Discover Issue

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Newcastle The Discover Issue October 26th 2016 //

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scover Discover Discover Dis Discover Discover Discover scover Discover Discover Dis Discover Discover Discover scover Discover Discover Dis Discover Discover Discover scover Discover Discover Dis Discover Discover Discover scover Discover Discover Dis Discover Discover Discover scover Discover Discover Dis Discover Discover Discover scover Discover Discover Dis TO FAUX FRIENDS.

Greetings and a warm welcome to our discover issue of Faux Magazine!

We couldn’t be more excited to have made it to this point. Please take some time to get to know the layout of our magazine. You will notice the five categories of articles: Body, Mind, Nest, Connections, and Flight. Within each category, there are four to six articles for you to enjoy.

You can look at one category at a time, or just peruse the articles on the home page to choose which to read first. Just as with a paper magazine, you may want to sit and read the whole thing at once, or come back to this issue several times to digest the articles more slowly.

When we set out to create an on-line magazine that would promote healthy and deliberate living, one thing we agreed on right away was to steer-away from the glossy images of the too-perfect, productdriven magazines that we all sometimes read. What you will find in the pages of Faux Magazine is a collection of inspired and instructive articles written by real, honest, down-to-earth folks who work hard to live deliberately, but who are not afraid to admit the struggles we sometimes face. We don’t always have hours to exercise every day. Our houses aren’t perfect. We stay informed and eat as healthy as we can, but we are also realistic and flexible. We try to be great examples for our kids, but we sometimes forget to appreciate every moment.

We are honored to share the work of so many committed and thoughtful people. Please visit the Our Contributors page to see the wonderful contributors and read their bios. Also, feel free to leave comments on the articles to share your thoughts or ask the author a question.

We appreciate your support and are so happy to have you as a reader of Faux Magazine.

With warmest thanks, Samuel, Cara & Courtney.

Contents

Featured Articles 06.

02. ROLLING BACK THE CLOCK: An empty park is a dream come true...but it’s 10 years too late

06. OH SUGAR: Overcoming

02.

10.

14.

food cravings while satisfying

08.

your needs

08. BARE A LITTLE SKIN: Spring 2016 must have

10. TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE:

12.

Finding

the

right

amount of space in your relationship 12. A CUP OF GOOD HEALTH: Benefits of herbal tea

14. NEWCASTLE: Discover The Best Of Both Worlds

We are here to help.

“Take the road less travelled”

Wayfarer

Rolling “An empty park is a

dream come true...

but it’s 10

years too late ”

back the

Clock

T

he City of Newcastle is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to resurface Lincoln Square, a popular square in inner-city Carlton, to make it unsuitable for skateboarders.

The square is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best skateboarding spots. According to a council spokeswoman, a law making skateboarding illegal in the square was passed in 2009, but it was hard to enforce because of the site’s popularity.

Complaints are regularly received about noise, skating at unreasonable hours of the night, anti-social behaviour, pedestrian safety, and skating on the Bali bombing memorial,” she told Fairfax Media.

Concerns about anti-social behaviour are often cited by those opposing skateboarding in public places, but empirical evidence is sparse. In fact, a greater weight of evidence suggests that it is the lack of things for young people to do that is more likely to fuel undesirable activity.

Of course there are sometimes complaints as seen in the case of Lincoln Square, but in my decade of researching and speaking with local governments about skateboarding, this is typically a vocal minority, and “shutting it down” doesn’t have to be the answer.

Rarely mentioned in these kinds of debates, is the capacity of skateboarding to generate positive social behaviours.

The memorial to the Bali bombings is at the centre of the square. It consists of 91 jets of water in a fountain representing each Australian who lost their life. (All 202 bombing victims are represented by 202 lights in the memorial.)

In a community survey (387 people, including non-skaters) we undertook for an inner metropolitan local council in Western Australia, pro-social behaviours (such as socialising with friends, respecting others and cooperation) were far more likely to be reported.

This memorial clearly deserves respect – as does public property. But might a compromise solution to these competing tensions have been found? Elsewhere, in disputes over shared public space, young people have sometimes come up with innovative solutions, particularly when it concerns places they are passionate about.

Many different Anti-social behaviours (including drinking, drug use, graffiti, vandalism and collisions) were typically reported as rarely or never occurring.

