Natural Beauty - Alpacas

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Natural Beauty - Caracals

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Crow Medicine

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Crow Medicine

Crow is the left-handed guardian. Crow knows the unknowable mysteries of creation and is the keeper of all sacred law. There are several species of crow. Raven is one of these and magpies are another. Crow medicine people are masters of illusion. Do not try to figure crow out. It is the power of the unknown at work, and something special is about to happen.

 

Crow is also the guardian of ceremonial magic and healing. In any healing circle, Crow is present. Crow guides the magic of healing and the change in consciousness that will bring about a new reality and dispel "dis-ease" or illness. You can rest assure when ever crows are around, magic is near by and you are about to experience a change in consciousness. Crow can give you the courage to enter the darkness of the void, which is the home of all that is not yet in form.
They are territorial and won't give up an area without a fight. They are loners, seeming to like to spend time to themselves.

If you have a crow as a totem, you need to be willing to walk your talk and speak your truth. You must put aside your fear of being a voice in the wilderness and "caw" the shots as you see them. Crow is an omen of change. If she keeps appearing to you she may be telling you that you have a powerful voice when addressing issues that you do not quite understand or feel that they are out of balance.

Crows are the bringer of messages from the spirit world, and is thought to dwell beyond the realm of time and space.

When you meet crow, she could be telling you that there will be changes in your life and that possibly you should step by the usual way you view reality and look into the inner realms…walk your talk…be prepared to let go of your old thinking and embrace a new way of viewing yourself and the world.

Crow is the sacred keeper of the law. Crow medicine signifies a firsthand knowledge of a higher order of right and wrong than that indicated by the laws created in human culture. With Crow medicine, you speak in a powerful voice when addressing issues that for you seem out of harmony, out of balance, out of whack, or unjust.

When you learn to allow your personal integrity to be your guide, your sense of feeling alone will vanish. Your personal will can then emerge so that you will stand in your truth. The prime path of true Crow people says to be mindful of your opinions and actions. Be willing to walk your talk, speak your truth, know your life’s mission, and balance past, present, and future in the now. Shape shift that old reality and become your future self. Allow the bending of physical laws to aid in creating the shape shifted world of peace.


http://www.birdclan.org/crow.html

Unintended consequences

The unintended consequences of micromanaging nature

JULY 23, 2013

We must tell our readers about the collateral damage of misguided attempts to manage nature more often than we would like.  We prefer positive stories, but in the hope of a better future we must also inform the public of the unintended consequences of the many projects that are killing one species of plant or animal based on the mistaken assumption that another plant or animal will benefit. 

Trumpeter swan by James Audubon

In this case, a project sponsored by the Nature Conservancy decimated the population of rare Arctic grayling fish in Centennial Valley, Montana, by damming the streams to create ponds for the benefit of the equally rare trumpeter swan.  The grayling had spawned in those streams and the population plummeted when the streams were dammed. 

The Nature Conservancy scientist who was interviewed by National Public Radio for this story said, “There are lots of examples where we try something that sounds like a good idea [and it] turns out not to be that good of an idea.  Then [we] remedy it and—hopefully—never try it again.”    

Unfortunately, they ARE trying it again.  Now the scientists are trying to compensate for the damage to the grayling population by killing cutthroat trout that is considered a predator to the grayling.  The cutthroat is not native, so that also makes it a candidate for eradication.  It’s as though we are on a killing treadmill.  One mistake seems to lead to another. 

Stop and think before you shoot!

Cockatoo. Creative Commons

A bird lover in Hawaii takes a more thoughtful approach to the suggestion that introduced cockatoos and African parrots should be shot, based on the assumption that they are competing with the dwindling population of native birds.  He points out that the native birds nest in the ground, while the cockatoos and parrots nest in cavities in the trees.  Most of the native birds are nectar eaters, while the cockatoos and parrots eat seeds and nuts.  So, he wonders if the introduced birds are really a threat to the native birds.

The exotic birds are either escaped pets or the descendents of them.  The author of the article urges pet owners to take care of their pets and make a permanent commitment to their care.  Releasing them into the forest is making them a target for people who think killing them would benefit other birds. 

The author is not opposed to killing non-native animals when absolutely necessary, but he is at least willing to carefully consider if it is necessary, in his opinion.   He is comfortable with the killing of rats, pigs, and feral cats, for example.

