This post was written by Hollywood Psychics; they are a group of live psychics, available 24 hours a day and 7 days week, who offer various psychic readings that can range from a tarot reading to clairvoyant readings. 

Chakras are subtle centers of energy within the body that, when open and flowing naturally, create a balanced relationship between mind and body. When these energy centers are moving freely, the body is in a healthy state of being. In an ideal setting all chakras are flowing freely at all times.

The word chakra is a Sanskrit word of ancient origin, meaning wheel or disc moving in a circular form, or turning. Sometimes referred to as lotuses (or lotus blossom) symbolizing the unfolding of flower pedals, chakras have a powerful influence on mind and body.

There are seven major chakras within the body and each one represents one of the elements in nature:

1. The Root Chakra (Muladhara) is located at the base of the spine and represents the element of earth. 
2. The Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana) is located at the sacrum (the last bone in the spinal cord or the coccyx) represents the element of water.
3. The Solar Plexus Chakra (Minipura) is located in the navel area and represents the element of fire.
4. The Heart Chakra (Anahata) is located at the heart and represents the element of air.
5. The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) is located at the throat and neck area and represents the element of sound.
6. The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) is located between the eyebrows and represents the element of light.
7. The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is located at the crown of the head (the soft spot of a newborn), and represents the element of thought.

Each different chakra influences the way we react to the outer world. For example if the root chakra is not flowing properly, one might experience fear. Fear affects the body in different ways such as butterflies in the stomach or shortness of breath, etc. When this particular chakra is open and flowing freely, one would feel grounded and a sense of self-preservation.

Chakras are active at all times and are constantly moving inside the body as we breathe. Their function is to vitalize the body so that we can develop a balanced life with our inner and outer world. Studying the chakras and working to keep them open and flowing freely can be highly beneficial to the mind, body and spirit. 

The following is a composition of notes mostly taken from ‘Cosmic Ordering’ by Stephen Richards about the law of attraction or manifesting reality. There may also be some phrases used by Abraham Hicks as I have been listening to ‘The Teachings of Abraham’ lately.

Everything happens not for an external reason but due to your vibrational offering. Experience fear / resistance first, then release it; ask and surrender. Visualise, meditate, use affirmations. You create your own reality by controlling and concentrating your thoughts. It is not what happens but how you react. Change your thinking, change your life. Ask and the cosmos shall provide / it is given. All things in the universe are intertwined; all reality, physics and metaphysics are one. In order to survive, our physical bodies need food, water and air but we also have to nurture our spiritual beings. The raw energy of the universe can be sculpted and moulded into something tangible. By informing the cosmos of what you want to obtain and by energising your requests, your desires will become reality. The object was there all the time (in vibrational escrow) but you can now make it appear in front of you, with very little conscious effort. You just need to draw on the field of energy around you and then plug into the mass of energy in the universe. You will become the mover, the catalyst, start a chemical reaction.

Scientists already have irrefutable proof of the emission of energy, in the measuring of brainwaves. With his ‘United Field Theory (UFT)’, Albert Einstein had a dream of uniting electromagnetism, gravity, space and time. You just need to tap into this oneness, connect and become part of the universe as a whole. This is also known as the ‘Theory Of Everything (TOE)’. Within each of us lies a power waiting to be unlocked, an untapped resource, a dormant ability possibly descended from aliens that we must learn to utilise. It is not just about listing your demands but with learning and practice, you can make things happen. In communicating your desires to the cosmos, you must have unwavering belief that it will happen, an air of expectancy and trust. However, do not be overly demanding, be prepared to acquire your dreams little by little and show gratitude and appreciation for what you receive. Also “Whatever you take out of the universe, make sure you put something back.” Isolate and eradicate negative thoughts and mix with positive people (like-minded souls) because you get what you focus on, +ve or -ve.

The 3rd eye (scientifically known as the pineal gland) has mystical powers. It is pea-sized and located in the geometric centre of the brain, right behind the pituitary gland. For a more definite location, if you could go right to the root of your nose, you would find it, attached to the 3rd ventricle. The 3rd eye (or the seat of the soul) controls and unites the various biorhythms of the body. The ancient greeks thought it to be responsible for our connection to the ‘Realms Of Thought’. It needs light to activate and works in harmony with the hypothalamus gland (controls the aging process / biological clock) and governs our desire for thirst, hunger and sex. The old school of thought about its physiological function was the connecting link between the physical and spiritual worlds. When you use your pineal gland to connect to a higher frequency, you may feel pressure at the base of the brain. It is the most powerful and highest source of ethereal energy available to humans and has always been important in initiating supernatural powers. Development of psychic talents has been attributed to this organ.

We all use meditation (or self-hypnosis), often without being aware of it (sitting, thinking, relaxing, sleeping) when looking for answers from a higher place. You will go into a trance about 1/2 a dozen times a day without realising. During relaxation and visualisation, the pineal gland secretes melanin and allows us to become one with the metaphysical energy that surrounds us. It’s not what you can see (physical) but what you cannot see (spiritual) that is being focussed on. The crown chakra reaches down until its vortex touches the pineal gland and Prana (pure energy) is received through this energy centre. When you are ready to enter a higher dimension of thought, the pineal and pituitary glands will vibrate in unison and an electro-magnetic field is created, allowing a relationship between the personality and the soul. It is as if a light is turned on / activated in the head.

