For All the GYRL's ("Gifted & Gorgeous, Youthful, Resourceful, Ladies.") & Guys!

For You.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

OKAY, SO HERE GOES... EVENTS: 4/28 - 4/29

EVENTS IN NYC THAT ARE WORTH YOUR WHILE - TUE, 4/28



Raw Fusion Recordings
with
Turntable Lab
Dancetracks Digital
Nu-iSh
Fusicology
Afrokinetic
& The Swede Beat (http://www.theswedebeat.com)

present

Raw Fusion NYC

hosted by the Dancing Queens: Anya, Lilypad, and Lydia

fresh off tour opening for Common...
we bring you a special live performance by:
Muhsinah
http://www.myspace.com/muhsinah

and special guest selector (hyping up the dancefloor, as usual):
Simbad (Raw Fusion/UK)
http://www.myspace.com/djsimbad

plus raw fusion residents:
OP!
http://www.myspace.com/opmiller1

Scribe
http://www.myspace.com/djscribe

and Amon on live percussion
http://www.myspace.com/ertaldawg

APT 419 w 13th street 212 414 4245
10pm-4am
$10 (free b4 11pm)
*$5 with individual rsvp (full names please) to rawfusionnyc@gmail.com
21+

http://www.rawfusionrec.com
http://www.myspace.com/rawfusionjugglin
http://www.aptnyc.com

Positive vibes guaranteed!



EVENTS IN NYC THAT ARE WORTH YOUR WHILE - WED, 4/29





This Weds, April 29th,2009
WHEN BOY MEETS GIRL is returning to New York City's WEBSTER HALL with a vengeance.
This time around we are marching an unreal amount of artists to the stage, so get your rest, because it's going to be an all-nighter. We also will have a few unique surprise guests coming to celebrate with us so make sure you RSVP/get tickets asap. Stay tuned for the WHEN BOY MEETS GIRL blog and mixtape dropping soon ..

with love as always,
Sir CA ..

04.29.09
The Good People at
HustleMode & The Elan Group
Present:

WHEN BOY MEETS GIRL V
@
//THE STUDIO
AT WEBSTER HALL..
125 east 11th street bet 3rd and 4th aves NYC



featuring live performances by:

Tk Wonder with Taylor McFerrin http://www.myspace.com/tkwonder
TreZure the Empress http://www.myspace.com/trezuretheempress
La Roka http://www.myspace.com/larokasoul
Afaliah Tribune http://www.myspace.com/afaliahmusic
Bless Roxwell http://www.myspace.com/blessroxwell
Tess http://www.myspace.com/youngdivatess


Dujeous http://www.dujeous.net
Johnny Voltik and the BlackBirds http://www.myspace.com/alphalove
Sir Ben Marcx http://www.myspace.com/benmarcx
Gordon Voidwell http://www.myspace.com/gordonvoidwell
Cavalier http://www.cavwins.com
Angelz, Inc. http://www.myspace.com/4angelzinc
Division X http://www.myspace.com/divisionxrap


plus special guests:
Farrah Burns,Ciph boogie,Jon Hope(RI),Chen Lo,Loj,Doxx and more.

Hosted by Charles Anthony, Magnetic P/Cyncity, Jason Negron,and friends..


live DJ sets by :
Sakir
J.Wizard


Doors 9:30 showtime 10:30
$10 in advance or on the list $12 general admission

to purchase advance tickets click here

DROPPIN' THAT ILL SCIENCE.










Friday, April 24, 2009

THE SWEDE BEAT ISSUE # 3 ARRIVING AT AN INBOX NEAR YOU

As Soon As You Subscribe!

YES, IT'S TRUE!!! YOU TOO CAN GET DOWN WITH THE SWEDE BEAT and all the latest, Fantastic art things Sweet Sweden has to offer.

Don't Miss Out! SUBSCRIBE NOW.




www.theswedebeat.com

I BELIEVE IN YOU.

