This week the biggest event is that two planets are moving hand in hand into Aquarius, the Venus and the Sun. The Sun in Aquarius will set the tone for a whole month and Venus for about 225 days. The Sun as the center of consciousness and life giving entity for our planet can be seen as one of the male planetary principles. Venus on the other hand is the goddess of love and harmony, rules relationships and defines how open we are in our hearts and what we are looking for in love. A conjunction between Sun and Venus is always depicting the yin and yang balance between the forces and the need to come to some form of equilibrium between the two.

Aquarius might be a sign of personal freedom but still is an individual looking for a place within the context of a relationship, a group or society. For relationship matters this is a month to have a fresh look into the balance between autonomy and intimacy in your relationship and maybe ask yourself some questions.

• Do you have the balance between autonomy, freedom and intimacy you like to have in your relationship?
• Or do you feel stifled or suffocated?
• Can you talk about and share your visions of life and specifically about your needs in your love relation?
• What are you willing to commit to?
• Maybe you like to do something spontaneous together, take a weekend off and have a little honeymoon somewhere?

If you have planets in Aquarius in your personal chart you can expect them to be more activated this month and pushing into the foreground. You might be willing to take more risks and receive sudden inspiration or insight. Let us have a deeper look at the particularities of Aquarius and how we can support ourselves with the birthstone Aquamarine.

The Age of Aquarius

Aquarius is a masculine air sign ruled by Uranus and belongs to the 11th House—Friends & Vision.

If you’ve heard the song from the musical Hair—“This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius”—you know that Aquarians are such original thinkers and nonconformists that they can change the world. They are not interested in how things have always been, but how they can reshape the world. They always have their eye on the future, not on the past. The cultural revolution of the 1960s and 70s epitomized the Aquarian need to rebel against the established order and bring forth a new vision.

A Sign of Change

Aquarians have a rich personality—a mixture of many traits—that can be hard to pin down, making them unpredictable. And that’s how they prefer it as they are always open to new ideas and new ways of being—as long as they initiate those changes themselves. They need the freedom to express their individuality. They can be very impulsive and act according to their own established values on a moments notice. Sudden changes belong to Aquarius.

Great Humanitarians

Water holds great importance for Aquarians, as depicted by the symbol for this sign, a woman carrying water. That seems to be a contradiction at first glance because it is a sign of air. But water is associated with nurturing, and Aquarians are fundamentally nurturing humanitarians, with a deep interest in and genuine concern for other people. They readily volunteer their time to service organizations of humanitarian interests.

An Inventive Problem Solver

Their original way of thinking allows Aquarians to see solutions to problems that others don’t see. They pursue goals and challenges with great determination, but they have the flexibility to change course in midstream when they see a new solution or a better way of doing things.

Relationships

Aquarius is a highly sociable sign. Aquarians are very likeable, quite interesting, and great communicators. Many people are drawn to those qualities of Aquarians, and they tend to have a great many friends and associates and to join a lot of clubs and groups. Because of their need for individuality and freedom, and their mental approach to life, they can appear to be somewhat emotionally distant in relationships. When you meet Aquarians for the first time you may reveal quite a bit about yourself but you might not learn as much about them. Although they have many relationships, they only disclose themselves to a small group of trusted friends. Even with their chosen partner they might be uncomfortable and dissociate when confronted with too much intimacy.

Work

Aquarians are valued as employees and coworkers for their great social skills. They work well on group tasks. They enjoy new technologies and they make great scientists and inventors. Their communications skills and humanitarian values draw them to careers in service organizations and the media. Their creative side makes them innovative artists.

The Shadow

They can get lost in contrariness, eccentricity or rebellion and loosing their inner connection with being part of the whole of humanity and society. It is essential for them to find their chosen family and circle of like minded spirits to share their innovative thoughts and actions.

How Gemstones Can Enhance Your Aquarian Experience

Gemstones are the perfect way for Aquarians to achieve balance among the many different aspects of their personality and to support their unique life vision. They can help to align you to the true purpose of your soul for this life and help to stir you towards your evolutionary journey which must counter your social conditioning and old beliefs.

Gemstones have both physical and metaphysical qualities that can enhance all aspects of your well-being. The perfectly aligned crystal structure of gemstones creates an energy field that interacts with our own when you hold it or wear it on your body. In this way, the gemstone can be used to calm you, bring you mental clarity, increase your energy, enhance your creativity, and much more.

Astrology and Gemstones

Astrological principles manifest at all levels of creation, from the largest bodies in the cosmos to the tiniest particles of atoms—all are part of the same network of universal energy. Based on the hermetic principle “As above, so below,” those universal principles allow us to read relations among the planets and extrapolate those principles to things here on Earth, to events in our lives, as well as to our natural environment. The universal principles that govern the planets are also seen on the much smaller level of gemstones, crystals, and metals.

The Signature of Gemstones

Each gemstone is associated with specific planets. You are already aware that each planet has its own personality in astrology. And each gemstone has a personal “signature”—specific metaphysical qualities, different for each stone, that arise from the stone’s association with its planets.

How to Make Gemstones Work for You

By considering the individual signature of gemstones, you can select the right gems for very specific purposes, according to their astrological qualities.

Gemstones can be used in three different ways:

1. They are precious objects of beauty that may hold a special meaning for us. We enjoy their beauty by giving them a special place on a shelf, desk, or altar.
2. They can be used in meditation by tuning into their frequency for the purpose of balancing our energy field.
3. They can be made into jewelry pieces for our pleasure, enhancing our individual expression of beauty and sense of empowerment.

You can learn more about the metaphysical properties of gemstones, their application for jewelry and the true birthstones for all the different signs reading my other articles in the birthstone series.

