With the U.S. unemployment rate hovering around 10% and perhaps half again as many people under-employed, finding a reason to be happy this holiday is difficult for many.  Perhaps at times like these, it will help to revisit the meaning of happiness and where it is found. The Quote of Note (left) by Dr Norman Vincent Peale describes happiness as “consisting not in having, but of being, not of possessing, but of enjoying.” 

Could it be that just “being” and “enjoying” are the source of happiness? It appears happiness is not found outside us. It is not found in a paycheck, a bank balance or a house of any number of square feet. No, indeed, it is not found in anything external to us.  Fortunately, I have come to know that “happiness is an inside job.” I remember the moment when I realized that happiness was a choice. I realized I could see my circumstances as a glass half-empty or choose to see the glass as half-full. Since that day when I chose the half-full glass, it has been getting fuller and fuller, until some days my glass runs over with joy! 

My happiness has grown in direct proportion to my awareness of having “enough” of what I need in every moment. In this moment, consider ~ do you have enough of what you need? Not what you would like or desire, but what you need. In the next few years, as we move through this transformational time when economics, business and government are undergoing major restructuring, it will be increasingly important to our continued survival and happiness to recognize what is enough. 

Perhaps the excesses of the past – when it seemed like happiness came from the exotic vacations, hot cars, designer clothes or newest technologies – need to fade into disillusionment. Out of our losses, a whole new value system will arise from within based on an understanding of happiness as coming from enough.  What if our core values are being completely transformed for the better? It only looks like an economic crisis at the moment (and it certainly is for those without enough food or shelter), but in reality it is a “spiritual plot” to awaken humanity to the true source of happiness – “being” and “enjoying” – that moves from within outward into our daily life as a reunion of Spirit and matter. 

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A Quote of Note 

Happiness consists not in having, but of being, not of possessing, but of enjoying. It is the warm glow of a heart at peace with itself. ~ Norman Vincent Peale, 1898-1993 

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OPPORTUNITIES (More info and register HERE) 

Monday, January 4, 2010 – 8:00 PM EST 

Tele-Seminar:  What’s up in 2010?

What does the New Year hold? Learn when Mercury retrogrades, eclipses, planetary sign changes, and other key cosmic events happen and how to minimize challenges and maximize opportunities during the year. Bring your questions for a lively discussion of 2010! 

Saturday, January 9, 2010 – 1:00 -3:00 PM 

What’s Up for 2010? An Astrological Look at the Year Ahead

Inspired Events of Maryland, Odenton, MD ~ (443) 396-1285  See description above. 

Sun Jan 24, 2009, 3-4:30 PM 

What’s Up for 2010? An Astrological Look at the Year Ahead Sacred Circle Bookstore, 919 King St, Alexandria, VA ~ (703) 299-9309  See description above. 

Saturday, January 30, 2010 – 12:30-4:30 PM EST 

Workshop: Flip Negatives to Positives – Tools for Thriving in an Uncertain World

Do you fear an uncertain future? Whether you are facing welcome or unwelcome change, you can learn strategies to confidently navigate the road ahead. Learn to see opportunity in change and uncertainty.    Take home nine tools for navigating uncertainty and managing change in your life.

Past participants are saying:“I was blocked from moving forward but the process you gave me and just talking about my fears defused my reaction to change and allowed me to get on with my life.” ~ Beth 

“Dianne’s knowledge and inspiring guidance set this workshop apart from others. It was filled with useful information; the activities and personal reflection brought me powerful insights.” ~ Mary Kay Limit: 10 participants   Fee: $75, if received by Jan. 22; $90 after Jan. 22  

Tele-class: Flip Negatives to Positive – Tools for Thriving in an Uncertain World

Wednesdays, February 10, 17 and 24, 2010 – 7:30-9:00 PM EST   Same course content as above, but offered as tele-class. Limit: 10 participants   Fee: $75, if received by Feb. 3; $90 after Feb. 3  

Find more information and registration HERE for any of the above. 

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Astrological Events  NOTE: These days contain strong energies that influence everyone to a greater or lesser degree. For more personal information, consult me or another astrologer. 

