Anne Morris Finding Balance

Mercury Retrograde with a vague twist

2008-02-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion to remind you to use compassion when communicating and receiving communications from others (including this blog). Things may not be as they sound, or appear. Clarify, be patient, stand your ground.
Mercury retrograde occurs every 4 months for 23 days when the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards. On January 28 Mercury was at 23 degrees of Aquarius in the evening sky just after sunset. On Feb 19th Mercury will be visible in the morning pre-dawn sky at 8 degrees of Aquarius. So what does that mean? As always mercury retrograde slows down and confuses communications. This particular Mercury retrograde brought Phoenix lots of traffic jams with Superbowl visitors and Phoenix Open traffic. It also brings up surprises, last minute changes, and a sense that the WHOLE STORY has yet to be told.

Normal events may seem to take LONGER, people seem very preoccupied and inattentive. Vagueness is an opportunity to ask questions and gain new insights to those things we take for granted around us. Smile, be still and listen!

This particular Mercury Retrograde is a good time to reassess your spiritual commitments and decide if you are moving the direction you want? Take time to contemplate before making agreements that aren't in alignment with your life goals. Avoid being too nice and offering to help if you aren't sure. Take time to meditate, organize your current commitments and listen to your heart. This is not the best time to buy a home, a car, or decide to move across the country on a whim.

On the evening of Feb 20, 2008 there will be a lunar eclipse that will bring in new energy and hopefully bring in clarity over the following weeks. Have patience, have compassion. Return to your goals for healing at every level. Look for grounded practical ways to move forward on your goals.
Namaste, Anne

Yoga for Depression and Mood Management

2008-02-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

It feels like a new chapter in my life as a yoga teacher has begun. This has been such a wonderful month of practicing the many tools I learned at Amy Weintraub's weeklong workshop in January. I met over 30 incredible women who were either therapists or yoga teachers, or both who arrived in Tucson from all over the country.

My biggest discovery was to respect how we need to create a safe space to release emotions we may be holding in our bodies. Once a safe environment is created then the work begins. This work includes

1. Breathing techniques to either calm anxiety or provide added energy to take steps to feel more alive and creative were amazing.

2. Yoga Nidra is a guided relaxation to relax, step into a witness state regarding our thoughts and emotions and come closer to understanding our true nature.

3. Learning to dialogue with thoughts and emotions as they appear to learn what purpose they have in our lives, without feeling controled by them.

4. Techniques to move from a distracting emotional state to a calmer state in a nonjudgement, nurturing way.

5. Finding compassion to share all this information with our community and empower each person to find faith in their skills to move forward in their life goals.

Each of us found our most heartfelt wish. Mine is to increase my ability to communicate from my heart to each person I interact with, and find ways to encourage others love where they are right now.

I have set myself the goal of giving our free 1 hour sessions using these techniques for the next few months. At the end of February I will be assisting at two classes Amy Weintraub is teaching in the Phoenix area for therapists. More information on these classes is available by copying and pasting this address into your browser. http://www.pesi.com/search/detail/index.asp?sessionid=&eventid=34931 There is still space available in the classes if you know therapists who are interested in this work.

If you are interested in experiencing a one on one session with me, please email me at aem929@aol.com to see if we can set up a time. I know everyone is busy, but this is wonderful work that be a great supplement to traditional medicines, therapies and healing practices.

I am hoping to create a website in the next few months as well to share more about gentle yoga for mood and energy management. If you know web designers that you would recommend please let me know.

Namaste, Anne

Jupiter in Capricorn for the coming year, grounded growth

2007-12-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

This past week Jupiter entered Capricorn for a 13 month stay. Jupiter moves to a new sign once a year, the last time Jupiter was in Capricorn was January 1996- January 1997.

As the largest planet in our solar system Jupiter symbolizes growth, expansion, guru's, religion, gamblers, storytellers, and adventure, to name a few. This year as Jupiter is in Capricorn, growth will need to be practical and grounded to "stick". Capricorn is an earthy sign that demands quality and grounded determination for growth. Capricorn is symbolized by a mountain goat, that patiently works it's way up the mountain stubbornly focused on it's goal while taking each step cautiously. Capricorn is not flashy but it is known for the reliability, strength, and practicality that are especially needed when life seems chaotic.

Grounded, that's where we need to stay when life gets stressful. Growth through groundedness, practical applications to stay grounded, that is Jupiter in Capricorn. The "engineer" that "works the problem" will benefit from this transit.

