Labor Day has arrived. Its arrival officially declares that the Summer vacation season is over for those of us in the Northern hemisphere. Although it won’t officially be Fall until the Autumnal Equinox on September 22 at 10:29pm EDT, we’re already feeling the coolness in the air and noticing that the leaves are beginning to change colors. During this annual change, we automatically shift our energies and focus on assessing what we’ve become, what we’ve done and how we’ve dealt with manifesting our intentions for this year. Nature guides us to ask ourselves these important questions– What ‘crop’ did I grow? How well did I tend it? Was/is it a profitable ‘crop’? As we answer (or in some cases, ignore) those questions, we are also creating the space for the type of energy that will sustain and inform us during the winter season. How will you participate in your own personal replenishing phase? Will you choose to actively be at the effect of it or passively affected by it? Your message for this month is grouped together with cards of the same mode of energy expression.  The communal spirit of the gathered energy of each mode of expression will help you dynamically support your efforts as you enter into the process of completing nature’s 2014 cycle.

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20), THE CHARIOT(June 21 – July 20), JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) and THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) The energy of your mode of expression is action and activity oriented.  You’ll understand the meaning and value of your journey through this year by consciously and conscientiously sorting through your emotional, spiritual and physical belongings– you know– your feelings and fears, your beliefs and attitudes and the objects you’re drawn to because they display your value to yourself and the world. As you take inventory, you’ll begin to see the direction you’re headed and who is on the same path with you. With this new awareness, you’ll be able to continue the successful manifestation of your most important goals for 2014. Your mantra for this season is by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “You have done what you could– some blunders and absurdities have crept in. Forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely with too high a spirit to be encumbered with the old nonsense.”          

THE EMPRESS(April 21 – May 20), THE SUN (July 21 – August 22), THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) and THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) The energy of your mode of expression is best focused in a more introspective and personal manner.  For you, this year has (hopefully!) brought you to a better place of acceptance of the necessity for thoroughness, transformation and wisdom. Naturally deep, with a profoundly powerful way of ‘sussing’ any matter out, you now have to encourage and develop that aspect of yourself that can not only access the meaning of the moment, but knows how to put that information to practical use. By reviewing and practicing the mental, emotional and spiritual lessons you’ve encountered and learned this year, you’ll be able to finish out 2014 with more passion and power than you’ve ever had. Your mantra for this season is from Hamilton Wright Mabie, “Nothing is lost upon a man who is bent upon growth; nothing wasted on one who is always preparing for… life by keeping eyes, mind and heart open to nature, men, books, experience…. What he gathers serves him at unexpected moments in unforeseen ways.”

THE LOVERS(May 21 – June 20), THE HERMIT(August 23 – September 22), THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) and THE MOON(February 20 – March 20) The energy of your mode of expression is found in communication with others as well as yourself. Remember that old audio cassette tape commercial whose tag line was, “Is it real or is it Memorex?” The TV ad was selling the ability to replicate an experience so well that you would get as equally powerful an experience from the copy as you’d gotten from the original. This ‘harvest’ season is the time for you to consciously evoke memories of your past victories and achievements. The more you experience these moments of being purely and powerfully yourself, the more you’ll inspire and strengthen those winning aspects of yourself. You become even more powerful and resourceful if you remember to keep what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and how you’re doing it to yourself. As you close out 2014, you’re also preparing for one of your greatest years yet– 2015. Your mantra for this season is by Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer, “Embrace fully your capacity to create, to think in unlimited ways. Be flexible, open and willing to let the new come to you. This can be the most joyous, prosperous, and creative time of your life.”

June, the first month of that sweet, but all too short season, Summer, marks the halfway point in the year. Three important things to remember about this month; 1- Play and relax more, (it is Summer, after all!), 2- On June 7^th, our old friend, Mercury, the god of communication, will once again go retrograde for three weeks. Since Mercury rules communication, transportation and contracts, when it’s retrograde, all manner of mistakes and misunderstandings can occur.  If you can, hold off on buying (or leasing) any big ticket items.  It’s also a good idea to triple check any and all plans you make.  This is an excellent time for introspection and research, as those things that are usually hidden from view, show themselves more easily during a Mercury Retrograde period.  Wait until Mercury goes direct before making any big decisions and 3- the Summer Solstice on June 21^st, marks the beginning of a very fruitful time. Make wishes and attend to them like precious seeds in an orchard. The resulting bountiful harvest in the Fall will validate the time and energy you put into bringing your heart’s desire to fruition.

