Extended Sessions
There have been so many requests recently, especially due to the rollercoaster financial markets, crumbling housing crisis, and other life challenges, that we at the Sedona Intensive™ have begun to offer Extended Sessions. In weekly sessions we are able to see how you and your planets in angulation and aspect are compatible or incongruent to what’s going on in the world. We take the planetary movements for the week ahead and see how Void of Course Moons, retrogrades, New and Full Moons and Eclipses affect you personally. Having this information can mean the difference in being caught up in pandemonium and panic that is not applicable to you but you don’t know it.

Call the office at 800-647-0732 and inquire about the Extended Sessions.

Light Foundation Scholarship Fund Needs Your Help

There are a lot of people who need help; oftentimes it is getting sober or straight and in other instances it is coming to terms with lifelong issues that keep them from being authentic. The Light Foundation, a not-for-profit IRS-approved organization, would like for you to be a part of this effort to help others clear away the wreckage of their past through help in the Sedona Intensive. All donations are tax-deductible. 

Please send donations to:  

Light Foundation Scholarship Fund,

PO Box 50, Sedona, AZ 86339

The Answer Man
This week I was feeling as if Mr. Darby, the world’s smartest, most elegant wire fox terrier (you ought to see him give that Westminster show-dog stance, and point with bended paw, head held high—freeze frame, Mr. DeMille!) and my new seven-month old puppy, had adopted the wrong Daddy with the way I had been growling at him. You understand if you have a dog: they don’t always pee on cue and they can tear into your hydrangeas like nobody’s business. And, just when I needed to crate Mr. Darby to get a little peace, three of us went to the Sedona International Film Festival’s monthly Tuesday night preview movie. This week it was The Answer Man starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham, and supporting players who were acting like you and I do, not like over-acting actors.

As a writer who knows many of the ‘big pieces of stuff’ in the spiritual pantheon of self-help, religious and spiritual scribes, I laughed until I cried and cried until I laughed. What a show-stopper is The Answer Man and what a freeing experience for me (and maybe for you)—putting me right where I need to live—in the moment all the while admitting I don’t know much but what I know, I know needs more room.

The gist of the film is that this spiritual author who had written a mega-best seller “ME AND GOD by Arlen Taber” is in fact a nasty and mean-spirited ogre who has never walked the talk of his uber-hit international best seller. Rather he loathes the poor suckers who pony up the $25.00 to read it in the first place. And then enter Elizabeth, the straight therapist (chiropractor) and her adorable seven-year old son who teach Mr. Big Shot how to live a truth he has never found.

Go to this movie even though it is not cyber-pyro-technical and it is not Angelina Jolie or Hannah Montana or even Hugh Jackman. What it is, is ‘walk your truth’ and do not necessarily believe that those of us who write “how to live your life books” live what we write. It is a wake-up call also not to take yourself or others too seriously. Life is reform school and we better learn the lessons in the here and now or we will be back with the same primer with a tougher role in which to learn them.

Go see this movie. It is one that all of us can enjoy, except those who think they are above it all or who are so self-deluded that it would take the Ghost of Christmas Past, Jesus, Buddha and Ramakrishna to show them the error of their ways. And you will love what happens to all the characters.

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 or www.sedonaintensive.com.

Inspired by a challenge

I am not one to watch much television, particularly “Reality TV”. However this year, I watched ninety percent of the Biggest Loser episodes. Weekly I found myself glued to the television on Tuesday evenings to see which contestant was going to motivate me the most. Witnessing each individual complete intense workouts while oftentimes shedding double-digit weight losses in the span of one week was incredible. The four finalists even had to complete a full marathon.

I suppose one of the reasons I was so moved by this TV series is because I have set a goal to run my first half marathon in August. And as I train day-to-day and week-to-week, my mind constantly tells me that I can’t do it. If it is not one thing it is another—my hip, my ankle, my lungs, my age, ad infinitum. Yet these severely obese people from the show ranging in ages from nineteen to sixty-three somehow found the courage and the will to lose as much as fifty percent of their body weight in as little as six months.

So as my mind continues the negative chatter trying to get me to quit the race, I need to remember that the inspiration comes from the challenge more than the simplicity of the accomplishment. And those challenges are unique to us all.

by Andrew Bell

What is it about the summer that makes the days fly by? In pondering this dilemma I have realized that during the summer, no longer are we forced to endure dark bitter days or wear five layers to pick up groceries. All of a sudden walking, visiting friends, going out to movies and seeing shows seem so appealing. The dismal economy is now transferred to the back of our minds, and the light blue sky makes us feel as if God has returned to provide us peace and contentment. Losing weight and exercising just comes so much more naturally to us during the warm and happy days that summer provides us with. Unfortunately, completing work, focusing, and grasping the true reality around us becomes so much harder during these coming months. Partying with friends, listening to music, and hitting the beach seem so natural and tempting at this time of year, however performing well in school, work and in life become so difficult to do.

