Retirement

Last week the decision was made to announce the official closure of St.Troy Consulting and retirement. The response to the announcement was kind, caring and affectionate because most who have worked with St.Troy Consulting are concerned about the reason for the retirement, mainly health. There are a few that will continue to receive some consulting services only because it might be difficult to live on retirement income.

now the question is what to do with so much free time. Volunteer, learn things, or just learn to relax. There is interest in learning T'ai Chi and information gathering has begun. There is also interest in volunteering with animals. One organization, German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas, has already shown interest and a volunteer. The other organizations are the SPCA and other rescue centers. Thus the process begins to allow time with animals. There is also the fact that learning to spend time with oneself is a task that most don't want to deal with, so learning to just enjoy being is important.

Retirement for many means giving up some of the things from before, but here it is about finding a way in life that leads to peace and joy.

Me, Myself, and I

Being aware of the many times the words "I", "me", "mine", and other words that indicated self are used, the thought occured to not use those words for a period of days. Thus the challenge begins. Hopefully the result will be to learn to become more aware of others and less aware of self, although knowing self is important, it can cause one to focus too much on self.

As morning sun peered through the blinds into the bed the thoughts began to flood through the creative mind. Even in the thoughts it was difficult not to use those words mentioned above, so how difficult would it be not to use them in common language and conversation? As the day progressed the decision to make the challenge was made and now it will continue for three days. The greatest challenge is not to use them in thoughts. For our thoughts become words and once spoken cannot be changed. Throught the hours the challenge goes, and it's not an easy one. The number of times within a moment that those words are present is astounding.

As mentioned early, the desire is to learn to remove the focus from self to others. The desire is to become less self focused. Even as this writing progresses the challenge is daunting, for have you ever tried not to use those words?

Expectations

I’ve been reading The Secret of Shambhala by James Redfield and the latest chapter deals with expectations, more specifically, how our expectations serve as prayer fields that we project out from us. If we expect and think about negative things, then negative things will happen to us because we are creating them, calling them, by our expectations. If we expect and think about positive things, then positive things will happen to us. Our expectations are projected around us, so others feel it and are affected by it. We are also affected by other’s expectations, but the more powerful expectation will prevail.

As children we grow up with the expectations that others have placed upon us, not sure what our personal expectations should be, so we take on theirs. As adults we seem to be haunted by those earlier expectations as we try to develop our own. What we think becomes reality for us, so I suppose it’s important to calm our thoughts and limit them to things that will benefit us and others. But how do we do this?

Have you ever walked into a room where everyone was sad or troubled, yet you were upbeat and happy, and upon your entrance into the room the others seem to be lifted? Have you ever feared something only to find that what you feared actually happens? Have you ever expected someone or something to act in a certain way and it did? This is what I’m talking about, the power of our expectations that are project out to others.

As I’ve been reviewing my life, especially what I’ve been believing or thinking about, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve been attracting the very same situations that I’ve thought about or projected. If I say I am ready to quit and withdraw, then that is what is happening. If I say I’m open and ready to be of service to others, then that is what happens. Thus, if I can learn to control my thoughts and be careful of what I’m projecting onto others then perhaps I can create a more positive environment for myself and for others. I can help others see their higher self and achieve their higher purpose.

More importantly for me, it’s in learning to project my expectations for myself so that I can learn to find the joy and happiness that I desire for myself. My hope is that if I can find how to do this for myself, then I can be an example for others.

Lately I’ve been fearful of things, afraid of being hurt, afraid that finances won’t hold out, afraid that I’ll be alone, afraid that I’m not capable of doing things any more. So it seems these are the things I’ve been expecting through my thoughts as they are what I’ve been focused upon. Now I’ll try to change that through changing my expectations into knowing that I have the financial resources I need, knowing that I won’t get hurt, knowing that I won’t be alone, and knowing that I am very capable of doing things. I know this change of mind won’t be overnight, but I know that I have to change. Thus the challenge begins.

