FLOWER ESSENCES AND THE THREE LEVELS

I highly recommend the use of flower essences. In order to shift entrenched personality patterns any help that is available is desirable. And the live and vibrational essences which are a gift of nature, although very potent, work in a very gentle way to bring balance.

They are even more dynamic when used along with affirmations, which have the effect of re-programming the subconscious.

Although most people will be familiar with the Bach Flower Essences, as the pace and stresses of daily life have increased so more essences have been developed. Now even to the point where essences are available for spiritual development, life purpose, growth and abundance.

They are also absolutely ideal for self-development – for moving the way you are using your planetary energies from the asleep to the awake level. And they can assist you in staying on course to achieve your goals. Anything you want to do or be there will be a specific essence that will make it a lot easier.

THE HOUSES AS A LIFE JOURNEY

The development of an individual and their journey through life corresponds to the traditional meanings of the houses.

1st Quadrant – Childhood

1st House (1 – 6 years) – The formation of the Self begins – learning to talk, walk and control the body. The child is slowly becoming aware of his uniqueness. Learning how to manipulate the environment to get his needs met.

2nd House (7 – 12 years) – Separation from mother to go to school. Personal possessions are defined and identified with. Attitudes towards possessions, such as possessiveness, are created at this stage.

3rd House (13 – 18 years) – Friendships and relationships are pursued which expands the personal environment. Knowledge is gained and schools tests are taken. The child begins to branch out from the home environment and identify and communicate more with his peers.

2nd Quadrant - Youth

4th House (19 – 24 years) – Starting to become more independent and support himself and find his own place to live. This strengthens his self-worth. He is now starting to make plans about how he is going to make an impression on the world.

5th House (25 – 30 years) – This is a very outgoing period in life. He is fixed on energetically pursuing career and family goals. He can come face-to-face with disappointment as he finds his level and attempts to find inner and outer balance. This is the peak of physical and intellectual ability.

6th House (31 - 36 years) – Acceptance of his individual place in life and the reality of what he can be as opposed to what he wished to be. Without a philosophical attitude setbacks can result in illness. As the DC is approached a change starts to occur and there is a vital peak in life as he prepares to leave the unconscious part of the chart and emerge into the conscious realm.

3rd Quadrant – Maturity

7th House (37 – 42 years) – Acceptance is received from others which brings opportunities for professional and personal success as they are based more on the true inner self. New goals are set and the character is fully formed.

8th House (43 – 48 years) – One's children become more independent and the question of the meaning of life becomes important. The 45th year is the low point of life. Things that were stable can change such as in partnership or profession. A reappraisal of values in life takes place.

9th House (49 – 54 years) – There is now a deeper search for a personal philosophy which can be found in religion or spirituality. Success can be found by finding the deeper meaning of life and defining one’s inner values to give the rest of the life value and worth.

4th Quadrant – Old Age

10th House (55 – 60 years) – This is the peak of authority and outward success. Reaching a position of power and authority and expressing one’s true qualities. Public demands can lead to neglect of private life. Later the professional life starts to wind down.

11th House (61 – 66 years) – As public life wanes there is a retreat to a smaller circle of true friends and a desire to share what has been learnt about life. As retirement approaches good planning helps with the adjustment.

12th House (67 – 72 years) – The individual now moves away from society and spends more time alone to review his life. Depending on his character and maturity he can maintain a spiritual and peaceful outlook and be considered wise.

NATURE -v- NURTURE

As a child we are totally dependant on our parents. Later on we are further influenced by siblings, friends, teachers, the media. So along the way we lose the ability to listen to our own inner promptings. Parts of ourself are conditioned by others and we become out of synch. Many of the messages we receive in childhood are unconscious and create behaviour patterns which we associate with survival. We are also taught that we are disconnected from the natural forces of the universe and our surroundings and so we completely lack faith in our intuition.

When these inner conflicts can no longer be ignored we seek therapy. However, the therapist is often working blind as the root of the problem is embedded in the unconscious and parts of our personality have been repressed.

