Do you like action movies? Do you like the tension building and then escalating into heavy action with high speed cars, sex, betrayal and some kind of a resolution at the end? I don’t ! I hate action movies! My husband has long given up on me to share this way of entertainment and goes to the actions movies with his male friends to share the excitement. I am just happy to pass on it. When I want to see a movie I like to laugh, be entertained, be inspired, learn something new and expand my horizon. I like true stories made into movies about true heroes like Patch Adams which make me think and feel myself in a deeper and new way.

For me it seems the nerve wrecking tension and excitement is screwing with my nervous system. I cannot sleep for many hours and I keep having those pictures floating through my mind. Why would I want to expose myself to that? But… tastes are different and for some people it might be a way to release tension and aggression by watching those movies. It can be a safe way to tap into intense feeling you might not have access to any other way and live vivaciously through the pictures on the screen.

We have an interesting and intense week ahead of us. On Tuesday August 3 we will have the second square of Jupiter to Pluto; the previous one was on July 24. This one is additionally fueled by Mars opposing Jupiter and squaring Pluto as well. Mars Pluto squares are known as lit fuses waiting to go off into a big bang. There is tension, friction, violence and ego driven behavior. This might be a very uncomfortable week. Let us see how we can best work with this.

Mars the Warrior

This week’s setup with Mars, the warrior connecting in a stressful way with life and death player Pluto and the expansive, over the top energy of Jupiter could look like a movie script. It can be a very charged week in so many ways but it might be tempered by the fact that Mars is prowling in Libra which is a compromising and peace loving sign.

That means for you that you have the choice to focus on compromise and be solution oriented with which ever problems you are facing this week. It means you can choose the dialogue and communicate. You can make an effort to be as compassionate and non judgmental as possible and diffuse any potentially difficult situation instead of getting riled up and defensive or actively aggressive. You do have a choice how you deal with the energy of this week.

Mars represents your life force energy, your determination, your sexual drive, your will power and also your aggressive potential. Don’t kid yourself; we all have a healthy dose of aggression built in us. However deep it might be buried and renounced, it often just needs the right stimuli and righteous reasons and it could come roaring out. You can use these specific energies of week to inquire more deeply into your own aggressive potential and how you release, focus and how you act out your anger and upset emotions. The more we can become aware and own that inner warrior the better the chances of staying in charge and directing those powerful energies.

Contemplate about What Can Set You Off?

Where is your personal Mars situated in your chart? In which sign, which house and how is it connected with the other planets? That can help you to find more clarity about how you are wired and might react to threatening or aggravating people or situations.

If we don’t own our aggression and violent aspects we tend to project them out and they happen to us. We might find ourselves victim to situations we rather avoid. There is a lot of personal power to gain in knowing who we are especially in the depth of the shadowy, dark stuff of our personality.

For Example: A Personal Story

Me, I am having my Mars in Cancer which means in general I am not an overly aggressive person. But I tend to suppress my anger and when it comes out, I can really surprise myself. I had an experience which really taught me about my aggressions and how it just takes the right button to push for it to come roaring to the surface. Because of that experience my self identity has changed and I do consider myself now potentially a pretty aggressive Amazon if provoked.

This is an experience I am not very proud of and it took me a long time to digest it and let it go because it did shatter my self image. But I think it is a good example and might serve you to do your soul searching.
I was in India two years ago and did a very intense deepening meditation retreat in the Oneness University. You can say my usual defenses and structures were weakened and tweaked with.

After that I stayed in a hotel for a few days and did some sight seeing and of course shopping. I went to this big shopping mall in Chennai which was buzzing with activity and an overwhelming level of noise. There I was making my way through people left and right when I felt a hand squeezing my left butt. I turned around like a whirl wind and in one move without any thinking involved I slapped the guy in his face with so much power his glasses almost came off. I was totally stunned. There was no thinking or control of any kind involved and that was pretty scary.

I have been in India many times before and had many experiences with Indians where I felt treated like a sexual object, being touched and felt up in crowded situations like buses. I often have felt physically intruded way beyond my personal boundaries and hated it.

In retrospective it was so upsetting for me that my hand just moved with a mind on its own. In a life threatening situation that might be a good thing to move automatically but I really appreciate my mindfulness and having a choice in how I want to react in a situation. It taught me a good deal about the depth of the aggressive potential I have and maybe in a similar situation next time I will have more of a choice now.

I would love to hear from you and your experiences.

•    How about your threshold of anger?
•    What triggers you?
•    Did you have any similar experiences where you surprised the heck out of yourself?
•    How do you feel about your feelings of anger and how do you deal with it?
•    How do you react when you are faced with somebodies anger?
•    Do you placate or take a stand and fight?

Venus Enters Libra August 6

Our good friend and Goddess Venus is stepping into her own sign Libra and feels right at home with her sense of beauty, her need for balance and harmony, her ability to love and cherish and her social abilities. She might diffuse the Martian rough edge of the week and add a little more friendliness and gentleness to the mix. But she also has her own hands full with an opposition with Uranus on August 7 and a conjunction with Saturn on Sunday August 8.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn in Libra has just started changing your focus onto the details of your relationships, showing you where you have grown lax and unappreciative of your lover and friends. For the next 2 ½ years you will have ample opportunity to clean up your act around Libra themes of relationships and love in general. A Saturn transit works his way slowly and determined, step by step through your resistances, anxieties and at the end of the process rewards with clarity and a higher perspective.

Uranus Opposition to Venus and Saturn

Venus in conjunction with Saturn is the same theme as Saturn in Libra. We better take a deep look and get to work. With the electrifying, renewing energy of the rebel Uranus there might be fire works and sudden changes in the field of relationships. It can show up as sudden break ups or newly falling in love. The unexpected might be invading your life. Or it can just be a renewing energy, a fresh spark of desire for your loved one and a new aim to express your feelings and make your loved ones feel desired and loved above all else.

A Gemstone for the Tantric Lover as well as the Warrior is the Fire Opal

If you want to work in your meditation with a supporting energy for this week’s challenges you might look for the Fire Opal, one of these sparkly colorful specimens who exhibit a high degree of greenish-red opalescence.

