Month: April 2014

The Alder Tree – Celtic Tree Astrology for March 18 – April 14

The Alder Tree

March 18 – April 14

If you are an Alder sign within the Celtic tree astrology system, you are a natural-born pathfinder. You’re a mover and a shaker, and will blaze a trail with fiery passion often gaining loyal followers to your cause. You are charming, gregarious and mingle easily with a broad mix of personalities. In other words, Alder signs get along with everybody and everybody loves to hang around with you. This might be because Alder’s are easily confident and have a strong self-faith. This self-assurances is infectious and other people recognize this quality in you instantly. Alder Celtic tree astrology signs are very focused and dislike waste. Consequently, they can see through superficialities and will not tolerate fluff. Alder people place high value on their time, and feel that wasting time is insufferable. They are motivated by action and results. Alder’s pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks or even Birch signs.

 

Source:
Whats-Your-Sign.com

All About the Month of April

All About the Month of April

The Roman Goddess of Love ‘Aprilis’ was honoured when naming the month of ‘April’. As part of the seasonal calendar April is the time of the ‘Growing Moon’ according to Pagan beliefs and the period described as the ‘Moon of the Red Grass Appearing’ by Black Elk (Black Elk Speaks, Neihardt). It is also the last month of ‘Imbolc’, before ‘Beltaine’. Mark, of the gospels, features as a strong influence within the early Celtic church at this time of year. The need to toil the land, to work to achieve the ends is further symbolised by his work, that of spreading the news of the gospels and in the significance of the pilgrimage, the journey to achieve enlightenment. Early pilgrims were influenced by the laws of nature, in a similar way to the pre-Christians belief and practice of ritual and folklore related to nature, reading the actions of animals to lead them to a place of rest. Most important in this month are the cattle or oxen, the deer or stag, and of course the ram (Aries). The spirit was believed to be renewed in this month and therefore there was a need to let go of unnecessary worries and focus on the purpose, the commitment of faith and practice, to resurrect the slumbering energies if the months ahead were to be of service to the deities and God.

‘Brigid’ (1 February) and ‘Columcille’ (7 June) were joint protectors of cattle and it was practice at this time to hope that the protection asked for during the period of Samhain had been granted and that the cattle would be healthy, so ensuring that when winter returned meat would be plentiful providing strength in the months of darkness (Samhain and Imbolc):

‘Everything within my dwelling or in my possession,
All kine and crops, all flocks and corn,
From Hallow Eve to Beltane Eve.’

 

‘When April blows her horn (thunder)
it’s good for hay and corn.’

As part of the astrological calendar, April has many associations. This is the month of the house of Aries (March 21 – April 20) and the house of Taurus (21 April – May 22).

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and represents the beginning of the journey that the sun will follow through the zodiac. symbolised by the ‘Ram’ and the Greek ‘God Ares’, the ‘War God’ of the Iliad, son of ‘Zeus’and ‘Hera’, who is the equivalent of the Roman ‘God Mars’. The vernal equinox, the start of spring begins on March 21 the same day as we enter the house of Aries. The horns, and the centre between the eyebrows and the nose of the ram are also used as signs for Aries, as the power force has long been associated with the head, the source of the Aries drive. Naturally then the Aries should possess a strong sense of intuition. In ancient Assyrian mythology Aries meant Prince, and the ancient Egyptians connected Aries with the ‘God Amun’, also ‘Amon-Ra’, the ‘Sun God’ revered as the leader of the universe and the creator.