From my perspective, as a public health expert who has studied skateboarding, this case is replete with ironies. My interest in this topic grew out of earlier research into urban environments and wellbeing in which adolescents lamented their exclusion from many places in the public realm.

These are more than just social niceties. Developmentally, important life skills are informally fostered when a bunch of young people learn to take turns, share a confined space, face new challenges publicly, and pick themselves (or others up) after a fall.

Rarely mentioned in these kinds of debates, is the capacity of skateboarding to generate positive social behaviours.

T

he City of Melbourne is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to resurface Lincoln Square, a popular square in inner-city Carlton, to make it unsuitable for skateboarders.

The square is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best skateboarding spots. According to a council spokeswoman, a law making skateboarding illegal in the square was passed in 2009, but it was hard to enforce because of the site’s popularity.

Complaints are regularly received about noise, skating at unreasonable hours of the night, anti-social behaviour, pedestrian safety, and skating on the Bali bombing memorial,” she told Fairfax Media.

Complaints are regularly received about noise, skating at unreasonable hours of the night, anti-social behaviour, pedestrian safety, and skating on the Bali bombing memorial,” she told Fairfax Media.

The memorial to the Bali bombings is at the centre of the square. It consists of 91 jets of water in a fountain representing each Australian who lost their life. (All 202 bombing victims are represented by 202 lights in the memorial.)

This memorial clearly deserves respect – as does public property. But might a compromise solution to these competing tensions have been found? Elsewhere, in disputes over shared public space, young people have sometimes come up with innovative solutions, particularly when it concerns places they are passionate about.

From my perspective, as a public health expert who has studied skateboarding, this case is replete with ironies. My interest in this topic grew out of earlier research into urban environments and wellbeing in which adolescents lamented their exclusion from many places in the public realm.

These are more than just social niceties. Developmentally, important life skills are informally fostered when a bunch of young people learn to take turns, share a confined space, face new challenges publicly, and pick themselves (or others up) after a fall.

C

oncerns about anti-social behaviour are often cited by those opposing skateboarding in public places, but empirical evidence is sparse. In fact, a greater weight of evidence suggests that it is the lack of things for young people to do that is more likely to fuel undesirable activity.

Of course there are sometimes complaints as seen in the case of Lincoln Square, but in my decade of researching and speaking with local governments about skateboarding, this is typically a vocal minority, and “shutting it down” doesn’t have to be the answer.

“Where is everybody...?”

Rarely mentioned in these kinds of debates, is the capacity of skateboarding to generate positive social behaviours.

In a community survey (387 people, including non-skaters) we undertook for an inner metropolitan local council in Western Australia, pro-social behaviours (such as socialising with friends, respecting others and cooperation) were far more likely to be reported.

Anti-social behaviours (including drinking, drug use, graffiti, vandalism and collisions) were typically reported as rarely or never occurring.

These are more than just social niceties. Developmentally, important life skills are informally fostered when a bunch of young people learn to take turns, share a confined space, face new challenges publicly, and pick themselves (or others up) after a fall.

Rarely mentioned in these kinds of debates, is the capacity of skateboarding to generate positive social behaviours.

The memorial to the Bali bombings is at the centre of the square. It consists of 91 jets of water in a fountain representing each Australian who lost their life. (All 202 bombing victims are represented by 202 lights in the memorial.)

This memorial clearly deserves respect – as does public property. But might a compromise solution to these competing tensions have been found? Elsewhere, in disputes over shared public space, young people have sometimes come up with innovative solutions, particularly when it concerns places they are passionate about.

From my perspective, as a public health expert who has studied skateboarding, this case is replete with ironies. My interest in this topic grew out of earlier research into urban environments and wellbeing in which adolescents lamented their exclusion from many places in the public realm.

“Everything’s exactly like i remember...

...Except maybe a little smaller�

T

he City of Melbourne is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to resurface Lincoln Square, a popular square in inner-city Carlton, to make it unsuitable for skateboarders.

The square is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best skateboarding spots. According to a council spokeswoman, a law making skateboarding illegal in the square was passed in 2009, but it was hard to enforce because of the site’s popularity.

Anti-social behaviours (including drinking, drug use, graffiti, vandalism and collisions) were typically reported as rarely or never occurring.

These are more than just social niceties. Developmentally, important life skills are informally fostered when a bunch of young people learn to take turns, share a confined space, face new challenges publicly, and pick themselves (or others up) after a fall.

