What's New This Month
Well it looks like
summer has finally found us over here in the UK! We are
entering a month of rediscovery where we are prodded to dig down
deep and see what it is our soul really wants to do now.
July brings a chance to look at these things and then set a
course of action to make those changes.
So, the website is
back up and running at normal speed! And I have opened up
a forum for us all as well! It's a place for my clients to
keep tabs on what is happening with the site and a place for all
to share knowledge. It's in it's early stages and your
feedback will be really helpful in the coming weeks as we build
a place that suits everyone. So come over and join the Earth
Spirit Tarot Forum. Anyone up to helping as a
moderator, please let me know!
In the mood of
digging deep and making changes, let's see what is on special
this month: a Mid-Summer's Dream Summer Solstice tarot reading, the Seekers
Journey DragonFae reading, I-Ching Fortune cast, A couple of fun
and frolicking Faerie's Oracle readings, and a new Horoscope
Service for you to try out! This isn't a computer
generated report mind you! I look at what is going on as
it relates to you personally. These have to be ordered in
advance though. Come and check it all out: Monthly
Specials. And don't forget to have a look at some new
additions to the regular readings on offer too! Lot's of interesting options are available to
suit everyone's needs and tastes. I have added a couple
more video's on my Youtube
channel geared towards meditation too!
And now to
announce the June raffle winners:
E. Parker and
E. Hillier
Congratulations
to you both! For those who haven't entered the raffle yet,
each month I
select 2 random people from entries submitted to win a reading
of your choice worth up to £15.00 from any area of my site. For
more details, and to enter July's raffle, stop by and visit
the Raffle
Entry page! Good luck!
"Summer
Blues" by Gehenna
Many empaths and intuitives find that they have trouble during the summer months. They feel overwhelmed, listless, quick to anger and unable to focus during meditation or communication. The writers among us struggle with "writer's block", and the verbal become withdrawn.
Why is this? Drawing on my own experiences, and talking with other sensitives helped me figure out a likely reason.
During the summer, there is something akin to an "assault" on our senses. All stimulus ramps up a notch with the rise in temperature and longer, brighter days. People enjoy the BBQ days and sporting events with noisy abandon, children play happily, car radios are turned up, and so it is harder to get into a truly peaceful state. There is nothing wrong with this, it isn't malicious noise, but in summer months it does seem a lot harder to find a quiet space to work, tune in or meditate.
The heat and humidity itself also takes a toll on our senses. I find that when one sense is over-used, it takes from the others. If you can smell dog farts, for example, it sure is hard to get into a zen-like state of bliss ;) So, being overwhelmed with heat makes it a struggle to go about normal tasks.
Another fact to take into account is the general vibe of society. The pervading summer sense is one of energy, irritation and busy-ness. That encroaches on our own internal state, like it or not.
So, what can we do to remain productive when we feel so overloaded? There are a few handy tips I'd like to put forward, and they don't all involve hiding behind dark curtains like some
Gollum-like creature
1. Extend your day. That's right! Take your relaxy, or "tune-in" time at the extreme end of each day. Get up earlier and watch the sun rise. Take a walk at 1am. Being awake/out at these times when it is quiet, and cooler will help you find the calm space you need to rediscover your centre. You can get in touch with nature.. the dawn, or the night sky.. and enjoy that wonderful feeling of stillness that comes when everyone else is in bed.
2. Buy a good fan. This is useful on two fronts. The obvious one is that it cools the air. You can pop a bowl of
ice cubes in front of a fan.. this works to chill the air and makes the fan more effective. The other way a fan is useful is the white noise effect. This helps drown out drunken barbecues, distraught football fans and exciteable children, without you having to shut your windows and forgo oxygen as you sleep.
3. Get naked. This is a quick way to cool off.. on your own, or for the less inhibited, with friends. Nudity is a powerful tool that many spiritual teachings use. Think of skyclad wiccans! Getting naked takes away a lot of the overwhelm of sensation that stops us feeling good, and it also encourages us to work on some inner tools, like security and happiness. If you can't rely on your clothes to make you feel good, you have to feel good from within. Getting comfy with your own body can be a real boost to many seekers.
4. Chill out in the bath. A nice cool bath works wonders.. of course a shower is quick and easy, but a bath takes time, and you want to justify using all that water don't you? Lay back, and tune in.. get in touch with the cool water, and from there you can expand your mind at a nice, relaxing pace. A bath encourages a certain level of relaxation, and of course you can treat your sense of smell with some nicely scented bath oils.. or foams.. or bombs.
With love, to my sweaty spiritual brethren..
