Horoscope for the Week of May 9, 2004

Tip of the Week:

Mother is a word that denotes a very special part of every person's life. As the most obvious source of life, Mother merits our utmost love and respect. The parent we acknowledge to be the one in whose very body we were conceived, grew and entered the world holds divine status. Beyond the immediate biological realities that produce and host the miracles of birth and life, Mother encompasses a much larger spectrum yet.

Beyond our biological Mother is Mother Earth and beyond her is Mother Nature. The words are simple but the leaps in scope and awareness are immense. Mother Nature in particular is literally the creator or, at least the embodiment of the whole universe. After all, where does nature begin and end? Nature certainly transcends our own planet, as wonderful and sacred as she is. So, where does she, Mother Nature, end? The answer is that she does not end. She is the alpha and the omega of existence easily transcending our own home planet. In another sense, Mother is a synonym for roots.

Unfortunately, we live in a time when the spirit of human consciousness and the consciousness of spirit are so fragmented, blind and impoverished thanks to the excesses of male dominated visions, perspectives and behaviours that ego inflation is our basic desperate attempt to compensate for our lack of real connection. Reverence and devotion to the sacredness of Mother is more important now than ever as ego madness and superficial gain continues to rape, pillage and plunder our Mother planet. To counter this insanity, we can humbly open our hearts in reverence to Mother in the full sense of the implications of the word.

In your devotion of gratitude, include your biological Mother, adopted Mothers, Mother Earth and, perhaps above all, Mother Nature. Only through the unifying power of the heart, can we mend and balance the divisionary and fragmented tendencies of the intellect that manifest as materialism at the expense of wisdom. Mother is also a synonym for Goddess, and all Goddesses. Invite them into your heart, and you will love "Her" -the Great Mother who is the one in all and the all in one. Happy Mother's Day!

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20)

You are building upon new foundations and this includes renovating existing ones. This trend will continue for the next six weeks or so. Clean out the basement, closets and/or shed. Tend to any repairs and renovations now because you probably won't want to later. You may choose to tackle these projects on your own. Assistance from authorities you can rely on, perhaps from books or perhaps in person, is a good idea. New inspirations and challenges are prompting you to set your sights on the future. If you are facing fears about your public and professional life then you are on track. As you confront your fears, you will gain the strength to claim the treasures that lie beneath them. Take the time to invest or to tend to your investments whether they are things, property or skills.

Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20)

Independence, freedom, variety, you want it all! As far as you are concerned, you have given a lot over the years and want some measurable returns. The question is, just what do you want? Opportunities are knocking and you have reasons to feel optimistic. The tempo is picking up and your energies are high. You are determined to express your truth, but not everyone likes it. It is better to express than repress. Honour your needs! You may want to be all things to all people sometimes, but you know that you cannot, for many reasons. Fortunately, you are beginning to feel a surge of emotional energies that will help you to overcome the inertia and/or relative depression that you may be experiencing. Catch that wave!

Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)

A soul-searching journey continues. You are ready for something and perhaps someone new. Flirting with new possibilities is running through your veins. You are eager to make some changes to create more security in your life. From experience, you are clearer about what does not work. Now you must decipher what seems more reliable over the long term. The more you think this way the more patient you will be. Patience is the key word because you may well find yourself challenged to make clear decisions and commitments for the foreseeable future. Keeping your ambitions and ethics in equal measure due to erratic thinking is worth consideration. Take time each day to breathe deeply, meditate and to contemplate what and who you truly need in your life. The meditation part is where you let go of all thought and peacefully surrender your ego will to the hands of destiny.

Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 21)

The time has come to make some needed shifts and adjustments. You are ready for more excitement and adventure. You may have to manage your time more effectively to make room for the changes. Are you too independent and/or protective for your own good? New investment opportunities are rising; stay alert to the possibilities. This is a good time to expand, but do not take on too much. Take one step at a time! Sometimes a calculated approach works best. Fortunately, your concentration abilities will be strong, especially over the next several weeks. With your sights set on the future, you will be patient only with plans, discussions and behaviour that feels progressive. There may be a variety of fronts you want to focus on so clarify your priorities. Lead by example without imposing expectations on others. Rather, invite their cooperation.

Leo (Jul 22 - Aug 21)

An ambitious drive continues. You want more authority and recognition. Your work in the world figures prominently. Your willingness to mature, learn and grow is particularly important now. Limiting habits and mind-sets especially concerning finances and other earthly realities are steadily dissolving. You are open and eager and soon you will have even more focus. Make good of this time to launch your intentions! The plans, intentions and commitments you make now stand to carry you through the next several months, at least. Continue to let go of traditional interpretations of what constitutes security and success. Emphasize the quality of your offering rather than the focus on your return. Balance your willful intentions with inner guidance.

