We all know that everything is connected on this Earth, but periodically I come across a connection that amazes me. I want to explain how dust picked up from an ancient lake in Chad – which lies in the middle of the Sahara Desert in Africa – fertilizes the plant life of the Amazon Rainforest and more. Atmospheric scientist with a NASA satellite have studied dust movement for the past seven years and have found some interesting patterns.

The Amazon mostly re-fertilizes itself by leaf decomposition and the help of its wildlife. However, phosphorus and some other minerals are washed away into streams and rivers; therefore, phosphorus needs to be replenished for the Amazon plants to grow. In Chad, the Bodele Depression, an ancient dried up lakebed, is filled with rock minerals composed of dead microorganisms loaded with phosphorous. Throughout the year Earth’s wind patterns picks up over 182 million tons of dust from the Sahara Desert and spreads it around the world. About a sixth of it gets to the Amazon and weirdly that dust contains just about as much phosphorus as what is drained away from the forest each year. Also, a large portion of the dust lands in the oceans providing nutrients for phytoplankton. Which is a whole other story but here is just one bit you should know – that phytoplankton provides 50-80% of the oxygen we breath. Now along with the Amazon 20% basically the production of most of the oxygen we breath is dependent upon dust from the Sahara desert.

P.S. Remember, when signs have * it’s a big week for you.

*Aries – The Lovers/Ten of Cups – OK, this is a two card week. The Lovers card wants another week to let you all do some creating, and the Ten of Cups wants you to find ways to enjoy yourself. Oh and the challenge is trying to do both at the same time…in other words try to have a great f-ing week my friends!

Taurus – Knight of Cups – The Knight of Cups continues the path of last week’s Empress – creating an emotional satisfying life. The Knight reminds you to keep the momentum going by directing your energy only to the things that move you emotionally.

*Gemini – The Sun – Last week did you keep your head in the clouds, see the horizon, and imagine what lays beyond that? Well, you have another week to do that and then some with The Sun card. The Sun Card challenges you to be playful, creative, and curious. This is a week of saying “Yes” but only to the things that make you feel good and make you shine.

Cancer – Six of Swords – The Six of Swords advises that you to pull away to gain perspective. This week is a great time to heal by gaining some distance from things. You can do this by physical getting away from it all or mentally pulling back from your mind’s chatter with a good book, meditation or silly movie.

*Leo – The Star – Yay! You have gotten out of your brain and into the light again. The Star card asks you to ponder what brings you hope and peace. The Star reminds you that the universe’s nature is change – change is inevitable but there are patterns. This week The Star challenges you to pay attention to the universe’s cycles and see where transformation is or needs to be. For example Feng Shui part of your home to make it flow better, change how you deal with your technology in your life so your time will flow better, or in a bigger way what are your cycles of hope and despair so your life will flow better?

Virgo – Six of Wands – This week the Six of Wands continues the influence of last weeks’ Ace of Cups – being receptive to positive things in your life. The challenge with the Six of Wands is to stay humble and gracious. This week finds ways to pay gratitude towards the people and things you have in your life that have gotten you thus far.

Libra – Page of Pentacles – Another court card this week, the Page of Pentacles’ lesson is about lessons. Since the Page is a court card these lessons usually come from people. The challenge of the Page of Pentacles is only take the lesson(s) that actually can physically make changes happen in your environment. Cast the rest aside because they are not your lessons but schooling for the givers.

*Scorpio – Empress – The Empress brings her gift of nurturing and comfort to your environment so you have the energy to create and manifest your own nurturing and comfortable environment. So this week – go shopping you will find fluffy pillows on sale, go out fishing or to your local farmers market you will bring home something yummy to cook, or your kids will bring home some lovely art to decorate your home with. The Empress’ challenge is for you to see the abundance in your environment, take it home, and then settle in and appreciate it.

Sagittarius – Three of Pentacles – Hmmm, this is the third time you have gotten the Three of Pentacles this year. You seem to be cycling this card every other month. The theme of this card shouldn’t be too surprising to you all. The Three of Pentacles’ challenge is to keep your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds. You would think that this would be easy for a half horse – half human, but it is the act of doing it at the same time that is the issue. Can you keep your philosophical hat on while you are charging into your future?

Capricorn – Ten of Cups – The Ten of Cups continues the focus on the good things in life. Last week with the Queen of Cups I hope you took some time out for you and did something that makes you happy. This week the Ten of Cups challenges you to focus that love and attention on your family (biological and/or the ones you have picked- this includes pets too) and see how blessed you are with all the love that surrounds you. Nothing is better than getting a hug, a purr, a knowing nudge or a warm lick to the face.

Aquarius – Ace of Swords – This week will feel like decisions, decisions, decisions all week long. When the Ace of Swords shows up it is a week for a lot of logical thought work. Your mind will be slicing and dicing through obstacles and problems and carving away the excess; however, it will also be hard for you to wind your mind down. The challenge from the Ace of Swords is to find healthier ways to turn off your mind to give it some rest so instead of herb or a video game try sex or meditation.

Pisces – Nine of Pentacles – The Nine of Pentacles reminds you this week you all need a little self pampering and alone time. The only challenge with the Nine of Pentacles is to communicate this need of alone time without making people feel shunned or not needed.

May light be on you, light around you, and light within you,

Nina