Million Trees takes this question a step further.  We don’t think humans should micromanage nature.  We don’t have enough information to presume to know better than nature what is best.  We also have our own anthropomorphic criteria for which species is more important than another.  Our judgment is self-serving and is not a substitute for the even-hand of nature.   Nature follows the simple rule of “survival of the fittest.”  Nature is as likely to save the lowly spider as it is to save the beautiful trumpeter swan.

A parable to illustrate the point

This parable, retold in Fanaticism of the Apocalypse (1) illustrates the futility of man’s attempt to control nature:

“Noah, as he is loading the animals onto the Ark, is alarmed by the large number of candidates.  Mammals, birds, marsupials, penguins, primates, and lizards have already gone on board.  The ass, the ox, the giraffe, the elk, the stag, the lion, and the cat urge the patriarch to raise the gangplank and close the hatches.  The boat is chock-full, the cedar hull is about to crack open, the Deluge is threatening.  Outside, a crowd of harmful or misshapen pests—cockroaches, toads, slugs, spiders—asks to be taken on.  The toad speaks on behalf of his unsightly comrades:  he pleads their cause with eloquence, pointing out to the Patriarch that they perform a useful function in nature.  In God’s design, nothing is ugly or repugnant:  everything is ingenious, even invertebrates, mollusks are necessary.  No one has the right to destroy these creatures of the Lord.  But Noah turns on his heel and decides to raise the anchor.  Then a cloud of insects and pests assails him:  fleas climb on his legs, crabs crawl in his pubic hair, lice swarm on his head, leeches, stinkbugs, and mosquitoes stick to his skin without him noticing them.  Snakes slip into his flowing hair, spiders take up residence in his beard.  That is how the whole bestiary was spared.”

We fiddle with nature at our own peril. 

*****************************

(1)    Pascal Bruckner, The Fanaticism of the Apocalypse, Polity, May 2013

Reblogged from Death of a Million Trees

Natural Beauty - Spider

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Raven rescue

Raven Asks Human for Help with Painful Quills After Porcupine Attack

Gertie Cleary compared the experience to a child with a splinter. "[W]hen you pull a splinter out, they holler and screech and pull their hand away," she told CTV News.

The young raven fledgling who visited Cleary's Nova Scotia home last month had just borne the brunt of a porcupine attack, and was clearly reaching out to Cleary for help in extracting the painful quills that were attached to its face.

Her daughter caught the amazing incident on camera and uploaded it to YouTube.

According to the description, the bird, which the family named Wilfred, stuck around for a day after the "operation" before flying away.

Hope for Wildlife director Hope Swinimer commended Cleary on her actions, saying Wilfred would not have survived without her help.

Quoth the Raven: "Thanks lady!"

[H/T: Arbroath]

Article found at Gawker.

Natural Beauty - Bear and Wolves

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Creation Story

Susan Seddon Boulet, artist

Evrynome--A Story of Creation

Long, long in the past, far, far in the future,
At that point, before the beginning, after the end,
Where time and space do not exist,
Where all colors and forms are lost in the blackness of void,
There was a heavy vast silence,
A profound eternal motionlessness,
And nothingness and everything were the same.

And then Evrynome, Gaia, Goddess of a thousand names,
Mother of all,
Sighed.

And the sound of her breath echoed pleasingly in her ears.
As if it were a foreseeing
And yet as if it were remembrance,
She heard summer breezes ruffling tall green grasses,
And winter hurricanes howling through deep valleys,
And the pounding of the sea,
And the calling voices of all creation.
And so Evrynome, Gaia, Goddess of a thousand names,
Mother of all,
Pursed her lips and whistled for the wind.

Then slowly, smoothly, with perfect sensuality
She rose up from the timeless bed of her infinite rest
And caught up the wind
In her cupped hands,
In her streaming hair,
In the billows of her skirts,
And in the warm secret places of her body,
And she danced.

She danced delicately, she danced frenziedly,
She danced in staccato rhythm and liquid movement,
She danced with pure precision and orgiastic abandon,
She danced gloriously,
She danced holding the wind in her close embrace,
She danced the love and the joy of creation.
She danced and she danced.

