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.

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. 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.

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.

Your Astrological Gemstone Profile Report
You can order your Gemstone Profile Report, a list with 14 of your main healing gems, describing the metaphysical properties of your personal  gemstones based on your horoscope. This is your individual treasure chest of ideas about gemstones, Soul Jewelry— how to use gemstones, or select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul.

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.
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. 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.

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!

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.

Fear is in the air! The stock market is melting down again and there is growing unrest in this country which is played down by the media. We have demonstrations on Wall Street and a revolution is brewing. We are all connected and we all have at least friends and family who have fallen on hard times, lost their houses or their jobs. We feel strongly what is happening because of that deeper inner connection of oneness or you could call it the morphogenetic field. It is easy to get caught up in anxiety and fear.

The question is how can we balance ourselves? How can we find our place in all this? How can we step up with courage into the unknown and the new horizon of consciousness? And how can we be of help for each other? Astrology is holding some answers for you because it gives you the conscious awareness for higher or lower choices based on the energetic, archetypal fields involved.

Pluto, Uranus and Neptune

Wherever the big players are in your chart; Pluto in Capricorn squaring Uranus in Aries and Neptune in Pisces, you are called to active integration and contribution to the whole. Lately I have been looking almost exclusively at charts for people who have been part of that “call for evolution”. We are living in exciting times. I believe we all have signed up to be part of this enormous revolution of consciousness.

But then some of us play a very active role in this process as leaders, healers or teachers. Depending on how Pluto, Uranus and Neptune touch your planets and houses it shows you where your expertise and soul commitment resides. It shows you how you personally can ride this enormous wave of tremendous changes breaking.

Mayan Calendar and New Moon

This month coincides with the end of the Mayan calendar Oct 11- 26 which is thought of as the emergence of a dimensional shift into higher consciousness. It is the completion of one cycle and the beginning of another. The Full Moon in Aries coincides with that final phase emphasizing the new beginning and sheds light and asks for emotional courage.

Libra Planets

We are relational beings! Families, relationships and social structures make us into who we take ourselves to be. We feel reflected, inspired, educated, loved or rejected by others. The sign of Libra indicates the whole mystery of close, intimate relationships as well as friends or meeting the “other” in general. With Libra we learn about love, harmony, peace and discrimination of our true needs and desires.

Earlier in October with 4 planets in Libra we will learn about compromise and balance in relationships which will be deepened with the Saturn Sun conjunction in Libra. Saturn brings to the fore issues of integrity, accountability, what works and the ability to set healthy boundaries.

The New Moon in Libra Sept 27, three days apart from the Equinox, started our journey into deeper wisdom and willingness to consider and attune to the others.

Five Planets in Scorpio Coming Up

The last week of this month we will have five planets in Scorpio, which will be dominating the heavens and our inner experience. There is the sense of urgency and time is running out. The New Moon in Scorpio makes us emotionally moody, intense and focused inwards. The Jupiter opposition and the trine to Neptune are adding another layer to the situation. Jupiter always wants to look at the big picture and Neptune can contribute higher awareness as well as misguidance, lies and betrayal.

Scorpios are known for being very intense, emotional, willing to go deep for the truth and maybe uncomfortably honest about it. Looking at the hidden structures, the deep inner psychology of the moment Scorpios are good at unraveling dark secrets.

With five planets in Scorpio we will have to look at uncomfortable truth and the strategies of misinformation and lies in the media might blow wide open. There will be more intensity on the streets with Mars still in fiery Leo till November 11.

What is pressing on all of us is the meltdown of our economy, the abuse through politicians, banks and corporate world dynamics for profit and greed.

How come that the people who caused the last meltdown in 2008 were the ones getting bonuses from the money we had to buy them out with? You really wonder how long that strategy will work for them.

With so much Scorpio energy this might be a month of facing the truth, gaining real insight into what needs to be done and acted upon. For real transformation and change to happen facing the truth of the moment is the first step.

Highlights of the Month and their Highest Possibilities

Mars squares Jupiter Oct 2
The energy is there to deal with financial matters and be successful with it.

Venus steps into Scorpio Oct 9
Deeper truth might be revealed in your relationships.

Full Moon in Aries Oct 11
Emotions are running high and in warrior mode. Courage and right action should be guiding you.

Mercury in Scorpio Oct 13
The ability to find a new vision based in ruthless examination of the facts.

Sun conjunction with Saturn Oct 13
Clarity, commitment or separation in relationships might happen.

Venus opposition to Jupiter Oct 14
Opportunities around your finances and resources are arising.

Mercury opposition Jupiter Oct 17
Study and learn to enhance your ability to process details into the bigger picture.

Sun into Scorpio Oct 23
Act on revelations and insights to help integrate the new.

New Moon in Scorpio Oct 26
Be truthful to yourself first!

Jupiter trine to Pluto Oct 28
We all agree on the fact that we need change in our society and transformation is needed desperately. The key factor is our consciousness and the decisions and choices we make.

Venus square Neptune Oct 31
Sensitivity for others, compassion and willingness to help is a possibility.

Remember astrology can be of tremendous help in navigating the rocky waters. Expand your knowledge, study astrology and get the support and insight of your personal situation with a professional astrologer of your choice. Your chart reveals the “itinerary of your soul” and the evolutionary intentions you have brought with you this life time. It can give deep meaning in times of choppy waters and help you to navigate the currents.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran is an evolutionary astrologer, published author and now columnist for Maui Weekly. In her astrological practice she has been giving readings for people from all over the world for 33 years in person, through Skype or on the phone.

Her approach is with the perspective of Evolutionary Astrology which reads the psycho-dynamic information of your chart in the bigger frame of the evolution of your soul – your karma. It usually goes very deep and can give you a very significant perspective onto yourself and your life. Give her a call at 808 878 8182 Hawaiian Time.

In a time of economical upheaval and transitions into the unknown it always has been internally balancing for me to perceive myself in a universe operating under meaningful laws and principles. Astrology is an ancient method to gain knowledge and deeper insight about the cycles of the planets bringing change and touch our lives.

Western astrology is based on the unfolding of the seasons and the sign of Aries, the beginning of the zodiac is aligned with the beginning of spring, the Spring Equinox. Our human survival on this planet is tightly correlating with the different seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Our life is lived in harmony with the rhythms we find ourselves part of. There is the small rhythm of the day turning into night or the journey of the Moon through one complete circle in approximately 28.5 days or the bigger rhythm of the earth around the Sun in one year. The Sun is thought as moving through the 12 different astrological signs and therefore representing specific subjects to deal with and potentials to use.

The four cardinal points beginning with Aries starting spring, Cancer continuing with summer, Libra starting autumn and Capricorn moving into winter are signifying important points of profound change in the energetic flow we receive from the sun.

A Special Autumnal Equinox With a New Moon and 5 Planets in Libra

Just now the length of the day equals the length of the night in the Western Hemisphere. The summer is over even if we might still have warm sunny days and long light filled evenings. It is a time of harvest and reaping the results of our labor and efforts. It is a time to celebrate our bounty with harvest celebrations (Thanksgiving) and gratefulness in our hearts.

