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

The Magnificent Mansion of my Soul

Room: One – Wisdom and Knowledge

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” Buddha.

The crispness of the air snapped me from my sleep in the early hours of this morning. I came out of dream state suddenly, frustrated by the unfinished script of my dream. Prior to the rude awakening I remembered walking into an old mansion. The decrepit house felt hauntingly familiar. The marbled foyer was grand escalloped by four Italian marble columns. Slowly I stepped on to the landing unafraid or apprehensive, instead calm and centered.

Walking up hundreds of staircases I fingered the walls where animated portraits hung with a ravenous familiarity. At a closer look I realized that they were incarnations of me. On each landing a realistic bust representing my Spirit Guides was poised on a marble plinth.

I kept walking upward and as I creaked along the wooden stairs the staircase would change direction. Surprisingly I was not weary but rather curious as to where I was going. On one stair case I heard footsteps and looked over my left shoulder. I didn't see anyone, of course but I certainly felt their presence.

At the top of the stairs there was a door. Under the door a bright golden light shone like a beacon. I couldn't resist I turned the antique door knob and walked in. The room was all but empty except a glass coffee table in the centre. I walked over to the table and noticed a large book placed in the middle. In the focal point was a large heart shaped ruby. I gasped with excitement and as I clutched at my face the gold leaf pages of the book opened to a page. On the page raised in gold embossed writing were: PhD.

I’ve always had a love of learning – a thirst of knowledge – curious and questioning. It has been said that I was the infuriating, “why Child” in my youth. But, a PhD – why would I? How can I benefit humanity with a piece of paper and what sort of commitment would be required? And do I really want to undertake such a journey at this phase in my life.

A million questions flooded through my mind as I closed the book and inquired, "What does this truly mean?" Does it signify a new academic journey? Is the message for me? Or is it a secret message for another visitor? I caressed the ruby inset on the cover and tingles vibrated throughout my being. There are more questions than answers perhaps I need to be patient.

“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world.” Woodrow Wilson.

In magic and wonder, follow your heart and soul.

Julia Ashton-Sayers


Room two: Love and Humanity

“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering.” Buddha

In dream state I wander back to a family cove, a sanctuary picturesque and safe beneath the glistening waterfall. A chequered blanket atop a grassy knoll surrounded by scented fields and feathery companions amid the haven of my dreams.

Curiosity of mind and heart is the compass for my journey. As I step on to the rug in anticipation of the next adventure into the mansion of my soul.

My breath deepens and I lay facing the twilight sky. The stars are familiar and I begin to count them one by one. My mind is open to the subtleties’ of the moment. I am drinking in the atmosphere allowing the sounds and smells envelope me like a cosy rug.

Melodic pan pipes play with the rhythmic earthy sound of the didgeridoo. The music is perfectly attuned to the natural wonders of my refuge. Voices beckon beyond the ridge as my essence follows a memorable path. I am taken on an adventure to the grand hall of my spiritual retreat.

The cobblestones beneath my feet are cool and soothing. Humility and modesty is my compass as I enter the castle of my past.

The sign Room: 2 is etched into the door. My fingers gently caress the wooden masterpiece carved so perfectly and smooth. I push the door open and take a long deep breath before entering.

The room is dimly lit with the aroma of sandalwood, rose and neroli. My heart beats stronger as I step toward the big lounge chair. A white chair in the centre of the room is draped with a pink pashmena – labelled from Tibet and I pick it up and caress my face.

I sink into the chair and gently pull the wrap around my shoulders tracing each fibre with gentleness and care. Another swatch embossed into the shawl with initials JAS.

The lamp beside me glows a golden beam. I reach for the envelope and open it with prudence. Inside the message, love and humanity was written. I felt the love and kindness of everyone who had touched my life.

I sank further into my chair and wrapped myself tightly in the swaddling of love. Around the walls a pantomime was playing – a celluloid displaying messages of peace and love.