Complaints are regularly received about noise, skating at unreasonable hours of the night, anti-social behaviour, pedestrian safety, and skating on the Bali bombing memorial,” she told Fairfax Media.

The memorial to the Bali bombings is at the centre of the square. It consists of 91 jets of water in a fountain representing each Australian who lost their life. (All 202 bombing victims are represented by 202 lights in the memorial.)

This memorial clearly deserves respect – as does public property. But might a compromise solution to these competing tensions have been found? Elsewhere, in disputes over shared public space, young people have sometimes come up with innovative solutions, particularly when it concerns places they are passionate about.

From my perspective, as a public health expert who has studied skateboarding, this case is replete with ironies. My interest in this topic grew out of earlier research into urban environments and wellbeing in which adolescents lamented their exclusion from many places in the public realm.

Of course there are sometimes complaints as seen in the case of Lincoln Square, but in my decade of researching and speaking with local governments about skateboarding, this is typically a vocal minority, and “shutting it down” doesn’t have to be the answer.

Rarely mentioned in these kinds of debates, is the capacity of skateboarding to generate positive social behaviours.

In a community survey (387 people, including non-skaters) we undertook for an inner metropolitan local council in Western Australia, pro-social behaviours (such as socialising with friends, respecting others and cooperation) were far more likely to be reported.

-Fin

“So What happens now?”

“What does

the future

Hold...?”

Bare A Little Skin Spring of 2016 off-the-shoulder

BY AVERY MATERA

W

e’re celebrating springtime by baring a little skin.

And what better way to show off your awesome sun-kissed skin (hey, no one has to know it came from a spray tan!) than an off-the-shoulder top? It’s time to pack away that parka, strip off those wool tights, and give in to the power that is the warm weather season.

While this spring trend may not exactly be fit for the workplace, it’s a weekend and after-hours staple this season, for sure.

By showing off your neckline and shoulders, an off-theshoulder top is sexy and flirty while still leaving enough to the imagination. Don’t go too tight with this trend: The looser, bohemian look is the way to go. Dare we even suggest it’s the perfect summertime top that will instantly put you in the music festival mood but totally wearable once you leave your moshpit days behind you? We think so! Whether you’re headed to Coachella, or simply weekend brunch closer to home, channel your inner Bianca Jagger, Kelly Kapowski, or Kendall Jenner.

For the weekend, this top looks best with denim or more casual bottoms, but some sexier and more tailored styles look equally amazing with a pair of trousers or date-night mini. Go for everything from silk to cotton, dramatic shaped sleeves to short eyelet ruffles.

Keep it casual with a simple white style, paired with the perfect slouchy pants for a weekend event. Dress up your warm-weather shorts with a statement top, like a striped off-the-shoulder with balloon sleeves. For a night out, opt for a top style with an eyecatching detail, like cascading ruffles or a dramatic shape. You can’t go wrong with shirting stripes, and off-the-shoulder tops are no exception. When in doubt, go for a subtle and classic blue-and-white pattern. Fashion your own style with a buttondown shirt pulled over your shoulders, paired with a bright miniskirt. Mix high and low with a festive, exaggerated shape on top and slouchy jeans on the bottom.

Pizz as

12�

Oh Sugar

Overcoming food cravings while satisfiying your needs

By Dr. Lillian Cheung

E

motional eating is turning to food for comfort, stress relief, or as a reward rather than to satisfy hunger. Most emotional eaters feel powerless over their food cravings.

When the urge to eat hits, it’s all you can think about. If you’ve ever made room for dessert even though you’re already full or dove into a pint of ice cream when you’re feeling down, you’ve experienced emotional eating.

Mindful eating is a practice that develops your awareness of eating habits and allows you to pause between your triggers and your actions. You can then change the emotional habits that have sabotaged your diet in the past. In essence, mindful eating means being fully attentive to your food—as you buy, prepare, serve, and consume it. Dr. Lillian Cheung suggest several practices that can help you get there, including those listed below.

1. Begin with your shopping list. Consider the health value of every item you add to your list and stick to it to avoid impulse buying when you’re shopping. Fill most of your cart in the produce section and avoid the center aisles—which are heavy with processed foods—and the chips and candy at the checkout counter.

