COAL INTO DIAMONDS:PRESSURE

We first started talking about our "stress" when Hans Selye began his research on the topic back in the '60's. I think before then it was just called "Life."  And you didn't complain about it!

What Hans wrote about was NOT how stress hurts us.. but how our RESPONSE to stress can cause problems.

SOME stress is actually good for us! For instance, it takes STRESS on your bones to make them grow, and to make them strong. If you never had ANY stress in the workplace, would you ever look for the next best job? Would you go through the  rigors of going back to school, or a training program if something did not motivate you to do so?

 Often it is the stress of being in  an uncomfortable or worn- out situation that brings out our courage, faith and our stamina..to get moving and get happier. Of course it can be stress-ful to create new habits, routines, take a student loan,  or move cross country.

How are you going to respond to the stresses in your life? Hand over power to others? Or, make a change???

WARNING: THe changes needed during a Pluto/Uranus transit are BIG , not wimpy.

PLUTO turns retrograde tomorrow and Uranus is in the mix. April and May will be-- pressured.Stressful. All the astrologers are chatting amongst themselves.."stress,stress,stress!!"

Since we have the signs of Capricorn and Aries involved,  A PLAN, some CONCRETE GOALS, and ACTION are all required!

I say take a good long look at what's not making you happy in your life. Relationships, work, housing issues, your body, your goals. Under this motivating aspect, you will find that you can break up old patterns only if you are willing to put up with the STRESS of change. The Universe may step in and make some of those changes FOR you, but I am an eternal optimist and I believe if we look ahead and prepare, we can actually use this energy to light our own fires.

I expect the next two months to be very busy and unusual in some way. Many of us will entertain ideas we never thought possible! Major shift, here it comes!

Since I enjoy challenge, I am open to this. How about you?

This next two months are an excellent time to learn some NEW STRESS REDUCTION habits, too. I practice TM (Transcendental Meditation) and I also use 30 minute relaxation/meditation CD'S (actually they are on my ipod now)  on a daily basis. Adopt an exercise program. Quit whining! Develop some NEW WAYS of managing..stress.   I  also pray and do a gratitude journal.

Make time for PLAY. Arts, crafts,music, bike riding, hiking,cooking..these are my favorite activities.. and they help me unwind.

Get busy this weekend and develop a plan for your next 2 months.The energies are high, and you'll feel the pressure. USE the pressure to help you GROW.

You're stronger than you know!

Venus Predictions for the Signs

Aaaahhhhh..Mercury is direct! I'd wait a couple more days before buying equipment,computers,cars, and if  possible,signing anything very important unless it has already been in process.

What I love about this Astrological cycle is: Venus in Cancer. Wherever Venus lands in your own natal chart, you'll be relaxing, nurturing, beautifying, and mabe even figuring out how to  create an attitude of INCREASE. Love and passion make an appearance but you won't see the Siren, it's more of a gentle Angel who may appear at the doorstep.

This is a 4 week aspect.

Read your RISING SIGN (ASCENDANT) also if you know it:

Aries: Venus in 4th means you're sprucing up your house and garden. Minor renovations and color changes. Add candles and soften the areas where you spend the most time.Expect family members to be very cozy just now.

Taurus: Venus smiles on your Sun sign and third house.. you'll enjoy new friendships and your immediate daily routines will undergo a change of schedule.. look for new opportunities for socializing. You look good too..new haircut?

Gemini: Venus blesses your pocketbook and you may receive a small windfall that you decide to spend on frivolous, delicious stuff that tickles your fancy. You may take singing lessons or make music.

Cancer: Venus in your home sign is cuddly.You may not want to leave the house, and you're a bit self centered on your appearance, new clothing, a tweak in the way you present yourself to the world. Good time for  complete make-over.

Leo: In the 12th house of secrets, you may be involved in an affair of the heart that could come back and bite you! CAREFUL!! Use this transit to broaden your spiritual quest and read some inspirational books or poetry.

Virgo: 11th house Venus brings  you some new friendships that you may meet through a family member. Invite people into your home for entertaining and maybe even some political debate! You may be getting anxious to start helping elect the new President.

Libra: Venus in 10 gives you an urge to beautify your workplace, to make the environment where you spend time every day, more pleasing and comfortable. Bring in some flowers, maybe even music if the situation lends itself.There may be many parties and celebrations in the  workplace this 4 weeks. You are the peacemaker.

