in his timeless “The Little Match Girl.” Does this mean that there is no place for hope in a bleak world nor any room for optimism amongst challenging circumstances? Hardly. What the sagacious story teller keenly understood is that hope alone is not enough, and escapism can be deadly. As the Sun transits the boundless fire sign of the Centaur in 2010, Mercury and Mars will venture into sober Capricorn where they join regenerative Pluto, and Venus, newly direct, will work her way through truthful and transformational Scorpio. Unorthodox Uranus will emerge from its retrograde slumber, and to make sure that we don’t overlook important details, Mercury will begin another retrograde. In short, this Sagittarius cycle will point the way forward while teaching us how to balance our aspirations with work, integrity and reality.

Some forms of oppression, like the beatings given to the matchstick girl by her father, are obvious. Most however work on much subtler levels. It is often said that it is easy to know what we are against, but the greater challenge lies in knowing what we are for. Upon that tiny axis lies an entire paradigm shift. When we begin to change our focus from what is wrong to what we want, that old Sag magic begins working. Affable, philosophical and kind, Sagittarius’s ultimate aim is freedom, ours. Upon its archer’s arrow our consciousness soars into the heavens, expanding our field of awareness and showing us what possibilities lie on the horizon. From this exalted view we begin to see the opportunities gleaming before us.

When the 2010 Sagittarius Sun cycle begins on November 22nd, Mercury and Mars will already be basking in the effervescent, expansive energies of this enthusiastic sign. Buoyed by recent forward motion from Venus and Jupiter, our spirits should be on the upswing. However, on November 30th Mercury will head into hardworking and practical Capricorn, followed by Mars on December 7th. Mercury helps us think and communicate clearly and Mars represents how we pursue what we want. With both in the conservative earth sign of Capricorn, those Sagittarius dreams and visions will not be immune the laws of gravity. An especially potent dose of the goat’s milk is available on December 13th when Mercury and Mars meet up with the planet of ultimate truth and power, Pluto. That triple conjunction is an excellent occasion for seeding long range goals.

To prevent any Capricorn pessimism or drudgery from spoiling Sagittarius’s party however, erratic, rule-breaking Uranus turns direct on December 6th. With increasing velocity, Uranus will do what it does best, shake things up. Though it is traveling through peaceful Pisces, its rebellious influence will charge the air with excitement. Between it and a Sun still shining brightly in lively Sagittarius, optimism, all be it the cautious kind, will prevail. To further keep the ideas fresh and our momentum strong, Mercury will slip out of serious Capricorn on December 18th for a dip back into adventurous Sagittarius. Its retrograde will be in effect from December 10th through 30th. So as the Sun’s journey through Sagittarius exposes new frontiers, Mercury’s dance between industrious Capricorn and exuberant Sagittarius will help us distinguish between fact and fantasy.

Since early October the personal planets (Mercury, Mars, Venus and the Sun) have been traversing the dark, truthful waters of Scorpio, and Venus will continue her detective work in Scorpio until January 7th. The truths about our lives churned up during these transits are typically the unpleasant variety. For example the report from the Presidential commission on the magnitude of the U.S. budget deficit and the hard choices ahead to fix it recently emerged. So as this Sagittarius cycle dawns, we find ourselves not so unlike our newly elected Congressmen and women. Largely put into office to oust the government, they now awake to find that they are the government. So it is true for us. The reins of responsibility and power rest firmly in our hands. This Sagittarius cycle, with its shot of Capricorn pragmatism, can still reinvigorate our spirits, encourage us to blaze new trails and light our way to liberty. Aim high!

Elizabeth join’s C.A. Brooks on “Simple Tales” next on the Winter Solstice, December 21st on 12Radio.com.

Sun into Scorpio: Turning Kool-Aid into Coffee

2010-10-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

During the Scorpio cycle of 1978, a mother stepped before a large crowd and gave her four-year-old child the first dose of Jim Jones’ infamous suicide potion. She then drank her death sentence. Four minutes later the two were dead from the cyanide laced Kool-Aid. Before that ominous November afternoon was over, 909 People’s Temple members participated in mass suicide, and one United States Congressman and four journalists were shot to death by Jones’ followers. We want to dismiss this dark and shocking incident as the unfortunate fate of those unwise enough to recognize and reject brainwashing, the tragic end for “cult members” under the hypnotic control of a madman. We tell ourselves that we are more sophisticated than them, smarter and stronger. Yet we silently endure the latest news of record setting executive bonuses (to the tune of $144 billion on Wall Street alone), while we watch the unemployment rate hold firmly at 9.6 percent and see home foreclosures surpass the 100,000 mark in one month. Instinctively, we know that something is terribly wrong, yet, like Jones’ followers, our conformity persists. With the personal planets, the Sun, Mercury, Mars and Venus, all transiting the sign of truth, destruction and creation during this Scorpio cycle, we are being asked two very important questions. One, are we drinking the Kool-Aid? If so, are we ready to trade our complicity in for a new paradigm?

On November 2nd the American public will weigh in via a national election. Though fiery Mars will have moved on to cheerful Sagittarius by that time, Venus will be the planet to watch in this election. That’s because Venus represents our possessions and our money. Many years ago a political science professor explained it this way. When it comes to elections, it all boils down to how that voter in the booth feels about what is in his or her wallet. If things are going well economically, the incumbents are likely to be reelected. But a thinning wallet generally results in pink slips for those in power. Louise Hay has famously said that she finds that talking to people about their sex lives to be easier than talking to them about money. A retrograding materialistic Venus in do or die Scorpio on Election Day, along with a retrograde Jupiter (the other money planet), will likely put the almighty dollar front and center in the minds of voters. With Mercury, our thinking, also filled with Scorpio’s life or death clarity, the public is unlikely to swallow the usual dose of lies and half truths proliferated by pandering politicians either. For example, those shamelessly promoting themselves as heroes of the working classes, applauding the triumph of Chilean minors, but who have effectively killed the bill to bring worker’s safety into the mines of West Virginia, where 29 American minors died in April, will likely be taken to task. Pluto ruled Scorpio after all has to destroy what is unsustainable, untenable and unacceptable. With Mercury, Venus and the Sun in the fixed water sign, Americans will vote what they feel the most fervently this election.

Elizabeth joins astrologer CA Brooks on Tuesday, October 26th, at 11:00 A.M. PST on 12Radio.com

Out of the ashes, the phoenix rises. On the heels of the election, a new moon in Scorpio occurs on November 5th. This moon is notable not only for its birth in the sign of mystery and regeneration, but because of its wider cosmic context. At 14”19’, it falls next to the midpoint of the Galactic Center of our Milky Way and close to the asteroid Vesta, associated with the Sacred Feminine. The North Node, transformative Pluto and Ceres, the asteroid representing female reproduction, are conjoined in at 3 degrees Capricorn on the 5th. Within hours of all of this, healing asteroid Chiron and spiritual Neptune station from their retrograde motion in visionary Aquarius. It’s as if the Cosmic forces are aligning with the Feminine Mysteries in Scorpio’s deep dark waters to support us in birthing a new path.

How it will all turn out will likely take another five months to determine. In part, that is because we have just begun a cycle of five full moons at 29 degrees of their respective signs. In astrology 29 degrees marks the final point, the end of a phase. That series of full moons coincides harmoniously with the Goddess cycles of death and rebirth. In the dark days of November we may step before the Great Cauldron to give all that is not supporting us to the wise and ancient Death Crone. Throughout the winter she vigilantly tends to our petitions until the Spring Maiden emerges with the form our paths are to take. Expansive Jupiter will also be assisting her and us with the expression of these energies when it moves into action oriented Aries on January 22, 2011. But we won’t have to wait until that final 29 degree full moon of February 18, 2011 to begin seeing the shapes of things to come. That’s because three planets begin direct motion during this Scorpio cycle, Neptune on November 6th, and Venus and Jupiter on the 18th. Instigating Mars and active Mercury will also make the transition from intense Scorpio to lighthearted Sagittarius, on Oct 28th and November 7th respectively, bringing a sense of optimistic movement to the atmosphere. So as this Scorpio cycle descends, we are being forced to look honestly and soberly at the corruption, greed and abuses of power in the forces that govern our lives. Concurrently, we are being given the opportunities and tools to replace those structures for good. See you at the cafe!

Sun into Libra 2010; It’s a Unity Thing

2010-09-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

On September 22nd at 8:09 P.M. PST the Sun heads into the sign of harmony, balance and relating. Austere Saturn is already transiting Libra’s diplomatic terrain, and Mercury is poised to join them on October 3rd when it enters this cardinal air sign. With Mars and Venus traveling through intense Scorpio and Uranus and Jupiter resting back in gentle Pisces, 2010’s Libra cycle offers some keen insights into that most powerful of realms and popular of subjects, our relationships.

Setting the stage for the Sun’s entrance into the sign of grace and fairness are alluring Venus and aggressive Mars in the deep impassioned waters of Scorpio. Scorpio enjoys its renown for sexual prowess. So the presence of amorous Venus and desirous Mars in its sensuous depths can be an ideal influence for deepening levels of intimacy. However, Scorpio’s real purpose (obsession some would argue) is getting to the truth, in and out of bed. To that end, this Pluto-ruled sign is ruthless, indeed willing to exert even its destructive tendencies, in its pursuit. With forceful Mars in intent Scorpio, secrets will be unearthed and real motives and needs will be revealed. So, during this transit we can expect not only the blooms to come off a few roses, but many a stone to be overturned. Ultimately, courageous Mars will help us get our needs met, and Scorpio’s clarity will help us see our relationships more honestly.

Because relationship is inherently a two-way street and because one person’s or partner’s truth can be vastly different from the other’s, the Cosmos is bringing in a celestial officiating crew of sorts. Saturn, the Sun and Mercury will travel through objective, reciprocal and cooperative Libra. Like no other sign, Libra asks us relate to “other” and it insists that we play nicely. Venus-ruled Libra’s aim after all is wholeness. With unyielding Pluto in realistic Capricorn sitting 90 degrees away however, Libra’s mission will not be an easy one. That’s because Pluto will form exact squares to the Sun, on September 25th, and Mercury, on October 5th, as a general square to Saturn churns away in the background. And all four planets will be in those provocative cardinal signs. Add two full Aries moons, on September 23rd and October 22nd, to the mix, and balancing individual needs with the whole is bound to be challenging.

Elizabeth joins astrologer CA Brooks every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11:00 A.M. PST on 12Radio.com

With head referee Saturn firmly at the Libra helm, we are in capable Cosmic hands. But we must be prepared to embrace those Libra standards of Truth and Justice. Any of our complaints about what “other” is doing will be met with stern judicious review. In addition to asking us to walk the proverbial mile in “other’s” shoes, the taskmaster is equally likely to remind us that we choose to be in a given relationship, or not. According to Saturn, we are not so much victims as we are the consequences of our choices. LIke a line judge, Mercury, whose spheres of influence include our thinking and communication, will echo Saturn’s sober sentiments. He lives in our minds and will likely be asking some pertinent and controversial questions of his own. Whose filters are we using to come to our conclusions? Have we genuinely tried to see the situation from “other’s” point of view? Are we are holding “other” in high regard or simply conveniently labeling to suit our own story? And most importantly, what is our end game in this situation? The Sun, representing our will, will help us answer that last question, as it also works to help us see our circumstance from Libra’s exalted, communal view.

On October 8th loving and virtuous Venus will go retrograde. The planet of exquisite beauty and immeasurable tranquility will diligently work to guide our relationships into a state of deep and abiding peace. If we are willing, through her we can see the Divinity in all things, including our foes. Her retrograde motion in Scorpio will aid Mars in his quest for the truth. Only she will take a much softer and more harmonious tact.

Aiding this kinder, gentler form of enlightenment will be Jupiter and Uranus in supremely serene and subtle Pisces. Under calm, spiritual Pisces influence, unorthodox Uranus may present us with a completely unique perspective, as expansive Jupiter offers us a broadened view of our reality. Though Libra is a cardinal or initiating sign, and Pisces a mutable or completing one, and Libra is air and Pisces water, the two have something important in common. Both are committed to unification. They are charged to explore the energies around them and to assimilate them, and they ask the same of us. To phrase it euphemistically, relationships offer us life’s greatest growth opportunities. This year the planetary hookups in Libra, Scorpio and Pisces will give us some stellar revelations about them and the tools for cosmic conflict resolution.

Sun into Virgo 2010: Review, Regroup, Relax

2010-08-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

During a recent visit with astrologer C.A. Brooks on her radio show “Simple Tales” I joked that the best way to send a Virgo over the edge is to put a few soup cans in the cereal section of his/her cupboard. One Virgo in the 12Radio.com chat room instantly commented on just how unsettling that proposition was. While perhaps amusing to the rest of the zodiac, Virgo’s painful and often solitary quest for order is not the clear cut case of OCD this caring and gentle sign often gets the rap for. Virgo’s search for perfection is in actuality born of a deep, sincere and abiding drive to restore harmony in the world. The constellation Virgo is in fact home to the mythological Goddess Astraea. She was the last deity to leave earth and its inhabitants as they plunged into their self created darkness of greed, war and competition. She desperately wanted to help humankind restore the world to a perfect state, and we enter her intricate, detailed realms on Sunday, August 22nd at 10:27 P.M. PST when the Sun enters the mutable earth sign of Virgo.

Like her fellow mutable sign companions, Virgo closes her respective season and gives us an opportunity to wind down and clean up loose ends. Closing the tumultuous summer of 2010 is no easy task. But the Sun will get ample assistance with slowing things down from Mercury retrograding from August 20th through September 12th in Virgo, and wild card wielding Uranus safely recessed back into easy-going Pisces where it will be joined by generous Jupiter on September 9th. Uranus and Jupiter in flexible Pisces also offer a heavenly counter weight to Virgo tendencies toward excessive control and rigidity.

So how exactly does that meticulous Virgo mind work in the real world? Let’s take the common desire of losing weight as an example. Virgo needs the cold hard facts to formulate her methodical plan. Translation; get on the scale (and look). Next assignment; count calories, all of them, for one entire week, no exceptions. Once Virgo has calculated your average daily caloric intake, she will logically conclude that if you want to lose one pound per week, you will need to deduct precisely 500 calories per day from your diet, no cheating. Aries would likely suggest an intense crash diet to instantly shed the unwanted pounds and Leo is likely to opt for those pills that lose the weight for her while she sleeps. Both would make a run for the nearest plastic surgeon. Virgo patiently insists that small consistent steps toward life’s objectives are much healthier and more sustainable and effective in the long run. Her devotion to service and concern for health also strongly advocate a realistic exercise plan, 3-5 days per week. Fortunately In 2010, Virgo’s rules and regulations are sweetly counter balanced by Uranus and then Jupiter in adaptable Pisces. Translation; you get to eat whatever you want with your calorie allowance and you get to pick the day, different ones every week if you please, for any exercises you enjoy.

Elizabeth joins astrologer CA Brooks every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11:00 A.M. PST on 12Radio.com.

It is worth noting here that all of 2010’s Mercury retrogrades have been in those grounded and practical earth signs. The earth signs help us put ideas and feelings into form. The support offered via Mercury’s current retrograde in Virgo will be reinforced by Pluto in earthy, disciplined Capricorn which forms favorable trines to Mercury and the Sun. Whether the goal is weight loss, debt elimination or improving one’s business, this Mercury through Virgo transit provides an ideal climate for uncanny analysis, synthesis and planning. So if a long forgotten New Year’s resolution fell hopelessly off the wagon sometime earlier this year, this cycle can help you get things in order and back on track.

As the saying goes, “No one likes a critic.” No one likes a cheapskate either. For that matter, an overzealous neat freak can be downright disturbing. So how does Virgo overcome her astrological reputation? She learns to accept life’s unavoidable chaos, inherent messiness and inevitable unpredictability. In short, she surrenders to element of mystery. Life’s greatest experiences cannot be defined purely by fact, comprehended by the rational mind, nor fully articulated by words alone. In her enlightened state, Virgo reveres the unseen, the intangible and the unexplainable, and she warmly welcomes them in to rattle her otherwise orderly world. In 2010, oppositions to the Sun and Mercury in Virgo by rebellious Uranus and jubilant Jupiter in unfathomable Pisces, encourage even the most persnickety Virgo to enthusiastically embrace the unknown. Because that, is where life happens.

