We all live in a specific location. We have certain activities, we’re surrounded by certain people, and we all lead a certain kind of life. Among the people you know, your friends are very important, whether you have one or many.

First you have to know who your real friends are, and differentiate them from simple acquaintances. The best time to do that is when things get tough.

An acquaintance will always find an excuse for not helping you out, or coming to see you. But a real friend will always be there to offer comfort and come to your aid, sometimes even before you call on them!

You don’t have to wait for something terrible to happen to know who would help you when you have a problem. Think about the people around you, and those you consider your friends. Then imagine a difficult situation, and try to figure out who you’d be able to count on under such difficult circumstances.

Draw up a list of who you think your real friends are, and then be straight with them. Above all, don’t let minor arguments ruin a great friendship.

Before you start a fight with someone and say things you may regret later on, think hard and ask yourself whether the friendship you have is really worth sacrificing because you’re angry.

If the answer is no, do what’s necessary to reconcile with the other person, whose help and support you’ll need one day. Also let them know they can count on you at any time.

http://tara-medium.com

YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID,
YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DIDN'T DO,
AND YOU KNOW SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T MATTER.
 
 
Throughout much of November, the planets will make their moves against the backdrop of the Scorpio Sun. This can be an intense, secretive and deeply transformative time, but don't worry -- there'll be some fun mixed in, too!

In fact, your mood will get a boost almost immediately on November 2, when both Venus and Mercury frolic into enthusiastic Sagittarius. With Venus involved, you'll want to broaden your social horizons, add more culture to your life and perhaps even throw an exotically themed party! Mercury will help you express yourself, making it the perfect time to promote a cause or help others understand your point of view. Just remember to remain tactful!

On November 7, fiery and action-oriented Mars opposes dreamy Neptune. This transit could potentially sap your energy while giving you a sense of panic, or even failure.  But if you can find balance, these two planets will supply you with the motivation to make your visions and ideals a reality!

November 11 sees Mars move out of Leo and into Virgo, where it will remain until July. Productivity will abound, but you'll still want to watch for tiffs here and there, as everyone will be convinced their way is the right one. Then, five days later on November 16, Mars forms a happy connection with Jupiter, helping you charge ahead with new projects!

The Sun in Scorpio rears its head one last time on November 20, when it squares off with Neptune; on this day, you'll feel another drain of energy that will tempt you to just drift along. But then, on November 22, the Sun bounces off into adventurous Sagittarius, just in time to provide opportunities galore before meeting Uranus on November 23.  All this activity leads up to the final act of the month on November 25: an eye-opening, horizon-broadening solar eclipse. Get out and try something new, come up with fresh ideas, or travel someplace you've never been!


The end of the month is an excellent time to open yourself to new experiences ... but that doesn't mean you have to wait. Each of the transits listed above -- as well as numerous others -- give you a chance to take your life in a whole new direction! Astrology.com can help you take advantage of November's most beneficial planetary aspects with your personalized November Forecast, written by renowned astrologer, Art Poppe. Make the most of the coming month as you overcome challenges and see just how far you can go! Order your November Forecast now for only $8.95!
 
 
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Nit-picky Virgo is not necessarily the first sign that comes to mind as bringing relief. But after the emotional upheavals of August, you'll welcome September's steady Virgo influence with open arms!

At the start of September, the Sun and Venus will be in Virgo, giving you an on-the-go spirit and an eagle eye for detail. On September 3, when the Sun meets up with Jupiter, you'll get an extra morale boost, and maybe even some good financial news. Then, Virgo's influence will get kicked up another notch when its ruler, chatty Mercury, moves in on September 9.

Later, on September 11, fiery Mars will send a friendly wink to Venus, upping your passion and enthusiasm. The next day, on the 12th, the full Moon in Pisces will present you with a dilemma, but Mercury and Pluto will also meet that day, giving you the means to find a solution.

The 15th will mark the start of the shift from Virgo to social, tactful Libra as Venus moves into the sign. Libra is ruled by charming Venus, and Venus here will put you in a calmer, more cooperative and romantic mood. September 17 and 19 may be problematic, though, as disruptive Uranus and intense Pluto take turns facing down Venus.

September 19 will also see rambunctious Mars move out of sensitive Cancer and into flamboyant Leo. The surge of confidence this brings will border on arrogance. Fortunately, you'll be justified in tooting your own horn a bit when Mars and innovative Uranus partner up on the 23rd and the brilliant ideas practically pour out of you.

The final shift to Libra will occur on September 23 and 25 as first the Sun and then Mercury move into the sign. The atmosphere will become fair and just, as everyone seeks balance in their lives. Uranus will immediately try to unsettle this balance by shaking up the Sun on the 26th and then Mercury on the 27th, but if you keep your wits about you, you'll find some amazing opportunities open up before you!

