We are living in auspicious times! The T-Square between Saturn, Uranus and Pluto is rather fast chipping away at old structures and believes in our lives, and we just had the fireworks of a Lunar and Solar Eclipse a few weeks ago and the event of the Conscious Convergence (An event of the Mayan calendar) last weekend. All of these sign posts are helping us to understand and become really clear about our true passion for life and what it is all about.

We are asked to set our intentions and focus on contributing to others and the world we are living in. Each one of us is asked to be a vital part of the change of global consciousness, riding the exhilarating wave of higher consciousness and passion for life. You are the change you have been waiting for!

The last weekend was a poignant point in time to set your intentions for your personal growth and the changes you want to see in the world. All this is highlighted by the Full Moon in Aquarius coming weekend. A number of factors are prolonging the impact of this particular Full Moon, like Saturn re-entering Libra for good and activating the T-Square with Jupiter, Uranus and Pluto exactly on July 26. And Mars will be joining that already potent mix on July 29 with his Martian temperament. I will talk about that more in depth next week.

Sun Blazes into Leo

When we move month by month through the zodiac there is evolution happening through more inwardly directed energy alternating with more outwardly directed flow. The zodiac starts with Aries and the beginning of Spring; the waking up after Winters sleep to new life. In Taurus there is consolidation and manifestation of that life thrust followed by the light hearted Gemini exploring life in all its interesting and fascinating aspects and ideas. In Cancer we are immersed with inner life, with our emotions, our close friends and family. And then we are so ready again to step into the creative flow of our personal self expression and passion for life with the Sun in Leo.

Leo is full with the optimism of life energy, the eternal promise that no matter what life will continue in so many expressions. Have you ever seen a concrete road with a tiny crack in it and grass or another plant growing out of it? Or the tree growing directly out of a seemingly solid rock face at Big Sur? Isn’t it amazing?

This coming month with Leo you have the universal winds in your back to help propelling you forward manifesting your desires. Desires are a good! They keep us going. They inspire us to action and creative self expression. They are the motor of life!

Saturn Steps into Libra July 21

Good news for Virgos. Whatever you have been struggling with for the last 2 years will undergo a resolution and integration with Saturn finally leaving you alone. Also if you have planets in Pisces, Gemini or Sagittarius you have been called to inner work and clarity with opposition or squares of the taskmaster. Saturn is not an easy transit to experience because he is traditionally challenging us to face our deepest fears, have a close look at our boundaries, tighten the belt and go to work.

But the results of Saturn transits offer us so much more clarity and wisdom then we had before we started onto this inner journey into the twilight zone. Saturn makes it all worthwhile by bringing his light and focus into the essential. Saturn reveals inner strength and dormant capacities. Virgo is the sign for looking into details, organizing ourselves more efficiently and taking better care for our health. Therefore many of you had trouble with health problems catching up with you in the last 2 years. Whatever was not supportive for a healthy balance of a healthy soul in a healthy body had to be examined and was put to the test.

Saturn in Virgo

Whatever planets you have in Virgo needed your extra attention. For example I have my Jupiter in Virgo. For me it stimulated my research and interest of the connection between the unavoidable pollution of my body because of all the external onslaught of environmental toxins like pesticides, phthalates, plasticizer, formaldehyde, xenobiotics and different health challenges of mine.

I discovered new ways to deeply cleanse and unload toxicity with my Infra Red Sauna on a daily base in combination with coffee enemas and liver cleanses. I had nutritional and hormonal tests done to determine my level of hormones and crucial vitamins and found out many deficiencies in spite of a pretty healthy life style. I don’t eat much processed food of any kind, I eat plenty of raw, I juice, I cook mellow macro-biotic and I supplement, so it came as a surprise to me that I was still deficient in Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium and Progesterone.

You need to keep in mind that with daily sweating in the sauna I was loosing extra nutrients. I was aware of that and this was the reason for me to have it checked after being two month on the new regiment.

I also discovered the books by Dr. Sherry Rogers one of the few true benefactors in the health field for many people who were able to reclaim their health in spite of incurable diseases. Her basic recipe for any kind of health imbalance or disease is to restore well being by detoxifying with the Infra Red sauna and super nourishing the body with macro-biotic. Sounds easy right? Or another icon I found was Dr. Max Gerson who did miraculous cancer healing with people already 80 years ago. Same basic recipe: detoxification in his case with coffee enemas and super nutrition with raw juices and raw food.

With my Jupiter in Virgo I discovered new dimensions in the healing arts because I needed to find out about the bigger picture of my own health. It was very self empowering because I could make changes accordingly and took charge of my own health. I found deep satisfaction and excitement in those new possibilities growing out of these insights and my expanded view.

Full Moon in Aquarius July 25

Full Moons are culmination points of your emotional journey throughout all those different inner facets throughout the month of one lunar cycle. Full Moon means the uttermost reflection of the light giving energy of the Sun into deepest crevices of your inner world. This Full Moon in Aquarius is receiving the energy of the Sun in Leo.

Sun and Moon are the yin and yang, the male and the female force, the complementing forces in life. Sun as the life giving entity is radiating the force to create life and Moon is reflecting the energy, taking it into the inner world, sustaining and nourishing life.

Sun in astrology shows your self- identity, the inner place of strength you act from in your life. Sun is representing the inner and outer male figure. Sun is your self awareness and consciousness guiding you into choices and decisions. With the Sun moving through the whole zodiac throughout the year it gives you different mental perspectives onto life and guides your process of evolution as an individual and as whole humankind.

Moon in astrology on the other hand reflects consciousness evolving through your inner digestive process of your feelings and guides you more intuitively. Emotions are often unclear and hidden from the light of consciousness and might take a while to float up to conscious recognition and acknowledgment. Moon is the archetypal mother, the inner woman or outer woman, nourishing you in her unique way of being.

The Potential of the Aquarius and Leo Opposition

I believe wherever this Full Moon is touching into your chart it will have a profound impact for your soul’s journey in these challenging times. Note in which house the Full Moon falls in your chart and which aspects it is forming to personal planet. It carries the potential for integration between your inner and outer world and your visions and dreams coming to fruition.

You are also called upon extending your goodwill to others, be a role model for your beliefs concerning change for the better, taking care for your friends and neighbors, acting from a place of oneness and connectedness, taking charge and stepping up. Become a leader for what you believe in! Be the change you want to see! Grass root movements are needed to move on into the Aquarian Age, into the year 2012 with all its prophesied changes in consciousness of humankind.

I think we all agree that the old ways driven by greedy ways of the ego for power and self-gratification won’t meet the requirement of the 21st century. Mother Earth is polluted like never before and we are poisoning ourselves with it. The old economy is crashing and with it the old paradigms. We have to come up with new ways to organize ourselves on this earth looking beyond old tribal, ego driven survival instincts and make decisions based on the good for all.

What is needed is the emergence of a new consciousness and astrology is giving us much hope and understanding about the challenges ahead. It also gives us tools for coping. Here are two gemstones that can help you to balance and integrate the seemingly opposing forces of Aquarius and Leo.

An Aquarian Gemstone is the Aquamarine

Uranus infuses Aquamarine with some unusual qualities and a vision beyond our limited mind-set, making Aquamarine the Rebel among the gems. This is the gemstone of visionaries fighting for a better life, supporting goodness and necessary changes. It urges you to seek freedom and independence and to express your uniqueness. Aquamarine is the stone of innovators, ahead of their time in many ways. It encourages you to always question your limiting beliefs with an open mind and to be willing to grow beyond them. It can help you to find your own vision and purpose in life and the courage to live them.

This unique gem connects you with the unlimited aspect of being that is found in the ocean, symbolizing the vastness of existence, the unlimited space and horizon that you experience standing on a beach or on a boat.

A Leo Gemstone is the Ruby

The Ruby is the warrior of the heart, the knight of your dreams. It touches the root chakra and the heart chakra, helping gently but powerfully to bring energy up from the first chakra to the heart. The root chakra is your connection with the earth, your grounding, ego identity, survival instincts, anger, sex drive, and life force in general. The heart chakra is the seat of your emotions of love in all its aspects, from self-love to unconditional love. It is the site of unresolved wounds suffered in love and childhood experiences—but it is also home to forgiveness and compassion.

If you like my astrological musings I invite you to sign up for my free weekly newsletter here on my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog for a regular update on the actual universal flow in the heavens. As you can tell I am also very passionate about the abilities of the healing gemstones to help to align and balance our flow. I have even written a book about it and the connection with astrology! If you know where your challenges are, you can then take steps to support or balance yourself with gemstones, if that is something that appeals to you.

I hope you enjoyed this article, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author
1135 Makawao Ave. Suite 310
Makawao, Maui, Hawaii 96768
Phone: 808.878.8182

Bio:
Shakti Carola Navran has been an astrological coach, jeweler, spiritual teacher and healer for over 30 years. Her practice spans hypnotherapy, meditation, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and healing with gemstones. She creates beautiful jewelry for the soul and spirit at her studio on Maui, Hawaii. She has written many articles and is the author of the book Jewelry & Gems for Self Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul.