When the Sun enters Libra this month with a New Moon; Venus and Mercury will be following suit at some point. Libra is symbolizing the glyph of the Scales and with it the striving for balance, harmony, justice, love, peace and relationships. With Saturn already in Libra we have 5 planets in this balance oriented sign this month and there is some work to do to reach the high aspirations of this sign.

But what is so special about this Equinox is the activation of this sensitive cardinal point through Pluto and Uranus and with it the cosmic imperative for evolution intensifies. The unfolding of the New Moon starting from here promises a turbulent month and autumn.

It is also the fourth out of six Super Moons this year. A Super Moon occurs when the Moon is closest to the Earth amplifying the gravitational pull on the earth and on our psyches. It influences the magnetic field of the earth and definitely affects the individual.

New Moon Square to Pluto and Opposition Uranus

The conjunction of Sun Moon Mercury will be squared by Pluto and opposed by Uranus and will be pressuring us to think differently and take action. Pluto and Uranus will be felt very closely and intimately through the involvement of the New Moon. The longing for harmony and balance in private affairs is confronted with harsh realities and we need courage to confront our fears and insecurities, real shifts need to occur.

Pluto in Capricorn Square to Uranus in Aries

These are the big guys giving us all such a hard time lately! Uranus, the god of lightning, revolution, sudden changes and earth quakes is fighting (squaring) with Pluto, the god of hell and the underworld, death and transformation. This is big! You only need to watch the news and you can see the signs.

To give you an idea of the powerful energies Pluto and Uranus are representing you only have to remember that January 2008 Pluto stepped first time into Capricorn and with it the unraveling of the economy started to become obvious to the public.

Pluto Entered Capricorn

With Pluto’s third pass over the threshold into Capricorn it became painfully clear that things were not the way we like them. Since then the global economy is in a meltdown touching on myriads of layers in our personal lives. It has become almost official that investing in gold might be a good thing to hedge your savings against the inflation and collapse all around you.

Uranus Entered Aries

Uranus entered Aries on March 13. 2011 and on that day the big earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan and shook the world awake to the fact that nuclear reactors are not safe and controllable.

Both planets entering new signs and squaring each other 7 times in the next 4 years will turn our world as we know it upside down. I do believe it is a good thing in the bigger picture of human evolution. I think many of us agree that change is needed indeed. Transformation is on its way globally and personally and we don’t have much of a choice about it.

The choice we do have is to become as conscious as possible and contribute our little bit of love and higher perspective to the cauldron of change. I have been giving many readings lately with prominent Pluto and Uranus transit action in natal charts. Bringing the light of understanding helps to integrate and find higher roads and deeper meaning to upheaval and stress. We are the people who signed up to help those monumental changes along and contribute through our own inner growth and solid actions.

Pluto in Capricorn will eventually lead to a more sustainable and ethical economy based on the needs of many versus the greed of a few. Uranus in Aries impels us to face injustice with rebellion and develop innovative strategies for change. We are at the dawn of a new millennium it will just take some time for it to manifest fully into a bright day.

Highlights of the month:

• Mercury steps into Virgo Sept 9
• Full Moon in Pisces Sept 12
• Venus dances into Libra Sept 15
• Venus conjunction with Saturn Sept 29
• Pluto turns direct Sept 16
• Mars marches into Leo Sept 19
• Sun moves into Libra Sept 23 and marks the Autumnal Equinox
• Mercury enters Libra Sept 25 conjoins Sun and Moon
• New Moon in Libra Sept 27

This month I have been focusing more on the bigger picture and devoted time and space to Pluto and Uranus. I will be sending out later this month an update about the New Moon and Full Moon.

I wish you a fruitful journey and grateful heart, aloha Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran is an evolutionary astrologer, published author and now columnist for Maui Weekly. In her astrological practice she has been giving readings for people from all over the world for 33 years in person, through Skype or on the phone.

Her approach is with the perspective of Evolutionary Astrology which reads the psycho-dynamic information of your chart in the bigger frame of the evolution of your soul – your karma. It usually goes very deep and can give you a very significant perspective onto yourself and your life. Give her a call at 808 878 8182 Hawaiian Time.

How many thoughts have you been spending lately on things which are really essential for your soul and your happiness? Are you taking time out of your busy life to contemplate or just sit in your garden, in the park and smell the roses? How overwhelmed and caught up do you feel in things which need to get done like answering your emails or tending to the endless list of tasks? Working your way through life by checking off your to do lists is not only ineffective but also highly dis-satisfying.

Tony Robbins talks about the “Zone” where we get truly creative with solution oriented thinking and where we create the future of our dreams. The “Zone” as I understand it is that inner space of presence we are visiting when we slow down our monkey mind. It is that inner connection to the divine spirit, eternal wisdom and endless possibilities of creation you partake in when you meditate or find other ways to slow down your thinking.

When we are in the “Zone” we feel relaxed and balanced and this is reflected in the brain. While the left brain is attributed to the rational and logical thought, the right brain is thought of as the seat of a more holistic, creative perception of life. Most of us are unbalanced in the hemispheres and as a result tend to perceive the world through an innate duality. As a result we experience ourselves as stressed, separate from others and often struggling and in opposition with the world.

When we meditate both hemispheres are more connected and we will feel more emotional balanced, love, happiness, creativity and secure in life. Now you are probably wondering what the left or right brain has to do with this month astrological overview?

The answer is that I believe that August is a good time for you to go more inwards with Mercury retrograde and use it for your advantage. There is a right time for everything in life. But to know “when is the right timing for what” you find an excellent tool with astrology because it sheds light onto the time quality of any given moment. The time quality of any moment can be seen as a seedling ready to burst out of his shell and grow into some form of manifestation. If the seed is that of a tomato plant you will get a tomato and you wouldn’t expect it to turn out as an avocado tree, right?

This month highlights are:

•    Mercury retrograde August 2 till August 26
•    Mars enters Cancer August 3
•    Neptune backs into Aquarius August 4
•    Mars square to Uranus and opposition with Pluto August 9
•    Full Moon in Aquarius August 13
•    Sun Venus Mercury in Leo conjunction August 16
•    Mars square to Saturn August 25
•    New Moon in Virgo August 28-29
•    Jupiter retrograde into Taurus August 30

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

Many people focus on the negative aspects of retrograde Mercury with misunderstandings in communications, missed airplanes and trouble with their electrical equipments and computers. Everything in the area of connection through mail, email and words seems to take more effort than usual to happen.

As an alternative to struggling you could shift your focus more inwards and use this month to take steps to put your life into order in areas of your health, your finances and your self-organization. It is a good time with Mercury in Virgo to sift through the details of your life. You might want to make a budget and see where your expenses really are and how they relate to your income. You could put your desk and office into order and establish a new system of order.

You could clean up that garage or make a pass through your house. In Feng Shui cluttered homes are not thought as supportive for your energetic flow in general. How can you expect clarity in your thinking or inner balance if you have all these energetically dead areas with stuff never looked at or used sitting around in your home?