Now that you know how the planets will affect everyone on a cosmic level, find out what their movements mean for you personally! Your personalized September Forecast by renowned astrologer Art Poppe will look at every transit affecting you for the entire month (including many not listed above!). You'll learn what's to come and how you can turn the motions of the planets into unique opportunities to improve your life and your future! Discover what September has in store for you
for only $8.95.

 
 
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As July comes to a close, a host of star transits is set to reveal unexpected opportunities for you. All this astrological action will also boost your love life, improve your communications and bring new beginnings - and that's just the short list!

It all begins on July 27, when the Sun gives experimental Uranus an encouraging nudge. That's all Uranus needs to bestow you with exciting new opportunities begging to be seized. Positive change doesn't come much more easily than this!

Then, on July 28, Venus joins the Sun in Leo for a lovely tryst that will color your life with a romantic glow. Venus loves parties and frivolity, and when paired with flamboyant, extravagant Leo, you'll be able to charm everyone in sight.
Not one to be left out, Mercury will also join the spotlight on July 28, when it moves into Virgo. You'll finally get the chance to finish all those seemingly smaller tasks, and your discussions will enjoy practical, satisfying outcomes. If you can avoid becoming bogged down with trivial details, your life will speed along swimmingly!

July 29 will see a temporary sag in energy as Mercury opposes Neptune. Your creative juices will be flowing, but you'll be too easily distracted to make real strides. Don't waste time trying to get (or give) straight answers to questions at this time -- it just won't happen.

Finally, on July 30, the Moon cozies up to the Leo Sun for a new Moon that will bring fresh beginnings, hints of new romances and a whirlwind of social activity. Let your inner light shine and show the world how talented you are!
So many opportunities to seize! So many paths to consider! Now is the perfect time to gain astonishing insight into your life with Astrology.com's Life Path Reading. Get your free sample now,  http://Astrology.com

 
 
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"I am strong because I know my weaknesses. I'm alive because I'm a fighter. I am wise because I've been foolish. I laugh because I've known great sadness."  

Always try to help a friend in need

Hold on to good friends; they are few and far between

Believe in yourself

Study hard

 Give lots of kisses

Laugh often

Always try to see the glass half full

Remain calm, even when it seems hopeless

RELAX

Seize the Moment

 Take an occasional risk

Try to have a little fun each day. 

...it's important
Fall in love with someone.....

 ...and say 'I love you' often

 Love someone with all of your heart

Express yourself creatively

 Share

And smile at least once a day!  
 
 
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Any particular evil is a problem, and man's hopes run eternal that he may conquer this disease by research and save this patient by expert surgery plus luck, or remedy this unjust school situation by law.  One dedicates himself to combating this and that particular evil insofar as his expertise and his moment in history presents these particular evils to him.  But he does not delude himself that he has come to save the world from evil, to rid it of evil.   For this sort of thinking would reduce all evil to problems, which would run the risk of reading the history of man's fateful civilizations very superficially, with an optimist's naivete.  It is from this shallow approach to evil that genuine cynicism, that is, literally barking like a dog, settles into a culture or a person so that nothing at all is done about the evil problems that beset any particular moment in history.  This approach to evil makes of those set out to conquer it messiahs themselves; no wonder the plunge from their lofty ideals to their cynicism is so long and so hard.  They have expected too much of themselves and too little of the enemy.  

Evil, so far as it is mystery, refuses to be manipulated or dealt with by pressure.  No law will eradicate racism (though laws are needed to prevent its spread and punish the overt violators); no war will end all wars (and no stockpiling for future untold wars will prevent them); no single commitment to justice will slay the forces of injustice, the powers and principalities that continually-like Minerva's twelve heads-assert and reassert their heads.  This sense of evil as mystery is the meaning of Jesus' remark that "the poor you will always have with you."  His declaration is not against a socialist welfare system set up as a problem-solver for the poor.  It is an observation on the mystery of evil of which poverty is one glaring example: that evil of some sort will continue to haunt mankind.  

To say evil is a mystery is not to opt for mystification of evil (as so much Latin spirituality has done0.  The mystifiers of evil are recognizable by their particular cult. They are ever busy creating evil that they may suffer through either on their own imaginations or - what is worse (but, alas, more common) - in the lives of others whom they love to rule over with spiritual power. 

