Towards A Healthy Economy + Marketing World

Yeah, I write love songs too…LOL…

MS (Multiple Sclerosis) has provided the stimulus to write again, after being too busy for over 25 years. Well, it has provided me the time anyhow ~ since I can’t work.

I denied that I even had this dread disease for years.

“It’s just a little limp,” I said. “I hurt my back, a while back, but I’ll recover in no time.”

Little did I know that I was lying to concerned people, or to myself!

In my life, I’d always bounced right back after any sickness or injury. After about 3 more years, my real estate clients were more concerned about me than looking at the houses they were touring. That’s when I reluctantly retired.

I would be alright! It was others ~ who watched me cling to the handrails going up and down stairs and “Wall-walking” as my ex-wife had aptly named it (touching the walls to keep my balance while walking) ~ who had the real problem.

Out of work, and running out of money fast, I did a few rounds with depression. It was kicking my butt. Before the referee could ring the bell, or declare me a TKO (Technical Knock Out), I decided to write a novel.

FOR SALE BY OWNERS: FSBO was the outgrowth result of my stay-sane effort. A mystery-thriller novel with a message, the book has mustered me some good reviews but very few royalty dollars.

So, I can now say, “MS helped me to discover that I can write.”

I crank out ezine articles and poetry like I was born to do it. Perhaps, I was? Anyway, my new MS friend, I’ll likely publish this e-mail to you as an article also.

~Hugs~ Russ:))

Russ Miles is author of the novel, For Sale By Owners:FSBO.
A “Seasoned Real Estate NAR® Broker,” disabled by Multiple Sclerosis, Russ writes books, poetry, & articles on varied subjects.

FOR SALE BY OWNERS:FSBO ISBN 0-595-28703-4,in trade paperback,
is available by phone or Internet:1-800-Authors to order direct!
Adobe e-book & hard cover editions also available at Amazon.com at Barnes and Noble and other fine booksellers.

Comments: MilesRuss@Gmail.com.

Please visit Russ Miles’s website:http://MilesBooks.com for other informative features and information of interest.

I learned what it means to give when I was 22. Sure, I thought I knew before then. My parents had raised my brother and I with the philosophy that the first 10-percent of any money we made went to the church, the second 10-percent went to savings, and the rest of the money was ours to spend or give away accordingly.

But when I was 22, I met a homeless man named Fred who taught me what giving really means. Fred trudged through the glass double doors of the church where I worked one cold and snowy day in rural Pennsylvania. He was thin; his beard and hair were scraggly and unkempt. His face, hands, and ears were a wind-chapped red. His denim jacket had ripped-out elbows and he wore it over a long, beige raincoat that had seen better days. His canvas deck shoes were a dark gray, far from the white they had once been. His clothing was literally frozen.

“I was directed here from the restaurant,” he said, pointing to the little café across the street. “They said you could help me.”

He explained that he had been hitchhiking from Georgia, trying to make his way to Canada. He had lost his job, had no family, and thought he might be able to find work easier up North. But he hadn’t eaten in two days and had tried to sleep on a park bench the night before, but was buried in the foot of snow that had fallen.

His soft-spoken voice said all of this without complaint, just matter-of-factly.

The pastor and I decided we had to help this man. Reverend Clark called the local hotel and booked a room for Fred for the night while I ran across the street to the café and ordered bowls of soup, coffee, and sandwiches.

Our church ran a clothing bank so we could provide Fred with much-needed warmer clothing. He was outfitted in a winter coat, boots, gloves, knit cap, turtleneck, wool sweater, heavy knit socks, and jeans.

I felt good about being able to help someone in need. Then Fred surprised me and did something that will stay imbedded in my memory forever.

He folded the dirty clothes he had just taken off and handed them back to the lady who ran the clothing bank.

“I no longer need these,” he said. “Someone else may need them more.”

Here was a man who owned nothing but the clothes on his back, who had been traveling for two weeks, had gone without food and shelter, and thought that others might be more needy than he, and that it was his job to provide for them.

I was in tears. I knew I hadn’t always been content with what I owned. I did not even need all that I had. I learned that day through Fred that the accumulation of possessions and money is only valuable if you can give them away.

