GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast 21- 28 June 2020 – Thanks for Reading!

Glad Summer Tidings!

Blessed be my little witch. To those who came before and those who will come after, know that the Goddess is with you always. Thank you all my dear readers…be blessed. ~GrannyMoon

Remember dear humans, fresh air, sunshine, and communing with nature is the best medicine. It is good for our immune system. It also lifts the spirits and it breaks up the monotony of “social distancing!” How are you doing?

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The NEW MOON always rises at sunrise
And the FIRST QUARTER at noon.
The FULL MOON always rises at sunset
And the LAST QUARTER at midnight.
~The New Orleans Mistic

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Dark Moon – Time to Rest
New Moon – Time to Begin New Projects; Birth; Attraction
Waxing Moon – Time to Grow; Increase
Full Moon – Time to be Fulfilled; Abundance
Waning Moon – Time to Banish; Decrease
Last Sliver of Moon – Time to Die; Letting Go
Dark Moon – Time to Rest Again
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Light A Candle Today! In many different traditions lighting a candle is a sacred action. It expresses more than words can express. It has to do with gratefulness. From time immemorial, people have lit candles in sacred places. You may want to begin or end your day by the sacred ritual of lighting a candle on this gratefulness. Or you may want to light a birthday candle for a friend. One single guideline is all you need: Slow down and do it with full attention.

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What’s Happening in June?

Birthday Flower for June: Honeysuckle
June is National Dairy Month, National Candy Month.

June 21: Father’s Day
June 22: National Onion Rings Day. Yes, onions are an herb, too—and good for you, (although not necessarily when they’re deep-fried).
June 23: St. John’s Eve, a time to celebrate Midsummer
June 24: St. John’s Day

June Weather Lore
A good leak in June, sets all in tune.
24th  – Rain on St. John’s Day, and we may expect a wet harvest.

Dates of this calendar were devised by Robert Graves, 1895 – 1985
Goddess Month of Rosea begins 6/13 – 7/10
Celtic Tree Calendar Month of Duir (Oak) June 10 to July 7

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The Moon Phase: Waxing Moon

Time: From New Moon To Full (Approx. 14 Days)

Goddess Aspect: Maiden

Associated Goddesses: Artemis, Branwen, Eriu, Nymph, Epona

Magickal Attributes: Invoking Beginnings, New Projects, Ideas, Inspiration, Energy, Vitality, Freedom. Workings On This Day Are For “Constructive” Magick (Love, Wealth, Success, Courage, Friendship, Luck Or Health.)

Perform magic on waxing moons to attract a new quality or behavior, to increase the light within, to attain personal and spiritual growth, and greater awareness. The quarter moon suggests a period of overcoming obstacles and continuing on the path to growth.

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BIDDY TAROT CARD OF THE WEEK
Biddy Tarot <brigit@biddytarot.com>

The card drawn for this week is The Tower.

When the Tower shows up, expect the unexpected. Change is here, but trust me it’s for your Highest Good. This can be a confusing and disorienting time when your belief systems are challenged. Allow yourself to surrender to the process.

Change on this deep level isn’t always easy, but you need to trust that life is happening for you and not to you. The changes the Tower brings will allow new growth to emerge so your soul can evolve.

Ask the Tarot: What is the blessing in disguise?)0(

CoventryCreations.com
June 22, 2020 – June 28, 2020  – The last week of June will be a welcomed relief after 3 weeks of extremely difficult energy.

The beginning of the week features the Moon spending its last day in Cancer before moving into fiery Leo. This is a great time to do something nice for yourself. Doing something nice for others will give you the same feeling. A true win win.

On Thursday, Venus goes direct in Gemini. Perfect timing for mending some fences relationship-wise. Since Mercury is still retrograde, think before you speak. Remember your intuition is stronger than your logic. Feel your way back to a place of love.

On Saturday, Mars shifts into fiery Aries, the sign he rules. There is potential for getting a lot done as your inner weekend warrior wakes up and is looking to burn some energy. Know your limits, my friends.

Great Coventry candles to keep the week amazing are Hoo Doo Adam and Eve, Affirmation Goddess, Wicked Witch Red Stilettos, and Blessed Herbal Energy.

Here’s what you missed on CoventryCreations.com this week…

New Moon in Cancer June 21, 2020

We have a powerful solar eclipse in the sign of Cancer and a New Moon in Cancer and it’s Father’s day! Ordinarily, the New Moon is a great time to begin new things, but, during a solar eclipse, it is not recommended. However, it is a good time to connect with spirit and meditate because this sign helps us deepen our sensitivity to the other side.

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Rubys Astro Readings
https://rubysreadings.com/
“New Moon Setting Intentions Guide”

There’s a New Moon occurring soon, which makes this the best time of the Lunar Month to set some powerful intentions. These Wish Lists Intentions can be about your future goals. Learning how to work with the cycles of the Moon can be a life-changing experience.

*Setting Intentions*
During a New Moon cycle, we should be asking the Universe for new beginnings, by planting seeds of intention from our heart and getting in touch with our higher-self. It’s a good time to be grateful for what we have, so we can work on manifesting what energy we want to come into our lives next. We can create whatever it is we desire, such as a better life, more money, happiness, or even love! It really doesn’t matter, but we have to take an action, both, physically and spiritually, together, to make it really happen and stick! And no, not everything you want is going to just magically appear. But you will more than likely get put on the path towards your wishes, even if you don’t realize it and that sometimes takes time, so be patient. But it’s nice to know at least we are headed in the right direction.

Also, just sometimes when you Set Intentions with the New Moon energy amazing things happen and you get what you want very quickly!

At least by “Setting Intentions” with the energy of the New Moon, you’ve made it clear to the Universe what path you’d like to begin heading down and that’s a start. Then the energies will begin to line up to get you there, and if you continue to stay persistent and connected, and keep doing this work it truly can change your life circumstances for the better. I am like those old commercials, I don’t just talk about it, I have lived it! LOL! And this work, just works! It’s that simple.

The intentions that are set during a New Moon will set you on the right path towards your desires. The New Moon is a magical time of New Beginnings when you can recharge your goals with new energy. During the New Moon, we often experience some sort of major “energy shift.”

Here are some ideas on just how to Manifest under a New Moon:

1. Get clear about something you want and write it down.

2. Share your Intentions with someone in a supportive way, who will be encouraging.

3. Do something to demonstrate your commitment to your intention. For example, taking even a small action around what it is your asking to create! Send an email, move something in your house, or make a phone call perhaps.

4. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would, and then take the next step.

So have a conversation with the Universe (meaning your higher power, God, Source Energy, higher-self, Guides, Angels, etc), and work with the New Moons energy to help illuminate the path that will lead you toward your deepest desires. Simply ask to be led to what you’re choosing to manifest. Remember to be patient and simply allow the time needed, things don’t always happen right away, as we can get taken down certain paths to find our way to what it is we’re looking for. And sometimes magic just happens, you just never know!
What if you don’t know how to “Set Intentions” under the New Moon?

Follow the Steps below to learn how:

Step One: Clear Your Sacred Space

Clear the energy of the area or room you’re using to do any New Moon work. Think about where you are going to do this work because we create an energy vortex wherever we sit or sleep. This is mainly why you feel so good in your favorite chair, because it’s comfortable and feels safe and secure, but also because you have created an energy vortex in that spot or space.

You are simply calling in some positive energy to work with. Burn some Sage or Incense and clear the energies! Maybe say a blessing or a special prayer that helps you feel cleared and protected. Next, close your eyes and breathe deeply and call upon your Guides, Angels, or higher power and ask to have your sacred space cleared, and then to fill up the special space you are working in with the energy of light, love, and protection. Never leave energy empty, always fill it with something once you’ve cleared it. Never leave a VOID when working with energy.

Step Two: Set the atmosphere

Set the mood for your New Moon Ritual and burn some special incense, light some candles (colors of candles do have different energies and meanings), and play some music that helps you feel spirituality connected. This can be a very different experience for everyone, just make sure to use whatever colors, music, and tools that make you feel calm, centered, and peaceful.