This disguised masochism suppressed into a spiritualized sadism fools no one and reveals its own contradictions when persons dedicated to ridding the earth from evil problems confront it.  This approach to evil has only cozy words to offer the suffering, coming from those who have never suffered authentically; pious platitudes delivered from one-dimensional souls who have a habit of running from evil problems while calling their running a spiritual journey.  One cannot resist emphatically enough all efforts by this spirituality to mystify evil, making what are solvable problems (provided one works hard, educates himself to them, and spends himself)  the immutable will of God and reducing the bed for mystery to the scope of their tiny imaginations.  This thinking reduces to a state more puny than that of the problem-solvers the mystery of evil that is not contained within any single imagination.
 
  *On Becoming a Musical Mystical Bear Spirituality American Style by Matthew Fox, Paulist Press/Deus Book New York/Mahwah pges 40-42

 

July -

07/13/2011

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If these last few days have felt a bit bumpy, then rest assured: Resolution is coming, and you'll soon be breathing a sigh of relief!

In recent days, sweet and social Venus in sensitive Cancer has been on an emotional roller coaster during contact with both mischievous Uranus and possessive Pluto. As its final challenge this week, Venus butts heads with severe Saturn on July 13. This interaction will require you to see your relationships exactly as they are - no rose-colored glasses allowed! The knowledge you gain will help you establish limits without being too critical. While frivolous Venusian romance is certainly fun, tossing stressful Saturn into the mix can ultimately result in a stronger, more lasting relationship.

Then, on July 15, the full Moon in Capricorn opposes the Cancer Sun. Capricorn is known for its workaholic tendencies, while Cancer is all about home and loved ones. With this full Moon, you'll find yourself in that classic tug of war between work and family. The goal here is not to choose one or the other, but rather to figure out how each can comfortably fit into your life. Don't worry if this sounds impossible at first -- with a bit of creativity, you can make this balancing act work!

Interested in learning a bit more about astrology? http://astrology.com

 
 
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Another is a mystery; but the experience that one (who is also a mystery) enjoys with another is an additional mystery.  Every person-man, woman, or child-is a beauty waiting to be discovered, uncovered, revealed so that we might respond with our own mystery.  

At times we are granted something like a mystic vision...We have found the soul in its seclusion and simplicity-so we think...The vision in fact begins to work upon us; we cannot forget it: we no longer attend to it with voluntary efforts, but it forms a part of our consciousness and begins to make us over after its own pattern, as if it were active and we were plastic before it.  

A love experience is a mystery unfathomable to exclusively problem-oriented persons.  It demands a Yes or a No and will not be denied a response.  By it universes are opened up to us as we learn anew the excitement of discovery, not only of the mystery which is self, the another-for-another.  Schelling's man who's animal amans (the loving animal) reveals himself and accepts revelation in the experience of love.  

The constant presence of the beloved, even though space may separate a couple by thousands of miles, or time by eternity itself after death, is not readily diminished. The beloved's presence is too strongly felt; it is too much part of one; it is too deep in the air we breathe and the mind we reflect with to be forgotten.  We remember mysteries.  They are too much a part of us to be forgotten.  In this sense Marcel is accurate when he declares that a beloved bestows immortality on another by his love:  To say "I love you" is to say "You shall never die."  Love is mystery opening up to mystery. 

No wonder its token is most regularly the granting and encouraging of freedom unto another: the freedom to be his or her own mystery and to live this mystery, loving it.  

On Becoming a Mystical Bear by mtthew Fox Paulist Press/Deus Book pges39 to 40    

 
 
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Solar eclipses normally occur every six months, but on occasion, two eclipses will fall practically right on top of each other and encourage you to make important life changes. And that's exactly what's about to happen!

The Universe welcomed June with a solar eclipse at the start of that month -- and the same thing is happening again in July. The cosmic purpose of an eclipse is to help you improve and develop specific aspects of your life, and since these events can involve major changes, experiencing two in a row definitely presents a challenge.

While June 1's eclipse was in Gemini and all about communication, July 1's solar eclipse occurs in home-centered Cancer, so it's no surprise that it will shine a spotlight on family issues and matters of the heart. If you can focus your energies on these areas of your life, you'll surely emerge more satisfied and fulfilled.
However, this month's eclipse is anything but ordinary: The eclipsed Sun also opposes Pluto and squares off with Aries and Saturn, so expect to feel pulled in four different directions!

How can you best handle this? For starters, don't try to tackle every problem in front of you; instead, step back and carefully assess what's manageable. Only concern yourself with issues you know you can fix, and let everything else fall away. Just keep in mind that it won't take long for things to pick up again - and once they do, you'll feel better for having accomplished what you did!  A great deal of change is coming your way, and how you handle it will depend on how comfortable you are with yourself.  

As was the case in June, the Universe has decided to kick July off with a solar eclipse. Having two consecutive months begin with a solar eclipse is uncommon enough, but with the rest of the planets adding their own colorful energies to the mix, you're in for an entire month of fireworks!