To make things more interesting, next month Pluto the planet of transformation will enter Capricorn for a 16 year stay. Many astrologers see this as time of major change for our planet. Once again, more incentive to stay grounded and practical instead of being swept up into media driven anxiety. We can each do our part by practicing kindness and nurturing the planet in practical ways. Perhaps we can change to those environmentally friendly lightbulbs, plant a garden, use cloth recyclable shopping bags, and watch a little less T.V. It seems the writers strike will help us focus on "real world" issues. No Fear.

This Christmas eve, Jupiter is too close to the Sun to be observed. We will be experiencing a full moon in family-oriented Cancer. The full moon will be very large and close to Mars in the night sky. For more information, go to the Nasa sight: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/20dec_christmaseve.htm?list944426

Namaste, Anne

Laughter yoga

2007-12-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

Laughter is uplifting and releasing at once. If you stop to think about it, laughter is a long exhale with noise! Many groups have formed devoted to "laughter for no reason", no jokes are told. People get together to laugh together, enjoying spontaneous laughter which quickly follows a few moments of "Ho, Ho, Ho, Ha, Ha, Ha..." When someone else gives into the inevitable laughter and joy that follows, more people join in. Laughter is contagious. What a wonderful gift to be able to laugh for no reason, and pass it along to others. Try it.

Dreams for being 50 years old

2007-12-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

This coming year I will be celebrating my 50th birthday. I recently decided to celebrate this year with Five Things that I have a passion for. To identify what I have a passion for, I looked for things that make me "light up" with energy when I talk about it with others. I started looking at lists on the internet, like "100 things to do before I die". I realized I have a passion for yoga, for adventure, for laughter, for learing to use the internet, for sharing my passion for life with others.
In January I will travel to Tucson to spend a week studying yoga with Amy Weintraub, a yoga teacher I highly respect. Amy teaches "yoga for depression" to yoga teachers, psychologists, therapists, and others. When we can use yoga to give people the energy to overcome depression, I think that is miraculous. I look forward to sharing what I learn with my students in the future.
One thing I have ALWAYS wanted to do is raft down the Colorado River. I started checking trips available. I started to mention it to everyone. So what if my husband and daughter don't want to go, I'm going. Maybe my son is going. I am not letting other people's resistance discourage me. The Grand Canyon has always been magical for me, I am going to do this before I get too old and "rational" to not go.
I have made a list of things that I want to do. I was inspired by an advertisement for the movie, "The Bucket List". I realized when my mother died last summer that my life will be remembered by what I loved. I asked myself "Do I show my family what I love?", "Do I live with passion?"
When I started talking to people about this idea, other people got excited and wanted to participate. Passion is joy for life, we just have to figure out what we want the most, how to get there, and believe it is possible. I started with a couple easy things, like learning 3 good jokes to share with others and getting a good picture of myself for a future website.
Celebrating life is way more appealing than dreading getting old. I am going to keep looking for the glass that is 1/2 full.
Namaste

Mercury in Scorpio goes retrograde Oct 11th

2007-10-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

Oct 7, 2007. Static noise around us

It feels like Mercury retrograde already, although it technically begins on Oct 11th and runs through Nov 2nd. For me this has brought in a lot of annoying energy that is distracting, almost like the static from a radio station that is not quite tuned in.
I went to teach a yoga class today and another teacher was already there to teach. I had been asked by a third person to substitute teach today, so I decided to simply be a student. The other two teachers were confused as to a new schedule between them... The class of over 25 people had a difficult time understanding the teacher’s directions, I felt for her…, some days are frustrating.
This mercury retrograde period starts at 9 degrees of Scorpio and goes back to 23 degrees of Libra. Scorpio looks for truth, deep mysteries, scandals; it likes to shake up the status quo. This period is ripe for political scandal or flawed decision making regarding use of force or power. Look for sewer systems to back up, stay out of petty gossiping, reflect back inappropriate uses of power and stand your ground. In other words, if it is none of your business then keep it that way. If it’s not someone else’s business, let them know that they should back off.
Scorpio is intense, this is a time to look at how you deal with your sexuality, use your masculine element in the world. Is it in balance with the feminine? Are you barking out orders without listening? Can you use your masculine energy more effectively and be constructive without getting angry?
Check in with yourself to see if the masculine and feminine are in balance when you communicate. Allow yourself to double check information that is given to you.
This particular mercury retrograde is being affected for the next couple weeks by Mars in Cancer. Mars energy is masculine, often impatient, and usually confrontational. You may not intend to sound irritable or confrontational, but that’s the way it could sound to others. Family squabbles or differences of opinion may come up. Take a deep breath and drawn in loving Venus energy for balance, then speaking slowly, try again.

