The first week in February starts with powerful emotional energy that may clash with the eccentric men in our lives.  Most people will feel this energy as resistance and a need to express themselves fully.  Sunday is a good day for connecting with other like minded folks.  Monday we continue our individualistic journey.  Let's not forget the Groundhog.   Tuesday we reconnect with the women in our lives; especially those that make us feel like exploring something new and exciting, in ourselves or in our world.  By Wednesday we are feeling good about something, maybe it's just getting up to greet the brand new day.  Thursday, we are fighting a reality check; we would much rather stay in a world of illusion.  Illusion or delusion take your pick; try to stay focused on paperwork or anything else that needs to get done; this is not a day for seeing others clearly.   Friday may bring relationship issues to the surface; it will also be a day for socializing.  Coast through Saturday and you will have all the answers on Sunday.

Positive use of this energy might be -  Expressing ones feelings in a passionate manner about what is truly important to you.  Listening to the passions of another.   It is really a week that delivers happy surprises.  Enjoy them!  Wait for the clouds to lift before making major decisions.  The energy is shifting constantly for most of us this week.  We can use this energy to relate to others with understanding and compassion, while waiting for our own agenda to get clearer.

                                                                                                            ART
This sunset was on the way home from a friends.  I pulled over and clicked away.  It's never as glorious as it feels.  I'll keep trying!

                                                                                                         MUSIC
Nancy Griffith "Ohio".   I'm here again for a little while.   Might as well enjoy it.

Sunday, watch out for the unexpected, we are not in the mood to be tied down.  Freedom is the feeling of the day.  Add a little dose of control freak, and "we aren't takin' it anymore".  Oh baby, let's calm down.  
Some of us will simply be philosophical.  What a powerful range of emotion and possibility; with the day starting with Uranus and Pluto aspecting the moon and ending with a nice trine from Jupiter.  Moving us into Monday with not much to say or do, unless we have to.  Tuesday we awaken to longing and a need to express personal truth.  We can become frustrated when the words just don't come out right.  This moves us into a few days of feeling alienated or just on our own.  We need to communicate something; what is it? 
 TGIF!  Go have some fun even if you do feel alone in the world.  The week ends with soft and subtle feelings from Neptune and Power Struggles from dear Pluto.  

Positive use for Uranus square Pluto aspecting the moon.  Try to understand the women in your life, even if, they are acting out in unexpected ways.  If you have the itch for confrontation, think things through before you speak.  Later in the week when Saturn aspects Venus, Mercury, and the Moon at different times,  you can focus on unfinished projects.  Saturn is always a call for discipline and self reflection.  It might seem like it's coming from the outside but it's important to do the self reflection needed.  Neptune can help us empathize with others or make us feel like a victim.  The positive choice would be to Empathize!  Pluto can help us work hard and get a lot done.  Let's avoid the power struggles and put our efforts to better use.

Have a great week.  Remember it's just ENERGY.  You decide how to use it!

                                                                                                          ART
While walking in the woods I spotted this tree with wings held high waiting to take flight.  What do you see?

                                                                                                       MUSIC
Josh Ritters' song with the same title reminds me of some of Bob Dylans' work.  He is a poet that tells a story with vivid imagery.  I hope you enjoy it.

Sunday is a day of recovery.  Minor irritations quickly pass.  Get ready for Monday; mind your feelings! 
 A little tempted to break the bank.  Overspending is a real temptation.  We are not feeling neutral.  Express those feelings and desires in a constructive manner and you might just win over the love of your life. 
 Idealism and sticking to ones ideals are a must.  Who won that game on Sunday?  or is it the latest political debate?  No one is compromising here.  Let's take a break and think things over.  
By the middle of the week we are ready to make amens if necessary.  We will be diplomatic, if nothing else.  
As the week moves on we try to restrain our opinions.  It ends with us asking questions or just numbing out from the unexpected conflict.  Take a Nap!

