Venus is in Capricorn from January 8-February 1. Venus in Capricorn is a cycle in which security and stability in our relationships is paramount. We are more cautious with our emotions, and somewhat skeptical of both our own feelings and others’ expressions of affection. Longevity is important to us under this influence. There is a formality to Capricorn that can make personal expressions seem awkward and forced. However, this cycle offers us the opportunity to consider some of the practical issues of our relations and to work on making our partnerships work in the real world. A dose of realism in our personal lives can help us to feel more grounded and secure in the long run.

Article Copyright ©2013 by Annie Heese and Adam Banks
All rights reserved. www.cafeastrology.com

Although Venus is in many ways agreeably situated in Capricorn, people born with this configuration have some very contradictory impulses to resolve. Much depends on whether the higher or lower side of the combination prevails. If Saturn’s chill hardens the heart and restricts the Venusian capacity for love, then this position can betray the calculating ambition of one who marries for money and trades on sentiment for the sake of personal gain. A need to fortify the ego by surrounding it with possessions of demonstrable value crushes the tender emotions of Venus under the wheels of the Capricornian drive for power. Sexual inhibitions may grow out of fears instilled by strict social taboos, or there may be a rather mechanical approach to sex in which erotic techniques are substituted for the simple capacity to love.

When well aspected, Venus in Capricorn is loyal, trustworthy, and steadfast. Feelings may be more profoundly experienced as a result of being held in reserve and not wasted in casual demonstrations of affection. Sometimes a desire for security, combined with a fear of being rebuffed, delays marriage and tempers ardor with caution. One way or another, love is hedged round with practical considerations. The necessity for restraint, although frustrating in youth, pays unexpected dividends as the years pass. Saturn needs time to mellow before it can show itself at its best.

Men of this type tend to be self-abnegating and their romantic impulses are subordinated to their professional duties. Such men wed for a variety of practical reasons but, in reality, their first love is their work. Often their wives help them in their business, a practice which may benefit both marriage and career.

In the lives of immature people or of those driven mainly by physical appetites, this blending of influences can have a coarsening effect. Venus panders to the senses while Saturn hardens the ego, intensifying the materiality of an earth planet in an earth sign. For mature individuals, this same position can be remarkably productive. It gives a sense of order and proportion which contributes to the success of their endeavors in whatever field they make their own. If a thing is to be done at all, they will take the time and care to see that it is done right.

Venus in Capricorn translates personal affections into emotional discipline. True love must have time to grow. It endures patiently, suffers uncomplainingly, and remains faithful to the finish. Ultimately, this abiding devotion justifies all the vicissitudes of a life lived for others, and serves as an example of the highest moral precepts held forth by the teachers of the race.

Article Copyright ©2013 by Leyla Rael

Venus is the second sphere through which solar power passes on its way outward through the solar system. Yet from our point of view on earth, Venus is the first planet on the inside of our orbit going towards the sun. As such Venus represents the drive inward toward center, which meets the out-surging solar flow.

While Mercury represents meeting experience at the level of the mind, Venus refers to the inner value we give experience at the feeling-level. It is often said that Venus is the planet of love and attraction, but it can just as well be the planet of hate and repulsion, according to the inner value we give to certain experiences. Venus’ loves and aversions draw us into some experiences, and pull us away from others. Those we enter into provide the substance for our inner growth and fulfillment.

Ideally, Venus represents harmony, for if we are attuned with our inner being, we naturally attract what will help develop and fulfill us. This meshing of a need with what will answer it is the true harmony Venus symbolizes. Venus can thus be a symbol of all harmonious relationships, of beauty, and of our need to give and receive appreciation.

But when the Venus function becomes deviated by insecurity, it can negatively refer to self-indulgence, narcissism, inappropriate emotional frivolity and unrealistic demands for love or luxury.

Article Copyright ©2013 by Leyla Rael

Humans have an ancient and sacred relationship with the moon. Lunar calendars were probably the first method of time keeping developed by our earthly ancestors. In fact the words month and moon are etymologically related. The moon is directly related to the seasons and to the way we experience time. The moon affects the tides, way plants grow, as well as human fertility.

The phases of the moon are caused by the relative positions of the earth, sun, and moon. The moon goes around the earth, on average,
in 27 days 7 hours 43 minutes.

The edge of the shadow (the terminator) is curved, being an oblique view of a circle, giving the moon its familiar crescent shape.
Because the “horns” of the moon at the ends of the crescent are always facing away from the setting or rising sun, they tend to point upward in the sky.

