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March 5, 2020 

Shop Hours:Tues-Thurs 11am-7pmFri-Sat 11am-8pmSunday 12-5pmMonday Closed

And if I am running late, call my cell (203) 513-1709.

IMPORTANT DATES:  See details in Newsletter

* Watch Laura on YouTube Live, Fridays at 10pm 

* Tarot 101 Class on Monday, March 23:  RSVP! 

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Merry Greetings!

“Mercury is in Retrograde” has become, in my opinion, one of the most oft-used and misinterpreted of all the astrological catchphrases, almost as triteas “What’s Your Sign?” in the conversational collective. Since we arecurrently IN a Mercury Retrograde (February 17 through March 10, in Piscesand Aquarius) let’s investigate what it means when the planet Mercury goesretrograde.  First: Mercury is retrograde when it’s traveling backward – anoptical illusion, of course, and comes from a change in that planet’s orbitalspeed in comparison to the Earth’s. (The same way as when you speed upand pass a car, that car appears to be moving backward as you pass it). When Mercury is in retrograde, the areas of life it rules tend to go awry:Communication, travel, phones, computers, electronics, mail, cars, andpublic transportation.  Misunderstandings and miscommunication, trafficjams, travel delays, and technology are problematic.  Appliances often goon the fritz.  

Retrograde also means REVIEW – so pay extra attention and double-checkfine print, backup your data, and allow lots of extra time when you’re on theroad. Postpone launching major projects, signing major contracts andbuying big-ticket items. The good news? This is an excellent time toinvestigate and research, finish old business, clean up paperwork, and get intouch with people you haven’t talked to in a while. Pay attention to whosurfaces from the past, in person or in thoughts. Their reappearance couldhelp tie up loose ends or resolve lingering business. Organize and prepareso you’ll be ready to move ahead when Mercury does!  Note:  You may haveheard of Mercury Retrograde’s “shadow period” where the effect begins tobe felt – this is the 10 days (roughly) before and after the actual retrogradewhen Mercury is either slowing down or speeding up.

Mercury will be retrograde three times in 2020: February 17 – March 10: inPisces and Aquarius; June 18 – July 12: in Cancer; and October 14 –November 3: in Scorpio and Libra.  So the three retrogrades of 2020 are allin the emotional water signs and logic-driven air signs!  And keep thisnewsletter as a reference for these upcoming retrogrades, you'll want torefer back to it!

Here is where things get interesting – the manner in which each retrogradeaffects YOU personally, based on the sign the retrograde is in, and whereexactly that falls in your birth (natal) chart.  Most people do not understandthe basics of their own natal chart – the personal, highly individual planetaryand astrological blueprint they came into this world with.  The astrologicalhouse in which one’s Mercury resides is directly impacted by a retrogradeMercury.  You can learn how to access your natal chart and how todetermine exactly which house is being impacted in a video I madeyesterday on the subject:  Mercury Retrograde in the Houses

Below, I have written out  How to check a Planetary Transit

1. Go to astro.com2. Sign up as a member - it’s free - and enter your birth data3. Go to “free horoscopes”4. Select “Extended Chart Selection”5. Methods: See where it says “Natal Chart Wheel”?6. Click on the downward arrow to Prognostic Methods (red)7. Select “Natal Chart and Transits”8. Select “Click to show chart” and it will pull up this chart!

You will pull up a wheel that is divided up like a pizza.  Each “slice”represents an area of your life.  Each slice is numbered 1-12.  The innerchart is your natal birth chart - what you came in with.  But we are notstagnant, we grow and the planets progress and move.  Along the outerring, you will see green symbols for each planet.  Look for the green glyph(symbol) for Mercury. Now see what house it is transiting - meaning, seewhat slice number it is stationed over.  So now you can answer the question- what house is Mercury transiting - along with all the other planets.  And asyou will read further along here, I share information regarding how eachhouse deals with Mercury retrograde.

On Astro, you can add up to 50 individuals as well as your own birth data. In addition, Astro offers some wonderful free reports/charts includingRobert Hand’s short term forecast along with some very good children’snatal chart, compatibility charts, etc.  Have fun!