The feeling was addictive. I didn’t want to leave the room. Nestle in the bosom of humanity I felt safe and protected from negativity.

I knew that this was an interlude to my ultimate journey and the evolution must continue. If I wish to grow and learn I must continue with the alchemy of my fate.

The waterfall splashes an awareness I am back from my latest bequest. The blissful state of wonder has rejuvenated my soul once more.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Room: 3 – Spirituality and Transcendence

There is always something to be thankful for.

“The way is in the heart. Allow the beauty of your soul to shine.” Buddha

The Northern lights guide me toward my destiny. Poised delicately atop the ice cavern the mansion awaits drawing me closer – beckoning me toward another encounter with my soul evolution. The familiarity of the mansion is overwhelming. Corridors and smells of fresh alpine fragrances – juniper, cedar wood and spearmint cleanse my mind and eradicate any expectation of previous visits.

I open the door and am immediately blinded by the starkness of the room; white walls, white curtains and in the corner a white piano. In contrast, the purity of the room is surpassed by the warmth of love and spirituality.

Stepping into the room the soft whispers stimulate my curiosity. Familiar chords emanate from the piano – John Lennon sits wearing a white suit and white tie with tiny blue globes floating on the centre. He smiles a wry grin and “imagine” begins to fill the room.

The room begins to fill with past legends and spiritual masters – people who have cometo our planet, and an impact and left far too quickly. Visitors like: John F Kennedy and his son, Martin Luther King Jnr. and Abraham Lincoln are joined by Eleanor Roosevelt and Helen Keller are entertained by Plato, Woodrow Wilson and Ghandi. They share their personal truths and the room is filled with love and wisdom.

In the corner of the room a young man sits alone.

He is sad, confused and somewhat tormented. As I approach he looks up with his big brown eyes and begs, “What is this place and why am I here?”

I smiled and offered, “This is a healing place – a safe haven where souls come to connect with other souls so you are never alone.”

He responded with a shrug and said, “I’m never alone, I’m Michael Jackson – I just want to get back home.”

I replied, “Sure, you may have been Michael Jackson in your former life but here you are a spiritual warrior. Your mission is to transcend the limitations of your body and take the messages of love and humanity back to the world.”

Confused, he replied, “How can I do that if I can’t sing or dance?”
“How can I show people how much I loved them and how can I guide my children to adulthood if I’m stuck in here?”

“No one is ever stuck (unless they choose to be, of course). You can easily move between that world of earthly requirements and this one a realm of spiritual enlightenment. You are free to move. Besides, you’ve made your footprint upon that world – you’ve given all you had – you were exhausted and now you have a chance to heal your soul.”

The centre of the room began to glow a soft azure blue – a globe appeared hovering above the crowd. Eyes look upward toward the spinning sphere – a hushed silence fell around the room and then they disappeared.

Michael sat there perplexed. “Where have they all gone and what was the rush?”

“They’ve gone to all of the places in the world that need their love, wisdom and guidance the most.”

“Now I’ve got it!” he squealed and disappeared in a puff of gold dust and only left a shimmering puff of smoke.

I strolled over to the piano and stroked the arms of a familiar Guide. “You did good” he offered in his Liver-puddlian accent and loving wide smile.
“You’re doing much better, I replied.
He winked and I smiled.

In a blink of an instant I foraged out of sleep. Fighting the darkness of my entry back into the world I held tightly to the messages of my visit. Remanets of conversations float around in my mind – messages of love, integrity, honesty and truth layer the experience of the night.

“Be mater of mind rather than mastered by mind.” Zen Proverb

And finally, Erich Fromm once said, “That man can destroy life is just as miraculous a feat as that he can create it, for life is the miracle, the inexplicable. In the act of destruction, man sets himself above life; he transcends himself as a creature. Thus, the ultimate choice for a man, inasmuch as he is driven to transcend himself, is to create or to destroy, to love or to hate.”

