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If you or a loved one is struggling with life challenges-a career change, divorce, grief, addictions or compulsions-give us a call and let the Sedona Intensive give you the help you need. Don't face these problems alone. Let our support team of professional therapists help you today. (800) 647-0732 www.sedonaintensive.com.


Will Clinton or Obama win the Pennsylvania Democratic Primary April 22?

Let’s take a closer look… 

The Pennsylvania Democratic Primary is April 22, 2008.

Events and cities and countries have charts just like us human beings do.  You can even erect a chart for an idea; we astrologers do it all the time.  All of this insinuates correctly that where the planets are in aspect to one another at any give time of day or night determines how good or how bad an idea or project from the moment of thought is, or what will be the outcome of an event.


Since polls usually close at eight o’clock in the evening, I have erected an event chart for that time of day, which gives Scorpio rising-definitely favorable to Hillary.  The rising sign indicates how the public sees or judges, in this case, an event, and how that person (the candidate) sees the world at large.  Scorpio is, among other jarring adjectives, secretive and deadly but also powerful and transformative.  (Scorpio also has the tendency to go to any lengths, legal and underhanded, to win when she locks and loads).

The ruler of the chart, Pluto will be in favorable aspect to Clinton’s Scorpio Sun sign.  Ms. Hillary will be clicking on all cylinders.  Obama, on the other hand, has Pluto oppose his Natal Venus at 1 degree of Cancer-which is not good at all.  Momma looks like she is gonna be fast at the close.


But wait a minute.  Neptune in the Democratic Primary Chart has Neptune squaring Clinton’s Mercury in Scorpio-this means ‘somebody’s lying and not getting away with it’-again.  Actually, Obama has Jupiter, the blessed planet, in Aquarius at birth.  Never forget that the United State has an Aquarian Moon. Remember all those articles I have written about how statesmen like Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt were Great Communicators?  It was the Aquarian Affect!  Put a couple of points on the Barack Obama side of the ledger!  And while we are at it, Jupiter transiting in Capricorn, will conjunct Obama’s Saturn almost by degree.  Give that spellbinding speaker another point or two.

But the tell-tale planet that will seal it for Clinton is the transiting Moon will be at 1 degree of Sagittarius conjunct her Jupiter at 00 degrees of Sagittarius.  Jupiter will always (with some reservations that would take the eagle eye and moxie of a seasoned astrologer to unravel-sorry folks!) shower a person or event with four leaf clovers and oftentimes a lot of dough (you know-the bankable kind!) This powerful aspect will be hard for Obama to overcome.


Because the Sun will be at 03 degrees of Taurus-which speaks volumes because the Bull is known to be stubborn, loyal and more than a bit thin-skinned-both Clinton and Obama will be scrapping and fighting it out in the dirt and mud all day and all night for the spoils as Taurus opposes her Sun in Scorpio exactly and squares his Mercury.  However, Venus will be transiting at 20 degrees of Aries which is much more favorable to Barack Obama.  We sky map conjurers must always weight and balance all planets in all configurations to determine the outcome.


When all votes are counted just as most of the polls indicate, Hillary Rodham Clinton will win the Pennsylvania Democratic Primary but not by the margins that she expected.  And never forget that both candidates pick up delegates, so the race for the Democratic Nomination will still be open, albeit not as wide-open as the Clintons would like-can we say ‘ajar’?-but perhaps closing unfavorably on Ms. Clinton’s, nee Rodham, over-sized Jimmy Choo shoes.  Ouch!

 


Andrew Bell

Recently, a close southern friend of mine was at the airport and overheard two individuals discussing the election.  One man said to the other that he was appalled that the two choices in the Democratic Party were a black man and a female, and used two strongly un-pc choice words to describe the two candidates.  His inherent sexism and racism really stirred up a lot of strong emotions inside of me, and forced me to reassess the country I live in.  Why is it that even after MLK and the Civil Rights Act, racism still exists?   Why are women still underpaid and undervalued in a so called "equal" environment?  On the flip side, why do some angry and aggressive female feminists hate all men, and angry african american ministers like Jeremiah Wright, still hate whites?  These conflicting emotions and divided examples forced me to examine my own life, and figure out areas where my actions and relationships mirror those of our nations.