The influence of ‘Mars’ is clear as Aries possesses the qualities of the pioneer, the leader, primal passion, initiative, creativity, courage and self-will. The Aries is a force to be reckoned with as ‘Mars’ the ruling planet of Aries brings with it an extremely powerful force that can at times be unstable. As the first sign Aries is full of energy like the child who is curious, and is likened to the first stage of life. Aries is a cardinal and positive fire sign associated with the statements ‘I am’ or ‘I am first’ or‘I will be first’(needless to say that this assertiveness can be mistaken for arrogance).Aries is associated with the Poppy, Honeysuckle, Bryony, Thistles and Ferns, Peppermint and the Anemone. Aries is further associated with the Alder, Blackthorn, Dogwood, Hawthorn, Pomegranate, Spruce and Weeping Willow. Colours associated with Aries are scarlet, all shades of red, carmine The main stone associated with Aries is the Diamond, whilst the main stone associated withMarch is the Bloodstone. Lucky number is nine, lucky day Tuesday. Metal associated is iron.

‘But it’s no use going back to yesterday,
I was a different person then.’

Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, symbolised by the ‘Sacred Bull’ or ‘heavenly bull’ and has close associations with all cattle. In ancient Persian astrology Taurus translated as the ‘Bull of Light’, and in ancient Egypt Taurus represented fertility and development or growth and was linked closely with the success of the land to produce. The sacred bull was also seen by the ancient Egyptians as the vessel in which the ‘God Osiris’ was celestial. Taurus reflects the second phase of the journey of the sun, and of the child relating to the early teen years.

‘Venus’ is the ruling planet of Taurus and the Roman ‘Goddess of Love’. To the ancients the planet Venus was seen as highly important being second to the Sun and the Moon. The ancient Greeks believed that ‘Phaeton’ nearly destroyed the earth, known as the ‘Blazing Star’, the earth became consumed by fire and Phaeton was transformed into Venus. The ancient Assyrians knew the planet as the ‘fearful dragon…who is clothed in fire’. The Aztecs, called it ‘The star that smoked’, the Quetzalcoatl called it ‘The feathered Serpent’, and the Midrash knew it as ‘The brilliant light… blazing from one end of the cosmos to the other’. Venus, is often used to symbolise the inner qualities of romance, loyalty, practicality, caution and charm whilst also having a love of the land, art, of the finest luxuries that can be obtained with a powerful desire of beautiful possessions, (so there is a danger of excess in all things). ‘Aphrodite’, the ancient Greek ‘Goddess of Love’ was seen to influence those around her by the use of her magic girdle. One fitting and you were smitten. Taurus has a way of encouraging this response. Venus also brings the need for affection and a search for love, as those born during this time are also generous in love, sharing their enjoyment and their warmth. Taurus is a fixed, negative earth sign, the first earth sign associated with the statements ‘I am steadfast and provide stability’, ‘Mine’ and ‘I value possessions and enjoy indulgence’. It rules the throat and the neck. Taurus is associated with the Daisy, Dandelion, Foxglove, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Poppy and Rose. Taurus is further associated with the Apple, Blackthorn, Fig, Hawthorn, Pear, Vine and Willow. Colours associated with Taurus are pale blue, all shades of green, pink and yellow. The main stone associated with Taurus is the Emerald, whilst the main stone associated with the month of April is the Diamond. Lucky number is seven, lucky day Thursday. Metal associated is copper.

‘Without, the frost – the blinding snow,
The storm-wind’s moody madness –
Within, the firelight’s ruddy glow,
And childhood’s nest of gladness.’

 

Movable Celebrations

 

Second Tuesday after Easter
Hungerford, Berkshire, England : ‘Hocktide’ ceremonies in the memory of John of Gaunt.

Vaisakhi
Sikh festival and holiday (April 13, 1997, movable to June).

 

Unlucky April Dates

7. 8. 10. 16. 20. 21.

According to the English historian Richard Grafton these certain dates of the month were unlucky as published in the ‘Manual’ in 1565. Days throughout the year were identified and of course could have related to any day of the week. The date was the most important point to consider. The work was reputed to have some credence with support given by astronomers of the day. Exactly why these dates are unlucky is unclear today but by looking at the calendar of days an idea of the major occurrences can be seen.

Source:

Mystical World Wide Web

A Little Humor for Your Day – The Doctor’s Drink

The Doctor’s Drink

(A Joke Pun)

 

A doctor made it his regular habit to stop off at a bar for a hazelnut daiquiri on his way home. The bartender knew of his habit, and would always have the drink waiting at precisely 5:03 p.m.

