Count down on the launch pad

It’s the third day of a Scorpio moon phase and the intensity remains strong. It’s a day of communication and intellectual stimulation. The Empress commands a fresh approach to our negotiation while death is looming ready to change the stabilisers on the rocket ship. The wheel of fortunate offers a new phase of golden opportunities and we are bound for the island of metamorphosis.

The week is flicking past at a fast rate of knots. The year, shall we say, is like the millennium falcon snapping into warp speed. We are leaving July and embarking into August – ready to orbit another eclipse next week.

Change and coping with change seems to be the only family landscape these days. Sometimes change can have a negative connotation. However, I’m inclined to believe that change is about finding our true selves or ensuring we are on our perfect path. It seems our resistance is symbiotic of the enemy within.

Quite often when people share their accomplishments they’ve landed a new job or have been notified of a move somewhere they add a quota of apprehension or even trepidation. They are nervous or fearful of the unknown. I find this nervousness interesting and somewhat confusing. It’s like they’ve jumped off the cliff a then thought about a new horizon in the free-fall. Of course, there are times when change sweeps into our lives like a tornado or creeps in like an intruder. These frightful times are difficult and our ability to cope with these circumstances is dependant upon our evacuation plan or disaster management plan.

I’ve come to realise in this earth school that life is about change – even when we are standing still. The evolution rems are dependant on where we are in our current orbit. If we are in the rocket ready for lift off and the pounds of explosives are vibrating beneath our seats we are strapped in ready for the next phase. While all systems are go and we launch into hyper-drive it is always wise to hold on tight – don’t you think? Upon landing and the craft is safe in a new frontier it is time to done the space suit and step out to discover the new frontier.

It’s time to enjoy the journey and savour the ride – the rocket is poised on the launch pad and where we are headed well nobody knows! Discover your own special light.

“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.” Mary Dunbar

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Stretch your heart

Today, see if you can stretch your heart and expand your love so that it touches not only those whom you can give it easily, but also to those who need it so much.

The intense Scorpion moon over shadows the gregarious Leo Sun - it’s an 11/2 day of public/private matters which highlight the highly emotional realm of the moon glistening with the golden beams of the sun. This week is our rest stop or breathing space before the eclipse next week hence time out in the cosmic padded cell.

As we wind down July 2009 it seems apparent that some of us are feeling a little battle-scared. Our armour has been dinted as we’ve forged through the rough and trouble cosmic influences of July’s eclipsed storm. Others have deliberately hung out beneath the radar as they’ve taken comfort in the cosy comfort of their trenches. Whatever, we’ve done to survive has been essential to our journey so be kind to yourself and keep your head held high.

The message of judgement is shedding the old and unnecessary habits and scaly skin. The High Priestess brings perception and wisdom to the scene. Strength represents courage and valour – facing the truth in the stark reality of circumstances. Our alarm is heralding the cosmic wake up calls – rise up and face the pristine glow a new day!

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Happy birthday, brother!

This is a 10/1 day. The Empress launches herself into my morning spread with the promise of a new phase. The Hierophant represents the wounded part of me and reaches for the healing blend conjured up perfectly by the Venus – Neptune kissing fest. The Sun adds the vitality to the ambrosia and cherubs dance beneath the garland of blossoming roses. Life is revealing a dream-like existence as we venture deeper into the final week of July.

It’s my brother’s birthday today. Happy birthday, my Leo mate J His enthusiasm for life has always offered a balance to my reflective and penetrating Scorpion nature. Actually I was born into a furnace of fire signs – a perfect domain for a person who lacks this element in her chart. I wonder do we attract what we lack? Or do we come together because of happenstance? I’m not sure and I don’t want to waste a second to debate. I’ve got a morning serenade to sing – happy birthday – we know it’s your birthday – you’re gonna have a good time!

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

The grand prize

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” Rumi

Venus and Jupiter offer the healing poultice to remedy the cracks in our self esteem from the recent eclipse. The planet of love and money – Venus snuggles up with Jupiter – the planet of plenty. You can guess the rest!

