Karma, Destiny, and the Most Difficult Parts of Living.

Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

Astrology has fascinated me since I was a child. My mother was an astrologer. I would sit and watch her piecing together numbers like a jigsaw puzzle then translating them into lovely symbols that she meticulously placed in drawing of a round circle divided into twelve segments (called "houses")—like a pie. "Hmmm," she would sometimes say, or mutter, "Oh my," or  "Well, that's interesting." She was like a surgeon probing into the secret spaces of a body, looking for clues and answers. 

In the ancient world, humans lived mostly under an open sky. The heavens performed miracles not easily understood—thunder, lightening, meteors, sun, moon, and stars. People in those long ago times sensed something beyond the physical lights in the sky, they sensed the spiritual energy radiating from them and considered them to be divine sources of power. In ancient Sumeria, for example, the symbol for divinity is a star. 

Even though it isn’t true, it appears to us Earthlings, that the sun, moon, planets, and stars revolve around our planet. And, that is what most people believed until recent times. Ancient humans observed the planets moving in a predictable pattern in front of a backdrop of stars that moved more slowly or remained stationary. The Greek, Sumerian and Babylonian priests and priestesses systematically gave the planets names of various deities according to each one’s unique energy essence. Each god had dominion over a particular area of human life. The vibratory energy of each god was matched with the vibratory energy of each known planet. 

Oddly, astrology seems to have sprung up all over the known world at about the same time, and the planets were all given basically the same influential characteristics in each civilization. Mercury in the Americas had the same “powers” as it did in China or Babylonia. Each planet, regardless of what civilization named it, was known for identical or similar influences. For example in all civilizations who used astrology, Mercury was the god of communication, quick thinking, wise, and calculating; Mars ruled cutting, blood, war, anger; Jupiter was expansive, large—king of the gods. 

Tarot Report and Tidbit - by Anita Burns

May Horoscopes 2013 by Danielle Benson

Danielle Benson

Aries -  Things seem to be unfolding easier this month for you. Not only that you are able to reap the rewards of your hard work. Look for blessings in all things that come your way as well. There might be some tasks that you are wanting to get checked off your list and be done with.. give things their proper time and soon enough they will pass.

Taurus - This month may still bring some upheavals in your life. Remember to keep your focus on moving forward and take just one step at time. You will fair well by being diplomatic and mindful of people and situations around you. By remaining balanced you are able to stay magnetic and magical in all that you do. This is a fabulous month for the practice of manifestation, enjoy!

Gemini - Your partnerships will seem more important to you this month then they have in a while. You are wanting to feel loved, needed and secure. At the same time there is a bit of rebelliousness in your approach to outsiders who try to buck the system with you. You are gaining a clearer picture of what your future holds. Things are looking rather well.

Cancer-  There is much change all around you at this time. May is a time for cycles to end and begin in your life. You are needing space and time to personally reflect on all that you have experienced in your life.  By creating your own sacred space you are able to embrace your power and move things ahead at more of a steady pace.

Leo - This is a very intuitive time for you. You will find that you are having moments of clairvoyance with others as well as past issues within yourself. Take good care of yourself to nourish the physical body as well as the spiritual body with things like meditation. Try to look at things more objectively rather than grasping at simple assumptions. Keeping a balanced perspective will allow yourself a bigger view as well as a more positive and realistic viewpoint.

Virgo - Your mind is very sharp and focused this month. Be sure to include others in your ideas and thoughts as well. Find ways to be creative with your ideas so that you are able to manifest these things into real life. Only you can remove any blockages that prevent you from being successful in this life. Take some time to see what is stopping your success.

Libra - May seems to bring much daydreaming and mental activity to you. Connecting feeling to your thoughts will allow you to gain the insight and lessons from these ideas and move on from there. You have a need this month to express romance and love. Find ways to allow your love to freely flow through to and into your relationships with others. Remember that the universe responds to what you focus on - if it is love then expect to feel loved.

Scorpio - There are some new beginnings happening for you this month on all levels. You have climbed your way up to a more scenic view for now. Take the time to release yourself to the universe and trust the process at hand. Let go of issues that are not yours or you have already worked through. Learning to hold your own space in this world is an advantage - meditate.