The Fire Opal is the master of the energizing stones for transformation. It represents the warrior expanding his territory in any direction he chooses. When our movement in a particular direction is long overdue, the Fire Opal imparts its fire to us to get us moving. The wearer of this gem is an adventurer, a pioneer, someone who loves to discover new lands. The Fire Opal can encourage us in times of drastic changes and transformation. It can give us extra energy and motivation for mastering and feeling more comfortable in our physical body. It rules the intestinal system and helps our digestion. It gives us energy and flexibility when we are feeling sluggish.

The Fire Opal also represents a Don Juan and a tantric master who loves playful sexuality, radiating enjoyment of the physical senses and helping us to move beyond the physical qualities of that experience. This stone opens us up to real intimacy, because we feel full and strong and centered in our own abdominal center. We can enjoy dissolving and melting with one another, without loosing ourselves. The Fire Opal opens up new dimensions in our lovemaking.

The Fire Opal relieves tensions in the first three chakras and opens any blockages we may have there. This is a great stone for a belly chain, so you can wear it hanging loose in front of the power center—the Dan Tien, as the Chinese call it, meaning “best place in the body.”

But Fire Opal is not only very powerful; it is also very gentle and healing in its transmission of energy. It can offer support during recovery from sexual abuse. It helps us to rise out of conceiving of ourselves as victims, helps us to develop forgiveness, and empowers us by releasing those toxic thoughts from our system. It bolsters our sense of personal power and mastery.

I love this stone and use it in many different combinations in my jewelry: with the Demantoid for artistic guidance, with the Diamond for radical empowerment and breaking through barriers, and with the Moonstone for balancing Yin and Yang energies and active and passive qualities. (Taken from my book Jewelry & Gems for Self Discovery)

If you like my astrological musings I invite you to sign up for my free weekly newsletter 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.

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.

Usually I give you one of the true birthstones of the star sign of the month at the beginning when the Sun moves into the next astrological sign. This month has been so busy with important astro events that I have waited till today to do that before the month is over.

Cancer is the Archetypal Mother and some of her Birthstones Are Pearls

And here at last is the monthly update on the quality of the astrological sign and the nourishing and supportive energy of one of Cancers true birthstones- the pearls. Yes I know it is not really a stone but it serves us as well as one. Pearls are created in the oceans and are formed in the ouster and are different then the normal gemstones which are formed inside the depth of the earth. But because of that different formation process they can soothe our emotions and psyche like none other. Nowadays all pearls are created by mankind but the process involved is the same as it was before we came up with that idea.

Cancerian Qualities

June 22 marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. Many people in the Northern Hemisphere love this energetic time of year, when they can enjoy the outdoors until late in the evening.

Cancer is a feminine water sign. All life on Earth depends on water, and all land animals, including humans, are thought to have originated in the oceans. So Cancer is closely associated with giving life, and hence motherhood.

The personality of Cancerians is fluid as well, with a broad range of personal traits. Home and family are always an important theme for this sign, for both men and women. They make loving, protective parents. Cancerians are highly emotional, romantic, and loving people and seek nurturing in relationships. They are also very giving people and often seek to express their nurturing nature in the healing and caring professions. They can be reserved people, preferring to reveal their true natures in the security of their intimate relationships. They tend to be ruled by their emotional ups and downs. They can also be quite artistic and make good artists, actors, and musicians.

How Gemstones Can Enhance Your Cancerian Experience

What better way for the Cancerian to express his or her loving nature than with a gift of gemstone jewelry to a beloved partner?

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. Cancerians have some potentially conflicting qualities (such as a desire to be connected to others, but also a tendency to withdraw) that can be brought into better balance with gemstones.

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.

If you like to learn more about other astrological signs and their true birthstones based in astrology you can find more articles on my website.

Pearls Represent the Energies of Moon, Saturn, Neptune and Chiron

Pearls are found in a great variety colors, including white, cream, rose, silver, golden, blue, and black. Pearl is an organic substance made of calcium carbonate and an organic horn material that form as a reaction to an injury, usually intentionally caused by humans. The Pearl forms concentrically around the implanted microcrystal. Pearls are very sensitive to acids, perspiration, cosmetics, hairspray, dryness, and humidity. They can die through age or improper treatment, or they can become dull, crack, and peel off.

Pearls are sometimes referred to as the “tears of the soul” and some advise against wearing them. There may well be some truth in that notion for some people, but the choice to wear pearls must be left to individual discretion: I feel a strong attraction toward some pearls and appreciate wearing them frequently.

The Pearl can be viewed as a being originating in the depths of the ocean or fresh water seas. Water or the ocean is a powerful symbol and representation of our unconscious mind, the unknown depths of our emotions, the female part of our being. The human body consists of 85 percent water, the mysterious ingredient essential to all life.

And science tells us that we normally use only 5 to 10 percent of the potential of our brains, the conscious mind, meaning that the majority of the brain is hidden in the vast unconscious. The significance of the Pearl’s association with deep waters, and therefore our unconscious mind, is clear!

The Moon rules water, the ocean, the emotions, the female principle, and our unconscious mind. The Pearl is ruled by the Moon, so it connects us with the depths of our unconscious, of our feelings, including those that we often seek to repress, such as grief, sorrow, and pain. We try to avoid becoming conscious of those wounds, but we should take a lesson from the Pearl: Pearl’s host, the shell, also suffered an injury—even died at one point!—and yet produced this perfect, soft, shiny, round beauty.

The transformation is reminiscent of the caterpillar, often ugly, that grows into a beautiful butterfly. And so is it with humans: we can use our wounds like the Pearl, to grow into our own magnificent beauty.

Having this “wound” affinity with humans; Pearl is a wonderful ally and friend to us during our process of healing from these deep emotional injuries. It can soothe and nourish us, bring our wounds up into the light of consciousness, assist us in the transforming healing process.

