There are some of us who have come into this life to learn lessons about humility. Perhaps they were over-zealous in a previous life and had too much power. Perhaps they abused their power and took advantage of those less fortunate. Is it now their turn to learn lessons about how to live under less than ideal conditions? They will learn the meaning of humility and find ways to rise above these feelings of inadequacy. Many of these people are meek and shy especially in youth and slowly rise above their feelings of inadequacy, in the eyes of others but particularly in their own eyes. It is hard to say exactly why the soul has chosen such a life of struggle and what is hoped to learn. However, in most cases a soft and gentle existence is not an existence that nurtures growth. If we are open to our life’s experiences and do not own the sorrow and distress but see these experiences as stepping stones for our soul, the lessons are invaluable. Moving forward with these lessons allows us to move beyond the sorrow and opens the door so that we can move beyond these conditions. Much is learned. When we learn to let go and accept, a slow but steady ascension begins and a new life slowly unfolds. The lessons learned are deep and liberating once learned. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Host an Intuitive Oracle Reading Party and receive your reading free. $60.00 value. For a limited time, Holm Astrology is offering free intuitive card readings for hosts/hostesses of a home party. Invite a minimum of four guests (five including the host) for parties held in the City of Barrie. The number of minimum guests is negotiable for parties outside of the City's limits. All party guests receive an one-on-one 30 minute private reading at a discounted rate of $60.00 each. Again, the host's reading is free! For questions or to book your party contact Holm Astrology at www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

The Sun moves into the sign of Gemini on the 21st of May, 2016. Those that have the Sun in Gemini, the Ascendant in Gemini and planets located in the third house will have some of the following characteristics but if you fall into these categories and you find that some of these qualities do not resonate with you, there will be other stronger influences in the birth chart that moderate some of the Gemini characteristics. Gemini is the natural ruler of the third house and is a mutable sign. Those with strong Gemini in their birth charts are known to be versatile and adaptable and find it easy to move from one topic or event to another. They enjoy being on the move and love change and variety in their lives. It takes a lot to keep a typical Gemini entertained for extended periods of time. If you are trying to find something that stimulates their attention, you will need to activate their busy minds with things that interest them. Gemini individuals love to explore different facets of life. They are adventurous and easily stimulated but have a short attention span, so you will have to keep them entertained with many topics to maintain their interest. They need stimuli and variety in life or they become bored. They are busy people and love to keep on the go most of the time. Travel and education are areas of life that hold their attention and you can enjoy your time with them when on vacations and sharing learned knowledge through communication. Communication is the key to much of their happiness and the majority of individuals with Gemini strong in their natal chart have some knowledge on a variety of subjects. The only problem is that they scatter their energies so much that they rarely have deep knowledge on anything specific. They like to skim the surface on many subjects and can be quite knowledgeable on many of these varied subjects. They know a little about almost anything. It would be beneficial for them to learn to keep their focus on one subject for extended periods of time. If they could master this, they would be an amazing sources of information. Their beliefs are also subject to change and they can read a book and be quite entertained by its contents and find the information fascinating but it is not always guaranteed that they will complete the book. If something draws their attention, they can easily be swayed off topic and move to something completely new. They truly believe that variety is the spice of life and make great companions if you want variety and adventure in your daily life. You will not have a chance to become bored and you can spend much of the conversation time listening to what they have to say about information on most any subject. Life has to be exciting and stimulating and should be adventurous and even extreme at times to maintain a Gemini’s full attention. Gemini individuals are intellectual and love conversations on many levels. They will never be short on words or information. Gemini is a very inquisitive sign and they are also very interested in their own personal lives. Many will read this post, partly for entertainment, partly because they are inquisitive and partly because they want to learn more about themselves and expand. Yes; Gemini individuals are changeable but they are also adaptable. They are ready for almost anything and will be willing to venture far and wide both mentally and physically to learn more of what life offers. These individuals are quite willing to share all of the knowledge they have acquired especially with those that are important to them. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