One afternoon, as the end of the work day approached, the bartender was dismayed to find that he was out of hazelnut extract. Thinking quickly, he threw together a daiquiri made with hickory nuts and set it on the bar.

The doctor came in at his regular time, took one sip of the drink and exclaimed, “This isn’t a hazelnut daiquiri.”

“No, I’m sorry,” replied the bartender, “it’s a hickory daiquiri doc.”

 

Source:
Pun of the Day

Need to Simplify? Take the Mind Clutter Quiz!

Need to Simplify? Take the Mind Clutter Quiz!

Many of us love the feeling of clearing out the clutter from our homes. But given the frantic pace of many of our lives, perhaps some mental simplifying is in order, too!

Do you think you might benefit from clearing away some mind clutter? Take this simple quiz to find out:

1. Are you a “worrier”?

2. Is your mind constantly troubled by all the things on your mental “To Do” list?

3. Do you ever chastise yourself for “wasting time,” or talk about time as if there is not enough of it to go around, as in: “Sorry, I don’t have time,” “I wish there were more time,” “Time got away from me,” etc. and so on.

4. Do you take your little child or dog for a walk and then find yourself tugging at your child’s hand or the dog’s leash and saying “Come on!” (The author has made a study of the people who walk their dogs up and down the lane outside her cottage and how many times they say “Come on!” to their dogs. Usually it is overtime the dogs stop to sniff something. Yet the walk is supposed to be for the benefit of the dog. Go figure!)

5. Do you use the word “busy” a lot, e.g. do you find yourself telling others about how busy you are, or using the excuse “I was/am too busy”?

6. Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your own life?

7. Do you spend most of your time either re-hashing the past or rehearsing for the future and find it difficult to keep you mind full yon the “now”?

8. Do you find it almost impossible to sit still and do nothing?

9. Does your mind sometimes feel so overloaded with thoughts that it is hard to focus on just one thing?

10. Do you lie awake thinking at night?

If you find yourself saying “yes” to all or most of these questions, it is likely that you need to do some mental simplifying. (Most of us do.) To live in a world of mental simplicity, we can try to make an effort to stay aware of the present moment and to spend as little time as possible re-hashing the past and/or rehearsing the future. It takes practice, but little by little you will see what a difference this can make!

 

 

Daily Feng Shui News for April 1st – ‘Healing Vibes’

Today I’d like to share a powerful forgiveness technique that will send healing vibes to anyone you might have to apologize to — or to anyone who should be apologizing to you. You will need a lidded receptacle like a mason or jelly jar. You will also need a green ink pen, a piece of white paper, some honey and a small white candle. Use the pen to write the name of the person with whom you’d like to exchange forgiveness on the paper and fold it into quarters. Place the paper in the jar, cover it with honey and put the lid on tightly. Every night for nine consecutive nights at approximately the same time, light the candle and send healing light and love to the recipient of this exercise. After a few minutes blow the candle out and do this same thing the next night. On the ninth and last night let the candle burn completely down. Once the remnants of the candle have cooled, put that and the jar in a brown paper bag and dispose of it anywhere outside of your living space. Chances are now high that you will hear from this person and that the two of you will settle your differences. That’s today’s promise — no foolin’!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Charm for April 1st is Sagittarius the Archer

Your Charm for Today

Sagittarius the Archer

Today’s Meaning:
This aspect of your life will be strongly influenced by a person who is optimistic, freedom-loving, jovial, good-humored, honest, straightforward, intellectual and philosophical.

General Description:
Ninth sign of the Zodiac, Nov 23rd to Dec 21st. Ruled by the planet Jupiter; correct metal Tin. Those bon under Sagittarius were supposed to be enterprising, independent and proud, just, courteous, sensitive, honest, keen sportsmen, fond of animals and of out door life. The Sagittarius gems are the Topaz and Pearl. The Topaz was used by the ancients as a charm against pestilence, burns, chest complaints, and dangers while travelling. It was called the Stone of Strength by the Romans, and worn to keep away gout, lunacy and sudden death. In the middle ages to dispel enchantment, calm anger, cure asthma, and bring joy and contentment.

