In this sneak peek of Calodagh McCumiskey’s article from our Spring 2019 issue, she shares how astrology can be used as a vehicle for growth and transformation: themes that are very relevant to the season! To read the full article, just pick up a copy in your local stockist or subscribe here.
Astrology
Our resident astrology expert, Calodagh McCumiskey, has some fascinating information to share about the influence of the five elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth) in Vedic astrology. Read on to learn all about it!
This article is an extract from our Autumn 2018 issue.

The Five Elements and Vedic Astrology
The building blocks of being
by Calodagh McCumiskey
When we look at the beauty of nature, the five elements provide the foundation for the physical world. Ayurveda, the Indian traditional system of medicine or ‘“living in tune with nature” recognises these elements, Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, as the building blocks of all matter.
An understanding of the elements gives us deep insights in to our own and other’s natures, as well as of the world around us. Just as all the elements are in the world, they are also in us. As Rumi says: We are a drop in the ocean and the ocean in a drop.
Fire is the element of the signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, and the Sun and the South Node of the moon, Ketu. Earth is the element of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Air is the element of Gemini, Libra, Aquarius and Rahu, the north node of the moon. Water is the element of Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces and the Moon.
In Vedanta, each of the five planets are linked to an element (with ether as the fifth). The Vedas say that everything emanated from the one basic vibration of ‘Om’ with – Jupiter for Ether, Saturn for Air, Mars for Fire, Mercury for Earth and Venus for Water.
The elements have their own qualities. Earth grounds us helping us to be present in our lives but too much earth makes us stuck. Air brings tremendous ability to connect seemingly unrelated things with powerful results. Too much air makes us ‘airy-fairy’. The water element helps us to connect with others and go with the flow of life. Too much water makes us wishy washy. Fire gives us passion and drive to do things, too much or undirected fire gives us anger and frustration and can even lead to destruction.
We need space for each of the elements to flow and function properly. The elemental strengths and tendencies we have depends on the signs and houses our planets are placed in and our rising sign.
From a compatibility view point, Aries go best with other fire signs. Similarly earth, water and air signs are all mutually compatible. There are also natural love connections between the harmonious sun signs of fire-air and earth-water. Opposites also attract so it’s also useful to do a full compatibility analysis.
On a personal level, it is also interesting to reflect on what elements are lacking or over-used in your life. For a happy and balanced life, all elements need to be in use on a daily basis and in balance. Fire gives us excitement and energy for life. Earth gives us acceptance and the ability to be present. Air gives us wonderful creativity, ideas and new ways of thinking and doing. Water gives us an ability to flow with what is happening in life and connect with others, while maintaining healthy boundaries.
If are feeling out of balance, reflecting on the elements will help you achieve a more harmonious balance. You will be amazed at what you discover about yourself in the process.
Calodagh McCumiskey is the director of Spiritual Earth in Rocklands, Co. Wexford.
This is a sneak peek from our Winter 2017 issue beautiful interview with Doreen Virtue. The issue is out now. Pick one up free in one of our stockists all over Ireland to read the full article, or subscribe to have it delivered.

Doreen Virtue is a well-known author within the spiritual and self-help world. She has written a wide array of books and oracle card decks on topics such as angels, ascended masters and assertiveness. She recently made a big announcement about her spiritual path, revealing that she had had a powerful experience with Jesus at the beginning of 2017, and was formally baptised as a Christian shortly afterwards. She now wishes to reorient her future work to reflect this shift in her perspective. We spoke to Doreen about her animal rescue work, her spiritual journey and Jesus’ message to the world.
Firstly Doreen, thank you very much for agreeing to do this interview! I hear that you have some Irish heritage in your family.
My mom did our family ancestry a while back, and she found that we come from the Lyon family in County Cork. I’ve been to Ireland a few times, and I never got to go to Cork, for some reason, but my son and daughter-in-law lived on the west coast of Ireland for a while. Ireland is amazing – I have so many good memories of being there.
I have heard that you’re in the process of moving house right now. That must be a challenge, given the amount of animals you have! I’ve seen videos of your ranch in Hawaii, and all of the different animals you keep there: goats, sheep, cats, dogs…
It has been interesting! Our ranch had one house for my husband and I, one house for my parents, and a nice big barn, with fifty acres of land. My husband and I are both vegans, so we started rescuing animals who were going to slaughter, and we loved it, but we ended up with over three hundred animals. At one point, our food bill was $10,000 a month. In retrospect, we should have found loving homes for many of the animals right away. This would have made our rescue work more sustainable. So, lesson learned, for anyone else who might be interested in doing this: you don’t have to keep every single animal you take in. There is a big vegan community in Hawaii, so our friends were willing to offer good homes to most of our animals – the rest of them are joining us on the U.S. mainland – but it has been difficult. You fall in love with every animal and saying goodbye is really hard.
This is a sneak peek from our Winter 2017 issue beautiful interview with Doreen Virtue. The issue is out now. Pick one up free in one of our stockists all over Ireland to read the full article, or subscribe to have it delivered.