On May 21, 2016 at 5:16 p.m. EDT the Moon will be full. The full moon, known as the flower moon, will be 1 degree 14 minutes in Sagittarius. You will be particularly personally affected by this Full Moon if you have links in your birth chart to 1 degree and particularly if in Conjunction, Square, Trine and Opposition. A Full Moon is often thought to bring a time of harvest of the seeds of life that you planted on the New Moon Cycle of the same sign, but during this time, you can also begin something new that previously you have been making plans for. With the Full Moon in the fire sign of Sagittarius, this is a prime time to begin something and set things in motion, as fire signs are enthusiastic, and energy is associated with this element. Sagittarius is a high minded sign which is reflected strongly by its connection to Jupiter the planet of expansive energy and optimistic realizations. Sagittarius loves adventure and starting something new particularly in areas that involve spirituality and mystical pursuits, as well as travel. Jupiter is known as the most opportunistic planet and brings with it good luck, good fortune and an overall feeling of exuberance. Jupiter is expansive and builds on anything that you put in front of it, making it larger than life and full of expectations. If you have plans that you have been working on or plans that you wish to bring to fruition, this will be a good time to push forward. Your chances of success are heightened and a general feeling of optimism will be present. If this is a business plan in the making, now might be the time to figure out what you need to do to move ahead. If there is a marriage proposal, the timing might be perfect and you can complete your plans that could prove to be perfect in many ways. As mentioned Jupiter promotes growth and good fortune and offers opportunities, especially as Mercury will go direct May 22, the day after this Full Moon. Transiting Mars will also conjunct this position of the Moon on the same day as Mercury goes direct. This will emphasize these energies and if you have been procrastinating, now would be the time to take action. Mars is retrograde during this cycle and often the retrograde motion is definitive of keeping action to a minimum. If, however, you have been procrastinating retrograde Mars suggests the opposite. Verify what house in your natal or birth chart that is affected by this conjunction of transiting Mars and the Moon as this will be the area of life that will be affected. If you have other planets or important points in this same degree or close to the same degree, this might be a very eventful time in your life. All the houses that are affected will play a part in defining just what potential lies ahead. It is as though the energy of these planets is stimulated by this Full Moon and Mars. This can be a time of decisive action and the motivational force will be Jupiter which promises good luck especially if well aspected in the natal chart. If you have set things in motion at the New Moon phase, this will be the time to reap your rewards. You will now see the fruits of your labour. You may push ahead or reset and count your loses. The energy you put into things now has great opportunities to expand and has the potential to work out well over the long haul. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Spirituality, and even more so religion, is a very touchy subject but we are about honesty, sharing and open-mindedness. You may questions the existence of God. You may even want clarification on the definition of God. You may be opposed to the use of the word God and prefer Source or spirit or even higher self. Does God/Source/Spirit, etc. exist? The answer is often clouded and unclear to those of us in human form? Is it not normal to want clear evidence before making a commitment on a subject? There is nothing wrong with questioning and everything to gain (in questioning all things), although true faith, it is said, can be the ultimate experience. In our search, we can read countless books. We can go to religious gatherings and surround ourselves with spiritually minded individuals and still have a difficult time obtaining viable answers. How is it that there are people who have complete faith in a divine order. What has led them to such strong faith? Undoubtedly there are some who have actually witnessed something in their lives that has brought them to this conclusion. Many others have been raised in traditional or not so traditional religions environments and yet there are some who not only believe but know and understand their spirituality without question. Each of us, when seeking answers, continually grow and develop our understanding through life’s experience. Many of us struggle with ego and its interference. When we understand how ego tries to manipulate our perceptions, this recognition helps us to see things in a clearer light. When we experience an understanding that resonates in our hearts, we can open our hearts and our minds to further awareness. Tuning in to the quiet inner voice opens us up to invaluable knowledge. Spirituality is available to each and every one of us whether we live in highly developed cities where varying religious knowledge is available or if we live in undeveloped, isolated areas of this world where modern civilization has not shared its spiritual insight. Have our minds manufactured our belief structures? Is the passion that so many people experience authentic even though it is something that cannot be touch? No one can deny or confirm each of our individual experiences. The journey we walk is ours alone. We must take each step as we see fit. The best decision is to stay open to all possibilities. We need to love and respect as we go. How can we do any better than this? Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Retrograde motion is a phenomenon that actually occurs quite frequently. Our Earth is tilted on its axis at 23 ½ degrees and the planets are in a continuous motion in the skies. They rise in the east and set in the west due to our Earth’s rotation. The planets in our solar system travel along the ecliptic and because of our Earth’s rotation move from west to east. At some point in this rotation the planets appear to slow down and actually stop their movement in the heavens. This appearance of non-movement is known as the stationary position in Astrology. The planets then appear to move backwards and this is termed as retrograde motion. This is an illusion and does not actually happen. It only appears to happen. These times of retrograde motion can last for a period of a couple of weeks up to several months depending on the planet involved. If the placement of the planet which is in retrograde makes an aspect to one of the planets in our birth chart energies are triggered. The type of energy that is triggered depends entirely on the aspect between the planets and the planets involved along with the houses that becomes activated during the contact. Quite often a Planet such as Pluto will go into retrograde motion and then begin to move forward again and then go back into retrograde two or three times before it returns to direct motion and passes beyond the connection with the planetary force it has touching. The first contact when a planet goes retrograde is always the most intense energy period. It is as though something has been activated and we act accordingly. Each subsequent contact is less intense and the final contact is usually associated with coming to terms with whatever took place as a result of energies of the initial contact. When Pluto makes a contact to an angle in our natal chart, especially the Ascendant or the Midheaven, its energies can have a profound effect in our lives. Often the retrograde motion lasts a month or two and then passes over the same degree only to go retrograde again and pass over the same degree again. The total orb of influence can last six months to one year. This will transform whatever is being suggested through the sign on the angle and the aspects from other natal positions. Great transformations occur during such events and individuals will go through changes both internally and externally that alter their lives, often permanently. To find out more on retrograde planets in your birth chart or retrograde planets affecting planets or angles in your chart, you should locate these movements in your ephemeris. A transit and progression chart can be prepared and will provide great detail of the affects of the exceptional current number of retrograde planets - Mercury, Mar, Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Our journey has led us to this exact point in time. Our higher self knows when and what we are ready to deal with in our voyage. Many of us have aligned ourselves with the awakening that is taking place with so many people in our world today. Although there are vast numbers experiencing awakening, there are many more that do not recognize much beyond their basic survival requirements and material comfort. Many are caught up in everyday living and are being held hostage by ego without recognizing the chains that bind them. They are lost in their search for happiness and do not understand that happiness cannot be found as it is a choice. Each of us is one of the lucky ones. We have found the key to unlocking the door to our happiness. We are ready to move through the threshold or have already taken that step through. We are not suggesting that those that are not experiencing their awakening are not utilizing their earthly experience. Their purpose here is not ours to judge. Their purpose may be just that....to learn and experience basic survival or comfort and safety as a human being. Their experience today is perfect for their specific journey. Our journey is not for everyone. It is for us alone. We are ready to move forward in our quest and although we are not sure where we are headed, we instinctively know that we are moving in the right direction. Next time we examine our lives and we find that we are focusing on what is missing or how life isn’t how we “think” is should be, remember that every experience is temporary but a valuable lesson nonetheless. We must embrace our path and acknowledge how privileged we are. Give thanks every day for all things-- lessons, abundance, miracles. It is through this gratitude that we find true appreciation and happiness. Nothing is by chance. Everything in life has a meaning. Enjoy the journey; it is a magnificent one. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

True love always brings joy and it will withstand all outside pressure. You may disagree. Some believe that love causes pain but pain results not from love but from the lack of selfless love. Expectations cause pain. Love is complete unto itself and celebrates by spreading itself throughout the world on different levels of understanding. Love is truth and is never egocentric; it always perseveres, even under the harshest of conditions. Love can stand alone in the face of adversities. Love delights in compassionate and holds peace at its core. Love is all consuming, ever-present and never ending. It sustains happiness and appreciation and asks for nothing in return. Love knows no boundaries for it is forever expanding. Love offers peace and serenity to all those that choose to express it, to allow it and to live through its bounty. Love is found within us yet it is expressed through an outward manifestation of truth, everlasting truth. Love is not love at all unless it is shared. Love cannot be saved or hoarded. Love is never diminishing. It is always expanding. It touches each and every one of us without judgement. It encompasses everything and forgives every action. It is waiting to be set free from within each and everyone one of us. Love is source in its purest form, in its only form. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Continuing from our last Astrology post, the Sun and Moon are significant in determining if there is a shortage of the element water in the birth chart. You can count these two luminaries as two points each in whatever element they are in (Today we are focusing on water). The rest of the planets as well as if the Ascendant or Midheaven in water can be counted as one point. If a planet or one of the angles is at 29 degrees of a sign, you can give that sign a half count and the next sign another half count. There will either have a single count or no counts when there is a deficiency in an element in the birth chart. If you have the Moon in a water house (4th, 8th, and 12th), the Moon tightly conjunct an angle particularly the fourth house cusp or at the end of a t-square configuration, this will eliminate a water deficiency. If the Moon is conjunct the Sun or Neptune or Pluto this will also eliminate a deficiency, as these are indicators of a need to uncover or examine. Often an individual may recognize the lack of water in their chart and will overcompensate for this by attempting to find some spiritual meaning in life which in turn might deactivate their “feeling” deficiency. Many people with a lack of water in their charts are emotionally controlled and appear unresponsive especially on an emotional level. Others may feel that they are distant and closed up tight. These individuals reveal little of themselves to others. This may be due to feelings of insecurity often stemming from childhood. They have great difficulty expressing their emotions and because of this they may surround themselves with overly emotional people in order to find a passage to their feelings and sensitivities. Since they have such a difficult time reacting to other people’s emotions, (if they are aware of this) they may go the extra mile and attempt to find compassion within themselves so that they can capture a little of the emotion that other people are experiencing. Some will go overboard in a futile attempt to let others know that they have empathy and feel for those less fortunate than themselves by over reacting to others emotional situations in an attempt to revitalize their sensitivities and compassionate natures. Some even go to extremes because they really become aware of this deficiency and act overly alarmed and disturbed by what other individuals are experiencing. People that lack water in their natal chart may seem unresponsive to outside stimuli and even appear cold and emotionless. If they become aware of this shortage, they can respond in acts of compassion and go out of their way to nurture those in need. By doing so, they can break the barriers of their intellect allowing their locked emotional responses to be expressed. All challenges found in our natal charts are there for us to overcome and to grow from. We are not eternally bound by these indicators. They are simply stepping stones. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Has your life changed so significantly that you no longer feel you recognize the path? Are you having a difficult time moving in the new direction? Maybe you are living in the past? Life does take some unexpected twists and turns, and we certain must learn to adapt. As challenging as they may be initially, most changes can bring with them a wealth of growth and knowledge. We are not at the mercy of life though sometimes we may question this. We are in full control of our response to every moment in life. If life provides stepping stones to our growth, why do we fight these changes so desperately? These twists and turns are actually in place for a reason. There is always a purpose behind every event. If we open our minds to all possibilities, we make the necessary adjustment to these new situations much more smooth and these changes feel far less invasive. The human race is compiled of survivors. We are adaptable which has guaranteed are survival to this point. We are resilient and even when faced with adversity, if we choose, we can adapt and grow from any and all conditions. We will not adjust to these life conditions ONLY if we have decided not to. Many times during the course of this lifetime, we will not clearly understand the purposes behind specific events. Our human comprehension is extremely limited. Even without this understanding we can still move forward and grow from each and every situation we are faced with. The most important lesson may be the obvious one – our ability to stay open and positive. Sometimes our search for the answer is much more difficult than the actual experience. Can we let go of our need to know? The lesson of patience is quite often a co-lesson to our experiences in life. This lesson must be extremely important as it frequently presented itself to us. We are restless people with a great need for control. We want answers yesterday but more often than not, we are not privy to these answers. We miss so much because our focus is only on our persistent need to know. We miss the beauty of our journey as we obsess over our search of understanding. To simply breathe, take in the beauty around us and enjoy the moment is the greatest lesson in life. Experience the wonder. Recognize the miracles and allow life to unfold. Life is miraculous, certainly mysterious and always changing. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