So, I found this book on sale the other day @ Barnes and Nobles, and though no Idiot, I'm a fan of the series...and discounts(ha!):



The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Indigo Children
They’re brilliant. They’re spirited. They’re tuned in. They’re here to change the world.
Parenting in a higher dimension


The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Indigo Children
by Wendy H. Chapman, M.A., and Carolyn Flynn


Indigo Children carry a double-edged sword. They can be gifted but misunderstood. They can be exciting and charming people but be impossible to live with. They are often highly emotionally sensitive — can be wildly angry or can be exceptionally psychic. The same child who is too distracted to get organized can be touchingly compassionate and strikingly innovative. They may struggle to conform to our conventions, especially in the schools, and their strong sense of self demands and expects change and good choices.
If something about this description sounds like a child in your life, you may be relieved to find out there is such a thing as an Indigo child. Even better, you might think, that there’s a book that can tell you how to channel your child’s potential.
In this book, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to Indigos, along with wise coaching that will help you meet the challenges of parenting your child. Your child and you are on a journey. It will be a very special journey indeed.


www.carolynflynn.com


And later synchronicity would lead me to this ole' skool trance jam, and memories of the high school me driving down I-95 with system on blast on the way to the beach, with dreams of the Future in my mind's eye. Well the Future is NOW, and WE ARE HERE! To all the Indigos out there, this is your offical CLARION CALL from B-RAE, let's get it linked because I BELIEVE IN YOU, no if's, and's, or but's about it!!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

THIS JUST IN!

We Just Got Word from Jenny Truly of Yours Truly, that the Spring '09 Line is in Full Effect!



Get Yours,
B!

OKAY, SO HERE GOES... EVENTS: 4/21-4/24

EVENTS IN NYC THAT ARE WORTH YOUR WHILE - TUE, 4/21

ORGANIC @ SOB's





EVENTS IN NYC THAT ARE WORTH YOUR WHILE - WED, 4/22

BOOK LAUNCH OF THEMBISA S. MSHAKA @ THE TRIBECA GRAND
Our Very Own Fiona Bloom featured in the Book.


C'EST NOIR @ HAPPY ENDING
"Legendary Children Do Legendary Things." (They Sound Like Indigo Children to Me...We Got that Entitlement/Grandiose Thinking Goin' On lol -B'RAE's aside)


THE PLAN B RECORD RELEASE PARTY @ THE SOULGASM LOUNGE (aka SIN SIN of THE L.E.S.)


SKEE-WEE!!! MY SORORS HOLDIN' IT DOWN - SPRING MIXER @ BRANCH (This One's Gonna Cost You Though)


"The lovely ladies of the Delta Rho Omega Chapter cordially invite you to an evening of mixing, mingling and networking at our Professional Afterwork Mixer. The event will be held at Branch, one of New York's hottest venues and will be featuring sounds by New York's famous DJ John Quick."

Professional Afterwork Mixer
Wednesday April 22, 2009
6:00 - 11:00 PM
Branch
226 East 54 Street b/w 2nd and 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10022


TICKETS ARE 20.OO IN ADVANCE
25.00 AT THE DOOR
FOR TIX CALL LORENE AT 917 -860-2314
OR ADUKAY AT 917-723-6676




EVENTS IN NYC THAT ARE WORTH YOUR WHILE - FRI, 4/24

SKEE-PHI!!! THE PHRAT HOLDIN' IT DOWN - @ JOESPH'S NYC
To give the fella's a fair shake since I couldn't get a better JPEG:

Friday April 24th
The Wall Street Alphas
present
Stocks and Bonds: The Wall Street Alphas Afterwork Affair
@ Joseph's Ristorante
3 Hanover Square, NYC
Time: 6-11pm
Music by The Turntable Superhero: DJ Jon Quick
Contact Brandon Ray for advance tix: 516-410-1355



SO THERE YOU HAVE IT! A Sampling of some of the things I'll be getting into over the next few days, hope to see you out and about Luvies!

PEACE,
B!

Monday, April 20, 2009

HAPPY 4/20! (If That's Your Thing...)

An Ole Skool Goodie From Me 2 U Luvies, Don't Say B-RAE Ain't Gotcha!!!

Crucial Conflict "Hay" (Country Azzzzz) REEEEMMMIXX!



A Lil'Chillaxin' Music

CRUCIAL CONFLICT - "HAY" Original - Instrumental
The Original Beat was So Sick to Me Back Then...Still Is.



Oh, and LUPE! I Couldn't Resist, Enjoy & Have a Mellow One...Day That Is :)

LUPE FIASCO FREESTYLIN' OVER (FELLOW CHICAGOANS) CRUCIAL CONFLICT'S "HAY":



STILL FIGHTING FOR CHANGE - A New York Times article

PEACE OUT,
B!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

PLUS, The Indie Scene Queen is BACK!