Aquamarine: An Aquarian Stone[1]

The Aquamarine is one of the true birthstones of Aquarius. It is found around the world, with the most important sources in Brazil and Madagascar. It crystallizes in a long six-sided prism. Its name derives from the Latin for “water of the ocean” because of its color, which may be light blue, medium blue, or blue-green. The most expensive and desirable color is the darkest blue.

Uranus infuses Aquamarine with some unusual qualities and a vision beyond our

usual limited mind-set, making Aquamarine the rebel among the gems. This is the gemstone of visionaries fighting for a better life, supporting goodness and necessary changes. It urges us to seek freedom and independence and to express our uniqueness. Aquamarine is the stone of innovators, ahead of their time in many ways. It encourages us to always question our limiting beliefs with an open mind and to be willing to grow beyond them. It can help us to find our own vision and purpose in life and the courage to live them.

This unique gem connects us with the unlimited aspect of being that is found in the ocean, symbolizing the vastness of existence, the unlimited space and horizon that we experience standing on a beach or on a boat.

Aquamarine also has a female aspect, represented by the Moon. The Moon symbolizes our unconscious mind, our emotions, and our past memories. It reflects our emotional needs and wants, our ability to give and receive. Through its female aspect, Aquamarine supports and nourishes us, as if with mother’s milk. Feeling full and nurtured, we are able to share from the abundance of our own heart.

Aquamarine also sharpens our mind and our powers of discernment and helps us tap into the collective unconscious mind with all its creative resources.  In so doing it helps us develop our intuitive creativity and objective knowledge.

Aquamarine opens and balances the throat chakra, which helps us to express our personal truth, including our true feelings. The throat chakra is an area where we all have many blocks; thus we often feel limited in our self-expression.

Iron gives Aquamarine its color and energizing element. It is said to help remediate iron deficiency. With its high energy level Aquamarine restores equilibrium in over energized people who are impatient, always rushing about, overstressed, and tense. Those individuals may be at high risk of accidents!

Aquamarine also represents Mother Mary. When we strip away two thousand years of male Christian tradition, we discover that Mary was not only the mother of Christ but a strong and highly evolved being in her own right and thus a role model for us today. Her strength also relates to the tradition of the Black Madonna that is found all over the world. The Black Madonna stands for the destructive and creative female principle of the universe, called Shakti in the East Indian tradition.

Thus versatile Aquamarine represents the qualities of freedom, growth, moving beyond limitations, a sharp mind, creativity, self-expression, and balance. Drawing on these qualities, Aquamarine helps women to grow into a new dimension of their womanhood and helps men to balance their own inner woman. A man who integrates these aspects of Aquamarine is able to enter into a balanced and equal relationship with a strong woman without fear of losing himself or his position.

As you can tell, I am very passionate about the potential of healing gems and all the different applications of those enchanting allies to raise your frequency for more balance and joy. I have even written a book about my over 30 years of experience in the fields of healing gemstones, meaningful jewelry, and astrology.

I wish you a delightful journey into the mysterious world of healing gemstones and looking at them in a new way! If you enjoyed this article and my perspective on things, I would like to invite you to sign up for my weekly newsletter where I discuss the actual universal astrological forces and the special powers of gemstones and inspire you to use them wisely for a more successful and joyful life.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

[1] Adapted from Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones That Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul © 2008 by Shakti Carola Navran. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989. All rights reserved, used by permission of the publisher.

Shakti Carola Navran is originally from Germany, living in Maui, Hawaii, is a professional jeweler, astrologer and author with a lifelong spiritual journey; she has been crafting personalized Soul Jewelry since 1977.
In her book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul she teaches you about how to read your personal horoscope and blue print for your life. Then you will be able to balance yourself in your most important areas with your 12 main healing gemstones, you could call your true birthstones.
Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas on how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul. Find out more about it on her website http://www.JewelryandGemsforSelfdiscovery.com and see her astrological weather report at http://www.jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/ .

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/aquarius-daring-visionary-role-model-and-artist-january-20february-18-birthstone-aquamarine-1745172.html

This weekly forecast is from October 26 to November 1, 2009. We have some really news worthy planetary activity this week with Saturn and Mercury moving into a new sign. Saturn’s entry into the love and peace sign Libra is starting a new cycle of challenging our structures and believes in the area of relating and finding balance with the other which will lead to clarity and consolidation. If you have similar planetary constellations in your own personal chart I believe you will find value in this article as well.

Mercury Plunges into Scorpio on Tuesday 27
We have talked in depth about Scorpio energy in last week’s astro weather report. With Sun and Mercury in Scorpio for about a month we will have a more intense way to react and do things (Sun) and our mental focus and communication will be more scrutinizing and difficult in some ways (Mercury). The Mercury in Scorpio wants the truth and will accept no less then that.

Sun Squares Mars
Because of the Sun/Mars Square on Thursday 29 it might take a little time for the calming and reasoning qualities of Saturn in Libra to take effect. With the Sun in Leo and Mars in Scorpio we have two very powerful, righteous signs squaring off with each other; willing to fight for their stand point and not very open to reason or compromise. Some friction we have to expect around our self expression and wanting our own way. Maybe we will be too forceful and abrasive with others around us without meaning to. Awareness is the key!

Saturn Square Pluto
But the real challenge is that we are also nearing the square of Saturn with Pluto which will become exact in November 15. We had a similar powerful alignment and fireworks with 9-11, the war in Afghanistan and the invasion of Iraq. This is not an easy constellation and we will be tested and initiated as individuals as well as a nation to see what we have learned and what our true colors are. So let us start by looking at the new frequency Saturn is representing us with his new home in Libra.

Saturn Steps into Libra on Thursday 29
When we want to know more about the meaning and potential expression of a planet in a specific sign, we always want to pay attention to the opposing forces in the opposite sign. Both energies are always balancing each other in the middle which is the center of the zodiac wheel.

