It is said that we learn from these life lessons and this is certainly true, but why can we not learn from easier lessons? Is there some other way to teach us lessons so that we can still reap the full understanding we need to learn? If we had control over every event in our life, would we actually shelter ourselves from the full lessons we need to learn by lessoning the hardships along the way? Would we choose an easier path to enlightenment? They say that the best lessons learned are the more difficult ones, but why is that? We may accept that life teaches us what we need to learn, but can we accept without question some of the challenges that are provided by life In reality there is little choice and we have to adapt to these conditions. They are what they are. Quite the statement, but ultimately this is the truth. Fighting hardships that are placed in front of only serves to make what feels difficult even harder. It may appear in the beginning that you are winning when you are paddling up stream against the rapids but eventually you will tire and the current will take you downstream where you were meant to go in the beginning. Face your kayak downstream right from the get go, climb in and enjoy shooting the rapids. Ego tells you to paddle against the current. What does this accomplish? We are well equipped to handle most of life’s events. There are times when we travel in a single person kayak but there will be times when we have to utilize a ship. Call upon the best mates you can find to help sail that ship. A dear friend, earthly trained professionals, our higher self, our guides and Source are the best shipmates available. We are in control of our ship. We make the decisions on how to sail this life by our attitude towards the waters we ride. Put the journey into proper perspective. Attitude and belief structure are key ingredients in resolving issues that enter our lives. When we meet with a trained professional they do not do the work for us, they guide us to understanding but in the end we make the adjustments that are necessary. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. Regardless of how we address our journey, we are the one that sets the course. Realize your control and strength. Know that these are yours. Work as hard as you need to control your ship in these turbulent waters but know this storm will pass and you will again enjoy the calm waters. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/

We will be experiencing a Full Moon in the sign of Scorpio at 2 degrees 31 minutes on the 22nd of April in central Ontario. If you have a planetary influence or significant point (Ascendant or Midheaven) within 5 degrees of the full moon placement, you will have heightened sensitivity to this Full Moon. Check your chart for house location of planets at the 2 degree 31 minute placements or points also at this degree to establish the area of life which will be affected. If you have several planets that fall at 2 degrees 31 minutes, it will be a time of activity and all these areas of life determined by house position will be activated. Scorpio is intense and pushes transformation. If for example you have Venus close to this degree there will be an increase in social activities. If for example your Saturn is influenced, you may experience more responsibility in your life. If the planet Mercury is being influenced, your mind is subject to many changes and your thinking process will be affected. Go a little deeper to include the house influence in your chart. If Mars is being affected and it is in the fourth house, you may experience changes within the home and with family. If Jupiter is involved and its house placement is say in the ninth, you may experience changes in your religious viewpoints or you may think about returning to school to further your education or you may experience some legal issues. Transiting Pluto is in square to Uranus during this Full Moon cycle suggesting potential insight into deeper potentially transformational information. A heightened awareness is available although it will not be obtained without some struggle. Uranus always asks us to awaken to new possibilities and challenges anything in life that has gone stagnant. Pluto will uncover what this new line of action may be. Pluto will unravel deep hidden matters and bring them to the surface so we have to deal with them and Uranus will push for a change of direction and a new start. We also have Saturn in a square to Jupiter adding a push and pull situation to our responsibilities and obligations in life. Part of us will want to slow things down and get to the route of this challenge in life. It will offer information from a higher source to help us with these issues or make us look at them from another perspective and from a higher vantage point. Saturn tends to restrict and it wants our undivided attention and challenges us to think things out before making any decisions. It wants us to be sure about what we are thinking about doing and wants us to take a safe, tested and tried route. Saturn appreciates roots and insists that we built on a secure foundation. Jupiter however pushes us with exuberance and optimism. Jupiter believed that now is the time to move ahead in life. It suggests alternative approaches that will broaden our horizons and that will heighten our experience of life. As we can imagine, Saturn’s restrictive nature and Jupiter’s expansive potential together can make things rather challenging and somewhat confusing. Some of the seeds that we planted when the New Moon was in Scorpio are now reaching maturity. We will have to decide just what we should do with what we set in motion some six months ago. We may have all things in order, we may have to make a few adjustments or we may have to stop, begin anew and cut our losses. Look deep into your chart and see where your journey may be taking you. Plan accordingly. Remember life always unfolds as it should, even when it appears as though it is not. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/