By Calodagh MacCumiskey
Just as the moon affects the tides and our own mental and emotional wellbeing, planetary transits have a powerful effect on everything, including the weather, the global economy, countries’ economies, and our own individual lives. Every event and being has its own unique chart, and is continually affected by planetary transits as life unfolds and time passes. In this article, I am taking a look at Ireland’s chart to see what is coming up over the next few months.
It has always been hard for the Irish economy to find balance. The economy is either very strong or very weak – a feeling of feast or famine – because of the position of the Moon in the second house in Sagittarius’ sign of the country’s chart. We have difficulty in maintaining steady, balanced growth. We also experience growth in different parts of the country at the same time. We are prone to economic extremes. For example, the economy around Dublin and other urban areas has been strengthening over the last few years, but many rural counties have a feeling that they are struggling.
The chart shows that more attention needs to be given to the youth, to solving their problems and developing them. Families need more support to stay together and maintain strong relationships. Ireland as a nation has wonderful strengths, and we will have ample opportunity to develop them and achieve strong results over the next few years. We will also see more women come into positions of authority, which will inspire positive change for society.
From July 22, 2017 – when we enter the Jupiter Mercury period – the next two years will be very promising for the Irish economy. Transit-wise, most significantly, Jupiter is moving from Virgo to Libra on September 12, 2017. Industries in Ireland that will do particularly well are food, medicine, hospitality, consultancy, education and tourism. All of these industries are related to the moon. It is a great time to boost trade and exports, and develop our strengths on the global stage in these and related sectors.
As well as the sectors mentioned above, it is an excellent time for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. A new shape will come to the Irish economy. New energy harvesting techniques will be developed. There is a lot of untapped potential and promise in Ireland related to developing teachers and education modules in the fields of construction, energy and other industries related to the planet Mars. These areas will all grow significantly.
Rahu will move from Leo to Cancer, and Ketu from Aquarius to Capricorn, on September 9. This will further strengthen Ireland and attract additional foreign direct investment. Foreign banks will buy more assets from Irish banks. Overall property prices will further rise around the country.
Jupiter’s transit is also going to play a very important role in strengthening and uniting the EU, which has been under more intense pressure as a unit since Saturn moved into Sagittarius in January 2017. This will benefit Ireland’s relative position in the EU and globally. Jupiter’s move to Libra will significantly affect the relationship between three major players on the world stage; China, the US and Russia. There will be more discussion, aggression and competition between these countries as they all jostle for power and try to influence the global balance of power in their own favour.
Calodagh McCumiskey is the director of Spiritual Earth in Rocklands, Co. Wexford.
hellenisticvedicastrology.com / calodaghmccumiskey@gmail.com
Positive Vibes Jazzy June: Summer Issue, Positive Nights Events, EarthFest 2017 and more!
Jazzy June! The festival season is here! We are slowly moving towards the Summer: Planned holidays & the smell of a BBQ are in the air. There is a vibe of summer love and making new friends, being in nature and listening to wonderful music. We love this time! Our incredible bumper issue for Positive Life is out now and we have so many gems! An incredible interview with Eckhart Tolle, the majestic Deva Premal, an exclusive with Brain and meditation expert Dr. Joe Dispenza, a super interview with Kryon’s Lee Carroll and as usual a lot more wonderful content for you all! This month, we have an amazing list of recommendations for you including Positive Nights events, EarthFest, competitions, retreats and more! If you don’t want to miss out on our fabulous Summer magazine edition or any of our next editions, Sign up here to get a hot copy in your postbox!