But most of all it is so satisfying to rip the piles out of your closet and sift through the accumulated clutter. I have already started on my book closet which has 5 deep, heavily piled shelves with books with no space for anything more. I love my books and they have a tendency to pile up. I hope it will get better down the road since I own a KINDLE now. I am already done with 2 shelves and have started to give away books to my friends and in the end the rest will go to the library.

You could put your thoughts in order by processing them by picking up the practice of writing regularly in a journal. You will be surprised how much more clarity about who you are, what you want and how you get there will arise. There is a wonderful book out from Julia Cameron called “The Right to Write” which is very inspiring to really take that time for yourself and contemplate.

Get into your “Zone”!

Neptune Backs into Aquarius August 4

Neptune will be in Aquarius one last time before he floats into Pisces for good in February 3, 2012. Neptune in Aquarius is concluding his journey through the sign and with it our perspective on religion has changed. There is a certain dryness and dissatisfaction many people are feeling with the organized religions which prepares us for a more direct inner connection with the divine with Neptune moving into Pisces.

Throughout history when Neptune was in Pisces there was a spiritual renaissance and new religions like Christianity spreading like a wild fire through the East or Buddhism reaching China from India.

We will be offered the gift of compassion and a sense of oneness which will help with the rough journey we are on right now. Turning to each other for support, advice, help and love is a smart way to deal with lives challenges.

Mars Square to Uranus and Opposition with Pluto August 9

That is a pretty explosive combination with Mars the warrior battling Uranus the God of lightening, the unexpected and revolution as well as Pluto the God of hell and the underworld. More earth quakes, tension and sudden explosions of violence in the political problem zones like the Middle East might be a result.

The question you may ask yourself is how do you deal with your own anger and righteousness? Deep unconscious emotions might surface with Mars in Cancer. Put on your seat belt.

Full Moon in Aquarius August 13

The Full Moon shines her light onto your long term visions and how you feel about them. The Moon in Aquarius tends to give you some distance to your emotions and therefore some choice how you want to deal with them.

Remember that your feelings are the most crucial part in determining where you are on your journey to the fulfillment of your dreams and desires. If you feel good and uplifted things just fall in place for you and the universe responds to your spoken and unspoken desires with coincidences and lucky chances.

Sun Venus Mercury Conjunction in Leo August 16

This is in opposition to the Full Moon and here you have juicy, creative, buzzing and expressive energy running through your circuits. A river of fullness, love and abundance and with it the ability to see the glass half full with squeezed lemon juice is available to you if you let go and let the current take you.

Mars Square to Saturn August 25

Saturn is trying to control and contain the Mars warrior energy. We have to see how successful that will be.

New Moon in Virgo August 28-29

We will start another round of the Moon with her lunar cycle through the zodiac. The sign of the New Moon sets the tone for the evolution of our inner journey we do emotionally throughout the month. You might start out to feel very sober and rational with the pragmatic realism of Virgo. Virgo is the sign most concerned with efficiency, analysis and the details of life. Virgos aspire to serve, be useful and impeccable in their demeanor. Moving through the month you have the chance to feel more self-esteem and self-value and hopefully less self-critical. This New Moon will trine with Pluto in Capricorn and Jupiter in Taurus which helps to pinpoint what no longer works and how you can make changes.

Again it is a good time to sit with your journal and do some creative re-visioning and redesigning in the areas of your health, your finances and how you can contribute with your particular set of skills to the world. What are you good at? How can you be a force for good in life? Where are your love and your passion?

Jupiter Retrograde into Taurus August 30

If you have not done your budget yet now is the time to curb your spending without awareness. If you have an overview over your expenses and you know where the money goes you have choices to decide what is really important for you and where you might want to be more conservatively spending.

However these transiting planets fit into your personal horoscope they will activate specific areas and your experience of your life. You might want to get some expert helping you to make more sense out of it.

Astrology should always have the goal to enhance your awareness, empower you and give you better choices for your life. You are moving into the “Zone” and with a higher perspective onto your problems and challenges you can turn your attention to the higher potential and move more gently along with your soul’s purpose. It will enrich you with a stronger self-expression of your talents and potentials and that will give you satisfaction and joy.

I wish you a wonderful month, aloha and many blessings Shakti.

This summer I have been traveling in Europe. Living on Maui I need to get off the island once in a while. I am so spoiled with decent weather that I have no love for cold any more which means I usually travel in the summer. But now I am ready to come home and enjoy the quiet leisure of this beautiful island in spite of the tumultuous times we are in.

Finding that inner harmony and balance is crucial to be able to make smart decisions and be a power for good in the world.

This is the third out of 3 Eclipses in a short period of time and history might be made now. This Eclipse involves Sun, Moon, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto in a dynamic Grand Cross and gives us plenty of challenges to work with. Six squares and 3 outer planets are involved and mark the deep evolutionary potential and trans-personal lessons we have to learn.

The highlights of this month are:

• New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Cancer July 1
• Mercury in Leo July 2
• Venus in Cancer July 4
• Venus opposition Pluto July 8
• Venus conjunction Jupiter July 8
• Uranus retrograde July 9
• Venus square Saturn July 13
• Full Moon in Capricorn July 14 -15
• Sun into Leo July 22
• Venus into Leo July 28
• Mercury into Virgo July 28
• New Moon in Leo July 30

Venusian Challenges

This month we will have feminine qualities in the forefront. Venus the goddess of the arts, love and harmony is challenged and needs fine tuning. The Moon is ruling Cancer, the sign the Solar Eclipse is in. Venus and Moon, both are representing our inner feminine, different aspects of the inner woman. Both show us the way to deeper heart and soul connections and a sense of love and happiness. The sign and house position of Moon and Venus in your chart will give you a lot of information about what you are looking for in your intimate as well as more casual relationships. Both symbolize specific needs you have to consider to feel happy and joyful.

Venus in Cancer and than Leo later this month accentuates your longing for a safe haven as well as the need to being loved for who you are and the feeling of significance. The hard aspect connections with Pluto and Saturn and the conjunction with Jupiter are pouring oil into the fire of your passion. Wherever the energy is not flowing freely you will feel blockages in the form of irritation, fear of abandonment or loss, maybe you just have some vague sense of dissatisfaction and dullness. Whatever it is the more awareness and light you are able to bring to this subject the more chance for fulfillment and joy is evolving.

The Six Human Needs and Astrology

I love Tony Robbins work and just watched the CD “Back From the Edge – Creating Everlasting Love” where he works with a couple. His premises is that all our human drives and passion, what makes us decide and do things in our life is based on how we are organized around the six human needs we all share, but in a different order of importance.

The six human needs are the need for:
1.    Certainty & comfort
2.    Variety & change
3.    Significance
4.    Love & connection
5.    Growth
6.    Contribution

You can imagine that if your most important need in life is to feel certainty and security in your relationship your life will look very different from somebody who values variety and change more. We all have these six different needs but our system is organized very differently around them. Looking at your chart one will be able to tell how your blue print is organized and how you will go about the fulfillment of your needs. Your chart is the road map to a more fulfilling life and conscious decisions along the way.

The New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Cancer

During a Solar Eclipse the Moon is interrupting briefly the energy flow and radiation coming from the sun to the earth. Afterward we have the chance to reconfigure and reboot a new consciousness with many new possibilities. On a global scale we could give birth to new forms and manifestations. As individuals we could grow our own garden, partake in the ecological movement, shop green or recycle. We can get involved in our community; share our time and expertise.