And from the arch of her foot leapt the circles of time,
And from the curve of her spine, the spirals of life,
Day and night,
Black and white,
Absorption, reflection,
Birth, death, resurrection.
And as ecstasy grew, as the beat increased,
The wind blew wild and her belly swelled round.
And from the rivers of her sweat, oceans flowed,
And with each heave of her breast, mountains rose.
And when she threw back her hair and opened her hands,
Life teemed around her and harmony reigned.
Creation now danced in her perfect time
And she smiled.

~Christine Lavdas~

Poem found in this book

Natural Beauty - Swan

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Natural Beauty - Sea Angel

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Natural Beauty - Ural Owl

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Natural Beauty - Lilac-breasted Roller

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Natural Habitat Adventures

 

Have you ever seen such a tiny bird with so many vibrant colors? Simply beautiful!

It's a lilac-breasted roller in Linyanti Private Reserve, Botswana. You'll see them on any of our Africa safaris in Botswana.

Natural Beauty - Violet Snail

(Image from here via FB)

The Violet Snail is found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and eastern Tasmania!

We dance our wildness....

“The wild is an integral part of who we are as children. Without pausing to consider what or where or how, we gather herbs and flowers, old apples and rose hips, shiny pebbles and dead spiders, poems, tears and raindrops, putting each treasured thing into the cauldron of our souls. We stir our bucket of mud as if it were, every one, a bucket of chocolate cake to be mixed for the baking. Little witches, hag children, we dance our wildness, not afraid of not knowing.”  

~Emma Restall Orr~  

 

Today, I feel Autumn in the air.  It usually happens for me in July, just as I feel Spring in the air in February.  Even with the heat and humidity, there is a slight coolness in the breeze that portends Autumn's arrival right around the bend. The shifting light is slightly, but noticeably different.  The air smells different - it's no longer the Spring/Summer fragrance of wild roses and honeysuckle, but something more earthy, musky, mysterious.

Autumn, for me, begins on Lammas, the first harvest and is my favorite season of the year.  The abundance of crops, the intensity of color, the laziness of Summer switching gears and rushing to ripen fruits and vegetables before the arrival of the inevitable first frost.  The dance between the fullness of Life and the closeness of Death - one tumbles into the other fearlessly, never doubting the endless cycles around our Sun.  It's simply a magnificent time!

(The image above was on my old blog and I'm not sure where I grabbed it on the internet. If this is your image, please let me know so that I can credit properly.)