The axis of Libra and Aries is about finding balance between our survival needs, ego drive and self identity on one hand symbolized by Aries and our need for love, harmony and balance with others symbolized by Libra.

As individual human beings we have the need for love, connection and companionship which is essential for our emotional survival as well as physical survival. Throughout history humans always lived in tribes or kingdoms and later countries to insure their individual survival. There was a need to choreograph a society with agreements and rules for us to thrive as a part of a bigger entity. It is like each one of us is like a cell in a body, we all have a use in the bigger order of things and we can only survive if we contribute as such.

And for that we have to find our place within the bigger order through our own individuality and sense of self. Libra represents the area where we meet the “other” as an individual, a friend or potential partner or the “others” as in the countless faces of the billions of inhabitants of planet earth. That can be pretty scary and we need to be grounded in our own identity to be able to face that.

Only if we feel secure in our own self identity, know ourselves as who we are with our own needs and value, we will be able to dance with somebody else a satisfying dance of collaboration in harmony.

All the challenges we have in the area of our relationships have to do with finding that balance between self and other. When we reach the center between Aries and Libra we will find the autonomy, self value, self-confidence, love and connection we all long for. We will be able to share ourselves more deeply, lovingly and intimately without fear and dependency. I would say that this is a worthwhile goal to strive for, don’t you think?

The same holds true for the dynamics between countries. Only if we reach the point of balance in the middle between our own needs and the respect for the other, true autonomy and cooperation can evolve. As long as it is normal for us to use other less evolved countries to cater to our economical desires and start wars to enforce our superiority, there is no balance or peace to expect.

It is the same as if you would treat your spouse as a slave, have her sleep in the garden shed, feed her scraps from your table and force her into working for you all day long. You would not expect there to be love and loyalty under those circumstances. You would have to expect rebellion and upheaval if the burden becomes too heavy to carry and the things on your table look too attractive.

Your Responsibility and Your Choices
When I was young I was very political oriented and thought that I wanted to change the world by becoming a journalist and make sure to expose all the deficiencies of the world. I wanted to contribute to a better world. I still want that but over the years my perspective has changed into the realization that the only true power I hold is inside of me.

The only power I have is to learn to control my own thoughts, actions and emotions and contribute to people around me from that inner place of love and oneness. From that place there will be right action and true change in my inner world as well as the outer world. We all are part of global consciousness and we do count. The morphogenetic field of consciousness is changing and evolving constantly. It brings in new souls, the next generation with a new level of consciousness and skills based on the work their ancestors have done.

I am not saying we shouldn’t change something in the outer world if we see need. The more conscious and aware we are the better the choices and actions we are able to take in our life. I just want to point out the necessity of starting within our own self and cleaning up our own act first because the outer world mirrors the inner world.

Challenging Times
In these challenging times with the economical meltdown, the old structures and paradigms not working anymore we have to find a new balance with “others” out there in the world as individuals as well as countries. There are plenty of challenging astrological constellations ahead of us and the Saturn square Pluto is one of them. Astrology helps us to understand the underlying theme and what is expected of us in the way of inner and outer growth. It gives us meaning and compassion for what is happening. Then you can do your part of contributing through your own inner growth and the choices you make for your life. We are also living in exciting times and we might see changes in our generation we would have thought not possible! And we are part of it!

The Gemstone for all this is the Crystal Quartz or Herkimer Diamond
The first gemstone that comes to my mind is the Crystal Quartz which is the birthstone for Capricorn and therefore a Saturn stone. It is the most exceptional gemstone with the clarity and translucency no other stone has not even the diamond. This stone can help us to raise our consciousness through meditation or wearing it in a piece of jewelry in our energy field. We can program it to our specific needs because it offers itself as a container for that.

The other is the Herkimer Diamond which is an especially clear, double terminated crystal which incorporates the Pluto energy as well as the Saturn frequency. But I just have written about the Herkimer Diamond so today I will give you the general qualities of Crystal Quartz. But I suggest you read up on my article about the Herkimer Diamond because that is the ultimate ally for the Saturn/Pluto square constellation which will be with us for a long time. The Herkimer Diamond is especially beneficial worn as a pendant over your heart.

A Beautiful Gift from the Earth to You
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth. It occurs in a variety of colors, including yellow, brown, pink, purple, and gray. The clear, colorless variety, called Crystal Quartz or Rock Crystal, forms exceptionally beautiful crystals that are sometimes used in jewelry to imitate diamonds. It has many fascinating physical and metaphysical qualities that can be applied in myriad ways to enhance your physical and mental well-being and help you achieve your goals.

Physical Properties of Crystal Quartz
Crystal Quartz is found all over the world. It is composed of silicon dioxide, one of the most plentiful compounds of the Earth’s crust. It grows as six-sided crystals, forming six-sided pyramids at the end of each crystal. The base of the crystal is milky, becoming clear at the tip. Quartz crystals often grow in clusters, in company with other minerals. Quartz can form huge crystals—the longest ever found was 20 feet long and weighed 48 tons!

The Astrological Meaning of Crystal Quartz
Pure crystal quartz is very clear or translucent, so its association with light and clarity is immediately evident. As the crystal grows upward to increasing clarity, it symbolizes our own striving for perfection as we grow toward ever-higher levels of consciousness.

Crystal Quartz represents the astrological properties of both the Sun and Saturn, two opposites of light and darkness. Saturn is the ruling planet of Capricorn (December 21–January 19). After December 21 (the Winter Solstice) the days grow longer while the nights grow shorter. That date represents the transition from dark into light that we must all pass through on our journey from the dark night to awakening.

