Aloha to all,
Mercury has finally gone direct so this means whatever summer plans have been slow to shape up this season should now be arranged and primed for pleasure. Quite possibly September will be here faster than you'll expect, so do be sure to schedule some good old-fashioned, lazy summer days before the whirlwind of fall activities take flight.
Following are the individual monthly forecasts for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac. Beyond that you'll find some updates, announcements and a new astro-newsy section on herbs and astrology. Look for these headings below:
* August Monthly Forecast
* Individualized Astrology Reports
* Herbal Astrology Tip of the Month for Leo
* Calling all Cooks
Enjoy!
Liz
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AUGUST MONTHLY FORECAST
CELESTIAL LIVING ARTS
How best to enjoy the art of living for August 2006
© Liz Howell
ARIES: (March 21-April 19):
Imagination is the power to fuel your engine this month Aries. Tank up with warm, fuzzy memories of your favorite childhood superheros and yum-yums and retro-fit them to your dreams of today. Any experience of skin rashes, sub-cutaneous eruptions or allergies should put you immediately on the trail of blocked creative expression and thought patterns that have somehow come to inhibit your inner artist somewhere along the way.
TAURUS: (April 20-May 20):
What's yours is mine and what's mine is my own? Is that what's showing up on your radar this month? While this is a developmentally appropriate thought process for a two year old, this way of thinking -- no matter how cleverly cloaked -- does not create underpinnings that lend themselves to fair trade and free-flowing exchanges when attempting to establish secure, reliable relations and partnerships with others. This would be a good month to root out any reciprocally imbalanced arrangements.
GEMINI: (May 21-June 20):
Constructive criticism truly is an art. How do we communicate with another without imposing our own personal views, beliefs, judgments and fears. You'll want to share your thoughts and mental acuity generously this month Gemini, but may find your outreach is being met with protective barricades and defensive retorts. The thing to look for is the hidden adjective, expression or refrained acknowledgement that is coming across as criticism. Once you identify this, you'll elevate your natural gift for conversation to a new level of communication savvy.
CANCER: (June 21-July 22):
Who would possibly think to schedule a scarcity attack right in the middle of summer? It's now August for goodness sake, and everybody knows the care-free, child-like energies of Leo are supposed to prevail. So what's up with the cloud of doubt threatening your very sense of worth, purpose and personal security Cancer? Well, it seems the stars have given you an extra-curricular summer assignment of re-thinking that which truly constitutes your very own personal sense of "safe and secure." Use this time well to conjure your best/worse case scenarios so you can be comfortably prepared to make some positive, well-thought out choices come mid-August.
LEO: (July 23-Aug. 22):
As you plan your birthday party Leo, this year may not be inspired by such festive themes as parties past, but don't worry. You haven't lost that inner glow and your days of basking in the limelight while dutifully entertaining with generous amounts of mirth and frolic are still plentiful. It's just that this year you might want to take some of your god-given giddiness and, on a more serious note, use it as a sunbeam to uplift someone else's spirits.
VIRGO: (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
If in your view Virgo, all is not right with the world, then August will be your month to speak up. You can see the imbalances and have been patiently weighing the mounting costs. By mid-August, you will likely be called upon and will dutifully accept the charge to righteously ream any one person, group, community, society or even a misguided faction of world government acting in opposition to or at cross purposes with basic principles of respect for human life. Chose your words carefully as they will carry strong resonance.
LIBRA: (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
This is a month to give attention to your friends, Libra, and open yourself up to the possibility of expanding that inner circle. Think of your new friendship matrix as concentric circles expanding out from your core. Co-workers, neighbors, that person who always seems to show up in the grocery produce section at the same time as you -- these are the faces of your new co-horts who will in some way provide you the opportunity to learn something new about yourself and tap some formerly unrecognized talents and gifts you have to offer humanity.
SCORPIO: (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
You know Scorpio, I must tell you that I often wait to write your monthly forecast last, after every other sign has had their say. Fitting, non? It's as if you want to step back into the shadow, observe the game board being set up and preview what everyone else will be doing this month before you set your strategy. Some say you're psychic, and I say "but of course, who wouldn't be if you constantly honed those intensely acute powers of perception." And this month, you get to have some fun with it all Scorpio! Let 'em think you're performing cheap parlor tricks, but dazzle 'em just the same with generous and entertaining dosings of your innersight.
SAGITTARIUS: (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
For the month of August, Sagittarius, Lady Luck will be riding the cadence of your speech. Interestingly, the material for your soliloquy is to be found not in your books, your notes, nor anywhere online. Instead, you must look to your dreams. It seems you will have access to a deeper understanding of the cosmos through your night-capades and then, find yourself in a serendipitously honorable position of sharing your inspirational findings with others through creative storytelling.
CAPRICORN: (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Capricorn, it's time to let the other guy shine a little. Why? Because you need their cooperation and it's healthy for you to share the power once in a while. With a proactively strategic approach, you'll see that you'd rather set the stage for collaboration vs. competition. The period between August 10-12 will allow you to take the necessary time to weigh both sides of the cost/benefit analysis for parties involved. Then, be prepared to let the compliments roll as you espouse the value of joint ventures.
AQUARIUS: (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Soul mates and friends for life are two of the most precious gifts the universe doles, but, from time to time, we might find ourselves asking "at what price do I enjoy this benefaction?" August could be a month where the loyal, generous, supportive, time-honored kinship of some may be taxing your ability to give -- and give and give. With this comes the opportunity to take a healthy philosophical look at those near and dear. Make sure your out-flowing of sharing and caring is not being used as an entitlement crutch but instead a support toward independence.
PISCES: (Feb. 19-March 20):
Did you hear about the cloudburst over the northern Indian village called Manna that showered villagers below with thousands of live fish? It is important to note that these were LIVE fish (not dead frogs) and that villagers gleefully ran out to collect the recompense from the skies above. I think it is quite possible that this is a betoken sign from the universe that YOU, Pisces, will be a guidepost toward the unthinkable and a dutiful organizer of innovative and revolutionary systems pioneering pathways to facilitate and expedite the flow of resources to those most in need.
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INDIVIDUALIZED ASTROLOGY REPORTS
Celestial Living Arts individually customized astrology reports are now offered to YOU, your friends and families. The personalized report packages are 20-50 pages long and absolutely fascinating! Choose from:
* Child Astrology
* Love & Relationship Astrology
* Body & Soul Astrology
* Forecast Astrology
They make GREAT Gifts too (gift certificates available). Contact me directly for more details @ Liz@CelestialLivingArts.com.
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HERBAL ASTROLOGY TIP OF THE MONTH for Leo:
Sun-Worshiping LEO & Chamomile
In German, chamomile is often called alles zutraut, which signifies being capable of anything. This almost omnipotent herb may very well be deserving of this name because of the myriad of beneficial healthcare applications that it holds.
Chamomile is ruled by the Sun, the governing planet of the sign Leo. The Sun represents the essence of our being and our need to validate our individual identity. Through its rulership of Leo, the Sun is related to self-expression and creative ability. In medical astrology, the Sun rules the heart, as well as the body's vitality and resistance to disease.
Chamomile reflects some of the Sun's properties. Its flower heads are solar yellow and are surrounded by an aura of white rays. When people think of chamomile, most think of its calming properties. Yet, chamomile has many more benefits than just acting to relax the spirit. The flavonoids and essential oils that comprise chamomile are noted for their potent anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antibacterial qualities. It has applications in the natural treatment of certain conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the skin and mouth. Additionally, because of its calming nature, it is a wonderful herb for infants and young children.
The species of chamomile that has garnered the most attention is German chamomile. While chamomile is available for internal use in capsule or tincture form, chamomile tea is the traditional way that it has been used. You can make chamomile tea by either steeping one tablespoon of dried flowers in hot water, or by using chamomile tea bags. While there do not seem to be any contraindications for chamomile, people who are allergic or sensitive to members of the Asteracea family (including ragweed, feverfew and yarrow) may additionally want to avoid chamomile.
Excepted from an article by Stephanie Gailing, MS, CN, Certified Nutritionist, astrologer and freelance natural health writer. Stephanie holds her Masters Degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University, where she currently serves as adjunct faculty.
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CALLING ALL COOKS:
For all those who enjoy cooking, exploring adventurous taste sensations and testing new recipes, I am looking for volunteer cooks to prepare and taste test any one of 72 new zodiac recipes that will go up on the CelestialLivingArts.com website under the Food & Astrology section. Select from below and let me know which recipes to send you for sampling and feedback. Just send me an email at Liz@CelestialLivingArts.com!
PUPU Recipes include:
3 Alarm Deviled Eggs
Thyme Grilled Asparagus
Tangy Mixed Nuts
Crabcakes with Cucumber Tarter Sauce
Tamari Roasted Sunflower Seeds
Edamame ( Boiled Soybeans)
Fruit & Cheese Board
Smoked Salmon Tartare with Capers & Dill
International Olive Bar
Cheese Gougère
Punched Up Pineapple Salsa
Cucumber & Caviar Canapes
SOUP Recipes include:
Spicey Tortilla Soup
Sorrel, Pea and Leek Soup
Anise-Spiked Squash Soup
Lobster Lover's Bisque
Lemon & Eggdrop Soup
Earthly Rutabaga, Parsnip and Carrot Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Poached Oysters in Fennel-Saffron Soup
Tomato & Garlic Bread Soup
Warm Winter Vichyssoise
Italian Sausage Tortelini Soup
Spicy Pumpkin Soup
SALAD Recipes Include:
Garlic Lemon Ginger Infused Kale
Baby Greens with Pear, Avacado & Lovage
Spring Mix with Lavender Dressing
Summer Shrimp Salad with Watermelon
Spinach-Orange Salad with Avocado
Garden Green Beans and Fennel Salad
Asian Pear & Watercress Salad with Sesame Dressing
Romaine & Gorgonzola Salad With Roasted Garlic Dressing & Spiced Pecans
Warm Asparagus & Grapefruit Salad
Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese & Pecans with Mixed Greens
Salad Greens with Creamy Wasabi Dressing
Poke with Ogo (Hawaiian-style Tuna & Sea Lettuce)
SEAFOOD, POULTRY & MEAT Recipes Include:
Rosemary & Garlic Rack of Lamb
Fillet of Beef with Artichoke, Arugula Crostini
Lemon Balm & Marjoram Roast Chicken
Steamed Mollusks with White Wine, Herbed Tomato & Garlic
Walnut Chicken with Pomegranate Sauce
Pasta with Roasted Vegetable Sauce & Turkey Sausage
Duck with Port-Cherry Sauce
Herb Spiced Mustard Chicken
Grilled Turkey Cuban Sandwich
Classic Beef Stroganoff
Raost Pork Tenderloin with Fresh & Dried Fruit
Grilled Pink & Green Peppercorned Salmon
VEGETARIAN Recipes Include:
Spicy Red Pepper Eggplant Medley
Herbed White Bean Spread with Pita Crisps
Not Your Mother's Peas and Carrots
Mum's Macaroni & Cheese
Linguini with Walnut Pesto Basil
Farm Fresh Grilled Corn on the Cob
Steamed Artichokes with Lemon Mayonnaise
Baba Ganoush with Tahini Sauce
Onion Sage Tart
Swiss Chard & Lentil Risotto
Greek Roasted Potatoes
Braised Endive with Garlic Cream
DESSERT Recipes Include:
Coffee Mocha Souffle
Blue Foxed Strawberries & Cream
Perfect Pecan Pie
Maple Crème Caramel
Lemon-Lime Poppyseed Pound Cake
Oatmeal Lace Cookies
Mixed Berry & Peach Crisp
Rootbeer Granita Float
Spiced Rum Sauced Bread Pudding
Quince Compote with Vanilla Ice Cream
Raisin Tea Cake
Cantalope Sorbert with Melon Compote
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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: 