Please take advantage of this discount coupon for the Annual Toronto Spring Psychic Fair & Expo being held at the Exhibition Place, Queen Elizabeth Building, 180 Princes' Blvd in Toronto running Friday, April 22 (4 p.m.-9 p.m.), Saturday, April 23 (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday April 24 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) Holm Astrology will be at Booth 230a which is the centre of the building middle row across from the Food Court. Holm Astrology will be giving a lecture on Saturday, April 23 on Stage 2 at 10:30 a.m. on the Basics of Astrology and Astrology intuitive readings. If you have any questions or if you would like to prebook an appointment, please contact us at www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

The Sun moves into the sign of Taurus on April 20, 2016. This post applies to individuals with their Sun in Taurus, and to a lesser extent to those with many planets in the second house or to those that have their rising sign in Taurus. As we move from the fiery sign of Aries and into the earth sign Taurus, we have pushed ourselves out into the world and are now ready to move into a more secure life situation. Aries instigates aggressive pursuit to make something out of themselves and Taurus now wants to instil a more sure-footed response, as well as security from what has been done with life up until this point in time. Taurus’ energy builds a foundation that can stand the test of time. This is often acquired through material means and security is often measured by the rewards offered from a bank account that is slowly but steadily rising. Taurus individuals are security minded and use determination and discipline to reach their objectives in life. They do not rush to stake their claim as Aries individuals would. Taurus individuals choose a more solid structure that guarantees success. They are determined and not afraid of hard work and understand that if this is what it takes to achieve success, then that is the route to take. They are not very spontaneous and Taurus people like a tried and tested route. They quietly build on this structured ground and move forward in their quest for security and stability in life. They rarely sway off the chosen path and can be counted on in any situation. In times of strife they are usually cool headed and ward off anything that could jeopardise their sense of safety. They master through perseverance and staying steadfast and standing tall in the face of adversity. They are very calm individuals although once you have angered them they are quite explosive and have a difficult time settling down. Taurus individuals are very fixed in their ways and also quite opinionated. Some are considered inflexible and stubborn to a fault, as they have a difficult time adapting to anything new and will stubbornly adhere to their ways of doing things. They are not spontaneous in their decisions, but will remain true to their word once it has been given. This makes them quite reliable and responsible individuals. You can count on these individuals and they will stick through things until the end result has been achieved. Time taken is not of significance, as they know that in order to build that secure and reliable product they have to do things right, rigid to the plan and with a sure footed approach. They believe that they will find the structure that they are in search of. In loving relationships they are faithful to their partner and will work hard at maintaining a meaningful relationship. They are romantics and also very sensual people. They will lavishly look after those they love with luxury and surround them with beauty. They are very earthy and not inclined to wanderlust activities. They prefer to remain at home, and travel is not something that means a whole lot to them. They will however travel to keep their loved ones happy. They like structure in their life and anything new that has the potential of unsettling their comfortable life can produce anxiety and worry. They like things to be predictable and steady. To uncover more meaning in life, Taurus individuals will school themselves through practical learning and formulated ideas. If this suggests long tedious tasks that require concentrated energy and an ability to keep moving in an intended direction, they can be counted on in reaching this destination. Patience is a key character trait that they can rely on throughout their lives. Their motto could be “good things are worth working for”. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/

