LoveScope for the Week of April 29, 2015

Enjoy life this week in all of its luxuries. Spoil yourself and your partner with food, wine and song. If you are on the prowl, be prepared to spoil and get spoiled.


ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Who are you really looking for in a love relationship, Aries? This is the week to list all of the attributes you need in a lover. Then get out there and look. If these characteristics fit your current relationship, put in the equity to make it stronger.

TAURUS   (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
If you are feeling feisty, full of yourself and overly confident then go with the cosmic flow and see who you can meet, greet and sweep off their feet. But Taureans have to keep the oomph going if they capture a heart or two. Can you keep it going?

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
The stress of daily life and maybe even your love life could be taking its toll on you this week, Gemini. So I recommend a complete de-stressing regime from a deep personal massage to hot oil rubadub for two. Is that what we are calling it now?

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
This is the time to get out of your usual safety zone and extend a friendly hello to new faces in new places. You have become too sedate, Cancer. A few new pals will open up the world to you. And who know what else might develop between you?

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
You are at your peak performance this week, Leo so don’t stay in your den and brood. Show yourself to the world and see which admirers you can attract. Strut and fret your hour upon the stage and snag the lead role in your next romantic romp.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Explore your immediate world and then, when you have exhausted the selection of love interests, go further and expand your search internationally. Virgos can attract a global entourage... but you have to get into the global scene first!

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Libras are not only especially sexy, seductive and attractive this week, they can get into a lovers head and swirl a dream upon a dream. Will you use your gift for goodness and not for passionate dissipation? I guess we will have to wait and see...

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
Things come to a head this week when there might be some pushback in a particular one to one relationship. But that is a good thing, Scorpio. You get to air your grievances, fix the problems and then kiss and make up. Spend more time kissing.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
If you are feeling too tired to get out and have some fun, use this time to rejuvenate and build up your stamina so you can spread the love. Any exercise you do may put you in touch with some athletic supporters. Be sure to support them right back!

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Even conservative Capricorns may be tempted to take a risk this week. Any calculated risk can pay off whether it is gambling for love or money. But try the love gamble first. It has the better chance of long term happiness and fulfillment.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Your family is offering you some sage and helpful advice for your love life this week. Will you listen to them or try to go your own independent way? Why not have a listen Aquarius? You never know how these fix ups can really fix you up.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Pisces will find that they can seduce anyone they want by just saying the exact right thing at the exact right time. Practice in the mirror and see how compelling you can be. Use your words of love to cement relationships. Then build a future.

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2014 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 8th printing and available as an eBook

Traditional Mystics Are Going Online

New technology is coming to Africa as traditional mystics are going online to help people overcome bad spirits and change their fortunes.

Here is a short excerpt of the article:

West Africa's marabouts, or spiritual guides, have advised their followers for centuries. And far from being at odds with the modern world, they are adapting and thriving in the 21st Century, says Jane Labous.

My husband and I were in search of good luck for a visa application. We handed the folder of documents to the mystic, Cherif, who held it reverently as he murmured an assortment of prayers. Afterwards, handing over 20,000 CFA (£22, $32), I wondered if anything had changed.

My husband grew up in the sun-drenched fishing district of Ngor in Dakar, and like most locals, turns to his marabout for spiritual guidance, advice, support and hope. Since the age of 18 he has consulted Cherif, a peripatetic marabout so in demand that he divides his time between southern Mauritania and Ngor.

There are hundreds of marabouts in Senegal. Just as an American might consult a psychotherapist, the mentors of choice for any self-respecting Senegalese are these mystic Muslim holy men. They specialise in spiritual guidance, health solutions, luck, magic and fortune-telling. Whatever your problem, whether it's money or marriage difficulties, false friends, work troubles or infertility, your marabout has a charm fit for the purpose.

Last week, my mother-in-law rang with alarming news. The family house had been maraboute - literally, "maraboued" - a hybrid verb I fancy is rarely used beyond francophone West Africa. Someone had left an egg outside the front door, a bad omen if ever there was one, and she was obliged to rush to her own marabout for a counter-charm. Unfortunately, if you live in Ngor and you suffer from jealousy or ill temper, you can marabout the object of your resentment.

