If you or a loved one is struggling with life challenges-a career change, divorce, grief, addictions or compulsions-give us a call and let the Sedona Intensive give you the help you need. Don't face these problems alone. Let our support team of professional therapists help you today.

(800) 647-0732 or www.sedonaintensive.com.

Extended Sessions
There have been so many requests recently, especially due to the rollercoaster financial markets, crumbling housing crisis, and other life challenges, that we at the Sedona Intensive™ have begun to offer Extended Sessions. In weekly sessions we are able to see how you and your planets in angulation and aspect are compatible or incongruent to what’s going on in the world. We take the planetary movements for the week ahead and see how Void of Course Moons, retrogrades, New and Full Moons and Eclipses affect you personally. Having this information can mean the difference in being caught up in pandemonium and panic that is not applicable to you but you don’t know it.

Call the office at 800-647-0732 and inquire about the Extended Sessions.

Light Foundation Scholarship Fund Needs Your Help

There are a lot of people who need help; oftentimes it is getting sober or straight and in other instances it is coming to terms with lifelong issues that keep them from being authentic. The Light Foundation, a not-for-profit IRS-approved organization, would like for you to be a part of this effort to help others clear away the wreckage of their past through help in the Sedona Intensive. All donations are tax-deductible. 

Please send donations to:  

Light Foundation Scholarship Fund,

PO Box 50, Sedona, AZ 86339

Best Wishes to President Barack H. Obama
By the time you read the January Newsletter Barack Obama will have been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. I, for one, am going to support his hard road ahead policies with positive thought impressions and constantly asking “What can I do to make his presidency succeed?” Astrology verifies that he was the right choice at this time in our history—much like Abraham Lincoln was for his—and will make perhaps the best president we have ever had in the history of the Union. God bless you, Mr. President.

THE MEMORIST by MJ Rose
With The Memorist, MJ Rose has written a page-turner with her latest smash hit tale about reincarnation and how sound affects recall of past lives. Someone has already weighed in that it was better crafted and more intriguing than The DaVinci Code, and I agree. Rose imprints the reader with the possibility that this book will provoke past lives for each of us. In the world in which we live, which I call the unreal dimension, it is breathtaking to expose oneself to the great possibility how the notes of music can open the sealed door to one's own past life, much like "open sesame" in the Arabian Nights tale of Ali Baba. I highly recommend you read The Memorist as a way to awaken to your own lives that are ready for you to remember and learn from.

When Pluto went into Capricorn in December 2008 until 2023, I said that this indicated a shift from pandering to kids to listening to the older set—wise ole owls, if you will. Pluto indicates massive changes and Capricorn reviews your resume to see how long your ideas have been around. Since most of us drawing Social Security have had to keep working or go back to work since we lost half or more of our retirement savings, this is heartening. Heretofore, everywhere you turned the klieg lights were on the young and the restless and us wintering ones were marginalized. Get ready to watch the changing of the Guard.

Having laid out my astrological platform for age qualification for what lies ahead I now want to contradict myself, for paradoxes are useful in looking at the polar opposite to effect a balanced point of view.

Kid’s Corner continues into its second year with usual gusto. Andrew Bell, aka Kid Bell, arbiter and respected journalist from Kid’s Corner, is a twenty-year-old sophomore at Trinity College, but I will assure you that if I am right and white hairs take over podiums, columns in magazines, continue to inspire and enthrall in the hallowed Halls of Ivy, you can bet your last bagel bite that the Kid will have his seat in the arena of academia and elsewhere. I have known a lot of young folk in my day but I have never met anyone like Andrew. He is a killer tennis player, an exceptional basketball player and few his age can hold a candle to his intuition and insights; he knows what he sees when he looks and what he hears when he listens. His grandmother Nan, who is no dim bulb herself at 90-something, and I are predicting that the Kid will one day be President of the United States. Until then we will have to be satisfied with his words of wisdom and his limitless passion for life loaded with love, compassion, equality and fair play.

But I am throwing down the gauntlet to the young at heart as well as the teen club addicted to the pleasure chest. If you want to inherit the earth, prove you are worthy. If you think the world owes you a living, surrender your entitlement before it buries you. It is going to amaze you how hearty and hale the Stars are going to align to bring back wisdom and wit to the over-65 bunch. Every time I see seventy-something Clint Eastwood in a movie or watch eighty-something Sumner Redstone maneuver through the Young Turks like they were also-rans, I suspect that all of us will begin to embrace the cutting edge that experience and integrity bring to a world on the brink.