A version of this story appeared in the book God’s Abudance: 365 Ways to Simpler Life by Starburst Publishers. Jill L. Ferguson is an editor, writer, public speaker and professor of creative writing, communication and literature. Her first novel was published in October 2005 by In Your Face Ink (http://www.inyourfaceink.com).

So many clients who are unattached and yearning ask the old question, “When will I
find love?” It’s actually a good astrological question, and can be seen in Western
astrology by many different patterns. Let’s look at some of them.
Of course, the most obvious item to focus upon is Venus, the planet of love. (For
“progressed”, think secondary or solar arc.)
VENUS
Progressed Venus conjunct Natal Sun (or vice versa, Progressed Sun conjunct Natal
Venus) is usually the best indicator of a year when the universe throws open the
doors and love walks into your life, and when you would draw another to you who
has affectionate feelings for you. This is a time in life when you would not be meant
to be alone. However, the love object may not be a romantic or permanent one. My
case studies reveal that, in one instance, this pattern identified the period that a
child was adopted by a never-married single parent (the child being the true soul
mate ), and in another, the pattern pointed to a love affair that put the final nail in a
disintegrating marriage and set the individual upon an important life path…but did
not result in marriage. In the former situation, the mother also had Progressed
Venus entering H7 (another obvious prognosticator) and conjuncting the Natal Part
of Fortune therein, and in the latter, the relationship could be seen in retrospect as
an important soul agreement though not meant to result in permanence.
Progressed Venus conjunct Progressed Sun (or vice versa, Progressed Sun conjunct
Progressed Venus) is very similar in nature, as would be Progressed Venus conjunct
ruler of H7. In the latter case, the nature of the planet acting as ruler would greatly
influence the type of relationship formed. For example, if Saturn, possibly an older
or serious partner; if Mercury, a younger or friendly type.

Likewise, Progressed
Venus conjunct Sun/ or Moon/Descendant midpoint, Progressed Sun conjunct
Venus/Descendant midpoint, or Progressed Ascendant or Descendant conjunct Sun/
Venus midpoint would also be good indicators of a period in the life-clock during
which a loved one might appear. (My observation is that this quest for love isn’t
really just about romance, because that’s not always lasting. The real issue seems to
be about permanence in love – that is, marriage or a long-lasting relationship – so
I’ll focus upon H7 rather than H5.)

Conversely, Progressed Sun conjunct Venus/Ascendant midpoint might signal a love
relationship (depending on the rulerships of the Sun or Venus), but might just as
easily indicate a period of comfort, self-love and personal beautification.
For those who work with declinations, similar indicators would also been seen by
Sun/Venus, Venus/Ascendant or Venus/MC parallels.

Of course, should any of these delightful aspects occur at a very young age, their
benefits will be pretty much wasted in terms of longterm attachments, but there are
stories of youngsters bonding with a friend or neighbor who later becomes their
true love…or at least their lifelong buddy.

A Venusian progression to itself – that is, Progressed Venus conjunct Natal Venus –
can only occur when the Natal Venus is retrograde at birth, and then turns direct
during the lifetime, or when a Natal (direct) Venus turns retrograde. And since
Venus’ retrograde lasts about 43 days (thus, 43 years by progression), being born
closest to its stationing would best ensure enough time for this return to occur.
Such a period will emphasize the nature of Venus’ natal significance at the same
time that it brings its Venusian qualities to the forefront. If natally well-aspected,
happiness can be brought forward; if afflicted, financial, romantic, or indulgency
problems can be emphasized.

OTHER PATTERNS

But besides these obvious involvements of Venus, there are other conducive
patterns as well. Slightly less obvious are:
Whenever the angles are involved with Venus or H7, there is a good chance of love
appearing in one’s life, such as Progressed Ascendant/Descendant strongly
aspecting Natal or Progressed Venus or ruler of H7, usually a positive signal for
marriage, or Progressed MC strongly aspecting Natal or Progressed Venus or ruler of
H7, another great time for love, even if the aspects are hard (because, after all, how
hard can a Venus aspect be?). In fact, either of these would be wonderful to
schedule a wedding around, as would Progressed ruler of H7 strongly aspecting
Natal or Progressed Venus. Even a less obvious aspect, such as Ruler of H7 in a
feasible aspect to an angle or a love-connected planet, might predispose to a
marriage-type energy.