Step Three: Setting Intentions

You’re going to need a notebook, paper, or a journal and something to write with.

Now write what energy you’d like the Universe to bring in. Simply write your deepest desires, wishes, and questions. Think about what energy you’re trying to manifest or create. Write a letter, like as if you are talking to an old friend. Think about what energy you’re trying to bring into your life, and be detailed about what you want to see happen next in your life, and what energies you’re willing to work with.

As you’re doing this work and setting your Intentions, here are some helpful questions you can think about. For example; ask for what you’re choosing or what changes you would like to see in your life? What are you or should you be calling in? How do you feel about what is happening in your life now? What do you want to change and create?

Think about your long-term goals and future. Be careful about focusing too much on the how, why, and when’s around how you will get what you want! Instead, focus more on what it is you are choosing and how you want to FEEL. See the end result! Only see the ultimate ending and again what it feels like when you receive what it is you are choosing! What you see in your mind’s eye, so don’t focus on how you get it, or the hurdles you have to jump, or sacrifices you may have to make. Just allow the Universe to shoulder the burden for you once you have requested what you want and let them take care of the rest. Have some faith in something. Rule # One is always energy follows thought, it will come to you in one way or another, or you’ll be put at least on a path towards your goals.

Step Four: Visualize

It’s time to visualize what you have written. Close your eyes and take some long deep breaths, so in your nose and out your mouth. Repeat this about 4 or 5 times. See the energy of your heart center, that’s in the middle of your chest, not over your pumping heart but your spiritual heart or commonly referred to as the “Heart Chakra.” Visualize yourself in what you are actually trying to create or manifest. For example: see yourself living in that new home, falling in love with that Soul-Mate, or driving that new car. Just don’t think it folks, make sure and FEEL IT, as if you were really experiencing what you’re visualizing!

Allow the Universe to show you which paths to follow over the next month, and look for any signs or symbols that will help you along your journey, so you may bring in what you truly desire and let go of what you don’t want! Don’t forget to show gratitude in some way and tell the Universe or Moon thank you in advance.

You also might gain some clarity around something or someone that is not serving your higher good, and they actually could be blocking you from your desires. So, in other words, pay attention after you’re done doing this work so you can clearly understand what the Universe is trying to show you!

Have a blessed New Moon and good luck. ~Ruby
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Spiritual Insight with Darren Bucare, psychic medium, welcomes listeners to call in, message, or stop into Sticks and Stones in Farifax VA.

Friday, June 26, 2020
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Sticks & Stones
11037 Lee Hwy · Fairfax, VA
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/darrenbucare

Darren Bucare provides listeners with information on spirituality, paganism, and insight – addressing real issues we face in an ever-evolving Metaphysical landscape. 25 years of profound mediumship work in New Orleans and around the country bring a vibrant fresh look to the spiritual questions.

The program is supported by Sticks and Stones Circle located on 11037 Lee Hwy, in Fairfax, Virginia.

Let’s talk. Call in at 646-787-1956 or stop in the store.  Listen online – live shows every Friday at 6pm, and archived shows from the past.

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Llewellyn’s Spell of the Day
To Face Your Shadow Self
June 21, 2020 by Charlie Rainbow Wolf

It’s eclipse day and a great time to deal with your less desirable habits. Everyone has them. They’re nothing to be ashamed of, but you can’t let them rule you. You’ll need a piece of chalk, a piece of black paper, a piece of white paper, and some string.

Using the chalk, write on the black paper one thing you wish to change about yourself, something that you’ve kept hidden but really wish to work on. You can’t fix it if it stays buried. You don’t have to broadcast it, but you do have to name and claim it.

Now put the white paper over what you’ve just written, and rub, transferring the writing. Next, fold the white paper four times, with the writing on the outside of the paper. Tie this closed with the string, and put it on a windowsill to bring light and change into that area of your life.
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All Hail the Sun!
June 20, 2020 by Susan Pesznecker

The summer solstice is the year’s longest day, when we celebrate light and life and steel ourselves for the return of the dark half. In agricultural terms, it also represents the arrival of summer and the growing season.

Rise early in the morning and enjoy a feast of sunny-side-up eggs— powerful little solar symbols. Dress in fiery colors of orange, red, and sungold. Throughout the day, be aware of what is growing around you, and feast abundantly on summer’s first fruits and vegetables. A quiche (round like the sun) is a terrific way to celebrate summer’s gifts. Be outdoors as much as possible.

In the evening, kindle fire, whether a fire pit in your yard or a candle in the living room. Reflect on the sun’s gifts of light and life, intoning:

Thanks for gifts of summer sun,
abundant food and golden light.
Feed our bodies and our souls, and
guide us through the coming night.
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A Self – Blessing
June 19, 2020 by Barbara Ardinger

Maybe today is one of those gloomy days and you don’t feel so good. Or maybe it’s a triumphant day and you want to thank the whole world for the successes of your life.

Put on your favorite piece of jewelry. Cast your circle, alone or with your community, and light candles of your favorite colors. Going deosil (clockwise) around the circle, bless yourselves:

I bless myself
And everything that makes
the circle of my life.
I bless myself
And my past, which has made
me what I am today.
I bless who I am today,
For this is how I am in the world.
Who I am today pulls me out of the
past and thrusts me into the future.

I bless myself
And my uncertainties, my
potentialities, my future,
All that leads me toward
what I can be.
I bless and give thanks for
every day of my life.
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Elemental Tarot
June 18, 2020 by Melissa Tipton

Separate out the suits of your favorite tarot deck to create four piles:

Pentacles—Earth
Swords—Air
Wands—Fire
Cups—Water

Alternately, use whichever elemental associations work best for you.

Before shuffling each pile, close your eyes and ask how best to work with each element in regard to your question/situation, then draw a card. For this reading, think of upright and reversed cards as turning the volume either up (upright) or down (reversed) in regard to a particular energetic expression. For example, if you interpret the Two of Pentacles as balance in earth matters, then upright could suggest a need for more balance, while reversed could indicate the benefit of shaking things up. Weave together the messages of all four cards to get full-spectrum guidance on how best to approach your current situation.

Optional: Draw a major arcana card to explore what life lesson this experience is helping you to learn.
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Just Rest
June 17, 2020 by Cerridwen Iris Shea

We underestimate the power of rest. A short period of relaxation can revitalize us for hours.

Call on Pasithea for this spell. She was one of the Greek Charities and the wife of Hypnos, the god of sleep. Pasithea is a goddess of water, charisma, fate, meditation, and rest/ relaxation.

Go where you will be undisturbed for at least twenty minutes. Turn off the lights. Play soothing music or light a scented candle or incense. Or have silence.

Ask Pasithea for her blessing. Spend twenty minutes in either Legs Up the Wall pose or Savasana (Corpse) pose.

When you are finished, pour out a liquid libation and thank Pasithea.

Do this whenever you need to revitalize. Even better, turn this into a daily ritual.
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I Wish I May
June 16, 2020 by Charlynn Walls

We all have wishes. Wouldn’t it be great if we could bring them to fruition? Well, today is Wish Fulfillment Day! Working for the things that we really want takes some courage, so you can tap into the energy of Tuesday and Mars to help you succeed.

One easy way to make a wish is to find a dandelion that has gone to seed, then think of your wish and blow the seeds into the air to carry the wish into the world. If a dandelion is not readily available, you can always use a bottle of bubbles. The process is the same. Just blow the bubbles into the air as you concentrate on your wish!
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Pan Blessing
June 15, 2020 by Laura Tempest Zakroff

Summer is an ideal time to reconnect with our bodies and the world around us, reminding us of the miracle of being alive on earth. Approached respectfully, the Greek god Pan is an ideal spirit to connect with to aid us.

Take a moment to step out into the world and put your feet into some grass or earth. Breathe deeply and say:

Blessed be, Pan, Lord of the Between!
Hear me, Horned One,
from forest unseen!
Earthly being, all living
things sing of you.
Remind me, great god, to
my own body be true!
Every tree and leaf, every
stem and flower,
As I touch this earth, I feel your power.