Your message this month comes in the form of a quote or affirmation.  Write or print it out, put it on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator and/or the dashboard of your car.  Be conscious of and contemplate its message and meaning to you as you enter into this very prolific season.

 FOR ALL OF US: 

 “I pick up favorite quotations, and store them
in my mind as ready armor, offensive or defensive,
amid the struggle of this turbulent existence.” Robert Burns
  

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20)  “To help the young soul (or wish, inspiration or desire), add energy, inspire hope and blow the coals into a useful flame . . . that is the work of divine men.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  “To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.” Alan Watts

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)   “Awareness requires living in the here and now, and not in the elsewhere, the past or the future.” Eric Berne

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” Alan Watts

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22)  “Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.” May Sarton

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  “If you develop the absolute sense of certainty that powerful beliefs provide, then you can get yourself to accomplish virtually anything, including those things that other people are certain are impossible.”  William Lyon Phelps

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22)  “Action is the language of the body and should harmonize with the spirit within.” Cicero

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) “The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year.” John Foster Dulles

WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) “Everything can be taken from a man but… the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Viktor Frankl           

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19)  “The only question in life is whether or not you are going to answer a hearty ‘Yes!’ to your adventure.” Joseph Campbell

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19   “This is the real secret of life– to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” Alan Watts

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20)  “It is never too late– in fiction or in life– to revise.” Nancy Thayer

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”

Maya Angelou

“Sing your song, children.” Ray Charles

 THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20)  Take a good look at those who populate your environment. How many are truly contributing to your progress and how many are causing you unnecessary stress? If the people you’re spending time with don’t reflect your ambition and abilities, you’re probably with people who don’t or can’t appreciate you.  If that’s the case, it’s time to be true to yourself and let go of who and what no longer supports your goals. 

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  Your perception of yourself is being challenged now. The Universe is urging you to change the way you express yourself emotionally and mentally. Now is the time for you to acknowledge and embrace what is uniquely and wonderfully you.

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)  One of your great gifts is your natural sense of curiosity which leads you to great insights. Pay attention to what is revealed to you as you access life’s profound truths and please do spread the word! You’re a natural story teller and messenger and your world benefits when you share your discoveries.

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  This is a time of great self-awareness for you. Everything in your environment has the potential to stimulate and inspire you. Just absorb the experience and allow this process to take its own course. You’re being prepared for a great and beneficial awakening—you don’t have to do anything; just let it happen!

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) Things are not always what they seem, especially now. No matter how you get your news—TV, Internet or gossip—please remember to consider the source. A lot of needless drama is playing out in front of you in an attempt to suck you in. Stick to what you know is true for you—you’ll not only be glad you did; you’ll also have the last laugh.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  Details, details, details. Normally, you excel at handling them. Not at this time, however. You’re off ‘detail patrol’ for the next few weeks because they’re weighing you down and slowing your momentum. An important part of creation and manifestation is the initial ‘messiness’ that’s a result of all of the right components coming together in the right way at the right time. Breathe through the discomfort; you’ll love the results.

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) Your energies are in alignment and you can learn a lot from THE EMPEROR this month.  Do take a good look at those who populate your environment and ask yourself, how many are truly contributing to your progress and how many are putting road blocks in your path? If the people you’re spending time with don’t reflect your ambition and abilities, you’re probably with people who don’t or can’t appreciate you.  If that’s the case, it’s time to be true to yourself and let go of who and what no longer supports your goals. 

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) You can be quite stubborn when you put your mind to it. Although this attribute can be a great aide sometimes, at this time in your life, it’s detrimental.    Now’s the time to note what you’re missing out on and transform that great stubbornness into flexibility.  As you do so, the Universe will open up to you and the magical aspects of your quest will reveal themselves to you.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) A lots going on right now and your big challenge is to remain focused and avoid being distracted. Keeping a daily journal will help you stay centered and remind you of your goals. Writing will help you stay connected to your natural intuitive senses. You can always rely on that intuitive gift to make sure you’re in the right spot when Luck is handing out goodies.