A Progressed Venus in major aspect to Natal Neptune is frequently found at times of
romantic events such as weddings, but tends to glamorize the emotions and cloud
the reality of the relationship. Such unions will face greater-than-usual trials
regarding the longevity of the marriage, but can certainly survive the progression if
an effort is made after its passage to deal with the less-than-ideal characteristics of
the partner that would then be revealed.
Then there are indicators for relationship that just generally emphasize its potential,
such as Progressed Moon into Libra or H7, or Progressed planets into H7, or even
the Involvement of the Vertex when found in H7. (The Vertex, normally found in
Houses 5-8, by my observation works as a fulcrum around which key events are
shaped; thus, if in H7, key partnerships will be accented when the Vertex is
activated.) If the natal chart has planets in H7, progressions or outer planet transits
to them will certainly accentuate relationships (but such horoscopes will always be
dealing with partners – or consequences of the lack thereof – as that was part of the
life plan). Venus-Moon patterns often result in an individual’s general contentment,
but do not necessarily show romantic involvement; sometimes they signal the birth
of children.

In regards to harmony in a relationship once formed, look to one partner’s
Progressed Venus tracking another’s Progressed Sun, and vice versa, or both
Progressed Venuses tracking each other (a situation not always shown by
conjunctions between comparative Venuses in the natal charts, since this occurrence
will be determined by the age difference between the two individuals as well as their
natal patterns). Of course, the topic of synastry is a separate one, to be applied after
a relationship has been formed in order to analyze the positive and negative
potential between the two horoscopes, and so does not fall into the parameters of
this article.

LESS LIKELY TO BE PERMANENT

Finally, there are patterns that might spark love, but offer the least long-term
assurance of permanence:
Transiting outer planets conjunct Natal or Progressed Venus or ruler of H7 will play
up the qualities of these planets, but can be unpleasant or fleeting just as easily as
the opposite, depending upon the meaning of the transiting planet or the natal
potential of the transited planet. For example, Uranus over Venus might lend an
exciting but impermanent love experience while Saturn could be either restrictive or
serious. Neptune would probably cause delusional fantasies about the partner or
bring a weak or compromised person into one’s life whom one would wish to
rescue. And Pluto, of course, would likely offer a powerfully transformative
experience that could alter one’s approach to sex, love or money forever! Transiting
outer planets into H7, on the other hand, would likely highlight the need to deal
closely with others, but far less likely, the arrival of love.

A FALSE FEAR

Anyone who trusts in the truths of astrology should discard forever the fear that
aging ruins your chances for love. It’s a myth. For example, I had a 70-year-old
female client, an artist, who found a suitor when her Progressed Sun was sextile her
Ascendant while her Progressed Venus was opposite her Moon, and his Progressed
Venus was trine his Neptune, crossing his South Node. (The latter pattern shows a
love-connection from prior lifetimes.) Once meant to occur (by any of these afore-
mentioned patterns), the universe will go to great lengths to put two people
together. People will meet “accidentally” or on distant trips to places they will never
revisit, or will be introduced by a third party who will never again appear in either of
their lives. Coincidence or synchronicity will abound, and the non-astrologer will
remain amazed by such “luck,” whereas the astrologer will nod knowingly as the
Divine Plan is revealed through cosmic mathematics.

When one of these patterns kicks into your chart, you’ll watch the door of love open
wide in your heart. But it will be up to you to keep its flame kindled thereafter.
One caveat, though: as I said before, Venus symbolizes love, not necessarily
between two romantic partners. I have several examples in my files in which one of
these patterns brought a soul-mate into the life in the form of a beloved child.
Venus can also symbolize pleasure and financial wellbeing. The right match can
even bring pleasant financial conditions along with love (such as marrying well), if
the horoscope predisposes. But if the natal chart doesn’t do so, then positive
Venusian aspects will bring other types of love (such as the above-mentioned
never-married adopter whose difficult Natal Sagittarius Sun/Moon/Saturn t-square
precluded marital possibilities in the incarnation).