Take another deep breath, then place a hand over your heart, close your eyes, and listen to the world around you for a few minutes. Leave a small offering before going on your way if you can.

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Heartwings Love notes 936 The Light We See By

Heartwings says: “Whether rose colored or otherwise, our lenses affect our view.”

With the Black lives matter movement in full swing, many of us may be examining our own potential for prejudice, regardless what it may be about. The need for awareness of how it functions today is obvious. The color of a person’s skin is often an occasion for prejudice, usually when we have grown up around those who make derogatory comments about it. However, prejudice comes in many forms and is aimed at many of us. Over time, we have become more aware of this, and now that awareness is more important than ever.

Prejudice aims at many targets. I remember a comic strip in my youth that featured a white child with a pointed head named Denny Dimwit. As part of the humor he was an object of fun. Today a strip like that would be banned. I also remember there used to be a whole series of jokes about various and sundry ethnic individuals who were portrayed as stupid or in other derogatory ways. Children growing up today may find other targets of prejudice, yet still progress is being made. One thing that may have helped is the integration of all kinds of learners in the classroom.

Young children are not naturally prejudiced. They may like or dislike someone, yet their feelings will normally be based on behavior or previous experience than pre-judgment. There is a line in a song from South Pacific, a popular musical from 1949 and years afterward, with a line that says: “You’ve got to be taught to hate.” If we really wish to make it real forever that black lives matter, we must begin at an early age to make sure children do not grow up prejudiced about skin color.

The difficulty is that what we believe-black people are…, tints what we perceive. It creates expectations that color what we see and hear. Our perceptions are primarily governed by our beliefs and these are based upon what we have been told as young people. This is a form of “knowledge” we may not be aware we employ to make the decisions that govern our behavior. The light with which we perceive others may distort our view. In addition, the shadows cast by the light may loom large and deceive the eye. If we are mindful, we can often stop the automatic prejudice that may spring to mind. It’s all part of learning and growing. Humanity has an opportunity to take a giant leap forward. May it be so.

Blessings and Best Regards, Tasha Halpert

Have you been encountering your prejudices? Tell me about it, and let’s share. I so enjoy hearing from my readers. Thanks for your messages, they are very appreciated.

Please write to me at Tashahal@gmail.com, and check out my web site for more love notes at http://www.heartwingsandfriends.com.

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Top 10 Crystals for Summer
by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
Peacefulmind.com

Summer is my favorite season! Born on the solstice, the Gemini in me is attracted to everything and anything that I find curious, communicative and intriguing. Crystals draw me in and introduce an entire world of mystery and joy. My favorite crystals for summer have several connections. The element associated with summer is fire and the associated color, red. These crystal’s energies are fiery, passionate and spark the kundalini into motion. The other theme, synergistic to these crystals are pink and green stones relating to the heart chakra, the organ most associated with summer, in the Chinese medicine paradigm. Lastly, some of my favorite stones of the sea are sprinkled in to honor my love for the beach and ocean.

Fire Agate

Most often found in North America. Comes in shades of orange, brown, blue, or green. Strong connection to the energies of the earth. Excellent stone to use before meditating. Induces a feeling of relaxation. Helps alleviate problems relating to the stomach and endocrine system. Helps you examine and deal with problems in a calm and safe manner. Helps take the edge off difficult experiences. Recommended for dentists, optometrists, and those in the healing profession.

Aquamarine:

This stone has the calming, soothing energy of the sea. This is the stone of courage. Tranquilizing, uplifting, openness, innocence, lightheartedness, creativity, communication, self-awareness, confidence, purpose. Throat Chakra, Sacral Spleen Chakra, Heart Chakra. Used for protection on journeys, especially those who travel on water. Affects etheric and mental levels. Helps stabilize and harmonize unsettled surroundings. Helps reduce fears. Has an affinity with sensitive and mystical people. Increases creativity and sharpens intuition. Excellent stone for meditation. Helps one attune to nature. Quiets the mind and reduces stress. Helps bring about a tolerance toward others. Recommended as a purifier of the throat and helps sore throats. Clears blocked communication and aids the user in verbal expression. This stone allows us to find our individually and be ourselves. It is helpful to those who wear it, in regards to finding love, promoting fidelity and smoothing out differences between others.

Chrysoprase:

This stone allows greater flexibility, wisdom, generosity, and self-confidence. Heals depression, excess self-focus, emotions/sexual imbalance. Placed on heart, neck, or on brown for meditation. This stone uplifts the Heart Chakra. It soothes the energy of the heart when you are heart heavy. It therefore brings internal peace, harmony and contentment. This stone symbolizes clarity of thought. It soothes the central nervous system and creates calm. It is a stone that leads its user to new and intellectual approaches. When working with Chrysoprase as a healing stone, it must be laid on the body for a long time. Helps one achieve greater personal insight, feel more calm, become less egotistical, and more open to new surroundings and situations. Stimulates creativity and draws out unknown talents. This stone provides balance between the conscious and the unconscious.

Garnet:

This stone symbolizes faith, love, devotion and trust. Garnet is most famous for balancing our emotional states. Therefore, garnet is one of the best stones for soothing emotional stress and balancing out anger that is held in and not expressed. Therefore, garnet is good for those who have anger issues directed to themselves, NOT for those who spew anger like venom or attack others with their anger (think orange or yellow stones for this condition)! Garnet is a stone of passion. It is given as a gift of love’s attraction, a gift of estranged love or a gift of quick return. Red represent love and helps the aspirant to strive for improvement in moral conduct.

Ocean Jasper:

Ocean Jasper is produced from only one mine near Marovato, Madagascar. The deposit, being located at the edge of the ocean, can only be seen and collected at low tide. This remote area has no roads so the material must be transported to civilization by boat. Technically considered “Orbicular Jasper” in reference to its colorful orbs, some have adopted the name “Moon Jewel Jasper.” But “Ocean Jasper” seems most fitting, as it was found right along the shore. Orbicular jasper’s distinctive patterns are made up of round or spherical inclusions of contrasting colors floating in solid jasper. The orbs can range in diameter from a millimeter to a centimeter, and frequently show a particularly dramatic concentric banding. How orbicular jasper forms is still a scientific mystery. This stone helps one to accept responsibilities, develop patience and help with circular breathing during meditation. Orbicular Jasper allows for nutritional stabilization, to improve digestion and assist in detoxification and elimination.

Peridot:

This stone is traditionally used for health, wealth, and protection. Helps understand relationships and other realities. Alleviates depression, anger, fear, jealousy, anxiety. A visionary stone. Helps connect us to our destinies and to an understanding of the purpose of existence. Can help us visualize not only the ultimate peak of physical, but of spiritual continuation as well. However, if you are confused or fearful, Peridot should be used in a limited way. Peridot is a warm and friendly stone. The more green the stone, it is used at the Heart Chakra, to clear a pathway, strengthening the breath of life, and the ideals of prosperity, growth, and openness. The more yellow the stone, it is used on the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Rhodochrosite:

Gentle and yet probably the most vibrant loving stone to heal the Heart Chakra, especially for giving/receiving love. Rhodochrosite is the “Stone of Love and Balance”. Also for loneliness, loss, heartache, fear, insecurities, inner-child issues, abuse and incest. Helps self-forgiveness, deserving and trust issues, spiritual and self-love, desire to live and purpose. Best worn 24 hrs. a day. Most effective for opening the hand healing Chakra. It is used in times of transition by providing comfort and support. Helps you alleviate irrational fears and paranoia. Will enhance the dream state.

Rhodonite:

Rhodonite is the “Stone of Love”! This stone symbolizes “self realization“. Rhodonite works with the Heart Chakra by soothing the heart center as well as the Root Chakra for grounding and balancing, due to the presence of black oxides in this stone. This balance of colors allows for a powerful and vibration for caring for one’s self. Rhodonite allows for confidence and self worth. Helps us express confidence and loving on physical plane in day-to-day ways. Calms and feeds the soul through the heart; love and service. It helps us with confusion and allows us to focus. This stone helps to strengthen mantras, chanting, affirmations, singing and toning.

