by Shirley Kali Johnson

"There are moments in moist love when heaven is jealous of what we on earth can do." -Hafiz

The month of May is ruled primarily by Taurus.  Taurus is the 2nd sign of the Zodiac and is represented by the Bull and is associated with the planet of Venus.  The identity of Taurus is, "I have" because Taurus is concerned with the earthly world. Taurean energy reminds and encourages to accept being human and of the world.

In a world where the news is more concerned with news that invokes fear, we have the energy of Taurus to remind us of all of the beautiful and delicious experiences we get to have as humans.  When constantly infused with fear, quite often humans begin to paralyze themselves.  We stop seeing the beautiful colors of flowers, we stop hearing the melodies of rain, birds and the ocean, we stop enjoying the tastes of our favorite delicacies, and we stop taking delight in the touch of another's skin touching our own skin.  When we paralyze ourselves because of fear, we stop feeling.  In fact we shut down out ability to feel and to let our senses be stimulated.

This month it is time to feel everything and find delight in it.  Take a break from worrying and avoiding life, and go out and take pleasure in it.  Find pleasure in each day – even in the smallest way.  Despite what much of modern media should have you believe, life is indeed very sweet and all it wants is for you to enjoy the sweetness.

Note: Planet Venus moves retrograde from May 15 – June 27, 2012 through the sign of Gemini.  These days for all signs may trigger challenges with beauty and looks, and is sometimes a period where astrologers advise folks to not do any drastic beauty or hair treatments or changes.  Additionally this may bring previous lovers or partners back into your life where you will receive closure 

Taurus:  It's the time when the Sun is in your sun sign, and just like the Sun, it is your time to SHINE!  Hold nothing back.  As you move forward through another solar cycle, get clear about what you want to represent in the world.  What do you want people to be attracted to within you?  Beauty?  Compassion?  Sense of adventure?  Now reflect on if you have been in fact being the person and energy that your heart and soul desires you to be.  Let this month be a time to experiment and be free.  Be who you were born to be.  There is no more time to play a small role in the play if you want to be the lead.  Audition for the lead role with confidence.  Jupiter, planet of optimism, internationalism and abundance, will align with the Sun in your first house giving you an EXTRA birthday brilliance and wish.  Wish big!

Gemini: May is a special month for you as well.  On May 20, we have the New Moon and Solar Eclipse in your sign of Gemini!  The Solar Eclipse will super charge the New Moon's energy in Gemini and give an extra streak of energy and life force to your life.  Most likely you are known for you ability to communicate, socialize, express yourself with charm and wit, and learn quickly.  You may find with the Solar Eclipse that these qualities are enhanced.  You may be more inspired, more witty, and more charming than ever.  Use the energy of this new moon for inspiration to commit to some new intentions and habits you would like to grow over the summer.

Cancer: The full moon in Scorpio on May 5 falls in your 5th house – house of creativity and self expression.  You may be experiencing an ending or a new cycle starting around this Full Moon time.  It might be a bit of a dramatic ending or beginning, but it will clear up the space in your mind to truly express yourself honestly and as the best version of yourself.  What have you been hiding from yourself?  Is there an area of your life that you refuse to talk about or expose?  Remember that exposing a wound allows it to heal, but keeping it covered and bandaged does not allow the wound to breathe and fully heal.  It is time to expose the wound(s) and learn to love yourself with these wounds.

Leo: The Sun and Jupiter are lined up in your 10th house for most of the month giving extra luck and perhaps some international influence on your career.  The 10th house is the house that rules your career, not your day to day work, but your career – what you aspire to do.  Jupiter is the biggest planet in the solar system, and with its presence in your 10th house, there is a possibility of good fotune regarding this area of your life.  Perhaps you may meet someone who wants to help you get where you are going or has a way to connect you to your dream job.  Stay optimistic and remember that everyone you meet is a potential friend!

Virgo: This month you have Mars going direct the whole month in your first house.  With Mars previously retrograding through Virgo during the bginning of 2012, you may have felt it was hard to get things started or to rev up your passion.  Now that it is direct again, you have an extra source of fire to ignite your dreams and personality.  Let your passion out in everything you do.  This may also be a great time to start a new and energizing workout routine or a diet that is going to give you more energy rather than make you feel sluggish.  Mars is the planet of passion, action and war.  It's energy is in motion, so you will need more stamina to be present in all the places that Mars wants to take you to.  Enjoy the ride.

Libra:  This month the Full Moon in Scorpio lands in your 2nd house of self worth and income.  This month it would be advantageous to seek some time to talk with a therapist, counselor, healer and release any of the frustration that you have around your self confidence and/or anything that makes you feel insecure and unsure around deserving money and income.  The Full Moon is helping to bring up some of these insecurities and emotions.  You might feel even somewhat sad around the Full Moon, but this is the celestial way of assisting you in releasing.  Nothing can be released to the ethers until you are aware that it is there.  You cannot release something that you in denial about.  This month, face the demons that you deny, and notice that they will shrink in their size.

