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

A WOMAN WHO WAS NOT WHO WE THOUGHT SHE WAS—SHE WAS MUCH MORE!

Susan Boyle, unemployed, 47 years-old singing on Britain’s Got Talent

Easter Sunday night I was roaming around the Anti-Christ Internet and happened upon a YOUTUBE video of a woman on Britain’s Got Talent. Susan Boyle was a dowdy unemployed, 47 year-old social worker from Northern Scotland who strutted onto the stage shaking her hips like a barroom floozy. The audience and judges and I all gasped in horror at the prospect of another off-key harpy about to make a fool of her self before millions of people. Boy, were we ever wrong.

Susan Boyle was briefly interviewed by Simon Cowell, the same oftentimes bitchy judge of American Idol. When he asked her how old she was, everyone’s jaw fell when she said, “47.” And when he asked her what was her dream, she said, “I want to be a star.” And when Simon had the chutzpah to ask her what made her think she could be a star at this late date, she said, “I never had a chance.” Cowell asked her who she wanted to be like, and she said Elaine Paige. (Elaine Paige is considered a national treasure and legend in Great Britain, having played the leading role in EVITA, CATS and Norma Desmond in SUNSET BOULEVARD on Broadway). And then the music started and the lights dimmed and she began to sing.

When Susan Boyle sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables, you could have heard the proverbial pin drop; she was brilliant. Susan Boyle was as good as the woman I heard sing that song on Broadway when it debuted in 1986. Not only did the audience go wild, but one of the judges, Amanda Holden (who is the most beautiful woman I have seen in a long, long time) said to Susan: “When you came out tonight everyone was against you. When you opened your mouth to sing, you proved us wrong.” Another judge, Piers Morgan, who was on America’s Got Talent, said that this was the most surprising and best singer he had heard in three seasons of the show.

The reason that I wanted to write about Susan Boyle is that she was destined to be one of the forgotten people in the world; she was someone who life had abused and ignored. Yet somehow she made it onto that big stage and turned the tide on where her life will go for the next 40 years. So if you are ever discouraged, if you feel that life has passed you by, replay this video and take heart. If you have that passion and drive to do what it is you feel you need to do; just do it. You never know when it will be your turn and your time to shine.

Susan Boyle, thank you for proving to us all that we are going to find God’s gifts in the most unlikely people. Good luck and God bless.

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.

Power and Responsibility

Spiderman once said, “With great power comes great responsibility”. You may think it is odd that I bring up a fictitious character such as Spiderman, yet I find that oftentimes he relays great insights. And the insight mentioned above has been on my mind a lot lately.

Like many of you, ever since I was a child I knew I had strong intuitive abilities, however at the time I simply termed it good common sense. And as I recall it was because of two specific traumatic incidences involving family and friends that were the reasons I began to block my intuition mainly through the abuse of alcohol and drugs. I figured that if I was going to “see” these events before they actually happened, I would rather not know. After I got sober almost thirteen years ago I came to know that intuition is a God-given gift that I can use for insights into people and situations that are not always apparent to me.

This brings me to today and my half hearted meditation practice. My resistance still stems from not wanting the responsibility that comes with this great power called intuition. My somewhat lackadaisical practice of meditation has gotten me to where I am today, still sober and generally happy; however meditating daily cannot only offer me a newer awareness through enhanced intuition but it can also give me an inner contentedness unbelievably rich and fascinating. Gifts that are not cherished are sometimes taken away.

SECOND CHANCES
by Andrew Bell

This semester I received a terrible grade on a project that I had put a lot of work into and had expected positive feedback from. Although one can never truly understand what a teacher is looking for, I thought I knew what they wanted and that my project would fulfill those expectations. When I got the project back I was stunned, and my first reaction was anger. I was furious at the teachers for unfairly grading my work, and angry at myself for receiving a grade I wasn’t proud of. Immediately I sent a nasty email, decrying the unfair grade, and assuring them that I really had put a lot into this particular project. I demanded to meet with them, and begged them to neglect some of the comments they had made, and allow me to re-write the assignment. After a few days of no response, I began to worry that my immediate reaction was inappropriate and wondered if I had inflicted more damage on my already depleting grade in the course. Finally, an email came from my professor who really pacified my fears and promised to meet with me the following day. In the buildup to the meeting, I felt incredibly nervous, wondering what I could say to alter my position in the course, while at the same time not offending the person responsible in the process.

