Selene

Welcome, I'm Selene, Editor-In-Chief of the Psychic Times Newsletter. Each month, in this column, I'll be giving you the highlight's of the issue and sharing some personal thoughts. Please read on...

Dear Readers,

Hello! Happy December to you! Here we are at the end of 2009 already. This has been a tough year and we are all feeling the effects of this economic crisis we are in the midst of. Be mindful of what the holiday season is really about. Focus on the simple things and sharing time with those you love, this is much more important than over spending and feeling stressed over trying to do it all. We have a great issue filled with interesting and enlightening information for you in Psychic Times this month.

Did you know that New Year's Eve is a Blue Moon? Learn more about what this means in my Eye-Opener column titled Once in a Blue Moon - A New Year's Eve Lunar Eclipse. This special lunation will help to super charge the energy as we step into 2010. I go into depth on what a Blue Moon is and the significance of there being a Lunar Eclipse on New Year's Eve. The Blue Moon is considered a positive and lucky lunation so be sure to do something special to help set the intention for what you wish to bring in during 2010. Write those New Year's Resolutions down and your goals and desires too. This super potent lunation will help to shape your experience in the New Year, utilize this strong energy for emotional healing and to create optimism over what the year to come will bring to your life. Write down the highlighted letters as you read this month's Eye-Opener and solve the word jumble puzzles. Submit your entry and you could be the next lucky winner of $50 worth of private reading time on Psychic Access! What a wonderful gift for yourself, you have a great chance of winning so enter the contest!

It is early am on Thanksgiving here as I finish up this month's issue. We actually tried to avoid doing anything for this holiday since we leave for our trip to Florida on Saturday but our grown kids insisted, funny isn't it? Last year we ran off to Florida before Thanksgiving and enjoyed relaxing non holidays by ourselves instead. Well, my son flew out for a few days at the Solstice. His son and daughter in law had joined us there for Solstice week the year before. It is the vacation we plan all year and try to pay ahead for as much of it as we can, we enjoy going there to live very simply at the small apt. we rent by the week across the street from the beach in Lauderdale by the Sea. I hope to have some interesting stories or experiences to share with you about our trip here in this column next month.

My son asked me to please plan a family dinner for Thanksgiving before we leave, he has missed celebrating holidays with us but I think it's really because he wants me to meet his new girlfriend. My stepson will be here with his 19 month son, his wife is spending Thanksgiving with her parents in Southern California. I'll make my famous Key Lime Margarita Pie, I'll need to make two though; one with tequila and one without since our little grandson will be here. I will share that recipe with you in the Food for the Soul column one of these months.

Be sure to read my monthly Horoscope column, December is definitely a gateway for the planetary energies coming up in 2010. Mars and Mercury will be retrograde at the end of the month so take care of any repairs or important purchases you need to make before the Solstice, get enough rest and take good care of yourself.

This month Salome teaches us Of Shamans: What Is, What Was, What Shall Be. I really look forward to reading her column each month, and know you do too, we learn so much from what she shares with us in Shaman's Corner.

Get to know Shaman Maria our featured psychic for December; she has a wealth of information to share and is here to guide you through whatever you encounter in this shamanic journey known as life. She is an incredible reader and an amazingly knowledgeable multi-dimensional being. Her interview is very interesting and I hope you enjoy getting to know her, I certainly did. I wish I had known she was at the same psychic fair I was at in late October. I hope to meet her in person at that fair next spring!

Feraion's article in Serenity Fair this month is not to be missed. His wisdom is profound and I always feel enlightened after reading his column, he makes some excellent points so I do hope you take the time to read his column each month. I really appreciate his contributions and his presence here at Psychic Times.

Try the recipe for Gingerbread Loaf from our Food for the Soul Column. It will fill your home with the warm and comforting scent of the holidays and tastes great too! Join us in our Prayer Circle; send in your request to receive powerful help when you or a loved one could benefit from the support of our spiritual community.

What would you like to learn about or see covered in a future issue? As always we encourage your participation in your newsletter and invite your comments, contributions, feedback or requests, please contact me at editor@psychictimes.com. I hope you have the happiest of holidays. We wish you a Happy New Year and hope you enjoy our newest edition of Psychic Times!

Love & Blessings,

Selene
 

Each month, our editor, Selene, will contribute an informative article on a thought provoking topic. Be on the lookout for the highlighted letters that will appear in this column, as they are clues that will help solve our monthly "Jumble Contest" where you might very well win $50 in free reading time at Psychic Access.

We've all heard that saying once in a Blue Moon but what does it mean? December 31, 2009 is a very rare occurrence where not only is it New Year's Eve, it is a Full Moon, a Blue Moon, a Super Moon and an Eclipse! We also begin the last year of the first decade of the 21st century that very same day. Yes I said the end of the first decade, technically 2001 was the first year of the 21st century and 2000 was actually the last year of the 20th century. Ten years ago we were concerned about Y2K and the potentially dangerous meltdown that could occur when all the computers had to go past the end of the 1900s. Of course that ended up being not as complicated as predicted and the real event that rocked our world and sense of security occurred on 9/11/2001, at least in the United States. What significance will this remarkable lunation have on 2010 and beyond? Well, it really will depend upon what you put your attention on, now more so than ever since things are speeding up and manifesting at a much more rapid pace these days.

The Full Moon is an opposition of the Sun and Moon, since the lunar month is about 29 days we normally have one Full Moon each month. So if you know what sign of the zodiac the Sun is in, the Full Moon would be in the opposite sign. For example:

Sun in:		Full Moon in:
Aries		Libra
Taurus		Scorpio
Gemini		Sagittarius
Cancer		Capricorn
Leo		Aquarius
Virgo		Pisces

This month we experience 2 Full Moons in the same calendar month, the Full Moon in Gemini is on December 2nd, the Full Moon in Cancer is on December 31st at 2:14 pm EST shortly before the New Year and the beginning of 2010. Of course anytime there is a Full Moon on December 31st it is a Blue Moon since the lunar cycle is 29.5 days so there would have been a prior Full Moon early in December. Full/Blue Moons have taken place on New Year's Eve in 1933, 1952, 1971 and 1990 and will occur in 2009 and 2028.

