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

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

What is Your Gift?

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

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

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

Your Horoscope is Your Guide

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

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

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

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

The Time Quality of the Moment of Now

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

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

Saturn Square Pluto

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

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

Jupiter Sextile to Pluto

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

Venus Conjunction with Neptune and Chiron

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

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

Moon in Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius

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

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

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

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