As I approach the coming months, I’m extremely optimistic and joyous for the exuberance and joy that the summer months will provide for me. However, I realize that I must make a concerted effort to not forget that these few months still represent opportunities for me to polish my resume, work further on bettering myself, reflect on the struggle around me, and do my best to not only selfishly enjoy the boundless energy, and newfound optimism that summer provides me with, but to use these incredible opportunities that I have been provided with to affect change on the world. Maybe then, time won’t fly during the summer, but rather productive and long lasting memories will be engendered, and I’ll look back at this summer as not only a joyous one, but one that I’m grateful for and can feel extraordinarily proud of.

We are getting closer and closer to seeing some positive and lasting turnaround with all the global bad news for more than a year. The Sun went into Taurus the Bull on April 19th which is the sign that spring is here and flowers and trees and grass begins to flourish.

There will be a New Moon at 5 degrees of Taurus on April 24th—this is a new beginning for all Earth Signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, and it also has a positive affect on Water Signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Since Taurus rules all things financial, the markets and all currencies in the world should begin to show signs of rejuvenation. And, Venus came out of retrograde on April 18th, which also is a sign that better money days are here again.

One major caveat in this Solar Cycle is that Mercury will go retrograde on May 7th at 1 degree of Gemini and will not go direct in motion until May 30th. You have to be very careful signing documents, commitments for buying and selling houses or other properties, starting new ventures is not such a hot idea and because Mercury rules all things mechanical, you may experience snafus with computers, electricity and even travel can give you fits with unexpected delays. But you can’t shut down for three weeks. Give all matters a second and third microscopic attention to details.
(Remember that old saw, ‘the devil is in the details?’)

There is a Full Moon at 18 degrees of Scorpio on May 9th which affects other Water Signs and Earth Signs. Full Moons are about endings, so if it is time to move ahead rather than fall back, now is your time to put on track shoes.

May 10th is Mother’s Day. Don’t forget to make a commitment to honor your mother in all ways every day of this year. But this is Mom’s Special Holiday, so honor her in a special way.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

The only way things could be any better is if you were triplets. The New Moon at 3 degrees of Gemini on May 24th will throw you into the honey pit—whatever either of the twins wants, the twin gets. Money and prestige are just over the horizon. What makes all of this so rosy is that Jupiter is in good aspect from Aquarius. If I were you I would take yes for an answer and keep on riding the tiger of success—IF you remember that everything that has a beginning has an end. You are a long way from the end of the ride.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

You have a lot to be thankful for this solar cycle. The great drift from Saturn in Virgo has made your life simpler and easier even when you tried to mess it up. In order to give up the ‘thumbs up’ days here are your windows to throw open to opportunities: May 22 & 23; May 26 & 27; May 30 & 31; June 4&5; June 14 & 15; June 19& 20. There are a few ongoing caveats like Pluto in Capricorn opposing you for the next umpteen years as well as Jupiter in Aquarius throwing a wrench into your best laid plans. Work with your month day-by-day and thank God for what works.

Leo (July 22 - August 22)

With Jupiter opposing you for a few more months you might want to switch from steak and ale to tofu and wheat grass because you might be blowing up like the Disney dog in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. One of the few (we are being kind here) unattractive DNA-stamps for you lions is never knowing when to stop eating all the wrong food groups and then trying to lace yourself into a frock from the good old days of a faster metabolism. If you could ever learn moderation even your stock portfolio would look healthier.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

If we didn’t have you ‘two plus two is four’ and a ‘stitch in time saves nine’ type-Virgos, where would the world be? (Do I hear a Pisces chirp, “Better off?”) Saturn in your sign is showing rehab has done you a lot of good. You do not need to have checked into Betty Ford to have needed to look at all your addictions and compulsions—perfection stimulation package par excellence—that cosmic cop Saturn would have driven you to change the things you can. There is a reprieve coming—just not yet!

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

If you have ever wanted to shine—take a stroll with a lilt in your steps—this is the month to do it. There is an old saw that says, ‘If we could live in air castles, Libras would corner the market.’ It may be true that you are benefiting royally with Jupiter in Aquarius and the Solar Cycle in Gemini, but watch out for living in your head. There is a spiritual reality that can take you to the Promise Land but there are some practical ways to make it home: 1) Keep a journal—write your way out of a dark and dangerous place: your head; 2) Learn to meditate—there is peace somewhere in there; 3) Practice Yoga. OM. OM.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

A lot of good things are working for you but you are not meant to see them. And put down that pencil—life is not about figuring it all out—but about revelations. Saturn in such a divine alignment with you is building a road you will soon skip down like Dorothy on the way to Oz. You are known to be patient and measured—and charitable if you believe in the cause. Keep in the Lotus Position in Yoga, remember to write down your thoughts so they don’t drive you batty and meditate daily. Payday is just around the bend.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 20)

You may be feeling like you are never meant to roam and gambol another day in life, but you would be wrong. Get a job as a traveling salesman or a forest ranger and you will be as happy as the proverbial pig in mud. What the Universe is trying to tell you with the alignment of the stars is that even you Archers must learn to shoot straight—get your ducks in a row—so you can afford that cabin on the lake or the condo on Michigan Avenue. Jupiter is trying to put wind beneath your wings. See a life coach or headhunter and put the pedal to the metal in your money-making pursuits. A plan will help tons.