Scorpio: Travel,baby! It may not be long distance trips, but this 4 weeks is great for short ventures not to far from home.Being around water is inspirational right now.Streams,oceans, waterfalls, hot tubs. A late summer getaway refreshes your spirit!

Sadge:  You feel the inclination to express your sensuous side! There may be a small windfall in the form of a gift or some money,from a significant other or family member. You may attend some psychic events or fairs, or be given a spiritual book to read. Go with that thought!

Capricorn: It's a great 4 weeks with Venus in 7, to spoil your loved one. Or to go OUT and find a loved one! Partnerships of all kinds, including business, are blessed and easy. Expect others to listen and follow your  experienced  advice.

Aquarius: You will be called upon to volunteer or head up an important work force event. You'll sense your humanitarian nature being activated and you wonder how you can express your true purpose on the job. Venus makes it a gentle exploration, not pushy.

Pisces: Venus in a water sign and in our 5th lends itself to play,  and creative bursts of energy.If you ever wanted to start a business with your hobby, now is the time! Massage,tarot,astrology,art,music,dance..which is it for you???

Enjoy this Venus cycle. For a detailed look at your own natal chart and where all the planets are taking you--give me a call!

AFFIRMATION FOR THIS DAY

"ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE..DAH DAH DAH DAH.."

BRIGHT BLESSINGS AND PEACE,

MADELINE HILL
ASTROLOGER/TAROT COUNSELOR
AROMATHERAPY 

Bold Adventures with Pluto Uranus and Venus

With Venus, Uranus and Pluto lining up towards a T-square in the sky, you can expect radical people from the past to show up in unusual ways. Your life may be jarred out of complacency by sudden events that stir up your love life! If you're single, you might be looking for love in all the wrong places. I'd say, why not upgrade your dating habits NOW before this square gets tight?  Release scary people and work on meeting successful folks vs. the  needy!

If you're attached,expect a possible release of jealousy, or excuse me, that could be passion.

It'll be hard to tell the difference in the coming month..

 A certain amount of creative tension may have you pulling out the paintbrushes or whatever creative outlet you used to enjoy--  you could have some interesting encounters if you sign up for a class related to those hobbies.

Today, as part of my Tarot practice, I pulled the card "The Fool." This is a signal to let go and trust. To start anew. To be childlike in your wonder and your expectations. I like to believe the Fool has enough experience to go safely into his adventures.. so.. go ahead, go boldly where no man has gone before..

Just be careful who you take  along for the ride!!!

AFFIRMATION FOR THIS DAY:
"I explore."

BRIGHT BLESSINGS AND PEACE

MADELINE HILL
ASTROLOGER/TAROT COUNSELOR

just Spit it Out! Aries Moon--feisty prediction

Venus  in Cancer, Mercury direct, and a Moon in Aries.Woo hoo! I  try to avoid astro-jargon since I feel my readers are friends, not  necessarily fellow astrologers (who know all this tech stuff  already!) I want you to have FUN at my site!  And, USE the info in your real, day to day life!

So-- starting tomorrow--  August 7 and 8 bring new signs: Venus in Cancer heightens the senses and can make a STAY-CATION  a lot of fun. Embellish your home, your patio, your,  ah-hem ,bedroom.. (red scarves over the lamp, nice undies, fantasies, you get my drift??) and relax into easy bliss without the commute! Take a cooking class with friends or lovers..   A Wine Tasting at the local wine emporium..close to home.. or, at least, fire up the barbecue.

Mercury moving forward means you can purchase the car, I-Pad, sign the documents, and just let go of old business.

Moon in Aries: I have a slew of Cancer/Cappy/Libra stuff in my own chart, so Aries energy is ALWAYS disruptive to me..  (I just try to hide under a rock!) but for many, this Moon is a chance to start anew.. we all feel kinda feisty,outspoken... privileged and self-centered over  the next few days.. as a Moon Child,   I don't enjoy that very much, but hey! It's an Aries Moon! the Moon is fickle, and
if you don't like today,well, "tomorrow,tomorrow it's only a day away! "

But TODAY and the immediate TOMORROW says:

Fire Signs (Aries,Leo,Libra)  Say it OUTLOUD! Get your word in,NOW!

