new videos

Youtube have been changing their site again so the new video is showing Sagittarius,but of course all the signs are there. Boy was it windy this time! But I think the wind noise drowned out the aeroplane noise!

I have decided to write the daily for Saturday as a double entry to include Saturday and Sunday, and this is slightly longer than just the single daily.

I am remaining very busy and it's great to get feedback from people weeks later, keeping me posted after they have had a reading about how certain things are turning out. It's a big deal to have an astrologer look at your chart and something that you want to consider carefully. The good news is that nobody has ever regretted it, at least when I have done a reading or consultation, which is as it should be. Be aware of scams on the internet and make sure you can check the credentials of who is doing your reading.

I am proud that I am a Fellow of the Association of Professional Astrologers International, which only accepts fully qualified astrologers.

When is a good time to get a reading? Anytime!

March

Here we are and another month has gone. and it still feels wintery. Caught the snow again in the latest video although this was filmed last week. A few snowdrops are showing themselves now but no signs of daffodils yet.

I have had many people getting in touch for a twelve month forecast - I think people instinctively feel it is a time of change and uncertainty and a heads of of what's coming. It promises to be quite a volatile year, and we have already seen some massive earth changes, with icebergs the size of Luxembourg and the two huge earthquakes this last few weeks.

ooops!

Although yesterday was glorious with a beautiful clear blue sky and it being a Saturday, unfortunately my other half, Simon, who does the filming for the videos, managed to delete some important files off the computer. He spent a frustrating few hours downloading software to try and retrieve said important stuff and was unable to. Fortunately, Monday's film was still on the camera so we didn't have to do it again but it made me realise how hazardous this is! We must be mad! The weather had been really too grim to go out and film until yesterday and while we end up with a 10 minute long film for youtube, most of that time is spent waiting for the noisy aircraft to get out of the sky!

Screeches from buzzards and sparrow hawks, the tinkling of a stream or the rush of wind or dogs barking is fine, but aeroplanes are a big no no!

Right from the start, we had the view that astrology is so all encompassing, it seems somehow a little contrived to do the horoscopes from a nice safe studio space with no connection to the world outside, so we have a deliberate policy to include the elements and the seasons, and so give people around the world the experience of our neck of the woods. Sadly the disconnect from the real natural world is a little thin for many, so this is our way of giving it back to people again. Maybe the actual horoscopes then become kind of incidental.

And now he has been out again first thing doing more filming to replace that which was lost. It's a labour of love. But the results are great!

time flies

but we are still in winter. First little shoots are appearing and I am thinking of compost heaps. Wow that is a complicated subject!

pic is of a little dog I made the other day. I think this move of Jupiter into Pisces is going to get everyone's creative juices flowing, to be honest, not to mention helping out as much as possible with the victims of Haiti (occuring just around the eclipse in Capricorn).

new year and all that

We expect things to be different and with expectations comes results. Really we make the stuff in our lives, but sometimes fate/nature comes along and changes things and we are back down the pecking order of the universe again. So along came the snow.

Personally, I love it, it's magical,beautiful and covers a multitude of dying vegetation and grey pavements, but of course there are those who see this amazing natural phenomena as the enemy with which they do battle.

And then there are the truly awful disasters like the earthquake in Haiiti. How unbelievably devastating. The only good out of this is the desire for people from all over the world to send out practical help and the need to make things better. If nothing else, an awareness of someone else's tragedy links us to all humanity.

And then there is gratitude. I am grateful that I have a wonderful family, my health and the ability to reason. Hmm it's all quite sobering.

The Aftermath

My daughter calls it 'beige food' and it's the stuff that comes from Iceland (supermarket) and eating too much of it leaves you in a kind of lethargic stupor. Added to that, there is a fair amount of wine flowing and continuous munching on chocolate, crisps and even a cold sprout or too. 2 days on a diet like this and I am less energetic, very wound down, and not particularly motivated to do too much. Yes, it's like a holiday!

Christmas was joyful and probably the least stressed ever since the present buying bit has gone minimalist by mutual consent. Weeks off making stuff has paid off and my family are delighted with their scarves, wall hangings, jewellery etc. (at least they appeared to be!).

Since my kids are all grown up it's a joy to spend Christmas night with no TV, but reminiscing about daft episodes of their growing up years, and then to put the world to rights, finishing off with hilarious episodes Vic Reeves from youtube.
Let's make the season of joy and goodwill last a bit longer than Boxing day.

