Symbolic Living » yoga

Yoga Inc. McYoga

Symbolic Living — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:15:18 +0000

Can yoga be owned? Does the west package yoga into a fast served McYoga happy meal? Is Yoga in the west losing its purpose and soul?

This documentary views yoga from the western perspective and details the history of yoga arriving in the west.

Yoga has transformed from an ancient spiritual practice into a competitive, commercialized, multi-million dollar industry. And for a practice rooted in renunciation, yoga sure is making some people very rich. Can yoga survive this war between the sacred and the profane with its good karma intact?

Esak Garcia is a star on the burgeoning competitive yoga circuit, racking up cash prizes and edging ever closer to snagging an endorsement deal. But Esak’s ultimate goal is the Olympics, a dream instilled in him by his guru, Bikram Choudhury. Bikram’s supporters applaud his crusade to have yoga recognized as an Olympic sport. His detractors are horrified. It’s typical of the controversies that surround the ‘Bad Boy of Yoga’. Bikram has also copyrighted his popular yoga style. Those who teach ‘Bikram yoga’ without playing by his rules are hit with crippling copyright infringement fees. So a group of yoga studio owners take Bikram to court to pose an important legal question; can anyone ‘own’ yoga?

In today’s yoga world only the marketplace has real meaning, where everything is up for grabs, from yoga shoes to chakra panties. The new mantras are Standardize and Supersize. In the race to cash in yoga chains (‘McYoga’?) are popping up everywhere, putting the smaller studios out of business. No wonder purists are scratching their heads. Is nothing sacred?

Greed, lust, ego and the search for enlightenment all come together in this original, irreverent portrait of spiritualism and capitalism colliding head on. Source Link

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New Moon in Cancer July 1, 2011 Astrology Horoscope Forecast

Symbolic Living — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:22:10 +0000

It’s officially a New Moon in Cancer on Friday, July 1, 2011 at 4:53am EST.

This new moon in Cancer also brings us another Solar Eclipse.

This is a time when we are all being pushed to confront what has been holding us back and what we need to do to make fundamental changes in our lives and create a hopeful attitude for the future through self awareness.

Not only are we being moved to consider how we see ourselves and the necessary changes we must make in our personal lives, but the way we see the whole world is shifting. How we interact with the world, how we feel out of place, or in control is a dance between what happens to us and what we choose to focus on doing.

Do you feel out of touch with parts of your life and at the whims of erratic, changing circumstances or do you feel in control of your destiny?

There are powerful movements happening in the heavens. Right now, planets are aligned in a Grand Cross which gives rise to large reaching shifts in our lives collectively and personally. The Sun and Moon are placed in challenging aspects with Pluto, Uranus and Saturn.

Although this is a challenging time, it is precisely why it is also a time when personal power can be harnessed with focus. You can choose to buckle down and get real about your life and go after what you truly want, or you can passively be controlled by the external circumstances of your life. Using the challenges to motivate you to succeed can bring great rewards.

We are all on a long-term learning path with Pluto and Saturn giving us real, practical, and necessary insights. We have been talking about responsibility for the past while as this is a larger trend for all of us. One of the most evident ways we see this on a large scale is how most everyone in North America, and many parts of the world for that matter, are part of a system of debt. Our basic needs of shelter, transportation, and food are all touched on by our past choices leading us into the present and future.

On the individual level we see so many of have debt accrued for mortgages, loans, and in lifestyle wants and necessities, credit cards unite our past with our future. Considering how to cut down on debt is important. We’ll be writing a new article next week on lifestyle relating to money.

Pluto is pushing us, or should we say teaching us with Capricorn, far reaching lessons. Our attention is being brought to seeing what we need to get rid of in our lives that isn’t serving us to build a truly solid foundation. That is a good thing. Continuing on the same path without consideration for the whole impact is an important part of getting real with our choices. We’re being lead to live our lives in a more holistic way.

Now with the Moon in Cancer we get the opportunity to learn how to nourish ourselves through the challenges that act as catalysts to change in our lives.

Nourishing ourselves starts with a healthy relationship to the here and now, with our bodies, our minds and spirits in sync with our immediate environment, the earth. Jupiter continues in Taurus, granting us more of this awareness.

It all comes full circle and down to you taking care of yourself. The Moon and Cancer points to the motherly nature. Now you get to act in this manner for yourself, be your own mother figure by giving yourself, and those around you, what you intuitively need for balance.

As an example of how the large picture and our own immediate lives shift together; food prices are escalating because of larger, external events. So what can you do to continue to nourish yourself well while also easing the pressure? An example that the planets are emphasizing as important now is learning to grow your own food, such as starting a backyard garden.

The answers are within you, intuitively. Just as a baby intuitively knows when to eat and to breastfeed naturally, you retain that intuitive knowing within yourself to do what feels right. In terms of nourishing your health and well being, you intuitively know if your back is sore, stretch, if you are hungry, eat, if you are tired, sleep. The problem is, unlike a baby, we have so many distractions in our lives we push the intuitive actions to the side for later. Sometimes later comes too late because distractions easily pile up.

The New Moon in Cancer also brings up a natural air of defensiveness. This also has to do with a type of nurturing the self, but is a blend of self preservation and protection skewed by the ego and emotions. However, self-defense doesn’t always mean defense against another, it can mean defending yourself from obstacles. We all realize in life we are subject to being vulnerable, yet sometimes external influences are out of our hands. We all want comfort at our most basic level and this New Moon emphasizes that awareness in all of us.

Sometimes we need to do what we can to protect ourselves from the pressure of external events, but there is also a point where we have to let go a little and trust that we’ll be ok, we’ll make it through the challenges.

The Moon rules Cancer, so you know the watery emotions and intuitive side of yourself will be heightened. Mercury in Cancer also has our logic tied to our emotions now. Unproductive worry about the future may be on your mind. Neptune also lends itself to blurring the lines of our emotional and logical side. The fog may be thick at times, but you can still breathe.