Paul Ekman (University of California San Francisco Medical Centre) also suggested that mindfulness and meditation can tame the amygala (an area of the brain that is the hub of fear memory). The temporal lobe (left front part of the brain) is activated during meditation. It is the area used when focussing on a particular task. He claimed decreased activity in the parietal lobe (responsible for spacial awareness) creates that transcendental feeling of being one with the universe. It feels as if there is no space or time and is beyond ego or self / personality. Some claim that pyramids act as antennas, reaching out into the universe and that we can use the metaphorical power of pyramids to psychologically bolster our mental energy. Imagine the geographic figure represents our head, the tip is the crown. The base represents the 4 cardinal points at the base of our brain. This structure represents the field of mental energy we will use to help us visualise our wishes.

Some scientists claim +ve ions, the result of air pollution, can cause depression and sickness whereas negative ions reproduce and repair body cells. Try to avoid pylons and electromagnetic fields as they could interfere and scramble your communication with the cosmos. It is helpful to escape modern living and go to a quiet, open space in nature to think. Be careful how you word your requests to the universe. Be specific, communicate your needs in a way that cannot be misinterpreted. Magnetise your mind with strong intentions. You also need to provide your location (XYZ) so that you draw what you want towards you; it is the law of attraction. Abundance exists, there are enough things to go around for all of us, you just need faith your desires will be fulfilled.

Types Of Brainwaves:

Beta (13-30 cycles per sec) – waking awareness, extroversion, concentration, logical thinking, active conversation
Alpha (7-13 cycles per sec) – relaxation, non-arousal, meditation, hypnosis
Theta (4-7 cycles per sec) – daydreaming, dreaming, creativity, paranormal phenomena, out of body experiences, ESP, shamanic journeys. Tasks become so automatic that you mentally disengage. No censorship or guilt, free-flowing
Delta (1.5-4 cycles per sec) – deep dreamless sleep

Brief Summary

Relax – Become one with yourself, attuned to your inner self – Raise your vibration
Visualise what you want to manifest, see yourself doing it – Say affirmations – Live the dream and it will become reality
Be absolutely positive beyond belief – Air of expectancy – Express gratitude – Eradicate negative thoughts
Activate your cosmic eye / pineal gland

Other resources

applying-the-law-of-attraction.com/

An atheist professor of philosophy was speaking to his class on the problem science has with God. He asked one of his new Christian students to stand.

Professor: You are a Christian, aren’t you, son?
Student: Yes, sir.
Professor: So, you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir.
Professor: Is God good?
Student: Sure.
Professor: My brother died of cancer, even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn’t. How is God good, then? Hmm?
(Student was silent)
Professor: You can’t answer, can you? Let’s start again, young fella. Is God good?
Student: Yes.
Professor: Is Satan good?
Student: No.
Professor: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From.. God.
Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.
Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes.
Professor: So who created evil?
(Student didn’t answer)
Professor: Is there sickness? Immortality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?
Student: Yes, sir.
Professor: So, who created them?
(Student had no answer)
Professor: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son.. have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.
Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your God.
Student: No, sir.
Professor: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God, for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.
Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.
Professor: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, Science says your God doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor: Yes, Faith. And that is the problem Science has.
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor: Yes.
Student: No, sir, there isn’t.
(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events)
Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of Heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There was a pin-drop silence in the Lecture Theatre)
Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?
Student: You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light… But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and it’s called Darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, You would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?
Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is, your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Professor: If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes of course, I do.
Student: Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going)
Student: Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?
(The class was in uproar)
Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?
(The class broke out into laughter)
Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? .. No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable and Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures?
(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable)
Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student: That is it, sir.. exactly! The link between man and God is Faith. That is all that keeps things alive and moving!
—————————————————-
That student was Albert Einstein.

Reference Here >>

“If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” – Marty McFly

“There’s no fate but what we make for ourselves.” – John Connor

Bill Hicks sums things up beautifully (Warning: features some swearing)

“Today a young man on acid realized that all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves.”

“The world is like a ride in an amusement park. And when you choose to go on it you think it’s real because that’s how powerful our minds are. And the ride goes up and down and round and round. It has thrills and chills and it’s very brightly coloured and it’s very loud and it’s fun, for a while. Some people have been on the ride for a long time and they begin to question: “Is this real, or is this just a ride?” And other people have remembered, and they come back to us, they say, “Hey, don’t worry, don’t be afraid, ever, because this is just a ride.” And we kill those people.”

“It’s just a ride and we can change it any time we want. It’s only a choice. No effort, no work, no job, no savings and money, a choice, right now, between fear and love. The eyes of fear want you to put bigger locks on your door, buy guns, close yourself off. The eyes of love instead see all of us as one.”

“Take all that money we spend on nuclear weapons and defense each year, trillions of dollars, correct? Instead if we spent that money feeding, clothing and educating the poor of the world — and it would pay for it many times over, not one human being excluded — we can explore space together, both inner and outer, forever in peace.”

Subtitle: Is a higher IQ required to understand spiritual philosophies?

Just finished designing a website for the spiritual fiction writer Frances O’Brien (A Benevolent Virus) and mentioned that I was reading a book on cosmic ordering (Stephen Richards). She said she knew there was a reason her husband forgot the cheque book the day before and suggested I lend ‘The Teachings Of Abraham’ an audio box-set featuring 11 cds by Esther & Jerry Hicks.

