Hirst

On February 13, Mercury will begin another retrograde. Mercury goes reverse more than any other planet, about 3 or 4 times a year. When a planet is in retrograde it appears to be moving backwards across the sky. Planets don't actually change the direction of their orbits. They just appear that way, because the Earth is not the center of the solar system, but the Earth is the center of the zodiac.

Retrograde station is the point where the planet changes directions, so it appears to be holding still in the sky. A few days prior and a few days after February 13, while Mercury is at retrograde station, things may be a bit difficult. Mercury is the ruler of the mind and communication, and he also governs travel. Some of us, especially Gemini's and Virgo's, will find that our minds just are not functioning as they usually do. If you have any planets between 8 and 12 degrees in Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Gemini, the few days of Mercury's Retrograde station may prove to be just plain nonproductive. During this retrograde station, we may forget things or feel confused. Conversations and correspondence could be misunderstood. Internet communications may not connect including Internet banking. Be sure to back up your computer files, because Mercury can cause your computer to crash. This is also NOT a good time to have "that talk" with a loved one.

After Mercury gets turned around and moving in his backward motion, from approximately February 15 through March 5, it will be a time for exploring the past. It may be a good time to go back and look over past contracts and correspondence. It will be a great time for any kind of homecomings. Ex-partners from past relationships are also more likely to return. I like to go ghost hunting during Mercury's retrograde. The division between us and those past over becomes more translucent at this time.

A few days prior and a few days after March 7 will be the most difficult period of this transit. Usually the retrograde is most powerful when the planet is in the process of changing to a forward direction, direct station. Try to avoid signing any contracts for these few days, and do not make any life changing decisions at this time. There could be delays and detours with travel, so be prepared, and again be sure computer files are backed-up. There could be communication misunderstandings so pay attention to detail when relaying messages, and be ready to send another in case the first gets lost. Those of us with planets between 23 and 27 degrees in Aquarius, Leo, Taurus, or Scorpio, may find that this direct station is especially inhibiting. The planets affected will determine what areas of our life that will be affected.

Mercury's retrograde will be from 10 degrees Pisces through 25 degrees Aquarius. Check your natal chart to see which houses Mercury will be affecting for you, and to see if he may be aspecting any of your natal planets. Where this aspect lands in your houses determine what areas of your life that will be affected

Janet (Sparrow) Moon is a professional psychic and astrologer. You can visit her web site at sparrowmoon.com for more articles about upcoming events in astrology, and to read her daily astrology general tendencies forecast.

A press release for a current film reveals that the young star was a natural a natural manifester. He unknowingly used Universal laws and mental principles to manifest a 'super' role in a movie - literallyand in spite of some pretty tremendous odds...

The students of my prosperity program know exactly what the following entertainment news release is about. The clips I copied from the following USA Today news story provide a perfect illustration of prosperity lessons relating to "playing the role" that we desire to become.

First, you will read some facts about the new Superman movie and the unknown actor chosen among thousands of international candidates to play the part.

Then, you will read how he really got the part - by utilizing, without realizing it, the mental and spiritual laws that manifest our desires.

I love this account of the use of law and I am sure you will too.

'SUPERMAN' IS FINALLY READY TO FLY AGAIN

Is Superman finally taking off?

After years of delays, false starts, mounting production costs and a revolving door of players, Warner Bros. has given the green light to the first Superman film in nearly 20 years.

The Man of Steel has not appeared on the big screen since 1987's Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, starring the late Christopher Reeve. Now, all the key pieces seem to be in place.

Superman and his Clark Kent alter ego will be played by Brandon Routh, 25, a former soap opera star. Producers wanted an unknown, as Reeve was before he became a household name with 1978's Superman. (Related story below: New guy in the cape finds he's a snug fit)

The untitled film will begin shooting in Australia next year for release in summer 2006.

Countless screenwriters and several directors have been attached to the project, including McG, Brett Ratner and Tim Burton. All have had vastly different story ideas and visions. Burton wanted Nicolas Cage to play Superman.

At times, it seemed as if every hot young actor in Hollywood was considered or rumored for the role, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Ashton Kutcher, Brendan Fraser, Josh Hartnett, Jude Law and James Caviezel.

NEW GUY IN THE CAPE FINDS HE'S A SNUG FIT

Brandon Routh could not have chosen a more perfect Halloween costume last year.

He showed up at a costume contest at Hollywood's hip Lucky Strike bowling alley wearing a black suit, a tie and a pair of geeky thick-rimmed glasses. His starched white shirt was unbuttoned just so, revealing a blue undershirt emblazoned with the Superman logo. His hair was perfect, right down to the curl on his forehead. He was so convincing, he won first place.

Flash-forward a year. That Clark Kent-Superman getup is no longer just a Halloween costume.

The relatively unknown actor, 25, was thrust into the spotlight Oct. 21 when Warner Bros. announced that Routh would star in its long-awaited Superman movie.

"He's always had a desire to play Superman," says his agent, Mara Santino, who notes that the Halloween costume contest occurred months before the movie role was even a possibility.

Routh (pronounced Rowth) was chosen from thousands of candidates interviewed at casting calls in the USA, Britain, Canada and Australia.

"Casting has always been a challenge," says Jeff Robinov, president of production for Warner Bros. Pictures. "As you look to more recognizable people, it's hard to separate who they are and what they've done from the role of Superman. So we decided to look at unknowns.