Mood swings and burying feelings with problematic behavior from antisocial fears, overeating to hoarding may present themselves. These are artificial ways to create self-comfort and as a whole, reveal deeper problems and issues. However, there are steps to shift the behavior.

With the tendency to worry now. A helpful practice is to write down all the things you are worried about. What’s weighing on your mind that’s stagnating your enthusiasm? Awareness is an important step to shifting your consciousness. After all, being stuck in gloom and fear leaves you feeling heavy. The only way out is to change in your thinking patterns. Globalizing world problems, future possibilities, and the like can be overwhelming.

Take a step in a new direction. Imagine how you’d feel and what you’d be doing if all those obstacles and fears were removed. Who would you spend time with? What would you do with your time? What is one thing you’d love to do or try?

It’s a good time to consider you life in a more spiritual, purposeful context. Instead of coming from a place of worrying about how externals are affecting your livelihood, direct your attention to making your life more about being on a personal mission. It’s easy to feel like a victim being thrown around by what’s happening to you from the outside, but it doesn’t have to be that way. To maintain clarity it’s important to see yourself as the eye of the storm. You are capable of creating the reality you envision despite the changing influences around you.

You want to do things to succeed, but there’s a lingering feeling that keeps you inhibited to take action. What you need to do is go to the root of your feelings and do things that nurture your self-esteem and boost your confidence so you can achieve your desires rather than wallowing in despair.

Bringing your self esteem up a notch is essential now for everyone to maintain equilibrium. We often mention yoga and meditation, and there’s a reason for that; these practices truly improve your sense of well being, among many other positive benefits. Some people are hesitant to try yoga. You don’t have to go to a class, or do specific poses, just being present in your body is enough to start. Just move and breathe, that’s enough to start making internal shifts.

There are lots of things that are inspiring. Visit new locations in your area. Go to a symphony. Walk along the beach. Join a group of nature enthusiasts, or a photography group. What can you do in your area that will put you into a new frame of mind?

Jupiter in Taurus continues to give us the benefit of seeing the deeper reality of nature as a reflection of our own selves, it can gives us a boost immediately.

“Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars and if you have eyes, you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful” ~ Osho

Neptune is in positive aspect to the Sun and Moon now. Dreaming is heightened. Many dreams are positive, some dreams will bring your fears to the surface for you to acknowledge and work through. These dreams may bring you beneficial messages that help you push forward, just as much as the positive dreams do. Take note of both with equal importance.

Spontaneous dreams while asleep are one thing, but you can also use this influence to enjoy daydreaming that can bring up potent, inspiring visions. Start with a positive image and see what else comes through. It’s also a great time to fantasize about historical times to give you a different vibe. Try visualizing yourself during the Renaissance, or Medieval times, with fantasy and romance as the underlying theme.

Spontaneous new ideas should be taken note of now, especially ideas that are dedicated to making your life more free. You can elaborate on them more later when you are able to think more clearly.

If you are studying, take breaks often. Trying to assimilate new information may be hampered by drifting thoughts and absent mindedness. If you are easily lead astray to surfing the web when working on the computer, it may be best to do whatever you can offline, then enter in the necessary data you’ve brought together with pen and paper.

If making agreements, glossing over the fine print may be a common mistake. Make sure you really “get it” before signing a contract.

Drugs and alcohol may temporarily expand perceptions but won’t do well for anyone interested in a fully balanced body, mind and spirit. The body especially will be affected by intoxicants making action sluggish and physical motivation wane. Your physical and mental state are closely influenced by one another now. Do what is best for both now.

In love, some people will have their eye wander by temptations, causing relationship problems or regrettable encounters. A more abundant and fulfilling relationship will happen through the connection you make with a romantic partner on a more spiritual level. This will be beneficial with current love interests, rather than new encounters.

Overall this is a time of growth through challenges. A Grand Cardinal Cross with intense planets staring at each other from across the room push us and pull us, but we’ll get through it better than ever.

Now try really to look at yourself, your actions and motivations. It’s time to leave behind what is not working for you, purge yourself of the blockages and nurture yourself with a lot of love and intuitive wisdom from a higher place in your life. See yourself in the light, the way a mother see’s her child.

Happy Canada Day!

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This forecast has been written by Symbolic Living. © 2011. All rights reserved.
This article is not to be copied or republished without express written permission.
Stay tuned for our regular installments of New Moon and Full Moon Forecasts by Symbolic Living.

Get a unique, personalized Tarot & Astrology Reading
of Your Own Personal Chart
from Symbolic Living.

We are glad you enjoy our forecasts at Symbolic Living.

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Interview with Michael DeCorte founder of Jock Yoga

Symbolic Living — Mon, 30 May 2011 22:06:39 +0000

As many of you who visit our site know Nadiya Shah is not only a regular contributer in sharing with us her Astrology Forecasts but she is also a close personal friend. We are very pleased to showcase her online show Nadiya Shah Productions.

Nadiya has recently conducted an interview with Michael DeCorte, founder of Jock Yoga™ in Toronto. His story of personal growth and determination to fulfill a higher purpose for his life is inspiring. We are pleased to share with you Michael’s story and know it will inspire many of you to recognize your own personal challenges and fears and realize you have the potential to follow through with whatever it is you are passionate about that really can reinvent your life.

Nadiya and Michael discuss determination, inspiration, and spirituality in the current and collective. Enjoy learning more about Michael and his passion.

Click here to view the embedded video.

http://www.jockyoga.com

http://www.strongbodystillmind.com

Visit Michaels site to find out about his classes.

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New Moon in Taurus May 3, 2011 Astrology Forecast

Symbolic Living — Sun, 01 May 2011 13:47:09 +0000

It’s officially a New Moon in Taurus on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in the early hours of the morning at 2:50am EST.

The Sun is shining stronger every day, enjoying his place in earthy Taurus. We’re transitioning from April showers to May flowers.