It’s primarily based on the law of attraction / cosmic ordering / manifesting reality (whatever you prefer to call it). Teaching how we are creating our world / life through our thoughts / focus. Esther Hicks channels what she describes as infinite intelligence, non-physical consciousness or source energy. She chooses to call it/them Abraham. Like whoever/whatever is speaking to Neale Donald Walsch in Conversations With God, Abraham also cracks jokes. It seems a sense of humour is universally important. “Workshop attendee: “. . . you’re a very attractive woman, too.” Abraham: “We’re usually a nebulous mist, so that is quite a compliment.”

I just wonder if I had a higher IQ, whether things would make more sense. It’s hard graft trying to understand the answers to all the questions about life, death & everything else e.g. Have you read Conversations With God? It’s all about things being dualistic or paradoxal. Everything is & it isn’t. I guess I need to accept that I will never completely understand (well as long as I’m alive) how it all comes together & to cut myself some slack. But I do find exploring spiritual, philosophical, sociological theories fascinating despite being heavy to digest. Hoping to go on a short psychology course next, followed by a foundation course in art therapy.

Anyway, I expressed my frustration on a social networking site and a couple of friends commented: “Hope you find a new perspective on life & co. the key is to deal with the questions, not to find any answers. On a side note, i doubt a higher IQ helps on any of those issues, quite the contrary…” (Michael Spranger) and “Any questions that really don’t make much sense are probably Zen and are therefore posed to make you grow and not to provoke an answer. Interestingly, the brain gets better the more that you cogitate.” (Simon Morice)

Anyway, I continued to listen and felt Abraham started to address some of the questions that they provoked in me, which was actually causing my confusion / conflict (e.g. regarding selfishness vs helping others). It’s interesting but am not sure the teachings resonate with me as strongly as CWG for example. That seems to have a more eclectic philosophy (I actually prefer the yin yang-ness of it e.g. you experience sadness to truly know happiness etc) whereas this seems to be based on one main idea e.g. LOA (I never liked that term). Abraham even said something like “you have questions… we only have one answer you know.”

Every individual has a zodiac star sign depending on the time of year they were born. Imagine that the earth is in the centre and the symbols are arranged around it in 30 degree arcs. When you were born, the sun passed through the arc of your star sign in line with the earth, determining your sun sign and characteristics. You may also display personality traits of different signs depending on the positions of the moon and planets at the time of birth.

There are 12 star/sun signs in total, named after nearby constellations of stars: Aries, the ram; Taurus, the bull; Gemini, the twins; Cancer, the crab; Leo, the lion; Virgo, the virgin; Libra, the scales; Scorpio, the scorpion; Sagittarius, the archer; Capricorn, the seagoat; Aquarius, the water carrier and Pisces, the fish.

Each sign is compatible with two others, which are spaced out equally on a zodiac wheel and have the same element (Air, Earth, Fire or Water). If you do not demonstrate the personality of your star sign, it could be because either, the other signs have a stronger influence on you, you have managed to control your negative attributes, you are on the borderline/cusp between signs or your full potential has not yet emerged.

Each sign is either Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable and has associated objects such as plants, stones or colours. Horoscope predictions are made about your luck, love, health, work and finance. Each sign is ruled by a planet and as they orbit around the sun, their positions supposedly change your life. This is a brief outline of the positive & negative characteristics of each star sign:

An Aries is energetic, open and a leader,
Helpful, takes risks and persistent,
But is blind, jealous and intolerant,
Selfish, bossy and a non-listener.

A Taurus is patient, gentle and attentive,
Dependable, loving and artistic,
But is indulgent, boring and insensitive,
Stubborn, slow-moving and materialistic.

A Gemini is quick, youthful and entertaining,
Inventive, charming and inquisitive,
But is gossipy, nervous and non-committing,
Easily bored, impatient and manipulative.

A Libra is charming, loving and cooperative,
Refined, fair and romantic,
But is fearful, sulky and manipulative,
Flirtatious and narcissistic.

A Cancer is compassionate, kind and sensitive,
Helpful, shrewd and protective,
But is selfish, moody and possessive,
Overpowering, hurt and introspective.

A Leo is proud, mature and friendly,
Responsible, alive and tolerant,
But is cold-hearted, uncaring and sulky,
Boastful, smug and arrogant.

A Sagittarius is inspiring, honest and optimistic,
Enthusiastic, happy and sensual,
But is argumentative, inept and a fanatic,
Hot-headed, impatient and critical.

A Virgo is emotionally warm and charming,
Dedicated, witty and sympathetic,
But is untidy, worried and over-demanding,
Nervous, cranky and eccentric.

A Scorpio is emotional, magnetic and protective,
Compassionate, intense and caring,
But is quick-tempered, jealous and vindictive,
Ruthless, moody and overbearing.

An Aquarius is caring, loyal and independent,
Communicative, dependable and scientific,
But is tactless, rude and non-confident,
Self-interested, curious and eccentric.

A Capricorn is hard working, realistic and scrupulous,
Concerned, fearless and conventional,
But is unforgiving, fatalistic and anxious,
A slave-driver and egotistical.

A Pisces is compassionate, shy and mystical,
Trusting, loving and gentle,
But is depressive, gullible and emotional,
Self-pitying and temperamental.

