Monday, June 5, 2017

Review: Midlife is Not a Crisis

Midlife is Not a Crisis: Using Astrology to Thrive in the Second Half of Life
Author: Virginia Bell
Red Wheel/Weiser, 2017

Description: 264 page book

"Midlife Is Not a Crisis combines astrology, inspiration, and wisdom about aging to empower people to live more fully in the second half of life."

I absolutely love Astrology. But, I have to admit this is one of my interests which holds me to the sidelines. I've read quite a bit on the subject, but have yet to completely understand the system of it all.

Midlife is not a Crisis! I wish this book had arrived sooner. I'm nearing the end of my Midlife Cycle, which according to the author is from ages 37-45.

The book covers much more than the Midlife. After a brief introduction, Virginia Bell explains the six Cycles of our power years and gives an overview of astrology on the basis of the birth chart. You don't need to be an astrology genius to follow along, thank goodness.

The rest of the book is divided into chapters on each of the cycles. The author shares personal experiences and stories of public figures throughout the book.

Honestly, I've been trying to get through this book for a while now, but I haven't made it to the end. I've scanned over the pages in order to be able to offer this short review. I'm sure your wondering why? Is it that bad?

I keep halting in my reading to grab a copy of my natal chart to discover what the text meant for me. For example, "The sign and house where we have Saturn is where we are cautious, slow, and often stuck; it's an area that doesn't come naturally or easily. As a result, we have to work on it, which is why we often become proficient in that area." Could you read that and not go searching back through the initial Astrology Overview of the book with the information from your natal chart to find out what it means to you?

Astrology is astronomy brought down to earth and applied to the affairs of men. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I guess the most important thing I can tell you at this point, which the author voices in her own words, is:

You don't need any prior knowledge of astrology, but I have included an overview of the basics. It comes with a warning: astrology is seductive and can become addictive. You will enter a magical realm, one filled with mythology, archetypes, and stories that can capture your imagination, open your mind, and shake up your beliefs.

Enjoy!

Grab your copy at Red Wheel Weiser.

(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser)

Thursday, June 1, 2017

June Theme - Take Responsibility and Control

Well, I hope everyone made it out of those icky waters of the Six of Swords. It really wasn't as simple as I'd hoped it would be, moving through those issues, but we made it. And now, it's time to shake it off and take responsibility for what has passed and what is before each of us. It's time to take control of our lives.

June brings the Knight of Pentacles, an example of courage and faith in oneself. He has arrived after a long journey, and yet he and his horse remain strong and ready to work, ready to be everything he's meant to be.

"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future."  ~ George Bernard Shaw

The bright yellow in this card makes me feel warm and confident of the progress we'll make in June. All we need to do is settle in and get to work. The type of work you engage in during June will depend on you, but for the most part, I'm guessing you know by now what's before you.

What is the one thing you keep avoiding? Improving your relationship, writing a novel, learning to paint, researching retirement, or even decluttering your house? And, if you're like me, there are probably multiple jobs before you. Just take it one step at a time and don't overwhelm yourself.

June presents an opportunity to practice the Five-Minute Rule. Sometimes it's hard to leave life behind in order to do what's really important to you. Try telling yourself that you only have to get five minutes of work done, that's all. You'll be amazed how many times after five minutes you'll be working away with no thought of time or those other duties and making progress on your real work. This is a great method to overcome procrastination.

"He is responsible, hardworking, uncomplaining." ~ Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom, Rachel Pollack

We faced our fears in April, moved forward in May, and now it's time to take responsibility and control of ourselves, to be our own truths. It's so easy to blame others for the wrongs of the past, and even the missteps of our day to day activities. But, we really are in charge of our own actions and responses. But, of course, we've all made it through this part of the journey during the last two months. The important thing is to stay here, right here and now, in the present.

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Let us make the most of June and progress forward in our journey. Best wishes to you all.