Your Animal Spirit for April 1st is the Buffalo

Your Animal Spirit for Today

Buffalo
Buffalo has come snorting into your life today to bring a message of great hope. Buffalo sacrificed every part of his physical body to support those who hunted him—but he also gave his spirit. And, it’s that spirit of hope, abundance, and a bright future that he brings to you today. If you are experiencing a troubled journey, help is here.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for April 1st is The Journey

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Journey

While physical travel may be involved, The Journey represents an individual’s spiritual trek from one point to another. The Journey is represented by a sailboat gliding across an open sea. Like those traversing the ocean The Journey requires that we move off the firm ground of our present state and strike out for a new destination. The trip itself may well be full of adventure and challenges. There may be times when we lose sight of where we came from and possibly not even know where we’re going. Storms may crop up without warning. Diversions may slow our progress to our destination down. While it’s good to have an idea of where you want to go, it’s equally important to remember that often it’s the getting there and not the destination that is the most rewarding. To take such a spiritual voyage takes courage and conviction that direction in which your are moving is right for you.

As a daily card, The Journey indicates a time in which you are likely to derive insight and spiritual growth by moving off your everyday path. Although the time span is short, this movement may have a profound and enduring effect on your life. Indeed you may be on the verge of experiencing a revelation, or enjoying a period of self actualization. Be open to new paths and you may well end up with some very positive changes in your life.

Overview of Your Daily Chinese Horoscopes for April 1st

Overview of Your Daily Chinese Horoscopes

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

 

The support or assistance of friends will be invaluable. Social events support business connections or meetings with unusual people. Look for opportunities to bring love and hope to your less fortunate neighbors. Your mind may be full of romantic fantasies. A more sensible view of your situation will help.

 

Source:

Horoscopes*com

Tarot’s Fool Is No Dummy!

Tarot’s Fool Is No Dummy!

Celebrate April Fool’s Day by meeting Tarot’s most misunderstood Fool

Tarotcom StaffTarotcom Staff on the topics of tarot, insight
Here we go again: April Fools’ Day is upon us, and everyone is out to make a mockery of their friends and family just for the sheer amusement of it. Though while the origins of April Fools’ Day remain uncertain and difficult to trace, we can take this opportunity to explore the history of one of the Tarot deck’s most misunderstood characters: The Fool.
The Fool card in the Tarot card deck often gets a bum rap. He tends to be mocked as a naive idiot without direction or purpose … but things aren’t always as they seem, right? Let’s take a closer look at The Fool and what he can teach us.

When we think of The Fool Tarot card, we are reminded to let go of expectations and trust our instincts. We think of our spiritual journey and the desire for rebirth. As the very first card in the Tarot deck’s Major Arcana, The Fool signifies a fresh start or a new beginning.

Think of The Fool not so much as naive as open-minded and optimistic. The Fool is hopeful and positive, and he’s doing his best to shine a light on new beliefs, innovative and shocking ideas and the unpredictability of life. Given all the crazy wisdom this colorful character has to offer, it is easy to see why we celebrate him on April Fool’s Day.

Motto: May innocence find wisdom

Sometimes the word “fool” has negative connotations. Think of the simpleton, the childlike state of someone who is out of touch and who might be the focus of mockery. April Fools’ Day is a reflection of this perception. We pull pranks to try to make a fool out of someone and make our friends look silly. But there’s nothing silly about The Fool.

Historically, The Fool card may have appeared as a carnival entertainer, a huckster or a jester. Symbolically, it represented a person driven by base needs and urges, one who has fallen into a state of poverty and deprivation. By the 20th century the more familiar modern image and symbolism took over, and The Fool has been widely seen as the Tarot card hearkening renewing energy and a fresh start. Quite an evolution for The Fool!