Wed Dec 16, 7:02 AM ET – NEW MOON at 25 Sagittarius

As I write this (12/14), I can feel this New Moon coming. It presents a highly energetic, creative and optimistic influence, which may translate into the urge to travel. In fact, if you have routine tasks to do, you could find it hard to focus. Being experimental and playful may be preferred. Enjoy the upbeat mood. 

If you wish upon the New Moon (within 3 days before or after), you have the possibility of fulfillment by the time of the Full Moon. Sagittarius New Moon wishes relate to: quest for truth, peace of mind, travel/freedom/adventure, legal issues, faith/optimism, finding solutions and overcoming excess. 

Sat-Sun-Mon Dec 20-22 –Venus in Sagittarius squares Uranus, then sextiles Jupiter/Neptune conjoined in Aquarius; Mars stations going retrograde at 18 Leo

With Mars in reverse, we have a chance to review the actions and what we have created, so we can do the inner work to make our life better. Expect projects and actions to happen much slower now through March 10, when Mars moves forward. If you have personal planets at 0-18 Leo, it will be a frustratingly long period when you cannot seem to find traction. Releasing pent-up anger is beneficial if done without hurting anyone. Don’t worry, DOING is alright as long as it helps you define and refine your plans for mid-March. Concurrently, Venus’s dance with Uranus and Jupiter-Neptune offers “surprises” in relationships and encourages innovation and optimism for the future. Unfortunately this is the last meeting of inspirational Jupiter-Neptune, which we have enjoyed since May. In its place, the Saturn-Pluto link, which will flavor the Christmas weekend and is not that cheerful, will be with us through August 2010. (Will be discussed in my “What’s up for 2010?” tele-seminar and local talks – see Opportunities.) 

Thu-Fri-Sat Dec 24-26 – Sun in Capricorn conjoins Pluto, then squares Saturn in Libra; Mercury stations going retrograde at 22 Capricorn

As the Sun shakes hands with Pluto and sends a frown to Saturn, we may become aware how our self-expression may be restricted and the need to transforming the situation. Don’t let it disappoint and depress your Holiday cheer.  To make matters worse, the day after Christmas Mercury begins a retrograde period until Jan 15. Hopefully, you have already backed up your computer, because crashes are common also with miscommunications and mechanical malfunctions. With actions slowed by Mars’ retrograde (12/20), you may now enjoy more introspective thinking. You might as well catch up on reading, do repairs around the house and be sure to avoid signing contracts until the end of January. 

Mon-Tue Dec 28-29 – Venus in Capricorn conjoins Pluto, then squares Saturn in Libra

Now with Venus slinking into the Saturn-Pluto conversation, relationships issues may make themselves known. Passions can flare and arguments with them. Working on  structuring a creative project or reviewing 2009 finances for creating a 2010 budget are positive ways to use the energy at hand.  

Thu Dec 31 – Full Moon/LUNAR ECLIPSE at 11 Cancer

If 2009 has been a tough one for you, it may not surprise you that its last day hosts a Full Moon/LUNAR ECLIPSE, which is also a Blue Moon (since there have been two Full Moons this month). With security and safety issues in the forefront of our minds, finding balance may be difficult. It may be time to grieve the past and let it go so you will be free as you enter a brand new decade. Face the facts as they are and make the best of what you have, remembering that “happiness is an inside job.” 

Mon Jan 4 – Sun in Capricorn conjoins Mercury retrograde

After the holiday comes the need to get back to work. This Monday features great mental alertness and an opportunity for easy conversation. Why not brainstorm the future by assessing the past year’s results? 

Mon Jan 11 – Sun in Capricorn conjoins Venus

Creative expression takes center stage. It is a great day for socializing with friends. 

Wed Jan 13 – Venus and Sun in Capricorn sextile Uranus in Pisces; Saturn stations going retrograde at 5 Libra

There is a spark of fun and freewheeling in the air. Shun routine and try something new. With Saturn in retreat until May 30, it is more important than ever to look to our inner authority for answers. Regrets and failings, which may arise within, are best erased through self-forgiveness. 

SOLAR ECLIPSE Alert: On Jan 15, there is a New Moon/Solar Eclipse while Mercury stations returning to direct motion. If you have a personal point near 25 Capricorn (also Aries, Cancer and Libra), you will experience change, which could be sudden. More information next month.