Gehenna x - Beyond-Within.com
July Celebrations
July 4th - Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. Though it is the Constitution that provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States, the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion "all Men are created equal," is equally beloved by the American people. On the Declaration's first anniversary, many citizens of Philadelphia had a spontaneous July 4th celebration. But it wasn't until after the War of 1812 that observing Independence Day became commonplace.
For more information on Independence Day and it's origins, and traditions, click here: 4th Of July
July
14th - Bastille Day
Americans have 4th of July; the French have Bastille Day. Bastille Day, on the Fourteenth of July, is the French symbol of the end of the Monarchy and the beginning of the First Republic. The national holiday is a time when all citizens can feel themselves to be members of a republican nation. It is because this national holiday is rooted in the history of the birth of the Republic that it has great significance.
Discover more about Bastille
Day!
Star Transits
For July 2010
We are entering a
month of rediscovery where we are prodded to dig down deep and
see what it is our soul really wants to do now. July
brings a chance to look at these things and then set a course of
action to make those changes.
SUN
The Sun has been in Cancer since June
21st and will remain there until July 21st when it starts to shift into a new sign
When the Sun is in Cancer, things may get a little moody and emotional. While Cancer motivates us to reflect on our pasts, to draw our loved ones near to us and to nurture others without asking for nurturing in return, this Moon-ruled Water Sign can really make us grumpy. That said, Cancer could be a time of heightened emotional sensitivity, a time when the cerebral connections forged under the Gemini Sun move to a more intimate plateau. Flirtatious affections take on a greater gravity during this time as the Cancer Sun exposes our emotions and lays bare our vulnerabilities. Socializing takes a backseat to nostalgic memories and quiet nights at home. Food and family become very important at this time, as they provide us an opportunity to nurture one another and give us the most basic and unconditional of loves -- the very thing we need most right now.
A good time for:
* Taking personal relationships to more substantial, serious levels
* Staying in and looking through old photo albums and scrapbooks
* Perform nurturing, domestic activities like cooking or gardening
The Sun then moves into Leo on July 22nd.
The Sun's entry into Leo encourages us to make more time for play but we first need to clear up some of our responsibilities to make that time. When the Sun is in Leo, we are at our most dramatically persuasive. The influence of this Fire Sign is electric -- it can invigorate the most indifferent among us with its jolt of self-confidence and vibrant energy. We all benefit from the theatrical aspect of Leo: By playing the role of bold, confident individual, we begin to feel like the bold, confident individual, absorbing into our new character like a great method actor. Since Leo makes us willing to take a chance without a second thought, spontaneity takes the place of apprehension. Leo has come to be known for its ego, vanity and self-obsession, but it's not as simple or as narcissistic as it seems. What we really seek under the influence of this sign is heart-felt appreciation and affection. This influence is playful, warm-hearted and loyal.
A good time for:
* Planning and hosting a party
* Going out on the town for dancing and socializing
* Performing in or enjoying the theatre
MOON
On July 11th the New Moon moves into Cancer during a total solar
eclipse bringing a time of emotional upheaval
New
Moons are perfect for new beginnings. And a solar eclipse is a special new moon that brings the depths of your spirit up to the surface to help you get clear on what your soul wants
to do next. Eclipse energy gets us beyond the chatter of our ego. Take time to consider what is being brought to light in your life at this time. With the Moon in the sign of Cancer, you are called upon to look at how you are nurturing yourself and how you are dealing with your emotional boundaries. This is especially important in regards to how you are helping the people in your life. You need to review the boundaries between helping out others and falling into caretaker roles where you are sacrificing everything. Since this eclipse is the opposite side of the coin from the eclipses of July 2009 it would be beneficial to look back to last summer and see how your emotions have changed over the past year. Be sure to make time for yourself under this new moon.
On July 25th The
Full Moon is in Aquarius
With the Full Moon in Aquarius a sense of emotional coolness or detachment at a personal level and an emphasis on idealism is what is in store for us during this cycle. It's ideas that matter to you now, more than narrowly personal concerns - and you may have little tolerance for people who do not operate at this level. Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.
The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying
something new, joining a group.
PLANETS
July 5th - Uranus Retrograde
in Aries
- This transit often brings a turning point in situations involving issues of spontaneity, freedom, breaking free of old patterns, rebellion and expressing your personal uniqueness. You may notice that things feel a bit chaotic or erratic for about a week before and after this date. But Uranus' main agenda is to clear the way for your true spirit to manifest in your life. It may require digging down deep to see what really fits in your life now and what doesn't. You could experience flashes of insight, unexpected changes, or disruption of long established situations that have not been working well (this can include computers, the internet, mass media, friends, groups, or plans for the future) This can be the catalyst that awakens a new perspective and allows for a clearer focus through open-mindedness and being willing to try new things.