Virgo (Aug 22 - Sep 23)

What is true for you, what do you really value and who do you truly love? These and other such questions are running through your mind. A radical determination spurs you on to know the answers. Some soul searching is calling. You are ready to dig deep, do research and learn new approaches and skills. This is a good time to brainstorm for ideas and direction. Concentrate on creating a more realistic vision. The desire for freedom is suddenly growing quickly now. This includes the freedom to do and express as well as the freedom from various restrictions. The main restrictions could be money and/or relationship and lifestyle patterns. Are you in tune with your truth or are you simply expressing a virtuous and safe front at the expense of authenticity? These are tough questions worthy of your attention.

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 21)

Purging the old and building the new remains a central theme. This may include your home, your business and/or your relationships. This trend will continue for the next six weeks or so. Make good of this time. Now the focus should be internal and soon you will tend more to externals. You need special skills and approaches to meet your goals and to secure your foundations. In some cases you may feel the need for a miracle. In other respects, you feel strong and determined. This strength can be helpful towards the lifestyle changes you are making and feel the need to make. At best, you are realizing dreams. Alternatively, unfulfilled dreams must dissolve before new ones can take their place. A positive attitude in this regard is important. Prayers, dreams and miracles are core aspects of reality!

Scorpio (Oct 22 - Nov 20)

Entertaining new connections and associations continues. Whether your desires are romantic, spiritual and/or business related you want to merge what you have with that of others. Your ambitions are expanding and you are in the mood to push to succeed. Patience and a willingness to face fears and learn new methods are important now. Cooperate and negotiate to strike win/win deals. This is not simply a virtuous intention. If a deal is not win/win, then it is lose/lose. Negotiation implies a creative process where all parties can be satisfied. Compromise is not a synonym, as common language usage and sense would lead us to believe. After all, common sense is not necessarily good. The blind do lead the blind and many we count as our leaders. On another note, why not mix work with pleasure? Shrewd mindedness can answer why, yet there is wisdom in whistling while we work.

Sagittarius (Nov 21 - Dec 20)

The past does not equal the future but it does try to reclaim the present. The more aware we are of how negative past patterns are ever seeking new life, the better. Familiarity can create a sense of security and it can also breed contempt. In what areas of your life is the past getting in the way? Clarity and awareness is the first half of success. Uplift and refine your lifestyle by knowing what you do not want and focusing on what you do. There is no one to blame, just new actions to take. Take your time before making final decisions. Observe your behaviour patterns to determine if you are perpetuating bad habits from which you want freedom. Avoid reaction, judgment and defense in your observation. This way, you may actually see beyond habitual defenses and perspectives. Intend to make each day a new day in at least one way. Small changes can add up quickly.

Capricorn (Dec 21 - Jan 19)

Inventions, innovations, investments and other such creative endeavors are keeping you busy now. However, to achieve your goals you must deal with others. This is where some of the real work is necessary. Understanding the importance of commitment and cooperation as cornerstones of success is important. To develop empathy, imagine you are in the position of those with whom you are dealing. From this vantage, do you like the way you are handling things? Empathy is the character trait that will keep you, above all other signs, in balance. Harsh assertions or defenses are the signs of ego-survival. Why survive when you can live. This is the attitude that creates civilization which, in turn, means cooperation with others. Create with unity in mind and you will be a winner at the beginning and the end.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 19)

Securing your foundations and comfort is in focus. Your imagination is at play to help you create beauty in your home and other environments and perhaps within your heart as well. Fortunately, you feel quite creative now and feel the determination to back your intentions with effort. Your willingness to learn new skills from others you deem qualified remains important. There are indications that you could come into some unexpected financial support for your visions. It may not be much, just enough to affirm your direction. Bringing your vision down to earth is important. In as much as it includes genuine service to a greater cause you will gain support of one kind or another. Meanwhile, there are indications of playing with new ideas that may seem currently out of reach. Patiently build your foundation in preparation to colour your world and the world.

Pisces (Feb 20 - Mar 20)

Taking an inventory of your skills, assets and overall approach, especially to the practical aspects of your life, is now a central theme. You would like to create a work atmosphere that feels like home. Perhaps you want to work from your home. This approach could work well, however some renovations and adjustments are probably necessary. Clarify your needs and intentions by writing them down, perhaps in point form. The more organized you are the better. Asking a friend to help you outline your goals and objectives may help. Strategic efforts are the key to keep you balanced. Affirm yourself in any and every way you can. Then, reach out to others who can help you to achieve your goals. Network!