Privacy issues are a hot topic these days. Everywhere you turn a new password is needed. Identity fraud, phishing and spamming are now threats. Even the government is rumored to have everyone’s vital information in a database “to protect you.” From the point-of-view of a spiritual being living a human existence, is it really possible to maintain privacy? In the truest sense, privacy is not only impossible but it would be detrimental to your Soul’s journey if it were possible. Now, don’t freak out just yet. Stay with me a moment and let me share what I mean.

Although when we look out at the world of form, we see bodies that are different from each other, physicists tell us that on a subtle level everything is basically energy vibrating at different rates. In a world that is pure energy, nothing is really solid. Living in this ever-changing energy that is flowing through our thoughts, emotions, and actions, we are constantly influencing and being influenced by others and our surroundings. If that is true, then my thoughts about you radiate out and interact with you. On some level, whether consciously (telepathically) or unconsciously, your thoughts about me are also influencing me. Some people are more sensitive and able to access subtle energies for information than others.

It is an illusion to think that we can keep things inside ourselves. We are sending out messages on energy wave-lengths all the time. If that is true, what password could we possibly find that would be able to lock up the privacy of our thoughts? From another perspective, if we seek to grow in our awareness of our connections with all of life – oneness – why would we want to remain private? Wouldn’t we want to be “known?”

Our fears and insecurities are what motivate our overwhelming need to maintain privacy. Our fears and insecurities are also what keep us separated from the awareness of our oneness with all life. This message was specifically chosen for the Scorpio New Moon issue because there is no other sign more protecting of their privacy. Yet, Scorpio is the same sign, when deeply conscious, that understands the wholeness and value of dark and light, good and bad, or joy and sorrow as two sides of the same coin called “Life.” As for me, it is my conscious desire to dissolve any feeling of separation and move toward the joy-filled awareness of connection with everything. I desire less privacy and more love.

Complete privacy is impossible…and undesirable if you are seeking to dissolve fear-based separation and move into a deeper awareness of love in your life. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain as you open to connect rather than stay hidden.

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Newly-redesigned Website Launched!

www.SpiritinMatters.com

You’ll find new Products now available: E-book, Flip Negatives to Positives, and audio talk, Thriving in Uncertainty.

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Astrological Events

NOTE: These days contain strong energies that influence everyone to a greater or lesser degree. For more personal information, consult me or another astrologer.

Mon Nov 16, 2:14 PM ET – NEW MOON at 25 Scorpio – This transformational Scorpio New Moon in stressful aspect to the ongoing Jupiter/Chiron/Neptune conjunction in Aquarius reminds us together we must face and transform the darkness to light, isolation to community, and fear to love by looking below the surface of current events. Still influential is yesterday’s square of Saturn to Pluto that calls us to evolve and restructure on many levels. Honesty needed as we interact with others, honoring our own needs as we do the needs of others.
If you wish upon the New Moon (within 3 days before or after), you have the possibility of fulfillment by the time of the Full Moon. Scorpio New Moon wishes relate to: empowerment, change, crisis skills, self-mastery, sex/soul mates, financial partnerships, and avoiding power struggles.

Thu Nov 19 – Venus in Scorpio squares Mars in Leo – Social circumstances at the office or at home can be tense between those who would be open and those who hold to secrecy.

Mon Nov 23 – Venus in Scorpio squares Jupiter in Aquarius – This pleasure-loving combo could open up boundaries for play or overdo expectations and expenditures that leave you let down later.

Tue Nov 24 – Sun in Sagittarius sextiles Saturn in Libra - It may be easy to meet your goals today in a sensible, grounded and flowing manner. Wed Nov 25 – Venus in Scorpio trines Uranus retrograde in Pisces – A free-flowing, creative aspect, you may find things to entertain and delight as you got throughout your day.

Thu Nov 26 – Venus in Scorpio squares Neptune in Aquarius – The sensitivity produced by this aspect can offer subtle awareness of others or seeing things as you wish they were. Be careful of disillusionment. Your discernment needs another day.

Sun Nov 29 – Mercury in Sagittarius sextiles Jupiter in Aquarius – Free thinking, lively discussions arise under this very communicative energy. Social settings flow with conversation.

Mon Nov 30 – Mercury in Sagittarius squares Uranus retrograde in Pisces – Got a problem you need to solve? Today you may be able to think outside-the-box to come up with a really new idea. Or at the least, find strange new perspectives.