From Darkness Comes Light
How can we have hope that such a transition is possible, that we may one day emerge from our darkness? We have only to observe how an ordinary chemical compound forms in the darkness of the Earth and grows into the perfect manifestation of light, clarity, and beauty. From darkness comes light! From humble beginnings comes magnificent beauty. And so shall it be in your own life.

It is only with a clear and calm mind that you can understand your earthly experience and come to terms with why you are here and how you want to live out your time in this life. Crystal Quartz can help you achieve that clear, calm mind and lead the way toward what is important to you. (Adapted from Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones That Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul © 2008 by Shakti Carola Navran. Llewellyn Worldwide)

If you like my approach to astrology, you can go to my astro blog and sign up for my newsletter and I will send you a free weekly astrological weather report forecast on the universal flow and planetary positions. If you know what is going on in the heavens you can then align yourself for more joy and success in your life. What I like about the abilities of the gemstones is that they offer a remedy to relax stressful aspects and positions in our personal chart as well as for the time quality of the present moment.

I hope you enjoyed my musings, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

Shakti Carola Navran is originally from Germany, living in Maui, Hawaii, is a professional jeweler, astrologer and author with a lifelong spiritual journey; she has been crafting personalized Soul Jewelry since 1977.
In her book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul she teaches you about how to read your personal horoscope and blue print for your life. Then you will be able to balance yourself in your most important areas with your 12 main healing gemstones, you could call your true birthstones.
Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas on how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul. Find out more about it on her website http://www.JewelryandGemsforSelfdiscovery.com and see her astrological weather report at http://www.jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/ .

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/saturn-steps-into-libra-with-a-square-to-pluto-mercury-plunges-into-scorpio-sun-squares-mars-1384142.html

This weekly astrological weather forecast is from October 19 to 25, 2009 and will support your ability to ride the wave of changes in your life. It is also valuable for you to read if you have Sun or Moon in Scorpio in your personal chart or strong Pluto aspects.

We can look into the time quality of the present to be better prepared for the requirements of this moment in time. If we know the time quality we can adjust ourselves accordingly and relinquish unnecessary struggle and resistance with what is. We have the choice to align ourselves with the flow of the moment.

I am living in Hawaii and have a very healthy respect of the ocean and the power of the waves. People break their necks here once in a while or have other, less severe accidents when they don’t go with the flow and try to fight their way against the currents and waves. You learn to respect the flow and learn to either dive under the wave in just the right moment or let it carry you and ride it to the shore. Ignorance is no excuse and can be lethal!

And you can even have really fun with it. You can learn how to body surf or surf with a board and enjoy the rush of being taken and carried by the ocean. It is totally exhilarating, a moment of oneness with the divine force and makes you feel really alive and in the moment.

You can use astrology in a similar way. If you know the astrological time quality of the present moment you can let it carry you and enjoy the ride. You can even use it to get you where you want to go. If you align yourself with the universal forces you know the time to put seeds in the ground and when to harvest. There is always a right time to do the right things. For me astrology is a special pair of glasses I use to look into the world to help guide me in my decisions and intentions. It gives me a broader picture and higher perspective of what is asked of me. I enjoy the intro perspective and guidance I receive that way.

When I research and write my weekly forecasts I enjoy seeing the main theme of the week crystallizing itself for me to see. Obviously I am not commenting on every planetary aspect happening in the week. Instead I allow that crystallization process and I am always amazed how it becomes clear what the week is about. Last week we had relationship as the highlight with 4 planets in Libra. The week before the Mercurial activities and communication was at the forefront. And so it goes on this week with the theme of Scorpio. Scorpio energy is not an easy one for most of us so I thought it deserved a longer introduction.

Moon Astrology
Scorpio energy was already introduced to us with the Moon entering Scorpio last Saturday till Tuesday 20. Because the Moon is often unconsciously motivating our actions it is helpful to follow the position of it throughout the zodiac. Moon astrology is giving us more awareness of those inner promptings and always changing inner tides of emotions. The Moon moves through the whole circle of the zodiac in one month and is the fastest moving planet we watch in astrology.

When we experience the turbulence of those inner feelings going through the monthly changes we may get more compassion for ourselves and relaxation around their constant changes. Often there is nothing much you can do about it, besides feeling what is there to feel and bringing full awareness to it. Only then we will have the chance to take the next step and reorient ourselves into better thoughts and feelings.

Moon in Scorpio
With this Moon position we will have a tendency to see things black or white, look into the world through glasses of duality, extremes and polarities. We want to have things our way and need to be in control of others around us. We tend to be controlling, manipulating, and openly pushy or whatever it takes to get what we think is right. This is not a Moon position of compromise and interest for the other person’s position. This is often a time of passionate and righteous action.

But experienced with awareness it can be an initiation and door way into a whole new level of being. If we allow ourselves to see the dark shadowy parts in us where we just care for ourselves and our own well being, we can acknowledge and embrace those rejected parts and become conscious of them. Then there is a good chance for us to channel those darker energies in an appropriate way for our own benefit and for the others in our life as well.

We live in a world of polarity and opposites like light and dark, day and night, life and death. The yin yang symbol is showing us how the light and the dark shape the whole circle balancing each other. The two sides of the yin yang can never be separated from each other, they coexist. Let us have a deeper look at the qualities of Scorpio.

The Sign of Scorpio: Phoenix Rising from the Ashes   (October 23 to November 22)

Scorpio Has Depth and Charisma
Scorpio is a feminine water sign ruled by Pluto who governs the 8th House, Death & Regeneration. Scorpios are powerful, intense, complex people with a touch of the dark side. The energy of Scorpio is symbolized in the stinging tail of the Scorpio, which can be used for either positive or negative purposes. People are strongly drawn to the intensity, charisma, mystery, and energy of Scorpios.

Pluto rules the underworld, and Scorpios are very keen on discovering what lies beneath the surface of things. They don’t rest until they have gotten to the bottom of a matter. They are perfectionists and relentless in their pursuit of their goals.

