Rob Brezsny's Astrology Newsletter http://ezezine.com
Rob Brezsny's Free Will Astrology Newsletter
ONE VISION
Day and night, no difference.
The sun *is* the moon: an amalgam.
Their gold and silver melt together.
This is the season when
the dead branch and the green branch
are the same branch.
Nightmares fill with light like a holiday.
Humans and angels speak one language.
The elusive ones finally meet.
Good and evil, dead and alive,
everything blooms
from one natural stem.
You know this already, I'll stop.
Any direction you turn
it's one vision.
-Rumi
as translated and rendered by Coleman Barks and David Ulansey
+
February 15, 2006
+
http://www.freewillastrology.com
+
EXPLORE THE BIG PICTURE OF YOUR LIFE
with my Expanded Audio Horoscopes for the Coming Year
How can you best cooperate with the opportunities and challenges that
2006 will bring you? What are the blessings that life is likely to offer you
as a spur to your growth? Would you like some inspiration as you survey
your destiny from the mountaintop perspective?
To access my IN-DEPTH, LONG-TERM AUDIO FORECASTS FOR YOUR LIFE IN
2006, go here:
http://snipurl.com/krjm
Click on your astrological sign, then choose either part 1, part 2, or part 3
of my BIG PICTURE look at your future--or even all three parts, if you're
feeling adventurous.
You can also choose to listen to my short-range outlook for the coming
week.
The Expanded Audio Horoscopes cost $6 apiece if you access them on
the Web via RealAudio.
You can also hear them over the phone for $1.99 per minute.
From the United States, call
1-900-950-7700
or
1-877-873-4888.
If you live in Canada, call
1-888-499-4425.
***********************************************
Here's an excerpt from my book
"PRONOIA IS THE ANTIDOTE FOR PARANOIA:
How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings"
available at http://snipurl.com/krjj
or find out more at http://www.freewillastrology.com
THE RICH GET RICHER
"Dear Beauty and Truth Laboratory: Help! My old Buick's transmission is
dead, my credit cards are maxed, my kid's got to see the dentist real bad,
and the one-speed bike I ride everywhere is about to collapse. I'm working
two low-paying jobs already, although I just applied for a more lucrative
gig as a strip-club dancer, only I'm having so much mysterious pain in my
joints I'm not sure how sexy my gyrations will be. Please clue me in to
some tricks that will help me keep a pronoiac attitude in the midst of the
mess that is my life. -Pickled"
Dear Pickled: Here's the first thing I want to tell you: Pronoia does not
assume that material comfort is a sign of divine favor. The universe is an
equal-opportunity provider, conspiring to shower blessings on every one
of us in the same abundance. But while the blessings may come in the
form of money and possessions, they're just as likely to consist of other
gifts that aren't as concrete.
Here's a hypothetical example. Let's say you have the gift of feeling at
home in the world no matter where you are. The universe has determined
that it's the exact skill you need in order to fulfill the specific purpose you
came to earth to carry out. Having a prestigious job and big salary, on the
other hand, might be exactly what you don't need.
The question of what gifts are essential revolves around your precise role
in the universal conspiracy to perpetrate blessings.
The second meditation I'll offer you is a passage from the Gospel of
Matthew: "Whoever has, shall be given more and more, while whoever has
nothing, even what he has will be taken away from him."
Pronoiac translation: Whatever you choose to focus your attention on,
you will get more of it. If you often think of everything you lack and how
sad you are that you don't have it, you will tend to receive prolific
evidence of how true that is. As you obsess on all the ways your life is
different from what you wish it would be, you will become an expert in
rousing feelings of frustration and you will attract experiences that assist
you in rousing frustration.
If, on the other hand, you dwell on the good things you have already had
the privilege to experience, you will expand your appreciation for their
blessings, which in turn will amplify their beneficent impact on your life.
You will also magnetize yourself to receive further good things, making it
more likely that they will be attracted into your sphere. At the very least,
you will get in the habit of enjoying yourself no matter what the outward
circumstances are.
Bear in mind that you are a great wizard. You can use your powers to
practice white magic on yourself instead of the other kind. The most basic
way to do that is to concentrate on naming, savoring, and feeling
gratitude for the blessings you do have--your love for your kid, the
pleasures of eating the food you like, the sight of the sky at dusk, the
entertaining drama of your unique fate. Don't ignore the bad stuff, but
make a point of celebrating the beautiful stuff with all the exuberant
devotion you can muster.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
To read other pieces from my book, go here:
http://snipurl.com/l9o3
or
http://freewillastrology.com/beauty/beauty.main145.shtml
To buy the book, use the links to Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble,
which are on my homepage at http://www.freewillastrology.com
Or cut and paste the direct links below:
AMAZON
http://snipurl.com/krjj
BARNES & NOBLE
http://snipurl.com/krjn
+
OTHER PRONOIA RESOURCES:
BLOG
Cinnamon Twist
http://twist.blogsource.com/
MUSICIAN
Bjork
FESTIVAL
Arthurball
Los Angeles
February 25-26
http://www.arthurmag.com/news/
BOOKSTORE
Bodhi Tree
West Hollywood, CA
http://www.bodhitree.com/
WEBSITE
Daily Grail
http://www.dailygrail.com
(Note: I endorse these because I like them. They're not advertisements,
and I get no kickbacks.)
