The Pain of Anxiety

“Anxiety” is defined as a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks.

Anxiety is experienced by almost everyone at some point in their lives.  We become anxious with given situations but many of us learn to control this over time.  Those with various Anxiety disorders will have to work much harder to conquer this disorder.  The actual causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood but progress is being made.  What we are addressing here is anxiety as experienced by most of us from time to time, not Anxiety Disorders. 

Many of us before beginning the journey of self-study are unaware of our ability to emotionally step back from situations.  We own every experience that we happen upon in life.  In the beginning of self-study, we are unaware that thoughts do not have to be owned and do not have to be taken personally.  Unfortunately, without fully understanding, we choose to relate to every thought and every emotion we experience and we can run with these.  We take them on and own them.  We see them as part of the self.

Through self-study and personal work, it becomes our goal to gain control of our reactions to, and thoughts about, situations before we become fully involved emotionally.  Unfortunately, once we are fully involved logical thinking or rational is an extremely difficult state to obtain.

Anxiety and its associated behaviours and thought processes are difficult to control in the beginning.  Without forethought, we allow our minds to manifest our thoughts and emotions into something larger than the anticipated events or what the actual events truly are.  These unchecked emotions and thought processes create excessive worry and allow anxiety to manifest.  This allowance feeds our negative responses and reactions.  Negativity provides the illusion that our thoughts are reality.  Again, we remind you, we are referring to basic anxiety and not an anxiety disorder.

What benefit is there in anticipating a possible stressful or negative event or outcome?  

Does worry eliminate the event?  

Does anticipation change the outcome? 

Negative interaction actually gives power to that potential event to take shape and end with a less than desirable outcome.

In reality, we only have this very moment that we are living.  The past is behind us and the future never truly arrives.  We have this moment and this moment only.  This very instant is the only real thing that exists. 

Realizing that no amount of worry or anxiety will change our future in a positive way is a giant step forward.  Before we can eliminate our less than positive thoughts however, we have to realize that our thought process is our own creation.  

What do you prefer to create.....a positive outlook and therefore a more positive future, or a heavy negative outlook and therefore a less than ideal future (our focus does create our reality over time). 

If this moment feels negative, review your attitude.  If you are in a grateful state, you will not feel that this moment in time is terrible.  A grateful state creates positive energy. 

On the other hand, anxiety builds over time if left unchecked, and will strengthen. It flourishes through our focus, if we choose to leave this emotion unchecked. 

Channel your thoughts in controlled directions.  The best approach is to dismiss any ideas linked to anxiety as non-essential and irrelevant thoughts.  It is imperative to do this prior to allowing them to grow out of proportion.  Do not identify with them.  These thoughts are not who you are; they are only thoughts.  Do not let them own you.

The more we practice gratitude, the faster we recognize sparks of negativity.  The earlier we recognize the spark of negativity, the earlier we can smother the spark before it becomes a fire of anxiety.

Channel your focus on what is good in your life no matter how challenging, because we all eventually become consumed by what we focus on.  The Idea is to change our focus.  Focus on all that is good and calming and brings happiness into the focus of your mind.  It WILL take work, but with persistence and patience we can remove the control negative ideas have over us and then remove worries from our focus.  In so doing, we will create more concentration on what truly matters in our lives.

We will eventually become proficient at noticing these invasive thoughts in their infancy and break the habit of nurturing them into fruition.  We can do this!  

Live in the moment for it is all we truly have.  We have the ability to rise above anxiety and to channel our thoughts to those of gratitude.  

We all deserve peace of mind.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology is accepting registration for our Sprin 2019 courses.  Visit our calendar for dates at www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/

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If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

SOLAR RETURN CHARTS

A Solar return chart is ideally prepared at the time of or just before our birthday, although this chart can be prepared at any time to obtain useful information from birthday to birthday. 

A solar return chart is prepared on the exact day that the Sun returns to its original positon in the natal chart, (to the sign, degree and minute, precisely).  So if the Sun in the birth chart is in Capricorn at 15 degrees 12 minutes, the Solar return sun would be in this exact position for the year it is being prepared.