On a personal level we might feel more insecure than usual with everything else going on.

The New Moon in Cancer is compounding the issue because your soul needs to feel bonded, secure and happy within your family and other relations. And if that is not the case there is some inner work to be done. Ask yourself where you are on a scale of 1 to 10 concerning your heart connection in your intimate relationship and with your circle of friends.

Relationship Counseling

I believe that it can be tremendously helpful and even life saving to use a therapist or couple counselor to have a look at your strategies and needs if you feel dissatisfied in your relationship. I have watched many of my friends get great value out of counseling in times of stress. My husband and I have done counseling when we felt stuck and unable to move forward. And we have made it through 15 years now.

What counseling does it gives you a safe space to really express your deepest truth with the guidance of a neutral and trained practitioner. It creates the space to really listen to each other and hopefully the willingness to take back your projections and a sense of self-empowerment and responsibility for your own happiness.

Full Moon in Capricorn

The Full Moon in Capricorn brings in sobriety and a more mature perspective. With that you know that your joy is in your own hands.

You can go ahead and support yourself in new ways to get the love you want. Relationship can be the source of deepest joy, happiness and spiritual growth.

Sun in Leo

With the Sun, later the Venus and New Moon in Leo there is a more carefree, expressive energy coming into your life. Things feel like getting lighter and more passion is available. Leo is a sign of fiery passions and self-expression without holding back. You want to be seen and acknowledged as somebody special and wonderful. The third human need of significance is becoming more important for you now. But to revel in admiration and to be successful with your projects and in love you need to show up and share your gifts generously.

Uranus Retrograde

The day Uranus entered Aries we had the earth quakes and the tsunami in Japan; a violent start into the fire energies of Aries. Uranus stands for sudden interruption, change and irruption. We will have Uranus going retrograde over zero degrees Aries on November 11, 2011 and than Uranus turn direct again December 10.

In my experience if a planet is passing through the first and last degree of a sign it is a very significant time. In the beginning of the sign the energy it carries is new and not well known yet. In the end of the sign we have to come to some kind of understanding and integration and are able to harvest the gifts of it.

I assume that the end of the year is holding still more unpleasant events and the possibility of more turbulent earth quakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes and hurricanes.

Emergency Preparedness

I am a member of CERT the Civilian Emergency Response Tem on Maui because I believe in preparedness and mutual support. I believe it is very valuable for every household at least to have extra water and food for a week in case of an emergency. It is just a smart thing to do.

Nevertheless we have all resources we might need inside of us to grow and share from our inner beauty and divine soul. Listen to your inner guidance whispering into your ear and you will be in the right place at the right time.

I hope you will have a wonderful month, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran has been an evolutionary astrologer, published author and now columnist for Maui Weekly. In her astrological practice she has been giving readings for people from all over the world for 33 years in person, through Skype or on the phone.

Her approach is with the perspective of Evolutionary Astrology which reads the psycho-dynamic information of your chart in the bigger frame of the evolution of your soul – your karma. It usually goes very deep and can give you a very significant perspective onto yourself and your life. Give her a call at 808 878- 8182 Hawaiian Time.

I am traveling in Europe and just arrived in Amsterdam today. The city is buzzing with life and excitement or maybe it is just me because I am so excited to be here. This is a great time of the year to be traveling!

Today you will find me rumbling my way through lots of different ideas and subjects in alignment with the Gemini spirit. With the longest day of the year and the shortest night in the Northern hemisphere mid summer is upon us once again marked by the summer solstice.

Dancing around bonfires, celebrations of the communion between heaven and earth have been honored by many cultures especially by the pagan, Celtic or druid traditions. Even nowadays it is a special day to celebrate and many people are coming together at sacred spots around the world like Stonehenge and Avebury. Midsummer is thought of as a time of magic when the forces of the light are at their strongest.

As you can tell there is a lot going on in the heavens and accordingly in your life. There are always special times in your life when you reach a threshold of consciousness and things just don’t work the old way any more. You have to decide if you want to move forward into a new direction or sit down on your path and try to avoid life which never works very well. The only thing we know for sure is that life is impermanent and in constant flux and motion. If we stop growing we start dying, it is as simple as that. With astrology we can see those special times coming and act according to the flow of life.

One of those special times of new Beginnings are the Solar and Lunar Eclipses.

This month starts off with a Solar Eclipse on June 1 in Gemini and five planets and the South Node are moving on into Gemini. We will be talking about Gemini, lots of Gemini …talking a lot and then some more, going here and there to give you the taste of this versatile, vocal sign.

A Solar Eclipse in Gemini

Whenever we see an accumulation of planets in one sign, also called stellium, you know to pay good attention to the subject. What has Gemini to offer to you?

First of all Gemini is the most mentally oriented air sign ruled by Mercury. With a Solar Eclipse in Gemini a new way of thinking and communicating with each other is emerging in our consciousness. As you can tell tremendous changes in the way we connect have evolved.

For example not many people write letters anymore. Why would you if you can email somebody in a heart beat and have a response immediately for free? Now the new trend is sending SMS, twitter or to write on Facebook because you can do it from you mobile phone while waiting in a doctor’s office or riding in the bus.

Some Thoughts About the Electronic Age

Nowadays everybody seems to be on the phone with some kind of electronic activity. I am curious do you still read books? How much time of your day do you spend on your TV, computer, phone, and other electronic devices? Remember how your life was just ten years ago?  I am not complaining; this is the new way of life and it has a lot of advantages.

But the shadow side of Gemini is a disembodied view of life, living life just from the perspective of our limited monkey minds. You might ask yourself how much real connection from heart to heart is happening in your live or that of your kids? For that it will take conscious awareness in using these new technologies in a beneficial, timely way. And you can choose to turn it off once in a while.

An astrology client of mine mentioned that she stays of all devices even the telephone over the weekend. It gave me a moment of pause. Thinking about it I realized how this is a wonderful way to create some space for other activities to happen.

I do believe that the cup of tea with your girl friend or friend will not go out of fashion because there is something in that in person connection which cannot be replaced by technology. A good cry or hug in your friend’s arms when you need it is most healing and nourishing.

Five Planets in Gemini

Last month after a time of focus onto the physical realities of life, our finances and the bigger ecological picture we are now moving on into a new subject and with that the energy will be much lighter and flexible for a while. With the Sun, the New Moon, Venus, Mars, Mercury in the air sign of Gemini most of June will be governed by an attitude maybe of mental aloofness or a more objective perspective.

Gemini is the sign of the scientist, the communicator, the story teller, the witness or curious butterfly. Geminis are usually very easy to get along with. They know many people and have many stories to tell. Here is one of mine.

Being born on May 21 when I was young I always thought I was a Gemini and I could well identify with it. I was always a social being, loved my big circle of friends, and was a veracious reader even as a very young child. If I had to choose between companionship on a desolated island or a kindle with internet connection; I don’t know what I would choose. Books mean the world for me. Other people’s thoughts and stories enchant me and I feel inspired.