Tues Dec 1 – Mercury in Sagittarius sextiles Neptune in Aquarius, Uranus in Pisces turns forward – Out-of-the-box thinking continues today. Flashes of insight may mix with great visions and imagination. You will need eventually to try out these new ideas by implementing them.

Wed Dec 2, 2:30 AM ET – FULL MOON at 11 Gemini – This Full Moon promotes lots of conversation with discussions sometimes lasting past making a point. Saturn positively influences the dynamics, however, bringing practicality into the mix. Focus on what is really important and let go of what is extraneous.

Fri Dec 4 – Venus in Sagittarius sextiles Saturn in Libra – Relationship duties and responsibilities are highlighted along with an awareness of the value of the important relationships in your life. Service comes from appreciation.

Mon Dec 7 – Mercury in Capricorn conjoins Pluto and squares Saturn in Libra - Information may uncover a situation that just cannot continue. Even though intense, the news may be just what you need to make a necessary change.

Thu Dec 10 – Sun in Sagittarius trines Mars in Leo – Energy abounds with no mountain too high to climb or at least to attempt to climb. Been putting off an unpleasant task? You will have the power to move it forward confidently.

Mon Dec 14 – Sun in Sagittarius squares Uranus in Pisces and sextiles Jupiter in Aquarius – Optimism and innovation walk hand-in-hand. Look for a possible gift in a sudden change of events.

Tue Dec 15 – Sun in Sagittarius sextiles Neptune in Aquarius, Jupiter in Aquarius conjoins Chiron – Your moral values and spiritual ideals take center stage today in some way. Good deeds are natural and everything flows, perhaps out of new awareness.

Mars Retrograde Alert:Although Mars does not go retrograde until December 20, you may want to take action and finish up important work by then. When Mars turns backward, it is not a good time to initiate new projects that require perseverance, nor is it easy to work with others. We may feel our willpower is blocked. Yet, the Mars retrograde period is a perfect time to revisit our motivations and uncover the cause of any blocks. Could we be sabotaging ourselves? Also, it is a great time to consider anger management strategies. The coast is not clear for acting on new projects and ambitions until March 10.

With all the polarization evident lately – in the news, in the legislative process and even interpersonally – you are probably feeling just as sad and perplexed as I am. What could possibly break up this pattern? Sure, we all have our own opinions drawn from our unique life experiences, but how can we move forward or find harmony while locked in disagreements? Under the current polarized conditions, no progress and no harmony are possible.

Astrologically, we have been under the influence of Saturn’s ongoing opposition to Uranus since late 2008. The first exact meeting was Election Day 2008 and their last was just in mid September. As that conflict between old and new wanes, we now start to experience Saturn, soon-to-be in Libra, square Pluto in Capricorn (exact 11/15/09, 1/31/10 and 8/21/10), which ramps up issues surrounding power and its right use (see Astrological Coming Events for 11/15). Fortunately, Saturn will be “exalted” (said to be more positively powerful) as it enters Libra Oct. 29 and remains for the next two and a half years. Issues of interpersonal relations as well as international relations will be emphasized, stressing the need for diplomacy and understanding. The question that arises for me is how do we move forward, finding solutions for our problems, creating new possibilities, when it seems we are acting like two prize-fighters bouncing around in opposite corners of the ring waiting to come out and clobber the other one?

In the personal realm, how does any relationship continue when, in an argument, they each dig in their heels and won’t budge? Divorces are made of such behavior. I have had one of those myself and, yes, it was because we both were in separate corners in our own minds. There’s a vision that came to me of two rivers, the headwaters of each originating in very different climes, which flow toward a place of meeting, a “confluence.” From that point, they merge and become a single awesome, powerful river that fertilizes land for miles around.

How can we find the meeting place, the confluence of our separateness, where our differences bring blessings to the outcomes based on finding common ground? To begin with, we will not find the confluence by holding to the idea of “right” vs. “wrong.” Life is too complex to be boiled down to just two truths. Right and wrong are completely situational. What is right in one situation is often wrong in another. In the end, we can’t know what is right for another – only what is right for ourselves.

The confluence can only be found by opening up to more than we already know. We might need to accept that all the wisdom in the world does not reside in our brain. If we do, we have the opportunity to discover new information that possibly reveals new common ground. Common ground is what paves the way to agreements. Agreements move us toward progress and harmony. So simple to talk about, but not so simple to discover while we still think we are “right.”