Traditional Rider-Waite metaphors and imagery have prevailed within modern Tarot decks. Nature scenes depicting beautiful mountaintops include the image of The Fool getting ready to take an adventurous step into the unknown. Getting The Fool card within a Tarot reading is a reminder to appreciate our inner growth and our journey of personal development. It is the spirit in search of experiences, and the childlike wisdom we aim to employ as we go deeper into self-realization through new challenges.

Be encouraged when you draw The Fool card in any Tarot spread, you may soon face a new opportunity or challenge!

Your Tarot Card for April 1st is Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune

Tuesday, Apr 1st, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The central theme of what is traditionally called the Wheel of Fortune card is cyclical change. The Wheel keeps on rolling, churning events in a ceaseless progression of ups and downs, either way freeing us from the past. No one can escape its cyclical action, which can feel somewhat terrifying — no matter whether we are rising or falling. When one is balanced on top there is a moment of crystal clarity, but the only part of the Wheel not going up and down is the hub, which is your eternal Self, the Source of Freedom.

Every one of us will occupy all the points on the wheel at some time or another. The cycle of the wheel is its lesson — and we can learn to take comfort in it (as we do when we celebrate our birthday). If you don’t like the look of things right now, just wait — things will change. Of course, if you do like the look of things right now, enjoy it while it lasts, because that will change too!

April 2014 Love Horoscopes

April 2014 Love Horoscope

Weathering a Cosmic Storm

By Maria DeSimone

Brace yourself: When it comes to matters of the heart, April is going to be the most challenging month of 2014. Powerful cosmic events, including a stressful Lunar Eclipse, the Grand Cross and Uranus square Pluto, will pull many couples apart. But at least a few zodiac signs will escape with their relationships intact. Find out if you’re one of the lucky few by looking up your zodiac sign below!

Aries (March 21 – April 19): This will most certainly be a defining month for you in terms of relationships, Aries.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Considering that this will be the most difficult month of the entire year, astrologically speaking, your love life will be in better shape than most.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Your love life AND your social life might be extra difficult this month, much to your frustration.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): It might be impossible to focus on your love life at all this month.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): April will be a tense month for many different reasons, but when it comes to love it will be more frustrating for some than for others.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): There’s good news and bad news this month when it comes to love, Virgo.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): Put on your suit of armor and get ready to protect your heart this month, Libra.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): It appears you are one of the lucky few who will receive a “pass” from the universe when it comes to love troubles this month.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Ouch. That’s what you may feel as it relates to your love life for most of the month.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): While it’s true that you may feel stressed out because of other factors this month, your love life isn’t likely to be one of them.

Aquarius (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): You might feel grateful if you can skate by this month with a rather uneventful love life.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Love, sex and magic. That would be your idea of a perfect love forecast, wouldn’t it?

April 2014 Horoscopes – Caution: Challenge Ahead

April 2014 Horoscopes

Caution: Challenge Ahead

By Maria DeSimone

April is filled with challenges and change, starting with an angry Lunar Eclipse mid-month. Then, get ready for an intense Grand Cross and the fifth and most powerful Uranus-Pluto square in the series that is transforming the world as we know it.

In other words, April is major month of ups and downs, but you can still make the most of this energy with key dates and predictions for every sign.

Key Astrology events to watch for this month include:

April 5: Venus in Pisces

April 14: Pluto Retrograde

April 15: Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra

April 19: Sun in Taurus

April 20-22: Grand Cross

April 21: Uranus square Pluto

April 29: New Moon Solar Eclipse in Taurus

Aries (March 21 – April 19): This month, expect challenges.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Although you may experience a certain amount of mild tension this month, you’re in good shape compared to some of the other signs.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Your love and social lives might feel like more stress than they are worth this month.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): You may have reached a breaking point when it comes to a domestic situation.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): If you’re involved in any negotiation, you might feel tension reach a boiling point this month.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): Money troubles may prove aggravating this month, thanks to an angry Lunar Eclipse on April 15 that sets off a panic alarm until at least April 24.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): You most certainly are living in interesting times, Libra.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): There’s so much going on inside of you these days, Scorpio, that it’s like bubbles underneath the surface of wallpaper.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Tension in your social life and with finances might try to get the best of you this month, but fortunately, if there’s one place you can find solace it’s with your family.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Your professional life is at a crossroads, and if you don’t make a decision this month it’s possible one will be made for you.

