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]]> http://www.colettebaronreid.com/blog/astrology101/virgo-aug-23-22-analyst/feed/ 1 http://www.colettebaronreid.com/blog/new-thought/intuition-101-making-mercury-retrograde/ http://www.colettebaronreid.com/blog/new-thought/intuition-101-making-mercury-retrograde/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:49:29 +0000 Colette Baron-Reid http://www.colettebaronreid.com/blog/?p=2779 It’s that time again… Mercury Retrograde! If you just got frazzled at the mention of this planetary cycle, take a deep breath. Today I’m going to share my insight into the Retrograde and help you make the most of the next three weeks.

From August 20 through September 12, Mercury is retrograde at Virgo, the sign of fine-tuning. Mercury Retrograde happens three to four times per year, when the planet Mercury slows down and appears to stop and move backward. It’s an optical illusion, since there is forward movement, like speeding by a slow-moving train—as it recedes, it appears to go backward. The purpose of Mercury Retrograde is to review and revise our life and our connection with reality. In many ways, this time helps us prepare for the future by propelling us to re-align and re-evaluate our plans and ideas. Since Mercury rules communication, things most often go haywire in that area—computers go on the fritz, miscommunications abound, and the internet goes down. For example, right before my radio show yesterday, the internet went out in my house! Of course, we worked through it and the show went on, but frustrating things like this are common during the Retrograde. Communication impacts almost all areas of our lives, whether business, relationships, or health. So Mercury Retrograde can be a powerful and frustrating time.

Generally, retrograde planets present us with a series of events over which we seem to have little or no control, relating to the sign in which the retrograde occurs. For example, this Mercury Retrograde in Virgo presents different conditions from a Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn, which will happen in December. Virgo is an earth sign and often considered detail oriented, methodical, analytical, quiet, perfectionistic/critical, and work focused. So this retrograde is likely to bring up details in all areas—for example, past problems you need to reevaluate and let go of, business errors that need to be corrected, or details that need to be taken care of for the future. It’s a great time to tie up loose ends, go over things again and again, and read the fine print. It’s also important to be clear in your communication and not take any thing that’s said to you to heart. Minor frustrations may add up, especially in the work place. Delays are also common during any Mercury Retrograde—so give yourself extra time.

Ultimately, the next three weeks are time to focus on words that start with “Re”: review the details (even the small ones), reassess what’s happening in your life, relate to others in a clear manner, rest and relax (even in the midst of a frustration), and rejoice in the good fortune in your life now.

Exercise:

Review the details of your life! Take some time to journal today about everything that’s happening in your life now. What do you need to let go of? What things have you been putting off? What are you most thankful for? I also recommend doing some of the journal exercises in my book, Remembering the Future.

Create a new calming ritual for this retrograde. Perhaps you’ll commit to sitting quietly by a tree each morning or eating breakfast in bed. Or, you might decide to take a bath or go for a walk each night. Just choose something to commit to doing for the next three weeks that will help you stay grounded and at peace. If you’re “too busy” slow down, breathe. Make order in your home as a ritual exercise, breathing slowly repeating the affirmation “ all is well, all is well.” You’ll be amazed at how great you’ll feel.

And, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Mercury Retrograde. Please share them with us!

In service and love,

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Uranus is about breakthroughs. In a house, you’d be breaking down the wall between the reception room and kitchen to make a new space – and that would lead to a new way of life. With the accompanying dust and disruption. And the discovery of new, and better, ways of doing things.

So when Uranus’ move into a new sign means things get a bit chaotic in the world, in the lives of others and in your own life, recognise these events not as an annoying disruption but as leading to something that, quite simply, you have never before experienced.

Every sign responds to a cycle of this nature, and the accompanying events, differently. Some welcome them instinctively, others worry, yet others regard them as a nuisance. The reaction can range from excitement to anger at that old and reassuring elements of life are being swept away. There notes for each sign below.

Bear in mind also that with the planet of growth and opportunity, Jupiter, joining Uranus on Sunday the 6^th, some of what’s on its way out now could be replaced by yet more unexpected developments – but this time in the form of amazing new ideas or offers. And with these two planets in close proximity for three months, there’ll be lots to choose from, and plenty of time to explore these.

While this won’t be the calmest or easiest period of your life, when you look back on it you’ll recognise it has having been the turning point you were waiting for – the moment when you left restrictive elements of the past behind and embraced a future that, when those events first arose – you wouldn’t have believed possible.

Aries: With both Uranus and Jupiter in your sign, events may be disruptive. But you’ve the courage to deal with them, and also rather enjoy the challenge.