Touch the Life of a Child

I have volunteered as a Big Brother in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for more than eight years, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My two little brothers, Ardian and now Nate have not only been a lot of fun, they have taught me a lot as I look forward to being a parent myself.
 
Today the company received a letter in the mail from the Sedona Fire Department, asking for donations for kids to be able to take Safety Classes taught by local firemen. When the Sedona School District asked us to send them a tax-free check to assist the elementary and high schools, we didn’t hesitate for a minute. Now there is talk in the Arizona Republic Newspaper that due to budget deficits the Arizona Legislature may have to cut education funding by as much as 50%. This is not fair to our young people and if put to a vote, I will choose to support education even if it means higher property taxes for me.
 
If there are young people around you who might need a helping hand through a program like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, stick yours out and help. When you see education being penalized because of economic hard times, rally your friends around continuing to support education for our children.
 
There are so many stories about kids whose lives have been changed because they met an adult, oftentimes not their parent, who cared enough to involve himself in the child's life. Won’t you join me in supporting children's education, even if it means an additional financial challenge for yourself? Touch the life of a child and you change that boy or girl forever.

by Andrew Bell

The New Year has just begun, and people are already waiting for the next opportunity for hope to change our pressing circumstances. Many people are turning to the inauguration, for an opportunity to escape the hopelessness that many are and will continue to experience. I believe that the inauguration will be grand, and the speeches will be eloquent, but after the few days are over, we will be forced to return home, turn off the television, and face our doldrums once more.

In my opinion though, we can turn not to the approaching awards season or Superbowl, which will be both be enjoyable yet fleeting, but rather to the examples of people today and in the past to overcome their faults and to inspire many people. Although almost polar opposites in many respects, I have found Mickey Rourke and Hillary Clinton to be two people of such a caliber who can present us with belief in the future. Mickey Rourke, an ex-party animal celebrity, hit rock bottom, lost everything and changed his life. His tremendous comeback has seen him win a Golden Globe, and completely transform his once tarnished image. Hillary Clinton, who was once seen as a nasty opportunist and despised by many, has softened her image, and won allies on both sides of the aisle. Once thought of as the devil by conservatives, she was probably the most enthusiastically supported cabinet appointments of conservatives that Obama has assigned.

One could argue that their journeys, and comebacks follow completely different paths and spectrums, however, I see a tremendous amount of similarities in their experiences, and a lot of inspiration for us in their return. When Mickey Rourke lost his motorcycles, his life was practically over. Although in the process he had already lost his home and most of his friends, to Mickey, losing his motorcycles was like, losing his children. When Hillary Clinton, lost the presidency, she also felt similar emotions. In many respects, her life’s goal was always to be president, and in losing what she considered to be her mandated position, she lost complete faith in her vocation and in herself. However, in my opinion, with the help of God, these two realized they must overcome their losses, change their aspirations, and to lend a more positive example for the world.

Although one can see many discrepancies between their past vocations and frailties, one can almost see an immediate similarity between their concluding comebacks. Mickey was given a standing ovation at the Golden Globes, and Hillary was given a similar applause at her confirmation hearing. I present these two names, because so many times in life we look to the future, for hope, or for escape, instead of looking around us at the incredible opportunities for inspiration that are present in the media, or even better in our private lives. For the first time in a while, Americans are looking for motivation and optimism, and in my opinion we don’t need to look very far. I hope that the Inauguration does provide incredible inspiration for all Americans, but if not, look around you, and like my two newfound comeback heroes, provide you with Hope to more thoroughly enjoy your lives.

By the time you receive this issue of the Newsletter Mercury will have been retrograde in Aquarius since January 11 but will go direct on February 1. Be cautioned that you want to delay signing important documents, starting new enterprises and travel plans can be delayed and oftentimes lost baggage statistics go way up.

