News from MargaretSweet.com

Here we are, coming into the home straight, approaching the last 6 weeks of Jupiter being in the earthy, sensual sign of Taurus, where it will have been placed for 12 months. I've managed to experience the over-indulgent aspect of this placement, along with the nurturing, savoring and abundant elements, too. As they say, everything has it's purpose, and its place. This is particularly true in the astrological world.

I hope you enjoy the last remnants of Spring and that you feel ready for the upcoming Summer months!

Cultivating

Inner Peace

Cultivating the experience of inner peace seems to be overrated or underrated, depending on your age group, and your orientation toward life. But when you have it, it's like the best chocolate ice cream. It can be described upside down, but until we taste it ourselves, we can only imagine what it's truly like.

In our ever faster moving, outwardly focused culture, where consumerism is worshipped and encouraged as the standard, we don't always think of gaining brownie points by placing our attention on inner peace. While the emergence of a vast, yoga movement has enjoyed enormous visibility and popularity over the last 20 years, and well known, respected teachers of various self-help methodologies have become household names, some of us still think of inner peace as a utopian dream, left over from the idealistic, 60's generation, or perhaps the best recipe for when we are closer to retirement, and ready to slow down. More especially, we may wait for that magical time when everything and everyone we care about is in perfect repose and we're happy and satisfied with ourselves and our lives.

The truth is, inner peace is a great and noble gift, worthy of cultivating at all costs. It can be our dearest and closest friend throughout our life journey. When we gently reach for it, it envelopes us like a magical cloak, made of the finest materials.

But wait a minute, if it is really this valuable, why don't we have it as one of our most valued treasures? Good question!

All spiritual seekers, whether on the path of buddhism, hinduism, judaism, or a christian mystic path, the seeker who earnestly turns within to contemplate the purpose of life, soon discover that it's only after a generous amount of time has been awarded to their spiritual 'practice' of choice, that they begin to experience the much desired, inner peace.

Sometimes when we're going through very stressful periods, we can forget how to be at peace.  It can be a helpful practice to reach back into the past, and drawn upon memories of when we experienced an enhanced sense of welbeing, which led to inner peace. If we can pull this experience right into the present moment, it can bring us back into a good inner state.



My first experience of inner peace took place in childhood, after a jolt to my sense of security.  I had many adventures, accompanying my brother and his friends on their various escapades. At ther request of my parents, my brother had to take me along when he went out to play. To keep up with the boys, I learned to embrace my 'Sagittarian' tomboy. I could have my jacket on, and be be ready to leave the house in less than 2 minutes. I could ride my bike at top speed, hardly cry when I fell off, fly down the wet clay embankment at the end of our street, on a piece of discarded cardboard like a pro, jump with total abandon off of the old tire which we swung across the local water hole, into the deep, cool, water.



But, a great surprise was in store for our family. My brother became sick with leukemia when I was 11 years old, and died when I was 12.   Having lost a sister earlier on, I became an only child. I no longer had someone motivating me, urging me on, daring me to embrace my courage or taking me on adventures.  Life became very quiet.

Soon after my brother's death, our family moved across town, to live near the ocean.  Sitting by this great expanse of water, it was easy for me to slip   into a most peaceful place within myself. At this time, I entered the 'Piscean' part of my nature. It was considered to be very safe where we lived in New Zealand, so I was permitted to go off on my own down the beach.

I discovered the joys of fishing and had two favorite fishing spots, where I spent hours upon hours, on the weekends. The wharf was for hotter days because it was a considerable ways out over the ocean and always breezy. The boat jetty was for cooler days because it was protected and the fish loved the warm water.   Having packed a sandwhich and coke in my basket, I would say my hellos to whoever else was fishing,  but then I would retreat to my favorite spot. I found a great inner peace being at the ocean, which I just couldn't get enough of. This experience lasted for a couple of years, until it was time for high school, and a somewhat busier schedule.

It wasn't until I was in my mid-20's that I would touch on that experience of inner peace again. It came in the form of living in an ashram. Ashram life had its very busy side: lots of visitors, much work to be done, a strict schedule to adhere t. However, when time permitted, I could step into the deep stillness of the temple, smell the welcome fragrance of incense, and settle into a comfortable spot to meditate. Over these years, the temple served as the sacred place where I could open up to embrace my inner self . Although I didn't really know it at the time, I was also building a bridge to my own inner temple, step by step, which would serve me well in the years to come.

