ASTROLOGICAL INSIGHTS FOR THE MONTH

If you do not recognize yourself in the description of your sun sign, you are probably living and working under the energy of your rising sign or ascendant.

What is your rising sign or ascendant? It is the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon (corresponding to the cusp or beginning of your first house in your chart) on the day you were born. For instance, when I was born in Libra, the sign on the horizon was also Libra, so nothing changes for me - I am a true Libran. My husband, Alan, who is also a Libra, was born with the sign of Scorpio on his horizon, and he tends to show far more Scorpio energy than his Libran energy.

Do you know your rising sign? If you do not know your rising sign you can find this out from your natal chart, available Here from The Maitreya Learning and Healing Center in Seattle, USA.

Virgo 2010 (August23 – September 21)

Virgo is the sixth sign of the Zodiac and is a feminine, receptive, and mutable earth sign. The element earth can be described as practical and exacting. The mutable quality means that Virgo is adaptable and flexible and can thus be very practical. Virgo’s ruling planet is Mercury and in the natural zodiac, it rules the Sixth House of health, employment, skills, and service. Generally speaking, Virgo people are analytical, industrious, systematic, considerate and reliable. However, when Virgos overuse their Virgo energy, they can also be aloof, skeptical, finicky, critical and self-centered. Virgo people are happy in careers that demand technical or analytical skills or that afford the opportunity for service. I, myself, have a Virgo Mid-Heaven and was an analytical chemist for 27 years till I started my spiritual work.

This year Virgo people may experience some profound changes or transformation in the areas of romance, children, self expression and creativity. The cosmos is helping Virgo people to use their creative energy to transform their life. They are encouraged to redefine themselves, to move outside their comfort zone into these areas and to creatively express what is in their heart. They need to look within, find, and begin to express their practical, creative self. They should do whatever they feel in their heart and are inspired to in a practical but heartfelt way. The maximum benefit over time will be increased confidence and self-knowledge. Virgos may find that they will also be more involved in their children’s lives this year and will experience tremendous personal growth from parenting. Their children will be the catalyst for motivating their personal change.

In the area of partnerships, Virgos may meet many new people. Some may become friends, others may be supportive coworkers, and still others may appear for a specific purpose. If they are searching for love, they could meet someone they dream about and could get lost in the world of romance. In general, Virgo people have a special role to play this year: encouraging others to do and be their best and to spread optimism and enthusiasm. Virgos may experience love at first sight. They may enjoy every romantic moment, but should be cautious about making a commitment. Whatever decision they make in the area of partnerships, it would be wise for Virgo people to think carefully before they act.

In the areas of investment and other peoples’ money, Virgos have an opportunity to obtain money from loans, insurance, or investments. This may come in a manner of sudden ups and downs. Avoid risky investments, do not to overlook tax payments, and not to overspend. Pay more attention to insurance policies to be sure everything is adequately covered.

In the area of money, personal values, and possessions, Virgo people may experience restrictions in their income which may create a fear of financial insecurity. This is an area in which Virgos are going to face some deep fears and learn some valuable lessons regarding savings and thrifty, value-based spending. Learn to budget, organize money, be careful in spending, pay off any accumulated debt as soon as possible, and develop a habit of using cash or debit rather than credit. In the end, Virgo people will have a more balanced way to manage their money and personal possessions. The most important lesson is to learn to differentiate want (desire) and need. Define your true values. On a practical level, this will also be a year for Virgo people to clear their closets and get their space in order.

Leo 2010 (July 22 – August 22)

Leo is the fifth sign of the Zodiac. When I picture its zodiac image, I see the symbol of a lion as well as the heart with its two valves. This enables me to feel about Leo: dignity, courage, affection, and power. Leo is a masculine, positive, fire sign. Its ruler is the Sun, the planet of our true self. Our sun is where we are going to shine and to stand out for who we are so that others and the world can see. Therefore, Leo people can be described as enthusiastic and inspirational. Leo’s quality is fixed, meaning determined and persistent. Leo people are very generous, optimistic, ambitious, loyal and affectionate. However, when they overuse their Leo energy they can also be demanding, intolerant, domineering, lazy and self-centered. Leo people have wonderful creativity and organizing ability.

This year, financial matters will continually be one of the issues Leo people are going to deal with. Joint accounts, other people’s money (verses personal resources), values, and material possessions are brought to Leo people’s attention. Make a pact with yourself to live within your means, to save and invest, to pay any accumulated debt before you spend, to have a tighter budget, and to redefine your values, i.e., what is most important? What do you want verses what do you really need? Organizing, planning, budgeting, saving, and living within a conservative budget will help you to wrap up the coming year with a healthier balance sheet than you had when this year began.