The sun always illuminates the half of the moon facing the sun (except during lunar eclipses, when the moon passes through theearth’s shadow). When the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth, the moon appears “full” to us, a bright, round disk. When the moon is between the earth and the sun, it appears dark, a “new” moon. In between, the moon’s illuminated surface appears to grow (wax) to full,
then decrease (wane) to the next new moon.

NEW MOON

Something new is born; or the “seeding” of something new. We are acting with spontaneity, from a place of instinct. All information has not been revealed to us yet. There is no objectivity at this point in the cycle. It’s a good time for doing something new, but because we are lacking in information at this time, it is a risky time for important new endeavors, such as the beginning of a new business or relationship. It’s not a time for making solid commitments or promises, as new information may emerge later on that could change our minds. It’s a good time for making wishes or coming up with new ideas.

Keywords: Initial Urge; Instinct; Projection

CRESCENT

A time for collecting information, making contacts and learning more about our plan or project.

Keywords: Activation; Striving; Future

FIRST QUARTER

Issues emerge that require taking action or making adjustments. This can be considered a stage of conflict, but also of building. Things are beginning to take off and to gain momentum. The First Quarter Moon is a time for taking action, not for contemplation or reflection.

Keywords: Clearing; Action; Building

GIBBOUS

A time for organizing, integrating, and planning.

Keywords: Perfecting; Analysis; Interpret

FULL MOON

Full exposure and illumination come at the Full Moon stage. The plan bears fruit, blossoms, or culminates. A new perspective can emerge now. Information has now been revealed. Going public may be in order.

Keywords: Perfection; Completion Conscious; Illumination

DISSEMINATING

A time for sharing information.

Keywords: Imparting; Convey Awareness

LAST QUARTER

A time for readjustment or review arising from a crisis in consciousness. This can also be a time to reap the rewards or close a project/plan. This is not typically a favorable time for launching something new, as our “audience” may be critical or uninterested.

Keywords: Readjustment; Correcting; Disillusionment; Elimination

BALSAMIC

An unfavorable time for beginning something new, but favorable for closing something, putting it behind us, and for endings in general. A time for personal reflection, tying up loose ends.

Keywords: Incubation; Preparation; Closure; Surrender

© Copyright 2012 Annie Heese All rights Reserved.  http://cafeastrology.com/calendars/moonphasescalendar.html

“There are universal shapes to which everybody is sub-consciously conditioned and to which they can respond if their conscious control does not shut them off”  – Henry Moore

Sacred geometry is a universal language that describes the inner workings of nature and the intrinsic order of the universe. It is the natural sanction that unites all forms of life… from microbes, plants, animals and humans to motions of the planets and stars.

Sacred Geometry is the ancient science and sacred language and is a key to understanding the way the Universe is designed. It is study of shape and form, wave and vibration and are geometric patterns fundamental to the creation of the Universe.

It is the language of all Creation which exists as the foundation of all matter, and it is a vehicle of spirit. In understanding and studying geometric patterns and vibrational energies, you  learn pure language of the cosmos and gain access to universal wisdom. It’s been called “Divine rhythm which results in manifest existence,” and “Harmonic configuration of the soul.”

Often Termed the Language of Light, and has the ability to balance human energy fields and contains complex informational system that can be used to access healing and growth in many dimensions.

Nature is abuzz with pulses, oscillations, wave motions, rhythms and cycles in cast spectrum of universal energies­–all of which can be defined as vibration and frequency. Frequency can be expressed through number and number through shape and from–which is geometry.

Everything in the world is energy in a continual state of change. The sum total of energy in the universe does not increase or diminish but is continually transformed form one state to another.

Examples of Sacred Geometry

DNA:  the crystalline structure of the molecules

Snow flakes: The hexagonal geometry of snowflakes

Mandalas: A mandala is a sacred space, often a circle

Nautilus shell: The spiral growth of sea shells provide a simple, but beautiful example

Crop Circles: The documented cases have substantially increased from the 1970s to current times

Natures design: Flower patterns and the Fibonacci Numbers (see below)

Other  Sacred Geometry examples

– Fibonacci series in the numbers of leaves, the arrangement of leaves around the stem and in the positioning of leaves, sections and seeds.
The way trees’ branches reach out for sunlight

– Planets: Certain planets of our solar system also seem to exhibit a relationship to Divine Proportion, as research tables have shown by  the time it takes to orbit around the Sun

– Human body: feet to knees, knee to groin, groin to belly button, cornea of the eye

– Animals: The eye, fins and tail all fall at golden sections of the length of a dolphin’s body, butterflies, ants

– All types of crystals, natural and cultured

For me rituals are deeply satisfying and fuel my soul. They create a feeling that something special, magical is happening, and the whole universe is involved.  Rituals are nothing short of inspiring and uplifting.