Sun into Leo 2010: Got Lemonade?

2010-07-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Several days into the average heat wave, many a withering spirit desperately searches for news of an impending cooling trend. During 2010’s massive T-Square and Grand Cross, many of those with strong Cardinal sign placements in their charts are similarly seeking refuge from the intense Cosmic action. Then there are those Souls who love the heat, those oddballs who thrive in its infernal ferocity. No matter your preference, this year’s solar journey through the spirited fire sign of Leo is going to be a scorcher. Cooler winds will begin to prevail by the time it winds down on August 23rd. In the meantime, a July 25th full moon is set amongst more massive squares and oppositions, Mars and Venus will add more fuel to the T-Square by joining Saturn in Libra, and a Mercury retrograde starts on August 20th. If ever a sign was invented to cheer us all up and on to the completion of this celestial marathon, it is Leo. The Sun arrives in the effervescent, magnanimous sign of the lion at 3:21 P.M. PST on July 22nd.

Gallant, confident and boundlessly enthusiastic, Leo loves to lead, inspire and perform for others. To earn their adulation, this fixed sign is ever willing to roll up his sleeves and work hard for those coveted applause. His natural tendency toward extroversion, seemingly endless supply of creativity and passion, and lion-sized heart make Leo a magnet for those seeking encouragement and optimism. And generosity? Leo has learned that the true gift of his wealth lies in his ability to share his riches with others. With the sky heating up, in 2010 Leo is in fact on a singular mission to turn every lemon in the Kingdom into ice-cold, thirst-quenching lemonade. Given the Cosmic forecast, sitting down and sharing a glass with this regal creature might be just the recipe for getting through the dog days ahead. After all, the King of the Jungle knows a thing or two about conquering beasts and living sovereignly.

On July 21st, Saturn moves back into Libra thus reenergizing the T-Square by forming a more precise square to Pluto in Capricorn and closer oppositions to Uranus and Jupiter in Aries. Remember that Pluto is already simultaneously squaring Uranus and Jupiter. On July 25th indeed the square between Pluto and Jupiter will be exact, recurring on August 3rd. Also on July 25th, the moon will be full in the fixed air sign of Aquarius, and on July 26th the next Saturn Uranus opposition will be exact. Squares and oppositions bring matters to the fore and tensions to a head, and all the planets involved in these are in the provocative Cardinal signs. Under such challenging aspects, what’s a glamourous, pampered and pleasure seeking sign like Leo to do? That’s simple; he dawns his designer shades and views it all through those famous Leo-tinted glasses.

For example, while some will claim that the Pluto Jupiter square is a clash of conflicting values with Pluto in stern Capricorn imposing the rules while exuberant Jupiter in Aries wants to run amok. Leo sees this as a winning combination for life’s go-getters. Capricorn builds stamina and Aries just can’t say no to taking action. To Leo, the 25th is a fabulous time to launch an exciting, long term venture. On July 29th Mars, the Warrior, will join Saturn in Libra. With Mars’ infamous battle-lust and Saturn’s reputation for restrictions, some fear these two in league. Leo agrees with astrologer Sue Tompkins who maintains that this pair teaches us how to balance fear with courage, assertiveness with control and impulse with discipline. With the two sitting under heavenly arbitrator Libra’s watchful eye, the potential for conflict resolution is even greater. And really, who wouldn’t want to master this stuff? On August 7th Venus arrives home to join these two, bringing her quest for beauty to the affair.

Then there’s that pesky Mercury retrograde sitting at end of this cycle ready to roll on August 20th. Mercury will be in discerning Virgo, the meticulous sign that the Sun will travel through for most of this retrograde. The perfect opportunity to review details says Leo. Moreover Leo asserts, by then Uranus will have already ducked back into peaceful, dreamy Pisces (on August 13th) where it will be followed by Jupiter on September 9th. This is a great chance to rest, relax and let the our intuition mingle with those newly discovered facts. For somewhere between the two, along that Virgo Pisces axis, lies a solution to one of life’s persistent questions or problems. Ah, a golden opportunity to rejuvenate reasons Leo. With that, his official royal proclamation is announced:

“Spa time! Leo-tinted glasses and lemonade for all!”

For more astrology news, be sure to listen to Elizabeth’s visit with astrologer CA Brooks on Tuesday, July 20th, at 11 AM PST on “Simple Tales” on 12Radio. Then, to celebrate the Sun’s arrival into Leo, Elizabeth joins Julia Stonestreet Smith on Thursday, July 22nd, at the “Stonestreet Cafe” at 7PM PST also on 12Radio.com. You can also sign up for Elizabeth’s free monthly newsletter at her site..

The Geniuses in Corporate - Suntrust Bank

2010-07-10T11:52:00.000-07:00

This week I closed a recently opened account at Suntrust, namely because I found out that they received a federal bailout. I have no patience for Wall Street types who gamed and looted our financial system, all the while knowing that if it all went bust, the FDIC (taxpayer) would get stuck with the mess while they pocketed their enormous bonuses. It didn't help that Suntrust wanted to put a two week hold on my paychecks, yet have the right to immediately cash checks I write. I'm fine with the bank cashing any checks I write instantly, but I'm not so fond of them making money on my money while I wait two weeks to access it. If only I could charge them Pay Day rate interest on that short term loan.... So, though I live in NC, I still bank in Beverly Hills, ridiculous as that is. It's a shame also because the people at my local Suntrust office are extremely nice to do business with and those relationships help bond communities in small towns like the one I live in.

Anyhoo, as I was saying, I finally got around to closing the Suntrust account this week. Today I received a call from "the" Gallup organization who were conducting a customer satisfaction survey on behalf of Suntrust. Several questions in, the poll taker asked if I was still a customer. Upon discovering that I closed my account, I was rendered an unacceptable participant. HOW STUPID IS THAT SUNSTRUST????? And really, shouldn't those brilliant folks at Gallup ask that question first??

Wouldn't Suntrust want to know why people leave? It just might help them improve service and retain customers. The other part of this equation that was not lost in me is this. The next time you or I read about how outstandingly high Suntrust customers rate their bank, we'll know who was disqualified from TELLING THE TRUTH. This consumer satisfaction survey is clearly skewed from the get go by weeding out potentially negative respondents. I think allowing those of us who close accounts to share would paint a far more accurate picture of satisfaction levels with Suntrust. A big bank, manipulating information??? Say it aint so! If nothing else, the Gallop incident has confirmed my decision to bank elsewhere.

Sun into Cancer 2010: Tidal Waves of Love & Light

2010-06-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

“Do what you have to to be happy in this life. There is so much beauty. Go well my children.” The Bridges of Madison County - Robert James Waller

In the film’s final scene, the ashes of Francesca Johnson waft elegantly off a covered wooden bridge while Meryl Streep tenderly reads those perspicacious words to her character’s grown son and daughter. The story is about a mother’s devotion to her family and the eternity of true love. Richly emotional, these themes are fitting ones for the Sun’s entrance into watery, maternal Cancer. On June 21st at 4:29 A.M. PST the Sun enters this passionate, moon-ruled sign and thus activates this summer’s greatly anticipated Grand Cross. A full Capricorn moon eclipse takes place a few days later on June 26th with Mercury, newly moved into Cancer, adding more energy to the Cardinal sign thrust. On July 11th a total solar eclipse occurs with the new Cancer moon. Meanwhile Saturn is forming its final opposition to Uranus in the series that began on Election Day 2008. Finally, Neptune, the only large outer planet not directly involved in the Grand Cross, continues its retrograde motion through Aquarius, subtly adding an oceanic element to the mix. While the celestial stage is set for some of 2010’s most seismic astrological activity, Cancer, completely committed to caregiving and emotional integrity, calmly embraces the incoming waves. For her wisdom is as ancient as the moon, and she has long anticipated the needed changes these powerful tides are bringing.

Like no other sign, Cancer protects, nourishes and nurtures, and accessing its insights, instincts and ability to support are our keys to the cycle ahead. While the internet is awash in fears about the Grand Cross and T-Square, complete with doomsday scenarios, here in the world of 12, astrology is not dogma. Astrology is a language of symbols and set of tools for self-empowerment, and you the reader, not the planets, are in charge. Intrinsically psychic, the sign that starts the summer is compelled to forge ahead, and It offers us both its uncanny sixth sense and perpetual drive. This year that Cancerian quest to break on through to the other side will be abundantly aided by revolutionary Uranus and expansive Jupiter in bold, pioneering Aries and transformative Pluto moving through the sign of achievements and physical manifestation, Capricorn. Add exacting Saturn moving toward the 4th Cardinal sign of the zodiac, Libra, and welcome to the Grand Cross. As if by design, the Cosmos’ Great Mother, Cancer, has assembled some of her strongest allies to move us past unhealthy and unsustainable habits into brave new worlds. The navigation system she suggests is simple, the heart’s longing. Desire knows and lights the way.

On the eclipse of June 26th, the moon will be full in the sign of Capricorn where life-altering Pluto is sitting. Pluto is the planet that must to get to the ultimate truth in any matter and the moon puts us in touch with our intuition and real feelings. They will be opposite of Mercury and the Sun in Cancer. The Capricorn/Cancer axis asks us to reconcile ambitions and accomplishments in the outer world with our emotional and domestic needs. On a personal level this is the classic career versus home-life struggle. In the wider world, the moon and Pluto in Capricorn, ruler of banks, government and real estate, will be pitted against Mercury, information, and the Sun, individual will, in the sign ruling housing. While it’s impossible to predict how these aspects will play out precisely, news about the banks releasing more of their toxic housing assets is likely to surface. In an even wider context, Capricorn is about material success and Cancer about security, the home and emotional satisfaction. So more sober discourse on how we collectively balance the monetary needs of a capitalist society with Mother Earth’s needs is also likely to continue to be a central issue at this time. Yes, more debate about the oil spill, the environment and public policy will be in the spotlight. New ideas and new templates are needed. While innovative Uranus in brazen Aries portends support for the introduction of these radical new solutions, more esoteric Information and instruction will be downloadable on July 11th.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, temporarily blocking the Sun and the energy it emits. Mountain Astrologer’s Stephanie Austin has suggested the following interpretation.

“Solar eclipses are thus extra powerful. New Moons - and a total eclipse even more so, as the interruption of electromagnetic support facilitates a greater shift from one template to another. The more prepared and receptive we are to this upgrade of our biochemical circuitry, the easier it is to spiral up to the next octave of consciousness.”

With the Moon in her native home of Cancer, the eclipse of July 11th offers an opportunity to unplug, receive and reboot. Spending this eclipse near water is a stellar way to tune into these new energies.

In the background during this solar Cancer transit, heavyweights Saturn and Uranus head toward their final clash on July 26th. Since its beginning on Election Day 2008 when the two first met, this series of Saturn Uranus oppositions has played out strongly in the political arena. Conventional wisdom has been challenged by new ideas at each of their encounters. During the healthcare reform debate we saw the conflicts between stern Saturn in practical Virgo at odds with ground-breaking Uranus in utopian-minded Pisces. Now the two planets meet along the Aries (individual rights) Libra (group harmony) axis. The battle lines this time are forming around those whose livelihoods and wealth depend on the oil industry and the growing chorus of those who want to completely cease offshore drilling until environmental protection and safety can be assured.

Imbuing that and other global conversations with its nearly imperceptible yet considerable influence is Neptune. The planet most strongly associated with the ocean is transiting through humanitarian minded Aquarius, and its sagacity continues to subtly emerge from its watery depths. From the sinking of a South Korean naval ship (allegedly) by North Korea and subsequent calls for harsh sanctions against nuclear-armed North Korean, to the Gulf oil disaster, to the attack in international waters of the Mavi Marmara, the catalyzing events of this time are playing out in Neptune’s domain, water. In fact, the seeming sleeping giant went retrograde on May 31st, the day the Israeli commandos attacked the Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

When planets are retrograde they give us an opportunity to review the areas they influence. Pluto in Capricorn is presently retrograde while historic banking reform is before Congress. Uranus turns retrograde on July 6th, heightening the chance for advances in science and technology. Joining those two substantial forces, the Neptune retrograde factor suggests a spiritual dimension to the situations now presenting themselves. With its placement in broad-minded Aquarius, the call to social consciousness is also being sounded. In the case of the Koreans, in early June the South opted for a constructive and conciliatory tone, thus deescalating the threat of nuclear conflict. In the case of the BP oil spill, President Obama is championing green energy as the wider-ranging solution. In the case of Israel and the Palestinians, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is brokering a compromise that will protect Israel’s security interests and yet allow food, medicine and construction materials for home-building to move through the four-year-old blockade to the people in Gaza. Food for the hungry, healing for the sick, security and peace, perhaps inspired by reflective Neptune waves from visionary Aquarius, they are most agreeable to Cancer’s fiercely maternal disposition. These conflict resolutions are instructive and hopeful signs of the times ahead. This summer’s Grand Cross and the T-square (lasting through late 2012) are duty bound to bring critical issues to the fore. Cancer aligns us with emotional honesty and our compassion for others. Then it gently prods us to take the next step with love. Catch its sweet waves!

Seriously Oxfam?????

2010-06-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

OMG, this is not a raving, ranting post, just an S.O.S. being sent out in a state of complete exasperation by a completely mystified individual. Has anyone on planet Earth ever successfully gotten their name and contact details removed from Oxfam, the Charity from Hell’s, list? Please tell me how this is done, please.

Last year I posted about what a nightmare Oxfam is, how despite my numerous phone calls, written requests and a move clear across the entire United States of America, they refuse to stop sending me solicitations. I don't even remember what it is that they do it has been so long since I donated to them. In that post I mentioned a good friend who unwittingly gave to animal rights orgs, and who is still to this very day inundated with horrifying images of animals from orgs, including PITA, to whom she has never donated. In my compassion for non-profits and the difficulty they must surely have raising money in this economy, I removed that Oxfam post, hopeful that maybe Oxfam would follow through on its last promise to stop mailing me. Subsequently, I also raised the amount of my monthly donations to other orgs.

On Sunday I donated to the USO online with only one request, to NOT be added to any lists, snail or email. On Monday they wrote back to thank me for my donation and to assure me that I would not be added to more bloody lists. I questioned whether or not I had needed to be so harsh and defensive about my contact details with my donation. Then on Tuesday, Oxfam, who suck beyond belief and description, mailed me again. I have asked to be off of their list for YEARS now. I honestly believe that they continue to mail me with the intent of harassment. I guess I need to report them to those charity watchdog groups or my local Congressman. But I thought, it’s just Oxfam being well, Oxfam, as usual and I sent my request to be removed back to them in their postage paid envelope. Today the USO emailed me their general mailer. I’m not one to curse and swear on the internet, but insert a torrent of expletives. WTF???

Honestly, it makes me want to say insert expletive them all. It’s my money and why bother?? That is truly sad as I honestly budget monthly donations with the best of intentions, understanding that others are struggling in the world. Why these orgs cannot honor simple and polite requests from donors is truly beyond my comprehension.

I apologize for the negative post, but Oxfam deserves the slap, no a pummeling. This time I will never take the post down. I’m incredulous. I have another $150 in the budget for June and right now, I want to spend it on a new org, TED, Take Elizabeth Drinking! It will only help bartenders and liquor companies, but at least I will NOT be added to yet another ..... mailing list. Email me if you would like to contribute.

Sun into Gemini 2010: Prometheus’ Flames Burning Brighly

2010-05-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Conventional wisdom in astrology asserts that the mutable signs are the subdued ones, those gentle, affable energies responsible for finishing up their respective seasons. For example, Sagittarius closes the autumn, Pisces winds down the winter, and so forth. To say the least, 2010 is a year when convention is being turned on its head. While the 2010 Sun through Gemini cycle brings spring to its annual conclusion, in keeping with the revolutionary sentiment abuzz on the airwaves, it also ushers in the start of the T-square and sets the stage for the Grand Cross. a series of impressive alignments we have not experienced simultaneously for centuries. So rather than a mild cycle of finishing affairs, major events will just be getting underway during this transit. Gemini’s versatility, ability to think on its feet and adaptability are our keys to peacefully maneuvering through the headline-making solar cycle and summer ahead.