This week the focus is on recovery and becoming aware of the new frontier we’ve landed in. Eclipses are renowned for the movement of life to a new direction where we need to be. Sometimes we are happy to go along for the ride other times it can be a little disconcerting or an uncomfortable ride.

This week is the hiatus between last week’s eclipse and the one which is about to emerge next week. So, enjoy the rest. For me, I like this change and movement. I have mastered the art of transformation in this life and I’ve come to a stage of “so be it!” I won’t say that I always like it or feel that comfortable about change but I’ve come to realise and learn (the hard way) that change is inevitable and we must be adaptable and resilient.

Justice is the first entry into my morning spread. Athena; a cool character is undeterred by external influences. The Tower represents the external forces (usually negative forces from others). And the Magician responds with – I can turn this mayhem into a magical new phase.

I am completely comfortable with my surroundings. The recent changes have brought me to a place of acceptance. I feel confident that this is where I need to be. How about you? Are you comfortable on your current path? Or are you in some foreign land lost and alone? If you are alone take comfort in the elixir of the soothing words, “you are where you need to be!” Enjoy!

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Temora Air Show – Day II

The Libran moon offers a balanced and optimistic approach to life. It’s day two of our weekend in Junee and Temora. Yesterday we went to the Temora Air Show and got front row seats to the flying action. It was a sensational day of aeronautical action and fantastic flying routines.

The weather was perfect for flying. The skies were clear and crisp and the wind was virtually non-existent. The vintage bombers and old war planes taxied and runway and launched into amazing displays of man and machine. It was humbling to be reminded of the dedication and heroism of our air force and pilots especially those young men who willingly flung themselves op in the air in the tin cans to face more experienced and established fleets.

I’ve always been a proud Australian – no matter where I’ve travelled in the world but its nice to be reminded of the legion of defenders who gave up their lives for the freedom of our country. I am constantly tormented by the price they had to pay to keep us safe and on weekends like this I want to fall at their feet and thank them for their bravery and valour.

The day of the air show was pure magic. Our view was optimum and the energy of the museum was friendly and vibrant. Temora is a tiny country town which hosts these flying events and is supported most generously by some of our wealthy Australians. In these times of economic hardship and gross national debt it is encouraging to see so many families and friends of the Museum get out supporting this monument to the brave Australians flying legacy. In the future we will keep this event in prime position in our calendar.

Last night we dined in Junee. Junee was a railway town which basted the locomotive exchange in the steam days of rail transport history. The station is stately and decorates in ornate carvings of eighteenth century décor. The red brick and sandstone buildings are a testament to the workmanship and dedication of that era. The circular driveway is grand and the appeal is welcoming. The hustle and bustle of yester-year is replaced by an eerie emptiness and ghostly sounds of the wind whistling through the platforms of loneliness.

It’s sad to see the degradation of a town. The price of progress is costly when livelihoods and family security is at stake. I know we are meant to sharpen our pencils, improve the tracks and logistically improve the efficiency of our transport system. However, this town feels the loss of progress in its heart and soul and waits for weekends like this to keep the dream of existence alive.

Last night we dined at an old country pub called, Loftus on Humphries. The transformation of this grand old building aligned with the termination of the railway stop over. In days gone by the trains would bring in many visitors and train drivers would stop in for a beer and a feed. Now, the town waits for transients and the spill over from the Temora Air Show.

Loftus on Humphries offered magnificent country cooking with portions you couldn’t dream of eating. We sat at candle lit tables and gorged on fine cuisine – a hedonist dream. Before dinner I eyed-off the cakes and pies in glass cabinets contemplate a sugary sojourn. During the meal the harsh reality set in and it was obvious that the cakes and pies wouldn’t make it to my table that night.

I wasn’t disappointed as I had been sated beyond comprehension. I sat and thought about how much food we need to feel comfortable and well fed. Why go for gluttony when we can just say, “enough thank you!” and push our chair away from the table.