M.I.A. Does Coachella 2009




I LOVE THIS TRACK. (It came out in the fall, but for some reason it escaped me, anywayz, now I'm putting you on too) - Usually on a collabo you want to skip ahead to your favorite verse or hook, but this song is aurally pleasuring all the way round, with each artist putting it down when they get passed the mic. And I just find Rye Rye SO interesting, she sounds like she's 12 sometimes, yet always edgy, with just enuff grit & sex in mix. I don't even have to tell you, I KNOW, you'll enjoy Luvies :)

RYE RYE Ft. M.I.A. & BUSY SIGNAL - "TIC TOC"

The 1st Time I've Been Psyched about a new R & B Singer in a While....

I've officially been bitten by the R.Les bug.

He's a perfectly gentlemanly beast in the Studio.


TALENTED AND FUNNY TOO(@ 3:22)



This track has catalyzed me to get off the behind and go to the used instrument store and get a trumpet/cornet ASAP, like I've been sayin' since the marching band days of yore...


ALBUM IN STORES NOW (DROPPED TUESDAY, FEB.10, 2009)

Saturday, April 18, 2009

You're Sunny Saturday Afternoon Jam

Let Me Put You on to Maggie Horn.

I saw this Gifted/Gorgegous, Young, Resourceful Lady perform earlier this past week, and I CANNOT getthis song out of my head. She's got some SERIOUS pipes.

You're Welcome Luvies!

Maggie Horn - "It's Like" Live

Dreams are in the Air...

Sun Sextile Neptune


Every planet has a special influence, and these planets - Sun and Neptune - are always moving on their own paths throughout the zodiac. When two planets are "sextile," it can be like they're having a brilliant conversation and sharing their special talents ... and this benefits us!


The Sun is considered a planet, and the Sun helps us bring focus to whatever other planets it's interacting with. Meanwhile, Neptune is the dreamy planet of romance and remembrance. Neptune is also all about magic and illusion, and definitely creativity! Right now, the Sun and Neptune are at a great angle to create a fantasy dream team!

What else does "Sun sextile Neptune" mean? It means that we might suddenly feel a need to express ourselves in very creative ways -- performance, writing, art and more! You'll find yourself lost in daydreams -- they might be total fantasy, or they might be sweet thoughts for the future. You might also find yourself drawn to new religious ideas or spiritual issues. If you suddenly find yourself reading a friend's mind or making predictions, you're feeling Sun sextile Neptune. Do you ever have night dreams that later come true? Sun sextile Neptune might be to blame!

This is also a great time to visualize the goals you want to accomplish. You know the saying, "Dream it and you can achieve it?" Sun sextile Neptune gives you full permission to give this a try!

With the Sun illuminating Neptune, this is also an excellent time to dive deeper into those bizarre or interesting dreams you have at night! What is your nightlife trying to tell you? What kind of symbols do you see when you go to sleep? Now is the time to receive any messages your subconscious might be trying to send you, because Neptune also oversees illusions and dreams.


- Courtesy of tarot.com

Friday, April 17, 2009

WHOOO-HOOO!!! VENUS FINALLY GOES DIRECT 2DAY!




And what a grueling & confusing month or so it has been on the "romantical" front!

Here's a little summation courtesy of astrology.com


April 17: Venus turns direct

On March 6, Venus turned retrograde in bold Aries, helping you take care of unfinished business and gain a deeper perspective on the status of your relationships. You may have been contacted by someone from your past; perhaps you met someone new who seemed strangely familiar. It has been important during this relationship review to evaluate the important people in your life and the strength of those connections. Now that Venus is direct, assess the changes that have occurred since she turned retrograde and put into practice everything you've discovered about yourself and your loved ones.

Are you ready to rev-up your romance? Ever since Venus turned retrograde on March 6, you've probably encountered plenty of twists and turns in your love life. You may have met the love of your life; perhaps you were contacted by someone from your past who wants another chance; or maybe you've seriously considered leaving your partner.

Whatever your particular scenario, evaluating your needs and the strength of your connections has been the essence of this retrograde. While relationship review is the motto of any Venus retrograde, maintaining the balance between independence and closeness has been especially important during the last six weeks. Why? Because lovely Venus was retrograde in assertive Aries. Additionally, with Pluto’s square to Venus during this time, you've yearned to connect deeply, and may even have considered letting people go if that spark could not be fanned into a steady flame. Venus finally turns direct on April 17 in Pisces, just in time to get your love life back on track.



