Tiger Wood's Rocky Romances

Tiger Woods is still 'persona non grata'. I am not sure how well his 15 minute speech - or was in an apology - went down in the US, but it bummed in the UK. People assumed it had been written by his PR guy and the fact that he read it all made it seem rather insincere. He mentioned his wife three times (am I right) and his sponsors many more times, which made it look like he was more worried about his sponsorship deals than his marriage. I hear he is now back in rehab for 'sex addiction'. I am really not convinced that sex addiction is a clinical problem...it's just good old fashioned messing around. If sex addiction really was a problem then they would need a clinic the size of Argentina to deal with all the 'sufferers'. However this addiction excuse may well be handy for others.....the bankers who caused the economic crisis should just say they have greed addiction, enter a clinic, make a tearful apology and then get back to normal ie million dollar bonuses.

At least good old Tiger was doing his stuff with random chicks, not other players on the tour's wives and girlfriends. I can immediately think of another person who was not so discreet.

I think that the crux of the matter is that in the UK 'Celebrity Following' has become a rather unhealthy obsession akin to religion. I don't say this lightly. There are also way too many poor quality magazines (I could name at least 25 off the top of my head.....they are foisted upon one at ever supermarket, petrol station and newsagent) which are entirely devoted to celeb gossip, celeb bashing and general swill for the mind. There are many trashy papers as well. Unfortunately many celebs ie Jordan, Kerry Katona and Jade Goody take the view that any publicity (even the worst sort) is good publicity and they encourage and stoke up intrusion into their lives in order to generate interest in their pathetic meaningless existences and keep themselves current. It is hideous the extremes they will go to. The public seem to love it and so even the more respectable newspapers begin to cover this salacious garbage. When a person like Tiger makes a mistake (which everyone does); the newspapers and media in general dine out on it as they know the public have an insatiable appetite for this kind of public moral mauling. Millions of men cheat, it's not a character defect, it's not unusual and is really nothing to do with the public. I think the mass attention makes it harder for Tiger's wife as well. However Tiger did not do himself any favours by mysteriously crashing his car late at night and then going into hiding for two and a half months. He would have been better advised to come out and make a statement right away and then things would have petered out rather than the speculation exploding.

Italians say that us folks in the US and UK are way too concerned about this whole cheating business: apparently in France and Italy philandering politicians and sports stars are revered and respected; no body cares how many times they drop their pants. Can you imagine the furore if Barack Obama cheated on Michelle - people would be outraged, reminds me of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. I am not convinced that French and Italian women share this admiration for the Jigilo or love-rat, do you?

New Year Horoscopes

Aries:

The beginning of the year will mark an important milestone in your personal development. You are in a very dynamic phase of your life in right now you are not exactly sure of how the various aspects of your life will fit into your vision of the future. Relationships are especially a problem, while you strive to move forward and make changes for the better, you partner may be stuck in the past. The people around you need to accept your need for change and for new perspectives and if they cannot accept or adapt, you will have to re-evaluate these relationships. This will be a time of goodbyes and new beginnings. It will be a hard time in relationships as you are very focused on yourself right now and rightly so.

Taurus:

Stress and overwork will be the issues you face as your workload increases and problems arise with colleagues and contractors. Obstacles will hinder your progress in the work-related arena and your frustration levels will rise: you need to be patient and you also need to come at things form a totally new angle – a new approach within your job or a if possible change of job is needed. Pay attention to your health and realize that now is the time for a holistic approach to your health and fitness – do not forget how metal attitudes are reflected in your health. It is essential for you to be as social as possible during February as new opportunities for love and career will come about via friends.

Gemini:

This is a challenging time for all financial matters involving you and others. Be wary about entering into any financial arrangements, but especially those with people with whom you are romantically involved with. Be not a lender nor a borrower during February. New relationships could be slow to get off the ground, but could prove to be highly passionate and even profoundly spiritual. Within existing relationships a new and rewarding deeper dimension can be reached as long as there is patience and understanding of mutual value. This is a wonderful period for expanding within your career ie. taking up new courses or training to enhance the chance of promotion.

Cancer:

During February Cancerians need to be more aware of how their hidden thoughts and feelings may actually be influencing their behavior in a subtle way. Unacknowledged feelings of insecurity and also issues from the past are causing disruption and holding you back from experiencing a full sense of unity with your partner. Letting go of the past and owning every aspect of yourself is vital to achieving that deep passionate relationship you are craving. This is a great time for Cancerians to find fulfillment by thrusting themselves headlong into matters which they care about emotionally. Expressing yourself honestly and showing your sensitive caring side, will bring great satisfaction within relationships.