Your birth chart shows what your true inherent character is, how you were conditioned by the environment, what part of your personality is ready to be integrated, the reason behind this, the time period involved and what tools you have to accomplish the task.

Our ancestors valued astrology for its ability to allow them to understand the human psyche. The modern world values aggression and materialism and this attitude has led us to the current problems facing humanity and the feeling in many people that something vital is missing. That something is their own individual spiritual essence and an understanding of their own life path and capacity to contribute in their own way to the world.

Once you have removed the internal blocks to realising your individual potential and achieved more wholeness your birth chart can then show you how you can express your own higher and spiritual potential.

We can operate at an asleep level where we function automatically and are driven by our habitual responses or we can consciously choose to move to a waking level and address and change our behaviour. Finally we can move to the awakened level and use our planets in full awareness through our higher self.

ANCIENT AND MODERN ASTROLOGY

Astrology means ‘the word of the stars.’ In earlier times people believed that heaven and earth was one. Nowadays many people are increasingly returning to the view that the whole universe is interconnected.

In the Middle Ages astrology was used to provide answers to questions. Modern astrologers use it as complementary to psychology. This has relevance in this age when we are moving further and further from our natural roots and are expected to perform in a world which is very far removed from our spiritual heritage. Many people are just not equipped for the daily demands and have lost the ability to turn within for answers. Astrology is one way of tuning you into your inner cycles and promptings.

With transits from the spiritual or outer planets the energy is so strong that we can be literally stopped in our tracks and become unable to function in our daily life. Counselling can provide a safe place to retreat to but cannot explain what is happening, nor why. Astrology can show this in the context of life challenges and how they can be viewed as necessary for our particular life unfoldment. Rather than view them negatively as just an interference in your normal daily life, they can be viewed positively as a chance to gain wisdom and insight and as a means of catapulting you into the next stage of growth and onto your life path.

SOUL GROWTH AND TRANSITS

We are here on earth to learn lessons as our soul’s purpose is to grow. Our chart shows the nature of the lessons we have chosen. Transits show the timing of our psychological journey - when the planets are in the right position to bring us a particular lesson or energy which brings the opportunity for growth. Many of these lessons are situations we have met in previous lives and we explore these from different angles, seeking to do it better this time and move on and higher.

Every moment in time has its own individual quality. The movement of the planets and their alignments shows the particular energy at any given time and in the future. When the planets form connections to our natal planets this triggers unconscious responses in us.

There are times when we will find it much easier to make progress, to achieve something, to be more popular or persuasive, to finish a project or attract good things to us. It is up to you to utilise the energies available to you in the best possible way. Astrology can help you better understand what kinds of energies underlie your present situation and give you a broader perspective, thereby giving you more options and a realisation of the deeper implications of each one. Why swim against the current when you can flow with the tide?

Always take a higher perspective of your life. Your higher self sees the whole overview and can see everything in a larger context and can make sense of your daily concerns. Everything in your life is perfect and as your life unfolds you are able to look back and see that everything that you have ever experienced was for a reason and has brought you to this point in time.

THE SIX POLAR AXES

There are six pairs of opposing houses (12 houses in total). An opposition is the longest aspect in a chart, two planets standing opposite each other. The feeling is that of a stand-off. Two opposing viewpoints. However, although the modes are the same (fixed earth opposite fixed water), the elements are complementary (earth opposite water and fire opposite air). So there is a potential for creative balance. As the planets are opposite there is a clear perspective of each other. Each planet needs to retain its individuality whilst learning how to work in harmony with its opposing partner.

The Encounter Axis (1st opposite 7th - the cardinal cross)

This spans the AC to the DC. The nature of the energy is cardinal which is active and dynamic. These houses involve interactions with others with an emphasis either on the self which results in a situation of competition, or a desire to sublimate the self in order to achieve a harmonious relationship. What I want opposed to what you need.

The Possession Axis (2nd opposite 8th - the fixed cross)

The relates to a situation of comparison - my possessions (material and non-material) as opposed to another person's possessions. What is mine and what is yours. At the extreme this can result in feelings of jealousy and greed.

