Weekly prediction

Full Moon, Feb 2nd, 00:45 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

Have you noticed the multitude of articles, books, and other information about dealing with stress that seem to be out there these days? It just struck me the other day, when I was paging through a magazine in a waiting room. While they seem to have good suggestions to offer, like getting some exercise, watching your diet, relaxation techniques, and so on, I think they're missing out on another area that could be of help.

Betsy, you've probably heard the phrase about picking up on other people's "vibes." Well, that description is pretty accurate, because actually we are all composed of energy, and each of us emits our very own "force field." Likewise, thoughts and words are forms of energy as well. And when we suffer from stress, often it's because of the pressure of negative thoughts we may have or that we "pick up" from others.

Just like dirt that can accumulate on the body, this negative energy can accumulate as well. What I've found to be very helpful is to do what I call an "energy cleansing." This is a simple visualization that you can perform whenever you wish, but it's especially useful at the end of the day.

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Imagine that a golden shower of light is descending on you, starting from the top of your head. Visualize it moving downwards through all the parts of your body, cleaning any dark spots that may be there. See it pushing this "sludge" of dark negative energy out of your body down through the soles of your feet into the ground. Keep visualizing this golden light doing its clearing action until there is only the light left in your body. Open your eyes and sit for a few minutes, enjoying the sense of calm and peace.

So, Betsy, why not try this little exercise the next time you're feeling stressed? I hope it will help.

Until next week,

Venus now in Pisces means romance is in the air, but so is deception. You can enjoy a little flirtation, but make sure you know exactly where to draw the line, Betsy, or else things could get messy. On Friday the 2nd, communications planet Mercury also moves into Pisces, making it very difficult to separate fact from fiction. This is also the day of the Full Moon in Leo, so don't let anyone bamboozle you -- even if he or she throws a spectacular and colorful tantrum. Saturday the 3rd is a day of imagination and innovation.

Weekly prediction

First Quarter Moon, Jan. 25th, 6:03 PM EST

Dear Betsy,

I went to visit a friend in the hospital the other day, and I happened to go into the florist shop they had there. I don't know what it is about such places, but as soon as I entered, I felt very calm and soothed. Just being in the presence of so many flowers and green plants was refreshing. So I bought a plant for my friend, and she was delighted to have something natural to look at in her sterile room.

Since then, I've run across research that indicates that the presence of houseplants and flowers can have a beneficial effect on our physical and emotional well-being. Certainly, plants are used in the Chinese art of Feng Shui as bringers of living energy. And scientifically, it is known that houseplants help remove harmful chemicals from the air, absorb noise, lessen dust, and increase moisture in the air.

But did you know, Betsy, that studies have shown that plants also help lower blood pressure, aid in concentration, and improve memory? And it has been found that having flowers in the home boosts your mood and energy level, and people report being happier and more enthusiastic at home and at work.

So there's certainly an incentive to share your living space with green plants and flowers. Even if you don't have a green thumb, there are many simple houseplants that are easy to care for. And you don't need an expensive floral arrangement, you can easily pick up a small bunch of flowers at your local market – whatever strikes your fancy at the time.

So I guess that old slogan about "flower power" is truer than we thought!

Until next week,

Be prepared for some mixed messages on Tuesday the 23rd, as someone you know could be acting a little strangely. You need to maintain a detached attitude as he or she veers from one course of action to another. From Tuesday through Wednesday, the Moon is in powerful and assertive Aries. If you need to lay it on the line to someone who has upset you, be careful not to go over the top. Take what you hear on Friday the 26th with a very large pinch of salt, as it may simply be fantasy.

Weekly prediction

New Moon, Jan. 18th, 11:02 PM EST

Dear Betsy,

Did you ever have one of those experiences where a minor incident leads to a major rethink? Well, that happened to me many years ago. One day, I noticed that my watch had stopped. I grumbled a bit, because I would have to take the time to make an extra trip to get a new watch battery. But I put it out of my mind, and got on with the business at hand.

Gradually, not having a watch, I began to notice that I wasn't always automatically checking the time every once in a while. I settled down into the flow of what I needed to do. It actually gave me a sense of freedom, not always being concerned with what the numbers of a clock said, and I also felt more productive. It gave me a real taste of what "living in the moment" really means. So from that point on, I haven't worn a watch since.

Of course, there are certain things you do need to know the time for, such as appointments or meetings. But I guess I learned the lesson I was meant to. How about you, Betsy? If you find yourself a "slave to the clock," why not try a similar experiment. See how long you can go without knowing the actual time and how that affects you and what you need to do. It could be a real eye-opener.

Until next week,

It may just be boring old Monday, but on the 15th Mercury joins Venus in Aquarius and the Moon moves close to fun planet Jupiter, signaling a sociable start to the week. In fact, you could be a little surprised at just how in demand you are! This week is good for practical matters as well. Not only does Mars move into Capricorn on the 16th, but on Thursday the 18th there is a New Moon in the same sign, which is an excellent time to make some positive plans for later in the year. On the 20th, the Sun enters Aquarius: expect a surprise or two!