To put the upcoming events into context, we need to understand the mechanics of the T-square and to distinguish it from the Grand Cross. Visualize the face of a clock with Saturn in Libra at 9 o’clock, Pluto in Capricorn at 6 o’clock at the bottom and Uranus and Jupiter in Aries at 3 o’clock. This alignment is what astrologers call a T-square. Now add the Sun in Cancer at 12 o’clock to the top of the picture. This is what astrologers call a Grand Cross. In both alignments the planets form oppositions and squares to each other. As the names imply, oppositions and squares are the more contentious angles in astrology. They tend to bring things to a head and force decisions. Note how Saturn opposes Jupiter and Uranus in both charts and how Pluto and the Sun come into opposition in the Grand Cross. In the T-square, Saturn squares Pluto which also squares Jupiter and Uranus. In the Grand Cross, Jupiter and Uranus square the Sun which also squares Saturn. Next, four of these planets, Saturn, Pluto, Jupiter and Uranus, are outer planets, those thought to represent our larger world and collective experiences. Finally, all of the signs involved in both formations are the cardinal ones. These are the zodiac’s provocative energies, the instigative energies responsible for starting their respective seasons, Aries spring, Cancer summer, and so on. They set things off so to speak.

But the Sun isn’t in Cancer you astutely note; it’s at 11 o’clock or Gemini. Yes, on May 20th at 8:34 P.M. PST it moves there, but by the summer solstice of June 21st, it arrives in Cancer. For those of you paying even closer attention to your astrology these days, you’ll likely also note that Saturn is also presently not in this exact alignment because it has retrograded back into late degrees of Virgo, to about 8:54 on our clock. Correct you are. But on May 31st, the planet ruling lessons, structure and discipline turns direct and sets its course for Libra where it will arrive on July 21st. As the Gemini solar cycle begins indeed Jupiter and Uranus are spending their last days in dreamy Pisces, at about 2:58. However, on the full moon of May 27th wired, rule-breaking Uranus heads into the aggressive, fire sign Aries, and expansive Jupiter follows suit on June 6th and also heads into the feisty energies of the sign of the Warrior. What is important here is that these planets are traveling in very close degrees in their respective signs, thus creating more precision and intensity in the T-square and Grand Cross. It is also worth noting that on the full moon of June 26th the moon will join Pluto in the cardinal sign of Capricorn, strengthening that Cross on the day of an eclipse.

To get some insight into how the T-square, which will last into late 2012, might play out, we can look at the history of some of the transits involved, such as Pluto in Capricorn. The last time the planet of destruction and transformation traveled through the sign that rules governments and institutions was 1762-1778, when the American Revolution brought the beginning of the end of monarchy as the world’s ruling “system.” The previous Pluto Capricorn transit was from 1516-1532. In 1510 Martin Luther traveled to Rome where he witnessed the extent of the corruption, including the sale of Indulgences, of the then almighty Roman Catholic Church. Determined to change what he saw, one year into this tumultuous transit, in 1517, Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation. Protest and reform are indeed an integral part of the language of Pluto in Capricorn.

The ruling institution most likely to be radically altered this time around, 2008-2023, is the corporation. Current examples of its authority being challenged include the sweeping financial reform bill now in Congress and President Obama’s recent decision to better regulate the major oil companies by separating the revenue collection and enforcement powers of the Minerals Management Service. Activist Jamie Oliver has launched a widely embraced “Food Revolution” and Buddhist scholar and Columbia University Professor Robert Thurman an “inner Revolution,” and we have one political party relying heavily on imagery from the American Revolution while a growing trend amongst voters is to register as Independents. With this T-square, the already charged political atmosphere will be given extra voltage from electrifying, innovative Uranus moving through pioneering Aries (from May 27, 2010-May 15, 2018). The last time we experienced a Uranus Aries transit was 1927-1934, when it was part of another T-square. It’s also interesting to note that during the 1762-1778 Pluto through Capricorn cycle, Uranus transited through confrontational, autonomous Aries from 1760-1768, when the British government passed the Stamp Act and other incendiary legislation that would ultimately lead to the War for Independence. Also, during that Pluto transit, Saturn went through justice-seeking Libra from September 1774 through December 1776, during which time the American Declaration of Independence was signed. What is significantly different in the summer of 2010 is that all three of these major transits will occur simultaneously, from July 21st - August 13th, they will be very close in degree to one another, and Jupiter will be adding its magnifying energy to the mix as it travels along side Uranus. The two are in fact conjunct (at the same exact spot) on June 8th.

The sign of journalism, travel and international commerce, Gemini will have a keen eye on global events. International affairs in the spotlight while the Sun moves through the sign of the Twins include the World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, the escalating push of the U.S. military into the major urban front of Kandahar, Afghanistan, the European financial crisis and activity at the Federal Reserve. While we in America are inclined to think of the Fed as a domestic entity, its role in global markets is noteworthy. Its chart is set to be heavily impacted by the coming T-square and Grand Cross, and on June 3rd and 21st we may get a glimpse into what’s ahead. I’ll be writing more about the charts of the Fed and Cancer born U.S. next month in the Sun through Cancer/Grand Cross edition of this series.

While 2010 may or may not be the official “dawning of the Age of Aquarius,” a dramatic and transformational time is clearly upon us. Remembering the legend behind the namesake sign of this New Age, the story of Prometheus, can serve and inspire us. From Mark Husson’s “Lovescopes”:

“One of the ways Zeus maintained power over the mortals was to keep them in the dark-literally. He forbade anyone on Olympus to teach them how to wield fire. Being one of the brighter gods, Prometheus didn’t like the suffering this caused humans, so he brought them this forbidden element, forever changing their existence. Because Prometheus broke the rules, Zeus chained him to the top of a mountain and ordered an eagle to eat out his liver - only for it to re-grow and be eaten day after day.”

In times of uncertainty, and in the face of seemingly invisible hands that ravage the earth, loot the financial systems and fund corrupt political systems, what Light, what Fire, will you be in the world?

For more on the T-square and Grand Cross, be sure to tune into “Simpletales” this Tuesday at 11am PST/2pm EST on 12Radio.com where astrologer CA Brooks and I will be talking about the upcoming cycle.

Sun into Taurus: The Bull Stops Here

2010-04-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Warm rays of sunlight stream down from a white sun lazily sailing across an afternoon sky. Ripples of water gently flow across a quiet lake after a fishing line dips beneath its placid surface. Birds share the latest news as they languidly work their way through springtime chores. The shoreline is rich with lush emerald fauna, stretching as far as the eye can see. The monkey mind wants to interrupt this splendor with its endless litany of problems, incessant chatter, worries about the future concocted with every imaginable worse case scenario and their attendant reactions, and its ultimate weapon, your story, the one about what’s wrong with your life. But on this long, glorious May afternoon, your canoe drifts effortlessly with the mild currents. Your soul is enraptured by the symphony being performed by the soft breezes through rustling leaves and the songs of cranes, hummingbirds and bluejays. One casual glance at the 200-year-old pine trees majestically reaching heavenward, and you are reminded of your truth. You are not your problems. You are not your income. You are not your story. You are not your relationship, your workplace, your issues nor any of your labels. You are eternal. You are unnamable. You are love, and you are safe and sound.

On April 19th at 9:30 P.M. PST the Sun enters the sign of the bull, Taurus. From then until May 20th you are granted an all-access pass to the voice of spirit, centeredness and serenity. Supported by Saturn retrograding back through fellow earth sign Virgo, Pluto churning backward through the zodiac’s other earth sign Capricorn and Mercury retrograding in Taurus, this solar cycle is the ultimate grounding tool and an excellent time to strengthen business, financial and career endeavors. With Jupiter and Uranus spending their last days in dreamy Pisces until late summer, prescience also abounds. A Saturn Uranus opposition close to the April 28th full moon challenges the tranquility, yet this solar cycle is no less than a Cosmic meditation on security.

The bull stops here. Ruled by beauty seeking Venus, Taurus veers decidedly toward the luxurious side of life. Perhaps the most physical of signs, earthy Taurus experiences reality through the senses. Consequently, its world is often filled with the most exquisite objects of pleasure, sensuality and comfort. We’re talking high-thread count, velvety dark chocolate, and typically a handsome portfolio here. This year however, Taurus’ opulent tastes will be curtailed by Saturn in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn. The last time stern Saturn transited Virgo, the real estate market crashed, bank bailouts began and the current recession got underway. Back in the meticulous earth sign of Virgo until July, lesson baring Saturn will again be encouraging fiscal austerity and restraint. Ruthless Pluto in conservative Capricorn will echo the call to realistic and conscious financial planning and ethical business practices. Add a Mercurial review of money to the mix via its retrograde in materialistic Taurus, and you have a formula ripe for more banking and financial reform, publicly and privately. This substantial earth sign alliance is not here to crush caviar dreams per se. But irrational exuberance isn’t coming back on its watch either. This Sun, Mercury, Saturn and Pluto combination is all about building, values and responsibility. It will support sound foundations, reward hard work and give the needed stamina to reach worthy goals.

Contrary to popular myth, Taurus was not inserted into the zodiac to consternate Aries natives nor to unhinge Geminis. Taurus is a fixed earth sign placed between the two to anchor Aries passions and to solidify our values so that we might be “on message” when Gemini arrives. Rarely exceeding the speed limit, it’s the Cosmic point at which we can pause, listen to the ageless wisdom available, make decisions that feel “right” on a cellular level and begin deliberately moving toward our aims. Shortly into this year’s solar Gemini cycle, on the full moon of May 27th, Uranus enters Aries. The last time Uranus transited Aries was 1927-1934, when the stock market crashed, the Great Depression ensued and Hitler rose to power. During that transit Pluto was traveling through security oriented Cancer. This time Pluto is in Cancer's opposite sign, Capricorn. As I’ve mentioned previously, the last time Pluto went through Capricorn was 1762-1778, when the American War for Independence began. In addition to these history-making Uranus and Pluto squaring transits, the summer of 2010 will feature what astrologers call a T-cross. The term refers to an alignment of several planets, in this case the influential outer ones, squaring one another at precise 90 degree angles. Early June through mid August will be the time of greatest activity, and predictions abound as to how these harsh angles will play out. What the current Taurus cycle offers is a sense of certainty.

Mercury rules our thinking and will be retrograde in patient Taurus until May 11th. According to author Julia Cameron, it takes 90 days for the brain to groove a new neurological pattern. During this retrograde we can review our ideas about security and our inner-dialogue about insecurity. A Taurus Mercury retrograde further suggests that we can sprout some new neural pathways and perhaps adopt new grounding practices. Also assisting us access an enlightening perspective are Jupiter and Uranus now at the end of their Pisces transits. Before they move into boisterous, provocative Aries and those intense T-squares, they give us a little more time to connect with our inner musician, writer, painter or poet. Finding a psychological safe space now might serve us well when the atmosphere intensifies this summer. Gardening, chanting, hiking and playing a musical instrument are all excellent keys to Pisces’ peace and Taurus’ incredible centering power. And they can serve as touchstones for the times ahead.

On April 26th our newly found chill out practice may get a test run. On that day erratic Uranus will directly oppose staunch Saturn. Because two of the large outer planets are involved in this confrontation, its influence will be felt for a few weeks on either side of the exact date. With an added full Scorpio moon on the 28th, we’re likely to have a strong opportunity to try out those new grounding techniques. The last series of Uranus Saturn oppositions occurred from 1964-1966, a time of enormous political and social turmoil and transformation. This current set of oppositions began on Election Day 2008 and will end on July 26th near another very powerful full moon. No matter how dramatic the news or how tumultuous the times it reflects may seem, our perspective is what makes the biggest difference in how we experience these events. Taurus comes to help us plant our feet firmly into the terrain of eternal knowing. Deeply rooted in our connection to all that is, we see the transitory nature of the rest. Through the bull we are reminded of our resourcefulness, and our world is once again made calm, sturdy and steady.

For more astrology news, be sure to check out "Simple Tales" on 12Radio.com every Tuesday at 11 A.M. PST with CA Brooks. Elizabeth joins CA every 3rd Tuesday of the month to give you all the latest in cosmic trends and information.

Angels' Hands

2010-03-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

It’s 74 degrees here today with a soft breeze under bright, clear and sunny skies, and the air is filled with the sound of birds chirping away. In short, it’s the kind of day that urges one to get outside, a prelude to spring. There is a brand new park not three houses down the street from me. So at 5 o’clock, I grabbed my little harp and headed for the green grass and fresh air, clear that such beautiful opportunities are not to be missed.

Bristling with folks also feeling the call of nature to get outdoors, the place was brimming with activity. One group of middle aged women did calisthenics (God love them) and counted off their sets in unison, the playground was covered with kids playing on the slide and monkey bars, and lots of solitary runners and walkers briskly made their way around the new jogging path. I found a quiet spot near some trees, tuned the harp and began playing.

Soon a little boy quietly crept up to the left of where I played and politely sat to listen. Within a song or two, there were six boys seated and listening attentively. A little bashful about having an audience, I began to chat with them as I played them songs. Before I knew it, they warmed up to me enough to play the harp themselves. One stood up to hold it and the others stood up to gather around him to play along. They plucked and poked very respectfully, finding parts to songs they had learned on other instruments, and they played original music. One announced that the new work he had just composed was in fact, “The Chinese Harp Song.” At one point I looked up over my left shoulder to watch them as I was seated beneath the raised harp, and what I saw I marveled at. Beneath a wide-open blue sky was a cluster of little hands gently and sweetly playing the harp. It was like an image from art. On the way home, I felt guided to share this with you along with the message to put your cares into the hands of the Angels. They are with us.

Sun into Aries: Spring It On and Curb Your Enthusiasm!

2010-03-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

Bill Gates is taking a breather in the VIP lounge of a major international airline when an Aries enters the room. Outgoing and direct, our Aries friend brazenly bounds right up to Mr. Microsoft "Himself" with the following greeting: "Hi Mr. Gates, great to meet you! Here's how to make Vista work better."

Wouldn't you know it? Across the very same room is none other than Robert Gates.

"Hello, Mr. Defense Secretary, so nice to meet you," begins audacious Aries. "Here's how to win the war in Afghanistan."

Her saucy style and the dynamic beeline she makes straight to the power players is likely to ruffle more than a few of the conservative feathers in this lounge. Some folks on the other hand, will find her boldness and honestly positively refreshing, and even a little admirable. Either “Mr. Gates” will be intrigued by one of her original suggestions. One thing is certain; Aries will make an impression.

In her heart of hearts, she is not being obnoxious, excessively forward nor self-important. She's genuinely trying to help, naturally gravitating to leaders and sees no point in wasting an opportunity. We have something to learn from her sheer gumption, teflon-coated courage and sincere innocence -- the ability to act fearlessly. Saturn and Pluto however, have a few lessons of their own in store, and Uranus, with a little encouragement from Jupiter, has her own agenda altogether.

Like mounds of molasses mired in cosmic fluid, for the past three months the majority of the planets have hovered along the winter horizon of the zodiac as they have made their way to the start of spring at a pace that has put snails to sleep. Even spirited Mars in cheer-leading Leo was in reverse gear for the winter, and tenacious Saturn in Libra also went retrograde back in mid-January. On March 20th at 10:32A.M. PST, the life force returns as Sun enters the cardinal fire sign of Aries. If you've felt stuck, blocked or stagnant for the past few months, all of that is about to change. But your dreams are unlikely to come true overnight.

This year's Aries cycle can be likened to a Cosmic boot camp, one in which your aspirations will be put through the rigors of warrior training under the watchful guidance of some the Universe's toughest drill sergeants, namely Saturn and Pluto. Completing this Aries cycle with dreams in tact and a belly still full of fire will assure you that your ambitions have passed muster, and you and they are well prepared for this summer's T-square. That series of strong configurations will find many of the planetary themes visited during the solar Aries cycle ahead amplified. Ready to be all you can be?