The weekend of April 30th, and May 1st brings the traditional celebration of Beltane, the celebration of life, and fertility. The evidence is everywhere. The birds are singing, the newborns continue to thrive and grow. The flowers are starting to bloom and the tree’s are budding, reaching towards the radiant sun. People are out and about. Everything is taking advantage of life and enjoying the pleasures of the earth.

With so many planets in Aries, including Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus, the fresh energy of newness is propelling us all forward with optimism that we can do, achieve and grow in the direction we desire.

Mercury is now in direct motion, since April 23rd. Luckily the miscommunications of mercury retrograde are getting cleared up, and hopefully you had the opportunity to rethink a lot of things in early April.

This is a really great time to do a lot of things that will get you in touch with the earth. Nature will bring a new awareness to how you generally feel about your life. Whether your emotions are balanced, or if you’ve encountered emotional turmoil recently, the scent of flowers will lift your spirits immensely. Admiration of the beauty of flowers and green, lush plants will be enhanced now. Bringing more plants into your home will dramatically change the atmosphere and flow of energy.

Taking care of plants can be an emotionally balancing, holistic, spiritual experience. Pruning your plants, getting rid of dead leaves, fertilizing, changing their location according to their optimal balance of sunlight exposure will create a bond between you and the natural rhythms, and requirements of nature. Caring for your space is an extension of caring for yourself.

Getting your hands dirty in the garden, planting seeds, doing a bit of landscaping will get you outside enjoying the earth and the sun, as it’s meant to be. Woodworking, laying down tiles, brick or stonework will give you an outlet for working with your hands while bringing that creative, artistic Venus influence forth.

There’s always hints of the necessity for a beach body noted in commercials and magazines at this time of year. Nearly everyone has something about their body they don’t like. Instead of focusing on external opinions and superficial reasons to get in touch with your body, this is a much better time to consider your relationship to your body in a more holistic way.

You should appreciate how much your body allows you to do in the world instead of judging every angle of it. The body is a garden offering us the pleasure of connecting with the earth in many ways. Self-care, grooming, eating healthy foods heighten our appreciation of our bodies and this new moon in Taurus opens up the door for renewal. Instead of treating your body like a product designed to be shown off in a display window in desperate need for recognition, you can make a deeper, more sacred connection to your body. Your body is a temple where the life force is granted the opportunity to enjoy the world of experience.

Taurus is a fixed sign, and this new moon has the tendency to feel inertia. Starting a new routine of exercise from body building to running to yoga, depending on your preference, can take time. When starting out, at first, how your body feels may seem foreign and the motivation may take a bit more time to get into. However, after a few sessions of connecting to your body the power of inertia will start to amp up, and you’ll ask yourself, “What was I waiting for, this feels amazing!” You may also find it becomes addicting, and you’ll enjoy the rush you get and the endorphins released every time you exercise.

Although routine styles of exercise will be excellent options now, some people can’t see themselves doing rote exercise. In such cases, a great option is to get moving through dancing. The taurean influence bestowed on all of us loves music, so moving with a beat is great. Make it fun. Whatever you do, notice how you feel gravity and the earth in your body.

If you’re feeling lazy, but want to still get in touch with your body, go for a massage. A foot massage, or reflexology treatment will be excellent for your body, mind and soul. A walk in the grass with bare feet will also be refreshing.

Mercury and Venus are in Aries in opposition to Saturn in Libra. A subject or attitude might be brought up quickly out of left field, like a snappy remark that references something touchy from the past. A disagreement, not seeing eye to eye, or quick negative reaction can bring up karma between you and another, a past conflict perhaps. It could be over something trivial blown out of proportion, or it could be something that hits you deep and makes you bite your tongue to not lash out in retaliation. Something from the past could be reawakened near this new moon, something that brings out a subject that stirs passion ranging from the height of love to the depths of war.

The Taurus moon energy adds to the Aries energy, which can make you want to rage like a bull if your buttons are pressed too hard. Something borrowed or taken without asking, or any material object of a perceived value could play a factor. This may be a time to ask yourself how much of another behavior are you willing to subject yourself to. You don’t want a love-hate relationship and you don’t want to be subjected to passive aggressive remarks every time you turn around.

Remember you can control your reactions to someones offensive behavior, attitude or remarks. Choose a new path for yourself so keep things harmonious in your own life. Saturn continues to drive the lessons home which are in your best interest in the long run, even though it’s not so obvious in the moment. If something is getting to you, get outside in nature and walk it off. Put your focus on the more positive things in your life.

The simple pleasure found in wearing jewelery comes forth with this new moon as well. A pendant, a ring, something symbolic of your earthiness and artistic, inspired qualities will make you feel good. Real pleasure won’t come from showing off to others what you have, it comes from a more authentic, symbolic importance of what the piece means to you.

Listening to music that touches a spiritual force within you, will accompany you with an amazing personal experience of self-understanding. You can be moved by a life changing realization, just listen.

Starting a new plan of action for building any project, including building your wealth, is auspicious now. Venus moved into Aries on April 21 and lends itself to giving you a more prosperous way of life. It’s a good time to consider new ways to bring more money into your life in creative and fulfilling ways. If you need an extra push, Saturn will bring expenses up from the past that make you rethink how you make and spend your money, including credit. You’ll get new insights now into how you really want to make your money, instead of just focusing on how you have to make money.

Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter are in close connection now in Aries, making possibilities for new beginnings very potent and powerful. Take note of your idea’s and expand on them. If you feel particularly passionate about something now, go for it.

There’s a lot of positive energy now for starting new projects. However, it doesn’t mean you’ll feel so confident in everything you wish to pursue or your abilities relating to them. There is a possibility many have a sense of self-doubt lingering. This can be a good thing though because it slows you down from making quick, rash decisions.

If you’re overwhelmed, thinking realistically will help. Don’t put too much pressure on trying to think about everything needing to be done at once. Space out your actions and responsibilities into manageable chunks and reward yourself with each accomplishment. Make your goals exciting parts of your life, instead of burdens. It’s all in the way you look at it. You can make your life meaningful each step of the way.

