Sep 04 2013

Top 10 Things to Consider When Getting a Psychic Reading

Author: Melodie • Discussion: 8 Comments

Let’s face it: there are a lot of bad psychics out there. Or more accurately, a lot of bad people masquerading as psychics.

There are those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our society by either failing to tell them the truth (after all, they make a lot more money feeding into people’s fantasies), or telling them outright lies for the exact same reason.

The word “Psychic” comes from the Greek work psychikos and means “of the mind” or “of the psyche.” It does not refer to mind-reading or fortune telling or similar mind-blowing parlor tricks.

Unfortunately these are popular misconceptions, based on media mockery and the unscrupulous practices of some who use them to make a quick buck.

Psychic readings can be tremendously valuable, provided that you approach them with both an open mind and a healthy sense of logic.

Your session should involve some give and take, and will suffer when either of these falls out of balance. If your psychic asks too many questions, you’re likely to question whether the information you’re provided is “real” or is just a natural assumption based on what you’ve already revealed.

Aug 04 2013

Ask the Astrologers: Can this Relationship be Restored?

Author: Melodie • Discussion: 1 Comment

How do you deal with the on-going agony of wondering what went wrong when a relationship ends? Is there hope for reconciliation? Or is it time to move on? This is the question posted by Erica*, in reference to a break up that she’s still struggling to get over.

Dear Melodie: I am submitting a question for advice. My boyfriend broke up with me in June; it was a blindside. I’m wondering if he ever really cared about me, if he was just running scared, and if there will be a chance for reconcil-iation. My birth info is: (edited). Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I really appreciate your advice and expertise. ~ Erica

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Jul 07 2013

The Sun and Moon: Astrology’s “Heavenly Bodies”

Author: Melodie • Discussion: 14 Comments

Astrologically speaking, most people know their Sun signs. You’ll hear people say “I’m a Leo” or “I’m a water sign (referring to Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces Sun signs),” or “I was born on the Virgo/Libra cusp.”

And many believe that that’s all there is to it. Nothing could be further from the truth!

The Moon sign is not only just as important as the Sun sign, sometimes it’s even more important.

Eastern astrologers, for example, are more interested in Moon signs than Sun signs, and in many areas almost everyone knows their own Moon sign from an early age.

Sun sign astrology (horoscopes) became popular because the Sun’s zodiacal position is the only one that can be determined by birth date alone. The Sun occupies the same relative position in the zodiac on the same day every year. That makes it easy for laypeople to know their own Sun signs, without having to consult an astrologer or navigate the complicated waters of in-depth astrology.

Even though the Sun is over 400 times the size of the Moon (another reason some place more importance on it), it’s also over 400 times further away. This is why they appear to be relatively the same size from our vantage point. It’s also why we have Solar and Lunar eclipses.

Jun 23 2013

Mercury Retrograde — Here we go Again!

Author: Melodie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Most of us have heard about “Mercury Retrograde,” and mostly in an unfavorable light. In general it’s said to relate to delays, challenges and missteps in Mercury-ruled areas.

These include plans, contracts, agreements, communications — both verbal and written — as well as communications devices (phones, televisions, radios, computers, fax machines, etc.). In addition, cars, trains, bikes and motorcycles — anything related to short-distance or local travel — are all also under the Mercury umbrella and likely to be affected.

Mercury retrograde carries with it so many negative connotations — probably because most of us don’t handle sudden upsets or unexpected changes to our carefully-made plans. But people win lotteries under Mercury retrograde. They fall in love. They get married. They have babies. They launch successful businesses.

Mar 07 2013

Soulmate Relationships: The Truth about Venus and Mars

Author: Melodie • Discussion: 1 Comment

There’s been a lot of press about the roles of Venus and Mars in soulmate relationships, but what exactly does that mean in the true astrological context?

Are these two planets the primary indicators of relationship compatibility, or are they just one small part of what makes up a good connection between partners?

Venus and Mars are actually relatively minor factors for determining relationship compatibility, and are rarely “karmic indicators.” They’re good for determining attraction (by sign) but little else.

They’re usually present when there are strong sexual sparks or chemistry at the onset of a relationship, but don’t say much about exclusivity, longevity or commitment.

In the coming weeks, we’ll delve into Venus and Mars from a deeper, more comprehensive perspective. If you’d like to read more about how these planetary energies are expressed for men specifically, you can check out this companion piece: Men are from Mars (and Venus): Astrology, Men and Love.

Jan 20 2013

Ask the Astrologers: Surviving a Breakup

Author: Melodie • Discussion: 4 Comments

What happens when one person moves on from a failed relationship while the other is still holding on?

This question relates to a long-standing relationship that ended “abruptly” — or did it?

There were astrological themes shifting into place for some time before the actual breakup.

But as we look at the underlying relationship needs for both of the individuals involved, we can see that while they might have been in sync at one time, that was no longer the case.

Facing that reality is not only the first step toward healing but also ultimately toward closure.

Jul 02 2012

Ask the Astrologers: Recovering from a Betrayal

Author: Melodie • Discussion: No Comments

Can two people who are madly in love get past what some consider the ultimate betrayal?

The “love planets” — Venus, Mars and personal relationship rulers all paint a picture that can help to determine whether a relationship can be saved:

Dear Melodie;

My girlfriend confessed that she’s been with her ex-lover since we became involved.

She swears she’ll never do anything like this again and I’ve forgiven her, but I don’t know if I can trust her now. It feels like such a betrayal.

Feb 21 2012

Ask the Astrologers: Relationship Cross-Roads

Author: Melodie • Discussion: No Comments

How many of us have been in the position this week’s client finds herself in? Unhappy in a long-term relationship that appears to have run its course, while at the same time intrigued by someone new and exciting and most of all different.

What are the chances that a new relationship begun before an old one has ended can work? And how does astrology help us determine the potential outcome for each choice?

If you’ve ever been in this client’s shoes — at a relationship cross-roads — you’ll know what a difficult dilemma she faces.

This week Melodie sorts through it all by comparing her natal chart to each of her prospective partner’s, as well as a synopsis of the aspects, transits and synastry for all:

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Nov 22 2011

Ask the Astrologers: Torn Between Two Lovers

Author: Melodie • Discussion: No Comments

Torn between two lovers — sound familiar? Astrologers are often called upon to shed light on the differences between relationship prospects, as each person’s unique relationship paradigm is spelled out clearly in the natal chart.

Synastry (comparing the planets in two different charts) can provide incredibly accurate details about a relationship’s strengths and weaknesses, and can reveal in-depth information about sexual compatibility, chemistry, communications styles, love and even karma.

Another practice, using midpoints to combine two natal charts into one (called a “composite” chart) will accurately describe the relationship itself rather than the individual parties.

Oct 28 2011

Ambivalent, Disinterested or Commitment Phobic?

Author: Melodie • Discussion: No Comments

This week Melodie addresses concerns posed by Laura, who’s having second thoughts about her relationship with a recently separated man. She struggles with his seeming ambivalence; questioning whether he’s as invested as she is, or just afraid of commitment.

My name is Laura. I’m in love with a man who’s married but getting a divorce. We have such a phenomenal connection, like none I’ve ever felt, but I’m not sure what to make of his commitment to me.

I’m very frustrated with this; it feels like I’m always last. I’m trying to be patient but he’s started dragging his feet again on finalizing the divorce. He says he wants to be with me but doesn’t make the effort. I’m ready to throw in the towel!

I just don’t know if he’s going to finally get his act together and make this a reality or if I should just move on. I would appreciate any help you can give me on this.

~ Laura

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