While they like to dig deep, they prefer to keep their own true selves somewhat hidden and secret. It can be difficult to know what they’re really thinking and planning. Along with this deep side, they tend to have good intuition and understand people and situations well, making them very good strategists. In relationships Scorpios are fiercely loyal, committed, and protective—but possibly also possessive and jealous.

Mars is the Co Ruler of Scorpio
Before the discovery of Pluto only Mars was attributed to Scorpio. Mars is the fierce warrior in mythology. Mars represents our aggression, our will to succeed, our life force energy, determination, focus, sexual drive and creative energy.
Mars and Pluto, they are a formidable pair we need for our inner strength, growth and self expression. They are not just the “bad guys” who make us work hard, but we need their sincerity, drive and passion in our live. Only when we allow them to remain unconsciously driving us we might get in trouble. They give us a depth, transformation and rejuvenation we need in our live. Growth is a human need and we feel empty, depressed, stagnant and ultimately die if we don’t change and grow.

Phoenix: Rising from the Ashes
A keyword for Scorpio is “transformation.” I like to think of Scorpio—like Pluto—as a phoenix rising from the ashes. Scorpios have the ability to deeply transform themselves and their lives through their determined focus on their goals and their intuitive understanding. They use the natural cycle of endings and new beginnings to further their aims.

When we have Pluto transits in our life it is usually a very challenging and turbulent time. We might experience one mishap after the other, “bad” things happen. What helps us is to become more aware of other ways to live the required changes and allow that deep transformation to happen without to much resistance, pain and struggle.

The same applies for the time the Sun in Scorpio is bringing in the general quality of challenging the status quo for all of us. We can expect higher waves in politics, power struggles between the parties or even countries. This will become more prevalent with Saturn moving into Libra next week with a square to Pluto.

The Scorpio Birthstones are Opal and Herkimer Diamond
Besides a higher awareness we can support ourselves with gemstones which represent the astrological principles and help balance that specific energy in our system. The most beneficial gemstones for Pluto energy are the Herkimer Diamond and the Opal. Opals can be very pricy and are wonderful companions to have in a piece of jewelry if you have a strong Scorpio or Pluto in your chart. The Herkimer Diamond also makes wonderful jewelry pieces and you can just have one in your pocket or use it for meditation.

This is the perfect stone for bringing together the opposing poles of the dark and the light, the yin and the yang. In this double terminated Crystal Quartz one tip is charged minus and the other plus. They are in perfect balance with each other. When you lay a Herkimer Diamond onto your body where you have pain it might help with that.

The Herkimer Diamond: [1]
–The Herkimer Diamond is one of the true birthstones of Libra. Found in Herkimer, New York, is a double-terminated rock crystal with such clarity and brilliance that it was named after the most reflective and brilliant stone there is, the Diamond. A handful of Herkimer Diamonds are as dazzling as real Diamonds. The most common material on earth, silica, becomes a sparkling little gem in the Herkimer Diamond.

This stone grows in small air pockets in the mother matrix rock material. It starts as a small seed crystal and grows outward from the center. Some collector’s pieces are displayed still embedded in a pocket of air in the mother matrix.

This stone is amazing in its beauty, clarity, and perfection. Unlike the Diamond, which must be cut and polished to bring out its beauty, the Herkimer Diamond is perfect in its natural state and requires no cutting or polishing at all. It is untouched by the human hand.

Balancing the Aura and Stabilizing Our Energy
The Herkimer Diamond has a very special place among the gems because of its superior qualities. It is worn most beneficially over the heart. Sitting on the heart chakra, which is the middle one of the seven, it balances the whole energetic system. Thus it is able to strengthen our auric field against all kinds of radiation, including electro smog and negative thought projections. We are constantly targeted by radiation in our daily lives, especially in urban areas. It is known that sitting in front of a computer for several hours can lower our white blood cell count, which inevitably impacts our health. The Herkimer Diamond in its perfection and balance between the negative and positive points can balance us and strengthen our own energy field.

This stone also strengthens our auric field against negative emotional or mental projections. I have made many Herkimer Diamond pendants for people who work in the healing professions to help them stabilize and treat their clients without picking up their imbalances. The more sensitive you are the more likely you are to pick up on disharmony in your outer field. The Herkimer Diamond is your ally in maintaining your own balance and strength.

Balancing the Brain
This stone also balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain, the creative and logical, the female and the male sides in us. Most of us tend toward one side or the other. The Herkimer Diamond balances us out in the middle between the two. The creative mind and the logical and scientific mind are enhanced by each other’s qualities: the creative mind benefits from greater focus and logic and the scientific mind draws on
more creative and intuitive resources. The two hemispheres join forces, resulting in inventions and discoveries beyond the known.

Stimulates Creativity and Inspiration
The Herkimer Diamond’s brilliancy stimulates our inspiration and connection to higher truth and wisdom. Clarity of thought and a peaceful mind are a matter of balance.

The Herkimer Diamond can be worn very beneficially over your heart or as earrings close to the brain. For jewelry seek the clearest and most perfect crystals. For meditation or even under your pillow you may choose a larger crystal, which might not be quite as perfect as the smaller ones. The larger stones have inclusions  and rainbows that make them very beautiful nonetheless. The Herkimer Diamond is a gift in its perfection and balancing qualities, a visual reminder of God’s perfect creation.–   (Adapted from Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones That Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul © 2008 by Shakti Carola Navran. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989. All rights reserved, used by permission of the publisher.)

If you like my approach to astrology, you can go to my blog and sign up for my newsletter and I will send you a free weekly astrological weather report forecast on the universal flow and planetary positions. If you know what is going on in the heavens you can then align yourself for more joy and success in your life. What I like about the abilities of the gemstones is that they offer a remedy to relax stressful aspects and positions in our personal chart as well as for the time quality of the present moment.

I am looking forward and hope you enjoyed my musings, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

Shakti Carola Navran is originally from Germany, living in Maui, Hawaii, is a professional jeweler, astrologer and author with a lifelong spiritual journey; she has been crafting personalized Soul Jewelry since 1977.
In her book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul she teaches you about how to read your personal horoscope and blue print for your life. Then you will be able to balance yourself in your most important areas with your 12 main healing gemstones, you could call your true birthstones.
Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas on how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul. Find out more about it on her website http://www.JewelryandGemsforSelfdiscovery.com and see her astrological weather report at http://www.jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/ .

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/sun-and-moon-positions-in-scorpio-and-the-challenge-of-transformation-1356894.html

Mercury Activities are the main Spotlight this week. Mercury turned direct again on the 29th of September. We are still a  transition period while Mercury is catching up to where he already was before his retrograde motion. With Mercury moving from Virgo into Libra on October 10, we will be truly on our way with everything Mercury represents. This weekly astrological forecast is written for the 41 week from October 5 to 11, 2009. But you will also find relevant information for yourself about the general planetary constellations if you have them in your personal chart and want to find out their meaning for you.

Mercury- the Messenger of the Gods
Mercury is the ruler of Gemini as well as Virgo. Mercury is representing our intellect, ways of communications and how we approach and filter the world through our mind. He governs our electrical equipments, computers, transportation, books, news, small travels, learning and teaching, in short everything that keeps us connected with each other. Mercury is like air, flexible and in between things, neutral and non attached. In Gemini the Mercury is set on gathering information of interest and is a very versatile and flexible fellow. In Virgo Mercury is focused on the details of life and has a micro vision and management style.

Mercury in Conjunction with Saturn
On Wednesday 7th Mercury will have his third and final conjunction with Saturn. The last and final of a planetary contact in their back and forth motion usually is a time of consolidation and integration of the theme. We have made it through the upheaval of the first confrontation with the issues brought together by the two interacting planets and have found ways to pacify and integrate key elements of both to some degree of satisfaction. With the last contact the newly integrated level of wisdom is tested and put on trial for further use in life.

Mercury with Saturn is a much more seriously minded combination then the winged, light footed messenger of the gods, Mercury likes it to be. Saturn is teaching the lessons of deep commitment, self responsibility, crystal clear communication, reliability, self discipline and self organization. You want to look in which house this conjunction is happening in your chart and which aspects are formed to your personal planets.

Mercury Dances into Libra
On Saturday Mercury finally steps into Libra, the sign of love, beauty and balance. With this move we might be more inclined to improve our communication with loved ones and others in general. We might be more aware and self conscious of our own needs and able to communicate them. This Mercury also might help us to be more able and willing to compromise in areas of confrontation and clear up misunderstandings.

Many of our problems in relationship areas are originating from holding back the truth and not being able to communicate in a successful, straightforward way. If we know where the other person is coming from, their needs and desires, we are more inclined to understand their position with compassion and are more willing to compromise.

Venus in Opposition with the Exciting Uranus
Venus as the ruling planet of Libra is stirred up by a Uranus opposition on Friday as well. Uranus interrupts the status quo, stirs the pot, surprises us and excites. Venus Uranus transits often carry the potential for sexual excitement and connection with somebody new in your life.

This week might bring some new development in your relationships because of the openness for change and excitement. It would be a good weekend to do something out of the usual trod. If you are in a relationship go somewhere together for the weekend, allow new aliveness into your connection. Have a little honeymoon! Everything we value in our life we give our attention and time. If you value your relationship you have to take the time and effort to nourish it to keep the excitement and joy going. It is so easy to take your partner for granted and get swallowed up by the demands of modern day life.

If you are looking for a partner get out, do something, meet people and be available to meet somebody. If you sit at home it is less likely for you to take advantage of this constellation. But be playful. This might not be the time quality to find your true mate, but it could be. It will at least bring you new joy, juice and connection.

Mercury is also in a Square to Pluto
This Pluto square is challenging us to decide if the glass is half full or half empty. With Mercury squaring Pluto on Saturday, we might tend to get tunnel vision and be righteous in our opinion and self expression. Our thinking (Mercury) is black and white (Pluto) and might go from one extreme point of view to the other. But by consciously choosing your mental focal point and where you hold your attention, you can be still in charge how you will feel.

The potential here is the ability to cut through falsehood, imperfections and illusions with the non compromising approach Pluto tends to take. Together with Mercury the process will bring us to a powerful inner place of clarity and truth, revealing deeper layers of reality.

The Moon Astrology for this Week
Moon will take us on a journey through Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and at last into Leo on Sunday night.The different Moon positions will color the emotional backdrop of the week and strengthen or weaken the other constellations happening in that field.

Moon in Taurus on Monday and Tuesday
Moon in Taurus wants us to be comfortable and enjoying life through our physical senses. Taurus is so very practical in his step by step approach to reach the level of financial safety insuring their needs and luxuries. With the Moon in Taurus you might pamper your body with a nice massage or anything that helps you to enjoy the sensuality of this sign.

Moon in Gemini on Wednesday and Thursday
This Moon in communicative Gemini will prepare us emotionally for the flexibility we will need with all the Mercury activity this week. Gemini is the home of Mercury and this Moon will help us ease us into it.

Moon in Cancer on Friday through Sunday
The Moon is at home in cautious Cancer where safety and self protection is of great value. Matters of family and emotions are very important and a Moon opposition Pluto will intensify feelings. Add that into the Venus Uranus opposition we have already discussed, you really want to pay attention to your family and close relationships. Remember that wherever you turn your attention to, energy will follow and with it the manifestation of your dreams and intentions becomes more likely.