Is there someone in your life with whom you don’t see eye-to-eye? What if you dropped defending your position and asked questions to learn about their position, why they feel that way and how they got there? You’d be surprised how quickly the tension defuses. As a result, it becomes much easier to find the confluence. I know because it is a process my husband and I use whenever our inevitable differences in opinion appear. Wistfully, I dream of convincing the rest of the world to work diligently toward common ground, but then I remember we can only fix ourselves by taking responsibility for how we behave in our own lives.

Happy kayaking as you paddle the river of life, seeking the confluence of your life’s river with the river of others!

A Quote of Note

The unlike is joined together, and from differences results the most beautiful harmony. ~ Heraclitus

Dianne Answers Your Questions

If you have a general question about Astrology, send it to SpiritinMatters@aol.com. I will try to include an answer in a future issue. Since no one has responded I’ll just pick another common question I am asked.

Isn’t Astrology a belief system? Do I need to believe in it to get any benefit?

No. I do not see Astrology as a belief system. You do not need to “believe” in astrology to find value from it. Would you ask an electrician if they believed in electricity? No one has ever seen electricity, but they certainly have felt its effects.

In like manner, Astrology is, for me, a valuable tool because I continue to be in awe of how it works. For example, when Saturn returns to the place it was when someone was born (called a Saturn Return), I know that person is going to make a major decision as they face a moment that calls for greater maturity. They are at a crossroad, when they need to leave behind the values of their parents and venture forth into adulthood on their own terms. It may manifest as a new job, a marriage, a baby or a move across country, but whatever the outcome, it launches them forward into greater self-responsibility. Think back when you were 28-30 years old (the time that Saturn returns), what shift happened in your life that expressed greater self-responsibility? Would it have been easier to go through if you had known it was a natural process that everyone needs to handle? Knowing ahead you could have considered your options with greater ease. Making decisions and taking action is so much easier when you have a sense of the road ahead. That is the value of Astrology!

Astrological Events

NOTE: These days contain strong energies that influence everyone to a greater or lesser degree. For more personal information, consult me or another astrologer.

Sun Oct 18, 1:33 AM ET – NEW MOON at 25 LibraThis New Moon holds a theme of hope for peace and harmony since it is linked to the Jupiter/Chiron/Neptune grouping. But by squaring the Moon’s Nodes, however, the grouping challenges us to put these values into action, not just talk about them. It’s a lovely day to broaden connections by including unusual people into your life. If you wish upon the New Moon (within 3 days before or after), you have the possibility of fulfillment by the time of the Full Moon. Libra New Moon wishes relate to: marriage, negotiation skills, harmony, teamwork, sociability/diplomacy, refinement, and healing codependency.

Tue Oct 20 – Mercury in Libra trine Jupiter in Aquarius -Today’s planetary link can book excellence in thinking and communication. Use it to solve a problem or make a sales pitch with the extra verbal abilities.

Sat Oct 24 – Sun in Scorpio sextile Pluto in Capricorn, Mercury in Libra trine Neptune in Aquarius -With perception sharpened, you could use it for careful discernment of any issues at hand. Mercury with Neptune bring into play the imagination to resolve problems and inspiration for what comes next.

Wed Oct 28 – Venus in Libra trine Jupiter in Aquarius, Mercury in Scorpio sextile Pluto in Capricorn- Mixed energies may have you enjoying a feeling of camaraderie with others while also holding back and keeping your views in reserve.

Thu Oct 29 – Sun in Scorpio square Mars in Leo, Saturn enters Libra – Be careful that you don’t go cruising for a fight under a feisty Sun-Mars aspect. Hopefully, Saturn’s entry in Libra for the next 2 ½ years, will help you consider the other person’s position. Hopefully, some of the constant fault-finding and bickering in the public debate will diminish now that Saturn leaves Virgo. Human relationships, diplomacy and compromise, the stuff of Libra, will be under Saturn’s microscope. Good relationships will get stronger and difficult ones…well; there will be work to be done. Fortunately, Saturn is exalted in Libra, which is good news suggesting a move toward less polarization and greater sensitivity to the needs of others.