So, if the idea of a new moon wish ritual appeals to you, I’ve shared the simple steps (below) for one of my favorite new moon rituals.

Light a candle to signify the start of the ritual – giving thanks and gratitude. You can even open with a little blessing or prayer if that feels right for you.

Arrive fully at the ritual:

Give 100% of your whole self when releasing your wishes by arriving fully into the moment.  Involve your mind fully,  breath fully, body fully and your soul fully.

Feel and become aware of  your body (feet, toes, fingers, legs, arms etc), shake and move your body if you need too.

Feel and become aware of your breath, follow it as it moves through your body.  It is your breath and words that will give energy to your wishes.

Feel and become aware of your thoughts – do not follow your thoughts just notice them and your mind will soon arrive without getting distracted.

Feel and sense the energy of your heart, the core of your being, the essence of who you are.

Now, pay closer attention to the environment around you. Tap into your senses.  What can you see, smell, taste, touch or hear?

Connect with the elements of nature:

To connect with the essence of the universe you need to acknowledge the four main elements of nature.  Fire – water – earth – water.  You can do this by feeling, sensing or having a physical representation for each of the elements.

Earth: go barefoot and feel the earth beneath your feet.  If you can’t go outside you may prefer to wear or hold a crystal, be close to a plant or vase of flowers. Breathe the earths energy up through your feet.  Feel the connection.

Fire: the burning candle signifies fire – feel or sense the cleansing properties of the fire, and the energy it is fueling your wishes with.

Air: light a piece of dried white sage or sage smudge stick (as shown in the picture above).  The smoke represents air. Let the smoke fill the air around you.

Water: have a bowl of water with a small handful of rock salt. This connects you to the ocean and all water on this planet. Add essences, flowers , crystals or infuse your water with sunshine – if this feels right for you.

Write and cleanse your wishes:

Write your wishes down on a piece of paper and then cleanse away unseen obstacles and energy blocks with the smoke from your sage smudge stick (Shown in the photo above).  Continue cleansing until you feel a lighter energy around your written wishes.

I have used dried white sage (either loose or as a smudge stick) for over 20 years and strongly believe in its cleansing and purification properties.  Burning sage is almost a daily occurrence in my home.  If you can find organic, then all the better.

Release your wishes:

The first part of releasing your wishes is writing them down.  The second part is saying them out aloud as if you are speaking in person to the universe.  Feel or sense the words of your wishes in your breath, in your exhale as they leave your body. Release them with love and grace.

Close ritual:

Finish your new moon wish ritual by blowing out your candle and giving thanks and gratitude. Close your eyes and spend a few special moments in silence – feeling whatever you need to feel.  I usually get a feeling of my wishes flying out into all corners of the world.

You may  keep your written wishes under your pillow, next to your favourite crystal,  on your bedside table, in your wish bowl, on your altar or bury them in the ground for the next month.  You may even prefer to keep a visual image or picture that represents your monthly wish.  Alternately read your monthly wish/wishes just before you go to bed.  Do whatever feels right for you. Trust and be guided your intuition.

Goddess Durga began calling me a few years ago when I started sensing her presence everywhere: in bookstores, in passing conversations, serendipitously happening upon a webpage, a friend inviting me to a Durga and Saraswati Puja and the stories go on.

Which lead me to this amazing book called Goddess Durga and the Sacred Female Power, by Laura Amazzone

“Goddess Durga herself embodies the paradoxes of our very existence: She is both Warrior Goddess and Divine Mother, both Death Bringer and Creator.
She is fierce and compassionate, wrathful and sensual, nurturing and furious, embodied and Divine.

When called upon She leads us through situations that seem insurmountable.
It is no wonder one of the meaning of Her name, Durga, is fortress. Durga indeed reminds us of the fortress we each carry within ourselves and can call upon when we need to fortify our emotional, physical, mental and spiritual boundaries.

Goddess Durga radiates great confidence and authority. She is formidable and fearsome: four of Her Hands hold a scythe, a spear, a trident and a club. She is beneficent, generous and reassuring; three other hands hold a conch shell, a lotus, a discus, and another gives the mudra or hand gesture to Fear not, I will protect you.

Courageously challenging restrictive conditioning that is harmful to our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and willfully embodying our rage and sexual passion is a direct act of working with, even embodying, Durga.

Ultimately, Durga brings us back to ourselves, to our true nature, and reminds each of us of our purpose here. She is powerful, and therefore, so are we. She has come to teach us to reclaim our power.