July literally starts off with a bang, as a solar eclipse occurs in Cancer on July 1. Cancer is generally associated more with home, family and emotional bonds than it is with excitement; in this case, however, the solar eclipse will form a rather stressful alignment with Saturn, Aries and Pluto. You'll feel pulled in four different directions, and it simply won't be possible to resolve every problem that arises.
 
Your best strategy will be to take a few deep breaths, fix as much as you can and put everything else behind you. Just be prepared to make peace with the fact that you won't be able to remedy everything.

And that's just the first day of the month! On July 2, Mercury moves into Leo, adding more wit to your conversations. On the following day, July 3, the Sun bumps into Saturn, and while this transit might feel downbeat, it's really quite practical and helpful.

Venus then joins the Sun in Cancer on July 4, upping the emotional factor. July 6 sees Saturn reappear with Mars, and while whatever you do at this time may require great perseverance, don't give up! Finally, July 7 shines as a bright spot on the month's calendar as Jupiter and Pluto offer the necessary motivation to make things happen.
 
The ensuing week may continue to feel a bit bumpy, but things should start to calm down on July 15 when the full Moon in Capricorn brings a sense of practicality to an overly emotional month. Life will take on a completely different tone on July 23, when the Sun moves out of Cancer and into Leo, a transit that's sure to bring on a much livelier and flamboyant mood. Throw friendly Venus into the Leo mix on July 28, and you've got nothing but good times ahead!

Now that you know how the movements of the planets will affect everyone on a cosmic level, find out what their movements mean for you personally! Your individual July Forecast by renowned astrologer Art Poppe examines how every transit -- including several not listed above -- affects you over the entire month. You'll learn what's to come and how you can turn planetary aspects into unique opportunities to improve your life ... and your future! Discover what July has in store for you for only $8.95!

 
 
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2. Death is a mystery of life.  Without life we do not stand in awe at death.  We do not even consider it (who weeps over the not yet born, or cries for them, or gets nervous for their safety and preservation from death?).  For some, death is reduced to a problem (some are led to confusion by modern myth-making about freezing bodies, ect., another example of the rationalization of death; even were such a process manageable, death would retain its mystery, for death is mysterious not because it is unavoidable but because it is bigger than we are).  Once reduced to a problem state, death can easily disposed of and swept away out of sight along with other problems (e.g., mental retardation, poverty).   Thus psychiatrist Rollo May can say that for modern, middle-class man, death is pornography; it is the unmentionable.  Why is that?  Because it is simply a bad problem, a bad trip; it can be "solved" with a little more make-up and softer music and more satin lining in a coffin and more efficient refrigeration.  Death must never be discussed, considered, or meditated upon as a mystery itself.  

But a conglomerate conspiracy not to talk about death may well prove far more pernicious than any Victorian or Puritan plot never to talk about sex.  For when one shortchanges death, one shortchanges life.  They run on one tether.  It is just coincidence that a culture bored with life is also bored with death?  Is it mere coincidence that the age of the ennui with life was ushered in by mass slaughters of individuals-children, women, and men-in the World of Wars of this century; that is, by the loss of wonder and concern for life?  What would be the consequences for a society or for an individual if the decision is fallen into neither life nor death has a value in itself?  When death becomes as boring as life, all mystery will have ceased.  Lifelessness will rule supreme, but with supreme boredom.   

There are experts in our midst on the mystery of death.  They are people not put off by death as a problem but to whom death remains a mystery constantly accompanying them.  Among them is a family who have experienced the death of a child, of one of them, of a living person grasping for life, awakening to its mystery, reaching for its touch and its pleasure and its pain.  Do not tell such a family, when their child is suddenly removed from their life, that death is a problem.  Do not interrupt the mother as she weeps for the child at night with news that cadavers can be frozen; do not tell his four-year-old sister who looks in vain for her brother to play with that when she reaches the age of reason and is educated she will understand death and learn to resolve the mystery of her absent brother.  

When we cannot respond directly to death; when we take it for granted or ignore it by silence or by talking around it (and reducing it to a problem to be solved); when the published lists of traffic fatalities, of war dead, of assassinated heroes, of earthquake victims do not arouse respect for the mystery of death and its constant presence within and without us; when we can no longer face our own death as a distinct moment in our life wherein we stand in the mystery of our life as past and finished; when we can no longer be aroused to working to prevent death, to putting it off, to fighting for life; and when those who fight to survive no longer inspire us - then we are already overcome with the spirit of lifelessness.  We are bored and boring.  

On Becoming A Mystical Bear Spirituality American Style by Matthew Fox Paulist Press/Deus Books New York/Mahwah pg. 34 - 36 ISBN # 0-8091-1913-7