Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Happy Birthday Libras!



As the seventh sign of the zodiac, Libra represents the seventh stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. The first six signs represent man's attention turned inward to understand and develop his individuality and position in the cosmos. The rest of the signs represent his attention turned outward to humanity as a whole. Libra is not merely the sign of partnership, it is the sign of other people in general. Libra is the balance between the individual and society. To attain the understanding man seeks in Libra, there must be a compromise between the passion and the intellect. The physical world must come to terms with the nonphysical world. The objectivity of judgment needed for these tasks is characteristic of the Libran temperament. Un-evolved Librans can be cold and unemotional or unable to make decisions. But this is not true of mature Librans in whom such traits merely represent attempts to reach true objectivity.

Librans are doers. In spite of their need to be liked, and reluctance to face confrontations, they are surprisingly strong-willed. They set out to accomplish their goals and will find ways to succeed one way or another, usually by using their wit and charm. The "iron fist in a velvet glove" approach is one key to their success. When such ploys are ineffective however, they can become uncharacteristically aggressive and determined to solve the matter then and there. Their change of attitude in such situations is usually effective enough to catch others off guard and allow the Librans to gain control. If they become convinced nothing more is to be gained no matter what they do, they won't hesitate to walk away from a situation with no further explanation or thought of returning. The Scales are Libra's astrological symbol and Librans require balance in their lives. In relationships, they invariably give back in kind what they have been given.

Librans react to everything they experience in life with an intellectual orientation. Before they take physical action, before they assess the practical worth of something, and before they sort out their true emotions, they try to visualize it objectively as a kind of mental exercise. It would be a mistake to believe they lack passion. They can be outrageous flirts and true romantics. Their passion is not apt to be sustained however, if their interest in someone does not include intellectual rapport as well as physical attraction.

Venus, planet of beauty and social grace, rules Libra. They get emotional, physical, and psychological pleasure from beauty in all forms. Books, music, flowers, and perfume are typical delights. If their environment is not esthetically pleasing, they can become unhappy without even realizing that their surroundings may be at least partly responsible for their depression. For Librans, social grace begins with good manners, extends to high level diplomacy, and ends with abhorrence of disagreeable confrontations. When forced to endure a fractious environment, they lose ability to think or function efficiently. They promote peace and harmony, and will invariably opt to bypass hostile confrontations whenever some equally effective method can be employed. Though they need partnership and association with other people, they do not like crowds and attempt to avoid them whenever possible.

Librans can exert impressive physical energy but the stamina they need to do it tends to run in cycles. They work hard, play hard, and then collapse into inertia until nature restores the balance and their energy returns. Addicted to the luxuries and creature comforts of life, Librans have a lazy streak, especially when it comes to physical exercise. Few of them will walk if they can ride. Fondness for rich food (sugar is their biggest weakness) makes it necessary to get proper physical exercise. However, if they have not been thoroughly indoctrinated to the virtues of physical fitness from childhood, and in the meanwhile nothing or no one has come along to inspire them to stay in shape, they simply turn into marshmallows. Tennis, hiking, horseback riding, skating, and aerobics are a few activities with special appeal for Librans.

Libra colors are ivory, pink (or rose), turquoise, and blue. Vulnerable parts of the body are the kidneys, lumbar region of the back, and ovaries. Lower back pain, and the problems caused by too much sugar or rich food are common complaints. Libra's birthstone is the opal. This unique gem consists mostly of ordinary sand and water. Just as hidden water in opals cause the fire in the gem, there is more emotional content than is apparent behind the brilliant flashes of the Libran intellect. Libra rules flowers in general but particularly appropriate blooms for Libra include roses (white or pink), daisies, violets, asters, and orchids.

Sweet, ever-balancing Libra is supported by Venusian-ruled Geranium essential oil, Pelargonium Graveolens, for its tonic properties. Moderation is not always a Libran trait; this anti-inflammatory aromatic balances the nervous system while stimulating the lymphatic system. Its refreshing quality helps the adrenals regulate hormones and assists as an anti-inflammatory.