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

The next time someone asks you what you are building tell them that Noah would never let the town folks know and Michelangelo told them to go away, he was creating. You just keep working on your dream scheme or refining your masterpiece because the world will be waiting. The persistent Goat that you are always makes it to the top. I might remind you that there is a Lunar Eclipse Full Moon coming up in early July, so you might want to speed the plow just a tad. Whatever it is your doing, ‘looking good!’

Aquarius (January 20 - February 17)

With the Jupiter Effect working so well for you, keep the eyes in the back of your head on alert because the good ship lollipop might be in danger of sinking from neglect. Being the lovable airhead that you are, you don’t always make practical provisions to get the mortgage payment to the bank on time and you oftentimes forget to water the roses. Close the Book of Secrets that has intrigued you and put some muscle to living a bit more in the “real world”. But I must say that the Gemini Solar Cycle this month will benefit you in a lot of $$$$ ways. Enjoy.

Pisces (February 18 - March 20)

The best news we can lay on you Fish this month is that sooner than later Saturn will stop opposing you, making you crazy with too much self-examination. If you have learned your lesson well that money does not grow on cactus and that even Beethoven had to sit down to write his symphonies you’ll be ahead of the game. No, Mildred and Mike—there are no free lunches unless you’re down-and-out in Beverly Hills (or so the movie says) or being roasted at the Friar’s Club—and you ain’t that important…yet. The revelation that keeps eluding you is that God will give you what He wants you to have when you prove to Him that you are willing to work for it. Peace, Pisces.

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

Being that your nature is to hunt and stalk—to go off half-cocked with no roadmap—this solar cycle may fit you like to a tight t-shirt. With all those planets in Gemini and Jupiter in Aquarius and with new and full Moons that are going to make you feel like you won the lottery, get ready to reach for the stars or buy an option that has ‘slow and steady’ written into the bi-laws. If you have begun to learn how to work with Pluto in Capricorn you might see your ship come in again. The economy is on the rebound but make sure you’re not one of the reasons it sank in the first place.

Taurus (April 21 - May 20)

You may begin to feel like you are strapped into somebody else’s girdle or that you have been leashed like your dog—with the tether too short—with the way the planets have been acting like you’re not welcomed anywhere. It may be time to take stock with what you have and what has been gone with the wind or dwindled because you put all your money in all the wrong places. Lick your wounds and be a little nicer to the chattering classes. Word on the street is that Taurus has a big mouth and knows how to misuse it. This month lay low and clean up your social skills and balance your checkbook.

Using Your Intuition to Make Decisions
Is it a Yum or a Yuck?
by Sarah McLean

Novelist Tom Robbins wrote that there are really only two mantras in life: "yum" and "yuck". When we ask ourselves the question, "Should I do this?" or, "Should I do that?" And when we are quiet, we can hear a yes or no internally.

This is the voice of our intuition. It sometimes whispers, or shouts, or gives us physical signals. It is always there, and yet, we often don't pay attention to it. But why?

Our constant mind chatter, which includes our shoulds and shouldn'ts, thinking of the past, projecting into the future, or believing the promises made to us by media or our culture chanting "this is what everyone else is doing," often shrouds our intuition. Intuition can also be masked by habits which we don't examine, or by our ego which wants to win, be in control, and be powerful. Logic or rationality are aspects of the mind, intuition is the aspect of the soul.

Ancient sages who meditated daily quieting their minds called intuition 'intelligence-loving-wisdom which interconnects all beings'. The Sanskrit term for this is buddhi. Sometimes it is translated as intuitive intelligence. It is the part of the mind that is compassionate and closely aligned with the spirit. Through the silence we experience in meditation, we can learn to reliably access our intuitive wisdom, and distinguish its voice from the voice of our ego.

You already know there are choices that yield strictly passing pleasures and others that serve you long-term. When we tune in and listen to our intuitive wisdom, and align every choice we make or physical action we take with it, our life will be more authentic and supported by nature. Sometimes, of course, our intuition isn't just saying yes or no, but is a voice that will guide us in a certain direction, toward real pleasure, or away from pain or danger.

Intuition is a communication from your own soul or spirit; it has a holistic perspective that takes everything into account. By listening to it, we can live a life that follows a path that is nourishing not only to us but also to everyone around us.

Sarah McLean, founding director of the Sedona Meditation Training, former education director of the Chopra Center in California, has taught hundreds of people to meditate. She speaks and writes about meditation and holds retreats throughout the Southwest. Find out more, call (928) 204-0067, or visit www.SedonaMeditation.com.