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Room Four:
Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere. - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

"There is no calamity which a great nation can invite which equals that which follows a supine submission to wrong and injustice and the consequent loss of national self-respect and honor, beneath which are shielded and defended a people's safety and greatness." Grover Cleveland

The end of the rainbow is never quite in reach. The room swirled in psychedelic colours littered with millions of messages. I twirled around trying to catch the rainbow paper as it fell from the ceiling.

Lacy scrawl delivered the messages loud and clear: justice, fairness, equity, citizenship, duty, teamwork and loyalty. I grabbed as many of the tiny messages as I could and tried to put them into my pockets and as I did they mysteriously disappeared into my body. The messages have become an intricate part of my inner fabric interlocking ideals and values I embedded in my soul.

In the corner a compelling figure sat alone on a golden throne. Her chair was decorated with intricate designs of divine ornate threads encrusted with sapphire, amber and emerald green.

Without a word I was ordered to sit on a large cushion at her feet. I sank slowly into the golden velvet bolster while wondering why I was there. I looked closely at her stoic stare and thought how can I penetrate her mind and ask her the purpose of my visit.

She leaned back into her chair and rested her arms on the two large golden serpent’s heads. After a few moments she deliberately reached down on to a red cushion and picked up an athame. The sword was bejewelled with every precious stone imaginable. Across her knee scales appeared and balanced delicately in mid air.

Each agonising second passed and she sat poised, frozen -expressionless. Her face was androgynous and devoid of colour. And yet this translucent image was framed with four perfect ringlets golden brown cascading down her neck.

Her stare aloof and you knew that she demanded proof of your integrity and commitment. Her purpose in life was an advocate for justice and truth and she wouldn’t tolerate and fools or breaking the rules.

Her lips did not move but her voice was soft and deliberate. She spoke of her concerns for people on earth and how we’d forgotten our basic premise of peace, love and free will. I felt ashamed on behalf of mankind and sat and listened to her rhetoric.

She spoke of justice as if it was a birthright – injustice she claimed was the poison of our world. Killing, murder and harming one another with brutal words, rejection and guns were contrary to our existence. Hate was the destructive force that will harm us all and eventually obliterate our existence.

Words, thoughts and concepts were crafted into innate philosophies. Her speech was engaging and as reminded me of the cancer that is poisoning our souls. Man’s inhumanity to man will be considered as we will weigh up our lives on the scales of Justice. One day we will be defined as to whether we’ve lived our lives for the purpose of good or evil.

In the early morning mist of my dreams I awoke in my familiar space. Processing the visit with Athena I considered the importance of the lessons in room number four. Disheartened and frustrated I asked out loud, “so when are we going to get it?
“There is perhaps no phenomenon which contains so much destructive feeling as "moral indignation," which permits envy or hate to be acted out under the guise of virtue” Erich Fromm

And finally, Peace is more important than all justice; and was not made for the sake of justice, but justice for the sake of peace. Martin Luther

Peace and love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Room: five – Temperance.

My eyes drifted skyward and I caught a glimpse of an Angel. I watched her serene demeanour pour liquid gold from one silver and one gold chalice.

“May I follow you? I whispered and she looked and smiled.

She floated across mountains and oceans her wings barely moving – her poise was captivating and I went along for the ride. I didn’t care where we went or how long we would be there I desired to be in her presence and that was all that mattered.

On the outskirts of the Temple she looked over her shoulder and reached for my hand. The touch of her was heavenly. My hand snuggled into hers and we walked along the corridors together. Each room we would stop and she would smile and nod acknowledging my journey thus far.

Room five was dimly lit. Soft music played as we walked past two large Italian marble columns. My hand slid over the marble feeling the colours ingrained in the stone. The flecks reflected red, gold, a rich cream and soft green. The long pile carpet felt good beneath my bare feet.

In the centre of the room a large screen was lowered slowly and as I gazed up into the smoky glass monitor I began to cringe.

