Feng Shui for Happiness
 

It's so easy to become consumed by responsibility. The goal of Feng Shui, however, is to lead a balanced life. That means making room ~ physical and symbolic ~ for happiness. If you are feeling overwhelmed, make a few Feng Shui adjustments to your home and work spaces.

Pretty soon, stress will give way to levity and your zest for life will be restored. Here are some tips:

Make A Toy Box ~ Creating a stash of items that give you pleasure will remind you to make time for your favorite activities. Paints, freshly sharpened pencils, paper, modeling clay, photography equipment ~ whatever your materials, devoting a space to art supplies will prompt you to become more creative. Ideally, your toy box should be kept in the center portion of the right side of your home. This area governs joy.

Improve Your Outlook ~ If your desk faces a wall, work could consume your life. Reposition your desk so you have a more inspiring view. This will remind you to balance responsibility with fun. In the event you can't change the location of your desk, hang a picture of people having a good time at eye level. That way, you'll remember you have a life outside of the office.

Color Your World ~ Avoid a monochromatic color scheme if you are prone to depression. If you like white walls, hang a colorful painting on one of the walls to serve as an uplifting focal point. If the natural world gives you joy, choose a neutral color palette of taupe, gray, brown and honey. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange are ideal for people who take pleasure from artistic activities. Cool colors like blue, green and purple are more suited to people who are happiest when relaxing.

Become An Empty Vessel ~ Happiness can't take root if there's no room for it to flourish. If your home is overflowing with things you don't want, use or need, it's time to have a garage sale. Donate anything you can't sell to charity. It's especially important to keep the right side of your home airy and spacious. If energy flows freely in this area, you'll approach life with an open and happy heart.

Open Up ~ Displaying open jars, containers and vases in the center portion of the right side of your home signals a desire to be filled with happiness. Resist the urge to fill these containers with possessions ~ remember, they are symbols of your ability to receive gifts.

Shine On, Harvest Moon ~ Symbols of the harvest can attract the happiness you desire. That's because the harvest represents humankind's ability to rejoice after a period of hard labor. If you have difficulty switching gears after work, place a picture of a ripe bowl of fruit on the right side of your home. Other good symbols include trees covered with autumn leaves, as well as family photos from Halloween and Thanksgiving.

You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby ~ Displaying pictures of yourself as a child can remind you to reconnect with the joyful, spontaneous spirit associated with youth. Choose only photos that evoke happy memories, though. If you had an unhappy childhood, you might opt for photos of baby animals.

Add Earth Energy ~ In order to be happy, you need to feel safe, secure and supported. Therefore, it's a good idea to incorporate lots of Earth energy on the right side of your home. Low furniture, mellow colors, soft textures and square shapes will let happiness enter your home.

Make The Rainbow Connection ~ Hang a faceted crystal from a window that gets lots of light. The rainbows your prism creates will dissipate any depressing energy that lingers in your home, allowing you to move forward with a light heart.

Set Yourself Free ~ Feng Shui treats your possessions as an extension of your inner life. If you are surrounded by furniture and artwork that make you sad, you need to make a change. Get rid of family heirlooms that fill you with grief. Replace them with items that are an extension of your taste and personality, because honoring your own sensibilities is the fastest route to happiness.

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Raven is a professional intuitive, spiritual advisor, Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, coaching, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting. 

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.

Weekly Astrology ~ March 2 ~ 8

The week may not begin on a happy note, especially when it comes to romantic and partnership matters. Is there any hope at all?

Of course! But you'll have to wait until Wednesday, when love planet Venus moves into friendly Aquarius.

Sunday, March 2 ~ Venus in Capricorn square Mars Retrograde in Libra and Saturn Retrograde

On Sunday, Venus in sober Capricorn will be at odds with Mars Retrograde in Libra. This incompatible combination between the cosmic lovers might leave you feeling as if you'll never find the middle ground between you and your sweetie that you hope for. In business relationships expect a gridlock alert!

On the same day, Saturn will turn retrograde, where he'll remain until July 20. Over these months it'll be a good idea to retrace your steps around career moves and goals. This will especially apply to partnerships and other collaborations until May 19.

Monday, March 3 ~ Sun in Pisces sextile Pluto in Capricorn

On Monday, there is a light of hope in the sky. The Sun in Pisces will be at a friendly angle to Pluto, allowing you to transform an inspired project in a way that allows its light to shine through.

Wednesday, March 5 ~  Venus in Aquarius

Matters of the heart and friendship get a jolt on Wednesday, when love planet Venus moves into Aquarius, where she'll remain until April 5. Now, the way to your heart is through camaraderie. Friends first will be a must, but it's also possible that you'll be more attracted to those who reveal their humanitarian side more easily. You might work on a group endeavor that has the capacity to benefit the masses, and as you do so you just might meet someone who makes your heart swoon.