Leo:

Power struggles or even some degree of bullying may make even the confident Leo lose faith is his/her ability this February. Leo’s may be up against a powerful competitor or opponent at work: to prevail you must be extremely thorough and meticulous about details, do not cut corners. It is a time for hard work and subordiantion, you may have to set aside your desires for more autonomy and freedom for this month. Leos are sexually passionate and love affairs will run smoothly as you relax and let go – as with all things though, too much of a good thing can make for trouble. New relationships will develop quickly on both a physical and a more esoteric level of understanding as well.

Virgo:

While this is a good time for new relationships both business and romantic, do be extra cautious about entering into any sort of partnership because, you will tend to be overoptimistic. Both new and existing partnerships will have an impact on your investments and so it is important to keep those rose coloured glasses off. During Febraury you will begin to take stock of your own effectiveness and adequacy in what you are doing: you may initially feel disheartened that your hard work seems to come to naught – you must learn to appreciate the less tangible talents and abilities you are developing. Concrete success will come slowly, but more important is the inner sense of strength and self confidence which is growing.

Libra:

Librans will be called upon to take on both leadership and responsibility within their family or local community. There will be challenges and Librans will draw immense strength and fortitude from their core values and beliefs. There will be times when you may lack confidence in dealing with the challenges, as the month goes on you will discover that a deep inner well of resilience and strength. This is an excellent time for beginning a diet or a health regime or perhaps even becoming vegetarian. Within existing relationships you will be have to be the sensible and practical one. Single Libras will have a great chance of beginning solid new relationships are they taking a realistic approach

Scorpio:

Fun, romance, and good times are on the cards. You are particularly imaginative, original and creative during this February. Creative projects are likely to fare well, and could possibly even bring some type of recognition or reward. Take this chance to show off your flair and unique qualities. This is a fortunate time for both new and existing romances. More seriously, this is a period when you will contemplate your existence and assess how you feel about where you are ‘in life’. It is a very important phase of internal growth as you get rid of the old irrational fear and the outdated attitudes which no longer serve you. Use your creative burst to write about, sing about or paint your inner feelings: this will help you to release any pent up negativity.

Sagittarius:

Time to re-evaluate your personal goals: you may begin to see friends, your personal networks or your previous ambitions in a new light. Superficial friendships will be cast aside and you will reassess what you strive for in life, making either radical changes in what you aspire to or narrowing down your range of goals, so that you can properly focus on a particular ambition. You will take a long look at the role you play in other people’s lives and whether it really contributes to your happiness. Opportunities to buy or sell property for financial gain may arise. Home improvements and renovations are favoured. A strong sense of inner peace and security will develop out of good family relationships.

Capricorn:

This is either a time of great recognition or reward or a time when you will have to abandon a project and embark on a totally new life course. If you fall into the first category, realize that to ensure the best outcome, the hardest work will be now at the climax: use all the guts and determination you have to fight for what you deserve; you have earned that reward do not let up now. If you are in the second category, it can be very exciting embarking on a new adventure and so be brave, be resolute and relish the opportunities a fresh start gives. Remember that this is a great time to take a course, travel or teach. Single Capricorns will receive many love letters on Valentine’s Day.

Aquarius:

Aquarians will see a boost to their earning power and this should bring a profitable and productive period. You will feel more confident and enthusiastic about your ability to earn a living, and you may begin to recognize and develop talents that you did not know you had previously. Ideals and spiritual goals that you may have pursued for many years may suddenly seem superficial or obsolete. In your studies, there may be a period of questioning exactly what you are working towards. A sudden spiritual identity crisis will lead you to gravitate towards new friends or even a lover who may act as a sage or spiritual guide to you. This is a philosophically very inspired time.

Pisces:

Jupiter's transit through your first house is very exciting and will bring significant improvements to your self-confidence and ability to deal with others and make new starts. You will feel far more expansive, exuberant, and enthusiastic. This transit heightens your optimism and increases your generosity. You will also feel compelled to help or console others: you are in a very humanitarian frame of mind. All romantic encounters are favoured and you will be meeting many new and exciting people from different walks of life: you must however take all new relationships slowly and cautiously. In both new and existing relationships, Pisceans may tend to keep their innermost thought and feelings secret – this is wise during this period.

Can we Forecast our Future??

