March Equinox 08/04/2011
 
03/20/2011 - Was when this was written and first posted. 
Today is the March Equinox, and is one of the times of the year that we see equal amounts of day light, and night darkness.  Here north of the equator we are seeing the 1st day of Spring!  Our brothers and sisters south of the equator are seeing the beginning of fall.  

It is a time of balance of light and dark - and a time we talk a lot about balance and finding more of it in our own lives, schedules, and bodies.  I would suggest though that perhaps the goal is not to find "balance" but instead to pause and see where we are for now, and what is more out of balance - and ask if that is ok. 

Let me explain, have you seen a childs toy, one that is perhaps a clown and balances a weighted bar.  When it achieves balance it is not in motion, it is set.  And since we know that action or motion is needed to propel us forward, maybe we do not need balance as much as perspective. 

(But try and wish some one perspective, and see how fast they get defensive! haha)

A student who is in the middle of midterms is off balance.  Focused on classes, and passing tests and not losing their mind in the middle of all of the extra pressure.  Being off balance in this way is expected, and some would say needed in order to succeed.  The dust may sit longer on the shelf, but you can dust anytime and only take the test the once on Tuesday at 4.  Do you see? 

So when you are today, looking at your life path and choices and for better balance; look closely at what you want to grow and set.  Will the next set of time be focused on income? or moving? or a new business launch? on welcoming a new baby? perhaps many babies if you are on a farm or ranch... 

May you have perspective!


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03/28/2011 was when this was written --
Mercury goes retrograde again this week, on Wednesday and will go direct in April on the 23rd.  

So we have learned that means these few weeks are a bad time to travel, communications are harder, electronic stuff will act up.  BUT we also know that when you plan ahead, know what is coming, take our time and slow down we can have a wonderful time. 

It is really a time to remember to slow down and go with in and get clear. There was a time that I hated these retrograde cycles - I KNEW I was going to have trials, tribulations, fights, anger, frustrations and have to work three times as hard "and that was just NOT FAIR". 

Come on be honest, you have been there, done that too, and may even have a t-shirt.  Right? 

But now I know it is a time to go with in, to use my skills, evaluate my progress and to get clear.  I have had some amazing vacations during retrograde (yes really) but the kind that were open to what worked - never something like a group tour of we all must be at the dock at 8am, and then we must all eat at noon ... (frankly I am NOT big on those ideas any time of year haha) 

I know that as I live the cycle of the planet that it is similar to a winter time, to hold, look, think, read .. be. 

What will you do this retrograde season? 


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One of the easy ways to start learning about astrology is of course the old "what's your sign".  That is a pretty simple one, and has been watered down really well too.  Astrology is much more than what your "sign" is because the truth is there are many planets in many different signs when you are born. 

The next step I like to take folks to is the moon, and what sign is the moon in today and what does that mean.  This is a nice lesson plan for most all ages because it has a lot of practice built right in.  The moon moves from sign to sign very quickly so you are not waiting days and days or weeks or even months for the next phase of learning.  

Below I am going to show you a quick summary of what it means for you when the moon is in each sign.  I encourage you to start this lesson yourself today.  Also I am currently showing the moon signs and the synopsis as it changes on the FaceBook page, so make sure and like Pagan Lesson Plans there and follow along so you will build the habit yourself. 

Aries - This is a good time for starting things - but what you start will lack staying power so plan accordingly.  Things occur rapidly and pass quickly.  Great for short term projects.  People tend to be both assertive and argumentative. 

Taurus - Things that are started now last the longest and tend to increase in value, become a habit and are harder to alter.  This moon also brings out an appreciation for beauty and sensory experiences. 

Gemini - What you start now will be easily changed by outside influences. This is an inconsistent time and is characterized by a lot of talk.  This is the time of short-cuts, communication, games and fun.  

Cancer - This time of the moon stimulates emotional rapport between people and helps you pinpoint needs.  Good for supporting growth and nurturing and tending to domestic concerns. 

Leo - This is the moon sign that is about showmanship and a focus on being seen.  Here you will find more drama but also recreation and happy pursuits.  There is a real emphasis too on self and wanting to control ideas and or institutions and is not the time of connecting with others.  Folks respond to praise and flattery now. 

Virgo - Now is the time that favors details and accomplishments.  The little parts matter and count (double check the dots on the i's and crosses on the t's) and you are more apt to be noticed by the "higher-ups". This is a great time to focus on health, hygiene and daily habits.  This is not a good time for independent thinking.  

Libra - This is the time for an increase in self-awareness and favors self examination.  This is also a good phase for interactions with others and it favors cooperation and compromise as well as social activities.  A great time for looking at your surroundings and finding ways to make them more attractive and also for balance and partnerships.  Avoid spontaneous initiative though.  

Scorpio - Increased awareness of psychic power and connections are what is happening in this sign.  People tend to brood and become more secretive when the moon is in this sign.  This time often will lead to a psychic crisis and things ended now tend to be pretty fully finished so make sure what you end is what you want.  

Sagittarius - Ahhh flights of imagination and of confidence are what is encouraged with the moon here.  This is an adventurous and philosophical time that encourages both expansion and growth.  Athletic endeavors are a win with the moon in this sign too.      

Capricorn - The moon here increases awareness of the need for structure and discipline as well as organization.  This is a great time to develop a strong structure that will stick; but it is also a good time to focus on traditions, obligations and responsibilities.  Great time to set boundaries and rules. 

Aquarius -  This is the moon phase that favors activities that are unique and individualistic.  Also a time of rebellious energy and is a good time to break habits.  Changes can be abrupt now and personal freedom and individuality is the real focus.  Now is the time to focus on humanitarian needs & society as a whole because improvements can be made. 

Pisces - Now the energy is about hibernating, withdrawing from the surface and going with in.  You will find that people are secretly reorganizing and realigning.  The focus is on dreaming, nostalgia, intuition and psychic impressions.  This is the phase that is great for both spiritual and philanthropic activities. 
 
 
Most everyone knows their sun sign, you know the old "what's your sign?" and you reply "I am an Aquarius" or what ever your sign is.  I am an Aquarius and currently the sun is in Leo, and that is the direct opposite of my sign in the zodiac.  

When the sun is in the sign that is exactly opposite of yours you will notice that you seem to need more rest, you are lacking energy and just are more tired - and all for no apparent reason.  

That means it is good to learn the sign opposite of yours, mark the dates down and plan accordingly.  There is no need for drastic changes, just knowing when you will need to spend more time honoring your body and it's natural cycle of a bit more rest being needed.  And don't plan activities that will wear you down and wear you out during that period of time.  

Aquarius your opposite is Leo July 23 - Aug 22
Pisces yours is Virgo - Aug 23 - Sept 22
Aries yours is Libra - Sept 23 - Oct 22
Taurus yours is Scorpio - Oct 23 - Nov 21
Gemini yours is Sagittarius - Nov 22 - Dec 21
Cancer yours is Capricorn - Dec 22 - Jan 19
Leo yours is Aquarius - Jan 20 - Feb 18
Virgo yours is Pisces - Feb 19 - March 20
Libra yours is Aries - March 21 - April 19
Scorpio yours is Taurus - April 20 - May 20
Sagittarius yours is Gemini - May 21 - June 20 
Capricorn yours is Cancer - June 21 - July 22


Mom's and dad's you can also use this detail to help plan accordingly for things like taking toddlers on vacation!