Mercury retrograde is all about communication, seeing information in a new way and organizing our lives to be more effective.
Try cleaning out your closets, finishing a project that has been on hold, don’t get sucked into financial schemes that sound too good to be true. Nurture yourself with balance, cook favorite foods and let go of perfectionist criticism.
During the next 10 days (like we need more to process), Venus enters her least favorite sign of Virgo, the public servant and general perfectionist. Venus crosses good old Saturn who is hard working and Mr. Responsible. Venus is less nurturing here which can lead to more misunderstandings, especially in intimate relationships. I can here the conversation ....
He says, “Didn’t you hear me? I told you I was leaving an hour ago.”
She says, “Well you don’t have to take that tone of voice, I was distracted with …”
He says, “I have a million things to get done, I’ll call you later.”
She says, “Fine, then you can help me clean the house.”
Avoid misunderstandings, tell people you appreciate them. Let organizing be in balance with laughter, playfulness and listening to loved ones. Remember what is important to you in the big picture. There is a lot of room for exploring sexual politics in relationships during this retrograde. Who are communicating and who isn’t, who is withholding or manipulating love and intimacy in an attempt to control others? Who needs to improve the way they communicate their feelings? (All of us probably).
By Oct 24th, we will be getting irritable and more likely to act impulsively. We are still sorting out communication issues. The Sun will be entering Scorpio and the sexual tension may go up a notch….watch for it. Ours is to observe, learn and not get sucked into what isn’t our stuff. Namaste

Working with Resistance, Mars Opposite Pluto

2007-09-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Tuesday, Sept 18, 2007 and I just got back from the gym. I admit it, I run on a treadmill even though the symbolism is not fabulous. It's convenient, I hang out with people in their 70's at the community college gym. In comparison, I look pretty great! I have to deal with my blood sugar crashing into hypoglycemia sometimes, but it all works out.

Speaking of working our muscles, in astrology the planet Mars is assigned to muscles and taking physical action. Currently Mars in Gemini (action to communicate) is opposite Pluto in Sagittarius (changes in philosophies, beliefs). This alignment is joined by the moon (emotions, public opinion) in Sagittarius tomorrow. This may lead to testy confrontations between people of differing beliefs. Reining in your need to over react to other people's actions will serve you well this week. Some people will respond by feeling tense or tired from dealing with muscle tension. Watch if you are holding too much tension and go take a walk, stretch, or even better find a way to laugh really loud. Release the resistance, sweat, laugh, choose to move differently. Slow down in traffic and let that speedster go around you.

When I woke up this morning my muscles were sore! I stretched and moaned a bit. For me this Mars & Pluto opposition is about where I show my power. I choose to laugh, value my health and let go of approval from others. This week I am learning to tell a joke for Toastmasters (terrifying if I need approval), working on staying healthy in spite of blood sugar challenges, and focusing on what I want now (contentment & joy).

Give yourself a foot massage, let something go that is stressing your muscles.

Namaste, Anne

New Moon in Virgo on Sept 11, 2007 is also a partial eclipse

2007-09-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am asked "What is going on in the stars, I feel so tense?"

While there can be many explanations for feeling stressed. The new moon in Virgo on Sept 11, 2007 is under more stress than usual.

Virgo is a hard working sign that likes to be productive and creative. This new moon in Virgo is being challenged by aggrssive Mars, sudden changes from Uranus, and Jupiter the planet of expansion. Projects that formerly seemed managable may change suddenly and become more complicated that formerly anticipated.

Some astrologers speculate that this is "earthquake energy". Whatever you observe will undoubtable create tension that has to be released. This time can be used to look at where you are holding tension or resistance that is limiting your ability to use productive Virgo energy. This eclipse at 18 degrees of Virgo will impact those with planets at 18 degrees Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces and Gemini for the next 6 to 12 months.

Sudden changes can be met with faith and looking within for calm, centered guidance. Allow yourself to integrate changes without fear to stay productive. Refuse to speculate or take events to a panic level to work through challenges. Know that faith in spirit is a powerful tool in the face of physical changes. Breath deep, smile.