Today and Dating

I've begun to date again, but find myself not sure why. I keep telling myself that I want a relationship, but do I really? I looked back and realized I said, "I want to fall in love." The men I've been dating are all good, but not good for me. I have another date on Friday. I'm not sure what I'm doing dating, but maybe one of these men might be the one I'll fall in love with, so I'll keep going out on dates with anyone who asks. Today, I've been feeling all sorts of feelings and re-read a poem I had written some years ago. I cried when I read it. Can I open myself to accept another person into my life? Can I overcome the fears to learn to be real again with another.

Here is the poem I wrote about Love.

Today He Said . . .

Today he said, “I love you.” What do you say to that?

Today he made love to me. What do I say to that?

Today he kissed me passionately.

As I gaze into his eyes I see something wonderful.

I see a man I can love. I’m scared, can I love?

Can I be loved?

I have nothing to offer but myself.

Can he really love me? Is he serious?

What could I say?

I heard him say it, I couldn’t respond.

It was a dream?

Then he said it again, “I love you.”

I love you. Can it be?

Has this man that has captured by attention, my thoughts, and my heart

Really mean what he says?

Tonight I wanted to hold him close. I’m here alone.

I don’t know what to say.

My mind wonders how, why?

When I am with him, I can’t imagine spending any time without him.

Is he serious?

Words are spoken. Can it be?

I haven’t spoken those words, Only once to another.

Can I say it to him?

He consumes me. Do I love him?

All I know is that when he isn’t with me,

I’m sad, alone, thinking of him.

He said, “I love you.” Why am I alone?

I want to hold him close. I want him to be with me.

Can he become a part of my life?

Will he accept me for me?

Does he really love me? Me?

Can I say, “I love you?”

I will know soon.

I have to know why through actions, not words.

Doe’s he love me?

If he loves me, he will show it.

If he does, I will know.

He has heard rumors, unfounded, not true.

He was to call me tonight, But I’m here alone, no call.

Called twice, not there. I’m here alone.

Thinking of him.

Why hasn’t he called me? Why isn’t he here?

I have no answers now, only confusion, fear, doubt.

What is happening?

Why is it that when words are spoken, I loose myself to questions?

I’ve been hurt, afraid to love.

Doe’s he love me? Can he love me?

The ideas of love, What ideas do I have?

Can two fall in love within a few meetings?

Why did he say it? He said, “I love you.” “The balls in your court.”

What do I do now? Love him?

Maybe I do, I’m not sure.

My doubts are clouding my mind. My fears are larger than life now.

I only think of him, can it be?

I hope to know tomorrow. I know what I want, desire.

Love, him, me. He said, “I love you.”

Words, mere words, can it be?

Powerful words indeed. Life changing, door opening, words.

Can it be? He said, “I love you.” I love you, indeed.

I say……..Can I say?

“I love you too!”

I’m not sure. I’m alone, doubtful if he’s sincere.

Afraid if he is. Scared if he is.

Is he sincere? Why isn’t he here?

Why have I been left alone, Doubting, afraid, falling in love.

Yes, I see love for sure. Can it be? Will it be?

He said, “ I love you.” I said, “I love you too.”

Words spoken, now what to do?

Can it be? To be loved by such a man I’ve only dreamed.

Love him? Yes! Love him!

I just don’t want the hurt. I’m afraid it will come.

The past, it has and I’m alone.

He said, “ I love you.”

I whispered, “I love you too!”

Did he hear me?

Was it a dream?

Written on Thursday, April 5, 2001 by Sebastian

I Cry!

Lately I've been feeling very sad. I haven't been watching much news or even listening to it on the radio, however, I I've listened and watch some lately and I've become very sad. I've been watching the people on the streets, listening to the stories that people tell, and becoming saddened by the state of affairs of our leaders and the lack of concern by the masses. Why is it that all of us sit by without concern of what our leaders are doing? Why is it that we only become involved when something threatens our personal lives.

If anyone reads this, I encourage you to write, call, or do what ever you need to do to let our governments know that they are leading us in the wrong directions. We do not want wars, but peace. We want our taxes managed effectively. We want our children properly educated. We want to stop global warming and the abuse of our earth. We want our freedoms back. We want to know that the large corporations aren't lying to us and stealing our hard earned money.