Then later when I got into astrology it turned out my Sun was at the very end of Taurus and not in Gemini but my Ascendant was Gemini. Luckily I got to keep my self identity intact and learned to discover other aspects of my personality. Over the years a very spiritual journey of self-inquiry and getting to know myself better unfolded.

For me astrology has been a wonderful vehicle to learn more about myself and consciously evolve and grow into higher potentials. Especially in difficult times with the perspective of astrology I have always felt supported in facing my dragons because I would see the bigger evolutionary picture… and when it would be over.

The highlights of the month are:

•    New Moon & Solar Eclipse in Gemini June 1
•    Mercury in Gemini June 2
•    Jupiter in Taurus June 4
•    Venus in Gemini June 9
•    Sun conjunction Mercury June 12
•    Mercury in Cancer June 16
•    Mars in Gemini June 20 & Mars square Neptune June 22
•    Sun entering Cancer June 21
•    Venus square Neptune June 10
•    Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius June 15
•    Summer solstice June 21
•    Sun opposition Pluto June 27 Sun square Uranus June 26

Sun and Mercury Entering Cancer

Towards the end of the month we finally can get back into the inner world of feelings and reconnect with our emotional guidance system. If Gemini acts from his head Cancer reacts from his belly. If we have lived the high road with Gemini and focused on worthwhile thoughts in a meaningful way we will experience happy feelings now. You can guide your feeling experience by a conscious choice of focus. Are you dwelling on your problems or are you looking for solutions. What feels better?Cancer is the sign of home and family. It needs commitment and bonding to feel happy.

This month you will become aware how much you care and want to contribute. You feel like a part of a bigger organism which can be your family or chosen family of friends. Giving and receiving might become equally important and good feeling. Consider to enrich your life with a cat or a dog you can adopt in your pet shelter. Find a way to volunteer and help others who have a harder time than you. That will be very satisfying.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius June 15

This Full Moon in Sagittarius is a Lunar Eclipse and is exposing the shadow side of the New Moon Solar Eclipse. It is a time of contemplation of the bigger picture. Only a more philosophical view can give the frantic energy of Gemini a higher meaning.

While a Solar Eclipse is kind of rebooting our consciousness and lifting it to a new level of functioning, a Lunar Eclipse is activating material from our unconsciousness. Buried emotions rise to the surface and give new meaning to our thoughts and actions.

You could allow that to happen and try out a devices weekend fast without any mental input through TV, computer or other devices. Or you could even try for a week just in your free time. If you do it with you family you will come up with very different, creative ways to spend your free time. You might play cards or scrabble, tell stories or go out together. It will provide a pattern interruption and enrich your life.

Jupiter Steps into Taurus June 4

Jupiter is carrying his optimism and good luck into physical matters. There will be chances to take advantage of financial opportunities and you have the option to step up to the plate and focus on where you want to go in this “damn economy”.

All in all it will be an interesting month with many inspiring ideas, maybe traveling, socializing, meeting new people, and learning new things. Don’t be too concerned with figuring it all out. This month is made to inspire and uplift you into new thoughts and will start you into a new dimension of your life.

I hope you will have a wonderful month, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran has been an evolutionary astrologer, published author and now columnist for Maui Weekly. In her astrological practice she has been giving readings for people from all over the world for 33 years in person, through Skype or on the phone.

Her approach is with the perspective of Evolutionary Astrology which reads the psycho-dynamic information of your chart in the bigger frame of the evolution of your soul – your karma. It usually goes very deep and can give you a very significant perspective onto yourself and your life.

In April and on May 1 Earth Day was celebrated all over the earth, paying homage to Mother Earth who is giving us life and sustains us. It was a reminder to set our priorities straight and to stop keeping spoiling our own nest. It is not easy these days to live on planet earth.

In a time where you are bombarded with bad news of a possible government shutdown, furlongs, economical and political crisis every day through the media it is essential to find a way to balance your inner emotions in order to not slide down into depression and anxiety.

I personally feel the need to empower myself with an inner attitude which is empowering without ignoring what is. We are living in a time of major crisis in our political landscape all over the world, the poor are getting even poorer and the rich are getting richer. The dollar slides down the drain and more money is printed to stuff the holes. We are sitting on a volcano.

We Will Not Give Up

I have commented about the bigger astrological picture accompanying the current and coming state of affairs. Two outer planets have been moving into a new sign signaling significant transformation in the collective consciousness: Uranus into Aries and Neptune into his own sign Pisces. Also we are having 7 exact squares between Uranus and Pluto till 2015 with a rather explosive potential.

No doubt about it, the Aquarian age with its revolutions is here. We have not had many quiet revolutions happening on this planet. Most of the time revolution means bloodshed and tears for many. But there are exceptions! Remember- the Berlin Wall in Germany came down peacefully in November 1989. After 28 years of oppression that was a miracle. The time was just ripe and too many people were not willing to put up with the communist regiment in Eastern Germany any more. This is the power of the people!

Achieving an Ecological Consciousness

Raising your awareness for a responsible interaction with the environment and for the ecology is the subject of the month with the New Moon in Taurus and Full Moon in Scorpio.

When I talk about the power of us, the people, I mean the freedom to educate ourselves and to be willing to take serious steps to implement new ways of behavior. There are many things you can do. Your buying power is speaking the most direct language. Consider to put solar cells on your roof and contribute energy instead of just using it. There are many things you could do to make your point like buying organic produce, making your home green with energy saving measures, supporting Fair Trade, lowering your gas mileage with a car which is based in renewable Green technology and you will have a big impact.

Make the effort and recycle that is truly something you can do easily. Take a shopping bag with you into the store instead of using more plastic or paper bags. By throwing out less of the stuff you don’t need anymore but passing it on to somebody in need or just the next thrift store, power is in your hands.

After the nuclear catastrophe in Japan the German government was under so much public pressure they decided to get out of nuclear energy by 2020. The new technologies of earth, solar and wind energy will be developed enough to take over the needs of a highly industrialized country like Germany by 2020. A beneficial side effect is the boost the German economy will receive by exporting these techniques into other countries with German proficiency and know how.

New Moon in Taurus Ripens into the Full Moon in Scorpio

One of the universal laws is that you always reap what you have sown. If you put a sunflower seed into the ground you will get a sunflower and not a cucumber. It sounds simple and logical don’t you think?

Following the Lunar cycle will give you insight into what you have the chance to seed successfully with the New Moon and the awareness of how it turned out for you with the Full Moon. This month the New Moon brings your individual resources and financial situation into focus. Taurus is down to earth; practical minded and deeply connected with Mother Nature. Taurus loves beautiful things and experiences the world through his senses. He likes his comforts and needs to feel secure and safe.

The Full Moon in Scorpio wants the truth and is willing to prune and weed out accordingly. The Full Moon sheds light into what we started at the New Moon in Taurus. Both Taurus and Scorpio deal with money. Taurus is very personally motivated around that subject; Scorpio might deal more with other people’s money and earth resources.

You might want to consider investing in gold, a true financial safe haven as a way to combat inflation and make some money with your investment. We have been following the gold expert Sinclair for many years now and he has been right on with his gold predictions and info about the bigger economical picture.

