Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Symbol – The Ram
Ruling Planet – Mars
Element – Fire
Keywords – I Am
Key Notes – Action & Courage
Power Color – Red

Traits
Action orientation
Adventurous and energetic
Pioneering and courageous
Enthusiastic and confident
Dynamic and quick-witted

Medical Astrology
Aries rules the head, face, brain, and eyes.

Gemstone Affinities
With a dash of forthrightness thrown in for good measure, Arians are among the movers and shakers of this world. Ruby reflects their vibrant personalities, but needs to be handled with care because it can bring anger to the surface. Garnet can help spontaneous Aries to be more planful and focused, while Red Jasper helps to sooth and calm the oftentimes impatient Arien nature. 

The Moon of Awakening (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
This period is one of energy and excitement. This energy is potential energy that must be nurtured in order for it to grow. The influence is one of transition from the world within to the outside world. The influence is one of awakening.

Fire Element
Active and self-assertive—Aries is creative, energetic, and impatient. They impart spirit and energy.

Fire signs are passionate, loving, confident, and innovative. Fire shapes inspiration. This is the impetuous element of spirit and creative life. The spontaneous fire element is active and outgoing. It’s innovative and initiatory. Fire signs get things moving. They act immediately with verve and confidence. A passionate element, this is the world of inspiration and creativity.

A Cardinal Sign
Born to be a leader, Aries is active, energetic, excitable, optimistic, and impulsive. Boring easily, they meet life with arms wide open ready for change and new experiences. 

Zodiac Compatibility
Arians in any relationship are unconventional and free-thinking, but they’re most compatible with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. 

Famous Aries
Sarah Jessica Parker (Mar 25), Elton John (Mar 25), and Leonardo Da Vinci (Apr 15).  

Do you have any Arians in your life?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Symbol – The Fishes
Ruling Planet –Neptune
Element – Water
Keywords – I Believe
Key Notes – Compassion & Kindness
Power Color – Indigo


Traits
The ability to feel and intuitively know
Imaginative and sensitive
Compassionate and kind
Selfless and unworldly
Intuitive and sympathetic

Medical Astrology
Pisces rules the feet, toes, and lymphatic system.

Gemstone Affinities
Sensitive and intuitive, Pisceans swim through life as the mood takes them, responding to hidden emotional currents. Ruler Neptune is imaginative and mystical, but can lack protective boundaries, often making Pisces a “psychic sponge” that soaks up feelings and emotions from others. Azurite aids Pisces to cleanse these energies and create workable boundaries. It also provides a link between everyday reality and the psychic reality of the spiritual world—a world that Pisces is in tune with. Sapphire can also act as a bridge between the worlds. Blue Spinel imparts discernment and detachment, useful qualities for Pisceans.

The Moon of Brisk Winds (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
This period is one of activity and motion. This is a good time to remain flexible and avoid committing to long-term projects. The influence is one of flexibility.

Water Element
Pisces is a water element—sympathetic and imaginative. They bring emotional sensitivity and intuition to any situation.

The water signs are the intuitive dreamers of this world. Water shapes intuition and emotional experience, and is linked to the feeling and emotional world. The element of intuitive perception, Water signs are inward-looking and sensitive. This is a passive, rhythmic element that ebbs and flows. Water signs need time to withdraw, to process emotional experiences, and then to reemerge into the world.

A Mutable Sign
Very sensitive—Pisceans are receptive, intuitive, emotional, and romantic. They’re impressionable, mystical, adaptable, and like a chameleon, changeable.

Zodiac Compatibility
Pisces in any relationship is easy-going, creative, and caring, but they’re most compatible with Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Famous Pisceans
Steve Jobs (Feb 24), Dr. Seuss (Mar 2), and Albert Einstein (Mar 14).

Do you have any Pisceans in your life?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Symbol – The Water Carrier
Ruling Planet – Uranus
Element – Air
Keywords – I Know
Key Notes – Thought & Expression
Power Color – Sky Blue


Traits
Thinking and communication
Friendly and humanitarian
Honest and loyal
Original and creative
Independent and intellectual

Medical Astrology
Aquarius rules the ankles, calves, and circulatory system.

Gemstone Affinities
Attuned to revolutionary Uranus, Aquarius is the most “cutting edge” sign. There’s something quirky and eccentric about these far-sighted and humanitarian people. It’s as though Aquarians not only see into the future, but want to bring it about—now! Blue Celestite aids in this goal, assisting assimilation of new ideas. Since the sign is ruled by Uranus, planet of change, and Saturn, planet of consolidation, Aquarius can be pulled in two directions at once. Blue Topaz and Angelite aid in balancing and aligning direction and purpose.