Why is it that we allow banks to charge such unreasonable fees? Why is it that we don't hold our leaders accountable? Why is it that we can sit by and watch the world spin into chaos? I think perhaps it's because we feel we have no control of it all. That isn't the case, but it does require us to get involved and take action.

Because of my sadness I wrote a poem, as I do when my feelings begin to overwhelm me.

I Cry!

February 14, 2007

I see.

I see those without a home.

I see those trying to speak who have no voice.

I see the abuse of governors, governments.

I see the blind trying to find their way.

I see!

Can you see?

I feel.

I feel the loneliness of those without a home.

I feel the frustration of those who have no voice, yet want to be heard.

I feel the sadness because our governors care not for the people.

I feel the hopelessness of the blind as they seek, yet find not.

I feel!

Can you feel?

I cry.

I cry for those without a home.

I cry for those that have no voice.

I cry for our society, our world.

I cry for the blind, physically and spiritually.

I cry!

Can you cry?

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, so I thought I would share some information about my thoughts and the history of this day. It has its roots in the Festival of Lupercalias, but then the Catholic Church wanted to get rid of the pagan holidays and changed it to Valentine's Day to celebrate just another so called martyr of the Catholic Church. Today, Valentine's Day has become so commercial that it's hard to really understand why we even have it as a holiday, as so many other holidays. There is so much pressure to take someone out to a special dinner, buy them flowers and chocolates, and send cards. I believe that if you love someone you should do something really special for them on this day, and EVERY DAY! I've put together some ideas for you so you can show someone that they really are special and that you are giving the greatest gift you can, the gift of yourself.

Instead of buying things, try giving them a gift certificate that you create saying:

• I love you. For Valentine's Day I'm giving you a day of your choosing to do as you please. I'll take care of the kids, clean the house, and let you go to a spa, shopping, or what ever you please for the day. To claim this, just let me know what day and no matter what I'll accomodate your request.
• Honey, you're the special person in my life and for this special day I want to show you how much I really love you. Instead of celebrating our love on just one day, I want to celebrate it daily. I would like to start Date Night with you on (name the day of the week) and we'll have this time alone to spark our passion together, to just relax and talk, or enjoy ourselves in some special way.

If either of those aren't your style, then give your partner something that REALLY will mean something to them and requires that you give up something or do something to show them that you love them, and not just on Valentine's Day, but every day. I'm sure you can be creative.

The following information about Valentine's Day was taken from www.wikipedia.com It's a great place to find out about all kinds of stuff.

Saint Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day is on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine's cards, candy, or donations to charities, often anonymously. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. The holiday is named after two men, both Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines". Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

In the United States, the marketing of Valentine's Day has tagged it as a "Hallmark holiday". A recent trend has been to refer to February 14 as Singles Awareness Day.

History

February fertility festivals

On the ancient Athens calendar, the period between mid-January and mid-February was the month of Gamelion, dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera.

In Ancient Rome, February 15 was Lupercalia. Plutarch wrote:

Lupercalia, of which many write that it was anciently celebrated by shepherds, and has also some connection with the Arcadian Lycaea. At this time many of the noble youths and of the magistrates run up and down through the city naked, for sport and laughter striking those they meet with shaggy thongs. And many women of rank also purposely get in their way, and like children at school present their hands to be struck, believing that the pregnant will thus be helped in delivery, and the barren to pregnancy.

The word Lupercalia comes from lupus, or wolf, so the holiday may be connected with the legendary wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus. Lupercalia was a festival local to the city of Rome. The more general Festival of Juno Februa, meaning "Juno the purifier" or "the chaste Juno," was celebrated on February 13-14. Pope Gelasius I (492-496) abolished Lupercalia. Some historians argue that Candlemas (then held on February 14, later moved to February 2) was promoted as its replacement, but this feast was already being celebrated in Jerusalem by AD 381. The pope also declared in 496 that the feast of St. Valentine would be on February 14.