While, it's easy to get caught up in the outer world dramas and ongoing economic crisis, entertaining fear and worry, sometimes to the point of feeling immobilized, or choosing denial, living our lives, as if there is no tomorrow -- the bottom line is that many of us are experiencing a new level of emotional intensity of late.



If we have had some experience of embracing universal principles, that is, understanding the relationship between the individual and the cosmos, and intending to align ourselves and our lives with the Divine, we know how important it is to be fully present in each moment. This allows us to step into the flow of life, by trusting that our intuition will guide us in all matters.

While we know intellectually, that change is an unescapable part of life, it would seem that we're facing this in ever increasing doses, so that our comfort levels are being constantly stretched. It's human nature to want to have a plan (or two or twenty) in place, which guarantees our safety, security, and the continuity of life, as we've known it. But that's just it! When we enter into the transformative energies of being in the flow, it doesn't always include having everything be just the way we want it to be. Alas, giving up the attachment to this, is also part of the experience.

For some, the idea of contemplating inner peace may be seen to be too passive an approach. Shouldn't we after all, be jumping in, to help the world, become more proactive, in fact? Of course, we all do that which we're called to do, to contribute in our own unique way. When we're at peace within ourselves, we carry a calmness, a quiet, certainty, level-mindedness, a full bodied and full spiritied 'prescence'. This in itself, offers a significant contribution!

Mother's Day

Special !

Tarot Reading

$55.00

(includes shipping)

This 25 minute Tarot Reading, recorded on CD, is mailed to you, accompanied by a color photo copy of the cards in your spread, so you can follow along with the recording.

(Available to everyone)

This special offer is available through MAY 15 only!

In the Mandala Circle Spread, we begin by drawing, and placing a Major Arcana card in the middle, which represents you, at this time, in this moment. Then we build a circle around this card, drawing 12 additional cards, each representing a specific area of your life. More than one card may be pulled in a specific area, if further clarification is required.

To order this reading, for yourself or as a Mother's Day Gift, please email me, on or before May 15, with

Mother's Day Special in the subject line at

margaret@margaretsweet.com

Announcement

I am happy to announce that I have moved my office to a new location, which is right in the hub of West Sedona.

I look forward to being of service

when you come visit Sedona!

My new office address:

50 Stutz Bearcat, Ste 2, Sedona Az 86336

(On the corner of 89A, right where the Golden Goose Restaurant is located. Directly opposite the Urgent Care Center, just before Circle K, when coming from Uptown Sedona).

Please note:

My mailing address remains the same:

P.O. Box 649

Sedona, AZ 86339

Looking for a space to

hold your Class or Event in

Sedona?

Sandy has a great space, which you can rent with tables and chairs, or have it set up with just chairs. Email her about her very reasonable rates at

becksandra35@gmail.com

If you would also like to meet with clients individually when you're in town, email me about the use of my extra office.

margaret@margaretsweet.com

Venus,

as teacher

The current Venus aspects can serve as a great 'mirror' for us. We can observe what our feelings are, with regards to our current relationship status, our ability to handle compromise in our relationships, along with how we are taking care of ourselves. Are we remembering to honor and appreciate ourselves? Are we able to give generously to, and of, ourselves? Can we find things to love about ourselves?

Venus is also connected in part to how we feel about our financial status. Would we like to feel stronger and more empowered in this part of our lives. Can we see a way in which we can bring this about?

In connection with Venus, there are two important pieces to be aware of this month:

1) Saturn is in a beneficial 'trine' configuration to Venus the entire month. This can draw our attention to some of the topics mentioned above, especially in regards to where and how we'd like to feel more personally empowered. Saturn is practical and objective, and Venus brings our attention to what we value, how we give and receive, and how we can see ourselves in the best possible light, as beautiful, worthwhile, and deserving of the best.

2) When Venus is in retrograde, May 15 - June 26, we may feel a pull to go deeper in our process, of obtaining clarity with regard to the above.

Astro Tips

Empowerment by Rita Loyd

Note: All times given are PST.

May 1 - Even coming out of a potentially listless night's sleep, we may still feel a productive surge and hit the ground running with our 'to do' list in hand. However, we may need a cat nap before the day is done.