Managing change well and staying in the moment will serve all of us well this week.

Namaste, Anne

The Dog Whisperer inspiration for practicing yoga

2007-09-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

I love to watch The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel (Friday 5:00 pm). This show is all about teaching people (dog owners) to be aware on the energy they project around their dogs.

I truly believe that all of us can benefit from watching how we hold our body and project energy. Dogs are mirrors to our energy and can tell us that we are tense by becoming aggressive. Isn't that amazing?

The idea is that people (dog owners) must project calm and assertive energy at all times or the dog will move into protective energy (aggressive) energy. This forces the dog owners to observe if they are responding to situations with fearful or tense energy, resulting in a change in their dog's behavior. You can't lead well when you are fearful or tense.

When we practice yoga we move into calm energy when we do deep breathing. We move into calm and assertive energy when we decide to do our best and let go of suffering. This is how yoga moves into daily life, by relaxing, observing if we are holding tension and detaching from trying to control everything.

In yoga, Down Dog pose (pictured above and in the animal kingdom) becomes easier when your shoulders and neck relax. By finding the place where you have a gentle stretch in down dog, you release suffering. Take this into daily life and notice how you feel throughout your day. Ask yourself "Do I feel relaxed?", if not then what is interferring with your calm assertive energy? Perhaps it is anticipating something in the future or wishing something in the past had gone differently.

In yoga we focus on staying in the present moment to release tension and connect more deeply to our body and spirit. The Dog Whisperer teaches self awareness, just like yoga can when used for turning inward.

I sometimes forget these lessons and then am reminded when anxiety or stress show up. I might need to get a dog! Never give up on being calm, assertive and accepting doing your best as enough. If we heal ourselves, the world (and dogs) notice.

Namaste, Anne

Balancing Diabetes and what is this Epidemic of Diabetes?

2007-08-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Is there a lesson to be learned from being diagnosed with diabetes? If so, what is the lesson needed that has created an epidemic of diabetes in this country and the world today? Can this epidemic be slowed?

Currently over 20 million people in the United States have diabetes. At least 95% of those 20 million people have Type 2 diabetes, or the type associated with obesity and resistance to the insulin produced by the body. Type 1 diabetes accounts for the other 5% of people with diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and is an autoimmune disease that stops insulin production in the body. Both conditions produce high blood sugars, and require daily vigilance regarding diet, exercise, and paying special attention to your physical body. Diabetes currently accounts for over $100 billion in annual healthcare expenditures in the U.S. and accounts for 28% of the medicare dollars spent each year.

I have had Type 1 diabetes for 36 years now, which I believe qualifies me to discuss what is learned from living with diabetes. When I was diagnosed with diabetes I was devastated. I was given the task of finding joy in my life differently than most people that I knew. Like most 12 year olds, I wanted to “fit in” and be like my peers. Over the years I have had many lessons from diabetes that keep repeating. Some lessons apply to any chronic illness, and some are specific to diabetes.

The first lesson from diabetes is: You are unique and must accept yourself, and love yourself for who you are to stay healthy. When you accept that your body has special needs and that you can adjust your life to fulfill those needs, your life improves. If you feel sorry for yourself and neglect your health needs, you will suffer.

The second lesson from diabetes is: Self discipline is good and can be done with joy, without suffering. Our society often says that “spontaneity is fun” and “discipline” is a drag that leads to suffering. Yet self discipline is required to practice and learn new skills. To graduate from high school, first you must have the self discipline to get out of bed and show up for class. To hold a job you must have the self discipline to develop a routine where you can get to work on time, cooperate with your boss, and complete your work as expected. Self discipline is an important part of life, and achieving your goals.

To change your attitude about self discipline regarding food you must ask yourself, “What is missing from my life that I refuse to eat in a disciplined way? Is there another reason that I eat unhealthy foods?” Carbohydrates can have a calming effect and produce a sense of relaxation. If a person is overly stressed or has difficulty sleeping, they may overeat in an attempt to release stress. People with diabetes must learn new ways to nurture themselves to relax.