The round shape of the Pearl, the most balanced form there is, stands for perfection and oneness. [1]

I wish you an enchanted journey into the mysterious world of healing gemstones and looking at them in a new way! If you enjoy my perspective on things, please come back and sign up for my free weekly newsletter on my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog 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. If you feel like passing this article on to some of your friends that would be so wonderful. Thank you so much!

I am truly excited and I am looking forward to connect with you in spirit next weekend, 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.

[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.

There is nothing burning on the heavenly stove so to speak and we can use this week for balance, rejuvenation and prepare for setting our intentions with the Conscious Convergence coming weekend.

I don’t know about you but I had a ball yesterday with the Solar Eclipse. I described the Solar Eclipse last week as one of the universal windows opening for us to upgrade our consciousness and restart after that moment of darkness into a new perspective on a higher level of understanding. I got a taste of that yesterday with a day of meditation, contemplation and deep inner communion with the divine. I participated in two Oneness events throughout the day and it left me profoundly touched and grateful to be able to be part of this human transition into higher consciousness. It is just so delicious!

If you have been reading my weekly astro reports for a while you are aware of the many astrological constellations we had representing the times of change we are in and we all have a sense of happening all around us.

Change is in the Air

People feel the economy shifting right under their feet, losing their jobs and their financial security. The earth is threatened like never before by man made oil spills, atomic exercises stimulating earth quakes and tsunamis and there is an amazing de-sensitivity towards the cleanliness of our own nest, we are so very dependent on. We do need a change to survive as a specie! We want a change for the better!

And we are so resourceful creatures! I am quiet hopeful that being threatened with extinction we are sufficiently motivated to come up with solutions. There are already more solutions and alternatives out there then you might think. Inventors like the genius Nicolas Tesla have invented endless free energy almost a hundred years ago. Have a look at this video. It blew my mind! But I am not surprised that most of us have not heard from this amazing inventor even if he has been spearheading many aspects of technology we do use today. The greed and power of the rich ones like the Morgans and Rockefellers have been the driving force behind a sell able, marketable energy source they could control like oil and gas. They are not interested in free energy!

Uplifting Your Frequency to the Upper Heart Chakra

My point here is that as long as decisions and choices are dictated by our animal nature, the lower frequencies of survival, greed and power (the lowest three chakras) the separate ego consciousness is in control from that lower level of self. We need to move into the upper heart chakra and into oneness consciousness acting from a whole different level of being.

Many prophesies are talking about the possibility of a quantum leap in human consciousness in the year 2012. The Hopis talk about the two heart-ed people who should rise into unity consciousness. The Mayan calendar gives several significant dates heralding the change in consciousness towards unity in 2012. And we are approaching another one of those significant dates coming weekend.

I just watched the video of Carl Calleman and I like the sincere and down to earth attitude of this famous researcher of the Mayan calendar and its meaning for us. He doesn’t have any of the new age hype many have, using his work.

Also in the oneness community we expect the year 2012 to be an opportunity for mankind to move into oneness consciousness. Oneness or unity, both describe a higher state of consciousness based on a flowered heart center because of the experience of the truth: We are all one! Only if it is a felt experience not just a believe or just positive thinking it will have the power to change the very core of us.

The Conscious Convergence on July 17/18

It is not an astrological event we are talking about here but never the less I thought it is important enough to mention. Carl Calleman calls it a pre-wave for shifting consciousness. He describes it as the chance for us individually to set a clear intention to be part of the change and really wanting the unity consciousness to happen in us. Because it is otherwise an astrologically quiet week we can turn our intention towards this.

“For the first time ever some of the most well-known and respected elders of the Maya: Don Alejandro, Don Rigoberto Itzep and Hunbatz, Men among others, will be signaling through their ceremonies in the West that “it is
time.” In the East there will be a Chinese-Hindu convergence in
Singapore and Bali. In the North people in Scandinavia will be
gathering and in the South, at the roots of the global Tree of life
will Bushmen, representatives of the oldest existing culture of our
planet, for the first time ever be participating in an event of this
kind together obviously with many others in South Africa.” Carl Calleman

Is it True or Not?

For me personally and as an astrologer it would have made more sense to come together a week earlier on the weekend of the Solar Eclipse. But what is a week in the bigger cosmic picture? Whether you believe in this to be of significance or not, just the focus of so many people all around the planet setting their intentions for wanting to wake up to their true heritage as a spiritual being manifesting a truly exceptional life on this planet should be reason enough to join the forces.

We have the power to join our hearts and hands around the planet this weekend and feel part of the One Spirit. Lets dance together and have fun!

How wonderful and truly auspicious! I always love those movements of joining intentions and focus because I know how powerful they are. You can find out events in your area and join in with your hearts desire. Facebook is overflowing with events of get-togethers.

If you enjoy my perspective on things, please come back and sign up for my free weekly newsletter on my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog 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. If you feel like passing this article on to some of your friends that would be so wonderful. Thank you so much!

I am truly excited and I am looking forward to connect with you in spirit next weekend, 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.

We had a Lunar Eclipse two weeks ago and we will have a Solar Eclipse on Sunday July 11 this week. The Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn was an invitation to renew our inner world of emotions through clarity of purpose, the willingness to feel our feelings, the need to be responsible and claim our personal power.

The Solar Eclipse in Cancer interrupts for a few minutes the energy flowing from the Sun towards the earth and with it we will experience an upgrade to our consciousness. You could imagine it like a restart on your computer which sometimes is needed to integrate new programs or files of information. There is some magic to new beginnings. Like the new light of every morning is promising a new day or the new birth of a baby entering this realm, both are holding a new potential of the un-manifested to be integrated into this physical world.

The Sun is symbolizing the highest consciousness in our universe and therefore in our chart. The Sun is sending life giving rays to our earth and in combination with water the Sun is the base of life on this planet as we know it. This Solar Eclipse is situated in Cancer, the home of the Moon, the Archetypal Mother who births, supports and protects life. A Solar Eclipse is always an extra powerful New Moon when the Moon is briefly covering the Suns radiation. Sun and Moon in conjunction is yin and yang melting into one circle.