Aries: The Ram (21st March – 19th April) is concerned with self-assertion, initiation, new beginnings, action, daring, challenge, adventure, exploration, pioneering, enterprising, discovering, aggression, impatience, creativity, personal goals, control, domination, competition, winning, perseverance, courage, honesty, independence, nobility and openness. Aries thinks he or she is more interesting and better than those with whom they are in competition. They appear to be self-assured but worry about not being valued or respected. They are interested in winning, whatever the challenge. They lead rather than follow, expecting loyalty. They fearlessly take risks, express opinions and help others achieve their dreams. They are an inspiration to friends and a conquering hero to the underdog. Negative attributes may include bossiness, brashness, intolerance, jealousy, selfishness, inability to listen or see their effect on others, impulsiveness, poor judge of character and rebelliousness.

Aries is the cardinal fire sign and so they can propel themselves in any direction. They can be likened to a rocket, gun or engine, using energy and initiative to bring about changes. The glyph or symbol depicts the ram’s horns.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the meaning of selfless love.

Taurus: The Bull (20th April – 20th May) is concerned with beauty, romance, sentimentality, sensuality, materialistic values, wealth, prosperity, harmony, love of living things, possession, control, security, dependability, loyalty, determination, patience, habit, organisation, tenacity, kindness, shyness, cautiousness, trustworthiness, calmness and appreciation of values, talents, abilities. Taurus takes a long-term view and proceeds slowly but surely because the best of everything is worth waiting for. They luxuriate in sensual delights, comfort, security and material prosperity. They prefer real to artificial and fear being disturbed (frustrated) or left wanting (unsatisfied). They have a strong set of personal values (integrity), practical common sense (down-to-earth) and are attentive, affectionate, artistic and peaceful. Negative attributes may include self-indulgence, stubbornness, slow-movement, materialism, too much thought before action, being too introverted, easily embarrassed, boring and insensitive.

Taurus is the fixed earth sign and can be likened to an ancient rainforest full of old trees and rare plants or an ancient castle full of valuable antiques. It represents an enduring, practical reality. The glyph or symbol depicts the bull’s horns.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the value of insight.

Gemini: The Twins (21st May – 20th June) is concerned with communication, interaction, articulation, speech, dexterity, nimbleness, light-footedness, wit, persuasion, variety, movement, curiousity, exploration, short journeys, education, learning, collecting facts, attention to detail, adaptability, intellect, intuition, youth and freedom. Gemini multi-task and are constantly on the go, running errands. Contact through words, ideas, gossip or philosophy makes them happy. They can sell anything to anyone and talk themselves out of difficulty. They are inquisitive, entertaining, charming, versatile, liberal, broad-minded, quick, inventive, stimulating and sociable. They long to find their soul-mate, the mysterious twin who will complete them but the wholeness they seek may be found within if they can gather together their many sides. Negative attributes include restlessness, impatience, irritability, anxiety, impracticality, capricious, fickleness, manipulativeness, non-committal behaviour and superficiality.

Gemini is the mutable air sign and can be likened to the constantly moving wind. They are motivated by their instincts, are agreeable and constantly adjust in order to create harmony. The glyph or symbol depicts duality and changeability.

Spiritual Goal: To learn how to cooperate.

Cancer: The Crab (21st June – 22 July) is concerned with receptivity, sensitivity, self-defense or preservation, home, comfort, domesticity, food, nurture, mothering instincts, nostalgia, sentimentality, family, history, memory, antiques, money, business, response to public need, patriotism, dreams, the psychic and telepathy. Cancer have a fear of insecurity and use a hard outer shell to protect themselves from the world. They absorb and reflect every emotion experienced. Their emotional moods change according to the waxing and waning of the moon. They are contemplative, tenacious, shrewd, intuitive, compassionate, gentle, kind, helpful and caring. They tend to have a lunatic sense of humour, based on their accurate observation of human nature. They often like to be inconspicuous, avoid discussing their personal life and use indirect tactics to get what they want. Negative attributes include possessiveness, too easily hurt, moody, crabby, unforgiving, selfish, manipulative, introspective and overpowering.

Cancer is the cardinal water sign and can be likened to a safe harbour where boats can take shelter from the dangers of the sea. The glyph or symbol may symbolise nurturing breasts.

Spiritual Goal: To learn how to take a balanced view of things.

Leo: The Lion (23rd July – 22 August) is concerned with playfulness, liveliness, entertainment, creativity, romance, love affairs, sex, offspring, children, activities, childishness, taking risks, gambling, sports, games, performance, drama, limelight, applause, entertainment and hospitality. Leo are not interested in winning but in being king or queen, a sovereign or ruler. They have a mature sense of responsibility. They are courageous, authoritative, magnanimous, proud, dignified, loyal, caring, open, honest, friendly, charming, trusting, accepting and generous. They appear popular, confident and extroverted but may secretly harbour self-doubts and undervalue themselves. They crave love, adoration, appreciation and recognition. They can be a source of life-enhancing warmth, joy and pleasure. Negative attributes include stubborn or wilfulness, contempt or arrogance, sulkiness, smug or boastfulness, indifference and cold-heartedness when hurt.

Leo is the fixed fire sign and can be likened to a fire burning in its proper place, such as a camp fire around which everyone can gather. They can transform things with their energy. The glyph or symbol depicts the lion’s mane.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the true meaning of love.