Moon Enters Leo on Sunday Night
With the Leo Moon we will regain more confidence and inner support after an intense week of different pulls of the astrological tides. It might feel like we found an inner place of peace and relaxation into what the presence holds, because of the self confidence of the regal Leo. We feel secure again resting in the knowledge of our own creativity and reconnecting with our faith and trust in the unfolding of life following an invisible, but divine plan.

The Healing Gemstone for this Week is the Blue Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a large family of beautiful stones that occur in every color of the rainbow and many different combinations of two-colored stones: pink-green (Watermelon), pink-blue, golden-green, and green-blue. Each color has its own name, but often they are simply called by their color, such as pink Tourmaline for Rubellite, blue Tourmaline for Indigolite, and green-pink Tourmaline for Watermelon Tourmaline. Tourmaline is an amazing versatile gemstone because of the color range relating to different chakras and helping with different themes.

One of the unique properties of Tourmaline is its piezoelectrical charge: when the crystal is heated or pressure is applied to it, it becomes electrically charged, giving it the ability to attract dust or small bits of paper. Tourmaline is a healing stone for the nervous system and very calming and balancing because of that ability. The Tourmaline I want to turn your attention to today is the Indigolite and the Paraiba, both blue variations of Tourmalines abundant colors.

Indigolite and Paraiba are Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Neptune stones.

Indigolite is the blue variety of Tourmaline. It often has some underlying shades of green mixed with the blue. If the stone is more turquoise than blue, it is called Paraiba and is very rare and expensive.

Indigolite and Paraiba belong to the throat chakra, which is the seat of our verbal expression. Both connect the heart with the throat, and thus teach us to speak from the truth in our hearts. Indigolite also calms nervousness and impatience, making this a good stone for students during exams—in the relaxed state induced by Indigolite we are able to tap better into our memory and knowledge.

With our need to align ourselves with Mercury in this turbulent week we can use Blue Tourmalines gentle guidance towards true self expression from the level of the heart.
Paraiba has a strong Venusian quality. With all the green in the blue it induces a deep connection to the heart and enables us to express feelings. I think it is a wonderful stone for men to help them to connect with their inner Venus and learn to share from their hearts.(taken from my book: Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul)

If you like my approach to astrology, I invite you to visit me on my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog for a free weekly forecast on the universal flow and planetary positions. If you know what is going on in the heavens you can then align yourself for more joy and success in your life. What I like about the abilities of the gemstones is that they offer a remedy to relax stressful aspects and positions in our personal chart as well as for the time quality of the present moment.

I hope you enjoyed my musings, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

Shakti Carola Navran is originally from Germany, living in Maui, Hawaii, is a professional jeweler, astrologer and author with a lifelong spiritual journey; she has been crafting personalized Soul Jewelry since 1977.
In her book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul she teaches you about how to read your personal horoscope and blue print for your life. Then you will be able to balance yourself in your most important areas with your 12 main healing gemstones, you could call your true birthstones.
Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas on how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul. Find out more about it on her website http://www.JewelryandGemsforSelfdiscovery.com and see her astrological weather report at http://www.jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/ .

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/many-mercury-activities-are-happening-this-week-with-mercury-conjuncting-saturn-entering-libra-and-squaring-pluto-1305438.html

Mercury Activities are the main Spotlight this week. Mercury turned direct again on the 29th of September. We are still a  transition period while Mercury is catching up to where he already was before his retrograde motion. With Mercury moving from Virgo into Libra on October 10, we will be truly on our way with everything Mercury represents. This weekly astrological forecast is written for the 41 week from October 5 to 11, 2009. But you will also find relevant information for yourself about the general planetary constellations if you have them in your personal chart and want to find out their meaning for you.

Mercury- the Messenger of the Gods
Mercury is the ruler of Gemini as well as Virgo. Mercury is representing our intellect, ways of communications and how we approach and filter the world through our mind. He governs our electrical equipments, computers, transportation, books, news, small travels, learning and teaching, in short everything that keeps us connected with each other. Mercury is like air, flexible and in between things, neutral and non attached. In Gemini the Mercury is set on gathering information of interest and is a very versatile and flexible fellow. In Virgo Mercury is focused on the details of life and has a micro vision and management style.

Mercury in Conjunction with Saturn
On Wednesday 7th Mercury will have his third and final conjunction with Saturn. The last and final of a planetary contact in their back and forth motion usually is a time of consolidation and integration of the theme. We have made it through the upheaval of the first confrontation with the issues brought together by the two interacting planets and have found ways to pacify and integrate key elements of both to some degree of satisfaction. With the last contact the newly integrated level of wisdom is tested and put on trial for further use in life.

Mercury with Saturn is a much more seriously minded combination then the winged, light footed messenger of the gods, Mercury likes it to be. Saturn is teaching the lessons of deep commitment, self responsibility, crystal clear communication, reliability, self discipline and self organization. You want to look in which house this conjunction is happening in your chart and which aspects are formed to your personal planets.

Mercury Dances into Libra
On Saturday Mercury finally steps into Libra, the sign of love, beauty and balance. With this move we might be more inclined to improve our communication with loved ones and others in general. We might be more aware and self conscious of our own needs and able to communicate them. This Mercury also might help us to be more able and willing to compromise in areas of confrontation and clear up misunderstandings.

Many of our problems in relationship areas are originating from holding back the truth and not being able to communicate in a successful, straightforward way. If we know where the other person is coming from, their needs and desires, we are more inclined to understand their position with compassion and are more willing to compromise.

Venus in Opposition with the Exciting Uranus
Venus as the ruling planet of Libra is stirred up by a Uranus opposition on Friday as well. Uranus interrupts the status quo, stirs the pot, surprises us and excites. Venus Uranus transits often carry the potential for sexual excitement and connection with somebody new in your life.