Scorpio: Good news in the partnership area of your life.  This month you have Jupiter, planet of optimism, fortune and internationalism in your house of partnerships, relationships, and marriage.  If you are thinking what I am thinking, this could be a great month of meeting someone whom you will start a loving romantic relationship or business partnership.  It might even be someone from a different country, and also potentially someone tall or at least with  big presence!  Because this is going on in Taurus, please do not try to rush things.  You have to be patient with Taurus energy, trust that it will unfold things beautifully, but don't push at trying to make things happen in this relationship, know that it is there.

Sagittarius: Use the energy of the New Moon and Solar Eclipse of Gemini on May 20 to revive and begin to think about new business opportunities and partners regarding writing, publishing, teaching, and anything around community.  This New Moon and Solar Eclipse will most likely end some relationships (business, romantic, or other), but also encourage you to get clear about the kind of partnership that you want.  This time, choose the kind of situation that works for YOU!  No need to pick a circumstance that is convenient for others or because you want to help someone out.  Put yourself and your needs first.

Capricorn: This month starts with the Sun and Jupiter both in your house of expression and creativity.  If you have been working on anything related to art, theater or children, this can be a powerful month for taking a big step towards something that you have been working on for awhile.  Jupiter represents fortune, optimism and abundance.  Having this planet in the 5th house symbolizes largeness and suggests a large accomplishment or a goal that has large significance to you.  It is all happening for you, even if you cannot see it, be optimistic, and keeping working towards those goals.

Aquarius: The Full Moon in Scorpio occurs in your 10th house this month on May 5.  Scorpio is the sign of transformation and the cycle of life including birth and death.  The 10th house is the house of career and reputation.  This month's full moon may challenge you to let of some of the attachment that you have around a certain reputation or career title.  You may be thinking that this is the best that you can "have", but in fact there may be something else that wants to come through you.  A job may end or perhaps you may come to terms that the dream that you had about what you want is not truly what your soul wants.  Applaud the courage it takes to change directions and live from the soul.

Pisces: Mars, planet of passion, fire, and war is moving direct in your 7th house, after retrograding over the last few earlier months of 2012.  With Mars moving direct through Virgo in your 7th house, you may notice that your dating life starts to rev up a little more.  Be clear about what you want.  Use the energy of Virgo to get clear and specific about what you want.  You may think that the reason that things have not been "working" for you in this area of your life previously is due to something physical, but it is actually all connected to your clarity and sending a clear signal to the Universe.  Be real with the Universe, and the Universe will be real with you.

Aries: With the month starting with the Sun and Jupiter and your 2nd house of self worth and income it would serve you to know that this month you could potentially expect some extra income come your way.  At the same time income is a reflection of your own self worth.  So, notice how much extra income comes to you and think about what you believe you deserve.  Do you believe that you deserve more money from the Universe or do you believe that only once you get another degree, weigh a certain amount, or have a certain kind of partner that you will be worthy?  This month is a powerful month to look at some of these limiting beliefs that you let control your life in some ways.  At any point you have the choice to stop believing them, will you stop now?

By Donation New Moon Call and Meditation.  This month, the New Moon falls into the sign of Gemini.  Gemini rules communication, learning, teaching, being a student and communities.  Taurus represents Mother Earth, practicality, grounding and sensuality.  Join me for a teleconference on May 20, 2012 to learn more about the energy of Gemini, how to use the New Moon, and for some meditation and journaling.  For more information, email info@soulisticwellness.com.

Shirley Kali Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga.  For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. – Anais Nin

April is here, and it feels like just yesterday was January 1, 2012 and we were reflecting on 2011.  So how is 2012 going?  Is it everything you were hoping for?  Is it as full of potential as you thought it would be in the beginning of the year?

We start off April with the Sun in Aries.  In fact most of April is full of Aries Sun energy.  Mercury retrograde finishes up on April 4, and Mercury landing in Pisces and then will move into Aries through the month of April.  Of course we have Uranus in Aries.  And Mars (the ruling planet of Aries) completes its retrograde on April 13th.  While the beginning of April may feel like stop and go for some of us, but April 13th, we have completed 2 big retrogrades and should be ready to let ourselves get lost in the passion that is Aries.  Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac and it's key words are beginnings, childlike, passion, lust, fire, and courage!  This month, ask yourself where you could use an extra dosage of passion and courage in your life.  Your courage is a statement of confidence and trust.  Courage speaks to the Universe and it says, "Bring it on!"  Desire requires courage to make it a reality.  Step into your courage and do something you have never ever done before this month!

Remember to read the horoscope for both your Sun + Rising Signs!  

Aries: Who do you want to be?  This month you are shaping your identity for the next 12 months.  The actions that you take this month will echo throughout for the upcoming year.  If you want to be fearless, take risks, if you want to be athletic, start working out.  You can be anything you want to be!  In fact, you already are everything you want to be, you must just realize it.  Let your actions reflect your highest desires!