What is more unique in this situation is the fact that it is also a partial Lunar Eclipse. We enter 2010 within an eclipse window so this New Year will be a time of transition and change for all of us which becomes more momentous due to this lunation at year's end. 2009 has also been significant since there have been 6 eclipses this year. Most years have 4 eclipses or 2 sets of 2 eclipses both Solar and Lunar. This year we had an Annular Eclipse of the Sun on January 26th with the New Moon in Aquarius. It was followed by a Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon with the Full Moon in Leo on February 9th. There was a Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon with the Full Moon in Capricorn on July 7th, followed by a Total Solar Eclipse with the New Moon at 29 degrees of Cancer on July 21st. The Full Moon in Leo on August 5th was a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. This has been a very active year with all the intense lunar energy that of course culminates with this Partial Eclipse of the Moon on December 31st. The degree of the sign of the Zodiac that an eclipse transits is repeated every 18.5 years or so, what we experience now with this Eclipse would link back to what was taking place in our lives then. This particular eclipse with the Full Moon in Cancer is closely aligned to the partial Lunar Eclipse we experienced on December 30, 2001. Think back to what was going on at that time and consider how it relates to your life now and what you have learned in the interim. What needs to be revisited or considered now that has our attention as it did 8 years ago? Security and concern over our basic safety is illuminated during the Full Moon in Cancer, holding on to what we have. Security and safety have been very important to us due to the experiences we have had collectively so far in this new century. What do we need to let go of? Eclipses trigger evolution and change in our lives. Will we go through this phase with our eyes open eager to jump into the New Year with its challenges and treasures, or will we just want to hit the snooze alarm and go back to sleep? Eclipses shake us out of our complacency, the status quo becomes no longer acceptable and one way or the other we will be forced to face ourselves and go in new directions.

The Blue Moon is seen as a significant event since it only occurs every 2.72 years. In the US it is seen as an auspicious or lucky lunation that offers opportunity or unexpected good fortune. It was seen as bringing luck in love and unusual opportunities. In other cultures it has been feared as a time to be dreaded that brings extra problems, natural disasters or out of the blue misfortune. In my observation it is a time to pivot, to make ourselves go in new directions and to release the status quo. The Full Moon is a time of culmination of the energy of whichever sign the lunation is in. Just as the New Year is a culmination of the energy of the year that is passing as a new one begins. Blue Moons typically happen in months that have 31 days, most frequently in October, July and August. Since February only has 28 days it would not have a Blue Moon occur and there are some years when there is not a Full Moon in February at all. When that does happen there will be a Blue Moon in either January or March that will be particularly potent. Also any time there is a Full Moon on Halloween it will be a Blue Moon since there would have been another Full Moon at the beginning of the month.

When we have 2 New Moons in the same month, it is known as a Black Moon. We did have a Black Moon this year since there was a New Moon in Cancer at 1 degree on June 22nd. Even though the two New Moons in Cancer took place in different calendar months, they still occurred during the same Zodiac month so we still felt that impact and hit an emotional restart button last summer. The New Moon is a conjunction of the Sun and Moon at the beginning of the lunar cycle, when the Moon begins to wax or grow larger after the period of waning or getting smaller. While not as well recognized as a Blue Moon, the Black Moon phase is a time of initiation that can open the doors to a new dimension spiritually. It is a good time to connect with the other side, the fairy kingdom or Ascended Masters. The Black Moons are known to enhance higher consciousness and are opportune times to work with spiritual energy to make your wishes manifest. The energy put forth on spiritual work such as rituals or creating New Moon wish lists is said to affect us until the next Blue or Black Moon nearly three years into the future; so be sure to be mindful and focused on what you wish to create in your life with this upcoming Blue Moon on New Year's Eve.

This is also the last Super Moon of 2009; we have had 5 of these this year. A Super Moon is when the Moon is at perigee (closest to the Earth) and syzygy (aligned with the Sun and Earth) at the time of the New or Full Moon. A Super Moon amplifies the energy of the lunation, this Full Moon in Cancer makes us act on what we need to do to nurture ourselves and create security in our lives. Sun in Capricorn is about responsibility and handling life's lessons with maturity and understanding. Moon in Cancer is about nurturance, family, bonding with what is familiar to us; going back to the womb or Primordial Ocean on some level. This lunation is a time to regain your power, define your goals and move forward without fear or second guessing yourself. We enter the New Year as an adventure; consider what you have learned this year and how you have grown. Set goals and determine what you would like to see manifest in 2010. This is the dawn of a new era and a time to rethink our mission here on Earth in this time of rapid change. Choose wisely what you wish to plant in your garden, pull the weeds of fear and negative thought patterns to cultivate what you want to see grow and flourish in the New Year.

We partied like it was 1999 and now we take a sobering step forward from 2009 into the decade of the 2010s. This new century has really been a quickening for Planet Earth. The Blue Moon Lunar Eclipse in Cancer is both a wake-up call for preparing for the future as well as a rebirth into a new time of nurturing what we have and making do with what life brings us in uncertain times. With the worldwide economic crisis we have all had to make adjustments and be grateful to have an income and what stability we do have in our lives. I feel this is part of the preparation for the shift in perception coming at the end of the Mayan calendar in 2012. I do not see it as an end of the world but we will become more fully aware at that time and will start over in some way as it is the end of many cycles of time tracked in various different ancient cultures. I am sure there is another Eye-Opener in the future that will take a more in-depth look at the Mayan calendar and the shifts that have been the subject of much prophecy. Just as we were not completely clear about Y2K and what it meant, I feel that the changes coming with 2010-2012 will unfold for us and be different than what we were led to expect.