A Solar return chart is prepared in the same fashion as a birth (natal) chart.  We would use the exact time of birth and place of residence (wherever we are living or staying on the date being used to prepare the Solar return (as the place dictates the midheaven degree). 

It would be read as a birth chart although it would only pertains for the year from birthday to birthday. 

Some individuals begin to feel the energies of the solar placement as they approach their birthday (as much as 3 months prior to the actual birthday).  If the chart were prepared three months prior to the birthday, this would assist in preparing the individual for the energies that would be at hand and what areas of life would be emphasized.

The Ascendant sign and ruling planet, the Moon and its sign and house position, the Sun and its house position as well as any major configurations and tight aspects will play significant roles in the upcoming year the would be forecasted.  If the Solar chart has many similarities to the natal chart, it will be an important year, especially if the rising sign is close in degree to the rising sign in the natal chart.

The Moon plays a very significant role and its sign and house position along with any aspects it receives would define our overall emotional makeup for the upcoming year.  When it comes to transits, the solar chart remains intact for the year but transiting planets can make aspects to these positions and can be delineated in a similar fashion to the way we would define birth aspects. 

We should also look into the aspect from the transits to the natal positions as this will help us get a clear picture of what to expect and will also provide timers for events and areas of life that might be involved.

Although in a Solar chart the Sun is in the same sign and degree as the natal chart, its house placement might be different and these energies will play out in very important ways throughout the year as this solar placement receives aspects from transits. 

There are many other facets to take into consideration but the Solar chart on its own will define clearly what to expect in the year being covered by the solar chart and will correlate with the transits and progressions to the natal chart (as indicated in a Transit and Progression chart which is yet another separate chart that can be prepared).  The Solar chart detailed dimensions to the overall translation of upcoming energies and events in the forecast for the year ahead (if the chart is being prepared for an upcoming birthday).

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology accepting registrations for our 2019 Spring courses. Visit our calendar for course dates at www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

HOUSE POLARITIES - INTEGRATING YOUR OPPOSITIONS (Part Two)

In our post on February 6, 2019, we highlighted oppositions with a focus on house polarities.

As stated on February 6, when we have oppositions in the natal chart defined by house positions, we are torn in two separate directions.  The houses define the areas of life involved in this separation.  There is a strong need to find a release mechanism between these two opposing forces.  In most cases, we will need to take into consideration the planets involved in the oppositions, as one planet’s energy can overpower the other planet’s energy.  However, no matter which planet is involved in the opposition aspect, they will need to find expression and often one will dominate the other.  We cannot forget that they are opposing forces.

We used the example of Saturn in the second house as opposed to Uranus in the eighth house.  We will continue from our Part I post……..

It is important to integrate both houses involved in the opposition without losing focus or emphasizing one house over the other.  Oppositions are opposing factors that create tension but through integration can be resolved and used in a positive manner.

It is also important while defining the meaning of your oppositions to take into consideration the natural rulers of the houses involved. 

In the case of our example, the natural ruler of the second house is Venus and Taurus and the natural ruler of the eighth house is Pluto and Scorpio.  These energies should be taken into consideration when trying to find alignment of the two houses and planets involved in the opposition.

When a planet is found in the final degrees of a house, some Astrologers say as much as five degrees from the cusp, the energies are pushing towards the next house and both houses should be used in the summation of required action taken to alleviate the stress of the opposition.  

So, if for example, Saturn was found 2 degrees from the cusp of the third house while still placed in the second house, both houses should be clearly defined to get a full understanding of what areas of life are involved as well as ways in which these areas of life can be used in combination with the opposing house involved in the equation. 

In the description of Saturn in the second and Uranus in the eighth house, a positive expression and release of tension caused by this opposition might be to find ways of achieving financial security perhaps through joint finances, where the burden of expenses is shared according to the income between both people involved. 

If there were continuous worries or anxieties over security matters, both financial and/or internal issues, letting go of these concerns through an understanding of mystical practice and an opening to new teachings that are available through spiritual/occult understandings could help the struggles and find new ways to alleviate these internal worries. 

To take it one step further, if for example, Saturn is tied to the third house because it conjoins the cusp of the third house, then communication and open dialogue will help alleviate some of the conditions that are causing concern and anxiety.