Saturn’s pull can make some people feel heavy. If you’re depressed or overwhelmed, it will pass. Depression is often caused by thinking about yourself too much. Get outside your self, and consider doing for others now.

Saturn is pushing us to be more practical to find a better balance. Think about various points of view in regards to what kind of life you want to build for yourself. Making any plans or decisions in regards to buying, investing, business, love and relationships should be thought with realistic goals in mind. Long term plans put into place with responsible choices can start a really powerful movement in your life to get you from here to there. Thinking responsibly now creates a more secure future. You can set the karmic rewards waiting for you in the future by what you do now.

This is a really good time to clear out the clutter from your life. It’s not unlikely people will get a real strong urge to clean and tidy up what’s long overdue. Hoarders are notorious for having homes filled with everything they find. The material hoarder is obvious, but there’s another kind of hoarder that isn’t always so noticeable to others; the Information Hoarder. For instance, a lot of people’s email inbox and computer hard drive can get really full and disorganized. Spending some time clearing out the junk no longer necessary will clear the way for you to feel more focused and organized. With Pluto in good relations to the moon now it can be a time of purging.

Spring cleaning symbolizes a new beginning. Through the action of organizing your life you send a strong message that you are ready and willing to actively pursue what you need and want in life and what you can let go of. This is a time to get connected to the earth, your body, and think about the many opportunities for building a more solid foundation in wealth and well being.

Life is abundant now. It’s a great time to awaken new awareness of how meaningful your life really is. Your passion and drive to be connected to who you really are will shine through.

As the moon starts to grow over the next couple weeks, keep in mind your personal growth, spiritually and practically. Write down what stands out as significant and meaningful.

Enjoy the sun and the earth.

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This forecast has been written by Symbolic Living. © 2011. All rights reserved.
Stay tuned for our regular installments of New Moon and Full Moon Forecasts by Symbolic Living.

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Full Moon in Libra April 17, 2011 Astrology Forecast

Symbolic Living — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:18:43 +0000

It’s officially a Full Moon in Libra on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 10:43pm EST.

The Full Moon in Libra is bringing emphasis to seeing our world and life experiences with more clarity and balance.

Libra is the sign of the scales, symbolically relating to the ancient Greek Goddess Themis, Dike and Roman Goddess Justitia, beholding Truth and Justice. Her symbolism depicts her as holding the sword, scales and is often blindfolded to denote objective points of view instead of subjective or biased points of view influenced by external sway.

In our everyday lives, each of us usually see the world through our own lens. Now, with the Moon in Libra we have emphasis placed on being more fair, in seeing the other side of the coin before coming to conclusions. There is much more pleasure found in an easy going nature now.

We are also able to cut through the bull of others, and will not so easily have the wool pulled over our eyes. Many will not be so easily duped, or seduced by illusions placed before them, and naivety will be diminished. What may attempt to appear as one thing, can be seen through to what it actually is when taking a closer look and considering more points of view. Couple this with the Neptune in Pisces era we are getting a taste of now, with delusions, untruths and spirituality and mysticism finding its balance.

These qualities should be noted for anyone in a crisis situation, as clarification and a direct, decisive ability to react with more calmness will give a much more favorable result.

Easter is always at a different time of the year. It is placed on the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Spring Equinox, which points to cultural significance of Astrology in many areas of our lives.

At this time of year we can see the deep symbolism of Easter portraying the balance of Justice. The story teaches good ultimately prevails over evil. Forces of corruption and injustice is transcended.

What do you feel like you have risen above? Is there an area of your life that you have noticed growing in fairness, justice, acceptance and balance leading you to a more harmonious way of life?

Balance is not always easy to come by though. We have to work at it, and sometimes when we have many points of view to consider, confusion and indecision can be a problem. Just remember, considering what’s best for you and all others involved should help you make the right choice.

If you tend to be indecisive about things, look at the pros and cons in an objective way. Although your emotions may be wrapped up in the outcome, coloring your decision making process with rationality will be helpful. Although the moon is an emotional force, Libra lends its balance with mindfulness.

It’s also a time to see who’s morals you do or don’t align with. Is there anyone who is outside your scope of what is right and good in your own life? Cutting ties to outworn ideas will leave you more balanced emotionally and spiritually.

Libra is an Air sign ruled by Venus, but right now Venus is in the water sign Pisces. Although Venus in Pisces does indicate love and affection can be drawn on, air and water don’t blend so well, which points to slight emphasis on incompatibility in relationships. Many may feel the need for more freedom. That goes for current relationships and potential new ones.

You may catch someone’s eye, and both feel there’s an attraction with stirrings of excitement on a visceral level, but one of you knows deep down it wouldn’t work out. It’s like two ships passing in the night, but still, the emotions are brought to your awareness, like flowing currents in the sea below. The Moon will be in Taurus next month which is also ruled by Venus, bringing the more compatible earth element into play.

Arts associated with divine concepts are also attracting or repelling us. Mystical concepts embedded in art can provoke us to spiritual awakening or if they are against our morals or ideals can invoke strong feelings that draw out our own moral compass, or sword of justice. This is a time to choose what is right for you.

Mercury is still retrograde, hanging out closely with Mars and Jupiter in Aries. Although there is a feeling of passion to succeed and grow, Mercury is still indicating us to step back to think, reconsider our alternatives and not sign anything big without knowing the finer details is important.

With these planets in opposition to Saturn in Libra you really want to make sure you’re making the right decision. Remember Libra is the great decision maker, as discussed above in relation to Justice. The gravity of our decisions require us to be responsible and attentive to the possible outcomes now. You may also feel a bit stuck. You know big things are coming, you have the enthusiasm, but there’s something holding you back. All things come in good time. Be patient.