July 8th - Venus opposition Neptune
(Venus in Leo, Neptune in Aquarius) This is a time when romance, fantasy and imagination are
blooming into a bright aura and is likely to influence your relationships,
interactions with others, finances, and values. Happiness is addictive under this influence. Your tendency to see what you want to see and gloss over the more realistic points, details, and flaws provides you with instant gratification. However, these ideals tend to lose their shiny glow when brought into reality. The end result here could be a disappointing or disillusioning. People tend to place others on a pedestal or have hidden hopes and high expectations that no one can really live up to. Aim to balance your innocence and longing with the judgement of your older, wiser, mature self; and do a reality check with a trusted friend or adviser if in doubt. This can also be a very creative and inspiring time – just remember to keep one foot on the ground.
July 9th - Mercury enters Leo -
Mercury is strutting through Leo now and this means that your creativity and self-expression are at an all time high Your communication strives to express more than just facts or information – it wants to bring forth the dramatic energy that tells a story in larger-than-life dramatic way! You may notice that you perceive and experience life in a truly vivid, dramatic and fun way. You pick up more easily on the expressive and "feel-good" vibes of all that is going on around you. It's a time where you may become very creative, inspired and motivated. There are some downsides though to this transit's affects. It's much easier to indulge in a mindset that is self-serving, egotistical or overconfident. And while your motives are likely to be noble and full of good intentions you could also become so enamoured with your vision of what's possible that you miss some valid criticism, details, and drawbacks to your plans.
July 10th - Venus enters Virgo
- When Venus in Virgo it is possible to fall in love with purity, precision and analysis. It's a good time to invest in your health, efficiency, and your contribution to the world around you. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures--running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. Besides our romantic natures, what we decide to buy and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle is ruled by whether or not things make sense. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome. Remember that we're here for the journey, as much as the destination. This part of the journey takes us into service and devotion, whether that is focused on another person or on ourselves.
July 21st - Saturn enters Libra
-
Saturn in Libra is the energy of restructuring relationships- all types of relationships. Saturn tends to test our foundations to see what is working and where there are cracks. And Libra focuses on the balance and dynamics. Saturn tends to close doors, so the usual exits are blocked, and we have to face our fears and in the case of Libra, our projections. It puts a light on the male/female dynamics in relationship. If you're a woman who lives in your man's shadow, for example, Saturn jettisons you out to claim your talents. A man's fatherly responsibilities force him to coax out his nurturing side. The inner male/female is about assertiveness and receptivity in all our
"significant other" relationships. Saturn in Libra brings home where we're atrophied and because of that, leaning on those we love. Or it brings tough lessons about how we put our own shadows on others, and demonize them. We might not like what we see in the mirror, or who we've become. But integrating this is how we become whole in relationships.
July 23rd - Jupiter Retrograde in Aries
-
Optimistic Jupiter has been in Aries since early June and now turns retrograde and will head back into Pisces next month. In Aries, you are getting a bit of a preview of ways that you can pioneer a new path in 2011. When this planet of growth and expansion is in retrogression, many projects that were due for expansion and launch may get delayed or stop altogether. This is the time when a person needs to think about his / her own inner resources and use that knowledge to get the work done. Most probably, the person might come up with the conclusion that the stopped work was actually not necessary, and there are other better resources available. This is the ideal time for us to `expand` within ourselves.
July 24th - 25th - Jupiter square Pluto (Jupiter in Aries, Pluto in Capricorn) -On Saturday Jupiter makes a challenging square aspect to transforming Pluto. You may have been feeling this energy all week. Your perspective on what you want from life, what you are willing to do to get it and the values that you want to express undergoes a change. If you have been working in a direction that is compatible with your standards and your philosophical or religious views, you are likely to be effective. This thus becomes a time when your past faith and hard work are rewarded, bolstering your confidence and helping you to make even bigger plans for your future - plans that are based on a realistic and solid foundation. It's important to watch out for obsessive and impatient behavior though. It could simply be that the expansive steps you want to take in a forward direction are just not quite ready to be put into play.
July 27th - Mercury enters Virgo
- When Mercury is in Virgo, precision in speech, thought, and process is now important to us. This is a time when we analyze and decide what
is useful and what we deem to be impractical. Mercury feels right at home in Virgo, one of the signs that it rules. Dealing with details is
natural and easy now. We need to be careful that we don't lose perspective if we find ourselves lost in details. We should also be aware of
the possibility of expressing ourselves in a too factual manner, so much so that we come across as dry, critical, or unimaginative.
July 29th - Mars enters Libra
We tend to use our charm as a means to an end under the influence of this cycle. Because we can see many different sides to an issue, we
can be vacillating and indecisive about how to act. We don't want to be the "bad guy", and rarely resort to force. Instead, we attempt to
win arguments with style. We are indirect in approach and inclined towards engaging in mental debates, yet we also attempt to make the
opposition comfortable! Passive-aggressiveness is the shadow side of this energy.