Taurus: Initially, you mistake developments as problems to be resolved. Once you realise they’re about breakthroughs, you’re far more relaxed and optimistic.

Gemini: You thrive on anything new and exciting, so you’re intrigued at first. Then, until you recognise how things will come together, could get a bit grumpy about changes in your own life.

Cancer: The challenge is recognising that you’re stepping into the future. Efforts to stick with the familiar and reassuring only hamper progress. The solution: take chances.

Leo: You’re both impatient and loathe change. So your initial reaction to being “forced” to alter elements of your life is unlikely to be positive. Looking back, you’ll wonder why you caused such a fuss.

Virgo: Try to analyse what’s coming and you’ll only exhaust yourself. Regard this as a voyage of discovery and you’ll enjoy what each day’s events bring your way.

Libra: Being an air sign you’ll try to anticipate the impact of events on your own life and on others. Which only confuses things. The answer is to go with the flow.

Scorpio: You must, quite simply, let go. Instead, trust your instincts and you’ll recognise even seriously unsettling shake-ups as the end of the old and beginning of something new and better.

Sagittarius: In many ways this is what you’ve been waiting for, although developments may be more far-reaching than you’d anticipated.

Capricorn: Recognise that events could mean acquiring new skills or broadening your horizons and you’ll exchange anxieties about the unknown for the joy of learning.

Aquarius: You’d prefer to observe the impact of events in others’ lives, then decide which you’ll embrace. But it doesn’t work that way. Certain developments will arrive, custom- designed for you.

Pisces: When you’re in your adaptable mode, you’ll simply know why some things must end while other rather disruptive events are vital. Allow yourself to get caught up in others’ dramas, however, and you’ll lose that clarity.

The first time I saw anybody meditating, I was in my late teens. It was at the Vedanta Society Temple in Hollywood, a lovely if tiny refuge from the excesses of that city located, bizarrely, by the Hollywood Freeway, on which eight lanes of cars zipped by, day and night. Yet inside there was a profound stillness. There resident monks would meditate before evening talks or Sunday morning lectures. Although I had no concept what they were doing, I tried to emulate that stillness – outer and inner.

Since then, I’ve not only become somebody who meditates regularly, I often recommend it to friends and private clients. While there is no zodiac sign that could be said to favour meditation, the individual chart reveals an inclination for it. Doing meditation is by no means a requirement for an astrologer. For this one, however, it’s both a need, especially when life is trying or deadlines are pressing, and it is a source of increasing pleasure.

Yet frequently, the mere mention of meditation triggers a response that’s the reverse of the calm centredness it’s meant to engender. The most frequent remark is a concerned, “I couldn’t empty my mind.” Which makes me think that while the practice is rewarding in countless ways, meditation itself has a bit of an image problem. It’s seen as worthwhile – but beyond the reach of ordinary mortals, particularly those with untamed thoughts.

While it’s true that over time meditation begins to quiet the inner chatter that keeps so many awake at night and feeling jangled during the day, that isn’t its purpose. It’s about aligning with the Ultimate Stillness and, with that, discovering a strong, resilient core that remains solid whatever challenges life doles out. And the great news is, there are all kinds of ways to do it – all kinds of meditation.

Put simply, meditation is defined as a state of relaxed attention. This occurs naturally when we’re lost in a particular activity, from gardening to playing music or even when cooking. These aren’t about emptying the mind. It’s about calming it. Effortless focus. It’s like the difference between a calm ocean and a stormy one, with furiously lashing waves.

When it comes to doing it, the range of techniques is huge. There’s focusing on the breath, concentrating on an object, a candle perhaps, or a sacred image, or perhaps chanting, silently or aloud. Most religions have some variety of beads, so prayers can be repeated without actually counting them, thus creating a meditative state. And there are lots of teachers offering techniques, some religious, some distinctly not.

In every case, the objective is achieving a stillness so powerful that it alters even life’s greatest challenges. The worry and angst are replaced by a still power that reduces the size of those challenges. At first, temporarily. The benefits of meditation are cumulative. The more it’s done, the longer those blissful feelings last, and the easier it is to recall them even when not actually officially meditating. Over the years I’ve learned to access that state in a taxi – and sometimes even when I’m in the midst of urban chaos.

Not only is there no single way to meditate, the way that suits a single individual can change as their life evolves. While some involves sitting, others are done walking. And many religious communities encourage meditation while cooking meals.