Back to inspire us to kick ass and take names, the proverbial "great ball of fire" in Aries will find willing and rowdy companions in Venus and Mercury, already transiting the sign of instigation. The Aries' ruler Mars will also be picking up speed in indomitable Leo. This rambunctious bunch are ready to rumble to give us some gusto. Themes of personal power, strength and confidence are great morale builders during the first leg of this solar sojourn. To curb our enthusiasm or to sustain Aries blazing ambitions, the Sun will be opposed by Saturn on March 21st and squared by Pluto on the 25th. Venus will move into more sensible Taurus terrain on March 31 and Mercury will follow on April 2nd before turning retrograde in this fixed earth sign from April 17th through May 11th.

All signs have what respected astrologer and author Steven Forrest refers to as a shadow. For Aries, a penchant for starting fights for the sake of provocation is part of its shadow. Failing to read the room and exercise some degree of awareness of others, let alone sensitivity toward them, is another alienating quality. The Cosmic mechanism for illuminating the shadow is a sign's opposite sign. Together the two energies create a polarity, one that integrates the attributes of both signs. For example, where Pisces is too out there and wishy-washy, Virgo, its opposite sign, demands definition and practicality. Conversely where Virgo is too rigid and too much of a perfectionist, Pisces offers flow and compassion.

The antidote to Aries aggression and self-absorption lies in its opposite sign of Libra. With impeccable grace, Libra must relate to others and create harmony for the whole. Presently Saturn, the planet of restriction and lessons, is in Libra opposing the Sun, and during this cycle, it will make its way back into Virgo. Aries, which is never fond of being bogged down in either committees or details, will be forced to reconcile is freewheeling ferocity with austere Saturn transiting both Libra and Virgo. This Saturn transit back into Virgo, in fact, is also highly likely to ask Aries how it intends to fund its ambitions, in real financial terms. Remember, the Saturn through Virgo cycle of September 2007 through October 2009 was the time of the housing bust, the initial bank bailout and the global economic crisis. Saturn in Virgo keeps extremely meticulous books and demands the same of us.

Also checking Aries temerity is Pluto in Capricorn, sitting 90 degrees away and thus forming squares to the Sun, Venus and Mercury as they transit Aries. If Aries is the life force, Pluto is the Cosmic death threat. Without hesitation, it will lay waste to unfounded, overinflated Aries assertions. Now in the sign ruling business, government and institutions, this battle-hardened drill sergeant of planets, along with war buddy Saturn, will push young warriors with all 75 pounds of gear up to the top of the hill, even when the temperature soars well-over 100 degrees. They believe that hard work and discipline are how to make great leaders of their troops. And so it is with the Cosmos during this solar Aries cycle. Only she doesn't think of it as preparation for battle. She is throwing a springtime garden party. To assure that it is a lively affair, she has invited some judicious, sober and heroic guests. She wants to enjoy the hearty discourse amongst them.

Never predictable, always electrifying Uranus is crashing the party. Game-changing Uranus, now in impossible to pinpoint Pisces, is on her way to give Saturn a run for his money and perhaps a boost to some of Aries unorthodox methodology. Though the next Uranus Saturn opposition is not exact until April 26th, its slow-building influence will be in increasing effect while the Sun transits Aries. Uranus, like Aries, lives to liven things up, and the two are equally appalled by "the rules." Buoyant Jupiter, traveling close in Uranus' entourage, will also help check Saturn's more stodgy tendencies. If there is a short cut to getting that gear uphill, Aries, Uranus and Jupiter will exploit it. And they'll receive a medal for their innovation. Just wait until these forces are fully activated in early June when Uranus and Jupiter enter Aries. This battle of creative new strategies versus tried-and-true traditions is just getting underway and it will play out all summer long.

Certainly spring's upbeat beginning with four planets moving forward in fire signs is inspirational and enlivening. The snails are celebrating! But what this cycle's aspects suggest is that our designs are still very much in process, one that will intensify this summer. Old Aries paradigms of act first, think later are met stiff resistance from stern Saturn and Pluto. They argue that shooting out of the gate is the surest path to burnout and they are aiming for a more sustained plan. Yet a Uranian impulse to brush off outmoded rules and unwarranted, cumbersome authority, in lockstep with Jupiter's expansive optimism, will keep our spirits high, ideas flooding in and convention in check. Mercury and Venus moving into grounded Taurus during this solar cycle add some helpful stamina to our visions as well. After such a slow winter, this is bound to be one entertaining garden party. You are cordially invited, and PT is at O six hundred!

Welcome, Please Feel Free to Follow

2010-02-24T08:09:00.001-08:00

Hello,

I just added the followers button, to the column on the right. Feel free to follow and I'll follow your blog, too!

With love,

Elizabeth

Sun into Pisces 2010: Ready, Aim, Meditate

2010-02-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

On February 18th at 10:36 A.M. PST the Sun joins gentle Venus, generous Jupiter and innovative Uranus in dreamy Pisces, with only an Aries moon hinting at the awakening energy that will begin unfolding during this solar cycle. As the Sun travels through completive Pisces, aggressive Mars will turn direct in fiery Leo and Mercury and Venus will venture into instigative Aries. This mixture of planets in intuitive, nebulous Pisces and provocative, pioneering Aries walks our psyche’s fine line of war and peace and helps us plan and act accordingly. It also foreshadows some of 2010’s most noteworthy planetary activity, the movements of both Jupiter and Uranus into Aries and their returns to Pisces.

LIke last month, at the start of this solar cycle we find must of the planets lined up along the winter axis of the zodiac wheel. Winter is the season of reflection and contemplation and this one has had extra brakes on it with a Mars retrograde that began the day before Winter Solstice. But unlike when the Sun entered Aquarius or Capricorn, now the majority of these planets are in the season’s final sign, Pisces. Being the last sign of the zodiac as well, Pisces prepares us for Spring and the start of a new astrological year. Before even the March 20th Spring Equinox arrives, on March 10th Mars will turn direct. In fellow fire sign Leo, it will be poised to fuel the fervor of the planets in and bound for Aries, Venus on March 7th, Mercury on March 17th and the Sun on March 20th.

Ruled by the planet of insight and illusion Neptune, for Pisces life is but a dream. One of the Yin or inward pulling signs, it is happiest in its serene nether worlds. Ruled by passionate Mars, Aries could not be more different. Not only does the Cardinal fire sign demand that we deal with the real world, it is intent on shaking the whole thing up. The dance that will unfold during this cycle between the fish and ram is an unusual one. We all want the peace and bliss found in mutable Pisces’ idyllic waters. Yet inertia is not an option, nor would we really want it to be.

The most dramatic example of these energies in action during this cycle is the War in Afghanistan. For years the Taliban regularly shot and beheaded women publicly to demonstrate its unchallenged and brutal authority. At the same time it also operated terrorist training camps with impunity. Before 9/11, only the voices of women’s rights activists, and a few military hawks, called for intervention. Pisces teaches us compassion for the innocent and the weak, and Aries understands the imperative to act. Presently, the battle of Marjah, a fight that may well come to be regarded as the Normandy of the Afghanistan War, is underway as the planets awaken from the Pisces dreamland and shift into the Warrior energies of Aries and Mars moving forward in Leo, a fire sign revered for its leadership and courage.

In its lower vibration, Pisces is spaced out, uncommitted and unreliable. In its lower forms, Aries is selfish, grossly insensitive and recklessly impulsive. But in combination in their higher degrees, Pisces’ imagination, empathy and quest for Oneness complement Aries’ decisiveness, boldness and fearlessness. We can see how together these energies may well win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, and the War. From May 27 through August 13 Uranus will enter Aries. A few days later, on June 6th, Jupiter will also enter Aries where it will stay until September 9th. Both will ultimately retreat into Pisces before entering Aries for good in 2011. The window they create this summer is an outstanding one for trying out new projects, paths and ideas. With both heavyweights returning to Pisces for the long Autumn, there will be plenty of time to refine these ventures. It will be interesting to see how these aspects play out on the international stage.

More immediately, in our own lives, while the Sun moves through Pisces, we have a little more time to prepare for the big opportunities ahead. Still, during this solar transit, some of the important doors are very likely to begin opening. Gleaning some reflective Pisces wisdom now may well serve our big picture plans. Some exquisite points of Pisces guidance include the February 28th full moon in analytical Virgo and the March 15th Pisces new moon when Mercury will be conjunct Uranus. Don’t expect the solutions to come by thinking your way through the issues or problems, however. Under these influences, you’re much more likely to have your a-ha moment when delving into a pool of creativity, such as writing, painting or playing music. For it is only deep in those unfathomable Neptunian depths that Pisces yields her prescient pearls.

Oxfam: Ruining it for the rest

2010-02-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

It is with great hesitation that I criticize a charitable organization publicly. However, after spending the past several YEARS trying to have my information removed from Oxfam’s mailing list, I must vent. With the kindest of intentions, I unsuspectingly bought a set of their holiday cards, 12 years ago, and have been subsequently subscribed to the official “Mailing List from HELL.”

No matter how often I protest their incessant mailings and repeatedly request removal from their list, yet another solicitation arrives, like today’s. This is exactly the irresponsible kind of behavior that utterly discourages charitable donations. I have moved clear across the United States and their mailings persist. I have phoned them. I have mailed them. No matter what, they don’t seem to give a damn about my wishes and insist on sending more unwanted mail.

Over the weekend I spoke to a friend who noted that she has so many mailing labels from charities and political organizations that she could wallpaper an entire wall with them. She gave to one animal rights organization who in turn shared her information with several others. Now she is inundated with mail from them all and feels overwhelmed. When I mentioned that I was considering sending money to one org, she warned me about the onslaught of unwanted and undesired mail that would be the inevitable consequence of my behavior. Why do charities and non-profits share a private donor’s information without consent in the first place?

In the wake of the Haitian earthquake, the overly aggressive and utterly inconsiderate actions of organizations like Oxfam only dissuade people from donating. You’re much safer anonymously chucking your change into those collection jars at Starbuck’s, so that you can’t be hounded eternally. I am now honestly considering, just sending cash in envelopes with no return address and hoping for the best.

That being said, giving is important. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to allocate 3% of my grossly monthly income to various causes. Since 2007 most of my giving has fortunately gone to U.S. Marines in Afghanistan, who thankfully, have never hit me up for another cent. They seem to understand and appreciate that I’m doing what I can, and I have fun shopping for items for them and making up the packages. Also, I gave to Heifer International at Xmas 2008. They have a place on their online form, if I recall correctly, where you can opt out of mailings. Unlike Oxfam, they have TOTALLY respected my wishes, so I would absolutely consider donating to them again, and in fact highly recommend them to the charity weary. It’s orgs like Oxfam who ruin it for orgs who respectfully and responsibly treat their donors. Let’s not even get into the unconscionable waste tens of thousands of trees and hundreds of pounds of pollution pumped into the air with the fuel used to deliver their unwanted solicitations. For the record, I am just as harsh on businesses who send unwanted catalogs. I never thought I’d say that I regret giving, but today’s envelope is the last straw with Oxfam. It’s time to apply do not mail/call laws to non-profits. I doubt this post will stop Oxfam’s mail. But if it steers even one person to a more responsible organization, then it’s worth posting.

Beating the Bank!

2010-01-20T14:19:00.001-08:00

OK, I'll admit it; I've really got to let it go when it comes to this. I'm a Lightworker and I'm supposed to try to live according to my "spiritual values." But I LOVE beating the big banks! I really try not to hate things, but feelin' the love for them is simply impossible for me. I only use 0% interest credit cards for carrying any kind of balance, and embarrassingly RELISH stringing the repayments out to the exact end of the free credit period. I just wrote a $100 check for the card I put my $2K computer on for 18 months. For the past 15 months I've paid the loan back in small but consistent installments, and earned 3% interest on the $2K I kept in my savings account. Now $300 is all that I owe the credit card company. I have it in my checking account and could easily just pay it off in full.

Part of me thinks, just pay the damn thing off, you have the money, this is silly and extra administration, plus 44 cents in postage every month. Then the EVIL half kicks in and emphatically GLOATS about denying them their capital right up to the point where they would make a dime off of me. The postage, after all, reckons my dark side, goes to the Post Office, not the bank. So hit 'em and hit again. Get them back for every poor soul they put the screws to. You are one of those millions of CHUMP taxpayers who got hoodwinked into bailing their sorry arses out, and they surely didn't get rate-jacked at repayment time by the American public, for what reason I will never understand. So beat the bank, one more time and moreover, ENJOY it!!

I'll work on that forgiveness thing between now and next month's payment. But for now $100 is all they get back from me, SUCKERS!!!!!

With love,
E

Sun into Aquarious 2010: You Say You Want a Revolution, well...

2010-01-20T13:54:00.000-08:00

“You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world”
John Lennon

In a seeming call to arms, the first volley of blaring, rapid fire electric guitar chords of the Beatles’ “Revolution” jolt us to attention. True to his brilliant Libra nature, John Lennon instantly dismisses the impulse for radical overthrow characteristic of his counter-culture era by thoughtfully weighing the pros and cons of the various arguments of his day. The 60’s icon’s lyric in fact seems to ultimately denounce extremist politics. The Sun moves into progressive, rebellious Aquarius on January 19th at 8:28pm PST where it is joined by Neptune, Chiron and Venus, also moving through the fixed air sign. That irrepressible Aquarius urge to change the status quo is in the air again. With Mars stirring things up close to the January 29th Leo full moon followed on January 31st by the next massive Saturn Pluto square, the energy to drastically alter things is certainly at our disposal. The song “Revolution” prompts us to both shake things up and to think them through. With the vast majority of planets spread across the winter axis of the zodiac, it might be a good time to take a page from the sagacious Beatle’s songbook.

“You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan”

On the one hand, Mercury, ruler of our thoughts, and Pluto, our core feelings, are hanging back in conservative, institutional Capricorn. Any “bright ideas” will have to pass the rigors of critical analysis and inner truth. On the other hand, expansive Jupiter has joined rule-breaking Uranus in dreamy, intuitive Pisces. We’ll want to green light projects that feel right. Capricorn is the cardinal or first sign of winter and mutable Pisces is the final sign of the season. Between the two Venus, Neptune, Chiron and the Sun move through innovative and visionary Aquarius. There are four fixed signs in astrology, each anchoring the energy of its respective seasons. Being one of the three air signs, Aquarius is a lightening rod for futuristic ideas. Nonetheless, it is firmly rooted in winter’s midst. It’s this fixed quality that gives Aquarius the stability to realize its visions. Susan B. Anthony, Charles Darwin, Thomas Edison, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln were Aquarians. Visionaries of their times, their contributions to humankind are excellent examples of that Aquarius combination of brilliance and resolve. This winter has one other major player insisting on cautious progress and humming along to the Lennon classic, Mars.

“You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead”

The planet of War and desire went retrograde in fixed fire sign Leo on December 20th and will not be going direct until March 10th. He’ll just be getting into forward motion as the Spring Equinox arrives and we collectively spring forward. On January 26th Mars opposes Venus and on January 29th he opposes the Sun. What makes these oppositions a little more tense than usual is that they occur so close to the full moon in Leo on the 29th and against the backdrop of this cycle’s most formidable activity, the next Saturn square to Pluto. The two planetary heavyweights meet again on January 31st.

In its lower vibration Aquarius rebels for rebellion’s sake. It upsets the apple cart for the shock value. In this context, the quest to be different is self-defeating. As these planetary energies intensify, we may want to ask ourselves some of the following questions. To what end is our inner call for revolution? What machine are we raging against exactly? And why? Most importantly, how would we like to see things change? With the Sun, our Will, loving Venus, relationships, dreamy Neptune, our capacity for compassion, and healing Chiron, our chance to improve things, in electrifying Aquarius, this sign’s most lofty ambition and ultimate purpose, freedom, is within grasp.