Images of war, human degradation and mass murder flicked past in some horror news reel. I was revolted by the scenes but felt compelled to watch none the less.

I begged the question, “where is the kindness and mercy that we all deserve as part of our birthright? Why must we treat each other with indifference and commit shameful acts of abuse and rob each other of the right to live and be free?”

The Angel nodded in agreement and said simply, “yes – why?”

I asked my Angel for mercy and forgiveness. I asked what I could do to change the circumstances of the past.

She replied, “Live each day with mindfulness and open up your heart.”

Psychedelic streamers fell from the ceiling. Messages on rainbow coloured paper flew around my head: integrity, honesty, kindness and generosity – thousands of words of encouragement floated through the air.

On my return I am filled with gratitude and appreciation for my life. My heart is burdened by the sadness of war and anger that permeates our world. However,
I want to consciously create humility and modesty. I intend to demonstrate acts of kindness and encourage joy, zest and enthusiasm. I feel it is my mission to be an active participant in this world and to offer a heart with integrity and honesty. I desire to spread the message of love and peace throughout the world.

Please join me in my mission.

“Temperance is a tree which as for its root very little contentment, and for its fruit calm and peace.” Buddha

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Room: Six

A man of courage never wants weapons. ~Author Unknown

Two lions strolled out into the centre of the room. I knew that it was room six and I was here to be reminded of qualities I had forgotten. I’ve overlooked such essential ingredients as: valor and bravery in my quest for the best life. I’ve been guilty of “people pleasing” and seeking harmony instead of fighting for what was right.

The beasts strolled with a magnificent gait. I wanted to touch them and get closer. I knew instinctively that these two large beasts were the ultimate predator but I was not afraid. I felt courageous and comfortable in their presence. They walked over to me and lay at my feet. I crouched down and began to stroke their soft fur – they purred like domestic kittens and I got lost in their rhythmic breath.

The golden hue of the room swaddled me as I lay between the two beasts. Their strength filled me with supreme calm and confidence. My fears about the future and my abilities faded into their long luxurious manes. They encircled me with their gigantic bodies and I felt safe, comforted and pampered. I instinctively knew that I was protected and guided.

The return to my morning ritual was unceremonious and sudden. I remembered every tiny detail and I could even smell the warmth of the lion’s coat. The journey through my magnificent mansion of my soul was nearly complete. I reflected on the rooms and how each visit had taken me into places of my soul I had protected from inquisition and explanation.

I felt forlorn and incredibly sad for the lives that had been annihilated on the screen in room five. I was disgusted by the images of man’s inhumanity to man. I prayed for forgiveness for all of the wrongs I had done and asked that those whom I had hurt along the way could possibly forgive me for those trespasses.

Each room left me with a profound impact. I felt that the messages were strong and direct. While I was responsible for my investment in humanity I did not have the ability to change the past. My mission was to make a difference with every step and breath I took in my daily life. I could create peace and harmony in my world and send those positive beams out into the world.

My script is written and I intend to deliver the messages of love, peace and harmony to my corner of the world. With deliberate acts of kindness mixed with ingenuity the energy of love will permeate the negative and fear of this wholesome sphere.

Please join me in my quest – peace and love and deliver our best!

“No act of kindness however small is never wasted.” Aesop

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do. “~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

I miss you Dad

The week of illness is passing the infection put to rest. The devouring demon excommunicated and I’m feeling rather blessed. It’s been a week of struggle of incapacity and strain. The debilitating intruder has forced me to review the source of my pain.

The wind chimes burst a congratulatory tune – I’ve survived and not too soon. My mind searches beyond the puking pail as I begin sifting through the grain. Each whisper flicker and nudge has impacted on my brain.

My tantrums unheard; my tears have dried I’ve been a solitary survivor of the purge of emotional baggage. I’ve been forced to face the loneliness of a life without you.