Heavenly Messages - July, 2013

Cancer Zodiac Art Print by Eve Sand July 1, 2013 Dear Star Spangled Friends, Happy July! Summer is really here now and in the Northeast it’s been one of the best Spring-Summer in years. Just the right amount of rain and Sun, hot days with cool nights and plenty of clear, sparkly days to balance hazy ones. People are happy and everyone’s gardens are too. Feels good to be alive! July’s astrology is very active with lots of planetary motion and the watery cascade across the heavens continues including a Grand Water Trine noted for it’s flowing effect. This trine maximizes healing and love, but can also tumble into troubled waters if we don’t access the higher qualities. Heads up Moon children, Cancer is most affected and Scorpio, Capricorn and Aries need to pay attention too. Read all about it below. Every July 1st the Sun glows in Cancer, the first water sign in the zodiac wheel. Water = emotions and Cancerian energy is nurturing and healing. The beautiful Moon herself is Cancer’s ruler and Cancer in its highest form is the embodiment of unconditional love and has an effortlessly creative nature treating all with kindness and appreciation. The best Cancers inspire us all by their ability to rides emotional waves of change like a master. Here are some quotes from Sun in Cancer folks expressing these characteristics: There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness. ~ The Dalai Lama It is wonderful how much time good people spend fighting the devil. If they would only expend the same amount of energy loving their fellow men, the devil would die in his own tracks. ~ Helen Keller Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future. ~ Nelson Mandela I hope you receive blessings of kindness, love and compassion and let it flow out to all this month and always! Best, Melissa Note: I added a new feature this month for those of you who like to skim. I highlighted each new topic so they are easier to find. Hope this makes your reading experience better! Heavenly Messages for July 2013 Your handy Astro Facts: The New Moon (16° Cancer) is on 7/8 at 3:14a the Full Moon (0° Aquarius) is on 7/22 at 2:15p, Saturn turns direct on 7/8 at 5° Scorpio, Mars enters Cancer on 7/13, Uranus goes retrograde on 7/17 at 12° Aries (thru 12/17), Mercury goes direct on 7/20 at 2:22p at 13° Cancer, and the Sun enters Leo on 7/22 at 11:56a. All times are EDT  – Scroll below to see your Individual Sign Messages New emotional energies are flowing in the cosmos in July and I’ll bet you feel it already. Last’s month’s mermaid who came up for a bit of air, dove back into deep blue waters leaving her prince searching in vain for her by the shore. Are you the mermaid or the prince? July is one of the most active months this year for planetary motion. Mercury is retrograde, Saturn turns forward, Uranus backs up and Mars enters Cancer. Meanwhile Jupiter is adjusting to slower Cancerian waters after a 12 month visit in quick airy Gemini, and Venus is shining pretty in her new Leo gown. On 7/1 a beautiful waterfall trine between Sun, Jupiter in Cancer, Neptune in Pisces and Saturn in Scorpio is in full flow and the Moon joins wounded healer Chiron in mystical Pisces announcing the potential for deep healing. All together this brings a changing cosmic tide. Mercury is retrograde in Cancer until 7/20 and remains in Cancer until 8/8. As always Gemini and Virgo need to know this because Mercury is your ruler and Cancerians need to pay special attention too, since Mercury stays twice as long in your sign. Mercury rules communication, all mental activities, and transportation too. Read my post on Mercury Retro if you need a refresher on Merc. retro trends. Mercury in touchy-feely Cancer puts emphasis on emotions and when retro emotions run deeper. This can be wonderful for tapping creative expression, but can get deeply off track if you’re not careful. Cancer is known for taking things way too personally. Your pent up righteous anger about how you’ve been treated might be pure projection. A good way to handle this is to speak up and express yourself, in a gentle Cancerian way, to clear the waters. Most likely you’ll find the other person did not intend to insult you at all and it gives a chance for them to explain what they’ve been going through in their life so mutual understanding is reached. Much better scenario than boiling in your own stew until you (or your car’s radiator – these things happen w/Merc. Retro!) bursts and spews over onto everything and everyone around you! With Sun glowing in Cancer now and massive Jupiter dipping into Cancerianwaters for the first time in 12 years (from 6/25/13 thru 7/17/14) themes like this and generally how you handle your emotional energy is HUGE! Combine this with Saturn in deep intense Scorpio and Neptune and Chiron in the most sensitive sign of all – Pisces, and you have a recipe for true healing at the deepest levels you’ve ever been able to reach. Or it can activate the downside which is volcanic eruptions deep in the seas of your unexamined emotional motivations which spew molten lava and nasty slime on anyone close. Look around your life. I am sure you’ve seen both examples in yourself and from people you interact with at work, in your family and personal relationships. The key to maintaining the positive perspective as this cosmic waterfall cascades over you, is self-awareness first and foremost. Recognize what punches your emotional buttons and take steps to deactivate them (it’s easier than you think). Then consciously use this amazing energy to activate more kindness, empathy, deeper understanding and pure love into all your interactions with others