Tuesday 29 September 2009

Re-Focusing The Messenger...

Well, it only seems like yesterday when little Mercury went retrograde, but today the messenger of the celestial Gods and Goddesses moves direct once again.

Retro Mercury often creates communications chaos, hiccups with paperwork, missing letters (postal strikes maybe!), and general niggly little problems with day-to-day administration. Yet, this time around there is a strong sense that whilst all of this was experienced, there was a deeper meaning to the chaos.

Mercury helped us to look at situations a little more pragmatically – sometimes we don’t know what’s best for us and need a celestial helping hand to make us stop and think.

There is an adage ‘don’t shoot the messenger’ which seems to be attributed to both William Shakespeare and the Greek writer Sophocles…

Thinking about this rationally, it is not poor Mercury’s fault that things go awry, perhaps if we work with this little whiz-bang of a planet, and see him as a friend rather than akin to coyote or pan (the troublemaker), then we can start to overcome the hiccups and welcome Mercury retrograde as a time to check and double check our decisions and actions just to be sure that we are still doing the things that we want to be doing.

Now Mercury is moving direct, we need to be sure about the things that are important and the things that are not. We need to keep a clear head for the paths forwards, and to trust that when things don’t go according to plan, there is usually a very good reason. And whilst we might not be aware of it at the time, and feel justified in ranting and cursing, when we look back we can often see the deeper meaning and significance of what happened.

Mercury moves back into Libra on the 10th October, and on his journey he gives Saturn a good kick up the posterior before he also moves into Libra at the end of October (more on that soon). This seems to be to remind each of us that we need to be accountable and responsible for the decisions we make in life, to take a position of strength and not to think that being in ‘victim’ mode will actually do us any good in the long run.

So, I guess the message is:

DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER….


Tuesday 22 September 2009

A Time of Balance...(well, we can all dream!)

Well today is the autumn equinox – the time when the Sun enters Libra. At the equinox day and night are of equal length representing balance. Mind you, I could do with about twice the length of night at the moment, as no amount seems to be enough to get some rest…

There is a strong sense of restlessness around and a feeling of trepidation as to the reason for this. Whilst we are aware of the increased intensity of the energies about and within us, at the same time we feel unable to channel it into anything specific or particularly useful – it is just building up and causing stress.

It is therefore a confusing time; a time where struggling to gain clarity and direction will only lead to more tiredness and confusion. It seems to be a time to go with the flow for a while, to find the Taoist path of least resistance. This is not about giving up or walking away from dreams, it is about surviving and keeping one’s head above water whilst all about us seem to be struggling against the current.

With retrograde Mercury still pushing buttons and Pluto now in full swing once again, it is no surprise that there is an air of confusion. At the same time, over the coming few weeks we will see Mercury, Chiron and Jupiter move direct. This is when the seas will start to calm and clarity will find a path ahead.

So, for now try to keep the faith that all will be well, and that – for now at least – take a deep breathe, stop fighting the current and believe that balance and harmony will be restored once again...

Sunday 20 September 2009

Do not believe in anything...

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumoured by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.


Buddha
(Siddhartha Gautama)

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Re-Integration...

Having spoken to many fellow travellers on the ‘path’ recently, I can’t help but notice a trend. This trend is connected to pulling away from the new age arena, and instead focusing on re-integrating into society. This re-integration seems part of a grand plan to weave threads of healing/raised awareness into everyday life in order to raise the collective consciousness.

Whilst many people are retreating from ‘normal’ society, there seems to be an equal number moving very definitely in the other direction. There is almost a sense of knowing that segregation of ‘new-age’ types makes them/us distinct and separate from the rest of society. Of course, one could argue that we are different, but then again isn’t everyone unique?

This trend seems to be connected to re-integrating so-called Lightworkers into various threads of modern day living in order to be living breathing spiritual beings in an everyday world. Whilst many of us may like to dream about spending our days tucked away from society meditating, healing and connecting with Spirit, there is a need to bring this to the masses, to the world.