Taurus: It's time to come out of the attic you have locked yourself in.  You may have been wallowing in your woes and fears.  We all have them, you are not alone.  Everyone has their issues, and it is when we share these issues and still come down to the dinner table even with our challenges that our wounds can heal.  Celebrate!  You have so much to contribute to the communities you belong to.

Gemini:  This is a great month for friendship – reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.  It may seem that you are always meeting new people.  You are a Gemini, so it is expected, but this month you are connecting on a deeper level with people and communities.  This is also an awesome month to start volunteering or rallying around a cause you believe in.  Put those communication skills into action for the people!

Cancer: It's time to do some meditating and reflecting on your career.  Perhaps you have lost focus with what it is that you actually love to do and give to the world.  Sometimes money, status, and titles can get in the way and make us forget what it is that we actually love doing.  What if there was not money at all involved in what you are doing, would you still be doing it?

Leo:  Mars goes direct in your 2nd house on April 13.  This is good news for your bank account and you may notice new opportunities coming up for work that could make things easier for you.  Simplify your life.  Not in the sense of giving away all of your stuff, but work smarter, not harder, so that you can enjoy some leisure and fun mixed in with the work and school.

Virgo: Let the Aries energy ignite your life Virgo.  LET GO!  You have been due for big transformations, but you are fearing them.  Get your courage up!  Pay attention to your solar plexus area – do breath of fire, hit the gym, do things that get your adrenaline up.  Use that adrenaline to fuel your courage.  Feel the fear and do it anyway.  You will feel lighter after some of those things, conversations, situations, jobs, etc have been released.

Libra: This month's Aries sun is in opposition to your natal Libra sun.  This is a time to comb through all the relationship kinks you have been having.  Perhaps you find yourself compromising parts of you for the sake of a relationship, and it is time to stop the compromising.  As you accept yourself for who you are, you will find that others do also.  Compromise is an area that you are pretty familiar with, become familiar with being yourself authentically.

Scorpio: How have you been letting a certain routine hold you back?  In life, routine can ground us, and it can also ground us so much that we become almost paralyzed by the routine and frightened to not be in certain routines.  This month, spice things up and take a break from your daily routines.  Spend time with new people, do things without any rational reason, and open up to new ways of taking care of yourself.

Sagittarius:  This is a great month to spend time with children.  As you spend time with youth, you spend time with your own inner child and are reminded of the essence of who you are.  Indeed in life, we change.  We grow, we shrink, we gain and we lose, but in essence we stay the same.  What is your essence?  What has been living within you since being a child that you are ready to share and show to the world?

Capricorn:  With Mars moving direct again in your house of higher learning and expansion, this is a great time to brainstorm applying to a new learning program and/or studying abroad or getting into business with international people.  Perhaps this may even change where you live and send you on a journey for a new home or living situation.  Get lost in wanderlust and expansion.

Aquarius: This month is a great time to reconnect with your immediate community.  You have so many ideas and you have a lot of knowledge that can benefit others.  Why shy away from leadership?  There are so many communities that you belong to that desire your wisdom.  Now is the time to release any fears of making mistakes and stepping up into the spotlights and into action for your beliefs and community.

Pisces:  The most powerful thing you can do in your life is to love yourself.  Whether you feel ways about your relationship, your jobs or any other areas, the solution to any of your problems is to love yourself unconditionally.  Take a moment each day to affirm your love and to match your actions and surroundings to the love that you have for yourself and the love that you are.

By Donation New Moon Call and Meditation.  This month, the New Moon falls into the sign of Taurus.  Taurus represents Mother Earth, practicality, grounding and sensuality.  Join me for a teleconference on April 21, 2012 to learn more about the energy of Taurus, how to use the New Moon, and for some meditation and journaling.  For more information, click HERE.

Shirley Kali Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga.  For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up 
like a raisin in the sun? 
Or fester like a sore– 
And then run? 
Does it stink like rotten meat? 
Or crust and sugar over– 
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags 
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
-Langston Hughes

We enter March with the Sun in the sign of Pisces.  Pisces is the ruler of intuition, charity, healing (and places where healing takes place), and dreams.  I learned that dreams had a special place in life as a child.  My mother kept a dream journal and in the morning would write her dreams, and would also record me and my younger brother’s dreams.  My mother created a space each morning to discuss dreams from the time I was a child, but somewhere around high school, I lost touch with my dreams.  It was at this same time that I was engulfed by academics and the confusion of being a teenager and trying so hard to fit in, to be liked, and to feel worthy. 

When we are in a constant state of trying to be a certain way, we lose sight that we are already Divine just as we are, and there is nothing to try to be or do.  Our dreams remind us of our Divinity.  Our dreams remind us of the force that is beyond what we may see within our physical reality, it reminds us of the many possibilities that already exist, even if we cannot see them.

