Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2016 i Chat It's Fate

I used to be so fascinated by Barbara Cartland. I never dreamt that one day she'd grace the pages of Chat it's fate. She was always seen in pink, carrying fluffy dogs! One piece of her advice amused me a lot: ‘After 40, a woman has to choose between losing her figure or her face. My advice is to keep your face, and stay sitting down.' Barbara was a believer in the paranormal, and thanks to her friend Gillian, we can share in the ghosts of Camfield Place, her home ( p64) . Have a great 2016! Hanky panky! When I went to blow my nose recently, I was surprised to see Russell Brand’s face lurking on the butterfly on my hanky. His last show was called Messiah Complex… Maybe…

A gift from above We all have hectic lives and mine was no different. I had three jobs, so I needed a car to get around in. But, in March 2009, when the lease on my rented car finished, I had to give it back. I couldn’t afford a new one. ‘Please send me a car,’ I asked the angels. It was such a struggle to get to work without one. Desperate, I went to my friend’s husband’s garage. ‘Can you look out for a really cheap car for me?’ I asked. He smiled. ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got an old one you can have,’ he replied, giving me the keys to a Rover. I was overwhelmed by his kindness. And I knew the angels had heard me, stepped in to…

ARE THEY ANGELS? A woman survives a car crash with the help of a nun… A couple is guided along a scary mountain path by a cleaning lady ... The nun or cleaner are never seen again. These tales of ‘guardian angels ’ appearing at moments of near death or intense fear are not uncommon. But what are these apparitions ? According to explorer John Geiger , they aren ’t angels, but a survival mechanism created by our minds. In a life-threatening crisis, the brain stands back and works out how to rescue the situation. If it means seeing your son in a coffin when he ’s in an avalanche , the brain will send you that image. And you’ll drag him out of the snow . In the National…

She was fluffy, cute, and she’d filled the hole left in my heart. I’d adopted Zoe, my shih tzu, in 2002, after learning that me and hubby Tom couldn’t have a baby. Devastating. But once Zoe came into our lives, the pain began to ease. I couldn’t have loved her more. I dressed her up in adorable doggy outfits. She truly was my baby. New dog! Unfortunately, Zoe acted more like a toddler. She was loud and bossy. Walks were nightmares, with constant barking. ‘Nothing calms her down,’ I said to Tom, exasperated. Then, when Zoe was 10, I had a brainwave. Maybe a playmate would help? At an animal shelter, I fell in love with a schnauzer mix. He looked so forlorn in his cage. I brought him home,…

Yoga rules! We know that yoga is good for us, but new research shows it may help specific illnesses. A study in the US found it eased the symptoms of fibromyalgia. A group of women with the condition did yoga for eight weeks, another took medication. The yoga group came out tops! Pain was reduced by 24%, fatigue by 30% and depression by 42%. It may also improve polycystic ovaries. On the nail Are you making your New Year resolution to relax? Copy the Indian mystics, and lie on a bed of nails, 2016 style! Bed of Nails is a mat with round plastic nails that don’t pierce the skin – it eases tension and stimulates your healing system. With regular use, there’s a long list of benefits, including better…

Crystal fact The rarest of the Garnet family, Uvarovite is named after the 19th-Century Russian statesman and mineral collector, Count Uvarov. This unusual gemstone is rarely used in jewellery as its crystals are too fine and brittle for polishing and faceting. Uvarovite is distinguished by its brilliant deep-emerald green colour , unlike most garnets, its colour doesn’t vary. It’s used in healing in matters of the heart, wards off feelings of loneliness and encourages prosperity and wealth. Most Uvarovite comes from Russia, with other deposits being found in Finland, Turkey, Italy and the USA. Gordon Ramsay His language is colourful, but chef Gordon Ramsay, 49, likes serenity. He paid £4.4 million last June for a house in the posh Cornish village of Rock. He and his wife Tana of 20…