Please tell me your own personal nominations for PRONOIA RESOURCES.
**********************************************
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week beginning February 16
Copyright 2006 by Rob Brezsny
http://www.freewillastrology.com
Grammar key: Asterisks equal *italics*
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In his book *And They All Sang,* Studs Terkel
interviewed jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. "When people say, 'I don't
understand your music,'" reported Gillespie, "I say, 'Don't try to
understand it, just try to *feel* it.'" That's excellent advice to keep in
mind as you weave your way through the complicated, uncanny,
revelatory weeks ahead. Full comprehension of the meaning of this era
may not be available until later. But that won't be a problem if you live
your life as if it were a song you love.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): "Dear Dr. Brezsny: I dreamed that an angel
who looked like Angelina Jolie was teaching me how to gather energy high
in the sky and release it in the form of lightning bolts. It required great
upper arm strength because I had to make broad sweeping motions with
my arms that gathered the necessary electricity into a vortex that would
serve as my launching area. I was exhilarated, though nervous about how
much force I had at my disposal. What does my dream mean? -Taurus
with Goose Bumps." Dear Taurus: Your dream is a symbol of the situation
many Bulls are facing right now. You have enormous energy at your
disposal. Here's my advice: *Don't* use your lightning bolts to intimidate
people and institutions that have offended you. Instead, put on a
demonstration of strength, impressing everyone--adversaries and allies
alike--with your ability to command great power responsibly.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Last Christmas Day, I had dinner at a sushi
restaurant in downtown San Rafael, CA. The place was deserted except
for a drunk at the bar, me and my two companions, and the table next to
us, which was occupied by actors Sean Penn and Robin Wright and their
daughter. I thought of going over to compliment Robin on her work in
various films and to tell Sean how much I loved his articles in the *San
Francisco Chronicle* about his travels in Iraq, but I decided against it.
*Don't* follow my example in the coming week, Gemini. Express your
appreciation to those whose work has inspired you, even at the risk of
appearing foolish. It's a perfect moment to explore the emotions of
admiration and respect, and to pay homage to your influences.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The mayor of Las Vegas has suggested a
novel idea for discouraging graffiti on his city's highway walls. Oscar
Goodman envisions televised spectacles in which the vandals' thumbs are
cut off. His proposed punishment goes too far for my tastes, but I'm
wondering if you might approve of it. Lately you've been having bouts of
overreaction, entertaining extreme fantasies in response to circumstances
that don't necessarily warrant them. I'm not saying your intense emotions
are completely unjustified, Cancerian, nor do I recommend that you
repress them. I'm simply asking you to let some time pass before you
take action on your feelings.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): An executive at the UK's biggest pharmaceutical
company admitted that most prescription medicines aren't very effective.
"The vast majority of drugs only work in 30 or 50 per cent of the
people," said Allen Roses of GlaxoSmithKline. His explanation: Many
patients have idiosyncratic genes that prevent the medicines from
functioning as they were designed to. In my opinion, Leo, there's a similar
principle at work regarding just about everything that conventional
wisdom says is good for you. That's always important to keep in mind, of
course, but especially for you right now. More than ever, you'll benefit
profoundly from not only questioning authorities and experts, but giving
them the third degree.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The elegant, shimmering fabric known as silk is
obtained from the cocoon of a worm larva. Typically the cocoon is dunked
in boiling water to kill the pupa inside before it can chew its way out.
Another precious material with gross origins is ambergris. It's a foul-
smelling excrement that sperm whales vomit. After years of exposure to
the sun while floating on the ocean, it transforms into an aromatic, waxy
substance that's used as a major ingredient in perfume. Silk and
ambergris are your personal power symbols in the coming weeks, Virgo. I
predict that you'll turn crap into treasure.
**********************************************
To access my IN-DEPTH, LONG-TERM AUDIO FORECASTS FOR YOUR LIFE IN
2006, go here:
http://snipurl.com/krjm
Click on your astrological sign, then choose either part 1, part 2, or part 3
of my BIG PICTURE look at your future--or even all three parts, if you're
feeling adventurous.
You can also choose to listen to my short-range outlook for the coming
week.
The Expanded Audio Horoscopes cost $6 apiece if you access them on
the Web via RealAudio.
You can also hear them over the phone for $1.99 per minute.
From the United States, call
1-900-950-7700
or
1-877-873-4888.
If you live in Canada, call
1-888-499-4425.