Recognizing who we are at a spiritual level is paramount to our true awakening. We have to understand our inner identity, which is not earthbound, but spiritual. Our connection to self begins with this understanding and being hypnotized by the mundane concerns of earthly living actually stagnates this progress. We are not our bodies. We are not our achievements. We are not our failures. We are not just this individual we know as ourselves throughout this earthly life. We are spirit and this knowledge slowly unlocks in varying degrees through this awareness. We are spirit right now living in human form, temporarily caught up in this human existence. We do not have to wait until we move on from this existence into the next level of consciousness or pass over to become in touch with our spirit. We do however have to recognize ego’s intent and refrain from identifying with ego’s superficial hold on us. Many of us are caught up in this transitional stage and have a hard time breaking away from ego’s stronghold. Many actually believe that they are their ego and identify with it on a constant and continual basis. They recognize its negative impact in their lives and believe that they deserve ego’s persistent efforts to make us believe that we are worthy of nothing beyond simple existence. Guilt is a by-product of the ego and as long as ego maintains its stranglehold, we cannot rid ourselves of our feelings of guilt. How we live our life, becomes riddled with guilt. Who we believe we are as individuals for many perpetually raises our focus on guilt. This portrayal of guilt becomes an ever-present sidekick that keeps us at bay and stops any type of true progress as a spiritual entity. All that is defined as evil in the world can be attributed to ego control and resulting guilt. Those that live through power and control have taken on an ego identity and are not aware or do not believe that there is another portrait of themself. The live their lives trying to protect what they believe is their true identity but in reality, that which they are hiding is neither a part of their earthly self nor their true whole self. We owe it to ourselves to stifle ego and get to know the true self. We can awaken to our true potential. We can assist others to awaken to their true self and true potential. We are a global consciousness. We are together one consciousness aligned with source, without exception. By working on self, we also work on our global consciousness. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/

Holm Astrology is thrilled to again be participating in the Mind & Body Psychic Fair tomorrow Sunday, April 17 at Lion's Gate Banquet Hall, 386 Blake Street, Barrie from 10 until 5. Holm Astrology's Oracle Card readings are based on astrological information provided by the cards. These readings differ from our Astrology chart report. The cards herald messages from your higher self and/or guides as revealed by the cards that turn up and their house position in the specific Astrological layout. We are again pre-booking appointments due to having to turn clients away at the last fair as we were fully booked. Please drop by our booth to see our lovely Astrology crystal sunstone tree of life pendants created by Enhancing Adornments. http://www.holmastrology.com/contact-us

What would it take for us to find a place of peace.... a place of being in alignment? Our mental and emotional feelings of contentment either become enriched or slowly deteriorate due to our focus it affects our various states of being. Our input and attitude have complete impact on how we feel and what we are able to orchestrate into our world. We cannot expect to be healthy or have regenerative potential if we are coming from a place of dis-“ease”. We are not open to the power of healing when we are stuck in an attitude that projects negativity in our world for this attitude only serves to hinder our lives. If we are blaming specific situations in our lives for standing in the way of finding peace and contentment, we have to do something to change these situations or change our attitude towards the situations in order to make life unfold on a more promising fashion. If it is the people around us that we blame for standing in our way of happiness, then we have to do something to change how we look at their influence on our lives. Perhaps we need to move away from their influence or redirect our perception of who they are or what they are doing. In most cases, a change of attitude is all that is needed and we do not have to do something dramatic to change how we feel about their influence in our lives. We have the ability to change life’s direction with our thoughts, but if there is physical, emotionally or mental injury, it would be best to remove ourselves from their influence. If we are simply frustrated at life in general, be sure to reflect on the real causes of our unhappiness before we take drastic steps to correct issues that can be corrected simply by changing our attitudes. The body reacts to both internal and external stimuli. Our attitude and external events or circumstances influence our lives. Taking the necessary time to reflect is imperative. Once we have taken an honest look at our circumstances, we can make an informed decision as to what steps we might need to take. We are never in a place where we can do nothing to help ease or alleviate uncomfortable or undesirable conditions. Often the answer is not as challenging as the situation might first appear and a minor adjustment is all that is needed. We are in control of our lives. Life is not controlling us unless we allow it to. Attitude and belief structure along with expectations are always ours to change. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/

