Horoscope for the Week of September 5, 2004

Tip of the week:

Mercury is the mythological "Messenger of the Gods". As an envoy between the lower and higher mind, Mercury's principle task is simply to carry and disseminate information. At a higher mind level, Mercury is the key to the magical mind. Considered an 'amoral' planet, Mercury carries whatever message is given without too much attachment or concern for what it is or how it impacts others. It is the office of the other planets to make the delivery harmonious and ethical.

Mercury rules over the signs Gemini and Virgo. In many respects, Mercury represents linear, rational and reductionistic thinking and rules the lower mind. Since the scientific revolution, also called the age of reason and enlightenment, the world has been strongly influenced by the lower mind aspect of Mercury. At best, this perspective of reality has contributed to all the inventions of science.

At worst, it has led us to an ego based, thus fearful and materialistic, relationship with both the natural world and spiritual realities. The result has been greed, short-term thinking and virtual and utter disregard for the ecology, world peace and spiritual aspiration. No one is to blame. We are all in this together. What is fundamentally needed is a renewed appreciation of the higher mind. Interestingly, the higher mind is centered in the heart as opposed to the brain in our head.

Many great teachers advocate thinking from and living according to the dictates of the heart rather than the intellect. The reason is simple: intellectual thinking divides and categorizes while the heart unifies beyond all differences. In other words, what the world needs now is a spiritual as opposed to a religious revolution. As the lyrics of a famous song say, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love!"

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20)

September is here and true to the season, you are back to business. This could mean school or work both at home and at your work place. With Mercury now direct in Leo, doing what has heart and meaning is on your mind. You want to stay balanced and centered and are willing to make diligent efforts thanks to a line-up of planets in Virgo. The keys for you now are to recognize that the past does not equal the future, to be present in the moment and to face any fears that prevent you from creative self expression and to improve upon current realities and relationships.

Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20)

Combining a practical focus with creative intention, and vice versa, continues. As you look to the future and assess what it will take to establish more security your thoughts are turning to investment. Good business is like good farming. It's all about seeds and harvest. This metaphor lends itself to seed actions of all kinds. Fortunately, you are in an ambitious and playful mood and are ready to roll dice. Rather than placing blind bets learn more about how, why and where to invest to create realistic security.

Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20)

Getting your house in order in more ways that one is a central theme now. To be efficient, you are challenged to really get down to business. With your heart and mind both opened particularly wide these days you are at a good place to make such decisions. As Venus enters Leo, do well to entertain a variety of options before committing. With Mercury direct again, you can feel more confident about signing contracts. Still, you do well to carefully review the fine print. In most respects, you have reasons to feel confident.

Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 21)

A very busy time for you continues. You like to get things done and be ready for the new season. You are probably busy entertaining many new possibilities and this includes reflection and communication. New business leads are dawning and you are on the verge of taking some enterprising new initiatives. These may only really get going by next spring or summer, yet getting used to the idea and preparing makes sense. Rather than take on big tasks alone, look into partnerships for greater success!

Leo (Jul 22 - Aug 22)

You are in the process of assessing your worth, your talents and your priorities. This is a good time to think and act with practicality in mind. To do so be willing to learn and listen to the sound advice of others whom you trust. This is an ideal week to get a lot done, especially finishing things. Replacing what once was with new intentions, possessions and attitudes is likely. Re-defining your place and role in the world is also in focus. Downsizing in one way or another will prove liberating. Get ready to entertain new perspectives.

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

The urge to take new initiatives is a central theme these days. You feel charged and determined to make things happen in your world. You are not in a very negotiable mood in certain respects and you are not in the mood for idle chitchat. The time has come to break with the old and usher in the new. This force is bigger than you anyway and you must comply. Travel for business now could prove lucrative now. Get ready to make a lot of important choices especially when Mercury re-enters Virgo next week.

Libra (Sep 22 - Oct 22)

A time of inward reflection to discern what your life is all about is upon you. Experiences of late have left you wondering about who you are, what you do, how and why. Your lifestyle is changing, yet your will power to take clear and strong initiatives may feel quite low. This will change when Mars enters Libra at the end of this month. Perhaps it is time to stop being a human doing for a while and simply be. If you cannot retreat, pace yourself and use your energy wisely. Prepare to explore new territory both within and without.

Scorpio (Oct 22 - Nov 22)

A summons of your independence and leadership abilities has been sounded. You are in an energetic mood and you are determined to make some much-needed changes. To succeed, you are challenged to fully honor your individuality and that of others. There is no one-way, wand or cure. We are all different at least a little and usually much more than we know. As you recognize this fact you will be better prepared to deal with your self, others and situations more effectively. Honour your creative individuality!

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

If there are things you want and need now is the time to ask. Authority figures will hear you now. Is it a loan or a new job and simply a favor from a friend? Meanwhile, you are also in a good position to expand your horizons. This includes meeting new people, visiting old friends and new places and experiencing cultural and spiritual awakenings. If you are in need of a wake-up call you will soon get one of those as well. Combine practicality with adventure and you are right on target.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19

A thirst for new knowledge is urging you on. You are in a philosophical mood and want to expand your horizons. Travel to distant lands is a strong possibility. Education or work abroad may be the carrot you are after. Relationship responsibilities, however, could be blocking or slowing your pace. Deepening bonds may be your best option. Making changes in your attitude and/or basic philosophy rather than trying to change the same in others will prove easier. Entertain new angles of perception.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 19)

New love interests are keeping you busy. These may be a love of new skills or projects etcetera as well as a significant relationship. Meanwhile, clearing the old to make way for the new may include a fast, an internal cleanse, lifestyle changes or a move from one home or even city to another. In many respects, you are happy to be independent, yet sometimes love has a way of entering the stage when we least expect it. Some research to deepen your understanding, especially about some facet of your health, is likely. Engage with passion!

Pisces (Feb 20 - Mar 20)

Initiatives and efforts to create more harmony on all relationship fronts is a central theme now. This includes being more effective with your efforts. While effort is ever a pre-requisite for success, intelligent effort yields so much more. What does this mean to you? Make a list outlining your ideas. Take the time needed to research the possibilities. Your willingness and ability to work cooperatively with others is important. Embrace your love and your skills and merge your talents with emphasis on harmony and practicality.