The Thinking Axis (3rd opposite 9th - the mutable cross)

This is the realm of the intellect. The opposition lies in staying within the confines of established knowledge passed on from an acknowledged source and without question or searching for your own theories which may be controversial but are certainly individual and require the courage and conviction to stand alone.

The Individuality Axis (4th opposite 10th - the cardinal cross)

Again a dynamic process. One of self-becoming. The opposition is the safety and security of the family warmth and ties or the urge to make a niche for oneself in the world and be recognised for one's unique contribution. The conflict between family expectations and individual free choice.

The Relationship Axis (5th opposite 11th - the fixed cross)

The process in the 5th house is instinct and chemistry whereas in the 11th house the emphasis is on selective and refined choice. We are either seeking completeness and physical closeness with our partner - the urge to possess. Or the selection process is purely mental and higher qualities and complementary ideals are valued .

The Existence Axis (6th opposite 12th - the mutable cross)

Here is where we get involved. In the 6th house we roll up our sleeves and put our talents and abilities to practical use. Sometimes neglecting to see the sensible cut-off point and extending our limits. This results in the 12th house process of isolation and recuperation or various forms of escape. And the possibility of a connection with the inner self.

Conflict Resolution

An inability to achieve balance and harmony through the blending of the opposites can be alleviated by working with the corresponding axis. The crosses work in pairs. So for instance if there was a problem on the Encounter Axis (cardinal) the solution would be to develop the other cardinal axis - the Individuality Axis. An imbalance in relations with others can be resolved through turning the attention to developing one's individuality.

THE HOUSE INTENSITY CURVE

A birth chart contains twelve houses, each representing a different arena of life. Planets placed in the houses express themselves in that particular area. The specific position of the planet in the house governs how it interacts with the outside world – the people in the person’s life.

Transiting planets are on the move whereas the positions of the planets in the birth chart are fixed so the implications of their positions have to be lived with.

Astrologers recognise that there are more powerful places in the chart – the angles. Likewise in each house the energy is strongest closest to the house cusps. The energy flows down from the cusp to the lowest point and back up to the next cusp.

Using the law of the Golden Mean, approximately one-third into the house is the Invert or Balance Point. And after approx. two-thirds – the Low Point.

If we take a journey through the house starting at the cusp, any planet positioned here has maximum exposure to the outside – this part of the personality is recognised and so becomes more developed. The planetary energy is at full strength, sometimes too intense and can be overbearing.

The energy in the house flows downwards. The first area, from the cusp to the Balance Point, is the cardinal area and planets here are outward focussed. When the energy approaches the Balance Point it reaches a position where the energy is more controlled and it’s qualities can be used in balanced way with just the right exertion of energy and more chance of success.

From the Balance Point to the Low Point is the fixed area of the house. Energies here are stable and try to maintain their fixed position. If a planet located here is in an aspect pattern that is causing difficulties it is more difficult to make any changes.

The Low Point is the psychological starting point of the next house and is therefore a turnaround position. With a moving planet the attention is shifting from the activity of the house it is located in to the coming theme of the next house. It is an inner realisation of the change. In a birth chart the planet doesn’t move so the energy is part of the person’s makeup. It is also buried deep within the house and so isn’t seen by the outside world. The planetary qualities aren’t recognised by others and can be hidden from the person themself. The qualities of the planet are felt more at a deeper inner level which is more difficult to recognise and understand but contains much inner potential. It is closer to your soul.

The last third of the house is the mutable area and planets located here have a feeling of anticipation. This builds from the Low Point to the next house cusp. A transiting planet has a natural movement but a natal planet keeps this feeling. It is involved with the activities of the house it is located in but has a realisation of the theme of the coming house. It therefore has to live with two different themes. And it intensifies as the energy builds upwards to the cusp. In the last third of the mutable area, approaching the cusp the strain builds up. A planet located here is known as a shadow planet and is under stress. The energy output is high and the person will seek to be recognised.

It is important to have the correct time of birth as this could mean the difference between a shadow planet and a cuspal planet.

