Tip of the Week

Taurus time is upon us. On the surface, Taurus is symbolic of personal possessions, resources and talents. Pleasure, sensuality, and beauty are also strong attributes of this Venus ruled Earth sign. Farmers, builders, bakers and merchants are some of the more common occupations under the rulership or Taurus. At the deeper levels Taurus is about values and what is truly important, and knowing the difference between what we want and desire versus what we need and what is practically sustainable. Such considerations are the making of many life questions and dramas as short term ambitions and aspirations are weighed against those of the long term. Personal finances and investments of money are an area of particular interest and importance. For the sake of security most people seem to aspire to the notion that having a lot of money in the bank is the key to security and happiness. Ironically, many wealthy people remain insecure and unhappy. At worst, such notions mask greed and tend to superiority/inferiority issues where those with more money are more noble or spiritual or successful than those with less. How the money was achieved and what cost went into achieving it is often less important than how much is in the bank. In a world where there is a growing issue between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ and nationality is less important than the measure of wealth, we will be challenged to learn the age old lesson that such divisive notions linked to the value of money in the bank is less important than community. The security that comes from people at least having all their basic needs met, so the deprived are not forced to resort to crimes and violence for survival, and the wealthy do not have to suffer the danger of reprisals or the inhumanity of denials and disassociations of the hungry and desperate while they enjoy the “security” of more than they could ever need or hope to actually enjoy. There are many levels to this complex issue of want and greed verses sustainability and need yet it is perhaps the most crucial issue of the modern era.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
You are ready to step into a smoother flow. Now that you have initiated new directions the time has come to establish a reliable foundation to sustain them. This implies big moves close to home. Renovations and others changes in your home and/or in your lifestyle choices are likely in this regard. At worst, your changing ambitions, needs and desires could also cause some friction with your family and intimate relationships. Take your time and look twice before you make final decisions now. Take deliberate action to meet your need to make changes that will lead to a more secure, satisfactory, sustainable and creative flow.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)
A new momentum is under way. With Mercury now in Taurus, you will experience an extra strong focus over the next few weeks. This also implies the task of tuning in first to what you want to achieve, then expressing your needs to those who can assist you. The more individuated we are the more personal are our wants and needs. The other challenge includes recognizing the variety of wants, needs and desires you feel. Perhaps you want to experience a new quality of love. A basic question might be: is this love romantic, occupational, artistic, experiential or spiritual? Clarify your goals now because you are poised to charge ahead.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)
Tending to your own garden is a call to remain close to home for a while. This implies time behind the scenes to dream, contemplate, plan and identify your priorities. Generating inspiring ideas and projects for future consideration is also likely. So, in addition to food seeds, you may also want to sow seeds of creative possibility. Some of your returns of late may not be quite what you bargained for and if so consider the quality, practicality and wisdom of your actions and choices over the past year or two anyway. Sober acknowledgement of what works in terms of your perspectives, habits and choices will prove worthwhile.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)
You are coming out of an active period, perhaps turbulent. The intensity may have been more internal than external. This is because you have been initiated in preparation for a major new life cycle which will ensue more fully next year. The pace and your moods should flow more steadily over the next few weeks and perhaps longer. You will still want and perhaps need to gather new tools to meet current demands. If you are entering new territory then you are on the right track. Your willingness to activate deep changes in your attitude and approach is ideal. However, be careful not to take on too much at once. Exercise your beginners mind.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)
The time has come to focus more intently on the practical aspects of your career and social reputation. Hopefully, you have fulfilled some of your cultural desires and interests over the past month or so and now it is time to pay more attention to practical considerations. Gain valuable feedback from your partner(s), clients, colleagues and team-mates etcetera, about how you can improve your performance simply by asking them for constructive criticism. It is important that you persevere with faith and diligence these days, especially in the larger scope of your life.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)
A strong emphasis on beauty and pleasure is gaining your attention. At the same time you are more serious about practical matters. Either way you want to play with the possibilities. You are eager and willing to roam beyond familiar fronts. Finding ways to activate your creative power potential is important and you mean business. The time has come to bring your dreams more fully into reality. This is a good time to give birth to new directions, styles and expressions. Take yourself more seriously and others will too. Combine practicality, service and a full display of your offerings, gifts and talents.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Finding fertile soil for the seeds of your passions is in focus. Like gardening, this implies the work of removing the weeds, turning and preparing the ground and prioritization of what you want and value with genuine effort and determination. The tricky part is that you must clear the old to make way for the new. This can imply actual things but also limiting relationships or beliefs and attitudes. Where do you need to cut out certain factors or cut new ground altogether? Changes in your lifestyle are likely to make way for an important cycle of creative self-expression. Investigate to invest for growth and success.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You are coming out of a contemplative period and are beginning to feel more social. You may want to take it slow at first; slow but sure. You are in the mood to shop but perhaps not to buy. Business wise you may be open to a variety of ways to make money, but be careful not to take on too much. This caution flag is active all year. This also applies to your commitment to various projects, contracts and other interests. Meanwhile, cleaning closets and clearing the clutter are likely focuses these days as well. Making some creative and perhaps radical moves regarding finances is also probable. Aim for a more stable base.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Now that you have played with and entertained new directions and possibilities, it is time to get to work. You will cast a particularly critical eye at things and could produce some fine work. At worst, you will get bogged down in details or lost in meaningless criticisms. Concentrate with a constructively critical eye to produce excellence or at least make measurable improvements both in your daily work and your overall lifestyle. You will probably have to make significant extra efforts to succeed now yet you could also earn a whole new level of respect. You may feel the weight and pressure to produce more than ever so focus to meet the challenge.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Getting down to business in terms of solid productivity is the call now. You are eager to accomplish a lot and quickly these days. You should be in full stride now and maintaining the pace is ideal. Balance time spent with friends with time spent at home and alone to get things done. Other players are probably pushing you to take action and to make important changes as well. Meet these demands with determination rather than defence as they are valid aspects of your current destiny. Take a creative, inventive even playful approach to learning and you will be able to get into it and focus more fully.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)
Getting comfortable close to home is in focus. The weather is probably right to spend time outside. If you have a garden you will want to be in it; if you do not have one perhaps you will create one. Exercise your green thumb indoors and out. Plant seeds to fulfill your desires and needs. This statement can be seen metaphorically meaning that this is a good time to set new ideas in motion. Your willingness to take calculated risks is implied. Also, you must change as well as make changes. This implies letting go of old ways of doing things. Persevere with new ideas, plans and directions.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Consolidating your base now implies that you establish reliable communications and contacts. Choosing the right people is ever important. Good sense decision making implies practical determination. Where bigger investments and decisions are needed, be sure to try before you buy. Delays and restrictions of one kind or another are quite likely these days. Exercise patient determination and commit to expanding your influence and power by way of steady effort. Entertain new ways of doing familiar things or make alterations in your approach. Above all, get clear about your direction both for your sake and that of others.