Astrologer Leah Whitehorse is a brilliant astrologer and writer, and I amposting her article on this subject topic below.  Her website name is LuaAstrology, I highly recommend a visit:  

Mercury rules the mind and communication. His position in the chart showsyou how you learn, how you think, your style of speech and the way youmake connections with others. He is your intellect and psychology and theknowledge you attain through life. As ruler of transportation, symbolicallyhe shows how you get from A to B in life as well as on the road. On a deeperlevel, he can show how you communicate with the divine and your owninner spirit. Mercury may tell you the way or recite a tall tale to fool you intogoing someplace else. He is imbued with trickster energy as well as being adivine messenger.  Mercury is a quick-moving personal planet. When hereverses he triggers in each of us a period of reflection and re-organization –in fact pretty much any word with the prefix ‘re’ can be applied during thisperiod. How the retrograde will affect you may manifest in a myriad ofways. Sometimes Mercury’s transit will take him across two houses of yourchart. In this case, read both houses as each is called upon for reflection

Mercury transiting retrograde the 1st house.

How you approach the world may need to be re-thought. Consider a changeof image – do the research but perhaps wait until the retrograde is overbefore booking a drastic haircut! Take a long look in the mirror. The mostimportant thing is whether you are happy with what you see.  You may findyourself tripping over words or unable to express yourself in a way youwould like. You worry about how you are coming across to others. There’s agrowing sense that you would like to express a part of yourself that perhapsyou haven’t allowed to come out before. You may feel like the way othersperceive you doesn’t reflect who you are on the inside. Mercury retrogradein this house can help bring the inside and outside together, restoringconfidence.  Take a personality test, read up on your natal chart – for othersto know you, YOU have to know you.

Strong keywords:  Reframe, reaffirm, re-vamp

Mercury transiting retrograde the 2nd house.

Take a look at what you hold dear. You may find yourself asking thequestion “is it really worth it”?  Money due may be delayed so it’s wise tokeep some aside just in case. Sometimes unexpected money falls into yourlap.  It’s time to think about what you really value in life. Are you happy withhow you make money? Are you financially comfortable? What do you reallywant? Do you believe you are worth it? Are you on the way to getting it ordo you feel like you moving further away? Review your bank account; keepany sale’s receipts; pay overdue bills; avoid major new purchases; update orstart a record listing your outgoing and income; open a savings account.

Strong keywords: Re-evaluate, replenish, re-stock

Mercury transiting retrograde the 3rd house.

All forms of communication, transport, and thinking are brought into focus.You may feel like your mind is very busy.  Sometimes Mercury transitinghere can increase worry and nervous symptoms. Ensure you create somequiet time to gain clarity. On a deep level, you are working through whatyou know. Confusion may mean you need further information.  Repair yourcar; check the tires; check your oil and water before a long drive. Research,replace the battery in your phone; charge up your battery regularly; replaceyour phone (but avoid a new contract until after Mercury retrograde). Watchyour speed limit.  Ask questions to ensure you understand; check someonereceived your message if you haven’t heard from them; send importantitems early – by insured post if possible; check appointment times; spell-check before sending! Back up your computer, run your virus and malwarechecker regularly; double-check emails are from who they say they are

from.  In personal communications, make sure you have understood theother person’s point of view before going off the deep end. Diffusearguments. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep; don’t say yes whenyou mean no and vice versa.  Reconnect with your siblings – especially ifthings were left on a difficult note.

Strong keywords: Re-think, rewrite, review

Mercury transiting retrograde the 4th house. 

Your home is your sanctuary. Does it reflect who you are? If you feel stuckin a rut in life, maybe energy in your home is also ‘stuck’. Change thefurniture around to give yourself a new perspective. Revisit each room andtry to see it with the eyes of a stranger. What does it say about you?Release objects that no longer have any meaning.  The 4th house is alsoyour foundation, your childhood, your roots. What were you told as a childthat you still believe is true? You may become aware of negative thoughtpatterns that have a significant impact on your life. Don’t be afraid to askyourself fundamental questions. Old family/childhood issues may resurfaceor there may be a need to walk down memory lane. Reconnect with yourfamily. Make peace with your past.

Strong keywords: Re-route/re-root! Redecorate, re-establish,retrace, refurnish.

Mercury transiting retrograde the 5th house. 