Aquarius (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): If you’re enrolled in a university or certification program, you might feel quite stressed. Perhaps there’s a vital exam looming ahead and you’re not as prepared as you’d like to be.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Finances might be a problem this month, and if that’s the case the only way to handle the situation will be head-on.

Your Daily Horoscopes for Tuesday, April 1st

Overconfidence tempts us to push limits today as the planetary waves build to a crescendo, setting the stage for bigger storms. There is a magnifying lens on our lives and we want more of everything as the radiant Sun forms a dynamic square with giant Jupiter. The Sun’s exciting hookup with electric Uranus tomorrow puts us on edge. Thankfully, the Moon steps into sensible Taurus at 1:20 am EDT to act as a safety net in case we run into trouble.

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Although you might not be able to concentrate for long today, you will get by if you remember to be practical every time you need to make a choice. You have the power to turn molehills into mountains now or to believe a pretty average idea is the most amazing thing ever. Don’t get fooled by illusions of grandiose success; keep your feet on the ground and make sure to meet all of your obligations before you spend your time planning world domination.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You may be stretched ridiculously thin today, especially if you promised too much in order to please someone special. Naturally, you don’t want to let anyone down, but you must deal with the consequences of your overinflated expectations — and the sooner you do, the better. Luckily, the Moon in your sign works in your favor now, facilitating communication and enabling you to focus on the tasks at hand. Don’t be a quitter; determination and persistence is the key to your success.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Friends or colleagues may bring you good news or an exciting opportunity today. Nevertheless, you should be exceptionally cautious, even if you feel like your lucky star is following you around. Thankfully, the potential is excellent for something you start now, but it’s easy to exaggerate the value of the potential rewards. Remember, there’s not much to fear except your current tendency to gloss over important details. Whether you like it or not, patience and due diligence are your friends.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

Disappointment may set in quickly if you believe your positive attitude will be enough to get you through the day. Obviously, self-confidence is much more productive than self-doubt, but if you are too sure of yourself today, you might forego the very preparations that could make you successful. Don’t assume that everything will just turn out for the best unless you’re ready to do some heavy lifting along the way. Success is only one part inspiration; the rest requires dedication and perspiration.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

You’re unstoppable today, especially if everything goes according to your plan early in the day. But you’re courting trouble if you believe that your life will simply continue to improve on its own. Although maintaining your regular routine is one way to strengthen the foundation of your life, it’s not emotionally fulfilling. Enjoy the company of others now, instead of spending every moment strategizing on how best to climb the ladder of success. You can enrich your life in intangible ways by simply being with the ones you love.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

You’re likely to enjoy a busy day that is chock full of fun distractions, chatty friends and fascinating ideas. However, the good times could get out of hand and you might wish that there wasn’t so much noise in your environment. Nevertheless, you may not be able to change the magnitude of events now. Instead of trying to limit your activities, enjoy the sense of spontaneity while it lasts. Make the most of the moment by flowing with the energy until it settles back down.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