Mother Earth and Father Sun

We had many challenging astrological windows of opportunities throughout the last few years heralding a profound change in consciousness on our planet. It becomes clearer to many people that only if this ruling species of humans is stepping to a higher level of consciousness, honoring oneness of all life and starts living from that place we will survive.

Mother Earth and Father Sun are coming together to give us another chance to shape up and attune to a higher level of consciousness. It is a grand window of opportunity towards global awakening. I love the book by Arjuna Ardagh called The Translucent Revolution where he shares his researches and interviews with many well known and unknown people and their inner processes partaking in that tidal wave of waking up to our full human potential. His other book Awakening into Oneness is another testimony to the process we are all partaking in and how we can help our brain to awake.

I was always amazed that we are only supposed to use around 5% of our brain according to scientific research. It made me curious: What kind of potential is lying dormant in the rest? And how can we jump start it? My personal quest guided me onto a spiritual journey where I gained experiences with meditation, different states of consciousness and deepened my inner connection to the divine guidance. For me meditation and Deeksha blessings have helped me to experience more grace in my life and has been my way to raise my consciousness and deepen my awareness of my divine nature. It has filled me with profound joy and gratitude.

Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn and Solar Eclipse in Cancer

Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn and Solar Eclipse in Cancer means emotions need to be tempered by clarity and purpose and conscious action fueled by inner emotional guidance. We need both for inner and outer balance. We need to use our mind as the tool it is meant to be to help us in the process of aligning with our inner divine guidance through our feelings. When we feel joy all is well. “The standard of success in life isn’t the things. It isn’t the money or the stuff. It is absolutely the amount of joy that you feel. “— Abraham

Spirituality and Joy

You can measure the level of your spiritual advancement by the level of joy you are able to feel on a constant base. Looking at it in reverse it means that every step towards more joy and happiness is another step in the spiritual journey you are on. Your conscious choice towards joy can become a daily practice. You might also want to check out the book by the Dalai Lama The Art of Happiness and his unique perspective.

Here are some questions for you:

•    Is joy a priority in your life?
•    Do you believe that you deserve happiness?
•    Do you think you have to accomplish something before you can allow yourself to be happy? (That is me and the Germany way of thinking: “First the work and then the pleasure…”)
•    What would be your percentage on a scale of 1-100 of joyfulness right now?
•    What gives you joy?
•    What actions or situations accompany joy for you?
•    How could you deepen your experiences of joy?

Make Joy a Priority in Your Life

It is not selfish to make joy a priority! Happy people don’t make war, take advantage of others or are cruel and mean. Happy people support life, make choices that benefit the bigger whole and are part of the solution instead of the problem. Happy people are more able to focus on oneness and what connects us all instead on separation and fear. Taking care for your own happiness and joy means you can contribute to the world and lift consciousness.

Or as Marianne Williamson said “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. …as we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

On this Solar Eclipse Sunday I will take part in a meditation and Deeksha circle with my oneness community. Sharing this special event with a group of like minded people is a wonderful way to update yourself to a higher frequency and is very powerful. Because the exact time is at 12:41 pm PST it can be part of your church service or spiritual group meeting. Whatever works for you is the right way!

Use the coming week to gain more clarity about your deepening access to joy and get ready to celebrate the NEW YOU. Happy updating…

If you enjoy my perspective on things, please come back and sign up for my free weekly newsletter on my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog 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. If you feel like passing this article on to some of your friends to get the word out that would be so wonderful. Thank you so much!

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.

In hard economical times luxury articles like jewelry are not at the forefront of our list. Immediate needs and less expensive desires often win the competition. But the desire and need for beauty and meaningful jewelry is part of our soul and especially when we marry, the wedding ring has deep meaning and will accompany us for a long, long time. As a design jeweler I am often confronted with costumers who are looking for something more special then the usual Diamond chunk on her finger. As a healer and astrologer I have a very special perspective I wanted to share with you today.

The human yearning for love is one of the most powerful instincts. It is a mother’s love that assures the survival of her infant, and as adults we need loving connections with others in order to lead healthy, happy, meaningful lives. Through relationships with our parents, mate, children, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and many others, our heart is gently opened to both giving and receiving. Through bonds of love we receive reassurance that we live in a benign universe.

When we grow into adulthood we often seek a deep and permanent union with a life partner. Relationships are usually a complex and mysterious web of opposing forces: male and female; similarities and differences; tenderness and friction. How can we make sense of all this? How can we be sure we’ve chosen the right partner? Once we enter into the permanent bond of marriage, how can we enhance love while passing through the inevitable conflicts?

Astrology is a unique tool that can help you answer those questions and enter into marriage with greater confidence and clarity. First, it can help you come to a better understanding of yourself and your future spouse as individuals and how you relate as a couple. And second, astrology can be used to choose the precious symbol of the marital bond: your wedding rings.

In my career of over 30 years as an astrologer and jeweler, I have taken great satisfaction in helping couples clarify and strengthen their commitment to each other, and then designing and making beautiful handcrafted wedding rings to commemorate their union. I have written a book about Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery to share from my experience.

Understanding your Relationship begins with Understanding Yourself.

What are your greatest hopes and dreams for your life? What skills and strengths do you bring to your life journey? What are your challenges, and what do you need to overcome them? How does your mate fit into that picture, and who do you imagine as your perfect mate? To what extent should your mate share your values and beliefs? Are you an independent person? Can you allow your partner to be independent as well?

All of this is revealed in your birth chart. The universe exactly as it was at the moment of your birth set the stage for your personality, desires, successes, and challenges. A careful study of your astrological chart will help you unravel this rich network of forces, allowing you to see what is needed for your future happiness. Astrology is about your potential—your possibilities for growth and success in all areas of your life.

You are most likely already familiar with that type of individual astrology. What I call the astrology of love takes these principles to a new level, to uncover the workings of relationships and enhance the potential for love between two people. We all have this potential. Astrology can help it blossom and grow to new heights. When two people are aligned and balanced in their needs, intentions, and acts of tenderness, love soars!

Comparing the two Lovers Charts

After examining the birth charts of each individual, I use additional tools to learn about their present and future relationship. The astrological compatibility of two people is called Synastry. With this method I take the two individual charts and project all the planets of one onto the chart of the other. This shows how the most important personality characteristics and life themes of the partners interact.

