Starting Fresh – The Daily, July 2, 2020

Soar as high as the tallest of trees and see how far you can go

“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think”
― Socrates

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is a big accomplishment to stand in your truth and declare that you are beginning a new venture. Whether it is leaving a relationship that isn’t healthy, going back to school, or starting a new career, the possibilities for reinventing ourselves are endless. Age has no bearing on this – the only time it is too late to change directions is when you are gone from this world. Until that day comes, the sky is the limit as to what you can achieve in whichever direction you choose to travel.

Live the big dreams of your life. Nothing is impossible if you want to do it, and no one can stop you but yourself. As the late Wayne Dyer liked to say, “Let the world know why you’re here and do it with passion…Don’t die with your music still inside you.” The saddest life is the one that was dreamed of but never lived.

La Lune – Two days until the Full Moon – did you make any progress in the last two weeks since the New Moon and Solar Eclipse happened? Today the Moon spends the day in the sign of Sagittarius, and we are more optimistic and forward-looking with this transit. Make plans with enthusiasm and put them into action. The energies are perfect for it.

New Project – I launched a new channel on YouTube, Charmed Sky Tarot. I will be doing general readings that are timely and will focus on different astrological shifts and overall energies of the current time. You can look forward to receiving lots of interesting information in my twice-weekly videos. Please check it out and subscribe – I would be honoured to share the time with you!

Thought of the Day – Go forth and be brilliant. Nature dazzles in her displays of abundance and so should we. Seize the day, wring every ounce of living out of it, and be grateful for the opportunity to be here and to be alive at this incredible time. Gratitude is the key to life – the more you give, the more you get. Have a unique Thursday.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” 
― Maya Angelou

Challenges Overcome – July 1, 2020

It’s time to celebrate!

“Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.” 
― Stephen Hawking

“There is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” 
― Ernst Hemmingway

It seems that as soon as one challenge disappears, another pops up to take its place. This is true on a societal level and a personal one. It’s the rollercoaster of life, the truth at the centre of the notion that nothing exists without change. It is when we get too stuck in one phase of life and try to hold onto it forever that issues appear. Going with the flow and dealing with the situation as it unfolds in every moment is a more peaceful way to live than fighting against the present by trying to hold onto the past.

Each day brings a sunrise, but no two are ever the same. We change little by little over the years from small babies to children to adolescents, then to adults and hopefully seniors with active minds and bodies. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, other than the fact that the aging process will progress regardless of our opinion of it. Nothing is meant to stay frozen in time, least of all ourselves. Never fight what is inevitable.

Sweetening Up – Yes, sugar is bad for us. Drinking soda is especially harmful, and absolutely unnecessary. A new study from the European Society of Cardiology tried to figure out why, and found that sugar consumption leads to increased fat stores around the heart and in the abdomen which are both risky for health. The study concluded: “Long-term intakes of added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with higher pericardial adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes. Because these ectopic fat depots are associated with greater risk of disease incidence, these findings support limiting intakes of added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages.” The more you know…

Canada Day – Way back in 1867, a confederation of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the future provinces of Quebec and Ontario were officially recognized by Great Britain and thus the autonomous Dominion of Canada was born. In 1885 the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway made settlement across the vast expanse that is Canada possible. Happy Birthday to a beautiful country today!

Thought of the Day – Celebrate today because you can. Don’t wait only for special occasions to feel joy and to mark a happy moment – do it every day that you are still here. Being alive in this time is a wondrous thing and we shouldn’t take it for granted. So, Happy Day to us and let’s do something wonderful to make it the best day ever!

“So you never know who you touch. You never know how or when you’ll have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else.” 
― Denzel Washington

An Ending, a Beginning – The Daily, June 30. 2020

Turn your back on the old and look up. There is a whole universe of wonder and awe all around us

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” 
― Albert Einstein

“You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” 
― Rumi

We have arrived to the last day of June in the year of 2020. There will never be another one. For a year that has seen so many changes, challenges, and conflicts, some will say they can’t wait for it to be finished. But we should live even more fully right now, immersed in the energy of this moment. There is a reason that so many things are happening all at once. When everything you relied on is made vulnerable, it forces you to come out of your shell and begin to see a different reality. Use the opportunities that continue to present themselves for growth and stop trying to crawl back into the same place you were before. It isn’t there anymore.

