Cool Heads Balance Hot Energy
Welcome
From an astrological perspective, we have a hot, tension-producing period for the rest of March and April.
The tension relates to how we go about getting what we want, move things forward and make things happen.
The “getting what we want” may involve something as minor as getting to work on time or any of the other day to day tasks we are involved with. Or, it may relate to bigger personal needs and/or collective community and global concerns.
When we collectively are dealing with a hot type of energy challenges such as impatience, selfishness, impulsiveness, aggravation and aggression may arise. We or the people around us may feel that things are not moving as fast or in the direction, we would like them to go.
There are many different approaches to getting what we want. Some approaches are destructive and involve short-term thinking and immediate results. Others are constructive and involve a broader perspective that results in longer lasting and more positive outcomes.
A mindful use of hot/passionate energy means finding a way that allows us to be responsive and clear-headed rather than reactive and hot-headed.
If you are in a head to head clash with someone take a moment to cool down. Take a few slow breaths, get up and move around, then question whether the debate or argument warrants the amount of energy being used. Question, whether the issue being debated is important or is it an outcome of feeling overwhelmed, overtaxed, overtired etc….?
If it is an important issue and the debate has boiled down to my way versus your way suggest a timeout so all parties can consider a possible third solution which potentially allows a win for everyone involved. If you can’t find a solution find an unbiased mediator.
By taking the time to be mindful and responsive we get to be in charge of how we use this passionate, forward-moving, creative energy.
Enjoy your month! Catherine
Scroll down for articles on ” Cranialsacral and Stem Cells” featuring Gerri Aiudi and “Retrograde planets and Mercury Retrograde”.
Remember to go to the Northern Star College site to read articles by Skye MacLachlan and Laurie Szott- Rogers as well as detailed course information.
For astrology buffs who like to keep track of the monthly new moon scroll down to “As Above So Below”.
The calendar section has some new postings.
Need a little time out to relax and renew? Go to the “Listening Room“. There are a couple of guided meditations as well as a new “spoken word combined with popular song” piece featuring myself and Anna Beaumont. Every couple of months I will change the content so keep checking back.
Cranialsacral and Stem Cells Gerri Aiudi
In our bodies, there is a reservoir of amazing cells called stem cells that can both create and sustain life. Adult stem cells can be found in the bone marrow of flat bones such as the sternum (breastbone) or ileum (hip bone). These bone marrow stem cells are undifferentiated and have the ability to give rise to a number of cell types. There is much excitement in the medical world around the possibilities of stem cell to treat diseases or injuries in the body.
In fact, stem cells can be found in virtually every tissue in your body. Just looking at your knee; there are stem cells in every type of tissue from the synovium, ligaments and cartilage to the fat pad. Their primary role is to maintain a healthy environment (TEDx Harry Adelson). They can sense when there is an injury or invading microbes and signal the body to start a healing process. They initiate a release of proteins that control inflammation, kill invading microbes and signal the body to repair damaged tissue (TEDx Daniel Kota). Pain occurs when these cells are depleted or unable to keep up with the demand in the area.
The question, then, is how do we recruit our own body to repair and heal?
Using mindful internal dialogue, you can develop a rapport with your own tissues. Like in a body scan, become attentive to your sensations. And then, with a creative curious mind, notice what is happening in your internal landscape.
When experiencing craniosacral therapy, it is often easier to drop into such a process: notice the tissue, stop to listen, feel, and be curious about what you are perceiving. Ask the injured site, what is needed to help it heal? You will need your imagination on board.
If stem cells are needed in the area, then place one hand on a flat bone and connect with the bone marrow in this area. Ask this area to send stem cells to the injury. Place the other hand on the injured site. You will need to connect with each area and imagine an energy path from one to the other (Suzanne Scurlock-Durana, 2018).
This process is the same in each of these meditations with your cells. It’s like an invite to a gathering where you are really getting to know and dialogue with your cells. It is part of a journey where you get to know your insides.