Chilling with CBD Tea!

RecoveryCBD Sometimes we all need to sit back and chill out with a cup of tea. So why not relax and enjoy their refreshing, mood-enhancing CBD Tea? Recovery will deliver it to your door, one bag of their Chill the Feck Out CDB Tea is sold in loose leaves and is all you need to take it easy and enjoy a cuppa!
Positive Nights event: Astral Travel, a talk with Crotalo Sesamo

An evening of adventure! This evening we will welcome, Astral Traveller Crotalo Sesamo coming straight from the wonderful community Damanhur to our stage! If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible for your consciousness to exit the physical body and travel to other dimensions of reality, this is The Positive Nights for you.
Click here to learn more and book your tickets!
Simply a Great Health Store

Down to Earth Simply Ireland’s legendary health store located at South Great Georges Street, Dublin. They supply a comprehensive range of health food supplements, vitamins, organic foods and aromatherapy oils. They also stock natural cosmetics not tested on animals and environmentally friendly household products.
But its the character and vibe we love, pop in:
Check out their amazing range here!
Positive Nights: Astrological Guidance with Virgo Queen

Date: Friday, June 9th, 2017
The Powerscourt Theatre, Dublin 2
On this evening we welcome Astrology expert Virgo Queen. Astrology is the study of light and the path we follow to return home. In Natal Astrology, we look at the SOUL MAP of each individual, why they came here and how they evolve, guiding them through their hero’s journey. Virgo Queen has agreed to check a few Birth or Natal charts that evening for some of the audience members. If you want your chart to be done that evening, please send us an email to positivenights@gmail.com with your date, location and time of birth so she can have them ready.
Click here to learn more & to book your place!
Stay tuned on our FB page & our website for more info on our amazing event coming Thursday, June 15th with the screening of ‘Meetings with Ivor’!
Apricot Kernels & their amazing properties!

An apricot kernel is a single seed found inside the stone of an apricot. We heard they are incredible and a delicious superfood that boosts Immunity, relieves pain, lowers high blood pressure and has detox-enhancing properties.
You can pick them up at The Hopsack and give them a try!
Irish Apple Cider Vinegar!

Ballyhoura Irish Apple Cider Vinegar raw with the “Mother Culture” unpasteurised, unfiltered, naturally antibiotic & antibacterial. There are plenty of known benefits attributed to this product: Reduces Blood pressure, it can assist to balance your PH and much more.
SO get drinking this , the Apple Cider Vinegar from the 100% Irish Ballyhoura Apple Farm.
Hawaiian Retreat!

The Lemurian Wisdom Retreats on the Big Island, Hawaii, offer a unique opportunity to integrate the ancient technique of Pineal Toning, which takes us back to our full human potential of the past and propels us to new heights in our development. Groups ranging from 12 to 30 participants.
Amazing chance to connect with nature on a beautiful island!
Check more info, how to book and the full schedule here!
Earth Fest Ireland 2017!

We are giving away two tickets for this beautiful event! Simply share this post on your Facebook or Twitter page and tag @positivelifemag so we know!
Earth Fest 2017
Date: 9-11th June
Location: Shalvanstown Organic Farm, near Slane Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland
Bring your new Earth ideas, dreams & projects,, your music instruments & art, your songs (even if you are shy, bring it anyway, you never know!), traditional communal games, poetry & stories, your skills to share (we have healers team, eco-team, kids team) and stuff to sell & exchange for Sunday market (your crafts).
We have a very exciting treat for this evening: Virgo Queen has agreed to check a few Birth or Natal charts that evening for some of the audience members. If you want your chart to be done that evening, please send us an email to positivenights@gmail.com with your date, location and time of birth so she can have them ready. We will pick a few people on the evening as the night unfolds to explore their chart, a.ka. Destiny’s Trailer.