2. Come to the table with an appetite—but not when ravenous.

If you skip meals, you may be so eager to get anything in your stomach that your first priority is filling the void instead of enjoying your food.

3. Start with a small portion. It may be helpful to limit the size of your plate to nine inches or less.

4. Appreciate your food. Pause for a minute or two before you begin eating to contemplate everything and everyone it took to bring the meal to your table. Silently express your gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy delicious food and the companions you’re enjoying it with.

5. Bring all your senses to the meal. When you’re cooking, serving, and eating your food, be attentive to color, texture, aroma, and even the sounds different foods make as you prepare them. As you chew your food, try identifying all the ingredients, especially seasonings.

6. Take small bites. It’s easier to taste food completely when your mouth isn’t full. Put down your utensil between bites.

7. Chew thoroughly. Chew well until you can taste the essence of the food. (You may have to chew each mouthful 20 to 40 times, depending on the food.) You may be surprised at all the flavors that are released.

8. Eat slowly. If you follow the advice above, you won’t bolt your food down. Devote at least five minutes to mindful eating before you chat with your tablemates.

wn kin d of

Discover your o

beautiful

Too Much Or Too Little

Finding the right amount of space in your relationship

By TEAM LOVEPANKY

T

he best moments of our lives are the ones we’ve shared with someone special. Some of the happiest memories you may have usually involves a loved one. Life is always great if you have a special someone to share it with. But then again, too much togetherness can ruin a perfect relationship too. Keeping a relationship alive needs memories and special moments. As much as it may be a couple thing, you need individual memories and special moments too. To keep a relationship fresh and exciting, you need to experience things separately and then come together.

Everybody needs space, and you need to know how to give space in a relationship and accept space, even if only to take a breath. You can’t be locked in a kiss forever. You have to come up for air. Love needs space to grow.

Even saplings have to be planted with adequate space between them if they have to take a firm root and grow strong. And when they grow, their branches may intermingle to provide shade and beauty, but their roots still need space.

Can there be something as giving too much space in relationships? Definitely! The dangers of too much space cannot be highlighted enough. Too much space would entail both or one partner filling their lives to the brim with other things and not maintaining a sense of connection.

There is no perfect formula here. But the idea is simple, spend as much time as you want with your partner and let your partner do the same. But at the same time, ask yourself what you’ve done by yourself during the week. As long as you still have your own individuality and don’t need your partner around all the time to help you or keep you occupied, life is good.

Let go of that tightening hold on your partner who may be gasping for space, and focus on strengthening yourself. Learn to find your happiness within you, because ultimately you are responsible for finding your own happiness.

There is beauty in simplicity..

Simply Green Tea

A Cup Of Good Health Benefits of herbal tea

By Laura Newcomer

P

ut down those saucer cups and get chugging, tea is officially awesome for your health. But before loading up on Red Zinger, make sure that your “tea” is actually tea. Real tea is derived from a particular plant (Camellia sinensis) and includes only four varieties: green, black, white, and oolong. Anything else (like herbal “tea”) is an infusion of a different plant and isn’t technically tea.

But what real tea lacks in variety, it makes up for with some serious health benefits. Researchers attribute tea’s health properties to polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) and phytochemicals. Though most studies have focused on the better-known green and black teas, white and oolong also bring benefits to the table.Tea can boost exercise endurance.

Scientists have found that the catechins (antioxidants) in green tea extract increase the body’s ability to burn fat as fuel, which accounts for improved muscle endurance. Drinking tea could help reduce the risk of heart attack. Tea might also help protect against cardiovascular and degenerative diseases.

The antioxidants in tea might help protect against a boatload of cancers, including breast, colon, colorectal, skin, lung, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, liver, ovarian, prostate and oral cancers. But don’t rely solely on tea to keep a healthy body — tea is not a miracle cure, after all. While more studies than not suggest that tea has cancer-fighting benefits, the current research is mixed.