and yourself as well. The more you allow this loving tide to flow through you, the more you can access this most positive cosmic flow of our lifetime. What a wonderful world it would be if we all did this! Jupiter’s astrological job is to expand the energy of the sign in which he travels and this largest planet in our solar system does excellent work. Jupiter is also connected to systems like law and government. Cancer’s highest aspiration is unconditional love and it rules marriage, home and family, mothers and children and nurturing energies in us all – male or female. Jupiter entered Cancer on the evening of 6/25 and the very next day – 6/26 the US Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision forcing the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages in states where it is legal. Cancer is also a conservative sign – not in the political sense, but very sentimental and conserving of tradition. It’s a sign that will embrace change, but usually after being convinced there is no other choice. Cancer prefers the security of status-quo. Only 4 days after this historic Supreme Court decision opponents of gay marriage filed a long-shot petition asking the justices to immediately halt same-sex weddings taking place in California.Both ends of the Cancerian spectrum are in full view. You just can’t make this stuff up folks – as above so below! Jupiter in Cancer all this month is beaming out to Saturn in fellow water sign Scorpio (part of the grand water trine) and this mutual connection adds more energy to both planet’s effects. Scorpio is the most powerful sign of all – it’s all about power – how it is used, abused, overtly and covertly wielded. Scorpio also rules sexuality, one of the most powerful forces of nature and played a part in the Supreme Court ruling as well. Saturn aka “Lord of the Material World” in Scorpio digs deep to unearth the truth then digs even deeper. The recent US NSA revelations by whistle blower Edward Snowden is an example of things which come to light during Saturn/Scorpio transits and the way in which the “establishment” both government and media rush to deny and explain away is evidence of their use of Scorpionic power. See my Saturn in Scorpio post for more background information. Saturn is currently at the end of a 4 + month retrograde period and turns direct on 7/8 at 5° Scorpio. Saturn rules Capricorn, so Cappies will sense a lighter load with Saturn direct and Scorpios will feel forward momentum too (let’s hope it’s to the good side!). See your individual sign messages HERE for more personal insight. Saturn’s forward movement over the next 8 months indicates continued focus upon the issues mentioned above and others of a similar nature which may have yet come to the surface. Considering the NSA leaks came out during Saturn retro, Saturn direct also means those in control, both government and corporate forces, will take any steps necessary to entrench their power more fully. As July begins Muscular Mars is the only planet still traveling in Gemini after last month’s major airy Gemini flutter. Mars in Gemini is the prince left standing on the shore as he watches his beautiful mermaid princess reclaim her watery kingdom. He’s not sure whether it was all a just dream and tries to distract himself with amusements so he won’t get too sad. Gemini rules the public mind, so translate this dynamic into everyone’s (your own) tendency to look the other way when something is disturbing, and/or being so busy with a zillion things you don’t have time to think deeply at all. This is all set to change when Mars enters Cancer on 7/13 for the first time in 2 years adding a major thrust to the powerful emotional flow in the heavens. Mars is all about action and is very pushy and insistent. When Mars travels in water signs you get pulled into deep, even unconscious, emotional depths whether you want to go or not! On the upside this activates a very creative blend. Artists, musicians, crafts people, etc. will be able to draw on this for inspiration and everyone will feel their creative abilities bubble to the top, easier to access. Cancer is also one of the most healing of all signs, so anyone who works in health care at all levels will sense your healing abilities heightened. Mars rules Aries, so you Rams will feel the effects for sure and of course Cancer will too. One thing to note while Mars travels in Cancer (thru 8/28) is that it affects the birth chart of the USA – July 4, 1776 - born with not only Sun in Cancer, but also Mercury, Venus and Jupiter. (USA has a Jupiter return later this month.) For the next 6 weeks Mars, with all the might of his activating force, will be crossing over these planets in the USA chart. To give you an idea of what this can create, Mars was also in Cancer in late Summer-Fall of 2007 when the US economy began to tank into the great recession. Cancer is the sign most closely connected to nurturing and governs women, children, families and all those most in need of care like infants and the elderly. Mars in Cancer helps put focus on all issues connected to these themes, and can also pit aggressive attacks against the most helpless. Here in the US the Sequester budget issue has emphasized how we want to spend tax dollars. Do we fund never-ending wars or programs to help the vulnerable ones, the elderly, infants and children? Mars in Cancer will bring these and similar issues to the forefront with plenty of volatility! Last in this month’s cosmic play-list is Uranus which begins a long 5 month retrograde on 7/17 at 12° Aries and reverses to 8° Aries before going direct again on 12/17. Uranus’ astrological function is significant – to amplify