Christmas Eve

Well, that came around quickly and it's been a dramatic build up here in the UK, with pictures of snow and ice, treacherous conditions and travel misery, or that is how the media paint it. And of course, it's a nightmare if you have personally slithered into a mishap (which I nearly did the other day). But last night, near midnight, I stepped outside the door and relished in that very special hush of a land lightly covered in snow and felt the stillness of the cold air. The trees, now bare of leaves, where silhouetted against the gloom and there was a magical quality in the air, which took me back to my childhood. I will never forget the stories of Narnia, and feeling the fur coats at the back of the wardrobe before stepping out in the crisp air of a winter wonderland. Such was the writing of CS Lewis that I was with Lucy and Peter etc and experienced everything they did.

How amazing life can be when you see things through the eyes of a child. It's not just a robin that happens to land on a branch near you, but Mr Robin, coming to check you out and say hello. Old trees are not just old trees, but the keepers of ancient wisdoms and if you stand near their gnarled trunks, their knowledge can seep into your subconscious and you learn about the land.

So for all the grown up kids, forget shopping, stuffing turkeys and new iphones, just remember what Christmas was like when you were little. All the very best wishes love Annabel

a day to myself

and I have never been so busy. Wrote a list and ticked things off. Usually I don't need to write a list but I have lots of things I needed to complete for Christmas. My extravagance has been Italian plums which I have made into jam (since I am giving mine away for Christmas).

Loved finishing off a machine embroidered picture for my youngest, and now I may have time time to dip into Carl Jung, metaphorically speaking (he is big on metaphors and symbols). I dreamed I lived in a building that used to be a shop, but now cleared out with nothing in it. Gradually, people came along to offer their help, just little bits at a time, and I survived. Just. When I woke up I had the wherewithal to make a cheese sandwich and a cup of tea, and I had a cat. How nice.

Christmas countdown

Discovered steampunk the other day, and yes, it is a bit late in the day and where have I been, but this year we are drawn to a steampunk Christmas. My take on this is to get to the local antique/junk/charity shops and buy stuff for people that is OLD. Failing that, it's a knitting needle thing, which I am now entitled, since I am a granny.

My eldest daughter has bought her fella a gorgeous pair of brass and leather binoculars, and we found a delightful piece of Scandinavian pottery for someone else. I am finding the whole commercial build up quite overwhelming, because there is so much in the way of wonderful stuff to spend on that it would be quite easy to bankrupt yourself buying for just one person.

Enough of all this - Christmas is a time for kids and Santa, and the baby Jesus and talking animals, angels and magic, and the smell of pine and spice. I love squashy presents, still wrapped, and the imaginings of some luxurious, sensual something that I would never buy myself. The presents under the tree hold the potential for what could be and this year, I will try to put off the opening, savouring each one and enjoying the experience. As kids we used to watch the oldies do this and wonder at their restraint. Our own presents and had been ripped from their wrappings at the break of dawn, if not before and it was all over in a flash.

That's one thing I have learned over the years; some things are really worth taking slowly and savouring.

what's happeneing?

Jessica Murray

Recently I was asked to a short overview for 2010 for a magazine, and I looked at the transits of both Saturn and Jupiter, specifically. Just plotting where these two planets will be gives a great insight into our experience. Saturn through Virgo corresponded with the credit crunch and global recession, and brought a kind of mindfullness about frugality, make do and mend and taking care of health issues. Recently there have been debates on swine flu, care of older people etc. Virgo is concerned with these matters and also, being ruled by Mercury, communication, research and so forth. Excess and waste is not what Virgo is about and Saturn restricts and restrains even further.

So 2010 is likely to bring its own challenges and the summer months could be quite dramatic. For in depth views regarding this, it's worth checking out Jessica Murray's writings, as above.

Meanwhile I am staring out the window at an impossibly wet and dreary day. Typical November!

folksy

shop name Cherry Tree !

going back to the beginning

I was lucky to grow up in the country side, and I could play in the woods and down by the river, which indeed I did. I can't remember being told what I couldn't do which gave me a pretty amazing freedom, probably not available to kids these days. In such a background, there was a seamless link to my world and the world of Grimm's fairytales and strange woodland tales of elves and the secret elementals who live in these places.
It may comes as no surprise then that one of my memories was waking up in bed at night (I must have been about 6) and there, at the bottom of my bed was a strange glow of light, bright enough to illuminate the paisley pattern on my eiderdown but not enough to fill the room with light. In the midst of this danced 5 or 6 transparent, gossamer like fairy creatures, hovering about six inches above the bed. I watched in amazement for several minutes, making sure I was wide awake. I closed and opened my eyes again and they were still there.