Article Name: A Game of Chance


Summary: The number of people who visit psychics and astrologers each year in the UK seems to indicate that many of us believe that our life story has indeed already been written by a cosmic author and perhaps the psychic can give us a sneak preview. Are we really at the mercy of fate; are our efforts to control and direct our lives merely feeble attempts to hold back the overwhelming tide of destiny? I give a perspective on this issue from my experience and expertise as an Astrologer. I debate the arguments for and against with reference to many popular books (i.e. The Secret and Heal Your Life) and contemporary concepts like cosmic ordering and synchronicity which contend that we, not fate are in control of our lives and our lives can be literally anything we want them to be. I offer some explanations why positive thinking may not always work and I offer some conclusions about the relative roles of fate and freewill in our lives.

This piece would appeal to both those who do believe in Astrology and Psychics, as well as those who are highly sceptical. No special interest in esoteric subjects is needed to enjoy and benefit from this article.

Author Bio: Lisa J. Gordon is a qualified Astrologer who has been a regular guest on BBC local radio as an Astro agony aunt and doing Horoscopes since 2001. Although holding a degree in Economics, and being a part qualified accountant,, Lisa is a prolific writer and her novel ‘A Sealed Fate’ (which examines this very same issue) will be published this autumn. Lisa is a researcher of alternative and new age avenues of thought.




As an Astrologer I was constantly on the horns of a dilemma: my clients wanted definitive black and white answers about their futures and yet what I had learned in Astrology, was that we have freewill and that the planets are only a guide.
Astrology should, in my eyes be used a tool for good and timely decision making and for greater self awareness; however many of my clients wanted to use Astrology as the ultimate financial, emotional and vocational ‘sat nav’ – Take a left at the next turning and you will find Mr Right; keep in this lane for the next two miles and you will find the job of your dreams! It’s fair to say that some clients seemed quite happy to leave the driving of their lives up to Fate entirely. It made me think deeply about exactly how much control we do have over our lives by virtue of freewill and to what extent we are at the mercy of Fate. The amount of people in the UK and US who frequent Psychics, Astrologers, Palmists, Tarot readers and the like each year appears to indicate that a great many of us do indeed believe that fate has a significant hand in our life path. Has our life story indeed already been written by a cosmic author and can the psychic can give us a sneak preview of forthcoming events. So, do we have a destiny? Is this destiny set in stone or can we change it by conscious effort and freewill.

I am sure that we all list amongst our friends those who defend the power of their own freewill vehemently and who brand psychics etc as charlatans; just as many will swear by their accuracy. The rest are perhaps too scared to find out; or as I have discovered, those who are happy and satisfied with their lives rarely trouble themselves with the question of fate versus freewill. The burning question of what destiny is and how to find one’s own destiny is the domain of those who are dissatisfied, unhappy or in turmoil.

Prolific writers on this subject like Uri Geller and Jo Vitale, as well as books like ‘The Secret’ contend that one’s life course it totally within our sphere of influence: we, not Fate are in control. They advocate the use of a combination positive thinking, affirmations and visualisation to achieve one’s dreams. Their bottom line is that virtually ANYTHING is possible and the limit is simply one’s own imagination or belief system. Is it really as simple as it sounds: how fabulous?
Madonna once said, “When you want something badly enough, it is as if the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it.” This theory is at the heart of positive thinking.
I conducted my own extensive research into this subject and found that there was more to positive thinking than thinking positive. In order for visualisation, affirmations and the like to be effective, you need to root out both conscious and subconscious beliefs which can scupper your best efforts at positive thinking. I was amazed at how powerful subconscious beliefs could be! What I mean by subconscious beliefs, is the ideas which are set into or programmed into our thinking which we do not often think about, but which influence all our decisions. Often these sub conscious beliefs are planted by our parents, teachers or religions; here are some examples: dreams don’t come true; stick to the day job; you aren’t good at maths; actors are always out of work; everyone in our family is fat; money is hard to come by; being very rich is sinful; you’re not university material; you’re working class; get a proper job; if you don’t get married you will be on the shelf; money is the root of all evil; all the best girls/guys are taken. In order for positive thinking to be effective we have to eradicate all the negative seeds which others or perhaps past experience has planted within our psyche. It is not always easy as often these negative, limiting notions are deep seated and, it is said that a negative thought is four times more powerful than a positive one. This is one of the reasons why positive thinking often does not work; all our best efforts at visualisation and affirmations are undermined by that little voice inside saying: this will never work; you don’t deserve it; it can’t be this easy. All it takes is a small amount of doubt to negate everything.
I return to Madonna’s theory and note that single minded, focused attention on a goal allowing no doubt to creep up on you should have exactly the results she has experienced according to the theory.

How often have you heard someone say: I’ll believe it when I see it or when I see results. However it rarely works that way, as Linda Goodman says, “For all those who believe, expect a miracle!” The belief or the mindset is the lynchpin.