RADIO APPEARANCES

THE INDIGO CHILDREN

The term 'Indigo Children' was pioneered by Nancy Tappe who has an ability due to her neurological wiring (Synesthesia) to see electromagnetics, energy fields and colour. She noticed a colour surrounding the new children which she termed Indigo due to it's dark blue/violet colouring. Children born more recently have more colourful auras.

The key to understanding the new children is to accept the idea of the New Energy. The potential that what is known as the 2012 phenomenon gives us is that of creating a totally new world, one that is more peaceful, harmonious and evolved.

Everyone has a part to play in the creation of this new world which will see an end to the problems of war, dwindling resources and inhuman behaviour. New solutions will be found. This will come about by an awakening population that will be more individual and empowered and less under the influence of corporations, governments and advertising.

Those already around now have a free will choice whether to accept and prosper in the New Energy or stay in the old ways. Those that move forward will see changes in their perspective, more opportunities opening up, more peace, greater happiness and fulfilment and more of a sense of purpose and direction.

The energy on the planet now is affecting our DNA which is facilitating a huge evolutionary leap. The children that have been born in the last 10-15 years or so are already equipped to deal with the New Energy. They are more in synch with it and act and think differently. Whereas we see things in a linear fashion they can grasp the whole concept. So as there are two modes of thinking living side by side this causes problems. The result is the children are judged as 'wrong' and labelled ADD and ADHD and drugs administered accordingly.

They are not wrong they are right on time and their difference is that they have less karma than we have to work through so they can manifest their life purpose quicker. Many of the charts of these children contain huge potential. And the best way parents can serve them is to accept them as they are, not see them as something special, and definitely don't discourage them from expressing their imagination.

An astrology reading can give advance notice of your child's particular abilities and talents so that you can give them the best experiences and support right from the start.

Yes they need discipline but these children can't be fooled. You can't just tell them not to do something. Absolute authority will not work with them they need to know why. If you ask anything of them you need to explain and reason it to them openly and honestly. Don't hide anything from them 'for their own good.' You will be surprised at what they can handle with their mature attitude, even though they dislike discord. And many of them have an inbuilt way of doing something that may show you a different way to look at a problem. Also many of them have intuitive skills and pick up on what is being hidden from them or what is unspoken.

These children are intended to be 'systems breakers.' Our educational, governmental, corporate and other systems are ready to be changed into something that serves us rather than takes from us and this is their task. They will quietly enter these organisations and revolutionise them with their compassionate, flexible, innovative and visionary approach.


They already have a quality within that prompts them to create peace around them but they have to contend with a world that currently thinks differently to the way they do which is frustrating for them, especially as they are often treated as if they are less mature than they actually are. They don't have our issues of lack of self-worth nor our heavier karma so they can find their life purpose much faster. They bring a Divine Feminine energy which can bring balance to the lopsided emphasis of our present society.

Many of them already care about the environment and the animals and plants. They are the groundbreakers and carers of the earth.

The real change will come with the children of the current Indigos who will be born around 2012. They will be different again with a stronger immune system.

As an astrologer it is exciting to have the opportunity to be able to facilitate the potential in these new children.

YOUR PERSONAL ECONOMY

Think back a few years to when the housing market was booming, the stock market was virtually a sure thing, business was expanding, jobs were easier to get and keep and petrol and food appeared to be unlimited. This typified Pluto in Sagittarius - unlimited expansion. Then when Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 the brakes suddenly went on and the atmosphere changed completely. Things started to look bleak, limited and uncertain.

How could things look so different in such a short space of time? We have adopted a mass agreement that there is less. But is that really true? Nothing has disappeared. It is just a perception. And if you listen to the media then you could start to believe it.

The abundant flow of the universe is always in motion and if you allow money to flow out it will also flow back in. It is when you stem the flow that the energy will bypass you. Any economist will tell you that 50 people each holding one £1 coin is the equivalent of £50. When the coins start to circulate there then becomes the equivalent of £5,000.

Now is the perfect time to concentrate on your own personal economy, which is in your own control if you believe it to be so. If you refuse to believe the negative hype and see an opportunity to thrive and create you can make this a time of personal transformation.

