tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73261207372514014142024-02-20T02:50:10.868-05:00LOVESMACKED & STARSTRUCKLoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-44767585735561158722012-01-23T12:30:00.000-05:002012-01-23T12:40:30.874-05:00Your Aquarius Can't Bear the Weight of Your WaterAquarian relationships have been rather predominant in the press lately, haven't they? With recent celebrity divorce bombshells such as Seal (Aquarius/Pisces cusp) & Heidi Klum, Ashton Kutcher (Aquarius) & Demi Moore, and Kris Humphries (Aquarius) & Kim Kardashian, and engagements/new affairs such as Justin Timberlake (Aquarius) & Jessica Biel and Jennifer Aniston (Aquarius) & Justin Theroux, our fellow water bearers are shaking things up in the romance department.<br /><br />Whether shaken or stirred, Aquarians are no stranger to crazy love lives: be it short-lived marriages, long-term affairs, or mid-life crises and obsessions, it's very rare to find an Aquarius who follows the typical relationship equation of:<br /><br />boy meets girl + boy dates girl = boy marries girl = happily ever after<br /><br />Somewhere in between, we should factor in an affair (pre or during marriage), a possible gay interlude or coming-out, and/or a divorce. Why? Aquarians are always re-identifying and re-creating themselves. While they tend to stick to their guns (and yes, their religion) once they believe in something, their never-ending conquest for shaping the world into the image they have in their head controls every single thought and action that they commit. If that vision for the future requires a change of philosophy, then so be it. But this is unlikely--typically, your Aquarius knows how he/she thinks the world should be run by the time they are, oh, say four years old. They like to break free from conventional wisdom and march to their own drum--and to hell with the consequences and naysayers. As Frank Sinatra would say, "I did it my way."<br /><br />As with Darth Vader, this conquest can be made for good (<em>think:</em> Oprah, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan--depending on your politics, Ayn Rand--depending on your philosophies, and Ellen DeGeneres) or for bad (<em>think:</em> well, let me digress from painting some of these people as "bad" and just ask my readers to defer to the images of "Famous Aquarians" posted above and determine for yourself which characters are less savory than others).<br /><br />Regardless of their intention, forewarned is forearmed: either follow this sign as they dash across the water, or be left behind eating their dust (or just dying of thirst).<br /><br />Once it's over, it's over (disclaimer: Aquarian women, however, can hold on extraordinarily long to a man she is "in love" with out of sheer self-masochism, especially if the man is a Gemini or a Libra). If I were you, I would pass GO! and collect $200 on your way out--or, in Kim K.'s case, $17.9 million--and never look back. You may need that money for therapy sessions, after all. Aquarians don't hold back once they know they have nothing to lose. Be prepared to end things on a bad note, unless you are capable of biting your tongue and simply walking away. Hard to do, that, when your reality TV show requires your personal life to be so public...LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-62045234253687950632011-12-22T12:00:00.006-05:002011-12-22T12:33:40.452-05:00He's Making His List & Checking It TwiceHo, Ho, Ho...<br /><br />Merry Christmas<br />Happy Hanukkah<br />Happy Kwanzaa<br />Happy New Year<br /><br />As we wrap up 2011--and the last dreadful bout of Mercury retro (yeah, this one was a bitch, huh?)--we should all take time to reflect on how naughty, or nice, we were this year.<br /><br />While we would all like to think of ourselves as little angels of love and light, Santa knows better. And he says:<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> you have done pretty well for yourself in 2011. Spreading the love and cheer has left you feeling positive and successful as the year comes to an end. Continue to focus on the positive while simultaneously avoiding the negative chatter in the background. Yes, it's true, your bright yellow shoes do NOT go with your black dress. You look like a damn bumble bee. But who cares? Those shoes look FABULOUS on you. <strong>Santa's Verdict: NICE.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> honestly, you've been a pain in most people's ass this year. One part demanding, and two parts hypocritical, has left you suffering a bit in 2011 as you repair some of the damage you have done. Have no fear: your birthday is rolling around soon enough and people are <em>obligated</em> to like you again. And if they don't, well, you never have had a problem telling people to f**k off! <strong>Santa's Verdict: NAUGHTY.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Pisces: </strong>a few bumps in the road this year with your beloved has left you feeling a bit more introspective than usual, dear Pisces. And while the drug industry should make a pill for your depressive and dream-like moods (spoiler: they would make a killing in the market), you will survive just fine on your own as long as you stay away from the bottle or the street drugs. Focus on the positives and just chill out. It's not always as big a deal as you think it is. <strong>Santa's Verdict: NICE-ish.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> anger management classes are on the rise. You should sign up. Really. This has been a whammy of a year for you with one drama after another. Whether you were left bothered and bewildered by friends, lovers, family, or coworkers, you definitely felt the bitter sting of rejection and/or disappointment. And now, you are ready for payback (if you haven't started it already). Just remember what Confucius said: "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." <strong>Santa's Verdict: NAUGHTY.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Taurus:</strong> well, hello there, smooth operator. Marvin Gaye AND Al Green are rocking your background music as you walk down the street. What a year it's been! Engaged, married, or finally in a committed relationship, 2011 has been stellar. If none of the above applied to your 2011, then at the very least, you made some significant decisions in your home base or professional path. Whatever you did, or are doing, things are working out quite nicely. And, as a bonus, YOU have been much nicer, too. <strong>Santa's Verdict: NICE.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Gemini:</strong> slow your roll, dear Gemini, you can only take so much success at one time. You have been in the spotlight this year with one accolade after another and the buzz on your personal (and professional) life has been non-stop. Whether you are loved or loathed pretty much depends on whom you're talking to. Your friends will always love you, and your enemies will always have their jealousy issues. Ignore the commentary you don't like, grab your twin by the hand, and continue to move forward with your goals. <strong>Santa's Verdict: NAUGHTY and NICE (one for each twin).</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> OK, so here's the thing. You are a sensitive soul and crawl too often into that hard, protective shell of yours when you can't deal with the criticism or drama. We get that. The problem is, when you come OUT of your shell, you can be a real asshole. Sometimes, you gotta quit while you are ahead. Verbal diarrhea should be left to the Air signs in your life, not you. Make your point, then put a period at the end of it, and walk away. Don't start another paragraph, don't send another text, don't hit "reply" to that e-mail. Less is more. You KNOW that. <strong>Santa's Verdict: NAUGHTY.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> damn, 2011 has been a rough ride, especially the second half of the year. Just when you thought you couldn't handle another crisis (health, work, family, lover, child, etc), WHAM, you got another one. You put on a brave face to the world, and then cried about it at night behind closed doors. You really do deserve a medal of honor for surviving it all. Your friends are proud of your inner strength. <strong>Santa's Verdict: TOO NICE.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> Santa and all his elves don't even know what to do with you. One moment you are nice and the next you are naughty. You struggle in deciding whether you want to play the role of Rudolph or the Grinch. It is messing with our minds. Pick a role: hero or villain. We won't judge you. We'll just be glad to <em>finally</em> figure you out, you fool. <strong>Santa's Verdict: CRAZY.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Libra: </strong>those scales of balance keep tipping away from your favor lately, and your moods are more volatile than the stock market. If you were a ship, you might feel as if you should be called the TITANIC...slowly sinking, but desperately looking for a life preserver. Deep breaths...release...repeat. Meditation would be good for you. Inner happiness can only be found, and achieved, with a firm foundation of self worth and esteem. Work on making yourself happy first and then you can continue with your critique of others. <strong>Santa's Verdict: 50% NAUGHTY and 50% NICE.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> security is a wonderful feeling, even if everything feels a bit "up in the air." 2011 was a year of change and transformation for you, and you ended up on top every time. While you did have to whip out your stinger a few times to check people's 'tudes, you more or less kept it real and to yourself. As Heidi Klum would say, "Either you are in, or you are out." This mantra worked quite well for you in 2011. Carry on. <strong>Santa's Verdict: NICE.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> hello, wild child. I hope you started a blog for yourself this year. You had more than enough crazy stories to share with the world. Some of them made you look good. Others? Notsomuch. Who cares. Any press is good press, in your case. Making decisions in your best interest worked well for you, even if some of the people in your life thought you were a selfish ass. You can plead the fifth, this time. Santa can revisit his verdict of you in 2012. And for now? <strong>Santa's Verdict: WAIT-LISTED for NICE.</strong>LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-11866488955427132612011-11-22T20:20:00.000-05:002011-11-22T20:22:23.218-05:00Throw Me a Bone. Or Should I Just Chew On It?Call your local congressman or woman, post flyers around your city or town, or tell it to the mountain. Our cities our dirty. As in, Xtina dirty.<br /><br />Typically, trash on the street doesn't bother me. In fact, I can easily find it charming. How else would I enjoy NYC, DC, or even Paris, if there wasn't a little bit of trash to smell it up?<br /><br />But I'll tell you who really LOVES the lack of waste control.<br /><br /><em>Our dogs.</em><br /><br />There's nothing quite like owning a four-legged friend to force you to look down while you walk on the streets. If I had a dollar every time I heard an exasperated owner yell "LEAVE IT!" while their dog chewed on something foul from the corner of the block, well, I could probably afford to clean up the city myself.<br /><br />But here's the odd thing. I get that there are papers & napkins, the occasional half eaten pizza that you ordered at 4am after boozin' it up the night before, the bread crumbs thrown courtesy of the crazy bird lady, or the old cigarette butt you discarded when you were reminded that smoking gives you lung cancer. What I fail to understand is how CHICKEN BONES make their way to the street. Did the chicken get hit, plucked, cooked, and eaten while crossing the road?<br /><br />I am sure all the dog owners reading this blog right now are nodding in disgust. You know what I mean. And dogs go for them faster than you can say "SQUIRREL." What's worse is trying to remove that damn bone from their mouth. Who can blame them? I am sure they taste better than packaged dry food.<br /><br />So, with Thanksgiving fastly approaching, I wonder: how many more bones will my dog find? And how much anti-bacterial lotion should I bring with me on my dog walks after I wrest the discarded bone from my dog's mouth?<br /><br />And, more importantly, what the hell? I mean, it's random, but it's rampant. From Philly, to NY, to DC, and even Boston, all my fellow dog friends know my plight. As we all talked about what we do when chicken bone meets Fido, my overactive astro mind started wondering:<br /><br /><em>What would your sign do?</em><br /><br />Clearly, a <strong>Capricorn</strong> would see this as an investment opportunity. For XX amount of dollars a week, they would start a service to either dump more chicken bones for our dogs (like a weekly Easter egg hunt, if you will), or, conversely, start a service to clean them up (I vote for the latter, clearly) and have the dog owners pay a nominal collection fee. Point is, this would become a profitable operation under a Capricorn. <br /><br />Your typical <strong>Aquarius</strong> would start ranting about the inefficiencies of our local government and start campaigning agianst the chicken bones and the damage that pollution does to our society and our dog's well-being. <br /><br /><strong>Pisces</strong> would probably philosophize about how the bone even came to be and would deduce that the dog has some sort of psychological disorder that can be cured with a new toy or a cooked chicken dinner. <br /><br />I am not sure what <strong>Aries </strong>would do. Probably fight the bone? Fight the dog FOR the bone? Would an Aries even SEE the bone? After all, it's hard to stoop to the pavement when your ego is in the clouds. <br /><br /><strong>Taurus</strong> would probably do some kind of artistic drawing of this whole scenario, or research real estate areas that have the lowest rates of reported chicken bones per block and move there. After all, there is always an opportunity lurking as an investment for the future.<br /><br /><strong>Gemini</strong> would probably hop around in frightened disgust about the whole ordeal (thus getting the dog even more excited) and turn it into a game of 'who gets the bone first.' And then, they would blog about it.<br /><br /><strong>Cancer</strong> would start thinking about how long it has been since they last ate a chicken seeing as their worth-for-sh*t digestive system doesn't allow them to eat anything other than hot water with lemon and stir fried tofu.<br /><br /><strong>Leo </strong>wouldn't probably even walk their dog--they have a nanny or dog walker for that. Also, most Leos have cats (stay tuned for my upcoming blog about why all Leo men prefer...well, you know). <br /><br /><strong>Virgo</strong> wouldn't dare touch the bone. They may be neat freaks, but they won't get their hands dirty. If they do manage to grab the bone, they would probably spend the rest of the day disinfecting themselves or going to the hospital for some kind of rabies shot or screening. <br /><br /><strong>Libra</strong>? Libra would be too busy flirting with that cute man or woman on the street to even notice the bone in their dog's mouth. <br /><br /><strong>Scorpio</strong> wouldn't give a damn...after all, history has always shown dogs with a bone in their mouth, so who really cares? Until that dog's mysterious death is turned into an episode of <em>CSI: Dog Unit</em>, or the dog's ghost haunts them at night, this is an insignificant matter.<br /><br />And <strong>Sagittarius</strong>? Ha. Sag would probably take this as a sign to belly up to the nearest bar and order chicken wings and watch the game on TV with a cold beer--you know, to sober up from the night before. On the plus side, they probably know which bars allow dogs, so Fido will at least be able to join in on the fun. <br /><br />HAPPY THANKSGIVING!<br /><br />(PS, Mercury goes retro from November 24-December 14.)LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-16826364971935305202011-11-07T12:00:00.001-05:002011-11-07T12:53:58.121-05:00Don't Hate the Sign, Hate the PlayerIt's hard to let go of a grudge (reference: Team Jolie vs Team Aniston). So when you combine a grudge with an ex, and throw in a dash of a sign, you have a recipe for a disease that I like to call "Irritable Sign Syndrome."<br /><br />This past week, I spent a lot of time catching up with my favorite girlfriends over drinks. And the topic that never fails to bring itself to the table is that of ex boyfriends, or the ones we wish we got a chance to date. It turns out that most women have a Mr. Big. And it also turns out that, spoiler alert, most of us don't end up with ours a la Carrie Bradshaw. Mr. Big Sexy--after years of disappointment and lack of follow-through--suddenly becomes Mr. Big Loser (whom, I should add, we still kinda sorta want to be with). He wasn't worth our heart, and I'm not quite sure he is worth that 3rd round of cocktails we ordered on our tab, but maybe we'll get back together again after all--when we are a bit more sober.<br /><br />But the most interesting part? (Well, for me at least.) Women mourn the ex and sorta want him back, but they hold Mr. Big Loser's astro sign hostage for all future men. So in the midst of the standard lingo "he just always f**ked it up" or "he never failed to disappoint me" or "he rejected me, so why do I still want him?", every.single.time. I ask "so what was his sign?" I get:<br /><br />(<em>Eye roll</em>)<br />(<em>Sigh</em>)<br />(<em>Look of utter disgust and contempt</em>)<br /><br />"He was a __________." (Insert sign of Mr. Big Loser here.)<br /><br />Huh. Interesting. I got the appropriate negative response out of asking his sign, but if I ask "So, how do you feel about him now?" I get:<br /><br />(<em>Eye roll</em>)<br />(<em>Sigh</em>)<br />(<em>Look of utter disgust and contempt mingled with sadness, lust, and romantic pining</em>)<br /><br />"I don't know. I think about him all the time, and I keep wanting to contact him. He is going through a bad time, his work has been busy, and he just went through a bad break-up. He's got a lot on his plate, so maybe I need to be more understanding."<br /><br />HUH?<br /><br />So let me get this straight: the sign of your Mr. Big Loser is NOT off the hook? But Mr. Big himself is...Prince Tortured Charming?<br /><br />Fact is fact, and that is this: if your Prince Tortured Charming is a Scorpio, then maybe you just have a thing for Scorpio men. Dark and twisty works for a lot of people, you know. And maybe, just maybe, the next Scorpio guy you meet in a bar will be The One?<br /><br />At this moment, my readers may be giving me:<br /><br />(<em>Eye roll</em>)<br />(<em>Sigh</em>)<br />(<em>Snort</em>)<br /><br />"Get real. Only in your programmed Disney meets Sex and the Astro City mind. I am NEVER dating a Scorpio again. Hey, wasn't Charles Manson a Scorpio? Yeah, that sign is messed up. Shoulda known better. More drinks, please!"<br /><br />But just like the urban myth, I can attest this is true. So, for your next round of cocktails with your girls (or boys), when the subject of "The One Who Got Away" inevitably comes up, you can tell them that you heard from a friend of a friend that her friend once spent years dating the wrong man. He was a Libra. They went through every possible rollercoaster, and even stepped up to the engagement plate a few times. Needless to say, they punted or fouled every time they took a swing. It was on, then it was off, then girl moved away, then guy tried to follow her. Long story short (<--too late?): they broke up. She bemused that perhaps her Gemini self wasn't meant to be with a Libra, even though all the astro books she read said differently. Well, and you probably see where this is going, a year later, she met her real Prince. And guess what? He is a Libra. And after 4 months of dating, he proposed and she said yes.<br /><br />Good thing she didn't remove that Libra tattoo after all.<br /><br />And they lived Happily Ever After.LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-67642466341399469052011-06-24T14:30:00.002-04:002011-06-24T14:36:26.887-04:00All I Wanna Do, Is Have Some Fun...Since the sun is plenty up on the Santa Monica Boulevard, we are all in the mood for hitting the beach, pressing the DONE button at work (as if you are doing any, anyways), and having a little bit of romantic fun along the way. <br /><br /><em>Dating seriously?</em> Well, what better way to get more serious than taking a long, or short, weekend trip together? Whether your poison is beach or mountains, a few days with the one you love is a great way to take one step forward, or realize you should be taking two steps back.<br /><br /><em>Dating un-seriously?</em> Nothing wrong with keeping your options open, especially with your busy summer plans getting in the way of keeping any long standing commitments. Play the field, rub some suntan lotion on the one you lust, and see where the summer wind takes you.<br /><br /><em>Dating only in your dreams? </em>What the hell are you waiting for? Get online, go outside for a walk/run/bike ride and enjoy the weather, invite yourself to as many BBQs as possible, enjoy outdoor happy hour patios, etc. This is the time to meet someone new and enjoy how fabulous they look in a tan with their toned body. Because, let's be honest, when fall/winter arrives, people go pasty white and don't frequent the gym or stick to their diet as much as they do during summer. <br /><br />So, how do you go about snagging the sign, I mean, person, you want? Here are a few quick suggestions on how to snag a:<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> tell them how you won a free trip to an island, all expenses paid, at an exclusive resort with half naked cabana boys (or girls). They love the adventure of travelling somewhere new, tropical, and "luxurious", but more importantly, they love the fact it is free.<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> tell them you just volunteered at a local animal shelter to walk dogs in the park and play with them, which fits in nicely with your schedule as a freelance musician. Invite them to listen to your next concert, where you plan on singing a special song written for them...and the dog you just rescued.<br /><br /><strong>Pisces: </strong>tell them that your bucket list includes a worldwide spiritual tour, starting with hiking around Joshua Tree, then hitting up Machu Picchu before landing in Hong Kong to visit Tian Tan Buddha, hopping over to India to stay at an ashram, and ending with a visit to the Vatican in Rome. Conclude that you plan on probably being high the entire time, and most likely slightly drunk.<br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> tell them you plan on sleeping with them before the night is through ONLY if they are on their best behavior. This is not only guaranteed to bring about a lot of witty sexual banter and laughter, but it will be fun to see what they think "best behavior" actually means. And if you want to keep them around for longer, here's a hint: don't sleep with them that first night. Tell them their behavior is still subject to review and consideration.<br /><br /><strong>Taurus:</strong> tell them that you often fantasize about rolling around in dark chocolate mud, floating in a tub of champagne, or giving massages with edible oils. Don't forget to mention you are a certified massage therapist and received your license in China...<br /><br /><strong>Gemini:</strong> tell them that the one who runs the fastest to the bed is not going to be the biggest loser and then challenge them to a game of dirty Apples to Apples or Monopoly. When you find out that their house is actually ON Park Avenue, mention that they can pass go and collect...you.<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> tell them you know a really great romantic spot on the beach, secluded from the public view, where you can have crazy sex all night long under the moonlight. Yeah, it's corny, and your Cancer will know it, too, but hell, they want to get laid.<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> tell them you think foreplay is NOT overrated and proceed to explain to them why. Spoiler alert: no need to prepare a formal presentation or speech for this. Actions always speak louder than words.<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> tell them that you don't understand why it is that you come off so pure, and yet, are into crazy, freaky sex behind closed doors. Grab their hand, pull them to the exit, and be sure to wear clean, matching underwear. When you finally get them to your bedroom, be sure to point out your 450-thread count duvet and recently polished wood floors and vacuumed carpets. Ohh, baby...