This month, let us remind ourselves of our precious dreamworld – both the dreamworld we enter during slumber, and the dreamworld that holds our deepest passions and yearnings to express ourself. 

Pisces: We start off March with the Sun and Neptune in your first house.  Neptune is the natural ruling planet of Pisces, adding another layer of sensitivity to your personality.  This is the time to trust your intuition, even if this has been a challenge of the past.  Now is the time to address this, and to create space to be intuition-led.  You have all the answers within you.

Aries: With Mercury moving retrograde within your first house of ego an personality on March 12, the beginning of the month may feel like a test on your ego, and you might even feel slightly more irritable than usual.  You are not your ego, don’t take it personally.

Taurus: Venus moves into Taurus on March 5, where it will stay for about a month.  This means that March could be the kind of month that you as a Taurus dream of – full of harmony, beauty, and romance – even amidst the Mercury retrograde. Give thanks daily for your blessings.

Gemini: With planet Neptune in your 10th house of career and work, this is a good time to reflect on what you have dreamt of doing with your life.  Perhaps you might even find that you are living your dreams.  If you are unfulfilled within your work life, begin to create a new dream or revise the current dream to take into account all that you have learned over the last couple of years.

Cancer: Mercury retrogrades through your 10th house of career and professional aspects beginning on March 12.  This retrograde may feel like everything is moving backwards or like you are not making any progress in this area of your life.  Instead of getting stressed, use this time as retreat and relaxation.  Head to the spa, practice yoga, read all those books you have been wanting to read.  Let yourself.

Leo: With Neptune and the Sun in your 8th house of transformation this month, this month is a powerful one to step deeply into all the areas of your life that scare you or that carry stigma around them.  Bring light to the dark areas, rather than pretend that they are not dark.  Thank the people who help to bring you into the places that scare you.

Virgo: You may find that relationships with partners are taking up a lot of time in your energy and may even be quite emotional – perhaps eliciting emotion from you or for your partner.  Be present within the emotions, and share them – this is a powerful tool in creating intimacy and trust with your partners.

Libra: Starting on March 12, Mercury begins to move retrograde through your 7th house, the house of relationships.  You may find that your focus in moving more internal to yourself from outward.  This month, make the time to listen to your needs and say yes to yourself before saying yes to anyone else.

Scorpio: This is a great month to do a mental fast or a mental cleanse.  In these types of cleanses we commit to observing the mind and noticing each time we opt to judge or condemn ourselves or another.  And we pay attention to these occurrences, and challenge our self to release the thought as soon as we are conscious of it.  Cleanse our the subconscious mind, and create space for more optimism and joy.

Sagittarius: The sector of your chart ruling the home and domestic life this month has both the Sun and Neptune within it.  Dedicate some time to creating a home that is nurturing to your soul, not just your logic.  Incorporate magical colors, intriguing smells, and romantic textures within your home.  You may even find yourself with increased inspiration and creativity because of it.

Capricorn: Your house of creativity and expression has both Venus (beauty, attraction) and Jupiter (optimism, expansion) within it.  You can use these 2 planets together for the benefit of any musical, artistic, or performative endeavors.  Let go of the inhibitions, and let yourself get free in creating!

Aquarius: March starts off with the Sun and Neptune in your 2nd house of worth, confidence, and income.  This is a powerful time to imagine and dream of what you desire your bank account and salary to look like and begin to notice what it will have to feel like within yourself to feel deserving and worthy of your desires.

By Donation New Moon Call and Meditation.  This month, the New Moon falls into the sign of Aries.  Aries is the leader of the Zodiac, and helps us create new beginnings with clarity and passion.  Join me for a teleconference on March 22, 2012 to learn more about the energy of Aries, how to use the New Moon, and for some meditation and journaling.  For more information, please email: info@soulisticwellness.com

Shirley Kali Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga.  For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com

It is the childlike mind that finds the kingdom. - Charles Fillmore

Last week my cousin gave birth to a daughter.  While we all knew that she was pregnant and was scheduled to give birth at anytime, receiving the news made me giddy with excitement.  I am so excited to meet this new little person, and I am so excited to see her grow along the way.  Each time I see a baby, I wonder about what it's like to have all these new experiences.  Babies and young children just take it all in.  Every single moment is new and even the littlest of things can be fascinating to kids.

Often when I start getting really pessimistic, I notice it is because I have banished my childlike mind.  I have gotten so wrapped up in routine and clinging to certain patterns that I forget to lighten up.  I forget to embrace that childlike mind and allow each moment to be brand new.  

Here is the task for February – to stay brand new, fresh, open and excited…even about things that don't seem exciting, and even when things seem  to be not going the way you wished for.  Stay open.  Even if things have gone a certain way for most of your life and you have been disappointed by certain outcomes in the past, let go.  Let go of how you think it is going to be, and just surrender to how it is.  It's much easier to write it than practice it, but it's worth a try.

Remember to read the horoscope for your Sun sign and your Rising sign!