The Moon of Cleansing (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
This period is one of preparation. This is the time to make plans and tap into your creativity to unlock new areas of exploration. The influence is one of innovation.

Air Element
Aquarius is an air element—intelligent, communicative, sociable, versatile, and unpredictable. They bring intellect and a strong ability to communicate.

Energetic, friendly, and playful, talkative air signs may well be described as “Chatty Cathy.” Air shapes ideas. This is the world of intellectual perception and logical thought. Air is the element of discernment and analysis, of comment and dissection. It’s the mental element that thinks things through, but also has bright flashes of intuition. The air element is inventive and full of new ideas. Air signs need to express themselves verbally, for this is the element of communication.

A Fixed Sign
Aquarians are assertive, independent, progressive, and analytical. Original and inventive, they have very strong opinions about what they like and dislike.

Zodiac Compatibility
Aquarius in any relationship is a smart, fast, fun, and unconventional, but they’re most compatible with Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Famous Aquarians
Famous Aquarians include Paul Newman (Jan 26), Oprah Winfrey (Jan 29), and Jennifer Aniston (Feb 11).

Do you have any Aquarians in your life? 

For those of you in the United States, Happy Thanksgiving! And with that I’ll point you to last year’s Freshly Pressed G is for Gratitudeenjoy!

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Symbol – The Goat
Ruling Planet – Saturn
Element – Earth
Keywords – I Use
Key Notes – Structure & Discipline
Power Color – Aqua


Traits

Common sense
Practical and prudent
Ambitious and disciplined
Patient and careful
Humorous and reserved

Medical Astrology
Capricorn rules the knees, joints, and skeletal system.

Gemstone Affinities
Ambitious Capricorn is a hard-working, dependable sign—a doer. This is the sign of authority figures. The seriousness of the Capricorn nature is supported by Turquoise which strengthens resolve and aids self-confidence. Peruvian Opal with its iridescent flashes of light, lightens the spirit and helps Capricorn understand a strong sense of duty and destiny. It affords a glimpse of spiritual possibilities open to an evolved Capricorn soul. Larimar calms stress and anxiety, and can help one to experience an open mind in the face of change.

The Moon of Renewal (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
This period is one of refreshment. This is the time to experience the lighter side of life, to relax, and unwind both mentally and physically. The influence is one of renewal.

Earth Element
Capricorn is an earth element—practical, careful, reliable, and resolute. They impart form and structure.

Material and sensual earth signs like to enjoy the pleasures of life. Earth shapes matter. Earth is the element of the material world—it’s stable and grounded. Practical and productive, it’s concerned with self-sufficiency and security. Earth signs are sensual signs. This is the element most involved in the physical body and the senses.

A Cardinal Sign
Capricorn is reserved, prudent, patient, and uses cunning instead of force. They seek security, are inquisitive, disciplined, determined, and quick to seize opportunity.

Zodiac Compatibility
Capricorn in any relationship is a down-to-earth traditionalist who plays fair and follows the rules, but they’re most compatible with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Famous Capricorns
Elvis Presley (Jan 8), Rod Steward (Jan 10), and Martin Luther King (Jan 15).

Do you have any Capricorns in your life?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Zodiacally Speaking

Last year at about this same time here at Speaking from the Heart we wrapped up a 26-week series—Alphabetically Speaking—with a post titled Z is for Zodiac.

On the heels of that post I received numerous emails requesting that I take an up-close-and-personal look at each of the signs—individually. With that in mind, I’ll use the remaining weeks of 2011 to do just that.

This coming Tuesday I’ll launch a 12-post Zodiac series starting with Capricorn and ending with Sagittarius. And while I understand that the Zodiac isn’t everyone’s cuppa tea, sometimes it just fun to see how close they do match up to personalities—ourselves, friends, and family members—especially Zodiac sign compatibility.

Most people associate each Zodiac sign with a symbol—ram, fish, bull, etc. I, on the other hand, associate each sign with a color. With that in mind, the supporting photograph for each post will feature a specific color. 

Also, please know that when I write about gemstones that work well with each sign, it’s based on astrology and crystal therapy as opposed to what’s dictated by many jewelry stores.

Do you follow your horoscope?

By the way, this series introduction is a milestone—it’s my 250th WordPress post.

