Tip of the Week:
The Sun is in fiery and passionate Leo. The long hot days are in perfect alignment. Of course, the hours of daylight are actually decreasing. Western Astrology is closely aligned to the actual seasons and weather patterns in alignment with the 12 signs of the Zodiac. Too many people ‘believe or do not believe’ in Astrology. Astrology is simply a language of seasons based upon the division of a circle which represents an annual cycle of the Earth orbiting the Sun, but which appears to be the other way around as though the Sun circles the Earth. Belief of this is not required. The effect is even closer to reality when we consider that the Earth in rotation on its axis is the cause of the rising and setting Sun, which means that, in fact the Sun does not rise and set; or does it? These most basic optical illusions led the greatest of minds throughout ‘his’tory to create maps of the heavens based on a geo or earth centered perspective. This optical illusion not only tricked most people for millennia, it actually is true from the perspective of the right brain. Our left brain ‘knows’ that Earth orbits the Sun yet the right brain ‘experiences’ the situation more subjectively, as though the Sun orbits the Earth. In other words, both are true, from their own perspective. When our mind can accept both we can be said to be operating from both hemispheres and, therefore, our whole brain. The tilt of perception popularized in the west, and now a global interpretation, is actually out of balance or half brained, or at least by a higher proportional margin. Thus, society recognizes objective logic, reason and facts more than subjective feelings, intuitions and experiences. Are they actually better or are we simply out of balance in our perspective, interpretations and actions? Is it any wonder why we can rationalize the destruction of nature for the sake of progress and so-called success?
It is also interesting to note that the entire system of Astrology is oriented to the northern hemisphere and the Tropic of Cancer, which is the half way point between the equator and the North Pole. Some feel that this leaves out the seasonal realties of the southern hemisphere. Interestingly, it does not seem to matter that people born in the Southern hemisphere experience a different seasonal round. A person born with the Sun in Leo, for example, will exhibit all the characteristics of Leo and their Astrology chart can be accurately interpreted according to their Leo Sun Sign even if they were born in the southern hemisphere and are now experiencing winter. This apparent contradiction led me to ask why this is so. Part of the answer is based on looking at our planet as a whole unit rather than divided into hemispheres, the North Pole is always north of the equator and the South Pole is always south. Despite the mirror image of the seasons between the northern and southern hemispheres, the whole mind perspective of the planet is of greater importance in the interpretation from the standpoint of Astrology. Not surprisingly, Astrology requires whole brain functioning – a balance of intuition and reason for a fuller appreciation of its art and science. Whole brain thinking recognizes both, or uses the word ‘and’ versus ‘or’ when interpreting reality.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Home and family amidst the shine of a full blossom Moon is reason to give thanks. Yet you also feel the urge to get things done. Manage your time efficiently to balance work with play, especially with those you love most. Make home your top priority. Mercury in Cancer implies that your thought patterns are strongly influenced by the Moon these days. This will lend to a more subjective perspective with quickly changing moods. You will tend to see things more as you would like than as they are. Venus in Leo will bring out the lover in you. Generally, take your time to enter into long term commitments, yet embrace the moment.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
Desires for play, fun and romance are growing stronger by the day. This play hard / work hard cycle will remain for about another month. Creative projects could provide a fulfilling and productive balance. Keep your optimism high by findings reason and opportunity to laugh a lot. The hot honey sun is at least reason to smile. The key to overcoming the heat is to be O.K. with it. Air conditioning, cool drinks and dips at your favourite water spot will help. Go with the one(s) you love and you will have all your bases covered. In between all these priorities focus on creative projects, whistling while you work.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)
For all your practicality you are an artist at heart. This is a good time to tap your creative reserves more fully. What new angles and techniques might prove inspiring and useful? Your focus will become more concentrated this week – a good time to innovate and invent. Is your workshop or studio clean and clear? You are being summoned to some form of apprenticeship. To romance the stone, activate your right brain with visualization, pictures, music and song. Once your heart is anchored what might have seemed like hard work will become joy. With a good attitude and a patient approach and follow through you will achieve mastery.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)
Who are you; are you happy with the quality of your relationships? The answer for each will support the other. The writing is on the wall and whatever it reads you authored it. The quality of what you see is a reflection of the quality of your input. It’s the same for everyone. To change the projection, adjust the projector. This is one of the greatest realizations of modern psychology. Of course the wise ones have always known this. Now everyone has easy access to this basic awareness that is the foundation of self-control for the sake of harmonious co-creation. The balance of right and left brain is the key to the balance between heart and mind. The result is happiness.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)