 A few days ago, a close friend of mine and I got into a bitter argument and almost severed ties.  Later that night, I realized that I was the one responsible for the argument and in turn must be the one to apologize.  I decided that in order to move on, I must call him and make my amends.  However, for me, picking up that phone, dialing that number and admitting that I was wrong, was one of the hardest things I have had to do.  My ego tried to stop me, daring me to forget him or wait for an apology instead.  However, luckily I was able to call him, and after a few minutes of discussion, I was subsequently forgiven.

The reason I decided to include this anecdote, is because I believe that forgiveness and admission of guilt are at the root of the racism and sexism that exist in America.  Racist and sexist whites still linger, because they are unable to admit to their prior injustices, and to make amends for their previous actions.  Angry and racist blacks and irate and sexist females exist because they are unable to forgive those who have harmed them, and to move on.  Forgiveness and admission of guilt are the two hardest things in life to do.  However, if we as a country can succeed in accomplishing these two tasks, than our nation will truly become less divided, and a new and optimistic age can arise.

Many women say that they'll vote for Hillary, because she is a female, while at the same time many African Americans say they'll vote for Obama, because he is black.  I ask that this year, amidst war, recession and the devaluation of the dollar that you don't do either of these two things, as they will continue to divide the nation. This year when it comes time to vote, keep the notion of forgiveness, acceptance, and true equality on your mind.  Suspend your racial or gender bias, examine closely all the candidates, and vote for the one you feel is the most qualified and knowledgeable to lead this struggling nation onward. 

 

Linda Rogers is a woman worth watching as she changes lives with her new enterprise, the San Miguel Intensive.  This is a woman doing great work.

I met Linda Rogers more than 24 years ago in Texas. She was cutting hair in Highland Park Village, the fanciest enclave in Dallas, and I was counseling clients at the Melrose Hotel. Someone had corralled a bevy of beauties for me to do their astrological charts and Ms. Rogers was one of those lovelies. From the minute she walked through the door of my room I knew she carried a mother lode of gifts and talents—she was Isis, mother of us all, from ancient Egypt, back from the dead. Actually since we don’t really die, she had stepped back from “there” to “here” to make amends, to use her birth right powers and to make sure that she empowered others rather than amass followers.

Through the years I may have seen her two or three more times in Dallas, and then, lo and behold, she and her golf-pro husband moved next door to me here in Sedona. She was still cutting hair. Time to time I did her chart—more of her inner soul urges began to emerge more quickly and assuredly. Linda came to a couple of my Path Classes—and I saw her life path of spiritual service manifesting. Linda becomes a successful realtor. Before and after selling real estate, Don Miguel Luiz’s Four Agreements spoke to her so she began to travel to and from Mexico to their conferences. In this quest she discovered San Miguel Allende—and her inner knowing told her that this is home.

The voice of intuition tells Linda to find a sanctuary in San Miguel and to bring women there to heal—to move through blocks and barriers to who they are and what their soul urge is in life—in a small group all seeking their own self-empowerment. The San Miguel Intensive was born.

I spoke with Linda to let her tell you in her own words who she is and what San Miguel is all about.

Q.  How did you come to start the San Miguel Intensive and what do you hope to accomplish?

A.  Helping people move through transition has been a dream of mine since the late 1990's. My own shifts through hardships in life led me to a place of complete surrender. I fully committed to my Spiritual recovery and the need to move through difficulties with grace became my only goal. My realization is that life is a series of transformations that come at you fast; shifts are what we all must face. The importance of cleaning up my personal belief systems and getting "clear" enough to hear the quiet guidance system of my intuition is the way I learned to handle stress and begin to live a happy and joyful life. Plus, I became more productive as well. I never lost sight that my own experiences were preparing me to assist others. Guests at the San Miguel Intensive can begin to experience hope when they see their own evolutions they wish to face differently and the desire to handle these situations better can become a reality through the ability to change how they perceive. I chose San Miguel de Allende as the location of the retreat because of its beauty and artistic ambience. This alone encourages guests to see the world through a different lens. Once again, in trusting my intuition the perfect place did appear. My gift is to assist guests in creating a new dream by thinking more creatively. When they empty their "to do" lists and endless chatter of their mind, their own awareness heightens and instead of saying "I can't" they begin to say "I think I can".