I hope you enjoyed this column and have learned something about this once in a Blue Moon event. Happy New Year! As always I invite your comments, questions and feedback on this article. Please contact me at editor@psychctimes.com with any requests or ideas you may have for future Eye-Opener columns. Be sure to send your completed entry in for our word jumble contest and you may be the next lucky winner of $50 in free readings from Psychic Access. See you here next month.

Blessings,

Selene
 

Have you been longing to get insight into the deeper meanings of your life's journey? Are you ready to change your life and get on your true path? Meet Shaman Maria from Psychic Access! She is a renowned psychic, healer, astrologer and author. Join me and get to know this multi-talented natural shaman and spiritual guide in this month's fascinating interview; she has vast knowledge and wisdom to share with you.

Selene: Hello Shaman Maria! Thank you for joining us on Psychic Times. Congratulations on being chosen as the featured psychic for December. I was so intrigued by your profile and have many questions for you. I know our readers will enjoy learning more about you and your work. Please explain what a Shaman is and how you knew you had these abilities?

Maria: Hello Selene! We never called ourselves Shamans; the word Shaman really became a lexicon in the west in the 1960's; when many seekers of knowledge branched out into the indigenous cultures. I came to Shamanism in 1978; by reading Carlos Castaneda's books. In the 1960's I studied many world religions, and was deeply involved with the New Age and Metaphysical communities. By the mid 70's and into mid-80's I trained and studied with several Native traditions and became a Sacred Pipe Carrier in the Lakota Tradition, in 1985. During this period of time I also trained with the Twisted Hairs - the lineage that Carlos Castaneda wrote about and where Shamanism became a focal point for me. In 1992, I met Koronté, Master Ayahueskero Shaman from the Amazon Rainforest. In 1993, I ventured into the Amazon and trained with Koronté; who adopted me as his daughter and trained me in the art of Jungle Medicine and healing. In 1994, on my stay in the Amazon, the Spirits of the Forest and the great Wizard Merlin appeared and told me my path would change and that I must go to Machu Picchu. I did and I engaged in the most unimaginable Spiritual change of my Life. I was initiated a Shaman, by the Star Elders; in a sacred mountain in Peru. I received three additional shamanic initiations; from Koronte', Master Shaman, Don Americo and Shaman Vara.

Selene: This is fascinating! I understand you come from a long line of Shamans. How did your family background help you to embrace your gifts?

Maria: My father insisted that we develop our 6th sense and to pay attention to our dreams and visions. His assertions that the greatest accomplishment a person could achieve in a lifetime was, "to connect with destiny and know our lineage," this fueled my imagination and I succeeded in achieving both.

My family followed the traditions of our Sumerian ancestors who are known today as the Basque people. Natural medicine and holistic practices were a normal part of my childhood. Our family ranch in southern Colorado provided a haven during my upbringing. I was raised by Basque parents who honored the old ways which added to my wholesome childhood life. They taught me to respect all living things and be thankful for having all of my needs fulfilled. I grew up with a connection to Spirit and la sagrada madre tierra (sacred mother earth). This forged a deep desire and commitment to follow the path of spirituality and I became a seeker of visions. They brought with them ancient lineage teachings as well as hidden spiritual treasures dating all the way back to the House of David. Their teachings molded my life in a way that I could never have dreamed possible.

At an early age I learned that my grandfather was unusual; he was seen boarding UFO craft and he possessed many magical powers such as teleportation. People in the community regarded our family as strange and feared my paternal grandfather. I aspire to achieve his talents and communicate with him to heal our family lineage.

Selene: Didn't you have your first UFO encounter at the age of 12? Please tell us about this experience and how this may have led you to your connection with the Star Elders.

Maria: From My book: Aboard a Star Craft while in the Amazon in 1993-4, I revisited a vision of the first time I was in a Star Ship (known as UFO's however not all UFO's are Star Ships). I had visited with them in my present day life. I remembered seeing them when I was in sixth grade. At that time on a sunny October afternoon, they had taken me aboard their craft Star Ship. They had shown me the earth from the huge windows on their craft. We had traveled a long distance that Friday afternoon. When they dropped me off, across the road from my grade school; I walked over the small bridge across the highway and into my classroom; I was surprised fifteen minutes later when the bell rang and we were dismissed for the weekend. These Star Beings had never frightened me; they were my friends and my family; I recognized them now when I entered the great hall. I must add here that there are those entities; that have frightened me; because they attempt to look human, are militarized in appearance and they are not humanity's friends. You will encounter them later on in this book and possibly our government will introduce them to you in the future. Approximately two months before my ride on the Star Ship, my father and I saw a Craft that came over our house and disappeared when it went above the trees about 300 feet from our home. After my Star Ship experience, same year, father and I saw a craft in a different location in our ranch, while we were standing and enjoying the setting sun. The San Luis Valley, in Colorado, where I grew up is known for UFO sightings and today there is a Naval UFO viewing sight on Hwy 17 out of Saguache.

Selene: How did you become a professional psychic and healer? What events occurred that led you to embrace this career?

Maria: I picked up a book at the library in our school and regular deck of cards also my first Astrology book when I was 15; I was hooked, because what I read matched what I knew intuitively. In my 20s I picked up my first tarot deck-they were rare in those days. I read for people who insisted that I should become professional-meaning I should charge for my readings. It took an accident that rendered me unable to do my regular job. I began reading at a restaurant in Dallas, Texas, I have been reading professionally ever since. Then I attended the first Astrology school in Dallas and learned western, shamanic and some Jyotish-Indian astrology. I continue studying.