July 31st - Mars conjunct Saturn (Mars in Libra, Saturn in Libra)
-
The purpose of this transit is to cool your passions in some manner, to conserve your energy for what truly matters, and to discipline your
approach to getting what you want from life. Circumstances may be such that you are required to exercise restraint in your life now. You
may be encountering resistance or blockages if you push yourself too hard, assert yourself too strongly, or express anger in an excessive
manner. Something may happen now that restricts your freedom of movement in some manner, and you are in the position to redirect your
energies. Initially, you might feel frustrated and thwarted, or you may experience a lack of drive and enthusiasm. As the transit
progresses, you will be learning to direct your energies into endeavors that are truly helpful and useful to you. You might also be
learning to curb some of the excesses in your life, as well as to go about getting what you want in a more mature, temperate, and moderate
manner. You will be examining the ways you express your anger, how that has hindered you in the past, and how you might better do so in the
future.
What to watch for next month,
August 2010!
Mercury
Retrograde in Virgo - inefficiencies come back to haunt
you!
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Well my darlings, that
wraps up this month's newsletter! Hope you all enjoyed it! Pass
it on to anyone who may be interested! And feedback is most
welcome so if there are ideas or things you would like to see in
my future newsletters, let me know!
In Love & Light
Sherry (ShadowFae)
http://earthspirittarot.com
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Important
Links!
Website Of
The Month
Soulful
Living
This is a
great online magazine devoted to personal and spiritual growth, self help and self
improvement. "Together as a community, we will experience the fullness of life, grow personally and spiritually, and discover the unfoldment of joy, inner peace and soulful connection."
"Explore the pages of SoulfulLiving.com and let your wholeness unfold. Live a fuller life, joyfully, with love. Enjoy!"
Soulful
Living
Tarot Guidance
for July
Ace
Of Wands
This
month is about rediscovery, digging deep to find what it is
you truly want to do in your life, and then taking those steps
to make changes.
The Ace Of
Wands follows this theme as it shows a desire to change
something in our life or environment. It brings the
creative potential and fiery energy boost needed to get things
moving along. But what you do with this energy is up to
you.
The Ace Of
Wands is a great energy when you want to start a new project
and need that initial burst of energy to get things
rolling. It's often likened to the start of a pregnancy,
actual or metaphorical, and represents both the nurturing
stage and actual birth into the world of your own creations.
Listen to
the call of your spirit this month and see what you can create
or change in your life now.
Celtic Tree
Month
July
8th begins the Celtic Tree Month of Tinne (Holly) - Holly symbolizes the strength of the hearth and home, and its prickly leaves offer protection against hostile energies, especially those that endanger the family, the vulnerable, or those under threat. Slow-growing and tough, it also offers support for long journeys. Some stories tell that when winter came druids advised the people to take holly into their homes for it would shelter elves and
fairies. There was a warning however to remove the holly entirely from the house before Imbolc eve because just one leaf in house would spell misfortune.
It is felt to be unlucky to fell a holly tree or burn the green skinned holly. Yet luck was increased if a small branch kept from a Yule decoration was hung on the outside of the house where it would protect against lightening.
Holly people have a strong sense of personal integrity and a firm set of values. They are also affectionate, loyal and trustworthy with a deep devotion to family. They are known to have abilities that help them in work involving protection, shape shifting and sensitivity to the other world.
Astro - Days to
watch for your sign
Aries
Rewarding Days:
3, 4, 5, 31
Challenging Days: 16, 17, 18
Taurus
Rewarding Days:
6, 7
Challenging Days: 19, 20
Gemini
Rewarding Days:
8, 9
Challenging Days: 21, 22
Cancer
Rewarding Days:
10, 11
Challenging Days: 23, 24, 25
Leo
Rewarding Days:
12, 13
Challenging Days: 26, 27
Virgo
Rewarding Days:
14, 15
Challenging Days: 1, 2, 28, 29, 30
Libra
Rewarding Days:
16, 17, 18
Challenging Days: 3, 4, 5, 31
Scorpio
Rewarding Days:
19, 20
Challenging Days: 6, 7
Sagittarius
Rewarding Days:
21, 22
Challenging Days: 8, 9
Capricorn
Rewarding Days:
23, 24, 25
Challenging Days: 10, 11
Aquarius
Rewarding Days:
26, 27
Challenging Days: 12, 13
Pisces
Rewarding Days:
1, 2, 28, 29, 30
Challenging Days: 14, 15
Healing for the
Body, Mind, & Spirit
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