Question of the Day (Venus's Expression for You Over the Past 6 Weeks Holds The Key For Your Particular Situation):

("How It Was Supposed to Be" Remix: Ryan Leslie feat. Jada Kiss - This Song is Straight Fiyah! ON THE SERIOUS REPEAT.)

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

MIXTAPE RRRRIOT!!!!!

TONITE IS ANOTHER LEGENDARY MIXTAPE RIOT PARTY!

The Official Mixtape.com Launch Party!

And Our Gyrl Maggie Horn is Gonna Show You How It's Done.


Beauty Bar
231 E 14th St - New York, NY 10003 (E. 14th St. & 3rd Ave)
(212)539-1389
10pm-4am
(Come for the Music, Stay for the Manicure! only 6-11pm on weekdays, so plan accordingly Gyrls!)


Thanks to Fiona Bloom of The Bloom Effect for Putting Us On!!!

IMMA LADY.

WHERE HAS THIS MIX BEEN ALL MY LIFE???


Diplo
mashesup Gettin' It Gyrls Santogold and Amanda Blank

Been on Serious Playback 2nite.

"Sweet as A Dove."

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

OLD SKOOL GOODNESS

SMART ALLECK


and

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE...

Monday, April 6, 2009

I'M BACK NYC!



So your GYRL's actually been back a few days now, though catchin' up on work, but I would be remiss if I didn't take a min to fill you in on the latest and the greatest! Thus, here's a funny, lil' ancedote on the personal life (PLUS Miami Pics coming soon too!).

Upon my return from Miami I was disappointed to find the Domincan Hair Salon next door to my new aparment (I had been so geeked about, and honestly still am, I do heart the neighborhood) was turned into a Chinese Liquor Store. WTF!?! Over the span of seven days??? I guess if the World can be created in 7 days, another liquor store can go up in a predominantly Black neighborhood :(

I mean, I was gonna move there anyway, but I was almost having wet dreams about getting my hair blown out for $10! I guess those prices don't pay the rent (literally) during a so-called recession (all I got to say about that is that I'M NOT RECESSING! NOR DO I AGREE WITH IT, AS IT RELATES TO MY UNIVERSE! MIND OVER MATTER 'YALL!). But yeah, liquor store in the new 'hood. NOT A GOOD LOOK.





Saturday, April 4, 2009

MORE FUN W/ RETROGRADES! SUBJECT: PLUTO



All this talk about the Venus Retrograde, which began on March 6th, and lasts through April 17th, ALMOST made me forget to inform you guys about the PLUTO RETROGRADE WHICH STARTS TODAY, APRIL 4th!!! I REMEMBER WHEN PLUTO USED TO BE A PLANET. DO YOU???

Pluto, the Lord of the Underworld in mythology, is the astrological ruler of death, destruction and rebirth. So when it goes retrograde -- or appears to be moving in reverse from the Earth's point of view -- you might feel like important aspects of your life are out of your control, but Pluto's retrograde can inspire major reevaluations on a very profound level … bringing transformation, and rejuvenation.

Pluto Retrograde

4/4/09 (3-Degree Capricorn) - 9/10/09 (0-Degree Capricorn):

This is a time to begin to cleanse pollution both from our bodies and from our immediate environment.(RAW FOODIST? YOU CAN DO IT! B's Sidenote) Pluto requires acquiring a broader perspective of the process of life, learning the responsibilities of power, and teaching others to use poweful tools without destroying themselves and others.(WHOA! They are singing my Life right now...another Sidenote.)



APRIL 4 through SEPTEMBER 11 2009

In the natal chart, Pluto tends to operate even more Plutonian when it is retrograde. It is far more intense, it possesses a higher degree of concentration and it, therefore, gives greater insights into the subconscious. Because of this intensity, the individual can see much more than normally possible and it is easy to become suspicious of the motives of others. The powers of regeneration are far greater when retrograde. People with a natal retrograde Pluto have a tremendous ability to overcome major illnesses that might otherwise cause permanent disability. Remember, retrograde motion is always directed toward inner activity such as the psyche or psychological patterns that affect the physical body. Direct motion, on the other hand, is directed towards external circumstances.