In her book she teaches you about astrology and how to read the blue print of your own chart. If you know where your challenges are, you can then take steps to support or balance yourself with your 12 personal healing gemstones, those enchanting allies to raise your frequency and experience more joy. Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas about Soul Jewelry; on how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul.

Over time I have published several articles about the bigger picture of the celestial heavens then possible with just the discussion of the weekly astrological updates. The slow moving transits of the outer planets are the one who are mirroring the fundamental changes in society and can help us gain deeper understanding and personal alignment with what is going on. So I will be keeping throwing in some articles about different thoughts then just what is going on in the moment and time frame of a week.

I am partaking in the astrological writer’s event of the international Blogathon, yes – this is a new word in cyberspace now… where 50 different astrologers have written their point of view about the T-square between Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. (See one of my two articles on that subject, the other one follows this week) This current main event in the celestial heavens is one big piece of the puzzle marking the time of the big changes we have been waiting for all our lives. We are part of this transformation and we are the transformation! I believe we are living in a most exciting time and will be witnessing a major change in the overall state of consciousness towards a higher level of oneness and evolution in our humanness. And I am very excited about this!

My interest in writing about astrology is the potential of raising our consciousness which is the antidote to fear and depression. We are living in a time of information overload at our fingertips on the keyboard of our computers. We need to ask the right questions to get onto the journey for the right answer. I say that because there is no objective truth to anything. There is only our very limited, personal subjective place of understanding. Finding your own inner truth is therefore a very personal process and unending journey.

Have a look at the bigger picture and check out different perspectives from different astrologers at the Blogathon. This event is happening now from March 19-21.

This week we are experiencing the beginning of a very different energy flow and the astrological start of the zodiac with the Sun moving into Aries. After all the introverted and dreamy Pisces energy of the last month with 5 planets inviting us deeper into our inner world and spiritual connection, now we start a new cycle of learning and experiencing life in a new extroverted fashion through action.

Highlights of this week are:

• New Moon in Pisces March 15
• Mercury enters Aries March 17
• Spring Equinox with the Sun entering Aries March 20
• Moon moves through Aries, Taurus to Gemini

New Moon in Pisces

This New Moon in Pisces is especially powerful with its closeness to Uranus and Mercury. It will be influenced by new ideas and understanding with intuitive guidance.

New Moon and Full Moon are turning and culmination points with almost magical potential in the waning and waxing of the Moon throughout her approximately 28 days cycle. The New Moon is a new beginning, it is the time to consciously plant the kind of seed we want to see flowering in the time to come. It is also worthwhile to consider where the New Moon in happening in your chart. That is the area in your life in which you can set new intentions and take steps accordingly.

For me this New Moon is in my 12th house and gives me a chance to deepen my inner spiritual connection as well as heal and detoxify myself in deeper layers. Some weeks back I shared with you some thoughts about detoxifying with a Far Infrared sauna program and colonics. Since then I have embarked on a program of studying the books of Dr. Sherry Rogers and implementing some of her suggestions. I am deeply committed to make my physical and spiritual health a priority in my life right now.

I am so lucky to have a dear girl friend who is my buddy on this journey to share my thoughts, insights and frustrations. Teaming up with somebody keeps you committed, on track and is just more fun.

Mercury Enters Aries

When Mercury moves into Aries we are mentally ready for some implementation and action to take. Aries energy needs to move and take form in some ways. We feel inspired and motivated to go after our needs and desires.

Spring Equinox with the Sun Entering Aries

The beginning of the new cycle of growth and life is the Spring Equinox and it starts the astrological year. Aries is the energy of new beginnings, fresh starts and commitment to life. We feel hopeful and receive more life giving sun energy to replenish and rejuvenate after a long, dark winter. Often we feel like spring cleaning our house, decluttering the piles and corners in our home, setting new intentions for our physical health and making new plans for the year.

Have a look which of your houses is harboring Aries in your horoscope and you will have more of an idea where you want to put your deep cleaning and renewing energies towards. Also take note where your Mars as the ruler of Aries is located. For example my Mars is in Gemini in the third house which indicates a great time for research, new learning and implementation. I am devoting at least one hour every morning to studying Sherry Roger’s books about taking charge about health and detoxifying.

The transiting Mars is in the beginning of Leo, a sign of fire and creative expression. The house that Mars is in and the aspects this mighty warrior is having with personal planets might give you another piece of understanding the changing of your initiative energy and focus of your will power. Enjoy the freshness and innocence of this new moment of now and make it your own by setting your conscious intentions and goals.

I hope you enjoyed this article. If you like to stay informed on the daily astrological events in the heavens you can sign up for my free weekly newsletter, the Astrological Signs Weather Report and please pass this on to your friends. I discuss the actual astrological qualities of the moment and inspire you to use them wisely for a life full of success, joy and inner growth.

Enjoy the always deepening journey into the center of yourself, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author
1135 Makawao Ave. Suite 310
Makawao, Maui, Hawaii 96768
Phone: 808.878.8182

Shakti Carola Navran has written the book: Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul and  many articles about the healing properties of gemstones and their use in daily life for meditation, balance and meaningful jewelry making. She teaches you about true Birthstones which are based in astrology and their possible application for Soul Jewelry.

I watched an interview with a Wynonna Judd last night and she was talking about how the gift of her singing and her music has always been pulling her through hard times in her life because it nourished her. That got me thinking…How is that for me? What is my gift and what do I enjoy doing most?

I have Venus in my first house and this lady has always been one of the strongest guiding forces in my life. I have been a jeweler for over 30 years (creating beauty) as well as an astrologer (with an eye for potential and fulfilling joy) and a teacher and coach with many healing modalities like gemstones, colors, NLP, breath work, oneness blessings and meditation. I could say my gift is my eye for beauty and a passion for love.

What is Your Gift?

What are you good at? Are you a good listener? Do you like to create beauty and order around you?  Are you compassionate and loving? Are you good with numbers? Or do you have a clear and practical mind? It seems like that what you are good at gives you joy and satisfaction and therefore the eternal quest to find out who you are is essentially a quest for more joy and happiness in your life.

For some people it seems so easy to establish what their gift is if they are musicians, sport players, actors or if they have found some kind of recognition, success and fame with their inner calling. Then it is obvious. But how about us “normal people”? If you would know about your special gifts would you feel more certain and inspired to pursue your dreams and hopes through hardship and challenges?

I believe that would be the case and astrology might play a supporting role to find out more about yourself and changing your hope into some form of expectation how well things will have to turn out for you. I assume you have found your way to this article about astrology because you are interested in who you are and how you can align yourself with the cosmic universal forces for some kind of personal gain. It could be for more understanding of yourself and your place in this mysterious universe or you think you might be able to read the future and be better prepared for it.

Your Horoscope is Your Guide

Your personal horoscope is a map of your potential gifts, qualities and shows the direction your journey in this life will take. You can use it to trust your own abilities and keep believing in yourself in hard times. You can also use it to motivate yourself and expect only the highest manifestation of the astrological principles in your life and then allow the law of attraction to bring it to you.

You could compare your chart to a seed of an apple tree. The potential of the apple tree is already there; all the information which is needed for the seed to grow into a big apple tree is in the seed. But for the seed to grow into a healthy big tree it needs more then that. It needs a fertile ground, enough water, the right amount of sun and shade and ample nutrients.

It is the same for us. We are born with a specific blueprint and potential of qualities which we might manifest or not throughout our life. We might not have had the proper and ideal conditions growing up to tap easily into our full potential. But as an adult we can consciously choose the right nutrition and support we need to grow and unfold into our highest potential and find the gifts in there. We can grow into the most beautiful big apple tree when we become our own gardeners.

And the gifts and qualities you have might unfold in different ways and take different forms at different times in your life. Consciousness is the key to unlock your highest potential and guide your steps towards the joyous experience of living your best life. So go and get a reading with somebody you trust and give yourself that gift of expanding your self image and support consciously your inner growth process. Even if you already had an astrological reading you might get another one from a different astrologer and a different view point. Use the reading as a mirror of where you are in your process of unfolding and as support for that. If you like my approach to astrology I do readings on Skype which is a lot of fun and a way to visit me here on Maui for a short time. Or go and find somebody else you trust to help you with the ancient wisdom provided by astrology.

The Time Quality of the Moment of Now

And then we can use the astrology of the current moment to bring awareness of the time quality and its infusion of specific energy into our personal situation.

This week’s astrological highlights are:
•    Saturn square Pluto
•    Jupiter sextile to Pluto
•    Venus conjunction with Neptune and Chiron
•    Moon in Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius

Saturn Square Pluto

I discussed this constellation last week because it was exact on January 31 and we will be talking about it for some time because this is the second conjunction of these powerful players. The first one was in November 15 last year and the third and final meeting will be August 21, 2010.
This conjunction is of high significance because both of the most feared and unloved astrological principles are involved with each other in a hard aspect. We experience the structures (Saturn) dissolving (Pluto) around us and most of the time that is painful and scary. It plays out in our society, government, economy and corporate world.