It is important to remember that there is always a resolution to any dilemma in life.  Astrology is an invaluable tool to helps us understand the energies and in this example through evaluation of the oppositions which may be part of the problem.  We can be pointed in the right direction to find ways to integrate these energies and use them to support one another and help to find resolution to any concerns there may be.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology is now taking registration for its 2019 Spring courses. Visit our calendar for dates at www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

THE ART OF FORGIVENESS

In times of upset and hurt resulting from (our reaction to) someone else’s actions, are we able to forgive?

Are we able to separate self from ego?  

Are we emotionally evolved enough to reject hatred and revenge?  

Regardless of the event or the intentions attached, are you able to forgive?  

We have to ask ourselves “How can we “allow” and move forward?”

Hostility, revenge, hatred.... these are automatic primary reactions and with practice and awareness we can develop our ability to control our urges to automatically “react” and learn to purposefully respond to events and people. 

Forgiveness, however, is not always an easy task.  Letting go and moving beyond the hurt can be difficult, as the ego relentlessly wants some type of justice.  But, the things that are the hardest to do are the very things that we must do for our own health and wellbeing.  

Some events in life do not seem fair because we have expectations of how our life should go and how we want specific outcomes. 

Also, there will be people in life that have not learned to exercise their “non-reaction” muscle.  They will do and say things that should not be done or said, but these are a reflection of them and not of us.  What does reflect us is our response to life.  Somehow we must learn to forgive even the most formidable acts but not necessarily for those that carried them out.  We must forgive for our own health and wellness.

Hanging on to hate and wanting vengeance absolutely serves no purpose other than to eat away at our own sanity and soul.  It steels our well-being, our sleep, our enjoyment of life.  In reality, the emotional stress of carrying this baggage can and will bring on mental and physical dis”ease”.  

Inner peace will never be found without forgiveness.  Forgiveness breaks the cycle.  Those that carried out the act may not deserve our forgiveness (in our opinions), but WE certain do! 

Forgive and remove yourself from the situation.  Wish them well in your heart.   Allow love to grow even from the darkest damaged corners of your being and you will reap the rewards from these actions. 

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology is now accepting registrations for our 2019 Spring courses. Visit our calendar for the upcoming dates at www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

HOUSE POLARITIES - INTEGRATING YOUR OPPOSITIONS (Part one)

When we are deciphering a natal chart, we will come across oppositions. 

For those that are unfamiliar with what oppositions are in the natal chart here is a quick explanation.

An opposition involves a minimum of two planets which are found at opposite ends of the chart.  The angle of separation is 180 degrees.  We can allow an orb of up to ten degrees of separation, so any two planets that are between 170-190 degrees apart from one another are defined as being in oppositions.  The tighter the orb, the stronger the opposition’s energies.  A direct opposition is exactly 180 degrees in separation and will be a very powerful agent in the horoscope.

When we have oppositions in the natal chart defined by house positions, we are torn in two separate directions.  The houses define the areas of life involved in this separation.  There is a strong need to find a release mechanism between these two opposing forces.  In most cases, we will need to take into consideration the planets involved in the oppositions, as one planet’s energy can overpower the other planet’s energy.  However, no matter which planet is involved in the opposition aspect, they will need to find expression and often one of the planets will dominate the other.  We cannot forget that they are opposing forces.

An example could be Saturn in the second house as opposed to Uranus in the eighth house.  Saturn seeks security either from an internal standpoint (having a concrete foundation with self-reliance,  or working hard toward this internal reliability), or (as Saturn rules the second house deals with financial security) through money and security. 

Uranus, at the other end of our exampled opposition) is quite opposite in its energies.  While Saturn seeks structure and reliability, Uranus seeks freedom of expression and freedom to move in whatever direction it wishes.  Uranus longs to bring new and innovated ways of integrating information into our lives. 

Saturn seeks out what has been tried and tested, and Uranus pushes for change and learning from these new adventures.  Not only in the chart are they in opposition but their energies naturally are opposing.