There may be a withdrawal of creative energy. Let the process happen, yourproject may need time to ferment. Loss of confidence may be an underlyingreason for creative stalling. Check-in with what you are telling yourselfabout your ability to express yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Youare who you are.  Seek out new inspiration. Visit a gallery, the theater, thebeach, a local park. Try out a new craft. Take yourself on an artist’s date. This can be a wonderful time to reconnect with your inner child. Aim to re-capture your spontaneity. Play a game. Spend time with your children, seethrough their eyes. Be curious.  An old flame may reappear. Past partnersmay remind you of how far you have come or how happy/unhappy you feel.Alternatively, this is an excellent time to inject some romance back into ajaded relationship. Put your thinking caps on and devise new ways to ‘play’together.  Traditionally this isn’t the best time to start a new love affair.While life must go on during Mercury retrograde, it’s wise not to fall headover heels just yet.

Strong keywords: Re-ignite, reanimate, rehearse, rekindle,recapture

Mercury transiting retrograde the 6th house. 

Re-organize your workspace, office or desk. Sort out your diary, create acalendar or to-do list. re-work your routines. Re-connect with yourcolleagues and/or reflect upon your relationship with them. Sometimes thistransit may manifest as mix-ups in communication and teamwork cansuffer. Check everyone else has the right information to hand. Sometimesthis transit can feel like your schedule has been thrown out of the window.Mercury may be asking that you become more flexible. Routines and habitscan be an excellent structure to work from however they can also make lifea little dull, safe and predictable.  In matters of health, this is the time to doa personal inventory. How do you feel? Are you full of energy or weigheddown by aches and pains and undefined maladies? This is the perfectopportunity to do some research into your own health issues. Unless thereare serious consequences for postponement, a second opinion (whenMercury is direct) is advised before embarking on a course of treatment foran illness or problem. Test results now may be inconclusive. Avoid starting anew diet. Time is better spent researching the foods you will eat, gatheringrecipes and nutritional information.

Strong keywords: Reorganization, rejuvenation, relapse, repair,recover, refresh

Mercury transiting retrograde the 7th house.

Whether marriage or business partner, Mercury’s transit here may call fora renegotiation of terms. In personal relationships, we often have unspokencontracts and agreements that have developed over time from who takesthe trash out to who sleeps on what side of the bed. There are also otherssuch as ‘don’t ever disagree with my Mother’. These ‘rules’ can be taught tous through certain behaviors and body language. What remains ‘unspoken’is likely to be given a voice during this transit and perhaps this is necessaryin order for you to clear the path ahead.  Alternatively, old issues that youthought forgotten may rear up and you may find yourself having to biteyour tongue. Mercury retrograde in the 7th house can serve to bring youcloser together by airing differences of opinion. By the time this transit isover, you may both feel like you understand each other a lot better. Traditionally it isn’t recommended to get married or set a wedding dateunder Mercury retrograde. If you have to sign a contract, read the smallprint! If possible, defer until after Mercury has gone direct.

Strong keywords: Re-negotiate, refine, reunite

Mercury transiting retrograde the 8th house.

In the house of shared resources, Mercury here offers you the chance to findout if you are getting and/or giving your fair share in a relationship. It maybe time to redistribute the wealth. Renew your insurance, check when your

insurance runs out, avoid taking out a loan, pay off your debts and taxes.There may be issues or delays with jointly held resources during this time. Itis not the best time to take out a mortgage or loan or invest in a newbusiness.  Sexual issues may need to be discussed. Divine intimacy can beachieved through sharing your thoughts. It may be important to recallprevious intimate relationships in order to understand better yourpreferences and needs.  The 8th house favors eliminating the old. Cleanseyour mind. Secrets and hidden things may come to light during this time.Psycho-analysis and other forms of healing are beneficial.

Strong keywords: relinquish, repay, re-allocate, relent

Mercury transiting retrograde the 9th house.

Re-examine what you believe about the world as Mercury backs up in the9th house. Your beliefs create what you experience. It’s time to consider thefuture. What you do now affects the outcome. What’s your overallphilosophy to life? Are you really living it? This house is also connected tomorals and ethics. During this transit, you may be called upon to re-assesswhat the truth really means.  This is a good time to re-sit exams previouslyfailed or to go back into education. Use this time to revise, edit writing, tore-write and proofread your work. Explore books that make you thinkdifferently about the world.  You may have a sense that you have lost thebig picture somewhere along the line. Take some time to re-visualize whereyou want to be.  You may find yourself needing to revisit a place. Generally,however, travel plans at this time need to be triple checked. Be prepared fordelays, canceled flights, and roadblocks. Mercury would like you to seewhere you are so you can be clearer about where you want to go.Sometimes we just have to stand still.  The 9th house is also associated withthe concept of faith. Your faith in yourself or in a higher being may be calledinto question. Faith adhered to without question can bind you. Keep askingthe big questions!