Around the subject of money there is a high sensitivity because it is so tightly connected with our survival. Sometimes we forget that if we do what we truly love the money will follow. The seeds you put into the ground are your unique talents and gifts you can barter with. The big success stories of the world of people like Bill Gates, Tony Robbins or Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) have been people who have been doing just that; they have been following their passion.

You want to get clear about your talents and passions and the universe will present coincidences to you to help you along your way.

Let us have a look at the specifics of this month:

•    New Moon in Taurus May 2
•    Mars enters Taurus May11
•    Mercury and Venus follow into Taurus May 15
•    Full Moon in Scorpio May 17
•    Sun steps into Gemini May 21
•    Venus and Mars conjunction May 23
•    Sun Square to Neptune May 22
•    Sun Square to Chiron May 26

Planets in Taurus

The Taurus energy is strong this month with the New Moon, Mars, Mercury and Venus stepping into this earthly sign. It is an invitation to reconnect with planet earth, to be grateful for the bounty we receive and celebrate the joys of having a body. Taurus, the settler evolves out of the sign of Aries, the pioneer. Taurus has the ability to substantiate with an eye to the practical application of ideas.

The lovers Mars and Venus are highly sensual and sexual beings in Taurus. The ancient ritual of Maypole dancing falls into the midpoint between spring and summer and signifies renewal and fertility, the union between the feminine and the masculine principles.

Sun Moves into Gemini

Towards the end of the month the Sun steps into the light hearted more mentally oriented energy of Gemini. Geminis are the butterflies in the zodiac, always moving on from one thought or idea to the next, always interested and eternally young in their mind. Because of that there is a youthful openness and interest in life available to you.

When the Sun squares Neptune you can be sidetracked by confusion or mental fog. Or you can take time allowing yourself to dream and just be. Smelling the roses, meditating under the stars, walking along the ocean or in the forest are all ways to slow down that monkey mind and relax into a higher state of consciousness.

Sun squaring Chiron sensitizes you to wounds and hurts in connection with your self-esteem and how you think others perceive you. Remember that only if you speak your inner truth and show up as an authentic person others can truly relate to you.

I hope you will have a wonderful month, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran has been an evolutionary astrologer, published author and now columnist for the Maui Weekly newspaper. In her astrological practice she has been giving readings for people from all over the world for 33 years in person, through Skype or on the phone.

Her approach is with the perspective of Evolutionary Astrology which reads the psycho-dynamic information of your chart in the bigger frame of the evolution of your soul – your karma. It usually goes very deep and can give you a very significant perspective onto yourself and your life.

Why do we look to the stars for guidance? Why is it helpful to experience ourselves in an orderly structured universe with specific laws and principles? For me the immersion into astrology gives me choices because of the deeper understanding of the particularities of life. In my monthly astrological overview I attempt to capture the main themes in the astrological framework of perception and present them to you to heighten your awareness. I believe if we can perceive a deeper meaning in challenging events in our lives as well as a time frame we can face adversity with more strength. Through a higher perspective we can decide on a better course of action and experience a better adjustment with what is.

The Sun is moving through the whole zodiac in a year. All the planets have their own rhythm circling around the Sun. The very visible cyclical pattern of the waxing and waning of the Moon is deeply influential of our psyche but also impacts the tides of the oceans and maybe even such events like earth quakes. We are one with the universe. We are intricately connected with each other and consciousness on all levels of existence. The realization of it can be a profound spiritual experience and give us comfort and holding.

We are living in amazing times of change of consciousness reflected in outside events of radical nature. With two of the outer planets moving into a new sign, Uranus and Neptune, we are approaching a renaissance of consciousness. But if we look back in history we can see that those changes are not coming easily to us.

An astrological counseling of where and how those intense constellations will touch your life can make a big difference for you personally. It will help you to stir your boat safely through those high waves of changes crashing.

These are the highlights for the month of April:

•    Mars in Aries April 1 Conjuncts Uranus April 3
•    Mercury Retrograde
•    New Moon In Aries April 3
•    Neptune Floats into Pisces April 4
•    Pluto Turns Retrograde April 8
•    Full Moon in Libra April 17
•    Venus Bounds into Aries April 20
•    Sun Enters Taurus April 20

New Moon and 6 Planets in Aries

The month of April is very dominant with Aries energies because of the New Moon and the stellium of 6 planets in the sign of the warrior; the warrior who is willing to fight for a cause with violence if necessary. We are sitting on a volcano these days.

Rebellious Uranus progressed into Aries on the 11th of March, the day of the earth quake in Japan and we are looking at revolution and civil war spreading like a wild fire through the Middle East. Uranus is loosely squaring Pluto this year and will make 7 exact squares between 2012 and 2015 which is a big deal.

Pluto in Capricorn

Pluto in Capricorn in his low nature is representing the dark controlling power of governments. Self- serving governments are cutting off human freedom and individuality through scrupulous actions trying to conserve their own power. This is just the beginning of deep changes in our worldwide political landscape and it happens through the collapse and death of the old structures helped along by the coming squares with rebellious Uranus. This clip might make you smile but carries the energy of the moment.

We are already seeing rather explosive situations like in the Middle East but we are not nearly near the peak of this process.

Neptune Floats into His Own Sign Pisces April 4

But then we also have Neptune entering Pisces and with it the power of dreams and a deepening inner connection to the divine nature within. The inner transformation and spiritual growth of your individual consciousness is your contribution to the whole process.

Wherever Pluto, Uranus or Neptune are transiting personal points or axes in your chart this is where you are called to deeply transform and grow. Whichever house these planets are in represents the area of your life you have to do something very specific with the demanding qualities of these planets.

Most of the readings I am giving these days are to people who are deeply impacted personally. First we look into the psycho-dynamic structure of their horoscopes and then we integrate the bigger karmic picture and evolution of the soul. Adding the actual time line and where the soul is in her never ending evolutionary growth process resonates deeply and proves to be very empowering.

Mars in Aries April 1 Conjuncts Uranus April 3

Mars is the ruler of Aries returning into his own home joining forces with Uranus. We can expect another series of revolutions, violence, wars or natural disasters.

I am not a doom day kind of person. I like to focus on the higher road of Aries which is the strength to be courageous in the face of disaster and challenge. It is the strength to stand up for the weaker, starting the new and contributing through being a role model.

Mars in Aries is a fierce activist and a doer. He is passionate and has a fiery nature. He will get things started and moving. In our history new ideas and changes have been introduced by courageous leaders who have been sacrificing their own individual lives for the greater good like Martin Luther King or Nelson Mandela. When the time of an idea has come it seems to manifest in some leaders who carry the torch. This is going to happen more and more now. New leaders and speakers representing the needs of the public soul will emerge.

Mercury Retrograde Began March 30 and Continues Till April 23

Mercury retrograde in Aries is his usual mischievous self, pouring sand into the areas of communication, travels, technology and information with a likelihood of missteps and misunderstandings. My advice: Use this time to clean up areas of neglect. That can be the closet with books you wanted to get to for a while (that is what I will be doing), cleaning up your inbox in your Outlook or write those letters you have postponed for a while now.  Unfinished business needs your attention. The idea is to clean up and be prepared that when Mercury moves direct again you are ready for the next new steps.

