AUGUST THEME: WE'RE ALL PSYCHIC!
by Simone Butler

I have always distrusted psychics. Their starry-eyed predictions ("You're about to meet a handsome, older man who lives by the water--and, he has money!") are often wrong. Or, it's several decades before the event transpires.

Years ago, I worked for an astrology service that shared space with a psychic hotline. I'd cringe inwardly as the readers confidently predicted each caller's fate. Where did this information come from? Surely some were making it up. Others were obviously gifted--but even the best had off days.

I chose astrology as my oracle because it's a science tied to predictable symbolism and cycles. A Saturn trine to the ruler of the 7th facilitates marriage; Jupiter crossing the 10th house cusp brings career opportunities. Fate and free will make it hard to predict the specifics, but at least you have a road map. "Are you sure you're not psychic?" clients often ask, when what I see in their charts comes to pass. But I prefer to credit 25 years of study.

So, I was in unfamiliar waters when I recently found myself doing "intuitive readings" without my astrological safety net. I had been invited to join a small group of women who practice their psychic skills by tuning in on each other's questions and sharing impressions. There was no pressure to be "right," so I let myself have fun. In each session, an image arose that made no sense to me, but meant a great deal to the other person. This gave me the confidence to keep talking--and we were all amazed by what issued forth. Much of what the other women "saw" also had the ring of truth.

We all have psychic abilities. And now, as Saturn moves in to oppose Neptune in the heavens, it's time to trust that inner knowing. Saturn symbolizes form, structure and commitment; Neptune is the intuitive impulse found in dreams, meditation, music and art. Intuition develops through practice, just as the other arts do. So set aside time each day to tune in to your inner voice, and trust the impressions you receive--whether they come through feelings, images or words. This can become a regular spiritual practice that grounds and sustains you. Practice "reading" for friends and family (but only if they're willing!)

Well-developed intuitive muscles will help us navigate the accelerating changes we face over the next six years. The Sun entered fiery Leo on July 22, bringing record temperatures across the nation (113 degrees here in Escondido!) Leo energy is dramatic and energetic, lending itself to creative and passionate endeavors. "Are you following a path with heart?" is the current question.

A fire is being lit in some area of your life; maybe you're feeling it as flashes of anger or an urge to express yourself-though there can also be frustration, as Mercury, the planet of movement, is still retrograde. Use the energy of the Leo New Moon (July 24th at 9:31 pm PDT) to plant your creative seeds, then watch them grow after Mercury turns direct on July 28th. Dr. Masaru Emoto is asking people to join in a Global Water Blessing on this New Moon; he will be offering prayers at the Sea of Galilee. The timing is appropriate, as the Saturn/Neptune opposition often coincides with droughts as well as oil shortages. The Arab oil embargo of 1973 occurred the last time this cycle was happening.

Accelerating gas prices and other "reality checks" are likely as this transit plays out again through 2007. Saturn and Neptune issue a wake-up call to those with over-consumptive lifestyles. Simplify your life and minimize the demands of the world, especially when this aspect is exact in late August. Now you may feel a great responsibility (Saturn) to live up to an ideal (Neptune). But is the ideal realistic or desirable? Leos born in the first half of August and Aquarians born in the first half of February especially need to sort this out. We all need to let go of any guilt or remorse over what hasn't worked and cut our losses.

Saturn helps us manifest our dreams. But first we have to let go of the ones that aren't viable. The August 9 Full Moon, very near to Saturn and Neptune, could bring this process to a head. Mark the event with a ritual letting-go of whatever has outlasted its usefulness in your life. A yard sale or purge of your files would be ideal. Sell that second car you don't really need. Or, bury something that symbolizes the past. Then you'll be free to build a foundation for what you truly desire.

© 2006 by Simone Butler.

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