Now is the time to turn a hobby or passion of yours into an extra income. We are natural creators. We create with every thought that pops into our head. Turning ideas into a product or service is the sign of a spiritual master. What gives you a feeling of excitement when you imagine doing it?

Everyone has creative ability. You have a wealth of skills honed in previous lives. You just need to choose the one that appeals to you. Your birth chart is an additional resource which can show your attitude to money, where you can shine most brightly, what your creative talents are, where and when opportunities can arise and how you can generate more income.

Ebay is the perfect medium for budding entrepreneurs and while you are adding to your personal economy remember to take the time to appreciate the enjoyment, self-esteem and fulfillment you get from expressing your personal talents. And have gratitude for the source of true abundance - your relationships.

A few essences that can help are -

Holy Grail - embody and express your full creative potential.
Prosperity - align with the source of universal, limitless supply and manifest your dreams and goals.
Laurel - get organised and bring your plan into manifestation.
Sea Holly - step forth fearlessly to success and fulfillment. Overcome inhibition and insecurities. Let your light shine.
Sea Rocket - live life more abundantly. Be generous with your energy.
Scots Pine - trust your inner source of wisdom and guidance.

BEAUTY

At an enjoyable FFE Level 2 this summer we made a group essence of Elder. This was significant for me as during our sessions discussing issues we wanted to address for our case history I finally pinpointed the meaning of Venus (femininity) opposite Saturn (fears and doubts) in my chart. When I got back home I took Elder which brought up a past-life memory of loss and doubts about my own femininity and attractiveness. With the new clarity I could then set about clearing all remaining residues and healing the pain.

When you think about it beauty can cause us so many problems. The constant pressure to be perfect, the media obsession with appearances, the glamour of film and t.v., teenagers locked into the futility of anorexia, ridicule about body shapes.

Astrology makes two distinctions regarding beauty. Venus symbolizes beauty at a personal level and Neptune works at a higher spiritual level.

Venus shows what we are attracted to based on what we personally value. Very often this is recognised as a person or an object of beauty we desire and want to possess. Neptune sees the divinity and therefore the beauty in every living thing. One is based on separation, the other on oneness.

You can pay thousands for a work of art by a recognised artist but the natural beauty of a colourful sky, a moonlit sea, a natural scene, a pretty flower all come totally free.

The beauty symbolised by Venus fades but Neptune recognises that beauty is an inner state and is therefore timeless.

No doubt you have heard the expression ‘a picture can paint a thousand words.’ A song or a picture that is created with soul can enrich your environment, convey the emotions of its creator and also transmit healing frequencies and spiritual wisdom to a sensitive and receptive observer.

The condition and placement of Neptune in the chart shows how you can re-experience the beauty and perfection of Home.

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN VOICE

In January, 2011 the main headlines featured Ted Williams, a homeless tramp and former drink and drug addict from Ohio who was ‘discovered’ after a video clip of his silky voice appeared on YouTube. The former radio presenter had fallen on hard times after he succumbed to his addiction. But once he decided to get his career back on track the offers for radio work and commercials came flooding in.

This heartening tale is motivating for all of us and is also a typical tale of Mercury and Neptune. I have no idea of his birth date but the hallmarks are evident. Mercury the planet of communication harnessed to Neptune the planet of other-worldly beauty and harmony nearly always produces musicians, poets, romantics, singers and t.v. and radio stars.

The tale of addiction is also a common Neptunian and Piscean theme. The beauty they perceive is often in direct contrast to the harshness of ordinary life. Using their God-given talent is rarely plain sailing.

Ted’s story is not only a triumph over addiction and the inspiration to revive his career but a message to everyone that using your personality gifts (and we all have them) can bring you pure gold.

Essences -

Sea Holly - step forward fearlessly to success and fulfilment. Overcome inhibitions and insecurities and let your light shine.

Holy Grail - bring balance and harmony into all aspects of your life. Embody and express your full creative potential.

KATE MIDDLETON

Today is the 20th November, 2010 and this week the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton was announced. And of course the speculation started about what type of queen she will make.