Q & A I’m talking in a strange voice Dear Roi de Lune For years, I’ve often had to be woken by my family when I’ve been calling ‘Help me’ in a quaky, eerie voice. I don’t recall having any dreams beforehand. Olive, 78, Chelsea Dear Olive This is called REM Behaviour Disorder (RBD). The effects can make people hit and punch sleepers next to them, get up from their beds, speak and shout out, all whilst asleep. It’s usually related to stress, and often the most successful treatment is simply relaxing properly before going to bed! Culture corner Gravelly voiced American singer-songwriter Tom Waits has wowed us for decades. Not least with Way Down in the Hole , theme tune for The Wire…

Seduction technique To seduce an Aries, get their heart racing and their blood pumping. Do: Take them bungee jumping or go-karting. Anything with speed and even a hint of danger appeals. Don’t: Take them to a quiet restaurant where you can hear the china tinkling while people talk in hushed tones. ASTRO career guide There's rarely anything lazy about an Aries. You like to get things done - you're all about ticking off your ‘to do' list. Definite yes! that You ’ need ll keep a you job organised and on your toes. Definite no! If boredom sets in, you’ll be off like a charging bull. Blooming good health! Impatiens is the flower for Aries in 2016. You still have the planet of chaos in your sign, which means life…

Seduction technique Take it slowly. Taureans enjoy lingering moments of the seduction process. Do: Bring flowers. Take them to dinner, and share something sweet. Then think massages and light caresses. Don’t: Lose your emotional cool or make your Taurean crazy with jealousy. Taureans treasure stability! ASTRO career guide You're reliable and dependable, but you thrive in an unconventional career. Definite yes! Ideally you’ll find a job where you help a lot of people. Also, anything to do with wine, women or art. Definite no! rules Jobs / with regulations too many . Blooming good health! Mimulus is a great flower for Taureans in 2016. If you’re worried about money or the state of your sex life, mimulus (as an actual flower or an essence) can help you to see the…

Seduction technique You have to get into their mind, if you want to get into their heart and their bed! Do: Come to your encounters ready to chat a lot before the passions starts. Bring ‘talking points’. Don’t: Keep doing the same thing over and again, just because it worked last time. They’ll soon get bored. ASTRO career guide Geminis have the most agile of minds. You're best suited to a job that requires you to think fast and talk a lot! Definite yes! Work where you get to talk to people. Definite no! Being alone, or doing repetitive tasks, in a workplace that’s cheerless. Blooming good health! This year, if life feels like a burden, it's because Saturn is messing with you. Salvage the situation with bergamot, the flower…

Seduction technique Easy! Cook for them. Lay a beautiful table, tell them how much they mean to you, even spoon-feed them a bit. Do: Excuse the detail but… when the time is right, you should caress their breasts (yes, whether they’re male or female!). Don’t: Think ‘Wham, bam, thank you Ma’am!’ (Unless they ask!) ASTRO career guide You love a job where you take care of people. Cancerians are also smart with cash and seek high-paying jobs. Definite yes! Working from home is ideal, but you’d also make an awesome CEO. Definite no! A job that keeps you from your family. Blooming good health! In 2016, you need red chestnut. As a flower or an essence, it'll help you to stop worrying so much about the people you love. To…

Seduction technique Let the compliments flow freely and take a Leo out somewhere they can dress up and show off their innate gorgeousness. Do: Let them know how proud you are to have them on your arm. Don’t: Skimp on your date nights! A takeaway in front of the telly won’t do too often. ASTRO career guide Ideally, Leos will be world-famous for being themselves. Madonna is your patron saint. Definite yes! you Anything get to where talk in front of people – so go for jobs connected to film, stage, radio or TV. Definite no! Where you go unnoticed and unseen. Blooming good health! You Lions need blackberry lily in 2016. You're in a cycle where sexual healing is possible. Blackberry lily will speed up this important process, whether…