The Sun goes into Aquarius on January 19th so expect everyone to act as if they are the center of their Universe and yours as well. There is a Solar Eclipse New Moon (when the Moon’s shadow crosses the Earth’s surface) at 6 degrees of Aquarius on January 25th, which means that there are a lot of exciting and new changes for Aquarians specifically, and other Fixed Signs, Leo, Scorpio and Taurus may find a few sudden changes that could, or may not, please you. I like to advise that if you have been due diligent about writing a book, opening a new business or making a critical career change, this Eclipse can aid and abet what you have worked for. The last time we had a Solar Eclipse New Moon was Super Tuesday when Barack Obama passed Hillary Clinton and never looked back—but also when Elliot Spitzer was exposed for having an affair with a prostitute and he resigned as Governor of New York.

There will be a Lunar Eclipse Full Moon (when the Moon moves into the shadow of the Earth) on February 9th at 21 degrees of Leo, which will signal endings for Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio and Taurus. Many of us who study sky maps believe that this is when the music begins to play, “The party’s over…” and it is time for the fat lady to sing. One door closes and a few more open.

Saturn continued to be retrograde in the 20th and 19th degrees of Virgo. Retrogrades are a time to regroup and learn what the harsher planets like Saturn in Virgo are teaching them.
Now you know why it is smart to have three months in the summer to chill. But tell that to best-selling author, Malcolm Gladwell who wrote just the opposite in his new book, Outliers.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 17)

The roar you hear is not coming from the Super Bowl stadium but rather from all you quirky but spiritually-aligned Aquarian Water Bearers. Jupiter just moved into your Sun Sign for a year so make hay while the transit lasts. The Solar Eclipse New Moon on the 26th of January will do more than move the furniture around. New vistas—go for it! The only fly in the ointment for you eccentrics is Neptune in Aquarius which can confuse and confound a lot of you. Tread carefully and then let your voices be heard. This is your year so flaunt it!

Pisces (February 18 - March 20)

If Saturn, known in astro-circles as the Cosmic Cop, is still bugging you as it opposes you for another year from the picky and critical sign of Virgo, thank God that Uranus is sitting on top of your head to shake you out of your unattractive qualities, like passive-aggressive behavior and playing victim. You Fish have joined a planetary conspiracy with Capricorn and Pluto transiting there for fifteen years: reconstruction of what is of value and a spiritual revolution to show us who we really are.

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

Some of you have complained that you feel that you’ve been buried alive and don’t know what to do with all that inertia. Get out your entrepreneurial blueprints and get ready for a better year with the power position to Jupiter in Aquarius. It was never that you could not win with your dog and pony show, but you have got to have a dream that has reality laced into the proposal. The world is done with smoke and mirrors. Perform with truth and you will be back in the game.

Taurus (April 21 - May 20)

Although you still have the “win-win” association with Saturn in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn, which will shine favorably for the next umpteen years, you better not be blind-sided by the harsh aspect of Jupiter in Aquarius. The Jupiter Affect can cause you to promise more than you can deliver, and if your usual fiscal responsible self isn’t careful, you can ante when you should have stayed out of the game. If I were you, I would sit it out for another month and then get back into the hunt when the Sun goes into Pisces late February.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

You Twin Brothers or Sisters have been locked and loaded throughout this bitter winter, so it may be time to go hunting with your sling-shot or pea-shooter instead. (Your war has always been within). What are you looking for: anything that can tickle your fancy or make you happier than a pig in mud? Jupiter in Aquarius has aligned with you who love to go where the buffalos roam—or go anywhere that your excited inner child can dream of. Your financials are in better shape, albeit a portfolio that still has holes in it from the nightmare of 2008, but you are headed in the right direction. Don’t forget to thank your Maker for the good times that are just around the corner.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

After that Full Moon at 22 degrees of Cancer on January 10 everyone in the house is going to look to you to balance the family ledger. It would take Rip Van Winkle waking up the day before yesterday not to know that it is time to start paying off rather than incurring more debt. For Cancers this is the time to begin to turn red ink to black by drawing up a budget that everyone can stick to. And if anyone tells you it is time to sell the house, tell them to back off. You are not on quite the slippery slope you might think. What you do today and tomorrow and for a lot of days adds up to a brighter, cleaner credit score down the line.