Virgo: The Virgin (23rd August – 22nd September) is concerned with self-perfection, critical faculties, altruism, honesty, responsibility, cleanliness, hygiene, health, healing, efficiency, daily routines, reliability, strength of character, veiled sensuality, passivity, modesty, incisive communication and shrewd logical thought. Virgo are pure-minded by not naive, quick-witted, charming and emotionally warm. They worry too much about every personal imperfection and are never satisfied with their own standards. They are composed, reserved, helpful, humane, sympathetic, conscientious, painstaking, analytical and intelligent. They crave the opportunity to serve others and take charge of apparently mundane matters that are the foundations of success. They are usually interested in acquiring information and communication by writing. Negative attributes include scathing criticism of the lazy, crankiness, irritability, dogmatic, untidy, hypochondriacal, nervous, prudish, undemonstrative, over-demanding and eccentric.

Virgo is the mutable earth sign and can be likened to a semi-shaded patio, which has been adapted to make a delightful organic garden. It represents adaptable practicality. The glyph or symbol usually portrays a fair maiden, sometimes with a sheaf of wisdom (linked to the harvest) and represents privacy or the female sexual organs.

Spiritual Goal: To learn to discriminate between destructive criticism and simple wisdom.

Libra: The Scales (23rd September – 22nd October) is concerned with partnerships, relationships, romance, ideas, opinions, politics, diplomacy, music, harmony, equilibrium, tact, argument, self-control, manners, appearance, refinement, sophistication, taste, spending, rational thought and ideas for social well-being. Libra make effective mediators or negotiators (peace-makers). They give advice freely and are interested in all the facts so they can come to a balanced decision. They are cooperative, charming, sociable, sincere, good-natured, trustworthy, loving, gentle, fair, artistic, opinionated, communicative and have strong beliefs. They are secretly terrified of being alone, despite appearing calm, collected and in charge of the situation. Negative attributes include narcissism, indolence or sulky, petulance, objectionable to taking orders, fearful, indecision, fickleness, manipulation, overbearing and flirtatious. They attempt to gain an even balance in regards to the inconsistency in their behaviour.

Libra is the cardinal air sign and can be likened to a finely tuned wind instrument, producing powerful, moving music in perfect harmony. It represents ideas put into action, even though they may think for a long time before making a decision and acting on it. The glyph or symbol represents the setting sun and the equation approximately or equal to.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the meaning of selfless love.

Scorpio: The Scorpion (23rd October – 21st November) is concerned with birth, life, death, sex, sensuality, passion, pushing boundaries of discovery, regeneration, transformation, metamorphosis, finance, investments, wills, inheritance, hidden matters, secrets, taboos, magic, collective unconscious, defence systems, social revolution, reformation and change. Scorpio have intense focus and concentration and understand their own failings. They are intractable and impenetrable, hiding their true nature / depth. They are passionate, emotional, compassionate, protective, tenacious, magnetic, dynamic, probing, investigative, un-shockable, psychological and determined. They exercise power through 3 evolutionary stages: emotion / instinct, intellect or love. Negative attributes include self-destruction, possessiveness, cunning, ruthless, overbearing, suspicious, jealousy, dangerous, quick-tempered, obstinate, moody, sadistic, insulting, secretive, intolerant and vindictive.

Scorpio is the fixed water sign and can be likened to still waters that run deep. Their relentless power penetrates and transforms and they cannot easily be deflected from their purpose. The glyph or symbol can portray either a scorpion or an eagle and represents drive, desire, striving upwards or the male sexual organs.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the meaning of selfless love.

Sagittarius: The Archer (22nd November – 21st December) is concerned with philosophy, idealism, religion, spiritual growth, optimism, enthusiasm, forward-planning, travel, independence, freedom of movement, the outdoors, generosity, justice, morality, imagination, aspirations, open-mindedness, wit, intellect, flashes of intuition, generosity, pleasure, sensuality and romance. Sagittarius are happy-go-lucky, stimulating, inspiring, fair-minded, hold no grudges and always see the best in people. They may be tactless but are not deliberately cruel. They are open, honest and direct and unconventional or uncommitted in relationships. They are adventurous, gambling, risk-takers and enjoy physical danger. They deny their own sadness and fear any responsibility that curtails their freedom. Negative attributes include argumentative, impatience, restlessness, hot-headed, impulsive, irresponsible, indulgent, fanatical, preachy, uncivilised, animalistic, blundering and inept.

Sagittarius is the mutable fire sign and can be likened to stars, a thousand lighted candles or rising sparks. They can transform negative situations with their optimism. The glyph or symbol depicts the centaur (half man, half horse) and the arrow pointing towards a higher direction or purpose.

Spiritual Goal: To learn to use their talents to guide others.

Capricorn: The Goat (22nd December – 19th January) is concerned with practicality, realism, hard work, accomplishment, planning, persistence, success, high status, good quality, reputation, responsibility, difficulties, problems, paternalism, authority, discipline, money, wealth, long-term projects, wisdom and sensitivity to beauty. Sure-footed and practical, Capricorn always reach their ambitions eventually, beating others who are faster but less determined. They take life seriously and a sense of duty or a fear of embarrassment often stops them from acting out their desires (secret romantics). They worry about physical, social and emotional security. They are conventional, concerned, reserved, cautious, scrupulous and organised. They give sound advice, take risks when necessary, respect authority, are loyal to tradition and have high standards. They can allow inner fears to dominate their decisions. Negative attributes include egotistical, slave-driving, unforgiving, anxious, critical, perfectionist and fatalistic.