When I arrived in the class however, I was delighted to find out that the teacher completely understood and promised to allow me to re-write the project. This really put me at ease, and allowed me to really communicate freely about how I felt about the guidelines, and to express how I felt about the course in general. Later, she said that she understood why I felt crushed by her markings and told me that she couldn’t care less about the grade, but wished more that I really was able to grasp the concept. She also said that my work was promising so far, and that she knew that she could push me to aspire for greater things. I was thrilled and felt that God had given me a second chance to shine.

Upon reflecting about the process I have grown to realize that actually sometimes a second chance is better than a first effort. If I had just received an A and gone on my way, maybe I wouldn’t have been forced to push myself to really master material that could become useful later on. At the same time, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn how to handle difficult situations outside of my control and to embrace the conflict that arises from them. I realize that research shows that at a Liberal Arts College it doesn’t matter what you study as the majority of it will be useless to your career, but what matters is the way in which you are forced to think, analyze situations and prepare for real life problems after College.

This conflict has taught me something that a slew of good grades and unimportant papers couldn’t; that sometimes quarrel and failure breeds success and that getting to redo and rethink a project with the willingness for a supervisor or teacher to allow it enriches and alters how we look at failure. Michael Jordan once said “I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” After experiencing failure firsthand and overcoming it I realize now that what makes us successful is not just our ability to overcome adversity, but the life lessons we learn in the process which help us overcome it again and again in the future.

We are getting closer and closer to seeing some positive and lasting turnaround with all the global bad news for more than a year. The Sun went into Taurus the Bull on April 19th which is the sign that spring is here and flowers and trees and grass begins to flourish.

There will be a New Moon at 5 degrees of Taurus on April 24th—this is a new beginning for all Earth Signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, and it also has a positive affect on Water Signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Since Taurus rules all things financial, the markets and all currencies in the world should begin to show signs of rejuvenation. And, Venus came out of retrograde on April 18th, which also is a sign that better money days are here again.

One major caveat in this Solar Cycle is that Mercury will go retrograde on May 7th at 1 degree of Gemini and will not go direct in motion until May 30th. You have to be very careful signing documents, commitments for buying and selling houses or other properties, starting new ventures is not such a hot idea and because Mercury rules all things mechanical, you may experience snafus with computers, electricity and even travel can give you fits with unexpected delays. But you can’t shut down for three weeks. Give all matters a second and third microscopic attention to details.
(Remember that old saw, ‘the devil is in the details?’)

There is a Full Moon at 18 degrees of Scorpio on May 9th which affects other Water Signs and Earth Signs. Full Moons are about endings, so if it is time to move ahead rather than fall back, now is your time to put on track shoes.

May 10th is Mother’s Day. Don’t forget to make a commitment to honor your mother in all ways every day of this year. But this is Mom’s Special Holiday, so honor her in a special way.

Taurus (April 21 - May 20)

If you don’t make your money grow during your Solar Cycle you are using old worn out methods to insure that you have enough moola when it counts. Under the New Moon on April 24th make hay while you have such a powerful trend, but make sure that the Full Moon on May 9th doesn’t catch you being a little too greedy. You have the good flow from Saturn in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn. Whatever you do, don’t forget to tithe.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

You just got a whiff of what that Full Moon in Libra felt like on April 9th—whatever is not working in the relationship department you had better iron out disagreements rather than sweep anything under the proverbial rug. The benefits of the favorable winds from Jupiter in Aquarius is bolstering you for good mental health—go with what your gut and your head can agree on. And don’t forget that Mercury is going retrograde in Gemini. Be a bit more cautious about what you say that could come back to bite you.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Now is your time to dance and prance as if the world were watching. With both Lunations in harmony with you, this Solar Cycle everything will come up roses and peonies and anything that smells and feels like all systems are on “GO” for you Crabs. Did I mention that Saturn in Virgo was also a big blessing for you? The emphasis here is on recreation and vacation plans. Make sure you don’t get caught up in the Mercury Retrograde miasma. If you make plans, take out cancellation insurance. The Euro and the Pound Sterling are both coming more in alignment with what we Yaks can afford. Go…have fun.

