Rob Brezsny's Astrology Newsletter http://ezezine.com
Rob Brezsny's Astrology Newsletter
March 5, 2008
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http://FreeWillAstrology.com
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"Whoever is calm and sensible is insane!"
- *The Rumi Collection,* "Quatrain from Open Secret"
translated by John Moyne and Coleman Barks
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My book
*PRONOIA IS THE ANTIDOTE FOR PARANOIA:
How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings*
is available for sale at http://tinyurl.com/qaj62
Here's an excerpt:
ORIGINS OF THE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE SPELLS
Being a devotee of pronoia doesn't mean you will never have another
difficult or painful experience. It doesn't obligate you to pretend
everything is perfectly right with the world. You don't have to cover your
eyes whenever you come into proximity with a daily newspaper.
On the other hand, we're not going to waste our valuable space or your
precious energy by giving equal time to stories of tragedy, failure, and
tumult. They get far more than their fair share of attention everywhere
else. Future historians might even conclude that our age suffered from a
collective obsessive-compulsive disorder: the pathological need to
repetitively seek out reasons for how bad life is.
Still, we feel the need to push a bit further in our acknowledgement of all
the confusing evils of the world. We realize that what we've said so far
may not be sufficient to satisfy the paranoid cynics, who include among
their number many well-respected thinkers. Unless we demonstrate that
we have some mastery of their ideology, they'll dismiss us as intellectual
pussies. They will need proof that we're familiar with the data they favor.
We've decided, therefore, to launch a preemptive strike that will make it
harder for the paranoids to dismiss us pronoiacs as naive optimists. On
page 67 and at four other places in this book, we've created Homeopathic
Medicine Spells. They're designed to recognize the evils of the world, but
in a controlled manner that prevents them from poisoning you. In this
way, we can also practice what we preach, subverting any tendencies we
might have toward fanaticism and unilateralism.
Each Homeopathic Medicine Spell consists of a contained space within
which lies a recitation of Very Bad Things. The border around each space
is a magical seal that we consecrated during a ritual invocation of the
Cackling Goddess Who Eternally Creates Us Anew. Inspired through
communion with Her fierce jokes, we also surrounded each seal with good
mojo in the form of word charms and talismanic symbols.
As you gaze at the Homeopathic Medicine Spells, you'll be building up
your protection against the dangers named inside the contained space.
You'll also get intuitions about how to dissolve the pop nihilistic toxins
within you that resonate with those dangers.
To see the image of Homeopathic Medicine Spell #1, go here:
http://tinyurl.com/2kc6al
To see the image of Homeopathic Medicine Spell #2, go here:
http://tinyurl.com/3cp5xq
To see the image of Homeopathic Medicine Spell #3, go here:
http://tinyurl.com/34nqrk
To see the image of Homeopathic Medicine Spell #4, go here:
http://tinyurl.com/38n3q8
To see the image of Homeopathic Medicine Spell #5, go here:
http://tinyurl.com/2l6zxo
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To read other news and features from my book, go here:
http://tinyurl.com/lhwx2
You can buy the book here:
AMAZON
http://tinyurl.com/qaj62
POWELLS
http://tinyurl.com/3dsx6q
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OTHER PRONOIA RESOURCES:
PRONOIAC POETICS 1
"The Poet's Dilemma" by Daniel Pinchbeck
http://tinyurl.com/2cppsb
"Dear Daniel: I too feel that poets and artists need to move into a new
real realm beyond alienation and pessimism . . . [but] what is an artist
supposed to do? You can only write the visions that come to you. You
can't consciously 'steer' the material into positive attitudes unless you
want your poem or novel to be some sort of propaganda piece, or some
sort of fake smile on the face of a suffering man."
PRONOIAC POETICS 2
*Blackberries in the Dream House* by Diane Frank
http://tinyurl.com/28sa2l
http://www.dianefrank.net
"What would happen to us if we were to undertake the discipline of
turning our life entirely and self-consciously, into a poem?"
RICH PRONOIACS
"A New Breed of Billionaire"
http://tinyurl.com/2u268t
(this site may require registration)
(Note: I endorse these because I like them. They are not advertisements,
and I get no kickbacks.)
