Pick and Choose Your Battles

Taurus Horoscope April 13th 2009

“Don’t get caught up rehashing an incident from the past. It’s best to leave all that behind and move forward. You can waste a lot of time and energy thinking about what went wrong. Use your energy wisely by spending it living in the now and enjoying what your future has to offer.”

This horoscope is motivational and inspiring. Many times holding on to trivial things can be useless, stressful, and depleting. Not to mention it deters us from our focus and stifles our progress as human beings. If your plan is to grow and move forward into a better place in life, don’t let anything, anyone or any situation stop you.

Living in New York City is great, fast paced,  and exciting. But I have realized “new yorkers” tend to have a certain attitude, too often we are impatient, use foul talk, expect the worst, and when driving or even walking, we pant, sigh, suck our teeth, beep our horns and ask people to get out of the way.

I noticed that this behavior bleeds into every thing we do.  Whether we are the ones initiating this behavior or we are the ones reacting, remember, you can always pick and choose your battles. Just don’t sweat the small stuff. Continue pursuing the better you!

The Funniest Wedding Cake!

Congrats to Canella & Adam Larrabee!

So a wonderful woman I worked with on “Howl” just got married! As I came across her wedding photos, I saw her cake, I thought it was so witty and gorgeous. What do you guys think?

Venus in Retrograde

Planet Venus

In Astronomy, the scientific study of celestial objects, there are stars, planets, asteroids, galaxies, the Universe as we know it. One of our beautiful planets, also known as the Earths “sister planet” because of its size and gravity, is Venus. Named after the Roman Goddess of Love, Venus rules feelings and emotions, aesthetics and tastes, relationships and all forms of desire, such as money, wealth, and/or beautiful surroundings.

Retrograde, or retrogress, means that something is moving backwards. In the universe our planets move both forward and  then backwards. Venus does this every one and a  half years in different zodiac constellations. Depending on what zodiac constellation Venus retrogresses in, determines how it affects the human species. All planets have a natural influence on the way humans think and feel. One might wonder, “How can planets moving backwards have an affect on us?” Well, just like the celestial universe, we too, are made up of the same things as them.

In General the retrograde of Venus rules and affects social behavior and attitudes, governing partnerships and romance affecting everything that has to do with the pursuit of pleasure. So when Venus moves backwards the pace of relationships slow down, visual sensibilities are reduced, and what Venus governs, becomes less significant to us. Venus also rules diplomacy so most of the time there’s procrastination of  industrial disputes, diplomatic endeavors and legal issues. Typically, our problems from the past come back into thought and we will feel determined to find a resolve. We start to feel it is a perfect time to take care of unfinished business. We may feel coerced to deal with deep feelings that originate from past events. These feelings are activated on an inner level but are often difficult to express to ourselves or others while Venus is retrograde.

Venus Retrograde in 2009 starts off in Aries from March 6th. When Venus is in retrograde, everyone’s emotional state is more introspective and we tend to react emotionally to the issues and concerns that relate to the sign, “Aries” involved. With Venus retrograde in early Aries, people with this sign prominent in their birth charts will be especially prone to such introspection. Aries is a Cardinal Sign, so it also has a notable affect on those with the other cardinal signs prominent in their charts. Cardinal Signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. There is little choice but to reconsider our personal feelings and relationships. There is, however, an opportunity to gain insight into ones own mode of relating, whether sexually, creatively, or financially.

According to Astrology.com, Venus in Aries is affectionate and imaginative, idealistic, yet changeable in feelings and romantic in love. Since matters from the past tend to come forward during the retro phase, an old flame, or reminiscences of lost love, may reappear. Aries brings popularity with the opposite sex, though in the retro phase a more fated or destined feel suffuses the atmosphere as we rush to embrace relationships of all kinds. During this time we find that we enjoy having fun and our passionate eagerness can be inspiring and contagious, but some people now will perceive us as being rude and demanding. The combative nature of Aries means we can be too aggressive in forcing our attentions or affections on others. Also we should do our best to resist the urge to general financial extravagance. We must refrain from overeating rich or starchy foods, but also we need to be careful not indulge in faddish diets or skin and kidney problems may arise.