Even if we know that in the bigger picture it is good to renew and regenerate out of the old it is not a process we usually enjoy. The earth quake in Haiti is another manifestation of structures and form dissolving and crumbling and the people involved certainly didn’t enjoy that one.

Jupiter Sextile to Pluto

The Jupiter sextile with Pluto on February 6 is bringing new hope and insights about how we can turn loss into gain and give some meaning to the pain. We are invited to broaden our perspective with wise Jupiter in compassionate Pisces. And we can decide how we want to help others to lighten their burden. I think the willingness of people to help the victims in Haiti has been amazing and is an expression of this higher perspective and the inner knowing of connectedness of all life.

Venus Conjunction with Neptune and Chiron

Sweet Venusian love is inspired with this Neptune and Chiron connection. It is not just reserved for the significant other; it evolves out of that human oneness of spirit and all life. Feeling love is what we are all after and we can use any imaginable excuse to feel that expanded state of being. If you feel love when you sit with your cat on your lap or walk your dog that is wonderful. You can feel love making love with your partner, visiting your family for a weekend or having your girlfriends over for a clothe swap event; it does not really matter how you get there.

The healer Chiron is bringing soothing and healing energies to your heart and its wounds. Self love and compassion is a crucial ingredient to be able to let that love flow and come into other manifestations in your life. Be selfish this week and be in love!

Moon in Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius

The Moon is our emotional filter and orientation in the world. We are in the waning quarter of the Moon turning us energetically inwards. With the Moon in Virgo we can filter out the most important pieces for our well being and put things in perspective. With the Moon in Libra but in conjunction with Pluto we might feel challenged and knocked off balance in the middle of the week. The Scorpion Moon goes right ahead with psychological acuity and may help to uncover hidden secrets or overlooked aspects. The last quarter square between the abstract Sun in Aquarius and the deeply emotional Moon in Scorpio will underscore the tense relationship between the real and the ideal vision we are striving for.
And then the Sagittarian Moon will lift us up into a wider perspective and help to put our worries behind us and focus ahead with optimism.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s musings and this little journey into the mysteries of the universe. If you like to stay informed on the daily astrological events in the heavens you can sign up for my free weekly newsletter, the Astrological Signs Weather Report. I discuss the actual astrological qualities of the moment and inspire you to use them wisely for a life full of success, joy and inner growth.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author
Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul. My book will teach you about astrology and how to read the blueprint of your own chart. If you know where your challenges are, you can then take steps to support and balance yourself with your 12 personal healing gemstones. Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas about Soul Jewelry— how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul.

I believe our relationships and the experience of love and connection are the most relevant in our lives right beside food and shelter. Babies will die if they are not touched and loved, no matter how much food you offer them. In the history of humankind we have lived most of the time in tribal or extended family situations. The single life style we know nowadays seems to be so normal to us but is not fulfilling for our soul and deeper layers of our human nature.

A whole industry around love and romance has evolved to nourish that part in us but often leaves us empty and with an unrealistic expectation that if we only find the ONE we will be happy and fulfilled. All our longing for connection and love is projected onto that ideal of the perfect lover. And we all know how well that works out most of the time.

Maybe we need more then the ONE. Maybe we need a network of close friends, family, room mates and other tribal like connections for a healthy spirit. The question is how well do you take care for yourself and make an effort for that connectedness and feeling of oneness? I would love to hear your thoughts about this.

The Inner Man and Inner Woman in Astrology
And we do carry an inner image of an inner man and inner woman inside of us with very specific needs and desires. You can determine through the position of Moon and Venus for the feminine, and Sun and Mars for the masculine and their position in your horoscope what it is your soul needs. Our first relation with father and mother is represented by Sun and Moon and obviously is the most important and revealing patterning and conditioning we will ever have. In a way all later relationships will be somehow in reaction to that first experience.

It is not necessarily true that as a woman we marry our father or the other way round. For example I married a man who is presenting me with many structures which are familiar to me through my mother. An astrological reading can give you deep insight into your inner dynamics around love and relating and that higher awareness will make your friendships and love relationships more fulfilling for you. Most people I have met in my life have some painful or even traumatizing experiences in their childhood and in our maturation process throughout our lives we all have to deal with that to achieve lasting joy and happiness.

As humans we are on a spiritual journey of raising our awareness to higher levels of consciousness and to do that we use what ever history and conditioning we got in the best way possible. Or as my spiritual therapist once said to me: You don’t like your problems? Would you like to have a different set? It just cracked me up. I convulsed into laughter.

In Neuro Linguistic Programming we say that everybody always acts on their best choice available. So if those available choices suck we need to raise our consciousness to find a different perspective and therefore different choices. A problem is never solved on the level of the problem. It is always from a Meta level, that higher perspective we need to find so solutions can arise. Astrology is a fantastic way for you to gain that higher perspective and therefore better choices. And a personal astrological reading can open unimagined doors for you.

This weeks highlights with a Full Moon in playful Leo and the Venus Mars opposition it is an invitation to take care for your inner child and its needs as well as more awareness for your relationship dance.

• Full Moon in Leo
• Venus Opposition Mars
• Sun Opposition Mars
• Saturn Square Pluto

Full Moon in Leo on Friday & Sun Opposition Mars
A Full Moon is always a Sun opposition Moon and this month it is happening in proximity of the Mars opposition. The Sun is shedding light onto our emotions and life force drive, our assertive nature. Leo is a fire sign where it is all about the self expression, creativity, self image, joy, play and romance. The opposing sign of Aquarius brings the qualities of the well being of the collective, the supporting qualities of friendships and connection with like minded souls to the table. The contrast between passionate intimacy and independence as well as individual desires and the collective good wants to be examined.

The sign of Leo and Aquarius both have a strong sense of individuality, need for independence and freedom in common. Both can take care for others from that place of inner strength in a higher expression of their qualities. Leo can be the gifted leader who takes charge and guides. Aquarius known as the rebel directs towards the higher vision of a society based on equality and freedom. Both signs can be very involved beyond their own ego gratification.

The Full Moon in Leo also invites the inner child to come and play more. The closeness of Mars fuels passionate emotions and desires which brings us to Venus and Mars the eternal lovers.

Venus Opposition Mars
Venus the goddess of love and harmony, Mars the warrior and lover are in the opposing signs of Aquarius and Leo as well. The opposition in astrology is a hard aspect which carries the most exposure of the differences of the involved signs. I like to see oppositions in Synastry charts because they carry the potential of integration and acceptance of the otherness. Oppositions are exposing the problem and challenge us into finding the connecting point of oneness in the middle. Both signs have something valuable to offer in finding that place of balance in the middle.

Saturn Square Pluto
This constellation will be with us throughout the year and is the culprit for all the economical upheaval and restructuring we are facing.

Whenever Pluto is part of an astrological constellation we are confronted with a powerful, potent, extremely forceful and transforming influence. Pluto known as the God of the underworld is a very mighty God who forces us into change and deep processes of transformation. Whenever there is a connection with this culprit of death, unrest and alteration we are forced to deepen our self awareness. Unresolved issues of desire and control are exposed and without our attention could trigger strong reactions and backlash onto us.
Pluto in Capricorn is questioning the validity of hierarchy and governments and judges on the ground of what works for the majority of people. Societal Structures that won’t work for the highest good of all will not survive Pluto’s transit through Capricorn.

The movie AVATAR is showing the relentless violence of corporate greed and the extent it is willing to go and extinguish other cultures and lives for profit. The movie shows that it only takes a few who change their state of consciousness to make a difference. We all can make that difference. I loved that movie!

The exposure of the worst manipulations in power structures of all kinds, in politics, concerning our government, corporate America and the stock market; we will see more of that. This is a time of exposure of the worst and with that there is the chance to acknowledge our deficiencies, to truly change and start anew. We are living in exciting times.

In times like these it is important to keep our own balance and as an antidote to fear and anxieties we can center in our compassion and sense of oneness. When we rise in consciousness and approach life from an awareness of what we have to offer and contribute to others around us, we can make a significant difference. When we come from a place of an open and flowering heart we will feel full and abundant. If we approach life from that abundance the law of attraction will bring more of the same to us.

And you can use gemstones like Rose Quartz, Rubellite or Ruby for the heart to recover from emotional trauma and support your personal inner journey towards healing.

Rubellite Has the Frequency of Mars, Venus, Sun, and Neptune
“The Rubellite, the pink Tourmaline, represents a lover of mankind, one who loves unconditionally and teaches us self-love. Self-love is often difficult to achieve. We know our weaknesses and dark side all too well and thus we are often most unforgiving and hard on ourselves. Beginning in childhood we learn to reject and negate a large part of our nature, especially our need for love and acceptance within the family. We resign ourselves to making do without those deep needs and we give up vital parts of ourselves.

The Rubellite heals and strengthens us, helping us to recover those lost aspects of our nature. With its help we learn to love ourselves as we are, in our individuality and beauty.  Rubellite helps us to grow and nourish our own needs. As adults we have the ability to care for ourselves in ways we were not able to do in childhood. We can express our wishes and needs in alignment with our whole being. From that place of self-love and alignment we want to share and give to the world. The Rubellite opens us up to the abundant love that flows through us in all that we do. Our heart is open to joy and exaltation.