Healing: began when I was a child my parents treated us with herbs and other healing methods. My first mentor taught me a lot about world religions, channeling which is a no-no in her book and also on mine. Through Shamanism and my training in the Amazon I expanded my skills. In March 1990, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer by two hospitals in Dallas. I refused treatment and when I sat in meditation in March 12, 1990, I discovered what caused my cancer and I eradicated it in that instant – I knew without a doubt that I was healed. A few weeks later I went to New York City to visit my son who was the Business Administrator for Dr. Ronald Hoffman, Holistic Doctor of Internal Medicine; who sent me to see Dr. Goldfarb, author of The No Hysterectomy Option; I recommend this book to every woman on the planet, it should be required reading in our schools. The conclusion is that I GOT a clean bill of health. I would not get another exam until 12 years later; I am healthy as a result of my meditations and self healing. I do remote healings for many people. Through my work with the Archangels and many Masters and Goddesses who help me when I need it or teach me through visions or telepathic communication. The Cottonwood Tree who healed me. The list is endless, I continue to study and still read constantly.

Selene: Has your educational background and life experience enhanced your talents and abilities as a psychic and Shaman?

Maria: Definitely, I am voracious reader have been since early childhood My favorite reading material was Life Magazine and all the mythology books as well as encyclopedias. I studied the dictionary and read the bible through by the time I was in my early teens.

Selene: You are also an astrologer, please tell us how you came to study astrology and what impact that has had on your life. How can an astrological consultation with you help your client?

Maria: It began with my father's astrology teachings and my desire for knowledge. I studied since I was 15 and attended Astrology School and have been in many classes with top Astrologers in the United States and Astrologers from England. I have studied Western, Shamanic, and Jyotish Astrology. I blend all three to help my clients achieve their goals, heal their lives and have a joyful life experience free of the traps that negativity and problems or obstacles can create. I teach my clients how to turn all this into positive results and achieve new and expanding goals for success.

I have an extensive background in business with a focus on financial planning. I can read on any subject but a specialty of mine is Business Consultations with Astrology. Utilizing my business acumen and experience, I provide my business clients with the information necessary to start, build, create, change or excel in their business. I have vast knowledge about business and tie this in with my astrological and intuitive abilities to help my clients create success.

Selene: I see you are also fluent in Spanish and offer readings in Spanish. That is very helpful and should bring many Spanish speaking clients your way. Is your family bi-lingual, did you grow up speaking two languages? Do you feel that speaking more than one language helps you with your skills as a reader?

Maria: I am bi-lingual in Spanish. I did not speak Spanish until I went to first grade and I never had a problem learning the language because I loved to read. I can't even recall trying to learn I just spoke the language. When I went to first grade there was a law that we could not speak Spanish in the school or school grounds. I have a cultured accent due to my own personal character and intelligence.

Selene: You founded Quantum Quest Shamanic Journeys and have a successful business leading seekers on journeys to sacred places. How did you get started doing your travel business and leading tours? That is fascinating and we'd love to hear more about it.

Maria: My first journey to the Amazon to study with Koronte' brought requests from many people that asked to go with me. Thus I founded Quantum Quest Shamanic Journeys, because people take a leap in their spiritual life that literally manifests in the physical reality. People's lives change and they step into their paths in a more powerful manner.

Selene: Where do you go and what do you do on these spiritual pilgrimages? How does a Spiritual Pilgrimage differ from a tour?

Maria: We primarily travel to Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. A Spiritual Pilgrimage differs from a tour. A pilgrimage is founded on reason or purpose for wanting to connect with something magnificent that will alter the course of your life. It is a journey to draw the presence of Pachamama, The Goddess and God into our life. You participate because you desire to commune, align and actually feel the power of Spirit and the Heart of Pachamama.

We leave our cares and concerns of everyday life and travel to places of Power where the energy of creation seeps into our world and where we can affect changes in our global consciousness, which is desperately needed in our world today. Your commitment to assist in changing the course of history for Pachamama and her inhabitants is nothing short of miraculous. The success of your spiritual journey will depend upon your openness, flexibility, and willingness. You will experience the timeless world of the Andean Shaman and the movement of the Spirit.

A pilgrimage is a journey whereby you have set your intent to change your life, influence events, and discover your greatest purpose for your present incarnation. A pilgrimage is unlike a regular tour where you step into a space-time or step outside of time. We take a journey of conscious and total presence and accept the rules of nature and the cosmos. This is where we can affect global change.

Selene: How can a session with you help someone who is going through hard times? Please tell us more about your work with the Akashic records.

Maria: I have an extensive background in Psychology, 12-Step programs; alcoholism, inner child and co-dependency, sexual abuse. I have developed a 3 step dual process with inner child to be released next fall.

Sufficient time is required for this type of reading. When I sit with someone I have the capacity to open the Akashic gateways and bring forth information that is necessary for their well being. This session involves working with Guides, Angels, Masters and Protectors.

Selene: How do you assist people with finding their Life Purpose and path? What sort of study do you suggest to those who wish to explore shamanism?

Maria: This requires an Astrology Consultation. The chart reveals the purpose for the present day incarnation and the strengths for particular types of work. A chart is an amazing revelation of a person's capabilities and gifts. I use my Psychic Sight and abilities of multi-dimensional communication to provide the most comprehensive reading possible.

I have suggested Books and will be hosting workshops on earth based teachings. An intensive is being planned for July 2010. Classes and Podcasts are on the way.

Selene: Please tell us about your family, your children and grandchildren. Do other members of your family share your gifts?

Maria: I have three sons and three grandchildren. We spend quality time in nature, and we all enjoy cooking together and of course eating. My sons and grandchildren share my gifts, but do not utilize them as I do, other than my granddaughter who is developing while attending school.

Selene: This is the part that is unscripted. What else would you like us to know about you?

Maria: I have written 2 books and am in the process of republishing my first book and will publish my 2nd Book in May of 2010. These books have a lot of information about Shamanism, my Native American training and my training and work with the Goddesses and the Star Elders; and the last two I encountered through initiation-this to be revealed in my second book.

Selene: How did you come to work with us on Psychic Access? I am sure many new clients will want to contact you after reading this interview too. When are you usually available on Psychic Access?