Rose Quartz:

Rose Quartz represents love, beauty, peacefulness, forgiving, lovingness, self-love and emotional balance! Rose Quartz works with the Heart Chakra. It is a soft, gentle, soothing stone that warms the heart center. Its value as a nurturing friend cannot be overstated. Neither can it’s soothing influence. Helps diffuse negative stimuli and uncomfortable memories. Helps us discover the ability to love ourselves and makes us more open to other people. It is of particular value in helping us to forgive ourselves, hastening self-acceptance. Helps us realize that all change is important, even difficult change. Stimulates love and tender appreciation of all things.

Ruby:

Wealth, Joy, Love, Sexual Energy and Power. Warms, energizes after exhaustion. Strengthens physical and emotional Heart Chakra, love, courage, confidence, vitality, stamina, strength, leadership, success over challenges. Intensifies all emotions (passion, jealousy, impatience, love…) Attempted use for pressure/control (for love) backfires onto user. Used for reproductive, Root Chakra; infections, cholesterol, clots, blood detox (alcohol, caffeine), sexual blocks. A wonderful stone whose stimulating energy can bring startling things to light. An amplifier of energy-both positive and negative. Can bring anger or negativity to the surface quickly. Should be used with a knowledge of how to gain from the experience. Otherwise you are likely to be overcome by the passion it stirs up. Can also amplify positive energy. Helps us in all matters of love, including love of ourselves. Stimulates motivation and visualization.

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Clearing Your Mind
by Madisyn Taylor

The more we practice settling our minds, the easier it will become over time.

After a full day, stories, words, images, and songs from any number of sources continue to play in our heads hours after we encounter them. Even as we lie in bed, in the quiet dark, our minds continue noisily processing all the input from our day. This can leave us feeling unsettled and harassed. It also makes it difficult to take in any new information or inspiration. Like a cluttered house that needs to be cleared if it is to have room for movement and new life, our minds need clearing if they are to be open to new information, ideas, and inspiration.

Too often, the activities we choose to help us relax only add to the clutter. Watching television, seeing a movie, reading a book, or talking to a friend all involve taking in more information. In order to really clear our minds, we need a break from mental stimulation. Activities like yoga, dancing, or taking a long walk help to draw our attention to our bodies, slowing our mental activity enough that our minds begin to settle. Deep breathing is an even simpler way to draw attention away from our mental activities. Once we are mentally relaxed, we can begin the process of clearing our minds. Most of us instinctively know what allows our minds to relax and release any unnecessary clutter. It may be meditation or time spent staring at the stars. Whatever it is, these exercises feel like a cool, cleansing bath for the brain and leave our minds feeling clear and open.

Setting aside time to clear our minds once a day creates a ritual that becomes second nature over time. Our minds will begin to settle with less effort the more we practice. Ultimately, the practice of clearing our minds allows us to be increasingly more open so that we can perceive the world as the fresh offering it is, free of yesterday’s mental clutter.

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4 Essential Tips for a Healthy Picnic

What better way to celebrate the return of sunny days than with a picnic? It’s a simple way to turn an ordinary day into something special, and a picnic is an ideal excuse to satisfy your craving for the great outdoors while spending time with friends, family, or a good book.

You don’t even need to wait for a day off! Pack a picnic and take your lunch break in the shade to get some fresh air. And while you’re packing, here are some picnic basket essentials to take along to help with your wellness goals.

Infused Water

Grab your reusable water bottle or pitcher, pop in a few fresh ingredients, top it off with filtered water, and you have a hydrating, refreshing, picnic-perfect drink. Infused water is so much healthier than sodas and sugary commercial beverages. It’s also a lot easier on your wallet and the environment than buying flavored water in cans. And you get to pick what goes in it, so you will always know you’re only getting fresh, natural ingredients.

What you’ll need:

Water bottles or pitcher
Fruits and herbs
Filtered water

Infused water makes trying new flavor combinations fun and easy. Cherry and lime, watermelon and basil, orange and ginger—you’ll never run out of new options to try. Find more ideas in Infused Water Benefits and Water for the Win: Benefits of Water, Plus 5 Water Infusions to Try.

Simple, Real Picnic Foods

Not sure which foods to pack for your picnic? Fill your picnic basket with these real food options for optimal nutrition and energy wherever you plan your picnic.

Veggies and Fruits

Veggies and fruits store and transport easily in mason jars for a picnic. You can even layer salad ingredients in mason jars to eat straight from the jar with a fork. And step up the flavor with a zesty, home-made apple cider vinegar salad dressing (recipe below).

Brightly-colored produce is rich in carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect your eyes from blue light. Learn more about carotenoids and why you need them in What are Carotenoids?

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Vinaigrette

¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup organic apple cider vinegar with mother
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons organic raw wildflower honey
1 ½teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Combine apple cider vinegar, water, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender, then drizzle olive oil into the blender until combined.1

Healthy Proteins

Pack in some protein-rich options for your picnic to keep your energy up and give you a healthy dose of omega fatty acids. Sealed pouches of tuna and salmon are picnic-friendly proteins that make for easy additions to salads or wraps. Boiled eggs are great too, and nuts and seeds are excellent vegan options that provide protein-packed picnic lunch or snack options.

Also, check out Pack Your Pantry: How to Make a Real Food Pantry for ideas that will have you ready to whip up healthy picnic recipes at any time.

Essential Oils

Want an easy way to ward off insects while picnicking? Essential oils have your back! They aren’t just for aromatherapy. The strong scents of many essential oils work well to deter bugs. Here are a few insect-repelling essential oils:

Spearmint
Rosemary
Citronella
Lemongrass
Geranium
Thyme
Clove

You can make your own bug repellent spray easily with any one of these essential oils (recipe below). If you plan to spray it on areas of exposed skin, read the product label first to make sure the essential oil you’ve chosen is skin-friendly, and test your spray on a small area of skin to check for sensitivity.

Essential Oil Insect Deterrent

Start with a teaspoon of a carrier oil like avocado oil or jojoba oil and add in 10-20 drops of essential oil, then dilute the mixture with 1½ teaspoon of distilled water and 1 teaspoon of witch hazel. Add to a spray bottle and you’re good to go! Spray it on your picnic blanket for a little extra protection.

1 teaspoon carrier oil like avocado oil or jojoba oil
10-20 drops of skin-friendly essential oil
1½ teaspoon of distilled water
1 teaspoon of witch hazel

Learn more ways to use essential oil in Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Beginner’s Guide to Using Essential Oils.

Protect Your Skin

Despite the skin health concerns and signs of skin aging related to UV exposure, most Americans don’t use sunscreen.2 Sunscreen use should not be limited to days on the beach. So, protect your skin by applying sunscreen. Apply it every day that you will be outside, even if the sun isn’t out.3 Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate your skin on cloudy days.3

What else can you do to support skin health outdoors? Try astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant carotenoid that accumulates in the dermis (the skin’s thickest layer) and may help promote skin health.4 The antioxidant benefits of astaxanthin also help protect skin cells, and it may boost the skin’s ability to retain moisture and help with wrinkles, age spots, skin texture and elasticity.5

Astaxanthin is not a replacement for sunscreen, but why not do everything you can to help nourish and protect your skin inside and out? Astaxanthin helps your body in other ways too, learn more about it in Astaxanthin Benefits.
What to Take on a Picnic?

What healthy items do you pack for a picnic? Share your picnic favorites in the comments below. And check out Pack Your Pantry: How to Make a Real Food Pantry and What are Carotenoids? Plus Foods High in Carotenoids for more nutritious food ideas.

Lindsey Toth, MS, RD | Registered Dietitian, Swanson Health Products

Sources

1 Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Vinaigrette Dressing. Genius Kitchen. http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/apple-cider-vinegar-and-honey-vinaigrette-dressing-396343 (Accessed 01/22/2018)

2 Study: Most Americans don’t use sunscreen. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/study-most-americans-don-t-use-sunscreen (Accessed 4/18/2018)

3 Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22428137 (Accessed 1/23/2018)

4 Sun Safety. American Skin Association. http://www.americanskin.org/resource/safety.php (Accessed 4/18/2018)

5 Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on human subjects. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22428137 (Accessed 1/23/2018)
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Silent Change
by Madisyn Taylor

Change can enter our lives silently, and this change can be just as important as the change we have worked hard for.