Venus and Mars rule the Rubellite in all their different facets. Venus is the goddess of love, harmony, and beauty. She is the muse to artists in all their endeavors. Mars is the pioneer, the warrior who is called to action. Together they help our creativity to be manifested on the earthly plane. They give us the courage and self-esteem to dare to be creative.

Venus and Mars are also eternal lovers. They help us through difficult times in our relationships. They remind us that the bond of love endures beyond all the difficulties that inevitably surface when two personalities merge. It is through our relationship with our intimate partner that we are challenged to grow and examine our behavior and our beliefs. With the solid foundation of love and friendship with our partner, we have the potential to rise out of difficult times like the Phoenix arising from the ashes.” (Taken from my book Jewelry & Gems for Self Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul)

I hope you enjoyed this little journey into the mysteries of the universe. If you like to stay informed on the daily astrological events in the heavens, I like to invite you to sign up for my free weekly newsletter, the Astrological Signs Weather Report. I discuss the actual astrological qualities of the moment and inspire you to use them wisely for a life full of success, joy and inner growth.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

You can learn more about the metaphysical properties of 67 different gemstones through my book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul. My book will teach you about astrology and how to read the blueprint of your own chart. If you know where your challenges are, you can then take steps to support and balance yourself with your 12 personal healing gemstones. Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas about Soul Jewelry— how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul.

How was your last week with the Solar Eclipse and all the astrological action we had? I got together with some of my girl friends and created a really terrific vision board for my next book. It was so much fun and so stimulating that I had a hard time to go to sleep that night. I kept working with colors and forms all night. I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did. It is very powerful to do that in a circle of friends and share this exhilarating process!

This week the biggest event is that two planets are moving hand in hand into Aquarius, the Venus and the Sun. The Sun in Aquarius will set the tone for a whole month and Venus for about 225 days. The Sun as the center of consciousness and life giving entity for our planet can be seen as one of the male planetary principles. Venus on the other hand is the goddess of love and harmony, rules relationships and defines how open we are in our hearts and what we are looking for in love. A conjunction between Sun and Venus is always depicting the yin and yang balance between the forces and the need to come to some form of equilibrium between the two.

Aquarius might be a sign of personal freedom but still is an individual looking for a place within the context of a relationship, a group or society. For relationship matters this is a month to have a fresh look into the balance between autonomy and intimacy in your relationship and maybe ask yourself some questions.

• Do you have the balance between autonomy, freedom and intimacy you like to have in your relationship?
• Or do you feel stifled or suffocated?
• Can you talk about and share your visions of life and specifically about your needs in your love relation?
• What are you willing to commit to?
• Maybe you like to do something spontaneous together, take a weekend off and have a little honeymoon somewhere?

If you have planets in Aquarius in your personal chart you can expect them to be more activated this month and pushing into the foreground. You might be willing to take more risks and receive sudden inspiration or insight. Let us have a deeper look at the particularities of Aquarius and how we can support ourselves with the birthstone Aquamarine.

The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius is a masculine air sign ruled by Uranus and belongs to the 11th House—Friends & Vision.

If you’ve heard the song from the musical Hair—“This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius”—you know that Aquarians are such original thinkers and nonconformists that they can change the world. They are not interested in how things have always been, but how they can reshape the world. They always have their eye on the future, not on the past. The cultural revolution of the 1960s and 70s epitomized the Aquarian need to rebel against the established order and bring forth a new vision.

A Sign of Change
Aquarians have a rich personality—a mixture of many traits—that can be hard to pin down, making them unpredictable. And that’s how they prefer it as they are always open to new ideas and new ways of being—as long as they initiate those changes themselves. They need the freedom to express their individuality. They can be very impulsive and act according to their own established values on a moments notice. Sudden changes belong to Aquarius.

Great Humanitarians
Water holds great importance for Aquarians, as depicted by the symbol for this sign, a woman carrying water. That seems to be a contradiction at first glance because it is a sign of air. But water is associated with nurturing, and Aquarians are fundamentally nurturing humanitarians, with a deep interest in and genuine concern for other people. They readily volunteer their time to service organizations of humanitarian interests.

An Inventive Problem Solver
Their original way of thinking allows Aquarians to see solutions to problems that others don’t see. They pursue goals and challenges with great determination, but they have the flexibility to change course in midstream when they see a new solution or a better way of doing things.

Relationships
Aquarius is a highly sociable sign. Aquarians are very likable, quite interesting, and great communicators. Many people are drawn to those qualities of Aquarians, and they tend to have a great many friends and associates and to join a lot of clubs and groups. Because of their need for individuality and freedom, and their mental approach to life, they can appear to be somewhat emotionally distant in relationships. When you meet Aquarians for the first time you may reveal quite a bit about yourself but you might not learn as much about them. Although they have many relationships, they only disclose themselves to a small group of trusted friends. Even with their chosen partner they might be uncomfortable and dissociate when confronted with too much intimacy.

Work
Aquarians are valued as employees and coworkers for their great social skills. They work well on group tasks. They enjoy new technologies and they make great scientists and inventors. Their communications skills and humanitarian values draw them to careers in service organizations and the media. Their creative side makes them innovative artists.

The Shadow
Aquarian people can get lost in contrariness, eccentricity or rebellion and loosing their inner connection with being part of the whole of humanity and society. It is essential for them to find their chosen family and circle of like minded spirits to share their innovative thoughts and actions.

How Gemstones Can Enhance Your Aquarian Experience
Gemstones are the perfect way for Aquarians to achieve balance among the many different aspects of their personality and to support their unique life vision. They can help to align you to the true purpose of your soul for this life and help to stir you towards your evolutionary journey which must counter your social conditioning and old beliefs.

Gemstones have both physical and metaphysical qualities that can enhance all aspects of your well-being. The perfectly aligned crystal structure of gemstones creates an energy field that interacts with our own when you hold it or wear it on your body. In this way, the gemstone can be used to calm you, bring you mental clarity, increase your energy, enhance your creativity, and much more.

Astrology and Gemstones
Astrological principles manifest at all levels of creation, from the largest bodies in the cosmos to the tiniest particles of atoms—all are part of the same network of universal energy. Based on the hermetic principle “As above, so below,” those universal principles allow us to read relations among the planets and extrapolate those principles to things here on Earth, to events in our lives, as well as to our natural environment. The universal principles that govern the planets are also seen on the much smaller level of gemstones, crystals, and metals.

The Signature of Gemstones
Each gemstone is associated with specific planets. You are already aware that each planet has its own personality in astrology. And each gemstone has a personal “signature”—specific metaphysical qualities, different for each stone, that arise from the stone’s association with its planets.

How to Make Gemstones Work for You
By considering the individual signature of gemstones, you can select the right gems for very specific purposes, according to their astrological qualities.

Gemstones can be used in three different ways:

1. They are precious objects of beauty that may hold a special meaning for us. We enjoy their beauty by giving them a special place on a shelf, desk, or altar.
2. They can be used in meditation by tuning into their frequency for the purpose of balancing our energy field.
3. They can be made into jewelry pieces for our pleasure, enhancing our individual expression of beauty and sense of empowerment.

You can learn more about the metaphysical properties of gemstones, their application for jewelry and the true birthstones for all the different signs reading my articles in the birthstone series.

Aquamarine: An Aquarian Stone
The Aquamarine is one of the true birthstones of Aquarius. It is found around the world, with the most important sources in Brazil and Madagascar. It crystallizes in a long six-sided prism. Its name derives from the Latin for “water of the ocean” because of its color, which may be light blue, medium blue, or blue-green. The most expensive and desirable color is the darkest blue.

Uranus infuses Aquamarine with some unusual qualities and a vision beyond our
usual limited mind-set, making Aquamarine the rebel among the gems. This is the gemstone of visionaries fighting for a better life, supporting goodness and necessary changes. It urges us to seek freedom and independence and to express our uniqueness. Aquamarine is the stone of innovators, ahead of their time in many ways. It encourages us to always question our limiting beliefs with an open mind and to be willing to grow beyond them. It can help us to find our own vision and purpose in life and the courage to live them.

This unique gem connects us with the unlimited aspect of being that is found in the ocean, symbolizing the vastness of existence, the unlimited space and horizon that we experience standing on a beach or on a boat.

Aquamarine also has a female aspect, represented by the Moon. The Moon symbolizes our unconscious mind, our emotions, and our past memories. It reflects our emotional needs and wants, our ability to give and receive. Through its female aspect, Aquamarine supports and nourishes us, as if with mother’s milk. Feeling full and nurtured, we are able to share from the abundance of our own heart.

Aquamarine also sharpens our mind and our powers of discernment and helps us tap into the collective unconscious mind with all its creative resources.  In so doing it helps us develop our intuitive creativity and objective knowledge.

Aquamarine opens and balances the throat chakra, which helps us to express our personal truth, including our true feelings. The throat chakra is an area where we all have many blocks; thus we often feel limited in our self-expression.