I also make a composite chart of the relationship by finding the midpoints between the planets on the individual charts. This chart shows what is likely to happen if these two individuals enter into a long-term relationship.

Following astrological counseling a couple has a new understanding of themselves as individuals and as a pair. This knowledge leads to greater acceptance of each other and new strategies for supporting each other’s needs.

Once you have decided to wed, it is time to choose the wedding bands. Finding your ideal mate is a reason to celebrate! The wedding rings are a permanent reminder of the love, joy, and commitment of your relationship.

Meaningful Wedding Rings with your Gems of Love

A ring is a circle with no beginning and no end, a symbol of eternity. The circle symbolizes a couple’s commitment and intention to be together always in a bond of marital love. The beauty of a wedding ring symbolizes how precious and enduring this relationship is.

You are unique as individuals and as a couple, and with astrology it is possible to design a ring that perfectly represents and supports your union. This highly personalized ring will be so much more meaningful than a mass-produced ring that is unconnected to who you are as a couple.

Each gemstone has its own individual frequency and radiance, determined by its quality, color, crystal structure, and chemical composition. This is referred to as the stone’s “signature.” As a consequence, each stone will impact you in a different way. Specific stones may be chosen to support particular needs, goals, and challenges.

So you use your astrological chart to discover your needs and then find exactly the right gemstone to balance, heal, and nourish your own heart and your partner’s, and to enhance your marital relationship. I call these gems for love.

Choosing Gold or Silver

Once you’ve chosen your gemstones, the next choice is the metal. In most cases this will be either gold or silver, which have very different metaphysical properties. Look at my article about: Are you a Gold or a Silver Person? In astrology, gold represents the male energy of the sun, and silver the female energy of the moon. We are never all male or all female, and it’s important to balance those aspects in our personality.

Choosing gold or silver for your wedding rings can help you achieve the desired balance between your male and female sides. Beyond that, most people have a strong intuitive preference for gold or silver, which is related to the metals’ metaphysical properties.

I use 18-karat gold or higher to strengthen the masculine aspects (the air and fire elements in astrology), or sterling silver to strengthen the feminine aspects (the earth and water elements) in my clients’ charts.

For wedding bands I love to use pure 24-karat gold—the real thing! 24-karat gold is heavy, golden yellow, and very soft and malleable. Because of the softness of gold, heavier, more solid designs are required to create a durable ring.

The ring will inevitably acquire nicks and dents over the course of its long life, but don’t worry about those—they only enhance the charm of the ring and testify to the longevity of your marriage. Choosing 24-karat gold symbolizes your long-term investment in the quality of your union of love.

After you have chosen the gemstones and metal for your wedding rings, you can either search for them in jewelry stores, or, even better, have them made to your exact specifications by a jeweler.

I wish you well on your journey of love, and I hope you will try out the unique art and science of astrology to design the perfect wedding rings to support your joyous union. May it fulfill your deepest desires, now and forever?

If you have any questions let me know and I am happy to connect!
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.

We are having a quiet astrological week and I will use the lull to celebrate with you the one year anniversary of my blog: The Astrological Weather Report & Healing Gems.

Wow, that was quiet a ride this year; so many things to learn, so many ways to be challenged to grow. The technical problems and things to learn have been the most difficult for me. But I had good support with my webmaster I am very grateful for. I have managed to write 122 posts till today,  at least one every week and I am very proud of it.

Of course the format of the blog has changed over the year and has evolved in its own way and fashion. In the beginning I was leaning towards more basic astrological teachings; now it feels like the ground has been laid and there is all that information at your fingertips to find through the search option.
In the beginning I have written a lot about the Moon astrology because it is such an important way for understanding and becoming more conscious of our emotional inner tides. But over time things became very repetitive and I got bored. So I needed to change my writings so it would be joyful and interesting for myself again. Now you can always see the exact Moon position on the blog roll and just go back and find the article about the specific Moon position in the archive if you want.

Nowadays I am more interested to discuss the astrological highlights of the week to inspire you to contemplate their potential and stir you towards a life with deeper meaning, in a healthy body with a joyful spirit. I believe I have become a better writer in the process.

What my Blog has to Offer for YOU

• Free weekly astrological forecast of the heavens
• Unique Information about the healing properties and astrological  signature of gemstones and their application in personalized soul jewelry
• The Gemstone Profile describing your 12 main healing astro gemstones
• A vast library of articles and posts in my archive with a search option
• Astrological education for beginners as well as for more experienced  readers
• Inspiration based on the Law of Attraction & the Art of Allowing
• Information about my book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery
• Well written astrological reports: Birth chart, love compatibility,  relationships, harmony and transits
• Access to me for personal astrological readings or feedback

What is YOUR Deepest Interest?

I like to hear back from you about what you appreciate about my blog and what you would like to read more about and changes you would like  to see.

• Is it the astrology you are most interested in?
• Or is it the healing properties of gemstones or soul jewelry?
• Or are you mostly interested in the inspiration and application of  the Law of Attraction for a higher life quality?

Thanks for your feedback! That means a lot to me! It will help me to fine tune my writing for you.

Here is the first article I launched my blog with on April 29th, 2009 and I still love it. This article has set the tone for my blog and the spirit of it. It has been written by my friend and editor Margaret Copeley, I have worked together with for so many years:

YOU ARE INDISPENSABLE TO THE UNIVERSE

“The most basic governing principles of the entire universe—and certainly of astrology—are that everything consists of energy and that it is all interconnected. From the tiniest subatomic particle to the largest star systems, all of the matter and energy in the universe belongs to one immense web of existence.

Every part of that web is essential to the whole. You could compare the universe to an ecosystem on earth: if you add or subtract a plant or animal, such as by altering the climate, eventually the entire ecosystem is affected. Or think of an atom: remove just one infinitesimal proton from an atom, and you have an entirely different substance. If hydrogen were changed to helium, the entire known universe would be profoundly changed. Everything is held in a delicate and exquisitely beautiful balance.