Strong keywords: revisit, re-examine, retrain

Mercury transiting retrograde the 10th house.

Take care of old business, finish the job you started. A change in status cansometimes be indicated by this transit from promotion to job loss. Theremay be communication problems with a manager or team leader.Misunderstandings can lead to frustration. Patience and a cautious approachare necessary. This is not the time for a career change or to apply for a newjob. Reapplying for a job you didn’t get before however is favorable. Use thisperiod to consider whether you are happy with your career to date and whatyou would like to achieve. Researching a new career and connecting withpeople who work in that sector is a beneficial use of the retrograde period. 

If you are self-employed, take care with new contracts and clients. This maybe the time to reconsider how you market yourself and the clients you wantto work with. Re-vamp your public image.  Alternatively, a great way tomake use of Mercury in the 10th is to take a holiday from work, spend sometime at home and recharge your batteries.

Strong keywords: redefine, re-assemble, reappoint, resign, retire,reorientate

Mercury transiting retrograde in the 11th house. 

Time for a catch up with old friends. You may bump into each otherunexpectedly. On the other hand, this transit can indicate a withdrawal fromthe social scene for a while which may happen by choice or circumstance. Ifthis occurs, it may be that you need to take some time to discover who youare away from others. Most often this can happen when too much time hasbeen spent socializing and not enough time alone.  There can bemisunderstandings with friends at this time. Be sure you have the right endof the stick before you cross them off your Christmas card list. Gossip andrumors may play havoc with otherwise good relationships. It’s wise to followthe “hear no evil, speak no evil” motto right now. It could, however, be timeto weed out connections that no longer serve you. Mercury retrograde in the11th can help you to discover who your real friends are and why you movein the circles you do. It also serves as a reminder that people make theirown decisions in the end. You can’t control what others decide to do.  The11th house is also connected to your goals and dreams. Re-capture a dreamthat you once had to get inspired about the future. Research networks thatmay help you towards your goal.

Strong keywords: Reconnect, regroup, reconvene, reform

Mercury transiting retrograde the 12th house.

As I start to write this piece, I hear Simon and Garfunkel singing ‘The Soundof Silence’ in my mind. When Mercury transits retrograde in the 12th house,the need for retreat and quiet may be very strong. For some, this canmanifest as a strong pull towards their own inner psychology. Mercury maybring you messages from your deep unconscious mind through dreams.Keep a record of dreams during the retrograde period as they may wellprovide information you need to be aware of. Images from past lives maysurface.  Sometimes it may feel like you have been left alone with no one torely on. It may be because only you can decide what comes next. Regretsmay characterize this time, with sorrow bubbling up about what could havebeen and should have been. Be kind to yourself and let it go. If you aretelling yourself dark and twisted stories, give the tale a happy ending. Trustthat you can make the right decision by yourself and move forward.  Your

spiritual life gets a boost when Mercury retrogrades the 12th. As the outsideworld loses its pull over you, you may find yourself more psychically awareand sensitive to subtle vibrations. Synchronicity speaks to you vividly.Spiritual renewal is a possibility. Meditate, remove your mental chains, setup an altar, commune with the world soul, pray.

Strong keywords: redeem, release, recharge, re-consecrate, repent

 

Anyone can be a millionaire, but to become a billionaire you needan astrologer. 

~John Pierpont Morgan

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OUR PSYCHIC FAIRES ARE HELD EVERY SATURDAY  Faire time is 12-6pm. (203) 308-2457 for appointments but walk-ins are always welcome!

Readers ($30/30 minutes - cash only). 