Jupiter wants us to grow and succeed with high hopes and optimism and is hanging out closely with the Sun. Sometimes people think Jupiter is going to make big things happen in the most obvious, clear-cut ways, but that’s not always the case. Jupiter give us enthusiasm, but with that our expectations of what will be can be so high it can lead us to disappointment.

Instead, if you don’t see things grand happening, they still likely are, you just aren’t seeing them. Remember Jupiter is about expansion. Sometimes people have such a narrow view of what they want and what success for them should be, that they miss out on seeing what may be right in front of them because they only want to see one thing.

A narrow view, is not the kind of view Jupiter is motivated to grant you. For example, if you just expect to win the lottery, you could be stopping yourself from going for really big things in many other possible ways. See the possibilities and recognize your potentials are bigger than you may be giving yourself credit for. Expand your scope of what you label as success in your life.

The prices of food, gas and essentials continues to increase. At this time it would be good to reconsider where you are investing your money, where you should cut back on spending unnecessarily and make more responsible choices. As the moon wanes over the coming weeks reconsider your monetary placements. Where do you keep your money, spend it, or give away to others. What would make you feel more abundant? Pluto is showing us there are some difficult aspects in areas of our life, but within them there is always potential for great change in how we live our lives.

You can find your balance. Paying more attention to where you spend or waste your money can be a blessing in disguise. Being more attentive can get you more organized and appreciative of what you do have. Wasting less, and having more gratitude for what you do have, and being more creative with food choices can be a great lesson in self awareness. Instead of driving, take a bike out and relive your childhood carefree freedom of getting out there. Expand your way of living by changing a few little things can be really fantastic!

In a couple weeks we’ll discuss factors associated with the new astrological climate, so come back and enjoy astrology with us.

Also check out the Ace of Swords for more relevant information on the justice/balance.

Enjoy the fun and celebration of the Royal Wedding. See our friend Nadiya Shah’s forecast on the Astrology of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton here.

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This forecast has been written by Symbolic Living. © 2011. All rights reserved.
Stay tuned for our regular installments of New Moon and Full Moon Forecasts by Symbolic Living.

Get an in-depth Tarot & Astrology Reading of Your Own Personal Chart
from Symbolic Living.

Leave a comment if you wish. We hope you enjoy our forecasts at Symbolic Living.

Learn about the Tarot. Check out our Tarot Tuesdays!

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New Moon in Aries April 3, 2011 Astrology Forecast

Symbolic Living — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 21:51:42 +0000

It’s officially a New Moon in Aries on Sunday April 3, 2011 at 10:32 am EST.

What a build up of energy in Aries signaling a transformation in both completion and renewal in many aspects of our lives.

Spring is giving us all a new drive. The life force is pumping through our veins, the birds are singing, the sun is shining.

The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus are all enjoying the new, alive energy of Aries. What a powerful spring awakening.

It’s a great time for spring cleaning, symbolic of renewing yourself and your environment. If you’ve felt closed off from the world get out there, free yourself to enjoy the light and be strong. Watch that this active energy doesn’t overtake your senses or your ego though and make you too fiery. It’s a pleasant time of the year, enjoy it with all those around you.

Consider what’s happening in nature. The plants will be growing soon, attracted to this new energy, symbolic of how you can grow and blossom in your own life. Like the plant kingdom that needs soil, sunlight, nutrients and water in the right balance, Saturn is determined that you do your growing in the right environment. Consider how to have the right people, places and things in your life that give you optimal balance allowing you to create the life you want.

Saturn slows us down a bit, for good reason. Saturn is in opposition to this New Moon, giving us some grounding. With all those planets in Aries our direct passionate flame needs to have some control so it doesn’t burn out of control.

You may be tempted to rush for things you want, but Mercury retrograde is informing us all that quick and easy route might superficially look like a good idea, but the longer term plan will do you to better. You can make actions go beyond just the short term benefits. Enjoy the moments of enthusiasm coupled with patience, knowing that it’s all coming together in good time.

You can achieve your goals, and the inspiration to live life to the fullest is all around you.

The usually shy person, and those who have difficulty in social situations may find the direct attitudes and enthusiasm around them a little intimidating. It’s OK, we all can be shy at times. Getting outside your bubble can open a new way of seeing your world. Trust that others are not out to get you at every turn. Learn new ways of identifying where your confidence comes from that lets you shine as you. Give yourself more freedom. Maybe a walk in nature, seeing the beauty in the animals, budding tree’s and sprouts will reflect some of that same beauty found within you.

With Mars in Aries, as it’s ruler it is especially potent. This it is a great time to get out and be active; get your blood flowing, and use that high energy.

An outspoken attitude has benefits and consequences. It shows you are strong in your convictions, but with mercury retrograde think before you speak and certainly try to tame down any fighting words if you’re tense. Ranting and raving online will find you company that can meet your tenacity. Fanatics and extremists are ready and willing to throw virtual punches.

Politically minded people can and will share their point of view with frankness and increasing decibels. The warring side of Aries has a whole spectrum to travel within, and diplomacy may not be a real priority as communications aren’t so clear nor are real intentions below what’s said. Opinions and events can change quickly, with an underlying tension.

Working on a deadline? Now you’ll have the drive but may be tense every minute and second that ticks on the clock.

That Moon in Aries puts forth quick reactions attached to emotions that can be scalding to the touch. Be careful of the results. Karma can come back to haunt you, or bless you depending on what you put out there.

With Saturn in opposition to the Moon those who are overly self reflecting may be feeling a bit of depression, and with Pluto putting up a roadblock to expressing the deeper side of yourself, it can be confusing to say the least. Pluto also teaches us that there are deeper, subconscious parts of ourselves, and life, that can’t always be avoided. Carl Jung expressed the need to bring the shadowy parts of the self to the surface in order to see the light.