Capricorn is the cardinal earth sign and can be likened to the oldest, most valuable tree in the forest. The glyph or symbol depicts the beard of the goat and the tail of the old sea goat.

Spiritual Goal: To learn to understand the feelings and needs of other people.

Aquarius: The Water Bearer (20th January – 18th February) is concerned with scientific analysis, experimentation, detachment, friendship, courtesy, kindness, tranquility, mystery, intrigues, magic, genius, originality, eccentricity, independence, humanitarian issues, fame, recognition, politics, creative arts, electricity, magnetism and telecommunications. Aquarius are idealistic, intellectual, inventive, assertive and opinionated. They stand for freedom, equality, evolution, individuality and independence of thought and action. They are communicative, cooperative, dependable and enjoy sharing their knowledge. They are caring, loyal friends and have an intense interest in human beings. They can be uncertain of their true identity since they are precarious, non-conformists. They often have original, unexpected ideas. Negative attributes include tactless, rude, perversity, voyeuristic curiousity, self-interest, lack of confidence and unwilling to share ideas or fight for beliefs.

Aquarius is the fixed air sign and can be likened to a paraglider, jumping off the earth to explore a rainbow, yet aware of how to ensure a safe landing. Ideas may be unusual or original but once formed they tend to remain fixed. The glyph or symbol represents the eternal flow of spiritual energy.

Spiritual Goal: To learn how to develop true self-confidence.

Pisces: The Fishes (19th February – 20th March) is concerned with compassion, sympathy, love, altruism, dreams, the psychic, precognition, sixth sense, illusions, magic, film, fantasy, make-believe, art, drama, music, poetry, prose, dance, unusual talent, memory, wisdom, versatility, sensitivity, intuition, humour, satire, secrets, fulfilment of life and eternity. Pisces can accept the challenges of life and rise to the top, or can give in to the easy way of oblivion and sick to the bottom. They must find peace through beauty, music and harmony. They need to turn their private, mystical, dream world of love and compassion into a reality. They are romantic, shy, spiritual, open-minded, receptive, impressionable, perceptive, creative, sympathetic, tender, hospitable, humane and compassionate. They can lose touch with reality, become too emotionally involved with others problems and tend to blame themselves for everything. Negative attributes include self-pitying, gullibility, indecision, dependency, escapism, sensationalism and depression.

Pisces is the mutable water sign and can be likened to a warm, turquoise lagoon, twinkling in the sunshine or a strong ocean current rising from the depths. The glyph or symbol depicts being pulled in two opposite directions.

Spiritual Goal: To learn the meaning of peace through service to others.

The Modes

Cardinal = Initiating; gets things going
Fixed = Persisting; gets things done
Mutable = Alternating; adaptable, flexible

The Elements

Earth = Physical (common sense, practicality, consolidation) force that holds the atoms together
Air = Mental / Intellectual (thinking, communication) the energy that shapes things to come
Water = Emotional (feelings, reception, intuition) power of the unconscious mind
Fire = Action (practicality) Directed will; energy radiating out from the center

Evaluating the strength of elements in an individual

Assign 4 points to the element associated with the Sun
Assign 3 points to the element associated with the Moon
Assign 2 points to the element associated with Mercury, Venus, Mars
Assign 1 point to the element associated with Jupiter, Saturn

If 8 or more points are concentrated in one element = a preponderance

Key Reference Used: Zodiac Types by Collins Gem

First go to http://www.astro.com to reveal your personal portrait or birth chart. Focus in particular on your sun and moon signs, your ascendant and venus sign. The influence of the planets is outlined below, bear these in mind or use them as a reference guide when you read about the signs of the zodiac.

The Sun (Ruler of Leo) is where we derive our life purpose or direction, our creativity, vitality and controls the individual style in which we go about things. It represents our conscious mind, the present, our ego, our adult, the part that reasons things out and makes final decisions. The Sun is our basic identity, personality or true self-expression and focuses on reason as opposed to instinct. When we are acting out our Sun, we are purposeful, directed, proud and creative. On the negative side, we can be haughty, overly willful, self-centered and judgmental.

Grant Lewi referred to the Sun as indicative of “the psychological bias which will dominate your actions… You may think, dream, imagine, hope to be a thousand things, according to your Moon and your other planets: but the Sun is what you are, and to be your best self in terms of your Sun is to cause your energies to work along the path in which they will have maximum help from planetary vibrations.”

The Moon (Ruler of Cancer) governs our instinctual reactions, emotional responses and moods. It rules rhythmic ebb and flow of activity and energy. It represents our subconscious mind, the past (memories) our inner self (child & mother) and our deepest personal needs. Where the Sun acts, the Moon reacts. It is responsive, receptive, and reflective. It shows how we protect ourselves and emote or respond to our world. The Moon makes us imaginative, creative, intuitive, sentimental and introspective. On the negative side, we can be moody, restless and irrational.