Seduction technique Number-one rule when you want to seduce a Virgo, be clean. They want partners who are shower-fresh. Do: Treat them with respect but also be prepared to be a bit unexpectedly kinky. Virgos are surprisingly wild when aroused! Don’t: Rush them – they scare easily. And don’t play games. ASTRO career guide You're the ultimate sign to work with - you have amazing attention to detail and love to help people. Definite yes! Anything that requires careful calculation or facts or figures. Definite no! Something smelly or unhygienic! Blooming good health! Calm the jitters in 2016 with white chestnut, as it can help you to stop worrying ‘what if?' - a question Virgos ask themselves far too often! Orchids are great for you when you’re not feeling on…

Seduction technique You'll need to look good to get their attention. And appreciate the finer things in life. It's an absolute must that you'll definitely believe in love and be ready to give and take. Do: Dress up to the nines and give good conversation. Don’t: Get angry or aggressive – they’ll run! ASTRO career guide You Librans are usually rather artistic or creative. You're also good with money. Definite yes! Anything to do with the arts, or the law. Marketing or public relations. Definite no! you A job to that get requires dirt under your (undoubtedly well-manicured) fingernails. Blooming good health! Make sure you always have agrimony in the house. Too often, Librans put on a brave face when they're going through turmoil. This flower or its essence will…

Seduction technique You don't seduce a Scorpio, they seduce you. Really! These people sniff out the potential for hot sex a mile away. They are carnal and they're fine with that. Do: Expect to lose a few weekends at the start of a relationship. Don’t: Be lazy in bed! ASTRO career guide Scorpios would do well in just about any job now (unless you're completely burned out!). Definite yes! Anything that requires investigation or deep analysis. You work very well under pressure, too. Jobs requiring Definite no! endless small talk. Blooming good health! Holly's the plant for Scorpios in 2016 - and always. Scorpios are so intense and often fall victim to feeling jealous or paranoid for no real reason – holly can help with that, as the flower or…

Seduction technique Sagittarians are famed for their funny bone. So if you're intent on trying your luck to seduce one this year, get them to give you some attention by tickling their sense of humour. Do: Keep things light and bright. Also, they love all-things-ethnic. Don’t: Talk over the top of them. ASTRO career guide You're freedom lovers, so avoid nine-to-five tedium. Teaching, learning or travelling is ideal. Definite yes! Anything where you can expand your mind and horizons. Definite no! A job you’d be doing solely for the money. Blooming good health! For times when you're feeling nervy, reach out for vervain. It'll help calm you! While no-one wants to dampen your wonderful spirit, there are times when you could slow down. As a flower or an essence in…

Seduction technique These guys are not pushovers in the seduction stakes. You'll need to be patient, play a long game and approach them maturely and with elegance. Do: Suggest somewhere grown-up (possibly historical) for a date. Don’t: Turn up looking or acting a mess. ASTRO career guide Capricorns are all about achievement, climbing the ladder of success and being respected. Definite yes! Anything that requires dedication, planning and organisation. Definite no! Dead-end jobs with no hope of promotion. Blooming good health! Help your fight for self-control with cherry plum. Capricorns can give in to temptation all too easily. You can also judge yourself harshly, so use the essence or the flower to help you stop worrying. Cosmic sex-pectations You have the planet of passion, Pluto, in your sign throughout 2016…

Seduction technique Aquarians aren't the type to melt because you bring chocolates or take them somewhere nice. For them, true seduction lies in showing them how far you're willing to help them. Do: Get their car fixed. Be unusual. Don’t: Cling/over-emote! ASTRO career guide You're the Zodiac's mad scientists. You make great inventors as you're ahead of the times. Anything that's forward-looking or digital will work well. Definite yes! Self-employment or entrepreneurial. Definite no! Anything that hampers your free spirit. Blooming good health! Get a beech flower to ease your sharp tongue. With Saturn in your Friends Zone, it's easy for you to be overly-critical of pals. Beech, as a flower in your home or office or as an essence, will help you be kinder. Cosmic sex-pectations This is a…