Another more recent slant on positive thinking is Cosmic Ordering, a system supported by Noel Edmonds who purportedly found it highly effective. Cosmic Ordering appears to be a rather novel and updated version of ‘saying one’s prayers’! One asks the universe for something and (hopefully) it is granted to you. Again, on a deeper level, I think one can only gain from this method to the extent to which you honestly believe you deserve or can achieve what you are asking for. Noel Edmunds attributes cosmic ordering to the reigniting of his career.

Deepak Chopra who writes extensively on spiritual matters; discusses the concept of synchronicity with respect to destiny and the finding of one’s destiny. Synchronicity: something we often refer to in daily life as ‘being meant’ or ‘coincidence’, is almost like a little nudge in the right direction from Fate. Synchronicity can also take the form of a serendipitous event or meeting which changes the course of our life. I believe that synchronicity underlines the notion that we do indeed have a destiny - which we may be totally unaware of - and Fate will via circumstances attempt to push us towards that destiny. The effects of synchronicity can often be appreciated when we look back at our lives and how things ‘mapped’ out. I came across a concrete example of one of these little life changing coincidences: Penny and Mike returned to the UK after working abroad for many years with not much money, but a dream of running a guest house. Totally disconsolate after another fruitless day of searching for a B&B to buy in the South East; Penny hurled the property magazine into the back of the car with dismay. Later on tidying the car, Penny noticed that that same magazine had flopped open on a certain page: a page advertising a guest house for sale in the Cotswolds. By “coincidence” this guest house was in a little town where she and her husband had once dreamed of living. Filled with a sense of ‘this must be meant’ they went for it and despite many odds, were the proud owners months later. After starting with nothing more than a full guest book and £200, they now run an award winning guest house.

Positive thinking tends to be far more successful when the goals we envision are unselfish or are in tune with out higher purpose or, put another way: our destiny. But, how do we know what our destiny is: maybe synchronicity can provide us with a guide. Perhaps only age and the self awareness which comes with maturity can answer that question. Radio talk show host James Whale, in his recent biography “Almost a Celebrity” contends that he never planned anything in his life: one event seemed to lead to another as if a cosmic director was at work. He says that looking back he can see the vital link that every event in his life, both good and bad played in the unfolding of his life story. Perhaps James’ life exhibits synchronicity at work or perhaps he more in tune with his destiny and able to capitalise on the coincidences and serendipitous events that may pass others by.

The Chinese word for Crisis is ‘Change with Opportunity’: many times as an Astrologer, I would see in a chart that there were great opportunities for my client. However that client would convey to me that they were suffering great tribulations. What I came to see was that the ‘comfort zone’ was the biggest block to potential: when we have nothing to loose our lives are dynamic and we go for things; however when we reach a certain level of achievement we become semi satisfied; we stop taking chances as we are scared to loose what we now have; as a result we stagnate. Fate often creates crises in our lives to destroy those comfort zones and to free up our potential again. This is an example of Fate stepping in to give us one of those nudges. One of my clients said the following about astrology: “The revelations from my chart were the start of a new chapter for me. They had set me free. Relieved from this immense guilt that had weighed upon my shoulders, I began to understand and see the purpose behind everything that everything that had happened over the past six years. With a new perspective on the past, I was at last able to move forward.”

Another popular writer on these matters is Louise L. Hay, the author of ‘Heal Your Life’. While Louise also champions positive thinking and affirmations in achieving goals, she stresses that the key to happiness and success with affirmations is the ‘releasing’ of all resentment, bitterness and fear. Somewhat like Christianity, Linda emphasises the value of ‘forgiveness’ as an essential element in moving forward and negating the influence of the past on your psyche. Forgiveness does not only involve forgiving others, but also forgiving yourself: no one is unscarred by a mistake. Guilt and self recrimination is another major reason why positive thinking often does not work. Guilt, resentment and fear are some of the most destructive and harmful emotions. Vanessa, 34 and a stressed out yet successful lawyer remarked that reading Louise L Hay’s book had made her far more aware of how invasive negative thinking was in her life. Although Vanessa is not ready to believe that anything she affirms or visualises will materialise; she had found that the use of affirmations and her awareness of how important being positive is, has already had an impact on her daily life and in reducing her stress level.