Water Signs (Cancer,Scorpio,Pisces) RUN FOR COVER!

Air Signs (Gemini, Sadge, Aquarius) you're not really listening anyway-- tune out and follow your own "drummer.."

Earth Signs (Taurus,Virgo,capricorn) My goodness you'll get a lot done!

 AFFIRMATION FOR THIS DAY: (and tomorrow!)
Get your INNER FIRE on!

BRIGHT BLESSINGS AND PEACE!
MADELINE HILL ASTROLOGER/TAROT COUNSELOR

Cancerian New Moon and Goals

Late tonight and into tomorrow morning, the New Moon in Cancer heralds a time for goal-setting. I enjoy rhythms and routines, and the New Moon each month is a healthy way to reset intentions and goals.

In the homey sign of Cancer, this New Moon makes some stressful aspects to the rest of the sky, still, I believe the New Moon all by itself offers a window of opportunity.

Questions I am asking at this New Moon: What am I doing to enhance my "place.." my "roots," the people and places  I come home to at the end of the day. How am I honoring and appreciating that place and that tribe?

Maybe I should have some close friends or family over for a pot luck on Thursday or Friday?

Maybe I can schedule a "retreat" weekend where I stick close to home and cook,do some art, hang out with my cat,kid and significant other.. Hibernate,  take an herbal bath or two, lock the rest of the world away?

Maybe you just need to clean and re organize your personal space???

How can I release the pressures and obligations of this week without hurting others? Or myself?

What compromises are in order?

I am liking this new Moon.I believe that with the nurturing,reclusive sign of Cancer, we can heal from the crazed energy of the past few days. If we steer clear of personal conflicts with others! CHILL!!!!

So what are YOUR intentions for this next Moon cycle??

Bright Blessings and Peace,

Madeline Hill
Astrologer/Tarot counselor

Chaos or Opportunity?

ME AND  LLAMA FRIEND IN TAOS, NEW MEXICO.

Welcome Tuesday! I'm as busy as the rest of you, what with the cosmic dance party happening. None of us get to be wallflowers.  I promise you, you WILL be talking,planning, organizing or, I'm sorry, maybe even arguing with SOMEONE during this planet phase. (Libra)  I bet the issues relate to home and family, to your lifestyle, and there is some career angst thrown in the mix.(Cancerian energy.)

Let's just hope the disc jockey in the sky plays YOUR favorite tune, soon!

Personally,I'm not great at compromise, with a lot of cardinal signs in my chart I tend to think I have the best idea! LOL! But this week calls for divine compromise.Get better at LISTENING! 

When you can't see what's happening, have you ever thought about going up to a higher view? Maybe you're just not seeing the WHOLE PICTURE?

If you climb up a mountain, you can suddenly see all over the entire valley. I climbed on a ladder the other day to fix something in my back yard, and suddenly, I could see EVERYTHING in all my neighbor's back yards!  I immediately knew a a whole lot more about my new  neighbors ( I just moved.)

(Now I am not advocating Peeping Tom behavior..just sayin'..when you go up higher, MUCH MORE INFORMATION is available.)

A more acceptable way to "go to a higher view" is to learn how to meditate, contemplate, and pray. Spiritual practice, done on a regular basis, helps life you to the higher ground. You don't have to dress in a turban and spend an hour a day. How about a 10 minute sit-down in a comfy chair, just before you leave the house each morning.Just close your eyes, and do some slow deep easy breaths and let your body mind and spirit calm down and unwind. Drift. Over time maybe you can do it a little longer, or maybe after work is better.

I also love to get in sync with the MOON of the day, and celebrate New and Full Moons.Here is a link to a site I LOVE.. I do the short ritual every month-- Dana has done all the work for you--so, start with this New Moon..and find your higher ground ..

MOON CIRCLES

You'll find you might enjoy the view!

AFFIRMATION FOR THIS DAY:

'I lift myself up."

BRIGHT BLESSINGS AND PEACE,

MADELINE HILL
ASTROLOGER/TAROT COUNSELOR

The Sky is Dancing! predicts for THIS week.

Whew! This week is a real jitterbug of energy. Put on your dancing shoes!!