Q.  What qualifies you to help people change their lives?

A.  I have spent over 20 years studying with many masters. I had to learn how to find my own voice to convey the information that began to come through me when I got still enough to listen. I went through a seemingly long gestation period of observation and application of how the words I chose and communicated contributed to creating my own reality. Finding this voice is the result of being still and learning how to focus my mind to a "point of concentration" of non-distraction. In this stillness, Spirit began to speak through me. The importance of me cleaning up my own belief systems and getting clear enough to hear the quiet voice of inspiration was the way I learned to handle and cope with stress. I experienced living a happier life and a more creative way to be in the world began to emerge. I began to see where I was placing my faith was affecting my happiness or lack thereof. No longer could I choose a life of reaction. In listening to the guidance of my intuition and acting accordingly, I saw that by example, others were beginning to listen to the information coming through me and by applying this to their stressful living and hectic schedules, their lives got better. My students began to show up.

Q.  Why were you chosen for this work?

A.  At the age of 12, I had a horseback riding accident where I left my body. I hovered over the scene—looking down at “me”—and then decided to re-enter my physical body. At this early age I realized paradoxically that I am, but I am not, my body and the luminous energy field around me does exist. From this heightened awareness, which was easily accessible to me, I was able to read energy. I have always been highly intuitive and knew early on that we are multi-dimensional beings connected to Source Energy. I frequently witness our time space reality shifting, depending on circumstances. Hence, I have a profound understanding of the importance of shifting and changing from one Consciousness to another. I was given this gift to help others through their experiences with changes. All we have to do is get still enough, without the distractions of everyday life, and listen to the small voice of intuition as it whispers.

Q.  How did my career aid and abet the creation of the San Miguel Intensive?

A.  My career as a top producer in the field of real estate with a six figure income created a springboard from which to create the San Miguel Intensive. My career experiences have paved the way to give me a greater understanding about how we process stress. However, I could not lose sight of a dream born years ago to help others and Spirits quiet calling me toward my life’s purpose continued. The seemingly gentle tugging at my heart to prepare myself for this journey never wavered. I have a different understanding of living abundantly, that no matter how successful I became, how much money I had or lack thereof, I could not deny my soul’s calling. It is with great humility I welcome everyone to experience the San Miguel Intensive with me and experience a life full of mystery and joy.

Find out more at http://www.sanmiguelintensive.com



Both Saturn in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn are retrograde for several months. This means that the severity of Saturn and the painful reconstruction of Pluto will abate for awhile. It does not mean that we can wallow in our credit lines or expect a rocket-up with the Stock Market, but we all will sense that the Universe is declaring somewhat of a time out—regroup—make some sense of what life’s difficulties have taught us. Is there anyone still breathing who doesn’t know that we are in the midst of an extreme make-over in all areas of our life? Did I see someone shake her head that she’s still in la-la land—spending as if there is no tomorrow—driving her Hummer™ around as if it were a Sherman tank clearing the cotton fields? Would someone give her a copy of the spiritual Almanac, The Late Great Planet Earth?

We start the Taurus cycle off with a Full Moon at 00 degrees of Scorpio on April 20th, which should bring certain matters to a close for those born around April 19 – 25,

July 23 – 31, October 23 – 31 and January 19 – 31. If a divorce has been lingering, it will be over during this period of time. Spats at the office could result in termination for the troublemaker.

There will be a New Moon at 15 degrees of Taurus on Cinco de Mayo, May 5th. This will be very beneficial to all earth and water signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, as well as Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. The sextile and trines to these same signs from Uranus should shake things up in a positive way.