Leo (July 22 - August 22)

Take off your Easter Parade finery and pull on something comfortable because for a few weeks you are going to have to settle for backyard barbecues and more meals in. With the opposition from Jupiter in Aquarius, every time you try to make the dollar stretch, here comes a bill you forgot. Your luck of the Irish won’t help this Solar Cycle, as both lunations are squaring you—trouble in River City and on the street where you live. Pay off and pay down. Next month you will be in the driver’s seat. Enjoy living life with less and enjoy your family and friends more.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

You are coming into the home stretch with Saturn in your Sun Sign. But you know the old adage, ‘what doesn’t kill you….’ The super lunations this Solar Cycle is really going to give you a boost. That pounding in your chest or that old deep-gut feeling that all your friends have left the coop is going to lessen. Your capacity to change the things you can is now going to pay big dividends. Don’t rest on your laurels; keep making amendments all along the way. And don’t lose sight of the amends that need your attention as well.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

I’ll bet you are glad that the Full Moon in your Sun Sign on April 9th has come and gone, aren’t you? All of these planets in angulation and especially those that are sitting like the Foo bird on top of your head, aka conjunctions, are for your soul development. Now that we are in a Solar Cycle that is not too compatible with you, continue to heal all wounds from love affairs and friendships that soured. Spend some downtime alone with the one who may be able never to disappoint you: yourself.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

I have some good news and other information that may not suit you ‘play life close to the vest’ Scorpions. The good News is that your carefully thought out strategy is about to pay off for you—get ready to preen and be proud of how you handle success. The other news is that all success comes in layers, tiered with putting your best foot forward all along the way. Someone who made promises more than he (or she) could deliver may cause you to be faint of heart and hit the ‘what’s the use’ panic button. June-July will make you think the sun feels good, not hot and sticky, with what finally pans out.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 20)

Now that Easter is over and you ate all the chocolate bunnies and deviled eggs your appetite could hold, it is time to batten down the hatches and take a good honest inventory to see where you are and with whom you are doing what. You like to roam like the tumbleweed gathering no moss, but it is time to pay the piper. Hone your marketing skills—you always have an idea or a product to hawk. Keep your ear to the ground like the Indian to listen for opportunity knocking. The big show time for you will be in August and September. To make things work out, lay the foundation for where you want to be in the fall, now. If you want potatoes, pick up the hoe.

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

You are ending Phase I of the biggest plans of your life. If you need more dough to finance the bigger picture, see your loan officer. Banks are beginning to shell out for those customers who have golden solid credit like you Goats. The lunations this month are aiding and abetting all your efforts, so as they say in the Sky Maps, strike while the planets are in alignment. The one power point for you is that you have the patience of Job without the canker sores or worse. Keep riding the tiger of success but ever so often, hop off and rest. Your blueprints are long term aspirations.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 17)

You have had a double whammy of opportunity with the recent trine from the Full Moon in Libra on April 9th—and lest we forget, you have Jupiter—planet that expands and blesses and makes big things happen—in your Sun Sign for the rest of the year. But before you think you walk on water, let me remind you that the two lunations are making harsh aspects to you. My sound astro-intuitive advice would be to step out of line and make do with what you’ve got—whether a brilliant idea or some extra cash—until you see the signal that the Sun has moved into Gemini.