Under any Pluto transit, we feel pressured to eliminate and release the old, outworn, outdated and obsolete in our lives. When Pluto is transiting retrograde, we are urged to let go of attitudes, thinking or communication patterns, security drives, rigid emotions; a time to undergo an internal form of house cleaning. It is a good time to research into our own Souls in order to determine exactly what we do or do not need. Because Pluto retrograde imparts an intense power for investigation, we should use this time to assess what reoccurring patterns in our lives make us feel out of control, where and why do we continually give our power away, and under what circumstances do we react so defensively that we elicit attacks from others. Pluto retrograde marks a time wherein we should seek to gain greater control over our personal life; Pluto direct is better for gaining control over professional and financial areas. My most frequent observation of Pluto retrograde is that many people do seek some form of regenerative activity. I have seen people undertake a series of internal cleansings, detoxifying diets, Eastern disciplines that put them in touch with the inner self and even intense psychological reforms.

CRITICAL DATES:
PLUTO-MARS: APRIL 26-27; AUGUST 25-26 2009 – Pluto- Mars be intense and even obsessive mentally. When afflicted, we are urged to resist external pressure, control or manipulation by others. Do not act under pressure.
PLUTO-VENUS: APRIL 2-3 2009 – This indicates a need to change attitudes in relating. Money and relating can become complicated.

by Lynn Koiner

Friday, April 3, 2009

VENUS SQUARE PLUTO

LIGHT BULB!!! This explains all that workplace tension I've recently felt...


"Dear Friend and Reader:

Today, Venus retrograde is in an exact square to Pluto, inching her way toward the Aries Point. The square was exact at 6:21 am ET and because Venus is slow and powerful in the sky, it’s within exact orb as you read this.


I’ve been working up to this aspect in previous columns all year, and the Venus retrograde series of events are described in the most precise astrological and psychological detail in the Next World Stories editions for Taurus and Libra (the signs with which Venus is most closely associated).

Let’s consider the theory of the square for a moment. Remember that the square aspect is about inner tension that the psyche is trying to resolve and build on. In natal astrology, typically when we’re younger, squares create a kind of split personality. We will jump from one side of the square to the other, living it out in pieces. This can feel like a deep inner division that cannot be reconciled, but it will keep demanding our attention.

As we grow and grow older, if things are going well, we’ll gradually integrate the two sides of the energy dynamic, which results in an increasingly mature, consistent person. If things are not going well, some people will camp out in one side of the square, in denial of a crucial, deeply influential side of their nature. This other, neglected side will erupt from time to time (usually when under transit) and can cause a lot of problems. We’ve all met these folks, we meet them every day and we may even live with one.

With a transiting square, we all go through a similar process. Venus square Pluto is particularly strong because it happens three times in close proximity: Feb. 6, 2009 (with Venus direct), April 3, 2009 (with Venus retrograde) and May 2, 2009 (with Venus direct).

When a pattern like this takes place, nearby standing points in our chart will also be activated repeatedly, and from two directions (from each side of the square). Many people can seem to be going through the same kind of change, crisis or growth process at the same time."


-By Eric Francis of Planet Waves

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

APRIL FOOL'S! VENUS still in RETROGRADE - it ain' over till' the fat lady sings...



I think I posted something about the Venus retrograde in March, but as we are still retrograding until April 17th, I think it is worth reminding all my Luvies:


The Planet of Loves Steps Back and Aires surprise!
Venus has been in ardent Aires since February 3, 2009. Usually Venus is in a sign for about 30 days, but this year it has an extended stay in Aires, as it went retrograde on Friday, March 6 through April 17th, when it will go stationary direct at 29 degrees in Pisces. It moves back into Aires on April 24 through June 5. So, with the exception of a 12 day period during the middle of April, Venus will have a 4 month stay in Aires this spring!

Aires is the first sign of the zodiac representing the self, and when Venus enters Aires our desire and love nature intensifies and we can feel more aggressive in the pursuit of love, fun and entertainment. We may also become more self centered or more interested in seeking self gratification without taking the other person's feelings into account.With a retrograde Venus in Aires, we will get down to the nitty gritty of what it takes to make ourselves truly happy in the love department. In that respect we are searching our own feelings for that which makes us happy in a relationship.