On days out, while travelling or during marital arguments, my husband ties several gris-gris around his waist. Gris-gris are amulets worn on the body to protect from evil, bad words and accidents. My husband's are made bespoke by Cherif out of lion hide from Mali and crocodile skin from the River Niger. One contains prayers stitched into a tiny leather parcel and attached to a cord buttoned with a cowrie shell.

Gris-gris are worn by everyone from wrestlers to soldiers to housewives, and can feature anything from monkey to snake to mouse. Now, whenever I travel, I put my doubts aside and wear my husband's lion gris-gris around my waist for protection.

In the past, Cherif has prayed for our success at work and my deliverance from an unkind boss. When the boss in question handed in her resignation it was, to say the least, unnerving, and since then I've overcome some of my scepticism. Now, after three recurrent miscarriages, why not entertain the possibility that a marabout might help?

All the best marabouts are on Skype these days, and Cherif is no exception. Via Skype from our current home in Dorset on the south coast of the UK, my husband and I call Cherif every week for updates on our fertility treatment. The morning post brings envelopes plastered with pink and green Senegalese stamps containing gris-gris and miniscule notes elegantly encrypted with Arabic prayers. My husband spends hours boiling them in water with ginger and honey according to the handwritten instructions.

My mother-in-law is, as you would expect, on the case. Her latest find is a lady marabout who charges a deposit of 40,000 CFA (£44, $64), plus a final payment if we successfully have a child. It seems an affordable leap of faith. Last week another large brown envelope dropped through the letterbox full of mysterious paper packets, all lightly sprinkled with sand. After a Skype call for instructions, I'm told to take un bain - a fertility bath - using the contents of the packets - magical bath salts, if you will.

Now, I've never explored anything much more alternative than yoga, but I find it strangely comforting that we have two marabouts on the case. At least I'll have tried all possibilities. And let's face it, if ever I find an egg outside our door, I'll know exactly who to call.

 

 

 

 

Horoscope for May 2015 and the Week of April 27, 2015

The sky lights up with a spark this May as every personal planet takes a dip in Gemini. We are chatty, flirty and in the center of the social eye, Will you need sunglasses for all the glare?

(Angelina Jolie has Sun in Gemini)

 Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2015 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 8th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Anything and everything you say now will reach the most important ears. So watch the who, what, where, when and why of all of your opinions. Bold Aries can speak with authority and get personal projects in motion. Use the media to create a persona and take yourself to the lofty heights. Anything is possible .. except solitude.

TAURUS   (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Put your green eyeshades on and focus on your finances now. You might find a few extra dollars lying around the house or an unexpected windfall from a secret admirer. But don’t count on any extra pennies from Heaven, Taurus. That would be a nice surprise. But your real payoff is through careful investment, slow savings and smart advice. Oh well...

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Not only are you a sizzly center of attention, you are also ripe and ready for a new collection of anything and everything - and that goes for people, places, things and ideas. Decide what direction you want to go, Gemini, and start walking. Pack a few breadcrumbs so you don’t get lost. Oh do I see a flock of birds overhead....?

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
If you suddenly get a pang of do-goodism feelings, chalk it up to the energy of the cosmos and do what your heart compels. In fact, a bit of charitable work will pay off in more selfish and profitable ways than you expect. It will bring you into new circles where you impress others with your generosity. Make the most of your innate goodness, Cancer.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
This is the time to plan your social calendar to a perfect combination of fun and strategy. There are some groups that you should consider joining but the entry might be tricky. There are some groups that will welcome you with open arms. Choose a couple of both and see where it all leads you, Leo. Fame? Fortune? Possibly. But certainly Friendship.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
What are your long term goals, Virgo? And how are you going to achieve them. If may brings you anything, it will bring you a vision as to how to go forward in your life. This may prove to be scary but it can also prove to be exhilarating. Don’t be afraid to take the first step. After that it is auto pilot. Sitting on the sidelines just ain’t in the cards.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Expanding your horizons and getting out of your hum drum routine will never be as easy as it is right now. So open up your eyes, see where you are and take action, Libra. Maybe all you need is a short escape or a longer vacation. Or maybe enrolling in a class will give you some new ideas and perspectives. Whatever your time and budget will allow,