It’s been a week since the chaos crept in uninvited. I’ve felt lost and comatose and gasping in the fog. It’s a new day and the sky is clear and the mountains defined a perfect backdrop illicit a different perspective.

My eyes fixed on an eagle circling beyond the ridge and I am reminded that he is my father’s totem. Is it a message that you have left us again? Are you off to journey toward your personal truth? Must we go on with out you while you transform your soul for you?

I miss you Dad.

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

My intent is clear

“If you do not change direction you’ll end up wherever you’re heading.” Lao Tzu

The Sun shines brightly through my window on this cold and frosty morning. It is a day of reflection and I have the opportunity to do just that. The Moon is in practical Taurus and she is heading toward another eclipse. The Sun is in Cancer and we are making home the perfect retreat.

This may be my final entry in this journal book. That doesn’t mean of course, that the words won’t come and the pen refuse to follow. It just means another book is waiting to fill with thoughts, words, ideas, goals, wishes and dreams and yes of course those naughty tantrums too.

My faithful companion, Jazz lies near my bed. She is devoted to me and doesn’t waiver on her commitment. Perhaps I place her devotion as a benchmark for friends and family to aspire. Maybe this standard of loyalty is too high and that is why I become disappointed when close relations don’t measure up.

I’m not saying that I expect my friends and family to be at my beck and call or to lie serenely at my feet and look up in wonder when I call. I suppose qualities such as loyalty and trustworthy are the elements that stand the test of time.

Over the past two years I’ve had a visit from Father Chronos – Saturn in my friendship and association sector. During this time I’ve experienced frustration and in some cases betrayal of friends and close allegiances. I’ve learned (the hard way) that some people can’t be trusted and the others who are golden and loyal will always be true friends for my entire life.

The lessons learned have been magnificent – I’m very proud to say. I’ve come through this transit with a maturity and deeper understanding of what a true friend conveys. These golden few are precious to me like diamonds in the snow. Those chosen few are closer to me than words can ever say.

The Cancerian Sun phase is about home and family. There has been a deeper connection also. A strong bond with my mother, brother and sister has been formed. We are supportive of one another as we grieve the loss of our patriarch, father, friend and mate. His legacy has taught us to stand up and fight for what we think is right. Also, his act of personal demonstration throughout his life was not to let the bastards beat him and get off your butt there is a big world out there. His force is strong in our lives – like the glue that holds us together – an indestructible bond that stretches and contracts and protects us from the world and the entire nay Sayers and bullies.

We’ve developed a circle of friendship which is deepening and strengthening in every way. Our relationships are more evolved and enduring and we have begun to really like each other along the way.

The morning spread reveals the impetus for the day. The Empress poised and serene preparing for the birth of something wonderful. The sickness and pain is fading as I feel motivated to greet the day. Over the past few weeks I’ve been unwell – dragging myself through the daily obligations – now I feel a ray of sunshine beam into my frozen landscape.

The Hermit augurs a work and health evaluation. Am I on the right path? How do my career aspirations reflect in my health? Am I healthy or am I just holding it together with a flimsy string of loyalty glue and gripping with the fear of change? Tread carefully through the minefield of your fears, dear and be cautious about decision that will influence you for years. Take time to process ingesting the right formula expending the right amount of energy.

Death is a welcomed entrant in that he brings an ending of the past – poor choices, attitudes and behaviours are smashed into tiny pieces – obliterated into specks of dust. Allow the past to pass through the bowels of the discontented. It’s a new day, time to embrace a fresh start – forgotten about yesterday.

So what does it all mean? The old and new concepts are grand representations of the cycle of life. Time is of the essence to rest and contemplate a while. Time is all that matters as we take stock of our pile.

The dreamy aspects of a number seven day are perfect to reflect and consider the next phase. The eve of the New Moon eclipse is ripe for preparing and organising our thoughts, goals and wishes. What do we want for ourselves? Where do we want to go? Don’t be limited by our thoughts and fears – just release the burdens of yester-year.