March 7

Patti - Tarot (future OR past life reading)Pina - Angel Oracle (Mediumship)

March 14

Andrea - Tarot (Mediumship)Karn - Psy Cards (Mediumship)Christine - Tree of Life Tarot (see below)

March 21

Karn - Psy Cards (Mediumship)Randy - TarotSherri - Tarot/Astrological Spread

March 28

Andrew - Tarot/RunesPina - Angel Oracle (Mediumship)

Sherri - Tarot/Astrological Spread

 

New Reader - Christine Julie:  Tree of Life Tarot: Self-Empowermentthrough the Kabbalah   

Learn how to unlock the tools to use tarot for self-improvement to connectwith your higher Self. Kabbalah readings utilize a 10-card spread (using the

entire deck) that shows a “tree of life.” Deep and complex relationshipsbetween the cards are revealed through the 32 paths and 10 spheres on theKabbalah. Integration of numerology and astrology encourages spiritualgrowth and development by focusing on the connections that are made.This technique of reading tarot is a way to discover your own strengths andpositive encouragement to confront every day with confidence and clarity.The Tree of Life tarot spread will reveal struggles, concerns, strengths,success, and perhaps failure. But it will always give you a choice. TheKabbalah is a means of centering yourself and attuning with the universalrhythm. With each reading, you will get a chart and a narrative description. 

NOTE:  Gwen (tarot/past life memories) is now available for phoneappointments or private readings which can be arranged at amutually convenient location.  For an appointment, email gwenofcrowhaven@aol.com or call (203) 745-1329.

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The designation of "mediumship" is NOT a guarantee that yourloved one(s) will present themselves in the reading - it means thechannel is open and a particular reader is skilled at recognizing andthen relaying information when/if it comes through.

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We do things a bit differently at Talisman. You pay our readers AFTER thereading is finished, and if you are not happy you don't pay. NO READER canread EVERYONE successfully and everyone who works at Talisman is awareof this fact. Know that it is acceptable after the first 5 minutes of a Readingto say something like, "I'm sorry, what you are saying just isn't resonatingwith me. I would like to stop the reading now, but thank you for your time".If you do not hear something amazing in the first five minutes, or if it justisn't right ... don't expect a Reading to get better as it goes on. Readings gooff track for a number of reasons - but the point is, you shouldn't pay if youare not happy. Please, just be courteous and respectful. Complaints are rarebecause every Reader has had to pass the "ultimate interview" ... they mustsit and read ME (and I've been reading over 35 years myself) and tell mesomething about my past/personal life, my children, home, or business thatthey could not possibly have heard or learned someplace else. But everyreader has their unique gift and their own style, it is NOT one size fits all.Personally, I don't think anyone should get a reading more than once every6-8 weeks and prefer you allow at least 3 months between readings ... youdon't want to become a psychoholic, right? I WILL discourage you from thisbehavior! My goal is to see people leave an "intuitive counseling session"(because that is really what we do) feeling validated, uplifted and hopeful

regardless of the situation or challenges they may be facing. That is the truemeasure of a "good" Reading!

Laura - Private/Phone/Video appointments: I do private, in-depth readings by appointment. Private tarot readings($30/30min, $60/hr); Phone sessions are $20 for a half-hour - for those whodo not live nearby. My comprehensive multi-service 60+ minute privatesession includes a chakra check-up, a printout, review of your astrologicalnatal chart, tarot and palm reading and more! ($75). Yes, I do $5 tarot/palmreadings on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.  The Faire isSaturday, with all our wonderful guest readers so I do NOT do $5 Readingson Saturdays. Please understand these are done in-between phone calls andwaiting on patrons - you can't make an appointment, and I do getinterrupted. Sometimes there is no one waiting, other times a dozen peopleare standing in line. They are five dollars because the shop is open and I amworking, so they are not strictly "private" Readings.  If you require privacyplease understand the shop is open for business.  That's why they are fivedollars!  These mini-Readings last about 10 minutes or so, and great if youhave a quick question or have never experienced a Reading before.

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Classes & Workshops RSVP 203-308-2457

Monday, March 23:  Tarot 101 Taught by Laura Lenhard. Beginner/Intermediate level.  7-9pm.  A solid overview of tarot reading -bring your deck, this is a hands-on class!  Class size limited, so RSVP early. Cost: $10.  

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Community Events

The Connecticut Wiccan Pagan Network (CWPN) Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational and networking organization dedicated to meeting theneeds of the greater Wiccan and Pagan community in Connecticut andsurrounding areas. The goal is to help provide a forum for Wiccans andPagans to meet others of "like mind" and to come together and worship in asafe environment. Our hope has been to construct a sense of "community"in which we can all share and learn from one another. Membership is opento all Wiccans, Pagans, and those with a serious interest in learning moreabout our religion. If you are under 18 years of age you may join withwritten parental consent. We reserve the right to refuse or terminate themembership of anyone who we feel may be harmful to our organization orto the Wiccan/Pagan Community. Learn more at our website: CWPN.org. TheCWPN hosts monthly networking meetings throughout the state, open

Sabbat circles, coven and study group referral service, classes/workshops,various social events and lectures with well-known members of the Pagancommunity.