However, Spring energy is with us and it’s motivating in many ways. Get out of yourself for a bit and hang out in the Sun to refresh your spirit and emphasize that abundantly alive Spring attitude. Whatever balance you find, you’re sure to blossom. Find the balance that doesn’t feel stuck, but feels expansive. Jupiter wants to take you there, let him. Don’t deprive yourself of making the most of your mind and body.

If things in your relationships aren’t clear you should try to face facts. Honesty is needed now. What do you really want? Think about ways you can make up for past and recent mistakes. Make a genuine effort to move forward instead of avoiding the truth. Things that need to be worked on can’t be swept under the rug. A mountain of dust will surely develop with dust bunnies evident around the edges. Eventually you’ll have to clean up and it won’t be pretty. Learning the hard way isn’t fun. Warming up your own opinions of yourself and others will help you express yourself in a more loving way leading to positive experiences you’ll feel good about.

Thinking about trying something new to make money? Enthusiasm for entrepreneurs is great, but don’t spend too much upfront. Dreams are worthwhile, but responsibility is always key to feeling abundant while you work on developing your goals.

Creating a business plan right now, or thinking about a new project for your employer, is great. Rethink how you really want to spend your time building your nest egg.

Sudden decisions on spending your money now can empty your wallet quickly and with the prices of food and gas on the rise every day, splurging isn’t wise to begin with. You don’t have to be cheap, but be smart. There’s nothing wrong with looking for sales on things you need or want, and it can give you a sense of organization and discipline that might need your attention anyway.

Take time, especially over the next month developing your great ideas with a stable outlook. You can put the finishing touches on your plan in a few weeks. You’ll have more clarity for the go-ahead and final say then.

Monday, April 4, Neptune is taking a step into Pisces and will be right at home.

There is a heightened sensitivity happening within all of us. Compassion and spiritual points of view are going to continue to increase.

Venus has been in Pisces for a while already, where it is exalted, thus emotions are increased. Expressing what, or who, you love can be a deeply moving experience. Beautiful art, clothes, designs are mesmerizing and appreciated at a deeper level. Something that catches your eye initially can take on deeper significance for it’s beauty than you had first considered.

You’ll be inspired by more interesting appearances. If you cut your hair or clothe yourself in a new way outside the “norm” someone may say something that can hurt your feelings. Let it go, they may not get it, and they don’t have to. Your tastes and inspirations are yours, not theirs, feel good about what heightens your own sense of personal artistry. You don’t need to have others verify what feels right for you. Appreciate the diversity of tastes that paint the world in many colors. Most likely others will find there is a deeper inspiration they feel by anything that exudes that higher octave of art.

This also holds true if you want to start wearing an amulet or talisman of some sort, or carry a certain stone for holistic benefits. The mystical side of life is becoming more present in our lives and some will enjoy sharing it in subtle ways.

There’s a mystical aura flowing around, tap into it. Yoga and meditation will move you deeply.

Dreams are really going to be interesting for us all. Listen to music like you never have before. Feel it. It can move you more than you thought.

Reading mystical, fantasy novels, watching movies like the Mists of Avalon, listening to songs with really deep lyrics will take on a new significance. You’ll get the message more deeply. Your imagination can flourish.

Some may find themselves driven to capture a dreamy version of life almost permanently, losing touch with reality. Drugs and alcohol used to blur the lines between the worlds can lead to disillusionment, not to mention unhealthy experiences and addictions. Find your balance. Reality can be magical anytime, you just have to tune into it, and you can naturally. A flower-power love and appreciation to the mystical beauty present in the world is boosted by Venus.

Blend the possibilities revealed by your dreaminess with everyday practicality.

The New Moon and the many planets in Aries’ Spring sun is shining bright, make the most of it, and make the effort like those seeds growing towards the light.

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This forecast has been written by Symbolic Living. © 2011. All rights reserved.
Stay tuned for our regular installments of New Moon and Full Moon Forecasts by Symbolic Living.

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Full Moon in Virgo March 19, 2011 Astrology Forecast

Symbolic Living — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:35:40 +0000

Mercury

It’s officially a Full Moon in Virgo on Saturday March 19, 2011 at 2:10 pm EST, and this one’s a “Supermoon”.

Spring starts on Sunday, the sun is shining and weather is getting warmer every day.

With the Moon in Virgo we are all reconnecting to the earth and experiencing our physical selves and environment in a more embodied, emotionally connected way. The roots are starting to grow deeper into the earth again and preparing for the buds to start showing themselves to the sun, symbolic of our own movement towards our earthiness.

This is a time where you’ll be more aware of your body-mind connection in a new manner. Even the smallest things you may not regularly pay attention to can have significant impact on your well being.

Shedding new light on your health and wellness, a lot of questions and considerations will be important now. Whether you have been focusing on your well being and connection to your body or not, now you have an opportunity to become more conscious of how you are feeling and what needs to be addressed and changed.

How have you been treating yourself lately physically?
What have you neglected?
Have you started a new diet?
Do you moisturize your skin enough?
Have you been skipping breakfast these days?
Are you getting enough vitamins?
Have you started a new exercise regime lately or thought about taking up yoga or meditation?

These are very simple questions, but can easily be overlooked in our busy lives. Have you been too busy to pay attention to how you’re treating yourself?

All these considerations will be important now. This is the right time to get yourself into a new groove and expand your vision of how your body and mind are integrated in a holistic way.

People often think of a full moon as the culmination, and the new moon as a time for new beginnings, and rightly so, however each moment is an opportunity for change and renewal. A Full moon brings things to the surface, to our awareness, out in the open to see. What we weren’t aware of before, is now. A lot of light is shining on the face of the moon, and a lot of light is shining onto us in our own lives on the often hidden, deeper aspects of ourselves we often tuck away. This is a time that can be powerful for change in a new direction.

Mercury (the ruler of Virgo) and Jupiter are hanging out together in the sign of Aries which gives this Full Moon a push in initiating and expanding the way we think and feel about our bodies and health. Uranus has also moved into Aries, last week fueling sudden insights, and a whole new way of looking at our lives. However, because there is opposition from Uranus with the Moon, there will be challenges. The emotional attachments, and baggage, we have must be balanced with newer, sudden transformation Uranus declares.