The winter of 2009-10 has been delivered with one Cosmic foot on the gas and the other on the brakes. Aquarius asks us to look down the road and to ask ourselves where we want to go and what will give us the greatest sense of freedom in that not-so-distant place. With that destination mapped out internally, the directions and decisions on the path ahead become much clearer. Note the issues that arise around this full moon and Saturn Pluto square because similar energies will reappear on July 26th. In addition to Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn, Uranus and Jupiter will have moved into Aries, thus forming some extremely provocative angles between large, outer planets. Major transformation is indeed possible in 2010. With Venus, Neptune, the Sun, Chiron and Mercury after February 10th in the sign of the future, now is the time to envision it. As Lennon sweetly assures us,

“Don't you know it's gonna be all right
all right, all right”

If you’d like some assistance aligning with the Cosmic cycle of 2010, please join me and 12Listen’s Chris Donovan for “A Mystical Journey Through the Celtic Wheel,” beginning on Monday, February 1st at 5pm PST 12Academy. We will be celebrating Imbolc, the first fire festival of the Celtic wheel and the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Chris will be leading a guided meditation which I will be accompanying live on the harp. We hope you will join us for this enchanting and enriching evening.

Sun into Capricorn - Quiet Passion

2009-12-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

In Winter’s silence lies the voice of inner truth, beckoning us to calm down, sit still and be quiet long enough to glean its ageless wisdom. In Winter’s stillness lies a dormant world of possibility, one intent on embracing solitude, reflection and rest. The absent birds will return and the bare tree branches will again flourish, but not now. This is the time when energy operates on levels so subtle that they are barely perceptible. On December 21st at 9:47am PST the Sun moves into stoic, conservative yet ambitious Capricorn where Pluto, Mercury and the North node are already positioned. This solar cycle will see Venus voyage through this cardinal earth sign, a Mercury retrograde, two eclipses, the onset of a Saturn retrograde and Jupiter’s entrance into Pisces. It sounds action-packed and it is. The action however, is taking place beneath the surface. To those focusing on the external world, the inevitable delays inherent in retrograde periods (Mercury, Mars and Saturn) along with Capricorn’s cautious pace will feel frustrating and consternating. To those honoring this Universal offering of time for review and reinvention and the call for measured movement, this cycle will be illuminating and liberating. The key for unlocking this Capricorn cycle’s gifts is quiet passion.

Capricorn is a cardinal sign which means that its purpose is to initiate, to spur us onward. Capricorn is also the most conservative sign of the zodiac. The dance of taking action and remaining reserved is a intricate one. In it each step is carefully considered, deliberate and finally animated. This year five planets will come under pragmatic Capricorn’s influence simultaneously, along with the North node (our future direction), so a heavy dose of this impressive energy is at hand.

Venus joins the Sun, Mercury and Pluto in Capricorn on December 25th where she will be in residence until January 18th. Mercury will begin its retrograde on December 26th and will turn direct on January 15th. Mercury in grounded Capricorn can help us get ahold of our thoughts when we’re being overrun by them or allowing them to take us too far out there. It is also a tremendous aid for coming up with down to earth solutions and realistic plans for realizing our dreams. Also assuring us of reliable Guidance during this cycle will be Pluto in Capricorn.

Pluto above all else brings a deep abiding truth to all matters. Think about the energies of the recent Scorpio cycle to recall Pluto’s unrelenting intensity. Pluto in Capricorn offers us the chance to get real about our dreams and aspirations and the ability to completely transform our lives in very concrete, measurable ways. Capricorn offers us the drive and stamina to reach those goals. To attain that success, this duo demands that we dedicate ourselves to our desires by taking very practical, consistent steps toward them. Like no other sign Capricorn extolls the virtues and accomplishments of hard work. With Mars, ruler of passion, recently turning retrograde in Leo, the energies of ambition, drive and desire will only be amplified (see C.A. Brooks’ recent articles) during this cycle. Mars turned inward manifests as resentment, rage and bitterness. Mars combined with the honesty Pluto in sober Capricorn brings to our lives now can unravel the unpleasantness and get us back on track to enjoying life and reaping its richest rewards. We only need to follow the truth of heart’s desire and wisdom and act accordingly.

Like some sort of Cosmic check and balance, or conspiracy depending on your viewpoint, Saturn, Capricorn’s stern ruler, is sitting in Libra 90 degrees away from all things Capricorn. If we’re way off track or trying to get by with shortcuts, fuzzy math or excuses, the challenges will be formidable, disagreeable and unavoidable. If on the other hand, we are listening to and following our Guidance and doing the work required to achieve our objectives, Saturn’s waves will be favorable, supportive and encouraging. Doors will slowly open As if to underscore his point, the taskmaster will be begin his retrograde motion on January 13th.

Adding a little more fuel to this slow burning awakening of our passions will be two eclipses, one on December 31 with the full moon in Cancer and the other on January 14th when the moon will be in Capricorn. Saturn’s alignment squares both eclipses, and these eclipses will be in those provocative cardinal signs. To soften the blows or perhaps to enlighten us as to the spiritual reasons for what’s showing up, loving Jupiter enters mystic Pisces on January 18th. The unspoken language of creativity available throughout Jupiter’s sojourn through Pisces offers both retreat and intrinsic guidance. Delving into otherworldly Piscean realms through dance, music, writing and art may well be the master key to understanding the messages now being transmitted from the Cosmos. With that esoteric meaning found, the Capricorn conspiracy will help us put it to use and into form. Happy Winter Solstice!

Sun into Sagittarius 2009 - Keeping the Faith

2009-11-20T10:17:00.001-08:00

On Saturday, the 21st, the Sun enters irrepressible, inspirational Sagittarius at 8:23pm PST. Like the gleaming dawn after a harrowing night, Sagittarius banishes Scorpio’s menacing phantoms and lingering shadows with a hopeful, adventurous outlook. Symbolized by the archer’s bow, ever aiming toward a new horizon, Sagittarius wants us to see beyond our current limits, to take chances and to believe that things will always work out for the best. Native Walt Disney was probably Sagittarius’ greatest ambassador. Every one of his stories sends the uplifting and comforting message that no matter what the odds or obstacles, for those who are nobel, everything will work out fine in the end. Ruled by expansive, exuberant Jupiter, this friendly mutable fire sign strives to renew that kind of faith in the future. A confluence of planets in fire signs will fuel Sagittarius’ excitement in 2009, while large planets in air signs will fan the enthusiastic flames. That Sagittarius sense of possibility is heightened even more by the final alignment of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron in visionary Aquarius which will be exact from December 7-21st. Memo from the Universe: it’s officially time to lighten up.

In between the dark, intense waters of Scorpio and the conservative energies of Capricorn lies Sagittarius, an annual bright spot just waiting to energize and enliven us. In astrology the water and earth signs are said to exhibit a negative, inward or yin polarity while the air and fire signs are said to have a positive, outgoing or yang polarity. In the ebb and flow of the Cosmos the two polarities follow one another around the astrological wheel. When you think about the outgoing qualities of Aries, Gemini and Leo for example compared to their yin polarity counterparts Taurus, Cancer and Virgo, the positive and negative polarity concept makes sense. In 2009 the inward Scorpio cycle was more intense than usual due to that dramatic square between planetary heavyweights Saturn and Pluto on November 15th. During the upcoming yin Capricorn cycle Mars will have just turned retrograde in Leo on December 20th, Mercury will go retrograde in Capricorn on December 26th and 2009’s final solar eclipse will take place on December 31st with a lunar square to Saturn. Those challenging aspects on either side of this year’s (yang sign) Sagittarius cycle make it an even more important window of cosmic opportunity than usual. So let’s take a look at some specific highlights.

Mars is already in the willful fire sign of Leo heating up our motivation. With the Sun and Mercury now in warm, congenial Sagittarius, instead of brooding Scorpio, Mars’ drive finds the fuel its passionate fires demand and he finds that the harsh squares that were zapping him have given way to approving trines. Mercury in Sagittarius until December 5th brightens our thoughts and forms a harmonious sextile to benevolent Jupiter on November 29th. Sweet Venus joins the jubilation when she enters Sagittarius on December 1st, the same day when eccentric Uranus turns direct. All of this tees us up for a lively full moon in Gemini on December 2nd. In between Mars in Leo and the gathering of Mercury, Venus and the Sun in Sag sits Saturn in Libra. Hardly regarded as the Cosmos’ party goer, stuffy Saturn in this affable air sign sends favorable winds to the festivities. This cycle’s most exalted point however is likely to be the final lineup of generous Jupiter, dreamy Neptune and healing Chiron in the unifying air sign of Aquarius from December 7-21st. The energies generated by this trio are ideal for healing, finding deeper connections with Divine energies and aligning ourselves with greater inner peace. In short, this is a stellar time to meditate.

If you need some help getting your meditation on or if you enjoy meditating with an advanced facilitator, mark December 6th on your calendar. On that night at 12Academy instructor Kristina Walsh will host a meditation specifically designed to help us integrate the energies of this Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron alignment into the Age of Aquarius. Whether you meditate with a group like this one or on your own, what this final alignment, unlike its 2009 predisecors, offers is Sagittarius’ buoyant, spirited and optimistic influence. This promising combination of planetary energy is bound to reawaken our sense of wonder and to point us toward our possibilities with a renewed sense of hope. But before setting out on that new course, notice what autumn business is still incomplete. Like all mutable signs, Sagittarius concludes one season and prepares us for the next. This is a good cycle for both tying up loose ends and allowing a vision of the future to form. On Winter Solstice Capricorn will arrive with the energies needed to give our new aspirations structure. For now, enjoy the warmth of the season and glean the insights in those magical Sagittarius dreams.

A Regular Post, what a concept

2009-11-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

So, I usually write about astrology, for work. Don't get me wrong; I enjoy it immensely. I have a fabulous ritual in fact whereby each month I gather up my growing collection of astrology books, pile them onto my bed along with my ephemeris (astrology calendar) and soak up all I can as I make notes reading through the stack of them. Then over the next day or two I put it all together and then edit what becomes my monthly post. I also help my co-workers with marketing and have been encouraging them to blog to help promote our business. Ours is an online company, so it's up to us to get out there to promote it. But some days, sometimes, I just want to write about nothing important or weighty.

I've been feeling like this all week long. So I thought I'd start posting about regular stuff. We'll see how it goes. Right now it's getting cold outside, into the mid 30's. I'm planning on watching a movie with my cat Nicholas. He seems to want more attention lately. I can't figure out if it's the fact that his brother passed nearly a year ago, that we've moved across the country from California or if it's my frugal use of the heat. 68 degrees is my limit! It's practically a sin. I reason that I have lots of warm clothes and blankets and that he has a very thick coat. I hope one day to own a home in which I can set the temperature in each room individually. I can't believe how much energy goes to waste heating and cooling space that's not in use. I've heard that new smart houses allow you to moderate the various rooms from one point. Glad some scientist had the same thought I had ages ago and figured out how to do it. Technically speaking, I could get off of my butt and close and open the vents each day and night, but honestly, I'm just too lazy for that. This place is an old Victorian home with 10 feet high walls, so reaching the vents requires a ladder. It's so not going to happen. I'm content to send love, Light and sincere gratitude to everyone who works for the power company and their families. I'd be pretty screwed without them.

Earlier today Congress extended the tax credit for new home buyers. Even though I was approved for a loan this year, I just wasn't ready to take the plunge - way too much responsibility. But, with more time to save and this extension, we'll see. And it will definitely be an energy smart or green home.

Well, I guess that's it for tonight. Twitter felt too confining for my "inner-writer" and this has been nice. Let me know if you read this..lol.

Sun into Scorpio 2009 - It's a Plutonian Thing

2009-10-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

A passionate solar cycle commences on October 22nd at 11:44pm PST when the Sun moves into the fixed water sign of Scorpio. Plutonium is the chemical element used to fuel nuclear reactors and the namesake of Scorpio’s ruling planet Pluto. Reputed for the death-defying intensity it brings to the Cosmic world, Scorpio puts us squarely in touch with our deepest, and sometimes darkest, desires. Its motive is transformation, the kind we can only achieve by accessing Scorpio’s extreme clarity. During this Scorpio cycle, square is the operative term, and the word fixed is another one to have handy. Communicative Mercury and lusty Venus will join the willful Sun in Scorpio, where at one point or another during this cycle they will each square with aggressive Mars in fiery Leo. Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius will form a few squares of their own to the planets in Scorpio. And that is only the backdrop to this season’s main event, uncompromising Saturn moving into Libra where it will form an exact square to Pluto in Capricorn at the time of the new Scorpio moon.

For those new to astrology, a square is when two planets form a hard right angle to one another, and a squaring off or push comes to shove effect is produced. What makes 2009’s solar journey through Scorpio so gripping is that most of the planets squaring (and opposing) one another will be in fixed signs. To review, there are only three modalities for all twelve signs: cardinal, fixed and mutable. Cardinal signs are the initiators who literally kick off each of the four seasons, and mutable signs close out each of those seasons. Fixed signs fall between the two, they sustain the energies underway and they are infamous for their no budging stances. This year agitating Mars in fixed fire sign Leo will square the Sun on October 29th, Mercury on November 1st and Venus on November 19th. Jupiter and Neptune are in fixed air sign Aquarius. Jupiter will square Mercury on November 8th and the Sun on November 10th, and Neptune will square Mercury on the 11th and the Sun on November 15th. Notice what conflicts arise around you on these dates, remembering that Scorpio’s waters are ultimately for healing the issues involved.

Other points of intensity in this cycle concern the planet most influential upon our emotions and moods, the moon. The full moon of November 2nd comes on the heals of both Saturn’s movement into Libra on the 29th and the first two Mars squares, and it falls in the fixed earth sign Taurus. All of the fixed signs get into the act this cycle. The new Scorpio moon of November 16th occurs under the influence of the Sun’s square to Neptune and more significantly Saturn’s square to Pluto.

The last time Saturn traveled through the sign of Libra while Pluto was in the sign of Capricorn was from September 27, 1774 through December 6, 1776. For those born outside of the United States, that might not ring any bells. But Americans will instantly recognize the historic significance of those dates. “The shot heard ‘round the world” was fired on April 19, 1775 and the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. On October 29th of this year Saturn will move into Libra where it will stay until October 5, 2012. For the first time since the 18th Century, Pluto is once again in Capricorn. What makes 2009’s lineup all the more interesting is that the two astrological heavyweights immediately move into an exact square on November 15th. This is the first of three exact squares, the next two occurring on January 31st and August 21st of 2010. Saturn and Pluto last squared while in Libra and Capricorn respectively in late 1776, very close to the time when a then beleaguered General Washington initiated the audacious Battle of Trenton, and turned the momentum of the Revolutionary War irrevocably in America’s favor. Saturn tests the soundness of our structures and is renowned for its unyielding nature, while Pluto’s purpose is evolution, even if the cost is destruction. Now on a 15-year journey through Capricorn, Pluto’s influence is effecting our major institutions such as government and business. A few of the ways the impending square with Saturn could manifest in our outer world are a major H1N1 flu outbreak, an international incident involving nuclear weaponry or an all out national meltdown over healthcare reform. The key to navigating whatever happens globally or personally is staying in touch with our instincts and intuition and following our emotional guidance vigilantly.

With so much fixed energy clashing around us this year and the battle royal of Saturn and Pluto at hand, this should as the saying goes, be one for the books. So now is the time to truthfully check in with “our story” and to come to terms with what we really want. That is not a decision the intellect can make. Scorpio brings emotional honesty to the table, and it implores us to process our true feelings, especially the unpleasant ones lurking in the shadows of our subconscious. Getting in touch with our deepest desires is the critical step to healing whatever ales us, clearing away obstacles and having what we want. The Sun will move into optimistic, mutable fire sign Sagittarius on November 22nd. Spending some quality time in the Cosmic Underworld between now and then will go a long way toward enabling us to really “let the sun shine in” when the skies lighten up.

Happy Birthday to 12Listen and 12Angel

Our websites are having their birthdays in November. 12Listen will turn three and 12Angel will turn two. And while I truly don't know all of the details yet, I predict that we'll be giving you some very special reasons to celebrate with us. Thank you so very, very much for your support and patronage during this most remarkable couple of years.