The principle of interrelatedness means that although you are only one of billions upon billions of energy beings in the universe, you are far from insignificant! The universe cannot do without you! If you were not here tomorrow, the echoes of your absence would reverberate out across the universe. Those closest to you would suffer your loss immediately. Your loved ones, coworkers, and the people you serve in your work are connected to dozens of other people, and they are in turn connected to hundreds, to thousands of others. This is not to mention your relationship to animals, to the natural environment, and so on.

If you doubt your importance, please stop reading this right now and make a list of 10 Ways I Impact the World. I guarantee you, you won’t want to stop at 10 ways and you will easily list 50 and even 100 ways that you impact the world. And then imagine all the repercussions of each way that you impact the world—all the ripples that are sent throughout the world because you are loving, caring, competent, devoted, or skilled.

Because you are here in this world, you have a chance to send out waves of joy, love, and comfort that will be transmitted from one place to another way beyond your imagination.

Because you are indispensable, it’s important that you make your mark on the universe by living a life that is rich and fulfilling, and that brings something of value to the world. That is your role as a Giver. But you are also meant to be a Receiver. Looking at the incredible world that has been given to you as your Earthly home, it’s clear that you are meant to partake in all the beauty and abundance in the world and to live a life based in joy and love and success.

That’s where the art and science of astrology comes in! The purpose of astrology is to help you gain a deep understanding of the workings of the world and your place in it—just where you are situated in this vast universal web of existence, how you relate to things as small as insects and as large as the planets, what unique role you are called to fulfill with your skills and talents, and how to maximize your success and happiness.

Astrology calls you to a path of learning and perfection. As you embark on that journey of discovery, you will soon feel that it fulfills the longing of your heart and soul for peace, wisdom, inspiration, and right action. So step up to the plate and take up your indispensable place in the universe! Never doubt for a second that you are a vital part of all that exists.”

If you enjoy my perspective on things, please come back or sign up for my free weekly newsletter on my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog 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. I would love your support and if you feel like passing it on to some of your friends that would be wonderful. Thank you so much!

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.

The international Blogathon is going live on March 19, 2010 as promised. That is a great chance to read different perspectives and articles by 50 different astrologers and how to best adjust and make the best out of the so much talked about T-square of Saturn, Uranus with Pluto.

Below you see one of my two articles I have written for the event and is featured in Pluto Problems Got You Perplexed? Here’s What Helps! published by Skywriter as Part of the 2010 International Astrology Day Blogathon. The other one Saturn and the Healing Power of Crystal Quartz you can find here. The purpose of this web-based event is to create a permanent library of articles about how to deal with the stresses of the Cardinal T-Square of Pluto, Saturn and Uranus. The main page for the Blogathon collections is at The Cardinal T-Square of 2010: Saturn, Uranus, Pluto.

Online starting Friday, March 19, 2010: Pluto Problems Got You Perplexed? Here’s What Helps!

Pluto in Sagittarius was an era of speculation and easy credit, and we expanded far past what was wise. Pluto in Capricorn is a time of facing reality, getting grounded, paying the bills, and being accountable. Coordinated by Donna Cunningham, the 15 articles in the Pluto collection help you understand a variety of Pluto-related difficulties and suggest resources and healing tools to sort them out. They include the debt trap, sleep disorders, bullying, fertility issues, erectile dysfunction, grief, patterns we carry over from previous generations of our families, grief, healing from abuse, and a variety of other persistent problems. here

Online starting Saturday, March 20, 2010: Look After Saturn and Saturn Will Look After You:

Transiting Saturn’s oppositions to Uranus were accompanied by sudden change and shocks to upset the status quo, resulting in economic crisis. As ripples reached our personal lives, our ability to remain flexible in the face of disruptive change is being tested by Saturn in Libra’s square to Pluto in Capricorn and the upcoming entry of Uranus into Aries. Coordinated by Mandi Lockley, the 17 articles in the Saturn collection will help you work with a variety of Saturnian issues. Experienced astrologers invite you to view Saturn not as a planet to be feared, but as a necessary, helpful teacher whose lessons can help you through life’s challenges. Others provide useful resources, down to earth advice, and inspirational coping and healing tools. here

Online starting Sunday, March 21, 2010:  Uranus in Aries:

Claiming a Self-Reliant Future ~ Unpredictable Uranus is ending his sojourn in Pisces and will soon enter irascible Aries. Following a period of reluctantly dealing with the real world, Uranus steps up to proclaim personal freedom. This is not the freedom bell that Uranus usually rings for everyone, but the unabashed self-proclamation of “My Rights, Every Day!” Coordinated by C.J. Wright, the 17 articles and additional media presentations in the Uranus collection are as erratic as Uranus himself. You will discover some of the disruptive changes Uranus loves to spring on us and receive suggestions on how to work with rather than against yourself as you evolve and grow.

Pluto and Opal – The Gemstone for Transformation

A strong Pluto in your personal horoscope or a hard aspect of the transiting Pluto to personal planets is one of the most challenging and transforming constellations we talk about in astrology.

This dark, mysterious god is known for his challenging touch and his powers for renewal and regeneration.

Pluto governs the sign of Scorpio as well as the 8th House, the area of Death & Rebirth. Scorpios are powerful, intense, complex people with a touch of the dark side. A keyword for Scorpio is “transformation.” I like to think of Scorpio—like Pluto—as a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Especially throughout this year we all are collectively called to adjustments or soaring from the ashes with Pluto energy in our economical, societal, political and corporate structures because of the big T-square in which Pluto in Capricorn is squaring both Saturn and Uranus in opposition to each other.

This is not an easy process and it has a very personal impact on each one of us as an individual and we are called to action with adjustments in our personal lives. Your personal power lies in your own adaptation with circumstances and the answer to the question:

What Can You Do for Your Own Balance?
Wherever the early degrees of Libra and Capricorn fall in your chart and the connecting aspects to your planets you will feel personally challenged and called to grow into more clarity (Saturn) while building and re-negotiating your place in relation to others (Libra), allow rebirth (Pluto) of a new YOU with the dissolving of old beliefs and values (Uranus).