Maria: I was guided to Psychic Access through the internet. I am happy to be able to contact new clients here on Psychic Access; the website is very professional and meets my ethical standards. My schedule is on line at the most opportune time between 4pm and 10 pm; sometimes it changes. Please check my schedule, I keep it up to date, it's always posted online.

Selene: Thank you so much Maria, it's been wonderful getting to you know you. I'd love to go on a Spiritual Pilgrimage with you to Machu Picchu someday!

Are you ready to change your life and live your dreams? Do you need help with your spiritual journey? Come and sit with Shaman Maria on Psychic Access, she will take you by the hand to lead you on the path to your highest future.

Selene
 

Selene  :::   Rated as one of the top astrologers on the Internet, Selene contributes her expert monthly horoscopes to Psychic Times. Selene was a psychic reader/astrologer on Psychic Web for well over six years and on Psychic Access since it opened in 2005. She has been the resident Astrologer for Psychic Times since it began in 2005 and became the Editor in 2008.

Highlights:   December brings a shift in planetary energies as we prepare for 2010 which is ushered in with a Blue Moon and Lunar Eclipse on New Year’s Eve. Throughout 2009, at least one planet has been continuously in retrograde; when Uranus the planet of change goes direct in Pisces on December 1st we’ll experience 20 days with all the planets in forward movement, so take a deep breath and enjoy this brief respite as we gear up to move ahead. Of course, we always experience the shift when one of the planets takes its station and moves forward but this could also be fun as Venus also enters playful Sagittarius on the 1st bringing sparks and fun to relationships over the next 3 weeks. This may be an opportune time to start a new romance. The Full Moon in Gemini on the 2nd will illuminate the need for clear communication and being in affinity with your highest purpose. The first part of the month is a good for personal introspection and a review of the year, for contemplating what you have learned or experienced. Relationships require work, be open to the point of view of others as stern Saturn in gentle Libra squares Pluto in Capricorn for most of the month. Mercury enters Capricorn on the 5th joining Pluto and creating some difficulty with communication, be clear in what you say and think before speaking. Emotional healing will be accentuated as Jupiter conjuncts Chiron in Aquarius on the 7th. The Sun trines Mars on the 10th lightening the sense of burden we’ve been feeling. The New Moon in Sagittarius on the 16th squares Uranus, we will be challenged to define what freedom means to us and to live up to our ideals over the next two weeks. Mars in Leo goes retrograde on the 20th, where it remains until March 10th. Mars retrograde just seems to slow things down, it can bring mechanical glitches, fatigue, and a sense of inertia, creativity will be hard work. Take care of routine repairs and attend to health concerns before the 20th, what you put off can come back to bite you later on. The Capricorn solstice on the 21st begins a productive and serious month. Expansive Jupiter conjuncts imaginative Neptune in Aquarius on the Solstice, we’ll seek deeper understanding of how we can connect to others in a mutually beneficial way. The Sun conjoins Pluto as Venus enters Capricorn on the 25th, we will value the time we spend with family but there could be some serious conversations that lead to dissention, don’t be overly sensitive. Mercury stations retrograde on the 26th, travel with caution and expect delays. Mercury will be retrograde until January 15th, try to put off any important business decisions or purchases during this transit. Mars and Mercury retrograde simultaneously is a good time to rest, reorganize and take care of what needs to be completed rather than initiating new projects. The Full Moon in Cancer on the 31st is a Super Moon, Blue Moon and partial Eclipse; this will amplify your emotional state so choose a happy and peaceful celebration whether you stay at home or go out. Spend time with those you love and count your blessings. It is a fittingly dramatic end to a year that has brought us much change and is a bridge into a new phase of history.

Aries   March 21st - April 20th
Wanderlust has a hold on you, whether you can get away or not you feel the need to travel so take a break even if you can't take a vacation. Try to escape the day to day grind that seems to be depleting you now. The New Moon in Sagittarius will enliven you and give you a fresh perspective on how to create happiness in your daily life. You long for a new reality with more fulfillment, creativity and excitement. Envision your dreams and align with what you must do to manifest them. The Full Moon in Cancer on New Year's Eve brings challenges at home, gain understanding and cooperation with your family rather than having undue expectations over what the holidays should be. Be in the moment and enjoy what you have now rather than allowing depression or regret over the past to color your future.

Taurus   April 21st - May 20th
Uranus direct can bring clarity regarding financial decisions having to do with shared resources, taxes, or property. You want to move ahead and to feel secure about your material standing, comfort is very important to you and you like to feel certain about how things stand for you. You will experience some healing in a relationship as you clear up misunderstandings and come to new levels of agreement about how to move ahead. Mars retrograde will tax your energy, get enough rest and exercise to keep up with the demands that will placed on you over the holiday week. Double check your travel plans at Christmas and take care of any important business dealings before Mercury goes retrograde. The Full Moon in Cancer makes you look at what is most important to you about feeling safe and secure in your relationships.

Gemini   May 21st - June 21st
The Full Moon in your sign will transform relationships, look for a new level of commitment and understanding with someone you love and want to get closer with. These long term plans formed at this time will influence your life for a long time. Be open to compromise and willing to dialogue about solutions that will work out for the highest good of all concerned. You want to live up to your potential and feel compelled to move forward in those areas you feel like there has not been enough progress in. The New Moon in Sagittarius continues to bring revelations about personal growth and will challenge you to get past the blocks you feel regarding your self esteem. Clear up projects you have procrastinated on and take positive action before Mercury your ruling planet goes retrograde.

Cancer   June 22nd - July 22nd
Your health and material well being will be on your mind this month, you really want to feel better and have been overwhelmed with problems and responsibility lately. There has been little time for yourself; you'll feel compelled to slow down and take care of what you need to do to feel more secure and stable. You are working on the right balance in relationships so you feel loved and appreciated without being co-dependent. This holiday period is a time to heal old wounds with others and gain clarity into what your goals for the New Year are. Get your finances in order before Mercury goes retrograde, don't overdo it with holiday spending, this is not the time to over extend. The Full Moon in your sign with a lunar eclipse brings transformation and growth, gear up for a new direction in 2010.

