PrFont34Bin0BinSub0Frac0Def1Margin0Margin0Jc1Indent1440Lim0Lim1ASTRAL REFLECTIONS BY TIM STEPHENS AUGUST 2 - 8, 2009 All times/dates are PDT.. Coincidence = coordination. Many diviners (tarot readers, psychics, astrologers, etc.) don't believe that coincidence exists. If life unfurls in an infinitely complex, intricate pattern, then what seems coincidence is merely what we see on the surface. Beneath our sight, all events are related - sometimes directly, often causally. (Think of a Y-shaped slingshot partially submerged in a bowl of milk so only the two tips are showing. When someone pulls the slingshot down, we'd say: "Hey, what a coincidence! When that piece of wood sinks, so does the other wholly unrelated one!").... A reader wrote about my preamble on stress and meditation, saying I shouldn't knock meditation if I haven't tried it. I should have mentioned in that preamble that I meditated for a decade, and channelled publicly for groups of 30-50 people. I still believe there are entities (or that we are all an entity) for I was told things - and spoke things in trance-that I could not possibly know. In one instance, I was attending a gathering given by a spiritual leader, and while we waited, he seemed to grow more and more uncomfortable - for only 3 people, including myself, had arrived. As we waited and I felt embarrassed for the "guru," my head was pulled to one side and the "entity," I channelled, Nima, said: "Do not worry; two will come." A minute later, a man and a woman walked in the door. The guru, appeased, smiled and began the session. Once Nima told me America would be attacked on the Atlantic coast, and showed me images of army officers in tan uniforms in a desert tent. That was a few years before 9/11. When I channelled for groups, she would swim out of me like a dolphin and flow across the room to one of the "audience" and swim into that person, then she'd start speaking to or about him/her. She'd say things like, "Don't worry, your Mother is flying to heaven in a box." (This person later told me her mother had died the night before.) Nima's favourite phrases were, "Don't worry," "All is well," "It is good," and "Very good, Tim..." I never heard a dire warning from her. Even the "9/11" prefiguring was presented like a story of interest, or an historical item (though the event hadn't occurred yet). While I meditated (or fell into trance)I was immersed in a deep peace. Nima, the entity, possessed an unearthly calm, unfazed by everything, critical of nothing. (Well, she did call that guru a "rascal.") But as I meditated more and more (whether channelling or not) I became more nervous, more bothered by sudden noises, in my "ordinary" or wide-awake state. Hence, I don't believe meditation is a cure-all for stress. It might be for some people; but a wee caution seems appropriate, too. Next week, I'll write more about "Nima" and meditating. Start Nothing: Before 1:08 a.m. Sun., 6:21 a.m. to 2:08 p.m. Tues., and 5:20 p.m. Thurs. to 2:34 a.m. Fri. Aries March 21-April 19 Romance, adventures of the heart, pleasure, self-expression, creative surges, speculative wins, the joys of raising and teaching children - these are yours, this week and the next couple! You could fall in love! This has been an area to avoid for the last year and a half, and nominally still holds some difficult karma until August 21, it might be time to dip your toe in. (If you were born March 19 to 21, remain wary - take no chances.) Sunday to Tuesday emphasize your career progress, dealings with higher-ups, and status concerns - charge ahead, all is good! (Relationship) wishes come true Tuesday-Thursday! Taurus April 20-May 20 The emphasis lies on domestic situations, real estate, security, retirement, gardening/agri, nutrition and soul. This area has been either a "temptation trap" for the last 17 months, or a place where benefits were literally dumped in your lap. If you've been chasing an elusive goal in this zone, it's time to call it a day and get out - use the weeks ahead to do this, to end projects and associations - a little (financial) pain now can prevent a real headache later. If in doubt, pursue income, travel and creative or romantic projects - these are safe (and favoured, Sunday/Monday and Friday. Career luck mid-week! Gemini May 21-June 20 Your communications, driving, and similar skills are highlighted. You might even be "on the road." The past 13 years (through 2008) have been disappointing in relationships. Your present restlessness is a reaction, even an acknowledgement within you, that there is more, and you want to find it. Your present home/abode might feel like a prison, but unfortunately a new home you move to now (before October 29) can become the same thing, different model. So wait, if you can, to commit yourself. If you really want to cure present restlessness, travel internationally, attend school, write, pursue love! Cancer June 21-July 22 You radiate charm all August. Relationships succeed Sunday to dawn Tuesday - go forth, seek others, seek agreements, buy and sell, ask for a pay raise, be receptive to an exciting meeting! Your sensual side swells in August, as Tuesday to Thursday might demonstrate - an intimate encounter is likely. These few days are excellent for a financial re-arrangement, investment, lifestyle