'Shinrin-Yoku' is the Japanese term for a 'forest bath'. It's the practice of immersing in nature as a way of cleansing oneself and reconnecting to a simpler lifestyle. The concept, which emerged as an antidote to tech-burnout, has many benefits. As Venus comes home to earthy Taurus, it's time to fall in love with the earth again and ground ourselves in the physical, natural environment. No matter how many ideas are competing for our attention, what's real, is what we can touch.
In the olden days, to get a horoscope calculated for your exact date and time of birth, you had to be a member of the royal family. Only court astrologers cast birth charts. Now, we can all be kings and queens. A full, personal birth chart can't just tell you more about what (and who) you were born to be... it can list, in deeply valuable detail, every major challenge and opportunity that lies ahead for you over the next few months. If you're wrestling with a tricky choice - or if you want to make more of your potential. Click here!
ARIES
When writers are looking for ways to inject excitement and tension into their narrative, there's a literary device that always works: the race against time. The more pressure the characters are under, the more engaged the audience feels. Great in fiction. Not so great when everything starts to feel 'touch and go' in real life. That's not entertaining. The situation you're dealing with might feel unnerving. Things aren't as calm and secure as you'd like. But if you take the pressure off, you'll see you've got time to get things right.
TAURUS
Venus, your ruling planet, entering your sign is good news for your love life, your finances, and your ability to find solutions to long-standing problems. Today, a time of creativity begins; not only can you see what other people need (and help them), in the process your own needs will be met. Get ready for some passion and excitement too. As long as your intentions are based on kindness and generosity, you'll find ways to ensure that whatever comes along, you'll be able to turn it into something positive.
GEMINI
According to the Infinite Monkey Theorem, if a monkey sits at a keyboard for an infinite amount of time, it will produce the complete works of Shakespeare (and any other literary work you can think of). Hmmm... the problem, is that you're under time pressure. Whether it's an obligation to fulfil, or an idea you need to have, you've got a deadline. Plus, you don't want to spend eternity on this. You want to get it done and move on. With Venus changing signs, your creativity is heightened. Focus... and you'll succeed.
CANCER
We get so entrenched in our ways that we can grow accustomed to feeling uncomfortable. Maybe our preferred sleeping position gives us a backache. But that's how we fall asleep - so we don't think about changing it. This syndrome affects us on a psychological level too. We do things out of habit that aren't always good for us. As Venus moves into a new home, with just a small amount of effort and self-discipline you can make an adjustment to your routine that changes your mindset... and empowers you into action.
LEO
If you were interviewed about where you go to find comfort, warmth and reassurance, what would you say? Hopefully, you wouldn't have to think too hard to answer the question. But if you're wondering why you're struggling to find these qualities in your world, hope is at hand. As Venus, planet of love and luxury. changes signs, be on the lookout for events and occurrences that open possibilities for developing new connections. It's by investing in positive relationships that you'll find the support and care you deserve.
VIRGO
When you're embarking on something challenging, humming the Mission Impossible tune can be helpful. I caught myself whistling it the other day. I mention it, because it's possible that you're facing a real impossibility. You're under pressure to meet someone else's needs, and it's putting you in an unfeasible situation. No wonder you don't feel like humming or whistling! Yet if you can summon up a bit of positivity, you'll find you're less stuck than you think. Start by being kind to yourself. The possibilities will start to appear.
LIBRA
You know those fairground roundabouts where children sit in little cars and trains? They love tooting the horn and turning the steering wheel. They're oblivious to the fact that they're having no impact on the direction they're moving in. There are times when as adults, it feels like we're stuck on one of those rides. Whatever we do, we don't seem to be making any progress. Today, as your ruler, Venus, moves into its other celestial home, you can take a small action that will have a big effect on your life. This can be fun.
SCORPIO
Some ideas are brilliant, yet unworkable. Others, which don't seem particularly innovative, are more practical; when actioned, they work. And the best ideas of all? They're the ones that are simple and doable. But they don't tend to come along very often. Or, if they do, maybe we're not in the right frame of mind to recognise them. So... stay alert to inspiring thoughts today. There's a good chance you're about to have a genius idea. To find it, have confidence in your ability to see something that other people have overlooked.
SAGITTARIUS
'The more things change, the more they stay the same.' I love this expression because it sounds slightly ridiculous. How can things that change stay the same? I suspect it alludes to the fact that no matter the changes in our outer world, they're not necessarily reflected in our inner world - just because we've got a new boss doesn't mean our work/life balance improves. So, is there any point in you trying your hardest to transform an aspect of your life? Absolutely. Your attitude has altered. And that can change everything.
CAPRICORN
Our friends and enemies have more in common than we think. When we dislike people it's often because we've got lots in common with them. If we spent time together, we'd agree about lots of things. It's the small issues of disagreement that cause problems. And if we found ourselves in the company of someone from a completely different corner of the world, it would be easy to get along. You can be the conduit for a conversation between people who are in a dispute. The healing will be to everyone's benefit (including you).
AQUARIUS
When our hearts are focused on the right dream, person, or goal, life seems to flow. So, heed your instincts today. As Venus changes signs, like a neon arrow, they will point you towards your next brilliant move. Channel your sensitivity and kindness; they're the super powers that will gain you the advantage of great support. Just because our planet is full of people who use force to get to the top doesn't mean you need to emulate them. Being inspired by love (and letting go of your fear) is key to a refreshing change.
PISCES
We're told that the past is over and impossible to change, and that the future can be shaped to suit us. But is that true? Or is everything predestined? This mystery certainly makes life interesting! Actually, history is more malleable than we think. When we reassess our view of past events, we change our relationship with them; and that has a big effect on our present, and our future. Today brings an opportunity for you to review a recent difficult situation and see it in a new light. A change of perspective will improve everything.