<br /><br /><strong>Libra:</strong> tell them that you are learning everything there is to know about the romance languages, the art of romance, and the pursuit of it. Mention you also took a course in erotica and it inspired you to start taking pole dancing classes. If they want to learn more about working the pole, you just so happen to have one installed in your bedroom.<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> tell them that you just watched the E! True Hollywood Story on Sting and Trudy and are inspired by their tantric sex rituals and wonder if it really does work? Then casually mention you have the next 24 hours free to find out...<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> tell them you just won an entire case of wine from a renowned vineyard and don't have the foggiest idea how to drink it all. Invite them over for a wine tasting and put on CNN in the background for political coverage. Once you start fighting about politics over alcohol, your Sag will be so turned on that Anderson Cooper's 360 will have a whole new meaning.LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-41750646019361848772011-04-20T11:00:00.010-04:002011-04-20T11:10:25.652-04:00Forward-Thinking PlanetsAt the near-halfway point of 2011, we are now able to start planning for what we want the rest of the year to look like in both our personal and professional lives. 2011 certainly has NOT been a piece of cake. For one, it is a 4-year in Numerology (2+0+1+1 = 4), and a 4-year is notorious for slow change, slow progress, and built up stress and frustration. One only has to look at the events in the news today, political or otherwise, to see how the vibrations of this 4-year are affecting us.<br /><br />But what else is at play? Two major factors:<br /><br />1) Our favorite planet, Mercury, has been retrograde since the end of March and is finally about to start moving forward as of Saturday, April 23. Since we just got out of Mercury retro at the very end of December 2010, it feels like Mercury has been messing up our lives a lot in the past 6 months! The good news is that we have until August 3 before we get to experience Mercury's prankster-ways yet again. Be sure to plan wisely when it comes to summer vacation. If you are thinking about booking travel now, it would be wise to hold off until next week (or 2 weeks, to be honest) if you want to ensure avoiding delays or cancellations. If you plan to go somewhere this summer, circle the calendar month of August with a notice to yourself "Proceed with Caution!" This is not to say that you shouldn't enjoy a vacation in August, but I AM saying to be careful when traveling in the beginning of the month, and around August 19-25.<br /><br />2) Our least favorite planet, Saturn, aka "the Grim Reaper" or "You owe me karmic debt, with interest" is back in Libra since July 2010. And sad news folks, it will be in Libra until October 2012. This means that your relationships--personal and professional--will be evaluated, challenged, and strengthened (maybe) ad nauseam. Even though it is challenging to go through this period of influx in all your life relationships, it is a necessary, therapeutic process. The fact is that Saturn eliminates the bullshit from your life. Relationships that are no longer right for you, or that are meant to strengthen your own personal resolve, need to be faced head-on. If you play your cards (and planets) correctly, you will emerge from this period stronger and wiser, and surrounded with relationships that are most beneficial to you. Saturn doesn't want you to play it safe, or stay with people who are destructive to you. Let Saturn do his magic, even if it seems tough at first! The good news is that Saturn won't return in Libra for another 30 years, so use this time wisely. If you are in the age range of 27-32, plus or minus 2 years on both ends, Saturn will affect you the most. If you are in the age range of 28-30, it will affect you the greatest as Saturn was in Libra when you were first born, meaning that you are now paying up your first round of karmic debt to your parental Saturn figure.<br /><br />Luckily, Saturn won't wreck havoc on your summer vacation plans like Mercury will, but it may affect who you spend that vacation with!<br /><br />Speaking of vacations, with everything that is happening in the world today, and with the tense vibrations of a 4-year on us, it would be wise to take some much-needed time off. Here are some suggestions:<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn: </strong>time to visit an exotic land that you have never been to before. That way, you can experience new foods and culture, while also exercising your artistic photography skills AND utilize your love for walking/exercise. <br /><br /><strong>Aquarius: </strong>nerves a little frayed (usual), you would do well to consider a more relaxing vacation, like a small beach town (think the Cape) or an island where you can relax, but also take in some soulful views (think the Virgin Islands).<br /><br /><strong>Pisces:</strong> it's time to do something a little wacky. You love the water, so why not hit up a beach or island where you can take up some jet ski lessons, scuba diving, hang gliding, or sailing? The key is to mix in some kind of physical activity with the water. You need a tan and some fresh salt air to rebalance yourself.<br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> routine is really beginning to take its toll on you. You need a change of scenery (permanently, more likely), but if you can't move residences or change your job just yet, consider taking a well-planned road trip throughout the country, maybe mixing in your hot spots with concerts you have been wanting to go to, restaurants you have read about, or designer discount outlets that you can hit up.<br /><br /><strong>Taurus: </strong> nothing says rejuvenation (and "Happy Birthday!") like a retreat spa where you can be coddled, pampered, and loved. Think of soft breezes in the morning while having a luxurious massage, spending the afternoon playing golf or meditating or vineyard hopping, and the evenings eating delicious (and healthy) food. Let your hair down and take your shoes off! Go skinny dipping in the lake--you know that is on your bucket list.<br /><br /><strong>Gemini:</strong> many of you have been experiencing some great moments this year, from pregnancy to new love to professional accolades for all your work. While you may be busy, you are damn happy with how things are going. Since you always need to be learning something new, take a vacation where you need to challenge yourself in some way. Never been hiking or kayaking? Do it! Never just sat on the beach and relaxed for several days? Do it! Never been sailing? Do it! The point is, do something different, somewhere different, and keep on pushing out all the positive energy and momentum you have created so far!<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> it's time to take a mental cooling off period. Too much work and not enough play is taking its toll on you, dear Crab! Force yourself to take time off work and just chill out near the ocean or lakes (anywhere with water). But unlike your fellow Pisces, don't engage in any strenuous activity. Just be calm and still. Go to a spiritual retreat, meditate, detox your body with healthier food regimes, get massages, and just breathe deeply. You can't make good decisions with a polluted mind and spirit.<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> it's been a helluva year for you. Stress is not your best friend, despite your current thinking that it has become one. Physically run down, emotionally overwhelmed, and mentally stressed, you need a release. I would say go to a sex retreat, but you probably have already thought of that. Fact is, you are unsatisfied right now and you feel professionally stuck. It may help to go spend time with your family (which may be a point of stress, too) to feel grounded or resolve some turmoil in your life. Once you can clear out some of your issues, you will be better able to plan a fun vacation. Anything that involves sun and good food should make you happy. Even if it is just a simple trip to Florida, do it.<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> you may be winning the award for "not happy right now AT ALL" and you deserve it. A string of bad luck has been pulling you in all various directions and you don't like it one bit. Stop over-analyzing things and write down a list of what's bothering you. One by one, start coming up with solutions to your issues. There IS a solution to every one of them, even if it is a tough solution. You like cleaning out the clutter in your life (which is why you tend to invite drama--it gives you a new challenge to fix). Once this list has been made, and plans implemented, give yourself a well-earned week off of work. Even if you just stay at home and read a good book, or go to a spot a few hours away from home, it would be wise to do it on your own and get some much needed "me" therapy.<br /><br /><strong>Libra:</strong> time for new beginnings! Go visit a foreign country, go to New York City and check out the new fashions, book a cruise. You need something fun, airy, with no strings attached. Some of you are entering a more structured routine/phase towards the 2nd half of the year, so use this current free time to really enjoy yourself. Only allow yourself experiences where a lot of laughter, dancing, and wine (beer or champagne) are involved.<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> you are exiting a period of intense work and are already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Start thinking of where that tunnel leads you...a new home? a mountain vista? a beach getaway? Wherever it is, go with the person you love and engage in some sensual tantric sex. Scorpios need to rejuvenate and release their stress before it gets buried in deep and self destructs. Take advantage of early discounts on beach villas, mountain cabins, or European airfare.<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> when are you NOT thinking of your next adventure? As a lover of foreign lands, it is time to look into something new, different...and possibly a bit "dangerous." Don't be afraid (as if!) to consider an African safari, a tour of the Egyptian pyramids, or an Asian adventure. Sitting on a beach, or on a patio overlooking the mountains, is NOT going to cut it for you. What would James Bond do? That's your answer.LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-3230849024460096162011-03-22T13:50:00.003-04:002011-03-22T13:58:02.637-04:00Reincarnating the Astro Wheel<strong>Reincarnation:</strong><br />1a: the action of reincarnating: the state of being reincarnated <br />1b: rebirth in new bodies or forms of life; especially: a rebirth of a soul in a new human body <br />2: a fresh embodiment <br /><br />(Definition provided by <em>Merriam Webster</em>)<br /><br />Reincarnation occurs when the soul or spirit comes back to life in a newborn body after death. The belief of this spiritual cycle of life and death is not exclusive to any one religion or geographical location, but it is a focal point within a majority of Eastern spiritual faiths--such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism--and regions. It was also a fundamental concept to some Greek philosophers and other non-Eastern religions, including Spiritism and Eckankar. <br /><br />Where it does not [commonly] exist is within the religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Certain groups within those religions do refer to it, however, such as the followers of Kabbalah.<br /><br />Lately, the belief in reincarnation has become "popular" in Western culture, as evidenced by movies in mainstream Hollywood such as "Heaven Can Wait", "What Dreams May Come", "Defending Your Life", "Birth", etc., as well as books, songs, and even art.<br /><br />In a recent book I read by Ann Brashares, "My Name is Memory", the main character, Daniel, is a character whose soul is reincarnated since 500 B.C. He retains the memories of all his lifetimes, and his soul remains the same as it shifts from body to body after death and before his next life. At one point in the book, Daniel speculates--briefly--on the lack of plausibility in astrology as his soul and character never changed in each lifetime, despite birthdays in different signs. Proof, he believed, that astrology wasn't accurate.<br /><br />But is that true? Granted, Daniel is a character created by an author whose own views may come into play here. As we all know, astrology is definitely controversial in that people either believe it, or find it completely ridiculous. After all, how can astrology be accurate when the <em>Cosmo</em> astrology section never predicts my love life correctly?<br /><br />I have spent time on this blog debunking the claim that astrology is false simply because newspapers or magazines print generic daily/weekly/monthly horoscopes. So let's move on...<br /><br />The true question is: <br /><br /><strong>If reincarnation really exists, then how can we explain astrology?</strong><br /><br />The commonly held theory regarding reincarnation is that the soul is supposed to learn and evolve in each lifetime, learning how to be a better person and, essentially, "grow up." In Hinduism, reincarnation is the method by which karma comes into play--where we go up or down a metaphysical ladder of spiritual evolution based on our previous life(s). The goal is to reach the top of this ladder and be one with the Supreme (God, Buddha, etc.).<br /><br />If your soul is like a block of swiss cheese, with holes throughout that it needs to fill in before it can become a citizen of the Universe, then would your soul ever be affected by astrology assuming that it fundamentally stays the same in structure while it continues to "complete" itself into a whole?<br /><br />Here are my thoughts.<br /><br />The astrological wheel, or the Zodiac, is also an evolutionary concept. It is symbolized as a wheel to show the ongoing nature of life and spirituality. As the wheel keeps turning, we keep growing and evolving. The wheel starts at Aries (representing the infancy stage of mortal life in which we are pioneers of a new cycle) and ends with Pisces (representing full spiritual enlightenment and immortality). As we progress through the Zodiac, we learn new traits and skills, while still (hopefully) building on the ones we gained in the sign before.<br /><br />While it is only my theory, I think astrology and reincarnation go hand-in-hand. If the point of reincarnation is to spiritually evolve to supreme enlightenment, as is the point of the Zodiac wheel, then aren't these concepts complementary to one another?<br /><br />If in this lifetime, you are an Aries, it would suggest that in the next lifetime, you would be a Taurus--building on the strengths of Aries from the life before, and gaining the strength of the Taurus in the present. Now, I know some may chuckle and say they know plenty of un-evolved Pisces, or that they are more mature or soulful in this life as a Leo than certain Virgos that they know. But I would ask you to consider that all things in life and in faith aren't clean cut. Just like the Wheel of Fortune in the tarot deck, or in playing roulette in Vegas, just because the wheel spins in a circle, doesn't mean you land on the next spot.<br /><br />Perhaps you have been reincarnated many times and are "choosing" the astrological sign you want to be in this lifetime. Regardless of our prejudices towards certain signs, the fact is there is something we can learn from all of them. If in your next life, you want to live a life of service, perhaps Virgo would be the best sign for you. If you want to learn to communicate better or bridge relationships between things, perhaps being a Gemini would be most helpful. If you want to be a pioneer of new thought or innovation, or bring about new art or culture, being an Aries would be ideal.<br /><br />Each sign teaches you something new. And, maybe, you chose this sign specifically for the lessons it can teach you in this life to take into the next. In other words, the sign you are currently experiencing in this lifetime will help fill in those swiss cheese holes of your soul in order to help it become more complete.<br /><br />The beauty of all these concepts are just that--they are concepts. Maybe reincarnation doesn't exist...but isn't it infinitely more "fun" to consider the possibility that it does? <br /><br />And, if it does exist, which sign would you want to be in your next lifetime?LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-62237702702649931112011-02-22T17:20:00.000-05:002011-02-22T17:20:42.915-05:00Back in the Middle with YouMartin Luther King Day? <em>Check.</em> <br />Valentine's Day? <em>Check.</em> <br />President's Day? <em>Check. </em><br /><br />We are now in that serious long stretch of calendar time before we hit another paid-for 3-day holiday weekend (Easter and Passover aside). In fact, *gulp*, the next one we get is...May 30. Memorial Day Weekend. As of the date of this post, that is 3 months and 8 days until we have a national holiday. That sucks.<br /><br />Now is the time when I start thinking back to high school and college and that blissfully "innocent" time otherwise known as "Spring Break." Seems like a childish delusion to get 1-2 weeks off from school to enjoy the beach!<br /><br />But the real point of this post (right? there is a point?) is that we have 3 months and 8 days of uninterrupted bonding with the people we spend the most time with in our lives...our boss(es) and coworker(s).<br /><br />Here's hoping that your office water cooler is replenished frequently!<br /><br />Regardless of when you have your reviews and compensation discussions, this 1st-2nd quarter of work productivity is pretty important for your career. After all, when summertime hits, even though you aren't in college or high school anymore, you can't fight off the summer/vacation fever of wanting to be outdoors, skipping out on work, and having FUN.<br /><br />What's the best way to ensure you will have fun? Start getting along realllllly well with your boss and coworkers so that 1) your boss will approve your time off, 2) your coworkers won't resent you for taking time off and picking up your assignments, and 3) your work will have enough progress in it that you can actually TAKE the time off.<br /><br />If your relationships with your boss and coworkers are great, then you have nothing to worry about. But if one or all of those relationships needs working on, then do some digging around. Specifically, check out their birthday roster. I know, some may call it "stalking", but it isn't really stalking if the information is up on your company's Intranet or calendar, is it?<br /><br />Besides, how else to know what (or whom) you are dealing with than by finding out their sign? See what signs your boss and coworkers are, and then see which signs (i.e., people) are your "problem" relationships, and which are your "happy" ones. Maybe you can find a theme in your issues? Like, all your Sagittarian bosses are un-pleasing assholes, your Virgo bosses are boring perfectionists, and your Pisces ones are never there because they are taking a long drive to the beach. Or, that you tend to have conflict with all your Cancers in the office, but seem to get along marvelously well with all your Libras.<br /><br />The whole point of astrology is to learn a different facet to relationships--strengths, weaknesses, common traits, worst habits, etc. Make astrology work for you. If you are an emotional, sensitive person, you probably shouldn't go and cry to your Capricorn boss (well, I would argue never to cry to your boss, but you get my point, I hope). If you don't like to talk, or brainstorm, you probably won't get along with your Gemini coworker; and, if you happen to be a Palin fan and wear a "Palin 2012" t-shirt, you probably won't get much love from your fellow Aquarians. Stuff like that.<br /><br />So, sure, you may be busy in the next few months, but I ask you, what else can you do for "fun" in the office now that you don't have an upcoming 3-day weekend to plan? Go ahead...open the Staff Birthdays shared file, or wherever this information is stored (note: <em>LoveSmacked & StarStruck</em> is NOT endorsing breaking into private employee human resource files), and do a little sleuthing.<br /><br />Hint: in the next few months, Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Gemini will be having birthdays. And, they all enjoy gifts!LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-58444428684946322512011-01-24T14:17:00.010-05:002011-01-24T16:02:11.037-05:00I'm Not a Cancer...ROAR!2011 has started with quite a flurry of activity between unmentionable tragedies in Tucson to the shifting political climate in Washington, D.C. to the never ending news of Hollywood pregnancies. Conversations and changes are coming at us with rapid speed, but one seemed to jump out, or rather, jump <em>in</em> my Inbox at an alarming rate.<br /><br /><em><strong>Have our astrological Sun signs...gulp...changed?!?!</strong></em><br /><br />If you are late to the game on this new development, I am referring to the new Zodiac, which goes a little something like this:<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> January 20 – February 16<br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> February 16 – March 11<br /><strong>Pisces:</strong> March 11 – April 18<br /><strong>Aries: </strong>April 18 – May 13<br /><strong>Taurus: </strong>May 13 – June 21<br /><strong>Gemini:</strong> June 21 – July 20<br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> July 20 – August 10<br /><strong>Leo: </strong>August 10 – September 16<br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> September 16 – October 30<br /><strong>Libra:</strong> October 30 – November 23<br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> November 23 – November 29<br /><strong>Ophiuchus:</strong> November 29 – December 17<br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> December 17 – January 20<br /><br />How did these new signs get calculated? Basically, astronomers have restored the original Babylonian zodiac by recalculating the dates that correspond with each sign to account for centuries of shifts in the Earth's axis. In plain English, as time has progressed since Ancient Babylonia, so have the constellations with slight shifts forward, thereby bumping each Sun sign up in date ranges.<br /><br />Interestingly, all my Leo friends were the first to write back and say something to the very similar of effect of "I am NOT a Cancer." Although, I should point out, that most of my beloved lions happened to insert a few choice words in between.<br /><br />Second runner up for the "Hell NO!" award? All my fiery Aries downright refused to consider being a Pisces. I won't go any further into the comments that came from those rams.<br /><br />So, what did I learn here? Fire signs refuse to be watered down! And, I have a lot of Fire signs in my life.<br /><br />I also learned that most people seem to consider Virgo the worst astrological sign around. A collective relief of "Whew, at least I am not an anal retentive Virgo" was heard 'round the astro world. As columnist Maureen O'Connor wrote on Gawker, "I was born a Virgo, and because that's the shittiest sign in the zodiac, I have long refused to believe in astrology and forbid my loved ones from believing in it, either. (My anal retentive need to destroy an entire worldview because I do not like my role in it is, I am told, part of my Virgo nature.)." (Read full article <a href="http://gawker.com/5732115/your-zodiac-sign-may-have-changed?skyline=true&s=i">here</a>.)<br /><br />And then, of course, was the introduction of the infamously new sign, Ophiuchus. What kind of name is THAT? I did have a dear Sag friend of mine write to complain that she can't be a sign she can't pronounce, especially when said sign is represented by...snakes. As if being a centaur wasn't tough enough! Ophiuchus, formerly known as Sagittarius phases I&II, and now referred to as the serpent bearer, is apparently highly intuitive with vivid interpretive dreams. Yet another reason for Cancers and Sags to compete with one another! Sorry to say, dear crab, that Ophiuchus seems to have a stellar reputation with authority and parental figures. So, yet again, you may be SOL when competing against your Sag centaur/Ophiuchus serpent. To read more about Ophiuchus, check out the recent article in <em>Time</em> magazine by clicking <a href="http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2042520,00.html">here</a>.