change, research, health diagnosis or commitment. (In investments, be aware: you might easily overpay.) Mellow wisdom, gentle love come Friday - both are "frustrated" Saturday. It's an easy, profitable week! Leo July 23-Aug. 22 Your energy, charisma and luck remain high! Determine right now to accomplish great things during this easy, smooth and productive week. Chores confront you Sunday to Tuesday dawn - plunge in, you'll have good results. Exciting meetings occur Tuesday eve to Thursday - love is possible, especially for singles. So are splendid agreements, new friends and fresh horizons, travel and relocation luck, possible fame. Be diplomatic, eager to join - go halfway with someone. You feel a new lightness, not evident since 2007! Investments, intimate commitments, lifestyle changes work Friday, not Saturday. Virgo Aug.23-Sept. 22 Lie low, conserve energy and emotional calm. This is an easy, smooth week; it starts with wisdom. The past 6 years have brought unpredictable associations with unusual, fascinating new people. This unpredictability continues into 2010. In that year, you will either break with someone, in a big, final way, or you'll revise a relationship drastically (establishing a very unusual home in the process?) or you'll find someone new who's unpredictable and very sexual, or you'll relocate for employment reasons ((or you'll become famous for your work). But for now, rest, think, and DON'T volunteer. Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Relationship wishes can come true now into deep August. (Though it will seem like "light August" as breezes of optimism, social delights, flirtations, fun and entertainment buoy you!) Tackle important home/shelter, food, family, real estate, retirement and security issues Sunday to Tuesday dawn, while an easy, productive atmosphere prevails. Realize that this entire sector will grow more and more important as the months and years pass: big adjustments lie ahead! Plunge into romance, creative and speculative projects, pleasure and beauty forays, Tuesday eve through Thursday: you're a winner now! Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Your career, prestige relations and reputation are highlighted. You might face a tug-o-war (Tuesday to Thursday) between ambitions in this arena, and demands on security, family, or property fronts. This should be easy to work out, but if you must choose between the two, remember that security, family and property are where your luck lies now to January 2010. Travel, get in touch with people, deal with paperwork and other details Sunday to Tuesday dawn. Romance, creative and gambling urges, pleasure and beauty please you Friday, but hit barriers Saturday. It's a great, productive week! Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21 A sweet, wise mood flows over you this month. Luck accompanies international travel, law, post-secondary education, cultural rituals, and love. You might feel an intense reaction to a certain person -- this could be love or (you hate being teased) war. You'll communicate splendidly on ambition and career fronts. Your investment and financial luck is mild but solid. You're attracted to intimacy and "heavy breathing" all month - remember that love or war choice! You could fall in love, if you haven't last month! Chase money Sunday/Monday. Tuesday-Thursday bring travel, talks, friends. Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You'll like this week. It's chock-full of progress, accomplishment and monetary gain! Your energy and charisma surge upwards Sunday to Tuesday dawn - start things, ask for your way, seek favours, give commands. If you acted unethically during the past few years, use Sunday/Monday to rectify those slip-ups, for August can reveal uncomfortable secrets to the world. Chase money Tuesday eve to Thursday - luck rides with you, but it's much better for selling than spending. If investing, avoid inflated prices. (Remember my general economic advice.) Communicate with others Friday, not Saturday. Aquarius Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Relationships reach a climax. I've advised you for months not to get seriously involved. However, someone who enters your life this August could knock your socks off - in the nicest way! The only "warning" exists if you encounter someone first met in the last 18 months, or if you were born January 19 to 21. (If so, an exciting person will enter October onward.) Take a breather Sunday to Tuesday mid-day. Think about relationships and future plans, contact government agencies, institutions and charities. Meditate. Your energy and charisma soar Tuesday eve to Thursday - take advantage! Pisces Feb. 19-March 20 Tackle chores first. You'll accomplish a lot during this smooth, quietly lucky week. (Except Saturday the 8th, when your assertiveness might spark a disappointment.) Continue to guard against domestic friction. Don't rent nor move into a new home (except a very temporary one) before August 25. (But buying is alright, as an investment more than a home.) A sparkling thread of amour, creativity or pleasure will provide relief from Augusts' drudgery. Social joys, flirtations and entertainment brighten Sunday-Tuesday. Retreat Tuesday eve to Thursday. Success accompanies you Friday in love and work. www.astralreflections.com.