Seduction technique Imagine trying to hold a fish in your hand and you have an idea of how hard it is to land a Piscean! Far better to make them chase you than vice versa. Do: Talk deeply. Reveal your very soul! Flatter them. Don’t: Forget the music! Then they’ll be putty in your hands. ASTRO career guide You Pisceans are great to have around the office - you're usually easy to get along with, caring and full of good ideas. Just don't be lazy! Definite yes! Any job which fires your imagination. Definite no! One where to run you with have no ideas. scope your Blooming good health! There's a danger you could drive yourself into the ground, so buy an olive plant. You have the hard work planet…

Witch report According to Norse legend, Hvit was a sorceress. Married to Hring, King of Norway, she was his second wife, stepmother to his son Bjorn. Whilst the King was away, she tried to seduce her stepson, but he rejected her! So she turned him into a bear who was slain by the king’s men. Hvit got her comeuppance when Bjorn’s son Bodvar killed her – what goes around comes around! New year ritual Stand in a circle made from crystals, beads or stones. Stretch your arms forwards, palms together. Say, ‘I welcome the future with open arms’ and widen your arms. Now face the other way and repeat, with the words: ‘I let go of the past and release any ties that bind me.’ Turn again, and say: ‘Life…

I’m feeling so trapped at home Dear Yasmin Will my health improve soon? I’m in agony with ulcers on both legs, and have been housebound for well over a year… Ann, 67, Wirksworth Dear Ann You’ve had Saturn on your ascendant, which can manifest as feeling trapped, but soon you’ll have Uranus on your Sun to hopefully help you break free. Read Louise L Hay’s You Can Heal Your Life – she explains that illness in the body starts as illness in the mind. She offers affirmations to turn thinking around. In the case of legs and ulcers, she offers these words: ‘I love and approve of myself. I’m at peace. I’m calm.’ Say this several times daily for a month to see an improvement. A…

• Liquorice lovers might be in a paddy due to a worldwide shortage. • A royal palace puts historical items up for sale. • Will Cara Delevigne get engaged to St Vincent? Pregnancy could save Cheryl from a possible problem. A sexy role has women falling at Martin Freeman's feet. • A train comes off the rails at Felixstowe. • A futuristic airborne tube plan is unveiled. • David Cameron might step down much earlier than expected. Dominic West has us laughing out loud in a gripping comedy. • We could be about to suffer another disastrous financial crisis. • Pandemonium breaks out when a tiger tries to escape into a London park! • For Lotto luck, try 8, 14, 22, 28, 35 and 42. For Euro Millions, go for…

It was a miserable Tuesday evening, and pouring with rain outside. And inside, the house was a mess… Dirty breakfast dishes still strewn across the kitchen, soup on the wall. I’d been looking after our kids and my wife Liv, 43, was due home at any moment. Frantically cleaning up, I glanced at the clock. It was already 5.42pm – time to dash out and meet our eldest daughter, Grace, 12, at the bus stop about a mile away. But just then, Liv called. ‘I’m running late,’ she said. There’d been a car accident and she was stuck in traffic 30 minutes away. Grace was a sensible girl, but she’d be walking down strange paths, alone… ‘I saw my body below me, face down in the puddle’ Slipped! I wanted…

I stared at the coloured balls of light floating around my room. It happened each night. Lights would drift in through my window. As a child, I thought they were car lights from outside. But in May 1991, aged 20, I was ill in hospital with complications after a miscarriage. It was such a dark time. One night, I was lying in bed when a golden orb surrounded by small white lights appeared. ‘We’re angels,’ a voice whispered in my head. ‘One day you’ll be working for us.’ Working for them? Yeah, right! I thought. But, of course, the angel was right. I now work as an intuitive angel therapist and I’ve never been happier. It also inspired me to write a book – The Angel Journey Workbook. I’m truly…

