Aloha to all,
We welcome the summer solstice this month on June 21 with a most interesting planetary configuration setting the stage for the summer days to come. As the Sun moves into the sign of Cancer (caring) it makes a strong aspect with the moon's nodal points in both Aries (daring) and Libra (sharing). In celebration of longer days promising higher doses of sunshine ahead, I dedicate this month's e-newsletter to the art of entertaining and invite you to play with new formulas of caring, sharing and daring with your summer entertaining - whether it be summer B-B-Q's with the neighbors, impromptu beach picnics, annual family gatherings or just an excuse to have some people over.
Below, I have excerpted the key zodiacal culinary recommendations for each sign from my Astro-Foodology column, now appearing regularly in a magazine. For those who would like to see the full article (along with my picture poised next to Emeril -- celebrity chef extaordinaire -- you know, the one who likes to "kick it up a notch" and says "BAM!" a lot), I have attached a zipped pdf file for your viewing. Please contact me if you have any difficulty opening the file.
Enjoy!
Liz
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CELESTIAL LIVING ARTS
How best to enjoy the art of living for June 2006
© Liz Howell
ARIES (March 21-April 19):
The mantra with this fire sign is "the redder the better." They like it hot, they like it spicy and they like it fast. I recommend a B-B-Q with spicy rubs and sauces and lots of options for dipping and grazing. Aries needs to keep moving and can loose interest quickly if not engaged so staggered courses are a good idea. Add some competitive game element to the evening and Aries will be in seventh heaven.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
At first glance, the sensual nature of Taurus might not be so obviously represented by the sign's symbol, the bull, but further consideration allows us to understand the depths of Taurus's propensity for enjoyment derived from slow, steady and full-bodied sensual pleasure. Taurus is a no-nonsense earth sign that needs to feel tactically, viscerally and cellularly saturated in order to be satiated and only the finest quality will do. Unless your Taurus is a vegetarian or vegan, a premium cut of beef prepared to perfection with an aesthetic and savory array of accompaniments, including a full-bodied wine, will do nicely. And don't forget the after dinner chocolates, preferably champagne truffles.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20):
If you've got a Gemini coming for dinner, prepare yourself with some great gossip, a quick review of current affairs and a few new jokes that just came into circulation. While you're at it, invite a few other interesting conversationalists to join you for the evening, because with Gemini, it's not about the food, it's always about the conversation. Gemini's generally are not picky about what they eat, their interests are so varied and their curiosity so easily piqued that they welcome the chance to learn something new about anything - whether it be a cultural connection to a food group or the medical benefits of a particular herb or spice. Lighter foods, interesting topics and the ability to keep the mental flow circulating are a great recipe for your Gemini's delight.
CANCER (June 21-July 22):
This sign invented comfort food, or, perhaps it is that comfort food was invented for this sign. Either way, Cancer has the strongest attachment to food and can display both the healthiest and most dysfunctional expressions of the "Food is Love" movement. As the sign of the nurturer Cancer rules over the home, hearth and all the creature comforts that a sense of belonging can provide. Chances are your Cancer companion is naturally a great cook and will innately respond with appreciation for the care and effort you put in to making a meal - whatever you may serve. The tradition of dishing up family recipes will give Cancer an extra sense of special. Cozy, comfy and intimate surroundings are best (not a huge crowd or Cancer can't relax). The more family around, the better.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):
Could you possibly go over the top with something too grand? Not as far as Leo is concerned. Known to have memories of royalty from their past lives, this sign will allow you to lavishly and elegantly entertain them all night long. They have no fear of the limelight, so ask them to sing a few verses, recite a few lines or take a twirl or two around your living room or patio. They do enjoy all things new and shiny, so break out the new cookware and be sure and set the table with your grandmother's finest. All things rich, regal, colorful and warm will have your Leo purring.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
This sign is symbolized by the virgin separating the wheat from the shaft and without question, Virgo can be counted on to know the pure from the impure, and the productive yield from the waste. Their knack for sorting and assimilating the inherent qualities of all the parts of the whole makes Virgo a natural in the food department. Your Virgo guest is likely to be able to tell you about the root origins of the food you are eating as well as all the possible modes of preparation for best nutritional value. The closer you can come to wholesome, organic and worry-free dishes, the happier your Virgo will be.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
If I had to assign the sweet tooth to one of the zodiac, it would definitely be Libra. Whether an elegantly presented tiramisu or a home baked cookie, no sweet will go unthanked by a Libra (of course, they'll enjoy the other courses served before dessert as well). Like Taurus, Libra is also rule by Venus so not only are beauty, pleasing visuals and the finer things in life a must for Libra's happiness, but harmony and balance weigh high on the scales as well with this sign. Any chance to relate to another is what Libra welcomes most and dining is another opportunity for shared enjoyment of life's pleasures.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Only Taurus can rival Scorpio on the scale of intensity of enjoyment when it comes to food. Like most everything, Scorpio is not interested in superficial culinary experiences so the more intensely complex the flavors and combinations, the better. But, what ever you do, don't reveal to your Scorpio guest just what it is that that gives your dish that intensely dark, rich je ne sais quoi! The more you savor you secret ingredients, the more Scorpio will reel in pleasure. Inviting a mystery guest to join you for the evening adds a delightful noir element - something Scorpio will enjoy quietly obsessing over in advance.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
This is the sign of the world traveler so there is probably not an ethnic cuisine or rare ingredient that your Sagittarius has not tried - or at least read about and put on their list of things to explore. Pick your favorite Italian, Greek or Mongolian dish or serve up a smorgesboard and you can be sure, this fire sign will enthusiastically join your table anytime. Allow them to bring a spur-of-the-moment side dish or a dessert so they can share their innate sense of adventure, inspiration and generosity. Don't be surprised if they bring a very nice bottle of wine too.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Next to Cancer, Capricorn is probably the most traditional of the signs and when it comes to eating, Capricorn will cordially accept any invitation to a formal, fine dining experience. To earn even higher marks with your Capricorn, you might make it an occasion to celebrate a recent achievement or public recognition they have attained. Attention should be paid to the wine and liquor (top shelf preferred). In considering the dining environment, the more the ambiance resembles an exclusive members-only club, the better. This would include the lighting (indirect), the crystal (separate glasses for the white, the red and the cognac to follow), the music (preferably classical) and the meal service (impeccably served from the left, and cleared from the right).
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
Part of the trinity of air signs, Aquarius is happiest in group settings. So, be sure to include an eclectic mix of interesting sorts to make your Aquarian feel right a home over dinner. Known for their element of unpredictability, don't be at all thrown if your Aquarian shows up an hour early, or perhaps an hour late and brings a few extra friends in tow. As for the menu? This sign loves to invent and innovate beyond the status quo so I would advise a spread that allows for a "design your own" kind of meal and stimulates lots of interesting conversation on humanitarian concerns about the world's food supply.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
You can't really go wrong with fish when it comes to Pisces, because the symbol for this sign is the two fish swimming in opposite directions. Pisces generally will enjoy all the fruits of the sea so crustaceans and shellfish are also a good choice when cooking for this Neptune-ruled sign. Actually, Pisces will enjoy what everyone else is enjoying even if they told you last week they "don't like broccoli" - they're amazingly flexible. Because this is such a creative sign, they'll probably enjoy whipping something up right along side of you in the kitchen. Or better yet, put their artistry to work and have them do a visioning of your next kitchen make over. Their insights will be inspired and fanciful.
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CELESTIAL LIVING ARTS
Inspirationally practical advice on how best to enjoy the art of living
© Liz Howell
Please send your questions or comments to Liz Howell at: 