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Every Saturday morning from 10am-11am, Holly Broderick leads ChakraMeditation at the magical Newtown Salt Spa. Holly is a certified chakrameditation instructor, and former Kung Fu and Tai Chi instructor. Herpassion is helping people feel more balanced, calm, and connected, and shegets to do this in the calming salt spa atmosphere every Saturday morning.To join us please register at www.newtownsaltspa.com 

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Artist Gary Noriyuki, of Lucky Soul Tattoo, 214 Amity Rd, WoodbridgeCT (203)397-5825. 

I do regular tattooing for the most part and offer Ceremonial tattooing forpractitioners who are looking for a piece to bond with their spirits, practicesor gain further help through Sigils. Depending on the type of tattoo, practiceor tradition, offerings, cleansings, and consecration are offered, and furthermodified to best suit the practitioners' needs. Custom watercolor paintingsare also offered, commission based only. This type of work is offered byappointment only, and a consultation is always advised before undergoing aritualized tattoo to further discuss design and practices brought to thetattoo station.

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Life Coaching with Chelsa Lamorte: 10 years experience as a certifiedLife Coach (IPec, NYC) guiding individuals in validating and understandingtheir emotions; developing skills to convey messages in a healthy manner;and focusing on building organization skills and setting goals. (914) 424-2022 (Danbury). 

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Access Rehab in Waterbury: Offers Cranial Sacral Therapy with Rema.This amazing healing modality (works for body pain, balances chakras,opens meridians, trauma, migraines) is covered via insurance.  For moreinformation, call (203) 573-7130 or visit www.accessrehabcenters.com.  Ourown Sherri (Reader) highly recommends!

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Our own China (who is always at the shop on Tuesdays and most Saturdays)also makes the sage water spray, Four Thieves products, soaps, salt baths

and many of the oils. She is a gifted artist as well, and the genius creator ofthe Talisman and Cauldron Tarot.  Please visit her at One Handy Witch: TheArt of China Mayhew (where you can also find links to purchase the tarotdeck).  

One Handy Witch on FacebookOne Handy Witch website

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Awaken The Power Therapy: Introduces Women’s Wellness &Empowerment Group. This group is an 8-10 session group that meets onSaturdays. The Group focuses on life issues: juggling work & family,substance abuse issues, early recovery from substance abuse & depression,parenting issues, parenting a "difficult" child or a child with a mental healthdiagnosis, relationship issues, low self-esteem, social isolation, reduction ofsexual libido with depression and/or childbirth, assertive communicationwith a spouse & in the workplace. This group allows for a supportive & safespace to process, ventilate feelings & gain useful advice and support usingart therapy, GODDESS Training, expressive therapy, spiritual principles,cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, dialectical behavioral therapyapproaches, guided meditation and open discussions with other women.Each Group is $25 per session. For clients with Medicare or Medicaidsessions will be free! CALL FOR DETAILS! Monique West, LCSW. Email:Mwest@awakenthepower.org 58 River Street, Milford, CT 06460 203-693-1050

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Get a new career in Dental Assisting in only 15 Saturdays! Low tuition,located at beautiful 4 Corporate Park, Shelton! Labco School of DentalAssisting Plus, LLC. City beat award winner for customer excellence twoyears in a row! Call Laura Benedetto-Collins, Director/Owner 203-253-3520

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The Collab Exchange: A retail hybrid cooperative to launch Bridgeport basedretail brands and encourage small business growth, business development,and promote entrepreneurship. Features the work of Bridgeport basedfashion designers and brands.  Located at 1123 Main Street, HSW Building,a half-block from the Holiday Inn & Conference Center.