Gone With the Wind – It was 84 years ago today that the bestselling book was published. Now Gone With the Wind is back in the news because of its romanticization of a period deeply steeped in slavery and injustice. It could be the ultimate testament to white privilege from that era. But when it was written, the level of consciousness of the population was much different than it is now, at least to some extent. There are still groups of people who haven’t begun the journey yet, but more people now are at least aware of the degree to which racism exists. Again, there is no going back to the way it was. These are the growing pains of the next step in human consciousness and remembering who we really are.

The Mysterious – Scorpio is one of the most interesting signs of the Zodiac, rich in mystery and both passionate and powerful. The Moon spends today in Scorpio, inclining us to scope out the hidden layers of our lives. Do a deep dive and see what’s under all of the layers you have accumulated over the years. Get through the self-protection and find out what really steers the ship that is your life. Do you operate from a position of strength, boldly moving forward to claim what you want, or do you run away from things in an effort not to get hurt? Spend some time with yourself and figure that out. It’s good to know.

Thought of the Day – Find things that you can leave behind on this last day of the month. Old grievances, past memories, clutter around the house – purge it all. Start July with a clean slate and welcome the new. When we fill our mental and physical space with only the old, there is no room for the wonder of life to seep in.

Have a brilliant day.

“You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing, and dance, and write poems, and suffer, and understand, for all that is life.” 
― Jiddu Krishnamurti

Wrapping Up – The Daily, June 29, 2020

A snapshot through a moving bus window, capturing the stillness and motion of life

“Begin at the beginning,” the King said, very gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” 
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” 
― Victor Hugo

Almost the end of another month, and with it we have arrived at the middle of the year. Take a few moments today to think back over the last year and see if you are in a different spot than you were. A year seems like a long time, but if you are repeating the same habits and activities endlessly then it can pass in the blink of an eye.

What stands out to you? What special memories do you have? Did anything wonderful happen, or do you only have sadness and regret filling your mind? Now leave the past in the past and get ready for what the next year will hold. Every journey begins with an idea, and then a few tentative steps until momentum begins to sweep you towards new possibilities. Make this next year one to remember.

That Tense Feeling – The Moon continues in Libra until this evening, forming squares with both Jupiter and Pluto which are still retrograde. This intensifies the alignment that the two planets are heading towards tomorrow, pointing to a buildup of tension. Creative energy will be at a peak right now, but watch that tempers don’t flare. This feeling will pass as the Moon arrives in Scorpio tonight, encouraging a desire to discover deeper truths and motives.

The alignment of Jupiter and Pluto for the second of three times this year can mark an ambitious time when we are filled with a desire to succeed and to grow. It’s a time to better ourselves and the world around us. Just be watchful not to go overboard with self-righteousness, exaggeration or obsession, as there can be a tendency to take things too far.

Blonde Bombshell – On this day in 1967, Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield was killed in a car crash. If you have never heard of her, Google her name and see what a larger than life figure she was. She knew how to use her assets to become the star that she craved to be. Most of her acting performances were forgettable, but her appearance was not. She went to Hollywood with a young daughter in tow and set out to become an actress, and she accomplished her dream. When the desire is strong enough, the goal is achievable.

Thought of the Day – Remember the good times, forget the bad. Everything happens for a reason, and if you are still here then even the bad things served a purpose. Get on with life and live today like it’s the best day in the world. Then do the same thing tomorrow. It’s truly a beautiful day to be alive.