Where does Karma fit into this picture? As the cliché goes: what goes around comes around; but, does everything balance out in one lifetime or over many lifetimes. It is said that the Astrological Chart is a snap shot of the vibrations we have set up around this lifetime, by virtue of our forgotten actions in a past lifetime. The notion of Karma has become more and more important as many more people look to past life regression therapy for answers. Perhaps then, we need clear our Karmic slate before we are really able to grab hold of the reins of our life and use positive thinking to any useful degree. Lara, 42 who recently began to read in depth about Karma remarked that it was the only theory which had ever made the vast suffering of her life somehow understandable. This new understanding had given her new strength and the ability to forgive and move forward for the first time.

So which is it then: choice or chance; Fate or freewill? Are our fates sealed at the moment of birth?
As an Astrologer, my answer is that Astrology is about choice, not chance. Astrology can guide us and we can use it to help us forecast and navigate life events, but the ultimate control lies with us and how we choose to deal with what life dishes up. There is indeed a high road and a low road and the choice is ours. Maria, 27 who visited an Astrologer found the following: “The astrologer’s words diminished the pressure I was putting on myself; I began to take the view that my life was not just a tick-box exercise; fate was wiser, things would happen they way they were meant to, when the time was right; there was indeed little point in agonising about something I was powerless to change.”

And, what about that concept of destiny? I see life as an old tree: when we are young we are travelling up the trunk of the tree, as we have very little say in the direction of our lives; as we reach adolescence we start making choices which will affect our life course, this is where the tree begins to branch out. The choices we make will determine where on the tree we end up, but the tree itself can never change; a poplar cannot become an oak. The tree, like our destiny, is the framework for our life, but we do have a wealth of choice within that framework.

My experience has taught me that while some people relish the notion that they can be in total control of their lives via positive thinking; others prefer to lay their life in the Lap of the Gods; in a way abdicating responsibility for the their futures.
Debra from the North East of England, who started her working life as a waitress but who now lives in Argentina where she is a teacher fluent in Spanish, said, “I pinch myself ever day and marvel at how I ended up on the other side of the world speaking a different language and living in such an amazing country. Thinking back, this journey started by my own free choice when I decided to spend a year out in South America, but somewhere along that way fate seem to have taken over and kept steering me.” Debra’s experience gives evidence of the combination influence of fate and freewill.
I believe that the relative influence of Fate and Freewill in a life course is as individual as the person involved. There is no standard; your own unique beliefs both conscious and subconscious will determine how much say Fate gets in your life. Thus if you want to take more control over the direction of your life; you can do so from today: all it begins with is waking your self up from your sleep walk through life and acknowledging the possibilities you never previously believed were there.


Lisa J. Gordon is the author of a Spiritual Thriller, A Sealed Fate; in which she discusses these very same issues within the context of an account.

What is Astrology?

ASTROLOGY THE ANCIENT SCIENCE

Astrology has been practised for thousands of years and has been used by every major civilisation and by every major religious group. Astrology has as its foundations mathematics, philosophy and astronomy. The basis for astrology is purely scientific and it bears no resemblence to the 'hocus pocus' practices of tarot card reading or other fortune telling gimics. The fact that astrology has survived for so many thousands of years is testimony to its relevance and accuracy. Like many New Age sciences astrology is having a huge revival as we approach the Age of Aquarius.

Many of the great philosophers and academics in history were astrologers eg. Pythagorus, Aristotle, Socrates, Plato aswell as the father of medicine Hippocrates.
Einstein too was an astrologer and his theory of relativity is intinsic to the theory of astrology.

At any one moment the particular position of the planets in our solar system creates a unique magnetic field which affects the earth and human beings. Every person vibrates to a unique electromagnetic frequency, which is influenced by the magnetic field created by the planetary positions at the time of our first breath. To put it another way, the electromagnetic field created by the planetary position at the moment of our first breath makes an impression on us which will remain with us for the rest of our lives. Like our DNA determines our physical characteristics, the astrological chart is our psychological blueprint.

Your individual astrological chart highlights your personality traits: your unique talents and attributes aswell as the areas of difficulty or conflict within your personality. Through studying your chart you can become aware of your talents and redirect your life and energy to the areas where you will find fulfilment, happiness and success. The chart can also help you to become more aware of negative attitudes which you may have and which may be causing you to continually attract the same deterimental circumstances into your life.

Astrology maintains that we are masters of our own destiny, and it does not dictate to us what will or will not happen - that is up to us. Our ultimate success and happiness in life depends on whether we develop and make the most of our talents and whether we can overcome or conquer our own individual hurdles. Nothing comes without effort or belief in ourselves. Astrology can ensure that we are directing our lives towards goals which will fulfil us and help us decide on the best times to make changes, undertake projects or whatever it is we want to do.

Everyone is special and unique and has there own wonderful abilities to share with the rest of us. Allow astrology to help you see the light and find happiness and fulfilment in your life.