The third lesson from diabetes is: You are more than your latest blood sugar level. Most physicians value patient blood sugar levels over general patient well being. Patients are often told to worry about complications if they run high blood sugars, which can create fear, guilt, anger and long term stress.
The rate of depression among people diagnosed with diabetes is MUCH higher than the general population. Patients must be helped to become less fearful and not suffer over an occasional high blood sugar. When patients hate to check blood sugar levels because the numbers are always “too high” or “bad”, patients stop checking blood sugar levels. If every test affects self esteem, then there is a problem. Blood sugars are information and must be used to help patients accept their own needs.

The fourth lesson from diabetes is: Never, absolutely never, give up on deciding to love your life living with diabetes.
While some people with diabetes may be cured by loosing weight, discontinuing medications or changing their diet, most people will spend many years learning the lessons of diabetes. When people with diabetes decide that life is good and that they are grateful to be alive, managing diabetes gets easier. It's all attitude!
How can life be sweet even if you must take medications, watch your diet, and love your body? See what you choose to focus on in your life. Fill up your life with loving people, creative activities that you love, speak about life and yourself with joy.

The fifth lesson from diabetes is: Get help, stay motivated and surround yourself with support.
Let other people know that you have diabetes, don’t hide it or be embarrassed by the diagnosis. A wonderful way of living with diabetes is by being a diabetes D.I.V.A, which stands for Disciplined, Informed, Visible, and Active.
Create a support system of people who support the fabulousness of YOU, and help you maintain your goals to love life fully. It can be challenging to stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle unless you surround yourself with people who share your value for good health. If all your friends love to spend social time eating sweets or drinking alcohol, then is that supporting YOU? Weight Watchers has weekly meetings to keep people motivated to follow a healthy diet. Find a doctor that you feel comfortable with and who encourages your efforts, avoid dreading going to a cranky doctor.

The sixth lesson of diabetes is: To enjoy your body by being active, keeping food and activity in balance.
Find an activity that you love, such as swing dancing, yoga, tai chi, power walking with a friend, jazzercise, dog training, gardening, biking as you watch sports on TV, or even massaging your feet. Figure out what you enjoy, and find a way to do it daily. Set yourself goals for time spent being active in a way you enjoy (lesson #2) .

The seventh lesson of diabetes is: To love all types of food without being overly attached to one type of food, and don’t feel denied.
When we are overly attached to something then we suffer without it. Some foods become a type of addiction for people. If I believe that I have no control over how I eat, or am being controlled by cravings, it is time to get help. Identify beliefs about food that are controlling your behavior. Take your power back to look at your beliefs and habits. Examine your attachments to certain foods and decide what you can let go of or adjust.

So what are the lessons that our country needs to learn to slow down this epidemic of diabetes?

1. Love and accept your body needs, avoid feeling sorry for yourself, perfection is not an option.
2. Practice self discipline with joy, and be patient while working toward your goals.
3. Set goals, don't suffer over one blood sugar, send yourself positive messages about your health.
4. Love life, celebrate life, never give up on loving life.
5. Get help and create a network to support your goals for good health.
6. Enjoy being active daily.
7. Love food without extreme attachment

Bringing these lessons into your life now will decrease your risk on developing diabetes. Learn the lessons now. Pass it on.
Namaste, Anne

Creating a Sacred Space

2007-08-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

I love symbolism. I find it everywhere. Opening sacred space is creating ceremony to add meaning to our lives. When life seems more about making money, and less about finding joy in life, I create a ceremony.

There is a reason that most cultures have sacred traditions and ceremonies. We each yearn to participate in something that feels sacred. Many native cultures have a tradition of opening sacred space. This is done by connecting with the symbolism assigned to the four directions, the earth and the sky. This tradition reminds us to honor the earth and our spiritual helpers in life. Adding ceremony to life can provide a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves.

Yoga and the medicine wheel practices such as opening sacred space have helped me ground my energy, feel more connected and able to appreciate our planet. We can root as deeply into the earth as we reach up into the heavens.

Try opening sacred space before meditating or upon arriving at your home. By showing appreciation for the world around us, and being thankful, we can create sacred space and shift our energy. There are thousands of ways to open sacred space.

Some of what I have learned has come from the Peruvian tradition discussed in "Shaman, Healer, Sage" by Alberto Villoldo Ph.D. I have completed the four directions of the Medicine Wheel with John English and continued in his Beyond the Medicine Wheel classes. Currently I am a mentor for new students in the Medicine Wheel program. For more information on John English's Medicine Wheel see http://www.dtpublications.com/.