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Astrology Corner

by Alethea Hunt, Astrologer

A reminder is due before we begin that March’s outset is under the

continued influence of Mercury Retrograde – we’re now at the tail-endduring the first 10 days of the month, but it’s worth mentioning in casewe’re tempted to buy a new phone, vehicle, tablet, computer, or are tryingto schedule important meetings/conversations.  Think twice – wait a bit untilMercury straightens its act out.  We may also be feeling a financial pinchearly in the month with money possibly burning a hole in our pocket thatwe’d later regret spending in the heat of the moment, or a shortage of fundsputting the kibosh on a purchase we really wanted to make.  Venussquaring Saturn on March 3rd can put a damper on relationships as well –we may be feeling strain/tension, or basic compatibility issues may threatento thwart our attraction to others. Proceed slowly and do not mistake“chemistry” for “compatibility” – no matter how red-hot we may be forsomeone physically, let’s first make sure our basic needs and priorities aresimilarly-geared.  Thankfully, this influence doesn’t last long and the dustclears by the end of the week as Venus joins up with Uranus on March 8thand facilitates generally positive financial and relationship breakthroughs –this can have the makings of a pleasant surprise with Venus now dignified inher lush Taurus estate.

The Full Moon in Virgo may be a little tricky to navigate on March 9th withthe ruler of this lunation – Mercury – pausing to turn Direct on this date aswell.  The Virgo Moon brings health of mind & body to the fore, butsomething may be a little off with Mercury feeling rather shaky – leading upto the Full Moon, it’s therefore a good idea to be extra attentive to ourwellbeing, to get good nutrition and stay up on all of our supplementsand/or medications, and wash our hands/use disinfectant hand wipes. Reallylisten to your body around this time; not in a nervous way that might lenditself to hypochondria, but sensitively and intuitively to pick up on anysubtle cues it may be giving you that might otherwise go ignored. Especially if it’s telling you to rest – don’t push yourself overly hard andknow your limits. Jupiter in Capricorn’s involvement with this lunationsuggests positive results from a grounded, realistic philosophy; particularlyas it concerns cutting back where we might have been overdoing it.   Marsand Saturn hang at the fringes of impact to this lunation as well, so sensibleaction with the longer-term benefits in mind are favored; look at howsustainable what you’ve been doing/are doing/want to do for your health isor isn’t.  Think: Marathon vs. 50-yard dash – this includes any inclination tostart a new diet.

Energy levels should be decent and fairly consistent the mid/latter half ofthe month as Mars in Capricorn picks up support from Neptune, Jupiter,Pluto, and then Saturn as it transitions into Aquarius between March 14-31st.  It’s a good time to ease into being more physically active for the new

season; perhaps adding in a slow & gentle yoga class that focuses on properalignment might be a good introduction, followed by more activities thatbuild greater strength or endurance. And with sexy Pluto on board, thesebenefits may also transfer to the bedroom! ;-)  As the final contact Marsmakes this month is to Saturn, the key is to find physical activities that workfor you & establish consistency; no matter how crazy and unpredictableyour work schedule and/or other (parenting?) responsibilities are – think of itas the calm center that anchors and grounds you amidst the chaos of thereal world.

The big astrological event of the month, though, is Saturn’s entrance intoAquarius on March 21st. We can expect many things out of its journeythrough this sign but one of the major themes is how it will – when properlyutilized – have an overall strengthening effect upon our social circles; bothonline and off.  The importance of “quality” over “quantity” cannot beoverstated regarding our associations when Saturn inhabits this sign, andfewer but higher-caliber friendships with honorable people of integrity arepreferred over a lack of standards or boundaries concerning those wepermit in our social sphere.  A failure to screen for quality may reflect badlyupon our reputation during this transit; perhaps even professionally, sowatch your LinkedIn as well as any professional group affiliations carefully. It’s a possibility there may be some culling required in our social circleduring the time that Saturn occupies Aquarius.  Secondly, another keyconcept that will be relevant is the idea of there being “safety in numbers”;particularly concerning concretizing group ideals for a purpose.  Use yourconnections wisely during this astrological passage in all respects; butespecially if you want to put a stop to something.  There’s more of aninclination to utilize the clout afforded by group affiliations to attain bothindividual and collective goals during this period – make it count and focuson social responsibility.

*** A note to readers: If you would like to receive my FREE monthlynewsletter via email which is packed full of information &astrological insights, click HERE or emailAlethea@EmpoweredDestiny.com and I'll be happy to add yourname to my list of recipients! You can also follow my nifty astro-blog or find me on Twitter (@EmpwrdDstny).

 

Namaste, my friends -"The Divinity within me perceives and adores

the Divinity within you"* Laura * 

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