The pragmatic Taurean moon grounds me in reality. It is important to take considered steps along the path to success and not race off ahead – before the die is cast. Keep your feet on the ground and your mind in the sky perched up in the eagles nest a perfect vantage to see the new horizon, don’t you think?

In the quietness of my room I contemplate my next step; careful thoughts and words exacting instructions to the navigator in my soul. The feast requires specificity when you’re ordering from the banquet of life. Ensure you have plenty of tasty morsels to satisfy your inner hedonist – insist on a main that is substantial but don’t forget about the side dishes, garnishes and dressings too.

We all want the best life – but what does it look like? How does it feel, smell, taste and would we know it if it was real? Be careful what you ask for – I’ve learned that time and time again. Now, I want to get it right and no more missing the menu or the magnificent cherry pie.

My intent is clear: when my intent is clear, my desires are fulfilled.

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Coat of many colours

One realisation that has hit me this visit to Sydney is that we are all getting older. Not only that, I’ve had an epiphany that we all carry our values and beliefs in our demeanour like a coat of many colours.

Our lives are staged out in the playground of our aura and our subconscious mind is the reality shack of our fears.

The potency of what we think, feel and say is the ink in our fountain pens that scribe the script of our lives. The scrolls of our lives then become embossed with the seals of our experience. Sign here and press hard are the secret deals we’ve entered into and free-will is enmeshed in duty and responsibility. The conflict and uprising of another merges unceremoniously with our flotsam and jetsam – living our truth is an altered reality somewhere in the black hole of our disappointments.

It would be so much easier to have all the answers – to visit the Akashic records and fill our library card with the “must haves and the need to know” text books. Sitting in the corner of the chapel window fingering each chapter and ticking with our red pen the accomplishments and lessons learned.

Life would be much simpler and lesson painful don’t you think if we had a stunt double to take the crashes and broken bones? Conversely, how would we know if we’ve matriculated; if we were left in the corner of despondency and nowhere to go?

This life is a testament to resilience, determination and courage especially throughout this eclipse season. So just go with the flow and move beyond the need to know. Experience the jolt and crashes and be confident that you will end up in the perfect classroom for your next phase.

Peace and Love (and lots of band aids)

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Return to Coffs

Day I

The Moon is shining in the positive and adventurous sign of Sagittarius. People are open and gregarious. It’s a time for stepping outside of our comfort zone and embracing change.

This is the second day of the Coffs Harbour return adventure. Yesterday we arrived and inspected our home. This gorgeous home was our Nirvana for nearly a decade and now it seems like our nightmare. It is up for sale but there is a part of me that doesn’t want it to sell – certainly there is another larger part that does want it to sell.

It is a gorgeous property filled with many wonderful memories which linger throughout. Even in its present state with issues that need to be fixed it stands proudly near the Pacific Ocean with it’s golden mane floating in the sea breeze. My disappointment of how people can leave a property is abated by the potential that this residence has for some lucky future owners.

Before the inspection we opted for a sumptuous meal at Mangrove Jack’s. It is one of our few favourite restaurants in this harbour side town. It was an enormous and tasty dish with lots of seafood and herbs washed down with a freshly squeezed tropical juice. We both gormandised and then went off to the property for the inspection.

While I am not impressed with the state of the unit nothing is beyond repair. It can be cleaned, repaired or brought back to its original condition with some investment and care.

After the inspection we walked on the beach. It was a good plan – to go over the property and face the damage from our former tenant and the walk it off on the beach. The sea air was refreshing and the ocean licked the resentment of the mistreatment of our former castle. It was a grounding walk with lots of careful planning and counselling. I guess it was more like an oceanic debrief.

After the walk we came down to Urunga. We met up with some friends and had afternoon tea. We feasted and fell into a relaxed state – such a great relief after a long drive and an emotional ending.