(Moon-Mars connunction in Virgo at 1:20 am; Moon trine Pluto at 8:30 am, followed by Moon trine Sun 12 12:30 pm)

May 3 - Watch out for the pull of unpredictable moods and last minute changes introduced into your schedule this morning. Hopefully, by early afternoon, we will be able to tap into creative and and uplifting ideas.

(Moon-Uranus opposition at 5:58 am, followed by Moon-Pluto square at 10:30 am. Mercury in Aries and Venus in Gemini come into an exact sextile at 8:00 pm)

May 4 - It's possible to hit on some fresh, enlightening ideas upon arising this morning...but the more you 'embellish' the original idea, the more you can lose the essence and or simplicity and by late morning, you can feel stumped and totally frustrated. If you take a little time to trace your thoughts, you can figure out where you got off track in your thinking process.

If you're an emotionally sensitive type, you will likely be aware of the build up of intense energies around this Scorpio Moon, which will be full tomorrow evening. As bedtime approaches in the late evening, powerful dreams are on the horizon!

(Moon-Venus trine at 6:15 am, followed by Moon-Mercury opposition at 7:00 am, and a Moon-Saturn conjunction at 11:00 am; Scorpio Moon trines Neptune at 11:55 pm)

May 5 - Full Moon in Scorpio. See Lunar Activity.

We may not feel in the light hearted mood called for by today's Cinco de Mayo celebrations. In fact, the aspects today are much supportive of quiet, focused time, than engaging in social activity.

(Mercury-Saturn opposition at 6:00 pm, and Full Moon in Scorpio at 8:35 pm).

May 6 - The Void Moon today makes it a great day for tinkering and allowing yourself to flow with that which takes your fancy.

May 7 - The energetic early morning influence prepare us well for this Monday morning.

(Sagittarius Moon squares Mars, and trines Uranus at 5:30 am.)

May 8- 'Dreamy' morning aspects places us anywhere but in the present moment.

(Moon-Venus opposition in mutable signs)

May 9 - An intense desire to be busy and productive comes about early this morning, but a mid-morning influence calls upon to place our attention on the creating an indepth, and concentrated connection to the "process" at hand.

(Moon oposite Uranus and trine Mars at 6:30 am, followed by a Moon-Pluto conjunction at 10:30 am)

May 10 - A great idea to create a little ease in your schedule today. The flowing earthy energies this morning beg us to take our time with that which we find enjoyable, and is supported by a backdrop of imaginative, reflective energies - but smack in the middle, right around lunch time, we can be pulled to give our focus to the duties at hand.

(Capricorn Moon trines Sun-Jupiter in Taurus; Mercury sextiles Neptune; Moon squares Saturn at 12:00 pm).

May 12 - Great social influences this evening lend themselves to good conversation and enjoyment in participating in, or attending an event. If you've been looking for a good date for hosting a gathering, or perhps a fundraising event, this is a good one!

(Grand trine in air - Aquarius Moon, trines Venus in Gemini and Saturn in Libra).

May 13 - To all you fabulous mothers out there -

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

The most magical influences come together today in celebration of Mother's day - we can honor our very own Mom, Mother Earth and the Divine mother! From the very earthy to the very mystical, it's all happening this morning.

(Sun-Jupiter conjunction in Taurus at 6:30 am, followed by Moon-Neptune conjunction in Pisces)

May 15 - We experience the last of the Piscean Moon's dreamy feeling today, as we make make for the energetic Aries Moon. Venus goes retrograde in Gemini.

(Moon-Jupiter sextile at 2:00 am, and Moon-Venus square at 3:00 am. Moon moves into the fiery sign of Aries at 2:45 pm).

May 16 - If you're personal will and determination place you on the war path this morning, try not to draw your sword and challenge others!

(Moon-Uranus conjunction in Aries at 5:00 am, followed at a Moon-Pluto square at 9:00 am and Mars-Pluto trine at 9:25 am)

May 17 - If your emotions take a dive this afternoon, try to trace the cause, before the Moon begins its 'Void of Course' motion.

(Saturn-Moon opposition at 12:00 Noon; Moon V/C at 2:45 pm)

May 18 - The evening hours bring more vitality, and therefore a tendency to stay up late to take care of the chores, but if you're busy, right up until you go to bed, getting to sleep could be a problem

(Pluto trine at 9:45 pm and Moon trine Mars at 11:30 pm)

May 19 - A late night influence makes for creative ideas. If you're out playing a 'gig' - you'll be jazzed with how well your improvisation is. If you plan on an early night, you may not be so thrilled !