Leo   July 23rd - August 22nd
You are filled with creative ideas and optimistic plans for the future. Uranus direct frees up your reservations about new business plans, get as much done as you can before Mars goes retrograde in your sign on the 20th. Through your diligent focus and concentration, you may be amazed at what you can accomplish towards manifesting your goals. Relationships can get closer and take on a playful and fun energy that will help you feel happier and more understood. If you are hoping to meet someone new, this can be a great time to begin a warm and friendly romance. The New Moon in Sagittarius will create a romantic glow that can bring you closer to someone you love. The holiday week will be a bit frustrating as Pluto squares Saturn and Mercury prepares to retrograde. Keep it simple and remain flexible for best results now.

Virgo   August 23rd - September 22nd
The Full Moon in Gemini enlivens communication and business connections. New opportunities could present themselves at this time. Be open and willing to compromise in order to get along with others. This is not the time to demand that things go your way but rather to see what is best for all involved and be willing to bend. You want to feel at home and comfortable over the holidays it is more important to you to be around those you care about rather than being focused on material things. Get enough rest and take the time to nurture yourself, you want to be healthier and to feel better and more energetic. Rid yourself of toxic thought patterns and remain positive and hopeful rather than giving in to depression or blaming others for your situation. The Lunar Eclipse at the end of the month could bring moodiness and disagreements, be open to discussion and compromise rather than insisting that you are right.

Libra   September 23rd - October 23rd
Communication and relationships will be the focus this month. You long for more understanding and a deeper connection with others; you've been in a philosophical state of mind and want to reach conclusions that will help you comprehend the big picture. The Full Moon in Gemini enhances this desire to have your point of view validated by those you may have experienced dissention with or had a major difference of opinion on a key issue. Pluto squares Saturn in your sign and makes you question the nature of your reality. When Venus your ruling planet trines Mars on the 17th, you may be feeling playful and romantic, enjoy the light hearted mood and relax. When Venus squares Uranus on the 19th there will be much deeper concerns to communicate about and work through. The Full Moon in Cancer will make you more sensitive to the plight of others, it is a good time for volunteering to help those less fortunate in their lives at this time.

Scorpio   October 24th - November 21st
Money and personal property are of deep concern at the end of the year. You have felt frustrated and want to see progress and prosperity in your future. Take inventory of what can change now and stay positive about your ultimate prospects. This is not the time to give in to depression or despair, find what makes you happy and secure and pursue it. Don't over spend or use credit when it will place a burden on you. Although you will enjoy the holidays, you will be glad to have social obligations taken care of. The Full Moon and Eclipse in Cancer makes you look deeply at your inner emotions, for once you will be able to express how you really feel to others, let them know you care and clear up relationship issues now.

Sagittarius   November 22nd - December 21st
You feel energized and enlightened as the Sun transits your solar 1st house of self. You just want to be happy and are willing to be content with the situation at hand. Sagittarius is the sign of the eternal optimist and it is hard to understand why others can't be satisfied, you dislike complications and drama. The Full Moon in Gemini will shed light on what needs to shift in your relationships, you are tired of the same old patterns and want to see progress. Mars trines your Sun, and brings you energy and the ambition to get into top physical condition. This focus on personal image and positive thought will be amplified with the New Moon in your sign. Finances and material concerns will become more important to you after the solstice, you will feel ready to pay down debt and come up with new ways to manifest prosperity.

Capricorn   December 22nd - January 19th
Pluto in your sign squares Saturn in Libra throughout the month, this will bring challenges in your interactions both personal and in business. If you find yourself frustrated or have misunderstandings with others, back off and don't demand that things go your way. Be patient and understanding to keep the peace over the holidays. The New Moon in Sagittarius will be a time of introspection for you as you evaluate what needs to change in order for you to feel more secure and on track in your life. Experiencing a happy holiday will be important to you as you restructure your traditions and focus on the personal interaction rather than the material aspect of the season. The Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Cancer brings a new level of communication in relationships; you must seek creative solutions to on-going issues.

Aquarius   January 20th - February 18th
As Uranus your ruling planet goes direct you feel excited and ready for something new. The Gemini Full Moon ignites your solar house of fun, love and creativity. Relationships will be important to you now, let your loved ones know how you feel and enjoy the positive energy. You may feel compelled to reach out to old friends and to set misunderstandings straight. Your values have changed and you see the big picture more clearly. You long to feel connected now, to experience kinship and camaraderie with others. The New Moon in Sagittarius is a good time to cooperate rather than engage in power struggles. You may be feeling rather sensitive over the holidays; there are vague nostalgic longings for the past. Put your attention on your work and career goals at the Cancer Full Moon, your desire to manifest a secure future will be empowered now.

Pisces   February 19th - March 20th
Your desires to advance in your spiritual growth and understanding are amplified by Jupiter's conjunction to Neptune your ruling planet and Chiron in Aquarius. Uranus direct in your sign adds a dimension of enhanced self esteem that can bring positive results. The Gemini Full Moon challenges you to create more stability at home and to feel at ease with how you live your life. You are seeking greater meaning and want to advance with your career in the coming New Year. Focus and define what you want in order to see tangible results. The New Moon in Sagittarius squares Uranus bringing abrupt changes with your job or career; be ready to pivot and make the most of opportunities presented to you now. Mars retrograde in your solar house of work and personal health will cause you to review your health, diet and exercise practices.

Feraion  :::   Provides us with a light-hearted monthly column in an effort to get us to smile, which we all need to do more of. Feraion lives in Australia where his day job is an accounting university professor. He was originally from England where he learned Qabalah from students of Dion Fortune herself, where he was the Radio Medway astrologer for a couple of years, where he edited the Astrological Association's magazine Transit for a bit longer, and where he was warden of a qabalistic SDG for over a decade. He has lived in China and Singapore for over 15 years and is now in his third year with Psychic Times.

