Happy Father's Day! "It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers" Unknown

With the approach of Father's Day, we thought we would ask, "What collective characteristics create the perfect "Dad" in your opinion?"

Holding hands, we walk this road of life together. Let’s stop a moment and reflect on all the good in our lives. Never take the view point that things are missing in your life, or how difficult it is from time to time. We only want to focus on life’s fulfillments and the love generated from within. Be thankful for your life and all its details, for the ability of the mind to function and the ability to fulfill our daily endeavors. Be thankful for your ability to filter thoughts and act on them. Be thankful for the tranquility that the mind can enjoy through acts of meditation, although this tranquility is generated from a deeper source. Be thankful for the resources necessary to move forward with your life. Take a moment and reflect on your own personal life and all the gifts that have been presented. In reality they are too numerous to list. Take an honest look at your life and all that you have going for you. Be thankful for all the challenges that life provides you with for these are your stepping stones. Find that place within that brings you peace and contentment and reside there in the moment and appreciate that it in fact exists. Embrace your chosen life and all its complexities as well as the rewards ever present. Simply open your mind’s eyes to them. Above all, be thankful for your connection with life itself and the understanding you have of the oneness that exists in all things. Understand the truth of this oneness and know that you are an integral part of it. Please “Like” us on Facebook If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please click contact us To reach our earlier posts, click http://holmastrology.blogspot/

The first Saturn return takes place at approximately 27-30 years of age. The second Saturn return occurs at approximately 56-60 and the third at 84-90. The forth return which is rarely experiences takes place between the ages of 114-118. The Natal or birth chart is a snapshot of the heavens at the moment of birth, from that moment on the planets keep on their rotational path. Each planet eventually returns to the placement it was at on your birth, but the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) take a long time to complete their cycles. Saturn takes between 28-29 years to complete its cycle, Uranus takes 84 years. The other two most outer planets take much longer and we do not live long enough to experience their return. Saturn (which will be discussed at a later date in greater detail) has a profound impact in our lives. It produces stress and presents us with obstacles whenever it becomes activated in our charts. It is as though we have come to a stumbling block or crossroad in our development and we are forces to take a good look at our lives in order to make some needed changes. These times are very trying and can last a significant period of time, especially if there are other planetary forces at work during the same period. We have touched a little on houses in previous posts and will go deeper into these areas of life later in other posts, but depending where Saturn is located in your birth chart and what aspects it is making to other planets, these particular areas of life (houses) will become activated. The intensity and duration of the lesson depends largely on the other planets that are stimulating the area and how long they transit (transit is the motion of the planet) and what aspects (aspects are angles between planets) they make to each other. If you are going through a stressful period and you are between the ages mentioned at the beginning of this post, this is undoubtedly due to you experiencing Saturn’s return. Holm Astrology can review your Astrology chart to see the influences at work and the lessons to be learned during your Saturn’s return period. We can assist you during these trying times by locating Saturn’s position in your chart, its natal aspects, its transiting aspects as well as its progressed aspects. We can offer you insight into this occurrence that can offer assistance with the resolution of the issues. When Saturn has completed its cycle, you can be certain that a new person will emerge with a greater understanding of self and with experiences well learned. Please “Like” us on Facebook If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please click here . To read our earlier posts visit http://holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

As we move forward on our earthly journey, beware of becoming too wrapped up in life’s material pursuits. It is far too easy for us to get sidetracked from our original intention by these sometimes inviting attractions. There is always a nicer home, a new car, a beautiful piece of jewellery, magnificent new styles for cloths, and the list goes on. No wonder is it so easy to get trapped in the material world. Often the outcome of such attractions is the need for more and you will notice that the newness wears off quickly and true satisfaction or contentment is never accomplished. Remember you are a soul living in a human body. Your connection to higher principles is what matters. There is no lasting significance in material abundance or financial gain, although a savings account does provide a certain amount of security that is necessary in our material world. It is important to understand that focusing on material gains usually leads to material want and the feeling of never having enough. Worrying about money only serves to furnish more worry and adds to the desire for more. Finances tend to look after themselves once you let go of the worry and the want for more. The universe does not judge your energy. It just provides you with more of the same. If you feel there is a shortage then you are sending out to the universe that you are asking for more of the same -- shortage. The universe provides unconditionally. This is not to say that you should start spending carelessly. You just need to channel your focus and stop the “wanting”. This is not your purpose. This is only our fool’s gold. Our essential aim is spiritual. Any inclinations towards primal material urges, serves only to infiltrate our connection to our pure essence. You are a soul, here to further spiritual growth. You are love generated in its purest form, void of negativity and flourishing continuously. This is your life’s calling, and you walk with the universe hand in hand. Even during times of stress, you are still on the path. Stay true to spirit and realize your true value not your material value. Please “Like” us on Facebook If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please us our "Contact Us" form. Our earlier posts can also be read at http://holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