This year in the area associated with siblings, neighbors, the neighborhood, extended family, study and communications, Leo people are also going to have some experiential learning. You will have the opportunity to expand your communication and people skills. You will also gain by listening to people for what information they are sharing with you, so keep an open mind and absorb all you can. Study, writing, and communication on all levels are the lessons and tasks you may need to pay attention to this year.

In the area of work and service – as well as that of health and wellness – Leo people are going to go through some noted changes. Some changes will be on a global scale; some are more in the workplace. The changes are not necessarily “bad,” but they can be difficult to deal with. However, the end result is usually positive. Leo people’s health and wellness are also going to go through some changes, so do yourself a favor. Start to take care of your diet, proper exercise, and be more aware of balancing your work and your health. During this period of change you will be able to transform your lifestyle into a healthier one with a nutritious diet, as well as adequate exercise, sleep, and relaxation.

Leo people may also have some unexpected travels this summer. These are possibly associated with a family member or friends.

This year brings great potential for Leo people. However, it can also exhaust you if you try to achieve impossible dreams. This is not a sensible strategy. Heed the counsel of wise friends and seasoned professionals before making any life-changing decisions.

Cancer 2010 (June21 – July 21)

Cancer is the fourth sign of the Zodiac. When I picture its zodiac image, I see the symbol of a crab. This enables me to feel about Cancer as protective, curious, emotional, responsive, nurturing, and ambitious. Cancer is a feminine, receptive water sign and its ruler is the Moon, the planet of emotions and feelings, Cancer people are very intuitive, receptive and nurturing. They care about others and how others feel. Many people benefit from Cancer people’s kindness.

Generally speaking, Cancer people are very home- and family-based people. Their quest for security motivates them to establish strong family ties and a warm, welcoming home. Family relationships are very important. When all is safe and secure in a Cancer’s personal world, they are at their best in the outer world. However, do not to underestimate these people’s inner strength and their ability to withstand adversity. When necessary, they can take a stand and rarely retreat. However, because these people need the most security, they tend to stay in their comfort zone and not want to make changes. It is hard for them to let go of loved ones, children, and close friends from their life.

Cancer people can be very emotional. They can be upbeat one minute and feel low the next. They go through their emotional ups and downs frequently, but only those closest to them realize the depth of their emotions because they have the ability to hide their emotions and true feelings under their protective shell. Cancer people are highly receptive and intuitively sense other people’s feelings or emotions on a very deep level. Because of this quality, they can absorb both negative and positive vibrations from other people and their surroundings.

This year, their domestic and family responsibilities will increase and may be accompanied by some disruption from changes in their domestic environment. This year and in coming years they will experience many relationship changes as people enter and depart their life. Some will be positive and uplifting, encouraging them on a personal level. Others, however, could be negative, involving power struggles, control issues, etc. No matter whether they are positive or negative, these changes are teaching Cancer people about relationships and their role in these relationships. This learning experience is more for them than about other people. The most important thing is to have the awareness and courage to do what is right for them.

This is a year for Cancer people to go out to the world. The universe opens infinite opportunities to them for travel, learn, and generally expand their horizons. They need to think about what they want to be in the future and then develop short- and long-term goals that will help them achieve their objectives. If they open their mind to possibilities rather than focusing on their current career, the time could be right to begin pursuing another avenue.

This year, there will also be some unexpected changes for Cancer people in the areas of home and family, close relationships, career, and themselves. Some Cancers may end a relationship, make a major move, or change careers. However, the most important thing for them is to talk with themselves and specifically identify their wants, needs, desires and motives. because ultimately the change is about them – Cancer people, not other people – their home or their career. These are simply the outward manifestations of changes going on within. Cancer, be aware that the changes you make this year will be permanent, so choose wisely. Your heart is always your best guide.

Gemini 2010 (May 20 – June 20)

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac. Its symbol depicts two children, the Twins. As Gemini’s ruling planet is Mercury – the planet of mind, mental activity, and communication – the Twins represent the dual type of mind, someone who sees both sides of a question and jumps with interest to every new idea presented. Gemini is a masculine, positive, and mutable air sign. Because of this quality, Gemini people can be described as intellectual, communicative, flexible, and adaptable. They are friendly, witty, eloquent, versatile, and perceptive. However, if they have fear and do not know how to manage their extreme mental energy, they could be restless, contradictory, two-faced, critical, and impatient. These people can be easily led into new things but can also be bored easily if they stay only on one job and do only one thing. They enjoy working with variety. They are multi-tasked in what they do. I happened to work with a beautiful lady who was working as a receptionist and I was amazed by watching her do her work: typing on the computer, listening on the phone, and meanwhile talking to a customer who was just walking in. I wondered how she could cope with it, and she told me that she enjoyed doing things this way.