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
                — Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com and our Facebook page

© 2011 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

11-11-11

Tomorrow is 11-11-11. Some people are looking forward to the day with great anticipation, some with dread, yet others with ambivalence.

Numerically speaking, that number has an incredible vibration—energy:

Time
In my opinion, seeing repeated numbers on digital displays (clock, cell phone, car dashboard, and microwaves) such as 1:11, 2:22, 3:33, 4:44, and 5:55 means “Hello from the other side,” but 11:11 is the strongest of them all—four repeated digits. To me, that’s like someone is shouting or waving from the other side—really trying to get my attention.

Date
It’s my perspective that the multiple thousands of people born all over the globe tomorrow on 11-11-11 are going to be people to watch. They’re going to be the movers and the shakers that have a tremendously positive ripple effect, not unlike Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Steve Jobs, and The Dalai Lama. They’re going to be stellar contributors to the earth and its inhabitants.

Numerology
People born on 11-11-2011 will be Life Path 8’sThe Path of the Warrior. You can follow this LINK to find out how to calculate your own Life Path number, and follow this LINK to find out what a Life Path 8 means.

Born on March 26, 1905, Victor Frankl is my favorite historical Life Path 8. Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor, he was an amazing man who made positive global contributions.

What do you think will happen on 11-11-11?

 

© TuesdaysWithLaurie.com

T is for Time

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Kronos, or tick-tock time, is chronological, sequential, and linear in nature; it’s governed by watches, clocks, and calendar pages. We schedule our lives by it—making appointments and keeping deadlines. It tends to be more of a taskmaster than a friend. Many people speak of “never having enough” of it as we race against the clock.

Kronos time is symbolized by an infant that ushers in the New Year and ends the annual calendar as an elderly, bent, and bearded man—Father Time—similar to the god Chronos in Greek mythology.

It’s my perspective that there’s much there’s more—much more—to it than that. I believe that the brow chakra (energy center) is the gatekeeper to a time portal; a place where we can step out of quantitative time as we know it—Kronos, and into qualitative time—kairos.

Kairos, or opportune time, is the word the ancient Greeks used to describe the right time, perfect time, supreme moment, or the “now.” Some might even call it divine time. Kairos intersects and brings transcending value to kronos time. It signifies an undetermined period of time (time in-between) in which something special happens. I was 6 years old the first time I remember dancing with Kairos time, but that’s a story for another day.

One doesn’t catch up with Kairos time; rather one participates in it. In one of my favorite books, A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle, she suggests that kairos time can, and does, enter, penetrate, break through or intersect kronos time: the child at play—consumed in the moment; the painter held captive—mesmerized at an easel; the saint lifted up—removed as it were, in prayer…

In her book, Close to the Bone: Life Threatening Illness and the Search for Meaning, Jean Shinoda Bolen wrote, “When we participate in time and therefore lose our sense of time passing we are in kairos; here we are totally absorbed in the present moment, which may actually stretch out over hours.”

It would be an understatement to say that kairos moments alter the trajectory of our lives. To miscalculate kronos time is inconvenient. To miscalculate kairos time is utterly regrettable.

When was the last time you were so caught up in kairos that kronos was transcended and you were at soul-level?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
               – Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com.

© 2010 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

Q is for Quintessence

Sunbeams by Laurie Buchanan

Sunbeams by Laurie Buchanan

One of the buzz words in the field of cosmology is “Quintessence.” And when it comes to it, I don’t pretend to be an expert, and neither do the experts…

In strict usage, cosmology refers to the study of the universe in its totality as it now is—or at least as it can be observed now—and by extension, humanity’s place in it.

The term quintessence was borrowed from the ancient Greeks who used it to describe the “fifth element.” In addition to earth, air, fire, and water, they believed that quintessence is what held the moon and stars in place.

A number of modern-day cosmologists say that quintessence is an exotic kind of energy field that pushes particles away from each other, overpowering gravity and the other fundamental forces.

In December of 2000 at the 20th Texas Symposium on Relativistic Astrophysics in Austin, Texas, Paul Steinhardt of Princeton University explained how quintessence became the dominating force in the universe.

In 1998 cosmologists were thrown off their proverbial rockers by the discovery that the universe is expanding at an astonishing rate. Since the discovery, their task has been to explain how this acceleration can be physically possible.

If it’s true, what does it mean for our planet—implosion, explosion? Or will the force of gravity, the great attractor, the mother of all forces, keep the universe from flying apart?