Because Aquarius is ruled by tech-savvy Uranus, Internet dating will be a popular way to meet someone special. You might also notice a greater amount of flirty remarks on your Twitter feed!

Thursday, March 6  ~ Jupiter Direct

Then, Jupiter turns direct on Thursday, and you'll feel like luck is once again on your side. Ah, that's exactly where it should be!

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Raven is a professional intuitive, spiritual advisor, Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, coaching, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting. 

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.

Planets and the Days of the Week

Each day of the week is ruled by a different planet, and for different reasons . . .

There are seven days of the week, but did you know that seven planets serve as the ruler each day? This ancient tradition stems from Babylonian times and holds significant merit since Astrology's first organized roots are traced to this time period. And you can find out about your soul's past with an in-depth Karmic Lesson or Soul Scope report.

Back then (as early as 2,000 B.C.) the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, were not yet discovered, since the telescope had not yet been invented. Astrologers and astronomers could only work with planets visible to the naked eye. The Babylonians organized the weekly calendar we still use today. Interestingly enough, you can use the days of the week as a general planning guide to help you know when it's best to initiate or pursue certain endeavors. As far as the days of the week go, here are the astrological associations and suggestions for how you can best plan your week accordingly . . . . 

Monday is ruled by the Moon

The Moon in Astrology represents one's nurturing and emotional instinct. The Moon rules Cancer ~ the sign we associate with mothering and mood changes. Indeed the Moon is the one planet that ebbs and flows more than any other. This may be why starting anything on Monday may likely lead to a change of direction. If you want something to be permanent, it's best not to initiate it on Monday. The exception, of course, is domestic undertakings.

Tuesday is ruled by Mars

Mars in Astrology symbolizes the principle of assertive energy. Aries is the sign of the zodiac ruled by Mars. Thanks to fiery Mars, we associate Aries with qualities of leadership and courage. Use Tuesday to initiate a pioneering activity that requires gumption and strength. If you have something to initiate that requires compromise and tact however, another day might be better.

Wednesday is ruled by Mercury

Mercury is the planet that rules our mindset. Ruling both Gemini and Virgo, Mercury bestows us with rational thinking ability and a quick, clever wit. Mercury analyzes, discerns and communicates. Consequently, anything that requires clear thinking, dialogue or decision making is best initiated on Wednesday.

Thursday is ruled by Jupiter

Jupiter represents abundance, prosperity and the principle of expansion. As the ruler of Sagittarius, Jupiter is the planet that helps us reach for high ideals and principles. Moral and just, Jupiter yearns to expand horizons through travel, education and spiritual pursuits. As a result, Thursday is a day that is well suited for travel, learning and philosophizing. This is also the best day to begin a project you hope will be prosperous.

Friday is ruled by Venus

Venus is the planet of love, harmony, money and possessions. Ruling both Taurus and Libra, Venus is graceful, charming, sensual and social. It follows that Friday is a day best suited for pursuing anything connected to matters of the heart ~ especially a wedding! Friday will also be ideal for making an extravagant purchase or financial investment. Use Friday to make a change to your appearance or mediate with anyone. And of course, if you want to have the "party of the year" . . . . be sure to schedule it on a Friday.

Saturday is ruled by Saturn

Saturn is the planet of commitment and responsibility, but also restriction and delay. Saturn gives us boundaries, and Capricorn ~ the sign ruled by Saturn ~ epitomizes this ability. With structure comes success, and it's possible to achieve something long lasting and successful on Saturday. But it will require diligent work. Saturday is perfect for anything that requires a sober, realistic and practical approach. Saturday is also good for starting anything you want to ensure will stand the test of time.

Sunday is ruled by the Sun

The Sun in Astrology is about vitality and is the core giver of life. The Sun rules Leo ~ known as being the most generous and noble of signs. Perhaps this is why Sunday is considered a timely day to improve one's sense of vigor, approach a well-respected authority figure or even to figure things out. Whatever you begin on this day is likely to succeed.

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Raven is a professional intuitive, spiritual advisor, Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, coaching, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting. 

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.

The Magic of Pisces ~ Belonging to a Great Sea of Energy

The Sun entered mystical Pisces on February 18, making this a magical time. Pisces is an adaptable Water sign, an ever-changing sea of emotions. It's the last sign of the zodiac . . . . the place where the lines that divide and define us fade away. It's about mixing and meshing to the maximum degree, the time to go swimming in the infinite cosmic sea. Pisces lives beyond the limits of time and space at the edges of identity where the singular self fades back into the collective human spirit from which we all came.

Pisces is the most spiritually connected of all zodiac signs . . . . align your own spirit and energy centers with your physical body now with an in-depth Archangel Power Tarot reading, or Soul Scope Astrology report.