We are back to the property today to check it over again. Then off for some retail therapy at our favourite haunts. Even though there is not a lot on the spending agenda I want to touch and feel some of the delightful trinkets and browse the energy of these unique shops.

It’s a sunny and lovely day with a brilliant glow. It is relaxing and very vibrant – it should be a good day of balance and harmony. We’ll just wait and see how we’ll go!

Day II

Going home is so hard to do when you’ve had a rewarding trip. The time spent with new acquaintances and old friends are memories I will take back to Canberra. I have been spoilt with lots of love and attention and I feel extremely respected and honoured. What a wonderful feeling. I am moved!

There have been lots of opportunities to expand my world. I feel connected to some new friends I’ve met this weekend. There feels a strong bond with some people who are on a similar path and I am positive that we will explore that more in the future.

It is a day of commitment, health, work and routines. The focus on practical details and getting back to basics is essential for ultimate balance.

The Star is shinning brightly and the possibilities of turning lead into gold are imminent. Stepping out on to the world stage is a possibility although at present I linger longer in the wings.

Justice is the contracts or agreements in the future – this will be revealed in the perfect time.

The Fool is the new beginnings – a chapter of excitement. The world is a culmination of experiences and the reward is reflected in my demeanour. Now, I am poised and ready to jump into the unknown.

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers

Epitaph

Love and money are the key themes today or should I sing, “Money; money; money!” Venus, Chiron and Neptune are creating a financial illusion and we are buying into it. Ironically it is the last day of the 2008 -2009 financial year here in OZ. It is also Vincent D’Onofrio’s birthday – happy birthday Vincent – I hope it is a fantastic day and a great solar return.

The Wheel of Fortune roles in for the morning spread. The fair ground spiel is paradoxical to this dark, crisp gloomy Tuesday morning. There is a positive vibe though so perhaps something unexpected will dawn heralded and applauded with this Jupiter-ruled card.

The World is abundant in ripe fruit – a cycle has ended and a new one begins. The fruit is fresh and succulent all we have to do is reach up and grab.

Strength reminds me of the courage required to conquer the fears of my everyday existence. Am I good enough? Why do I constantly question my ability? Isn’t it time a little confidence came into my stride?

The Moon is in Libra today. She loves the Venusian charm coaxing the shimmering beams exuding from this silvery orb. Libra energy accentuates the coquettish femineity to her glow. She is becoming fuller and round ready to breach into her ripe phase. Meanwhile here on earth we mere mortals are grappling with cosmic fluctuations and the indigestion rising in our gullet.

It is an 11/2 day today which has a public/private feel. The collaborative energy of the day will work in nicely with the justice and fair mindedness of the Libran influence. I cast my thoughts a little further toward the influence of other fair minded Librans. I consider how they’ve brought their individual brand of justice and fairness into our lives.

People like John Lennon and how a staunch advocate for peace; with chants like, “Give peace a chance” and philosophical meanderings in the unforgettable “Imagine” lyrics. I cannot forget how he stood, laid, sat, prayed, begged, laboured and lobbied encouraging the world to, “give peace a chance”.

Another beautiful Libran comes to mind, Linda Eastman McCartney and her lobby for a less brutal life of the carnivore and opted for a gentle persuasion toward a vegan lifestyle.

They both walked-their-talk. They led by example and showed us what it is like to live your truth. If we could all leave the world with one clear message what would your message be? I know we are tiny pebbles in the pond of awareness and still we have the potential for the ripple effect. What message would you convey to the world if the world was paying attention? And more importantly how do you want to be remembered?

For me, I want to keep the messages of peace and love flowing though my writing and conduct. I am a strong advocate for love – loving you, love each other – just love; love; love – it’s easy. And peace – well why not? Why can’t we live in a world of peace – is it so difficult? If I encouraged peace in my world and my world merges with your world then guess where we would be? A peaceful world, no less – a world perfect for you and me!

Peace and Love,

Julia Ashton-Sayers