"It takes a while to find that odd mix of strength, vulnerability, warmth, likeability. At the same time, you want them to have the size and physicality of what you'd think of as Superman."

Like longtime Man of Steel Christopher Reeve, who died Oct. 10, Routh has square-jawed, chiseled good looks and loves sports.

Routh was unavailable for interviews, but his agent said the actor likes shooting hoops with friends and also swam and played soccer in high school. Routh is 6 feet 2? inches tall; Reeve was 6-4.

"All his life people have told him he was very Clark Kent-Superman-like," Santino says.

[End of press clips - Copyright USA Today and www.usatoday.com]

So...what will YOU become today, this week, this year? What role would YOU like to assume?

Copyright 2006-2007 Marilyn Jenett
All rights reserved

Marilyn Jenett, an accomplished business owner in the corporate arena, founded the Feel Free to Prosper program to mentor and teach others to become aligned with Universal laws and accept their right to prosper. Her students, from around the globe and from all walks of life, are enjoying remarkable success applying her lessons and participating in her private and group telephone sessions and audio programs. For more information, visit her website at http://www.FeelFreetoProsper.com and her network forum at http://prosper-network.ryze.com

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print as long as the bylines, URL and copyright are included. Please print the article in its entirety and unchanged.

Perhaps you're thinking of staying in a hostel because you have heard you can party it up there, or maybe that's what you're trying to avoid but want a cheap place to stay. Hostels vary widely in their tone and amenities, so it pays to do a little research before you go.

~Single or Mixed Gender Rooms? A good hostel will offer both as well as rooms with small to medium numbers of beds.

~Close to Public Transit? There is wothing norse than lugging your luggage through Europe's ancient streets and subways. Packing light (more on that coming soon) and choosing a hostel that's conveniently located will save you a lot of stress and money.

~Breakfast or Another Meal Offered? Not only is it an extra value, but meals are prime time for meeting other travelers. Chat them up to find out where they're going and where they've been. You don't get that in a McDonald's.

~Free or Cheap Internet Access? Even if you're trying to get away, it is important to be connected if you need to be. You'll want emergency copies of documents accessible in a web-based email account. You may also want to update a blog, send email or download your photos. If nothing else, you can use the 'Net to plan the next day's outing/transit connection, etc.

~Traveler Ratings. Personally, I don't choose a hostel (or any other lodging really) that has less than an 80% approval rating. I figure if 8 out of the 10 people who bothered to log on and review the place can't agree it's nice, then I don't want to be there. Be sure to read through the comments carefully. You might find some red flags or extra bonuses that you hadn't thought of.

Hostels really can cater to any traveler with a little research. For some of our favorite hostels around the world, please visit our website at On The Cheap Travel (www.onthecheaptravel.com).

Happy Travels!

Kadie Kozee is the founder and editor of On The Cheap Travel (http://www.onthecheaptravel.com). She takes great delight in visiting fascinating places on a minimal budget.

Youre Pregnant! Your body is constantly growing and changing, and your fast running out of clothes that fit around your new bump.

You know, its time for some new maternity wear but you still want to look stylish and trendy.

Dont worry, you do not need to wear the hideously old-fashioned tent style fashions that were once associated with maternity wear.

There is now a fantastic range of stylish and fashionable maternity clothing available in a wide range of colours and flattering styles for all body shapes and sizes.

For the first few months of your pregnancy you will probably be able to wear most of your usual clothing. Especially those select few items you love when you have put on an extra kilo or two.

Then will come the awkward in-between stage, when you are too big for your normal clothes but not quite big enough for your stunning new maternity outfits.

Great Ideas for the In-between Stage

* Pants and Skirts with elastic waists.

* Hipster jeans or pants that sit below your new belly.

* Loose fitting pants with a drawstring waist.

* Dresses or skirts in a stretchy fabric to accommodate your new bump.

* To continue wearing your pre-pregnancy jeans thread an elastic hair tie through the button hole and loop each end over the button.

* Tummy Bands and Belly Belts are great at this stage.

* Long line t-shirts and singlets worn in layers look great and cover up well.

This Summer Maternity designers are following mainstream fashion with tops, dresses and skirts in lovely floaty fabrics and gorgeous feminine prints.

You will also find fabulous fashion staples in lovely maternity styles including crisp linen shirts, classic capri pants and chic jackets.

Add your own individual style and taste to outfits with colourful scarves, necklaces, beads, earrings and trendy comfortable shoes.

This is a very special time in your life, relax and enjoy the way your unborn baby is growing and constantly changing and enhancing your figure. Most new Mums have a lovely glowing complexion and truly relish the changes that baby makes to their body.

In fact many expectant Mums love to flaunt their new ripe figures and there are lots of lovely fashions available top show off your new baby belly.

Maternity Must-Haves

* A pair of denim maternity jeans denim is always fashionable and really versatile.

* Black pants a well-fitting comfortable pair of black pants can always be dressed up or down.

* A comfortable maternity bra as your bust increases a comfortable maternity bra is a godsend.

* One fabulous outfit its great to have at least one outfit you always feel fabulous in, with ever changing hormones and busy lives it helps if you can look and feel great.

There is no excuse to look daggy or frumpy when your expecting as Todays maternity fashions are both chic and comfortable and available in a sensational range of gorgeous colours and fabrics.

This article is courtesy of Sandy Prosdocimo, Owner and Editor of Smart-Mums, everything Mums need... Visit us today at http://www.smart-mums.com.au