(Moon-Mercury conjunction in Taurus at 9:30 pm)

May 20 - Solar Eclipse. See Lunar Activity.

Leading up to this late afternoon/early evening Solar Eclipse, there's fun aspects.

(Moon-Jupiter conjunct in Taurus at 6:30 am and Sun goes into Gemini at 8:15 am).

May 21 - Lots of creative and mental expansion today. So many 'cool' ideas. The imagination is in its element, but...but having to focus on picky details...I don't think so!

(Moon in Gemini sextiles Uranus sextile at 7:00 am; Moon-MarsMoon conjunct Sun-Mercury-Uranus in Aries)

May 22 - Those imaginative influences keep reproducing, and are helped along by a practical influence, to help them take 'ground'. These are also good relationship aspects.

(Moon-Venus conjunction in Gemini at 2:15 pm, followed by a Moon (gemini) - Saturn (Libra) trine at 3:45 pm).

May 23 - Watery, watery, watery...that's the feeling today. Best to go with the flow. The logical linear aspect is not as its best today, so keep this mind, should you need to be super alert, in your nind and body.

(Cancer Moon-Neptune trine at 10:45 am, followed by Sun-Neptune square at 2:00 pm).

May 25 - Finding momentum and focus is tricky today. May not be your most productive day.

(Moon-Saturn square at 2:45 am, followed by Mercury-Neptune square at 2:30 pm).

May 26 - Okay, let's get this weekend happening! An early morning aspect gets us ready for action and a little excitement.

(Moon-Uranus trine at 5:45 am).

May 27 - Creative ideas abundant today. Good social, communicative influences all day!

(Sun-Mercury conjunction in Gemini at 4:15 am and Moon-Venus sextile at 7:00 am; Mercury (Gemini) sextile Uranus (Aries) experienced all day, but exact at 4:30 pm).

May 28 - Monday, Monday, you're already here! Aren't we glad it's Memorial Day! May take a little time to pull ourselves out of bed this morning, but once we do, it's all about engagement. Things to do and places to go.

A late night Mars influence does not bode well for sleep, but if you're traveling back from this long weekend, this energy could help you say alert.

(Moon-Neptune opposition at 4:45 am. Sun-Uranus sextile at 9:00 am; Moon-Mars square at 11:30 pm)

LUNAR ACTIVITY

Full Moon May 5 16 deg Scorpio 8:35 pm

A Scorpio Full Moon always triggers some emotional intensity, but there are extra challenging influences surrounding this one, hence we can feel the build up, as early as May 3. These are not good influences for travel and social get togethers, as we tend to resist any changes put upon us, and do not find it easy to go with the flow. Quiet, alone time is sought after.

Solar Eclipse May 20 0 deg Gemini 4:47 pm

This eclipse, in the mutable (changeable) sign of Gemini, opens the door extra wide for entertaining all kinds of possibilities. Not short of ideas, the mind can change like the wind, and often! Keep this in mind, when entering into plans and agreements, which require a financial commitment.

The basic theme of these energies continue their build up through, and well beyond, the Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius, on June 4.

Boredom with routine can be the catalyst for spontaneous and/or impulsive actions.

Is this your Birthday Month

Enter to win a

Solar Return Reading

It's really helpful to plan your birthday year, with the information available from your Solar Return chart. This particular chart is cast with the following in mind:

a) Location - the physical location

where you spend your birthday

b) When the degree of your Sun

reaches the exact same degree as

it was when you were born (the

actual time varies a little each year)

The Solar Return Chart indicates which influences you have available to create successful outcomes in those areas where you place your attention during your birthday year.

In the month your Birthday takes place, you have the opportunity to win a free Solar Return Reading. The 15 minute Solar Return reading will be emailed to you as an MP3 audio recording.

This month, Taurus is the magical birthday sign, so if you're a Taurus, please go ahead and enter your name for a Solar Return Reading.

Note: Look for details each month located

in the left hand column of the

newsletter

Thanks to those who entered last month!

Thanks, as always for joining me this month. I hope your month is spectacular!

love,

Margaret