Friday, September 18, 2009

New Moon in Virgo


Yep, another new moon...another opportunity to start fresh & explore new beginnings.

This is a wonderful post, and I wanted to further comment about the many planets conjunct at (or about) 26 degrees Virgo. If you consult the Sabian Symbols, the Sabian Symbol for this degree is:

A Boy with A Censer Serves Near the Priest at the Altar

Okay...that's quite an image. Interestingly, we have sun, moon, Mercury & Saturn all conjunct...and I can visualize Saturn as the priest- traditional, reverent of the ritual; sun could be the burning incense within the censer (moon?) and the boy would be Mercury - the playful trickster.

The really funny thing is that I had decided to write about today's Sabian Symbol before looking it up - and when I saw what it was I had to LOL!! You see, years ago I had a very interesting experience with a boy - actually two boys (Mercury rules Gemini, the Twins) serving a priest at the altar...and the two of them got into a fight over who would swing the censer! As the two of them tugged on the censer, trying to gain control, the censer flew out of both of their hands and clanked down the altar stairs. One of the boys finally got control over the censer, and then swung it so hard the boy choked from the intense incense emitted. Why do I remember this so vividly from years ago? Because I also was up near the altar, as a lector, and also the mother of the two altar boys with sibling rivalry. I bet there are still fingernail marks in the podium where I grasped it so hard in order not to cry out or leave my place and correct my less then reverent sons.

Heh - did I mention Uranus, the planet of unexpected changes is in opposition to the new moon conjunction? :D

Well, I'm going to call those altar boys of mine today...who now have children of their own. And Nana can easily laugh at the grandkids exploits - karma is good! Heh!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

My top five essential oils to have for 'first aid'



FYI - if I had to pick my top essential oils to have on hand, I would pick these to have in my essential oil first aid kit:

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globules):

Some of this oil's properties are expectorant, decongestant, insecticide, analgesic, antirheumatic and antiseptic. Inhibits proliferation of the cold virus. Deters mosquitoes and other insects. Effective in all types of fever, lowers the temperature, makes breathing easier, loosens phlegm. It is one of the most valuable oils for treating the respiratory system. According to research, the spraying of a 2% emulsion containing eucalyptus oil kills off 70% of local airborne staphylococci. It also eases muscle and joint aches and pains. Eucalyptus stimulates circulation, increasing the flow of blood to affected areas. Eucalyptus can be mentally stimulating – it ‘opens you up’ and may help increase concentration.

LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia):

Among its many properties, it's known to be analgesic, antidepressant, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, cicatrizant, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, fungicide, sedative. Soothes the spirit, relieves anger, valuable in manic-depressive cases. Has a sedative action on the heart, assists in bringing down high blood pressure, relieves insomnia, relieves muscular spasms and rheumatic pains. The first essential oil one should reach for in the case of minor burns and sunburn. Useful with menstrual problems, bronchitis and headaches. Useful in a diffuser in the delivery room. May be useful in nausea, vomiting and colic. Keeps insects at bay. Purifies the air. Promotes growth of new skin cells, great healing effect on burns and sunburn, acne, psoriasis, boils, fungal growths, and scarring. Lavender is one of the safest essential oils to use with children and the elderly. Lavender is great for relaxing in the tub, or diffusing for soothing, relaxation, or wooing sleep.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha x Piperita):

Peppermint is one of the 'basic necessities' for a first aid kit. It is one of the oils often recommended for easing migraines (especially those stemming from digestive problems); it helps clear congestion in the sinuses; it can ease indigestion (one drop on a sugar cube, or in a spoonful of honey.) Mentally, it clears the brain, helps concentration, is a restorative in cases of mental fatigue, and a mental stimulant. Obviously not an oil to use in the evening when you are seeking sleep, but great in the car to help keep the driver alert. Peppermint is the ideal remedy for all digestive disorders, including nausea and vomiting. It is a great remedy for car or air sickness.