Chaucer's love birds

A portrait of English poet Geoffrey Chaucer by Thomas Hoccleve (1412). The earliest known link between Valentine's Day and romance is found in Chaucer's poetry.

The first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romantic love is in Parlement of Foules (1382) by Geoffrey Chaucer:

For this was on seynt Volantynys day

Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese [chose] his make [mate].

This poem was written to honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. A treaty providing for a marriage was signed on May 2, 1381. (When they were married eight months later, he was 13 or 14. She was 14.)

Chaucer's Parliament of Foules is generally set in a supposed context of an old tradition, in fact there was no such tradition before Chaucer. The speculative explanation of sentimental customs, posing as historical fact, had their origins among eighteenth-century antiquaries, notably Alban Butler, the author of Butler's Lives of Saints, and have been perpetuated even by respectable modern scholars. Most notably, "the idea that Valentin'e Day customed perpetuated those of the Roman Lupercalia has been accepted uncritically and repeated, in various forms, up to the present"

On the liturgical calendar, May 2 is the saints' day for Valentine of Genoa. This St. Valentine was an early bishop of Genoa who died around AD 307. Readers incorrectly assumed that Chaucer was referring to February 14 as Valentine's Day. However, mid-February is an unlikely time for birds to be mating in England.

Medieval and modern times

Swedish calendar showing St Valentine's Day, February 14, 1712

Using the language of the law courts for the rituals of courtly love, a "High Court of Love" was established in Paris on Valentine's Day in 1400. The court dealt with love contracts, betrayals, and violence against women. Judges were selected by women on the basis of a poetry reading.

The earliest surviving valentine dates from 1415. It is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.

It is probable that the various legends about St. Valentine were invented during this period. Among these legends:

• On the evening before Valentine was to be martyred for being a Christian, he passed a love note to his jailer's daughter that read, "From your Valentine."

• During a ban on marriages of Roman soldiers by the Emperor Claudius II, St. Valentine secretly helped arrange marriages.

Valentine's Day is mentioned by the character Ophelia in Hamlet: "Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's Day."

In 1836, relics of St. Valentine of Rome were donated by Pope Gregory XVI to the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland. In the 1960s, the church was renovated and relics restored to prominence.

In 1969, as part of a larger effort to pare down the number of saint days of purely legendary origin, the Church removed St. Valentine's Day as an official holiday from its calendar. February 14 is now dedicated only to Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius.

Valentine's Day in North America

Valentine's Day postcard, circa 1910

Valentine's Day was probably imported into North America in the 19th century by British settlers. In the United States, the first mass-produced valentines of embossed paper lace were produced and sold shortly after 1847 by Esther Howland (1828-1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts. Her father operated a large book and stationery store, and she took her inspiration from an English valentine she had received. Since 2001, the Greeting Card Association has been giving an annual "Esther Howland Award for a Greeting Card Visionary."

In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manners of gifts in the United States, usually from a man to a woman. Such gifts typically include roses and chocolates. In the 1980s, the diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion for giving jewelry.

The day has come to be associated with a generic platonic greeting of "Happy Valentine's Day."

In some North American elementary schools, students are asked to give a Valentine card or small gift to everyone in the class. The greeting cards of these students often mention what they appreciate about each other.

Some people see Valentine's Day as an opportunity to give to charities and help others.

Mercury Retrograde

Well, as my friend Brink mentioned, his emails, his web server, his phone and other things have all begun to mess up. I had mentioned last week to him that he should expect some things to go wrong coming up soon because Astrologically Mercury is going retrograde. I thought I would post some information about what it means for Mercury to go retrograde so you'll understand a bit more about why things are the way they are for the next few weeks. So when your cell phone stops working, your emails don't go through, your computer starts to act weird, or every word you say seems to be taken incorrectly, don't get upset, just know that it's because Mercury is retrograde.

Since the topic is Mercury, which is the ruling planet for Gemini's, as I am, it is the messenger and is all about communication. So if you've ever wondered why I like the challenging conversations, it's because of Mercury.

The following information was taken from www.Astrology.com.