The twelfth house is often said to be a difficult house in that it is the house of hidden matter and issues that have been brushed aside and left undone. It contains the skeletons in the closest, if you will. It is traditionally associated with prisons, hospitals and places that are out of view of the general public. These places are isolated or unknown and work in ways that most would not uncover. Working behind the scenes is a general theme for people who have strong planetary links to this house. It is also considered a secret house and an occult house where the subconscious tends to work relentlessly to uncover unknown factors that lie beneath the surface. It is the house of self-undoing and in many cases it can signify how someone stands in their own way. They can gain knowledge with inner reflection and open channels to the subconscious, recognizing that they are part of the collective consciousness that envelops us all. Karma is also known to have its domain linked to this house, along with charity work and the ultimate understanding of our sub-conscious connection. The sixth and twelfth house deal with service, and they constitute service to others. While the sixth house may reflect on service to others and the rewards it may bring, the twelfth house speaks of service with no due rewards—shall we say selfless service. The twelfth house is also linked to secret affairs as well as indicating progressive illnesses and weaknesses within the body that can build over time and eventual be the cause of death. The aspects linked to this house’s occupants and the house’s cusp ruler can provide information in this regard, however you also have to look at the ascendant and the aspects to it as well as the Sun to get a clear picture of chronic health conditions that may be suggested in an Astrology chart. In commissioning a chart, you would get a clearer representation of the meaning of the twelfth house in your Birth chart and the influence of transits and progressions affecting this area of life including your hidden or dormant psychological makeup. Please “Like” us on Facebook For confidential questions or to commission a chart, use our Contact Us page. Earlier posts can also be read on our blog - http://holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

It is a wonderful experience to share our lives with our little ones. Whether these children are your children, grandchildren or other people’s children, they are an experience in themselves. It is incredible how they sometimes come up with such mature material and say things that far outweigh their childhood experience. Many are old souls returning into this incarnation to spread their knowledge and this often begins at a very young age. They are masters of life in a small package. Do not be fooled by their child like appearances; they have a lot to say. It is an honor to have these children your life, as they have chosen to be with you and you have chosen to bring them into yours. In many cases, you are old acquaintances that have returned once again to be together and this alone makes your relationship special. Never take your relationship with them as meaningless or of minor significance. As they mature, most relationships grow closer and tighten the grip on the love generated between you. Yes, there will be trying times if you are their parent especially in the teen years and in early adulthood, but these sometimes trying times are the stepping stones to understanding. These individuals can easily become your best friends as time goes by and you share a common feeling of comfort that can rarely be found with others. They are the special ones that have come into your life again. Be sure to teach them through your actions how best to live life. Teach them love just as they are teaching you unconditional love. Teach them compassion, just as they are always there for you and willing to help in their own special way. Give them your support especially in times of strife-- just as they will offer you a hug or kiss when they sense you are struggling. Be sure to talk openly about the spirit connection we all share. Allow the gifts of intuition and psychic inclination to flourish and do not sell them short on their particular way of expressing this. Enjoy the little ones today as life waits for no one. Enjoy each stage in their evolution as you evolve right along with them. You have been brought together through love. Ensure that love is number one in your every expression. Please “Like” us on Facebook If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please click on "Contact Us" above