Some days you just have to laugh

2009-09-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

So I got up eager to embrace this my 3rd day in a row of Jillian Michaels exercise DVDs. It's part of my new fitness plan and I'm really committed to exercising at 11am every day. The first 2 DVDs I bought by her were super hard for me. I could follow along, but hardly do the exercises to the extent intended. The third one was the charm. Even though I clearly couldn’t do it all, hard core, it worked well enough to challenge me for now and give something to aim for. Yesterday was the Autumn equinox, and during my workout I was winded nearly to the point of feeling self-defeated. But I rallied through, reasoning that if I do this 5 days a week from now until Winter solstice, this is as out of shape as it gets and there’s only room for improvement. So I made my way through the 40 minute DVD. I felt good afterwords, we had a great day at work and I was even more encouraged and motivated to exercise before work this morning.

I'm old school when it comes to exercise, trained to not do anything crazy when my heart rate gets up into something we used to call the training zone. It meant 70-90% of your maximum heart rate capacity. The new generation says that this is an archaic fitness myth. Still, I'm quite reluctant to get my heart rate soaring and then say, go right to the mat to do ab work or suddenly stop moving at all. My enthusiasm had me really pumping it up this morning, until I went from jumping jacks straight down to the mat for, you guessed it, ab work. Bad move. My heart rhythm went so far off of the charts that I had to stop immediately, breathe and then slowly and carefully get myself up and onto my bed where I could prop myself up on pillows and re-center my heart rate and let slow it down. It's kind of scary when that happens and I'm fine now. BUT I KNOW BETTER in the first place. Love Jillian, but no more cardio/circuit straight to the mat. The mat circuit will be done after all of the standing work and my heart rate comes down a bit.

Even when lying on my pillows, feeling my heart rate stabilizing, I was proud of myself for trying to exercise today. That didn’t go so well I thought, but tomorrow I’ll try again and just change the sequence. I’m still going to have a great day I enthusiastically resolved. On the agenda? Uninstall and reinstall Adobe Dreamweaver. What was I thinking?

This was once an amazing program. I used it back in 2004 when it was owned and run by Macromedia, and it worked like a charm. It is a website design program and it worked well with Macs, something most other web design software wouldn’t work with at all. Since this past May and the last Mercury retrograde, when I downloaded Adobe’s version, it has been “The Program from Hell.” Not a session goes by without it locking up and freezing my entire brand new Mac. This Mac has tons of power, memory and free space, and has not had one single problem with any other software. And I have lots. After four months of calling Adobe’s Tech Support, usually to be told to go to their website and read complicated manuals that are undecipherable to the non-geek, I had decided to throw the baby out w the bath water and uninstall and reinstall the whole damn thing. What the Hell, right? Mercury is retrograde again. This is the ideal time to revisit and correct technical issues, right? Why waste more time trouble shooting and having those oh so special conversations with India? I backed everything up, got my serial number in order and only wanted to download Dreamweaver again, in case the errors came as a result of a corrupted file in the original download back in May.

So it takes ten years to reach someone, ok 20 minutes and seriously like another 30 minutes to download the new program file from Adobe. I do so only to find out that the moron, sorry, but, in CS sent me a Windows version of the .... software. I call back, again, for the 3rd time now, only to be informed that they’ll send me a CD of the program. That actually suits me just fine right about now. The site was just updated yesterday. My files are on both my external drive and on Yahoo’s server. And now I’ll have seven to ten working days before I deal with anymore technical nonsense. By then Mercury will be direct. I’m relatively sure that it will all be fine.

In the meantime, I’m decided to not try to accomplish anything else today. My workout gave me heart palpitations and the software won’t be here for ten days. Clearly God wants me to vegetate. So, I’ll hang out with some of my new astrology books, and be glad that they’re not on a Kindle!

Sun into Libra - Keeping Love Real

2009-09-20T10:47:00.001-07:00

The current Mercury retrograde cycle is sure to go down as one of the most entertaining in recent memory. South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson kicked off the season of gaffs and laughs with his now famous, “You lie!” outburst during President Obama’s health care address to Congress. A few days later at the U.S. Open, tennis icon Serena Williams expressed her displeasure with a line judge’s call by shouting, "If I could, I would take this ... ball and shove it down your ... throat." The very next day Kanye West got into the act at the MTV Music Video Awards by butting into Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, only to be inadvertently admonished on the following day by none other than President Obama, who mistakenly thinking that his comments were not being recorded, referred to the rapper as “a jackass.” And we won’t even start on the mischief Mercury is merrily making with the ACORN federally funded housing for prostitutes and pimps debacle. If you never quite understood why this planet is the famed Trickster of the zodiac, now you know.

Diplomatic, impeccably mannered Libra comes to town on September 22nd when the Sun enters the sign of relating and balance at 2:19pm PST. Ruled by the planet of beauty, Venus, the sign regaled for its tact and decorum will likely put a stop to the unwitting lip slippage, especially after the 29th when Mercury goes direct. Libra’s aim after all, is to see things from all points of view, to weigh them carefully and to then act harmoniously in the cause of peacemaking. Rude behavior of any sort is simply unacceptable to Libra sensibilities. In 2009, the Sun, Mercury’s entry into the sign of the scales on October 9th and Venus’s on the 14th will aid Libra’s lofty mission. We will be given the chance to think about and move towards our desires through Libra’s loving and laudable perspective. While we know the inherent truth and wisdom of parables such as love thy neighbor as thyself, walk a mile in another man’s shoes, and whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them, like no other sign, Libra challenges us to walk their walk. That’s because by its very definition it must relate to other, what or whoever that other is. So before us is an ideal opportunity to try on unfamiliar opinions and to try to see the things we believe in the most through the opposite point of view. The awareness gained from doing so can be transformative.

What’s so funny about peace, love and understanding? Namely Pluto set to square the Sun on September 23rd, Mercury on October 10th, Venus on the 15th and Saturn on the 29th. In an effort to please everyone and maintain a semblance of serenity, Libra can sacrifice its true feelings, compromise its core values or become indecisive to a debilitating degree. Pluto, 90 degrees away from Libra in matter of fact Capricorn, will keep the peace and love fest real. The energies of the Sun, Mercury and Venus squares with Pluto are a good precursor to the building Saturn square to Pluto. That Square will last until August of 2010 while Saturn’s overall journey through Libra will last until October 5, 2012.

These first three alignments, involving the personal planets, will give us a glimpse into the places in our lives where being pleasant is at odds with our true beliefs in matters. They ask us to negotiate and reconcile the distance between the two, and now is the time to get some mediation practice in. Learning how to honestly and constructively balance our conflicts and contradictions will prove to be an immensely valuable tool for the Saturn Pluto Square and long Saturn in Libra cycles ahead. Venus ruled Libra injects an (overdue) air of civility into our internal, personal, national and international debates. When personal or political arguments arise, we can try take the opposing view to see if a new insight is gleaned that helps the situation or our understanding of it. The Libra caveat simply insists that peace cannot come a the expense of what we hold sacred. So, contradictory as it sounds, we will have to fight for what we believe in. What can make the critical difference is how we fight. When upsetting the apple cart seems uncomfortable and un-Libran, it may be helpful to remember that this is also a cardinal sign which means that its true nature is aggressive, agitating and instigative. Two of the best examples of Libra’s ability to both disrupt the status quo and strive for a higher good for the majority are Libra natives John Lennon and Mahatma Ghandi. The seemingly incongruous and conflicting aspects of our lives and world must be confronted, integrated and balanced, like Libra’s symbolic scales.

Other points of interest along this year’s Libra solar journey are the full moon in Aries on October 4th, harmonious solar trines to Jupiter on the 10th and Neptune on the 16th and a new Libra moon on the 18th. If you want to learn how to harness and apply the energies of Libra, the upcoming Saturn Square to Pluto or Saturn’s transit through Libra to your life, have a reading with one of the professional astrologers at 12Listen.com. Julia Stonestreet Smith. C.A. Brooks, and Neil D. Paris can read a chart like nobody’s business. But an article about the Sun through Libra would not be complete without huge Happy Birthday wishes to Jungian Astrologer and 12Listen bedrock John Joseph, who is also available for readings. Sharing the Libra birthday limelight is Louise Hay, the woman who has changed so many of our lives in profound and countless ways. Happy Birthday Louise! On that note, remember to tune into Hay House Radio every Tuesday morning at 9:30 PST to get the latest on astrological conditions on Mark Husson’s Power Peek Hour - which will actually be going back to an hour long show beginning in October!

Sun into Virgo - Back to School at 12Academy.com

2009-08-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

When last we met, our boisterous flamboyant friend Leo the Lion was giving a commanding performance from center stage and contemplating the purchase of luxurious new lair. On August 22nd at 4:39P.M. PST, the spotlight fades, Leo takes his final bow and the clear-thinking, grounding energies of the sign of Service emerge. The observant and practical eyes of Virgo carefully read every line, including the fine print, of all loan documents, have a heart to heart with the calculator and bank statements, and then endeavor to make the final determination based on the financial substance of the matter and Virgo's other bff, fiscal responsibility.

Bookshelf neatly alphabetically arranged by subject, then author, then title? Check.
Foodstuffs meticulously organized in the pantry with packaging uniformly aligned and clearly displayed? Check.
Checkbook balanced to the penny? Check.
Toilet paper and paper towels, dish and laundry soap, sandwich and trash bags purchased in economy-sized, cost-conscious bulk packs? Check.
Vacation bags packed with lysol, aromatherapy oils, detailed itinerary, bed linen from home, and at least three bottles of hand sanitizer? Check.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Virgo. To the rest of the zodiac, Virgo's hyper-organized and extra-tidy way of life seem overly rigid and positively exhausting. But in earthy Virgo's territory, these labors yield that sweetest and most treasured of states, Order. This year's solar journey through Virgo however, with the next Saturn opposition to Uranus, a solar opposition to Uranus and a Mercury retrograde, will insist that Virgo tap into its mutable qualities. High degrees of detachment and flexibility will be necessary to successfully navigate the conflicting skies ahead. Then again, Virgo loves to plan.

According to renegade astrologer Antero Alli, to understand a sign, or style as he describes them, we must know its opposite sign, for the two are polarities expressing a totality. The 2009 Virgo cycle offers a superb laboratory in which to test this theory. On September 4th the full Pisces moon will oppose the Sun, on the 15th Saturn which is also in the sign of Virgo will oppose Uranus, now in Pisces, and on the 17th the Sun will oppose Uranus. On the Virgo-Pisces axis, order must be reconciled with chaos, logic with intuition and form with essence.

Since Saturn, the planet of lessons and discipline, entered mindful Virgo in September 2007, the scales have been decidedly tipped in favor of the tangible, rational side of this equation. Saturn's stay in Virgo has brought quite the comeuppance to Ponzi-scheme based financial markets and the world economy. Between Virgo's exactly analysis and Saturn's uncompromising vigilance, the unsound business practices of the banking, real estate and insurance industries and Wall Street have been brought to light, and many a mere mortal has had some form or other of a financial reckoning under this influence. This is all serving a Higher Order of truth telling on our material plane and is helping us purge our systems of ill-gotten goods, or "earnings" that never really existed in the first place. Pluto, the ultimate planetary force of Truth, picked up the torch late last November when it settled into Capricorn for a 15 year tenure.

To bring balance to the mix, beginning on Election Day 2008, mighty Saturn entered into a series of oppositions with the planet voted must likely to consternate him, unpredictable, rule-breaking, provocative Uranus, placed in that most unfathomable and illogical of places, Pisces. The stability Saturn in like-minded Virgo craves began meeting the innovation imposed by Uranus in Pisces. For example, last November 4th, the date of the first Saturn Uranus opposition in this series, conservatives couldn't conceive of a Barak Obama presidency, yet the Uranian winds of change prevailed.

This time the two sides meet on the battlefield of healthcare reform. Uranian proponents with Piscean compassion for the sick, argue for a radical overhaul of the entire system. At the other end of the spectrum, Saturn hard-liners with a keen Virgo eye on the cost of such colossal reform resist. One only need view a town hall meeting to see how the acrimonious workings of a Uranus Saturn opposition play out in the human drama. What President Obama may have working against him this time out is that Pluto shift from fanciful, optimistic Sagittarius into sober, pragmatic Capricorn. In 1775, during Pluto's last sojourn into Capricorn, the slogan "Don't Tread on Me" emerged and ingrained itself deeply into the self-reliant, hard-working and ruggedly individualist psyche of the birthing American nation. In 2009 "Don't Tread on My Taxes or Medical Decisions" may be the new battle cry.

Throwing the Devil straight into the details, and the fray, of this monumental debate will be Mercury in retrograde orbit. The thinking planet will go retrograde from September 7th through 29th, crossing both deliberating Libra and discerning Virgo terrain on its quest. No stone will go unturned in this one. Piscean dreams of utopia with a free liver transplant for every alcoholic and a government funded triple bypass for every overeater will be brought right down to earth by the Pluto-Saturn-Mercury formation. The president will have to explain how such sweeping reform will be paid for. In Obama's favor will be the visionary voice of the Jupiter (benevolence)-Neptune (spirituality)-Chiron (healing) alliance in Aquarius calling us to a higher consciousness about the collective. Some reform, on things such as unscrupulous insurance company practices are practically assured. But to make it work across the aisle, creative ideas such as a pay-it-forward fast food or junk food tax could also emerge as ways to fund the single payer system Obama envisions. Even arch conservatives have been known to support so-called "sin" taxes. Either way, you can count on a heated debate from September 15th through 17th when Saturn and the Sun will directly oppose Uranus. Fortunately the Virgo cycle winds down with some sweet aspects. Loving Venus enters Virgo on the 20th and Mercury conjuncts the Sun on the 20th and Saturn on the 22nd, when the Sun enters peace-making Libra.

Internally and externally these Uranus Saturn oppositions are asking us to come to terms with life as we wish it to be and the reality of where it is, and the Universe is offering up some new tools to help us bridge the chasm between the two. Synthesis of the ideal and the practical is precisely what the this Pisces-Virgo axis is all about. For the past two years Saturn's influence has been giving us an unflinching dose of reality with the loving and most earnest intention of reshaping our lives for the better as it has asked us what we are prepared to do to bring ourselves closer to our visions of perfection. Perfection is after all Virgo's ultimate aim. Uranus has come onto the scene to generate new ways to problem-solve.

The Sun's journey into Virgo also marks the beginning of the school year. In keeping with the cosmic design and annual pull to learn something new, the 12Family of websites proudly launches its newest member, 12Academy.com. 12Academy.com is an online University of Metaphysics of sorts, offering an array of classes on everything from Animal Communication, to Angel studies, to tarot and A Course in Miracles. With the integrity and renown of the 12House brand, this loving endeavor promises to take self-empowerment to a new level by teaching students the fundamentals of various spiritual disciplines, as well as offering courses for advanced practitioners. As Saturn leaves Virgo it begins a ten-month long square with Pluto, while 2012 and a 2013 exact Uranus square to Pluto build in the background. This online resource of Spirituality, dedicated to self-development and Light could not be in better alignment with the needs of our time and the days ahead. Hats off to founder Mark Husson whose vision for the metaphysical community continuously amazes me. You make me proud to be part of your world. Happy Sun into Virgo 2009!

Sun into Leo - The Show Must Go On

2009-07-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

     The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd, and being the Leo birthday girl that I am, I would like to announce the release of my new CD single at iTunes and at Amazon's new MP3 store. I am so elated and excited about this that I can hardly sit still. "In A Moment" is the title track and its recording was my absolute happiest musical experience in Los Angeles. Not only did I get to work with amazing musicians such as Peas (whose credits include work with Kitaro, the "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" soundtrack, and scores of major TV shows), Rachel Leslie (a J-Lo backup singer) and Kathleen Keane (who has worked with Martin Hayes and other Celtic music luminaries), but we had a great time in the studio. This song was written in honor of the wedding (about time!) of my lifelong friend Diane Ray who is the Producer of Hay House Radio. Congratulations to her and her new hubby Barry. I hope you feel the love in this track and won't mind dropping $5 to buy a copy of this 5-track CD.