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) It’s time to step back and take inventory by surrounding yourself with beauty and grace– shopping, theatre, museums, massages, pedicures. Your inner child and you have just completed an important passage in your combined lives. Let the events and effects of the past few months sink in and gently turn you so that you’re facing the gifts of the experience that are coming your way.

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) Your perception of the world and the world’s perception of you have changed. Although you’ll find yourself wanting to hold on to what you once knew, please don’t. You’ll grow to trust your new perspective in time. To make the transition easier, schedule quality time for yourself. By so doing, you’ll align your old and new selves with more strength and clarity.

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20)  Did you know that your ruling planet, Neptune, governs the subconscious and all manner of confinement?  Of course, the other side of that coin means that Neptune also has a great deal to do with releasing one from confinement. What is the magic key that’ll open the cell door? Making the subconscious conscious by questioning your motivation for the way you think, feel and act in any given situation! The insight you gain will help you attain a new level of understanding and freedom.

The world is what you make it. Especially now that it’s Spring and the potential for opportunities and adventure are budding like new leaves on trees. Goethe’s quote is so perfect for the next few weeks. Heed it and revel in the joy of being a part of creation.

 “Whatever you can do, or dream you can– begin it now. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20)  At this time, the doors that open onto the past are beginning to close. Just remember that when one door closes, another one opens.  Instead of futilely trying to keep them open, surrender to these necessary changes and seek out the bright new doors of the future.  They’ll be easy to spot– they’ll be wide open and beckoning you to walk through them.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  If you combine your innate ability to get things done with your natural charm, you will win the praise and support you so richly deserve.  Many people will gladly help you as you as you work your ‘magic.’ Do remember to thank all those who helped you.

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)  What you ask for now, you will very likely receive.  Do make sure you are specific in your requests and appreciative in expressing your gratitude. Remember to include yourself, too. Many people will want to be a part of what you’re creating, so please make sure you look carefully at who and what are being offered.

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  For the next few weeks, your world view may appear to confirm this line— “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times…”  Although, what you’re dealing with may appear real, it really is an illusion. Remember to stay grounded and avoid letting emotion get the best of you.

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) Although it’s Spring, this is not a time of overt action for you. Play your cards close to your vest and bide your time. The events of the next few weeks will give you all of the information you need to correctly connect the dots and get the answers you’ll need in order to make your move. Use this time to sort through the events of the recent past. By doing so, you’ll also be making room for the new opportunities coming your way.

 THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  You have an invaluable source of life experience in the form of those who’ve gone before you. Do pay attention and seek the advice of those “old pros.”  They have wisdom based on life experience, common sense and formal learning.  Tap into this valuable resource and reap the benefits.   

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) This is a pivotal time in your life. The key to your success is being able to control your emotions. If you do, you’ll be able to respond to events and grow– go forward in your development, or react to those events and stagnate– slide backwards. Handle your feelings well; that’s the key to your success.

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) You’re golden! The hard work you’re doing is set to pay off soon. Your winning trifecta of talent, hard work and luck will bring unexpected rewards your way. Make sure you bring a big basket to hold all of your goodies! An influential person will take an interest in you and speed your progress.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) It’s time to change your perspective. Everything isn’t working out the way you expected for a reason. Your ideas are fine; you do need to take a different approach though. What you see from this new vantage point will give you all that you need to arrive at success. 

 THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) Three words– patience, patience, patience.  You don’t have to use that renowned ability to make something happen– it’s already happening and the momentum you need is building all on its own.  Use this time to remind yourself to trust that all you’re working toward really is coming your way.   

 THE STAR (January 20 – February 19)  In keeping with last month’s advice, it’s best if you step up to the plate and swing the bat with all your might. The “great good fortune” of last month is still with you and the time for waiting is over. Your support team and the circumstances you need are waiting in the wings and will soon reveal themselves to you.

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20)  “The sky is falling, the sky is falling!” “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” If either of these literary lines have validity in your life at present, please take a good look at who is steering the course of your life. It’s important that you keep in mind this line, “Consider the source,” and remember to respond in a manner that benefits you.