Consciousness is the key to keep your own balance and works as an antidote to fear and anxieties. You can find ways to focus on solutions instead of problems, you can use proper tools helping to raise your personal frequency and align with the highest potential of the astrological constellations. One of the most elegant ways to support your process is with the healing powers of gemstones.

Healing Gemstones
Gemstones can by your allies for healing and balance because they represent the most balanced, light filled, highest vibrational representative of the planetary principles we have easy access to. They touch us through their beauty and perfection, their radiant colors, magically born in the womb of unimaginable heat and pressure within Mother Earth. They are ancient beings filled with consciousness of the Mineral Kingdom. 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.

Opal: A Gemstone to Support Your Transformation
Opal is one of the true gemstones of Scorpio and is therefore ruled by Pluto. The Opals make up a large and beautiful family divided into three groups: the opalescent Precious Opals, the yellow-red Fire Opals, and the Common Opals. The first two are characterized by their opalescence, a rainbow-like sparkling and iridescence that changes when viewed from different angles. Each gem is an individual and unique, but this is especially true in the world of the Opals—there are no two Opals alike.

Opal is the stone of the mystic, shaman, artist, and healer in all of us. It is a stone for support during times of transition and intense change.

Precious Opals are always a mixture of all the energies of the outer planets. The color of the stone determines the planetary principle that it represents: the dark blues lean more toward Pluto and the green-blue-turquoises toward Uranus, while the very colorful Opals and the Black Opals express the energy of Neptune.

The Black Opal (dark gray, dark blue, dark green, red, or gray-black) leans toward the energy of Neptune, deepening our intuitive knowledge of who we are and the experience of feeling connected to the creator of the universe.

The Boulder Opal is famous worldwide for its vibrant colors, stability, strength, and uniqueness. It comes in all kinds of sparkling colors, including green, blue, turquoise, yellow, red, and violet. Because of its connection with the matrix rock, the energy of the Boulder Opal is very grounding. It helps us to stay rooted during times of upheaval in our lives.

Opals in the blue-violet-turquoise color range work with the throat chakra and the third eye. They give us a more holistic view of things and help us to let go of old thoughts, memories, and issues that may be blocking us. These Opals also stimulate our creativity and our search for meaning and vision in life—qualities that help to ease our challenging transitions. The green-blue variety gives us more understanding in working with the heart and the throat chakras. This Opal will help heal the heart, bringing awareness of our true feelings.

The Crystal Clear Fire Opal is the female Fire Opal: transcendent, brilliant, sparkling in many hues. It represents the Amazon woman, strong and independent, never giving her power away.  This stone connects us to the collective unconscious and all its treasures. It fuels our intuition with sudden sparks of insight and wisdom. But it is also the universal mother guiding and nourishing us, sustaining us in times of trouble and transitions.

The Fire Opal (orange) is a great energizing stone. When our movement in a particular direction is long overdue, the Fire Opal imparts its fire to us to get us moving. The wearer of this gem is an adventurer, a pioneer. The Fire Opal also represents a Don Juan and a tantric master who loves playful sexuality accompanied by true intimacy.

The Fire Opal is not only powerful, but also gentle and healing in its transmission of energy. It can offer support during recovery from sexual abuse. It helps us to rise out of conceiving of ourselves as victims, helps us to develop forgiveness, and empowers us by releasing those toxic thoughts from our system. It bolsters our sense of personal power and mastery.

Lightning Ridge Opal: The town of Lightning Ridge in New South Wales, Australia, yields some of the most striking Opals in the world, famous for their exceptional color and brilliance. These are Black and Crystal Opals that occur in a beautiful deep blue and other color combination. The most desirable and expensive Opals are those with the strongest, most sparkling colors and the most interesting color formations and combination. Lightning Ridge is the seal of quality in the world of Opals.

White Opals bring in the transformative and refining energies of the outer planets along with the soothing Moon qualities, making us feel nourished, balanced, and in touch with our feelings. The White Opal invites us to embark on an inner journey, diving down into the depths of our being to find unknown and unimaginable treasures. Being renewed, rejuvenated, and deeply changed as a result of this journey; we have a new outlook on life.

Another one of my favorite gems for easing our journey in troubled times is the Herkimer Diamond because it is one of the most amazing gemstones able to support our inner growth towards balance between the polarities because it is a double terminated crystal. I believe the Herkimer Diamond is also a must have gemstone because of its pacifying qualities for Saturn’s, Uranus’ and Pluto’s turbulent energies. You can read another article about the Herkimer Diamond and his stunning metaphysical properties.

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, you can sign up for my free weekly newsletter on my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog 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
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.

This week we have 4 planets in the sign of Pisces, the last step in the evolution of the zodiac, inviting us to relax, retreat and rekindle our connection with the divine spirit and what is truly important for us. Pisces is the sign of contemplation, meditation and transcendence. You could say it is all about the invisible dimensions behind the physical appearances of the world.

I don’t know about you but I feel often quiet overwhelmed, my life has speed up tremendously with all the demands I feel, as well as all the ideas and projects I love to get to. I always feel like I am behind and am reminding myself constantly to enjoy the journey and that things will never get done. I remember a documentary I have seen about aging and that the brain’s perception of time really changes with growing older. That makes total sense to me. Imagine the duration of an hour for a baby must seem like eternity and I remember being a teenager I could not wait to get older and it took forever. Now it seems like time is flying by with lightening speed.

I strongly believe we need the qualities of Pisces to tune into timelessness and eternal qualities of our soul to stay sane.

Each month with the Moon moving through Pisces you get an invitation for a mini vacation from spirit to get your priorities straight and realign with your true needs and soul purpose. With the Sun transiting through Pisces for a month each year you are given more time to regroup and fine tune your spiritual aspirations. If you like to partake in a meditation or healing retreat this would be the best and most powerful time of the year to do so.