Q & A Age doesn’t matter Dear Jenny After my marriage ended, I met a widower 16 years older than me, and we fitted together, despite the age gap. Why do we both feel we’re meant to be? Michelle, 47, Pontycymmer, Mid Glamorgan Dear Michelle This is a case of split souls. You and your partner are actually both halves of the same soul. In this lifetime you were divided in order to meet the criteria of some cosmic plan I’m not privy to. And you weren’t going to be able to be together in this life, but in the end you were given this chance to reunite, as a reward for achieving what you came here to do so quickly. Treasure every moment. What’s in a name Hayley ?…

Q & A My head’s throbbing Dear Jayda Earache is making me feel so miserable. What can I do? Cecily, 23, Blackpool Dear Cecily Earache can make you feel miserable but is usually caused by an infection that’ll get better in a few days on its own. A hot flannel on the ear can soothe it. If it doesn’t improve, see the doctor, particularly if you have a temperature. Other causes are wax or fluid build-up, a tooth abscess or an object inside! Often the case with kids. Does he need Viagra? Dear Jayda My stressed husband, 63, is finding it hard to get an erection, but I'm keen to keep our sex life going. Should he take Viagra? Name withheld This condition, called erectile dysfunction, is common in older…

I can’t decide which one Dear Lorelei I love two men and I don’t know who to choose. One says he’s getting divorced, but still lives with his wife and kids. Lulu, 39, Cardiff Dear Lulu The red streak in your aura warns you’re right not to trust the potential divorcé. He’ll leave his wife, but will also leave you. Love will win though, as although the other one isn’t as handsome, the sparkly pink and blue shows he’s twice the man. Turn this frog into a prince! Canny Crystal Dear Lorelei Can you tell me if and how my music career will take off? I’ve tried to get exposure for so long as an artist. Amelya, 45, London Dear Amelya, You need to wear or carry amethyst, ruby and…

Cradling my baby son, Kyran, I felt a rush of pure love. ‘He’s perfect,’ I beamed to my partner, Gary, 27. We already had a son, Theo, then 2, and Kyran had completed our family. But just weeks after he was born in August 2013, I noticed he had a high temperature. I took him to hospital and they put it down to a virus. Kyran was put on antibiotics, but over the next few days his condition deteriorated. He had three cardiac arrests, but luckily doctors saved him. Goodbye… Things didn’t look good, though. Doctors weren’t sure what was wrong – they just put it down to a virus. ‘His organs are failing,’ they explained. My heart broke as I watched my baby boy fight for his life. Sadly,…

The American-based paranormal writer Les Hewitt says: ‘Jeffrey Alan Lash may or may not have been prone to fantasy but was capable of influencing people into accepting his word as truth. Who is to say what his truth is? Not just anyone can own thousands in cash or a fleet of vehicles without doing an apparent day’s work in their entire life. Fair means or foul – or even intergalactic – all of this must have come from funds somehow. It is more than easy to dismiss reports as outlandish or file them as tall tales, but what if Lash was telling the truth? It’s not impossible...’…

Joanna’s New Year blog It’s here! We all associate the New Year with fresh starts, but communication planet Mercury will throw puzzles into the mix. Turning retrograde on the 5th, he places a question over New Year resolutions, so you’ll need to think again! New Moon in Capricorn This new cycle in the sign of ambition and purpose falls on the 10th, but it’s unlikely to be the stuff of instant gratification. All plans and projects will need extra thought. Changes of heart are in there too, so be honest or let others off the hook. This’ll create space for a new face coming into the picture midmonth, someone who’ll be play an important and inspirational role throughout 2016. Baby bump news If you’re expecting in January, here are a…

January Money magic kicks in to finance a trip or course. Work’s frustratingly slow until another person’s intervention opens doors. February It’s full speed ahead as your career’s buzzing. A work opportunity heals sadness from your past. March Balance work with pleasurable activities for a fulfilling month. The Libra Eclipse is a defining moment for romance. April New passions crop up in unexpected fashion. You’re so enamoured you’re ready to change your plans to put love first. May Rein in spending. Putting your faith in an employer or healer requires emotional strength. June Red hot gossip’s doing the rounds. Latch on to a brilliant idea that can revolutionise your work. July Mars’ power enables you to push ahead with money goals. Create valuable time for love. August A holiday changes…