First, the good news—Mercury, god of communication—has gone direct again. You can now unfasten your seatbelts and move more confidently through your lives. Although you’ll still have to deal with the occasional screw-up, you can now purchase houses, cars and other big ticket items, as well as sign important documents with some degree of certainty that all will go smoothly.

And now, the really great news—in a few short weeks, it will officially be Spring! Hopefully, that will mean that all of this rude behavior by the weather will cease and desist. A lovely, leaf-budding, flower blooming landscape with mild, warm, caressing breezes would work for me and I suspect, you too.

Let’s show the weather how it’s done by breaking out all of those ideas, plans and projects you’ve been promising yourself you’d begin once the conditions were right. Once the sun goes into Aries, it’ll join with the planet Uranus—the god of the unexpected and the insightful—and all manner of wondrous events will occur. The conditions will be right for planting profitable gardens of brilliant adventures.

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20)  Although, at times it seems as though you’re engaged in an uphill struggle, your efforts are beginning to bear fruit. Continue letting your actions speak for you and be ready to enjoy well-deserved rewards.  Someone from your past returns, offering help. Carefully, cautiously consider their offer—there are good aspects to it.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20)  These are turbulent times for you.  Circumstances are asking you to move beyond your comfort zone of slow, deliberate action and increase your speed of thought and action. Be true to yourself and voluntarily shed the habits of the past and adapt to the world at a more rapid and rewarding pace.

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20)  Your ruler, Mercury, has finally gone direct so you can more freely move forward, too. Do leap into your next phase, but be sure you look before you leap.  Use your intuition and your intellect—they’re the partners who will help you make the decisions you’re faced with.  Remember to play your cards close to your vest this month.

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20)  The pressure you feel to release your hold on the past and let go of your allegiance to the belief systems of others is real and important– do pay heed to it because you’re in the process of discovering the power of your own individual uniqueness. Be more intellectual and less emotional as you make the decisions that will build the framework of your new life.

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) Do you need to be shaken from your complacent, stagnant or stuck perspective in order to accurately perceive what’s going on in the world around you? Now is the time to take a good look at your environment and note its effect on you. As you do so, you’ll notice who is cheering you on as well as who is standing in your light, casting shadows on your hopes and dreams.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22)  Your ruling planet, Mercury, has finally gone direct after a somewhat harrowing three weeks of retrograde action. You can finally move forward, too, and cease putting your life on hold. Life is waiting for you to notice how much more it has to offer if you do.  You’re entering a very prolific time– use it to your advantage and you’ll love the results.

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) When legendary performer, Sammy Davis, Jr., sang “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” he was singing your new theme song. You’ve got powerful permission from the Universe to express yourself, so by all means, explore your dreams and make them come true. 

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) As the Winter season wanes, it’s a great time for soul-searching and being honest with yourself.  This is the most empowering course of action for you during the weeks leading up to Spring.  The realizations you come to will help you create the kind of movement you want in your life and will bring you the results you’ve been working so hard for.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) As this is the Chinese Year of the Horse, keep your heart and attention focused on your goal.  The positive forces of the Universe are partnering with you now, so meet them ‘eye-to-eye’, pay attention to your intuition and be receptive of all of the luck and blessings coming your way.

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) There is a lot of Universal attention focused on you now. Do stay calm and relaxed as you follow your intuition and you’ll discover that your efforts are paying off handsomely. By Summer, you’ll be much clearer about the direction you are taking as you continue to build secure foundations and strong, supportive structures under and around those creative castles in the air you’ve been building.

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19)  )  For the next few weeks, the I Ching prophecy, “great good fortune,” is referring to you. Whatever your plans and dreams are, please use this prolific time to take ownership of who you are and the way you want your life to be. And then– be open to receiving as you reap the rewards.

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20)  Upon removing those rose colored glasses, you’re noticing that when one door closes, another one opens. The doors that lead to your outmoded past are beginning to close.  Instead of getting emotional about it and trying and keep them open, surrender to these necessary changes and you’ll notice the bright new doors of the future opening wide and beckoning you to walk through.