Tea helps fight free radicals. Tea is high in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (“ORAC” to its friends), which is a fancy way of saying that it helps destroy free radicals (which can damage DNA) in the body. While our bodies are designed to fight free radicals on their own, they’re not 100 percent effective — and since damage from these radical oxygen ninjas has been linked to cancer, heart disease and neurological degeneration, we’ll take all the help we can get. Tea is hydrating to the body (even despite the caffeine!). Drinking tea is linked with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. When considered with other factors like smoking, physical activity, age and body mass index, regular tea drinking was associated with a lowered risk of Parkinson’s disease in both men and women. Tea might provide protection from ultraviolet rays. We know it’s important to limit exposure to UV rays, and we all know what it’s like to feel the burn. The good news is that green tea may act as a back-up sunscreen. Tea could keep waist circumference in check. In one study, participants who regularly consumed hot tea had lower waist circumference and lower BMI than non-consuming participants. Scientists speculate that regular tea drinking lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome although it’s important to remember that correlation does not equal causation.

“Let the currents guide you”

NEWCASTLE: Discover The Best Of Both Worlds American outsider explores the great balance between the two great Australian cities.

WORD SARAH PFEIFFER

D

uring my time as the American Outsider in Australia, I have had the pleasure of exploring both Sydney and Melbourne. I was very distraught to hear about the flaming rivalry between the two cities because they both bring such different elements to the table. They may be comparable, but their strengths lie in completely different places.

Before I begin, I’d like to apologize to Melbourne beach lovers.

St. Kilda has nothing on Bondi Beach. I’d also like to apologize to inner-city Sydney lovers because The Rocks and Darling Harbour are a far cry from the elegance found on Flinders Street, Hosier Lane, Federation Square or Southbank. See what I mean? Despite them both being well-populated port cities, they are polar opposites.

When it comes to their Central Business Districts, Melbourne is the brilliant, artistic, musical, new-wave hipster, and Sydney is majestic, Victorian, iconic, public figure. Melbourne is Bono and Sydney is Barack Obama (within reason, c’mon). Though Sydney is a huge, thriving, well-known city, it was Melbourne’s

CBD that truly blew me away with its unique aesthetic. The quaint, intricate cafes, the art that lines the streets, and the lively music on every corner bring the city to life in a way that Sydney’s CBD does not.

When it comes to their beaches, Sydney offers some of the finest beaches in the world; Bondi, Coogee, and Manly Beach.

Melbourne offers St. Kilda, Brighton, and Half Moon Bay. Both offer the world a great surf, iconic backdrop, great bike paths along the coast, beautiful shops, pubs, and boutiques along the shoreline worth spending a little money in. However, the moment you step onto Bondi Beach or arrive off the ferry onto Manly Beach, you feel an immediate wave of relaxation. You can pick a spot anywhere along the wondrously wide beach, read a good book or doze off to the sound of crashing waves until the sun goes down. Brighton may have famously photographed huts along the beach, but the beach itself stands nowhere near the greatness of the soft, white-sand Manly or Bondi Beach.

During my time as the American Outsider in Australia, I have had the pleasure of exploring both Sydney and Melbourne. I was very distraught to hear about the flaming rivalry between the two cities because they both bring such different elements to the table. They may be comparable, but their strengths lie in completely different places.

Before I begin, I’d like to apologize to Melbourne beach lovers.

St. Kilda has nothing on Bondi Beach. I’d also like to apologize to inner-city Sydney lovers because The Rocks and Darling Harbour are a far cry from the elegance found on Flinders Street, Hosier Lane, Federation Square or Southbank. See what I mean?

Despite them both being well-populated port cities, they are polar opposites.

When it comes to their Central Business Districts, Melbourne is the brilliant, artistic, musical, new-wave hipster, and Sydney is majestic, Victorian, iconic, public figure. Melbourne is Bono and Sydney is Barack Obama (within reason, c’mon). Though Sydney is a huge, thriving, well-known city, it was Melbourne’s CBD that truly blew me away with its unique aesthetic. The quaint, intricate cafes, the art that lines the streets, and the lively music on every corner bring the city to life in a way that Sydney’s CBD does not.

When it comes to their beaches, Sydney offers some of the finest beaches in the world; Bondi, Coogee, and Manly Beach. Melbourne offers St. Kilda, Brighton, and Half Moon Bay. Both offer the world a great surf, iconic backdrop, great bike paths along the coast, beautiful shops, pubs, and boutiques along the shoreline worth spending a little money in. However, the moment you step onto Bondi Beach or arrive off the ferry onto Manly Beach, you feel an immediate wave of relaxation. You can pick a spot anywhere along the wondrously wide beach, read a good book or doze off to the sound of crashing waves until the sun goes down.