We all see things about ourselves, our relationships, and our world that we want to change. Often, this desire leads us to take action toward inner work that we need to do or toward some external goal. Sometimes, without any big announcement or momentous shift, we wake up to find that change has happened, seemingly without us. This can feel like a miracle as we suddenly see that our self-esteem really does seem to be intact, or our partner actually is helping out around the house more. We may even wonder whether all of our hard work had anything to do with it, or if it just happened by way of grace.

As humans, sometimes we have relatively short attention spans, and we can easily lose track of time. We may worry about a seedling in a pot with our constant attention and watering for several weeks only to find ourselves enjoying the blooms it offers and wondering when that happened, and how we didn’t notice it. Nature, on the other hand, has infinite patience and stays with a thing all the way through its life. This doesn’t mean that our efforts play no part in the miracle of change–they do. It’s just that they are one small part of the picture that finally results in the flowering of a plant, the shifting of a relationship, the softening of our hearts.

The same laws that govern the growth of plants oversee our own internal and external changes. We observe, consider, work, and wonder, tilling the soil of our lives, planting seeds, and tending them. Sometimes the hard part is knowing when to stop and let go, handing it over to the universe. Usually, this happens by way of distraction or disruption, our attention being called away to other more pressing concerns. And it is often at these times, when we are not looking, in the silence of nature’s embrace, that the miracle of change happens.

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Stephen Halpert
Gilberto’s Flirtation

It was past midnight when Gilberto collected his meager winnings and said good night to Ramon, Chico, and his other buddies from the poker game. On his way home he stopped at the strip mall for gas. As he pumped, he noticed the woman pumping across from him. She was what he’d call knock down gorgeous.
In her bright red heels, she stood close to six feet; her long auburn hair pulled back and tied by a rainbow kerchief. Her face was hidden in the shadows. Glimpses of her reminded him of Madonna and Lady Gaga. Her silky black turtleneck and tailored jeans completed her outfit.
When he finished, he went over to her and smiled. “Hi,” he said. “I’m Gilberto.”
She looked at him. Her eyes startled.
“Hello,” she half-smiled. “Tracy Sullivan.”
His heart beat faster. No wedding ring. “Tracy if I tell you you’re beautiful you’ll probably think it’s just a line. But it isn’t.”
She touched her hair. “Well thank you. I’ll take that as a late-night compliment. I wasn’t expecting to run into anyone.”
He grinned. “It’s always the time when you least expect… whatever the gods have up their sleeves.” He smiled hoping she thought he was funny.
“You seem very persistent. You must sell used cars, or maybe even insurance?”
He looked shocked. “No, I’m in charge of shipping at Atlas.”
“Oh,” she nodded.
He pointed toward the bistro. “They have good burgers there. Load you up on fries and a free salad bar.”
Tracy took a deep breath. “You certainly know how to speak up for yourself,” her voice low, melodious. She frowned. “I’m trying hard to avoid beef. It’s addictive and can mess up your arteries.”
He shrugged. “You sound like my friend Ramon’s wife Rosa. She goes on all the time about what we should or shouldn’t eat.”
He was entranced. Something about her. It had to be more than the flashy red heels. He sighed, played his best card. “I can tell,” he started to say. “You have such a kind heart. That makes you a very special person, you know.”
She tilted her head. “Are you always this forceful and extroverted?”
“I’m just me,” he smiled. “But when I feel a natural rhythm with someone, I could go on talking all night. But I’m not kidding. You’re special. God made a special life for you.”
“Ha,” she smiled. “I’ll certainly have to take that up with him when we meet, then maybe next time I can come back as a nuclear physicist.”
That caught him off guard. “What work do you do?” He loved the way her body swayed; a sensual grace he hadn’t seen a lot of lately.
“I teach writing nearby at the college.”
“You’re a professor?”
“Not the way you make it sound. “I’m an assistant. That means I do a lot of grunt work.”
He looked at his watch and knew it was now or never. He pointed at the open all-night bistro at the end of the strip mall. “They have the best lemon meringue pie over there “Want to go have a slice with me?”
She grinned. “I’m really flattered. Do you always invite women you’ve just met to go have lemon meringue pie with you?”
“Only if it’s here and they’re wearing bright red heels.”
She grinned. “Gilberto, I must say you’re a natural born flirt.”
“I’m not trying to do anything but talk. You have very pretty eyes.”
“Thank you. I’ll take that as another late-night compliment.”
He squinched up his eyes. “Don’t tell me you haven’t been complimented a lot. You look like a movie star.”
That made her smile. “So, I guess I pass with flying colors.”
“Pass what?” He asked
She grinned. “Nothing really, just my sense of feminine self- assurance. You’re pretty attractive yourself. You’ve a sensitive poetic face.”
Gilberto smiled. “Let’s go get some coffee and pie. We can park outside.”
They moved their cars, went inside, and found a booth. Through the window behind her he could see the stars. That, he thought was a good sign.
They ordered coffee and Tracy told him she was from Indiana and that she had recently completed her PhD thesis in what she called gender equivalencies.
He ordered them both a slice of lemon meringue pie and finished his coffee. “Oh, I’d so like to take you home with me,” he gushed. “And in the morning, I’ll make you breakfast.”
She finished her pie, sipped the rest of her coffee. “I don’t know,” she said. “I fear I might disappoint you.”
“Oh,” his dreamy voice responded. “Nothing you could ever do would disappoint me.”
“Don’t be so sure of that. Or is what you’re saying coming from that sensitive boy poet inside you?”
This was one of those rare moments he craved a cigarette. But he wouldn’t. He had spent too much on hypnosis to ever smoke again.
Instead he began to babble. “I’ll give you everything, your beauty is captivating. I’ll be your slave.”
“Oh dear,” she said. “Dear Gilberto, meeting me and falling for Tracy is very flattering. But Gilberto I fear you’ll probably not want to take me home and make me breakfast.” She reached behind her and pulled off her long auburn wig revealing a salt and pepper military buzz cut.
Gilberto gasped in disbelief.
Fortunately, it was late and the bistro was nearly empty.
“I’m sorry Gilberto but I couldn’t let you keep going on that way. My name’s not Tracy it’s Raymond.”
Gilberto frowned. He took a breath. This couldn’t be. His body started to shake. He felt like he’d lost his balance and fallen down a flight of stairs.
“But…” he stammered.
Raymond smiled. “You’re really a dear, dear being, Gilberto. But somehow I get the impression that you wouldn’t really want to take me home and serve me breakfast in bed.” He bent down and took his shiny red heels. “My feet are killing me,” he said, putting on a pair of loafers he pulled from his bag.
Seeing this sudden transformation was too much for him. His stomach lurched. He had an awful taste in his mouth.
“I didn’t mean to upset you. But ultimately I knew I had to be honest.” Raymond stood, picked up the check, smiled and said. “On me. You’re right the lemon meringue pie here is delicious.” Then he turned and left. Slumped in the booth, Gilberto stared after him, shaking his head.

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Weekly Horoscope: Sunday, June 21, 2020
by Georgia Nicols
https://www.georgianicols.com

Most people know their sign from a horoscope column or a coffee mug. However, you might not know your “sign” is actually the sign that the Sun was in when you were born. Your first breath is your astrology chart. But hey, your chart has other planets, as well: the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter etc. The Sun is easy to figure out because every year, the Sun is in one sign for four weeks. This week the Sun is in Cancer (to stay for the next four weeks). This will encourage people to focus more on home and family. Cancer also showcases photography and a love of the past. Mercury retrograde in Cancer will further magnify this fascination with the past. One nice thing about the past – have you noticed that the longer you live – the better you were?