Here is a mantra you can chant to invoke the powers of Goddess Durga.
A MANTRA is a mystical energy encased in a sound structure. Every mantra contains within its vibration a certain power. Upon concentration and repetition of a given mantra, its energy is liberated and takes form. It is professed that by chanting this mantra all the physical, mental, economic problems are solved.

“Om Sri Durgaya Namah”

“The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color. Our entire being is nourished by it. This mystic quality of color should likewise find expression in a work of art.”  Hans Hoffman

Color is the window to the inner self. It reveals the innermost essence of who we are and who we came to be. Understanding and utilizing the symbolism of color can help us map not only our own path of consciousness but that of others as well. Through the language of color we can create specific energies within our lives, awaken special gifts, and celebrate the uniqueness of our rainbow body.

You do not need to be a therapist, healer, artist, or psychic to experience the potential growth opportunities and awakening effects of color. Anyone with a desire to deepen their understanding of color will recognize the revealing qualities of their “true colors,” and the messages they invite.

Louise Hay expresses that color is direct, visceral and emotional, and that color is also every where in our lives. We all eat food, we wear clothing, and many of us wear jewels and gemstones. We color our rooms and our furnishings. Our mode of transportation is colored, as is our place of business. When we consciously choose colors and gems and food and clothing that blend with our personal vibratory rates on a daily basis, we enhance our ability to flow with the currents of life. A healthy attitude towards ourselves and our lives is often reflected in the colors we surround our world with.

I came upon Shanna Trumbly at Lightning in a Bottle, music festival a few years back. I immediately felt my heart expand, smiling into my soul.

Raposa’s Garden by Shanna Trumbly

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56452099/raposas-garden-by-shanna-trumbly-eco

When I look into this painting my heart expands as the subtle softness of such a magnificent creature , almost bowing, honoring this winged Goddesses presence. Together sharing in love, admiration, respect and grace.

I have been deeply connected to Lion spirit my entire life, and especially after I returned from Africa where I received numerous blissful moments experiencing them in the wild.

Lions Represent: Courage, Power, Royalty, Dignity, Authority, Dominion, Justice, Wisdom, Ferocity

In Egypt, the lion represented the ferocious heat of the sun and was seen in the likeness of Sekhmet who is the Egyptian goddess known as the Eye of Ra. She is the power that protects the good and annihilates the wicked.

In ancient Greece, lions were identified with Dionysus, Phoebus, Cybele, and Artemis because myth indicates lions drew the chariots for these gods and goddesses. Here, the symbolic meaning of lions revolved around protections and they were viewed as guardians of the dead as well as guardians of palaces, doorways, shrines and thrones. They were also ultimate protectors of hearth and home.

In Hinduism, the lion is an avatar (embodiment or personification) of Vishnu.

In Buddhism the Buddha sits upon the lion as a throne of consistency, strength and wisdom.

In alchemy, the symbolic meaning of lions is associated with the highly idealistic and prized attributes of gold.

Avia Venefica

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/invoke-animal-totems.html

Michael Parks, Gold – 2012

Research shows that just a few minutes of feeling gratitude can calm the nervous system as it creates a resonant state in which the rhythms of the heart, breathing, blood pressure and brain are synchronized. Here is my prayer—what is yours?

How I practice Gratitude: every day 20 minutes: people, places, experiences, guidance, god, higher self, objects, people,

“Appreciate the value and contribution of one person in your life each day—a personal quality or something he or she has done. Make a commitment to communicate your appreciation to them.  Then have a silent meditation to send them love, blessings and appreciation.  This practice will truly change you and improve your relationships dramatically. List at least five people whom you respect and appreciate something about them:

Express your gratitude when someone has helped you. Don’t take anything for granted.  Make a commitment to thank them, either in person or by a phone call or email.  Then send them love, blessings and appreciation in your meditation.  Write down three things for which you are grateful:

Appreciate yourself:  now write down at least five things that you appreciate about yourself—positive gifts or qualities you have for which you are grateful. (Then reflect on whether this is harder for you to do than the first two exercises!):”

Thank you for being YOU!

Another favorite artist that I resonate deep within my soul.  I have this piece framed in my home.

Dragonfly’s symbolize: Prosperity, good luck, strength, peace, harmony, purity.

“The dragonfly is a reminder that when our deeper thoughts rise to the surface we must pay attention – there are lessons to be learned, and we are also reminded that what we think is directly proportionate to what we “see on the surface.” …In short, our thoughts (even the deeper ones that we might not be as in-touch with as we are with our conscious thoughts) are responsible for what we see in our lives – in our physical surroundings.”

Avia Venefica

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/invoke-animal-totems.html

Michael Parks, Dragonfly