Tip of the Week:

Winter Solstice is upon us. Celebrating the beginning of a new solar cycle holds spiritual significance. It is also a reminder of 12/21/2012 – the end of the 5125 year Mayan Long Count calendar is just two years away. Perhaps the biggest question is: does this date correspond with a periodic cycle that produces natural disasters? Some assert that it does, but there is no consensus. The most popular negative prediction is extra large solar flare activity that will cause anything from disruption to our magnetosphere, to the technological electrical networks on our planet to heating of the earth’s core leading to weather disturbances and major earthquake activity. Mayan elders also say that this turning point represents the ‘end of hell and the beginning of heaven on earth’. The notion of re-birth is also present, the dark side of which is ‘labour pains’. There are many extreme positions. We generally might agree that life is, always has been and perhaps always will be dramatic. Birth on one end and death on the other supports this notion.  However, Mayan and many other world views also present us with spiritual and mystical appreciations of life and recognize that we are souls incarnate. Winter Solstice is symbolic of the spiritual and mystical cycles of life and recognizing this is a gift we give to ourselves. (Come celebrate Winter Solstice with Michael O’Connor and friends at the New Grand Hotel in Nelson on December 21, 2010 from 6:30 - 9:30 – By Donation and please bring something for Nelson Food Cupboard as well.)

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Amidst an otherwise busy time in your practical, material life, there is evidence of a spiritual stimulus shaking you, at subconscious levels at least. This process will continue this week and will linger well into the New Year. On the material end, you may undergo a bit of stress regarding your confidence levels. This will push you to commit to expanding your scope of knowledge.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

Desires and ambitions to increase your scope of influence are on the rise. To this end, you may want to reach out to what others can offer. Your focus may well be on business, yet it may also be in your personal/love life. You are in the mood to push yourself and others as necessary, but may not yet feel as confident yet where or how to assert your position. Improving your skills is featured.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

With a New Solar round about to begin, this is a good time to take some new initiatives. Relationship fronts may be where you especially want more attention. Should you give more somehow or are there areas where you need to improve. Clearing blocks like limiting attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and self-concepts… may feel right. With a New Year coming, clear the way.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

The push to concentrate, on one hand, and expand for focus, on the other is highlighted now. If you find yourself trying too hard to please others, it may be wise to take some time out. You will soon begin to take a more constructively critical approach to everything, for a while. Cultivating a deeper vision of your self, your relationships and your future is important now. Lay claim to your gifts and personal power.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

Setting intentions and making efforts to improve the quality of your ‘message’ is in the spotlight. What do you want to communicate to yourself, others, life in general? You are coming through a stressful stretch but the big energy cycle is calming down. Still, you are wise to stay focused and diligent, perhaps especially in your public/social/professional sphere. Look to the future and be willing to increase your knowledge.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

The pull within, the call to venture out and the determination to have it all indicates a discernment process. This phase will continue for a while yet so stay with the program. Acknowledge quality time at home, enjoy opportunities to play and party, mingle and rub elbows then back to the den. You will feel more sporting and energetic soon. A big push is coming, so rest as you can amidst the excitement.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

A rather busy schedule continues but will settle down for a while soon. This will give you the time and opportunity to tend to projects close to home. Getting things done in that zone will feel more important and perhaps easier over the next few weeks. Dealing with the anticipation and the stress of change in your lifestyle has not made it easy. Liberation is coming but often it is darkest just before the light.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

So who are you now and what opportunities are present for you? You are in a curious, if restless mood. This trend will continue for a few weeks anyway. You are wise to keep a really open mind these days. Be willing to consider entirely new possibilities. Do bring forward your skills and experiences from the past yet apply them in new directions. Center within to venture without.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your focus and determination to take some pioneering initiatives stands to sharpen this week. With your ambitions on a steady rise you will push for the advantage. Either to offset negative returns and/or to perpetuate positive momentums you are ready to take action. Support from friends may be delayed or blocked altogether, however, so aim to act independently as necessary.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

A busy time behind the scenes continues. Hopefully, you have been able to take some time to rest and recharge your batteries. If not, aim to do so this week. You will soon come out of the gates with extra charge and determination. A disciplined approach including the will to face your fears and lay claim to your warrior spirit is extra important these days. Yet, share your plans only with those you fully trust.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

Sometimes the waves are bigger than at others, like now. Whether this is a good thing is another story. While there is reason to believe you feel enthusiastic and optimistic, the events of late have probably been mixed. Either way, your stress levels have probably risen and you may be in the mood to lay low for a while. Given the season, you may have to wait so make extra efforts to manage your energy levels.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Getting some extra attention, whether you want it or not, is likely now. Hopefully you do and are making the most of this window. A review of your public and professional standing may be in order now as well. If doubts arise, concentrate your focus to make plans and launch new initiatives. Yet, the time to do so is probably best left to the New Year at this point. Meanwhile, make the most of the festive season.