Sun Nov 1 – Mercury in Scorpio square Mars in Leo – Fast talking, fast thinking and inspired ideas can come from this link. But so can aggressive conversation and verbal attack. Be careful your words don’t provoke conflict.

Mon Nov 2, 2:14 PM ET – FULL MOON at 11 Taurus, Venus in Libra trine Neptune in Aquarius – Financial matters and personal values are emphasized. Full Moons are oppositions creating tension and this one can be quite intense as the desire to keep things as they are battles with the possibility of transformation. Fortunately, Venus and Neptune contribute compassion to soften the stress.

Wed Nov 4 – Neptune in Aquarius turns forward – The spiritual, creative and imaginative powers of Neptune are prominent as it returns to forward motion. Consider your spiritual journey. Envision the possibilities now unfolding.

Sun Nov 8 – Mercury in Scorpio square Jupiter in Aquarius - The match has a really “can-do” attitude that may include being overbearing as you try convincing others you are right. Over-optimism and over-enthusiasm doesn’t necessary win friends and influence people.

Tue Nov 10 – Sun in Scorpio square Jupiter in Aquarius – It may seem like the “sky is blue” today, but little details could poke holes in your balloon. Remember your dreams are important enough to be grounded in realistic expectations.

Wed Nov 11 – Mercury in Scorpio trine Uranus in Pisces and square Neptune in Aquarius – For all who need to open up the box in your mind, today Uranus brings in higher inspirational thinking and the possibility of ingenious ideas. However, Neptune may unbalance that brilliance with the fog of misunderstandings and delusions.

Sat Nov 14 – Sun in Scorpio trine Uranus in Pisces – A great night to do something new, Uranus encourages innovation and getting free of restriction. Nothing is likely to be routine about today. Kick up your heels tonight!

Sun Nov 15 – Sun in Scorpio square Neptune in Aquarius, Saturn in Libra square Pluto in Capricorn - Taken on its own, the Sun-Neptune aspect would suggest a lazy Sunday with nothing important getting done. Great for watching a football game! But this first of three power-mongering Saturn-Pluto match-ups (also Jan 31 and Aug 21, 2010) may spell frustration and angst personally. On the world stage, look for possible eruption of armed conflict or even the earth may quake. After all, it was during Saturn opposing Pluto that the World Trade Center was attacked (9/11/01). We are now dealing with the waning square, which in “cycles theory” is expressed as “a crisis of consciousness.” Originating at the conjunction of the two planets in the mid-1960s, something now will play out to awaken and evolve our understanding of the right use of power. This is not a friendly energy for the status quo in the economy, the government or international relations. Individually, we can have a positive effect if we all personally do our best to use our power intelligently as we interact with others, by honoring our own needs as well as the needs of others.

For many of us, worries about the economic and political scene (e.g. the stock market, healthcare and the federal deficit) and fear of an unknown future have our blood pressure rising along with our credit card debt. Fear has become a powerful tool for both sides to wield in the public debate and entrenched polarization ensures that nothing moves forward.

At the same time, an increasing number of people are seeking out pharmaceuticals to treat their depression, thinking it is the answer to maintaining functionality, while avoiding the cause and ignoring the signal that something is wrong.

Clearly, when we look out at the world, what appears to be broken and needs to be fixed is everywhere. There is an intersection between our own psychological and spiritual health and the actual landscape of our life.

Tom Atlee of the Co-Intelligence Institutes has observed that “…evolution, like water behind a dam, knows where all the cracks are, and is working on them right now with increasing intensity.”

Could it be that something new is trying to happen, seeking the transformation of the Whole? Might our out-of-balance world be due to increased spiritual energy seeking to awaken the values of the heart – compassion, generosity, forgiveness, and a desire to live in harmony with others?

I propose that the only way forward through this mine field is to befriend our problems as the messengers that they are, highlighting the empty, loveless or meaningless places in our life that thirst for something meaningful and real.

To anxiously hold to the way things were, wanting no disruptions in our lives, is to avoid finding answers, because the current status quo is really closely tied to the malaise on the planet.

I remember being surprised years ago when I read Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore. One of the chapters he titled “The Gift of Depression.” I had to think about that.

What if we learned to suffer more effectively? Rather than failing to notice the opportunities and the learning our challenges offer, we could see the problem and the solution as two sides of the same coin.