Iron gives Aquamarine its color and energizing element. It is said to help balance iron deficiency. With its high energy level Aquamarine restores equilibrium in over energized people who are impatient, always rushing about, overstressed, and tense. Those individuals may be at high risk of accidents!

Aquamarine also represents Mother Mary. When we strip away two thousand years of male Christian tradition, we discover that Mary was not only the mother of Christ but a strong and highly evolved being in her own right and thus a role model for us today. Her strength also relates to the tradition of the Black Madonna that is found all over the world. The Black Madonna stands for the destructive and creative female principle of the universe, called Shakti in the East Indian tradition.

Thus versatile Aquamarine represents the qualities of freedom, growth, moving beyond limitations, a sharp mind, creativity, self-expression, and balance. Drawing on these qualities, Aquamarine helps women to grow into a new dimension of their womanhood and helps men to balance their own inner woman. A man who integrates these aspects of Aquamarine is able to enter into a balanced and equal relationship with a strong woman without fear of losing himself or his position.

As you can tell, I am very passionate about the potential of healing gems and all the different applications of those enchanting allies to raise your frequency for more balance and joy. I have even written a book about my over 30 years of experience in the fields of healing gemstones, meaningful jewelry, and astrology.

I wish you an enchanted journey into the mysterious world of healing gemstones and looking at them in a new way! If you enjoyed this article and my perspective on things, I would like to invite you to sign up for my free weekly newsletter where I discuss the actual universal astrological forces and the special powers of gemstones and inspire you to use them wisely for a more successful and joyful life.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

You can learn more about the metaphysical properties of 67 different gemstones through my book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul. My book will teach you about astrology and how to read the blueprint of your own chart. If you know where your challenges are, you can then take steps to support and balance yourself with your 12 personal healing gemstones. Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas about Soul Jewelry— how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul.

With the Solar Eclipse right in front of our eyes, we do know something auspicious is going on and we might feel touched by the magnificence of the universe and its mysterious ways of working. I live on Maui and when I look up at the night sky I am actually able to see the stars. I love doing that! A girl friend of mine loves to travel with her husband to Solar Eclipses around the world; he actually proposed to her on one of their first trips! Is there something magical going on with Solar Eclipses? Why is it obviously touching our human soul and spirit?

When you imagine how much radiation we receive daily from the electromagnetic energy output from the Sun it is easy to understand that the interruption from that energy stream of radiation from the center of consciousness in our universe will have an impact onto our consciousness and lives. Twice a year, the Sun, Moon and Earth align exactly the way that the constant stream of radiation from the Sun is blocked and there is partial or total darkness. This is bound to have an impact on us.

Think about it. We are energy beings made of energy swirling around on sub atomic levels creating our physical bodies. It is not hard to realize the intricate and fragile balance our life as we know it, needs to continue. Of course every shift in the magnetic radiation through Sun Flares and Eclipses will have an impact.

Therefore it is said that the Solar Eclipses are altering our consciousness with fresh energy. It is like rebooting your computer after the electricity has been down. Solar Eclipses are therefore extremely powerful New Moons and this time it is all happening in Capricorn along with four other planets beside the Sun and Moon. The last time this Solar Eclipse has happened in Capricorn was nineteen years ago in January 1991. I do not remember anything specific happening for me so long back; my memory will not do that. But I am a different person now anyway and the surrounding astrological constellations are very different.

We had a quiet beginning the first two weeks of this year. But now the heavenly stars are making up for it with a big bang.  The year is gearing up to a new level of consciousness with the Solar Eclipse on January 14 – 15, 2010. This is accompanied by a close conjunction with Venus and two planets changing direction around this eclipse; Saturn is turning retrograde and Mercury direct.

Astrology Gives You an Advantage

For me astrology is an elegant way to become more conscious of myself in the magnificence of life in its ever changing cycles and rhythms. I feel embedded in the safe knowledge of accountability of the movements of the stars throughout the skies and have the reassuring feeling of participating in an orderly functioning and therefore secure universe. As an astrologer I know about the specifics and particularities of the planetary constellations and their meaning which helps me to align myself with the universal forces and use them to my benefit. It is easier to release struggles and resistance against the irresistible and it also puts a time frame onto hard times. Understanding and a higher state of consciousness always gives me more of a choice and thus a chance to influence and set the stage to my advantage.

The highlights of the plentiful activities in this week are:

• Sun Conjunction Venus on January 13
• Saturn Turning Retrograde January 13
• New Moon/ Solar Eclipse in Capricorn in Conjunction with Venus on January 15
• Mercury Turning Direct on January 15
• Jupiter into Pisces on January 17

Sun Conjunction Venus on January 13
The Sun is reflecting our consciousness, our self identity and self image. It is one of the male representatives in astrology and thus can be seen as authority or father. Venus, the goddess of love and harmony, one of the female players softens the edges and brings kindness and compassion. This is a nice lead into the Eclipse for conscious alignment with greater kindheartedness and well intentions.

Saturn Turning Retrograde January 13
Saturn always had a bad reputation in astrology till astrologers like Liz Green shed new light and a different perspective onto the much needed qualities of Saturn. She was breaking new ground in looking at Saturn as a deepening and truly beneficiary actor in the chart. Saturn is playing a tremendously important role for us right now through February 2010 with the square to Pluto within 2 degrees.

The Outer World Reflects the Inner World!
When Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn turns retrograde we need to reassess the inner dimensions associated with Capricorn. We have to redefine our goals, coalitions, and roles to clarify our values and where we want to go. Usually we are easily ready to assign blame to outer structures; the failing economy, the corrupted government and the machinations of the corporate world. With Saturn retrograde till May 30 we are assigned to take a look into our own stuff inside. The outer world reflects the inner world! With that we have the responsibility to gain as much clarity (Saturn) as possible, mature and decide on new ways and implement them in our life. And that is a very powerful place. We can change the world, one step at a time within our reach.

New Moon/ Solar Eclipse in Capricorn in Conjunction with Venus on January 15
Again this Solar Eclipse is special because of the Venus conjunction and the two female players, Moon and Venus hand in hand. If the feminine principle in general is one of giving and nourishing life this Eclipse sets the tone of a very encouraging and soul enriching direction to embark on.

Mercury in Capricorn & Conjunction with Pluto is Turning Direct on January 15
With the short term Pluto conjunction squaring Saturn we have a jump start of true inquiry and inner realization. With the help of Mercury, the mythical messenger in his forward motion we have more skills in implementing insights and lay the groundwork for new and transformative real solutions. No more scapegoats and band-aid solutions are acceptable. We need true and honest assessments of what is and act accordingly for the greater good. You might ask yourself:

• What does that mean for you?
• What has ripened in the retrograde motion of Mercury for you to be exposed and acted on now?

Jupiter into Pisces on January 17
Jupiter moves into Pisces shortly after the Eclipse and will remain there till June 5. 2010. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and is the largest planet in our solar system. He represents the principle of expansion, the search for truth, wisdom, deeper meaning and understanding of the bigger picture. Pisces on the other hand is the twelfth sign of the zodiac and deals with the subtle, the non physical realm, the metaphysical, meditation, dreams, imagination, art and the oneness of our true nature.

Jupiter in Pisces can guide you into expansion in all these areas and enhance qualities as compassion, forgiveness, reconciliation and enhance your inner connection with the Divine. Out of that miracles are possible!

The Moon’s passage on Sunday over healing Chiron, then over Neptune is enhancing the potential of a new understanding with its brief conjunction with Jupiter in Pisces. All these discussed planetary constellations are somehow tied in with this Solar Eclipse and raise hope for another step in the right direction. True change and evolution happens in miniature steps invisible to the human eye. Astrology is just one way to gain the overview and a deeper understanding over the dynamic of the unfolding of events and history, but a very valid one.

This week’s astrological potential sets the tone for the coming year and ignites hope and a new light of consciousness for the truth of our oneness and divine origin.

I hope you enjoyed this little journey into the mysteries of the universe. If you like to stay informed on the daily astrological events in the heavens, I like to invite you to sign up for my free weekly newsletter, the Astrological Weather Report. I discuss the actual astrological qualities of the moment and inspire you to use them wisely for a life full of success, joy and inner growth.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

Shakti Carola Navran has been an astrological coach, jeweler, spiritual teacher and healer for over 30 years. She has studied with many different spiritual teachers. Her practice spans hypnotherapy, meditation, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and healing with gemstones. She creates beautiful jewelry for the soul and spirit at her studio on Maui, Hawaii, and is the author of Jewelry & Gems for Self Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul.

Welcome to the New Year 2010! I assume you found your very own personally satisfying way to ring in the New Year and enjoyed the stillness of the days between the years. It reminds me to the miracle of our breath. There is always this moment of stillness between the in an out of the breath reversing its course. This stillness carries the promise of life with its renewal and potential.

I took the week off my usual activities and allowed myself to slow down and relish the change of pace into the realm of contemplation, time with my friends and reorienting myself for the New Year. Looking backwards I was really surprised to realize how much I have accomplished last year even if it didn’t feel that way first. Now I feel recharged and inspired to take action towards the manifestation of my insights and new goals I have set for myself.