Einstein thought about this. He developed a fudge factor called the “cosmological constant.” Einstein, and many other intellects in the early 20th century, thought the universe was static and that everything was contained within the Milky Way galaxy. The cosmological constant was an anti-gravity ‘vacuum’ force that kept gravity from pulling the universe in on itself.

By 1930, Edwin Hubble discovered that the Milky Way was but one of a multitude of galaxies and that the universe was expanding. So, there was no longer a need for a cosmological constant. Einstein dropped the number from his equations, calling it his “greatest blunder.”

According to Paul Steinhardt of Princeton University, the problem with the cosmological constant is that it is, indeed, constant. It yields the same force throughout time. Observational evidence indicates that whatever this force is that’s accelerating the universe, it hasn’t been constant over time.

He said, “The cosmological constant is a very specific form of energy, a vacuum energy. Quintessence encompasses a wide class of possibilities. It is a dynamic, time-evolving, and spatially dependent form of energy with negative pressure sufficient to drive the accelerating expansion.”

Vacuum energy is the potential energy in an absolute vacuum, devoid of matter or radiation. Think of a chimney sucking air from the living room; that’s the universe’s matter expanding into the great unknown. Quintessence is a quantum field with both kinetic and potential energy. Depending on the ratio of the two energies and the pressure they exert, quintessence can either attract or repel.

Not everyone has jumped on the Quintessence Bandwagon. James Peebles, professor emeritus at Princeton University said, “The theory of the accelerating universe is a work in progress. I admire the architecture, but I would not want to move in just yet.”

At the Texas Symposium, there were a multitude of polite arguments over quintessence. Some suggested that the nature of dark energy would become clear with a better understanding of gravity and gravitational waves. Regardless, it’s evident that astronomers and cosmologists are intrigued by quintessence; they simply need more details.

One point that everyone agreed on was that two space science missions are promising:

The Supernova Acceleration Project (SNAP) and the Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP). If quintessence does prove to be something that scientists can sink their teeth into, it would be yet another confirmation of Einstein’s theories, as well as a fine nod to the ancient Greeks who sent us down this path.

What is your quintessence – what holds your personal world in place?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
               – Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com.

© 2010 Laurie Buchanan – All Rights Reserved

O is for One

We're all in the same boat (the tides out in Nova Scotia, by Laurie Buchanan)

We’re all in the same boat (the tides out in Nova Scotia, by Laurie Buchanan)

We are all interconnected, we’re one. Because of this, everything we do—or fail to do—has a powerful ripple effect. Incredibly powerful in that the consequences don’t just extend outward, but travel back again, boomerang-style.

If I hurt you, I hurt myself, and in due course harm my children and grandchildren.

If I lie to you, I lie to myself, and in due course deceive my children and grandchildren.

If I steal from you, I steal from myself, and in due course take from my children, my grandchildren, and so on…

Likewise, when I do something that’s positive, uplifting, constructive and healing, the same boomerang-style ripple effect comes into play.

Our thoughts and actions don’t just affect us individually; they affect us collectively. The ramifications of what we think, say, and do aren’t just local in nature; the impact is global.

It’s my perspective that when we’re mindful of our personal energy signature, it has a positive influence on others. If we neglect to cultivate and maintain our personal energy signature, it has a negative effect on others.

You’ve heard the saying, “Never underestimate the power of one.” It’s true. As extensions of Source Energy—individual reflections of Divine Love—each of us has a sphere of influence. Whether we’re a global citizen like the Dalai Lama, or a local citizen; what we think, say, and do has far-reaching and lasting ramifications. Similar to putting a hand in wet cement, it leaves an impression long after we’ve left the scene. We exercise wisdom when we’re mindful of our influence on others.

The collective consciousness is the interconnected wholeness of life. This is equally true of the “noosphere” that Ken Wilber talks about. The information contained therein is an existing potential for each of us to tap into, enhancing the possibility of carrying the torch of human compassion and understanding a little further. I applaud the way Gregg Braden removes individual separateness when he says, “We are humans with a collective history.”

It’s my perspective that each of us has an undeniable responsibility to ourself and the rest of the world to be our personal best on any given day. The ripple effect is far too-reaching to do otherwise.

What’s your ripple effect?

© TuesdaysWithLaurie.com

N is for Numerology

Laurie Teaching Numerology at HolEssence

Laurie Teaching Numerology at HolEssence

I’d like to start this post  by acknowledging that as with almost any subject matter there can be skeptics. I’m the first to say that numerology is a generalization—an over simplification,  if you will—that can be uncannily accurate.