“There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.” 
― Frank Herbert

It’s Your Day – June 28, 2020

Slow and steady wins the race

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” 
― Stephen King

“Forever is composed of nows.” 
― Emily Dickinson

See if you can stay more present today in everything you do. If your life consists of one routine after another, a series of never-changing habits, then for today focus on the flow of the day and how much goes on that normally escapes your attention. It might be the sunset, or the birds singing, or even the way the water feels on your skin when you have a shower. Really involve all of your senses and strive to make even the ordinary extraordinary. Nothing about this life should ever become mundane or boring.

In every moment there is a chance that something could happen, maybe something wonderful or frightening or motivating, and by dwelling in anticipation instead of listlessness you have an opportunity to live through all of the special seconds that make up the eternal now. Time is meaningless. Now is all there is.

What Are They Feeding Us? – Every year we hear that a new study has found that some kind of food additive or pesticide or chemical used in different products is dangerous for our health. When you consume packaged foods, read the labels. If there is a long list of items that sound like they come from a laboratory, just be aware that you might be consuming something that isn’t helping your body.

In the latest, a food additive that is still allowed in many countries has been banned in France. The synopsis from Science Daily: “A common food additive, recently banned in France but allowed in the U.S. and many other countries, was found to significantly alter gut microbiota in mice, causing inflammation in the colon and changes in protein expression in the liver, according to research led by a University of Massachusetts Amherst food scientist.” It’s called E171. Why are people eating something called E171? I’d rather have a carrot. Hopefully one without 100 chemicals sprayed on it.

Thought of the Day – It’s the first quarter of the moon today, as it continues to wax towards fullness. Continue to take action on what you are working on and get things finished. This can be a time of stress, clashing, and discord, but also of high energy, motivation, and growth. The day can be productive or not – this is a choice you will make. Consider life like a vacation – it would be nice to stay forever but you know you can’t. Act accordingly and do what needs to be done.

Have a focused day.

“If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything is ready, we shall never begin.” 
― Ivan Turgenev

Escapism – The Daily, June 27, 2020

The lighthouse on Rottnest Island makes a wonderful escape destination

“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.” 
― Lloyd Alexander

“You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say.” 
― Paulo Coelho

One of the consequences resulting from the uncertainty and upheaval of 2020 is the increased need to escape for some people. The lineups at the liquor store never seem to go away and on social media many are joking about how much they are drinking now. With more people working from home this has also become a concern.

Even when it seems like a good idea, it isn’t. Drugs and alcohol affect the ability of the body to cope with outside stressors and compromise the immunity. They don’t help solve any problems either, and instead are likely to create new ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s probably a good idea to get some outside help. Now more than ever we need to stay in the present moment and help usher in a brighter future for all.

Ebola – It was on this day in 1976 that a shopkeeper in Africa started to feel ill. Within a few days he was dead, and people he was in close contact with began to get sick and die too. The world’s first recorded Ebola virus epidemic began making its way through the area. By the time the epidemic was over, 284 cases were reported, with about half of the victims dying from the disease. There have been a few outbreaks since but it never terrorized the world like we thought it might. By the way, it was just last year that a vaccine was finally approved for use against ebola.

Astrology for the Day – The Moon is in Virgo until 4:17 EDT when it moves into Leo. It opposes Mars shortly before both the Moon and Mars change signs, suggesting the possibility of making some rushed moves or decisions this afternoon. Think before committing to something. The Moon in Libra is about balance and harmony so it should be a calm weekend. Mars is entering Aries, the sign that it rules, and that also sets up a comfortable energy. We are spontaneous, forward-looking, and even courageous under this influence. It’s a great time to forge ahead with new projects and see them through to completion. Just be careful not to become impatient or too impulsive.

Thought of the Day – A sunny day can make everything feel better. Finding time to be surrounded by trees and to enjoy this beautiful time of year can uplift your spirits and bring some clarity to your mind. Make it a daily ritual to get outside and breathe the fresh air of summertime. Have a beautiful Friday.

