Image of the Week: "Be a lamp, lifeboat or ladder."

Our local weekly carries Rob Brezny's Free Will Astrology 'scopes. I find them so meaningful. I've actually cut some out and saved them for years.

Mine (Sun sign Cancer) had this quote from Rumi, "Be a lamp, a lifeboat, a ladder." I wonder if this appeals particularly, to any others out there with Uranus-Pluto in Virgo. I find that if I'm depressed or just off, getting back into being of service mode is a remedy. It's not as selfless as it sounds, because it's a relief from a relentless drive to shift things in small ways. In going beyond the kvetching of the small self, there's deep change and freedom. I sleep better at night.

One path of service is humor, with its power to break the spell of programming or entrancement, and it's even good for the heart. In a time like ours, what's funny? What breaks the death grip of seriousness and fears about the future?

I found two articles from Zen Gardner that are timely with Mercury in Leo, a message delivered with a laugh and dramatic license -- see The Lighter Side of Doom, and Meet Joy Camp, Conspiracy Made Fun and Easy. If you only have time for one, see Are You Familiar with Astrotheology? A commenter calls it comedy gold -- right on. I've never heard as above, so below said so seductively!

It's the last week of Sun in Leo, with the Leo New Moon this Friday. It's an atmosphere ripe for looking at how we keep our spirits lifted, and ways we encourage others. Leo is a sign that sees the best in self and others, and in the glow of its ruling planet, the Sun, can be a "lamp, lifeboat or ladder."

See more images from Around About for Photo of the Week/Wordless Wednesday.