BarbaraVision

Overview: For October & November – 2009

This column is about attitude rather than destiny. Most of us are fascinated by the secrets of life and longevity. An acquaintance of mine was having a difficult time and so she asked her 104 year old friend “how she did it. How did she keep going when life can be so hard?” The woman asking the question is 96 years old. We have two well seasoned ladies here; women who by any standards are brave survivors. For me, the answer to the question rings with both practical common sense and spiritual authority. “I ask for help when I need it” answered the centenarian. Could life really be that simple? Ask and we shall receive? The 2 women represent an accumulated 200 years of living. Along with our hopes for organics and exercise and good thoughts let’s add the ability to ask for help as part of our healthy lifestyle. In a culture that praises individualism and values the one who helps those less . . ? fortunate, let’s revise that and give value to the wisdom of those who know how to ask for and receive help. Receiving is connection, support, and generosity. The generosity is rooted in our ability to show need without shame. On that note, let’s look at each astrological sign with an eye to the art of receiving.

Aries (I am) – March 20 into April 20

Aries tendency is to go it alone while helping many. There is both an acceptance and practical focus on what is, and a faith in the future. When Aries does need help, emotions can colour in their picture falsely. Pride may goeth before their fall.

Taurus (I have) – April 20 into May 21

Bulls rely on their own strength. Think of John Travolta in the movie “Michael.” The archangel Michael is shown to adore the battle, the win. He literally butts heads with a bull. Asking for help can be felt as minimizing Taurus’s own ability. Vulnerability as failure.

Gemini (I think) – May 21 into June 21

Gemini’s ability to see light and dark can leave them caught in the past. Why ask for help if it wasn’t given previously? Criticism wounds this air sign deeply. With a new attitude, The Twin sign remembers mutual support as it’s birthright. They could lead us.

Cancer (I feel) – June 21 into July 22

Cancer loves the control of knowing that their hard work, loyalty and fierce defensiveness keeps the world safe. Needing help is a learning curve with lots of pitfalls for them. The Crab grows through vulnerability though.

Leo (I will) – July 22 into August 23

In the department of self awareness The Lion is unlikely to acknowledge lack. It is the pesky knocks of life and the need to defend his own ideas that leave Leo vulnerable. Help from a higher source rings true for our noble lion.

Virgo (I analyse) – August 23 into Sept. 23

Virgo has the ability to move on from life’s calamities and look to the future. Their weak point may be the need to see the patterns of the past and the potential wisdom that difficulties nudge us towards. The insight of friends becomes invaluable.

Libra (I balance) – Sept. 23 into October 23

In the art of balance, Libra can rely too heavily on interpretations of the past. Identity can become locked in the problem, not the person. This is when to ask for help. Others help you see your strength in the midst of turmoil.

Scorpio (I create) – Oct. 23 into November 22

Opportunity is a natural for Scorpio: the confusion may well be what to do with it. Scorpio benefits from allowing others to help them leave behind an old condition or matrix. Friends broaden the view, and help counteract tunnel vision.

Sagittarius (I see) – Nov. 22 into Dec. 21

The Centaur likes to be right, to win, and to focus on loss endlessly when it crops up. Asking for help allows friends to nudge you back on track. Trusting your own thoughts as they mingle with other ideas deepens acceptance of what is.

Capricorn (I use) – Dec. 21 into Jan. 20

The Goat is most likely to need help when habits of isolating yourself and just getting on with the job at hand, don’t work. Isolation is a signpost to ask for the assistance of those you trust. Less control, more faith.

Aquarius (I know) – Jan. 20 into Feb. 19

As the sign that “knows” Aquarians are vulnerable to feeling that their ideas and individuality are not respected. Past failures distract from forward momentum. We need our friends to help us climb out of mental clutter.

Pisces (I believe) – Feb. 19 into March 20

This sun sign of two fish swimming in opposite directions is ripe with duality. The ability to do and the burden of doing sometimes gets mixed up. Motive and merit entangle. A helping hand can pull you out of the entrapment of confused indecision.