Sagittarius - You have many thoughts swirling around your mind. You should take the time to understand why you have these thoughts and how to learn from them. Your inner teacher and guides are delighted to step forward and assist you through this process, you just have to ask. While you are mulling things over know that you do not always need to have the answer to every question that is asked of you.

Capricorn - You might be experiencing deep conflicting emotions this month. One moment you might feel light and playful the next dark and mysterious. It does not look like there will be much change in this cycle for you. Learn to work with it. This could be an indication that you need a vacation. See if you can plan a weekend get away.

Aquarius -  Things seem a bit bumpy for this month, even extreme. Ideally we are to find pleasure in all that we do. Gratitude is one way we can experience purpose in all things and pleasure from some aspect of an experience. Physical exercise will help to keep things in more of a balanced perspective as well.

Pisces - You might find that your energy is a bit erratic this month. Your intuition is running on overtime. People will also be sensitive your energy field as well. Your thoughts and actions will have a big affect those around you. So choose your words and actions wisely. This is also a regenerative time for you as well. Look for ways to continue your growth or reinventions of what is now considered old.

Tarot for April 2013

Aries - Queen of Cups. You have an opportunity now to really focus on what you want and to get it. Dream big and do what is needed and you can succeed.

Taurus -5 of Wands. Things could get frustrating this month as other people are disorganized or not up front with you. Go with the flow and don't get involved in other people's squabbles and pettiness and you will be fine.

Gemini -Temperance. Be flexible. Hang loose. Don't be invested in being right unless it is of vital importance. You are ready to take the next step in your life for a better future but holding on to ideas, people, and feelings that no longer serve or nurture you will hold you back.

Cancer - 6 of Swords. You are being guided and taken care of by loving hands. Relax and accept help when it is offered. It won't be long now before peace of mind and relief come your way.

Leo - 9 of Swords. Actually things aren't as bad as you think. Worry only makes you stressed. Take a deep breath and let it go. Things are really fine or they will be soon.

Virgo - Ace of Swords. New ideas, new creativity, new ways of thinking about a problem will bring solutions and resourcefulness. Don't be afraid to act on your inspiration.

Libra - Strength. You have come a long way and conquered much of what was standing in your way. Personal transformation and spiritual strength are there for you.

Scorpio - The Chariot. No matter what comes your way this month, you are up to the task. Even the most difficult task will be a breeze for you. The universe is with you, guiding and protecting you.

Sagittarius - 8 of Swords. No matter what you think, you can't use logic with everything. If you go inward, the answer to your question, problem, or personal challenge is revealed.

Capricorn - 2 of Wands. Although you are almost there. Although you have the world in your hands, there are still some details that have to be taken care of before ultimate success. Keep you eye on the goal and do what you need to do and all will be well.

Aquarius - Page of Pentacles. Now is the time to think about your abundance. Meditate, use affirmations, and the law of attraction to bring your abundance to you.

Pisces - 2 of Swords. An important decision must be realized through the balanced use of logic and intuition. Go inside and decide what feels right and use logic to carry out the mission.

TAROT TIDBIT:

The  Empress

THE EMPRESS is number 3. Three represents the regenerative force of nature, creative powers, multiplicity, and forward movement. It can also represent spiritual blending, friendship, prudence, peace, virtue, and temperance.

The number 3 is the first odd number, and signifies the totality—the beginning, the middle, and the end. The number 3 is repeated often in mythology, folklore, and fairy tales. There are usually  three wishes, three chances, three blessings,  three spells, or three charms.We’ve all heard the tale that death always comes in threes, or disasters usually strike three times.
In mystic terms, 3 represents the three stages of man: body, mind, and spirit. In the Qabala, 3 is expressed in the three letters, called mothers: Aleph, Mem, and Shin.  Aleph - air, Mem - water, and Shin - fire.  They represent the three parts of creation, thus the name mothers. The three mothers also represent the world.