CASE STUDIES

Some case studies of Venusian patterns revealing strong love-based events in my
files are as follows:
Forty-six-year-old widow meets second spouse – Progressed Sun semi-sextile
progressed Venus, and Progressed Moon into H7.
Seventy-year-old-female is courted – Progressed Sun sextile Ascendant, and
Progressed Venus opposite Moon.
Divorced female meets second spouse – He: Progressed Venus conjunct Sun; Her:
Transiting Uranus conjunct Venus, and Progressed Moon in Libra. Life-changing
affair for female: Progressed Venus conjunct Sun.
First marriage for young eligible bachelor – Progressed Venus sextile Ascendant,
and sextile Node; Progressed Moon into H7.

(This article originally published in the February 2004 issue of Dell Horoscope
magazine. Reprinted with permission.)

Judi Thomases, http://www.WisdomPath.com, member of the AFA and the National Council
for Geocosmic Research, is an astrologer and spiritual consultant based in Rockland
County, New York. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Douglass College, founder of a
women’s spiritual network for meditation, teaching, and personal development, and
director of an interdisciplinary self-development center, she is a regular contributor
to Dell Horoscope magazine, and writes monthly columns of The Brotherhoods’
teachings. She has studied, counseled in, and written about metaphysics, astrology,
and intuitive sciences for three decades. In 1997, Judi began to “hear” the voice of
her spirit guides, who told her to expect a flow of teachings that she could use to
help and heal others. These guides, the Brotherhood of Light Workers, transmitted
“Wisdom’s Game” to her. http://www.WisdomsGame.com

One of Stephen Covey’s “Seven Principles of Highly Effective People” is “Begin with the end in mind.” When I think about this principle, it comes to mind that this is what a legacy is all about. Thinking about what we want to leave behind helps us to live our lives in such a way that we create that legacy each day. A quote I recently came across made me think of how important each day is to our legacy and what will remain of us once we are gone. The quote was from a tombstone in Arizona that read, “Here lays Jack Williams. He done his damnedest.”

Recently I have been thinking of what I would like to have engraved on my tombstone. Oddly enough there are books and lots of websites with the epitaphs of famous and not so famous people that provide an idea of what to say. Some epitaphs tell about the type of life the person had, such as Bette Davis, whose tombstone reads, “She did it the hard way.” Some tell about the way the person lived their life, such as Jim Morrison, whose tombstone reads, “Kata ton daimona eay toy” (true to his own spirit). I have decided I would like “She made a difference” on my tombstone.

Regardless if you plan to have a tombstone or not, or really even care what it says, putting into a sentence or two how you want to be remembered is in keeping with Covey’s principle. If you have the end in mind, which in this case is how you want to be remembered, you have the opportunity to create that ending each day. Many people come to the end and have no idea what their life was about or why they were here. That’s a sad ending indeed. I believe if you live your life as if this is the day you will be remembered by, it will have a huge impact on your actions and how you live life.

Not that death is a cheery thing to think about, but there are worse things that can happen than dying. For me it would be living without making a difference. For you it will be something else. Whatever that something else is, you must do it. Don’t put off living your life until someday. I would hate to have my tombstone read, “She meant to make a difference but was waiting for someday.”

Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD, is a Certified Master Coach specializing in working with business owners and professionals in being more profitable and productive while staying sane and balanced. Coach Lee is the publisher of the award winning e-zine, 365 Days of Coaching. Her first book, 365 Days of Coaching – Because Life Happens Every Day (Universal Publisher, 2004) was named a finalist for Best Book 2004 by Publish.com and has a five star rating on Amazon.com.

Many believe that the mind is divided into three parts: the conscious, the sub-conscious, and the super conscious. Our conscious mind is usually cluttered with distractions and noise, our sub-conscious holds suppressed past experiences, fears, and (imagined) limitations, but the super conscious is where our perfection and mastery reside.