It seems to be time to roll up one’s sleeves and get stuck in, to put our money where our mouths are and to truly start to make a difference.

Now Pluto has moved direct, it is a time of intense energy bursting forth bringing about change on a great many levels within each of us. It is time to let go of all those things that no longer serve us so that we can be free and unhindered to get on with the work at hand. We need to be guided by our higher Selves, and trust our intuition.

It does seem that this is a two-way flow as many people step onto the path of spiritual enlightenment and awareness, yet souls more travelled on the path are stepping back into the mainstream now to reach more people and to spread the light into all areas of life.

What a paradoxical world we live in…

Friday 11 September 2009

Pluto Direct...

Pluto finally moves direct today – over the past few months this remote little powerhouse has been wreaking havoc in our lives, making us face our own inner demons, helping us to let go of those things (thoughts, patterns, attitudes, ideas, people and situations) that no longer serve us, and to resolve those issues that have remained unresolved within us for some time.

Whilst in retrograde, the energy ray of Pluto becomes more intense and concentrated, and his focus is turned within – shining a light on our inner worlds. Pluto cannot be ignored, he always finds a way for each of us to take notice and he will continue to chip away at our resistance until we start to take notice and act.

Pluto can seem cold and harsh, yet unless we let go in our lives, we cannot embrace the new. Without endings there cannot be beginnings. Of course the irony is that resistance to change is futile – it tends to happen whether we want it to or not, so to embrace it and work with it makes more sense as it places us in a position of empowerment. To resist and retreat leaves us the victim, powerless and without a voice.

So, this past few months have given each of us an opportunity to go deeply within to face those things about us that we don’t like, we ignore or that we find to painful to access. Pluto has helped us to see that unless we face our true selves, we cannot move forwards. Pluto has helped each of us to take hold of our inner strength, and to embrace the inevitable changes that we have all faced.

The past few months have been challenging, particularly in view of the effect of the other planets in retrograde (Neptune, Jupiter, Chiron and Uranus). At times I have personally felt like my head is going to spin off (in true Exorcist fashion) as the sheer pressure and force of the release process has been hard to handle at times. I have felt overwhelmed much of the time, and under-whelmed the rest of the time. I have longed to simply feel whelmed!

The effect of retrograde Pluto has helped each of us to go within and to connect to the true core of who we are. Pluto has helped us to be aware of our true calling, and our true power.

Pluto is the catalyst, he may be challenging, but he is absolutely necessary. He cannot be ignored, and this retrograde phase has been testament to that – has anyone actually managed to avoid the intensity? I haven’t come across anyone…

Now Pluto is moving direct, his energies will burst out back into the external world giving each of us a chance to explore ways in which we can express our true natures in the world in which we live.

Those of us who have faced out fears will now start to feel stronger and stronger, and for those who stayed in ostrich state? Well, Pluto won’t give up, that’s almost guaranteed, he will continue to chip away until each of us reaches our true core and have become baggage free. Pluto wants each of us to be free, to stand in our power and to fulfil our true potential.

So expect a surge of energy over the next few weeks once Pluto gets back into the swing of things again. And as the other planets start moving direct over the coming weeks, more and more awareness and clarity is likely to come forth.

Tuesday 8 September 2009

9-9-9

It might have slipped your attention that tomorrow is the 9th day of the 9th month of the 9th year of the new millennium. There are lots of ideas floating around as to the significance of this date, but I can’t help but get the 999-dial emergency out of my mind…

This is a chaotic time, a time of unpredictability and uncertainty. It is a time where confusion reigns as each of us struggles to forge our way ahead. This is a time for letting go of those things that no longer serve us and for embracing our potential and gifts.

There is little time for doubt or cogitation as the world is moving at a rapid pace. This is where the 999 (emergency) comes in for me – the need for focus, dedication and to fight for what is right.

It is a time for personal enlightenment so I recommend pausing for a moment at 9 minutes past 9am on the 9th – try meditating and seeking some personal insight and guidance. You will be pleased you tried.