In a massage, it helps stimulate the lymph system. It is also an analgesic and aids with treating sore muscles and joint pain. In skincare, a very weak dilution (less than 1%) is helpful for easing itching or irritation. (I add a few drops to Calamine Lotion to treat Poison Ivy!) Definitely a case where "less is more" since in a higher concentration it will be irritating. One or two drops of peppermint added to a bath is wonderfully cooling; however more than that is TOO cold.

TEA TREE (Melaleuca Alternifolia):

Tea Tree has won a reputation as a 'cure all' because of its powerful anti fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is the first suggestion for athlete's foot, nail viruses and other fungal infections. Often used in antiacne remedies, as well as in diffuser to combat the flu and other viral infections. It is often recommended as the remedy for a vaginal candida infection. Also Tea Tree is very supportive of the immune system; I use it in a 5% dilution in a carrier oil to massage the thymus gland (located under the sternum) to activate the immune system.

OREGANO OIL (Origanum vulgare):

Not the herb you put on pizza and pasta, wild mountain oregano (a highly aromatic member of the mint family found only in the Mediterranean) is a potent remedy for skin problems (like warts) and fungal conditions, chronic pain, insect bites, even nasty summer colds. Its powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic, antifungal properties, anti-spasmodic properties and ability to stimulate the immune system. are attributed to the active ingredient - carvacrol.

For yeast infections, a 1995 study published in the Journal of Applied Nutrition found that the carvacrol contained in a 1 percent concentration of oregano oil effectively killed the bacteria Candida albicans. One caveat: Oregano is very warming. (NO JOKE!) "When the plant's phenols [a type of flavonoid], which are rich in oxygen, hit water, they create a hydrogen ion shift and produce heat," explains Ingram, who points out that oregano owes its germ-fighting prowess to the heat. "The heat reaction dehydrates germs and kills them, with no harm to the human tissues," he says. "Although it could be uncomfortable." BE SURE TO DILUTE the Oregano essential oil at least 10% or more in a carrier oil if using topically. Very phenolic.

Just sniffing the Oregano oil is very helpful - to kill any germs in your nasal passage, and also to enter the blood stream rapidly.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Happy 09/09/09!



Well - 09/09/09 is an interesting date, right? Today is the 252nd day of the year, 252 adds to 9, and 09-09-09 = 27, which also reduces to 9. The day itself falls on a Wednesday and both Wednesday & September have 9 letters. 09-09-09 is also the last of the single-digits dates for quite a while – 1,001 years to be precise. And the meaning of the number nine is not yet the full or complete, number ten, but it does mark the ending. It is the last of the single digits, in our decimal numbering system. Thus it can represent the conclusion or ending of a matter.

In numerology, number 9 is the most humanitarian of all numbers.

You are socially conscious, concerned about the betterment of the world, idealistic, visionary, tolerant, imaginative and creative, compassionate, romantic, selfless and generous. are also giving, sharing, loving, caring, noble and aristocratic.

You don't mind sacrificing time, money and energy for a better world. You usually finish what you start and you are ready to sacrifice without the need for reward.


Interesting in that in astrology, the Ninth House is traditionally ruled by the Sign Sagittarius and the Planet Jupiter, and is considered the House of Philosophy, Education, Religion & Long Distance Travel. The Ninth House reminds us that we are on a voyage of discovery. Along that road, we will come face-to-face with our ideals and further shape the ethics by which we live.

There are 9 planets in our solar system (sorry, I'm old school - Pluto is still a planet to me); 9 months in a human pregnancy; important Buddhist rituals usually involve nine monks; in Norse Mythology, Odin hung himself on an ash tree for nine days to learn the runes; there are 9 choirs of angels; there are nine circles of Hell in Dante's Divine Comedy; and the nine muses in Greek mythology are Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Erato (erotic poetry), Euterpe (lyric poetry), Melpomene (tragedy), Polyhymnia (song), Terpsichore (dance), Thalia (comedy), and Urania (astronomy).

The Beatles really liked this number, and today is the day that the remastered Beatles albums go on sale, as well as the computer game - The Beatles: Rock Band.

Hope this gets you on 'cloud nine'! :D