Think back to a time in your life where everything “clicked”, and you could do no wrong. It may have been for only a few minutes, but for that brief time you were invincible. Maybe you were shooting hoops, and you just couldn’t miss. You felt so “on”, you knew that every shot would be a “swish”… and it was. Possibly you were playing tennis, and you felt as though you could return every shot… and you did. Perhaps you were painting, and you felt like no stroke from your brush could be wrong… and the canvas turned out to be beautiful. Whether you were dancing, playing a musical instrument, programming a computer, or public speaking, I imagine that at some time in your life, you have experienced such a transcendence of your regular limitations. This state is known as “superconsciousness”. If you have been to this space before, you would do anything to get there again. Unfortunately, therein lays the problem. When we try to analyze and pressure ourselves to reclaim “superconsciousness”, we almost certainly fail.

One way of attaining super consciousness is through meditation. Meditation is the path to true self-awareness. Through meditation we can escape from the limitations that our conscious and sub-conscious mind subject us to.

Come back to the SoundSleeping discussion page in the next few days when I will describe how you can use meditation to rise above your limitations.

In the meantime, consider the following advice: “Do not fear mistakes, there are none” – Miles Davis.

Mark Altman’s website, http://www.soundsleeping.com - free relaxing music, contains relaxing music, sleep-aids, stress reducing tools, relaxation advice, and an active discussion.

Acknowledge where you are right now and realize that it is where you are supposed to be. Request your Miracle from this standpoint.

Destiny is knowing that things are going to happen, as if by accident, when they are needed to occur. This is a kind of divine intervention that is a gift from the universe. We need to acknowledge our destiny.

Insight is realizing that you will be guided by your Heart. This intuition will guide you to make decisions. Your decisions are correct even though they appear incorrect after they are made. This intuitive process is allowing you to make the mistakes that you need to learn and move forward in life to fulfill your destiny.

Before a Miracle can occur you need to visualize it, see it happening and write it down. A spiritual Miracle can occur when you bring it into reality by the actual practice of writing it in the physical world. Your faith in the Miracle is what transforms the universe to bring your destiny. A conviction to make it happen is the fuel to starting the fire within.

Taking action on a daily basis will give you the Motivation to transform your physical life into greatness in which Miracles do happen. Without action on your part you will stay the same. Use your insight to dream of the action steps that you need to take to manifest your Miracle. Action is the kindling to get you started.

Conviction is that you can change your life and will. Without conviction you will flounder. This takes effort and action. It is not easy. By realizing that Love is the answer, you will seek it. You will have a greater conviction to give more of the love that is inside of you to others. Love begets Love and motivates your transformation.

Devotional Love is when you see the Love in all people and everything everywhere. When you start to see this, you will see the beauty and love everywhere in the universe. This insight will take your conviction to majestic levels.

Have gratitude for everything that occurs in your life. What happens in your life is guiding you to your destiny. When you give back gratitude for your daily experience, the universe will be gratuitous in kind. Your life will seem to turn around.Giving and receiving are the yin/yang of the universe.

You manifest your destiny by creating a Miracle plan. When you follow these 7 steps your life will become one of mystery, magic, luck and surprising adventure.

Frank Gasiorowski is an Author, Speaker, Radio-TV Guest/Producer and the Voice-Over narrator for the new SmootheMIXX CD produced by Smoothe Intl. Frank is co-founder of the “Total Self Mastery University” http://www.TotalSelfMastery.com with Dr. Mike Davison. Frank is the founding Director of F.A.I.T.H. Ministry. http://www.FindAnswersInTheHEART.blogspot.com Get your FR*EE 90 Day Goals ezine at http://www.90DayGoals.com Copyright 2006

For most of us finding the energy to just get through the day can be a challenge. Sometimes the best read of the zen-o-meter is whether or not the activity or emotion we are engaging in throughout the day nurtures our energy or drains it. For example, playing with the kids in the park, makes you feel more alive. Fighting your way through the grocery store, drains the life blood out of you. When you get out of bed you only have so much energy to get through the day. Many things will come at you that you have no control over. So this month we will explore controlling one emotional habit that is guaranteed to drain your soul. Learning to master this beast will leave you with more energy for you to spend the way you want.

Judgment never feels good. Often we do it subconsciously without giving it a second thought. However, most of the time it’s a very conscious act. Most popular psychology holds that we judge to make ourselves feel better; That by judging others we somehow feel superior to them. Most ancient spiritual traditions hold that we judge to separate ourselves one from another. No matter why we do it, or how we do it either blatantly, silently, or in the form of gossip, judgment drains your spirit and leaves your energy lower then it needs to be.