This week might bring a new development in your relationships because of the openness for change and excitement. It would be a good weekend to do something out of the usual trod. If you are in a relationship go somewhere together for the weekend, allow new aliveness into your connection. Have a little honeymoon! Everything we value in our life we give our attention and time. If you value your relationship you have to take the time and effort to nourish it to keep the excitement and joy going. It is so easy to take your partner for granted and get swallowed up by the demands of modern day life.

If you are looking for a partner get out, do something, meet people and be available to meet somebody. If you sit at home it is less likely for you to take advantage of this constellation. But be playful. This might not be the time quality to find your true mate, but it could be. It will at least bring you new joy, juice and connection.

Mercury is also in a Square to Pluto
This Pluto square is challenging us to decide if the glass is half full or half empty. With Mercury squaring Pluto on Saturday, we might tend to get tunnel vision and be righteous in our opinion and self expression. Our thinking (Mercury) is black and white (Pluto) and might go from one extreme point of view to the other. But by consciously choosing your mental focal point and where you hold your attention, you can be still in charge how you will feel.

The potential here is the ability to cut through falsehood, imperfections and illusions with the non compromising approach Pluto tends to take. Together with Mercury the process will bring us to a powerful inner place of clarity and truth, revealing deeper layers of reality.

The Moon Astrology for this Week
Moon will take us on a journey through Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and at last into Leo on Sunday night.The different Moon positions will color the emotional backdrop of the week and strengthen or weaken the other constellations happening in that field.

Moon in Taurus on Monday and Tuesday
Moon in Taurus wants us to be comfortable and enjoying life through our physical senses. Taurus is so very practical in his step by step approach to reach the level of financial safety insuring their needs and luxuries. With the Moon in Taurus you might pamper your body with a nice massage or anything that helps you to enjoy the sensuality of this sign.

Moon in Gemini on Wednesday and Thursday
This Moon in communicative Gemini will prepare us emotionally for the flexibility we will need with all the Mercury activity this week. Gemini is the home of Mercury and this Moon will help us ease us into it.

Moon in Cancer on Friday through Sunday
The Moon is at home in cautious Cancer where safety and self protection is of great value. Matters of family and emotions are very important and a Moon opposition Pluto will intensify feelings. Add that into the Venus Uranus opposition we have already discussed, you really want to pay attention to your family and close relationships. Remember that wherever you turn your attention to, energy will follow and with it the manifestation of your dreams and intentions becomes more likely.

Moon Enters Leo on Sunday Night
With the Leo Moon we will regain more confidence and inner support after an intense week of different pulls of the astrological tides. It might feel like we found an inner place of peace and relaxation into what the presence holds, because of the self confidence of the regal Leo. We feel secure again resting in the knowledge of our own creativity and reconnecting with our faith and trust in the unfolding of life following an invisible, but divine plan.

The Healing Gemstone for this Week is the Blue Tourmaline

Tourmaline is a large family of beautiful stones that occur in every color of the rainbow and many different combinations of two-colored stones: pink-green (Watermelon), pink-blue, golden-green, and green-blue. Each color has its own name, but often they are simply called by their color, such as pink Tourmaline for Rubellite, blue Tourmaline for Indigolite, and green-pink Tourmaline for Watermelon Tourmaline. Tourmaline is an amazing versatile gemstone because of the color range relating to different chakras and helping with different themes.

One of the unique properties of Tourmaline is its piezoelectrical charge: when the crystal is heated or pressure is applied to it, it becomes electrically charged, giving it the ability to attract dust or small bits of paper. Tourmaline is a healing stone for the nervous system and very calming and balancing because of that ability. The Tourmaline I want to turn your attention to today is the Indigolite and the Paraiba, both blue variations of Tourmalines abundant colors.

Indigolite and Paraiba are Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Neptune stones.

Indigolite is the blue variety of Tourmaline. It often has some underlying shades of green mixed with the blue. If the stone is more turquoise than blue, it is called Paraiba and is very rare and expensive.

Indigolite and Paraiba belong to the throat chakra, which is the seat of our verbal expression. Both connect the heart with the throat, and thus teach us to speak from the truth in our hearts. Indigolite also calms nervousness and impatience, making this a good stone for students during exams—in the relaxed state induced by Indigolite we are able to tap better into our memory and knowledge.

With our need to align ourselves with Mercury in this turbulent week we can use Blue Tourmalines gentle guidance towards true self expression from the level of the heart.
Paraiba has a strong Venusian quality. With all the green in the blue it induces a deep connection to the heart and enables us to express feelings. I think it is a wonderful stone for men to help them to connect with their inner Venus and learn to share from their hearts.(taken from my book: Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul)

If you like my approach to astrology, I invite you to visit me on my Astrological Signs Weather Report & Healing Gems Blog for a free weekly forecast on the universal flow and planetary positions. If you know what is going on in the heavens you can then align yourself for more joy and success in your life. What I like about the abilities of the gemstones is that they offer a remedy to relax stressful aspects and positions in our personal chart as well as for the time quality of the present moment.

I hope you enjoyed my musings, aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

Shakti Carola Navran is originally from Germany, living in Maui, Hawaii, is a professional jeweler, astrologer and author with a lifelong spiritual journey; she has been crafting personalized Soul Jewelry since 1977.
In her book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul she teaches you about how to read your personal horoscope and blue print for your life. Then you will be able to balance yourself in your most important areas with your 12 main healing gemstones, you could call your true birthstones.
Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas on how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul. Find out more about it on her website http://www.JewelryandGemsforSelfdiscovery.com and see her astrological weather report at http://www.jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/ .

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/many-mercury-activities-are-happening-this-week-with-mercury-conjuncting-saturn-entering-libra-and-squaring-pluto-1305512.html