Brighton may have famously photographed huts along the beach, but the beach itself stands nowhere near the greatness of the soft, white-sand Manly or Bondi Beach.

One way the cities simulate is through the design of their waterfront entertainment districts. Both offer fantastic marina views right from your seat at the table. In Sydney, you can enjoy Darling Harbour or The Rocks whereas Melbourne offers the elegance of Southbank. Melbourne’s finest restaurants sit in between the river and the towering, yet eventful business district, but because your view is the calmness of the Yarra River, the guests are not reminded of their busy days and offices behind them.

y m d e ll u p s a h e l t s a c “New h c a e m o r f s t c e p s a e t i favor d e d l o m d n a s e i t i c o w t of the ” . e n o o it int What if I said I knew a place that was the best of both worlds? What if I told you there was somewhere with iconic beaches, quaint artistic café-filled streets, a bustling university, and a waterfront pub and restaurant district?

Would you believe me if I told you it was Newcastle?

Surfhouse might as well be The Bucket List of Bondi’s twin. Our ANZAC Walk could dual as Sydney’s Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, and though Civic and Pacific Park may not be as big as the Botanical Gardens, or ever take the place of Bondi Park, in essence, they will do.

After traveling to both Melbourne and Sydney, I cannot help but notice that Newcastle has pulled my favorite aspects from each of the two cities and molded it into one. Very clever, Newcastle. Sneaky, but clever. Darby Street is undeniably the perfect combination of George Street in Sydney and Queen Street in Melbourne. Newcastle’s city murals may span over the entirety of our city, but they replicate the artistic ability showcased in Hosier Lane, Melbourne. Hunter Street is a small scale City Centre with its bustling cafes and cobblestone street.

Honeysuckle boasts the same quality waterfront entertainment district by utilizing the best mix of Darling Harbour and Southbank. Our weekly markets, (Hunt & Gather Markets, The Olive Tree Market) assimilate to the Victorian Markets of Melbourne on a smaller, yet still as valuable scale. Doughheads in Newcastle can kick a sweet tooth the same way Doughnut Time Melbourne does. Sprout in Sydney screams out for it’s long lost brother Momo in Newcastle. Good Brother Espresso could easily be mistaken for Pellegrini’s in Melbourne. We have Kotaras, a light rail on the way, a secret bar and an underground Café. What more could we need? Oh right, beaches. But don’t worry we have those too. Memorial Drive and Marine Parade in St. Kilda hold the same oceanic views, and Merewether

Noticed how no one mentioned their undying love for towering big buildings? Well, people don’t move to big cities for the skyscrapers. They move into cities because of what goes on below the skyscrapers. Well, I am here to tell you that Newcastle has exactly what goes on below, without even having the scrapers above! Newcastle is in the period of renewal and revival. Its economy is on the rise, and businesses are sprouting up everywhere you turn. Newcastle has the nightlife, it has the city, it has the beaches, it has the transportation, it has the shops and cafes, and it has the history. So what more there to discuss?

Newcastle has the inner city vibes of Melbourne and the beachy blues of Sydney. So why not stop the fighting and bickering about which city is better, and move to Newcastle, already.

It is truly the best of both worlds.

Discover the Old and the New.

Weekly

Horoscopes

Sagittarius Nov 23 - Dec 21

In 1983, Stanislav Petrov was in charge of a Soviet Union nuclear attack detection unit when it warned of in-bound US missiles. Against protocol, he judged it to be a false alarm, thus preventing a retaliation that could have started a global nuclear war. His judgement was vindicated, when equipment was found to have been faulty. Sometimes a blind faith in the most positive of outcomes can get us into trouble. But it's rarely as disastrous as an over-reaction to an imagined threat. Today, err on the side of positivity.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 20

There's something about Mercury and the Sun's new positions in the zodiac that is challenging you. It's almost as if you feel that others are getting an unfair advantage and you're worried you're being left out. But it's helping you. Look beyond what's right just for yourself and focus instead on what can benefit everyone. As the Sun prepares to make a creative link to Pluto in your sign, it reveals an opportunity which is now opening up.

That's your helping hand. You'll soon begin to see how much it matters, and how fortunate you are.

Aries Mar 21 - Apr 20

Yesterday I reassured you that it's okay to not to feel confident all the time. Many of the world's problems stem from misplaced confidence and the consequences that arise when people discover they're out of their depth. How many ill-advised international interventions have repercussions that spiral out of control? I'm not suggesting that, should you act now, you'll end up in The Hague.

Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20

You've got a wonderful imagination. You can sit back and envisage many glorious possibilities. You can even look at behaviour you're not happy with and find reasons to excuse the perpetrator. Perhaps he or she is just having a bad day. Maybe they had a tough childhood. But just as you can 'imagine yourself ' into a better frame of mind, you can 'imagine yourself ' into a frenzy of anxiety and apprehension. Why do that? As Venus prepares to square your ruler Neptune, think only the best of everything and everyone today. This will lead you to no harm.

Leo

Taurus

Jul 24 - Aug 23

Apr 21 - May 21

Yesterday, I suggested that you ought not to be afraid of your past. In fact, even if there are decisions which brought you nothing but trouble, you should be grateful for them. Life is a game of trial and error. Mistakes are as much a part of the fabric of our lives as successes. In fact, you can't have one without the other! Soon you'll face an unexpected test of creativity. Yet it's your past endeavours, both successful or otherwise, that allow you to meet this surprising challenge head on. Be grateful for them!

With your ruler Venus soon squaring Neptune, there's no stopping you. Or, at least, that's the theory. Just possibly, you may not have noticed the difference it's making yet. Your power to charm and attract will reveal itself to you soon enough. And with the Sun and Mercury newly in your opposite sign, it won't be long before you receive flattering invitations.

Gemini

Cancer

May 22 - June 22

Jun 23 - Jul 23

Aquarius

Virgo

No-one likes being told what to do. We all want to feel that we have some control and autonomy. Of course, everyone kowtows to someone, or something. Even those with no master must bend, to some degree, to the will of the people. And time, age and health have no respect for social standing or material power. We're all at their mercy. But, if you truly wish to direct someone's endeavours now, you should avoid ruling by dictum.

Instead, be encouraging and paint a picture of the benefits they can reap. It's time for carrots, not sticks!

There's a reason why we have courts, lawyers, judges and juries.

Some truths are easily overlooked, some lies are easily believed.

And some people are too keen to jump to conclusions without considering all the facts. You're normally a shrewd judge of character. And you're caring and protective enough not to be lulled into a false sense of security. But, as the Moon makes a tense square with Venus, and opposes Neptune, might you be believing what you want to believe? Perhaps. But that doesn't have to mean it can't come true!

Jan 21 - Feb 19

Aug 24 - Sep 23

Libra

Scorpio

Sep 24 - Oct 23

Oct 24 - Nov 22

Sometimes, in order to feel part of a social group, we're tempted to use camouflage. We feel the need to drive the right car, wear the right clothes and listen to the right music. No problem if these 'likes' are within our nature. But trouble arises when we try to fit into holes not designed to accommodate our pegs. No one, no matter how appealing, is worth bending out of shape for. You're brilliantly, interestingly, beautifully unique. Let your qualities shine now. If those you want to impress are worth impressing at all, they can't fail to admire you.

The film The Truman Show strikes a chord with the human experience. Sometimes life doesn't seem real. Is everyone really just going about their business? Or are they extras in our own drama, as some mysterious director orchestrates our dilemmas?

Are we just characters in a soap-opera, unknowingly broadcast to legions of hooked viewers? Well, probably not. Even when the universe gives us orders, we're notoriously bad at taking direction! There's no need to question reality. Especially when it promises so much.

When we don't know what to do, we invariably do what we do know how to do. We draw on our experience. We retreat into habit. You may currently feel a strong urge to respond to a complicated situation by following a very simple principle. Are you in danger of acting through worry, rather than wisdom?

Not if you feel very deeply that has to be the most appropriate way forward. As Venus prepares to square Neptune in your opposite sign, as long as there are positive impulses behind your decisions, they'll be right.

We talked yesterday, about alchemy, the mythical, mystical, science, of turning lead into gold. Once, everyone was interested in this idea but it doesn't capture the modern imagination. Has the world become more sceptical? Perhaps, but have you seen the price of lead lately? It's not worth as much as gold, but it's not cheap! With Mercury entering your sign, and about to converge with the Sun, it will reveal what is truly golden in a situation that you may have been inclined to perceive as dull, heavy and perhaps even a little poisonous.

I’ve got a place in _____.