New Moon in Aries April 3 in Conjunction with Jupiter and Opposition Saturn

The New Moon is always the start of a new cycle of the inner experience of the world we live in. This new consciousness comes in with the strength of new beginnings and idealism. There is a certain innocence and naïveté with it as well as the quality of leadership and taking care of things as needed. Jupiter wants to expand, Saturn slows it down. Saturn might help to stabilize all this fiery energetic motion swirling around and put it to good use.

Pluto Turns Retrograde April 8

Pluto going retrograde might bring the limited resources of energies we have available into view. Nuclear plants are obviously not a solution to the problem because of the enormous risks. Renewable energies are our future and the technology is already there. What has been missing so far was enough public pressure to step into it. Nuclear technology and oil is about big bucks and the powers in charge will only be bending to a strong pressure. This is part of the necessary revolution we have been talking about.

Full Moon in Libra April 17

The fruition of your initial efforts of stepping up to the plate as it is presented to you will be available with the Full Moon in Libra. This is the third of three Super Moons in a row. A Super Moon is closer then usual to the earth and pulling harder on the ocean tides and the tectonic plates. Therefore they can initiate earth quakes or volcanic activities as we have seen last month in Japan and on the Big Island, Hawaii.

The Libra Full Moon brings with her the sense of reaching out in consideration of the other. As humans we can not survive alone; we need human contact, touch and communication to grow and be halfway emotionally healthy. We are looking for the experience of love and connection. Treasure your family and friends, they are your life line.

Venus Bounds into Aries April 20

When Venus, the ruler of Libra is meeting Uranus at 2 degree Aries April 22 urges for innovation, autonomy and visions of a better world will be reinforced in our collective psyche. All in all change is in the air!

Sun Enters Taurus April 20

With the Sun entering Taurus things might calm down a little. Taurus is a fixed earth sign known for his ability to dig in and hunker down. The physical reality of things we own is important and deserves lots of consideration. Our collective view will be guided towards dealing with resources, taking care for our economical well-being. We might experience a little break from the intensity of events.

As another service for you I have decided to write a monthly star sign column giving you a more personal inspiration based on your Sun sign. I had a lot of fun writing it even if it is challenging to boil down very complex matters into a few sentences. Just scroll further down this article. Let me know how you like it and how it works out for you.

I hope you will enjoy, 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.

How have you weathered the last month with all the Aquarian energies in the air? Were the patterns in your life interrupted in some ways? Is change still in the air for you? In which of your houses was this major accumulation of planets playing out? This is one way how you learn astrology by applying the information to your natal chart and see what it does to you.

For me all those planets were in the eleventh house hitting my Moon conjunct Chiron in Aquarius. I enjoyed doing astrological readings helping people to understand the bigger picture and how it impacts and plays out in the smaller frame work of a personal life. It is very satisfying work and I am meeting wonderful people of all walks of life from around the globe through Skype which is how the Moon played out.

Chiron, the wounded healer was activated for me and I had even more health challenges then usual to deal with. In general I felt easily irritated and all over the place. But also many new ideas in connection with my astrological practice and blog surfaced and it will take some time to implement and manifest. So for me it was a mixed bag!

Times of Change

We are living in tumultuous times which is reflected everywhere in the world especially in hot spots like the Middle East. Last month I wrote that with 6 planets in Aquarius, the water bearer is setting out to nourish and water the seeds of change. “This can happen through sudden changes, interruptions of continuity and rebellion or riots as we are seeing in Egypt right now. I would not be surprised to see more instability and destruction happening in explosive expressions all over the world this month. “

Even with all the revolutionary impulses and even victories like we have seen in Egypt this is just the beginning. Brace yourself for more. The highlights of this month are:

•    North Node in Sagittarius March 3
•    New Moon in Pisces March 4
•    Mercury Marches into Aries March 9
•    Uranus Shoots into Aries March 12
•    Virgo Full Moon in Opposition to Uranus March 19
•    Sun Steps into Aries March 20 & Marks the Vernal Equinox
•    Sun Uranus Conjunction in Aries
•    Jupiter Opposition Saturn March 28
•    Sun Square to Pluto March 28
•    Venus Graces Aquarius March 2 & Pisces March 27

On March 11 Uranus is returning for good into Aries after a short stint in it already last year from May 27 to August 12. This will set a whole new tone of impatience and anger with the ruling structures and can lead to war like situations. Then with Mercury and Sun also entering Aries in conjunction with Uranus the flames of revolution will be dancing wildly. Also next year we will start into the series of 5 squares of Uranus to Pluto 2012 continuing into 2015. Remember the sixties when we had a Pluto Uranus conjunction which started the whole process of societal changes.

North Node into Sagittarius March 3

The North Node of the Moon is symbolizing your karmic destiny and future you are striving for releasing the old shadows and inhibitions of the past. It always moves retrograde and for the next 18 month we will have a little easier time then we had with the North Node in Capricorn. Now we have to expand into new beliefs and horizons, reconnect with the divine in all of us, find time to learn and study and take advantage of the general supportive energy connected with our dreams and ambitions.

New Moon in Pisces March 4

The New Moon always is the start into a new cycle of inner growth and deeper connection to your inner world depending on the sign it is happening in. With Pisces there will be the potential of new dreams of a better world as well as the potential of grief or loss. The New Moon in Pisces is a very gentle soul completing one circle of evolution.

Mercury Marches into Aries March 9

Mercury in Aries is bringing radical thoughts, not much room for compromises and impatience. Our will power will be enhanced and we can take courageous steps into new ventures and projects.

Uranus Shots into Aries March 12

This will start a new era of radical changes in society with new ideas and unprecedented scientific discoveries throughout the next 7 years. This carries a certain roughness with the revolutionary Uranus becoming a warrior in Aries.

You want to have a closer look at your chart and where it happens there and which planets and house are activated. This is how you personally have to face the dragon and do your personal work.

Virgo Full Moon in Opposition to Uranus March 19

The Full Moon represents the fullest light reflecting your innermost process related to Virgo matters. The Full Moon in Virgo invites you to reflect on your inner feeling of self value and how you are able to skillfully contribute to people around you. It is a reminder for proper self care for the whole system of body, mind and soul.

Sun Steps into Aries March 20 & Marks the Vernal Equinox

The Sun carries the spirit of the courageous warrior and pioneer in Aries. It also marks the beginning of the vernal equinox in the northern hemisphere of the planet. A new astrological year is starting and with that another round and the potential of learning and implementing your highest potentials.

Sun Uranus Conjunction in Aries March 20

The Sun’s conjunction with Uranus is foreshadowing an astrological year with major changes and sudden eruptions. Grass root movements will gain strength and importance but it is not an easy road traveled. Rebellion and riots all over the world will incite deep changes.

Jupiter Opposition Saturn March 28

Jupiter is completing his last opposition with Saturn and with that is establishing a new framework of shaping individual ambitions and collective social goals. A fresh bigger picture evolves.