I like to invite you into a contemplative posture and ask yourself some questions right now! What you can do to add that inner divine connection on a regular base to your life. Do you spend time with yourself allowing that busy mind to unravel and quiet down? Do you have a meditation practice? Do you just sit and smell the roses? Do you allow down time without filling your mind with reading, computer, TV or conversations? I have written an article about Neptune and the Art of Meditation if you like to get more inspired.

As you might know I love to use the specific healing properties of gemstones for meditation and jewelry purposes. Gemstones are such beautiful allies to harmonize your body, mind and soul. Allow yourself some time to play around with Amethyst who comes in so many beautiful forms as crystals, wands, clusters, faceted and cut stones. Amethyst has been called a spiritual vacuum cleaner because of his personality and his mediating qualities.

This week’s highlights are

• The Sun Floats into Peaceful Pisces (February 19–March 20)
• Loving Venus Joins with Extravagant Jupiter in Pisces
• Moon in Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Gemini

Pisces: The Sign of Fantasy and Creativity

Pisces is a feminine water sign ruled by Neptune. It rules the 12th House—the Personal Connection with the Divine & the Invisible Realms. Pisces is the last month in the astrological year, and in this sign we see some of the best qualities of all the other signs, representing an accumulation of learning.

Pisces are gentle and have sensitive souls, well developed both spiritually and in their relationships. They care much more about matters of the mind, heart, and spirit than about practical or material things. They enjoy a rich fantasy and dream life, which may be expressed through creativity in all of the arts. Pisces are idealists rather than realists.

Connections to the Universe

Pisces do not see themselves first and foremost as individuals, but as connected to others and to the universe. They would rather experience this connection than protect their own ego. This spiritual sense of connection guides all that they do, from their relationships to their choice of career and their spiritual expression. They seek to elevate their consciousness beyond the confines of the material world. They are highly intuitive people. Their exquisite sensitivity to the world around them can even rise to the level of psychic abilities.

Relationships

Pisces’ gentle side leads them to be very sensitive, loving, and trusting. They seek harmony in their relationships and will do whatever they can to avoid conflict—winning a fight is not meaningful to Pisces. They approach everyone in a friendly manner that draws many allies to them, but they are intimate only with a small group of friends and family. They are romantic, need to be with a partner, and commit themselves for the long term.

Compassion is a trait that stands out in Pisces. They are born care takers. Pisces people very often chose careers that allow them to give to others, or engage in volunteer work. They are very aware of the needs of others and devote themselves to helping others wherever they see the opportunity, even to the point of self-sacrifice.

Challenges

As a water sign, Pisces people have a preference to lead “fluid” lives, going with the flow rather than pursuing a specific life plan. They are more fantasy bound than reality bound. One of their biggest challenges is to carve out a successful life that takes reality into account. They also need to seek more balance in their relationships by placing their own needs on par with the needs of others. Being very sensitive, they need to take care to protect themselves from other people’s negative emotions and manipulation. They are gullible and easily taken in by ruses.

Career

Pisces are drawn to the helping professions—medicine, psychology, social service, teaching—and to spiritual work. In their choice of profession and their commitment to their work, they are led more by their deep personal values than by ambition. Water is also a common theme in Pisces careers—fisherman, marine biologist.

How Gemstones Can Enhance Your Pisces Experience

Gemstones are the perfect way for Pisces people to focus and balance their energy in order to be successful in their endeavors and to maintain mental and physical equilibrium.

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 through my book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery. In my book I teach you how to find your true birthstones based on your horoscope.

Amethyst: A Pisces Stone to Connect Us to the Divine

“Amethyst is one of the true birthstones of Pisces. It is a very common six-sided, pale- to dark-violet-colored crystal of the quartz family. It originates most commonly in Brasilia, Uruguay, and Madagascar. The quality and depth of color of the stone vary widely. The most desirable and clearest material will be cut as facetted (cut along flat faces) or cabochon (dome shaped, polished) stones.

Amethyst is an excellent stone to begin with to introduce yourself to the subtle energies of crystals. It comes in huge clusters large enough to contain your hand. In fact at gem shows I have seen bathtub-shaped pieces that were large enough to lie in! When you put your hand into one of these clusters, you feel a pulsating sensation similar to an ultrasound device. I used to have a huge sample of Amethyst in my studio in Germany that I used to provide my clients with an immediate experience of crystal energy.

Large amethyst clusters function as a sort of “spiritual vacuum cleaner,” cleansing rooms with a lot of traffic passing through. They are also perfect for cleaning other stones or jewelry by simply laying them in the cluster.

In olden times Amethyst was known as an amulet against black magic and homesickness, and as a bringer of good fortune. I see Amethyst as Merlin, the old sorcerer who looks harmless enough but in fact wields great power. In the myth he was the spiritual teacher and magician of King Arthur.

Amethyst can become our individual teacher as well. This gem’s greatest gift is its ability to open us up to higher realms of reality, higher states of consciousness. It enhances meditation, connects us with our higher self and the supreme reality.

The meaning of the Greek name for Amethyst is “not drunken” and it is considered to aid sobriety When we access higher planes of consciousness, where we feel ourselves held, comforted, and nourished, our longing for the anesthetizing effects of substances such as alcohol and drugs slowly dissipates as we become open to a more enjoyable and beautiful experience.

When there is a strong influence of Neptune in our chart, there is an ever present yearning for a higher realm of consciousness, a longing for God, a search for something more than our daily reality. People who fall under this astrological configuration are often tempted to take a shortcut to that plane by using chemical substances to escape reality. But their efforts fail in the long run because they are disappointed by the false world of chemical highs.

By uplifting our consciousness, Amethyst becomes the messenger who reminds us of our eternal connection with God. It is the bringer of bliss and understanding, of expansion to our being. It helps to clear the mind and to transform our limiting beliefs about who we are. It is our guardian and ally who accompanies us on our visionary quest to find greater truth and meaning in life.”

I wish you a very enchanted journey into the mysterious world of healing gemstones and looking at them in a new way! Have fun! If you enjoyed this article and my perspective on things, and if you like to stay informed on the astrological events in the heavens you can sign up for my free weekly newsletter, the Astrological Signs Weather Report where 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.

Have a wonderful inspired week, 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