Furthering our example the eighth house deals with joint finances, the occult teachings, inner reflection and big business, among other things.  The energies of Uranus in this position (8^th house) might push to seek out ways of joining finances to find shared resolutions to any financial crisis.  In a larger sense, Uranus would want to explore avenues of expression linked to the occult and spiritual understandings.  It wants to open the door to this perception.

Depending on what the rest of the chart is indicating, this opposition in the chart could be saying that Saturn is seeking out ways to establish concrete financial security using slow meticulous methods while Uranus wants to explore ways related to financial structures through joint finances that entail something new and exciting and would push us in a new direction. 

Alternatively, with reviewing other aspects in the chart, our conclusion could be that Saturn is looking to achieve internal security through planning, organizing and structuring life and in the long haul will promotes security that lasts.  Uranus on the other hand may seek out independence through becoming involved in the teachings of the occult and the practice of reaching beyond what is considered safe and known.

We will continue with our look at the house polarities integrating an opposition on February 8, 2019.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology is now taking registration for its 2019 Spring courses. Visit our calendar for dates at www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

BE HERE NOW

It is said that if we are living in the moment, time seems to slow down. 

Most of us are continually looking ahead or reminiscing about the past. 

For a moment walk along with me.  Still your mind as much as possible and if you catch yourself in thought, do not be dismayed.  Acknowledge that thought and allow it to continue on its way.  Allow yourself to experience this moment completely and to experience each thought that moves its way through your mind, especially the ones that keep repeating themselves. 

Did you experience thoughts of “this is stupid”, “you are wasting your time”, or “let’s stop this silliness and do something else”? 

That voice you are hearing is your ego.  See it for what is it, and let those words of interferences drift off.

Set a timer for ten minutes and simply clear you mind.  Enjoy the moment to its fullest.  You may be aware of time and this experience may seem as though time is moving very slowly as you focus on the moment. 

If your ten minutes is up, lets continue……..

For those of us that have experienced an accident, for example, we may recall how time seemed to slow down during the experience.  The incident itself seemed to move in slow motion.  How many thoughts went through our minds during the event? 

It is quite profound how the mind races in and out of potential outcomes as well as potential ways that you can maneuver things to find a resolution to what is taking place.  There certainly does not appear to be a shortage of time and it actually feels as though we have much time to react.  We consciously utilize the seconds to search for a way through the event.

This is the mind focusing in that particular moment, and we are quite capable of doing this anytime, although practice and patience are requirements under normal circumstance.  Time is a man-made illusion and we cannot actually slow down the time between moments.  It moves in the usual manner, but we are so tuned into it completely so that we do not waste even a millisecond. 

Think of when we are busy. Does time not feel as though it is flying by? 

We can learn to focus in the moment through practice.  Our mind works in a similar fashion as our muscles do and it takes continued exercise (focus) to activate the mind’s focus (as does a muscle need training to work to its full capabilities).  We can actually strengthening the mind’s reception. 

When the mind wonders, we can gently remind it of the present moment and it will refocus once again. 

In reality, we only have the moment, and we are living it constantly.  The past is gone and the future has yet to be experienced.  A minute of wasted time will never be repeated.  These moments are far too precious to squander.  Enjoy every millisecond of this magnificence of life.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology?  Holm Astrology offers courses in astrology.  Visit our calendar for dates at www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/

Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visitwww.holmastrology.com/contact-us

NO RETROGRADES PLANETS - JANUARY 6 TO MARCH 5, 2019

From January 6 to March 5, 2019, we have been and will be experiencing a time when there are no planets in retrograde.  On March 5, 2019, Mercury will go retrograde and then go direct on March 28; however during this Mercury retrograde period there are no other planets in retrograde.  Jupiter eventually goes retrograde on April 10 and Pluto will follow and go retrograde on April 24, 2019.

The energies of planets in retrograde in the natal chart tend to make us look inward.  Those with several retrograde planets in their birth chart (and the magic number seems to be 5) tend to be introverted, even subdued and keep much to themselves.  The energies have difficulties working their way to the surface and can be stifled.  It takes great effort to bring the energies to the surface and make the necessary adjustments to challenge these, so-called deficiencies.

When an individual has no planets in retrograde in the birth chart, which is relatively rare, all the energies of the planets are allowed full function with no restrictions.  The exception (and there is always an exception) being Saturn as its energies actually works better while that planet is in retrograde motion. 