the urge toward enlightenment. Uranus’ symbol looks like a cell tower, befitting his job of helping us here below tune into higher wavelengths. Uranus is one of the outer planets and as such represents larger, more universal themes rather than personal in its cosmic movement through the zodiac wheel. When Uranus retros the affect is subtle for most, but since Uranus rules wild eyed Aquarius you crystal kids of all ages might notice your own antenna have more static than usual. You’ll need to pull more on inner focus to grasp things rather than expect the outer clarity you are accustomed to. For Aries, especially anyone born from March 29 thru April 2 – or have Aries rising from 8 thru 12 degrees is having a one a lifetime Uranus transit – it is time to become enlightened! See your individual sign messages for more personal insight. Uranus is the ultimate structure-buster while Saturn represents form, function, structure. It’s an interesting cosmic metaphor that these 2 planets make dynamic changes within a few days of each other. Uranus in Aries was a cosmic trigger (bullets flying!) of the Arab Spring back in 2011, and is part of the on-going public outcry and massive demonstrations against austerity measures in Turkey, Greece and elsewhere across the globe. Retro Uranus/Aries might calm things down, or when combined with the influence of Saturn direct and so much watery energy in the heavens, might create a long, slow bubbling simmer which will move to the front burner explosively later. Time will tell. One last thing I’d like to discuss this month is about Nelson Mandela the former President of South Africa who was the leading force behind liberating his country from the deep oppression of apartheid. Mandela has Sun in Cancer, born on July 18, 1918. He also has Jupiter and Pluto in Cancer and Moon in Scorpio, all so highlighted by current astro-themes. Mandela is in very ill health and appears to be close to death. Astrologers are not keen on predicting anyone’s death (I would never do so for a personal client) but indicators are sometimes obvious. This is the case with transits affecting Mandela’s chart. In last month’s issue I discussed how current cosmic energies can lift us to heights we’ve not been able to reach before and initiate a healing cycle throughout the globe with a cosmic flow that can burst wide open the Heart Chakra of the World. Nelson Mandela’s courage and humility are certainly an inspiration to all and upon his death much will be written and discussed about one of the giants of the 20th century. I believe Mandela’s death and other such important transitions (Prince William and Kate’s baby will be born soon for example) are a part of this process. I quoted Mandela above and here is another quote of his: “Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.” The energy of this time calls out for forgiveness and compassion, it is time to turn the other cheek toward the light, let go of the past and move forward into a blessed future. May it be so! IMAGE NOTE: I choose this lovely print by Eve Sand for the Cancer issue because the combination of the Moon and the flowing blue gown on the lovely woman suggests the flowing energy in the heavens this month. Eve calls it “Cancer Zodiac Art Print” which you can find at her ETSY site HERE. In her own words Eve “is a painter, graphic and web designer living in Vancouver, BC. I design and print all of my work in my studio and I only use best quality paper and inks.” Her ETSY shop is HERE where you can find more of her work. Individual Heavenly Messages for July 2013 NOTE: To get the most out of your Heavenly Messages read the message for your Rising sign (ascendant) along with your Sun sign. CANCER June21 – July 20 Happy Birthday Dear Moonbeams! Your solar new year marks a very significant time for you. Jupiter, largest planet in the solar system, is gracing your sign for the first time in 12 years bringing a ton of opportunity your way. Jupiter also plays well with Saturn in fellow water sign Scorpio and Neptune in the 3rd water sign Pisces creating a flowing fountain in the heavens which YOU are the primary recipient! It will be easier than ever to be the best of Cancerian which is loving, caring, kind and nurturing to all – including yourself. And this is the challenge too – remember to keep your own self in the same loving equation you place everyone else, then the potential to be the happiest you have ever been is at your fingertips! July beings on a mystical Pisces Moon shining on a lovely waterfall of connections with friends and others of like-minded (like-hearted) community. So glow with friends this month! Meanwhile Venus just entered your financial zone to sweeten your resources until they are plumper than ever, and Mars is off in your dream zone stirring things up on spirit side. Mars splashes into Cancer for the first time in 2 years on 7/13 when those dreams begin to activate in your waking reality. Dream large Cancer! New Moon in Cancer on 7/8 helps you do this. LEO July 20 - August 22 Dear Leo, July begins with sweet Venus in your sign, gliding like a beautiful panther across your own terrain. Use this feline power – it’s time to attract what you want and need. When Venus is in your sign no one can deny you! She’ll be in Leo thru 7/22 so take full advantage. Mars begins the month activating your networking connection sphere, so put your feelers out into the community at large and find time to have fun with friends too. Your ruler the Sun glows in watery Cancer off in your dreamtime zone where huge Jupiter has joined him for the first time in 12 years. Leo is the most creative sign going, and Jupiter adds his major power to