The Highlights for the Week:

• We still have 4 planets in Capricorn additionally to the North Node.
• Mercury is still retrograde as well as Mars.
• Moon is moving through Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and into Sagittarius

So I will take this opportunity of this lull to present this month Sun sign Capricorn in more depth with the extra information about the true birthstone for Capricorns.

It seems like we are getting a little extension of time with inward focus with the two retrograde planets Mars and Mercury. It is a chance to delight in rethinking (Mercury) our life’s direction and fine tuning (Mars) our intentions, inner strength and will power into the new direction. All the planning and taking a new aim in your life will do nothing for you without the willingness to take steps towards implementing action from that place of inspiration. And Capricorn is a great ally for that.

Capricorn: The Conservative Pragmatist
Capricorn is a feminine earth sign ruled by Saturn. Their home is the 10th House—Public Image, Career, & Destiny.

As you move through the zodiac you will notice that the qualities of the signs reflect a process of evolution from self-centered toward greater social consciousness and responsibility. Saturn is associated with social order (rules, laws), duty, concrete reality, and the material world.

Capricorns seek to be in visible positions of power and prestige in society. Their high degree of organization, discipline, ambition, and intelligence make them perfect as leaders of organizations of all types, in government, business, and the military. Their conservative values and black-and-white thinking can make them inflexible with respect to morality. They are bent on success, holding high standards for themselves and others.

The influence of Saturn, the earth element, and the position in the last quarter of the zodiac make Capricorns practical, organized, controlled, self-disciplined, and conservative. “Ambition” is the keyword for this sign. Capricorns have a strong need for status and material success. They are hard workers with high career ambitions who do best in positions of authority, without supervision. They go about their goals step by step, overcoming each hurdle, and don’t give up until they’ve reached the top. They excel at hierarchical planning. They are usually financially successful.

Capricorns may appear reserved in relationships, but once committed they make loyal and reliable friends and partners. Still, their careers take precedence in their lives.

The Dark Side of Capricorn
Because Capricorns are so driven, self-disciplined, and controlling, it is hard for them to relax into the benevolence of life, trusting the flow of life and its ultimate goodness. Due to the rule of Saturn, there is an element of contraction and fear that urges the Capricorn to be continually in action and in control. It is very important for Capricorns to take time out of their busy lives and allow time for relaxation, introspection, and inner peace. Only then will they be in balance.

Bringing Light into the Darkness

It is very helpful for Capricorns to practice some form of meditation, Tai Chi, or yoga to slow down their mental activity and anxiety. Meditation with gemstones, especially Crystal Quartz, will especially appeal to Capricorns’ practical and concrete nature—it’s simply a matter of lying down and placing one or several stones on your body.
I have written two other articles about crystals and their amazing qualities: 1. Using Quartz Crystals and the Law of Attraction and 2. Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Crystal Quartz and Its Practical Applications.
Crystal Quartz is the perfect stone to bring consciousness and light into our lives, helping us to gain clarity, insight, and a higher perspective on life.

How Gemstones Can Enhance Your Capricorn Experience
Gemstones are the perfect way for Capricorns to both focus on their goals, and to bring more emotional and spiritual balance into their regimented lives.

Gemstones have both physical and metaphysical qualities that can enhance all aspects of your well-being. The perfectly aligned crystal structure of gemstones creates an energy field that interacts with our own when you hold it or wear it on your body. In this way, the gemstone can be used to calm you, bring you mental clarity, increase your energy, enhance your creativity, and much more.

Astrology and Gemstones
Astrological principles manifest at all levels of creation, from the largest bodies in the cosmos to the tiniest particles of atoms—all are part of the same network of universal energy. Based on the hermetic principle “As above, so below,” those universal principles allow us to read relations among the planets and extrapolate those principles to things here on Earth, to events in our lives, as well as to our natural environment. The universal principles that govern the planets are also seen on the much smaller level of gemstones, crystals, and metals.

The Signature of Gemstones
Each gemstone is associated with specific planets. You are already aware that each planet has its own personality in astrology. And each gemstone has a personal “signature”—specific metaphysical qualities, different for each stone, that arise from the stone’s association with its planets based on their individual color, crystal structure as well as the chemical composition.
In this article we will talk about one of the true birthstones for Capricorn which is Crystal Quartz. You can find more articles on true birthstones in my birthstone series for the other astrological signs of the zodiac on my website.

How to Make Gemstones Work for You
By considering the individual signature of gemstones, you can select the right gems for very specific purposes, according to their astrological qualities.

Gemstones can be used in three different ways:

1. They are precious objects of beauty that may hold a special meaning for us. We enjoy their beauty by giving them a special place on a shelf, desk, or altar.
2. They can be used in meditation by tuning into their frequency for the purpose of balancing our energy field.
3. They can be made into jewelry pieces for our pleasure, enhancing our individual expression of beauty and sense of empowerment. I call those pieces of power Soul Jewelry.

Crystal Quartz: Your Guide to Higher States of Consciousness [1]
“ Crystal Quartz is one of the true gemstones of Capricorn. This is one of the most common and well-known crystals in the world, found virtually everywhere on the planet. It is composed of silicon dioxide and forms six-sided hexagonal prisms.

The word crystal derives from the Greek krystallos, meaning “ice,” as the Greeks believed that quartz was water that was eternally frozen, an image also found in the work of Hildegard von Bingen, a saint and ancient seer of the healing aspects of stones. Ice is a metaphor for the cooling and clear aspects of the crystal.

Quartz is a very sociable being, growing in groups and clusters and very often found together or in close connection with other minerals; thus it teaches us to have close, friendly relationships without loosing our individuality and center.

Like the Diamond, Quartz is very closely connected to our search for light and love, our longing to awaken to a higher state of consciousness, and it is our guide on that quest.

Crystal Quartz: The Manifestation of Light
Crystal Quartz is the manifestation of light, clarity, concentration, and perfect crystallization, a metaphor for our own search for perfection. If you examine a single crystal you will see that as it grows it becomes more and more clearly developed and defined toward the tip. You can also see the six sides of the crystal, corresponding to the first six chakras in the body, with the tip of the crystal corresponding to the crown chakra. In this way Quartz is a perfect mirror for our own process of growth as we move from confused or unenlightened to a state of increasing awareness and clarity on our path to higher consciousness.

Quartz is a good friend, brother, and sister and may have many additional properties, depending on the form of its “face,” or crystal tip. It might enhance our psychic abilities, such as channeling, telepathy, and clairvoyance, or connect us with ancient teachings and spiritual knowledge.

Cleansing your Stone
Although every stone may be said to pick up information by reading vibrations, Quartz is especially sensitive to the environment, absorbing everything around it. So it is very important to program it to do this consciously and to clean it often. This can be done with the help of all the elements and with the conscious state of your mind in combination with rapid, strong exhalations.

Different Forms
A double-terminated crystal (one with two tips on each end), like the Herkimer Diamond sets up an energy flow between the two ends, which act as positive and negative electromagnetic poles, and thus is especially adept at balancing opposites like yin and yang. In a single-pointed crystal the energy rises up from the more clouded bottom toward the clear tip.

A crystal in a spherical form—a crystal ball—gives off a wide, radiant, harmonizing energy field that, depending on the size of the crystal, can fill a whole room with sparkles of light and awareness. Because the sphere is the most perfect form in the universe it brings out its being in the highest form. By directing your thoughts to influence the energies of the crystal, you might program it with your needs and create a very powerful energy field for healing, concentration, or whatever you long for.”

As you can tell, I am very passionate about the potential of healing gems and all the different applications of those enchanting allies to raise your frequency for more balance and joy. I have even written a book about my over 30 years of experience in the fields of healing gemstones, meaningful jewelry, and astrology.

You can learn more about the metaphysical properties of 67 different gemstones through my book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul. My book will teach you about astrology and how to read the blueprint of your own chart. If you know where your challenges are, you can then take steps to support and balance yourself with your 12 personal healing gemstones. Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas about Soul Jewelry— how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul.

I wish you an enchanted journey into the mysterious world of healing gemstones and looking at them in a new way! If you enjoyed this article and my perspective on things, I would like to invite you to sign up for my weekly newsletter where I discuss the actual universal astrological forces and the special powers of gemstones and inspire you to use them wisely for a more successful and joyful life.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

[1]Adapted from Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones That Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul © 2008 by Shakti Carola Navran. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989. All rights reserved, used by permission of the publisher.

We are heading into the finish line of 2009. With Mercury retrograde we are supported to review and tie up loose ends of unfinished business. This last week of the year is an excellent time to look backwards into your year, take inventory of what happened and evolved for you throughout the current year. You are a different person now then you have been a year ago or two years ago and you are planning now who you want to be down the road and welcome the new!

These are the highlights of this week:

• Partial Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon in Cancer
• Moon Squares Saturn and Opposes the Sun, Venus and Pluto
• Four planets and the North Node are in Capricorn

Time for Introspection
With four planets in Capricorn, the cosmic spotlight is turned on the tenth sign of the zodiac where it is all about clarity, focus, organization and commitment. With Capricorn we learn the lessons of maturity and responsibility. We can now successfully sit down and draw up the vision and plans for the coming year. We learn to be the stewards of our own fate and choose our destiny.