Monday 7 September 2009

Mercury Goes Retrograde

The master of communications goes retrograde today. This flighty little planet will have quite an impact on those of us trying to get our lives organised – expect letters to go astray, miscommunications and misunderstandings when it comes to contracts, financial and legal dealings.

Check, double check and triple check when you need to, and be sure to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. Leave no stone unturned if you want to avoid any irritations or delays.

Mercury goes retrograde a lot – four times this year, so we should all be used to the little games that he plays, yet at the same time we are often thrown into a state of disarray when things don’t go quite as planned.

There is a strong need to be both pragmatic and philosophical over the next few weeks. Maybe, just maybe Mercury is being our best friend by causing well-timed delays to allow us a little more thinking time?

It is all too easy to get caught up in the usual feelings that it is best to keep one’s head down whilst Mercury is retrograde, but with Pluto soon moving direct, it is clear that keeping one’s head down is not really an option – it is time to stand up and be counted now.

So by taking a more philosophical approach to obstacles and hiccups, hopefully we can each reach the end of this month stronger than ever before…

Mercury will be retrograde from the 7th to the 28th September

Wednesday 2 September 2009

August Horoscopes

Here are last month's horoscopes - the current month can be found on The Planet Whisperer website.

Aries

You have been working very hard over recent weeks, and August is the month to slow down a little to consolidate your situation. It is a time to go with the flow a little more and to take some time out to escape from the daily drudgery of life. Do take heed of the need to go with the tide, for if you struggle against the current, you will end up tired, frustrated and in the same place you started.

You certainly seem to be driven when it comes to your work ideals, and whilst this is very admirable, this seems to be at the expense of your family and home life. Balance is key this month, so, take the hint, spend some quality time with those close to you, and have some fun - this month is all about you taking it easier and spending more time with those that matter most.

You are naturally a ‘go-getter’, so taking some time out might be against your better judgement, but once you realise that taking your foot off the accelerator actually allows you to do more, not less, you will start to relax and enjoy the ride much more. Remember the theme of bringing balance to your life, keep this in mind and you shouldn’t stray too far off course.

Taurus

You are usually the one on hand to give out guidance, support and understanding to others, yet this month you are likely to be in need of a listening ear as you start to explore some new and exciting possibilities in your life. Most will be keen to offer help and support, but do be careful not to allow yourself to be swayed off track by the good (and sometimes not so good) intentions of those you confide in. Trust your intuition, and stand your ground.

August brings with it some hard work and big decisions, but neither of these are likely to come as too much of a shock. Just remember to pace yourself, and take your time. Even at the best of times, you don’t like to be rushed into things, so don’t bend to the pressure of those close – once again trust your intuition.

You are prone to self-doubt when it comes to your gifts and abilities, yet your experiences in life place you in pole position to help others. At a deep level, this type of work calls you, but your self-doubting often gets in the way as you feel that you are simply not good enough. So, now is the time to STOP doubting and start believing, you know you can do it, there is no room for false modesty now!

Gemini

Get ready for the ride in August, life reaches a turning point and you will be faced with some very big decisions about your future. This may sound a little ominous, but in fact, the trend is overwhelmingly positive. Try to embrace this change to make the transition much easier – at some level you have been aware of the subtle undercurrents of transformation that have been bubbling under the surface over recent months, but you have been unable to pinpoint exactly what was involved, until now that is, when the bubbles will start to break through to the surface and start to flow in one, very positive, direction.

This may feel quite frenetic and chaotic, but try not to be swept along with the current, as you would benefit from keeping a cool head to handle making quick decisions and acting decisively when opportunity comes knocking. There is not much room for procrastination and naval gazing in August!

You are naturally quite a people person, and love nothing better than interacting with others. However, you would benefit from becoming more aware of your effect on those close to you as you have been quite demanding lately. This is not a selfish thing, as in many ways it’s quite subconscious – but now you are aware of it, hopefully you can achieve a greater sense of balance in your interactions.