In fact, today’s suffering could become tomorrow’s happiness. Who would you be today if it weren’t for your suffering? Think back. Wasn’t there a jewel of awareness and growth offered in almost every tribulation?

Regardless of whether society is ready yet to transform, individuals who bring their lives into balance and harmony, restoring the love, hope and unity that is their birthright actually aid the possibilities for change in the wider world.

We could, as Tom Atlee suggests, “use our differences and our challenges creatively, not simply as problems to avoid or solve, but as signs of new life pushing to emerge – and as invitations into a new, more whole tomorrow.”

In the next few years, remembering this invitation will be of utmost importance. Profound changes are ahead and whether we move forward gracefully, rather than kicking and screaming, depends on our ability to see problems as friends and to let go of the past into a “not-yet- known” future, rather than fear the unknown.

I leave you with this link (www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWyTxCsIXE4) to a YouTube video called Flatland for you to contemplate as we move into new dimensions of being.

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A Quote of Note

“Crisis is the dangerous breaking of glass that opens locked windows of opportunity that require perceptiveness and courage to move through, with care.”
~ Tom Atlee, founder, Co-Intelligence Institute

What better time could there be to consider the topic of “authenticity” than at the New Moon of Leo when we are able to find the courage to be ourselves?

Do you consider yourself the “author” of your life: if not, then you may not bet living authentically? That is, you may be living the life your family, or husband/wife, or your boss thinks you should but you are not living true to your own inner prompting.

There are several ways this could show up. Have you ever said “yes” when you really didn’t want to do something for fear the other person would think badly about you? When you shop for clothes, are you worried about whether it is a style that is acceptable to your friends? Do you avoid starting a conversation with a stranger because you are unsure if what you say would be welcome? Worry about what others think prevents us from living authentically, i.e. from being ourselves.

Don’t you realize that you are a totally unique individual? Since no one has ever had all the life experiences you have or expressed all the talents you do or looked out of your eyes with your point-of-view, there is no one who has any right to judge you. That’s right, no one has the ability to really know you completely and thus they don’t have the basis to judge you (nor do you have any basis to judge them).

Sadly, when we are hyper-vigilantly paying attention to what others think, we deny our authentic self and act…well, inauthentically, which is to say, dishonestly. That’s when I think we have it all wrong.

Instead of wondering what others think, we ought to turn our focus around. Our attention is better put on expressing our feelings for others. Being caring and responsive to others needs or simply being interested in their life, rather than being anxious that we are not measuring up, is the way to live authentically – as the “author” of our life.

Since there is no one else like you in the whole Universe, if you are not playing your unique role, the Universe is incomplete and out of sync. The world needs you to be authentically behaving, contributing and expressing just who you are.

The truly evolved Leo is known for their generosity and kind-heartedness. That’s because the truly evolved Leo doesn’t care what others think. They don’t need any more applause than that which they give themselves when they respond to life out of a sense of loving-kindness as just exactly who they are – no more and no less.

If you feel you are not always behaving authentically, change direction. In other words, don’t let someone else hold the key to whether you are right or wrong, good or bad. Choose to operate from you own inner heart’s authentic expression. Choose to give yourself praise when due and encouragement for improving yourself when that is necessary.

To maintain your authentic self, it comes easier if you spend time listening to your inner feelings, what I call your heart’s voice. It can be done by taking a walk in the woods or sitting quietly in meditation. But I find that spending enough time alone with me is absolutely essential to being authentic in my daily life.

A Quote of Note

“If you call forth what is in you, it will save you. If you do not call forth what is in you, it will destroy you.”

~Gospel of Saint Thomas

I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer as much as I have. The Jupiter/Neptune conjunction has added a bit of a rosy glow to things, making it easier to live in the moment and not notice some of the harsh realities around us. But as I warned you in my April newsletter, this is only a temporary reprieve.

Remember the deep root of your being, the presence of your Lord. Give your life to the one who already owns your breath and your moments. If you don’t, you will be exactly like the man who takes a precious dagger and hammers it into his kitchen wall for a peg to hold his dipper gourd. You’ll be wasting valuable keenness and foolishly ignoring the dignity of your purpose. A Quote of Note

“If one does not know to which port he is sailing, no wind is favorable.” ~ Seneca, 45 BC-37 AD