the next level of your creative inspiration. Take plenty of time to rest, rejuvenate and tap into your own wonderland to discover the riches there. Those closest to you want to come on this journey too so slow down a bit until they catch up to you. You’re going to have a lot more fun that way! VIRGO August 23 – September 22 Dear Virgo, Ruler Mercury is retro as July begins and remains backward until 7/20. Mercury is in Cancer which rules your networking connections and friendship zone. The Sun shines in this same space which massive Jupiter entered on 6/25 for the first time in 12 years and Mars will join in too, on 7/13. This brings an odd blend of hyper-active connections magically appearing to help you with career plans initiated earlier, while at the same time you might doubt everything because responses are slow and communication wonky. Just remind yourself that it’s summertime! People’s minds are hot and hazy and Merc retro makes this even more pronounced. So best advice for the month is to chill your typical Virgo need to have everything lined up beforehand. Mercury turns direct on 7/20 then Sweet Venus enters Virgo on 7/22 so simply relax with the knowledge all will fall into place at the perfect moment, because it will! LIBRA September 23 – October 23 Dear Libra, July’s astro energy highlights a very opportune time for you! As the month begins the Sun in Cancer shines on your career zone where Jupiter is beginning to energize major opportunities for the first time in over a decade. Jupiter plays well with Saturn in your income sphere and also with Neptune in your work space creating the best flow ever! Mars jumps into Cancer too (and your career space) on 7/13 for the first time in 2 years adding his active vibe, so pay attention to any and all indications as well as the people pointing them out out to you because the mojo is rising! Ruler Venus just entered Leo on 6/27 where she graces your networking connections and community involvement sphere. She’ll be here thru 7/22 so network, network network! This positive flow might get a bit kinky due to Mercury retro, also in your career/outer world zone. This could manifest as delayed communication, home and family needs pulling you off track, along with other distractions you can’t anticipate at all. Best advice is to go with the flow – don’t fight it. In other words, stay in perfect Libra balance. SCORPIO October24 – November 22 Dear Scorpio, July’s heavenly energy is active for you across the board! Venus with her sweet luck and loving ways just entered your career/outer world zone where she’ll be thru 7/22. It’s one of the best times all year to shine in your world! Meanwhile Saturn has been backing up in Scorpio since February but is set to move direct on 7/8. This forward momentum carries you ahead too. Remember to be an Eagle type Scorpio – rise to higher perspectives and keep your ego demands in check to take full advantage of this positive force. Co-ruler Mars travels in your deep connections zone as the month begins, highlighting issues (good or not) of partners in love and/or work. On 7/13 Mars dives into your higher mind, travel and belief structure terrain for the first time in 2 years. Jupiter just entered this same zone for the first time in 12 years creating large opportunities. It’s a good time to take any classes that stretch your mind, go on interesting travel adventures and it’s also an excellent time to reach out to your religious community, church circles etc. – friendship and good advice is there for you. SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 20 Dear Sagittarius, July marks a deep territory for you. Ruler Jupiter is now in Cancer which governs your soul mate, intimacy and deepest connection zone where you mix and mingle resources with significant others in life. This can be scary territory for Saggies who gallop away from commitment and true intimacy. If this is you know that current cosmic energies encourage you to face this bolting tendency, once and for all! There is much tender energy pouring from the heavens now which can help you see the positive side of togetherness with those who care for you. Your family, lovers and work mates adore being around you because you uplift them with your optimistic attitude and help them look at life in a better way. There are times when it’s appropriate to ride around the world gathering and spreading ideas. Now is the time to stay in your own pasture to share time and love with those near and dear. As the month begins Venus shines in your belief structure zone, helping you recognize higher truths and Mars flies in your relationship sector making it easier to set your sights on others needs in addition to your own. This means you have plenty of help to look at things from a different perspective. CAPRICORN December21 – January 19 Dear Mountain Goats, There is big astro-news for you in July. Saturn, your ruling planet, is set to go direct on 7/8 after a long 4+ month retrograde journey. Saturn entered your networking connections and friendship zone last October for the first time in 30 years encouraging (demanding!) you to set boundaries against any energy suckers you were involved with and also requesting you to create new and better connections with your community of like-minded friends and associates. Now that Saturn moves forward again, these issues come back up for review. Luckily other cosmic energies now, primarily Jupiter in Cancer in your relationship space and Neptune in Pisces in your mental zone, work in complete harmony with Saturn so this review should flow easily. Communicator Mercury travels backward in your relationship zone thru 7/20, so if you don’t