Whatever the method or teacher, the benefits are the same. First and foremost, calm. Serenity when actually doing it, and a wonderful after effect, one that lasts longer the more it’s done. There’s stress reduction and lower blood pressure (in fact, according to tests done by TM, Transcendental Meditation, meditators age more slowly than those who don’t). Sleep comes more swiftly and is deeper and more nourishing.

Like so many of life’s greatest joys, from sex to Haagan Dasz Ice Cream, experiencing it is infinitely better than describing it. You don’t need a teacher to try it. Next time you’re driving yourself crazy, instead of worrying more about what you think is the source of your problems, choose to turn your attention to something else. That simple choice is the beginning of altering your state. Anything will do – a flower, the sun, the moon, a cloud. Dwell gently on it and sense the stillness that comes as the mental storm is calmed.
There. You’ve done it. Meditation.

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The confusion is dual. First, is the issue of understanding just what star signs are. Each constitutes a perspective on life, a way of thinking, processing information and reacting to, and experiencing, life. It’s rather like regional or national characteristics. A New Yorker, Londoner and Parisian will each have grown up with a particular life view, and will, therefore, approach events differently.
The knowledge of those traits – and sometimes quirks – enables those doing business with those from different cultures to understand who they’re dealing with and to negotiate intelligently. Even more, this awareness helps relationships – romantic or otherwise – to accommodate the sometimes wide gaps in the perspective of those from diverse backgrounds or environments.
For example, the New Yorker will say exactly what they think, and usually swiftly, while the Londoner – and Brits in general – might mull things over or be less forthcoming. And the French person will debate the matter, if not enjoy a passionate argument about the subject.
Similarly, star signs could be regarded as groups – what the psychologist Carl Jung called archetypes – with distinctive characteristics and views. Many of us employ this way of typing the people we know and meet, but instead describe somebody we meet – and, therefore, assess  – as being “like” somebody from the past or, perhaps, like a character from a novel, movie or TV show.
However, within each group, each individual is absolutely unique.

This is where the second, and rarely considered, element comes in. It’s the paradox between free will and destiny. In an era in which individual initiative is encouraged, we’re challenged to be the best we can. Yet we rarely pause to think about the context from which our skills – or beliefs about what actually constitute doing one’s best, or about our innate capacities – have emerged. Of course, most of these elements can be altered. An individual from an otherwise un-ambitious or anti-intellectual family can decide to become a high achiever or earn a dozen academic degrees.

Yet there are traits we can’t change. For example, only those born with certain body types can successfully pursue gymnastics or classical ballet. While everybody can warble a tune, the capacity to become an opera singer, to fill an auditorium with their un-amplified voice, is innate. Height, body type, and such abilities aren’t negotiable.

Star signs are like that. Each sign has a distinctive fundamental nature, a unique world view, strengths and issues that constitute a starting point for the development of every individual born under that sign. And each sign has its own particular journey, what might be termed an arc of growth. [see list below] However, it is up to the individual how much effort they want to make.
Most of those who grow up speaking English retain it as their sole language, thus limiting their horizons to the information available to the English-speaking world. However, while many may study languages, some will become expert, and only a few will move to a country which requires that they learn an entirely new tongue and, to an extent, adopt a new perspective.

Similarly, the birth sign and its traits are only a starting point. Some feel no need to explore or expand on their self-knowledge and so extend their understanding beyond those beginnings. Others go through a period of questioning, redefine themselves, then settle happily with the new, self-created, identity – one that constitutes their own version of the archetype of their star sign, then settle down. For a few, that process of growth becomes a life-long passion. A lifelong process of discovery. And it is they who will, as they end their days, be least like the astrology book definition of their star sign. They will, instead, have become very much their own person.

As with so much of astrology today, while there’s the option to skim the surface, to give a nod to the characteristics assigned to one’s star sign, it can also be the beginning of a journey of self-exploration that leads to increasing self-awareness and, as a result, an ever increasing degree of personal power.

Quick Guide to Each Sign’s Journey :

Aries Becoming uniquely oneself
Taurus Finding self-worth within, not in possessions
Gemini Honing a uniquely personal view
Cancer Learning how to truly nurture oneself
Leo Determining a uniquely personal self-expression
Virgo Turning obligations into creative expression
Libra Finding individuality in relationship
Scorpio Uncovering the inner truth
Sagittarius Finding a meaningful goal
Capricorn Discovering and achieving one’s own objective
Aquarius Being unique amongst a group
Pisces Seeking a personal ideal

For questions about the dates each star sign begins, please see my blog, “Birth Sign Crisis.”
Shelley von Strunckel Copyright 2010

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Screaming and shouting at midnight, setting our new prayers in motion, we dream up our

promises and resolutions too often to be forgotten by the morning.