Weekly prediction

Last Quarter Moon, Jan. 11th, 7:46 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

Because of all the good fortune surrounding you now, my good friend, I want to make sure you make this your time!

To do this easily, it helps to write your hopes and wishes down on a sheet of paper, making sure you are enthusiastic about each one and that they are specific. If you are not quite sure what kinds of goals you should be writing down, let me give you an example of what I am talking about…

Here are the dreams I wrote down for myself before I became a well-known psychic:

1. I want to buy my mother a grand house where she can entertain her family and friends and where she can watch the ocean.

2. I want to strengthen my powers so I can use my gifts to help people better their lives.

3. I want to write books that will show people how to take advantage of good fortune, so they can easily fulfill their dreams.

4. I want to travel the world.

When I started working on my dream of becoming a professional astrologer 30 years ago, I had no training, and no proven value. I was not a celebrity in the field as I am now, and I didn't have an instant entrée into the profession. However, I did have a dream. I had a dream of making a living doing the one thing I loved…and that was using my psychic power to help people. Step by step, I made my dream come true, and so can you.

My friend, as much as you may believe you have selected your dreams, Bethea and I both believe that your dreams select you. The Universe pushes you to use your special gifts and talents. So please, allow it to happen. Especially now. Give yourself up to your dreams and follow them wherever they take you. There is no doubt that you will enjoy the trip.

Until next week

You could make great headway at the start of the week with any chores or projects that have stalled. In fact, Tuesday the 9th is ideal for any kind of activity that requires concentration and care. Getting your ideas across to others will be a cinch. From Wednesday to Friday, the planets are arranged in a romantic formation and this is the time to cuddle up with your closest companion or suggest some time alone together. On Sunday, emotional honesty will result in understanding but not necessarily cooperation, unfortunately. Try again another day.

Weekly prediction

Full Moon, Jan. 3rd, 8:59 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

First of all, let me congratulate you as you continue moving forward creating the life of your dreams. It's exciting to know that you (someone who deserves every happiness) are on the road to success.

As you persist on this path be aware of the positive energy that is surrounding you now. You might only be able to catch glimpses of it, yet know that it is there supporting you. And it will grow stronger and stronger as we continue in our work together.

This week I want you to embrace this thought: Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Think about this for a moment. We've been taught that getting the job, the relationship, the house, or some other want will bring us happiness. What often happens, once a dream is achieved, is that the happiness we longed to feel is fleeting at best, and then we quickly find ourselves thinking, "What else can I get to make me happy?" This thinking doesn't serve us. After all, how many times have we read tragic stories about the rich and famous, people who have money galore and every material desire, but still happiness eludes them.

So, the answer is not to stop dreaming and achieving our heartfelt desires, but rather to experience happiness on a more consistent basis -- to enjoy the journey. Here's another secret how you can do this -- treat yourself to some small, harmless indulgence on a regular basis.

If you do this, you are saying "yes" to happiness right now, not tomorrow or the day after, or 10 years from now. You are also expanding the positive energy around you. When this happens, you begin attracting people, situations, and material wealth like a magnet right to your side.

When you have a happy and positive frame of mind, Betsy, you set in motion opportunities that will enable you to achieve the things you want most of all.

Until next week,

P.S. Betsy, we hope that your New Year's Tarot Reading gives you a glimpse into what 2007 has in store for you.

The 4 of Swords for Betsy

It suddenly came to me that someone that you haven't seen in years could turn up again. I consulted the Tarot cards to see what they would say about this, and the Four of Swords came up. Now this is an interesting card as it has a lot to tell us. It indicates that you may feel as if something has been missing from your life. Usually everything we need we can find within, but sometimes, a person that we know can provide us with something that we need, usually some kind of life lesson. The fact that I've drawn this card for you, Betsy, tells me that you are now ready to meet someone again who can teach you something pretty profound. It seems to me as if you've been at rest, in a sense, waiting for them to come back to you. This individual can bring new joy and zest for life. The two of you are sure to have much to talk about and catch up on. But this is not likely to be a trivial reunion. Even if it's not readily apparent right away, a deeper lesson is likely to come to you via this person from your past. So expect a phone call, a letter, or a possible random meeting on the street with someone that you used to know. It's not likely to be what you expect, but it's sure to make a positive impact on your life!

Happy New Year, Betsy! There is a languid and relaxing feel to the first day of the year and you'd better make the most of it, as January could be a little hectic. On Wednesday the 3rd, the Full Moon falls in Cancer, a sign that is above all emotional. There is a more than even chance that someone you know could fly off the handle in a big way. Don't take it personally. Venus moves into quirky Aquarius on the 4th and you might be surprised at what, or even who, you find attractive!