Aquarius: Starting off February with the Sun, Mercury and Neptune in your house of self.  Neptune is finishing its tour of your 1st house and will move into your 2nd house of self worth.  Over the last couple of years, you may have felt as though you have become more sensitive or connected to the metaphysical.  Now it is time to integrate all you have learned.  Trust your instincts and intuition and share with others!

Pisces: Planet Neptune is shifting into your sign.  The good news is that Neptune is the natural ruler of your sign, so it will be back in its home position.  However since it has not been there for a long time, you may have some adjusting to do.  You may feel less grounded than usual.  Use the power of Neptune to guide you and let your imagination loose, you may surprise yourself with what comes out of your imagination.

Aries: On February 8th, Venus moves into the sign of Aries and into your first house of self.  This creates a lot of magnetism around you and your personality.  This is a good time to ask for what you want, as you may very well likely receive it.  Focus on receiving more and allowing others to share with you.  Mars is retrograding through your 6th house, allow for lots of rest.

Taurus: With Neptune entering your 11th house, there is a likelihood that you may feel attracted to a new group of friends.  It is important that you set healthy boundaries between you and others as you will be pulled towards different social outings and opportunities.  It is likely that you may find yourself hanging with a more eclectic and spiritual group.  Emerge yourself.  

Gemini: With Mars moving retrograde, plans you had to change your living situation may seem to not be moving with ease.  Be patient and go with the flow, something unexpectedly awesome may present itself instead.  In the middle of the month, get out and meet new people. Go to events that you usually don't go to, and exchange numbers with new people!

Cancer:  This is a great month to get your taxes done.  Don't wait till the last minute!  Also with the Sun in your 8th house, this is a time of natural transformation.  The old must die to give way to the new.  Let the transformation occur, stop hiding from it and accept it.  

Leo: Relationships are at the center of your world in the beginning of the month.  Issues with a sibling or father may be lighting up your world.  Use this time to practice conscious dialogue and nonviolent communication techniques.  If you can practice them in the most difficult of times, then you will master it!

Virgo: Mars is retrograding through your first house.  This may seem annoying since it may seem like you have a drop in energy or like it is taking a lot to get things going.  Use this time to renew and reflect on your values.  Take some time this month to journal – who are you?  what Divine purpose do you have here on earth?  Get reacquainted with your Highest self.

Libra: February starts off with your 5th house of self expression lit up.  There is a story you are yearning to tell!  Tell it – write it, sing it, draw it! Express it!  Let the energy of the beginning of the month help you flush out your story and feel motivated about sharing it.  You have the spotlight, so use it!

Scorpio: The beginning of the month is about your home.  This month calls for you to pay attention and care to your home; both the house you live in and your physical body.  Give extra self care, and treat yourself to some spa time.  As February ends, life will be moving quickly and calling or lots of your energy.  So use the beginning of the month to fill up your tank.

Sagittarius: There may be some focus on siblings this month.  As you move through the month, try to be compassionate for those in need and practice mindful support.  Later in February, you may want to give some attention to the idea of a new home.  This is a good time to start envisioning and creating loose plans around the kind of house and home situation you desire.  

Capricorn:   The beginning of the month will have some focus on income.  This month may present new ways to gather income perhaps by humanitarian efforts or with your communication skills.  Think outside the box, and don't be afraid to share those thoughts.  You might just be rewarded for being unique.  

January 2012 Astrological Asana

"If you want to be sad, no one in the world can make you happy.  But if you make up your mind to be happy, no one and nothing on earth can take that happiness from you."

- Parahamsa Yogananda

We are approaching the last days of 2011, and what a year this has been for us both individually and collectively.  One thing I think that we can all agree on from this year is that change is inevitable.  Nothing material lasts forever, yet there is a part of us that is eternal.  The popular yoga mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya", meaning "I bow to Shiva, the deity of change and destruction", reminds us that not only is change inevitable but it is is necessary.  As we bow to change, we bow to the Unknown.