<br /><br />I guess Ophiuchus should have intuited their demise by the Babylonians, who threw out this sign because they didn't want 13 in their Zodiac.<br /><br />But, this doesn't really matter. It turns out that our Sun signs haven't changed at all. As Susan Miller, famous psychic to stars and hired by the likes of Dior and Henri Bendel, puts it, this "new Zodiac" is in a word..."Ridiculous."<br /><br />Susan Miller further adds: "Personalities are determined by where the planets are when you were born, not by the constellations, which astrologers have always known have moved from their original positions. In other words, constellations are the tape measure that astrologers used, not what they measure. We've known about this for years--one push of a button on the computer corrects for this. You are your sign." (Excerpt taken from <em>The New York Observer</em>, click <a href="http://www.observer.com/2011/culture/whats-your-old-sign-astronomer-stars-previews-2011">here</a>.)<br /><br />And if you don't believe in Susan Miller, believe in CNN, the most trusted source for news. Click <a href="http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/13/no-your-zodiac-sign-hasnt-changed/">here</a> to read "No, Your Zodiac Sign Hasn't Changed."LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-9613224681020248462010-12-22T09:30:00.002-05:002011-01-09T23:10:00.658-05:00What I Want, What I Really, Really WantWorld Peace.<br />An unlimited supply of wine and champagne.<br />An unlimited supply of food (particular emphasis on cheese).<br />For Saturn to no longer return.<br />Round-trip tickets around the world.<br />To win the lottery.<br />For Mercury to stop going retrograde...ever again.<br /><br />...<br /><br />Alas, I am fairly sure that none of the above will ever happen (though on the bright side, Mercury goes retro only 3 times in 2011, as opposed to the 4 times it "tripped" this year). So I am going to attempt for smaller things, like, say, trying to get to places on time as opposed to my usual 5-10 minutes late, or to slow down my hectic life and enjoy the beauty of crashing on my sofa more often. Basically, something I can actually achieve in 2011...maybe. Hopefully. Errr...<br /><br />2010 was a tough year for most signs as we all had a lot of changes to make and important decisions to face. But that's OK, because hopefully we are in a stronger position to live out a successful 2011.<br /><br />That said, it is time to check-off the following to-do list, astro followers:<br /><br />1) <strong>Check out your Numerology for 2011. </strong>Remember that your numerology year changes as of January 1, NOT as of your birthday. <br /><br /><em>My favorite site is:</em> <a href="http://www.creativenumerology.com">www.creativenumerology.com</a>.<br /><br />2) <strong>Confirm 2011 Mercury Retrograde dates</strong>--and promptly circle them in bright red markers with danger signs! <em>Note:</em> Mercury goes retro in Fire signs next year on the following dates:<br /><br />March 30 - April 23<br />August 3 - August 26<br />November 24 - December 14<br /><br /><em>My favorite site is:</em> <a href="http://www.alphalifetrends.com/mercuryretrograde.html">www.alphalifetrends.com/mercuryretrograde.html</a>.<br /><br />3) <strong>Read up on what 2011 means for your Sun sign</strong> just for fun! <br /><br /><em>My favorite site is:</em> <a href="http://cafeastrology.com/2011_yearly_horoscopes_overview.html">http://cafeastrology.com/2011_yearly_horoscopes_overview.html</a>.<br /><br />4) <strong>Check out your 2011 Chinese astrology</strong>, the Year of the Rabbit. <br /><br /><em>My favorite site is:</em> <a href="http://www.astroyogi.com/chineseastrology/">www.astroyogi.com/chineseastrology/</a>. This site is also great for western astrology, Vedic astrology, and more!<br /><br />5) <strong>Make resolutions for 2011--and stick to them! </strong> Sort through your goals and aspirations for 2011 and come up with a killer resolutions list. <br /><br /><em>Yes, I even have a favorite site for this!</em> Click <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_12077_new-years-resolutions.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><br />Last, but not least, write down a list of all that you are grateful for, and save it. You may want to refer to it throughout the year when times are tough, or when times are good and you want to add to it.<br /><br />As another year ends, it wouldn't seem right to close without doing the annual year-in-review to do a final "Ciao!" to 2010.<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> 2010 was a year of birth for most Capricorns. If not a physical birth (baby), then a new project, business, or home was developed. Caps saw major changes this year--and for the better! You are feeling successful and inspired, and it shows. Keep up the good work in 2011, and remember to maintain balance in your home and professional life.<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> 2010 was a bit difficult, and stressful, for most Aquarians. Their focus was primarily on relationships (not necessarily amorous). In fact, 2010 was a critical year for most Aquarians to assess their role with their family, co-workers, friends, and lovers. They broke ties with situations that no longer worked for them, and they created new ones...but the process is still on-going. Aquarians should try to soften their approach in 2011 and think before they leap. Sometimes "new" isn't always better.<br /><br /><strong>Pisces:</strong> 2010 was a year of love for most Pisces. Many found new love, or committed to their current lover. Overall, the Piscean heart was filled to the brim this year with love (the amorous kind), romance, sex, and friends/family. Some are expanding their family, or trying to, while others have finally made the ultimate commitment of marriage (or are planning it). 2011 promises to reap the rewards of their loving nature.<br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> 2010 was a difficult year for most Aries. Changes in jobs, or problems on the work front, brought many challenges. Success didn't come as easily, and financial sacrifices were made. Love has been a bit more turbulent as their focus has been external rather than internal. Time for Aries to make 2011 a year about THEM and figure out where their happiness lies, and not merely where they think it should.<br /><br /><strong>Taurus:</strong> 2010 was a decision-making, future-forward year for most Taureans. Many got engaged, or married, and put down roots. The drama settled a lot this year and the focus was on partnership, marriage, family, children, and home. Stability was their motto, and stability they got. Single Taureans really hit their stride this year and learned how to choose new partners in a more discriminate manner. Taurus should expect to enjoy their newfound positive environment in 2011 and keep opening their heart up for more love.<br /><br /><strong>Gemini:</strong> 2010 was neither here nor there for most Geminis. The year was about figuring themselves out, what worked and didn't work for them, and how to make changes in their best interest, rather than in the interests (selfish or otherwise) of those around them. This relates primarily to work, but also to lovers and friends. Most Geminis severed important, yet necessary, ties in 2010. This will give them the freedom to better enjoy their life in 2011 the way they want to, rather than the way others think they should.<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> 2010 was particularly turbulent for most Cancers in the first half of the year. Many suffered serious setbacks in their health, or endings in their primary relationships. They really had to struggle to not stay locked up in their shell, and to face the world at-large. Luckily, this helped them greatly in the 2nd half of the year, and many renewed amorous ties (and several even got engaged!), or learned when to say "enough is enough" and keep on walking. This strength will serve them well in 2011, now that they are surrounded with more friends than foes.<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> 2010 was a roller coaster for most Leos. They all took on too much work and invited in too much drama. While most lions saw an ending to some of their work (quitting a full or part-time job, graduating, getting laid off, etc.), they saw an overwhelming increase in their responsibilities overall. Trying to be everything to everyone really drained them in 2010. Use 2011 to learn to better manage your time--and temper--and try to cut back on some of your obligations, dear Leo.<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> 2010 was a year of love, drama, and more love for the typical Virgo. This was a year that most of them felt confused or conflicted over love (and this time, I am solely speaking of the amorous type). While some Virgos did indeed get married, solidify their current relationship, or start a new one--all notably in the 2nd half of 2010--the majority faced separation, infidelity, divorce, or worse. Living too much in their head, and too little in their heart, caused their love life to go a little helter-skelter. Use 2011 to merge your heart AND mind and see what positive results can transpire.<br /><br /><strong>Libra:</strong> 2010 did not end on a good note for most Libras. While the first half of the year breezed along a bit easier (new job, new home, new baby, etc.), the 2nd half of the year brought them to a grinding hault. Losing a job, choosing a wrong "new" job, facing health difficulties or complications, or going through a serious bout of self-doubt, has left most Libras a little less than balanced as 2010 comes to an end. And we all know Libras don't do well without their infamous balance. Take some time to meditate and decompress in order to regain your balance, dear Libra, as 2011 requires you to re-focus on your immediate goals.<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> 2010 found most Scorpios coming into their own, figuring out where they fit in the world, where they saw themselves going, and with whom they want to be with. This was, in other words, a defining year for most Scorpios. They learned a lot about themselves in the process and are more comfortable in their own skin. While some are still struggling to define every nook and cranny of their mind/heart/soul, rest assured that they are on the right path for 2011.<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> 2010 was a year of change for most Sagittarians, somewhat like the law of opposites in "Alice in Wonderland." What started up in the first half of 2010, went down in the 2nd half, and vice versa. Many/most took on a new job, made a new move, or started/ended a relationship. This was not a status quo year for the typical Sag! They marched to their own drum, and while some people decided they no longer wanted to dance to their beat any longer, most Sag's are quite happy where 2010 has left them. Let the good times roll in 2011!<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>HAPPY HOLIDAYS!</strong></em>LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-83566061623183869172010-10-21T22:00:00.000-04:002010-10-21T22:03:17.380-04:00It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...OK, not really, not yet. I think that we have another week (or until at least post-Halloween) before the major department stores start putting up decorations and playing holiday music.<br /><br />But you SHOULD start to think of Christmas for one very, very important reason. Mercury goes retrograde for almost the entire month of December!! Santa's sleigh won't be moving forward this December, it will actually be going backwards! The Grinch may really steal Christmas (or Hanukkah) for us this year.<br /><br />Mercury will begin its final retro trip of 2010 starting on December 10 (7:04 a.m. EST) and will end its journey on December 30 (2:21 a.m. EST). As you hopefully remember by now, Mercury's retro phase tends to affect us most the 3-4 days before/during/after the beginning and end of its phase. This means that we will all feel the effects of this retro journey as soon as December 5 and as late as January 3.<br /><br />With the entire holiday season at the mercy of Mercury, we HAVE to plan ahead. We know that buying major gifts, especially technology-related gifts, are a MAJOR no-no during a Mercury retrograde phase. Delays, accidents, and mishaps happen all the time during Mercury's retro trip, and I really don't think any of us want to be more delayed than we already are while standing in line for the register during the holiday season. If you are thinking "AHA! I will just order online and avoid all the problems", THINK AGAIN. Mercury affects technology and communications...so it is a pretty safe bet to assume that buying something online, and dealing with Internet connections, secure sites, shipping and handling, etc., will NOT go well.<br /><br />I know, I know, I sound scary, and not just because it is almost Halloween. I am trying to warn you, devoted reader, that you can't procrastinate your Santa's check list this year. Consider it my gift to you for this holiday season.<br /><br />And, to further enhance my sincerity, here are some gift suggestions for each sign (I know, it's like I am Santa AND Rudolph all at the same time!).<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Capricorn:</span> nothing warms the heart of a Capricorn more than great shoes, or the latest in electronics. Buy your Capricorn the newest iPhone, iPad, or iPod. They may already have all of the above, so consider broadening your horizons to a GPS, a premium espresso machine, a DVR, or a new flat screen TV.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Aquarius: </span>what's the one thing all Aquarians want? A change of scenery. Buy your Aquarius two tickets to somewhere they have always wanted to go, and throw in an outfit, or sports gear, that will be apropos for the weather or location. If this means tickets to court side seats, or a box at the stadium, then so be it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pisces:</span> sex is a spiritual experience, as most Pisces will tell you, so why not start the foreplay this holiday season by booking side by side massages at a spa? In fact, make a day of it. You can spend the evening at home, ordering in from your favorite restaurant, or actually going there for a soft candlelit dinner, before ending the evening in the bedroom. You can enhance the experience by throwing in sexy lingerie (or other treats and toys).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Aries:</span> it's hard to get everything done when your schedule is as busy as an Aries. Your Aries would love a housekeeping package for several months (if not a whole year) so that they don't have to worry about keeping their home spotless. They could use that free time to go shopping and find a new wardrobe. If your Aries already has a housekeeper, why not get their car detailed?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Taurus:</span> holidays are only as good as the booze served at the party. Treat your Taurus to a wine or beer membership club so they can enjoy new labels for months (if not the year) to come. Throw in a good label of hard liquor, and some nice glass tumblers, for good measure to get the party started.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Gemini:</span> girls and guys just wanna have fun, and Gemini's could use a little bit of that right now. Work is getting a bit strained, and they need to feel free again. Go away for new year's eve to a remote location that they love--or want to love--and plan some fun activities (sports, wine tastings, games, what have you). Remind Gemini's that they are ALWAYS a little kid at heart.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Cancer:</span> our little Cancers have been so stressed this year that their health has taken quite a hit. Treating them to a series of rehabilitative packages (massages, reflexology, acupuncture, etc.) would be not only therapeutic for them, but also mood-lifting. A drive to the beach, with a picnic packed, would do wonders for their soul, too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Leo:</span> the lion has roared a lot in 2010, and their voice has gotten quite hoarse. With a lack of feeling loved this year, your Leo is in serious need of coddling. A beautiful piece of jewelry would do the trick, or a new set of golf clubs, but so would a new car. The latter may be too expensive, but you get the drift. Buy big, or go home.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Virgo:</span> you can never go wrong with giving a Virgo what they want most--order! A housekeeping package would make their hearts AND minds soar, but the reality is they probably already have one (either because they are neurotic, or because they don't want to get their hands dirty cleaning, or their work hours are too long to find time to clean). Still, I am throwing it out there, just in case. Otherwise, opt for buying season tickets to their favorite sports game, or buying them the newest Blackberry or iPhone on the market. They can't live without their phone, as you already know!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Libra:</span> always spending a little too much money, your Libra would really just love for someone to pay off their credit card debt. If you can afford to take the hit, do it. But it isn't that romantic, is it? Buy your Libra tickets to go see a play or opera this holiday season and make an evening of it. Get dressed up, go to the theater, and then go to a delicious dinner at a 4-star restaurant before spending the evening at a nice hotel (with champagne service). Let an evening of romance ensue! An added bonus would be to have fresh flower arrangements delivered to your Libra bimonthly for the next several months. They would love the fresh flowers in their home on a regular basis!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Scorpio:</span> winter is a cold, cold time, and your Scorpio finds it hard to appreciate the colder climate, and even harder to motivate to leave their home. But you can motivate them to attend the latest museum exhibit or a series of lectures on something they are interested in if you bought them a yearly membership to a nearby museum, or looked up the calendar of events in your area for guest speakers and conferences. Give them tickets to something that will engage their mind and/or soul--they won't know how to thank you enough (spoiler: but they will try).<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Sagittarius:</span> it's time to think BIG. As in, international. Your Sag needs a trip out of the country to somewhere new and exotic. This doesn't mean Paris or Rome, but if that is what they want, then go for it. I was thinking more along the lines of Turkey, Hong Kong, Morocco, India, or Egypt. Think culturally diverse.LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-34532950841779885872010-09-23T12:00:00.005-04:002010-09-23T12:11:16.464-04:00When Your S.O. Needs to Send an S.O.S.We talk a lot about the pro's and con's of each of the astrological signs in our Zodiac on this blog--which career is best, what style suits us most, how do we handle conflict, etc. But really, we mostly care about astrology for how it translates into our love lives. Are we compatible? Are we doomed to complete and utter misery? Will the sex be good? Can we carry a meaningful conversation? Will my partner truly understand me? And most importantly, will my partner accept me for who I am, flaws and all?<br /><br />While there are many components to your personality aside from just your Sun sign, the fact is that unless you have some pretty strong influences in your chart, or in your life, there are certain base handicaps that each sign has to deal with when they are in a relationship.<br /><br />There is no one sign that is better than the other. We just have "different" angles to work with. What one person can handle is not the same as what another person can deal with.<br /><br />Whether you are single or attached, take a moment to think "What are my deal breakers?" I am not talking about physical ones, but rather, emotional ones. We are all complex personalities searching to find someone who will understand, and take the time to understand, all the intricacies involved in loving us.<br /><br />Here is a rough idea of what to expect from each sign.<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> you have a mistress, and she is called "work." You treat relationships like a boardroom meeting and your romance reads like a check-off "to-do" list. Your S.O. is NOT your employee. Consider them more like a joint partnership in a limited liability corporation where benefits should be equal.<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> you can't admit fault and you find it hard to empathize with your partner. Being self centered is somewhat convenient as you tend to love yourself the most. <em>Listen</em> to the needs of your partner. It's not always about you. Note: if you are female, stop being boy crazy! (as if you will listen). If you are male, stop cheating!<br /><br /><strong>Pisces:</strong> hot one moment, and colder than a wet fish the next, your emotional climate is more volatile than that of a New England summer day. Consistency is damn right impossible for you, except when it comes to being clingy. You could learn to stop that.<br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> your temper and need for control can be as stifling as the Devil in hell. Cool your jets, slow your roll, take a deep breath, and work it out (literally). Aries do well by going to the gym to release stress. Also, even though you like to always look like the prettier one in the relationship (and typically, you are), try not to let that ego grow too much before your partner wants to quit you.<br /><br /><strong>Taurus: </strong>your partner has enough baggage without having to push you along, kicking and screaming, to do something. Damn, you are slow to move. Whether it is about marriage, children, moving homes, or making plans, you have a hard time making decisions in a timely manner. Maybe you smoke too much, or drink too much, or are just enjoying the scenery too much, to want to motivate. But you know what happens to bulls in the ring if they aren't quick enough.......<br /><br /><strong>Gemini: </strong>it's hard for your S.O. to criticize you when one of your personalities is innocent, and the other is guiltier than O.J. Simpson (well, at least the 2nd time around, confirmed). Your survival instinct is to bounce between one personality to the next, much like transferring your credit card debt from card to card to get the best possible APR. Choose a personality, stick with it, and take responsibility for whatever crazy actions you just pulled. Or, in your case, for whatever anniversary dinner you didn't show up to because you were focused on your next adventure, Peter Pan.<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> still waters run deep, and your partner knows this better than most. You are a wealth of emotions, just bubbling below that seemingly cold surface of yours. You hate to show vulnerability, even though you can be one of the most vulnerable signs in the Zodiac. A hug feels good, but you are afraid to admit you need one, sometimes. Worse, you tend to fall for people who can be emotionally unavailable, unpredictable, or irresponsible. In other words, you cling to the wrong people. When you find "the One", let them know it, and treat them with the love you are oh-so-capable-of.<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> drama, drama, drama, it's all about me, me, me. Do you know how your partner is feeling today? Did you let them talk for more than 5 minutes? And, if you did let them talk, did you LISTEN? Yes, you have a hair out of place, you may have gained 5 lbs, and your shirt needs to be ironed. But, put those things aside for a few moments to give your partner the love and attention they lust after from you. At least you aren't all about me, me, me in the bedroom. Sharing is a GOOD thing, even if you have to force yourself to do it. Oh, and don't forget, fighting isn't about winning, it's about compromising...