Every so often there are two Full Moons in a particular sign’s cycle and April-May there is another Full Moon at 29 degrees of Scorpio on May 19th. Those born at the end of the Scorpio, Aquarius, and Taurus cycles will be most affected. The dates for them are November 18 – 23; August 15 – 21; February 13 – 18 and May 14 – 20.

Our most fortunate planet, Jupiter will go retrograde on May 10th at 22 degrees of Capricorn. Jupiter retrograde lessens the benefits of the optimism and expansiveness of this blessed planet.


Taurus (April 21 - May 20)

When everyone else is scrapping to get by, you Bulls should be rolling in clover. Saturn in Virgo and Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn as well as Mars in Cancer are all creating the most powerful planetary energies for you.  If this were my cosmic news I would continue to save and not spend erratically. No sign likes solvency more than Taurus.




Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

You should be feeling a lot more stability now that Mars is out of your Sun sign. Mars can give you lots of energy but it can also make you more high strung and on edge. You’ll feel sassy and free wheeling around the lunation in Gemini on the 6th and 7th of May. Venus in Aries as well as Neptune in Aquarius is also strengthening your resolve to feel more grounded this cosmic cycle. Mars in Leo around May 10th is a bonus as well.


Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Mars in Cancer could find you jumpier and more irritable than usual. Be patient—things get a lot better when Mars moves into Leo on May 10th. You should be feeling the stability of the New Moon in Taurus on the 5th of May—Cancer has no better friend in the Zodiac than the Bull. The real caveat for you Crabs is not to do anything foolish with finances this cycle. Hold to what you’ve got to smooth over troubled waters.




Leo (July 22 - August 22)

Mars is going to stimulate your economic picture around the 10th of May. This by no means says throw caution to the wind. It does mean that your thinking could be clearer when it comes to investments and moving funds for greater pay-outs. But as long as Neptune in Aquarius is opposing you, always think twice and three times about anything to do with where your retirement monies are being invested.




Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

You are getting a break now that Saturn in your sign has gone retrograde. Retrogrades are good times to evaluate what changes you’ve made compelled by the Lord of Karma, Saturn. Are you discovering that people are finding you kinder, softer and gentler? Is the glass seeming half full and your attitude shifting into ‘What can I do for you’? Good, keep living and keep learning.




Libra (September 23 - October 22)

It just seems as if your whole world of good manners and diplomacy has fallen out of vogue. Not. What the planets are trying to tell you and everyone else is that there is a new day and a new world dawning. Rather than ‘business as usual,’ the mantra is ‘I am my brother’s keeper.’ See what you can do for someone else without considering what’s in it for you. The Golden Rule, “Do unto others” is back and better and more powerful than ever.




Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

It is time someone reminded you that no one is a more effective healer or more clairvoyant than you are. It is time to use your God given gifts to nurture and heal yourself and then to spread it around wherever you go. The Universe does not need another selfish and self-centered human being having a spiritual experience. This month with the Sun opposing you, take a close look and see what only you can change about you to help others.




Sagittarius (November 22 - December 20)

I guess that you have almost adjusted to having your ruling planet, Jupiter in the slow boat to China sign of Capricorn as well as Pluto finally leaving you alone as it too moved into Capricorn in January. When Mars sidles into Leo May 10th dig into your bag of tricks and start building your life from ground zero—a house you can make a real cozy home. Don’t forget, God speaks directly to you Archers. Start listening to what He has to say.




Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

It is always a mixed message when Jupiter the blessed and expansive planet and Pluto the great destroyer and eliminator are both in Capricorn. Known to be cold and remote—and ‘let the rest of the world go by,’ you have so much going for you that the rest of the Zodiac is pea-green with envy. Saturn is helping you and this planetary cycle of Taurus is causing what you plant to flourish and replenish your coffers. Thank God daily for what He has given you.



Aquarius (January 20 - February 17)

With Neptune, like the Foo bird, sitting on top of your head, oftentimes confusing you and causing you to make silly decisions (like telling that bimbo or dunderhead you will marry her or him), be extra careful with the Sun in Taurus this planetary cycle and especially under the New Moon in Taurus May 5th. Mars in Leo May 10th is also a small craft warning. If your thinking is cloudy and confusing change channels, or just wait for the moving planets to clear your mental static interference.