Part of Something Bigger 

Things come to an end in Pisces, especially our attachments. It's a great time to surrender our emotional grip in places where we need to let go. Surrender is a very powerful force that lies at the core of Pisces. This is not about surrendering to the power of another person, or to any external force. It is about surrendering the struggle of having to make it on our own. None of us goes it alone. The 12-step programs are strongly rooted in this principle that we all belong to something greater than our egos.

It is an illusion that we exist as absolute individuals. None of us created ourselves, nor the bodies that we inhabit, nor the society in which we live. The human hardware that supplied me with the fingers to type this is common to all of us. Homo sapiens come with an enormous amount of intelligent equipment. We are self-referential learning machines operating as individuals within the larger, surrounding culture. The concept of community comes with Aquarius, and the feeling of belonging to something larger than ourselves comes with Pisces.

Matter and Meaning

Pisces is not a Fish, it is the Fishes. The two Fish of its symbol swim in opposite directions. One is descending into the physical world and the other is ascending to a higher dimension. This contrast between matter and spirit represents the complexity of the zodiac's final sign. It's like the ultimate question: are we spiritual beings embedded in matter, or are we material beings aspiring to become spiritual?

Fortunately, this isn't a literal question that requires an answer. It's an experiential issue that becomes more important at this time of year. Its gift is learning that we are both spirit and matter and don't have to choose between the two. We can be sexy, sensual, selfish, and hungry for earthly experiences while also being divine and eternal. Pisces, after all, is about inclusion; it represents all of the signs joined together. Yes, it can be confusing to encounter our contradictory traits, but it's only a problem if we insist on choosing between them.

A Sea of Possibilities

The magic of this sign is that we are all shape-shifters and have many more choices than we think. Pisces offers confusion, which can be quite useful at times. Confusion about who we are or about a situation is usually discomforting, yet it can be a significant step toward change. It overcomes resistance and the limitations by which we identify ourselves. It is about becoming lost so that something new can be found.

Cultivate the gift of Pisces by allowing yourself to wander and wonder in the coming weeks. Let music, art, magic, romance, compassion, imagination, and spirituality dissolve the limited reality that defines the borders of your life. Swim freely in the ocean of experience where you can remember that you are both one and everyone, unique in your perspective but fully connected to the human experience that we all share.

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Raven is a professional intuitive, spiritual advisor, Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, coaching, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting. 

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.

Gifted Guidance Life Purpose ~ Let Go

Walk away from this situation in order to resolve it.

You have been struggling with a situation, unsure which direction to take.  The struggle is causing an energy blockage that is slowing your desired outcome.  This message counsels you to let go as a way of bringing about a peaceful resolution. First, you must let go emotionally. After all, you are overwhelmed by indecision and the stress of the situation.  Wouldn't it feel good to detach and be at peace? Especially if you are reassured that by doing so, you will bring about a more favorable outcome?

Ask the Angels for help in detaching by saying, "Guardian Angels and Archangels, thank you for helping me enjoy a tranquil mind and body.  I now choose to let go and detach from this situation.  I know that God's infinite wisdom is completely in charge of it and everyone involved.  I trust that everything is being worked out for my highest and best good.  And so it is."

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Raven is a professional intuitive, spiritual advisor, Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, coaching, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting. 

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.

Gifted Guidance Weekly Astrology 

February 23 ~ March 1

Aquarius Pisces 

Your Flights of Fancy May Be Grounded This Week . . . . 

The week begins and ends on a dreamy note, thanks to an abundance of Pisces energy. Sandwiched in between this is Mercury Direct. Ahhhh, dreams are wonderful, but don't expect them to take flight any time soon. That's because no sooner does Mercury turn direct than Mars goes retrograde. Yes, the Universe continues to tease us.

Sunday, February 23 ~ Sun conjunct Neptune in Pisces

On Sunday, the Sun will embrace Neptune, and you will enjoy a peak day of creativity if you're involved in any artistic, spiritual, musical or glamorous pursuit. This is the day to carve out extra alone time to soothe your soul ~ or just sleep late!

Monday, February 24 ~ Venus in Capricorn sextile Saturn in Scorpio

On Monday, Venus in Capricorn and Saturn will be at a friendly angle to each other, which bodes well for business and love.  A partnership made on this day will last!  However, because Mercury is not quite up to speed yet, you might want to keep it verbal for now. Love might not feel as romantic or lighthearted, but you will certainly feel secure in a relationship now.

