Madam Lichtenstein's Cosmic World

How to Do Kabbalah in 20 Minutes

Is Madonna beginning to infiltrate your thoughts on a daily basis? Maybe its really just her intense interest in the Kabbalah.

If you've always been interested in learning more about Kabbalah but have been short on time, this may be the way to get started. 20 Minute Kabbalah is a daily, personal spiritual practice, rooted in authentic Tree of Life mysticism. Using sweet melodies and meditative prayer you can connect to and communicate with God. Learn how to ask about the secrets of the universe and the mysteries of existence. The book teaches "how-to-do" Kabbalah, the accompanying audio-CD teaches 14 chants.

I don't know how far you can delve into such a complex subject as Kabbalah in 20 minutes (or in one book), but you have to start somewhere and this is a good place. Maybe make this one of your eight Hannukah gifts...?

President Obama Inauguration Day Horoscope - Part 1 of 2

After Barack Obama's stunning victory in the Presidential election, we now need to consult his Inaugural astrology horoscope chart. I am doing a two part post on the subject. This first one (Part One) looks at the astrology chart's "personality". What we see as the potential. Part Two, which will be posted in a few days, will examine transits to this Inaugural horoscope chart to see what will play out predictively over the span of his first term.

I ran a natal birth chart for Washington DC, January 20, 2009 at 12 noon for Obama's Presidency and here is what I see:

Overall it is a strong and beneficial chart. There are strong angles to the top of the chart from the Moon (emotional connection to his professional goals) and Saturn (problems are solved and life lessons learned to create a strong foundation for the future). Saturn is in the 5th house of creativity and fun. I think that creative solutions can spur effective and happy results.

As with many Inauguration horoscopes, the Sun is in Aquarius and sits in the 10th house of career. This means that the mission of his presidency is rooted in altruism, public services and fighting the good fight for the rights of others. Aquarius energy is fixed, stubborn but also humanitarian and hopeful. Change is definitely in the air!

Also in this particular chart, there is a stellium in the 10th house with the Sun (personality) , Mercury (thoughts and communication) and Jupiter (luck and expansion) as well as the North Node (success). This makes this sector of the chart especially important. And wherever the Sun sits in the chart is where we need to live out our life's dreams and ambitions. This planetary placement spells success for his Presidency.

As in a stellium, the planets involved sit close together in the chart. So here, the Sun is conjunct Mercury (thoughts and ideas), Jupiter and North Node. His personal mission is propelled by strong ideals, opinions and hopeful ideas and are expansive and bring him luck. I also see potent and compelling communication that gets to the heart of the matter and is successful.

With Capricorn is on the MidHeaven I see the need for hard work to handle all the problems he will face. But hard work will bring success eventually. And, with the Vertex in the 6th house of hard work and the day to day job, I see effective use of effort that produces powerful, successful results.

This is a chart that connects with large groups. Neptune in Aquarius is in the 11th house (intuition and optimism brought to any mission for the greater good. But beware of over-extending efforts or deception). Uranus conjunct Venus both in Pisces in the 11th house means to me that love and affection can take off (or create a surprising change) in large groups. And, with the Moon (emotions) square Neptune (dreams), I would caution him to be careful in large groups and among open enemies.

This is a selfless horoscope with the first sector (houses 1, 2 and 3) empty of planets. And the chart is outer directed with all but one planet (Saturn - problems, struggles and life lessons) located in the upper hemisphere.
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Learn more about our 44th president by reading The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. Prepare for the celebration, wear your Inauguration of President and Vice President Photo Button or choose one of these t-shirts or necktie.

So this is all the potential. What could possibly happen to make all these dreams realities? Stay tuned for Part 2....

Horoscope for the Week of November 17, 2008

Mars enters Sagittarius and directs our energy force into new battles. We feel compelled to make good use of time. Good! Storm the barricades friends, but beware of the moat. Oops! Here's a classic guide to help guide you: The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need.

 

 

(Ann Coulter has Mars in Sagittarius)

 

 

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Find a way to push all the right buttons and rev up your hard drive. Rams are ready and raring to expand their global outreach in all possible ways - whether in person or on the internet. Get creative, plan your itinerary, know what you want to say and get going. You only have a few short weeks to plan and implement an international jaunt. How jaunty do you want to get? Very!

 

TAURUS   (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Bulls are hot to trot and are in a full gallop for the next few weeks. You are seeking connection in any way you can and will find it in many forms. The value of your personal stock rises and you can become a “meet” market changer. Are you buying or selling? Use this personal oomph to its best advantage. Be wise, be smart, but don’t behave.

 

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Even independent Twins feel the pull of commitments this week. You are tempted to solidify and strengthen relationships ... or seek new ones if the mood strikes you. But don’t tear down what simply needs a bit of attention and sprucing up. You now possess the unbridled energy to tie up loose ends and corral your various posses. Yeeha!

 

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Energetic Crabs now have a good excuse to reassess their diet and exercise regimes. Dust off your health club membership and get those sweats out of mothballs in time for the holidays. This is no time to be lazy. Not only do you have the passion but also the impetous to get that drydocked boat out on the high seas again. It’s never too late to dive in and get wet.