Sagittarius:  Tis the season of Sagittarius, and while you do have the Sun in your house of self lighting up potential and movement to come into your highest self, you also have Mercury retrograding through this house till 12/13.  So you may be experiencing some roadblocks in getting motivated.  Use this time for self care; sleeping late, reiki treatments, juicing, and moving slowly.  Be gentle with yourself.  One Mercury turns direct, things will be moving fast, so take delight in these moments now.
Capricorn: The beginning of the month may feel slow and you may even find your dreams being very bizarre or lucid.  You have Venus lighting up your first house so you may be feeling a bit romantic or just appreciative of beauty.  This is not often a luxury that you give yourself hard-working Capricorn!  Give in to the beauty and romance, have fun!
Aquarius: This month you are also bound to be experiencing Mercury Retrograde in your house of social affairs and friendships, which for you as an Aquarius is everything!  You may notice getting together with people is more difficult than usual, or that just being social is feeling challenging.  Use December as a month to reflect, be quiet, and pay attention to your dreams!
Pisces: With Uranus turning direct in your house of income on 12/10, you may receive some surprise checks or offers to make money this month.  The past few months, you may have felt a big foggy on what it is that would make your happy income wise.  Now you may be feeling clear once again.  Use this clarity to take risks.
Aries: With Uranus moving direct in your house of self on 12/10, you are about to get an extra jolt of cosmic energy toward any work that is aligned with your highest potential.  With Uranus moving directly, you cease to care what others think and you are ready to express yourself authentically, and that makes you UN-stoppable.
Taurus: Pay attention to your daydreams and all coincidences.  Nothing is a coincidence, everything is a message to you.  Receive the messages!  You have Jupiter still in your 1st house, and now with Mars in your house of romance and play, this could be a very serendipitous time to meet a lover!  Enjoy!
Gemini: This month may start off feeling a bit challenging in your partnerships and relationships.  You might be feeling misunderstood or like no one is hearing you, probably a sign of Mercury Retrograde.  Once Mercury turns direct on 12/13, you will enjoy clarity in your communications in partnerships and relationships, and you may even turn some of your most challenging relationships into your most pleasurable ones!
Cancer: The beginning of the month is a great time to focus on your health.  Perhaps a new commitment has your working late or early.  Make sure that you are getting enough fresh water, sleep and nutrition through food daily.  Once the Sun moves into Capricorn on 12/21, your focus may shift in trying to make a romance work into a relationship.  Remember it takes 2 to tango!
Leo: With Mars in your house of income and self worth, it seems like you might be starting to REALLY take your dreams seriously!  The first step in making more money is WANTING to make more money, and this month you are ready to put your dreams into action to make money.  Pitch your stories or ideas, or perhaps re-visit projects from the past.  Say yes to yourself, and no one will be able to say no.
Virgo:  This month we have Mars in your first house.  Mars is the warrior and passion planet, and when in your first house, gives you the energy to assert yourself and get things done.  Mars will be in your first house over the next few month so perhaps think of some things that you have been wanting to get done, and chart out some action steps, Mars will help you.  Also expect lots of passion!
Libra: When Uranus turns direct in your house of relationships, it may be time to shake off some of the attachment you have had to conventionalism, and embrace the non-conventional ways.  Perhaps you have met someone you thought you would have never fallen for, or someone who doesn't make "any" sense for you.  Life is not about convention, it is about what is.
Scorpio: With Mercury retrograding through your house of self income and worth , you may notice that "old" patterns of dysfunction in regards to self esteem are coming up.  You may be questioning your value and your self worth.  You deserve everything that you desire and you are not forgotten.  Remember that once Mercury moves directly on 12/13, this will bring light into this area and help you to shed any dysfunction.

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga.  For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com 

"I have learnt silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers." - Khalil Gibran

October belongs mostly to Libra.  This October begins with the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Saturn all in Libra.  Libra is the sign that rules relationships.  Relationships are the core of our life and experiences.  It is through others that we learn, grow, and that life becomes what it is.  Each time we interact, we are in a relationship, whether with colleague, sibling, parent, child, lover, spouse, customer, and so on.  In fact it is often through the interactions with others that we begin to define ourselves, and through those definitions tend to draw conclusions about who we are. 

On a large scale right now, a lot of what is going on in the world is about re-evaluating relationships and the systems that they have created that are no longer serving humanity.  All around the globe including American cities, folks are rebelling against the relationships to each other which we have gone along with for quite some time that no longer are suiting us. Humanity is coming together for justice.  Libra is represented as the scales, the scales also are used to depict justice.  Libra's desire is to balance and make things just not only in our personal lives but also in the world.  

Where are you seeking harmony and justice in your life? What relationships are no longer working for you?

Libra:  This is your time of the year as you come into your Solar Return.  Many Libras tend to go through a period in life where they are more focused on pleasing others rather than serving their highest self.  Start your personal new year off bringing the energy inward.  What do YOU want for this year?  What do YOU desire?  Listen to your heart.
Scorpio: Great time to take initiative at work.  If  you are feeling gutsy, act on it!  No need to keep following the crowd, take a stand and stand out!  Forgive others and forgive yourself, harnessing resentment over the past keeps you hostage to your mind.
Sagittarius: This is a good month to reflect on what friendship means to you and to both notice who your friends are and who you are being a friend to.  There may be a need or tendency to be spending more time with friends.  Remember that your friends are the ones who will accept you no matter what.
Capricorn: You may be feeling quite passionate lately.  Perhaps you have a lot of energy, or are feeling very inspired sexually.  Use this energy to propel you in your career.  Or use this energy at home to deepen your domestic partnerships. 
Aquarius: You may find yourself getting into some arguments this month.  Remember that it is okay to agree to disagree.  And remember that by being stubborn about ideas, you close  yourself up to new ideas…open up! 
Pisces:  Your mind is a powerful tool within your body.  You are getting the opportunity to take a look at the areas that have seemed "dark" for so long and explore them safely with support and compassion.  Do not be afraid.
Aries: Lots of creative energy and passion this month, do not shy away away from your power dear Aries.  You are a fire sign for a reason.  It is time to rise up, tap into your courage and move away from any victim roles you have been attaching to.
Taurus: If you have been thinking about ways to revive your health, think no more, just act!  It may be time to balance some health habits that may be disturbing your natural harmony; maybe too much tv, too much food, too much sitting around.  Time to balance it out.
Gemini: This is a great time for your to link up with a business partner for a creative venture.  You will have a good time building with someone and merging together both of your ideas and expression into an exciting creation.
Cancer: Take risks with your income.  Working only for a paycheck is not going to cut it for you right now.  Try to immerse yourself in communities where you feel you are being valued and can explore life outside the box!
Leo: You may enjoy some extra pep in your step this month Leo, making you as charming as ever.  What do you want to use this extra pep and charm for?  If you want to help people, start doing it now!
Virgo: Balance your finances and create a new budget.  Prioritize the activities and services that help you to recharge and create harmony in your life.  Perhaps set aside money for an art class, membership to a museum, or a hike.  