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury

Rules: Gemini & Virgo
Exalted: Virgo
Detriment: Sagittarius & Pisces
Fall: Pisces
Exalted Degree: 15 Virgo

On February 14, 2007, Mercury, the cosmic trickster, turns retrograde in Pisces, the sign of the Fishes, sending communications, travel, appointments, mail and the www into a general snarlup! This awkward period begins a few days before the actual turning point (as Mercury slows) and lasts for three weeks or so, until March 12, when the Winged Messenger reaches his direct station. At this time he halts and begins his return to direct motion through the zodiac.

Everything finally straightens out on March 26, as he passes the point where he first turned retrograde. Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, as a rule, but the effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens.

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. According to modern science, this traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth, with relation to other planets in our solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, due to this cosmic shadow-play.

Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us earthlings, are not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Although a powerful astrological influence, Mercury is quite a small planet that travels at a relatively fast speed through the zodiac. Despite being the closest planet in our solar system to the Sun, it is not always in the same sign (this month Sol is still in Aquarius as Mercury backflips in Pisces).

Fated Events

As a rule, retrograde planets presage a period of seemingly inevitable or fated events that relate to their sphere of influence. They present us with a series of events over which we seem to have little or no control, relating especially to the sign in which the retrogradation occurs. For example, Mercury retrograde in Pisces presents quite different sets of circumstances from those generated when it retrogrades into Aquarius.

A retrograde period is best seen as a cycle, beginning when the planet begins to slow to a halt before travelling backwards through the zodiac and ending when the planet returns to the point where it first paused. However, during the cycle, the planet's energy is most powerful (and more likely to generate critical events of universal importance) when the planet makes a station: appearing motionless in the sky.

Mercury, Divine Messenger

These stationary periods occur near the beginning of the cycle (when the planet first halts as it prepares to move backwards) and midway through the cycle when the retrograde planet slows to a stop before moving forward again. The "direct station" (when the planet halts before moving forward again) is the most powerful and can be used for maximum benefit.

Some astrologers consider that the "Mercury Shadow" begins some three weeks before the actual retro station (when Mercury passes the point of direct station for the first time), but I am more inclined to think that the really noticeable peculiarities begin when Mercury slows significantly, a few days before the retro station. This period of "Mercury Shadow" extends to the Return date, some three weeks after the direct station. Bear this in mind, because experience shows that the effects of the retro period are still marked during the "shadow" phase. Some of the most characteristic annoyances often occur just after Mercury makes the direct station, while he is crawling forward before picking up speed.

What does Mercury affect?

In general, Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially people who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, teachers, travellers, tricksters and thieves.

Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray, or awry.

It is therefore not wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is very likely that these decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde, these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual, as the critical faculties are dimmed. Make sure you pay attention to the small print!

The Key Issue

The key issue here is one of focus. Mercury's retro phase tends to bring unforeseen changes and blockages, but the aggravation and frustration that many of us experience during these periods is often due to our own inability to roll with the punches. Is this due to our ego-fixation? Mercury sets out to restructure our thinking processes and for many of us this is painful and frustrating. Moreover, these experiences reveal flaws in our internal organisation as well as our external planning, which can make us feel foolish and inadequate.

Mercury retrograde, like any cosmic aspect, affects people differently, depending on where it hits their personal charts. Some people actually prosper under a retro Mercury, especially if Mercury is retrograde but otherwise well-aspected in their birth charts. It is also a time when matters begun under a previous retro period will come to fruition, or completion as the case may be. Firm decisions that have been previously made when Mercury is travelling normally through the zodiac may be implemented or finalised while Mercury is retrograde without too much worry, for experience shows that this can be done without undue problems arising.

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces
Pisces, the Fishes

When Mercury is retrograde, everyone's thinking is more introspective and we tend to think about issues and concerns which relate to the sign involved. With Mercury retrograde in Pisces, people with this sign prominent in their charts will be especially prone to such introspection. There is little choice but to reconsider our personal views and opinions about life. We receive, however, an opportunity to gain insight into our own ego.