For Gemini people, this will be a year of career advancement. However, you need to work on it. Network to the max to cultivate those who can help you further your career path. Meanwhile, do not take everyone at face value. Think about what career you really have passion for and work on it. The cosmos will offer you new opportunities and possibilities this year, and you need to be ready to take the ride.

In the areas of home, family, children, and creativity, you may meet some obstacles which will test your patience and perseverance. As you face whatever comes to you with an open heart, practical approach, and integrity, you will come out of it with pride in what you have accomplished in these areas at the end of this year.

In the areas of other people’s money, joint resources, insurance, inheritance, and investment, you will go through some radical changes. This could trigger your deep-buried anger and bring it to the surface. Do not be scared by this intense emotion as it needs to come out. Let it go completely and move forward to a new energy. Be aware of being caught up by the game of power; focus on what is in your heart and let it guide you. At the end of the year you will inevitably be changed for the betterment of the soul who you really are.

In the area of higher consciousness, you will have a cosmic blessing. The door to higher consciousness is opening wide for you and you will have the choice to take the ride or let your fear hold you back. If you go with it, you may find answers for your very being: who are you? Why you are here on the earth plane? What is your life purpose? What is your destiny? Once you have done so, you will have “Aha” moments and find the understanding for your very being.

Taurus 2010 (April 20 –May 19)

Taurus is the second sign of the Zodiac. When I picture its zodiac image, I see the symbol of a bull’s head with two horns. This image depicts Taurus as strong, quiet, and deliberate but, when aroused, Taurus people can plunge ruthlessly toward their goal. Taurus is a feminine, negative, and fixed earth sign. Therefore, Taurus people are very attached to earthly matters and are very practical. Money, material things, and the values they can see in material form are very important to them as these things will make them feel secure. They are determined, persistent, reliable, loyal, compassionate, and trustworthy but also can be possessive, jealousy, lazy, stubborn, and extravagant. Taurus’ ruling planet is Venus, the planet of love and beauty. Therefore, Taurus people can be very creative, having music and other artistic talents. They enjoy fine and beautiful things. When they are surrounded by beauty and music, they feel more at home. Taurus people are normally very good workers; anything you ask them to do, they can do very well. However, they can be led but not pushed. The best way to inspire their productivity is to give them a task and a deadline, then leave it to them. They will finish it on time with high quality.

Even though Taurus people enjoy staying in a cozy and comfortable home to feel safe and secure, the cosmos is encouraging and inspiring them to move out of their comfort zone this year to connect, network, and socialize with others. This year will be their “people year.” This cosmic blessing promises them that, the more they connect to others, the greater their luck and opportunities will be. This year is also important for Taurus people to dream big and to set up their true goals, hopes, wishes, and dreams, as what they set up for their life this year will affect them over the next twelve years. Therefore, using their practical mind to create and refine their short – and long – term plans to achieve what is realistically possible for them is a good way to go.

This year, in the areas of work and service, creativity, higher learning, higher consciousness, and the subconscious, Taurus people could meet some challenges forcing them to get out of their comfort zone and take the ride of change. Change is inevitable; resistance only makes it harder. When Taurus people open to accept whatever changes the universe will bring to them this year, they will definitely go through a transformation. At the end of this year they will realize how capable they are. They will feel good and glad for the change they have gone through.

Aries 2010 (March 20 – April 19)

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. When I think about Aries, I am reminded of energy. Aires is the point of all beginning. People with their Sun in Aries are always in the process of building a new personality. All their energies are self-centered and self-directed. These people are all about action – initiating and ambitious. Because of their positive personality, they are usually very inspirational, courageous, enthusiastic, original, and independent. They have energy to burn and the desire to keep pushing onward against all obstacles. However, when they are too self-centered, they tend to forget that other people may have good ideas and can assume responsibility too. Because of this, it could be difficult for an Arian to form a partnership with others. However, if they can pay attention to the possible disadvantages of the Arian energy (such as impatient, aggressive, headstrong, selfish and impulsive), they are able to be an inspirational force and a leader for whatever they are doing.