A few nights ago I was standing in my son’s room as he was talking on the phone ignoring my presence. It wasn’t that he didn’t know I was there, he had simply made the choice not not notice me. He was ignoring me because it was easier to do that then to acknowledge he had not done the dishes or his homework. Needless to say, I was having some escalating judgment and although I felt particularly righteous in my position, it didn’t feel good. After several minutes of my heated glare he finally succumbed and to my evil eye and as he begrudgingly hung up the phone he bid his friend, “Aloha”.

It made me laugh. Earlier in the day I had been studying a book about the Huna philosophy. One of the tenants of the Huna philosophy, which is a Hawaiian spiritual tradition, is Aloha, which means, to love is to be happy with. There I stood, trying to stay mad, but well reminded of Aloha – meaning that in order to love him – I had to be happy with him.

Judgment is such a downer. But to love is just the opposite. Having to remind yourself not to judge others~ downer. Staying in a spirit of unconditional love~ uplifting and energy building.

So, at the end of the evening, my son and I did the dishes together. He didn’t get his homework done. I did in fact have a moment of ah ha or better put, Aloha – to love was to be happy with. At the end of the day, that just felt better.

Spiritual traditions can seem so rigid. However, in the spirit of Aloha, the rule of thumb is almost decadent. When you can replace, having to avoid judgment, with the follow your bliss path of staying in love, everything becomes a little brighter, a little lighter. You free up a lot of energy to do things like grocery shop and dishes and take the dog for a walk…

So, what’s the motto?

It’s simple…
Aloha

Lisa Hayes is a mind, body, soul, practitioner who views the person as a whole -
With meditation for the mind
Yoga for the body
and as an ordained minister, for the soul, Lisa works with women to help them achieve peace and bliss in the chaos of their every day lives.

Lisa is also a partner in an independent technology firm and is a single mother of a teenage boy, so she understands chaos. Chaos is a part of everyday life. It is a part of the contrast of life that makes the zen seem so much more precious.

Lisa began the pursuit of the healing arts more than fifteen years ago when she completed her degree in natural health and nutrition. She continued that path as a yoga and meditation instructor before becoming a life coach.

Lisa believes that zen is our basic nature. All we have to do is release it. She has dedicated herself to assisting women in finding whatever tools work best for them individually to become their most blissful and beautiful selves.

To contact Lisa email her at lisa@moderngirlsguidetozen.com.

A big part of prayer is the creative visualization aspect. You must visualize and hold the picture in your mind of the best solution for that person and situation or yourself. You must not waver in that thought. You also must recognize the divine and true nature of that person, which only recognizes the perfect balance and wellness. When you speak out loud you also activate a tremendous power of kinetic energy, and electro-magnetic power that immediately acts on the environment around you, inside of you, or for another person.

What you can’t do with prayer is to control someone’s will or create a situation that will be harmful or doesn’t represent the best solution for them. For you the best solution might be that he/she loves you but that might not be what is best energetic solution for the person. You cannot force someone with prayer. Also many times, the best solution for you is that the person gets well and recovers but for he/she the best solution might be that he/she passes over and leaves this planet. Also many times you can recognize someone’s divine nature but she/he doesn’t believe that a) she/he can be healed at all and b) that her/his belief is not open that you are divine and can activate healing in her/him.

Also your words and her/his words can immediately negate the healing power of the prayer. For an example, after you pray, that person might then say, “I don’t think anyone can heal me at this point but thanks for trying.” Another example of words, you might say, “Gee, I hope that works,” which expresses doubt and uncertainty into the energetic field. You must act as if the prayer worked the moment that you spoke and prayed. You also must understand that each and every being is responsible for her/his own existence and life. Consider yourself a conduit, and when you pray you’ re activating kinetic energy and a healing frequency, but it is the person’s responsibility to draw in the healing.