 

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Lions are placed on the A-list of party hearties this week. You are tempted to let loose and have a great time. How over the top will you get? Why not channel this oomph into something more productive; Creativity soars and increases your urge to explore all realms of artistic pursuits. Do all you can to create a personal masterpiece... or at least a statement.

 

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
This may be the week to handle any long term family issues. Not only do you want to end the year on a high note, you also feel a strong need to say what needs to be said. Open up but be politic and diplomatic. Guess what? All your fears disappear in the light of day. Virgins have the courage as well as the energy. Use ample amounts of both now.

 

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Libras are bursting with their well formed opinions this week. You have been formulating your personal manifesto for a few months. No need to be shy. But judge your audience before you start to wave your flag. As you get going you may become as subtle as a falling anvil and your more incedinary commentaries  could come back to haunt you. Boo!

 

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
Money becomes the be all and end all for acquisitive Scorps. You find that certain financial decisions tap your dollars and common sense. Don’t make this season too taxing by taking unnecessary fiscal risks. Careful financial planning and a close eye on the bottom line increases your assets and limit your liabilities. Or something like that...

 

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
You have a tiger in your tank and become a social force with whom to be reckoned.... like a gale force wind! Before you overdo and become a legend in your own mind, I suggest that you check your act at the door and make it a point to retain that affable, genuine Sadge flair. If you feel like being pushy, try to push back the urge.

 

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Caps have their well protected secrets blasted on the front pages this week. Don’t be concerned. It occurs just at the right time for you and can remove roadblocks that have been holding you back from success. For those who hanker for a higher meaning to life, you can now explore more spiritual outlets and achieve nirvana with your favorite deity.

 

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Friends beat a path to your door and Aquarians loooove all the attention. You are in demand and can tickle any tastebud. Tap into new organizations and platonic groups and enjoy the camaraderie while it lasts. Before you know it your social reach may exceed your grasp and you could become just another putz with a karaoke machine. Hey is it hot in here or is it me??

 

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
You have plotted and planned your corporate ascent but not much has been happening. Nothing much, that is, until this week. Fish should prepare themselves for an opportunity to prove their mettle to the senior cogs. Put all your knowledge to work and work all your knowledge. Don’t be shy. You are overflowing with aptitude and can now prove it.

Can’t get enough? Don't miss out -- click here to subscribe to my Cosmic World news feed. And take a look at Lichtenstein’s astrology book "HerScopes" -- it's an international sensation. Buy it and feel the vibration. (c) 2008 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only.

The Sign of the Rat in Chinese Astrology

The Rat: The First Sign of the Chinese Horoscope for those born in February 1900-1901, 1912-1913, 1924-1925, 1936-1937, 1948-1949, 1960-1961, 1972-1973, 1984-1985, 1996-1997. 2008-2009

It is good to be a Rat. Despite the name, Rats are extraordinarily nice, kind and supportive friends. They are charming, disarming and honest to the core. Although they appear to be reserved at first meeting, they are warm and loving once they get to know you better. Rats are the first sign of the zodiac, corresponding to Sagittarius in western astrology. Like the Archer, Rats are sociable (often to the point of boisterous) and love to party.

They are loyal to friends and family and love being around people. Not one to hide in the background and watch the action, Rats keep busy. Find them coordinating events and making sure that everyone else has something to do. Rats are especially close to their families and are the consummate caregivers. Count on them to help out in any family crisis, even if it is only with good advice.

How do you win the heart of a Rat? Feed them. Show them that you are loyal and trustworthy. Let them talk – not only do they have great ideas but they are very entertaining raconteurs. They are very observant and have a keen eye for details that will amaze you.

Those born in the Year of the Rat might be considered a little cheap. Did I say “cheap”? I meant thrifty and efficient! They love a bargain and may buy things that they don’t need simply because they are on sale. But never fear -- Rats are hard workers and succeed through sheer determination.
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Learn more: here's one of the delightful children's book that introduces the twelve charismatic animals from the Chinese calendar, The Year of the Rat: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac. And for the adults, here's: Chinese Horoscopes Guide to Relationship.

Chinese New Year 2009 countdown!

The common New Year in the western world starts on January 1 every year. But the Chinese use the lunar calendar to calculate the months and because of this, their New Year begins on a different day every year. In 2008, the Year of the Rat began on February 7, 2008. In 2009 the Chinese New Year begins on January 27, 2009 and heralds in the Year of the Ox. Here is a chart of the 2008 Chinese New Year so you can plan your parties accordingly.

As a countdown to the new year, each Friday beginning tomorrow (November 14) will highlight a Chinese Astrology sign of the zodiac. We start with the Rat - the first sign of the zodiac. Get your party hats and noisemakers ready.
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The quest for self-knowledge has been a universal pursuit for millenniums. Who are we? Learn more about the 12 signs of the ancient Eastern zodiac, read: Chinese Astrology: Exploring the Eastern Zodiac.