**********************************************
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): "Mirrors should think longer before they
reflect," said French filmmaker Jean Cocteau. That's especially true for
you this week, Libra. You shouldn't automatically believe every bit of
feedback about yourself that comes your way, either from mirrors or any
other source. Be skeptical of every image that people have of you, and
don't sit there passively while they barrage you with their expectations. In
order to further upgrade your integrity (a project I hope you're in the
midst of), you may have to make yourself immune, at least temporarily,
to what everyone thinks of you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Imagine that you're a circus acrobat whose
specialty is working high in the air. You're skilled at swinging from one
trapeze to another. You have utmost confidence in your timing and
concentration and grip, so that when you let go of one bar and are flying
toward the next, there's no doubt you'll make it. I believe that your life
has now brought you to a transition that's metaphorically similar to the
moment of being in between trapezes. Don't think too hard as you soar
across the abyss; trust your instincts.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian Shirley Chisholm was the first
black woman elected to Congress. While serving seven terms, she was an
outspoken warrior who fought tirelessly for the rights of women,
minorities, and the poor. "My greatest political asset, which professional
politicians fear," she said, "is my mouth, out of which comes all kinds of
things one shouldn't always discuss for reasons of political expediency."
Yet one of Chisholm's most famous exploits was her visit to
segregationist politician George Wallace in the hospital after he was shot.
Her supporters complained that she was consorting with the enemy, but
years later it paid off. Wallace helped her win the votes of southern
congressmen when she sponsored legislation to give domestic workers a
minimum wage. Be like Chisholm this week, Sagittarius: Even as you open
your big mouth to articulate controversial truths, reach out to those who
disagree with you.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Readers sometimes ask me about
Ophiuchus, the supposed 13th constellation. They've heard that it should
be included in astrological thinking, and that it messes up the whole
zodiacal system. Here's the truth: The proponents of Ophiuchus are self-
described debunkers who hate astrology. Furthermore, they haven't
actually taken the trouble to educate themselves about the ancient art. If
they did even a smattering of honest investigation, they'd see how
irrelevant their theory is. Let this serve as a cautionary tale, Capricorn.
Right now it's crucial that you get your facts straight before critiquing
anyone. Make sure that those who want to analyze you do the same. And
beware of red herrings, straw men, and fool's gold.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Fashion designer Ennio Capasa was asked if
he found his work difficult. "If it wasn't difficult I wouldn't enjoy it," he
replied. That's the kind of activity you will specialize in during the coming
week, Aquarius. The more it stretches your capacity and forces you to dig
deeper into yourself for stamina and willpower and resourcefulness, the
happier you'll be--and the more successful, too.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Life is stark at the U.S. Navy base in
Guantanamo Bay, even for the people who aren't imprisoned there.
*Newsday* reports that there are 23 men for every woman among the
2,800 free Americans. Raccoon-sized rats are fixtures in the local wildlife.
The border between the base and the rest of Cuba is littered with
underground mines. In recent months, however, a few luxuries have begun
to arrive. There's now a Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and miniature golf course. I
don't want to make light of the situation, but I do want these new
developments to serve as a metaphor for you. What's the most desolate,
forbidding area of your psyche? Build the equivalent of a miniature golf
course there.
*********************************************
HOMEWORK:
What part of you is too tame? How can you inspire it to seek wilder ways
of knowing? Testify by going to http://www.freewillastrology.com and
clicking on "Email Rob."
*********************************************
WANT TO GET YOUR CHART DONE?
I'm not doing charts these days. In addition to writing my weekly column
and expanded audio horoscopes, I'm also working on a CD and promoting
my new book.
But I can recommend a colleague whose astro-aesthetics closely match
my own. She's RO LOUGHRAN.
Ro utilizes a blend of well-trained intuition, emotional warmth, and a high
degree of technical proficiency in horoscope interpretation; she is skilled
at exploring the mysteries of your life's purpose and nurturing your
connection with your own inner wisdom.
Ro is based in California, but can do phone consultations and otherwise
work with you regardless of geographic boundaries.
Ro's website is at
http://www.astrology-psychotherapy.com/
She can also be reached at roloughran@comcast.net
*********************************************
NEED TO CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS?
To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter, or to change the address
where you receive it, go to:
http://www.freewillastrology.com/newsletter/
Once you do subscribe, be sure to add my address,
televisionary@comcast.net, to your address book or spam filter
"whitelist" so that my newsletter won't be treated as spam and filtered
out. Or tell your company's IT group to allow this address to pass through
any filtering software they may have set up.
If my emails don't reach your inbox, you should also look in your "Bulk
Mail" or "Junk Mail" folder.
I totally respect your privacy. I'll never sell or give away your address to
anyone.
*********************************************
Submissions sent to the Free Will Astrology Weekly Newsletter
or in response to "homework assignments" may be
published in a variety of formats at Rob Brezsny's discretion,
including but not limited to newsletters, books, the Free Will
Astrology column, and Free Will Astrology website. We reserve
the right to edit such submissions for length, style, and content.
Requests for anonymity will be honored with submissions;
otherwise, reader names, screen names, or initials will be used.
Please be sure to note your preference when sending to us. We
are not responsible for unsolicited submission of any creative
material.
Contents of the Free Will Astrology Newsletter are Copyright
2006 Rob Brezsny
********************************************