January There’s no need to rush plans for the year ahead. Better options emerge after the 26th. Save first, spend second! February New Moon wishes bring work joy and a project restores your passion. Valentine’s treats are on offer! March A reshuffle involving friends is a reminder that positive people uplift you. April When you put your own needs first, you find out who true mates are. Demand respect. May Your happiness surges when you enjoy simple pleasures. Sensual experiences reconnect you with your body and your heart. June Practical cash solutions bring security. Count pennies now to achieve financial satisfaction. July Family gatherings let you indulge your Earth Mother nature. An intense relationship is coming to an end. August Your love for a child eclipses everything else. When a…

January Money organisation takes high priority. A relationship reaches a new level of commitment. February Family offer a helping hand or you generate extra income via your home. March Take advantage of disruption at work to secure a new role or position. Hone your competitive edge and sidestep any difficulty. April Create the time to reflect on what’s next. Your partner’s running at full tilt and it’s hard to keep up with them. May If you’re low on energy, pace your life accordingly. A choice between family or love requires careful consideration. June Renegotiate the terms of a partner. Life’s easier once you know who or what you want. July Overtime helps you squirrel away extra money. An outing with a sibling makes you joyfully reconnect. August House-related activities take…

January Patience is your middle name at work. In a relationship, don’t mistake passion for lasting love. February An intimate heart-to-heart helps you understand someone on a deeper level. March Emotions flow as you make a big decision that impacts on your home. Travel offers you a fresh perspective. April If stress levels are on high alert, pinpoint which area of your life is the main culprit. Radical change brings relief. May Caring for a friend takes time, but the rewards are worth it. A slower routine and connecting experiences enrich your life. June A fascination with your inner voice strengthens your natural intuition. Love peaks after the 17th. July Check in on your goals and reassess where you’re heading. A confident approach is sexy. August Get organised and deal…

January Family matters develop a sense of urgency. Focus on finding a solution to increase cash flow. February Love flourishes after a slow start to the year. Iron out any misunderstandings and agree to be best friends. March Frustrations rise if life is all work and no play. Address the balance and prioritise entertainment, hobbies and kids. April Work meetings and interviews kick in after the 5th. Grab a last-minute break away whilst negotiations continue. May Take care not to talk yourself out of a job. A bumper cash bonus helps quieten any worries. June Domestic issues slow down your progress until the month’s end. Your friends are there for you. July Your attitude determines how successful you are. Boost your self-confidence and flaunt your skills. August Good fortune improves…

January Job uncertainties drag on. Develop an iron will whilst waiting for news. Love provides answers. February New learning opportunities boost your confidence. You’re better equipped to secure a job. March Dramatic events in a relationship necessitate a swift response. Anticipate changes to your accommodation. April Your priorities change and free up money. A financial win is the answer to a prayer. May Jupiter luck produces a competition win. The more you love life, the more life delivers the goods. June Developments at work unfold quickly as you impress a boss. A new job is tailor-made for you. July A reunion arouses mixed emotions. You mourn the passing of time, but rekindle lost affections. August Write down ideas as your creative brain is in full flight. An unmissable opportunity arises.…

January A positive mindset is your greatest asset. Delays around a home move will dampen your spirits. February You’re in the mood for love. Be proactive and set up a Valentine’s Day date. Kick an ex firmly into touch. March A creative vocation must pay the bills to be worthwhile. Eclipse activity on the 23rd lines up a major relationship decision. April Refuse to take no for an answer. You’re in charge when it comes to money and more. May A spiritual calling grows louder, and you can’t ignore an alternative path. Build quiet time into your diary or go on retreat. June If cash matters spiral out of control, sort things out. A new job beckons after the 17th. July Aim high at work and show who’s boss. Confidence…