In the past few years Aries people have been going through constant changes in the areas of work and services, and it may still ongoing. It is important for Aries people to take time for self-renewal and for preparing a new beginning. Aries people have the cosmic support for taking time to look inward and assess their life. By doing so they may have a deeper level of spirituality coming into their consciousness, or they may have more self-understanding in the quest to learn what motivates them or what hold them back. All changes are beneficial for soul growth.

Aries people can also expect changes in the areas of career and close relationships, both personal and business. Old beliefs, conditioning, and the way they relate to others could have sudden and unexpected changes and transformation which could bring a feeling of dissatisfaction with the status quo and the urge for change. Patience, communication, and finding balance between career and family life will help Aries people go through these changes.

Pisces 2010 (February 19 to March 19)

Pisces people are very sensitive, creative, and imaginative. They are normally very compassionate. Because of their sensitivity, they easily feel for people and for their surroundings, both positive and negative. Sometimes it maybe too much for them to cope with or they may be confused because they cannot tell whether what they are feeling theirs or is something they just picked up from others. They may have the tendency to escape from the world and stay in their dreamy state for fantasy or to get away from the harsh world around them. They tend to be addicted to alcohol, drugs or any type of addiction in order for them to escape from reality due to their easy flowing essence. Therefore, it is very important for Pisces people to stay away from alcohol and drugs, to connect to their higher consciousness, and to find the true purpose of their existence. Once they find the outlet to channel through their Pisces energy into the creative work and into the service to humanity, they will do extremely well.

Pisces people may have some lessons to learn in the areas of joint resources, other people’s money, inheritance, insurance, long-term investments, and metaphysics. The lessons could involve facing fear, being practical, or developing discipline, patience, and perseverance. In the end, they may find that these lessons will enable them to accomplish their goals for personal growth and they may be more self-reliant. Something new may be born out of this.

This year could be a lucky year for Pisces people because they have a cosmic blessing. Anything they do – if they do from their heart – they will do very well. Pisces people are in a new cycle of personal growth. All that they learn about themselves in 2010 will serve them in the next 11 years. It is about finding their true passion and what they really want to do in their life for themselves and how they can become the true soul they really are. Self-awareness will be the key for them to go deep within to make the necessary changes and transform. They may be amazed by their own power of creation, thinking positively and dreaming big. Meanwhile focusing on goals in a down-to-earth manner with discipline, patience, and perseverance will help them to accomplish a great deal.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarians are very friendly, original, intuitive, broadminded and helpful. Their basic nature is as humanitarians or reformers. For them, friendship and companionship are very important. They like to be as equals among equals. They are very intellectual and communicative. Because Aquarius is a fixed sign, those who are born under this sign are very loyal, determined and persistent, but sometimes can also be stubborn.

Because Aquarius is an intellectual, air sign, the Aquarian’s intuitions and relationships with others are mainly on the mental level. Their minds are analytical and scientific. They have the ability to think things through and come out with an accurate conclusion. They have good powers of concentration and are capable of assimilating a lot of information. Their ability to channel information from the Universe is also incredible – as if they have access to the information bank provided by the Universe – which makes among them some very outstanding scientists, inventors, TV, radio and internet pioneers.

Aquarian people are very electrifying and sometimes act like a power surge which can cause problems with electronics – especially computers – even without their knowing that they caused the problems. Aquarian people are very friendly yet in a very detached way. I was lucky to work closely with a triple Aquarius at our center. He has all the Aquarius personality traits such as: very intuitive, intelligent, great communicator, and having a very excellent ability to think things through and come up with a solution. He is also very detached emotionally from most situations. Of course, he also displays Aquarian stubbornness (although he considers me more stubborn than him – which of course not the case. LOL!). In addition, he often has problems with computers and electronics. His Aquarian energy once blew our center’s whole heating system and quite a few computers. Luckily we know the cause.

This year Aquarian people have a great opportunity to educate themselves on material affairs, such as financial planning and money management. If you are an Aquarius, it is a great time for you to define what you truly value – what is ultimately important to you in your life – then use what you have learned to make a plan to achieve what you want from life. In the meantime, you also have a great opportunity to work on your subconscious. Unresolved issues or unreleased emotions will emerge for you to deal with so that you can truly let go of them. This process may not be pleasant but you will learn much from it. Make a friend with an Aquarius and they surely will bring something new to your life.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 19)

Capricorn people are ambitious, very practical and down to earth. Everything they believe has to be put into practical reality to experience. If they set up a goal, they have the discipline, determination and perseverance to see it through. They are very responsible people but can also be somewhat controlling and demanding.

