By Debbie Keil-Leavitt

Many of the best astrologers in the world gathered in Seattle over Memorial Day weekend to discuss astrological trends far beyond 2012 – and yes, it’s not all over!

While we see challenges ahead in this time period, we are also truly excited by the new possibilities that will be available to each of you during this time. That great dream you’ve had of what you might do in the world may suddenly be open to you, giving you a new life and new fulfillment. The “end time” of the Mayan calendar is viewed by most astrologers not as the end of the world, but as the ending of “the way things were,” opening the door to amazing new beginnings for all of us.

This is an exhilarating new Renaissance for astrologers, as so many new tools are available to us to complete our individual research projects and share them with our fellow astrologers. Our new knowledge ranges from recently interpreted ancient texts full of lost wisdom to very modern research on how the new (dwarf) planets affect our astrology charts.

“Astrologer’s astrologer” Robert Hand shared his latest fascinating findings from Classical Greek and Latin astrology. Demetra George provided her feminine view of these powerful and mysterious old documents that enhance our ability to practice modern astrology.

From a modern viewpoint, Philip Sedgwick researches the powerful new planets around Pluto. These are truly creative forces in your chart and new guides into your future: All discovered within the past decade, fiery Eris (Mars’ sister) along with the hero Makemake, god of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), the creative Hawai’ian Mother Goddess, Haumea, equally creative Southern California god Quaoar who “sang and danced the universe into existence,” and the mysterious and amazing Sedna, Inuit goddess who lives at the bottom of the sea and rules the dolphins and whales.

Conference organizer Laura Nalbandian offered a whole new view of Virgo. She excited a room full of astrologers with her insights into this sign, and how it can evolve beyond “self-critical analysis” into an awakening that allows you to share your gifts with others more easily. This is how the zodiac, and our own “hero’s journey,” flow from confident, creative Leo into Virgo’s more discerning self-reflection – the “defining and editing” phase so crucial to any work of creativity – and then into the Libra world of sharing created beauty and balance with others. This is not a sign to be dismissed as “detail-oriented.”

Darby Costello came from London, offering us great new ways of viewing Venus – the goddess of seduction and beauty – in your chart. As an expert on the history and ways of Venus in our lives, Darby offered us better tools to bring forth the rich delights Venus offers. These include that irresistible something that draws others to you, and the astrological indicators for that person who is waiting for your charms. We studied the “Venus connections” in charts from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to Paul Newman and JoAnne Woodward to give us insights.

Many other great talents shared new techniques and insights that will enhance the work we do at California Psychics. The consensus among the astrologers there was that the current trends and cycles indicate that this will be a powerfully creative period, much like the 1960s. However, our tools to deliver the inspired messages and creative manifestations won’t be limited to music and film this time, but will include our virtual family of internet connections and information… like right here on this site. It sounds like a thrilling time is in store for us!