An interesting astronomical side note on Mercury; right now a new space probe is orbiting Mercury, planned to start it’s orbit on March 17 at 9pm. The space probed is appropriately called Messenger, as in Mercury’s mythology he is “Messenger to the Gods”. It will be the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury.

Worrying much? Don’t worry is easier said than done. Virgo is a thinker, a perfectionist, and the Full Moon in Virgo is making us all have a bit more of a critical mind. Using our intellect the right way can pay off in good results, but it’s hard not to worry about so many things. Write. Keep lists of to-do’s. Stay organized. Track the details so you can get them off your mind for a while.

For now, whenever a new thought comes up, storing it on something external (a device, book, etc.), or acting on it right away to get it done and over with will help you feel more balanced. Things to do that can’t be done right away are best written down to help alleviate those recurring thoughts going over and over again in your mind. Procrastination is a downer.

Saturn continues to emphasize our karmic ways that need to be looked at to find our balance, and with his current opposition to Mercury and Jupiter, the growth and insights we achieve will have weight. There’s gravity there, so think through your new insights and possible choices by acknowledging their longer term impact. Doing things for immediate gratification to avoid the responsibility of your longer term goals won’t give you the sense of balance you need the way a longer term plan will. Write it all down. Longer term responsibilities need a step by step approach with the details laid out for review and analysis at different stages of the game.

Transforming our lives, how we view our selves and the world is not always easy. Pluto is putting a lot of emphasis on our need for fundamental transformation but is bringing out the harder, hidden side that needs to be worked on and brought to the surface. The transformation is deeply rooted in the earth right now.

Pisces is getting a return of emphasis from it’s ruler Neptune. How we see our reality is ready to change in exciting ways, with an emphasis on our spiritual, mystical leanings and deeper recesses of ourselves.

In our day to day lives, the planetary aspects are showing a rise in emotional tension. Communications will not always be easy. Responding to others with short, curt attitude will not do you well. Be bold if you need to be, but respectful. The freethinkers, those who love their freedom to think as they wish won’t be fans of people who want to tell them otherwise. It can get tense.

Competitions can get fired up. Talking behind your competitions back, gossiping will come back to haunt you sooner than later. Be careful. Someone with an alpha-male attitude can really feel like a bully, opening an emotional can of worms. With a lack in self confidence, worry can lead to feeling under the weather, especially indigestion.

The energy for hardcore exercise may dwindle if it’s boring. The best thing to do is get active in a fun way and that stimulates your mind.

Don’t spend too much money on what you desire. The bank remembers every penny you give in exchange for your pleasures. If your money is tight, hold onto it a little more, or you may end up frustrating yourself with your lack of self restraint when the bills show up in the mail.

Daydreaming about love and what you want in your ideal love life can be fun, but you may be more interested in daydreaming about food that is irresistible. Try healthy alternatives. Give yourself the opportunity to explore foods that you know are good for your body and mind.

The Moon is in Perigee now, famously called a “Supermoon” which will appear 14% larger than when in Apogee orbit. The best time to see the moon in it’s glory is when it’s on the horizon after sunset. There has been a lot of talk about the Moon in Perigee, the influence of the moon on the earth due to it’s closer proximity. The Virgo influence is amped.

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

One of the focal points of the moon in perigee was the closer proximity being considered as causing weather disasters. After the earthquake and tsunami we are continuing to hear the devastating news of the nuclear reactors.

Although a moon in perigee is popular in the news, there are other astrological symbols and synchronicities to consider here that may be more telling. On March 11, the date of the major 8.9 earthquake and terrifying tsunami in Japan, Uranus moved into Aries. Uranus symbolizes the unexpected, sudden changes which can cause tension and stress.

Uranus was in Pisces for many years, which is ruled by the planet Neptune, the ruler of oceans, then with it’s sudden transition, pulled out of the oceanic Pisces and into fiery Aries. Aries is ruled by Mars, a planet of energy, power, and war; a planet of fire. Uranus also rules over technologies. Uranium was discovered by Martin Klaproth in 1789, and is used in the production of nuclear power, named after the planet Uranus. Uranus also indicates other technologies; our instant online access to what’s happening in the world is going to continue to emphasize our interconnection with the entire planet in new ways.

Pluto is in difficult aspect to a lot of planets right now. Eruptive changes, won’t be uncommon. It’s as though the earth is having birth pangs. It’s also not surprising to see the pessimistic, fatalistic attitude in the news with Pluto in Capricorn along with all these difficult aspects happening at once. Is it appropriate though? News sensationalizes what’s happening in the world, and we lose touch with reality. Neptune will soon be entering Pisces, emphasis on delusion will not be surprising.

However, we have a choice which direction we take and how we focus our energy. Pisces is a highly spiritual sign, and with Neptune, it’s ruler coming back home early next month, spiritual transformation is on the horizon.

Now, Virgo points to the need for taking care of things of the earth in practical ways, ensuring people put their heads together to get organized, fix and rebuild. The pieces have to be picked up. Restructuring needs to take place. Lives need to be rebuilt. The technicalities at the nuclear plants also are still needing to be addressed unfortunately, sadly at the fated hands of 50 workers under immense pressure and unbelievable stress. God bless them and their families.

Emphasis on new, earth friendly technologies may be noticeable more widely accepted, just around the corner as a positive outlook.

Kwan Yin

With the Full Moon in Virgo, there is association with the celestial virgin archetype. In Japan, in the buddhist tradition a goddess compared with the compassionate loving kindness of the western Virgin Mary is Kwan Yin.