Mercury is turning direct again on January 15, 2010 and with that we will be able to truly move forward into the next year with first steps to implement our dreams. Use the next 3 weeks before this turn around for introspection and planning so you are ready to move ahead with the universal support in the middle of January.

This is the time to plan your year and brainstorm about all the different areas in your life: your professional life, you in your relationships and community, your spiritual life, your health and your long term goals of wealth and abundance. I suggest you sit down with your journal and just work with the different topics and let ideas and thoughts flow onto the paper.

You also could make it a real fun project and get together with a friend and create a vision board for the coming year. That is what I am going to do after pre-planning with writing out my ideas. I will meet with 2 girl friends of mine; we take a Sunday afternoon in January to work with colors, words and collage and put a visual feast together, my vision board for the wall over my desk to keep me aligned and inspired throughout the year.

The Four Planets in Capricorn are Sun, Mercury, Venus and Pluto as well as the North Node
The Sun is representing the center of your own individual consciousness and your self identity. First it is about reflection and clarity of purpose and then we can move into action.

Ask yourself: Who are you?

“I am a mother, wife, friend, artist, lawyer, doctor…”
What are your specific qualities and virtues?

“I am very reliable, I walk my talk, I am compassionate, I am creative, I am curious, I am social, I have a sense for beauty, I love to grow and learn, and I like to move my body…”

Where do you want to go, grow and expand?
“I like to learn how to do design work on the computer, I like to learn another language, I like to travel to Europe, and I like to create a writer’s network…”

Mercury is our mental capacity and ability to communicate, write, speak, learn and perceive the world. Ask yourself questions deepening your self perception and understanding. Use the mental clarity and focus of this Capricorn Mercury for this process and ask yourself.
What is my highest vision for myself in these different areas?
“I like to establish my own publishing company this year; I will finish my astrological life planner book…”

Venus brings the need for love and harmony into the mix and makes sure you consider her requirements for nourishing relationships and a supportive network of friends.
“Where am I going in my intimate relationship? Is there a magnificent other or not? How does my ideal relationship look like? What are my true needs? What do I have to give?”

Pluto stimulates transformation and over due changes and asks:
“Where do I need to implement changes into my life? What do I need to let go off? What is really not working in my life?”

Partial Lunar Eclipse: Full Moon in Cancer on December 31
This Full Moon which is also a Lunar Eclipse squares the Saturn in Libra and opposes Sun, Venus and Pluto in Capricorn. The Full Moon itself is always a significant culmination and climax point of the month. The Moon in general is your emotional make-up and coloring of your perception of the present moment. Especially the Full Moons of the Lunar Eclipses are calling us towards the new and expansion of life. In order for that we need to release and let go of the old and out grown structures of thoughts and emotions. The Moon in Cancer illuminates what we need for emotional and spiritual nourishment in order to guide us into the overview and maturation of Capricorn.

With the Full Moon squaring Saturn and opposing Sun, Venus and Pluto we are put to the task. We need to be impeccable in our commitments and as clear as possible to be able to chart the map and stir the course for our boat over the wavy waters of the present times.

Moon Will be Moving from Inquisitive Gemini, to Emotional Cancer, through Creative Leo, and Thoughtful Virgo
If you are interested in the particularities of these Moon positions you can look up older posts with the search box and find out more.

I hope I have given you some thoughts for a meaningful and fun transition into the New Year. I love to hear from you and wish you a wonderful start and Happy New Year!

If you like my astrological musings you could sign up for my weekly forecast and have it send to you regularly.

Much aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

Shakti Carola Navran has been an astrological coach, jeweler, spiritual teacher and healer for over 30 years. She has studied with many different spiritual teachers. Her practice spans hypnotherapy, meditation, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and healing with gemstones. She creates beautiful jewelry for the soul and spirit at her studio on Maui, Hawaii, and is the author of  Jewelry & Gems for Self Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul.

Winter Solstice
This is a very special and intriguing week of the year! When the Sun is entering into Capricorn we have the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere of our planet, a day which has been considered sacred and meaningful in many traditions. The Winter Solstice is the turning point with the year’s longest and darkest night. Then the days will get longer again and with it the life giving power of the Sun is gaining strength.

I love to watch Discovery channel and the movies about nature and animals. One of the most impressive movies I ever saw in that field was called the March of the Penguins. This is the movie for the Winter Solstice! After braving a journey of several hundred miles over a frozen continent they end up in their destination to birth their young ones. I saw the movie years ago and I most clearly remember the moment when after weeks of total darkness and cold the Sun comes over the horizon.

What an enormous event after a time of tremendous hardship the penguins only survived because they huddled together in a big lump of bodies, rotating the outer ranks of penguins sheltering the inner ones from wind and cold. They all turn as one to the Sun as if welcoming it. If penguins were people it would probably be celebrated as a religious experience to have the life sustaining Sun come back with light and warmth. It was a moment which really touched my soul!

In most of our religions this end of darkness and cold, of contraction and perseverance through hardship is given a special place of celebration and reverence. The change into more light is symbolizing hope and survival of the specie. We are reminded of how fragile life really is and how valuable and unique in all its different expressions in our world. We celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas and many other Solstice related events.

We come together in our family and tribes of friends to share the optimism and hope for another fruitful year starting with the light gaining territory. We celebrate love and life and all the things that make life worth living.

This year we have an interesting week with many profound astrological events happening in the week of the Solstice. Even if this article is written as a forecast for this 52nd week of the year I believe you will find significant value in the described constellations in their eternal meaning and you will be deepening your general astrological understanding if you find your way to these pages after this week.

This week’s noteworthy highlights are:

• Winter Solstice
• Last Jupiter Neptune Conjunction in Aquarius
• Sun Enters Capricorn
• Sun Conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn
• Sun Square to Saturn
• Venus Moving into Capricorn
• Venus Pluto Conjunction
• Mercury Turning Retrograde
• Moon Starts out in Gentle Pisces, Steps into Innovative Aries and Finishes in Solid Taurus

Last Jupiter Neptune Conjunction in Aquarius on Monday
The week starts off with the last conjunction between the giants Jupiter and Neptune. The last contact in the back and forth dance between planets is the last chance to integrate and consolidate the lesson we have learned from both. Here the interweaving of the expansive forces of Jupiter looking for wisdom and deeper meaning had to coalesce with the dreamy aspirations and visions of Neptune. Only time will tell what will solidify out of this transit. I have written more in depth about Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron activities in Aquarius in other articles.

Sun Enters Capricorn on Monday
Capricorns are known to be earthy, steadfast and pragmatic.

Capricorn: The Conservative Pragmatist
Dec 21–Jan 20
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Gender: Feminine

As people mature, they move from self-centered to be more oriented toward others. They begin to have a sense of their responsibility toward society. Capricorn is the first sign in the last quarter of the yearly cycle, representing this social stage. Capricorns seek to be in visible positions of power and prestige in society. Their high degree of organization, discipline, ambition, and intelligence make them perfect as leaders of organizations of all types, in government, business, and the military. Their conservative values and black-and-white thinking can make them inflexible with respect to morality. They are bent on success, holding high standards for themselves and others.

When the Sun is in Capricorn our aspirations can now turn easier into manifestations and we have the potential to be well organized and focused on what is truly important. In general there is more willingness to take a real good look at what is not working and take action steps accordingly.

Sun Conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn on Thursday
Whenever Pluto is part of a constellation we are confronted with a powerful, potent, extremely forceful and transforming influence. Pluto as the God of the underworld, the unknown is a very mighty God who compels us into change and deep processes of transformation. With the Sun in conjunction with this culprit of death, unrest and alteration we are forced to deepen our self awareness. Unresolved issues of desire and control could trigger strong reactions and backlash onto us.

Pluto in Capricorn is questioning the validity of hierarchy and ruler ship and judges on the ground of what works for the majority of people. Societal Structures that won’t work for the best of all will not survive Pluto’s transit through Capricorn.
The exposure of the worst manipulations in power structures of all kinds, in politics, concerning our government, corporate America and the stock market – all that is not over yet; structures are just beginning to crash and burn. It is a time of exposure of the worst, the chance to acknowledge our deficiencies and start anew.

In times like these it is an antidote to fear and anxieties to center and balance in our compassion and sense of oneness. When we rise in consciousness and approach life from an awareness of what we have to offer and contribute to others around us, we can make a significant difference. When we come from a place of an open and flowering heart we will feel full and abundant. If we approach life from that abundance the law of attraction will bring more of the same to us.

Sun Square to Saturn & Venus Entering Capricorn on Friday

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and the Sun in square with this signs ruler will slow things down significantly. It is Christmas day with many social activities. Saturn’s connection with Sun and Venus is a sobering one. Unresolved conflicts in the family might force their way into our consciousness and we are best served with honesty and truth. Saturn is the bringer of clarity and light into the darkness and is our chance to clear out old cobwebs. Remember one candle can light a whole room of darkness. It does not take much!