A retrograde Venus can bring back former loves from the past and we can reconnect with people from the past. Matters pertaining to money and love tend to slow down, and sometimes relationships can end, or take a turn for the worse, to regain a better perspective when Venus goes direct. A Venus retrograde is definitely NOT the time to get married, become engaged, or make major financial purchases, undertake plastic surgery or any other extensive beautification process, or make major art or jewelry purchases, unless you absolutely certain of what you are getting.New relationships that begin under a retrograde will have to withstand the test of time when Venus goes direct, as at that time the energy will change again. Some astrologers believe that a love relationship started under a retrograde Venus will suffer or be restrained in the love energy that is usually expressed.

What I refer to as 'karmic drama' often plays out during a retrograde Venus. If your relationship has been suffering, and you feel that you are not meant to be with the person you are with, sometimes the relationship may end, or an new one may begin. As the love energy slows down, relationships may slow down to some degree, and we will become more acutely aware of the state our relationship is in--good or bad. If you are in a committed relationship that is in good shape, you will probably hardly notice the retrograde. If you are in a difficult relationship, further issues may arise.

April 24th begins a lucky period for Aires, as both Venus and Mars will be together in Aires from that date until May 31, 2009. All fire and air signs can benefit in terms of meeting significant others in their life at this time. The significance of Venus and Mars being in the same sign is that it increases the possibility of meeting a true love if it is in your sign, or compatible with your Sun sign..It is rare occurrence to have Venus and Mars in your sign and sometimes it is years before occurs. Sagittarius is especially affected as well, (Venus and Mars are in the 5th house of love affairs) during this period. Mars and Venus will not be together again in Aires until 4/22/11, 3/23/13, and 4/1/15.

-Courtesy of Leslie Hale

"Venus Dances in Aries"

HERE'S A REALLY DEEP ARTICLE ABOUT INTROSPECTION/SELF-REFLECTION DURING THE VENUS RETROGRADE


Love's Reprieve - Venus Moves Retrograde
March 1, 2009 8:25 PM by Jessica Shepherd
If there are periods when everyone's relationship and self-esteem issues are 'up', that time is now. And if you study astrology you'll know exactly why: Venus aka Goddess of Love is moving retrograde (March 6 - April 17 2009). Lady Love's orbit has slowed so that she appears to be moving backwards from us earthlings' perspective making matters of the heart less straightforward. To avoid the pitfalls and take advantage of this period for re-strategizing relationship & love, read on.

Don't Commit to Anyone New.
Several women I know (myself included here) who have met prospective partner(s) during Venus retrograde eventually realized they weren't who they first seemed. The person looked really good, and seemed to possess all the right qualities but the packaging turned out to be different from the contents. Our ability to assess value and worth of the other may be off right now. Through no one's fault, this is a period of time when Princes can turn into Frogs and Frogs into Princes. So if you're seeing someone new, go slow, take your time getting to know them.

Clear Up Unfinished Relationship Business.
Past loves will often return during a retrograde cycle. This is encouraging if you're looking to reconnect with an old flame, but not so encouraging if against you own better judgment, you decide to give a bad relationship another go. In this case, your old flame may remind you of all the reasons it didn't work to begin with. The opportunity inherent here is apparent: you have the chance to clean up what's not working in your love life. Likewise, we can put old dating habits working against us (like wearing rose colored glasses about the people we meet, or making partnering decisions out of low self-esteem), to rest. Or we might finally address the dissatisfaction we've been feeling in our partnership to our satisfaction.

Make No Assumptions.
Don't assume you know what the other is thinking or feeling right now (this is a good rule of thumb generally). Venus influences judgment, so our interpretations of their behavior or feelings may be off. Instead of making an assumption, ask for their feedback. It's a good time for getting clear on your assumptions, too. Consider this may be something you can address internally, instead of bringing it to a crisis. Make the time and space to feel and honor your feelings. Many times this inner listening will dispel your worries.

Love Your Self and Your Body, Better.
Venus is the Goddess of Love, and she's also the Goddess of Self-Esteem. How are the two related? People who have high regard for themselves, who love their self genuinely and generously, attract people who love the same way in kind. Picture Botticelli's La Primavera: Venus holds herself in loving self-possession with one hand, the other in a gesture of appreciation. Before we can love another, we need to love our self. Nurture the aspect of your self that has been under appreciated or un-loved. This may include addressing any issues related to body image, sexuality or self-worth holding you back from expressing your full potential. Since self-love and happiness can't be bought or sold, having cosmetic surgery or making major beauty treatment purchases may not have your desired effect during Venus retrograde.