Stop for a moment to take in all that surrounds you in your daily living. What in life creates the push that is the basis for how you live? Is it a desire to make things happen the way you want them too? Do you live your life for others or is this life self-directed? Have you found something you want to share? Are you in a place that assists you in sharing these things? What truly makes you push forward in your life? Do you really want life to direct you or are you the director of your own personal journey? Are you being directed or lead by a higher source? Do you willingly follow this prompting? We all need purpose and it is necessary to know that we are in line with our objectives. Some of us recognize that we are also being assisted from a higher source and that the direction being offered is always for our higher good. If we live our lives with the purpose to serve others and always put ourselves last, this practice perhaps feels righteous, but is this for our general good? Should we always place others ahead of ourselves? Our goal, when it comes to helping others, is to help them achieve a state of happiness, but if you are not happy ourselves how can we lead by example? We have to help ourselves together with others. It is a snowball effect. We will never experience true satisfaction and happiness by only satisfying the self. There will always be a feeling that something is missing. If we can blend self love and help through love and action for others, we will find true happiness. If we find peace within (and this cannot be found from outside of self) we indeed have something of great value to share. We have rediscovered something that will not only benefit others, but will enhance our lives as well. When we utilize the energies that influence us positively, we resonate these energies to others. It is then that the time is ripe for sharing. We should remind ourselves of whom we truly are on a deep, inner level. The self that we relate to undoubtedly is in part ego and in part spirit or soul. Learn to differentiate between the two. By letting go of our ownership of ego and not identifying with its intent, we do not allow ego to obscure our vision of self or take us to places that we do not wish to go. If we stand firm to our commitment to be happy and at peace, we are the messenger and deliverer of happiness and peace. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/

In Astrology the Natal or birth chart is a snapshot of the heavens at the instant of birth with the planets frozen in time. The planets, their placement and their angles to each other and specific points in our natal chart tell the individual’s story. Once we are born, the planets continue their movement around the zodiac or birth chart. The birth chart or natal chart placements, however, remains intact for our lifetime. The movement of planets after our birth is known as transits and progressions. We will not go into detail on these interlinking movements in this post, but suffice to say the movement of planets and the stationary planets of our birth chart will make aspects to each other and will tell a story of their own. When these moving planets align with natal planet placements (and much depends on the overall condition of the natal chart), areas of your life defined by the house positions of the transits and progressions as well as the house positions of the planets in the natal chart are activated and life, events and reactions begins to unfold. This unfolding is experienced on an intuitive level at first when the transiting planets begin forming an aspect (angle between these links) and then can be experienced on an external level through events as the energies become enhanced by the joining up of other planetary influences. Astrology can pinpoint when these areas of life will become activated, how it may affect you. However much depends on the attitude you take during the activity and the duration of its effects on your life. Astrology prepares you for this upcoming energy entering your life and can provide you with clues as to how to deal with the energies and events or take advantage of what may transpire over the coming periods involved. Astrology can be used as a tool and a guide to assist you to overcome obstacles, to assist you to prepare for periods in life when things may not run so smoothly but also to prepare you for times when great opportunities will be laid in front of you. These opportunities may not materialize if you do not recognize the prospects that are awaiting you. Astrology gauges the energies of the activity and provides you with suggestions on how to utilize these energies as they enter your life. For those wishing to take advantage of these early signs and use astrology as a guiding principle in their lives, astrology is a viable “advertisement” of opportunities to come, both the easy flow and the harder lessons. Transits and Progressions offer a window of seeing rather than being blind sighted by events and not being prepared when you could have an upper hand. Astrology is a tool of reference that can be applied in many areas of life. The birth chart provides the initial backdrop suggesting who you are and how you naturally cope with life and take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Astrology’s guidelines are not written in stone as we have free will and can react to any given situation in our own way. It is however a tool to assist us in making life unfold with less resistance and with more personal awareness. We have the tools available in life to overcome any adversity and also to take advantage of all opportunities. Astrology is one of these. With your own personal decisions combined with information provided by astrology, we can direct our life and enjoy the natural flow. Take advantage of the information astrology provides and have a leading role in your ever unfolding journey. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/