Aries (March 21-April 19)
In the next four weeks, you’ll be focused on old issues from your past, especially related to family and home. You might be involved with a parent more than usual. You might have a family reunion. You might decide to enlarge your “bubble” to include more family? Many of you will hear from family members you haven’t heard from in a while. You might misplace or lose things at home; or possibly, you will find something that you lost before? Meanwhile, you will appreciate your daily surroundings at this time. It’s as if you’re seeing them with new eyes. You might also truly appreciate how much love there is in your daily world. (Sounds corny but it’s true.)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
The pace of your days will accelerate in the next four weeks with short trips, errands, appointments plus spending increased time with siblings, relatives and neighbours. You will be busy learning, reading and writing. Ironically these are the very areas that will trip you up because Mercury retrograde will create delays to travel. Car problems and transportation glitches will occur. Communications will be confused. You might be waiting at one place to meet someone while they’re waiting at another place. Mucho silly errors! This will be confounding because meanwhile, you’re doing your best to handle the demands of an increased, busy pace! On the upside: you will attract money to you in the next four weeks. Yes! (And spend it on beautiful treasures.)

Gemini (May 21-June 20)
In the next four weeks, your focus will be on money, cash flow, earnings and your assets. Many of you will dream up moneymaking ideas and take stock of your wealth. However, Mercury retrograde (in the same part of your chart), means errors in financial matters are likely. Cheques in the mail will be late. Be proactive and cautious. Double check your bill or invoice. Count your change. Clarify info from your bank. Read your credit card statement. Do not assume that they are correct. Meanwhile, this is an excellent week to buy wardrobe goodies. Take a look in the mirror to see how you can improve the image you create on your world. Yeah!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Ta da! The Sun will be in your sign for the next four weeks giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of year. Oh yes! This is your chance to replenish and restore yourself! Because of the strength of the Sun in your sign, you will attract people to you and you will also attract favourable situations to you. Having said that, we must also acknowledge that Mercury retrograde is taking place in your sign as well. Aagghh!. You will be dealing with silly, goofy mistakes, misplaced items, lost paperwork, computer glitches, transportation delays as well as contact with people from your past, especially partners and old friends. (This might be why some of you are having a secret love affair.) Woot!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Because your birthday is a mere month away, your personal year is coming to an end. This means the Sun is “hiding” in the wings, which means you also have an urge to keep a low profile in the next four weeks. You won’t disappear because Venus will entice you to interact with friends and groups, especially in a creative, artistic way. You might encounter disputes about insurance issues, shared property, taxes, debt or anything that you own jointly with someone else. Remember this is an excellent year to get a better job or improve your existing job. You can also improve your daily habits so that they will promote better health and a better approach to how you do your work.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You are entering a lovely, four-week window where everyone wants to see your face. Good times with friends, especially friends from the past will happen. Many of you will be more involved with groups and organizations and quite possibly, will run into old faces from these clubs as well. Fear not because with fair Venus at the top of your chart, you look great! (In fact, you look so good some will begin a romance with a boss.) One minor challenge is that fiery Mars is opposite your sign now, which can make you easily annoyed with others. (Of course, they’re annoying.) This will test your patience. Fear not, on the whole, you are happy to be who you are. You will express yourself without fear or apology.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
For the next four weeks, the Sun will be at the top of your chart. This is the only time all year this occurs and when it does, it means you are in a powerful spotlight that makes you look fabulous in the eyes of others. (Which is why you will be asked to assume increased responsibilities. Say yes because you don’t have to do anything special.) Since you make such a great impression on others, this window of time is perfect to make your pitch or advance your agenda. Fortunately, you are pumped to work hard! Meanwhile, bosses and parents you haven’t seen for a while are back on the scene. Travel if you can.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
In the next four weeks, you want to expand your world. You want adventure! You want to see new places and meet new faces! Unfortunately, Mercury retrograde could cause travel delays. This is also an excellent time to explore opportunities in the media, publishing, medicine, the law or higher education. Gifts and money will come your way! This is timely because you feel playful and prankish! You want to have fun, which often costs money. (However, your sex drive is amped and if you’re lucky, that’s affordable.) This is a good time to negotiate a loan or mortgage. Ka-ching!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
With fair Venus opposite you sign now, you will be charming with everyone. Well, maybe not everyone. Increased chaos and activity on the home front could create tension at home or with family members. Be stoic. Demonstrate grace under pressure. The next four weeks are unusually passionate for you because you are focused on shared property and your partner’s wealth. Unfortunately, Mercury retrograde will create delays. However, Mercury retrograde will also help you clean up unfinished red-tape details from the past. (You’ll love yourself to get some of this out of the way. Finally!) Keep looking for ways to boost your income because they exist!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You will need more sleep in the next four weeks. Factoid. Meanwhile, you can expect to hear from ex-spouses, ex-partners and old friends from your past. Sometimes these re-encounters are good things – sometimes, not so much. Fortunately, even though you need more sleep, you will be vigourous and dynamic in all your daily communications. You’ll be convincing! People will listen to you! This is also an excellent time to relate to coworkers, especially to discuss agreements. Financial favours, especially from a boss might come your way. This is also a good week to do something to boost your health.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
There’s an element of irony for your sign in the next four weeks. In one way, you are determined to be efficient and productive. In fact, you want to be better organized in every aspect of your life. Ironically, Mercury retrograde will trip up these noble ambitions. Silly errors, lost paperwork, confused messages, mixed-up communications, delays, computer glitches and machinery breakdowns are some examples of how your best intentions will be foiled! Nevertheless, press on! Your resolution to get better organized is a wonderful thing. Fair Venus promises fun times and socializing with others. Mars will make you work hard to earn money – and spend it!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
You’re the winner! For the next four weeks, the Sun is going to be in a fun part of your chart! This will make you feel free to express yourself and be exactly who you are. Your drive will be to do exactly what you want and especially, to amuse yourself and have fun! Activities with kids will shine. Your attitude to relationships will be lighter. You will enjoy redecorating at home as well as entertaining friends. Meanwhile, with Mars in your sign, you’re PowerPoint on steroids! You’ve got energy to burn! Mercury retrograde will attract old flames from your past back into the world again. Look good when you go out. Let them see what they’re missing.

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Weekly Horoscopes Beginning Sunday, 21 June 2020

If you`re born within cusp period (16 to 26 of any month); you`re advised to read horoscopes of both signs covered by that period. You`re in the border; you may have influences from houses within those signs.

Outlines are longer versions; consists of every possible detail of everyday and based on three parts of each sign: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Decan; that is, any of three divisions of 10° within a sign of the zodiac. Even if you know or don`t know your Decan; I recommend, please read all three Decan.

Aries
Personal theme: I am!!
Fire & cardinal sign: March 21 — April 19

Your horoscope for this week: Ordinarily, you`re the first to make decisions and take action. However, over the past month or so, events and, as much, an unexpectedly reflective mood have slowed your pace. What`s more, you`re wrestling with issues regarding existing arrangements and future plans. With your ruler Mars moving into Aries on the 28th, kick-starting a powerful cycle of change and growth, this period of questioning couldn`t be better timed.

Overindulging in food and drink might be difficult to avoid now but it will slow your progress. You`re ready to come to terms with your body`s needs and to start opting for healthier choices. Eating more nutritious food will improve your health. Choose fresh produce, cut down on sugar and fat and switch white bread for the wholegrain variety. If a domestic or property issue has been causing you sleepless nights, a talk with a legal adviser will ease your worries.

It would be unsurprising if 2020 proved to be the year of the `great property and assets management crisis` for Aries. Today`s solar eclipse is on what is known as the world axis and is degrees from the start of your sign. Yet a solar eclipse can be thought of as a sophisticated New Moon. This promises a fresh start. True, it may not be possible to move forward at speed until closer to the end of the year. There are other dramas still to negotiate. The good news however is that on Thursday, Venus turns direct. Whatever the difficulties have been, lines of communication are set to improve. Yes, it may be necessary for someone to take a back step and perhaps even apologise. This likely won`t be easy and could take longer than just this week. Note however, that Mercury is retrograde. This isn`t a bad thing and suggests that going over the finer details will eventually prove a worthwhile exercise.