Taking inventory of your creative power potential will gain your attention this week. This may include how much money you have, how much you want and what you feel you are worth. You may feel you lack key skills and/or education. Vote for your potential and get more training and knowledge. Like the seasons, there is a time to seed and germinate then sprout and grow and eventually bloom, just like the flowers. What do you have, love and want to keep and what do you no longer want? This will help you clear the old to make way for the new. Good investments now may well include education, knowledge and skills to refine your talents.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)
Your focus will sharpen this week. Research and depth of insight will characterize your mental activity. You are in the mood to entertain new possibilities. You want to achieve much now and will show discipline to realize your goals. Above all, patiently strengthen your overall foundation. This includes creative initiative and leadership. The time has come to take some major new strides. Be willing to see your blind spots. Bear witness to yourself and be open to suggestions from others. Your ability to be honest and reach out for feedback will help you to advance more quickly. Begin by loving yourself no matter what you see or you feel needs improving. This way resistance and defence will yield and you will advance.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)
In order to make your dreams a reality you have to dream. Whether in sleep or active daydreaming, now is the time to design a more solid plan. Working behind the scenes will feel right. Be open to the inspirations other may bring but take plenty of time to envision your outcome along with all the steps you will take. It is said that by knowing your outcome and then working backward in your mind to your starting point and then taking focused action and exercising flexibility along the way ever with your outcome in mind, you will prevail. Now is the time to step back, to dream and envision, meditate, contemplate and plan.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Quality time spent with friends, special interest groups and loved ones is the call now. Yet, you may also want to do something fun and break free from routine. It can be healthy to play the fool on occasion as it reminds the serious and self-important ego to relax. Nothing personal! We all have an ego, but unfortunately, many people think they are their ego. The basic phrase goes like this: I am a soul and I have a body and mind which can interact with the world by way of my ego-personality. This realization brings liberation from reactive ego fears that enter a vicious cycle of feeling insecure. This awareness is a key to the inner work you are now meant to do. Rise above inherited beliefs and perceptions to see things as they are. You will know it is working because you will feel happier.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Creative integrity brings its own rewards. Opportunities to shine, to be heard and counted are now yours to enjoy. Whose attention do you want most? Reserve some of your focus for your own self-acknowledgment. Healthy self-regard is the key to getting the same back in return. If you choose to like yourself and let it be O.K. with whatever limitations you are experiencing, you will slip out of them. Hopefully, you will also step forward to be seen and heard. Accept that rejection may occur, you will know something and be able to decide what to do next rather than waiting and wondering what would happen if…? Get assertive or simply ask for what you want.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Aim your arrows so as to pierce to the heart of the matter. The time has come to take some creative initiatives. Leadership facilitating collective goals will win popularity. Your most important task now is to activate a greater vision that includes art, culture and recreation. Doing something constructive with friends is one way. Whatever you do, be open to training others and to being trained. The time has come to break the silence. Let others know what you think and feel and especially share your visions and inspirations. Above all magnificent ideas, motives and understandings, just do it!

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Creative consolidation of your assets and investments is now in focus. This may include organizing things so there is no waste. Cleaning files, closets and clutter will help. Get your papers in order and make sure that your headquarters is clear so the flow is clean, pure and profitable. It may be that there are a variety of fronts to consider. Meanwhile, looking for where to invest your time, energy and money best is on your mind. The key to your greater success and fortune is to be open to new perspectives and approaches. What do you feel you truly want and need? Sometimes we live according to old beliefs or priorities that we have not considered deeply enough. Take time to search and research for your best options.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)
Love relationships will take center stage this week. Along with a strong appreciation of beauty now, you notice the details and like the variety. Exclaim your love and exchange compliments. Why be silent when you can share how you feel with others? Deepen bonds and get closer. There is magic and power in well spoken words; they can cast a spell. If you are sincere then you both will truly win. Considering more complicated issues with people, how can you say what you feel so that they engage to share how they feel? In any case, cultivate your communications. Knowing well who you are and what you want will enable you to take the lead to create win/win deals.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)
Nurturing a more creative and wholesome lifestyle is on your mind now. Maybe you are ready to start an exercise regime. Perhaps a better diet is in order. Others are supportive if not outright pushy for you to show some character and commit to creating a healthier daily rhythm. Keep it simple, some foods we like don’t actually like us back. Being aware of this implies self love and respect. The healthy glow and trim physique will attract new levels of love and respect from others. The Sun in Leo is an excellent time for you to bring your overall state of health to a higher level.