Pisces (February 18 - March 20)

If I ruled the world I would let Pisces dream their lives away—rolling in clover and the deep pockets to luxuriate in the whole great, big, wide, wonderful world. Not a care on the planet. But the reality is that with Saturn still opposing you from Virgo and Uranus shaking, rattling and rolling on your head, you better continue to write those melodies and sing them when they’re done. But the truth be told, you need to continue to pay off debt and deep-freeze those revolving credit cards. The roses you smell are the pungent flora from all your good deeds. Keep them up. Reality is changing fast for you Fish.

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

If you were born between March 20 and March 30 you will continue to experience the major restructuring and rebuilding that Pluto in Capricorn demands. For the rest of you Rams it is business as usual with the understanding that your best laid plans will come under major review in the next two years. The best advice the stars have for you is to be more cautious than is characteristic of Aries and try to whittle your ego down to size. No one acts more like the fox in the henhouse or the strutting majorette than you do. Pull back and tone down.

Your Spirit is Unbreakable
by Sarah McLean

Recently, a student told me her spirit was broken. I believed her at first, she had gone through a stressful breakup and seemed a bit down. But then it occurred to me that it was impossible for the spirit to ‘break’.

I remembered an ancient saying from India about the soul …..Vasangsi jirnani yatha vihaya … meaning, “Fire cannot burn it, water cannot drench it, wind cannot dry it, weapons cannot cleave it…” Na jayate mriyate va kadacin… which means, “The soul is never born and it never dies. It has no beginning, it has no end, no past, no present, no future.” Sounds unbreakable to me.

So how can one feel their spirit is broken? Perhaps it is when the qualities of the soul are masked by the effects of stress.

Stress is truly a psycho physiological response that impacts your nervous system, and if it isn’t released in some way, stress can build up and cause disease. And when a traumatic event happens, the stress builds up even more, weakening the immune system, inhibiting the body’s intelligence to heal or bring balance back, creates stress hormones that cause depression, and somehow keeps the qualities of who we are, our soul, from shining through. That could be when we feel as if our spirit has been broken. I think the effects of stress break our lines of communion or illumination from the soul. I know that sounds weird, but bear in mind, I am writing to you from Sedona.

Take a moment to turn your attention to the one who is reading this page. Keep reading, but notice where your attention is coming from. Do you feel a presence there? A sense of awareness?

You probably already know you are not your thoughts - you are not the conversation you are having in your mind like, “What am I going to have for dinner?” Or, “I really should call so and so.” You are not your body either. If you break a leg, are you broken? No.
“Everything in your life is constantly transforming - transforming within a presence that’s always there. That presence was there when you were a newborn baby, it was there when you were a child, it was there when you were an adolescent, just as it’s there right now. And it will be there when you are very old,” says Deepak Chopra.

This presence is often called pure awareness, spirit, consciousness, the field of intelligence, the inner self, or your soul. It calls your ever-changing body, with its myriad of thoughts and roles it plays, ‘home’. And perhaps it calling you to become more intimate with it. No one else can do that for you.

You can become more intimate with who you really are - commune with your soul - in a few different ways: through silent meditation practices, by spending time in nature (without your cell phone), and by practicing non-judgment (I don’t find that very easy).
The trick is to shift your reference point in your life away from the changeable, transitory experiences (like roles, environments, thoughts, bodies, breakups) to the awareness of this presence with its many qualities: bliss, spaciousness, flexibility, infinite possibilities, silence, and so much more.

How can we culture this relationship and become intimate with this presence? Of course, meditation is my choice. That, and spending time in nature. My daily practice of meditation reorients my awareness towards this presence, and keeps the awareness of it in the forefront of my experience - in almost every situation. It also releases stress and the impact of stress in my nervous system so that I can maintain a more wholesome outlook through life. No matter what, the spirit cannot break. So don’t worry.

Sarah McLean, founding director of the Sedona Meditation Training, former education director of the Chopra Center in California, has taught hundreds of people to meditate. She speaks and writes about meditation and holds retreats throughout the Southwest. Find out more, call (928) 204-0067, or visit www.SedonaMeditation.com.