Wednesday, February 26 ~ Jupiter in Cancer square Uranus in Aries

By Wednesday you might feel overflowing with optimistic energy, thanks to a link between expansive Jupiter and innovative Uranus. While it's true that you might receive a sudden lucky break, at the same time you might also feel tempted to rush into a risk ~ or a revolution ~ that's not really worth taking. Slow down and weigh carefully if this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is extraordinary, or if it's too good to be true.

Friday, February 28 ~ Mercury Direct in Aquarius and Sun in Pisces trine Jupiter in Cancer

In most cases, it'll be "all that" and more. That's because Mercury turns direct on Friday, opening up the door for positive communication again. The Sun in Pisces will be at a gorgeous angle to Jupiter on the same day, lighting up luck no matter where you turn.

Saturday, March 1 ~ New Moon in Pisces and Mars Retrograde in Libra

On Saturday, you might feel ready to plant seeds of faith and inspiration, thanks to a mystical New Moon in sensitive Pisces. Yes, everything in this world begins as a fantasy, but if you don't have the ability to take action then all you have is pixie dust.

Unfortunately, on the same day as this lunation we'll see Mars ~ the planet that rules action and energy ~ turn retrograde in Libra. Mars will remain napping until May 20, and during this time you'll need to reevaluate at least one close personal relationship. Is it bringing you closer to your dreams, or is it keeping you further away?

Cosmic Ladder

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Raven is a professional intuitive, spiritual advisor, Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, coaching, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting. 

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.

Planets as Teachers: Mercury

Planet Mercury Teaches

Planet Mercury is More About Questions Than Answers ....

What can the planets teach you? Astrology is primarily used to learn more about ourselves, to understand our cycles and our relationships. This is, and has been, extremely valuable for thousands of years, but another major benefit of this cosmic science is to help us tap into concepts we can apply in our daily lives.

That's because the symbols of the Sun, Moon and planets, as well as the Zodiac signs, encode the energies of the Universe. Learning their properties, and ways to express them, empowers us to be more effective inhabitants of planet Earth.

You can learn much of this by requesting your Life Path / Soul Scope / Astrology report, which reflects the unique ways in which we experience the planets, revealing inherent challenges and opportunities to apply them in our lives.  And on another level, we can overlook these specific conditions to tap into their forces directly.

The planets are archetypes; essential forces that transcend our individual stories and are accessible to everyone. Think of these as tools that we can apply when we need them.

Mercury Retrograde Lessons

Let's start with Mercury, the speedy little planet that's closest to the Sun. It went into retrograde on February 6th, and it will remain in reverse until the end of the month. This is usually interpreted as a time when its properties of communication and travel are more complicated. However, Mercury is closest to the Earth during this three-week backward period, suggesting that we have greater access to it during this time.

The gifts of Mercury are objectivity, intellect and adaptability, which is where we can learn a great deal until the end of February. We can start by becoming better observers of ourselves. Judgment of any kind, positive or negative, gets in the way of this clarity. Whether you do something stupid or brilliant, generous or selfish, it's best to see the behavior without immediately describing it as good or bad.

Of course, it's natural to comment on our mistakes, for example, but simply delaying the process creates a neutral space that enables Mercury's intelligence to emerge. Taking one breath before falling into self-blame is an excellent way to break the emotional habits that clutter the mind. Take two, three or more, if you can, and you will open channels of awareness and objectivity that make Mercury's magic your own.

Mercury Direct

Mercury Opens Your Mind

The messenger planet is more interested in questions than answers. While this may seem complicated in some situations, letting go of the idea that there's only one right way to do things or to think about them is a powerful place to be. It opens the mind to a variety of perspectives that allows us to be more tolerant and more creative.

Jupiter's role is to search for the ultimate truth of things, but that's a discussion for a future article. For now, notice when your emotions are narrowing your point-of-view, then take a breath (or two or three or 10) before advancing your idea. If the concept you are proposing is a good one, it will be enriched by a lively discussion, and ultimately demonstrate its value. If it's not, you will understand what changes are needed to make it work.

Being flexible in your body is another way to invite the intelligence of Mercury into your life. Taking alternate routes to work, changing the order of your daily routine, and honoring curiosity as much as efficiency are additional ways to tap into this planet's powers. These simple exercises cost virtually nothing but will open your eyes and mind to options that are hidden from you now. It will also enhance your abilities to listen and speak, making you a more skillful communicator.

Remember that all of the planets belong to us and are available to human consciousness when we open up and meet them in their natural states. When we do this Mercury work, personal limits wither away, leaving us smarter and saner than ever before.

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Raven is a professional intuitive, spiritual advisor, Reiki practitioner & writer, who works with the Angels, Archangels, Ascended Masters, Spirit Guides, and Animal Spirit realms in her readings, coaching, Reiki energy healing, writing, and consulting. 

For more information, and for your own personalized reading, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/GiftedGuidance), or email her at Raven@Gifted-Guidance.com.