What is Numerology?
In short, numerology is the study of the symbolism of numbers. It can be used to determine a person’s personality, strengths and talents, obstacles to be overcome, inner needs, emotional reactions and ways of dealing with others.

The two most common types of numerology in use today are the Pythagorean System and the Chaldean System. Neither system is more accurate than the other. I was trained in the Pythagorean system, so that’s the platform I calculate and teach from.

A Little History
Pythagoras—the great mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, and philosopher—developed many of the basic theorems that form the foundation of modern mathematics, including the right triangle theorem taught in math classes today. He’s credited with formally organizing the field of numerology about 2600 years ago in ancient Greece.

Pythagoras believed that the universe could be completely described with numbers. Numerology spans the worlds of science, music, and emotion.  The numbers associated with the letters in your name and the numbers in your birthdate have a unique, revealing energy vibration.

How Numerology Works
Everything in the universe vibrates at its own particular frequency. By finding the vibration rate of any object, we can establish the qualities and energies associated with it. By applying the principles of numerology—and using only the name and birth date as the basic data—we can determine the major frequencies of different people. A numerological analysis of the calculated frequencies provides significant information on these people’s personalities and character.

Laurie Teaching Numerology at HolEssence

Laurie Teaching Numerology at HolEssence

The Basics of Numerology
All of numerology is based on the numbers 1 through 9 since all numbers beyond 9 can be reduced to a single digit within that group.  Zeros are automatically dropped.

In the basic mathematical operation used in numerology, the numbers are reduced by simple addition. The number 15, for instance, is reduced by adding 1 + 5 to get 6. Similarly, the number 1974 can be reduced by adding 1 + 9 + 7 + 4 to get 21. The 21 can be further reduced by adding 2 + 1 to get 3.

In numerology, all numbers are reduced to the single digits 1 through 9 except the special master numbers 11 and 22. The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 22 represent the major vibration rates associated with people’s characteristics.

Letters in individuals’ names are converted to numbers and then added together. These numbers, in turn, are also reduced. The letter A, for instance, is 1; the letter B is 2; the letter C is 3, and so forth. The following table shows the numbers assigned to all 26 letters of the English alphabet.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A B C D E F G H I
J K L M N O P Q R
S T U V W X Y Z
Laurie Teaching Numerology at HolEssence

Laurie Teaching Numerology at HolEssence

By applying simple mathematical formulas to the numbers representing a person’s name and birth date, a numerologist can derive four major core elements and some twenty or thirty modifiers.The core is the heart of any numerology analysis involving the personality portion of the reading. These four elements are the Life Path, Expression, Soul Urge, and Birthday:


Life Path
The Life Path is the most important number in the core. If you could only use one number to describe a person, that number would, undoubtedly, be the Life Path.

The Life Path describes the major lessons to be learned in a person’s life. These lessons often determine the central focus of the life. The Life Path also clarifies the environment which is most conducive to learning the lessons involved and describes, as well, some of the major characteristics likely to be present in the individual’s makeup. Most people have little trouble relating to their Life Path. Some people, though, for their own reasons, have little interest in pursuing that particular direction.

Expression
The Expression is the second most important number in the Core. It describes a person’s potential talents—the natural abilities as well as the related character traits. For most of us, these talents and skills are there at birth, although they are usually further developed as an individual grows and matures. Very often—but not always—these particular abilities are of primary importance in a person’s work and career. Frequently, the talents described by the Expression form the central feature of an individual’s career.

Soul Urge
The Soul Urge is the third most important number in the Core. It describes a person’s inner motivation—what a person wants to be, to have, and to do—and the potential abilities and obstacles which accompany that motivation. The Soul Urge is influential in determining a person’s point of view and the principles on which s/he acts. Although the Life Path and Expression are generally easy to see in a person, the inner motivation is often a very private matter—unless revealed through the use of numerology.

Birthday
The Birthday describes some important personality characteristics but it’s the least important of the Core elements. It’s simply the reduced form of the number of the day on which a person is born.

Somewhere in the first quarter of 2011 I plan to present a numerology class right here at Speaking from the Heart. If you don’t want to wait until that time, or you’d like to give a numerology report as a holiday gift, simply click on this LINK and it will take you to the Numerology Report page on the HolEssence website where you can read the details for ordering one or more of three reports now: Personality Report, Forecast Report for 2011, or a Relationship Report.

 

© TuesdaysWithLaurie.com