© 2016 Gerri Aiudi is a massage therapist who specializes in using CranioSacral Therapy to bring awareness and mindfulness. She has over 25 years experience and works with a wide variety of physical and emotional issues. http://www.gerriaiudi.com/
Retrograde Planets and Mercury Retrograde Catherine Potter
We have all heard the horror stories of what happens when a planet is retrograde. Anything that goes wrong in our life is because of the retrograde – right? Wrong!
Typically a transiting planet activates a certain area of your life ( chart) and then moves to the next area.
In the case of a retrograde planet instead of continuing to move to the next location in your chart it stops, goes back, and reactivates the same area.
What retrograde motion does is prolong the time a planet spends in one area of your life. If it happens to activate a point (planet) in your natal chart the effect is stronger. That is why we notice some retrograde periods more than others.
If that activation point happens to be one that creates flow – great. If it is one that creates tension that is also good in that there is an opportunity to grow.
Retrograde periods aren’t good or bad. If a situation (positive or challenging) comes up during a retrograde period usually, when you take the time to reflect, you will see it isn’t new you are simply noticing something that was already present.
Mercury is retrograde from March 22 until April 15, at 16˚ of Aries → 4˚ of Aries.
A couple of points to note regarding Mercury. One, Mercury is the fastest moving planet therefore, we typically notice its influence for a couple of days unless it retrograde. When it is retrograde it’s influence lasts longer.
Two, Mercury is the planet that retrogrades the most often in a year. The outer planets are retrograde for longer periods of time anywhere from approx. 4- 6 months whereas Mercury retrogrades about 3 times a year for 3 weeks.
Each one of the planets represents a particular type of energy and activity. Mercury is a link and a messenger and is associated with the part of the mind connected to reasoning, interpretation and communication. Its association with communication refers to both incoming and outgoing.
In the body, it relates to messages that go from the brain via the nervous system to organs, muscles, glands, tissues, nerves, cells and returns their messages back to the brain.
The shadow side of Mercury is that it moves super fast so challenges involve over-stimulation and misinformation. When that happens the ability to reason, interpret and communicate becomes impaired. These challenges can show up in the mind and in the body. The message if you are overstimulated is to slow down.
Following are a few things to look at during the retrograde period.
During the retrograde notice what area of your life gets highlighted. It is a good time to review where communication or lack of, faulty thinking, and/or timing is off.
It’s best not to sign important documents but if you must check things over thoroughly.
When possible hold off making significant purchases particularly those involving electronics.
Rest, renew, relax, unplug! It is a great time to give your self a mental break. Do you have enough quiet time in your week for reflection and rest?
If you are traveling during the retrograde re-check reservations to make sure they are still in place. Also, take a carry on bag in case your luggage decides to travel to a different location.
As Above So Below
New Moon in Pisces March 17, 2018
Mercury Retrograde March 22- April 15, 2018
Living In Sync With The Monthly Solar/Lunar Cycles
Once a year the new moon (for the period of a month) will highlight a particular area of your life. When I refer to a month I’m referencing the lunar not calendar month.
Working consciously with the new moon helps you to be in harmony with nature and your own unique timing and flow.
DID YOU KNOW at the time of a new moon the sun and moon are conjunct meaning they are at the same degree in a particular sign. This is why new moon periods are considered ideal times for starting a project – imagine dynamic and magnetic energy fusing together.
The New Moon is on March 17, 2018, at 26°of Pisces (7: 12 am MDT) the Full Moon is on March 31, 2018, at 10° of Libra (6:37 am MDT).
Want to learn more about astrology? A new program begins Summer 2018. It is now easier for out of town students to take the course. For more information go to www.northernstarcollege.com www.catherinepotter.ca
- The new moon is a good time to set intentions, look for resources and take actions that support growth in the area of your life the new moon falls in.
- Continue to focus and build energy around your projects until the full moon after that re-evaluate and look at where you are with whatever you seeded at the new moon. You should have greater clarity at this point as to what is working or what isn’t. Look at what changes you need to make – after the full moon, the energy begins to wane becoming more reflective.