Pisces (February 18 - March 20)

Since your next door neighbor is Aquarius, read that monthly message as well. You are the ruler of fantasy and make believe—you inspired the motto, “It it’s too good to be true, more than likely it ain’t true.” Uranus is giving you hardy inspiration and all those Taurus planets and Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn are making you more grounded and believable. Continue to know the value of a dollar and stick to your game plan to become solvent.


Aries (March 21 - April 20)

Now that the Sun has moved into Taurus, see what you can do with all the planetary help you had, especially with the New Moon on April 5th at 16 degrees of Aries. When Mars moves into Leo May 10th, your momentum for closing deals and striking out for new territory of conquest will pick up steam. But tattoo your hand—remind yourself every day—that Pluto in Capricorn is going to test you every day until 2023—stay in touch with your inner divinity and always ask for God’s will to be done in all matters.


Proactive Responsibility

By this time of year in an election all of us are sick and tired of the political mud slinging that always seems to escalate due to the highly charged and fiercely competitive race that takes place.  And this year, as we are all aware, seems to be harsher than in past years. Of course the media always seems to make matters worse.  They do so by belaboring issues in an attempt to add fuel to the already out of control fire.  So what are we to do?  Shall we turn our heads, close our eyes and shut our ears to all the negativity and act as if none of this is taking place? This is a possibility however it is not very realistic to take this tact.

After all, this election is paramount to the next four years and beyond.  The choices we make today affect every aspect of our lives tomorrow. Consider keeping your focus on who seems to be walking their talk.  I encourage you to pay attention to who is carrying themselves more proactively rather than being reactive.  Listen to who has a new and inspiring approach to the impending issues. Think about who is stuck in the problem, and who is courageously seeking a solution.  This is not a time to tune out; this is a huge opportunity to tune in and make a difference. It is our collective responsibility.  Meanwhile we need to continue to take our own inventory to see if we’re being proactive which is what we are asking of our potential leaders.   

 

by Sarah McLean

Spirituality: The Next Starbucks?

Millions of people from around the globe have been logging on to Oprah.com for Eckhart Tolle's New Earth, Awakening to Your Life's Purpose book study and webinar. It is the NY Times #1 bestseller at the moment. What is going on? Are meditation and spirituality going mainstream? I hope so.

Spirituality isn't just confined to the New Age movement anymore, it is undeniably migrating to the center of mainstream cultural awareness. I mean, Oprah meditating live in front of millions of people? Yes, it happened.

What used to be considered a private aspect of life is spilling over into the public domain and onto the internet. Spirituality is becoming more popular, trendy even. And I am happy about that.

People are actually shopping for meaning and purpose. My husband is reading Michael Moe's book, Finding the Next Starbucks, that says spirituality is a trend that is growing dramatically. I often imagine a meditation center next to every Starbucks. Meditation is a great way to start a day, better even than a grande half-caf soy latte.

When I worked at the Chopra Center in California, we started our day with a group meditation. It actually made my job easier. If for some reason I was late doing it, or had to miss it all together, I really felt it. It's almost like not having your cup of coffee in the morning.

I believe the single, most significant step to opening your awareness or awakening to who you really are is by meditating every day. Don't know how? Don't worry, you can do it and you don't have to join a religion, wear special robes, eat differently or believe anything. You don't even have to stop thinking. Find a meditation class that focuses on a type of silent meditation, and be sure that it doesn't emphasize any goal - like finding your animal totem, spiritual guide, or figuring out your past lives.

It is only when your mind is still, that you can truly experience your true essence, your true self - the you that is beyond the roles you play and your self-image.

The journey toward self-discovery that silent daily meditation activates will bring you inner contentment and clarity more quickly and completely than any other single activity I know. And once you experience the restful, deep stillness and peace that meditation provides, you will radiate that peacefulness to others. And over time, you'll want to meditate more than you want that cup of coffee in the morning!

Sarah McLean, director of the Sedona Meditation Training, has taught hundreds of people to meditate.  Find out more, call (928) 204-0067, or visit www.SedonaMeditation.com.