Mars’ and Neptune’s energies do not blend overly well with one another. Mars’ energies can be aggressive, dynamic and even a bit impulsive. Neptune’ energies are soft and gentle. Neptune strives to slow down aggression and impulse and pushes you to connect with something higher. Neptune discourages any ego impulse. It seeks purity and focuses its energies into directions that assist others. Mars is drive and ambition and is often self-directed which usually involves the ego. Since Neptune puts a vail of fog over anything it touches, you will have to watch for being mislead or misdirected. Neptune can be deceitful at times as what you see may not be what is. Mars wants to direct energy into self-serving areas. If however you manage to persuade Mars to channels its energies into constructive, mystical pursuits or spiritual insight, you will blend more appropriately with Neptune’s influence, although this may be a challenging thing to do. Neptune will not push its way into being. It acts in a peaceful manners and knows that enlightenment is not something that can be pushed into existence. Its energies flow when the time is right. We cannot push hard to achieve mystical understanding, although we can direct our energy in the appropriate directions. We have to move ourselves in the appropriate direction because we enjoy this way of life and truly want this to be a part of our life. Once we have surrendered ourselves, only then will we catch a glimmer of what we are looking for. There can be no ego connection in our spiritual unfolding. Any eagerness to succeed may hinder the results and this is a challenge for Mars as it wants to direct its energies and channel it in ways that will assist in reaching its goals. Be sure to take care of yourself during this transit as there is potential for the weakening of the body and its function. Moderate exercise programs are suggested and eating a proper diet is equally as important. Neptune can have the tendency to deplete our energies and anything that is rigorous and too stressful will tax us physically. Neptune also rules drugs and alcohol as well as prescription drugs. We should be very warry of using any of these substances during Neptune’s stay with Mars. Any kind of upper or stimulant should certainly be avoided. The body is very sensitive. We should also watch for poisoning the body by mixing drugs and using them in inappropriate manners. Substance abuse is a real danger during this aspect. Channeling the energies will be the greatest issue during this aspect, but if we can find time to meditate and contemplate living for the greater good, we will have done our best at directing these energies appropriately. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/

When we find ourselves in a troubling situation or experiencing a challenging state of mind, understand that we have the ability to rise above any conditions in our lives. It does not matter what we are faced with, we can overcome anything. We have the ability to change any circumstances. Recognize the inner strength that we have and once recognized, we can use these strengths to our advantage. We have a lot more strength than we know and we are always provided with what we need. Each of us can detach ourselves from events. If we do not own events, they cannot affect us deeply. We are human and are influenced with events BUT we do not have to stay attached that influence. The choice is ours if we are going to get caught up in events or learn from the experience and move on. All events, are stepping stones, or learning tools. We master the lesson and from that we gain strength and confidence. We learn from these events that we are resilient. All lessons mirror learning to ride a bicycle. We learn the ability to ride and can carry this ability through life. It is simply the first try that is difficult and sometimes it takes a little more time to learn but we do learn and can enjoy that ability afterward. These talents now can be used for enjoyment or with purpose. Life can be an enjoyable ride. Learn to use the tools and equipment available to us and make the experience pleasing. Pick up the pieces of life and ride on. Enjoy what it has to offer and we will meet many others that share that same road with us. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology and information on the Astrological charts we offer. For a list of up and coming events, visit www.holmastrology.com/apps/calendar/ Please “Like” us on Facebook. 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/