Venus Ends Retrograde on April 17th in the Pisces constellation. Although Venus turns retrograde in Aries (the sign of her detriment), she does so in the early degrees of the Ram and soon retrogrades into Pisces, the sign of her exaltation. When Venus moves back into Pisces on April 11, 2009, deep feelings can be awakened, especially for those who have Mutable Signs strong in their charts. Mutable Signs are Pisces, Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius. This year Venus makes her direct station in the final degree of Pisces, in conjunction with the Fixed Star, Scheat, which is likely to bring out the worst in human relationships and financial discord, primarily through our own misguided actions. Under this influence, our social attitudes and behaviors are profoundly influenced by our emotions. Dramatic engagements will be the flavor of the week! Reminiscences of lost love can turn to dangerous levels of fantasy. Be careful, because you can be severely hurt if a relationship, especially one from the past, fails, something which can then incline you to be reluctant when it comes to making new associations. An overdose of compassion and sensitivity makes it difficult to be discriminating in choosing companions. Beware of attracting those who will take advantage of you. The good thing about the direct station is that it provides the ideal opportunity to make valuable decisions on relationships and interactions in general with regard to the direction you will take in the future – at least until the next Venus Retrograde in October 2010!

So be patient and be kind, nostalgia is normal and love will be going through its logical stages right now which can be beneficial. Because in the very least we can decipher what we need, what we really desire, and then make decisions accordingly.

Peace!

The Power of Love and Forgiveness

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;  does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.  For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Love and Forgiveness don’t only resonate with the relationships we have with others, many times it applies to ourselves. No one is perfect and too often we feel that we have failed ourselves with the decisions we’ve made. As a result we become depressed and end up feeling like a failure. Instead, change your perspective, what ever is meant to be will find it’s way and to everything there is a season and a time for everything.  It is important to love and take care of yourself because only then, everything else follows. Love yourself and know that if someone truly loves you, they will forgive you and try again.

When it comes to forgiving others, whether someone has wronged you, betrayed you or hurt you in more ways than one, the answer is never to attempt in getting justice or revenge, rather try to understand the bigger picture behind it. It is very true that what we put out in the universe we get right back,  so although anger is normal, there should come a time when the anger should be dealt with, balanced out and then left behind. I believe our souls yearn for peace and we can create better lives for ourselves if we learn how to respect and understand one another, creating a harmonious balance.

Asking for forgiveness is not always easy. You must be humble and willing to admit that a mistake was made. This is the most important part of growth. In order to change and move forward we must understand that lies will never get us anywhere, we might think that we are helping the situation by holding back the truth but you never know who knows what, better yet, you become a fraud, an unreliable individual who isn’t willing to accept something that should be changed. It’s better to admit, understand why it was done so it will not happen again. When asking for forgiveness we should internalize that in order to be healed, we must be the change we wish to see.

Be supportive of yourself and others. No one wants or needs to be beat down into feeling inadequate about themselves. Allow growth for change in others while simultaneously working on healing yourself. If this requires space, communicate it with each other and make it happen. If one isn’t supportive of the other, chances are things will fall apart. In time, the truth will always manifest itself. Forgiving does not mean forgetting, condoning, or excusing what happened, its acknowledging and letting go along with the burden of anger and resentment.  Although being disappointed is distressing, once one asks for forgiveness, we should do our best to instill love and peace in others hearts when the time is right.

Keeping the peace with yourself and others is an important factor when forgiving others. While you allow some time for self reflection, be mindful of what you want and need out of life. Remember your worth and be productive and active. Find time to enjoy the little things and be appreciative of all there is to be appreciative of. If you notice there has been a pattern in your partner or loved one and it seems they make the same mistakes repeatedly, forgive them anyway and do what you can to avoid disappointments. Although It’s hard, just realize we cannot change anyone. Remember, what is meant to be will find its way!

When in love, always remember, love is not proud, is not self seeking, does not keep any record of wrongs, rather, it endures everything and most importantly, rejoices in the truth! Love cannot fail.

Peace to all

To Sacrifice a Desire for a Necessity

“The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for who we can become.” ~ Charles Dubois

What I mean by sacrificing a desire for a necessity is to give something up that one might believe is a valuable necessity. Anything disadventagous and/or anything that may contribute in stifiling ones character. It takes self-discipline, great understanding of your worth, and responsibility to follow your own rules in order to stick with the sacrifice you’ve made.

I have always been the affectionate humanitarian; Always helping those I have cared for, even though at times it seemed they lacked concern for themselves, or weren’t assertive in achieving what they needed to achieve. Well quite recently, I have discovered the self discipline to start taking on another habit, instead of trying to save the lives of others who were self seeking, this time, I will take great care of myself.

Many of us feel the need for security in others, one main reason why we stay in disadvantageous relationships. We like to feel apart of, a closeness with someone we believe has our best interests at heart although, in the long run the truth always comes to light and we see that may not always be the case. Indefinitely, we should always intuitively feel situations out for ourselves and choose whether or not something, not just relationships, are in our best interests. Not everything is what it seems and what we desire, in turn, may be the thing that will set us back from what we need. And what we need, realistically, will always be the best thing we have ever hoped for. Don’t substitute, make you’re sacrifice.