This is where astrology is so informative as every astrologer has already answered that question. What it also shows is that the timing of the wedding next year is so perfect for both of them.

Both Kate and William were born in 1982 - Kate in January and William in June, so their charts are very similar. This indicates that above all they are friends with a great deal in common.

The age of maturity is usually considered to be 21 but astrologically-speaking it is 29 which coincides with the Saturn Return. In 2011 both William and Kate turn 29 and the theme of the Return is maturity, taking on responsibilities, major life changes and a new period of life.

To answer the question - Kate is the ideal royal bride for William. She has a strong sense of duty and has a very traditional and responsible outlook. She also has a great deal of self-restraint and dignity. She is more concerned with career than he is but they both have Cancer Moons so their family and home life is also a priority.

Diana had planets in Leo and Aquarius which gave her that individualistic and pioneering streak. Kate also has an Aquarius emphasis but this is channelled into her thinking process. She is intelligent, innovative, contemporary and a humanitarian.

We can also expect her to develop an elegant and beautiful style, sympathetic and caring qualities, a tactful and charming speaker, a modern and in touch icon and a lady who acts with harmony and grace.

Her new career and potential as a royal mum is very much her destiny.

Saturn transits mark times in our life when we are being asked to knuckle down, work hard and finish something important. Very often they are accompanied by bouts of illness which force you to consolidate your energies.

Useful essences at this time are -

Rose Alba - for patience, perseverance and co-operation.
Laurel - for organisation and bringing your plan into manifestation
Bell Heather - have faith and trust in yourself
Globe Thistle - exercise inner powers of strength and determination essences for duty and responsibility

MANY HAPPY RETURNS

All the planets have cycles. They make a full revolution of the chart, and the return to their original place is highly significant. It represents a completion of one phase of life and the opening of a new chapter.

The Sun takes a full year to to return to its original position and this happens on your birthday. Hence the term ‘Many Happy Returns.’ Actually the precise time can be the day before or the day after and that is your real birthday.

On your birthday you are the centre of attention and with any luck showered with gifts. And this is an excellent time to start something fresh as it will have the impetus of your vital solar energy. It will bear your unique stamp and be more dynamically energised.

At this time a new chart, the Solar Return, can be drawn up to give an insight into what the forthcoming year will bring for you - the potential, activity and themes. It shows how you will approach life, your attitude and energy levels and what type of events are likely to occur.

Knowing the position of the Sun in your chart is useful as it gives you the opportunity to do the things that show you off to your greatest advantage.

If you pay attention, as the Sun moves through each of the twelve sectors of your chart (money, partnership, children, home, work, health, travel) you will experience certain moods and activity repeating on that same month every year. If you traditionally have a particularly hectic month every year, which often happens with a heavily-populated house, you can plan ahead for some extra space and time.

DUALITY

The birth chart looks like a pie cut into 12 pieces. These represent different areas of life. A person with planets that are opposite each other has an inner polarity that can create conflict unless they are harmonised. This often takes a bit of acceptance and creativity but brings balance to a lop-sided life.

For instance, we all know people who spend every waking hour at work at the expense of their home life. Or someone who doesn’t feel complete unless they are in a relationship and they lose their sense of individuality. Or they overwork themselves and end up ill and have to rest and recuperate.

Very often one planet, which represents a personal quality, is accepted and the other is rejected, especially if it is something we view as undesirable. But this part of ourself doesn’t simply go away, it confronts us in the form of another person and we feel victimised.

We live in a world of duality. Of either and or. Often of extremes. Perhaps one way to peace and happiness is to concentrate less on whether we are male or female, young or old, large or small, etc., etc., and think of ourselves as just ‘I am I.’ A whole spiritual being having human experience.

The moving planets often give a useful insight because when they are in one sector of the chart you get a taste of that area of life. Then when they have moved to the opposite side you suddenly get a real sense of understanding because you can then see both sides of the issue.

Essence -

Spiritual Marriage - balance the inner pairs of opposites. Dynamic union of intuition and and consciousness with intelligence and activity will free our full potential.