It is as if the New Year arrives and then we unconsciously make a promise to forget what we said just the night before.

By nature we are forgetful creatures.

Humans have a funny quality that is self defeating and unpredictable. The planets on the other hand are consistent and stable. The earth, the moon and all the other bodies revolving around our sun never ever forget their direction – or their promises. We count on the movement of the galaxy for our time keepers and destiny lines.

The northern star will always guide us to north. The sun comes up every single day – far

more consistently than any other human measuring device known to man. The planets are as

consistent and reliable as the sun is itself. And the planets work in rhythms that are

detectable to any good astrologer.

Every king, general, ancient governing body used astrologers to determine the grander cycles.

Let’s see what’s in store for 2010.

Here’s the heads up:

Capricorns, Libras, Aries and Cancers can be sure that change is arriving at your house – especially those born within the first week of the sign.

Capricorns (Dec 22-26th), Libras (Sept 22-Oct 8th) and Aries (March 22-April 1) and Cancers (June 24-July1).

Virgos are finally feeling a bit of relief from the pressure of the last two years and it’s not been easy.

Pisces are just around the corner from the magic you’ve been waiting for.

Yes, I know. To a Pisces…it’s always magic – but this year has a special tone

to it. It’s called fulfillment – you’ll see.

For you guys that I just mentioned, this New Year’s really is a time when you

can write down your resolutions, and make them tough, because you can trust your ability to follow through.

Saturn is on your tail.

Saturn is the old man of the zodiac. He will hold you accountable for what you say, and then support you towards real change.

The other signs I didn’t mention just keep trekking, movement is what the planets demands even if it’s slow.

If we go beyond the personal and look at what is amazing about 2010 for all of us what we

see that for the first time in 233 years – since the American Revolution of 1776 – Saturn is in Libra and Pluto is in Capricorn.

Over the next two years they will effect each other?

We could go so far as to say it s the stirrings of a revolution of sorts. A large change is on the edge of 2010.

That’s no surprise, right?

I don’t think we will see the full uproar until 2011 but certainly beginning with last year, the winds of change are blowing.

Who hasn’t felt them?

Let’s bring it back to the personal.

Saturn has a way of determining our destiny lines for each of us individually and it’s strong.  It works both ways inside us as individuals and in the collective reflection.

Here is a Saturn indicator that works every time.

No matter what sign you are just look at your life when you turned 29, figure out the

date,add 30 to your year of birth and then subtract one. This is the time that Saturn

made his grand appearance. With just a moment of reflection you will remember a time

when change was calling your name and you really couldn’t do anything else.

Change demanded your attention.

Think about it.

It is so interesting to me as a therapist and astrologer to see that there are times in

our lives when we are forced into movement.

It is not a choice.

“It’s all in the stars”, said the astrologer.

The last time this happened for the collective in that time during 1776-1778 when Saturn and Pluto bumped.

It wasn’t an easy time for the world.

Pluto in Capricorn means that Pluto- (transformation) – occurred within the structures (government/Capricorn), allowing a doorway to open in the collective psyche that began a radical new country: America.

Now there was a strong fated change as described by Pluto and Saturn. Easily discernible in hindsight. What will we say about 2010 in 233 years and the changes that were upon us.

What kind of forces led up to such a collective shift? What does it takes for an entire

society (England) to abandon old patterns and start a new way (America), or for a person to quit a habit that has been around for too long?

It requires time and a power source from larger cosmic influences and seasons.

Think about change and you will discover why it is that we say we want to do this and

that in the New Year and then do not follow through.

Change is hard and based on a timing that is often outside of our control. This sounds

fatalistic but it is not.

There are those that have the power to create their own reality, and they are the movers and the shakers in our world– but they are the exceptions. For most of us, we move with the tides and don’t even realize the influence the stars have on us either personally or collectively.

Few of us speak astrology or know much of what is to come. We humans seek comfort.

Is it OK to say that out loud?

For many of us, we are in a time in our life when change with a capital C is not readily available. We live within our comfort level and security issues.

This is the norm.

We are designed to maintain  order and safety at all costs.

We talk about change but we are often seeking equilibrium and the familiar.

So, if you are one of those people who – in your head – cannot stop complaining about your life, if you are in a cycle where you are gaining weight, losing money, disturbed by repetitious behavior or even addiction… maybe this is your fate.

You seek change but will not get there for a while yet.

Before the momentum arrives it can feel like forever. For most we wait for Saturn or an outer influence – love, a good therapist, friend, book – to inspire us to change, lose weight, work out, write or open our hearts.

