This book was suggested to me by a friend because of the nature of my work, and I found it enjoyable.  Here is the true story of the woman who inspired the hit NBC television series "Medium".  She is a real-life psychic who helps police investigations, and has demonstrated her mediumistic abilities over the course of a career in which she has done thousands of personal readings and donates her time to missing persons and criminal cases for agencies around the country.

What I found chiefly enjoyable about the book was the wise and sagacious tone of her advice and of her approach.  Ms Dubois realized her unusual abilities in childhood, and always felt very different because of them.  It was particularly tough to receive visits from her guides and recognize their voices when the rest of the world dismissed such happenings as fantasy or nonsense.  Her continual message throughout the book is very compassionate towards children and especially teenagers of this type who grow up without support, and yet feel so different and sometimes alienated from society when they are psychic and mediumistic too, and she has made special efforts to help such gifted kids.

It's very hard, for instance, to be at a relative's funeral, she explains, and be seeing or conversing with the deceased when all the others at the funeral, especially the adults, are grieving.  It's also difficult to be able to know things in advance, sometimes greatly so, and not be believed.

In these personal stories, the author makes a point of counseling the reader to remember to express your love to your dear ones while they're with you; to accept and encourage the psychic gift in your own or others' children when you recognize it; and to be wise in the choices you make based upon your abilities.  The author was also successful in expanding the usage of the Amber Alert system, having worked on a murder case of a young Texas girl (who might have been rescued had this system been more widely used at the time).

In all ways, the author communicates a very levelheaded, practical life path, not taking her gifts lightly, working only for the betterment of the circumstances, and even raising her own daughter who shows some of the gifts, with much awareness and encouragement.  She does not go in too deeply to the circumstances that brought about a television show based upon her abilities, but she does demonstrate lots of wisdom regarding real-life case studies and experiences when you live your life in such a unique way.

All in all, this book presents a very good image of a useful, practical person using her psychic gifts in the best possible way in today's world without losing her grounding.  Although the book makes for relatively light reading, that's certainly not a negative.  I would recommend it.

JULY 2011 ASTRO TIDBITS   

The month begins with a very tense aspect indicating emotional stress, reduced resources, and a crying need for reform and change (Solar Eclipse at 9 Cancer in Grand Cardinal Cross to Uranus, Pluto, Saturn).  Very few humans are feeling relaxed and secure now.  The beginning of Week Two is particularly active in this regard, likely bringing eruptions, revolts, and perhaps sudden natural or manmade disasters in vulnerable areas (Uranus stations retrograde triggering the pattern).  However, many helpful aspects between the 4^th and the 6^th show high hopes and idealism (Venus trine Neptune), interesting news such as successful innovations (Mercury trine Uranus), and economic improvement on a large scale (Jupiter trine Pluto in earth element).  Mid-month reveals the importance of efficiency and good management to achieve better goals (Full Moon in Capricorn).  On the 23^rd, some flare-ups of angry words return (Mars conjunct South Node).

The nation continues to experience severe power struggles militarily and financially regarding allies and/or enemies, with many secret matters being forced into exposure (Pluto retrograde in H1, ruler of H12, opposite Jupiter in H7, chart ruler).  Erratic events shake our world reputation and challenge our transportation and communication industries while bringing unexpected and burdening expenses to our already-tested budget (Uranus, ruler of H3, opposite U.S. progressed Moon, stationing retrograde square U.S. Venus/Jupiter).  Stretched too thin, reality must be faced (Saturn, ruler of H2 from H10 square U.S. Sun).  However, good karma prevails as supportive alliances step in (Jupiter, chart ruler from H7, trines U.S. Jupiter).  It's all about money this month, whether loans or debt control, and favorable new starts on the 1^st, 15^th, and 30^th can govern choices in business and government (Solar Eclipse conjunct Jupiter/Sun midpoint on cusp of 8^th; Full Moon in Capricorn H2 opposite Mercury; and New Moon conjunct Node exact/Solar Arc Ascendant in H8).  Oil dependency on hostile foreign partners is the rub, especially on the 22^nd (Mars return in U.S. H7, triggering natal square to Neptune).

President Obama's leadership ability is evolving as he figures out how to deal with foes (Pluto, ruler of his Midheaven, trine natal Pluto in H7).  Interesting options and better advisors are helping him tackle financial problems, especially as the month winds down (Uranus station retrograde sextile his Moon; Saturn sextile his Sun; and Jupiter trine his Pluto forming a Grand Earth Trine).  Yet he always struggles with idealistic dreams that cause vulnerability and unwise choices regarding trust of foreign affairs vis-�-vis his homeland (Neptune from H9 trine Venus, ruler of H4, and opposite progressed Venus in his 7^th).  On the 15^th, heavy responsibilities and fears can cause him some sleepless nights (Full Moon conjunct progressed Saturn in H12).

IT'S IRONIC THAT CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVES, AND NOT NEW- AGERS, ARE NOW ISRAEL'S GREATEST SUPPORTERS

Judgment Day...?