If you cherish calm and easy times, well, you better crawl under a rock this week.  However, as most of  my readers know,  my generally optimistic nature always finds some diamonds amongst the coal..so here goes:

Breakdowns, breakthroughs, rediscoveries, and re inventions. (Tired already!!??)  You can't hang on to the past or the old ideas any longer!!!

But what happens when you toss out the garbage?? You end up with a whole closet full of space to FILL UP WITH MORE APPROPRIATE stuff. Stuff you use. Stuff you cherish. Maybe even leave a few empty shelves to fill in LATER. If you don't clean your own closets, a (metaphoric or actual)  hurricane may come along and do it for you!!

I see the Mars Pluto contact as being  an instigator! Throw in a backwards Mercury and  New Moon in stress to Libra planets.. and take a deep breath! Many of my clients and facebook friends are in frantic mode.It seems a WHOLE LOT OF STUFF needs to be CHANGED DRAMATICALLY, RE-INVENTED,  and Re-THOUGHT. Kind of like,NOW!

I  still like the New Moon on Wednesday, as she is in the homey sign of Cancer and that puts the focus on your ROOTS, what's really important to you.Set some new goals with your home and family in mind.Cancer is also a CARDINAL SIGN opposite the 10th house, so CAREER MATTERS can also be up for a SWIFT Recalibration or Reinvention.

Mars and Pluto make it all rather dramatic and noisy, but hey! When the air clears your whole life might look really different!

Not ready?

Well, certain aspects of change are around till the year 2015 so you do have a while to get used to the chaos!

We can't CONTROL every detail of the future, but we CAN set our intentions and take the action steps to get where we want to in life. Then, learn to adjust along the way as a few chaotic events surprise you!!

Learning to meditate is a good idea too!!

AFFIRMATION FOR THIS DAY:

"I navigate change with grace."

BRIGHT BLESSINGS AND PEACE,

MADELINE HILL
ASTROLOGER/TAROT COUNSELOR

Predictions for A Happy Life,by Sun Sign

Predictions for a Happy Life, by Sun Sign

Unlike many astrologers, I DO put a lot of Faith in SUN SIGNS. My Rosicrucian teacher believed the SUN was the SOURCE.. You ARE the essence of your Sun Sign. It is the  primal energy from which you drew your  life force. I have made decades of  successful predictions based upon sun signs,although of course the time of birth gives a lot of depth by adding in your Ascendant. And  a full natal chart , of course, looks at  ALL your  planet positions. .

Here is my  brief,sometimes tongue-in cheek (but FOR REAL) Sun Sign picture of YOU and your potential for a happy life on Earth:

Aries: Stay active! Find your sport /activity and do it forever! Make sure you are never bored, and you will then never grow old. Become a leader at what you do.Blow your own horn.  You’ll probably be first in line for plastic surgery as you get older. You especially hate droopy eyelids. You’ll be happy when you have a “tribe” to hang out with.  You are happy with not too much pressure from family members. You’ll just ignore them,anyway!

Taurus: Get out of that rut.Push yourself to try new adventures and shake up your life routine once in a while (like at least once a decade!) Invest in long term,safe securities and watch your money grow.That makes you sleep well at night!  And, Always wear natural fibers . You can enjoy life most when you learn about fine foods and wine—so join a dinner club or even take some cooking classes yourself! Happy when pampered and a  can tend to be little overweight. Fluffy, not fat. , Or, muscular and strong if you splurge on that personal trainer.  

Gemini: Make sure you always have the latest model cell phone with unlimited data service. Really.You need to stay in touch with EVERYONE! Allow yourself to have a few careers in one lifetime. Go back to school when you need to. Hang out with folks who are younger than you. You thrive on new ideas. You can’t take a “stagnant” life. You’ll leave stodgy partners in the dust! Learning new stuff then showing others how to do it is fun, but you’ll change interests frequently. Happiest with CHANGE!

Cancer: Feather the nest. Make a point to find a  close to perfect living arrangement that “FEELS RIGHT” to you. An apartment in an old Victorian house or a condo in a friendly building. Maybe even a  cozy cottage in the midwest with a picket fence.You’ll know it when you see it. Home base is important. You may even WORK there!  Then,go for the BIG GOALS that are roaming around in your head. Start a business! There are more cancerian millionaires than any other sign!