Finally, don't try and control your relationships and love interests and don't worry! Take the time to reflect and receive instead of act; if uncertain ask for guidance from your higher self. Everything will get clearer when Venus turns direct on April 17.

-Courtesy of Jessica Shepherd

APRIL 2009 COSMIC FORECAST

A Rollercoaster of a Month

April begins with the Sun in fiery Aries, which is supposed to quicken the pace of things. However, the full power of this pioneering sign may not kick in on schedule. That's because Venus is moving retrograde (backwards) until April 17, which can slow down social matters and occupy our time dealing with old issues. Dynamic Aries is the sign of the present, the here and now of spontaneity and immediacy, yet the fuse for new activity may be dampened by delays.

Mars, the ruling planet of Aries, is also slowing down progress as it wobbles through diffusive Pisces until April 22. An opposition to it from strict Saturn on April 4 can magnify the frustration caused by delays, denial and defeat. It's a reality check of the least gentle kind, one that can deflate hopes and send us back to the drawing board. However, if you've been pursuing a dream or ideal with dedication, commitment and a solid plan, Saturn's opposition can stabilize the situation and contribute to its long-term success.

The pace picks up, perhaps so suddenly that we go flying off the tracks, when Mars joins electric Uranus on April 15. This is an inventive, original and rebellious aspect that can spark bright new ideas and unconventional methods, yet managing its impatient and manic energy requires a cool head to handle the heat. Then, on April 22, Mars enters Aries and the high-octane fuel starts kicking in. This is the planet's first visit to its home sign in two years. It is terrific for innovation, launching new projects and raising the rate of physical activity. The warrior planet is ready for a fight, but you can turn that force in a constructive direction to harness the passion and power it represents. Standing still or avoiding issues is the least desirable tactic, since that increases the likelihood of being challenged by irritating individuals or tormenting tasks.

A key period every month is the Full Moon, when we are confronted by contradictions that either open minds and increase choices or stress us with opposing drives and points of view. This month's lunation is on April 9 with the Sun in independent Aries facing the Moon in accommodating Libra. Finding the right balance between self-interest and compromise can put pressure on partnerships. Yet, this could provide a valuable lesson in meeting someone halfway without losing touch with your own needs. Generous Jupiter forms a harmonious 120-degree trine to the Moon, which brings a desirable dose of open-minded optimism.

-By Jeff Jawer

HOWEVER THINGS SEEM...REMEMBER, IT'S A NEW YEAR!!!



(A Possible, B-RAE co-signing) Slow Start to the New Year
April 1st, 2009 by Jeff Jawer

On March 20 the Sun entered fiery Aries, marking the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of the astrological year. This represents a fresh surge of energy filled with inventiveness and impulse that is meant to launch new projects.

However, there are a couple of significant astrological factors that may find this season of the Ram feeling more sluggish than usual. First, we still have loving Venus backtracking until April 17, which tends to slow the pace of social activities. Venus is also the planet of resources, so her retrograde cycle can find us scrambling to come up with the goods we need to maintain comfort. A loss of income and doubts about self-worth undermine personal economy, deflating the value of our talents and inhibiting the innovation typical of Aries.

The main factor, though, in delaying the dynamic Aries effect is the position of the sign’s assertive ruling planet Mars. This planet is the “agent” of Aries, a leading indicator to how the sign is expressing itself. It’s swimming through the emotional waters of Pisces until April 22, blunting Mars’ sharp sword with caution and sensitivity that make initiating new enterprises more difficult. Rather than blazing with the fire of fast-moving Aries, the sign’s instincts for action are tempered by a heightened concern for others’ feelings, uncertainty, and an idealism that makes it more difficult to take risks. Instead of blasting through obstacles now, we’re more likely to be tiptoeing around them to avoid the conflict that Mars normally enjoys but which becomes intolerable when it’s in gentle Pisces.

On April 22 Mars enters Aries—where it will stay until May 31—for the first time in two years, commencing a period of increased energy and activity that is excellent for taking a leap forward. Whether you start a new exercise program or seek a new job, the passion and courage to advance is strong enough to overcome almost any barrier. And if you do get stuck somewhere along the way, you should find the drive to head off in another direction. In these unsettled times it’s especially important to know when to wait and when to forge ahead. While it’s easy to feel overpowered now, Mars’ entry into Aries will provide the determination to fight for what we want and the capacity for all of us to create the future we desire.