Never belittle yourself by thinking that you have nothing to offer. You are special and have an important role in this life, whether you believe this or not. You are able to assist others through channelling your energy into proper frequencies based on love and compassion. You have the ability to tap into your resources and assist anyone in need; you just have to believe in yourself. Confirm this within and make alterations for your own personal needs. Resolve any internally battles by accepting responsibility (not ownership) for your own shortcomings. You choose which route to take in life and will meet up with individuals that sway your life’s direction and alter your course in intended directions. When someone interferes with your own personal growth, you have to take charge and move yourself away from this situation. Taking charge begins with realizing that you needed this individual to come into your life in the first place to awaken knowledge and then to take whatever information gathered and then move forward with it. If someone comes into your life with issues that they are willing to share, it is important to understand that they need to do the work to heal but their realization of this might be activated from you. It is not by chance that you have crossed paths and your purposes may be to offer assistant for them to be capable of lifting themselves above their challenges. Ultimately, however, they are the ones that make the decision to change and to make the actual adjustment. You promote action; you initiate movement, but they decide when to move away from their dilemma. If they are not ready for adjustment, it does not matter what you do. You cannot shift them. It might start with you but it ends with them. Ego cannot interfere. As long as you are aware that you are only a conduit and not the actual healer, the ego remains in its place. We all have the capabilities to allow healing power to flow through us. Often without even realizing it, we say just the right thing or offer just the right approach to assist others in their time of need. The ego is a force that can either work with us or work against us. It can provide reinforcement and help us with our belief systems that can aid, or ego can inflate and only serves to hinder own personal growth. The next time when someone knocks on your proverbial front door and asks for help, know that you have the tools to unlock any problem and open the door. Please “Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HolmAstrology and “Share”, “Comment” and “Like” to ensure you will receive the posts regularly. Your questions are always welcomed and encourages. If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please click "Contact Us" at the top of the page. Earlier posts can also be read on our blog -http://holmastrology.blogspot/

We have previously written on issues arising during the ages 38 to 44, but it deserves more attention. To see our previous posts visit http://holmastrology.blogspot.ca/ or www.facebook.com/HolmAstrology This is the turning point where one moves from early adulthood into a more mature individual. It is a time of reconciling with oneself and usually we are pretty comfortable with who we are at this point in our lives. This is a time when we are restructuring our association with ourselves on a more profound level. A sense of individualization is occurring at a rapid pace, due to the major influences taking place in our lives. We are experiencing transiting Saturn in trine to its natal position and Neptune in square to its natal position. These signify inner transformations and a realistic approach to who we are. There may even be a feeling of urgency as our quest in life, our ego and the ongoing search for “who am I?” are undergoing alterations in the consciousness of those that feel they need answers. There is no formal training when it comes to dealing with the midlife crisis and no one can say they are prepared, particularly because no one knows exactly what to expect. Each individual goes through their own personal crisis followed by an awakening period. This is a time of great soul searching and a desire for inner change which often coincides with outer change, as one affects the other. The body is also undergoing physical changes during this time, and those who have placed too much attention on physical appearance may experience depression due to the reflection they are seeing in the mirror. Many who have placed importance on appearance will go deep within to find out what they actually have to offer, as the appearance previously has held an elevated position in their lives. The ego is actually in a somewhat delicate state as the inner self gains supremacy and control, at least for those who are searching for something more in life. This is often considered a turning point as we truly begin to question who we truly are and relentlessly search for answers. Many turn to deeper subjects such as Astrology, Religion, Spiritualism and/or Mysticism to find answers to some truly profound questions. This is an awakening stage for many who have been wrapped up in the material world and are left feeling empty and want to experience more meaningfulness in their lives. Doors that have been boarded up are now beginning to open and a deep restlessness is awakening within. The search continues and those longing for answers begin to question their existence. This search activates the opening of channels within as well as awakens a more intimate relationship with the inner self. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology, information on the charts we offer, to read our food-for-thought posts and to become a member. Your questions are always welcomed and encourages. If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please use our "Contact Us" tab above.

“The sons and daughters of men and women are one, and I am one with them. I seek to love, not hate; I seek to serve and not exact due service; I seek to heal, not hurt. Let pain bring due reward of light and love. Let the soul control the outer form and life and all events and bring to light the love which underlies the happenings of the time. Let vision come and insight. Let the future stand revealed. Let inner union demonstrate and outer cleavage be gone. Let love prevail. Let all people love.” ALAN OKEN I wanted to share these few words from the great Astrologer, Alan Oken. I believe these to be a motivating factor in understanding our oneness as brothers and sisters of the human race and joint connection with spirit. Alan Oken uses these words as a Mantra and his advanced state of consciousness is evident by his chosen words. These words resonate true and reflect on our life’s destiny. Let the guides within assist us in the unlocking of our purpose and allow the unfolding of that calling within our vision of today. Bring to life all the inherent qualities that wait to be awakened and aligned with your fellow man in our destiny to bring love and light into our world. Visit www.holmastrology.com for more information on Astrology, information on the charts we offer, to become a member or to read our food-for-thought posts. Please “Like” us on Facebook and “Share”, “Comment” and “Like” to ensure you will receive the posts regularly. Your questions are always welcomed and encourages. If you would like to keep your questions confidential or would like to speak to us concerning the preparation of a chart, please contact us on our website. Our posts can also be read on our blog -http://holmastrology.blogspot.

At age 39, we mark the second return of the nodes to their Natal (birth) position. This is an important life cycle spiritually, as metaphorically the nodes are representative of our soul’s journey. There are two nodes, each exactly opposite the other. They are referred to as the north and south nodes. The south node speaks of our last incarnation and indicates what we have brought with us into this life. These characteristics can assist us but they can also hinder us, depending on how we use the inherent knowledge that we have brought over from our past. The north node is indicative of what we have come into this life to develop and bring into fruition. The north node characteristics are completely new to us - very unfamiliar territory. Sometimes the course we take in this life in order to fill our soul’s requirements can be difficult. We often have some degree of resistance toward anything new, but life will bring to surface incidents that can enhance the need to grow and push us in the intended direction. At the time of the second nodal return, it is as if a gateway has been reopened and we are re-acquainted with our commitment, but this time on a much more mature level. The previous return happened about the age of 19 and this period introduced us to adulthood. From the time of our Saturn return (age 29) until now, we have been re-visiting our purpose but mostly on a sub-conscious level. Now in entering this new cycle, we are reviewing our internal vows and making adjustments consciously. We are about to embark on the maturing phase of these proposed ventures. This cycle awakens our spiritual quest and the soul’s ongoing climb to mold with our conscious mind and our intended path or enlightenment. Spiritually, we are entering into a phase when one feels compelled to pursue a course of action that appeals to our transcendent mission. Many feel a strong push in this direction. Even if they are not aware of which direction to take; there is a sense of urgency. This period releases us to our purpose which has been held primarily internally in the subconscious self. The process for most of us is unhurried and for some even tedious, as there is a feeling that something is happening and an awakening is taking place, but it moves very slowly. The next return at around 57 produces much more significant results as throughout this process we are becoming awakened to the real purpose of our mission. During the time around the age 58 we also enter our second Saturn Return which follows along the same path as our first return experience at about the age 29. As you can see there are great internal factors at work and as internal changes take hold, external change is usually a by-product. There is a greater sense of destiny with this nodal return, and along with the solidification that Saturn offers, you will get a clearer picture of the purpose of this incarnation. We will discuss this 50’s time frame at a later date. Suffice to say the door has been opened and through meditation and an acknowledgement of a greater purpose than that of our earthly existence, we move steadily toward our intended path. Earlier blogs can be found at http://holmastrology.blogspot.ca/

Our origin predates birth. Our conception into this life was preordained. We have come into this life with an innate knowledge of the path we are meant to walk. We are spirits in a mortal life form, destined to facilitate our awakening as our life unfolds. Each and every one of us is on this path of enlightenment although enlightenment unfolds from our individual circumstances and life’s conditions. We are all on a path each engendered as male or female. Although this holds some relevance, it does not facilitate awakening. We learn primarily through life’s experience and are continually guided from within. This internal knowledge is constant and super“natural” – to the extent that we generally are blind to this gift. We are so focused on our earthly senses that we have drifted away from using this wonderful resource available to each and every one of us. Our part in this journey is to remain open to inner dialogue and to maintain the channel to our higher self so we can continually utilize our soul’s endless knowledge. This earthly body is a vehicle or channel for the soul’s expression. We are to maintain an open dialog between our higher self and the US we know. We have come into this life to allow the unfolding evolutionary path within and to do our part in facilitating this ongoing process on a global scale. We are in the early stages of awakening on a global level and each and every one of us is a contractor of this evolution of mankind. Do not dismiss your relevance. You are part of the whole. You are an important link in your own unique fashion; unique unto you although connected to the whole. Allow the flow of information to continue. Restore your understanding of your original purpose. Spread the information that is available to you through the abundant nature of your life’s force. Be one and in unity with the endless information within. Acknowledge it and allow it to flow throughout your world.