You could sacrifice quality for quantity today, so it’s crucial to remember that more of something isn’t necessarily better. Although it’s tempting, you might not need a second helping of dessert or another drink. Developing one fantastic idea is more useful now than being distracted by lots of mediocre ones. Overindulging can lead to non-productivity and even unpleasant consequences. Paradoxically, fulfilling your most basic needs enables you to stay on a healthy track. One brilliant inspiration is all you need to create a masterpiece.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You might place too many unrealistic expectations on your boss or coworkers today. Even if you receive recognition for your accomplishments, it’s not wise to think that this trend will continue unabated. Instead of trying to please everyone by taking on more work than you can possibly handle, setting boundaries now enables you to be more effective. Your smartest strategy is to demonstrate excellence at one or two things rather than mediocrity at many. The satisfaction of a job well done may be your most satisfying reward.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Nearly everything seems to be coming up roses today, yet you can be misled by your own enthusiasm. Jovial Jupiter squares the glorious Sun, shining in your 5th House of Fun and Games, empowering you to turn both sides of the street into the sunny side. However, making time to explore the shadows is not the same thing as being a Negative Nelly; it’s smart to take a realistic approach. Acknowledging the truth now can prevent unseen problems down the road.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Keeping your thoughts to yourself is challenging today because the idea of sharing your wisdom makes you smile. However, other people might not want to see the whole picture now. They are lost in their bubbles of fantasy, believing that everything will somehow sort itself out just in time. Nevertheless, your practical nature enables you to assess the situation in an objective manner. Wait until the afternoon to tell your story, for your words gain power throughout the day. However, keep your expectations to a minimum; you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

You may feel uneasy today if everything appears to be flowing along smoothly because you don’t fully trust your current optimism. You’re worried that you might be missing a significant piece of the puzzle — and this is actually a real possibility. Practicing a little self-restraint early in the day could bring a more solid boost of confidence later — one you can truly rely on. Remember, even if you want to race to the finish line now, managing your progress assures sustainable stability.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Go out and treat yourself to something special today. Although you may be tempted to spend more than you should in the name of pleasure, the price of your purchase is not as important now as what you acquire. Remember, this isn’t about making an astute investment or a lucrative deal. It’s simply time to honor your inner child with a fun toy or a beautiful gift. Fortunately, a little self-indulgence doesn’t have to break the bank if you choose wisely.

April and the Cardinal Grand Cross

April and the Cardinal Grand Cross

Embracing the pain during this major cosmic event

Maria DeSimone Maria DeSimone on the topics of grand cross, blogs, astrology

“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much can you take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” – Rocky Balboa

Beware this April, when we’ll experience a precise and stressful alignment between four heavy-duty planets in the sky. Mars, the planet of action and energy, is currently traveling retrograde in Libra. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, is moving through the sign Cancer. Revolutionary Uranus is in Aries and transformative Pluto is in Capricorn. Each of these planets is in a Cardinal sign — and Cardinal signs are known for thrusting forward to usher in what is new. This is why we associate each of the Cardinal signs with the beginning of a new season.

OK, so far it doesn’t seem too wild. Well that’s because I haven’t told you the part yet that has astrologers so fascinated.

The math.

Deconstructing the cross

During the week of April 20, Mars will form a stressful 90-degree angle called a square to both Jupiter and Pluto. Jupiter will square off with Uranus. In addition, Uranus and Pluto will square one another in yet another famous square (we’ve experienced this one since 2012). Mars will also oppose Uranus while Jupiter will oppose Pluto. This precise mathematical pattern is one of the most rare, and most difficult of all. It is called a Grand Square or a Grand Cross.

Symbolically, such a pattern suggests that we’re boxed in, feeling all sorts of frustration and pressure without any way out. It’s like being trapped in a gas chamber or burning building. It hurts like hell.

What makes this alignment even more compelling is the fact that three of these planets are potentially toxic when aligned to one another in difficult aspect. Those planets are Mars (war), Uranus (sudden change) and Pluto (intense alteration). Jupiter in the mix does not help in this case. Sure, this planet is connected to luck and abundance but what is often overlooked about Jupiter is that his function is to expand whatever ELSE he touches. In this case Jupiter will inflate a very stressful pattern. Ouch.

Adding to the mix is a potent, stressed-out Lunar Eclipse in Libra on April 15. This eclipse occurs at 25 degrees Libra while the Cardinal Cross will peak at 14 degrees. All this does is extend ground zero for those with personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars) or angles in a Cardinal sign. Almost no one with heavy Cardinal energy in their chart will be exempt from April’s cosmic storm.