<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> your partner fell in love with you because of your active mind--you are so intelligent and witty! This is a blessing for you because your mind is your most prized possession and asset, and if your partner doesn't love the way you think, then they don't love you at all. However, you rarely, if ever, let anyone truly "in." While it is "fun" to keep guessing at the hidden corners of your mental processes, it is exhausting, too. Your partner isn't a mind reader (which is probably a life saver for you), but maybe you could provide them a handy "The Virgo Mind for Dummies Known as Your Partner" manual to help them out??<br /><br /><strong>Libra: </strong>you flutter around more than a butterfly, never staying too long in one place to finish a conversation that you started. With such strong social needs, and intense flirting skills, your partner often feels like a dime a dozen in your life. Did you really mean what you said? You love the idea of love, and you love being serenaded and romanced, but can you handle the daily nitty gritty of routine? Will you still love your partner if they have their favorite old, ugly sweater on, or if their hair is a bit greasy, or their skin a bit splotchy? Beauty is often found in imperfections.<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> you are like a hurricane of emotions that could easily drown an entire city if you let yourself go. Your partner keeps reading the radar to see how strong your hurricane force winds are, knowing that when you start turning, things can get quite intense. Or, you can just as easily downgrade to a mere rainstorm. Which is it? You feel profoundly, and while that translates to some intensely sexual and spiritual experiences with your beloved, the downside of that is when you aren't in that lovin' feeling and allow yourself to plunge into some dark waters.<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> your arrow is always pointing in the direction of a specific target or goal, dear Archer. Life is always better, the grass is always greener, on the other side. You want so dearly to accomplish all your goals, both personal and professional, that you need a partner who is willing to support you every step of the way, and typically, make your dream their own. Your jealousies can be quite intense, whether they stem from not having what you want, or not trusting the partner you are with. Resentments run strong, and actions are not easily forgiven or forgotten. Soften yourself up a bit--you get more flies with honey than with vinegar.LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-26491541239126519222010-08-25T09:45:00.000-04:002010-08-25T09:46:53.867-04:00Ten Things I Really Hate (Not Really) About YouEvery astrological sign has a weird quirk, tick, or style. Some hide it better than others, but the wolf can only remain hidden in sheep's clothing for so long before the truth comes out.<br /><br />Ironically, it is the weird quirk, tick, or style that makes signs easy for me to spot in a crowd. I may not know your name, but I can guess your sign (or element) as if it were a flashing neon sign on your forehead.<br /><br />But don't get me wrong--I wouldn't dare suggest you change your habits, mannerisms, style, or what have you. It helps give the world a bit of logic and order when things appear as they should, unlike how they do in the rear view or side mirror of a car.<br /><br />In fact, I love and fully embrace these tell tale signs. It gives power to the argument that Astrology isn't all bunk, and that the cosmos have a wicked sense of humor (which, thank goodness for that given the somewhat sad state of affairs of the world that we live in today!).<br /><br />So, let's uncover a few of these "wolves" by huffing and puffing and blowing THEIR houses down:<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> tends to have a crooked smile or grin and a boyish physique or personality. The men love wearing quality suits or trendy designer labels, and the women are obsessed with crazy prints and high heels. More often than not, a Capricorn has a loud voice and a tendency to have many lines/wrinkles around the eyes and mouth as they grow older (hopefully from laughing, but sometimes from being too serious). <em>Think of:</em> Matt Lauer, Katie Couric<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius: </strong>tends to have a lot of nervous energy and an annoyed look on their face (like someone just said something stupid, or dropped a stink bomb nearby). Typically, that annoyed look on their face is coupled with a shit grin that either A) makes you wonder what on earth they will say next for shock value, or B) makes you wonder what drugs they are on today to make them seem so happy. Easily the first one out to dance on the dance floor, or sing karaoke, this sign tends to love being a bit ridiculous for the sake of a good time. Expect crazy, current fashion statements and quirky jewelry to adorn their fidgety body. <em>Think of:</em> Sarah Palin, Bill Maher<br /><br /><strong>Pisces:</strong> always looks a little lost or glazed over in the eyes. It could be the drugs (prescription or illegal, it doesn't matter), or the endorphins from the gym, but they seem to always be in a place far, far away from reality. They can charm and dazzle, and suddenly fixate their glare on you in an unnerving, soul searching manner. Bastards! Typically surrounded by animals or children, they also have a soft heart for "weaker" beings (weaker in terms of age or capability, both physically and mentally). AKA, they root for the underdog and are also obsessed with dogs. Expect to see them splattered with paint or food, or writing in their journal or music sheets, with a look of profound wisdom (real or imaginary) settling on their face. <em>Think of</em>: Drew Barrymore, Javier Bardem<br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> looks pissed most of the time, frustrated and bemused the other half. A lack of tolerance for stupidity or slow moving people can get this sign flustered quite easily. Charming and engaging, they are typically telling a joke (something raunchy and inappropriate if they can help it) or discussing gossip. They roll their eyes quite frequently when they don't agree with something or someone or the world at large. You can find them in designer apparel and dressed to impress (or to make a statement--not always the same thing, mind you) if they aren't wearing their gym outfit (which can also be very fashionable). Brooding eyes, thin lips, and a snap opinion tend to be their signature style. <em>Think of</em>: Sarah Jessica Parker, Joe Scarborough<br /><br /><strong>Taurus:</strong> looks like they just smoked a joint or drank a few too many glasses of wine. Maybe that is why they move slow, or act drunk most the time. They come off light hearted and as if nothing bothers them--as if Mother Nature is cuddling them. What's fun to see is when a Taurus is pissed. You can literally SEE the steam rolling out of their ears. In general, they have a slow walk, a larger build, and a serene smile on their face (again, must be the drogas). If there is music playing, they certainly will start moving with the beat--they won't pass up an opportunity to make something sexual or a little more risque. Despite all the above, they also look grounded, even if/when they aren't. <em>Think of:</em> Jay Leno, Cate Blanchett<br /><br /><strong>Gemini:</strong> will be talking quickly and using their hands frequently and probably has cuts on their fingers from breaking too many glasses with all the arm flailing they have going on. Loud and chatty, they don't stay quiet for long, unless you find that rare breed of Gemini that is quiet (and watch out--those are the ones that tend to exhibit the infamous Gemini dual personality by masking who they really are). Gemini's tend to have long faces and be quite slender, which is a good thing as they always hang around the food. Their personality and demeanor may change from minute to minute, and their eyes are constantly flashing a new emotion or opinion. You can be quite entertained watching a Gemini light up about something they love--it's like a child with a Christmas present. <em>Think of:</em> Heidi Klum, Donald Trump<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> will be carefully and deliberately evaluating everything going on around them. Quiet and observant, they are summing up their surroundings as if they are the prey and everyone else is a predator. Once they feel safe (or have had one too many drinks in them), they start chatting and dominating a conversation with their opinions, surprising those around them of how intensely they feel about something, or how perceptive they were about someone, when all they seemed to be doing was minding their own business. This sign tends to be a bit heavy in the stomach area and have a heart shaped face. They remind you of Mom, even though they definitely don't want you to call them that. <em>Think of:</em> George W. Bush, Meryl Streep<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> will be wearing something borderline risque and proudly flaunt it. Sexual and charismatic, they will be flirting with everyone and have no fear of body contact. There is a regal air about them (if you look closely, you can actually SEE the crown on their head) that makes you feel very important to be around them. Also typically telling a joke, or enjoying delicious food and wine, this is a sign that really enjoys experiences and is engaged in whatever it is that they are doing. <em>Think of:</em> Jennifer Lopez, Bill Clinton<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> will look as quiet and unassuming as possible, and typically will be standing in the corner. They won't have a flick of lint on them, and their hair will be in place. Though their bag may be a mess on the inside, and their underwear may not be matching that day, EXTERNALLY, they look put together in a very simple way. No frills for this sign, unless they are looking to impress you in the bedroom with their latest toy. They appear to be humble, even if they have their chin up (note that they won't look you in the eye when they walk for fear that you can spot their insecurity), and if you look closely at THIS sign, you will literally see the weight of the world on their shoulders. <em>Think of:</em> Colin Firth, Blake Lively<br /><br /><strong>Libra:</strong> laughing, talking and talking, this sign will be socializing with everyone in the office, restaurant, or party. The men are charmers and smooth talkers, the women are laughing about something they just heard, and with their predisposition to wearing a lot of color, they always seem so light hearted and foot loose and fancy free. Very feminine and graceful, both the men AND women of this sign remind you of the word 'balance' when you meet them. <em>Think of:</em> Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> what you wouldn't give to know what's going on in this sign's head! Trust, it is scandalous and entirely opposite of what they are saying. There is a mysterious, dark, and intense nature behind that dazzling smile and laugh that all Scorpio's have been blessed with. They laugh, tell jokes, smile often, and keep things light-hearted until BAM! they turn out the lights. They don't see attention, but they do command it when they want it. They can sum up their feelings on someone or something in a very simple statement that is quite effective--no need for you to second guess their true feelings on a subject once they have told you where they stand. Scorpio's tend to have a lovely laugh and a big/wide set mouth that helps them have a terrific smile. <em>Think of:</em> Julia Roberts, Matthew McConaughey<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> forceful, determined, opinionated, and ready to debate, this sign always looks like it has something to say on the tip of their tongue. They will be leading the group discussion and telling a very long joke or story, which doesn't seem to be a problem because they are very entertaining story tellers. A potty mouth or controversial opinion is never too far behind. They watch with an amusing smile as they look someone up and down and form an opinion. If they don't like you, they hold their jaw tight and their eyes start to get smaller and smaller, their fists will often clench and their face will get red (note: they get into fights often, especially when drunk, so best to stay away from them in an alley near a bar if they start looking like the aforementioned description). <em>Think of:</em> Jon Stewart, Ann CoulterLoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-47772920861158239282010-07-27T16:08:00.005-04:002010-07-27T16:48:56.938-04:00Are You An Astro-Addict? Ten Simple Ways To TellThere are millions of web sites on the Internet, and the list keeps growing exponentially on a daily basis. You can research anything from pre-historic remains to the latest study on genetic engineering, or just opt for your run-of-the-mill YouTube clip. The Internet can be your best friend, and your worst enemy, all in one. How many times have you delayed turning in a project, or stayed up late at night, because you can't stop searching for new information or posting something utterly UNimportant on Facebook, like what you ate for dinner?<br /><br />Some would say that there is no such thing as too much information, but what if your focus is only on ONE thing? What if your day or life revolves around one concept or idea? While I am not here to promote that everyone dash to the theater to watch <em>Inception</em>, the question is palpable: when is an idea a parasite, and when is an interest an addiction?<br /><br />Perhaps I am blaspheming my only child here by turning the tables (or flipping them) on my darling astro baby blog, but this <em>is</em> a site all about astrology, so why not sacrifice my own creation for the sake of discussion?<br /><br />Astrology is a funny science. Some people roll their eyes at the mere mention of it, and some deny they know anything about it ("My sign? I don't know what you are talking about...is 'sign' the plural form of sinuses? Because my allergies are awful this season!"). Fact is, you would be remiss to find a person who truly didn't know their sign. Funny aside: I consider it a jackpot if someone knows their Rising Sign or Moon Sign (I like the odds diminishing in my favor of figuring someone out sooner than later).<br /><br />But, conversely, there are those who live by Astrology and make important decisions based on their sign, the planetary motions, their birth chart reports, or their daily horoscope. When does "normal" turn into "you crazy, bitch"?<br /><br /><strong>Here are ten simple signs that may indicate you are an Astro-Addict and your Moon should back away from Uranus:</strong><br /><br />10. You have a pet named Cosmo, Astro, Karma, or they are named after a major planet like Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, or Mars (<em>bonus:</em> if you named your animal after a planetary motion, like "Retrograde")<br /><br />9. Your home is decorated in all various forms of astrological art, such as moons, stars, natal charts, and symbols (<em>bonus:</em> your bed duvet or blanket is of the Zodiac)<br /><br />8. Madame Cleo, or some other toll free psychic hotline, is on your speed dial (<em>bonus: </em>the number is in your top 10 or top 5) <br /><br />7. You have a tattoo of your sign somewhere on your body (<em>bonus:</em> it is larger than your thumb print and/or visible to the public)<br /><br />6. When you meet someone new, one of the first things you ask them is "What's your sign?" (<em>bonus:</em> that IS the first thing you ask them)<br /><br />5. A person's sign will definitively determine whether or not you get involved in a friendship, business arrangement, or amorous relationship with them (<em>bonus: </em>you don't make it a secret that your decision was based on astrology and you react with horror when they tell you their "offending" sign)<br /><br />4. Your Internet bookmarks are filled with astrology web sites (<em>bonus:</em> they are ONLY filled with astrology web sites)<br /><br />3. You know the astrological sign of every famous person, dead or alive (<em>bonus:</em> you know their exact birthday, too)<br /><br />2. You won't leave your house in the morning until you have read your daily horoscope (<em>bonus:</em> you decide NOT to leave your house if it looks like it's gonna be a bad day)<br /><br />1. You WRITE the daily horoscopes (<em>bonus:</em> you also contribute to a monthly review)<br /><br /><br />Of course, having only one or a few of these checked off doesn't mean you are an addict, it just means you have a healthy hobby (well, if you know the exact birthdays of famous people who are dead or alive, it may not be all that healthy...but I digress). But if more than 50% of these ring true, if not 100%, well then, welcome to my version of "AA" - Astroholic Anonymous!<br /><br />Though, at the end of the day, who really cares? The only person who may suffer from your astro addiction is your cat, Karma, whom you adopted because her Moon was in your house, and her daily horoscope that morning told you that she was going to have a rough day...LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-13116303536898418392010-05-26T11:30:00.002-04:002010-05-26T11:32:30.962-04:00My Moon Made Me Do It!With all this talk about the summer sun and all the fun we will have on the beach in our polka dot bikinis, I thought it only fair to strike a balance in the Universe of this blog site by talking about the darker side of things. Or, as Pink Floyd coined it, “the dark side of the Moon.”<br /><br />Gemini’s may get a bad rap for having multiple personalities, and Scorpio’s may win for having more faces than Eve, but the truth is, we ALL have an inner self that is much different than the outer one we portray on a day-to-day basis at work, with friends, at a social event, in a relationship, etc.<br /><br />Have you ever felt that people never understand the <em>real</em> you? That everyone thinks you are so sociable and outgoing, yet you are truly deep down an introvert who prefers peace and quiet? Or, perhaps, you are the opposite—someone who comes off shy at first, but then is a total chatterbox/star of the group once you warm up?<br /><br /><em><strong>How is it that the person everyone else sees is different than how you see yourself?</strong></em><br /><br />Simply put, it is the yin and yang of your Sun and your Moon that is causing this external and internal dichotomy. While I often say that a person’s Sun sign is not enough to judge their astrological character when there are 11 other planets and a gazillion other factors involved (the position of those planets, your Houses, your Nodes, how you were raised, etc.), if you want to pair it down to the bare essentials, the relationship between your Sun and your Moon is fairly indicative of your personality. The Moon is the foundation and the Sun is the roof of your own astrological house, if you will.<br /><br />As with Mother Nature, the Sun is the "you" that everyone sees. It is the face you put out to the world and use to protect your inner self—your Moon. Your Moon is the real interpretation of yourself, your innermost thoughts, desires, and perceptions. Your Moon is what you aspire to be and who you already think you are. Ironically, some people may perceive your Moon sign rather than your Sun sign when they first meet you. If someone is a true soul reader, they most likely will be able to guess your Moon sign because they can see right through to the core of who you are and get past the bright lights of those Sun rays you are shining off.<br /><br />Does this mean I am saying that your true self is dark and miserable? No, not at all. But your Moon is as mysterious as the real one itself. And, if your Sun and your Moon are entirely different signs/elements, you may find yourself dealing with some pretty interesting dilemmas in your lifetime.<br /><br />For example, you may be an introverted and introspective Virgo Sun with an outgoing and sexual Aries Moon. How do you strike a balance between such differing personalities? Who is the real you? The one who wants to live free and experience passion and life and fight or debate for what you feel is right in order to honor your Aries Moon? Or the one who wants to play it safe, keep to yourself, and avoid strong gusts of emotion to honor your Virgo Sun? How do you reconcile a balance? Do you show passion in work and indifference in your personal relationships? <br /><br />What if you are an outgoing Gemini Sun who can’t stop talking, but your Moon is in introverted, stable, and controlling Capricorn? Can you learn to let go and enjoy life the way a Gemini should/would, or do you play it safe and save your money in a 401k because your Capricorn Moon will freak out otherwise?<br /><br />More importantly, what happens if you don’t acknowledge this dichotomy in you? Your Moon makes you do more things than you realize. It can hold you back or push you forward past your boundaries depending on how much control you give it, and, ironically, how much control you let go of.<br /><br />Sometimes people aren’t even aware of how much they allow their Moon to affect them. When people say they don’t feel like a true version of their Sun sign, I always ask them what their Moon is, and whether they find it to be a more accurate definition of who they are. It turns out that, if you don’t identify with your Sun, you are 99.9% likely to identify with your Moon.<br /><br />Figure out which planet dominates you. How does it hold you back? How does it help you move forward? What are the good traits it gives you? The bad?<br /><br />You don’t need to check into a therapist’s office to find out if you have bipolar personality disorder or schizophrenia (note: this is not formal medical advice, if you really are crazy, go see a psychiatrist)—check out your birth chart first!<br /><br /><strong>My favorite online—and free!—birth chart sites can be found on the left hand side of this blog. Once you know your Sun and Moon sign combo, visit Astrology-Numerology’s site (click <a href="http://www.astrology-numerology.com/sun-moon.html">here</a>) to view a direct report on how the two signs play off of one another.</strong><br /><br />Find the time to figure yourself out. Be a little narcissistic in the middle of the work day. Your boss won’t mind. In fact, your boss never needs to know. Trust.LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-30764416657318667112010-04-21T14:20:00.001-04:002010-04-21T14:26:43.826-04:00Summer Lovin', Had Me Some Fun...April showers bring May flowers, and March came in like a lion and out like a lamb, so here's a toast to fields of flowers (with low pollen counts for you allergy sufferers out there) and plenty of sun in the upcoming months when Spring slowly turns into Summer.<br /><br />Here are some things to be excited about:<br /><br />1) Mercury will be out of retrograde as of May 11. It started on April 18, and it has been killer so far, as evidenced from the many e-mails I have received asking "Is Mercury in retro or something? My life has been f$%$%$^%$ this past week." Why, yes, yes it is in retro. Forewarned is forearmed!<br /><br />2) The days are getting longer, which means leaving work when the sun is still shining.<br /><br />3) SUMMER VACATION!!!<br /><br />Now, for all you Virgo's out there thinking, "I never take a vacation", how about finally taking a "risk" and doing something fun? Seriously, it is life changing to actually ENJOY life. Why not spend time with your favorite Cancer, who is giddy about digging their crabby little claws into the sand and enjoying the smell of the ocean air, and plan a sweet little vacation?<br /><br />In fact, why doesn't everyone start planning their Summer vacations right now? Airline industries may be suffering thanks to freak volcanic eruptions in Iceland, but that doesn't mean your travel plans should suffer any longer (unless the airlines decide to hike up ticket costs to cover their own expenses, in which case, ACT FAST!).<br /><br />Here are some helpful tips and suggestions for where to go on your next vacation and enjoy what Summer has to offer you.<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> lots of life changes this year, and many of you are having a baby, or starting a new company (which is like a baby), so you need to make sure your energy levels are being replenished regularly to avoid over-stressing your already workaholic system. Consider a mountain/lakeside retreat that provides on site massage services and a fine dining restaurant to indulge your taste buds.