I write this column on a grey day in the fall of 2009 in a hotel on the Bosporus, the river border between Europe and Asia in Istanbul, Turkey. It makes me think about borders and continents. Some borders are completely natural, usually oceanic. The Americas are one long land mass between the Atlantic and Pacific. Africa is a land mass between the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Australia is a big island between the Antarctic, the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Europe begins in the West with Iceland and Ireland and Asia ends in the East with Siberia, Japan, China and Indonesia. The one continental border that was never completely fixed in history was the one between Europe and Asia. For much of history there were Christians ruling Europe and Moslems ruling Western Asia, so the boundary was religious. Russia is in both continents but its culture, beliefs and self image is largely European though the majority of its land mass is Asian. Now, as the European Union marks a new milestone in its evolution to becoming the United States of Europe, the reconsideration of continental boundaries has grown edgy. Turkey wants to join the EU but several EU members are strongly against including a Moslem country with shaky human rights in its club.

What has this to do with you and your psychic space?

It's about security. In ordinary life, you are buttressed by your family, your friends, your sense of belonging to a village or town or city, your state (a little) your country and culture. All those things give you both a sense of identity and a sense of security. You need security because it is a basic animal need and also because without it, it is hard to live a creative life. Writers may suffer but they write usually in comfort and quiet. Artists paint and sculpt in sheltered studios.

Identity for our regular ego centred self is about where we get security, our relationships and our sense of belonging to a bunch of groups. As we develop spiritually, our sense of identity starts to be informed more and more by our past lives and the unfinished business and incomplete lessons they bequeathed. Some of these insights from our higher self, guardian angel and hypnotic regressions will enhance our identity significantly but may shake profoundly our sense of security. For example people with Mars/ Saturn conjunctions in their birth charts were probably eunuchs in a key previous life and now have to move on by being "more" of a man or woman, mother/father, creator rather than schemer/dreamer and above all, adult rather than child. Seems to me many baby boomers have this legacy to deal with, including me by the way. It is not a comfortable thing to absorb into our sense of identity, but it certainly makes sense of a lot of life events and attitudes that would defy explanation otherwise. Eunuchs were common at the courts of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, especially in Constantinople which became Istanbul, after falling to the Ottoman Turks on 29 May 1452. 29 May is the birthday of the current Dalai Lama, the first one to have to have left his native homeland of Lhasa, Tibet. Many baby boomers are followers or at least supporters of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism, including me. Were many of us involved in the fall of Byzantium in 1452? What should we have learned from it that is relevant now? I think peaceful cohabitation is part of the answer, and for the ex eunuchs among us, creative cohabitation may be another part of the answer too. Let's look at this again, sometime, OK?

Fraternally,

Feraion

Each month the lovely and most talented Salome imparts some Shamanic wisdom and teachings upon us and shares some interesting personal tidbits. Salome was a reader on Psychic Web for many years and can now be found on "Psychic Access" where she is one of the top readers. We hope you enjoy Shaman's Corner.

"Of Shamans: What Is. What was. What shall be."

People can become shamans with training, but those who do have a predilection towards shamanism to begin with. The general feeling is that the shamans who choose to follow this path are shamans not as powerful, or as able, to work with spirits as ones who are called to it by the spirits, or born to it.

Up till now, I have found this to be very true. But veils are lifting plus perception and knowledge is changing for mankind about shamanism. Sometimes it’s with good results, sometimes not. If it's not meant to be, it won't happen. If you push to learn to be a shaman, then you'll find it's not as glamorous as one thinks. The Earth's, indeed the cosmic landscape is littered with the tragedy of tons 'Wanna Be shamans' and their followers being quite lost.

In my case I was called, due to my soul's prior agreement before I was born to this lifetime. It is true that I could have chosen to not follow, but follow I did. Once you agree, then if you put it down, your health fails and you are never quite as strong as you once were. It is also possible to eventually die to this world because you elected not to follow the shaman's path.

The thing you must remember is that shamans MUST learn to work with their spirits. You can drum, go a-visioning all you want, take mind altering substances all you wish, but if you cannot work with spirits consistently and productively without these tools; then it's a moot point. The spirits will force this point and often I have witnessed others called to rights by the spirits and in a no nonsense way. Shamanism is not something to have casual interest in. It's a job and is a life occupation.

Witches can be shamans, but not all witches are shamans. I hope that is not too confusing. In truth, if you are a witch and take up shamanism because you are meant to do so; then the knowledge of witchcraft is always there, but it as well, becomes a moot point, if you take up the mantle of a shaman.

In times past, many cultures thought of shamans as witches. There is a book called "Shamans Through Time", by Jeremy Narby which talks about peoples' attitude towards shamans. Many thought they were witches. In many cultures they killed them because they thought they were crazy. In reality, shamans are some of the sanest people you'll ever meet. They must be or they could not do their work.

Shamans are doctors of ancient human and cosmic psychology who also work with spirits. They also just happen to be able to assist people to heal because of their working relationship with the spirits. They can understand crazy people, sick and fearful people, people with soul loss. They are not allowed to become shamans unless they are healed and can help others in a clear balanced way. A wounded healer must be a healed healer before they can do the work. It is not easy to reach this point, but the spirits help them if they agree to work with them.

Does this mean once a shaman is healed and practices, they are okay and their spirits will always help them? Yes and no, when a shamans needs to 'shift upwards' and grow in understanding, expand their work, a healing crisis or crises occurs, or else they will stop being able to work or hear what the spirits are trying to do with and for them. I refer to this as the 'old arm twisting' technique a shaman's spirits can use to drive a point home. Pay attention or else. Shamans can die to this world if they refuse to listen and do their work as agreed. This is important. Very important…Too many people say oh this sounds just like what I am supposed to be doing but when the work gets very mucky and hard, they opt out.