I told my mother of this spectacle and she wasn't surprised at all and totally accepting. I have never doubted it myself, but was loathe to share the experience with too many people. Until now. Neptune has just turned direct so perhaps more revelations to come.

inner visions

I was talking to somebody yesterday who looks after phone lines for tarot, psychic and astrology readers. He was saying that now most people are searching for a psychic reading which includes tarot, rather than astrology. I think astrology, for a long time, has been haunted by those rational scientific types who demand proof and explanations of how it works, and astrology, wanting to be accepted by the so called main stream has struggled to fit itself into the scientific paradigm. It's a bit like putting a quart into a pint pot.

Today I listened to an interview about Carl Jung, the so called father of modern psychology and this man explored his inner world of dreams, fantasies, symbolism and his soul. Sadly in out rational society many of us have lost contact with that essential side of our selves. Here there is a richness and abundance of wisdom and intuition that can be tapped and explored. I think astrology and Tarot do this, and of course the psyche is what this is about.

I am exploring these other methods of delving under the surface, or should I say returning to this, since this has been part of my life since I can remember and I have had countless extraordinary experiences that simply cannot be explained. Perhaps now is the time share them x

what's happening?

Many people have said what strange times we are living in at the moment, and I'm aware that I haven't blogged for a while. Distractions mean that my focus has been elsewhere and exploring all sorts of possibilities. A friend of mine is experiencing a growth in her business and finding that much gets more. A news item on the BBC today showed that all you can eat buffets are booming! so much for lean times and hardships!

I am discovering the huge amount of food available just now from excesses (yes, chestnuts are falling form trees and being swept away as garbage until I came along and gathered some up and made a wonderful vegetarian burger with tofu and sprouted mung beans)

so what's happening? Saturn is moving out of Virgo and into Libra and we can use our natural creativity to find solutions to problems. Cooperation and sharing of resources means that everyone benefits.

I had an intriguing link to a past life this weekend, which has helped me understand some things. Astrology is the key.

problems and solutions

Today, because of the abundance of sweetcorn at this time of the year, I have been forced to try different ways of having corn rather than on the cob. A response to a situation that in this case, comes from my veg box.

Sometimes we are handed certain circumstances which can be a blessing in disguise although they don't appear to be. I know of several people who have recently taken voluntary redundancy due to the credit crunch,d and this has been the starting point for a whole new adventure. This morning I hear how Ellen Macarthur saved her dinner money to buy her first boat. Even a child with no pocket money found a way to fund her dream. This is hugely hopeful for the rest of us.

Whatever our circumstances we have within us the power to change them for the better, if we wish. And sometimes it takes a massive leap out of your comfort zone to do it. My own choices are often made after a special dream, as well as seeing what the astrological picture is too. It's not always down to what is logical, financial and sensible.

I love the Archers on the radio and for those who follow this, Peggy is faced with the prospect of having to sell the village shop as it's not making enough money, and yet provides employment and a valuable service to the village. You make think I have finally lost it, and yet I live in a little village with a wonderfully stocked village shop. I hope they are making money and I certainly use it for buying the essentials when I run out. Personally, it's worth it to keep these small establishments going rather than selling your soul to the massive multinationals.

For those who support human size endeavours and the sense that you are helping your local community, then please do what you can to keep these little businesses going, for all our sakes.

meanwhile, the soup is smelling good!

mercurial world

Thought I would check out where Mercury is today (22 degrees in Virgo sextiling Mars in Cancer). Today the London Evening Standard is going to be FREE. I have never read this paper but understand, as the editor has just said that Londoners are by and large a sophisticated lot and enjoy their 'proper' newspaper, rather than the usual slightly downmarket freebies. But of course, it will only be free to readers since they will then have to go through loads of advertising to get to the bits of news and the newspaper itself will have a rather good revenue stream. Wonder if others will follow suit?