Cancer

The good news is that August looks set to be a month of relative tranquillity and calm. The pressure you have been under recently starts to ease, and you feel able to take a big deep breath and relax. In fact, the further you can step back from your life, the clearer the overall picture will become. Seeing your life from a whole new perspective will allow you to make some tweaks and adjustments to your plans in order to clear the path ahead for some time to come.

One thing that is important for you this month is a need to stay true to your Self. Sometimes your fear of feeling vulnerable pushes you towards bending yourself out of shape to accommodate the needs and wishes of others. This might be sustainable in the short term, but over time you are likely to end up feeling resentful and frustrated. So, try to stop playing a role or being the person that others want you to be, and start being yourself.

Listening is a vital trait to master this month, as you need to listen carefully to what others are saying. Assumptions and misconceptions are likely to get you into a whole heap of trouble. So listen to the words, and don’t hear bits and pieces and then draw your own conclusions. You have been warned…

Leo

August brings with it a need for more flexibility in your life and in your attitudes. You are a natural leader, and sometimes your need for order and control can overstep the mark. You might always think that you know best, but when it comes to the lives and decisions of others, you need to let them play a role and make some choices of their own, however much you might not agree with them. You need to accept change and honour the choices that others make – this is not about you walking away or giving up, but simply slackening the reigns a little.

There is a strong sense of change around you at the moment and this seems to involve a major decision about your life path. Remember to trust your intuition about what will and won’t work in your life, and also remember to let things develop naturally and at their own pace. Trying to force things at this stage could end up backfiring on you in a big way. So, cultivate the art of patience and you will reduce your stress levels greatly.

These two key lessons of patience and tolerance will allow you to develop much stronger bonds with those close to you. You will begin to see the disadvantages of ruling with an iron fist, and start to relax and enjoy the process of life once again.

Virgo

August looks set to be another busy month for Virgoans. You are certainly in demand, and at times you are likely to feel that you are being pulled in a multitude of different directions at the same time. Remember though, that as much as you might want to do it all, sometimes you have to prioritise and set more realistic targets for yourself. You need to avoid getting caught up in the stress and chaos of other people’s demands and needs, otherwise you are likely to end up feeling overwhelmed. So, stay true to yourself and your needs, use your organisational skills and reset the pace to something much more manageable. It might take some effort, but you will be pleased you made the effort.

Your Ruler Mercury whizzes into your sign on the 2nd and whizzes out again on the 25th, this has a galvanising effect on your mind as your ability to think quickly with great clarity is honed to new levels. This will come in very useful as the month progresses as you are likely to have a big decision to make…

You are quite an intellectual at heart, and love to have meaningful conversations with those close. However, you are becoming aware of a gap between where you are and where you want to be – try to resolve this before a crevice appears…

Libra

‘Be Prepared’ is your motto for August. The reason might not be clear yet, but there is a need to be highly organised in August, as you are likely to find that the pace of life increases considerably. In addition, you might discover an opportunity to get away from it all on your own little adventure, and so be ready for possible far-flung travel and a journey into the unknown. This may not mean tropical shores, but it could mean a new adventure with your work or with your life plans.

One thing’s for sure though, and that is you will be in just the right place at the right time. You will be heard, your ideas will take shape, and you will receive all the necessary guidance and support you might need with relatively little effort on your part.

August seems to be a major turning point in your life. Decisions have been made and the path ahead looks bright, rosy and clear. You are in the driving seat of your life now, and your appointment with destiny looks set to be an amazing opportunity to take your life into a whole new dimension. Don’t spoil things with self-doubting or indecision, stick to the plan (you know that one that has been churning and turning around your mind for months) and enjoy the ride!

Scorpio

Indecision and self-doubting are not usually your trademark traits, but you have been dithering and cogitating rather a lot lately, particularly in connection to your career and life goals. This is because you have been carrying a lot of responsibility and you have not felt able to be your normally much more free-spirited self. You have felt a little trapped or claustrophobic and this has started to overwhelm you.

The good news is that your free spirit will start to re-emerge over the coming weeks, as your creativity will allow you to think outside of the box in order for you to find a positive solution to reducing the pressure and responsibility you have been carrying. It is not that you want to shirk the responsibility, but you know that unless the pressure is taken off you at least a little, then you are likely to walk away completely. So, speak up if you can, and trust your instincts.