Sadly, today marks the end of this short trip. Before we leave the region we are off to the Licorice and Chocolate Factory – yum yum! Have I ever told you that my most favourite indulgence is licorice and chocolate? Well, there you go, another secret has been hatched into the web!

After brekkie we will stop in and have a visit with this local industry. Maybe take one or tiny treats with us on our return journey. We’ve indulged this weekend and titillated all of our senses affirming our commitment to the enjoyment of life.

The weekend has a final chapter to explore. We are up for the journey. This interlude into our working life is another example of the balance we seek between hard work and play.

The morning spread is indicative of my boyang and satisfied demeanour. The Empress – for the new – the world for the plenty and temperance to remind me that balance and objectivity is important too!

The call of breakfast is deafening – enjoy your day!

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Temora Air Show – Day I – Junee

Last night we travelled down to Junee after work. It was a relatively short trip through lush green hills dotted with a variety of domestic farm animals. It was a relaxing drive showcased by the golden hue of the setting sun.

Our room is pure luxury. A gorgeous spa is the centrepiece of this executive suite. Dinner was a healthy smorgasbord of vegies and a tender fillet of steak lashed with béarnaise sauce. Brown Bros. Australian red wine completed the delectable feast. We retired back to the room to complete the first night with a taste of Lynda La Plante – Trial and Retribution after a luxurious bubbly two person spa of pure indulgence.

Rog and I know how to live the life of hedonists. We love to indulge ourselves especially with Australian enterprises. We love to buy Australian and support our Aussie economy when we can.

This weekend is focussed around the Temora Air Show. We are here to pander to Roger’s passion for aircraft. I am totally supportive of his passion as he is always accommodating of mine.

While the focus of this trip is around the Temora Air Show we are up for other delights while we were are in this part of the country. For example, tomorrow we are planning on visiting the Licorice and Chocolate Factory here in Junee – did anyone say licorice.

The script is ever evolving – influenced by the subconscious pictures of the daily tarot reading. Death strides in to remind me that all things must pass – change is inevitable. The Lovers portend a time of balance and loving communication – romance and a romantic interlude. The Devil relinquishes the confines of a guarded heart searching for a higher subtext to the script. Temperance is the guiding light – the portal of hope that we have achieved a modicum of decorum and poise.

In this life, people, places or situations can destabilise our beliefs of ourselves, convoluting our personal truth and the vision for a perfect world. We create our role based on our desires, dreams, wants and motivations. Sometimes we fall short of the dream eclipsed by the disappointment of the invasion from another person’s thriller novel. The cross over can be changing – just when we were certain of the ending the words run out and we are left wanting.

Don’t waste a minute…

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Moral compass – ahoy!

This week I read that a mother claimed that her daughter had suicided because of cyber-bullying. I was shocked and then enraged. I felt incredibly sad that bullying had seeped into this portal for self-expression and had infected our right for free speech. It’s not as though I would advocate bullying is acceptable in any forum but bullying on the internet is like – why would you?

I detest any form of bullying. I have had experience at work when you feel afraid to speak up or in a relationship where you don’t want to stand up for yourself because you are afraid that you may loose a friend or lover. Fortunately, I’ve come to a place in my life where I feel comfortable enough to say, if you want to push me around then its exit – stage left!

Bullies are insecure creatures. They glide up and down the corridors of discontent spreading their germs. They dwell in the musty corners and hide under logs and they only peep out to infect the positive atmosphere of a sunny and joyous moment. Most times they are incapable of socialising or communicating like normal people. They can only speak nasty words from the dank caverns of their putrid souls.

I don’t understand their agenda nor do I wish to spend any time at all trying. Actually, if it wasn’t for the news of another victim falling pretty to these wretched and evil souls I wouldn’t even feed their dysfunctional and distorted ego by acknowledging their existence.

My confusion is, however, if we humans have free will and an inner mortal compass that always points in the direction of our highest purpose then, why do their always guide them to slums-ville? My question is, “so which direction is heaven on a stick – I’ll see you there!”

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers