The History of Jack...

The Jack-o-lantern tradition started in Ireland several hundred years ago. As the story goes, there was a character named Jack or Stingy Jack as he was called. Stingy Jack was a thief and a drunk who like to torment people by playing malicious tricks on everyone. Tis said, Jack even tricked the devil into promising that he would not take his soul when he died. However, when Jack did pass on, he was denied entrance to heaven because of the mean tricks he had played and since the devil wouldn't take him either, he was trapped in the void in between.


The devil commanded Jack to leave his gates and tossed an ember from the fire at the spirit to light his way. Jack placed the ember in a hollowed out turnip (his favorite food when he was alive) and begin to wander the earth looking for a resting place. With the lantern held in front of him he became known as Jack of the Lantern. After that on all Hallow's eve, the Irish would carve out turnips and place a candle inside to ward off evil spirits. When the Irish came to the US they brought the tradition with them. However, pumpkins were easier to come by than turnips and much easier to carve. Happy Pumpkins to you!

this post was contributed by Dsandra

Blessings for Samhain and All Hallows

The true origins of Halloween lie with the ancient Celtic tribes who lived in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany. For the Celts, November 1st marked the beginning of a New Year cycle and the coming of winter. The night before the New Year, they celebrated the festival of Samhain, pronounced Sah-won, the Lord of the Dead on All Hallows Eve. In pagan mythology this is the night that marks the death of the Sun God as well as his simultaneous conception in the dark womb of Mother Earth. As the Sun God dies he makes preparation for his rebirth at the Yule celebrations where he will be found beneath the fir tree. Samhain celebrates the circle of life and the knowing that from death comes life as the circle continues not only in the earth and planting seasons but in our own personal lives as we prepare for the new year cycle.

During this festival, Celts believed the souls of the dead returned to mingle with the living. On the eve of Samhain, a veil between the worlds parts, allowing communion with ancestors and the spirit world. Families would leave their doors open and set tables with meals for the dead who return to visit. The purpose of this feast is to remember all those who have crossed to the other side and the love we shared with them. I always set a place for them at the table and cook a special dish that might have been their favorite. I put some food on a plate that put in the special setting I have set for them. We fill the mealtime with memories of them and talk about them, remembering the love and memories we shared with them. Upon the meal’s completion, traditional Celtic custom says to then place the ‘ancestor’ plate and cup outside so the wandering spirits can find it.

The element associated with Autumn is water, which is attached to our emotions and feelings. It is a time of letting go and releasing the things and situations that affected us negatively and caused us pain, and assimilating the spiritual growth that certainly came from those experiences. It is a time of leaving the things behind that no longer serve us on our journey to our soul’s perfection and being open to the new things we will attract for the same reason. As the year officially draws to a close and we mark the beginning of the New Year, it is a good time to let go of the old and make ready to embrace the new and all that the new year will bring. Is it new love? Is it new job or career? Will your relationship deepen and go to the next level? Are you embarking upon a personal journey of spiritual growth and development and need guidance? What lies in store for you in the new cycle of the year? Write a list of things you wish to bring into your life as well as a list of things you are releasing from your life. And let it so be.

Have a blessed Samhain and All Hallows

End of Summer 2010-Still a Bumpy Ride!

Scientists are now reporting existence of a 22 mile underwater plume somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico that is deadly to sea life. BP has been putting distance between themselves and the Gulf disaster for weeks now. It is questionable if they will live up to their promises to make the Gulf area whole again. I believe not only is it questionable, it is absolute they will do as little as possible to avoid spending more money on the ‘little people,’ whose lives have been wiped out as a result of the largest marine disaster American’s have known. It has been reported for some time, BP has been ‘buying up,’ scientists who study and work with oil related disasters and forcing them to sign contracts agreeing to NOT reveal their findings to the public. The Gulf disaster had not gone away and we will be dealing with the ramifications for generations.

Another question that has arisen is the safety of the dispersants used in getting rid of the oil in the Gulf. I have seen reports that claim the chemical toxicants BP used are dangerous to sea life and to humans, and that the chemicals have found their way into the food chain. Last night I picked up a frozen package of shrimp at the grocery store. The first thing I noticed was the price that was probably up 30%. The package was almost half the size it used to be. Two strikes. Then I noticed the packaging- “Gulf Shrimp.” I had to think a few minutes. Buying it would help the fisherman, I like shrimp, and what the heck. Then I thought about the chemical dispersants and the reports from credible agencies about our food chain being altered. I put it back in the freezer. I would like to buy American products and help the Gulf and the fishermen. The Government says the food is safe. The Government also backed BP when they said the well was only pumping out 5,000 gallons of toxic oil a day into our oceans. BP is buying up scientists and ‘judge shopping,’ for future trials that will involve criminal offenses. Enough Said.

We have made it through the cosmic square, or the T-Square that we astrologers have been writing about for some time now. Officially—Uranus has moved back into Pisces for 7 more months, changing the energy again, and giving us one last chance to understand the lessons of Uranus in the sign that rules the twelfth house of the zodiac. The twelfth house is the unknown, secrets and matters that are hidden from view, and the unconscious. Pisces is the ruler of spirituality, creativity, psychic abilities, drugs and alcohol, the seamy side of life, prostitutes and preachers. It is a complex planet, and it rules water—The oceans are being polluted, and a large part of Pakistan is flooded and headed for a major humanitarian crisis. China is still under mudslides even though you have to look for the news about that situation. If the US can’t clean up a major oil spill, does anyone believe China can? And where is the news of that situation? It is all about water and as Pisces ends its 15 year cycle in this sign it will bring further issues involving water to the forefront. It will take some time to completely assimilate the changes that have occurred under this major astrological configuration. Many well known astrologers called for global disasters during this time that would affect the earth. We have seen the Gulf oil spill, the China Oil spill, The Michigan oil spill, flooding of Pakistan, Mudslilides in China, fires in Russia and the decimation of Haiti. Next spring the same square between Saturn, Pluto and Uranus will return. It is not being written about the planets are not as close to each other as the last one was. It is a mistake to ignore however, as the planets do not have to be exact with each other for major events to occur.

But, Saturn and Pluto are still squaring each other, and the energy of this square will continue into next month. Saturn in Libra and Pluto in Capricorn deals with issues connected to the earth, business, partnerships among people and entities, the government and banking. It is harsh energy and has the potential to spark nuclear incidents, power struggles and military incidents. It also deals with issues connected to crime and to sex. It affects our personal lives as well and issues in relationships, especially sexual ones. If your relationship has been limping along this energy may force it over the edge or bring issues out into the open that may have been there for some time.

Contributed by Leslie Hale
To speak with Leslie directly you can arrange to speak with her here: LESLIE HALE

Why Isn't HE Calling Me? What do you Do?

Communication is key to any relationship and without it the relationship can suffer considerably. There are times, however, when there are breakdowns in communication, where the reasons given seem reasonable…and times when they are not. You meet, things rock and roll, and everything seems to be flowing toward taking a boat ride in the tunnel of love. You talk every night before going to bed, you text off and on throughout the day, you leave “love” comments on Facebook and Twitter and then one day, the bottom falls out of your world because he did not text you, call you or comment you back.

So many clients call me to ask when “BOB” will call since they have not heard from him for XX weeks. We can certainly look at when he is going to call, but I think the real issue at hand is to uncover why he is not calling. Is there a problem in the relationship, has he pulled back or is he simply ‘away in no man’s land’ for a while? Sometimes he truly does have something else to focus on and men, for the most part, believe it or not, can multi-task as effectively as women. It is just not happening. However, what you do and how you do it will define how your relationship progresses… or not. So please think very carefully before you act.

So what do you do when he goes into hibernation mode? Do you call him, text him, show up at his house asking him what is wrong? Is he mad at you? How can you help? NO! Leave him alone. Don’t pry, don’t try to get him to open up and don’t try to help him fix anything because it will just cause him to retreat further. And please don’t use this as the time to talk about the relationship to get your own validation about where things are headed with the two of you. Go and do something else for a while. Exercise. Read a Book. Hell, write a book. Do a craft project. Anything…just keep your mind from focusing, thinking, and obsessing about him.

When our significant other, or someone we are dating, pulls back from us it can fire off all of our insecurities, but now is time to focus on yourself. Spending your evenings stalking him on Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, driving by his house, etc., is not going to give you any answers, even though you think they might. The answers are only “half” answers anyway. Do you really have nothing better to do with your time? Invest this time in yourself. You deserve it and you are worth it. Watch a chick flick. Or if you are like me, a horror flick. Learn to crochet. Take some online courses. Develop yourself. YourSELF.

So many times clients call me and ask, “But doesn’t he realize he is going to lose me if he doesn’t call me? Doesn’t he miss me? Doesn’t he realize it has been 3 days, 24 hours and 2 minutes since we saw each other?” Honestly, he does not. Whatever it is, whatever he is going through, analyzing, thinking about, tinkering with or working through has his head in a vise grip. Yes, he is being selfish. Yes, he is being self absorbed, but you know what? You should be too!

Most of the time, after the pull back period, your guy will come forward again. Nine times out of ten he was recharging, refreshing, renewing while he was in his “man cave” doing his “‘man thing” which often involves male bonding and quite possibly some bodily functions we don’t want to discuss. When he comes back around he might try to pick it up right where he left off, as if no time has passed because in his mind, which is ruled by man-time, no time has. Sometimes he will give you an explanation, but I would hesitate in demanding an explanation from him.

Try mirroring his behavior. Be the reflective goddess, and please don’t give more to him than he is giving to you as it will throw the relationship further out of balance. Use this time rather to focus on your own dreams, inspirations and personal growth.

Sophia's Garden is a 5 STAR Love and Relationship expert - call today for an insightful reading and grounded guidance on your love and relationship concerns.

It's All About Love and Money!

Venus entered Libra on Sunday, and conjuncted Saturn, which is opposing Uranus and squaring Pluto, setting off the grand square that is occurring at this time. This is a very difficult planetary configuration, as all the outer planets are close to the cardinal and world axis. This impacts the world; but if you are a cardinal sign - Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn you will definitely feel the effects of this grand cross all the more. All these planets are competing with each other at the moment.. Jupiter - representing expansion, Uranus representing upheaval and unexpected events, Mars representing our ambitions, Saturn forcing us to feel confined and restricted, Venus focusing on money and love, and Pluto which forces us to change This is a call for all of us to make positive changes, as this planetary alignment will wake us up and force us to eliminate and change negative aspects of our lives that we have ignored. We want to change but Saturn is keeping us stuck.

The transit continues today into tomorrow, and will bring up issues from the past in relationships. Saturn is the planet of delays and restrictions, and often creates burdens and sorrows where love is concerned. It is in general, the ultimate wet blanket where love is concerned, and can make you feel reserved toward those around you. Uranus is the planet of sudden, unexpected events that seem to happen without warning. This creates a volatile situation where relationships are concerned, and will bring about potential endings in relationships that are not strong.. August 10-12 Venus is squaring Pluto creating tensions, obsessions and bringing up unresolved issues in relationships.. Pluto rules sex and the darker side of human nature.

On Tuesday, August 10 we have a New moon in Leo, the natural ruler of the fifth house of children and love affairs and it is here we will experience events that occur over the new moon. Leo is dramatic, and has no time for wall flowers. Everything will seem to happen in a ‘bigger’ way. The new moon loosely opposes Neptune, the planet of illusion, confusion and delusion, and misunderstandings, so clear communication is called for. With Venus right in the middle of the T-Square relationship issues will arise. The positive side of the transit is that if you have a relationship where commitment is present, issues can be worked through and resolved.

Money will also be in focus. Venus is a money planet and this week will bring to light financial issues that have been building in the world. We may hear unexpected news. Jupiter, the other money planet is opposing Saturn this week creating a contraction in world financial markets as opposed to expansion

The Planets of Love Enter the Signs of Relationships

Mars and Venus are the day to day rulers of your love life and when they make certain aspects in your chart this can indicate meeting someone, ‘special.’ Mars entered Libra, the sign of partnerships and relationships on July 30, and Venus enters Libra on August 8.

But, don’t expect these planets to work their magic right off the bat! As a matter of fact Mars, the ‘God of War,’ may stir things up in an existing relationship, create tension or just remind you of lack in the relationship area if you aren’t currently in one. Mars has conjuncted Saturn since July 30, and continues to do so today and this is harsh energy. August 4-7 Mars squares Pluto, making us obsessive, and bringing issues out in the open.

Pluto is the ruler of things secret, hidden and can relate to issues about sex as well. This transit represents harsh, combative energy as well. On August 8-9 Venus opposes Uranus. Relationships make take some unexpected twists and turns. Some may end at this time. Anyone you meet may not be in the picture for the long term but it can be a day of fun and entertainment, if you don’t take things too seriously. On August 11-12 Venus squares Pluto and opposes Jupiter creating obsessive moods, jealousies, competitiveness and friction. It is a transit of over-indulgence that can occur on many levels. On the other hand, if the energy is used constructively and maturely issues can be resolved at this time.

On August 10 we have a new moon in Leo, ruler of the fifth house of love affairs putting even more focus on the affairs of the heart.

After the complex squares and oppositions of Mars and Venus are over, these two planets will work well for Gemini, as the planets of love will be dancing through their fifth house of love affairs together through September 8. This combination will encourage Libra and those with a Libra ascendant to become more social and increase their chances of meeting someone or ramping up an existing relationship. Others’ who will benefit from this combination are Aquarius, and Aries. Aquarians may meet someone on the internet or at a distance or through travel, and this is the perfect time for a trip or get-away. Leo will benefit from the Libra combination as well and may meet someone who lives close by, and communicate more with others. Air signs work well for Sagittarius who can increase their popularity and ability to make friends and will socialize more often. All of the above signs stand a greater chance of meeting someone significant, or just increasing their social contacts, but most of all Gemini and Libra.

Re-posted with permission from our Astrologer, Leslie Hale

August 2010- The Summer of Our Discontent-Oil-Immigration-Threats, Raised Voices and Broken Governments

We end the month of July with the volatile God of War (Mars) opposing Uranus/conjunct Saturn, and this explosive and repressive energy continues to stir up havoc and create unexpected situations around the world and in our personal charts through the first few days of August. Mars/Saturn transits generally refer to some type of police or military situation and we are at risk of explosive incidents popping up without warning. It is a dangerous aspect and Mars is ‘setting off,’ the T-square in the sky between Uranus, the planet of unexpected twists and turns and rebellions, Saturn, the taskmaster and Pluto, the God of the Underworld, the planet of vengeance and the harbinger of ultimate transformation.

Take stock of your situation and use caution and prudence wherever you are. We are officially living in the time astrologers have been talking and speculating about for a long time, and will be seeing events leading to change in the world around us. It will not be a smooth ride. That said, this configuration will cause the greatest stress for those who have personal planets that are being aspected, or those born in the early degrees of Cancer, Capricorn, Aries and Libra. If your chart is not being aspected life may well go along without major life altering upheaval, but there will be stress in some areas.

Live your life, and increase your happiness and abundance wherever possible. We are living on a planet facing great changes, and some will thrive and prosper during this time, as in every historic period since the beginning of civilization. The energy of this time will continue to have its effect for years to come in terms of changes in laws and governments, the balance of power among nations, partnerships, oil, business and banking, and earth changes and disasters such as the Gulf Oil spill.

American’s have been ‘asleep at the wheel,’ in terms of underestimating the damage that has been done to the oceans, the food chain, and the relationships between big oil and government and the economy. The Huffington Post Newspaper is reporting that scientists have confirmed the oil and dispersants used by BP have found their way into the food chain already. Meanwhile, one network news show is asking if BP critics have gone too far in their assessment of actual damage done. It is no wonder some are confused and complacent. Speaking of damaging the planet, what about the oil spill in China? Based on news reports the size of that spill exceeds or is equal to the Gulf Oil spill. The way we treat the earth will continue to come into focus.

Being asleep at the wheel however, plays right into the hands of entities-both corporate and government-who would have us not know what is really going on. Astrologically, this is symbolized by Neptune, the planet of illusion, confusion and delusion, conjunct the moon of America’s chart. It will cross the moon and move into Pisces in April of 2011, and at that time the powers to be will no longer be dealing with a sleeping public.

Jupiter, the planet of money, gain and benevolence is retrograde and square Pluto until August 9. This transit relates to changes/struggles within politics, governments, foreign people, laws, the financial world, and it is associated with power plays in promoting philosophic/religious beliefs. It creates attitudes of arrogance, impatience and neglecting the small but important details, and relates to the desire to reform others while neglecting matters of primary importance. Large enterprises can be undertaken without laying the correct groundwork for success. The government(s) will have issue with oil companies. Arizona will continue to have issues with their immigration law and the federal mandate recently handed down.

On August 9-22 Jupiter opposes Saturn-This is a transit of trouble/frustration within governments and retraction, as opposed to expansion, in the financial world and markets. Second quarter figures have been released and the economy slowed down to 2.4% growth, the weakest in a year. The Democrats and Republicans are hopelessly at odds over issues. The transit represents poor timing in business and professional affairs, financial crisis and an increase in bankruptcy and foreclosures, issues with laws and the law, a lack of balance between radical and conservative attitudes. There is confusion over ethical/moral/religious issues and issues relating to laws and obstacles are caused by overly conservative, uncompromising attitudes.

August 3^rd and 4^th –Mars/ Jupiter squares Pluto-This is a transit of upheaval, friction, and anger, and power struggles in political and military or police affairs. It may involve foreign people, religion, educational, medical, financial entities. Impulsive action is the norm, power struggles and the need for regeneration in situations in the world and individually. News of criminal activities, conflict over financial and corporate matters, and there may be news of sexual violence or jealousies.

Venus enters Libra, the sign of relationships and partnerships on August 6 and for the next 3 days until August 9, conjuncts Saturn and opposes Uranus. –This is a transit of swings and unexpected gains or losses in the financial markets. Venus rules money, love and values and well as women, attractiveness and beauty. Venus conjunct Saturn is will cement a situation or turn it cold and the two planets do not fit well together. Add Uranus to the mix and we have a period of instability in the financial world and issues concerning women. If you meet someone new, do not assume it will be lasting until the test of time proves it so. Venus-Uranus creates interesting but unstable relationships. Difficult and unstable relationships may end at this time.

August 9-Venus opposes Jupiter- This transit produces overextension, over optimism and creates feeling of inertia, and over indulgence. Feelings toward others will improve and become warmer.

August 10- New Moon is at 17 degrees of Leo, the natural ruler of the fifth house of children, entertainment and love affairs. Events and situations will occur on a grand scale and the theme of Leo is often drama. Venus is still within one degree of conjuncting Saturn and opposing Jupiter and Uranus, so while some fun may be in the air, relationship situations will not necessarily go smoothly. Bad situations may end altogether, even though it is a new moon, or relationships may move on to another level. Money matters are still in focus.

August 11-Venus squares Pluto-Negative financial news is possible as well as news about women, violence and sex. Produces feelings of intensity and potential jealousy in relationships.

August 15-Uranus retrogrades back into Pisces at 29 degrees for the next 7 months until March of 2011. The T-Square involving 4 planets is no longer exact, but the energy is still intense for a while and capable of producing upheaval. It will re-enter Aries on March 13, 2011 until March 9, 2019. The last time Uranus was in Aries was April 1927-March of 1935. Uranus cycles are 7 years.

August 17-22- Jupiter squares Pluto again at 2 degrees.

August 20-Mercury retrogrades at 19 degrees of Virgo. The Winged God flies backward for the next three weeks in the sign ruling work and health, causing delays, mis-communications, equipment breakdowns and problems and breakdowns of personal situations that are not working well. The most positive use of this energy is reflection on the past, and re-doing projects that need to be completed. It is not a time to move forward. Expect a focus on jobs and negative job news.

August 21-Sun opposes Neptune- Issues concerning oil and water. Can denote high creativity, inspiration, dreams, psychic events and service to others. Alternatively, it produces feelings of confusion, tiredness, and mis-communication, mis-understandings, and untruths, as well as lack of clarity. Believe half of what you hear and let the rest withstand the test of time.

August 21-23-Venus conjuncts Mars- This transit will create a focus on money, love, values and sexual attractions. Minor conflicts between the sexes may occur and these few days contain magical energies for meeting someone special, although it may only be just a sexual attraction.

August 24-Full Moon at 1 degree of Pisces- Pisces is the natural ruler of the twelfth house of things secret and hidden. It is ruled by Neptune the planet of spirituality, creativity and psychic awareness. It is conjunct Uranus in a parallel which denotes events that occur suddenly and unexpectedly, and wild mood swings can occur. News relating to women and weather/water/technology/aircraft. Otherwise, the highest use of the energy is spiritual, creative expansion and the service of others.