How to work with the cycles:
If you don’t know your ascendant read the description based on your Sun sign (month you were born) please see Sun Sign dates at end of the article.
If you know your ascendant/rising sign read the description for the house the new moon falls in according to your ascendant. (to determine ascendant you need to know the time of day you were born).
Please remember this is not a complete picture of all the cycles taking place in your life. Have Fun!!!!! Interested in studying astrology or booking an astrological or hypnotherapy session call or email Catherine at 780 447-3667 catherinepotter@shaw.ca
Following is a list of where the March new moon falls and a few ideas on how to work with it.
Aries Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for # 12
Taurus Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #11
Gemini Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #10
Cancer Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #9
Leo Sun/ Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #8
Virgo Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #7
Libra Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #6
Scorpio Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #5
Sagittarius Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for#4
Capricorn Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #3
Aquarius Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #2
Pisces Sun/Rising: Read keywords and suggestions for #1
Read the following list for some of the basic house associations (areas of life). Once a year the sun and moon come together and activate a particular area of your chart. When the new moon falls in one of these areas it is a natural time to focus your attention on and make minor, or if there are other cycles to support it, major changes.
#1 Keywords: outer mask, personality, disposition, appearance, physical body, health, beginnings.
Suggestions: During this month you will experience your birthday (sun sign’s) which is your natural new year. Happy Solar Return! Take time to question whether your appearance, physical health and the mask you wear in the world is congruent with how you internally see yourself. The new moon is a good time to start making changes that allow you to feel more comfortable in your own skin.
#2 Keywords: values, self-value and worth, possessions, financial affairs, earning ability, debts, talents/gifts.
Suggestions: During the new moon cycle look at how you are managing your material resources. What changes can you make that will help you feel nourished and secure? What talent do you possess that if developed will bring you satisfaction and possible material gain? What do you consider valuable – what does this reflect back about self-worth and values?
#3 Keywords: all forms of communication (talking, listening, and writing) and communication tools, learning and taking in new ideas, perception, neighborhood, siblings, means of transportation, short trips.
Suggestions: Now is the time to look at bringing in resources that further develop communication and encourage growth in your perception of you and your perception of the world. Take the time to quickly write down (don’t edit and over analyze) how you see the world and you may find that earlier childhood perceptions color it. On a mundane level this is a good time to have fun and buzz around town, Take a look at what you are reading, watching, listening to and what type of conversations you participate in – how do these activities make you feel?
#4 Keywords: physical home, parents, ancestral lineage, psychological roots, private life, real estate and property.
Suggestions: There is a focus on the family which can be as simple as spending more time with them or on a deeper level exploring what qualities and beliefs you inherited from them. It is a good time to look at making changes in your home or making a move. Question, whether your home reflects who you are now. If you walked through and observed it through the eyes of a stranger what would it say about you?
#5 Keywords: creativity, romance, love, children, pregnancy, what you do for fun, hobbies, sports, speculation.
Suggestions: Look at what brings you joy and makes you feel open-hearted. Do you find time to play? What outlet do you have for creative expression? This is a good time to focus on children – spending time with them or depending on your age procreation. If you’ve been involved with activities that make you feel passionate, alive and overflowing with love, share it – if you haven’t, find some.
#6 Keywords: work, health, health-care routines, responsibility, service, pets, employees.
Suggestions: This is the time to look at how well you take care of yourself and what your energy level is like. Do you feel strong, radiant, and vibrant? If not consider making adjustments to self-care routines. Look at your attitude towards work and service. Do you love what you do and enjoy continuing to grow in either a job, volunteer position etc? When we feel competent in some area of our life we often end up sharing our gift with others which is entirely different than resentfully doing something for others.
#7 Keywords: partnerships both business and romantic, marriage, divorce, partnership agreements, what may be weak and undeveloped in ourselves that we explore through a partner (consciously or unconsciously), dealing with the public.