Taurus
Personal theme: I have!!
Earth & fixed sign: April 20 — May 20

Your horoscope for this week: Although your instincts tell you that even unsettling developments are timely, the current cycle of change is a lengthy and, in some ways, exhausting one. Obviously, you`re eager for things to be settled, enough you can reorganise your life and future plans. That will happen soon. In the meantime, make a point of exploring everything that comes your way. What you learn will excite and inspire you.

Don`t be surprised if an older relative holds out the prospect of a surprising opportunity to you. Although this offer may be unexpected, accept it with a grateful heart. The two of you will have a great time once you do get things up and running. Too much work makes you feel overwhelmed. You`re too quick to take on responsibilities that should go to others and this can waste a lot of your energy. Don`t feel bad about turning down a friend`s request to do them a favour.

This week begins with an important solar eclipse. These `sophisticated new moons` usually open a new chapter. That doesn`t need to happen immediately. However, by Thursday when your ruling planet, Venus, turns direct in neighbouring Gemini, you could at last see a way forward. The shift and flow of energy should be marked. Excited as you may be by possibilities, hold the thought that Mercury is retrograde and that smooth running is unlikely until the middle of next month. This doesn`t make this wasted time but does suggest that you`ll need to put as much effort into plan Bs and Cs as you do into your instinctive Plan A for moving forward.

Gemini
Personal theme: I think!!
Air sign: May 21 — June 20

Your horoscope for this week:  The confusion triggered by your ruler Mercury`s retrograde cycle, from the 18th until 12 July may be unavoidable, yet what you learn dealing with even disruptive events will both excite you and broaden your horizons. Exciting as those discoveries may be, note what isn`t working or must change, and begin that process now. This will both clear the way and be amazingly informative.

It won`t be long before you start seeing results for all your hard work and determination. You still have a way to go but you`re at least halfway there.. If you want to complete this project it`s important to stick with it until it`s finished. Walking away is self-defeating. Keep reminding yourself that you can do it. A raise or bonus will allow you to buy something special. Splash out on creature comforts and luxuries that bring sensual pleasure.

By next weekend, Venus will have turned direct in your sign. It might seem just some that your stance since the start of the year has been confusing. They might now start to get the message. All this will surely be helped by today`s Solar Eclipse. Eclipses are always special – but this one particularly so as it takes place on what is known as the world axis. True, we`ve already seen that 2020 is a year with a difference. It may be that you`re now ready to move into new career paths altogether. If you were fed up at the start of the year know that the combined effect of this eclipse and Venus` direction should soon propel you forward. That said, Neptune turns retrograde this week and yes, a long goodbye or au revoir is still likely. It might be as well to focus on the fact that by the very end of the year, Jupiter and Saturn will have moved into another of the Air signs. This week marks just the start of that change of direction.

Cancer
Personal theme: I feel!!
Water & cardinal sign: June 21 — July 22

Your horoscope for this week: While every sign is influenced by today`s eclipsed New Moon, it`s in Cancer, and triggering a series of endings and beginnings. Although you`re aware of some, others are so unexpected you`ll be unsure how to respond. What`s more, with another eclipse on 5 July, there`ll be yet more twists and turns. For now, explore. If others demand decisions, tell them you`re thinking about it.

Don`t feel you have to push yourself to do more when you feel tired or if you have grown weary with a regular arrangement. It might be time to reconsider some routines. Taking on new work assignments will allow you to be more creative while carrying out your duties. You`re overdue for a treat. Pamper yourself with a massage or take a long soak in a scented bath. It`s also important to make time to be alone with your amour away from friends or family.

This Sunday`s solar Eclipse is a first degree of your sign also known as the world axis. As we note, eclipses could take effect some months or weeks beforehand. It`s certainly clear that 2020 is proving a year of high drama. There may yet be more to come. Mercury is retrograde in your sign and it would be understandable if until the middle of next month, you were considering ways and means of improving the way in which you live and work. Yes, you might wonder if you`ve done enough of this thinking. It`s pretty plans into action that could now be paramount however. All should prove much easier after Venus turns direct on Thursday. By the time that planet gets into your own sign in early August you could perhaps put those plans into motion. For now, anticipate that others will be talking about you and your unique talents and perhaps working on ways to bring on board. It may be that you are asked to be part of the development team much in need of both your creativity, your asset management and your vision.

Leo
Personal theme: I will!!
Fire & fixed sign: July 23 — August 22

Your horoscope for this week: As a Leo and a fire sign, learning you`re in the midst of a reflective period won`t thrill you. However, what you`re learning from each uncomfortable, unsettling situation will both explain past dramas and your fear of getting involved with certain activities or pursuits. While you could continue avoiding these, muster your courage and explore them. What you learn won`t just amaze you, it will be life-changing.

Outside forces are making some heavy demands. You understand why everyone should pull together but these expectations make you feel limited and restricted. You should be able to get around red tape and this will allow you to move in a more rewarding direction. Be certain to take regular breaks especially when you start feeling tired and irritable. Getting some relaxation and a few good nights` sleep will be just what the doctor ordered. Better still, book a quiet break away from it all..

This week begins with a Solar Eclipse. At the start of neighbouring Cancer, it is on what is known as the world axis. An eclipse can take effect some weeks or months before the exact event. Already it`s clear that 2020 is a year with a difference. Taking place in a neighbouring sign does not mean that you`re not affected. There`s high probability of you giving real focus to savings and long-term security. An eclipse can be thought of as a sophisticated New Moon marking the start of the cycle that is almost two decades long. Boosted on Thursday by Venus turning direct, you should find by next weekend that others are talking about their long-term plans too. Property matters are likely to be at the foreground of their thinking. All this should prove a useful exercise in the weeks prior to your birthday when you could map out a business plan for the coming year.

Virgo
Personal theme: I analyse!!
Earth sign: August 23 — September 22

Your horoscope for this week: Usually your ruler Mercury`s retrograde cycle, and the accompanying confusion, gets blamed for all sorts of problems. This time, however, what you learn while untangling those minor errors will explain the range of puzzling dilemmas you`ve been facing. Each is about a breakthrough, in your thinking or habits. What`s more, as you explore these, you`ll encounter, and take advantage of, pivotal breakthroughs in your life.

You are growing weary with jobs you do every day. You enjoy the comfort of the familiar but you`ve fallen into the habit of clinging too tightly to routine. If you`re ready to break away from commitments that are starting to bore you, now is the time to do so. Boredom can have a negative effect on your health. Get into the habit of taking a brisk, but socially distanced walk every day. Playing games can be intellectually stimulating. If you know of an online quiz or trivia contest, be sure to enter.

On Thursday, Venus turns direct at the very apex of your solar chart. You went through a similar important station eight years ago. What`s different this time is that this event takes place just four days after a Solar Eclipse on what is known as the World Axis. You`d be highly unusual if you didn`t think that 2020 was a year with a difference. We have all been required to think differently and yes, press the reset button. As far as Virgo career is concerned, it may now be important to garner support from both blood relatives and from those you consider as family. Determining who would invest in you – either financially or with unequivocal emotional support – looks to be one of the developing big themes. Note however, that your ruling planet, Mercury, is retrograde and that others will need time to assess your proposals as to what action you could initiate close to your birthday.

Libra
Personal theme: I balance!!
Air & cardinal sign: September 23 — October 22

Your horoscope for this week: Change isn`t the problem. You`re fascinated by new ideas, people and places. However, you need time to get to know, and understand, what`s happening. Consequently, you`re struggling with the pace and intensity of events. While you can`t ignore these, you can adopt the attitude of an observer, and learn from what you see. That way, you`ll soon be viewing even seemingly bizarre events in a positive light.

New ideas are worth considering. This is a good time to share ideas with your colleagues and contemporaries. You will enjoy brainstorming with creative people like yourself. Knowing a partner shares your views and feelings will allow you to take emotional and creative risks with greater ease. Plenty of social activity will keep you on the go but you don`t want to spend all your time with others. Working on a creative project will make you realise you can be content to be on your own.