Sun Square to Pluto March 28

The already prickly Sun in Aries will be receiving plutonian Energy with a square. We need to learn how to let go of the old and be deeply honest with ourselves. That will guide us to deeper self-realization and commitment to take the necessary steps.

Venus Graces Aquarius March 2 & Pisces March 27

And thank God for Venus and her heart oriented influence and love for balance and beauty. In Aquarius she wants us to find like minded soul and friends to truly make a difference in our lives. In Pisces she opens the heart to unconditional love and the deep inner knowledge of our true oneness.

This is the spirit you need to nurture to do well in these turbulent times because what unites us will make us stronger. We can be of tremendous help for each other in small and big ways with family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances in our lives. We can make a difference in the world and that starts with each one of us. You are holding tremendous power in your hands and in this challenging time you are called to use it.

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.

Astrology is a journey to better self recognition, inquiry into the deep mysteries of life and a way we can orient ourselves in a meaningful universe. We can take comfort in the repeating rhythms and cycles of life, the monthly waxing and waning of the Moon in its journey around the earth, the cycle of the earth around the Sun creating the year or the less visible bigger cycles of the other planets in our universe.

Astrology throughout the times has been secret wisdom hold in spiritual societies or has been passed on between master and pupil. Nowadays our access to learn astrology is manifold which can be confusing because there are many approaches to choose from. I personally have learned to love the Evolutionary Astrology where you look at the chart from the perspective of the eternal evolution of the soul with one eye towards the karma, where you are coming from and the other towards your spiritual destiny you are heading for.

If you use astrology with all the different tools and techniques it offers for deeper self knowledge and raising consciousness it can become a spiritual path  into the mystery of your own life or others around you. It can fill you with deep self understanding and compassion. It can give intelligent choices and hope for change and new beginnings.

Aquarian Changes

Change is one of the main archetypal key words for Aquarius. And how are you with change?

Even for me with my Moon in Aquarius in the 11th house change can be threatening and too much. I like change and new perspectives but my Taurus Sun likes it comfortable and predictable. Earth likes to move slowly and wants to be in control. Does that sound familiar? We all have these contrary parts (planets) in us we have to acknowledge and live in some way. Consciousness helps us to find the higher road and travel easier.

We are facing big time changes in the next few years and we have been talking about the dawn of a New Age of Aquarius for a while now. This month is a wake up call that this is really happening and not just talk. The art of life is to ride the wave and not being buried under it as all the surfers here in Hawaii can attest to.

You need to find a comfortable place inside yourself to consciously face the changes and challenges you have to face in your personal or professional life. You want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Then you can be a guiding light for those around you and you can impact the morphogenetic field of humankind by the work you have done on yourself by raising your consciousness.

The Controversy between Astrology and Astronomy

There was a lot of excitement in the press in the last few weeks about the discrepancy of the astronomical skies nowadays and the zodiac system we use in astrology. That has been very confusing for many people. The reason that astrology does obviously work lies in the different perspective of two systems we work with: the Sidereal Zodiac and the Tropical Zodiac. One works with the actual constellation in the stars the other one starts with the spring Equinox and the sign of Aries.

No worries, they both work and just give you a different way to look at things. If you are interested to read more and understand the reasoning behind this I found a good article by astrologer Jan Stiller.

With the beginning of a fresh new year we have entered this time of February to be woken up where we have been asleep, to let go of old dysfunctional structures and open our minds and hearts to new horizons and possibilities as individuals and on the level of our group consciousness. The big theme this month is that we have 6 planets in Aquarius, the water bearer setting out to nourish and water the seeds of change. This can happen through sudden changes, interruptions of continuity and rebellion or riots as we are seeing in Egypt right now. I would not be surprised to see more instability and destruction happening in explosive expressions all over the world this month.

Also Jupiter has moved into Aries a week ago and with that the expansion of consciousness takes on some fiery fierceness and confrontational willingness to push for higher wisdom and establish priorities.

These are the Highlights of February Astrology:

•    New Moon in Aquarius February 2-3
•    Sun, Ceres, Mars, Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius
•    Mercury Joins the Aquarian party on February 3
•    Venus Steps into Capricorn February 4
•    Full Moon in Leo February 18
•    Sun Floats into Pisces February 19
•    Mercury Dreams in Pisces February 21
•    Mars Marches into Pisces February 23

New Moon in Aquarius in Conjunction with Mars

The New Moon is always like a birth. It starts a new cycle of the Moon moving through the zodiac but starting out in a specific sign that sets the tone like this month in Aquarius. Aquarian spirit is what wants to evolve in our hearts and soul. We need to accommodate the rebellious and individuated, free Aquarian spirit and allow it access to our lives. The New Moon sets the starting point and with that the emotional tone for the month. Mars adds some aggressive energy and pushes us. There seems to be no choice but to move forward with full throttle.

Sun, Ceres, Mars, Neptune and Chiron in Aquarius

The Sun is symbolizing our identity, our center of consciousness and vitality. We have to align with Aquarian qualities to stay sane these days. Ceres, the dwarf planet also known as Demeter, the Roman goddess of grain, conjoins this New Moon. She is bringing in the voice of nature and mother earth reminding us of being part of the web of life. Neptune and Chiron in the later degrees of Aquarius advocate powerful grass root movements and visions of a better world for all of us. Chiron is in the last degree of Aquarius where integration and healing is possible. Chiron, the wounded healer and mentor of the children of the gods can inspire us to higher wisdom, breakthrough insights and teaches us deep compassion for our human dilemma.

Mercury Joins the Aquarian Party on February 3 Closely Followed by Mercury and Mars

And it is well fitting for Mercury, our way of thinking and perceiving the world to join the Aquarian party. This is perfectly orchestrated to help us making sense out of it all and lift us up into higher thinking with less resistance. In science we know that a system of chaos which reaches a threshold point where the system overloads, breaks and then reorganizes itself onto a higher level. We call this a breakthrough which can happen on a personal level of consciousness or in a collective. This is what we have been waiting for many life times, the quantum leap of consciousness to consolidate on a higher level of wisdom and oneness.

Venus Steps into Capricorn February 4

Venus will be heading towards Pluto in Capricorn and with Saturn still in Libra questioning the depth and solidity of our relationships and how much we can trust the other. There is some deep work waiting there for you.

Full Moon in Leo February 18

What we have started with the New Moon in Aquarius is now in full bloom and in full sight of our awareness. The shadow of Leo is a self serving ruler ship pleasuring the own ego. Political power games and manipulations will be more obvious and in the light.

The high road of Leo is creative, responsible leadership through deep commitment and service which is not necessarily an attitude we are used to see nowadays in ruling politicians. So the opposing forces of the revolutionary Aquarian are taking charge and will change history.

Sun Floats into Pisces February 19

With the Sun entering Pisces followed by Mercury and Mars the emphasis will now be on what is good for all of us and based in a higher perspective. Our dreams of a better future based in the spirit of oneness need to be contemplated and then put into action.

I like to suggest you take your journal and write down the areas in your life you feel a need for a serious overhaul and touch up in your life. Prepare yourself for the rough ride of this month by facing with clarity and courage what needs to be addressed and let go. Enjoy the ride which can be very exhilarating and freeing.

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.