     To hear the music and to find out more about my Celtic music project, Awakening Queen Maebh, just visit the Musician Page of my website. Now to this month's feature article.

Special thanks to astrologer C.A. Brooks for her emergency assistance with Chiron’s activity. You demonstrate the generosity of heart for which the Leo season we are ushering in is famed. Hats off to you!

Following the dark moon solar eclipse at Cancer’s conclusion, on July 22nd audacious, royal Leo struts right onto center stage. Instantaneously kicking lingering Cancerian worries to the curb, Leo boldly reflects our own abilities to shine, to live fearlessly and to thrive. In the face of another full moon eclipse on August 5th, squares, oppositions, incessant scenarios of global disaster, oh my, self-assured Leo enthusiastically beckons us all to follow the yellow brick road. Sure, the prophesied year of 2012 approaches, in the blink of an eye Pluto’s quest through uncompromising Capricorn has abolished yet another of our stagnant, once-cherished institutions, and according to the mainstream media anyway, there’s plenty to be afraid of. So what in the world is Leo doing up there, merrily prancing and dancing around as if there’s no tomorrow? And what on earth, in our “perilous times” is Leo up there singing?

“You’ve got to ac-cent’tchu-ate the positive
E-lim-in-ate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative,
and DON’T mess with Mr. In Between.”

And most importantly, how does he/she look so damn good doing it? From July 22nd through August 22nd the answers are obvious, Leo lives life in the present, and Leo lives life in style. Best of all, you are cordially invited to Leo’s extravagant celestial soire.

In order for some of the magnanimous magic to rub off on you however, you’ll need a pair of Leo-tinted glasses. These highly-prized designer shades come with purple-heart bravery and amber-golden optimism colored lenses. Let’s take a peek at the upcoming planetary trends with a pair on.

The Sun moves into Leo on July 22nd on the heels of the second eclipse in an usual series of three. Eclipses can disseminate shocking and intense energies as they bring hidden issues to light. For example, the recent full moon eclipse of July 7th while the moon was in the earth sign of Capricorn brought a bevy of health issues to the surface for many. Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, teaches us the limitations of our physical systems, our bodies. Pluto is also now in this stern and serious sign, making the truth about the gravity of these situations pretty much unavoidable. The dark moon eclipse while the Sun and moon are in Cancer on July 21st will likely bring domestic issues to the fore. In either case, the Universe is bringing our attention to matters needing to be addressed. Leo considers what is being presented through the prism of courage. He then looks to the pending full moon eclipse on August 5th at 5:55 P.M. PST, in visionary and unifying Aquarius, where Jupiter, Neptune and Chrion are positioned, and he sees the perfect occasion to heal whatever the preceding eclipses have revealed.

Leo also notices three special groupings of planets around 2009’s exalted trio, Jupiter (gifts, the Lion’s absolute favorite!), Neptune (dreams and spirituality) and Chiron (healing). On July 27th Venus (in Gemini) trines Jupiter and Chrion and on the 28th it trines Neptune, on July 30th Mercury (in Leo) opposes Jupiter and Chiron and on the 31st it opposes Neptune, and on August 14th Leo’s ruler the Sun opposes Jupiter, on the 15th Chiron and on the 17th Neptune. Leo looks at those Venus trines and lunges for his day planner to schedule spa and beauty treatments, and maybe some time to meditate. For that matter Leo reckons, anytime after after July 31st when loving Venus lands in nurturing Cancer is a great time to be pampered, as if an astrological excuse was ever necessary. The oppositions, however, are a little trickier. Leo knows that they represent polarities, but his hopeful outlook sees them as opportunities to bring balance and synthesis to competing agendas and viewpoints, With Chiron’s assistance, he decrees that all will be made well in his kingdom. This solar cycle. like all others, brings the often dreaded squares, Venus to Uranus on July 28th, the foreboding Mars to Saturn on August 10th and Mars to Uranus on the 18th. (Mis)use the words Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Squares in astrology, and you can scare the pants right off of a lot of people. Not Leo. As the coolest of cosmic cats he calmly and clearly recognizes the powers of formidable forces, so he marks those days on his calendar with the words “beware of tension” and “chance for resolution” in big bold letters. And really, even if temporarily panic-stricken by the misguided musings of fearful astrologers and TV anchormen, would Leo ever display his inner terror to the entire world? Not on your life.

If you really want to know where the Leo heart lives, look for the dates he’s circled to apply for that historically low mortgage rate, after clever, clear-thinking Mercury has moved into grounded and discerning Virgo on August 2nd perhaps? Maybe he’s set his gigantic heart on August 17th, when Mercury conjuncts Saturn, because he knows that Saturn’s sober influence under sensible Virgo will guarantee him of a very realistic evaluation. His ruler also sextiles Mars that day, giving his audacious move a heavenly green light. Leo doesn’t care if there’s an entire Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing “The sky is falling, the sky is falling.” He wants to live in the plushest of lairs and is poised to pounce on that $15.000.00 first time buyer’s credit. Why he’s already working on the guest list for his star-studded housewarming party.

Vein, bossy, arrogant and childish the nay sayers project on the regal spirit of Leo. They miss his point entirely. It takes guts, first-class showmanship and sometimes a little exaggerated self-confidence to play the role of leader. Who better than the hard-working, loyal Lion with his heart of pure gold to help cheerlead us out of times of doubt and Depression? When he wins, he lavishes the gifts and goodies on everyone holding court, inviting all to dream big and to know it is entirely possible to succeed. And if he doesn’t, instead of sitting around sulking - that would make his eyes puffy - his improvisational gifts go right to work on the next big adventure.

So with those fab-u-lous new spectacles Leo has graced you with this year, watch the proud gorgeous spirit of this fixed and feisty fire sign toss his commanding, luxurious mane, along with fear and caution, to the wind. Leo asserts to one and all that life is just marvelous, and if it is not, we possess the ability to make it so again.

Sun into Cancer 2009 Domestic and Emotional Tranquility

2009-06-20T17:58:00.001-07:00

With news of North Korean threats to launch its most advanced ballistic missile at Hawaii as one of its naval vessels sets sail in that direction, House Democrats outlining healthcare reform with a $1.6 Trillion price tag in an era of historic deficit spending, 7,000 Marines dispatched to Helmand province along with increasing numbers of N.A.T.O troops to begin staging what is likely to be the decisive battle with the Taliban in the nearly 8-year-old war in Afghanistan, the World Health Organization elevating the Swine Flu/H1N1 virus to pandemic status, the mental activity of Gemini gives way to the intuitive, calming, introspective energies of Cancer, and not a moment too soon. If there are two things Cancer, America’s birth sign, craves, they are domestic stability and emotional security.

To achieve its end, Cancer walks a fine line of vulnerability and self-protection while practicing some of the Cosmos’ most immense nurturing and care-taking of others. With its favorably-aspected eclipses and annual cluster of retrograde outer planets, 2009’s Solar journey through the sign of the crab offers a chance for cooler heads, and hearts, to prevail. After the nerve-racking Gemini journey, nationally and privately, we could probably all use a collective chill pill. But Cancer is not asking us to retreat into our shells. It asks us to be of this world, to accept its complexities and atrocities, and to trust and love enough to overcome our challenges until peace is restored.

Intoning an appropriately more enigmatic resonance than usual, 2009’s Summer Solstice/Sun into Cancer movement occurs during the dark moon (Cancer’s ruler) on the 20th at 10:46pm PST. A new Cancer moon arrives on Monday the 22nd at 12:36pm PST, marking the beginning of our journey toward 2009’s next lunar eclipse which will take place on July 7th. On July 3rd the rapid-fire intellectual energies of Mercury move from Gemini into contemplative Cancer. Mercury in Cancer is much more likely to convince us to get in touch with how we feel about what is going on around us rather than what we think about it. The intellect’s natural tendency is to dissect, label and divide, so it can make rational sense of its world. By contrast, Cancer is all about creating compassion, understanding and appropriate protection by feeling its way through life, as it reaches toward tranquility.

That full Capricorn moon eclipse on the 7th, is in Cancer’s 7th house of partnerships, and features a trine with Saturn. Eclipses can bring sudden and unexpected changes as well as powerful insights. Surprises are not Cancer’s strong suit, but intuition is. With Saturn’s disciplined influence, a sensible resolution to whatever may rear its turbulent head at this time is very possible, and relationships will play a key role.

Echoing the universal chorus to choose hope, wisdom and good will over fear and over-reaction (Cancer can be a little paranoid) is friendly and benevolent Jupiter floating through Cancer’s 8th house of intimacy and transformation. “It is safe to love” is its quiet mantra. As if to hammer the message that old thinking will not solve new problems home, innovative Uranus trines the dark Cancer moon right before the solar eclipse on July 21st.

In the background, Uranus joins retrograding outer planets Neptune, Jupiter and Pluto, as well as Chiron on July 1st. Those large outer planets may be thought of as good and caring parents who lounge around on rafts in the deep end of a swimming pool while keeping a vigilant eye on their children at play in the shallower waters. It is highly unlikely that they will be called upon to rescue anyone, but their loving presence exerts a great sense of safety and well-being. In that space, their children are free to play and explore their watery paradise. The retrograde patterns of these planets will last until early November when they begin turning direct. Saturn, the only large planet now moving forward, moves into Libra at that time. What that means in practical terms is that the results of what is in play and at stake now may not be fully resolved until late Autumn. We saw this pattern last year with the November 4th U.S. election.

So what can you do right here right now to create a sense of trust when the headlines mirror a world in such distress? Gandhi wisely recommended being the change you want to see in the world. I suggest making your home your sanctuary. Having plenty of whatever makes you “feel” secure at hand, along with gurgling fountains, aromatic candles, color therapy tools, herbal bath salts, and long meditations (12Academy is offering many excellent ones) is a viable way to access Cancer’s maternal gifts. With your sense of tranquility amply restored and your inner Guidance system re-attuned to love and Light, you may emerge from the mother ship fully prepared to brave the outer world.

Magnolia Sun Bathing

2009-05-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's so gorgeous here today that I just had to share. The sky is clear and blue, the temperature is in the low 80's and the birds have been singing all day. This morning it was so nice that I had my coffee out in the backyard beneath the two magnolia trees who stand there. The tress are so old here in Carolina. You look at them and their trunks stretch up forever into the blue sky. On the way in, I saw this flower on the magnolia tree. The sunlight was lighting her up so perfectly that I just had to take a photo. I can't wait until one is low enough on a branch for me to sniff. In the meantime, enjoy.

With love,
Elizabeth

What's Up Doc?

2009-05-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

Now and again I have these exasperating moments when I seriously wonder about the world. I think, “Am I oversensitive or out of touch, or has our culture lost its collective mind?”

The last time I went to the eye doctor’s office in Beverly Hills the Israelis were bombing the Hell out of Lebanon and in their coverage the Fox News team was cheerleading for the Israelis. They simply didn’t cover the human side of Lebanese experience. I couldn’t believe that in a “health profession’s” office anything like this would be on in a waiting room. Remember, in waiting rooms patients are stuck there until their appointments. Patients are there for anything from routine exams, such as my case, to very serious illnesses. Illness or uncertainty about it creates a level of stress to start with. So who in their right mind would subject people with health problems to a military offensive into an urban center? Sure, I know that the Israelis will say that their violence was targeted at terrorists. And I hope it was. But really, the images of large buildings crumbling to the ground (remember that ten-story apartment building?) in an urban center was reminiscent of the Twin Towers on 9/11. But this isn’t about politics and the Middle East.

Today I accompanied my dad, who is having serious tests, to the doctor in a small town in North Carolina. The entrance to the waiting room had a candelabra which gave me false hope about the experience. As soon as we were inside the TV blared at us, rotating the following scenes from a network soap opera. In one a woman was undergoing regression therapy for being gang raped (with flashbacks), in another a man held two women hostage at gunpoint, having already shot one in the arm, and in yet another there was some scenario or other about a murdered baby who may have only really been kidnapped. Not sure on that. The volume level was set so loudly that my dad and I could hardly hear each other talk. Horrible acting aside, we noted how completely disturbing this was for a doctor’s office. He became so agitated that he went outside a few times before he was called in. Luckily, unlike the multi-story facility my old eye doctor was in, this office was on the ground floor so we could walk out to the parking lot. When he was finally called in for his appointment, we said something about the content on the TV to the nurse.

Her response is what floors me. “You’re the first one to ever complain,“ she said. “We just put it on in the morning and people watch whatever is on.”

My local Wal-Mart (it is the only place to shop here for 30 miles) has a wellness section. I found DVDs of nature there just last week and bought one with arial photography of Ireland. The really cool thing I had found the week before at a New Age trade show were DVDs of nature and sacred mandalas by an artist named Robyn Nola. Her work is based on Angels (in a nonreligious way) and is simply exquisite. She photographs nature and works with color to create images that are soothing to watch. She in fact healed herself of kidney disease and strongly believes in nature’s healing properties. I was telling a friend in medical sales last week that I’d love to walk into a doctor’s office and see work like Robyn’s playing. After today, I’d gladly settle for the Wal-Mart DVD of Ireland.

I don’t guess that this will be part of the Obama healthcare industry reform we’re hearing so much about. It’s too woo-woo I suppose and he has enough on his hands. But really, the content in waiting rooms should be examined. Democrat or Republican, we all go to the doctor. Subjecting people to violent images cannot be healthy. And isn’t health/healing the whole point of going in the first place? We have to go to the hospital for surgery next week. In case they’re playing the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” I’m bringing my iTouch w Robyn’s DVDs loaded into it.

Sun into Gemini

2009-05-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Gemini mind runs nonstop. This mutable air sign is ever changing, always on the quest for something new and likes to simultaneously place its attention on as many people, places and things as humanly possible. 2009’s solar trip through this inquisitive, effervescent sign might just satisfy Gemini’s seemingly insatiable appetite for experiences. That’s because this Sun’s trip through the sign of the Twins serves up a bevy of intriguing, thought provoking and rapidly shifting planetary activity.

It all kicks off Wednesday when the Sun enters Gemini at 2:51pm PST. The 20th is also the start of what can be called the main course of this year’s Gemini journey, a very special 21 day alignment of Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron at 26 degrees of Aquarius. If you’re up for delving into the Divine, clearing out old vibrations and any other work to enhance your spiritual life, this is a beautiful window. This celestial combination of planets reflecting optimistic growth, the transformation of wounds into wisdom and the soul’s urge to merge with all things dreamlike and spiritual meets in the sign of vision and collective unity. Yum! The 23-27th host some of the strongest aspects of this blissful and delectable alignment. Dig in.

Next up on the 2009 Gemini menu is the new moon in Gemini on the 24th, an excellent time to make nice with your inner journalist, documentarian or writer. May 24th happens to be Gemini’s Bob Dylan birthday, a stellar and stunning example of the communicative gifts lavished upon humankind by this sign. The 27th sees Neptune turn retrograde. Neptune moving backwards is always an interesting dance. By the time the planet of the unknowable goes direct on November 4th many an illusion, or delusion, will be shattered. That’s always a good thing because it brings us closer to our Truth. If we take care when it comes to the dreams and ideas (Neptune in Aquarius) we invest ourselves in all summer, our worlds will arrive at early November in tact. If instead we choose to disregard that nagging little voice that warns us that this or that is indeed a dangerous dance with destruction, our fantasy will likely come crashing down under Scorpio’s dark skies. Either way, we learn something. Giving us the chance to think things through very carefully, for a few days at least, will be Mercury in its retrograde, or review, stance until the 30th when it goes direct (Alleluia!).

May 31st marks Mars’ entrance into earthy Taurus. This dose of energized stamina is an excellent influence for working toward and accomplishing goals. If the Jupiter, Chiron, Neptune lineup gives you some deep Guidance, Mars in Taurus offers the inspiration and the fortitude to put your vision into action. On June 3rd Chiron turns retrograde, offering us perhaps deeper insights into turning the hurting into healing, on the 7th we get a healthy dose of enthusiasm with the full moon in spirited Sagittarius, and on the 15th Jupiter joins the retrograde planets. As you can see, this Gemini season gives us plenty of food for thought.