Please tell me your own personal nominations for PRONOIA RESOURCES.
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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week beginning March 6
Copyright 2008 by Rob Brezsny
http://FreeWillAstrology.com
Grammar key: Asterisks equal *italics*
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): It's time you acknowledged that you are a
miraculous work of art, a masterpiece unlike any other ever created. I'm
not pandering to your egotism by telling you that. When I say, "Be
yourself," I don't mean the self that wants to win every game and use up
every resource and stand alone at the end of history on top of a Mt.
Everest-sized pile of pretty garbage. When I say, "Be yourself," I mean the
self that says thank you to the wild irises and the windy rain and the
people who grow your food. I mean the self who's joyfully struggling to
germinate the seeds of love and beauty that are packed inside every
moment. I mean the spiritual freedom fighter who's scrambling and
finagling and conspiring to shower all of your fellow messiahs with your
best blessings.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): This is Celebrate Your Broken Heart Week,
Aries. Even if your heart's not exactly shattered at the moment, it has no
doubt been so at sometime in the past. So why celebrate? Because
having a broken heart is one of the best things that can happen to you. It
strengthens your humility, which makes you smarter. It demonstrates to
you that you have a tremendous capacity for deep feelings -- far more
than you're normally aware of. It breaks down defense mechanisms that
have desensitized you to the world's secret beauty. It should also inspire
you to treat other people's hearts with great care, making it more likely
you'll be able to create intelligent intimacy in the future. Here's what I
conclude: A broken heart is a gift the world gives you to awaken you to
the truth about what matters to you most.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the Tsonga language of South Africa, the
term *rhwe* means to fall sleep on the floor while drunk and naked.
According to my analysis, you may now be unusually susceptible to
exhibiting *rhwe*-like behavior. That's because the astrological omens
suggest you're in prime time for the kind of extravagant socializing that
may lead to extremes you rarely express. There are more constructive
ways to channel this energy than through *rhwe,* however. Your
challenge will be to make sure your discernment and discipline are at least
partially engaged as you run half-wild and seek prodigious fun. (The info
about *rhwe* comes from a book about quirky words, *The Meaning of
Tingo,* by Adam Jacot de Boinod.)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): "When friends stop being frank and useful to
each other," wrote literary critic Anatole Broyard, "the whole world loses
some of its radiance." Make sure that doesn't happen any time soon,
Gemini. In fact, regard this horoscope as a warning beacon that motivates
you to action. Intensify your intention to keep your best alliances frank
and useful. Infuse a dose of raw candor into any relationship that is in
danger of becoming lazy or dishonest.
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EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES
In addition to the horoscopes that come to you in this newsletter, I create
audio horoscopes for your inspiration. They discuss themes and cover
material that I don't have room to deal with in the written horoscopes.
They're $6 if you access them on the Web, or $1.99 per minute over the
phone.
Try them at http://RealAstrology.com.
By phone: 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700.
"I always feel like I know myself better after listening to your audio
'scopes."
-June R., Austin, TX
"Your audio horoscopes calm me down when I'm too manic and pep me up
when I'm down."
-Arthur T., Cleveland, OH
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CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, prayer flags
are sets of brightly colored sacramental cloths that are inscribed with holy
words and images of deities. They're not designed for indoor use in
solemn ceremonies, but are hung outside where the wind blows their
blessings to the heavens and all over the world. I recommend that you
draw inspiration from this practice. It's a perfect time to take your
spiritual yearnings out of the closet, away from the church and temple
and mosque, and beyond all sheltered, temperature-controlled trappings.
Build a shrine in the wilderness, Cancerian. Sing a hymn from a
mountaintop, shower money on the river goddess, or create your own
homemade prayer flags and hang them from a tree.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to the automaker Saab, this year's
sedan has 2,157 features that are different from last year's, including
snake-eye headlamps and a clamshell hood. Your assignment in the
coming weeks, Leo, is to be roused by Saab's willingness to depart from
tradition. Speaking on behalf of the cosmic powers-that-be, I'm asking you
to commit to making 21.6 changes in your life, which is a mere one
percent of Saab's total. If that's too much to handle, would you consider
making 2.16 changes? A good place to start might be to add your own
personal metaphorical version of snake-eye headlamps.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): "The moon asked me to meet her in a field
tonight," wrote mystic poet Hafiz (translated by Daniel Ladinsky). "I think
she has amorous ideas." You might soon feel a similar suspicion, Virgo.