This more decisive – ‘all or nothing’ - you will also appear in your relationships as you start to re-discover your wants and needs in your interactions. You are not one to settle for second best, to put up with game playing (unless you are the player!) or to avoid speaking your mind, so grab the bull by the horns and take some control once again.

Sagittarius

August is a month of consolidation for you - it is time to finally bring together the many different strings of your bow to decide which ones are truly important to your future and which ones are more of a distraction than anything else. You may be surprised at the result, but do try to let go of those things that no longer serve you so you can move forwards in a positive and uplifting way.

It is important to stay true to your Self this month, as you will need to develop a more health/Self conscious approach to your life. That is, looking after your own well-being and destiny, and finding your own unique philosophy that feeds your expansive spirit, your inquisitive mind and your creative aspirations.

August is a month of far-reaching positive developments in your life, but you need to be more in control if you are to make the most of these. You may seem to drift through life by the seat of your pants, grabbing opportunities and getting by on luck, but the reality is that this requires huge amounts of energy. Have you considered that you are likely to achieve just as much by slowing things down a little, doing some research, spending some time planning and then channelling your energy in better ways? Food for thought...

Capricorn

You have been feeling somewhat confused when it comes to your future and how you want to spend the rest of your life. It may be true that there are some elements of your life that are bringing you a huge amount of joy and contentment, but there is a bit of a vacuum when it comes to your ambitions. August brings you an opportunity to take a big long look at yourself and your life, to see exactly what you dream of doing.

Dreams are not something you often focus on, for you are too practical and realistic for fantasy. But take some time to consider the possibility that one of your dreams is no longer fantasy - it is within your grasp…

Now is the time to start developing at least one of the ideas that has been floating around in your head for a while now. You need to stop thinking and start doing in order to develop the idea into something workable and achievable. August is not a month to sell yourself short or to underestimate your abilities, so give yourself a much-needed kick up the posterior to fire up your creative and practical abilities once again. Trust that help and support will come when you need it, and avoid getting stuck in the details. Keep your goal in focus, and go for it!

Aquarius

You have been enjoying the ride this year as your horizons have expanded and your belief in yourself and your abilities has soared. This looks set to continue, but underneath there is a need for you to find a little stability now. It is almost like you need to develop some roots again, as you are starting to feel a little ungrounded and unsettled. Once you can establish this again in your life, then you will feel able to reach out in the world once again and continue the ride of a lifetime.

You would be forgiven for thinking that you are invincible as everything has been falling into place for you, but don’t get complacent otherwise you might start to overstretch yourself and push your abilities a little out of your comfort zone. This carries a risk that you will come unstuck and come crashing back down to earth, undoing much of your hard work this year. So keep it real, keep your dreams in focus and you look set to make good progress over the coming weeks.

So, developing roots and realism are your two key areas to develop this month. Try not to think of these as mundane and boring, and certainly don’t see them as anchors holding you back. Instead see them as bridges to a whole new world of opportunity and contentment.

Pisces

Life has been something of an uphill struggle for you lately, as you have struggled to find clarity about your goals and path ahead. This is mainly down to a distinct lack of energy due to you giving so much of yourself to helping others. This is admirable, but you have depleted your own reserves as a result. August brings you a chance to re-charge your batteries and to take some much-needed time out to get your own life back into focus. You are unlikely to ever stop giving and helping others, but August is a month to prioritise your own needs and dreams, and to enrich your own life once again.

Try to take things a day at a time, and remember to listen to your deeper, intuitive Self for guidance on a regular basis. Whilst on the surface, your life might feel chaotic, if you stop and look within, you will see that the waters are much calmer and more peaceful that you might think. So, when the seas get stormy or choppy around you, know that within you is a pool of tranquillity and peace. This is your special place for retreat, re-charge and reflection; and it is here that you can access your intuition and great sense of instinct to guide you forwards, one step at a time.