<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> too many projects, too little time. You have been burning both ends with frequent travel and/or projects, and have barely spent time in your own home. Since a staycation may give you hives, try something calming like a weekend in the countryside, visiting vineyards or enjoying some picnics. You need to recharge. And hey, if the French countryside sounds like a good spot to sit down and have some brie and a baguette, then so be it.<br /><br /><strong>Pisces:</strong> you have been putting more time into your career and long term goals than ever before, and while most of you are watching your savings accounts, it wouldn't hurt to be a little generous right now with yourself and your loved one and do something special. You could piggy back a volunteer opportunity with a vacation destination, perhaps joining a fundraising campaign or local church event to raise money. Better yet, go lend a hand in another country, or even here in the U.S. (New Orleans?), and enjoy immersing yourself in a new culture, while also doing something to help mankind.<br /><br /><strong>Aries: </strong>you have to watch your health with all this stress and frustration building up inside you. Take a time out. In your case, a staycation might be the ticket, but so would going to a nice hotel/resort somewhere exciting and upbeat(Miami, New York, Los Angeles, etc) where you can dance all night or go seek out fun new events, such as art exhibits, music concerts, and fashion trunk shows.<br /><br /><strong>Taurus:</strong> working more hours than normal has made you feel a bit off-balanced. Go visit a friend in another state and enjoy his/her company, and city (or town), for a week. Chill on the beach, at a vineyard, or in the woods, and catch up on your reading, meditate, and re-engage yourself in your hobbies. Napa Valley would be a great destination spot, but if that is too far from where you are, look up local vineyards in your state. If there is an estate, book a reservation for a room and a nice dinner (and maybe throw in a massage while you are at it).<br /><br /><strong>Gemini: </strong>hello, run down busy-bee! Slow down and take some deep breathes. Go sit out in the park and take a nap, catch up on gossip magazines or that book next to your nightstand, and fill your mind with fun and entertaining things rather then staying immersed in so much seriousness. Get tickets to your favorite sporting event, or to a new exhibit (preferably out of town and in a nearby city), and treat yourself. Stop off at the beach on your way home. You could use a little sun.<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> time for an adventure, little crab. Since you come alive during the warm, summer months, show the world what you are made of and strut your stuff. Plan a trip somewhere new and fun and enjoy learning about new cultures, foods, and histories. You are ready to be stimulated--in more ways than one! Try India, Asia, Africa, or South America. DO IT!<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> you are approaching serious red-level danger codes if you don't take a step back and evaluate before moving forward. Stop focusing on everyone else, and look inward. Take a trip somewhere relaxing, but also where you can go out at night and slut yourself up for some naughty fun. Cheap flights to Mexico or South America may do the trick. Find a resort package and book it!<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> yes, yes, we know, you don't take vacations. Bla bla bla. It is boring to hear. Even if you have to go by yourself, just treat yourself with something that will engage your mind. Perhaps there is a convention somewhere that focuses on your favorite hobby? Book tickets to attend whatever conference/convention that interests you (please try and make it NON work-related), and if it is in a not-so-fun location, check out nearby spots for daytime or overnight trips.<br /><br /><strong>Libra:</strong> time to take a trip with your best friends and totally stir things up. While it may sound cliche, you just need to go to the beach and experience some good old "Spring Break" type of fun. If your Spring Break locations are as cool as Ibiza or somewhere on the Mediterranean, then by all means, go. If it is only as thrilling as the Jersey Shore, who cares? The important part is <em>who you go with (</em>hint: someone fun who may make you do something scandalous!).<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> explore and learn! It is time you uncover the hidden truths of a foreign land, maybe tie it into something spiritual. Try Stonehedge or Macchu Picchu--absorb all that you can about the myths and the spiritual symbolism of these revered places and let that inspire you for whatever is missing in your life right now. If you can't go international, try a local historic town to get your occult juices flowing.<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> your travel clock is ticking. You need an adventure!! Find a last minute deal online and just go somewhere outrageous for no other reason than it would be a great story to tell. Don't plan an itinerary. Just go. Try something fun like a safari in Africa, whale watching in Vancouver British Columbia, dancing in Buenos Aires, or surfing in Australia. You get the picture: WILD, RANDOM, FUN!<br /><br />And if you don't know where to begin, just go to your preferred Internet search engine, type in some key words, and see where Fate directs you.<br /><br />Happy Travels!LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-39942891037479971002010-03-23T14:55:00.001-04:002010-03-23T14:58:59.730-04:00Keeping Your Heart HealthyIt is pretty hard these days to turn on the television, flip open a magazine, or engage in a conversation with someone at the water cooler without the inevitable topic of dieting coming up. <br /><br /><em>How do you stay so thin? <br />Why can't I lose any weight? <br />I lose weight and then gain it all back!<br />I exercise all the time and I don't see any improvement! <br />I change diets all the time and can't stick to one!<br />I honestly don't have the time or motivation to lose weight... </em><br /><br />And on, and on, and on. <br /><br />We have heard them all, ranging from those lucky ones who seem to eat whatever they want, whenever they want it, without barely going to the gym, to those who struggle their entire life with weight issues. Even Oprah can't will the gods to help her lose weight--and keep it off. Kirstie Alley now has a new show coming out--<em>Big Life</em>--to publicize her diet and weight problems after infamously losing all her weight via Jenny Craig. All this proves that money can't necessarily buy a fast metabolism or a slender body, but it can help you get on the right track (or land a reality TV show).<br /><br />But what about us "everyday people" who struggle and have tried it all and can't seem to make anything stick? And by "everyday", I mean those of us who aren't make $15 million per episode or don't have a famous personal trainer making house calls. How can we lose weight, and more importantly, why can't we stop <em>gaining</em> it? Well, the weight gain struggle leads itself to the obvious factors of genetics, health problems, thyroid complications that affect metabolism, lack of time to hit the gym, or lack of money to buy healthier food; but at the end of the day, if we aren't happy with the way we look when we check ourselves out in the mirror, doesn't everything else in our life look lackluster, depressing, or downright annoying? <br /><br /><em>Why do we wait so long before we make a positive change about something that is as important to us as our image?</em><br /><br />Perhaps this post should have been written in January to motivate everyone to research their best weight loss plan in time for their New Year's Resolution, but, eh, deal with it. Better late than never, right? Which is what I say to everyone who is trying to figure it out: better late than never.<br /><br />So where to begin? How to choose which diet, or types of food, you should eat when there are so many options of each? You probably see where this is going, right? Let's allow the Universe to make the decision up for us! Yes, I am talking about astrology. Eating right for your Sun sign. It may not work, but wouldn't it be worth a shot? Mercury isn't in retrograde until April 18, so you have time to plan and start a new regime before you experience any problems or delays. So get to it!<br /><br /><strong>Your Personal Astrological Diet Plan</strong><br /><br /><strong>FIRE SIGNS</strong> (<em>Aries, Leo, Sagittarius</em>):<br /><br />Fire signs tend to fight off illness easily as they have strong constitutions. Fire burns off toxins, bacteria and viruses, and due to their high levels of physical activity (in and out of the bedroom), they burn off weight faster than most signs. They love their carbs because they need them for energy to run their marathons, fight a battle, or absorb excess alcohol from their night out. HOWEVER, high stress levels, easily flared tempers, and over-working themselves makes them easy targets for heart conditions (such as hypertension), ulcers, and inflammations. <br /><br />Fire signs also tend to lack patience, so a drawn-out diet that requires too much time or commitment, or shows results slowly, simply won't work. Fire signs need to see immediate progress, and need to feel as if they aren't eliminating anything from their diet in order to succeed at sticking to a plan.<br /><br /><strong>Foods to Eat:</strong> grains, vegetables, seafood, pasta, lean meat and proteins, yogurt<br /><strong>Foods to Avoid:</strong> spicy foods, red meat, dairy<br /><br /><strong>Suggested Diet Plans:</strong> Atkins, South Beach, Sonoma Diet, detox regimes (only to be used to flush their body of excess toxins, sodium, or water weight, not suggested for long-term diets)<br /><br /><br /><strong>EARTH SIGNS</strong> (<em>Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo</em>):<br /><br />Earth signs have slow metabolisms and weak digestive systems, mostly due to over-eating or a diet of heavy foods. As such, Earth signs struggle with weight problems, tumor growth or glandular disorder. They often feel sluggish or tired, and can be found complaining about their fluctuating weight or inability to lose it. Working long hours in their office also makes it harder for them to eat sensible, well-balanced meals in favor of fast food, multiple snacking breaks, or rich fatty foods to keep their energy up (or to compensate for lost meals during the day). They need to find healthier sources of energy and sugar, and help their bodies flush out harmful toxins that they can't naturally break down on their own.<br /><br /><strong>Foods to Eat:</strong> fruits, vegetables, juices, teas, salads, soups, spices, seafood, lean meat<br /><strong>Foods to Avoid:</strong> butter, sugar, processed foods (crackers, potato chips, popcorn, cookies), potatoes, excess carbs, fried foods, rich foods (fatty meats, cured meats, desserts, creamy cheeses)<br /><br /><strong>Suggested Diet Plans: </strong>Glycemic Index, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Grapefruit Diet(used only for a short detox, not as a full time diet plan), Vegetarian or Vegan diet<br /><br /><br /><strong>WATER SIGNS</strong> (<em>Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio</em>):<br /><br />Water signs suffer more than the other elements from digestive issues, such as weak stomachs, poor metabolism, or intestinal problems. Since their health is directly related to their emotional state, they tend to get sick easily, especially if they are in a negative environment, or surrounded by negative people. By remaining in stagnant, emotional, murky waters, these signs suffer from recurring health issues and excess weight. Other notable problems that occur are health problems with excess mucus, cysts, tumors and swellings, as well as systemic candida. <br /><br />For these signs, patience is less of a problem, and the real solution will come with a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes a proper diet and frequent exercise, not a crash diet plan.<br /><br /><strong>Foods to Eat: </strong>steamed vegetables, fresh seafood, beans and legumes, fruit, soups, salads, herbs, teas, hot water with lemon<br /><strong>Foods to Avoid:</strong> fried foods, meat, dairy, breads, salt, excess carbs, sodas, coffee or other high caffeine substances<br /><br /><strong>Suggested Diet Plan:</strong> Vegetarian or Vegan, Bob Greene's Diet: The Best Life (focuses on the tie-in between emotions and eating habits), Sonoma Diet, Jenny Craig, Glycemic Index<br /><br /><br /><strong>AIR SIGNS</strong> (<em>Gemini, Aquarius, Libra</em>):<br /><br />Air signs are the luckiest of the elements when it comes to losing weight, or never having to worry about weight to begin with (for the most part; Aquarius Oprah would take issue with me on this!). Their high nervous energy tends to direct them in fast-paced lifestyles, social activities, and high metabolisms (something that anxiety and high stress is good for--your own anxiety burns your calories!). However, too much stimulation of the nervous system can lead to other issues, including memory loss, poor diet (i.e., not getting enough nutrients, vitamins, and minerals when eating solely at the appetizer table at a party), poor circulation, or exhaustion.<br /><br />Air signs also lack patience (and commitment) to do intense long-term dieting. They don't like to be told what not to eat, or eliminate foods from their diet--it is too restrictive. For them, it is all about balance and moderation. Eat what you want, when you want it, but in healthy doses.<br /><br /><strong>Foods to Eat:</strong> nuts, dairy, meat, seafood, yogurt, soothing herbs and teas, vegetables, salads, whole grains, multivitamin supplements<br /><strong>Foods to Avoid: </strong>refined sugars and carbs, rich cream sauces and dips, excess fruit<br /><br /><strong>Suggested Diet Plan: </strong>The Zone, Daily Food Pyramid, Mediterranean Diet, European Diet (i.e., "French Women Don't Get Fat"), Weight Watchers<br /><br /><br /><br />No matter which sign you are, you should always listen to your body and eat foods that you enjoy. If the foods you enjoy happen to be "bad" for you, consider eating them as treats or rewards, not as part of your daily or routine diet plan. Give yourself something to look forward to! As always, drink plenty of water, get a good night's rest, exercise frequently, take your daily multivitamin, and laugh. Laughter is a great source of mental, emotional, and physical stability and strength.<br /><br /><strong>Web sites for recommended diet plans:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.atkins.com">Atkins</a><br /><a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com">Weight Watchers</a><br /><a href="http://www.southbeachdiet.com">South Beach</a><br /><a href="http://www.zonediet.com">The Zone</a><br /><a href="http://www.thebestlife.com/">Bob Greene's Diet Plan: The Best Life</a><br /><a href="http://www.mypyramid.gov">Daily Food Pyramind</a><br /><a href="http://www.jennycraig.com">Jenny Craig</a><br /><a href="http://www.glycemicindex.com/">Glycemic Index</a><br /><a href="http://www.nutrisystem.com">Nutrisystem</a><br /><a href="http://www.sonomadiet.com">Sonoma Diet</a><br /><a href="http://www.mediterraneandiet.com/">Mediterranean Diet</a><br /><a href="http://frenchwomendontgetfat.com">French Women Don't Get Fat</a><br /><a href="http://www.grapefruit-diet.org/">Grapefruit Diet</a><br /><a href="http://www.goveg.com/">Vegetarian or Vegan Diet</a><br /><br /><br />While I did not mention it in this post, if you are anti-astrology for your diet plan, consider the popular <a href="http://www.dadamo.com/">Eat Right For Your Blood Type</a> diet by Dr. D'Adamo. This diet plan uses your blood type to determine your ideal diet, and has famous stars following it!<br /><br /><em><strong>Special Note:</strong> none of the above recommendations should replace physician-approved or supervised diet plans, and are not intended to diagnose or prescribe an individual's diet. This blog is for informational and educational purposes only.</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>Next Up:</strong> Summer Lovin', Had Me Some Fun...LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-56156631778657145822010-02-19T15:30:00.007-05:002010-02-19T15:49:44.548-05:00Love is in the Air, Amongst Other ThingsHappy Belated Valentine's Day to all my readers! I hope Cupid's arrow hit you -- in a good way -- and that your beloved showered you with flowers, chocolates, and kisses to celebrate Hallmark's favorite holiday. <br /><br />Moving along -- momentarily, for we shall return to Valentine's Day per the title of this post -- I also want to bring to everyone's attention the exciting fact that we are now officially in the Chinese New Year, Year of the Tiger. While this blog doesn't focus much on Eastern astrology, I did find a great site that compared Western vs Eastern astrology, and also combined them for a more relevant horoscope for the year ahead, and in general terms for the rest of your life (!!). For example, if you are a Gemini Cock or a Leo Monkey, you can read all about what that means to you by clicking <a href="http://www.wayangtimes.com/2010-year-of-the-tiger-chinese-zodiac-horoscope-forecast.html">here</a>.<br /><br />OK, now let's get back on track to the topic of this post. We should all be in a better mood right now because we just had a romantic holiday, Chinese New Year has begun (and the Tiger is a lucky year!), Mercury is NOT in retrograde (next up is April 18-May 11), and Spring starts in exactly one month on March 20th. All good things, right?<br /><br />Well, almost all -- if you had a lonely Valentine's Day and found yourself spending it alone in your apartment with your pet cat, dog, fish, or rat, then maybe this hasn't been a stellar year for you as of yet. And maybe, upon further consideration, it hasn't been a stellar year for you in a long time. Valentine's Day is overrated after all, right? Who needs a teddy bear holding a heart, or a box of fattening chocolates, or an expensive dinner at a crowded restaurant, right? Right?<br /><br />But, still, it would be nice to have a Valentine. You may be wondering "Why are you writing a blog about a holiday that has already passed?" Well, the reason is simple. If you are the typical single person who is desperately-seeking-love (some of us more desperate than others), Valentine's is not just a DAY of torture, it is more like a lesson in torture on repeat (like Groundhog's Day). There is the pre-Valentine's Day recognition that you don't have anyone special in your life, and this makes you bitter when you look around and see all the Valentine's Day promotions, happy couples kissing and talking about their special plans, and people buying clothes in the color red; then there is the actual Valentine's Day, where we dread the fact that no one is sending us flowers to the office or kissing us goodnight; and then there is the post-Valentine's Day acknowledgment that you just spent another Valentine's Day all alone and you don't want to be alone anymore and you REFUSE to be single for next year's Valentine's Day. This last acknowledgment can linger anywhere from one day (if you are super evolved and enjoy being single), to one week (if you are super social and meet someone within said week), to one month (if you are super annoyed with the dating scene), to one season (if you are super frustrated with the dating scene), to one year or more (if you are super fed up with dating -- period).<br /><br />What is NOT super is not doing anything about it! I know it is hard to meet someone, but, unless you are living a personal version of <em>The Truman Show</em>, whereby your life is scripted by a Hollywood director, and we are now at the part that says "Cue: Enter perfect soul mate into scene...and ACTION!" our perfect someone isn't going to just appear out of nowhere. Unless, of course, you have some really "super" drugs that give you some interesting hallucinations...<br /><br />That being said, I thought that in the spirit of positive thinking, this would be the perfect time to list all of the currently popular online dating sites, AND, give you a little food for thought on where to go to meet someone that is astrologically compatible to you.<br /><br /><strong>Earth Signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo):</strong><br /><br />These signs are the workaholics and the foodies. If you want to meet one, either start trolling the halls of your office (late at night), hit up a restaurant that is popular with the locals (Earth signs prefer traditional spots rather than the appeal of the 'latest and greatest'), or wander a bit longer in the aisles of the grocery store. I particularly love the last one because then you can eliminate people with food aversions (like, if you are a vegetarian, perhaps not best to pick someone up at the butcher's counter?). If neither works, go to the gym. Earth signs are always there burning off excess stress.<br /><br /><strong>Air Signs (Aquarius, Gemini, Libra):</strong><br /><br />These signs are always throwing back a cocktail at a bar or restaurant, involved in some sort of event or social function, or shopping. Basically, you can find your Air sign if you are out and about and happen to come upon someone who can't stop talking and who is animatedly discussing some piece of gossip, or recent news development (i.e., Tiger Woods, the Tea Party Coalition, Iran's nuclear weapons, or Heidi Montag's recent surgeries). They are the easy ones to find because they don't sit at their desks for too long and are often in a sales or marketing function that allows them to constantly be meeting new people. So, in short, they want to meet YOU. What are you waiting for?<br /><br /><strong>Water Signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio):</strong><br /><br />These signs are always researching, learning, or studying something new, whether it is for personal or professional reasons, or they are too busy beating an opponent on the field or in the office. Go to a library, a coffee shop, a bookstore, a sports center, an animal shelter, a yoga or Pilate's class, or a political campaign headquarter. They will be there. If you live in DC, this is a bonus for you because all you really need to do is go to the Hill or Eastern Market, that way you can find those Water signs that pride themselves on being artistic and creative (Eastern Market) while at the same time being a political brainiac (Capitol Hill). If you don't live in DC, go hit up a bike trail or join a running club. If you don't "do" exercise, just go to a furniture store (like Pottery Barn) and seek out the people buying candles or pillows. Yep, they are probably a Water sign. Of course, you could just go for the obvious and go to the beach or any large body of <em>water</em>...<br /><br /><strong>Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius):</strong><br /><br />These signs are always in the middle of everything -- a bar, a restaurant, a fight, a liquor store, a gym, a sports club, a kitchen, a department store, a beauty counter, a police station, and so on. They are easy to spot: loud, slightly obnoxious, but ever so fun and entertaining! You can always find a Fire sign because they never really do the "stay at home" routine. So, as long as you have something compelling, blunt, sassy, and witty to say, you are pretty much guaranteed to find your typical Fire sign. If you need a little more direction (what, North, South, East, West doesn't cut it?), I suggest joining a foreign language class (Fire signs love languages), going to the latest restaurant or bar opening (unlike Earth signs, the Fire signs love trying new places), or joining some sort of sports club or group exercise class at your local gym. Fire signs need to burn off all the calories from their partying!<br /><br /><br />And, if you still feel a little lost, here are links to the top dating sites right now:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.okcupid.com">OkCupid</a><br /><a href="http://www.match.com">Match.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.eharmony.com">eHarmony</a><br /><a href="http://www.chemistry.com">Chemistry.