Shamanism is not sparkly, alluring and glamorous. Those who think so have read too many books and watched too many movies. Delusion of what shamanism is runs rampant nowadays, but the veils are thinning and shift comes. Shift comes. A rendering of the veils between worlds will increase accurate and truthful perception about shamanism for humankind and beyond.

As cosmic time becomes more readily seen and sensed, we will be hearing more and more, exactly what it is shamans do. Some of it has yet to be revealed and the ones who know about this are at a loss to explain to one of those who are closed to this information. Soon a shift in perception occurs which will increase understanding and growth. Many people now call it enlightenment; shamans call it waking up to all the energies it takes to make creation work.

Shamanism is all about seen and unseen influences that affect everything good or bad. The doors are opening more and more for us on this. The spirits are demanding more attention is paid. If you wonder, or even think you are a shaman, ask yourself some serious questions: "Okay you want to learn to become a shaman? Where are the spirits who have called you to this? Have they taught you to journey with them to other realms to help people who are caught, trapped and torn asunder?" Basically the end game of tests to pass is: can you work with your spirits to fix and repair. Can you travel with your spirits where others cannot pass, when asked by your spirits? Do you astral travel alone? Shamans do not do that. Not ever. Pay attention to that last sentence because it speaks of common sense. Wanting to leave your body and heal over and over again constantly does not speak of shaman material. This speaks of avoidance or wasting time not wanting to be responsible for your life, so does being angry at the world and what has happened to you. Shamans do not have time for this. If you're still gnawing on your leg bones and re-opening wounds, you're not ready to be a shaman.

It is a myth that shamans know instantly when the spirits visit that they are trying to call them to shamanism. It happens during deep sickness and near death experiences, and also death and return from death. A shaman cannot do their work unless they have died to this world, some even several times, and returned. This is many times the only way they can gain a perception of true transition from one world to the next, or be strong enough to venture there during the work. But… things shift and veils are torn apart and through the rifts we begin to see truths old as before time. The only thing you need to know from a standpoint of casual interest is the word “shift”.

There are also many other aspects of shamanism, that unless one is a shaman, they are hard to understand. Watch your dreams if you feel you are a shaman or are supposed to be one. Think on this for a moment..... If you are attracted to it, then space it off, but if it keeps coming up, better pay attention. If you are sick or have been very sick and left with nothing to help you, better pay attention. If you know things you already know or knew things, and it nags at you. Better pay attention. Shamanism may just be calling you.

Shamanism may be calling you and if it is, you may look forward to a lot of work, sickness, and rewards of the spirit, mind, body and emotions like you may have only yet glimpsed in your dreams.

At this time in December, may you have a pleasant dreaming and remember: In many places throughout the world, it's quite hush, hush right now, dormant and sleeping, thus it becomes easier to get answers.

The world, as we understand it, is shifting and changing. The day is fast coming when those who dabble in shamanism will either fall away or commit to the work. Veils are falling aside between the worlds, as they’re meant to. They have done this with every creation/planetary being since cosmic time began. Shamanism has always been around and it will stay. Our understanding and clarity is shifting. Opening.

There is not time to go into more in this article, but I do hope I have whetted some people's curiosity in a serious and committed way. Remember, it's not for sissies and it's not for the idle. It is work, and work for a lifetime, and beyond. You cannot put it aside in a drawer and go visit friends and relatives. It goes with you from then on forward.

Reflect on this if you will, veils are lifting and perception will clear as it's meant to, and it comes sooner than many think. An age old practice, as old as before the cosmos, it's shifting and changing but make no mistake, if you are meant to be practicing this shamans stuff, you will.

See you next month at Shaman's Corner.

Salome

Each month, we randomly select, from among the e-mails received from you, one person to be featured in our prayer circle. All we need from you is a paragraph or two about the person--and yes it can be yourself--along with his/her name, age and place of residence. Use the "Submit Request" link above. Oh, and don't think that only illnesses are worthy of prayers. It can be a strong desire, a job you're anxiously hoping for, or anything that keeps you up nights wishing on the stars. You'll be amazed just how potent the power of prayer really is.

For Liz S.

All of my life I have been a doer, now I am 76 years old and have Parkinson's Disease and have to have a hip replacement operation which keeps me immobile. I have to rely on other people to walk me around my home and I can't do any cooking or cleaning.

Your prayers would be much appreciated.

Thank you

Last Month's Jumble Prize Winner Is: Anthony P. Congratulations!!! You've just won $50 worth of private reading time with the psychic of your choice at PsychicAccess.com.

Our theme for this month is "Christmas".

Jumble #1

Unjumble the highlighted letters from the "Eye Opener" column to solve the monthly jumble. In the "Eye Opener" column you will see letters that are highlighted in different colors.

1st Word

Purple Boxed Letters in "Eye Opener"

Enter the unscrambled words (letter by letter) in the spaces provided below. Hint: Watch out for these Christmas UFO's...

1st

Jumble #2

Did you solve Jumble #1? Good! Now take the highlighted letters from the words above and fit them into Jumble #2. Hint: The Pagan festival coinciding with Christmas.

1st

Jumble #3

Did you solve Jumble #2 also? Excellent! Now take the highlighted letters from the words above and fit them into Jumble #3. Hint: These don our Christmas Tree.

1st

The names of the people who have submitted a correct answer by the 25th of the month will be placed into a hat and a winner will be randomly hand-picked. The lucky winner will receive a credit of $50.00 toward a reading with the psychic of their choice at PsychicAccess.com. Be sure to read next month's newsletter to see if you're the winner.

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Whether we're aware of it or not, our energy is an important ingredient that goes into all the foods we make. So, be mindful of what you're thinking or feeling when you cook or bake. (Margarite Westo)

Note: It's been said by many wise teachers that blessing your food before you eat it helps to raise its vibrational energy and provides you with a more nutritious meal.

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