Positive use for this energy would be- Artistic expression that is bold.  Joyous activities; what do you enjoy doing.  Go ahead indulge a little, just a little!  Get clear on your vision for your life or your world.  You don't have to drag everyone along with you, just yet.  Focus on creating a life that expresses your ideal.  How can you change to be "the change" you want to see in the world?  The more we can focus this energy on ourselves and making ourselves the best version we can be, the more positively this intense energy will manifest.

This is a general weather report, our individual astrology charts will affect how we experience the energy of the week.  Use the suggestions that resonate with you.  I will be adding an educational option in early March for those who would like to know more about their individual charts.  In the mean time enjoy observing your responses to energy however it is manifesting in your life at this time.

                                                                                                              ART
I came across this charcoal drawing from a couple of years ago.  Most of the art I publish on this blog will be current but I just couldn't resist this soulful look.   I think we underestimate the range of emotions animals feel.  Let's all love the animals!

                                                                                                           MUSIC
I was listening to my Grooveshark station earlier this week and they played this tune by "Breathe owl Breathe"
                                                                                                      "Black Bear"
                                                                                            
    

The week starts with warmth and commitment.  We love hanging out with friends and family.  As the week progresses  we continue to be relationship oriented, feelings run deep.  We can also, simply, choose to be polite.  As the week progresses the energy of frustration will be present.  Mid week, we may come up with a few brilliant solutions; as we will be open to new ideas.  The middle part of the week is filled with charm and empathy if we are open to the subtlety of this energy; otherwise we may just be lazy.  By thursday we are feeling a little edgier; a combination of excitement and feelings of frustration can test our patience.  Don't push the river, the timing just isn't right.  Friday is downright serious; we may even feel a little confused.  Saturday regroup, by evening you are feeling optimistic.  We end the week feeling a little overindulgent.  Some of us may indeed overindulge in some pleasure or vice.
Depending on your own birth chart and how you align with the energetic patterns of the week; you may benefit from the positive suggestions below.

Positive use of this energy would be - focus, focus, and more focus.  On the days when this is frustrating, take time to dream your reality.  Think about what is truly important to you.  How do you intend to accomplish these goals?  Read inspirational literature, watch inspirational videos, and be open to new concepts from an unexpected source.  Workout with a plan.  What do you want for your body and your health?  Relationships should be nurtured with kindness and compassion.  We may not like all of the people in our lives but we can surely love them.  Most of all we must love ourselves, as in honoring our needs and acknowledging our strengths.  Have a fun week!  It's all ENERGY and so are we, just energy!

                                                                                                      ART
                                        Living in Cincinnati in the Winter has always been a challenge for me.  
                                        Finding beauty in the simplest scenes is an exercise in creativity.
                                        Training my eyes, again, to See!

                                                                                                  MUSIC
                                       I hope you enjoy the humor in this song by Paul Thorne.

We start the week with Uranus and Pluto in close aspect to the Sun.  Egos may clash, we are all in the mood to get it done!  Serious discussions can lead to compromise.  Sweet Neptune helps us merge with a larger agenda.  As the week moves on emotions can become volatile as secrets rise to the surface.  Relationships that need to come to an end or need serious adjustment must be attended to.  

Positive use for this energy would be taking leadership in a project or cause that is close to your heart.  Be open to discussions that can lead to better solutions for everyone.  Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi would be good for bodily awareness.  Take time to acknowledge your feelings and accept them fully without defending them.  Stay focused on what you really want to accomplish and take small steps in that direction.  It's the beginning of a New Year.  You may not be able to get it all done at once.  Cheers!

                                                                                                   My Art
My photography skills are currently a little mediocre.  I will be studying with a photographer this year and look forward to sharing my new skill as it improves.  I hope you enjoy the sentiments in the mean time.

                                                                                         Music for the Week
Kate Wolf, I love this singer/songwriter.   Wishing everyone "some kind of love".
 
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