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.jdate.com">JDate</a><br /><a href="http://www.plentyoffish.com">Plenty of Fish</a><br /><a href="http://www.craigslist.com">Craigs List</a><br /><a href="http://www.sugardaddie.com">SugarDaddie</a><br /><a href="http://datelab.washpost.com/">Washington Post's Date Lab</a><br /><br /><br />Good luck to your heart!<br /><br /><em><strong>Next Up:</strong></em> Keeping Your Heart HealthyLoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-59055220836018982002010-01-21T13:55:00.002-05:002010-01-21T14:02:45.597-05:00A Healthy Point of ViewNow that 2010 has officially begun, I am sure many of you have written down your new year resolutions, right? Surely your "to-do" list will include the typical following goals: lose weight, eat healthier, budget better, date more (or less), and take a vacation. I bet you can't wait to cross any/all of those items off your list once you are done with them!<br /><br />I bet you signed up for a new gym membership, threw out the junk food in your kitchen, bought organic/healthier foods last week at the grocery store, cleaned your home, decided to cut out extravagances and spend more time at home, and signed up on eHarmony or some other dating site all in an effort to start this new calendar year on the right foot. Of course, some of you may use the excuse that Mercury was in retrograde until only last Friday (and boy, was it a bitch of a retro!!!), so you haven't had time to write a list when your computer broken down or caught on fire, your phone kirked out, your boss fired you, or your plane got diverted and you were stuck at the airport for hours. Mercury definitely put a damper on our progress at the start of this month, that's for sure! But that's behind us now. <br /><br />So, moving on...<br /><br />I would find it hard to believe that there is a perfect person out there who doesn't have anything to work on or improve this year, but let's play the game of "what if" and think about it. <em>What if</em> things were perfect? <em>What if</em> you accomplished all of your goals in 2009 and this is a year of smooth sailing for you? (<strong>Note:</strong> I would like to talk with you if you are reading this and saying "That's me! That's me!") What would you do to already capitalize on perfection? Would you invest all your time in working? Playing? Traveling? <br /><br />More and more, I keep hearing people who are dissatisfied with their lives, who don't know what they want to do, or, they do know what they want to do, but they are too afraid to pursue it. Fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of the loss of security, fear of being laughed at, or just plain fear of failure hinders our progress. So much FEAR stunts us from living our lives. If we believe the Mayan theory that the world will end in 2012, then we better just go ahead and do whatever we want--two years isn't too long to live in regret if things turn sour! And if you succeed, hey, it was great to go out with a bang! (No pun intended to the Mayans, there.)<br /><br />But I am a firm believer that the Mayans weren't referring to the end of the world <em>physically</em>, I think they meant the end of the world at its <em>current level of spiritual and emotional understanding</em>. We see evidence in the news, in our politics, and in our daily routines that we are tired of the way our systems are working, we are evolving past the idea of religious beliefs and into the concept of "spiritual beliefs", we are inspired by people who promote peace and change (His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for example), and we are quickly disappointed with agents of war, terror, and failure, which is how we have operated in the past.<br /><br />And yet, we still cling to the old way of doing things. <br /><br />In 2009, we historically voted in the first black president because he promised change in Washington. At exactly one year after his Inauguration, we find ourselves criticizing his policies and denying the change that Washington is creating (or trying to create). His approval ratings continue to dip, and each new election is showing a trend that the American people are turning their back on Obama and his party in favor of a more conservative/no change approach.<br /><br />So what do we REALLY want? Do we really want change? Or do we really want security, even if security is not the healthiest choice for us? As the saying goes--"The devil that you know is better than the devil that you don't know." Regardless of political orientation, our country is in the midst of a significant moral, spiritual, ethical, and physical debate about where we go from here. And this is what, I believe, the Mayans were referring to when they said the world would end in 2012. We can't sustain the current status quo. The past decade of war, terror, violence, debt, and fear have proven that our old methods aren't sustainable for much longer.<br /><br />We can't say we want one thing, and then act in another contrary manner. It is time we open our eyes, hearts, and minds, and honestly evaluate ourselves. What are our true goals? Priorities? Needs? Do we talk the talk, but fear walking the walk?<br /><br />Consider these thoughts when thinking about 2010 and beyond. What resolutions can you include to make this world a better place? To be on the positive side of change? Ghandi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." How do you see yourself in that statement?<br /><br />Perhaps this post is perfect timing, as it is not only a new year, but also the beginning of Aquarius, a sign that is motivated by improvements in society, debating current policies and politics, and forging bold ideas to make the world a better place. Think outside of the box, even if that box is comfortable, or people don't agree with your views. Voice them and see who listens. Some of the most influential/notorious people in this country have been/are Aquarians--Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Oprah Winfrey, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Charles Darwin, Ayn Rand, Jimmy Hoffa, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Bill Maher, and so on. Bold new ideas, a drive to improve humanity, a unique way to empower man are common threads in this famous group of Aquarians, regardless of whether you agree with their opinions or political bias. <br /><br />By all means, put down the typical new year resolutions (and stick to them past March!), but also take a page from the book of Aquarius and jot down some new ideas that are far "bigger in picture" and more selfless. Consider volunteering, donating money to Haiti or another relief fund, voting more often or campaigning for a candidate you believe in, organizing a community program, etc. Consider taking a risk and following your dreams, rather than make up excuses as to why you can't change.<br /><br />See what happens if you create something bigger than yourself this year.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Next Up:</strong> Love is in the Air, Amongst Other Things<br /><br /><strong>Updates:</strong> Lovesmacked & Starstruck was recently picked up and promoted on a fabulous blog site by an incredible interior designer in the Washington, DC area. Be sure to see L&S featured on her blog, and check out her amazing designs at <a href="http://luxeandlucid.typepad.com/">http://luxeandlucid.typepad.com/</a>. Proof positive that astrology can be used in every facet of our lives--especially in our interior decor!LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-50761603279744149192009-12-22T10:52:00.007-05:002009-12-22T18:46:06.792-05:00The Planetary Wrap-Up: 2009 Annual Review and a 2010 Sneak PeekAnd so another year comes to a close. News reports are already polling people throughout the country as to what they think of the 2000s, and whether they have positive, negative, or neutral feelings about Y2K's infancy years. According to the <em>Wall Street Journal</em>, 58% of Americans polled said that the first decade of the 2000s was "awful" or "not so good", and 29% said it was "fair", with only a slim 12% saying it was "good" or "great". Click <a href="http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/12/21/2156876.aspx">here</a> to read the article and polling in its entirety.<br /><br />So, based on those numbers, we have a lot of positive thinking to do! With the first decade behind us, we are now progressing from our baby, toddler, and early years of 2000, to our teenage years. Yikes!<br /><br />When looking back on 2009 (or the entire decade, if you wish), ask yourself what went wrong, what went right, and how you could have made it better. I think it is also important to take stock of how you did it exactly right. What are you grateful for? What happened that made you a stronger, wiser, happier, and better person? What did you specifically do to change your destiny for the better? If we focus too much on the negative, isn't that an ominous start to 2010?<br /><br />2009 was a 2-year in numerology (2+0+0+9=11=1+1=2), or, an 11-year if you prefer to use the master number (remember, numerology has 3 master numbers: 11, 22, and 33). The 11 master number (or 2) is about spirituality, connecting to the Universe, inspiring progress and change, and building relationships with others. Typically, the energy of the year begins a couple of months prior to the close of the previous year. With Obama's election in November 2008, we definitely saw the wheels of the 11-year master number gearing up for its arrival in 2009. Watching how the world communicated and built relationships in 2009 (for better or worse), or how our own Washington political parties coordinated to work on new bills and initiatives, tested the power and strength of this 11-year. Everyone realized they had to work together, and those that wanted to fight that energy found themselves in some deep trouble.<br /><br />2010 will be a 3-year in numerology (2+0+1+0=12=1+2=3). A 3-year can be one of great success, where things tend to move a lot more smoothly, laughter tends to come along more easily, and balance is quickly attainable -- as long as you don't delude your perception of reality vs fiction. In a 3-year, we must learn to decipher what is real from what is fake, what is honest from what is not, and apply the lessons we learned in our 2-year to make our 3-year blessed. Our 3-year has great potential for success, as long as we are realistic and optimistic about how we get there.<br /><br />And what is YOUR own numerology number for 2010? My favorite site for numerology is Christine DeLorey's Creative Numerology (<em>See</em> <strong>www.creativenumerology.com</strong>). Check out her yearly life cycle page by clicking <a href="http://www.creativenumerology.com/yearlycycles.php">here</a>, and read all about what 2010 will have in store for you. After all, how can you draft your new year's resolutions without any insight as to what to expect?<br /><br />Be sure to also check into when your ruling planet goes retrograde next year, so you can plan in advance for your red circle calendar days/weeks/months. Click <a href="http://www.springsgreetingcards.com/catalogs/store.asp?pid=121250&catid=22647">here</a> for a listing and brief summary, or <a href="http://www.astrologyweekly.com/astrological-information/planetary-stations.php">here</a> for a quick overview.<br /><br />But, let's be fair to 2009. After all, we still have 9 days left! Did you feel you moved with the flow, or did you go against the current? How did your year compare to those of your astrological peers?<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> 2009 shifted your work schedules and priorities. Many of you were financially strained from either a reduction in work hours, or just a reduction in force. You may have been laid off, or you may have quit or reduced your own hours voluntarily. Either way, 2009 brought changes for you on the work front. Since Capricorns don't enjoy change (they say they do, but they don't) and find it hard to leave security/comfort, this may have caused a lot of anxiety for most of you, which translated into some health issues. Make sure that in 2010 you take better care of your body, and also focus on how your career can make you happier.<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> you worked very, very hard in 2009. Many of you received new jobs or promotions, and they definitely were for the best! After all, Jupiter (the planet of luck and good fortune) was in your sign this year (and will remain so until January 17, 2010). But with new responsibilities came a lot of pressure, demands, and sacrifices. You know it was all worth it, but damn, you need a break! Aquarians tend to be workaholics, notably because they work on issues that they strongly believe in, so they don't know when to quit, or HOW to quit. No need to think of quitting, but maybe just a short vacation to clear out the mental clutter is necessary.<br /><br /><strong>Pisces: </strong>while you are always an emotional roller coaster, this year was a fast and furious ride for most of you. Again, many new changes (new job, new home, new zip code, new boyfriend/girlfriend, new engagement/marriage, new baby, etc) came your way, and you had to adapt. Most of you experienced setbacks before success came along, and even though those setbacks were heart-breaking, you are now looking around with a small smile on your face thinking that things didn't turn out so badly after all. And the even better news is that this good luck should continue to stay with you, because Jupiter will be moving into your sign on January 18, 2010, and bringing his bag of treats for YOU in the year to come.<br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> drama drama drama. You were really pissed off this year with work, co-workers, bosses, and regulations. People got on your very last nerve, and if you didn't outright have a breakdown or quit, you came darn close to it. Most of you sucked it up and kept quiet until you couldn't take it anymore, but were pleasantly surprised to have found out that when you DID speak your mind, you got results. Great! The sad thing is that people really disappointed you this year, including your romantic partners. You started seeing life in a whole new picture--one that isn't discolored with rose-tinted designer sunglasses. Work out your anger in 2010 and channel it into more positive energy.<br /><br /><strong>Taurus:</strong> you are feeling like one cool cat right now. You got your man/woman, you got your attitude in check, and you got your business running. Things aren't that bad right now. Some of you made some significant moves in your career or homes (or both), but you haven't been this happy and self-assured of your decisions in a long time. For those that aren't entirely happy yet, you are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 2010 should be promising if you keep up that positive attitude, and continue to let go of the addictions you held onto in the past.<br /><br /><strong>Gemini: </strong>it could be better, it could be worse. Many of you found inspiration in your current career and really started getting into your passions and goals. You really buckled down this year and thought about what would make you happy. A lot of you started a new romantic relationship, or strengthened your current one, and things are going pretty well with your SO! Perhaps 2010 will bring an engagement, or a more solid commitment. Your goal for 2010 will be to follow through on the commitments you made to yourself and others in 2009, and, if 2009 wasn't entirely what you wanted it to be, put in the hard work in 2010 to make things right.<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> those emotional waters run deep, strong, and mighty with you, and 2009 was no exception. With all the changes happening in the Universe, you were keenly aware of all the shifts occurring around you. Shifts in everything from people's moods, to the economic climate, to the political status of the world. You worried a lot more than normal, and felt frustrated more than usual. Deep breathes. Stress isn't good for your health, and isn't going to get you anywhere fast (other than a doctor's office). You have felt frustrated that things haven't gone your way, or that you didn't have the power to change things you didn't like, but patience, dear little Crab. After all, you always get what you want, one way or another!<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> there is a saying that says "if you are going through Hell, keep on going." You Leos out there are smiling (however bitterly or ironic as it may be) reading that line because you know where I am heading with this. Leos had a tough time in 2009. A lot of work, a lot of stress, and a lot of setbacks (emotional, physical, mental) really wrecked havoc with your sense of stability and security. Most of you were continually beaten with bad news, especially regarding your loved one. Many of you broke up with your SO, or nearly got there, and felt frustrated with your love lives. Your finances were tight, and you just felt very overwhelmed by things. But you are a fighter, and you will persevere. You are great at making yourself #1, so go ahead and do just that in 2010 and see what great results you may reap.<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> it's not a hidden secret that Virgos are complex and hard to understand. Your mind is an intricate labyrinth of ideas and emotions that not even you know how to clearly navigate. One moment you feel one way, the next moment you feel entirely different. This year found you working hard (as usual), focusing less on family and friendships, and more on your romantic relationships. Most Virgos settled down this year, or wanted to settle down badly. They found themselves in new relationships or engagements, and if they didn't, they dated a lot of frogs to get their reward. 2009 was all about finding an SO for the majority of Virgos out there. And the good news is that it worked. Many Virgos have ended 2009 in a stable (or what they consider to be stable) relationship. Finally. Try not to over-analyze it and just ENJOY love in 2010. For the few Virgos out there that didn't find love in 2010, then it is probably because your work was your mistress. So, try to balance the scales in 2010 and shift gears towards love. You really don't do well when you are single or alone, despite what you may think.<br /><br /><strong>Libra:</strong> 2009 was an interesting year when it came to family for most Libras out there. They felt unsatisfied with their current partner, and if single, they started wondering if they really even wanted a partner in their life. Libras did a lot of soul searching in general. They started asking themselves some serious questions: have a child, or not? get married, or not? stay single, or not? change jobs, or not? It's been interesting to say the least. I think the key issue is that Libras have felt the need for change, and they can't quite decide yet what they want that change to be. All they know is that there is a glimmer of discontent underneath that smile of theirs, and they are struggling to figure out where it comes from and how to change it. Use 2010 to the best of your advantage!<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> yours is a sign of transformation, and in 2009, you sure as hell lived up to your potential. Many of you focused on new beginnings and moved to a new town, traveled extensively, or decided to embark on a different sort of journey--the spiritual kind. Either way, whether it was mental, spiritual, or physical, all Scorpios took some sort of journey this year to figure out their lives and what would make them happier. And many of you are slowly but surely getting there. You aren't quite fulfilled yet, you still have some kinks to work through, but like the tortoise in the fairy tale...slow and steady wins the race.<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> most Sag's had a lot of things going on for them this year. The majority went through a potent break-up in the first half of the year, and then found themselves in a new one by the 2nd half. This new relationship has brought them more happiness than they could have dreamed, but not necessarily the type they ever thought of having. You are in what is considered to be an unconventional relationship at this point in your life, but it is working for you for now. The fact is, the majority of you Sag's out there are evenly split down the middle as to whether your work, or your personal life, need to be #1. Both need some significant work to be done, but you just can't decide which should come first. You are all pretty much ready to quit your job and move on to the next best thing, and you should start putting your feelers out there. You aren't being challenged anymore, you are just feeling abused and annoyed by your coworkers or staff. And quite frankly, you are bored and tired and frustrated with everything. You feel ready for your next adventure...but where to? 2010 will give you 365 new calendar days to plan it.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Next Up:</strong></em> A Healthy Point of ViewLoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-44886169366339880102009-11-23T15:22:00.006-05:002009-11-23T19:33:50.690-05:00Buy a Shooting Star and Put It In Your Stocking.And so, the countdown begins. While your immediate thoughts may be on your Thanksgiving plans or calorie counts, the truth is that you probably are more concerned about the holidays and what gifts to give your loved ones IN THIS ECONOMY.<br /><br />It's true, we have to be a little bit more creative this year. Santa doesn't care if you have been naughty or nice...Santa is broke!<br /><br />While the best gifts are those that come from the heart, or with a little more thought, they don't necessarily have to be store bought (I sound like a Christmas jingle). So, in an effort to DE-stress some of you (I am looking at YOU, Sagittarius), I thought it would be beneficial to give you my little stocking stuffer of a gift with what has now become the annual Christmas giving guide for your favorite signs. But, unlike previous years, I will try my best to come up with a comprehensive holiday shopping stimulus plan that won't bankrupt you, or your financial system, for the next few years to come.<br /><br />She's making a list, and checking it twice...<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19):</strong> Our poor little Cap's have worked really hard this year and re-arranged a lot of their priorities. While their work schedule probably became a lot more flexible (some Cap's quit their job, or went part time, or reduced their hours in an effort to avoid breakdown, divorce, or being fired), their stress levels haven't been so healthy. Cook your Cap a gourmet dinner, light some candles, and get some hot oil massage out for that after dinner treat. <em>Splurge option:</em> buy them a great pair of shoes to wear for this dinner, or treat them to a full one-hour professional spa massage beforehand.<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18):</strong> Lots and lots of work hours have kept this sign on the move this year, but let's be honest, you've probably never seen your Aquarian so happy! This was their year (Jupiter, the planet of good luck and fortune, was in their sign for all of 2009), so they called the shots and really focused on making this year all about them and what makes them happy. Why not celebrate THEM and throw them a holiday cocktail party at your home, with their favorite music and drinks/food on tap, so they can relax for a few hours and REALLY enjoy the spirit of the season? <em>Splurge option:</em> buy them a great piece of jewelry to wear for their party, or, if your Aquarius is a man, buy him a great sweater or bottle of cologne. Anything to make them feel even sexier and more adored by their crowd.<br /><br /><strong>Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20):</strong> It's not been a bad year for your Pisces. They had a few bumps here and there, but overall, they are ending 2009 on a positive note (perhaps they are sensing that 2010 will be their year as Jupiter will be transiting from Aquarius to Pisces). Your Pisces is probably getting into a holiday mode (they love the whole joyful season thing) and looking forward to decorating the house with you. Help them out by planning out a day (or weekend) of decorating, put on some holiday music, open a bottle of wine, and get into the spirit with them. Bonus points if you actually get the decorations out of storage and don't get them involved in the details of getting everything together. <em>Splurge option:</em> buy them tickets to their favorite winter sports game, or theater/arts production (<em>The Nutcracker</em>?), so that AFTER the decorating, they can sit back, relax, and enjoy.<br /><br /><strong>Aries (March 21 - April 19):</strong> This fire sign has certainly been on the war path this year. Stress, stress, and more stress. They need to DE-compress. Work has weighed heavily on this sign's mind this year, and they are tired of dealing with home issues on top of it. A great way to help your Aries out is cleaning up the house for them and doing other basic errands (laundry, grocery shopping, dry-cleaning, car-tuning, etc) so that they can take some more time for themselves at the end of the day to watch their favorite TV show, go to the gym, or have fabulous sex...with YOU! <em>Splurge option:</em> hire a maid/cleaning service for 1-2 times a month for the next couple of months for your Aries so that they can look forward to a few months of being treated like the royalty that they know they are! If your Aries is particular about the way their house is cleaned, you can never fail by buying your Aries a gift card to their favorite designer store...surely, they have their eye on something that they want.<br /><br /><strong>Taurus (April 20 - May 21): </strong>Lots of good changes came around the 2nd half of this year for most Taurus people out there. While the first half of 2009 was touch-and-go, the second half proved to be delightful. Let them hold onto their good mood by continuing to shower them with affection, love, and sex (that's all they really want anyways), and show them how important they are to you. Compile a photo album of their year, and insert poems or love notes throughout the album. They'll love the sentimentality, and the emotional journey of looking at what 2009 brought them. Bonus points if you can sing or write them a song, too! <em>Splurge option: </em>Taurus loves to enjoy the finer things in life, so buy them a membership to a monthly wine club that delivers a few bottles of wine to their doorstep each month for the next 3 months. That way, they don't have to leave their bedroom during the cold winter months (lucky you), and can have the party in their own cozy home.<br /><br /><strong>Gemini (May 22 - June 21):</strong> AGITA! Lots and lots of things are on this Gem's mind: move or don't move? quit or don't quit? love or hate? stay or go? up or down? There's more mental exercising going on in this sign's mind than there is in the neighborhood gym (zing!). Take your Gemini on a road trip somewhere (countryside, preferably, as there won't be a lot of nervous city energy) to get them away from the daily hustle and bustle of life. Ideal spots would include the beach, mountains, or even a vineyard. Even if it is a day trip, your Gem will love the change of scenery. Find a spot to share a picnic (bring some wine, cheese, fruit, and cured meats, and this sign will be set!) and enjoy the day together. <em>Splurge option:</em> take your Gemini to another country or state for a whole weekend and treat them to new sites, restaurants, museums, and cultures. Nothing cures a Gemini like travel!<br /><br /><strong>Cancer (June 22 - July 21):</strong> worrrrry, why do you make yourself worrrry? Cancer's are a little sensitive and down right now. They just aren't feeling the love or light, but they aren't downright depressed, either. They just need a little hope that every little thing is gonna be alright. A night in with a bunch of their favorite movies will make them incredibly happy, especially if you clean up the living room and light some of their favorite candles, pop in their favorite dessert in the oven, and pour them a really nice (aka special) glass of wine (or whatever they prefer to drink, even if it is a shot of cold milk). Give them a warm blanket to cuddle into, join them on the sofa, and start your movie marathon together (with a box of tissues close by). <em>Splurge option:</em> get them a yearly subscription to Netflix so that they can have a movie marathon whenever they want, and it wouldn't hurt to get them a subscription to their favorite magazine, either. If you really want to gain points, give them a gift card to get a spa massage or reflexology treatment to calm their pretty little heads.<br /><br /><strong>Leo (July 22 - Aug 23):</strong> damn, it's been a busy year! Everything all around our dear Leo's has been full of stress, complications, or ongoing issues. They haven't had much time to sit back and relax. Your king/queen needs to feel pampered again. Take them on a drive to check out the holiday decorations people have out, go ice skating with them, and help them put up decorations on their own front yard. This sign loves the spirit of the season, and wants everything to look special and just right. By BEING there, you show them how much you care. Give them all the hugs and kisses they ask for...they need it right now. <em>Splurge option:</em> let's not kid ourselves, this sign loves a little money thrown their way. If you can, splurge and buy them a really nice pair of earrings, or a classic ring or bracelet...something that sparkles more than the Christmas lights in Macy's. Since their car is probably dirty as hell, get it detailed and washed, too. It will make for a more pleasant holiday joy ride around town.<br /><br /><strong>Virgo (Aug 24 - Sept 22):</strong> for a sign that enjoys their home, and their bedtime, 2009 hasn't been so kind to Virgo in that respect. Lots of work hours and family/social plans have kept this sign on the move (with early AM wake-up calls!). Let your Virgo chill for a weekend and run the errands yourself. While they sleep in, you can make sure all the groceries, laundry, and dry-cleaning have been done. Bonus points if you water the plants and cook dinner, too. Just let them relax and read, or watch TV. They need a moment to re-group. If you buy them their favorite TV show/series, they will be eternally grateful. <em>Splurge option:</em> take them away for the weekend to the beach or mountains so that they can be around nature and NOT hear noise. Walks on the beach will be extremely gratifying. So would a cute bed & breakfast. Since this sign is always obsessed with their weight, buying them a membership to the gym would be awesome (provided that you make sure that they understand that you aren't doing it because you think they are fat, but rather, because you know it makes them happy to go and you don't want them to spend their money on that when they could invest it or save it in their bank account).<br /><br /><strong>Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22): </strong>this is an exciting time for a Libra -- all the holiday events and plans they will have! Oh my! They are so excited for all the festivities and get togethers, that they can barely speak coherently. Go with them to all their parties and work the room with them, Libra's love to socialize and flirt (as you already know) and will enjoy not having to worry about you moping around. Buy them some pretty decorations to put around the house so that they have something new to admire in the home. <em>Splurge option:</em> take them out shopping so they can buy a few new holiday outfits to host or attend parties with. Pay for their next haircut appointment, too. They'll appreciate how much you care about their beautiful head. Speaking of heads, it wouldn't hurt to buy them a facial, either. Their skin should glow as much as their personalities. If they don't already own a digital camera, buy them one. They will love taking it with them to parties to remember the memories.<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21):</strong> Fall is the favorite season for most Scorpios -- the air is crisp, the colors of the trees are stunning shades of orange, brown, and burnt red (their favorite colors), and its time for monsters and goblins to come out! Alas, now it is cold outside and winter is sinking in. No bother, though. Your Scorpio enjoys the home life, and won't mind this weather if it gives them a chance to work on plans for their new home decorations/remodeling, or for working on a pet project of theirs (writing a novel, researching for a thesis, composing music, drawing/painting). Buy them a journal, an art canvas and paint supplies, or a feng shui book so that they can work on a creative endeavor while it is cold and nasty out. Giving them some silence is literally golden. <em>Splurge option: </em>pay for them to go take a course in something they are interested in (like a language class, art course, or cinematography series) so that they can flex their mind outside of their standard work environment. If venturing out into the cold isn't their cup of tea, sign them up for a book club where they can order books to be delivered to their home (and you pick up the tab for the next couple of months!).<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21):</strong> Sag's could/should be happier -- it is their birthday month, after all! Some Sag's get the short end of the stick, however, with their birthday's being wrapped up with the holidays (HELLO, they get AT LEAST 2 gifts!). Make sure you remind them how special they are, and don't turn their birthday into a holiday event. Go all out. Take them to their favorite local bar to watch whatever sports game they love on TV, get them tickets to the new museum exhibit that they want to go to, buy them tickets to go watch their favorite game IN PERSON, or tickets to the opera or theater. <em>Splurge option:</em> do all of the aforementioned ideas (after all, it IS their birthday, too!), and plan a trip in the winter to go skiing or doing some sort of adventure-related sport that they can enjoy. They want to get away and do something FUN! Since our Sag's love their booze, go ahead and buy them the most expensive wine or liquor bottle you can find and put a bow on it. They'll appreciate that gift for at least a few nights. And, by the way, their favorite show or sport is best watched on a super sexy and large flat screen TV. Hint, hint.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Next Up:</strong> The Planetary Wrap-Up: 2009 Annual ReviewLoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-40584248531810297492009-10-23T12:00:00.001-04:002009-10-23T12:02:04.299-04:00A Fixed Loan and a Mutable Rate, All Brought to You by Cardinal MortgageIN THIS ECONOMY, it never hurts to think about the housing market when discussing astrology (or vice versa).<br /><br />But I am not really well versed in the mortgage industry to discuss rates and loans and price indices, so no worries that I am going rogue on you and switching up the topic of this blog. What I am well versed in is to discuss yet another fascinating facet of astrology -- your Quality.<br /><br />In the new 4-1-1, I mention your "Quality", and list one of three: Cardinal, Fixed, or Mutable. But what does it MEAN?<br /><br />You probably think that your Quality is no big deal, because let's be honest, how many major magazines or horoscope sections even mention it? Truth be told, your Quality is pretty darn important -- it is second only to your Element (Water, Earth, Air, or Fire). <br /><br />A Sign's Quality defines its nature, its attitudes in life, and the way it approaches goals, projects, or long term objectives. Signs that are of the same Quality do not blend well together, ironically because they are too similar to one another. Tension and unease surfaces when two fixed qualities, or two mutable qualities meet, for example. Signs that are 90 degrees apart or opposite each other -- 180 degrees, also known as Signs in Polarity -- have the same Quality. Those in polarity complement each other, even though tension sometimes exists between them. But that can be a topic for another post on another day!<br /><br />So, let's get right to it. The three Qualities that exist are: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable.<br /><br /><strong>The Cardinal Signs are Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, and Libra. </strong>If you are a Cardinal Sign, you typically display initiative, strength, and motivation, and are always in action/"GO" mode. Cardinals are great with big concepts, entrepreneurial ideas, and at getting the ball rolling. Where they fail is in the details, completing a project, or following up on plans. Basically, they are a big bang, and then struggle not to go bust. In your astrological chart, the Cardinal Houses are the First, Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth. If your chart has many planets in any/each of those Houses, then you would be classified as someone with a predominant Cardinal energy (even if your Sun Sign isn't one of the Cardinal Signs). Astrology is complicated and an equal-opportunist like that -- you always get another chance to redeem yourself! <br /><br /><strong>The Fixed Signs are Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, and Scorpio</strong>. Unlike the Cardinal Signs who like to get a project started and think up the "big ideas", the Fixed Signs are great at the second part of the project where the Cardinals often fail -- the execution and completion. Fixed Signs are determined, reliable, persistent, and stable. While they can see a project through to completion, they have to be wary about being inflexible and stubborn in how they get it accomplished. They can ride their team members, friends, or family quite hard when things aren't done their way. The Fixed Houses are in the Second, Fifth, Eighth, and Eleventh in your chart. As mentioned above in the Cardinal Sign section, you can be heavily influenced by the energy of Fixed Signs if you have many planets in those Houses.<br /><br />Last, but certainly not least, are the <strong>Mutable Signs.</strong> By process of elimination, you can probably guess which they are: <strong>Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, and Sagittarius</strong>. These four Signs are the flexible members of the Zodiac -- they are able to rearrange, reprioritize, and renew the energy of any project or goal. Change and adaptability define them, and can be super flexible and versatile when dealing with any assignment. Change isn't necessarily a bad thing for them. Their downfall, unlike those of the Cardinal Signs or Fixed Signs, are that they aren't necessarily consistent in their planning or organization. The Mutable Houses are Third, Sixth, Ninth, and Twelfth in your chart.<br /><br />It's very clear to see how advantageous it would be to have a team that is equally distributed amongst the 3 Qualities. If you have a Cardinal Sign to come up with a concept and get the ball rolling, a Fixed Sign to follow through on the details and get them implemented and completed, and a Mutable Sign to happily pitch in where needed and adapt to change or crises (and more often than not, a Mutable is what keeps the peace amongst the strong and stubborn wills of the Cardinal and Fixed Signs), then there really wouldn't ever be such a thing as failure!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Next Up:</strong> Buy a Shooting Star and Put It In Your Stocking.LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-28337234177234982982009-09-22T17:00:00.002-04:002009-09-22T17:10:02.913-04:00Forward-Thinking Planetary ActionHappy Fall! Oh, um, not so happy? What's the sad face for? Ohhh, wait. Let me guess, did any of the following happen to you in the past couple weeks?:<br /><br />- car accident<br />- computer crash or failure<br />- appliance breakdown<br />- communication mishaps<br />- travel delays<br />- financial issues<br />- authority issues<br />- personal injury<br />- housing problems (refinancing, construction, sales)<br /><br />You know well enough that all of the above can only mean one thing: Mercury is retrograde again. It started on September 7 and won't stop in its tracks until September 29, but since it doesn't start moving forward until October 3, we are S-O-L until then. The best rule of thumb during this awkward phase is to lay low and make no major changes or commitments in your life. They will surely be broken or altered during a retro phase.<br /><br />For the past two years, Mercury has been going retro in Air signs, which is highly detrimental as Mercury rules Gemini, which is the element Air. And this particular retro phase was tough because Mercury tripped backwards in Virgo, which is also ruled by Mercury.<br /><br />Actually, if we want to take it one step further, this entire month has been a planetary shit show.<br /><br />Uranus is in retrograde (starting July 2 and lasting until December 1), which means this is not a time to try something new or different. Stick with tried and true concepts and methods. You should reconsider previous break-ups, breaks (from society or friends or work), and concepts (inventions, theories) that may have failed before. Life has become a one-way looking glass and you find yourself more emotionally detached and devoid of sentiment in the day-to-day scheme of things. <br /><br />Jupiter is in retrograde (starting June 15 and lasting until October 12), which means this is a time to engage in philanthropic work, such as volunteering your time to a certain cause. Reevaluate previous beliefs, legal matters, and management policies - do not trust anything blindly. Jupiter retro phases tend to challenge faith in government, law, and "expert opinions." Sorry Obama - yes, YOU think you can, but Jupiter doesn't.<br /><br />Neptune is in retrograde (starting May 28 and lasting until November 3), which means that this is a good time to renew or disover your spirituality and moral compass, and focus less on judging others. Develop your creativity and express yourself in healthy outlets.<br /><br />And if all of this isn't enough, from September 15-23, many major planets clashed with one another (Saturn & Uranus, Uranus & the Sun, Mercury & Uranus, Pluto vs. all of the above, and a New Moon in the middle of it all). A planetary clusterf**k if I ever saw one!<br /><br />The good news is that it is almost over. Surely the past few weeks have been tense, but the end of the year will see these planets out of retro and moving forward again.<br /><br />And finally, after 2 years, Mercury will stop tripping backwards in Air signs and start moving into Fire and Earth (just to switch up the routine a bit). The bad news is that this trend starts this year, which means one more phase of mercury retro left in 2009.<br /><br /><strong>Below are the dates to circle on your calendar and label as "F%^$ me, I am screwed":</strong><br /><br />December 26, 2009 - January 15, 2010<br />April 18, 2010 - May 11, 2010<br />August 20, 2010 - September 12, 2010<br />December 10, 2010 - December 30<br /><br />To learn more about Mercury Retrograde 2010, click <a href="http://www.alphalifetrends.com/mercuryretrograde.html">here</a>.<br /><br />On that happy note, welcome to Fall and pray that Winter finds you happier and more relaxed than you are now!LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-38209212766581643132009-08-25T12:00:00.001-04:002009-08-25T19:17:12.378-04:00I Think We're Alone Now...Relationships are tough. Being alone is even tougher. Some of us fear loneliness more than we fear death, and yet others fear neither. Those people are the precious and rare few.<br /><br />Carrie Bradshaw's character on <em>Sex and the City</em> once famously said, "Some people are settling down, some people are settling, and some people refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies."<br /><br />So. True. Isn't it?<br /><br />Settling down, or settling, or refusing to settle, all stem from our personal fear of how far we can go - alone - without needing someone.<br /><br />Sadly, loneliness may not be something we get to determine. If we want the latest pair of shoes, the newest car model, or a brand new apartment, we can just buy it. If we can't afford it, we can request a loan or put it on our credit card. In today's modern age, "wanting" has become nearly null and void. We can get whatever we want, regardless of price, when we want it. If you are lucky, you can get free shipping or overnight delivery, just to speed things up. It has created this generation, this world, really, of people who don't know how to handle disappointment, or loss, because they never really have to face it.<br /><br />Dating websites are our modern day solution to finding love. As with any product we want, why can't we just "order" our perfect mate?<br /><br />The irony is, of course, that what we want most - love and life - are not things that can be bought. Sure, with a good health insurance, or lucky genes, or a big bank account, we can afford the best that medicine can offer to help prolong our lives. But ultimately, death becomes us. And before we die, we all hope that we find that person to love and to share our lives with. Someone who completes us, someone who we can raise a family with, or build a life with, even if everything or everyone around us leaves us. There is a security in a partnership, and that is a security that can not be paid for or ordered in a catalogue or online.<br /><br />Some signs handle loneliness effectively. Some signs actually <em>pursue</em> loneliness. But ultimately, we are all human beings and need to feel loved and wanted.<br /><br />Your Venus determines how you love, and how you need love, and your Moon determines your inner self and the solitude you seek. As it would be too customized to be able to discuss these planets, let's just focus on your Sun sign. Your predominant guide to see how you handle loneliness, at least on the surface.<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> on a whole, you are one of the better signs equipped for this. While you crave family and security, and in general are the "marrying type", you are also the "all about me" type who enjoys not being tied down to a person/family so that you can pursue your professional and personal goals, first. Your career can entirely consume you, and travelling to visit friends or family can fill up your social calendar. Loneliness isn't so bad, after all, you earn enough money to be able to go out and see the people you love, or to justify how many hours you put in at work.<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> while you love your independence, you can't do "all by myself" all too well. You need, and thrive, on social outlets and stimulation. After all, you can't debate with yourself, or the wall, all the time (though, you have done that). You may not enjoy sharing your own personal space, and you may need to slam the door on the outside world so you can calm your fraught nerves and lower your stress/anxiety levels, but ultimately, you can't live without attention or conversation.<br /><br /><strong>Pisces:</strong> like Capricorn, loneliness can be quite attractive on you. In your solitude, you are at your best. You create, inspire, and evolve. Art, music, writing, reading, or meditation are all things you best enjoy when you are alone with your own thoughts and the harmony you have created within your four walls. Outside noises or interruptions can often distress you; you prefer the quiet. When you do finally meet someone you honestly love, they can enter that private world of yours as well. In fact, you can very much enjoy the simple art of silence with your partner, as long as your partner realizes that you aren't being withdrawn or cold, you are just in a state of calm.<br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> yeah, um, no. You don't do loneliness. It is scary, stifling, and filled with anxiety. You need to banter, you need to comment (or criticize), you need to entertain or be entertained. If there is no one there to enjoy the new car, the new home, or the new whatever-you-just-bought, what's the fun in buying it?! You can't show off your latest purchase to...your mirror! While you obviously don't appreciate ugly, annoying, or dumb company, you don't hang out with those kind of people anyways.<br /><br /><strong>Taurus: </strong>yes, you need your own quiet time. You need to think. You need to work. You need your own space. Besides, you can't sleep for 10 hours ++ if someone is constantly nagging you to get out of bed. Your sex drive is strong, however, so loneliness will only get you so far before you need to satisfy your desires. Plus, you love the attention. Admit it. People's approval of you is SO important to your ego. No one is going to laugh at your jokes if you aren't around to tell them.