Leo: It’s good to be Queen! Happiest in the limelight. Find an outlet for your creativity or perish! Clothing and jewelry fascinate you. Buy some, get someone to buy them FOR YOU, or design them yourself and start an etsy shop!  Staying up late at night enjoying cosmos with the gal pals will keep you feeling young at heart. Just don’t do it too often!  You thrive on having children,so do have some. (You may want a nanny,though.) You make a great parent – your kids will stay close  to you and adore you,forever!  YOUNG AT HEART,always!

Virgo: You are going to save the world! Or at least your neighborhood. Find that cause that pulls your heart strings and then try to make it your career. Helping professions, recycling, safe energy, save the forests.. you get the picture. You also need an ideal diet to feel your best.You may have allergies or food intolerance, so get your nourishment figured out early in life if you can. Then, Lighten Up and realize the rest of us are not perfectionists! You CAN mobilize us lazy folks for your cause..so,get busy! RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE!

Libra: I find that Libras are happiest when they can play a musical instrument .For pleasure, not necessarily professional.A klezmer band? Libra is happy when everyone else is happy.Find a way to make the world a calmer, prettier place,through work as a counselor, interior decorator, or  as a lawyer who represents women’s rights . You really do need to be in a relationship so don’t fight it. Find your Soul Mate! MUST dress well.Don’t skimp on quality.Buy good clothes,just less of them.

Scorpio:  Not too concerned with what others think, you will be happiest when you are researching scary or irregular stuff, or working in law enforcement, uncovering secrets, or doing awesome healing work of some kind. You can’t stand phonies and would rather be alone than endure small talk. Find a way to explore the side of life that others are scared of: psychic work,emergency or crisis work, and the underbelly of life, all appeal!  You’re good at what others can’t stomach. Also, very psyhic,naturally.

Sagitarrius: Happiest when everyone just lets you be happy! Sadge   loves to learn! And to teach. A child at heart!  Get out into nature, travel, and don’t allow your work or relationships  tie you down.You’ll be happiest with those who understand your vagabond nature, and can enjoy it WITH you! You have the ability to mingle and communicate with all ages and background of people.You wil thrive on diverse experiences. You’ll be happiest when showing others how to do it. May also be concerned with the law and justice for all.But is often bored with the long process and cannot stay in that field for

work .Find  a better way,such as teaching!

Capricorn: Happiest when working overtime.Not kidding.You love to accumulate material goods and money, as this makes you feel safe and secure and successful. This is okay as long as you realize there is more to life than achievement.You’ll be calmer and happier if you balance your achievements with a healthy dose of PLAY and romance.You might need to find someone to take the lead, but then, do follow! Capricorns often are happiest when the hang out with people who are their OPPOSITES. You probably subscribe to several financial magazines and newspapers.You’re good at leading others to THEIR wealth and success. But do take time for a vacation every year!!

Aquarius:Happiest when you’re left alone to your eccentricities!  We may stumble upon you in your lab, your photo studio, or in the basement or craft /hobby room, making magic of some kind..   You feel like no one REALLY understands you, but you still do best when you hang out with other eccentric people with wild and crazy ideas.  You’re NOT a loner. You will probably invent something really useful. And you are happiest when you can maintain personal freedom.. no strings attached works best. Can be married happily only if your partner doesn’t have a need to “keep tabs” on you.

Pisces:  you feel most at ease and happy when you’re watching the “ Lord of the Rings”movies  or reading the Twilight series! Come on, admit it, you prefer to live somewhere besides EARTH! And earthlings kinda bore you,too!  You can be happy when you create a whimsical,colorful cocoon for yourself, probably at home, but you do tend to move a lot. Everywhere you go, you bring your ethereal, other-wordly views with you. Pisces makes an excellent care giver,nurse,healer. Just don’t get too picky about what methods they use.. some of the ways you do things,Pisces, haven’t really been INVENTED yet!  Many Pisces find work as Psychics,Astrologers and  Reiki healers.You need help from an earth sign to make a success of it though..so reach out!  

A 9 to 5  schedule will absolutely NOT work for Pisces!

Hope you’ve enjoyed these astrological vignettes..please  feel inspired to comment..talk to me! I love  feedback!! 

Does your sign fit you????

If you know your Ascendant or Rising Sign,read that two and you'll have the "real you" in just two  pithy paragraphs! 

Brightest blessings!
MADELINE