Here is an example of words used to open sacred space :
Standing Facing South “To the winds of the South, blow through this space and help me open sacred space. Show me how to release all that binds me, as the serpent sheds her skin. Help me to release all attachments and patterns that lead to suffering, and walk in beauty. Thank you.”

Standing Facing West “To the winds of the West, where the sun sets, blow through this space and help me open sacred space. I ask the jaguar to help me track all sources of darkness, fear or limitations in my life and clear them. Help me identify all karmic and genetic programming that no longer serves me and release them with your help. Thank you.”

Standing Facing North “To the winds of the North, blow through this space and help me create sacred space. I honor the hummingbird who drinks from the nectar of life and know how to make long journeys with faith. I honor all the spiritual teachers who teach that anything is possible through love. I listen in stillness to connect with spirit. Thank you.”

Standing Facing East “To the winds of the East, where the sun rises, blow through this space and help me create sacred space. I ask the Eagle and the Condor to show me how to see life with impeccable vision, how to travel as my true self, and with spirit. Show me how to manifest more than I have yet to dream of. Thank you.”

Hands to the Earth “Mother Earth, help me create sacred space. I honor all your creations, your plants, the stones, and all the animals. Thank you for creating this place of learning and providing so much to support me. I honor the fish, the birds, the insects, the four legged animals and all your people, I seek to know you deeper and support you. Thank you.”

Hands to the Sky “Great Spirit, God, the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, blow through this space now and help me create sacred space. Thank you for the life energy that you provide us, for all that you provide that I may not even understand. I seek to work on your behalf and honor you. Thank you.”

Shakti healing with creative energy

2007-08-22T09:41:00.001-07:00

Shakti represents the creative energy in the universe. Her gift of energy to create in life gives deeper meaning to our lives, as art, as connection to new ideas to take action on. Shakti provides inspiration to restore balance, sometimes to clear what is not working, sometimes to make a new start.

Shakti is divine energy, always flowing and feeding each of us. Vital as water, we can reach out to receive at any time. Nurture your spirit, allow change into your life. Creating structure and a positive routine that supports you will decrease the impact of change on your peace of mind. Shakti is the focus of today's Daily Om http://today@dailyom.com/.

Astrologically we are entering a time to focus on improving our health, our daily routine, our ability to clear karma interferring with those areas of our lives. Love yourself, act inspired to support your spirit.

Mars is pushing you to get busy

2007-08-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

This week, Aug 20th to 27th is going to be busy. If it's not you may feel like there is something you are supposed to be doing. Mars, the planet of action and masculine energy is opposing Jupiter. This causes tension. Jupiter likes to expand and Mars wants to move. On August 21st, the moon will be joining the picture as it moves in Jupiter's current part of the sky. Look at the moon tonight near Jupiter. So what does this mean? You might be moving too quickly and need to slow down a bit to stay centered. There may seem to be too much to do, and get angry or even start a fight. Watch how you feel, organize and work through projects methodically without fear. You may notice people are more aggressive or taking more risks than usual. Not to worry, it is temporary. Don't take it personally and get sucked into something that is not yours. This is a good time to just mind your own business and defuse negative behavior by laughing or getting more grounded.

The Sun is still traveling near Saturn this week, so people will be very serious about their work, responsibilities, etc... possibly moving into fight or flight (fear). Get out of their way, do your work and trust the universe.

What's up in the night sky?

2007-08-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

The brightest visible object in this month's night sky is Jupiter. After sunset Jupiter is visible to the south east. At this time Jupiter is near the reddish star, Antares (part of Scorpio). After midnight Mars rises in the east and has a reddish glow as well. Currently, Mars is traveling near another reddish star, Aldebarran.

On August 28th there will be a lunar eclipse that will be visible in the western United States. The full moon enters the earth's shadow and totality of the eclipse occurs at 2:52 AM and lasts 91 minutes. Much superstition exists around an eclipse and some feel this is not a good time to be active. Astrology considers eclipses to be active for 6 months and are transformational if they fall close to a planet in your chart. This eclipse fall at 4 degrees Pisces, with the Sun at 4 degrees Virgo.

Venus will not be visible in the pre-dawn sky until the end of August. The moon will be visible near Venus before the sun rises on Saturday September 8th and Sunday September 9th, 2007.