Venus Pluto Conjunction on Sunday
Venus, the Goddess of love and harmony in conjunction with Pluto is engaging us in deeper layers of our relationship and is honing our relationship skills. We might take a deeper step into committing ourselves then ever.

Mercury Turning Retrograde on Saturday
Mercury will stay in Capricorn for a longer then usual with it turning retrograde at 21 degrees Capricorn. In the three weeks of Mercury’s retrograde motion we should double check details, be very clear with our communication and correspondence. You can read more in depth about it in my article.

Moon Starts out in Gentle Pisces, Steps into Innovative Aries and Finishes in Solid Taurus
You can use the search feature on my blog to find more in depth descriptions of these specific Moon positions.

New Years Resolutions and Crystal Quartz to Program
With so many poignant astrological events at your disposal for conscious alignment this week, I believe this is the best time for your New Years resolutions. The Winter Solstice alone is a most formidable time to take stock and engage in setting new intentions and goals. There is true magic in new beginnings like New Moons, New Years and Solstices!

You can then use the Crystal Quartz to program your intentions and use it to deepen your inner connection with your goals. Read more about cleansing and programming of crystals in my former article.

I wish you a wonderful time with your family and loved ones in whatever tradition you choose to celebrate.

Many blessings and aloha, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author
1135 Makawao Ave.Suite 310
Makawao,Maui, Hawaii 96768
Phone: 808.878.8182

Why are you interested in Astrology? Think about it for a moment!

Me – I am fascinated and enamored by the mystery of life, how it unfolds according to some mysterious laws and dynamics. I always have been intrigued by the nightly sky with the stars shining down on me from far away. I am fortunate to live on Maui with many clear nights opening my view into the black, velvet, alive depth of the cosmos. But beside that I always was very curious and interested (Gemini rising) to understand more about myself and others, how I am wired, why I am doing things the way I do, how my mind is working.

When I connected with astrology at an age of 18 it opened a whole new perspective and promise of deeper self perception. Of course my interest was fueled by the hope to be able to create a better and happier life out of that for myself. It started me on a life time search and growth process of spiritual embodiment and application of timeless wisdom and truth I tapped into along my way. My Sun is in Taurus, so I have always measured the intellectual concepts or truth with their practical impact onto my own life.

Over all those years astrology has proved itself to me as an elegant tool of self inquiry, self discovery and guidance system. I have been in awe again and again about the specifics and insights astrology has to offer. In hard times it would give me understanding of the deeper universal principles I needed to find alignment with, usual triggered by transits of some kind. Astrology has provided a map for me on my journey through life, giving me the bigger picture and introducing me to the eternal cosmic dance I am part of.

The map of the planetary activities has given me a sense of being a part of life in its unfolding as nothing else has. The promise to live in a universe which is based in a higher consciousness, displaying itself in a network of universal laws and forces is much more comforting to me then the idea of a random, coincidental creation.

In my weekly astrological weather forecast I like to discuss the bigger picture and what it might bring up for you and into the foreground of your consciousness. I believe you will find value in the timeless planetary principles of this article even if this week and its actual time line is over.  I like to empower you to make better choices in your life because you are aware of the universal forces of the moment and help you to align with that. I love to hear your feedback and thoughts about the themes I am bringing up and how it works out for you.

The highlights of this week from December 6 to December 13, 2009 in the heavens are:
•    Mercury Conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn
•    Mercury Square with Saturn
•    Jupiter Chiron Conjunction in Aquarius
•    Moon Moves into Virgo, Libra and Scorpio

Mercury Conjunction with Pluto in Capricorn & Mercury Square to Saturn
This week is predominantly patterned by an invitation to take stock of your life, take a new look at what works and what does not. Mercury is the planet that is representing our mental approach to life, the way we think and communicate. Mercury in serious Capricorn is interested in a practical approach to life and making it work. Pluto the ruler of death and rebirth, seeking deep transformational processes is seen by many as the culprit behind the crashing of our economical and societal structures. But what does this mean for us personally? Mercury is our receptor for thoughts as well as our vehicle for consciousness.

One of the biggest aha moments for me was the realization that my thoughts are not as individual or personal in nature as I thought. It is more like according to my state of consciousness I can tune in to different levels of thoughts, like dialing in to a different frequency with different radio stations. Consciousness is unlimited and life itself, the ground of creation. The mind on the other hand has been our limited connection and filter to that big consciousness. So the question is how can we tune ourselves to the highest level of consciousness?

Meditation and Journaling
Meditation is an ancient method to quiet our thoughts to connect with a higher force or consciousness where we find peace, inspiration and joy.

Journaling is a way to connect with deeper layers of our conscious and unconscious mind. It is a tool to gather clear thoughts and work things out in our mind. We can set clear intentions as a first step to manifest them in our life.

On a personal level this weeks strong Mercury is well used to sit down with your journal or notebook and ask yourself some questions:
•    In what area of my life have I become rigid and unyielding to change          and growth?
•    Where would I like to see changes for the better?
•    Where would I like to learn and extend my view of things?
•    What new structures or habits could I establish?
•    Which new choices and decisions do I like to make?

Mind and Consciousness
This morning I got an email with an article from the Oneness teacher Bhagavan in which he is commenting on the mind in relation to consciousness. What a coincidence!

“Next we must realize that this mind is very, very ancient. It’s as old as man is. It has not changed at all. The brain itself has changed very little and the human mind has virtually not changed. The ancient man had fear of the tiger or the lion or something and modern man has fear of the share market or losing his job or girlfriend, so it’s the same thing. The ancient man desired for a spear, you desire for a car or a house, or some such thing.

So it is the very same mind, only the object of fear or the object of desire has changed. You must realize this is an ancient mind. Not only is it the one mind, it is also the ancient mind.

So what you must see is that it is the one mind, it is ancient and it is impossible to change it. If you really see it, you will become free of the mind. It will no more trouble you. It will be there, but it will be working on its own. It will no more infringe on your consciousness, it will no more take charge, it will no more trouble you. It is like a stranger living in your house, it will be there working on its own. It won’t bother you.

Now, the next part of your question is who is there in charge? Your consciousness is in charge. Consciousness knows how to respond to different situations. Not the mind, but consciousness takes over. The mind generally reacts to situations. Consciousness responds.

When the mind does something it will go back and think “Did I do the right thing or the wrong thing?” When consciousness responds, you do not go back and think whether it was the right thing to do or the wrong thing to do. Whatever consciousness does, it is perfect. It would take over and there will be no problems at all when consciousness functions. When the mind functions, the mind being divisive, it creates problems.” Bhagavan

Jupiter Chiron Conjunction in Aquarius
We had several conjunctions between these two advocates of healing through a higher consciousness – Jupiter and the healer Chiron. Each connection is another step of integration and application of the level of truth and insight we are able to touch. It is up to us to practice inner and outer integrity as a result of it. The additional opposition of this pair to Mars who is about to go retrograde, adds some urgency in finding some personal resolution. The quality of Aquarius is adding the awareness that each one of us has a unique and valuable contribution to give to the whole of human consciousness. We do make a difference in how we live our lives and how we touch others. And a happy life is always a good life!

And no — it is not selfish or egotistic to strive for your own happiness. In deed it is a big contribution to the global consciousness. Think about it: Happy people are overflowing in their energy. They are happy to share from themselves, contribute to others and make the world a better place. Happy people don’t go to war, take advantage of others; they are part of the solution in stead of the problem. Happy people are healthier in their bodies and live longer lives. Happy people feel like there are a part of something bigger then their own identity and act accordingly. Happy people are creative, full of ideas and in the flow with the present moment. Happy people feel abundant and manifest their heart desires with ease.

I believe this is something worth striving for! I am so glad to share this journey with you.

Moon Moves into Virgo, Libra and Scorpio – our Emotional Journey
Our emotional filer ranges from an inquisitive Virgo to a more accommodating Libra to end with an intense Scorpio. We start from a place of a tendency to scrutinize and analyze, rather then truly allowing the feelings to surface as they are. Virgo tends to be anxious and fearful, trying to control life by figuring it all out and being prepared.

Then with Moon in Libra our focus changes towards the other people, friends, partners or family in our life. The challenge here often is not to just accommodate or placate the other but to find a comfortable place within ourselves from where we meet, socialize and love.

With Moon in Scorpio we have to come clean and aware with darker motivations like power, control, greed, fear which are often driving our actions. Again this is something we all share and our level of self awareness determines if we act egotistically and blindly on these motivations or not.

Hanukkah begins at Sunset on Friday and is one more of the religious markers for the sacredness of the end of the year with the promise of the return of the light of consciousness into the time of darkness. Whatever form your religious worship takes it all points towards oneness and the light of consciousness we all long for. Use this week for a deeper connecting with that light insight yourself and pass it on to others.

Much aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

Shakti Carola Navran has been an astrological coach, jeweler, spiritual teacher and healer for over 30 years. She has studied with many different spiritual teachers. Her practice spans hypnotherapy, meditation, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and healing with gemstones. She creates beautiful jewelry for the soul and spirit at her studio on Maui, Hawaii, and is the author of  Jewelry & Gems for Self Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul.