Aloha to all,
September promises to pack a punch with two eclipses -- one lunar eclipse on September 7 and one solar eclipse on September 22 -- this in addition to Pluto's direct motion (a well-deserved word from the astrologers' corner on Pluto's legitimate status follows below). Eclipses are sometimes experienced as the wild cards in our lives and usually come in pairs. Most astrologers will recommend that for at least a week before the first eclipse and up until two weeks after the last, it is best to refrain from instigating major changes in our lives during that time.
Technically speaking, Eclipses are celestial events when the Sun, the Moon and the Earth align along the same ecliptic line. The definition of eclipse is to dim; to hide or conceal; to render invisible by an elimination of light. From a more mystical standpoint, the eclipse creates the avenue for old energy to release so that new universal energies can come onto the earth plane. Often we are asked to let go of a piece of our pasts in preparation for opening to future unfoldment and this new energy needs time to settle in.
Themes of the September eclipses speak to ideas on communication, service, sacrifice, vision, beliefs, dreams, freedom and truth. Perhaps one could contemplate on a personal level, "How do I speak my own truth, strive to realize my hopes and dreams, defend both freedom and honor without infringing on the beliefs and practices of others." And collectively, "How do we shape a future where we can bring acceptance and understanding to violent or volatile situations fueled by intolerance."
Following are the individual monthly forecasts for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac with a sign by sign consideration of how these ecliptic energies are primed to surface for consideration in our own spheres. Beyond that you'll find some updates, announcements and the Virgo monthly feature on herbs and astrology. Look for each of these headings below:
* September Monthly Forecast
* Individualized Celestial Living Arts Astrology Reports
* Pluto: Planet or Not?
* Herbal Tip of the Month for Virgo
Enjoy!
Liz
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SEPTEMBER MONTHLY FORECAST
CELESTIAL LIVING ARTS
How best to enjoy the art of living for September 2006
© Liz Howell
ARIES: (March 21-April 19):
Eyes on the prize this month Aries. Plan to regulate your tempo with your thoughts. Precision-based and impulse-driven motivations may appear strange bedfellows but the mix does offer you a new avenue to explore in harnessing action and speech to convey your passion. Trust that there is a wisdom chord to be strummed that will guide you out of the gate and help keep you focused and on course for the end prize.
TAURUS: (April 20-May 20):
Do you believe in Fairy God-Mothers? If you had one, she would likely point you in the direction of your mundane world and highlight what would seem to be the most blasé part of your day and suggest that you put a new shine on an old habit. If you follow this God-Motherly advice, you might find that this small and practical adjustment can actually bring creative and even profitable results. Take THAT to the bank Taurus!
GEMINI: (May 21-June 20):
Put on your butterfly wings this month Gemini because you can expect to flit and float over some hot spots and areas marked by turbo-tension that have built up over some time. You will need your fleetingly facile mind for navigation and should continually check in on the question, "Yes, but is it true?" The moral of this story is: Butterflies are free only when they tell the truth.
CANCER: (June 21-July 22):
Communications are key this month Cancer. Don't even think about trying to shore up any sense of uncertainly or doubt with overly short, sharp or critical assessments of worth-it-ness or parsimonious offerings of compassion. Let the stream of kindness/consciousness flow far, deep and wide so that you can help your brethren link the mundane facts with the infinite possibilities.
LEO: (July 23-Aug. 22):
Leo you know your leadership skills are under the microscope when your astrology column asks you to contemplate the following proclamation: "for the people, by the people and of the people." Now, this doesn't mean to suggest any impropriety or secret agenda on your part, only that you will benefit by revisiting your commitment to these tenants so that you can wholeheartedly apply your creative vision in a generous application of well thought-out and flawless execution to any situation in need. This will help you fortify your super-sonic strength of spirit as you aid those still trying to find their way.
VIRGO: (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
Are you finding that concrete results are eluding you? Are the chaotic approaches of others derailing your methodical, orderly world? And those well-planned details, are they disappearing as quickly as you can put pen to paper? Inconvenient and uncomfortable as it may be Virgo, you must trust that there is a silver lining to be found in each of these disruptive experiences unfolding this month. You'll be surprised how amazingly imbued you will be with flexibility of vision when all this passes.
LIBRA: (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
For some reason, I started this months forecast with you. And, I think I know why. Much of what unfolds in the month to come will call upon us all to employ and polish our inner latent Libran to create sense of balance through applied diplomacy. For you Libra, this should be a month to consider whether or not you are getting the proverbial "short end of the stick." If so, it is time for you to ask the question: "Did I plan it that way?" For your highest happiness, I recommend you honestly evaluate the currency of IOU's and pay backs and your score keeping mechanisms. You may be ready to wipe the slate clean and make some systemic changes ahead that bind you less and free you more.
SCORPIO: (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Scorpio, you are now nearing the fruition phase of your project begun last November and you can begin the process of fine-tuning the hopes and dreams that give birth to this baby in the first place. You truly do have an arsenal of resources available to you as you begin to lay the path to the realization of that vision with perilously precise footwork. Any missteps will be met with promptly and you should revision that piece of it on the spot for instant course correction.
SAGITTARIUS: (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
I recommend you wear your "Citizen of the World" badge at all times in the month to come Sagittarius. This way, people will know they can count on you to speak their language, translate their dreams into street currency, show them the way home or point them in the direction of their larger-than-expected global family. This people-loving, mind-expanding journey should have a note of seriousness about it, an element of fun and a huge dose of humanitarianism. Pack light, travel far.
CAPRICORN: (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Successful strategies on how to win friends and influence people can be put to good use this month as you expand you geographic boundaries, ethnic profiling capacities and dabble in futuristic altruism. Don't be surprised if you find yourself taking some new-found pride in unusual channels of community service and ways of giving back. You'll probably have some good tips for others on how they can better utilize their own resources for a higher yield.
AQUARIUS: (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
You'll have the ability to tune in on a new wavelength this month Aquarius and this will likely spark the need for expanded creative outlets for this new frequency in months to come. Let your communications find a useful end source and entertain a broad spectrum of thoughts, beliefs and practices in your day-to-day routines.
PISCES: (Feb. 19-March 20):
Can you define the impossible? That might be one way to approach the narrowing down of what is actually possible but it also could expose you to an exercise in negative, soul-crushing energy. Somewhere between the infinite potentials and possibilities of the universe and reductionist limitations of the mind through pessimism and doubt is the chaotic creativity you are trying to grasp. You may come back to us at the end of the month with first-hand tales about the frustrations of unfocused creative visioning conducted without the proper support structures or containers to experience them in. The universe sends you this exercise, not as a deterrent, but instead as and obstacle to overcome as you uplevel your genie-powers in the material world.
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INDIVIDUALIZED Celestial Living Arts ASTROLOGY REPORTS
Celestial Living Arts individually customized astrology reports can now be ordered directly from liz@CelestialLivingArts.com. The personalized report packages are 20-40 pages long, include charts, reports, a welcome letter and a personalized designer CD cover. Choose from:
* Child Astrology
* Love & Relationship Astrology
* Body & Soul Astrology
* Forecast Astrology
They make GREAT Gifts too! Following is a testimonial from a recipient of the Celestial Living Arts Body & Soul report:
I was curious to see if Astrology could give me any insights into some longtime chronic health conditions I've been trying to manage for many years. Once I read my Body & Soul Report from Celestial Living Arts, I couldn't help but think how valuable it would have been if I'd had this information 40 years earlier in my life. The symptoms and conditions I have been dealing with (asthma and allergies) are so clearly outlined in my medical astrology. Even better, the report suggested ways to offset the emotional and environmental irritants that exacerbated the condition. This report was very comprehensive and each time I reread it I learn more about the constitution of my individual mind, body & spirit balance. Thanks for making this information available!
Janet H.H., asthma sufferer and pranayama practitioner
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PLUTO: Planet or Not?
I heard from quite a few people in the last week (Scorpions in particular whose ruling planet is Pluto) with questions about the future of their astrology now that Pluto has been demoted and is no longer scientifically classified as a planet.
There is no question in my mind that every seasoned astrologer in practice and any long-time student of astrology has observed first hand in their own charts as well as in the charts of hundreds of others how powerfully present the movements of Pluto can be in shaping the larger cycles of evolution and unfoldment in a person's life and even legacy.
Below is a link for a very informative, and brief interview with Rob Hand, probably the most respected and world-renown astrologer living today who has done a lifetime of research in the field.
NPR: Astrologers Join Debate of Pluto's Planetary Status
This brief segment ran on NPR's All Things Considered, August 23. Note the very pregnant pause at the end of the interview (which suggests to me that mainstream think still does not quite know how to include the subject of astrology as a serious scholarly subject). Click here for interview about Pluto: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5697880
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HERBAL ASTROLOGY TIP OF THE MONTH for Virgo
Precision-minded VIRGO & Valerian
If you dread going to bed because all you do is lie there and count millions of sheep, then you may find valerian to be dreamy. Its mild sedative properties offer a natural and safe approach to calmer nerves and a better night's sleep. To gain further appreciation of its health benefits, it is possible to study valerian (as well as other herbs) through the lens of herbal astrology. From this angle, we can better understand why this botanical remedy may be of value to health and well being.
Mercury Rules Valerian
Valerian is ruled by the planet Mercury, which governs the astrological signs of Gemini and Virgo. The planet Mercury is often referred to as the "messenger of the gods" reflecting the essence of communication, the ability to intellectually bridge the gap that exists between separate entities in order to create a sense of connection and understanding. Its essential energy is very quick, and oftentimes restless, as its exuberant curiosity continues on a quest for input in order to "figure things out."
In medical astrology, Mercury rules the body systems that function as messengers or conduits for communication. As such, it governs the central nervous system, the endocrine (hormonal) system and the respiratory system. As Mercury is associated with our mental attitudes, it can also be related to the nervousness, tension and stress.
Valerian and Sleep Disorders
Mercury-ruled valerian may calm the Mercurial restlessness of mind and body that is often associated with sleep disturbances. Valerian benefits those who suffer from sleep disorders through its ability to reduce the time required to fall asleep (sleep latency) as well as improve sleep quality. Valerian has also been shown to improve the quality of sleep through its ability to increase deep sleep, extend dreamtime and reduce the occurrence of nighttime awakenings.
Valerian and Mild Anxiety
As Mercury-ruled valerian has been shown to exert mild sedating effects on the Mercury-ruled central nervous system, it has also been shown to be of benefit in cases of mild anxiety. Traditional uses of valerian for anxiety and nervousness extend back throughout the centuries, with one of its noted historical uses being as a tonic to calm the nerves of citizens of Great Britain during World War I air raids.
How to Use Valerian
Valerian is available in a variety of forms, including tinctures, teas, capsules and tablets.
It is important to always consult a licensed healthcare provider if you are thinking of using valerian or other dietary supplements to treat any health condition. Additionally, you should tell your healthcare provider about all of the dietary supplements that you are taking so that s/he can evaluate any potential drug-supplement interactions.
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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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: 