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
If things go from lukewarm to boiling hot in your love life, thank your lucky stars and make your best moves now. Scorpios who are looking for a new love interest will find someone interesting. Those who are happy where they are will make their current relationship even better. So take a chance on love and see what amazing things can happen.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
A certain one to one relationship - for either business or pleasure - will figure prominently in your activities. Do you have a new business brewing? Or is there an affair of the heart that is ready to rumble? Decide your next best move and move it as the month progresses, Sagittarius. You are a person who needs people and that makes you the luckiest person.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
It is time to buckle down and really get some long procrastinated and petty projects done. You will feel so much better and will then have time for more pleasant endeavors. Practical Capricorns know intuitively that a messy desk is stressful. Now you have the time and the inspiration to get it all done. Well, maybe inspiration isn’t the right word. Try perspiration.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Not only can you have great fun now, you will also create a happy spectacle for any of your many personal causes. Get on the social media wave, plan some stupendous party events and get right in the middle of the action. Thinking of running for political office? You may never be as popular as you are right now. But I think you are far too honest, Aquarius.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Family will figure prominently in your life so see how you can get some reunions together and rebuild some bridges between branches. Pisces love to be surrounded by loved ones and you can solidify or reconstruct even complicated relationships now. But see which ones are worth saving and see which ones are just to tough to tackle at this time. You will have help later.

Lucky Numbers for the Week of April 24, 2015

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of wealth.

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of April 24-30, 2015:

1, 2, 3, 25, 31, 34, 47, 52,

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month

LoveScope for the Week of April 22, 2015

Thoughts of love take you to new heights this week. So get out your parachute and soar to the lofty skies of romance. Will your heart propel out of reach? Only if you are lucky.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Secret admirers may make themselves known this week, Aries. But if they don’t, at least be on the look out for anyone who may have an interest in getting to know you. Life is too short and happiness is at hand. You can never have too many hands....

TAURUS   (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
Think about what you want, who you need to meet to make that happen and, finally, your sales pitch to them. Once you have your pitch, get out there and make yourself heard. Don’t be shy, Taurus. Wear your heart on your sleeve, but watch for stains.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Love can be expensive but you can plan your best romantic moves carefully and economically this week. Geminis find ways to impress their love interest with expensive looking moves. Dinner at the local pit stop is not one of them.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Focus all of your attention to your love life now. Your thoughts are on target. You know what is working and what is not working. So go with what works and talk out those aspects that are not working. Then you can relax and enjoy - no work at all!

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
Buttinski family members are offering you their advice about your relationships. You can listen to them or ignore them - your choice. But maybe there is some truth to their message? Leos who yearn for love might pick up a few family pointers now.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Get creative in your romantic approaches this week, Virgo. You tend to use the same old lines and the same techniques. Spice up your love life and see how things take off to dizzy heights of passion. Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Certainly!

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Scope out some new hunting grounds for your love prospects. Libras should gravitate to wherever they can show off their beautiful selves. Maybe that is at the gym or maybe that is at a party. But maybe it is just around the office. You never know...

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
Any Scorpio currently in a relationship will now find lovely little ways to make it even better. Those looking for love will discover fertile opportunities to meet and greet. So don’t sit around and wonder “what could be”. You can make it “what is”.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
Sagittarians don’t know their own animal magnetism and good thing too. Your lack of awareness of how sexy you are is an added aphrodisiac. Don’t wait for the cosmic energy to shift. Make hay while the sun shines. Make hay even if it is rainy.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
If you have an interest in higher education, enroll in a course. You never know who will be sitting next to you in class and what you two can learn together. Capricorns who don’t have  time or interest, attend other gatherings and see who sits where.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Your career not only gives you a psychic boost now, it might also put you in touch with someone who piques your romantic interest. So don’t forgo that after hours meeting or conference, Aquarius. The corporate world works in strange ways.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
Gather your best friends and see if one of them might become your VBF. Pisces manage to turn a platonic relationship into a romantic opportunity this week. But be sure of your choice. Do you want to complicate an otherwise easy relationship...?

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2014 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 8th printing and available as an eBook.