Grant Lewi described the moon: “When you “know what you mean but you can’t say it,” it is your Moon that knows it and your Sun that can’t say it. “Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears” are the thoughts of your Moon’s nature. The wordless ecstasy, the mute sorrow, the secret dream, the esoteric picture of yourself that you can’t get across to the world, or which the world doesn’t comprehend or value – these are the products of the Moon in your horoscope. When you are misunderstood, it is your Moon nature, expressed imperfectly through the Sun sign, that you feel is betrayed. When you know what you ought to do, but can’t find the right way to do it, it is your Moon that knows and your Sun that refuses to react in harmony. Also, when you “don’t know why I said that,” it was your Moon expressing despite your Sun (if you are innerly satisfied with the involuntary speech), or the Sun expressing against the will of the Moon (if you are displeased with what has slipped out). Things you know without thought – intuitions, hunches, instincts – are the products of the Moon. Modes of expression that you feel are truly your deepest self belong to the Moon: art, letters, creative work of any kind; sometimes love; sometimes business. Whatever you feel is most deeply yourself, whether or not you are able to do anything about it in the outer world, is the product of your Moon and of the sign your Moon occupies at birth.”

Mercury (The Messenger, Ruler of Gemini and Virgo) is associated with brainpower, mental ability, daily travel, expression and communication. It takes things apart and puts them back together again. Thought processes, ideas, and sensory information from both conscious and unconscious sources all need to be coordinated, analysed and understood. Mercury makes us opportunistic, inquisitive, curious and versatile. On the negative side, we can be high-strung or nervous, nit-picky, indecisive, and overly technical.

Venus (Goddess of Love, Ruler of Libra and Taurus) is linked with pleasure, leisure, possessions, money, art, grace, charm, beauty, love, sensuality and romantic attraction. It rules our sentiments, attachments, what we value or appreciate, how we approach relationships and how we spend money. Venus encourages us to be harmonious, to compromise, make-peace, be loving and act with taste. On the negative side, we can be self-indulgent, self-centered, vain and superficial.

Mars (God of War, Ruler of Aries) is associated with energy, masculinity, anger, competitiveness and sex drive. It is the survival instinct, the animal nature of man. It is associated with physical attraction and focuses on action (without contemplation) rather than reaction. Mars differs from the Sun in that it is self-assertion rather than assertion of the will; it is raw energy rather than creative energy. Mars makes us assertive, directed, forthright and adventurous. On the negative side, we can be impulsive, rash, impatient, aggressive and forceful.

Jupiter (King of the Gods, Ruler of Sagittarius) deals with physical and mental expansion, self-confidence, enthusiasm, humour, finance, luck, abundance and travel. It represents morality, gratitude, generosity, tolerance, hope, mercy, honour and justice. It shows how we go about trusting others and improving our lives. Jupiter seeks insight through knowledge for mental and spiritual growth, to reach a broader purpose. The more negative manifestations include blind optimism which leads to irresponsibility, excess, and overindulgence.

Saturn (Ruler of Capricorn) brings restrictions, limitations, inhibitions and an awareness of fear or failure. Where Jupiter expands, Saturn constricts. This may seem negative but it actually brings structure, meaning and definition to our lives because it knows the limits of time and matter. It reminds us of our boundaries, responsibilities, commitments and the need for self-control. Saturn imposes discipline, rules, and regulations like a father or authority figure to help us learn and grow.

Uranus (God of the sky and the heavens, Ruler of Aquarius) is associated with upheaval, chaos, change, revolution and the unexpected. It is forward-looking, linked with technology, innovation and discovery. It balks at tradition, celebrating originality and individuality. It is associated with enlightenment, progressiveness, objectivity, novelty and ingenuity. Uranus represents the spark of intuition that spurs invention or investigation. On the negative side, it may cause rebelliousness without a cause and irresponsibility.

Neptune (God of the Sea, Ruler of Pisces) is linked with spiritual enlightenment, intuition, glamour and aesthetic or artistic subjects. It is a planet of inspiration, dreams, psychic receptivity, illusion and confusion. It is associated with mercy, compassion and self-sacrifice. Neptune also brings hope, fantasy and dreaminess. On the negative side, it may cause deceit, trickery, guilt, addiction and a vulnerable or naive nature, which is susceptible to disillusionment or deception.

Pluto (God of the Underworld, Ruler of Scorpio) relates to elimination, orgasm, change, transformation, upheaval, regeneration, destruction, death and rebirth. It represents subconscious forces, ruling all that is below the surface and the unseen. It represents endings and new beginnings, as well as spiritual growth. The negative expression of Pluto is an obsessive desire for power and control and general destructiveness.

NB: The positions of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto by sign will be shared with other people in the same generation due to comparatively slow movement in the heavens. The house position shows where individuals are different. It reveals an area of life where we feel the need to distinguish ourselves from others.

The Ascendant (or rising sign) defines the first impression we make upon others in a personal sense (physical appearance, health, body ego). It governs our facade, our coping defenses, how we outwardly deal with new people or situations. It embraces the past, present and future and filters through into the outer world, the energies depicted by the Sun, Moon etc in your birth chart. It also indicates your soul’s function, a key part of your destiny.

The Medium Coeli (or midheaven) represents the career or life path. It defines our reputation in a professional sense, our most visible achievements and accomplishments in society. The Midheaven is the cusp of the tenth house and is directly opposite the Imum Coeli (IC). Along with the Ascendant (ASC) and the Descendant (DSC), these compose the four angles of your natal chart.