Mercury retro in Pisces, the sign of his fall, creates mental and emotional confusion, with strange dreams and sometimes psychic experiences. Mental processes being entwined with emotions, we find it hard to separate ideas and opinions from passion and idealism. Our mental orientation can be unstable, unrealistic and overly-spiritual, but it also inclines to laziness and increases the urge to consume alcohol. Nervousness and stress, even unfounded fears and paranoia are stimulated, especially from working or living in a hostile environment. Maintain privacy and dignity in the working environment and don't try to read between the lines, when there is really nothing to find.

Mercury moves back into Aquarius on February 27. This inclines us to eschew current fashion and dress in a style entirely our own. Mercury here can be very stubborn and opinionated, while at the same time maintaining liberal, unbiased attitudes. Avoid any temptation to be disloyal to friends, or to criticize if not slander them. Do not use your friends coldly to further your own ends.

All areas of communication are affected, especially in matters related to hidden things, sexual encounters, passionate commitments, jealousy, investigations and the occult. Make sure your Valentines are correctly addressed! This period brings travel snafus and missed appointments of all kinds. Documents can go astray. Be sure to carry a diary and refer to it often.

Numerology - Taking it to the Extreme in 2007

Since I posted some information about the Chinese Astrology I thought I would put some information about what the year 2007 has in store as it regards to Numerology. The following information was taken from www.tarot.com, but Numerologist is Hans Decoz of www.decoz.com, which I have found to be a wonderful website to learn about Numerology. I hope you enjoy the information.

Take It to the Extreme in 2007

Numerology Forecast

By Hans Decoz
Provided by Tarot.com

Hang on tight -- 2007 is going to be one wild ride. You won't be needing any caffeine, energy drinks or death-defying sports this year; the numbers say that 2007 is going to be a year of true extremes. From changes in religious and philosophical thought, economics and global politics to advances in technology and medicine, the new year has something for everyone.

The Winning Numbers
The two most important numbers for 2007 are 5 and 9 -- with 5 representing challenges and 9 promise. With a shape like a white-water whirlpool, it's no surprise that the dynamic number 5 is all about change. More than any recent year, this could be an excellent time to go for it. Try to master control and stability while experiencing the thrill-ride of ups and downs. In a year where chaos and the unexpected seem to rule, you'll definitely come across some Class 3 rapids on this white-water ride of life. But hold on tight … what goes up almost always comes back down.

The Monthly Lowdown
If you're into poker, January is the time to either go big or go broke. This month will bring economical and financial ups and downs as we ride a seesaw of optimism and pessimism. While events in the USA will most likely unfold in a predictable way, expect to see some surprises on a global level.

February brings successful diplomatic efforts and the first rays of hope that the war in Iraq and other conflicts may actually be coming to an end.

If you like techno gadgets, keep an eye out for important technological advances, mind-boggling inventions and medical breakthroughs in April, May and June. It will be a particularly energetic time of change and progress in general.

July will bring one or more religious conflicts to a head, while shedding light on the damage intolerance and ignorance can do.

In the latter part of 2007 and early 2008, extreme events will dominate the news. Starting in September 2007, the world slowly but surely enters a path of extremes; destruction and construction, war and peace as well as wealth and poverty.

In a nutshell, conflict and disaster will be balanced by a powerful increase in tolerance and healing throughout the world. Changes -- both good and bad -- will happen both within the small environment of family and friends and within each individual. So grab hold and get ready to go "extreme!"

About the Numerologist
Hans Decoz has been a professional numerologist since 1982. He lectures and offers courses and personal consultations. Hans is currently working on his second book. His first book, 'Numerology; Key To Your Inner Self,' with Tom Monte, was published in 1994 by Avery Publishing Group, NY. He currently resides in Arizona.

The Year of the Golden Fire Pig

Recently I was reminded that the Chinese New Year is approaching and it’s a spectacular year – The year of the Golden Fire Pig, which starts on February 18^th. I’ve copied some information about this very special year for your perusal from http://www.firepig.com/

2007 YEAR OF THE FIRE PIG HOROSCOPE

Forget everything you know about the easy going, laid-back, roll-in-the-mud Pig. This is the year of the Fire Pig, and there will be fireworks aplenty. It should be a feel-good year loaded with excitement.