Suggestions: This is the time to start, renew, or leave a partnership. Whether in a relationship or not, for a deeper understanding of this area of your life consider the following. When you are in a relationship, what is your level of commitment? Do you tend to project on your partner undeveloped or disowned parts of yourself? Do you understand the difference between dependence, independence and interdependence?
#8 Keywords: regeneration, transformation, surgery/health, death, sex, and financial/ physical/psychological support you receive from others, insurances, inheritances, research, investigation.
Suggestions: When the new moon falls in this house you have an opportunity to look beneath the surface and explore the following – Your beliefs regarding, death or any type of transformation –such as the ending of a job, relationship or entrenched values/patterns.
Your beliefs regarding sex, intimacy, and the understanding of sexual energy as a life force. Your beliefs regarding how much support you have in the world.
#9 Keywords: travel, education, religion, philosophy, ethics, natural laws, laws, visions, higher mind, foreigners, foreign dealings.
Suggestions: Whether for fun or to shake up your routine and limited beliefs there is an opportunity to explore and potentially expand your view of the world and personal ethics/philosophy through study, travel or just taking the time to experience different cultures.
#10 Keywords: profession, destiny, reputation (how the world sees you), status, fame, employer, government/authority, business activities.
Suggestions: Look at what role you play in your community (it will change at different periods of your life) for example parent, business mogul, baker, volunteer, outcast, actor and question if it is a good fit. It can be easy to get locked into roles and positions that don’t fulfill who we are and our life purpose (yes we all have a purpose).
#11 Keywords: friends and our attitudes to them, clubs and social groups we align ourselves with, organizations, humanitarian interests, future directions and goals, circumstances beyond our control.
Suggestions: What goals and directions do you envision for your future? It is easier to accomplish goals when aligned with friends and/or groups that support and have similar dreams/visions for the future. That could be a recovery group, business organization, political party or a cooking club. If you have a goal, chances are, someone else has a similar or at least compatible one –seek them out.
#12 Keywords: transcendence, spiritual and psychic experiences, escapism, karma, liberation, confinement, hospitals, institutions, hidden strengths and weaknesses.
Suggestions: When the new moon falls in this area of one’s life it is time to retreat and let go of the world and our place in it. Now is the time to dream, meditate, create and/or be in nature. Withdraw but don’t escape in unhealthy ways.
SUN SIGN DATES: Aries: March 19/ 20 – April 19, Taurus: April 19 – May 20, Gemini: May 20 – June 20, Cancer: June 20- July 22, Leo: July 22 – August 22, Virgo: August 22 – September 22, Libra: September 22- October 22, Scorpio: October 22- November 21, Sagittarius: November 21- December 21, Capricorn: December 21 – January 20, Aquarius: January 20, – February 18/19 Pisces: February 18/ 19 – March 19/ 20.
Calendar 2018
Catherine’s Courses
April 7 th – July 2018
Last chance this year to enroll in Part 1 of Practical Mysticism April – July 2018
Applied Metaphysics with Catherine Potter is part 1 of the Practical Mysticism course.
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to test, apply and integrate metaphysics into your life.
In this course, we will explore the nature of reality, natural laws, karma, and more………for more information click here.
Practical Mysticism Part 2 – Sept – Nov 2018 Meditation, Mindfulness and Developing Intuition through Inner Imagery.
Parts 1 and 2 can be taken separately without enrolment in the whole course.
Summer Astrology Workshop 2018
Astrology and Practical Mysticism
Take your astrology knowledge to a whole new level with this holistic 5 – day astrology workshop. Participants need to have a knowledge of aspects and transits.
Facilitator Catherine Potter
Date July 12 – July 16, 2018, 9 am -5 pm
Cost $825 Enrol by May 15th $725 light vegetarian lunch provided
Follow this link For more information
Northern Star College Courses
Crystalline Gem Therapy Certificate certificate program starts September 2018.
Tarot Certificate program begins September 2018
Wise Woman Within Certificate program begins Autumn 2018
And more………….