When the transiting planets are all direct the energies of all of the planets are working favourably and allowed the energies to be freely release (don’t forget our exception of Saturn however).  Things tend to be orchestrated in such a fashion that little is held back and if we were to use these energies to our advantage, much could be achieved.  Beginning new projects, asking for a raise (if you deserve it that is) and pushing ahead in your objectives have a better chance of being fulfilled.  The energies are no longer harnessed although Saturn still makes us work hard and can slow things down as it has lessons to teach us.

Those people without retrogrades in their birth charts are, as mentioned, certainly in the minority.  It is said that roughly seven percent of people have this phenomena.  It is believed that the energies of all the planets are released and given free reign and are allowed to flow freely.  This in turn can create an individual who may lack patience and they often avoid using a cautious approach.  The waiting game is not part of their natural makeup and they much prefer to move things along.

Transiting Mercury goes retrograde usually for about 3 weeks at a time.  It is often suggested that we do some planning before moving ahead during Mercury’s retrograde cycles.  It is often known as a time of setbacks, especially if you have Mercury in retrograde in the birth chart.  During this time, we can still move ahead because of the other positions of planets while in transit, although we could also plan our actions before pushing ahead.  Perhaps after Mercury goes direct, we can give our goals an extra little push.  It should be noted however, that in order for Mercury retrograde to affect you, it has to touch something in your personal Astrology chart.  Most times Mercury retrograde will come and go without any affect on most people.  That is why is it is hard to understand why most people fear Mercury retrograde.  It has a bad reputation for things going wrong and some of these accusations are unfounded. 

Again, Mercury retrograde will only affect you if it is creating a transit in your chart.  Only then can is interfere with plans or bringing forth challenging conditions and these challenges would be related to the house position of transiting Mercury along with the natal positioning of Mercury in your chart.  These will be areas of life that might be affected.

Back to no retrograde planets in a chart............There is usually great energy behind those individuals who have no retrogrades in the birth chart, and they often are known for working tirelessly towards the focus of their objectives in life.  They have strong willpower and are persistent in their efforts to succeed.  They move forward similar to Aries often advancing with little forethought if any and they rarely question their own abilities. As a result, they are normally quite successful. 

Some individuals without retrograde planets in their chart do, of course, fail from time to time; however this will not stop them from getting back up and moving ahead again.  Their determination is steadfast and they rely on no one for approval or even assistance.  

If you feel as though or have noticed recently that things seem to be working out favourably for you, it may be due to the easy flow of energies in place at this time. 

If you are having challenging conditions to attend to at this time then a closer look at the natal chart and transits as well as progressions is advised as there are certainly other mitigating factors affecting your life’s conditions. 

The solar chart can also be looked at in detail to reveal if there are challenging conditions linked in this chart.  Much always depends on the overall condition of the chart and all aspects must be studied in great detail to get a clear understanding of what the potential might be.

It was not that long ago that we had about 7 planets in retrograde and life did seem somewhat stifled. 

Now is the time to move ahead and use these energies to work towards your goals and purpose.  Even if plans do not go exactly as planned, do not be that rigid in your focus to allow this to stop you.  Most times, persistence is the best approach or starting anew might be what is required. 

If you intuitively feel optimistic, and you really do not know why, this “no retrograde period” might be the reason behind these feelings.  Often the psychic and intuitive part of us understands things long before the conscious self recognizes it. 

Use these energies and take advantage of this period.   It is not often we get these no retrograde intervals.  Take advantage of what is in place and see where it takes you.

It should also be noted that anyone having a birthday during the no retrograde period will have this phenomena in their solar return charts, so have a close look and see what might be available to you over the next year.  This could potentially offering great strides forward, although a full view of this chart would be recommended.

Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology.

Holm Astrology also offers individual intuitive readings or group parties. For more information, visit us at www.holmastrology.com/intuitive-readings

Are you interested in learning Astrology? Holm Astrology offers courses in astrology. Visit our calendar for the 2019 Spring course start up dates (April) at www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/

Please “Like” us on Facebook.  Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed.

If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us