January A personal project takes priority as you set new goals. Power achieves results, but good timing equals success. February A family matter speeds up when you take charge. Get ideas in writing to work on at a later date. March Reality and fantasy are blurred. Question an appeal for help before you contribute financially. April Squash impulsive behaviour at work to avoid a financial squeeze. Ask tricky questions now before you commit to a relationship. May Keep a tight rein on spending until July. Less words, more action improves your love life. June A period of soul-searching provides the answers you need to hear. Financial or emotional help arrives from an unusual source. July Move full speed ahead to enjoy a chosen dream or goal. August You’re on to…

January A love affair leaves little time for anything else. Keep close tabs on a work or money reversal. February Be responsible with dosh. Beaver away behind the scenes and research your next big move. March You’re not prepared to put up with deceit. The gloves are off and you’ll fight for what’s rightfully yours. April Slow down the pace of life before you hit burn-out. A child or lover reignites your playful sense of fun. May Refuse to be a dogsbody at work and pitch for a top job. The more confidence you develop, the more a relationship flourishes. June Lay down firm boundaries in love. A project you committed to last year reaps rewards. July Other people save the day to help you fund a trip away or…

January You’re building towards a momentous decision. Whatever you decide to say or do by the 25th requires boldness and bravery. February When you state your intentions, you attract what you want. Both love and money are now on offer. March Trust in life when a job or role comes to an end. A new path will open up by September. April A home move is unexpected, but brings a surprise benefit. Simple pleasures keep you happy. May Give in to romance even when you’re unsure of the outcome and reawaken your passion. A holiday gets the go-ahead. June Notice what makes you unhappy. You now have a chance to readjust your lifestyle to suit you. July Refuse to put up with ordinary and strive for extraordinary. A hot affair…

January Throw yourself into work when your confidence takes a knock early in the year. Second chances emerge at the month’s end. February Focus on your personal development alongside your career. Venus lights up romance. March A lover is heaven sent and you click instantly. Seek financial advice if you’re confused about your cash situation. April If a group venture is full on, claw back some time and energy. Initiate an important conversation regarding home or family. May A misunderstanding arises, and it’s not the time to invest money in your home. June Hang on in there as a tough situation at work eases soon. Love is a welcome distraction. July Act powerful at work to impress the boss. It’s a peak month for passion, so plan something special. August…

January Things don’t always go to plan, so remain flexible and open-minded. An artistic event captures your imagination. February Trying to make other people happy is an energy drain. Prioritise yourself and focus on personal goals after the 19th. March You’re in sync with life when you go with the flow. Follow where your heart leads and be open to love. April Extra money makes up your mind about a difficult job. Use common sense in key decisions. May The direction a relationship takes is up to you. Other people turn to you for thoughtful reassurance. June Shelve plans to travel. Developments at home require attention. Work’s on a go-slow. July Ignore what other people think, and do what’s right for you. A younger lover is tempting. August A wedding…

Life's troubles can often make us feel like we're drowning in a tidal wave of worry, and we urgently need a lifebuoy. Water’s a symbol for flowing energy, for ‘going with the flow’. In dreams, water represents emotions, and its turbulence is a reflection of struggle in real life. Think of the sheer scale of the ocean, its endless waves. Let this magnificent force of nature teach you how to let go, and start again. Trust that the Universe will bring you what’s needed. How to use your Dreamcatcher Cut out the Wave Dreamcatcher, stick it to the side of a glass, then fill with water. Make the connection Hold the glass and imagine all of your expectations and frustrations absorbed by its content. When you’re relaxed, pour the water…

Will I ever win big? Generally, I'm happy, but I wonder about some (methinks bogus!) astrologers' predictions of a large win of money. Julia, 61, Lewisham Dear Julia The word bogus gives it away. You don’t believe it yourself! Looking at your chart, you do have a lot of natural luck. Your Sun (the essential you) is connected to lucky Jupiter. It’s enough to win big money, but not if you don’t have faith! It’s also enough to bring you an optimistic outlook on life to attract happiness. So believe and see what happens. Buy Lotto tickets when the Moon or planets are in Cancer. The 4 July New Moon could work for you. Good luck – and remember, if it’s your destiny, even a small investment will bring a…

