Secretary of State Hilary Clinton at Grass-Roots Level in Africa

US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, toured seven African countries recently to talk with women about their impoverished and harsh lives.

She found out about female chicken farmers in Kenya, rape victims in eastern Congo and housing projects for poor women in South Africa.

Her goal was to press governments in these countries to step-up and crack-down on the sexual abuse, and re-vamp US aid programs to put more emphasis on women’s issues and needs.

She also hopes that as a result of her trip she has connected with women at the grass-roots level, and that together they can develop platforms empowering the women to change their government’s priorities.

Source: The Age 15.8.09

THIS GODDESS-POWERED NEW MOON

Well girls this is Goddess time!

When I first took a peak at the New Moon chart I muttered, ” goodness gracious!” And then I thought, “boy, that looks significant indeed” So I took a closer look.

As you may or may not know, New Moon time is when the Sun and Moon sit together - it’s the beginning stage of the Moon’s cycle. To us here on Earth the sky is dark and Moonless - or so it seems. It’s a great time for starting anything new - great for planting (when the Moon’s in a fertile sign) and a super great time - especially over the 3 day period of the New Moon (day before and after) - to set your intentions for the next month! It’s a very fertile time, rich with new beginnings and fresh energy. Don’t waste it.

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It’s the Nomadic Life For Me

On August 22, 2009, Catherine Johns will set off on a journey through the centre of Australia. But Catherine won’t be driving a car or riding in a train, she’ll be sitting with reins in hand, travelling the old way - in her traditional Vardo caravan.

Catherine, 60, is from a long-line of Romany gypsies and she says that travelling by horse and cart keeps her body, soul and heart together. “I really love life and advice you to follow your dream,” says Catherine who’s also known as ‘Red’ because of the colour of her hair.

Born of Australian parents, Catherine’s grandmother was Irish Romany and her grandfather was Welsh. The Romanies are a nomadic ethinic group believed to originate from India. “We have always suffered persecution for our different beliefs and lifestyle,” says Catherine. “We are nomadic people who’re the caretakers of the world.”

Catherine loves animals and her three-month journey will take her along the Old Ghan rail route from Angas Valley to Alice Springs. Catherine’s caravan will be pulled by her faithful Clydesdale horse Tigger, while her three dogs will also keep her company. The trek is to raise awareness of animal cruelty. “We can live with the animals in co-operation, not exploitation. This means that we can all learn to think and live more ethically,” she says.

MARS AND SATURN - THE ULTIMATUM!

9 August 2009

Saturn and Mars are ‘challenging’ each other in the sky.

In Astro jargon they are ’squaring’ each other - at a 90-degree aspect to each other. This is a challenging aspect and is hard to ignore - it’s sort of ‘in your face’ type vibe.

As you may or may not know, Mars has to do with action - action, action, action - and he likes his own way, he can be a wee bit forceful in his enthusiastic push ahead. He likes action and adventure - NOW. He doesn’t have a lot of patience for standing around. He’s got stuff to do and he’s doing it.

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Change and Creativity - Marilyn’s Monthly Musings

THE 3RD ECLIPSE OF THE SEASON

Well folks we certainly live in concentrated times!

Our influential and insistent neighbours - the massive planetary bodies above us, are coming together to put on the play of all plays. Drama at its best!

Presently all of the outer planets are Retrograde - from our perspective here on earth, they appear to be moving in reverse. Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto and Chiron are all performing a nifty back step rumba - creating new sounds, new vibrations and a completely new dance.

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