And for dessert? Astrologer and author Mark Husson will be teacing a series of online classes based on his new best-seller "Lovescopes." This live online companion to the book is the official “Lovescopes” webinar and your opportunity to go beyond the bookt o learn even more about your love life. Dates and details will be announced shortly. And that brings us full circle, to the start of the Gemini season, May 20th.

On that day if you buy a copy of “Lovescopes,” Mark will send you five free minutes for a reading at either 12Listen or 12Angel. He’ll be posting a special email address on both sites that day where you can send your proof of purchase. Whether you want to catch and keep a Capricorn, lose a Leo or seduce a Scorpio, “Lovescopes” has the how-to. This delightful and insightful guide goes through every possible astrological combinations to let you know the weaknesses and strengths of each match. More importantly, Mark explains each sign’s motivation, an invaluable tool for understanding yourself, your partner and your relationship. Free minutes and an indispensable guide to your love life? Those are excellent reasons to come celebrate love with the 12Family on May 20th. Hope to see you there!

Sun into Taurus - Let Love(scopes) Rule

2009-04-18T14:02:00.001-07:00

The 2009 Taurus season dawns on Sunday afternoon at 3:44 P.M. with Mars and Venus set to enter Aries during the week. Love is indeed in the air. So is “” Lovescopes ”, Mark’s new book, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

Author John Gray wrote the famous “Men are from Mars and women are from Venus” book series which offers some great insights into relationships between the sexes. In astrological terms we think of Mars as the ruler of our masculine aspects and Venus as the ruler of our feminine. How much sweeter can our love lives be when the two of them travel the Cosmos closely aligned? We’re about to find out over the next several weeks as the planets of desire and love move through instigating Aries side by side. This infatuating combination presents us with the opportunity to start new new relationships and to liven up the love lives we already have. The only day posing a challenge to the bliss-fest these two can conjure up is May 2nd when Venus squares Pluto, asking us to be totally honest about our relationships. The trouble with the truth is that it’s often a very subjective call. Fortunately Mercury will be in Venus-ruled Taurus at that time, to temper our thoughts, and more importantly our tongues. See what I mean about Love ruling?

Speaking of Mercury, 2009’s 2nd Mercury retrograde begins on May 6th and lasts through the 30th. With the Sun also in Taurus, this retrograde presents us with the chance for some “do-overs” in our finances and beauty and physical fitness. If that New Year’s resolution to exercise regularly has fallen by the wayside or that vow to have your taxes organized for next year has already gone by the boards, this Mercury retrograde is your best new friend. You can harness the grounded, determined energies of this patient and loving earth sign to make a new start, one that will give you long lasting results. Venus will guide us to act from a place of self-love, instead of the dreaded "should" space, which will help make reaching those goals a pleasure.

Taurus time is also when many of us plant our Spring gardens. Nature’s regenerative gifts abound in every shade imaginable. And the sheer volume of flowering wonders is a constant reminder of the Abundance and beauty of the Universe. So be good to your Soul by spending some time outdoors, in a garden if at all possible. The full moon during Taurus is also a time of planting, on energetic planes. It will be in Scorpio, bringing depth and intensity to the mix, so mark the 8th on your calendar for any meditations and rituals involving increase and long term objectives.

Adding to the collective Spring forward will be Saturn turning direct on the 16th. This is the one I’ve been talking about for months, at least since December 31st when it went retrograde. The most difficult aspects of the hard times brought by this Saturnian journey through the discerning and discriminating earth sign of service, Virgo, are over at last. On the 16th Saturn stations and prepares for its late October exit from Virgo. News stories have already begun surfacing about slight improvements in the economy and hopeful signs, and some political leaders, including President Obama, have begun expressing cautious optimism that the worst may well be behind us. With this aspect, more encouraging news is very likely to continue trickling into the headlines over the next several months. That doesn’t mean that our challenges go away overnight. Some of these messes were years in the making. Still, we should see and feel a lift. And that will play very favorably into the incredible alignment we’re heading into on May 20th.

On the 20th, the Sun enters Gemini, and Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune begin a 21 day placement at 26 degrees of Aquarius. I’ll be writing much more about this in next month’s column. Suffice it to say that this is a Cosmic glimpse into Nirvana. We get to connect compassionately with the collective consciousness. That’s huge. So get ready to feel some genuine awe and to marvel at the positive actions a few individuals are willing to take to benefit others. It’s going to be inspiring to see how this manifests on the world stage.

In our 12Family community the 20th is the official launch day for “Lovescopes.” On that day we will be running an all-day sale, and everyone who buys the book on the 20th will get some free minutes. Mark will post a special email address on the front page of the site where you can send your proof of purchase. We’re hoping to get “Lovescopes” on the Amazon charts that day. So come join us for the fun and be part of the party.

In the meantime, remember that the 22nd of this month is Earth Day, Friday the 24th is the new moon, and Mark is presenting the first “Lovescopes” seminar on Sunday, May 3rd in San Diego as part of the prestigious Hay House “I Can Do It” event. Several of us from 12Angel and 12Listen will be in attendance, so come out and meet us in person if you’re in town. With so much love and Spring abuzz, a great time will be had by all. Come celebrate with us.

With love,
Elizabeth

Insider's Guide to April 2009 and All things 12Listen.com

2009-04-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Happy April,

I hope that this note finds you well. If you’ve been reading astrologer C.A. Brook’s column in the Power Peek, you no doubt know that Spring 2009 is off to a subdued start with Venus, Mercury and the Sun striving to move forward in gung-ho Aries while Pluto in stern and serious Capricorn squares much of the enthusiastic energy. Saturn is still retrograde in detail-obsessed, skeptical Virgo, and fiery and feisty Mars finds himself in the incompatible waters of nebulous Pisces. So if you’ve been feeling like despite the very best of intentions to jump start your life things are just not lining up and falling right into place, well, those are some of the astrological reasons. And did I mention the Venus retrograde that we have until the 18th, which has had more than a few people calling in with relationship crises?

But this post isn’t to bum you out or to discourage you; my co-workers and I are here to help you navigate these tricky astrological tides successfully. So here is the insider’s guide to April Specials at 12Listen.com. Keep it handy.

Those full and new moons are excellent times for your meditations, prayers and petitions. Speaking of which, if you need assistance with your Spiritual Spring cleaning, I’m co-moderating the Violet Flame board at 12Listen.com on April 15th and 29th. So drop by and post, and I’ll get right to work on helping you transmute those sluggish energies into inspiration and Light. I'm a huge fan of the VF.

April 30th ends the month with the beginning of Hay House’s “ I Can Do It ” conference in San Diego. Dr. Doreen VIrtue is in fact giving the keynote address to the conference that evening. In other exciting news, our very own Mark Husson will be holding his first presentation of “Lovescopes” on Sunday, May 3rd. I’m flying clear across the United States to be there for that! Please introduce yourself if you're attending.

May will see Saturn turn direct, the release of "Lovescopes" and the Grand Opening of my newly revamped website which has been "under construction" since January. See what I mean about progress being possible and hard won in April? Until then, thank you so much for your love and support.

Affirming evermore love and Light,
Elizabeth

Ps: Last week I rented a movie called “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” and I cannot recommend seeing it or reading the book enough. I have no promotional affiliation with it, only a heartfelt desire to help you stay plugged into the Love and Light we all truly are. This film is a wonderful reminder.

Postcard from North Carolina

2009-03-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, it’s already been 2 weeks in the new digs. I just thought I’d post to let you know how Nicholas and I are doing. So far, so good. It’s pretty, peaceful and oh so quiet here. I’m renting the entire top floor of an old house which has windows in every room. Wherever I am, I see the sky, trees and the houses that are scattered around this one. This house also has a tin roof. I can’t begin to describe the magnificent lullaby passing bands of rain make when they fall upon it. When that happens, no matter what time of day it is, I make room for a nap, and sleep like a baby, thank you very much. There are also train tracks somewhere in the distance. The far off sound of train horns somehow adds to the quaintness of the place. On two mornings I’ve gotten up to discover thick patches of fog slowly rolling through. I love those.

The other day my dad pointed out a cherry tree to me. I had no idea that they had white leaves. It’s really nice to have the time to notice. Another type of tree called the Bradford pear tree has already stopped blooming since I’ve been here. It was a reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to seize the moments while they’re here. The email and phone calls from friends in LA and Denver remind me of how much I love these people and how lucky I am to have them in my life.

The shipment of nine pounds of coffee from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf arrived yesterday. Feehw, the Foldgers thing was getting ugly. Hello, my name is Elizabeth, and I have a caffeine problem: I’m no longer in walking distance of a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Other than that, it’s all going pretty well. There’s a mountain of paperwork and work work piling up on my desk as I contemplate assembling the new desk chair, computer cart and bathroom shelf, let alone organizing 2008 tax receipts, yikes. But one thing at a time. I watched the most amazing movie the other night. It’s called “. The Five People You Meet in Heaven ” Maybe it was the dark Pisces moon, maybe all the transition of moving cross-country, but boy did I cry. I’m watching it again before sending it back to Netflix for sure.

Nicholas is doing well. He’s now completely on his up with me in the morning to pilfer butter, nap all day, get up to play and cuddle at night schedule. I think he’s forgiven me for the plane rides. We still miss Boris.

And before I have a chance to get bored with rural NC, I’ve already bought plane tickets for my first trip back to CA. I’m heading to San Diego to be at Hay House’s I Can Do It conference. It will be so good to see my work mates, best friend D., and boss Mark Husson give his first presentation there. His new book Lovescopes is coming out on April 15th. I’m so excited and happy for him, and grateful to work someplace where I love my boss, work and clients. So, it’s all happening so fast it seems. Still, I’ll take the time to notice the cherry trees.

With love,
Elizabeth

Doreen Virtue on w Audra & Angela

2009-03-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

If you're into Angels, make sure to catch Dr. Doreen Virtue's appearance on Soul's Journey Radio Monday night. 12Angel website host Audra Garcia along with Angel Therapy Practitioner (and outstanding psychic reader) Angela Hartfield will host this very special one-hour broadcast beginning at 7pm PST. As all of this is happening within hours of the full moon, this event promises to be magical.

And on Tuesday night, come join us at 12Listen.com and 12Angel.com where we will be running our Full Moon Specials on readings from 7:38pm PST - 10:38pm PST.

Sun into Pisces - Keep on Swimming

2009-02-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

In early 2009, we find ourselves swimming the tempestuous seas of high unemployment, record rates of foreclosures and seemingly daily announcements of corporate collapses. So the Sun’s annual sojourn through the gentle mutable spiritually conscious water sign of Pisces is most welcome. Pisces represents the completion of a cycle, in this case that of the zodiac. Its strongest attributes are compassion, an acute desire to create, deep and genuine empathy, and an innate connection to Source. This year it’s as if these sweet cosmic waters have arrived just in time to calm and sooth the aches of uncertainty, to redirect collective and personal anxieties about the external world to a state of inner awareness and peace, and to wash away all that will not be needed when the Sun enters Aries and the start of the next turn of the Wheel.

If mystical Pisces has a theme song, it’s “Atlantis” by 60’s flower power troubadour Donovan. If it has a philosophy, it’s “Can’t we all just swim along?”. And if it has a message, it’s that of Disney’s seafaring protagonist Nemo: “Keep on swimming.” Why venture into those intangible, illogical and unfathomable Neptunian realms to problem-solve? Because going “way down below the ocean” to the very depths of our natural psychic insight and creativity is precisely where the answers are hidden.

Here are some of the planetary highlights of this year’s Pisces cycle. The serene energies of the new Pisces moon on February 24th make it an ideal time for meditation. When that moon moves into Aries a couple of days later however, be prepared for an astrological bumpy patch from the 26-28th due to this Aries moon not being particularly well aspected. Staying aligned with peaceful Pisces energies is the key to a smooth ride here. March 6th marks the onset of a Venus in Aries retrograde giving all a chance to reevaluate both relationships and possessions. The time to act on the insights gleaned during this retrograde will come after April 18th when the Sun is in Aries and Venus is direct. On March 8th Mercury (ideas) enters Pisces where it will be joined by Mars (desires) on March 14th. With the Sun and innovative Uranus already in these imaginative realms, the 14th-20th portal with four planets in Pisces offers us a lovely and downright groovy invitation to the dreamy and insightful worlds of the fish.

On March 20th the Spring arrives when Sun enters Aries. Much like a loud alarm clock rousing us from the Winter’s slumber, Aries will demand action and give us plenty of energy to take it, which in my book, is all the more reason to hit the cosmic Pisces snooze button now and enjoy the sublime dreamtime presently on hand. In this subterranean splendor you can experience profound acceptance of whatever is changing in your life, and you just might be given the keys to your future.

Sun into Aquarius - Embracing Liquid

2009-01-16T14:20:00.000-08:00

In order to become a butterfly, a caterpillar must undergo chrysalis, the portion of its evolution in which its form turns completely into liquid. How apt a metaphor this is as we enter the Sun sign of the water bearer or “carrier” Aquarius in 2009. During this cycle of Aquarius we will experience the year’s first set of eclipses, work through the rest of Mercury’s retrograde and have another Saturn Uranus opposition. And all of this will be taking place while Pluto churns through conventional Capricorn and conservative Saturn retrogrades in Virgo, while Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron amplify the innovative and futuristic energies of Aquarius. We’re in pupal territory.

The Aquarius season starts on Monday, January 19th at 2:40 P.M. PST when the Sun will be greeted by newly arrived and generous Jupiter, spiritually minded and dreamy Neptune and Chiron, the force dedicated to healing our wounds. Aquarius’ quest for the common good, fellowship and Universal love and understanding will set the stage for the inauguration of President Obama, who’s rising sign is also Aquarius. With a Cabinet of wise advisors, we should see a hopeful and sober agenda set by this Administration.

In terms of policy, Jupiter’s expansive outlook will want to add billions to the next stimulus package, Neptune’s unrealistic perspective will consider resources bottomless and Chiron will seek to heal the wrongs of the previous Administration. Those lofty ideals are well and good, but Saturn being retrograde in detailed Virgo and truth demanding and revealing Pluto in cautious Capricorn will constantly question rosy assertions. Add Mercury’s retrograde stance during the first twelve days of the new Obama Presidency, and we’ll likely see numerous revisions to initial proposals.

As I noted in early November, when our first Saturn Uranus opposition occurred on Election Day, themes of conventional wisdom being challenged by new ideas will be the order of the days ahead. And on February 5th we have the second of these cosmic confrontations. Perhaps the vote on the latest stimulus package will take place about that time. If not, the debate will likely be in full swing. Liberal Uranians will call for a New Deal of unprecedented governmental spending while Conservative Saturnians will earnestly question how much more can be added to the $47 trillion public and private debt America has amassed without total economic collapse. And in your own life, expect to feel the drive toward the new and pull from the old hit an intense point in early February.

Adding to the Universal prompt to change will be two eclipses, on January 25th and February 9th. As the sun rises in the morning, we can count on eclipses to change our lives. The degree to which any given set effect your world largely depends on your individual chart. To get your personal bearings, I highly recommend a reading with my talented colleague and top-notch astrologer C.A., especially if you are an Aquarius or a Leo, Aquarius’ opposite sign. At 12Listen and 12Angel change will take the form of a completely remodeled pair of websites that will be introduced during these eclipses (and Mercury retrograde).

As you can see, the Universal chorus is singing of “change” and clearly asking us to envision the future, to scrutinize ideas and aspirations for their soundness, and to do so from a point of inspiration and community. This is the cosmic call to “keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars,” as Casey Kasem used to say. So as you navigate the push and pull of the coming cycle, see the multi-colored wings of butterflies fluttering about majestically on a warm Spring day. A much greater sense of where it all landed will be yours by mid May when Saturn turns direct during the Sun sign of grounded earthy Taurus. In the meantime, embrace the inevitable liquid.

Sun into Capricorn, Change Taking Root

2008-12-16T22:29:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-12-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

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