The New Moon and Full Moon events are often thought as almost magical points in the evolution of the Moon throughout the month. Depending on their position in the zodiac sign they shed a specific light onto inner processes and give us a potentially different perspective. While the New Moon is the conclusion of one circle of energy it also opens up a new chapter.

With the Full Moon that new theme is fully exposed in the full light and moves towards the conclusion in the next New Moon. It is a beautiful dance of birthing, ripening and integration.

New Moon in Virgo September 8

And of course Full Moon and New Moon are always in opposing signs. The last Full Moon was in Pisces with an invitation to deepen our inner connection with the divine and strengthen our spiritual roots as well as confronting health issues, mysterious illnesses bases on toxicity and poison. Now with the New Moon in Virgo we are asked to come to a conclusion with the balance of the mundane and the spiritual in our lives. There is the need to use the logical mind of Virgo which is so finely tuned to details and skillful functioning in the physical world. It is important to find your place in the bigger scheme of things and contribute with your unique gifts only you have to share.

Virgo is very generous as a healer and good friend and feels best sharing his skills. A good time to ask yourself the questions:

•    What is my specific gift?
•    Am I generous with myself and others?
•    How do I contribute to life?
•    Where could I use more order in my life?
•    Do I have unfinished business I need to tend to?

If you read my article about the Full Moon in Pisces you remember the case I made to take responsibility for your own health into your own hands. This theme continues with the Sun and Mercury still in Virgo. Mercury is staying for almost 2 month in this health conscious sign instead of the usual 3 to 4 weeks.

The trine of this New Moon with Pluto in Capricorn helps you to see yourself clearer and inspires to take more responsibility for your body, the temple of the soul.

Retrograde Mercury Turning Direct Again September 12

The mythic messenger of the gods helps you to become more aware and conscious about your present condition and empowers you to make decisions and take appropriate action towards that goal. Sometimes you might feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of your goal and feel paralyzed to even get started. The trick is to chunk it down into smaller pieces and reward yourself along the way. If you already enjoy the process you don’t have to wait till the elusive reaching of the finishing line to feel good.

Loosing Weight with Virgo is Easier

For example if you want to loose weight, that is a big and often intimidating goal and often we do not believe that we are actually able to pull it off. You might have tried all kinds of diets or even fasting with no lasting results. Some of my middle age girl friends have given up and pacify themselves with saying it is all menopausal. Maybe what you need is a whole different and fresh approach? Maybe the hormones are only part of the picture? Maybe you have just accumulated so much toxicity in your body over the years that it shows up in middle age or even earlier?

If you want to loose weight and chunk it down into smaller pieces you might end up with a plan that says:

•    Educate yourself about the underlying causes for gaining weight (like storing toxins in your fat to keep the body functioning) I recommend Dr. Sherry Rogers books.
•    Determine your blood type and find out which is in general the appropriate and healthy diet for you (Blood Type Diet)
•    Check out your vitamin and mineral levels and determine your deficiencies (Metamatrix.com)
•    Check out your burden of heavy metals
•    Refrain from any kind of processed food for a month and see how you feel
•    Eat more raw fruits, vegetables, sea weeds and cooked whole grains
•    Half your sugar intake, use raw agave or honey instead
•    Acquire an Infra Red Sauna, speed up your metabolism to get toxins out and loose your fat layers
•    Do a regiment of colon cleanses or daily coffee enemas
•    Find a way to exercise in a way you actually like doing. Join a dance class, go for walks with your friends or your dog; find something that actually works for you.

Obviously this list can go on and on. I just want to inspire you to make your own and get started. After a while the momentum will carry you and you will feel so good that you will be more then motivated to keep it going. If you choose to reward yourself along the way you will enjoy the process even more. You could go and get a massage or do a little shopping and find something to beautify yourself and feel really good.

Jupiter Back into Pisces September 8

Also Jupiter backs into Pisces a few hours after the New Moon and will be there until January 2011, staying within 3 degrees of Uranus in Pisces. Optimistic Jupiter represents faith, expansion, wisdom and abundance but can go overboard into hubris and extravagance. Jupiter in Pisces invites us for deeper introspection into the hidden non physical realms, the more subtle dimensions shaping life. Thoughts are also non physical to begin with but they shape your life and become manifested into the physical realm.

You can find deep fulfillment and joy with this constellation if you allow yourself to slow down and find time to smell the roses, meditate and sit with a cup of tea and contemplate.

Venus Dives into Scorpio September 8

With Saturn in the relationship sign Libra we already have to take a deeper look at the dynamics in our relationships. With Venus now moving into Scorpio we might encounter some hidden layers of our needs and instinctual drive for survival, sex and power. Maybe somebody tries to dominate you or an overdue relationship resolves itself. Scorpio always forces us to be honest at least with ourselves about our true motivation of doing things.

The goddess of love asks you to be very honest about your primary relationship as well as your friends in general. When Mars is joining Venus in Scorpio next week there might be some fire works to deal with.

I believe it is crucial to discriminate with wisdom what you can impact and change in the part of the world that is within your reach. If you strive for your best lived life, keep transforming the world a little bit at a time you can be extremely powerful and a force for good. You are making a difference! Be the light you want to see in the world! Start with yourself and be as healthy and joyful as you can be!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Astrology Gives You an Advantage

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

The highlights of the plentiful activities in this week are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

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