feel this good flow immediately don’t be concerned. Hold your focus on what is right in front of you to do and the appropriate timing will be obvious when it comes around. AQUARIUS January20 – February 19 Dear Aquarius, July’s astro theme is a mixed melody for you. The lovely note is Venus who just entered your relationship zone – exactly where she loves to be – on 6/27 and will be here most of the month (thru 7/22). You look at those you love with adoring eyes and they reflect your own beauty back to you – how nice is this! Work mates are affected in positive ways too. The discordant key is ruler Uranus who turns retrograde on 7/17 for his long backward journey thru 12/17. This note is not as off-beat as it could be, because Uranus maintains his journey in Aries, a sign which works well with yours and also with Venus in Leo. Since Uranus is stationed in your mental and communication space, it pays to be very careful about what you say and think, because if you spew out to quickly it could land you in hot water! This is especially true when you’re on the job, so keep your mouthy side calm, especially at work.See INTRO for more on Uranus retro. Full Moon on 7/22 is in Aquarius. A wonderful time to celebrate the fullness of you! PISCES February 20 – March 20 Dear Flowy Fish, Just like last month July begins with a mystical Pisces Moon which highlights your beautiful form. On 7/1 the Moon travels alongside wounded healer Chiron which adds to the beautiful healing energy trine in the heavens between your ruler Neptune, Saturn and Jupiter along with the Sun which flows all this month (and beyond). I’ll bet you noticed this shift at the Solstice (when Sun entered Cancer) and felt it even more when Jupiter entered Cancer on 6/25. This heavenly confluence emphasizes your creativity and also the territory where you take your creative work out into the world. It’s time for you shy, sensitive Pisces to overcome your resistance and strut your sweet stuff! Speaking of sweet, Venus travels in your work space most of the month (thru 7/22). Her lovely energy helps you feel more confident and when Mars enters Cancer for the first time in 2 years on 7/13 you’ll receive an even bigger creative boost. So dive in and swim! ARIES March 21 – April 21 Dear Aries, July’s astro energy is a mixed brew for you. The month begins with Venus in Leo traveling in your creative, “let’s have fun!” zone so you want to get out to play and let your creative self shine! At the same time massive Jupiter just entered your home space for the first time in 12 years, so unless you’re bringing your home folks with you, there might be trouble brewing! Mercury is retro here too (thru 7/20) so make sure all communication, especially with family, is clear and above-board. On 7/13 your ruler Mars dives into Cancer for the first time in 2 years. Cancer governs this same territory further activating potential clashes between your personal desires versus your homies needs and demands. Soon after, on 7/17, Coyote Uranus stationed in Aries begins his annual 5 month retrograde period. This actually could be a plus for you, because Uranus retro is less sparky and the unpredictable energy is more subdued. So best overall advice is to slow down a bit, pay closer attention to your loved ones, include them on some of your fun adventures and if you can’t, take time to explain why. TAURUS April 22 – May 20 Dear Taurus, July’s cosmic flow energizes your mental attitude to the max! Huge Jupiter just entered your mind/communication zone where the Sun shines now too. Jupiter visits here for the first time in 12 years helping expand new ideas and bringing more energy to speak your truth. Mercury remains retro in this same space until 7/20 so don’t be concerned if you still feel tongue-tied, this too shall pass. Helping things along is your ruler Venus who just entered Leo and your home space where she’ll be thru 7/22. It’s time to make your castle shine with beauty and to love the ones there with you. Lord of karma Saturn has been moving backward in your relationship zone since February making it more difficult to view those close to you with loving eyes. Saturn turns direct on 7/8 which means your partners in life (and business too) start making more appealing moves in directions you’ll appreciate. All in all Taurus, it continues to be a very good time for you, so keep on keeping on! GEMINI May 21 – June 20 Dear Gemini, July begins with ruler Mercury retrograde so if you feel under the weather for a while, not to worry this too shall pass. You might not have even noticed this particular retro phase as much because Mars is still charging through Gemini continuing an active and lively time. On 7/13 Mars enters your finance and resources zone for the first time in 2 years further activating Jupiter’s recent move into this same territory. There is a wonderful flow between your work, career and income zones now and since Jupiter expands energy wherever he visits, the potential for your income to grow is the best it’s been in many years. Venus shines in your mental/communication zone now thru 7/22 so creative ideas keep coming. If it seems like others haven’t paid as much attention to your bright concepts as you’d hoped, don’t lose faith. Saturn turns direct in your work zone on 7/8 so supervisors finally turn your way, then when Mercury moves forward on 7/20 lines of communication open again. So continue to be your sprightly Gemini self, enjoying every moment so when things get on the best track, you’ll be there to greet the future with a smiling face! Melissa Stratton Personal Relations Counselor Astrology, Tarot, Dream Analysis melwaz@ptd.net heavenlymessagesbymelissa.com