Key Reference Used: cafeastrology.com

While I agree with many of Richard Dawkins’ views on religious fundamentalism, it frustrates me how he accuses anyone who believes in God or who is open to the possibilities beyond life & death as being foolish, deluded, ignorant or incapable of rational, independent thought. And it particularly annoyed me how he’d bang on about religious folks needing to raise their consciousness (what I would consider to be a spiritual term). He may have implied he was more ‘enlightened’ too. Talk about holier than thou.

He also insinuated that agnostics were fence-sitters, even though he went on to clarify thoughts. I’d rather be open-minded and balanced than have extremist views in either scientific or religious thought, it doesn’t mean I don’t have any opinions. Some of it I found rather enjoyable & entertaining but a lot of it I found frustrating, condescending & repetitive. Like most books, it probably made me think &/or re-affirm my views but I don’t think my belief system has particularly changed.

The true story of a prominent psychiatrist, his young patient, and the past-life therapy that changed both their lives by Brian L. Weiss M.D. Notes and extracts from the book:

In between each lifetime, the soul floats through darkness towards a bright energizing light, which replenishes and rejuvenates. Embalming, burial rituals or any procedure after death has no influence; the soul automatically passes on; no preparation is necessary. Just like walking through an open door. Souls then await instructions and guidance from the Master Spirits or guardians. They have a chance to reflect on the lessons learnt during the previous lifetime and can choose to be re-born, what they need to accomplish and what karmic debts need repaying. Groups of souls tend to reincarnate together again and again, working out their karma over the span of many lifetimes. We are frighteningly concerned with our own deaths, sometimes so much so that we forget the real purpose of our lives. The belief in reincarnation strengthened by past-life regression helps ease fear of death because our existence becomes known as infinite.

Our task is to learn, to become God-like through knowledge. We know so little. By knowledge we approach God and then we can rest. We come back to teach and help others. There are many gods, for God is in each of us. There are many souls in this dimension. There are many dimensions / planes. Each one is a level of higher consciousness. What level we go to depends on how far we have progressed / evolved. We must share our knowledge with other people. We all have abilities far beyond what we use. If you do not overcome your vices before dying, you carry them over with you to another life. Only we can rid ourselves of the bad habits that we accumulate when we are in a physical state. And only when you decide that you are strong enough to master the external problems, then you will no longer have them in your next life.

We must also learn not to just go to those people whose vibrations are the same as ours. This is important in helping people. We are given intuitive powers we should follow and try not to resist or we are more likely to meet danger. Some of us possess powers greater than others because they have been accrued from other lifetimes. Thus people are not all created equal but eventually we will reach a point where we will all be equal. People in commas can decide whether or not to return, depending on how much learning they have yet to accomplish in the physical state. If they feel they have nothing further to learn, they can go directly to the spiritual state. We have no right to abruptly halt peoples’ lives before they have lived out their karma. They will suffer greater retribution if we let them live. We are not to kill, no matter what the circumstances. Only God can punish.

We choose when we will come into our physical state and when we leave. We know when we have accomplished what we intended, when nothing more can come of a lifetime. We know when the time is up and can accept death. When you have had the time to rest and re-energise your soul, you are allowed to choose your re-entry back into the physical state. Everybody’s path is basically the same. We must all learn certain attitudes: charity, hope, faith and love. People of religious orders have come closer than any of us because they have taken vows of chastity and obedience. Not a reference to sexual abstinence but a purity of living. Not to overindulge, anything done to excess. They’ve given up so much without asking for anything in return.

Patience and timing; everything comes when it must come. A life cannot be rushed, cannot be worked on a schedule. Time is not as we see it but rather in lessons that are learned. It is a waste of energy when fear is present. It stifles people from fulfilling their goals. To be in physical state is abnormal. When you are in spiritual state, it is natural. There are different levels of learning and we must learn some of them in the flesh. We must feel pain. When you’re a spirit, you feel no pain. It is a period of renewal. The interaction between people in the spiritual form is different. When you are in the physical form, you can experience relationships. We go through so many stages when we’re here. We shed a baby body, go into a child’s, from child to an adult, an adult into old age. Why shouldn’t we go one step beyond and go on to a spiritual plane?

We continue to grow; we go through different stages of development: renewal, learning and decision. Our body is just a vehicle; it is our soul and spirit that last forever. Learning in the spiritual state is much faster, far accelerated from that in the physical state. There are seven planes in all, each one consisting of many levels, which we must pass through during the interim; one of them is the plane of recollection, where you are allowed to see the life that has just passed. Those of the higher levels, the sages or masters, are allowed to see history. They can go back and teach us by learning about the past. Another is the plane of transition, where it is determined what you will take into the next life, a dominant trait that you must overcome or your burdens will become greater still. There is also the plane of awareness. We must repeat things if we do not learn. We must understand fully or we are not allowed to pass on to another dimension, another life.

Wisdom is achieved very slowly. This is because intellectual knowledge, easily acquired, must be transformed into ‘emotional’ or subconscious awareness. Theoretical knowledge is not enough to make the imprint permanent, behavioural practice is required. Happiness is rooted in simplicity; a state of being; an altered state of consciousness. It is sustained by act and deed; taking something nearly mystical and transforming it into everyday familiarity. Balance and harmony are neglected today, yet they are the foundations of wisdom. Humankind is guided by greed and ambition, steered by fear. In this way it will eventually destroy itself. But nature will survive, at least the plants. Humans are immortal and what we are doing now is learning our lessons. We are all going to the same place eventually; no one is greater than another.