Yoga Kat–aka Katheryn Hoban is a yoga teacher with twelve years experience. She teaches children’s yoga ages 3-6, and 7-12 and Adults privately in NJ. She is the author the book DAUGHTER BELOVED which will come out next year. She has created a children’s affirmation CD (ages 3-6) and an affirmation CD for adults. Yoga Kat is available for speaking or writing and can be reached at katscoolcorner@yahoo.com or 201 970-9340

COMING SOON http://www.thecircleofpeace.com

One of my FAQs is, “How often should I have a Tarot Card reading?” There is no general answer. It depends on your purpose - what type of reading you are having and the way you are using it. If you are looking for some indication about what is happening in general in the future, then you could have a reading every six months or so, or perhaps every year.

This kind of reading tends to involve a bigger “spread” or “layout” as Tarot readings are called, with more cards in it. This allows a broader view of trends that may be coming into play around you. It usually tells a reader whether you are in a time of change or of relative stability - whether new stuff is going to happen or things remain very similar to how they are now. You don’t need this kind of reading very frequently. It’s “big picture” stuff and tends to change slowly.

If you are looking at one issue at a time, such as if you are going to get a new job soon, you can ask that question with a smaller kind of layout. A few cards or a Celtic Cross will be fine and will tell you what the possibilities are in that situation. The reading might tell you if you need to add to your skills and head off in a new career direction or search more thoroughly for a job than you are currently doing. If you asked about moving house it might say that moving would be disruptive at this time. The Tarot is always more than just “Yes” or “No”. Usually it gives you some advice or insight as well.

With a reading based on one specific topic you can ask whenever you like as long as the topics are different. It’s no good asking the same thing many times, because the answers just become confusing and often merely reflect how you are feeling that day. I always try to discourage people from becoming dependent on divination. Asking the same question again and again, trying to “nag” the cards into telling you what you want to hear is not healthy. Sometimes life doesn’t give us what we want and we have to accept that and get on with things as best we can.

It’s better not to ask trivial questions. I have found that the Tarot works best when you’ve thought out your question carefully and put it in a sensible manner. When you have an answer to a question, then it’s a good idea to go away and reflect on it and see how that answer can help you with your problem. That is one of the strengths of the Tarot - guidance. It can help us to see solutions for ourselves.

By using the Tarot wisely, it becomes like talking to a good friend. The answers often open up new ways of looking at our lives that can help us bring out the best for ourselves in the future. Like all good friends it responds best if you take notice of the answers it gives.

© Dianne Hardwick 2006
http://www.diannehardwick.com

Dianne Hardwick has been reading tarot for over 30 years. For a free astrology forecast visit her website at http://www.diannehardwick.com/

I AM SO GRATEFUL for the time to smell the roses.
Lying in a hammock between two shade trees
Or wandering through a multicolodred rose garden,
Sitting quietly and communing with nature
Beholding something beautiful in each person I meet.

I AM SO GRATEFUL for a walk with no destination.
A choice pair of tennis shoes cushions my feet,
Pretty plantings in the neighborhood catch my eye,
A leisurely chat provides a welcome, short break,
And a nonchalant jogger says, “Have a nice day.”

I AM SO GRATEFUL for the sounds of summer.
A bicyle beeps a warning from behind,
A hard hit baseball implants a resounding whack,
Lawn mowers drone while cutting the grass,
And booming fireworks light up the night sky.

I AM SO GRATEFUL for the lazy, hazy days of summer.
The click of croquet balls rebound across manicured turf,
The cool tingle of a root beer float satisfies a deep thirst,
Straw bonnets tug against their ribbons on a breezy day,
And barbershop quartets harmonize in the good old summertime.

I AM SO GRATEFUL for a stroll through the park.
Skateboards hum as they roll down the sidewalk,
Live music fills the air at an outdoor concert,
Shrieks erupt when a Little Leaguer hits his first home run,
And hands clap in unison to the beat of the band.

I AM SO GRATEFUL for relaxing under an oak tree.
A bird’s sweet song murmurs in my ears,
Children’s laughter drifts through the air,
Before dozing off for an afternoon siesta
I think to myself, “It’s a wonderful world.”

Excerpted from “Gratitude Works: Open Your Heart to Love” by Katherine Scherer and Eileen Bodoh.

Katherine Scherer and Eileen Bodoh are authors of “Gratitude Works: Open Your Heart to Love.” http://www.gratitudeworks.com