Capricorns are very serious and goal oriented. They are also very strict and critical of themselves. Saturn, the lord of karma, discipliner and teacher, is the ruler of their birth sign, so you now know why they are the way they are. These people are very gifted in the business and political areas. They have very good intuition and they use it in their struggle to achieve personal independence and economic security. Because they are very gifted in business and politics and are very practical and responsible, they make very good executives, investors, administrators, and managers in the fields of business, politics, social, or intellectual affairs. However, they need to have goals and plans so that they have something definite to pursue. Otherwise, they could feel lost and go down the road of depression.

Success for Capricorn people comes from their hard work, patience, discipline, and perseverance. They do not easily give up in finding solutions to the most difficult problems and are very successful as troubleshooters. I am lucky to have a friend whose birth sign is Capricorn. My friend is very patient and a good problem solver. He can work for hours to solve a problem and make it workable and practical. Simply by working with him on some projects I have been amazed by him and have learned so much from him about Capricorn people.

Because Capricorns like structure and order, they like to have everything in perfect working order. They tend to be very disciplined and strict in pursuing their goals and in everything they do. Because of this tendency, they can sometimes make their life or other peoples’ lives harder. Learning to set practical goals, plan for them, and then be flexible and go with the flow will be of great benefit for Capricorn people.

Capricorn people may have a new opportunity for romance or a new love interest in the first half of 2010. These people have a very loyal and sensitive personality. They care for and love others much more than they often show. Be grateful and truly appreciate Capricorn people in your life. They appreciate you much more and deeper than you know.

Sagittarius 2009 (November 22 to December 20)

I am not kidding when I state that, when I see Sagittarius in the natal chart, I know the person has problems staying in relationships. The same applies for Sagittarius as the rising sign or Moon sign. Not only do they have problems settling down and staying, they value so much their freedom. Ruled by the planet Jupiter, this sign is the luckiest of the lot. Things fall into their lap, literally. They usually have no trouble manifesting what they need, and life seems quite easy for them.

However the down side to Sagittarius is that they do have trouble in relationships and partnerships. If they do not, they are not true Sagittarians but more of their Ascendant sign. They are fiercely independent and very stubborn, especially when it comes to that wonderful subject of a partner. One Sagittarius friend of mine has to go to away twice a year from his wife, just to get his space and take time out. Ironically, his wife is a Sagittarius also but she has no desire to do this. She is not true to her Sagittarius energy. Touch a Sagittarius though when you meet one. You are very lucky to have them as friends or as partners.

Scorpio 2009 (October 23 to November 21)

As soon as you say the word “Scorpio,” many people recoil in fear. There is something about the word that frightens many people. Maybe it is the Scorpion with the tail! However, the majority of Scorpio people are incredibly intuitive, very sensitive, and have come into this incarnation to transform themselves. They often have a fear of death – often quite severe. They are frightened of people also. They are very spiritual people and are usually drawn to the metaphysical side of life with interests in life after death and psychic subjects. All Scorpios have had an incredible number of past lives, hence their need to finally free themselves from the wheel of life in this incarnation. For those who do it, it is true liberation. Scorpios are very intense, very determined, and strong in their convictions and beliefs. The next time you meet a Scorpio, don't cringe or try to avoid them. They are the best mirrors and teachers in the zodiac. They are a water sign, and so being around water is very important for them. Of all of the zodiac signs these people are very gifted as healers and psychics. Once they can face their fear they have the energy.

Libra 2009 (September 22 to October 22)

If you ever meet a true Libra, don't ask them a question because they will have trouble making a decision. They are incredibly nice people and they don't like indecision in others, but oh dear! They cannot make decisions themselves. Libras love the good things in life: good food, wine – if they drink it, and fine things. Ruled by the planet Venus, they are very romantic and love romance novels and romantic films on TV and at the cinema. Although they love to indulge themselves, once they set a goal they fulfill it. They are hard working once they have a purpose and are very generous to friends, family, and even total strangers. Some Libras have lots of friends and are social butterflies. Others are loners and prefer their own company. Travel is good for them, and they love to travel. They often look a lot younger than they are. If you want some advice, ask a Libra. Somehow they always seem to have the right answer. Many Libras often carry weight, usually do to their loving the good things of life, especially food and wine. They make good partners with fellow Librans, Geminis and Aquarians.