“What is hell? Hell is oneself. 
Hell is alone, the other figures in it 
Merely projections. There is nothing to escape from 
And nothing to escape to. One is always alone.” 
― T.S. Eliot

Choosing Words – The Daily, June 26, 2020

No words can truly capture the beauty that is in every sunrise

“Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, ‘It might have been.” 
― John Greenleaf Whittier

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” 
― Mark Twain

Words and the way we communicate is so important. With Mercury in retrograde now and the way it can affect communication, it’s always a good time to remember that words are things and what you say has consequences whether in your own life or someone else’s. Words are powerful and can be the difference between living the life you want or the one you settle for. Take no utterance for granted for in every word lies the seed of creation itself.

Weak words don’t inspire anyone to do anything. There is a reason that larger than life figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Buddha, Jesus, and Shakespeare will be remembered forever – they all understood the power of words. Take a moment today to pay attention to the way you talk to yourself and see if the words you choose are helpful or hateful. Become more conscious of what comes out of your mouth and always choose to be kind. The biggest events in history can usually be remembered by the words of the time.

Hungry Plants – It’s amazing how many different species of life exist on this planet, and the Venus flytrap is certainly one of them. A group of researchers at the University of Freiburg were able to virtually capture how the lobes of the plant move and are able to snap together, capturing bugs inside. Read more here if you are interested in what they found out. A snippet from Science Daily: “Only well-watered traps are able to snap shut quickly and correctly by releasing this prestress. Watering the plant changed the pressure in the cells and with it the behavior of the tissue. In order to close correctly, the traps also had to consist of three layers of tissue: an inner which constricts, an outer which expands, and a neutral middle layer.”

The world is truly full of miraculous things.

Thought for Friday – When everyone around you is feeling blue, do what you need to do to raise your own vibration. Relying on others to make you feel happy can be disappointing, so get out and enjoy what nature has to offer. Most likely the sun, moon, stars and birds will be in a good mood. Have a wonderful day.

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” 
― Rudyard Kipling

Time Goes By – The Daily, June 25, 2020

Stop. Look. Smell. Carry on. Enjoy every flower, for all is temporary

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.” 
― Paulo Coelho

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.” 
― Mahatma Gandhi

Life is such a journey of peaks and valleys. We anticipate the arrival of summer, and then in the blink of an eye the days are getting shorter again and it seems like time is racing past. It seems more important to measure life in moments of happiness and joy than in physical days. If I spend 100 days in bliss, that seems more valuable than 100 years in misery.

There are still so many hurdles to overcome as we work our way through the pandemic. The weariness I talked about earlier has settled in and people are moving into the denial stage, trying to force things to be normal in a world where that just isn’t going to work. It’s all about fighting against what is and trying to impose will to make it be something else. The best thing to do is continue to take steps to improve your health, give up the habits that your intuition tells you aren’t working for you, and find joy in the little things like flowers and butterflies. It’s a much better way to exist than fighting all of the time. That gets very tiring.

King of Pop – Eleven years ago today, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50. Where were you when you heard the news? It’s one of those life moments that tend to stay etched in our minds forever. What have you accomplished in those eleven years? Are you any closer to your dreams, further away, or still stuck in inertia? Landmark moments that can take you back in time to a precise moment are great signposts to use to figure out how you are using your life. We can survive, or we can live. It’s your choice to decide what you want the next eleven years to look like.

Venus – After being retrograde since May 13, the planet of love stations direct today which basically means she looks stationary in the sky before beginning to appear to move forward again. Gradually over the next few weeks, matters ruled by Venus (including love and money) should advance more straightforwardly. During the shift today, however, we can be confused or disoriented. It’s best to be patient and take time processing feelings.

Thought of the Day – Do what the nursery rhyme told us to do today – row your boat gently down the stream. It’s a beautiful day to be alive and a wonderful day for appreciation. Everything changes, both good and bad, so go with it and see what’s next in the journey of your life. Expect the best, always. Have a productive day.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” 
― J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hate Boomerang – The Daily, June 24, 2020

Animals don’t hate, they just deal with things. Let’s at least be as smart as the animals

“I have decided to stick to love…Hate is too great a burden to bear.” 
― Martin Luther King Jr.

“Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too.” 
― Will Smith

Anger is one of the most powerful emotions, and justified anger even more so. When you see an injustice or someone treats you badly, anger can take you over so completely that you feel little else. This is a dangerous thing.

No matter what happens outside of you, it is processed on the inside. Hate is destructive and can put your cells into a state of turmoil. Your insides clench, you feel hot, and very real physical changes occur. Nothing outside of you is affected but your state of being is completely altered. You are harming yourself from the inside out.

So what to do? Accept what you cannot change, change what you can, and work within your own sphere of power. Emit feelings of love and don’t contribute to the energy of hate. Support what you believe in and stop turning a blind eye to what you know is wrong. Find beauty and miracles around you instead of looking for evil. Everything about life should inspire you to want to be the best version of yourself.

Moon on the Move – The Moon, being the closest object to Earth, exhibits the greatest influence on us from a celestial aspect. It moves through the zodiac quicker than the other planets, spending only about two days in each sign, so it never hurts to know where it is to help plan your day. Trust me, it works.

Today the Moon has made its way into Leo, and we can be more inclined to play, share, act, express, and create. We need some feedback and interaction, and we are confident and prepared to deal with all that comes our way. Feelings can be strong and we can be more willing to share ourselves with others. Today is not a good day to start something new though so wait until tomorrow afternoon. It is a good day to continue projects that are already underway and pamper yourself so enjoy some downtime.

Thought of the Times – It’s time to get back to whatever you were trying to do before the last four months derailed just about everything, but approach it from a new angle now. Nothing is the same as it was and we are all changed forever. We now avoid close contact with each other, move away from instead of towards strangers, and feel hesitant to do things that were once taken for granted. But don’t use the new environment as an excuse to stop living. In fact, allow it to inspire you to move with more conviction, cognizant of the fact that things can change in an instant and that time goes by quickly. Don’t put decisions on hold any longer.

Have a creative day.

“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” 
― Elie Wiesel

Expectation and Dreams – The Daily, June 23, 2020

Take a vacation through photos or video – imagine and dream that you can be anywhere you want to be

“What the mind can conceive and believe, and the heart desire, you can achieve.” 
― Norman Vincent Peale

“Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” 
― Les Brown

There is a serious disease out there, and it affects millions of us. It’s called worrying about what other people think about you. It can stop you from doing what you dream of doing, and it can affect every decision you make in life. It is crippling, exhausting, and completely unnecessary. Because more than likely, other people aren’t thinking about you at all. They have their own stuff to worry about. And if they are, then at least give them something to talk about.

It’s time now to forge ahead with the new moon energy behind you. With all of the planetary retrogrades, be more open to reflection and think before you leap, but then leap. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never happen so use today to advance in the direction of the life you are meant to live. There honestly is nothing stopping you except for your own mind, so just start acting as though everything is going to work out exactly the way you want. Make the decision, start to do the work and then see where you are in two weeks at the next full moon. You can do anything diligently for two weeks.

Planet Check – With Venus finally coming out of retrograde on the 25th, it should ease up the intense period of reflection that you may find yourself in. Neptune is now retrograde for the next 180 days, and Neptune represents the higher heart or the true self. By connecting with your spiritual source you can use this opportunity to face and deal with any issues you might have denied and dismissed. Neptune’s retrograde can help you discover the source of your pain which can be a catalyst for spiritual growth. Go deep and release the ancient hurts for once and for all. There’s no room for it anymore.

The Plume is Coming – You have probably heard about the Saharan dust plume that is arriving tomorrow in the southeastern United States. From CNN, this story includes great video and a detailed explanation of what to expect from this natural occurrence. The sunsets and sunrises are going to be more beautiful than ever so keep an eye out for photos of the magnificence.

Thought of the Day – Work hard, then rest. After a productive period, the best part is knowing that you earned some downtime. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, like some relaxing music or a walk in a park. If there isn’t periodic enjoyment of your efforts, there won’t be any reason to keep trying. Celebrate the small victories and appreciate the fact that you are here for another day to create and to enjoy.

Make it a memorable one.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” 
― Marianne Williamson