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.