That’s OK.

Everything moves in cycles and rhythms.

Wisdom is realizing that it is natural to want change, talk about it, dream about it, talk some more and then resist before the revolution is timely and ready.

Go ahead make your New Years Resolution. But don’t be mad at yourself if, in the morning, you forget.

We are human and unpredictable. We, like nature, change when life says ‘yes’. The trees cannot randomly lose their leaves (their weight) until the season arrives and then, like magic,

they change.

Effortless transformation: America began at the astrological moment it was meant to.

This is true of us too.

We are vulnerable creatures, yet we think we are in control.

What a joke.

You know how to make God laugh, tell her your plans.

We are at the mercy of the God Factor, the Planets and the seasons. Sure we are a team- we work together. The cycles and the human choice factor–but you are not a single act; you have to be in relationship with the all.

This is the theme of 2010.

Saturn is in Libra: this is a time of relationship with all our relations.

When the stars are in your favor, change is easy. When you have a support team to help

you carry the weight of your dreams – your friends, your counselor, your mate – you will make it to the end.

This year reach out and know that your fate is waiting for you.

It has nothing to do with the New Year – it is all about the hard facts. Change happens when it is ready. We all need friends and asking for help is the single easiest way to get to where you are going.

How are you at relationships and asking for help?

How are you at giving it?

Hope to hear from you in 2010. I love to help.

Listen to the astrologer: the planets are like clockwork. When it’s time, they will march right through your house with or without your consent and invite you to the party of change…even when it’s not New Year’s Eve.

This is a reason to check in with an astrologer, a good therapist or a good friend to see what can you do to facilitate change and to understand the invisible factor of time.

The more awake we are, thinking like this,  the more likely life and the revolution will find a graceful transition.

Change is on it s way to us with or without our consent.

So keep reading about this material so you are awake and on the team.

To the Midpoint and Beyond…

So here we all are, on the eve of an annual life reevaluation with one year/decade ending and another beginning, AND on the eve of a MR in Capricorn.

To use this time wisely I would counsel a reorganization and reassessment of your priorities within the context of the Capricorn archetypal themes.

Ultimately this retrograde brings a deep surrender and review of our authentic ambition and responsibilities.

We are asked by Mercury to receive a new message from our soul regarding what motivates our goals in life. This will pave the way for a new cycle to emerge in which we find ourselves practically surviving in the New Year, but also more connected to our highest potential and true purpose on this planet.

The abdication of our will/ego to the soul can be quite a struggle as the retrograde cycle commences, and this struggle usually lasts for the first 11 days of the cycle. Usually by the 12th day we are so frustrated and embattled that we give up and the conscious ego is forced to release its hold over our unconscious.

This coincides with what is called the ‘mid-point of the retrograde cycle’ (when the Sun joins Mercury in the sky which this time occurs on January 4th.) Up until January 4th let the horizon of your consciousness expand as you get out of your own way.

I sense that many of us will need to reconsider where we are headed and how to achieve our soul’s goals.

We are going through a scary time in many regards. Many are still losing jobs and the economic transition is itself at a mid-point. This MR offers an ideal opportunity to be in consultation with your soul as to how you’re meant to deliver your unique service to this changing world through an altruistic entrepreneurial approach.

Though it’s time to practically rethink your life, don’t forget that you absolutely have a reason for being here.

And that reason is connected to how you can uniquely answer the call to serve others.

Though new beginnings may come into view during and post the Mercury Retrograde Mid-point on January 4th, the traditional approach to Mercury Retrograde of refraining from signing new contracts, making new major purchases, making new important decisions, and initiating new endeavors remains intact.

This is because the friction in the psyche is still fresh and will birth even more new information and ideas until the cycle completes.

As the second half of the retrograde progresses post January 4th, new ideas will become more and more informed. The last ten days of the retrograde cycle thus become a time to be passively receptive to the new, and ensuring you’ve let go of the old.

This will allow more time for holistic agendas to emerge as well as better strategies for their enactment. Though you can get your strategy on and entrepreneur engaged once Mercury begins its next cycle of going direct on January 15th, 2010 — be mindful that we’ll still be in a Mars Retrograde in Leo which begins on December 20th and lasts until March 10th.

I hope that this guide is helpful to you as you enter into the New Year.

Please have a Happy and blessed Holiday.

Don’t forget I host a free radio show at www.hayhouseradio.com every Thursday at 9am PST/12pm EST and have put together some great show topics for January, stay tuned!

Namaste,

Robert Ohotto - Intuitive Life Strategist