Mercury is now retrograde at the apex of your solar chart likely prompting you to think back to previous aims and objectives and to what extent these have been achieved. This weekend`s Solar Eclipse is also Cancer but on the all-important world axis. A solar Eclipse is a form of sophisticated New Moon and marks an extra special fresh start. Then, on Thursday, your ruling planet, Venus turns direct in another of the Air signs. Put together, this suggests that others would be well aware of that obvious trait of yours to weigh things up carefully. First you need to look back to the past to see what could be improved. Then there`s the potential for moving forward – most likely by joining forces with someone whose expertise is considerable and who, though perhaps not able to give you unqualified support for a few weeks yet, is most definitely interested in your plans.

Scorpio & Ophiuchus
Personal theme: I desire!!
Water & fixed signs: October 23 — November 21

Your horoscope for this week: Good fortune appears in many forms. While you`ll say an enthusiastic yes to familiar options, what`s currently appearing is as exotic as it is intriguing. However, things are moving swiftly, which means it`s now or never. True, this is only about exploring certain ideas, not committing. Still, wait, and you`ll ponder what you missed. Plunge in, and you`ll not only learn something, you`ll be smiling.

An online group discussion or conference call will fill you with confidence. You`re a tremendous force for creativity. Praise will come your way for your contribution to a group effort and it`s great to know people do appreciate you. Someone will want to help you in certain areas but you will prefer to get on without their interference. You will be grateful for their kind offer but you have your own way of doing things and you know you will make better progress through sticking to your own devices.

Sunday`s Solar Eclipse (a sophisticated New Moon) is in another of the Water signs and on the degree of what is known as the world axis. Already we know that 2020 is a year with a difference. Meanwhile Mercury is retrograde in that same sign, Cancer. There`s high probability of someone you worked with a long time ago showing interest in reviving that partnership. Obviously much depends on how it concluded. Until Venus turns direct on Thursday you may be understandably unwilling to reconnect. Yet it could be that the person really has changed. As importantly, you`re likely not the same either. In short, this may be something you could pursue but yes, with caution. Until your ruling planet Mars, moves into Aries next Sunday, confusion around this proposal is probable. This though, would give you time to do what you do so well: assess possible hidden agendas.

Sagittarius
Personal theme: I see!!
Fire sign: November 22 — December 21

Your horoscope for this week: Appealing as the idea of unexpected ideas or offers may be, these mean relinquishing control in ways you`d ordinarily reject. Worse, there`s little time for debate. You`ll have to move swiftly or wonder what you bypassed. With a planetary setup this amazing, you`re urged to go for it. Still, it`s your decision to explore and get involved with what could soon be a thrilling part of your life.

You won`t agree with the way your boss or someone else in a position of authority approaches a difficult project. You have your own thoughts and ideas about this matter but they won`t want to hear. It isn`t a good idea to challenge someone who is calling the shots. Keep your own counsel. Advice is coming your way from all directions. As well-meaning as some people happen to be, it will be easier to get on without their good-natured guidance. You feel you know best, and maybe you do.

By next weekend Venus will be in forward motion in your opposite sign. It`s probable that those around you who may have been kicking their heels in recent weeks will be inspired to take action. There seems little doubt that they have more than one task in mind and will need your enthusiasm and quick thinking to get them to where they want to be. All this will likely be boosted by this Sunday`s Solar Eclipse which precedes that event. What seems likely is that both colleagues and close partners will now be moving on different financial tracks and that their decisions will have direct impact on you. With Mercury retrograde both you – and they – may need to check small print super carefully ensuring that you`re not storing up trouble for later. Until the new business cycle gets underway at the end of the year there are still traps waiting in the wings.

Capricorn
Personal theme: I use!!
Earth & cardinal sign: December 22 — January 19

Your horoscope for this week: The problem isn`t the amazing ideas or events currently coming your way. It`s that they`re not only miles from anything you`ve been thinking about but, also, they`d mean relinquishing a certain amount of control. The real problem, is that despite these issues, they`re too easy, and you like to earn your achievements. You have. These are the result of years of being you.

Discussions now taking place will get your adrenaline going. A group project fills you with excitement. By combining resources with someone who is both talented and resourceful, you will make a success of a social enterprise. Act on your ideas and you will help improve other people`s lives. You will give your best to whatever you are doing and your willingness to learn from situations you encounter will further develop your own talents and abilities.

This Sunday`s Solar Eclipse is in your opposite sign. A few days later, Venus at last turns direct. The two factors suggest a complete change of pace at work. Yes, there may be a considerable amount of catching up to do; and yes, you could be highly exasperated that certain individuals have apparently squandered time and energy. Getting back on track will likely take until the end of the month.. Even then redistribution of tasks may be necessary. True, perhaps you`ve been talking about this for weeks and are irritated that others didn`t listen to you before. On the subject of listening however, it would be wise to tune in to the plans of those closest to you. It may be that it`s these that require your careful input. With Mars` arrival at the base of your solar chart next weekend, it appears that it will soon be all systems go on the home front.

Aquarius
Personal theme: I know!!
Air & fixed sign: January 20 — February 18

Your horoscope for this week: In late March the tough and rather conventional Saturn moved into Aquarius for a three month stay. As it departs, on 1 July, you`ll be ending a cycle as exciting as it`s been unsettling. Between your own shifting perspective and changes in circumstances, your world`s a different place. For now, consider your options. What you decide is likely to both amaze, and please, you.

An offer or proposition could benefit you personally and professionally but you will need more time to consider it. Once you`re on your own you will be able to weigh up your options without distractions. Being alone isn`t so bad and when you`re contemplating making some personal changes. You have a golden opportunity to withdraw from media and other outside influencers. The peace and quiet will give you a chance to align you own thoughts and feelings whilst you plan for your future.

In many ways this is one of the more curious weeks of the year. Until Thursday, Mercury and Venus are retrograde. Meanwhile, there is the potential effect of this weekend`s solar Eclipse on what is known as the world axis. True, an eclipse can be felt some months beforehand and we would surely all agree that 2020 is already proving to be a year of global crisis. Over these next few days, the need to rethink, reassess but then, yes move forward at speed once Venus turns direct on Thursday should be apparent. There will likely be much clearing up to do; and yes, you could be involved in the winding up or ending of an enterprise. All this may be necessary prior to new plans being launched in a few weeks` time. This week, assisting those (most probably born under either Gemini or Pisces) as they change direction might need to take priority.

Pisces
Personal theme: I believe!!
Water sign: February 19 — March 20

Your horoscope for this week: When fiery Mars moved into Pisces on 13 March, you began a cycle of personal review but, also, reconnected with a long lost, demanding, if not forthright, side of your nature. Since then, you`ve discussed a range of matters, small and large, and made numerous changes. On 28 June, Mars departs. Knowing that, consider what you`ve already achieved, and tackle any remaining issues right away.

Follow a career hunch even if it leads you down a strangely winding trail. When you listen to your instincts, wonderful things will happen. Your intuition about a new job opportunity is right on target. An older relative`s critical comments will annoy you. Watch your temper as getting angry will do you no good whatsoever. If you are drawn into a family argument, this will make you tired and irritable. Look for heartfelt ways to connect with your family and remember what`s truly important.

This should be a week with a difference. It begins on Sunday with a Solar Eclipse on what is known as the world axis. Obviously, all signs will be affected and it could be argued that this eclipse has had effect now for some months. World affairs and focus has certainly changed. Until Thursday, both Mercury and Venus are retrograde and it`s probable that in the commercial world at least, much tidying up needs to be done. New lines of communication need to be discussed with a view to implementing these in a few weeks` time. The important thing for Pisces is surely that Venus stations at the very base of your solar chart. If, like so many other people, you`ve felt to be held back in recent weeks, anticipate the time coming when you can move forward. Yes, this will require planning. Those of your sign have a happy knack of attracting help just when it is needed however. Use time this week to meditate and visualise the increased resources headed your way. Though it might take time for them to arrive, this is surely the first step to moving forward.

Posted by: arif uk <pepper.buoy@yahoo.co.uk>

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