Legs Up the Wall Pose to Restore Balance

2007-08-19T15:49:00.000-07:00

Is the summer heat getting to you? It's 108 degrees in Phoenix today. Sure drinking lots of water helps balance the heat, but if that's not enough try this easy yoga pose. It's one of my personal favorites. (Avoid this pose if you have a hiatal hernia, increased eye pressure, heart of neck problems, spondyloolysis, disc disease, have a sinus infection, indigestion, or are pregnant.)

Start by sitting with your knees bent and one hip next to a wall. Lay back, turn your body to face the wall and extend your legs up the wall. If this hurts your back, then keep the knees slightly bent and even press the soles of your feet into the wall. Let your arms come out to your sides with the palms facing up.
This is a great way to reduce swelling in legs and feet at the end of the day. This pose can reduce blood pressure, reduce hot flashes, and help insomnia. Try meditating here, or just reading a magazine. Children love this pose for reading bedtime stories. Have fun and relax.

12 Astrological Sign Symbols

2007-08-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

The symbols to the left are for the 12 astrological signs and their star constellations. The earth, the moon, and the planets rotate around the sun along the ecliptic (invisible line across the sky). The 12 star constellations used by astrology fall fairly evenly spaced around the ecliptic. To look for the ecliptic, follow the path of the moon each night through the sky. The star constellations stay fixed in a quadrant of the sky. As the earth moves around the sun, the sun appears to be moving through each constellations quadrant of the sky. The moon takes 29 days to move around the earth. The moon will move into a different astrological sign, or quadrant of the sky every 2 1/2 days. The major stars of the 12 constellations used in astrology suggest the symbol of that sign.

12 Astrological Signs & their Symbol

1. Aries (the ram) …............. .........rams horns
2. Taurus (the bull)….................... bulls head and horns
3. Gemini (the twins)…..................Roman numeral II
4. Cancer (the crab)….. .................crab claws
5. Leo (the lion) ..............................lions tail
6. Virgo (the virgin) .......................Greek spelling of the word virgin
7. Libra (the scales) ........................the scales
8. Scorpio (the scorpion)....... .........scorpions tail
9. Sagittarius (the archer)..... .........archers arrow
10. Capricorn (the seagoat) ............seagoats horn and tail
11. Aquarius (the water-bearer)....waves of electricity
12. Pisces (the fish)...........................two fish tied together

About Me

2007-08-18T14:49:00.001-07:00

I was born a Libra and I have spent years finding balance in my life. I have studied astrology, yoga, therapeutic touch, shamanism, herbal medicine and other restorative healing practices. I have a B.S. in Pharmacy from University of Washington and I worked as a pharmacist for over 20 years. I am interested in holistic practices that combine mind, body and spirit.

Astrology provides insight into each soul's intention for their life, their talents and their challenges. I have been finding balance living with diabetes since I was 12 years old, that's over 36 years now. Hence the creation of Libra Sun Astrology and this blog for Finding Balance. Life is about adapting to change, understanding relationships and although pain is somewhat inevitable, suffering is optional. You can reach me at aem929@aol.com. Enjoy this blog.

Defining the 12 Astrological Houses

2007-08-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

Astrological Chart Houses

1st House: Also called the Ascendant or the Rising Sign, shows the outward personality,
the first impression made, and somewhat the physical appearance.

2nd House: What you value and what you are attracted to such as money, food, and
material possessions that you accumulate.

3rd House: How you communicate, early learning, brothers and sisters, neighborhood
Short trips.

4th House: Your home, your family, your sense of belonging, your childhood
your security, your mother, your inner self.

5th House: How you love, creative expression, care for children, play, go on vacation,
Risk taking, involvement with sports and performing arts.

6th House: How you work, take responsibility, serve others, your daily routine, health,
and how you organize your life.

7th House: Also called the Descendant, shows your relationships, partnerships, types of
people that we attract, open enemies, and commitments.

8th House: Shared resources and intimacy such as shared money, inheritances, taxes,
sex, death, research, and power, types of energy we share with others.

9th House: Your beliefs, religion, higher education, worldliness, interactions with the
legal system, publishing, and your in-laws.

10th House: Your career, your long term goals, your father, the public side of your life,
recognition from society and your reputation.

11th House: Your interactions with groups of people, memberships in clubs, relationships
with acquaintances and co-workers, sociability, participation in society goals,
help we may give or receive from others.

12th House: Hidden strengths and weaknesses, subconscious limitations, self-undoing,
chronic illness, spiritual needs, areas of secret hopes or desires.

Created by Anne Morris
Libra Sun Astrology