<br /><br /><strong>Gemini:</strong> don't even think about it. Now, let's be honest - Gemini's do have two personalities. While one is the Chatty Cathy, the other is the Silent Sally. Silent Sally needs her own "me time", and she is best friends with Gemini's other ego - Independent Izzy. Izzy can't be tied down to someone or something for too long before she gets bored and needs further stimulation elsewhere. Izzy is also ADD and needs to be absorbed in a project or idea ALL the time. So Izzy doesn't like having to put her "to-do list" on pause for anyone. That's why she and Sally are friends. They can be independent and anti-social all at once. But, the problem is that Gemini is ruled by Mercury, who rules communication. A Gemini will start feeling VERY anxious if they don't have someone to talk to or socialize with. That is their way to calm down. Chatty Cathy is like Baby in <span style="font-style:italic;">Dirty Dancing</span>. You can't put her in the corner for too long.<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> being alone is probably the Cancer's favorite part of the day. No one to interrupt, no one to dirty the home or the kitchen, no one to have to listen to whine, no one making demands. Cancer's protect themselves through their loneliness. It is a safe world they create in their little shell. Your Cancer may go through weeks or months on end without nearly a word or peep. It's not that they hate you, or are angry at you. They just need a breather to recharge and regroup. When they are ready, they'll come back out and play with you. And then they will dominate the situation and talk non-stop. They've got months of stories to catch you up on!<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> this sign, simply put, can't be alone. Sure, when times are rough, they don't necessarily like to share and they prefer their own dark moments of licking their paws in the corner to heal from an attack or from danger. But loneliness - true absence of love or attention - is suicidal for this sign. They get their esteem and their confidence from being loved, from receiving attention, from being needed. They need to be coddled and adored. They need to feel approval. They also need sex. Frequently. A Leo who is single for too long will go insane. But this is a rare occurrence, anyways. They refuse to be alone, and therefore, they aren't.<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> the hermit, the bachelor, the lone virgin maiden wandering in the forest by herself. Virgo's do solitude well. They don't like to clutter their mind with too much outside noise - it is like static on a phone for them. But, Virgo's are slightly unique. The men can easily be alone. They tend to be the bachelor, and they tend to marry much later in life. Their work is their mistress. The women, however, can't stand to be alone. Even if they are just constantly dating, or have a "friends with benefits", they must have someone in their life. As stated in the Astro Birthday Spotlight above for Virgo - they will let a relationship drag to the very last moment before they cut it off. The fear of being alone is just too much for them to bear. If someone doesn't need them, then is their life worthwhile?<br /><br /><strong>Libra:</strong> as with their Air sign counterparts, Aquarius and Gemini, this sign is too social and communicative to be alone. A Libra who requests "some time alone" is depressed and probably in need of medication. While Aquarius needs to vent to themselves, and Gemini has that split personality that requires silence and independence, the Libra has no recourse. Love is like air to them. They need to flirt, they need to charm, they need to talk. Cutting off any social outlet is like taking them off of life support.<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> ah. Loneliness. It's so dark and gloomy - just the perfect environment for a Scorpio. Indeed, Scorpio does loneliness all too well. And yet, they don't feel lonely at all. They have their books, they have their thoughts, they have their own inner turmoil to sort through. They tend to not like many people and be quite selective of their friends and lovers. Loneliness, to them, is like second nature. They welcome it and are sometimes scared to admit how much they enjoy it.<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius: </strong>quite the complicated one, here. While a Sag thrives on an audience to share its' stories with, a Sag ultimately likes to go at it alone. A Sag vs. the World, so to speak. Sag likes to experience, travel, and seek on their own terms. If they can find someone to keep up with them, great. But if not, that's great, too. They tend not to be alone for too long seeing as they always are meeting new people and are apt to try anything out - at least once! Multiple lovers and affairs keep this sign constantly "recharged."<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>Next Up:</strong></em> Reader Invitation. Send me your requests for a topic you would like discussed and I will make sure all topics are eventually posted. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326120737251401414.post-12035145305624135902009-07-23T16:20:00.001-04:002009-07-23T16:23:16.731-04:00I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself...During the summertime, people tend to focus primarily on vacation, relaxation, sun, and fun. But something we tend to think of more, but talk about less, is our focus on finding a better job when the Fall comes. Think about it: how often do people change jobs in the Summer? Right -- it's rare. Why bother finding or taking on a new job now, when you can stay in your current, comfortable job (with earned PTO available for vacation)? Even if your current job isn't all that comfortable, you know what they say -- "The devil that you know is better than the devil that you don't [know]."<br /><br />But the devil is also in the details. And since Summer tends to be slow for most people, workload-wise, it is an ideal time to start writing up a list of "must-have's" in your next dream job, along with a list of potential great places to work. Do all the leg-work NOW so that when Fall comes around, and companies are hiring, and people are quitting, you are able to jump into the applicant pool, feet first.<br /><br />Now, of course, I know that professions are not determined by your astrological sign. There is no such thing as an <em>exclusive</em> job for a sign, but there IS such a thing as an <em>ideal</em> job for a sign. <br /><br />Even if you aren't looking to make a job switch, aren't you slightly curious to know whether or not your profession is on your sign's "top ten list"? And if you don't believe me, believe the famous people who followed their astrologically pre-destined path.<br /><br /><strong>Capricorn:</strong> your quest for the truth and for power, fame, and recognition, make you an ideal attorney, reporter, or senior level executive. Politics may also appeal to you as you like to problem-solve and dominate others. You tend to do quite well in positions that allow you to manage, control, and budget money and forecasts. While you are conservative in nature, you also know when it is smart to take risks -- calculated risks. You like it when things work, and you also like it when you can figure out solutions to intricate problems. Eccentric in your style, and obsessed with jewelry, shoes, and accessories, you are often drawn to the world of fashion, setting a strong name for yourself in originality and class. <em>Famous Capricorn:</em> Meredith Viera, Matt Lauer, Katie Couric, J. Edgar Hoover, Woodrow Wilson, Richard Nixon, Benjamin Franklin, Andy Rooney, Barry Goldwater, J D Salinger, Mao Zedong, Robert E Lee, Walter F Mondale, Carolina Herrera<br /><br /><strong>Aquarius:</strong> your passionate beliefs that all men are created equal, and that humans are meant to help and serve one another, end up putting you more often than not in humanitarian positions that focus on social injustices, equal rights, and helping out the underdog. Your often radical views on society are best expressed in written format. You would easily make a great writer, social worker, politician, pro bono lawyer, or director of a non-profit organization. Indeed, more U.S. Presidents were Aquarians than any other sign. While you like to dwell in theory, you use it mostly to help you determine or uncover the hard facts. Scientific research is therefore something you are naturally drawn to. On a "materialistic" note, you would be great as a designer or personal shopper since you like to spot trends and take fashion risks. This may also help you in artistic endeavors, such as painting or sculpting. <em>Famous Aquarius:</em> Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Norman Rockwell, Christian Dior, Thomas Edison, Galileo, Charles Darwin, Oprah Winfrey, Ayn Rand, Dan Quayle, Bill Maher, Charles Dickens, Dick Cheney, Gertrude Stein, Sarah Palin<br /><br /><strong>Pisces:</strong> you struggle to make sense of a world that is violent, temperamental, and unfair. Thinking, writing, or day-dreaming about theories, concepts, ideologies, and religious beliefs tend to motivate you. Your belief in the supernatural and new age world draws you towards unconventional wisdoms and beliefs. Many Pisces are very intuitive and psychic. Your emotions run strong and can control you entirely. You may turn to music or art to fully express yourself when words alone are not enough. Acting is also a great outlet for you -- you can "be" someone else to fully understand human emotions better. As your temper can run hot and cold, you would best be placed in a position where you felt you were serving a greater good -- something greater than yourself. Your challenge will be to let go of your lust for more money, materialistic wealth, and drugs (for the escape). Ideal careers would be a religious servant (priest, nun, preacher, etc), psychic, teacher, yoga/Pilates instructor, school counselor, psychologist, writer, musician, actor, or artist. <em>Famous Pisces:</em> Michelangelo, Dr. Seuss, Handel, Albert Einstein, Ansel Adams, B F Skinner, George Washington, Henrik Ibsen, James Taylor, John Steinbeck, Johnny Cash, Kurt Cobain, Nat King Cole, Ralph Nader, Victor Hugo, Andrew Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Glenn Close<br /><br /><strong>Aries:</strong> a flare for bold ideas, concepts, and designs, you thrive in creative settings where you can explore and push past the limits of what is considered conventional. You love fashion and design -- not just in the clothes industry, but also in architecture, landscaping, music, and art. When it comes to music, you are fascinated with learning how to play instruments, or applying sound theory to song sheets. Your persuasive and charming personality also make you terrific salespeople and politicians; however, when it comes to politics, Aries push the envelope against the "establishment." They go for bold reform and focus on "big concepts" rather than small details. Money motivates you because it allows you to buy the finer things in life. Working for other people is tough; you prefer to lead rather than to be led. Roles that allow you to be the director are ideal because you can lead, and apply creative undertakings to reach your goals. Thinking inside the box, or sitting at a desk in front of a computer cranking out repetitive tasks, is NOT for you. If arts is not your thing (rare), you apply your creativity in the world of science and invention. Ideal careers would be film director, museum director, artist, designer, politician, musician/singer, policy director, or salesperson. <em>Famous Aries:</em> Barbara Kingsolver, Billie Holiday, Celine Dion, Colin Powell, Al Gore, David Letterman, Diana Ross, Elton John, Francis Ford Coppola, Adolf Hitler, Hugh Hefner, Jackie Chan, Kofi Annan, Leonardo Da Vinci, Maya Angelou, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Frost, Thomas Jefferson<br /><br /><strong>Taurus:</strong> creative and sensual in nature, you love artistic endeavors and working in any career that allows you to work with your hands. You are fascinated with the concept of touch and healing and are drawn to alternative medicines. Words inspire you and interest you -- you love editing and playing with words to achieve maximum impact. This skill allows you to be an extremely prolific writer, poet, or musician. Many of you also study English literature, or are drawn to the field of grammar and language. Money motivates you because you crave financial security and independence. You enjoy the finer things in life, but you also know what your financial limits are. In the corporate world, you do well as you see how budgets should work and why they often fail. You are good with predicting markets (after all, you are the Bull of the Zodiac!) and spotting financial trends. Homes are the very essence of security, so many of you end up in real estate to combine your financial talents along with your artistic pursuits. Ideal careers would be massage therapist, English teacher, speechwriter, editor, writer, artist, musician, athlete, financial analyst, real estate agent, stock market analyst, trader. <em>Famous Taurus: </em>Barbra Streisand, Benjamin Spock, Billy Joel, Bono, Catherine the Great, Charlotte Bronte, Cher, Dante Alighieri, David Beckham, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Enya, Halston, J Robert Oppenheimer, James Beard, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Karl Marx, Madeleine Albright, Malcolm X, Michael Moore, Robert Browning, Salvador Dali, Sigmund Freud, Shirley Mclaine, Tony Blair, William Shakespeare, Reggie Jackson, Tony Hawk, Harper Lee, Brooks Robinson, Andre Agassi<br /><br /><strong>Gemini:</strong> quick-witted and an expert in communications, you tend to succeed immensely in the fields of media, writing, and speech. Writing is your primary strength, whether it be for speeches, magazines, books, poems, articles, songs, or scripts. Able to experience and feel such a wide range of emotions, many of you find yourselves drawn to the world of acting as a way to express all the emotions you have inside you, but aren't always able to tap into. Known for your two personalities, it is easy to "switch" into a role or character at whim. Persuasive and charming, you are also a natural salesperson or politician -- you read people well and understand how to "reach through" to someone to get what you want. Ideal careers are actor, writer, entertainer (comedian), songwriter, politician, salesperson, psychologist. <em>Famous Gemini</em>: Angelina Jolie, Anne Frank, Annette Bening, Barbara Bush, Billy Wilder, Bop Hope, Boy George, Clint Eastwood, Brooke Shields, Che Guavara, Dean Martin, Donald Trump, Federico Garcia Lorca, Frank Lloyd Wright, George Bush, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Heidi Klum, Ian McEwan, Joan Collins, John Edwards, John F Kennedy, Johnny Depp, Josephine Baker, Judy Garland, Laurence Olivier, Lenny Kravitz, Liam Neeson, Lillian Hellman, Marilyn Monroe, Michael J Fox, Mike Myers, Miles Davis, Nicole Kidman, Patti LaBelle, Paula Abdul, Paul McCartney, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Robert Ludlum, Thomas Hardy, Thomas Fuller, Thomas Mann, Walt Whitman, Alanis Morissette<br /><br /><strong>Cancer:</strong> drawn to power, structure, and military strength, many of you are drawn to fields in the military or government. You are interested in the improvement of social structure and political welfare. Indeed, most Cancer's are drawn to politics for the pursuit of change and enactment of policies. Many of you, however, shy away from war and politics and opt for a more spiritual path. This path leads you to holistic healing, new age concepts, psychology, counseling, and childcare. You are a healer and are drawn to helping victims, or rooting for the underdog. Many of you work with homeless people, women's shelters, hospitals, animal clinics, nursery schools, etc. Science and medicine fascinates the typical Cancer, who is always intrigued to find a "cure" for an illness, whether that cure comes from conventional or non-conventional methods. Writing, poetry, and plays in specific, is an outlet for you to grieve and release your strong emotions. Ideal careers are government official, officer, political activist, politician, doctor, nurse, therapist, poet, playwright, counselor, spiritual counselor, veterinarian, teacher, massage therapist, director of a non-profit, psychic. <em>Famous Cancer:</em> Alfred Kinsey, Bill Cosby, Bob Dole, Calvin Coolidge, Cecil Rhodes, Dalai Lama, Donald Rumsfeld, Ernest Hemingway, Estee Lauder, Franz Kafka, George Orwell, George W Bush, Helen Keller, Henry David Thoreau, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Jessica Simpson, John Calvin, John D Rockefeller, John Quincy Adams, Marcel Proust, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Nelson Mandela, Pablo Neruda, Richard Branson, Ross Perot, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Tom Stoppard, W B Yeats, Angela Merkel, Princess Diana<br /><br /><strong>Leo:</strong> strong, charismatic, and opinionated, you search for a career that allows you to lead in one form or another. Whether leadership happens in the private or public sector, it doesn't matter. You are just as comfortable in a corporate office as you are in a government body, as long as you have the power to steer the ship and enforce actions. Drawn to power and wealth, you are unstoppable once you form a mission or plan. Willing to take risks, many of you are entrepreneurs, especially since you are not good as employees who say "yes, sir" or "yes, ma'm" in a structured organization. Also fascinated with beauty and style, you tend to be highly creative and exotic in nature, drawn to fashion and beauty. Thrilled to be in the center of attention, acting is also a comfortable world for you to live in as you tend to crave adoration. Ideal careers are politician, president, senior executive management, fashion designer, entrepreneur, jewelry designer, actor, creative writer, film director. <em>Famous Leo:</em> Andy Warhol, Barack Obama, Benito Mussolini, Benjamin Harrison, Bill Clinton, Coco Chanel, Emiliano Zapata, Emily Bronte, Fidel Castro, George Bernard Shaw, Henry Ford, Herbert Hoover, JK Rowling, Jennifer Lopez, John Howard, Madonna, Napoleon Bonaparte, Peter Jennings, Roman Polanski, Stanley Kubrick, Stanley Baldwin, Alfred Hitchcock, Martha Stewart<br /><br /><strong>Virgo:</strong> organization, logic, and structure are very important for the scientific workings of your mind. Many of you find yourselves in lab rooms, hospitals, or research centers trying to uncover medical mysteries or find cures. Drawn by this "martyrdom" personality of needing to help others at any cost, you are also apt to be a doctor, nurse, or therapist. If not involved in the physical aspect of healing, then you will wander over to the mental side of healthcare and work as a counselor or spiritual guide. On an academic level, many of you study philosophy, religion, or policy in an attempt to understand the psychology of the world at large. Injustices of any kind are intolerable to the Virgo mind, and if need be, you will fight for what you believe to be right. This fight may occur on the battlefield, in the courtroom, on the pages of your next novel or collection of poems, or as an actor in a film. Wherever you see fit to get your message across. On a materialistic plane, you are obsessed with order, symmetry, and classic styles. Many of you are involved in fashion design or layout. Drawn to physical activity, many Virgo's are also famous athletes. Ideal careers are athlete, doctor, nurse, therapist, philosopher, policy expert, attorney, paralegal, writer, fashion designer, scientist, event planner. <em>Famous Virgo:</em> Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen, Cameron Diaz, Charlie Parker, Colin Firth, Faith Hill, Fiona Apple, Guy Ritchie, Henry Ford, Hugh Grant, Ivan Pavlov, Jane Addams, John Locke, Lance Armstrong, Leo Tolstoy, Michael Jackson, Mother Teresa, Queen Elizabeth I, Van Morrison, William Howard Taft, Warren Buffet, Ted Williams, Roger Maris, Jesse Owens, Arnold Palmer, Andy Roddick, Tom Ford<br /><br /><strong>Libra:</strong> harmony, beauty, and style motivate the typical Libra, whose appeal to art and class is unparallel to any other sign. Fashion and design compel you; you hate not looking your best. Beauty and cosmetics are a hobby for you -- transforming ugly ducklings into beautiful swans motivates you more than money would. Also in the "creative world", you love food and cooking. Anything that allows you to explore creating new things or preparing a feast for the senses. Able to see both sides of an argument, and feel compassion for both teams, you do well as a judge or mediator. Interested in positive human work conditions, the world of human resources also fascinates you -- how can you provide better resources, premium healthcare, and quality of life to your staff? Ideal careers are judge, mediator, fashion designer, interior designer, chef, nutritionist, wardrobe consultant, human resources, manager. <em>Famous Libra:</em> Ralph Lauren, Anita Roddick, Avril Lavigne, Benita Valente, Catherine Zeta Jones, Donna Karan, F Scott Fitzgerald, Nietzsche, Guiseppe Verdi, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jim Henson, Jimmy Carter, John Lennon, Johnny Carson, Julie Andrews, Le Corbusier, Pavarotti, Ghandi, Cervantes, Berlusconi, Suzanne Somers, William Douglas, William Penn, Putin, Truman Capote<br /><br /><strong>Scorpio:</strong> drawn to the dark and mysterious side of human nature, especially the concept of death and rebirth, you are naturally inclined to pursue careers in the field of psychology, religious studies, anthropology, and supernatural phenomenon. Strong in character, and knowledgeable about world events and history, you also immerse yourself in the world of politics and foreign affairs. Research is a hobby for you -- you like to find all the nuances and details of any given story or fact. Technical details and advances in technology fascinate you. You like seeing how the pieces make the whole. As you are scared, and yet oddly attracted, to death and its many mysteries, the field of medicine fascinates and terrifies you all at once. Ideal careers are doctor, nurse, historian, scholar, theologian, philosopher, priest, politician, museum curator, scientist, writer, engineer. <em>Famous Scorpio:</em> Barbara Boxer, Bill Gates, Billy Sunday, Calvin Klein, Carl Sagan, Cesare Lombroso, Charles De Gaulle, Charles Manson, Monet, Condoleeza Rice, Erwin Rommel, Ezra Pound, George Eliot, Goldie Hawn, Howard Dean, Howard Thurman, Indira Gandhi, Jack Welsh, John Adams, Hillary Clinton, Julia Roberts, Larry King, Marie Curie, Picasso, Sylvia Plath, Theodore Roosevelt, Voltaire, Albert Camus<br /><br /><strong>Sagittarius:</strong> life is an adventure best lived outside of an office. You need constant stimulation and interaction, and thrive on communicating with people from all walks of life. You tend to be prolific in matters of world history, political regimes, and war facts. You have a strong belief in the law and enforcement of it (even if you do like breaking the rules, you know they need to exist). Always thinking outside of the box, you say exactly what is on your mind, often to your own detriment. But you don't care. Truthfully, you like pushing the envelope and forcing people out of their comfort zones. Medicine fascinates you -- you are not adverse to the medical community, nor fear death the way other signs do. When it is your time, it is your time, right? Sports, whether commentating on them or playing them, are one of your biggest passions. You also are a risk taker when it comes to food or travel -- hey, try everything once, right? Ideal careers are politician, historian, professor, police officer, athlete, sports commentator, doctor, nurse, dentist, travel agent, flight attendant, pilot, world traveller, newscaster, political activist, film director. <em>Famous Sagittarius</em>: Ann Coulter, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Bruce Lee, C S Lewis, Chris Evert, Diane Sawyer, Don King, Emily Dickinson, Francisco Franco, Frank Sinatra, Gail Sheehy, Gianni Versace, Gary Lineker, Jacques Chirac, John Kerry, Jane Austen, Jane Fonda, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Paterno, Jon Stewart, Judi Dench, Larry Bird, Beethoven, Margaret Cho, Noam Chomsky, Phil Donahue, Steven Spielberg, Terrell Owens, Tom Daschle, Walt Disney, William Lloyd Garrison, Winston Churchill, Woody Allen<br /><br /><br />Happy Job Hunting!!<br /><br /><br /><strong>Next Up:</strong> I Think We're Alone Now...LoveStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109027812288162641noreply@blogger.com0