This concept is commonly reflected in mythology, where the heavens were produced from fire, the earth from water, and the air from the spirit as a reconciler between the fire and the water.
In the Wiccan religion, three expresses the threefold aspect of the Goddess, as Virgin, Matron, and Crone. It refers also to the waxing, full, and waning cycles of the moon.
Three refers to the past, present and future and the ancient sciences of music, geometry, and math. Symbols for 3  include: Triangles, Trident, and the Tripod.

Excerpt from Anita Burns' Certification Home-Study Tarot Course

http://www.metastudies.com/store/section/33/1/tarot-course

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Editor's Thoughts

Anita Burns

Lot's happening in the world arena, both secular and spiritual. Astrology has never been so interesting (to me). On Tuesday, July 3, the Full Moon in Capricorn  opposes the Sun in Cancer. This speaks to balance between home and public life. Celestial oppositions of Sun and Moon can affect our personal lives and the political climate worldwide. 

Cancer wants us to be homebodies and pay attention to our immediate family. Capricorn is about more wide-spread responsibilities and influences our career, sense of duty, and public life. 

If you are a Cancer or Capricorn, or have these signs strongly indicated in your chart, you might be having a tug of war between what you want and what you think you "should" do. You might want to stay home but are forced into a career or public life that takes you away from home. It could be just the opposite. You might be pursuing a public life or career and be forced to pay more attention to what's happening at home. 

Oppositions always demand a compromise. We must find a way to do both without completely sacrificing one or the other. This can play out on the personal or global scale. 

The United States, that resonates to both Cancer and Capricorn pretty strongly is struggling with issues at home and the need to be an influence in the world. This won't be resolved anytime soon, but it is a comfort to know that if astrology has anything to say about it, eventually, a middle ground will be struck to solve many of our problems. 

The slow-moving planets are the ones to look at for deep cycles in our life and for global issues. Right now:

Sexuality is a complex subject. It is probably written about more than any other subject. When it comes to sexuality in astrology, much can be said that goes far beyond your sun sign at birth. I’m often asked questions like “I’m an Aries. Am I compatible with Virgos?  This is something like saying, “I’m an American. Am I compatible with Italians?”  Astrology can determine, in finite detail, your sexual nature; what kinds of mates are better for you than others; what types you will be attracted to or draw to you; what you expect from a mate; whether you are likely to have one committed relationship or many, and what they’ll be like. 

Determining all this however, takes more than just looking at your “Sign.” A complete horoscope needs to be charted. The astrologer will then look at your Sun and Moon signs, the asteroid Juno, your fifth, seventh, eighth, and twelfth houses, what planets are there and what signs are on those houses and the planets that “rule” them. Pretty complex stuff, but worth the effort. You’ll know more about yourself, or another, than years of traditional analysis could ever reveal. I won’t go into technical detail here, but there are some important things you can found out from your Sun sign.

The day you are born, the Sun is said to be “in” a certain sign. This is what you know as your “sign.” Although your Sun sign is but a fraction of your love personality, it is a significant one. 

The Sun represents your basic inner self, your overall inner direction. Keeping in mind that other things in your chart will adjust and alter the influences of the Sun, these energies will be with you and you will express them in many, if not all, ways.

ARIES:  With your fire, you’ll be a driving force in any relationship. Your powerful libido energy can stir newly awakened feelings in your partner(s). Choose partners who aren’t likely to be singed by your heat.

-- By Anita Burns --

An Elixir is a vibrational remedy. Crystals and stones vibrate at specific frequencies, by placing a crystal in a glass/bowl of water, the water takes on and holds the essence of the crystal or stone. You may use elixirs as a salve by mixing them with an oil, add a few drops to your bath, or in most cases, they can be taken internally.

Start with a clean glass jar or glass bowl with no patterns, designs, or etchings on it. Do not use plastic. Fill the glass with distilled water, not mineral water. Most tap water is too polluted or full of minerals.

The crystal or stone you will be using can be natural, cut and polished, or tumbled.

So that you minimize any danger of the water also absorbing your personal energy, use tongs, or a spoon to place the crystal/stone into the water. Leave it there for a minimum of 4 hours. There is no maximum time.