A bit like websites really. We decided from the start that we wouldn't have banner ads, and other stuff that websites are jammed with now, and we have borne the cost of running annabelburton.com and her sister sites for over a decade, so it is always with gratitude that I get orders from people for readings, forecasts etc. This ensures that the hosting costs are paid and the website pays for itself. Sad but necessary in these times. And of course the dailies, and monthlies are here too. I have to be a bit passionate about what I am doing and I KNOW there are many people out there who do love my services. So it was great to get the following this week: 'Thank you Annabel for the answer to my question. I have listened to it 3 times now today and am hearing more with every go....I became instantly so very glad that I wrote to you, because it just hit the spot- you understand so well and your entire message was really taken to
heart.'

So what about Mercury? Well this planet symbolises the written word, information, newspapers and commerce - all rather integral I would say, although Jupiter usually refers to publishing (as in bigger books that have more permanence). Linking to Mars? Bringing it all home, tribal family gatherings, activity, linking to the past.

busy time

Catching up with myself is taking a while, and this week I have had more than the usual readings to do, which is great. The Sun is in Libra and people start thinking about their relationships. Such a complex subject!

I am happy to have given help and important insights to people in this area and of course, the most important relationship is the one with yourself. Finding peace within and acceptance of who you are can take time. Fear brings about defensive behaviour or nervousness gives rise to an overdoes of chatter. Listening is so very powerful and being listened to is a way to be acknowledged, understood and validated. Astrology of course picks up on the essential energies which manifest as events or feelings within a person's life. Cosmic conversations...

Equinox time

Yes, it is only 3 months until the shortest day and I have been busy!

My latest scarf is done, inspired by the amazing Sophie Digard, and yesterday I salvaged some fading hydrangeas from my non-garden to make a nice display with wild rose hips, ivy and something else. I wanted to make an effort as my dear old tutor was coming for tea. He is like the original Dumbeldore and deserves freshly brewed Assam tea in a china cup with freshly made cup cakes (recipe from the Hummingbird Bakery cookery book) and of course fresh flowers.

It was wonderful catching up and see how everyone is coping with the Saturn/Uranus opposition. this has stirred things up and the paradoxes are aplenty with some crazy ideas. Out of all this chaos a new way of being will emerge and I am confident that while there are plenty who are of the same mind set as me (caring about the planet, each other, the need for personal responsibility, the re emergence of frugality and thrift, the honouring of the precious and old, there is a equally opposing mind set who do not care about the planet (witness those who chuck litter out of their cars for starters) who blame the government,their parents, the rest of the world for their current dissatisfaction, and who spend lavishly on the latest gadget or gizmo just because it is the latest and simply put themselves first, end of.

So this is where we are at now, with choices (aren't we lucky!) and maybe having to do things differently but enriched because of it. I always think that if something comes easy it's not appreciated, but that maybe just me. Still, while I can appreciate the flight of a dragonfly, smell the damp of the earth and feel gratitude for a sunset after a lovely day then I'm happy. (and secretly I had a bit of a splurge with my daughter on Saturday and we did the girly thing of trying on stuff, and even bought a pick and mix with nougat and fudge, yummy...)

more plums

There is such a glut at the moment and since our neighbours have now gone to France until December, they have asked to pick up the windfalls. I shall be making more jam and couldn't resist taking a picture in the evening September sunshine.

Yes these are out of focus, so need to be viewed with Monet vision. And now the light's gone after a spectacular sunset.

five hours doing the same thing

This is unheard of for me and probably for you (this excludes what you would do in a day job, which may of course be more than five hours doing the same thing).

But supposing you had uninterrupted time and nowhere to be, how would you use that five hours?

I just received an email from a fabulous life coach called Annabel Sutton, and she told me about a workshop she has just been on. The initial task is to be somebody that you are not usually, so if you are naturally shy and retiring, you get to be outgoing and chatty; maybe you are exactly that, then in this workshop you stay back a little, and let others take the stage.

It strikes me that this is a great idea and one we could encompass on a regular basis. hence the importance of me spending five whole hours doing just one thing (my attention span is usually 20 minutes max).

Astrology is about creating and being creative and that means experimenting to a certain extent, to get in touch with who you really are. This completely knocks on the head the preconceptions about age (like you are too old for this or that, or even too young!) the best time to do stuff is probably now and most things you do not have to ask permission (unless you are a little kid, in which case you wouldn't be reading this blog).

And since this is getting way too word here is a picture of my latest blanket