Letting Go: The Best Answer to All of Your Questions Concerning Conflict

As I listen to Everything’s not lost by Coldplay and contemplate the patterns of irritating dreams I’ve had for the past nine months, I notice that not only is it foolish to hold on to the same thoughts and concerns I’ve had months ago, but there is absolutely no point in distressing myself with the anticipation of the outcomes in my future.

I started doing Tarot readings, and although it is fun, helpful, and provides futuristic insight, I had to tailor the reasons I do it. I should never be “worried” about anything pertaining to my future, I should only make adjustments to avoid mishaps. Why fear? Why worry? Why doubt? Why complain to others about my feelings or theirs? Emotions are only reflections on what someone is going through, and day to day they change. Eventually, love always heals us and grudges and/or anger disappears and comes to pass. We are all energy, made up of the universe and we act accordingly. Some days we understand those around us and other times we are not in tuned. It is not natural to feel happy all day everyday, some days our nature for understanding becomes blocked due to retrograde of the planets.

Everyone naturally worries, fears, doubts, regrets, disappoints, and contradict themselves. We operate that way because we are not perfect and we might not have mentors nor are each of us guided by the divine every waking day. When filled with doubt, concern, regret, pain, or anything where you’d like to fix a situation that you have no control over See Blog on Control it is my best advice to Let Go and be secure and confident that everything will work itself out. If not the way you desire it to, then for the better. Every loss opens new possibilities for growth because every loss initiates change. Loss hurts because it is our emotional resistance to change. No matter how much we accept intellectually that we must go with the flow, if that flow separates us from what we love, our feelings say, “No!” You must never forget nothing is lost. “Everything’s not lost.” Nothing will ever be lost. Everything that once happened still exists, still made its impact and still will somewhere down the line.

Letting go is not losing something. Letting go is gaining everything. We are human beings who hold power, we bring about manifestations and miracles. Our minds are powerful and we all have gifts that can heal ourselves and others. You must know that you are a powerhouse and that mistakes do not define you nor anyone else walking this Earth. You must know that you can achieve success and that pure unconditional love heals everything and everyone. Letting go allows us to heal ourselves. The one who must be right within ourselves in order to be intuitive and guide ourselves into the places we want to be in. Self discipline is a necessity when trying to learn new things and get to a better place. You are in control of you, your environment and the things that will happen in your future. Let go and let God as they say. Everything always works itself out for the greater for us, especially when we choose better options for ourselves. Make things beautiful in your life by removing insecurites and worries about the future, talk to the Creator, and you will soon see changes  manifest first in your heart, then your being, then your environment and eventually you will start seeing the outcome in your everyday life. Change always comes about, especially when you’re not expecting it to.

To Control or not Control, That is the Question

At a young age we are taught to control ourselves. We are taught to behave a certain way, speak a certain way, eat a certain way and do things a certain way. This cultivates our beings and as the years go by and we practice these methods we were taught, in turn, we want to control other people and/or situations around us.

My name is Meaghan and I have a confession, just the other day I realized I want to be in control. “What an epiphany”, I thought to myself. I wanted to entrench the minds of my loved ones and convince them with why, thinking like me or understanding me better, can help them and our relationships. Now when I failed in my many attempts to persuade, I noticed it ate me alive inside. “How and why can’t things go my way”, I repeatedly thought to myself. I became angry, hopeless, frustrated, sad, and depressed. It was then, inside my mind and heart, I knew I do not and will never have the ability to control people or the world around me. I am only in control of myself. My actions, my behavior, my environment. Even this can be a difficult task in the end.

How can we change our minds? After all these years of practicing control, how can we un-learn and teach ourselves a new perspective on life? Well, I have some suggestions, good ones.

Here are a two questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you get frustrated, sad or depressed when things don’t go your way?
2. Do you really believe that you can control others opinions, thoughts, feelings and the situations that you are in?

This might be a tricky question for some. Be clear, that one of our greatest powers is through communication. That yes, we can plant seeds (good thoughts, words of wisdom, reasons for why things happened, etc) However, the outcome of  people understanding us at the same level or feeling the same way, may not always be reached overnight. I am learning this and want to instill in all of you that the universe always works itself out. There is no denying that what we put out is what we get back and although it seems that life just isn’t fair, we must understand that everything is working out for the greater good. With every negative experience, there is a positive, blessings in disguise that we have no idea are going to enter our lives. It is best for us, to be patient with ourselves, embrace what life has to offer and NEVER I Mean NEVER give up or let your guard down and always choose the better option. It is a challenge to change others, we even have a hard time changing ourselves.

In the end, all you have ever done will show. All your good deeds, remain good, and all of your future possibilities are open. Open up to receive all blessings and plant as many seeds as you can. Think before you retaliate, and the answer is to not control, but to re-think and have faith that everything will eventually work itself out.