Kwan Yin is known as a Goddess of Mercy, and Bodhisattva of Compassion and Unconditional Love. Being a Bodhisattva, Kwan Yin is said to have postponed her own state of Nirvana to be of help to others on earth. A Bodhisattva is a being of enlightenment freed from the cycle of karmic rebirth, yet remains in the presence of this world to help others attain their enlightenment. As a goddess she is symbolic of the universal energy of compassion present in the universe. She is said to hear the cries of humanity, ready to offer help on a soul level to those in difficult circumstances.

In this hour of need for the people suffering in Japan, lighting a candle, burning incense, or saying a prayer with the intention of healing and compassion is a good gesture of humanity and spirit.

In Virgo’s practical nature, sending a donation to the Red Cross or other charitable organization can be a world of help for the many people lacking in the most basic requirements for food and health at this time.

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Christy Turlington

Symbolic Living — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 17:47:12 +0000

“Any spirituality can be enhanced with the practice or study of yoga.”

“It is possible to experience an awakening in this life through realising just how precious each moment, each mental process, and each breath truly is.”

Christy Turlington is a woman who knows success in career while also finding time to focus on the importance of internal balance. She has shown beauty really does come from within.

“I was interested in cleaning my body on a deeper level. Yoga really purifies your organs and blood. You feel that. You feel that circulation of energy. But the real lesson yoga gives you is learning how to be present.”

Astrology Quicky:

Christy Turlington was born January 2, 1969 (time unknown) in Walnut Creek, California.

In Christy’s birth chart

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Moon sign is unknown because Christy’s birthtime isn’t known, but would likely be Gemini or Cancer, which would depend on the time of day.

Mercury in Capricorn, Venus in Aquarius, Mars in Scorpio, Jupiter in Libra, Saturn in Aries, Uranus in Libra, Neptune in Scorpio, Pluto in Aries.

Looking at Christy’s Transits for 2011 it appears she’ll have a wonderful birthday filled with a focus on her spiritual desires for the year leading the way. Now that Jupiter and Uranus are going direct and in the Sign of Pisces and moving into Aries this year, this should be a good year for Christy. These planets being in Libra in her chart, and Saturn currently in Libra, she will find this year shows an increasing importance in finding balance, and lots of expansion, and growth in this area will be gained with her focused efforts.

Mercury in Sagittarius for her return chart this year, shows a lot of learning through her philosophical and moral direction. Travel will also increase her exposure to much wisdom. With her birth chart Mercury in Capricorn she naturally has a practical way of thinking, able to rationalize and use her thoughts constructively. The Moon nearby Mercury on her birthday adds optimism and the drive to grow, but there may be some impatience. However, as we can see Christy has created a life where she is capable of finding balance in many challenges. She naturally has luck with words and conveying her idea’s with articulation with her Jupiter and Mercury in easy aspect.

Neptune conjuncts her Venus on her birthday. Beauty will truly be at a higher level with much deeper meaning, even divinely inspired. That beauty may come through at a soul level in relation to others and the self.

Enjoy the videos to learn a bit more about Christy’s life. Happy Birthday Christy.

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Mountain Pose – Yoga

Symbolic Living — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:48:48 +0000

Start your Yoga practice with focus and attention. Be present.

Mountain Pose is one of the most basic yoga poses for beginners. Mountain Pose is a Standing yoga pose and is often the first posture to be learned.

Many yoga practice sequences begin and end with Mountain Pose. In sanskrit, mountain pose is called Tadasana.

This pose may look simple but in fact it is often difficult for people to master because it requires bringing equilibrium to the body and mind energies. Beginners should familiarize themselves with postures with regular practice and attention gradually and work on a variety of asana’s to correct any postural problems.

Beginning Mountain Pose:

Stand with feet together, big toes, ankles and heels touching.
Keep your knees straight, keeping your thigh muscles raised.
Lift the front of the body, extending the spine upwards towards the ceiling, stretching legs up.
Shoulder blades should be pulled back, towards each other, while the shoulders are held back.
Arms should hang loosely to the sides with hands facing the hips, relaxed.
Relax the face and extend the neck up looking straight ahead.
Your concentration should be focused on centering the body with your weight balanced on both feet equally.
Keep an awareness of the soles of your feet.
While extending upwards, make sure you are focused on both sides of the body equally.

When practicing Tadasana – Mountain Pose, stay in the posture for up to 60 seconds. If you are practicing Tadasana as part of a sequence of poses, less time is required.

Extra Notes:

Do not hold the breath.

If you have injury, back or knee problems, to not jump into poses, move into them gradually and gently.

As with all health care practices, consult your physician if you have concerns.

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Yoga Upward Dog

Symbolic Living — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:49:52 +0000

Upward-Facing Dog - Urdhva Mukha Svanasana is commonly practiced in conjunction with downward facing dog.

Start in Standing Mountain Pose – Tadasana.

Bend Forward at the waist touching your hands to the floor about shoulder width apart (you can bend your knees here a bit if you’re not that flexible).

With your hands firmly planted on the floor, jump your feet back a few feet.

Bring your lower body to rest on the floor, and point your toes while bending your arms. Basically, this is like lowering yourself to do a pushup.

Then extend your arms, while keeping your lower body on the floor, bringing your head up, facing forward.

Pay attention to your shoulders. They shouldn’t be up around your ears, press them back so you have a firmness between your shoulder blades and your chest is opening forward and make sure they are aligned with your wrists below them. In the picture above, the wrists are further ahead of the shoulders, and should be corrected by bringing the lower body forward more so her shoulders and wrists are aligned.

Stay in this position for about 20-30 seconds. Breathe naturally.

To come up, go through the steps in reverse back to standing mountain pose.

Cobra Pose is very similar except instead of extending your elbows, you keep them bent at your sides so your stomach stays on the floor. The process is very much the same as in Upward Facing Dog.

If moving from Downward dog to upward dog simply dip downward by bending the arms and lowering your waist to the floor while scooping your head upwards extending your arms again. Somewhat like a push-up with an arched back and the lower body resting on the floor.

Enjoy the Moment. Posted on symbolicliving.com with permission.

Eternal Bodhi