Leo (July 22 - August 22)

If you Kings and Queens—lords and ladies of the manor born—are reading your horoscope be warned that those eclipses are aimed at you and Aquarius (and will also affect Taurus and Scorpio). Eclipses never leave you the same way you were before they reigned over you with just desserts. What lies ahead is a clean slate if you have done your part to make starting over possible. We are not talking moola here as much as we are a change of attitude—you know, humble rather than grand; seeing what someone needs and meeting it instead of holding your hands out to see who will drop a bonus on you.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

With Saturn, the Lord of Karma, retrograde in your sign you will feel as if the storm had lifted or the stern taskmaster had left the building with Elvis. Don’t forget that unpredictable and lightning-bolted Uranus will be snapping at your heels to throw you off balance just when you thought you understood the rules of the game. After Saturn is through with you around October 20 when the Lord of Karma planet moves into Libra, you will be kinder, softer, and gentler and your Emily Post manners will open the doors to all social occasions. Saturn does change you indelibly for the rest of your life.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

You might qualify to join President Obama’s Supreme Court with all the fabulous transits that are showering you with blessings from on high. With Jupiter (expansion and bounty) and Neptune (inspiration and vision) in Aquarius giving the best geometry you could ask for, I’d say that you may not want to rest on your laurels but prove to that up close and personal naysayer that you deserve everything that Heaven allows. But, as always, pick up pace. The world can’t wait forever for your final answer.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

With the 24-carat gold prognostications you got last month it’s now time to lay low and evaluate all that has been thrown on your side of the fence. Go through all the challenges and opportunities and see which are keepers and which ones you should turn down. Always remember that late January until later February you should never commit to anything but use this time to put all your commitments through a second round of vetting. The one thing you can count on is when the Sun, Mercury, and Venus go into Pisces in March you can strike up the band and strut. Life is in session and you have a big part to play. Quiet on the set!

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 20)

Jupiter, your ruling planet, is now in a Sign very compatible with you. It may be time for you rambling roses and tumbling tumbleweeds to stay put, catch up your mortgage or back rent and put down roots. The Solar Eclipse New Moon in Aquarius and Lunar Eclipse Full Moon are going to kick off the best year you’ll have in a long time, but you have to decide what you want out of life and make it happen. You are known to be famous for pulling up stakes just when it looks like you might be building a good future. Pray and meditate a lot more this month and start back with the daily journal. It will amaze you how much better ideas are on paper than in your head.

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

“Brick by brick and stone by stone” should be written on your grave marker when you kick the bucket because that is how you are going to build the house that only a Capricorn can. Saturn in Virgo is giving you all the celestial support a body needs as well as being the one sign in the Zodiac that can keep his own wise counsel in the harshest of times. Whether you are the Mom or Pop, or one of the kids in the clan, just keep doing what you do best: persevere and change the things you can. Neither beauty contests nor brawn bravado is your thing. You were not assigned the Goat in your heavenly constellation for nothing.

10 Tips for a great 2009
by Sarah McLean

1. When you wake up each morning, complete the following statement: Today I’ll put my attention on (fill in the blank with an empowering intention Bliss, Silence, Joy, Spontaneous Right Action, Loving others, loving myself, etc.) ..............................." Or simply say, “Thank You.”
2. Go ahead; learn something new, something that will nourish your mind and body, like yoga or meditation. Even if things like that scare you.
3. Give yourself time to take care of yourself: your mind your body, and your soul. Flight attendants have the right idea; you put your oxygen mask on first before you try to take care of everyone else.
4. Take a 10-30 minute walk in nature every day. Without talking on your cell phone. And while you walk, smile to yourself and give yourself at least ten full deep breaths.
5. Give your time to people over the age of 70 and under the age of 20. Or if you are over 70 or under 20, choose to be with generations other than your own.
6. Say what you mean. Say yes when you mean yes, and no when you mean no. You’ll make it easy on yourself and everyone else this way.
7. Listen literally to those who are telling you what they mean, and believe them. Don’t be a mind reader.
8. Dream more while you are awake. Ask yourself what you really want, and then simply listen. The answers will come. Promise.
9. Sit in silence and meditate for at least 15 minutes each day, it clears the channels of communication between you and your source. Buy a lock if you have to.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat fewer foods that are manufactured in plants.

Sarah McLean teaches stress management techniques to individuals and businesses in Sedona and Scottsdale Arizona. She can be reached at (928) 204-0067. For more stress reduction techniques, visit www.SedonaMeditation.com.