On May 3, 2016, we took a look at the element of fire in the natal chart. In determining the balance of elements within your natal chart, count your Sun sign and Moon sign as two and the rest of the planets as well as the Ascendant and Midheaven as one. If you find that you have at least 6 points in any given element, you have an emphasis with that specific element. If you have a planet at the 29th degree of a sign, you can give it half a point on both elements (this element as well as the element for the sign that is 0 degrees beyond the 29th degree). Today we are going to take a look at the element of water. People with at least 6 points in the element of water are powerfully influenced by their emotions. They feel everything deeply and may have difficulty separating themselves from the feelings of those around them. This can make them somewhat susceptible to these subtle vibrations, making them moody for no apparent reason. Some become so wrapped up in emotions that they try to find solace in places of solitude and prefer to be alone rather than be influenced by the emotions of those around them. We could call them psychic sponges. In reality, they could actually be a gentle helping hand to those in need once they learn to separate themselves from other people’s feelings and life experiences. Those with Grand Water Trines and their Sun or Moon or a combination of both in water are quite psychic and inclined to feel the energy, rather than utilizing a mental analysis of life’s situations. Have a look to see if there is a sextile between Neptune and Pluto for further reference to see if this potential holds true for you. This especially applies if the sextile is within one degree of being direct and also if you have a water sign on the ascendant and many planets in the fourth, eighth, and twelfth houses. As mentioned, these people are often moody because of their sensitivity and their responsive tendencies to their environment. It is important for them to have a place of retreat where they can recharge their sensitive batteries and ready themselves for life and its flowing energies. Many are intuitive and often very passive by nature. This is largely due to their ability to be very sympathetic to situations and use their nurturing abilities to aid those in stress. Some are secretive, particularly those with the Sun, Moon or Ascendant in the sign of Scorpio or Cancer, although Cancer is more secretive about their feelings than anything else. A strong link of planetary energies in the eighth house is also tied to people that are able to dig into the core of the matter and sometimes find significant resolution to problems that plague others. Those with strong water in their charts are very protective of their family and loved ones and will take care of them as a mother protects her children. Some can become so sensitive to their environment that they become defenceless or vulnerable to outside influences. Some have such a challenge with life that they resort to alcohol and drugs, particularly those with strong Pisces or a twelfth house emphasis. Those with strong 12th house emphasis often bury away secrets from their past or hide their head in the sand until they begin to accept the fact that a problem cannot be resolved until faced head on and dealt with accordingly. Often an outer planet will move across these positions through transit and activate this need to bring things to the surface and to deal with the buried issues, particularly the planet Pluto. We will take a look at a deficiency in water in our next astrology post on May 12, 2016. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog –www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

There are times in any relationship that we feel as though the other person may drive us mad. Is this from their actions or from our attitude towards their actions? It is important after moments of not-so-pleasant exchanges that we make the time to discuss with one another the events so that we can understand the “why” behind their actions and the “why behind our reaction”. Perhaps it is ego related, perhaps it is learned habit or perhaps it is just a moment of fatigue. Whatever reason we may discover behind these challenging moments, the discussion is moving us in a direction to overcoming the issue. If we back off a little and do not identifying with our ego (ego insists that we win our arguments), we can review the situation and recognize that even the most upsetting discussions have their place and can offer a resolution as long as we release “pride and control”. Letting go of ego’s control and acknowledging that both parties had their role to play in the argument will alleviate much of the irritation we tend to identify with. We must ask ourselves, in a year from now will this incident be important? Most arguments are temporary states resulting from moments of weakness. We usually rebound and can brush off the event and the exchange of energies can have a positive outcome. All things in life are temporary. Do not let a difference of opinion steal your inner peace. If a resolution just cannot be found, there are only two obvious options. We can make an adjustment to our attitude, adapting to a more acceptable attitude or focus, or we can walk away from those things in life that we have decided we will never be able to find acceptable. Most times in life, arguments are easily settled by acknowledging our differences and accepting others for whom and what they are. Open dialog helps us to understand others and for them to understand us. Sharing our thoughts and feelings is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, to make alterations, to understand and to accept. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Please “Like” us on Facebook. Your “shares” are appreciated and your questions are welcomed. If you have confidential comments or questions, or if you would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please visit www.holmastrology.com/contact-us Earlier posts can also be read on our blog – www.holmastrology.blogspot.ca/