Die b4 U Die, hello grousing Sufis, yet again. Dedicated to Nicholas Ashford, singer-songwriter, May 4, 1941-Aug 22, 2011.
Virgo/Virgo Rising* (Aug 22-Sept 22): These midsummer days could be kinder to you. Through retreat into the recesses of your soul, we've been talking about, shall I say, higher things? Americans will misrepresent how often they go to regular church services by as much as 10 percent less than actually attend, according to one study from Duke University. Virgo, being the efficient earth (practical) sign, you have a propensity to marry yourself to an invisible being when life lands you in an intense crisis, only to abandon the sky god once it has passed. When you could be getting things done, getting it done or getting her done (original multitasker, you), you perceive church for church's sake, as an inefficient use of your time. It is. Celebrate your life with or without a higher being. But make room for your own spirit to clean up the clutter of contradictory thoughts. Remember to allot time to contemplate how you want to be a better person without guilt or anxiety. After all, pleasurable Venus camps out in your sign until September 14, and She mandates that shared love is your only guiding force ... that can be exhibited anywhere, cathedrals unnecessary.
Libra/Libra Rising* (Sep 23-Oct 22): Being a member of a minority or oppressed group gives you a perspective of the "outsider." When stressed, you can utilize your heightened observational skills to know how to present yourself with minimal interference. This is one reason why I am fascinated with American popular culture. As Nero allegedly fiddled while Rome burned, I maintain that the more folks are famous simply for being famous a la Reality TV (and Libran Ms. Kardashian), the US of A has been set afire. Rampant narcissism erodes the development of empathy. No more do we have songs about "All You Need Is Love," "Imagine" (by Libran John Lennon) or "What's Going On?" We have an influx of auto tune and banal 3-D movies. Use your status as the sign that begins all forms of relating to correct the out-of-balance scales piled up on the selfish side. Daily, perform some soul-filled act of unpredictable goodness. Reach out, and yes, touch someone (written by the late Nicholas Ashford and his surviving wife, Valerie Simpson). Sure, one side of the scale thinks cynically. However, you live to learn the exquisite balance, so observe who's in need of your scintillating smile, then beam forth. Take our souls up, Scotty. Pour one out for your homies or ancestors.
Scorpio/Scorpio Rising* (Oct 23-Nov 21): These last days of Mercury retrograde in Leo have tried your considerable patience. The demands of others can rankle your nerves. Everyone is either a backseat driver or a food critic from the corner of your kitchen. Ignore their words. Instead focus on their intent. You were born to learn how to pay rapt attention to what's underneath well-defined surfaces. These critical (and often unsupportive) people desire your attention. Your pure feeling self (PFS) curses without thought of reprisal. Actually, your PFS enjoys the unadulterated feelings that curse words symbolize. Your PFS gives to others who are in legitimate pain or need. Your PFS scoffs at those who think they are better than anyone else without a corresponding need to help those less fortunate. The fact that Mercury spends three times (nine weeks) his normal amount of time in lavish Leo, says it all. Help those who ask and let the rest go. You do not have to be a Good Samaritan all the time. It is the First Nation's adage regarding giving fish versus teaching someone how to fish that should be your guiding mantra. Yet, do not teach the unwilling, recalcitrant or aloof ones.