Water is the Pig’s fixed element. In Chinese, water plus fire equals disaster. Also, the fifth month of the Chinese calendar is the month of the Fire Horse. This will be a time of daring accomplishments and serious calamities.

The Fire Pig is nevertheless a Pig, and we need to remember what that means for us. The Pig is the 12th and last sign of the Chinese zodiac. We have come to the end of the cycle, and it’s time to celebrate our accomplishments. Yes, it’s party time! Be good to yourself this year; you’ve earned it. Family reunions, extended vacations and a spa membership are in order.

Like last year's sign, the Dog, the Pig calls us to focus on family. Now we need to concentrate more on relationships. It’s a Fire year, a year filled with passion. What a great time to begin a new romance or take an existing one to a new level -- a vacation in Paris or Bali vacation might be just the thing. When is the last time you shared a hot tub with your sweetheart? Make it a priority this year.

The West has their fat cats and the Chinese their fat pigs. We’re talking money! Yes, this is a year to make more than a little, so be alert for opportunities.

It may seem incongruous to link the Pig with scholars, but the association is there; and it’s a positive one, due in part to the fact that the Pig’s fixed element is Water. This could thus be a very good year for those in academia.

Although Pig is the last year in the 12-year cycle, it is only the 24th in the larger, 60-year cycle. At this point it should be emphasized that 2007 is a Fire year. This is not a year for the faint of heart. On the positive side, Fire provides each of us the energy we need to initiate action, regardless of whether or not immediate attention is required. It is not a time to sit on the sidelines.

Fire and Pig together call us to work on vigorously attacking existing projects and completing them. It is not a particularly favorable time to conceive of and begin new ventures. With the clash of Fire and Water, now is not the time to take a lot of risk. Use the energy of positive Fire to raise your work level to a high intensity, but avoid the foolhardiness associated with negative Fire, and your business interests will prosper.

Since this is a Fire year, those people born in an Earth year will generally fare better than others of their animal sign, while those born in a Metal year are likely to do worse than those born in Wood, Fire, Earth and Water years.

Health issues vary not only by sign but by each individual. Your best bet is to visit a Chinese doctor to have your balances checked and get some advice for the coming year. It is a Fire year, so one thing we can say in general is to be on the lookout for signs of stress and a tendency to overextend one’s self.

2007 will be an exciting year. We will experience passion and crises on and off throughout the year. The Pig is a go-with-the-flow type. If you follow the Pig’s example by enjoying life’s pleasures and heating up your relationships, this will be a very memorable year indeed.

It seems that maybe this is the year to find something special in the romance department, I think it’s about time. I haven’t understood why lately several different men have been approaching me about dating. At first I’ve been put off and might have been rude to them as I wasn’t interested in dating anyone. I’ve become happy with my life, but then I began to think about what I put out into the universe some time ago, that idea of maybe having a relationship one day. Thus, I’ve opened myself up to meeting them and seeing what happens.

On the other front, I suppose this year is a good year to get some ideas going on the work front, even though I’m trying to wind things down. I talked yesterday about an idea with my best friend and have his support, so I’m going to increase talks with some others to see if an idea can become a reality. I’m upbeat about the possibilities that this new year has to offer.

According to Numerology, this is also a year 9, which is about completion, so I guess if we combine Chinese astrology and Numerology, then this year should be a great year for all of us, but since there is the possibility for great calamity, I suppose we should be ready for anything.

Oh, I wanted to give you some insight into my Chinese Horoscope, so here is my birthscope:

Description of Your Personality - The Water Tiger:

The Water Tiger more resembles a pussycat than a jungle cat. You may be a bit "wishy washy" compared to other Tigers, but your excellent judgment, look before you leap attitude, and increased flexibility more than make up for this. And, your relatively easy going nature makes you a fun companion. Also, there's a good chance you are quite intuitive.