Facebook Page | Friday, June 9th 2017, 7:30pm | Eur 20 / 15 euros concession | Location: The Powerscourt Theatre, Dublin 2.
On this evening we welcome Astrology expert Virgo Queen
Astrology is the study of light and the path we follow to return home. In Natal Astrology, we look at the SOUL MAP of each individual, why they came here and how they evolve, guiding them through their hero’s journey. When we understand who we are and how we relate to current transits of life, we can plan for success. Within the 12 Signs of the Zodiac, we can define natural characteristics, what they are good at and what they need to learn. Than we will look at the 10 planets and how they affect our lives and how to work with their powerful influence. The final interpretation is seen in the 12 houses and how we use our natural abilities in the different aspects of life. We all have our own unique map that defines our purpose and Astrology is a tool to access this knowledge to find the best way to live our ideal life.
Join us for an evening of beautiful guidance!
Delicious cold press juices to be provided by Oolong Flower Power at the break.
Click here to book your ticket! or email us for more info to positivenights@gmail.com
More about Virgo Queen
Nicole Olmsted, a.k.a. Virgo Queen is a Spiritual Consultant and Intuitive Trainer who works with the tools of Past Life Regression Therapy, Astrology, Tarot, Planetary Sound Healing, Energy Medicine and Ritual. She facilitates large groups and clients on developing their Natural Magic in life, business and relationships.
You can also check her Youtube channel to see her daily & weekly videos.

By Calodagh McCumiskey
The Happy Pear’s Dave and Steve Flynn are two amazing people to spend time with. Astrologically, they are particularly interesting because they are twins. Only fifteen minutes separate their births. In their Vedic birth chart, they are Libra Ascendants and Venus, the owner of their first house is in their 3rd house, the house of doing. Naturally, they just love doing and are always into something, active and on the move. Venus is the planet of enjoyment and the symbol of Libra is the scales of justice so they are highly ethical, always seeking balance and they love doing fun things that bring joy and balance physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. What’s more, they inspire others to do the same.
Mercury and Sun are in their second house – the house of speech, wealth and eating which makes them excellent communicators and business people, with a focus on food and in particular hot food. Sun is the most important heavenly body as the Sun gives life to all planets and to us. When they speak, they have a powerful ability to connect with whom they are talking and the Sun-Mercury combination enables them to inspire others to act towards balance, health and wellbeing. Sun representing the soul, means they can connect with people at a deep and fundamental level. It is Venus, in the house of writing, which gives them the powerful ability to write beautiful books.
Jupiter, Mars and Rahu in their 11th house, means they know a lot of people and a lot of people know them. This is also their house of income. This is the best position for Rahu (known as the Dragon’s head), particularly for wealth. Jupiter, a planet of communications and expansion, helps them connect with their customers and followers in a powerful way. Mars helps them inspire many dynamic people to change their lives positively. Moon and Saturn in the 12th house, the house of overseas, means they will not live where they were born for long (they were born in Canada) and it also gives them the possibility to be famous around the world as Saturn represents the masses. Stress by definition is an upset in our physical or mental balance. Stress is a major epidemic in modern life.
This happy pair have the ability to help and inspire people to find balance in a fun, healthy and enjoyable way which is so essential in today’s world. They are now going through the major period of Jupiter. It started for Dave on October 8 and for Steve on October 29. This is a very powerful period for them professionally. Jupiter, the planet of expansion, owns their 3rd and 6th houses which gives them strong focus and ability to succeed and expand greatly in all areas. They will inspire many more people towards a healthier and happier lifestyle. While they are very similar, they have a different rising sign in their Navamsh divisional charts, which gives insights into their personal differences. But that is a story for another day! We can expect to hear a lot more from them in Ireland and all around the world. I look forward to more shops, products, books, media, innovative strategies and significantly more influence on the younger generations. They are great role models, charismatic, fun, successful and full of heart and soul. The world is at their feet.
Calodagh mcCumiskey is a Vedic Astrologer. find out what the stars have in store for you. hellenisticvedicastrology.com