*Save the Date: By-Donation New Moon Call!  Learn about the Moon Cycles and Set intention for the New Moon with other Moon Lovers on Wednesday 10/26/2011 at 10pm EST/7pm PT.  This month's New Moon is in the sign of Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, generation, and sex! To register please email info@soulisticwellness.com *

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga.  For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com

Have you ever experienced the feeling of wanting to quit?  Have you ever made it to a point where you said to yourself, "I am done.  I can no longer continue."  Perhaps you have felt this way regarding your career, a relationship, the way you feel about yourself, or possibly about life in general.  The good new is that when you get to this point, you are usually at a crossroads where you must change your situation.  You either have to leave a situation that you are in or you have to start a new approach to the situation in order to make it through.

This September, as we start on a new month and the last quarter of 2011, examine what in your life needs to be cured, perhaps through elimination or change, and what needs to be endured.

Aries:  This is a great time to think about your health and examine how your routine has been encouraging or discouraging wellness.  What are your health goals?  Do you want more flexibility?  More energy?  Better sleep?  This is a great time to initiate the changes in your routine to support your health.
Taurus: This month starts with the Sun in your 5th house, the house of romance, play and creativity.  Allow yourself some free time.  You have been working hard this past month, so take some time to relax, take a mini vacation and prioritize fun.
Gemini:  You may feel somewhat of a homebody this weekend.  You may be wanting to spend more time at home or with your family.  Use this month to recharge and to spend time with the people who will support and encourage you.
Cancer:  Use this month to learn.  This month you will have the energy and ability to both teach and learn.  As you teach, you learn, and as you learn, you teach.  Remember the two of these are reciprocal and are not isolated.
Leo: It is time to examine the relationship that you have with yourself and your self worth.  What are you insecure about and why?  This is a good time to look at the things and surroundings that bring out your insecurities and stop avoiding them, but begin to learn from them.
Virgo: Dear Virgo, you have the Sun in your 1st house this month.  This your shining birth anniversary time.  Use the energy from the Sun to initiate new beginnings.  Where in life do you want a fresh start?  This month, you can start anew in any area that you want!  Just do it!
Libra: What have you been hiding from yourself?  In what way have you been keeping yourself a prisoner?  Free yourself this month.  This is a liberating month for you if you want it to be.  You have the power to set yourself free?
Scorpio: Your social circles are on your mind.  Perhaps you are feeling a bit flirty and social.  Use your natural ability to create deep relationships with all that you encounter this month.  Look at everyone as a friend, and see how this changes the various situations you encounter.
Sagittarius: What do you need to change in  your life in order to dive deeper into your dreams?  A sacrifice is not a loss, it is a gain in disguise.  What are you willing to sacrifice for your dreams?
Capricorn:  Do you feel a bit deeper than usual?  Indeed there may be a lot of big questions that you are pondering.  You are not alone.  Share your ideas.  If  you have been thinking of going back to school, take class that allows you to dive deeper into philosophy.
Aquarius:  What have you been keeping private?  This month may be the month that a secret is revealed.  Free yourself by bringing this secret into the light.  There is nothing to hide.
Pisces:  It is time to either move on from a relationship or commit to being in it.  Accept your present and all that it brings to you.  Leave behind the feelings of non-fulfillment from another person, fulfill yourself!

*Save the Date: FREE New Moon Call!  Learn about the Moon Cycles and Set intention for the New Moon with other Moon Lovers on Tuesday 9/27/2011 at 10pm EST/7pm PT.  This month's New Moon is in the sign of Libra.  Libra is the sign of relationships, partnerships, and balance! To register please email info@soulisticwellness.com *

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga.  For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com

August Astrological Forecast

"There is no controlling life.Try corralling a lightning bolt, containing a tornado. Dam a stream and it will create a new channel.  Resist, and the tide will sweep you off your feet.  Allow, and grace will carry you to higher ground." – Danna Faulds

It seems like everyone whom I speak to recently is experiencing a summer full of lessons, full of challenges, full of transformation.  Each day is truly a transformative experience, yet some days we can feel the transformation more acutely than others.  This is one of those times when we are collectively feeling the transformation more acutely.

