“Don’t be afraid,” were my dad’s last words to me. I was sitting at his hospice bedside and after a peaceful nap he opened his eyes and looked right at me as he spoke. I cringed. My heart was breaking. He was dying and he didn’t want me to be afraid. And then it dawned on me … he didn’t mean that at all. He was telling me not to be afraid — to live. As I launch this site with online yoga classes and astrology readings — I feel some trepidation. But I am pushing past it. I took a hike today and came to a point on the trail where I could have taken a shorter, more relaxed walk and headed back to my car OR I could take a much more strenuous route on The Red Trail. Climbing up and over glacial boulders is the only way to complete this trek and at the top, the view is stunning. I used to be fearful of doing that trail on my own –…

We are a week into the Sun’s journey through Pisces – the last sign of the zodiac. Diffused, dreamy, unfocused Pisces. From the Pisces part of the sky we are offered the overview. This week it may feel chaotic as the Sun continues to travel close to foggy Neptune. Messages from the unconscious will be strong — in dreams, meditations, yoga nidra, time spent in nature or just free floating. As we build to next Thursday’s full moon continue to explore places of possibility. Mercury the messenger is picking up speed and half of the planets have moved into fire signs. There is an urgency. The illuminating qualities of this full moon will be very strong. Inspiration plentiful. You’ll know what to do. Resist the temptation to go it alone and surround yourself with souls who also have a productive vision for harnessing this sky full of fire. Ground the energy of this fast moving time with a simple yoga pose — 5 Pointed Star. Stand tall and step your feet wide apart. Lengthen your…

Tap into the entire creative energy field this week by taking time to honor left and right, masculine and feminine, strategic and intuitive. Sun and Mercury are in social Aquarius emphasizing left brain, masculine, air energy. These outward flowing energies of DOING involve thinking, talking and visible expression. They remind us of the importance of dispersing, transmitting and planning and are connected to the right side of the body. Mercury (the planet of the mind) is also retrograde (until February 12) and as a result, will spend almost two months in this inventive sign. Wildly innovative and progressive thinking is supported. Venus, Mars and Neptune have moved into the watery, less linear sign of Pisces drawing our attention to the opposite side — the more feminine, right brain (left side of the body). Time spent nourishing creativity can put you in touch with the vision and potential that has its origins in the feminine realm. Spend an equal amount of time in a place of simply BEING. If you are someone who has the DOING…

This has been an intense fall! There has been a decided focus on the deep and the dark. While the Sun moved through the penetrating sign of Scorpio, the planet Saturn traveled through the final degrees of this sign (a 29-year cycle); Mercury stopped dead in its tracks to move into its retrograde phase in Scorpio AND we had an eclipse here. Take note of what you’ve uncovered. Last weekend at the new moon — the Sun and Moon teamed up with Venus in the sign of the Archer. Mercury, the storyteller, is about to join them. This Sagittarian emphasis will help you ascribe meaning to what you’ve unearthed during these introspective fall days — in fact, throughout the entire transit of Saturn through Scorpio – a pattern which began in 2012. Allow a story to emerge. And, as you gather with family and friends this weekend — share your story. Our stories help us make sense of our place in this life. With lots of compassion for yourself, notice where you go over the same…

I love Van Morrison. When I heard his iconic song playing in Glasgow’s airport I knew it was a sign. My decision to go to Scotland was based on a strong message I “heard” while walking a few months back. The unmistakable voice of Northern Ireland’s visionary songwriter/singer over the airport sound system early on the morning we arrived confirmed that I was, indeed, following a directive from the soul. In the days that followed, I hiked, meditated and practiced yoga at sacred sites on the Kilmartin peninsula, the Isle of Mull and finally on Iona. And the “communications” continued with vivid dreams, signs from wildlife and the night sky, messages at stone circles, and the ease and grace with which the group I had joined interacted … this was no ordinary journey. We followed in the footsteps of St. Columba (a missionary also born in the North of Ireland who was frequently aware of the accompaniment of angels and other high beings and who had the ability to view present and future simultaneously) and our…

A new cycle begins Monday night, September 22nd, with the Autumnal Equinox. Night and day are now equal in length giving us insight into strategies of the balanced, fair sign of Libra. Then, on Tuesday, a new moon in Libra punctuates this need for inner calmness. It won’t be easy. After 5 months of backward movement, power hungry Pluto is changing direction and moving ahead. Rumblings beneath the surface (especially in relationships) will begin to make their way to into the open and it will be time to act. If there are circumstances that keep you stuck … unable to access the vast possibilities for your life … pay close attention. Pluto is a planet of extremes. This change in direction sends a message. If we trust the symbols and cooperate with these cycles, old, worn out aspects of ourselves will be brought up for releasing. This is your opportunity for real peace. “Going between opposites” is a technique used in yoga and meditation to create a bridge between the body and the mind. You…

Practical Magic Full Moon, Monday September 8th, 9:38 pm EDT As we approach Monday’s full moon (9:38 pm EDT) remember that prana (life force) flows where attention goes. Under this Harvest moon your disciplined efforts (harness the Sun and Venus in Virgo) lead you onto a magical pathway (moon in dreamy Pisces sitting with Neptune) where your vision begins to take form. Let yourself imagine “what could be” with just a tad more focus and a little more leg work. The minor planet Chiron is also part of this celestial picture. Chiron was a master teacher, mentor, astrologer and a gifted healer. If you are blessed with Chironic teachers at this time, offer gratitude. If you could use additional support in this area, ask for that too. Full moons are a time of clarity. A time to take action towards the things we want, and then in the days that follow — to let go. Allow the things you are inviting into your life to move toward you. Support this creative visioning with two simple…

We start the week off with many planets in FIXED signs and build toward a full moon next weekend in FIXED signs. Let’s just say fixed energy is not the most flexible … so, as the masterful energy workers we are … we can endeavor to usethis fixity to hold fast to things that matter. Things you really want to accomplish … and let the rest roll off your back. These patterns are neutral— neither good nor bad— and the signs are simply avenues of expression. Fixed energy is strong and solid. It is also the stuff that divides families and friends over differing political or religious views. Your choice as to how to use it. Yoga can help us breathe space into stuck places. Wake up the body’s intelligence so that it moves toward healing. Move into the week feeling solid and strong and filled with the Sun’s energy – so potent during the Leo time of year. Look forward to seeing you on the mat. My new Astro/Yoga website is almost ready to…

Astrologers associate the planet Mars with forward movement, will, and passion. (They also associate it with war – but let’s focus on the dynamic Martian qualities we can use to propel us forward!) After this LONGwinter and a series of retrograde planetary patterns that may have hindered your getting any traction at all — Mars will reverse direction tonight and begin to move forward. Get out of your own way and let stalled plans move ahead with gusto. Join me on the mat this week and … Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler. – Henry David Thoreau

Pluto, Uranus, Jupiter and Mars are aligned in a incredibly agitated pattern — screaming for change — yet some things hold fast. Fact is, Mars (a planet we can count on for forward momentum) is moving backwards! This phenomenon called “retrograde” can stall plans to birth new situations. Until May 20th, we’ll have to contend with this. Keep in mind that lots wants to happen, and it will. The pivot of Mars may be all that is needed. If we approach every planetary pattern with an eagerness to learn its lesson, recognize that indeed, this is a time for initiation. A time to develop courage and the determination to shape your own life. Try this simple breath to help with the creative push. As you sit quietly with spine straight and chin tucked slightly, place both bare feet squarely on the floor and let your hands rest on your knees with palms facing up. Take a deep nourishing inhale. Imagine that this inhale stirs up the things that need to go and your strong, complete…