But what does this mean?

Essentially, the planet Earth and any individuals with charts triggered by April’s energy are going into labor. There will be exquisite pain and you’ll feel really knocked down. If you persevere however, you’ll find that the cosmic contractions of April will be the catalyst leading to the birth of something remarkable in your world.

I remember when I found out I was pregnant with my first born. I really wanted a home birth and a natural labor. I felt with every fiber of my being that the only way to truly get through the promised pain of giving birth was to EXPERIENCE and EMBRACE the pain. In my view, trying to numb or stop it would only add to the fear and confuse the process. It was the natural process of CHANGE that my body had to endure to GIVE LIFE.

My philosophy about this was something I was passionate about. I really didn’t want outside interference, but my husband at the time vehemently disagreed. He won … sort of. My solution when I went into labor was to keep it a secret so that I could retain control and stay home for as long as possible. I was nine centimeters dilated by the time I arrived at the hospital and began pushing about 15 minutes later. The doctor apologized to me that I would have to endure the pain since it was too late for medication.

I remember being so angry that he said that to me. Didn’t he understand? I WANTED the pain. I NEEDED the pain. It was the only way my body could possibly know that this was really happening. That change was imminent.

Life and death of course, are two sides of the same coin. My son stopped breathing while I was pushing him out and the doctor ended up performing an emergency C-section to save his life. Vincent was born on August 10, 1999 and happens to have a Grand Cross in his birth chart. The one in April will be in Cardinal signs but my son has one in Fixed signs.

Manifesting the Grand Cross

The result of this is that I am intimately familiar with Grand Cross energy. I get to live every day with the complexity and intensity of someone who is always boxed in by his own psyche. Someone who is constantly punched down by life yet, somehow, keeps getting back up. I tell Vincent all the time that he has the potential to become an incredibly successful man because he chose a chart filled with adversity in this lifetime. He chose the hard road. He chose a birth chart that, through painful experiences and losses has the potential to train him to be a winner.

My favorite celebrity example of someone with a Cardinal Cross in their birth chart is Steve Jobs. Was he an easy person to get along with? Not by any stretch. In many ways he was his own worst enemy. Did he accomplish great things in his life time and EVEN GREATER things after he fell? You bet. That’s because Steve Jobs, like my son, knew how to take a punch without allowing the agony to defeat him.

This, my friends, is the essence of April’s energy. If you start to feel boxed in, you need to reorient your perspective. You are merely in the boxing ring.

I assure you, there will be pain. But I also promise that if you EMBRACE and EXPERIENCE the suffering, it will give you the control and the determination you need to DIRECT IT.

Now stop panicking. And start winning.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for April 1st

The last three transfers of monthly power — December 2013 to January 2014, January to February 2014, February to March 2014 — have been intense and discordant, for the most part. And now the morphing of March into April 2014 is another case in point. Earthlings are still dealing with the repercussions of Sunday’s fiery Aries New Moon (where radical-change agent Uranus and peace-and-respect loving Juno were close by in the zodiac) — followed by yesterday’s out-of-the-box enhancing Sun-Uranus parallel. Now the stakes are graduating upward as Venus opposes Pallas (12:04AM) and the Sun squares Jupiter (12:40AM). To have two key, feminine celestial bodies form a polarity while the two largest spheres in our solar system are engaging in a clash of the titans is no laughing matter. It is wise to be ready for anything and to avoid over-optimism and hubris. Adding more fuel to today’s fire is a Mercury-Mars parallel (3:16PM) — similar to a conjunction in the zodiac. Lower your tone in conversations and strive to be a sensitive listener. Enjoying gardening, cooking, baking, and being pragmatic on the business front make sense under rock-solid Taurus Moon. Before the next cosmic uncertainty arrives early on April 2, take advantage of insights streaming in on the investment planning front as Venus trines Vesta in air signs (11:04PM). Sisterhood and fellowship gatherings can prove illuminating. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]