According to my reading of the astrological omens, seductive offers will
be coming your way, and not just from the moon. Secret suitors may
emerge from the shadows. Temptations could lure you toward the far
ends of your imagination. The sheer profusion of invitations you'll receive
might make you giddily agitated.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A Brazilian man told his wife he wanted a
divorce. Consumed with wrath, she laced his orange juice with a sedative
and then sliced off his penis while he was unconscious. Fortunately,
surgeons successfully reattached the organ. Later the man absolved his
wife of her sin, and they reconciled. "She was stressed and I understand
her reasons," he said. I hope his saintly feat inspires you to be equally
magnanimous, Libra. It's a perfect moment for you to forgive people you
thought you could never forgive -- to go way beyond your previous limits
in extending tolerance, mercy, and slack.
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AUDIO HOROSCOPES
In addition to the horoscopes that you're reading here, I create audio
horoscopes for your amusement and inspiration. Find out more at
http://RealAstrology.com.
The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or
1-900-950-7700.
"Your audio horoscopes work better than my therapist and cost me five
percent of what he charges." - Chris M., San Francisco, CO
"You've helped me remember important things about myself that I'd
forgotten." -Ruth V., Toronto
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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In his book *Starbucked,* Taylor Clark claims
there is a woman who goes into a Seattle Starbucks every day during the
morning rush and orders a "decaf single grandé extra vanilla two-percent
extra caramel 185-degrees with whipped cream caramel macchiato."
Maybe her request seems overly fussy and demanding, but in the next 12
days I encourage you to be equally as exacting in asking for what you
want. You have a poetic license to be extremely specific as you go about
your quest for fulfillment.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): During his 21 years as Prime Minister of
Canada, Mackenzie King (1874-1950) sought counsel from ouija boards,
crystal balls, psychics, and spirits. As one of the most powerful
Sagittarians who has ever called on supernatural sources for help in
making practical decisions, he's your role model in the coming week. It's
time, in my astrological opinion, for you to seek information from beyond
your old reliable sources, including at least some that transcend the
fixations of your rational ego.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): *San Francisco Chronicle* columnist Jon
Carroll says he's periodically asked about what it takes to be a writer. He
has two pieces of advice: "Good writers read a lot, and good writers write
a lot." I urge you to apply that approach to whatever skill it is you'd like
to master, whether it's building a boat, traveling where the tourists don't
go, satisfying a lover, or anything else. In other words, practice, practice,
and practice some more as you study the work of those who are experts
in the field. Now is an especially ripe time for you to identify what this skill
is for you, and to sign a formal agreement with yourself in which you
promise to steadily upgrade your mastery of it.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I encourage you to fantasize abundantly
about improbable combinations and seemingly unnatural juxtapositions,
Aquarius. For instance, imagine that through the magic of genetic
engineering, a mad scientist crosses a giraffe and a hippopotamus to
produce a giraffopotamus. Or imagine reading an essay that brilliantly
compares apples and oranges. Or watch the musical comedy film *West
Bank Story,* which portrays the love affair between an Israeli soldier and a
Palestinian cashier, whose parents operate competing falafel restaurants
on the West Bank. Doing things like this will put you in the right mood to
respond creatively to the unusual syntheses that fate will soon make
available to you.
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HOMEWORK: What's the most amazing feat you ever pulled off? What will
you do for your next amazing feat? Go to http://RealAstrology.com and
click on "Email Rob."
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WANT TO GET YOUR CHART DONE?
I'm not doing personal charts, but I highly recommend my astrological
colleague, RO LOUGHRAN. Her approach closely matches my own. In our
many discussions about astrology over the years, we've had a major
influence on each other's work.
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://YourSoulJourney.com
She can also be reached at roloughran@comcast.net
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to anyone.
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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,
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Contents of the Free Will Astrology Newsletter are Copyright
2008 Rob Brezsny
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