I recall the concept of growing pains.  As a child, I grew tall rather quickly.  I remember feeling occasional pain in my knees and legs randomly that my mother would attribute to my growing spurts.  I became familiar with the term and understanding of physical growing pains, and whenever I felt that discomfort, I recognized it as a sign that I was growing taller.  I was excited to grow taller, so the pain did not hurt so much.

What most of us are experiencing are growing pains as adults.  It does not mean we are growing physically taller, but we are growing and expanding in our consciousness and our Self.  What if you could allow the transformation and allow the pain that comes with the growth?  What if as you accepted the growth, you began to notice that the suffering softened?

As we move into the month of August, the final full month of the summer season, we will undoubtably be in for another growth spurt.  The Sun is in Leo.  Leo is the sign of the Zodiac that represents creation.  Creation is growth.  Creation requires that we grow, and to grow means to release.  To grow means to change.  Creation requires change, and being receptive to change.  Leo also rules expression.  Leo asks us to express our highest Self.  As we express ourself as our most truthful identity, creativity naturally flows.

During August, the planet Mercury will retrograde through the sign of Virgo an then back into Leo.  This retrograde is a perfect time for all to re-evaluate their current health conditions and make the changes that reflect what they need to nourish their most truthful identity.  This is also a time to pay attention to the details and be as clear as possible about any agreements and plans that you are making.

Aries:  This is a great time to take a look at your health and reflect on your health from a holistic perspective.  What are you feeding your mind, body and spirit?  Each thought, thing, or experience you intake affects all 3 of these parts of you.  Are you willing to sacrifice your growth and natural state of joy for the things you are intaking?

Taurus: This is a month to be playful.  You may have felt like the past months have been pretty heavy and have required a serious element from you.  Now it is time to incorporate some play and romance.  Even if you are single, romance yourself!  Take yourself out, wear pretty clothes, soak in sea salts baths and massage your feet!  

Gemini: You may be pondering your home situation right now.  You may be tempted to move, break your lease, or do something that would change up your domestic life.  Remember that as we are in Mercury retrograde to be patient.  And if things don't work out as you "want" them to, trust that it is for the highest good.

Cancer: You are feeling a need for more inspiration this month.  This could be a good time to enroll for a class in a hobby that interests you or buy a membership to a museum, dance or yoga studio or something else that will rev you up.  Your finances are in good condition, so allow yourself to invest in yourself.

Leo: Mercury is retrograding through your house of self worth and personal income.  This is a time to reflect on how those 2 concepts work together.  For your birthday gift to yourself, do what makes you feel good about yourself!  Be in the state of feeling good by surrounding yourself with those conditions that incite self love.

Virgo: This month asks you to release some ideas about yourself that are no longer healing you or helping you.  Being hard on yourself and over analytical may no longer be serving you or allowing others to serve you.  Be gentle with yourself this month, and accept help.

Libra: Your dreams may reveal lots to you this month; both light and shadow. Remember that you are not your mind nor your thoughts, but your mind and thoughts are a reflection of you!  What are your daydreams and night dreams reflecting?  The parts that are being reflected are often the parts that need more attention.  Nourish those areas.

Scorpio: This is a powerful time to begin to plan out and get clear about the work that you want to do.  It has been a theme for the past couple of months perhaps, but with the new moon at the end of the month falling into your career area, take the time to think about what YOU want from your work!  Be patient with friends.

Sagittarius: Your career is at the center of this retrograde.  You may be reconsidering the work you are doing or perhaps how you are doing it.  This is a great time to make changes and try out new ways and models of your career and passion.  

Capricorn: If you have been thinking about returning to school, this would be a great time to start researching what you would like to study or areas of interest to you.  You are looking for a deeper and higher awareness.  It is within you already, you just have to find the settings to allow it to be out in the open.

Aquarius: This is a powerful month to create or begin to get clear what you want in a romantic partner.  As you do this, make sure you are bringing that same clarity into your idea of yours self.  Pay attention to your instincts and feelings, trust your gut about situations.

Pisces: Relationships from the past are revisiting you.  Perhaps there is a romantic partner from the past or an ex partner or fiance who has re-entered into your life.  It may not be to necessarily re-kindle the past, but it is to bring closure to the past.  Go with it, state your needs, be clear.

*For the month of August I am offering 45 minute long Spiritual Astrology Counseling sessions over the phone for $50. In this 45 minute journey, you will learn about your astrological chart and we will discuss hidden talents and ways to to unravel patterns that are holding you from your dreams. Email me at info@soulisticwellness.com to schedule your appointment*

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga.  For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com