There’s a famous saying – you only live once! But I know that’s not true. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve sensed that I’ve been here before, that my current life was only one of many. I just knew from the age of about 2 that there was more to life than this one. But it wasn’t till 1990, when I was 30, that one of my past lives was revealed to me… Home I’d had a long night shift at my job as a care assistant. Arriving home, I fell exhausted into bed and soon drifted off to sleep. Next thing I knew, I was back in 1959. I was in a large, palatial home in the countryside near Havana, Cuba. My home. I belonged here. My…

Chat it's fate angel columnist and guru, Michelle Jones, says: ‘For Andrew and his family, a whole team of angels was on hand to avert disaster. While unconscious, Archangel Raphael would have been watching over Andrew’s physical body, while Archangel Aralim was shepherding him safely through the invisible astral dimension to check up on his daughters. Andrew had to understand how much his family needed him, and this was an opportunity not to be missed – even if it was a bit drastic. Archangel Michael was protecting all of them, ensuring the whole operation ran smoothly with no lasting harm. Angels can’t stop us from doing daft things, like running through wet woods, but they can be there to make sure we don’t drown in a muddy puddle! They have…

My dad, Frank, took me to my first spiritualist church service when I was just 11 years old. It became a lifelong passion. So in December 2009, when I was working away in Southampton, I went along to a local spiritualist church. ‘Could you do the service next week?’ the church’s president asked me. ‘Sure,’ I answered. So at the next service, I did a talk about angels. That night, I was asleep in my hotel room when I woke with a start. A 10ft being, her head touching the ceiling, was standing at the bottom of my bed. She had a beautiful face, blonde hair, shining white skin. Pure light radiated from her. She smiled at me, then she disappeared. ‘Wow,’ I gasped. I knew she’d come as a…

It’s New Year and after all the partying, it’s detox time. But while you’re cleansing your body, don’t forget the toxins lurking at home… Slow build up The build up of chemicals may cause long-term health issues such as asthma and eczema, as well as disrupting hormone levels, and can even be associated with heart problems, cancer and Type 2 diabetes. The average house has traces of 400 chemicals or more, but where are they hiding? Not so clean The list of chemicals is long in cleaning products, and manufacturers don’t have to name them all. Cleanse! Opt for a greener cleaner, like Ecover, found in the supermarket. Try health shops for Bio-D, Faith in nature, Sodasan and ECOS. Don’t be floored Synthetic carpet and laminate or vinyl floors release…

Follow your heart Bronnie Ware is inspirational. This amazing Australian nurse worked in palliative care in hospices for years, and wrote a blog, which went viral. When life is almost over, it’s natural to have regrets, but Bronnie found that one of the most common was not following your heart. She talks about how most folk don’t honour half of their dreams and then realise it’s due to choices they made – or didn’t have the courage to make. As Bronnie says, there are seven weekdays, and ‘someday’ isn’t one of them. Read her book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying (Hay House, £10.99). My resolution for 2016? Live every day to the full without regret. Michelle Cherub’s corner I'm a single parent with a little girl, Maya, 3.…

I looked at my watch, saw it was 3am, and groaned. After a full night running a paranormal investigation at St Briavels Castle in Gloucestershire, I was tired. After checking all of our guests were safely in bed, I headed to my dorm in the former royal dressing room. I was almost asleep when I saw a young woman with reddish hair on the window seat. She was slim, pale and wore a long old-fashioned, burgundy dress. I knew she was a spirit, but I wasn’t spooked. ‘Hello,’ I said. The woman smiled at me. ‘I used to stay here a lot. I always loved it,’ she said. I went to sit beside her. ‘Before my husband was King, I enjoyed picking flowers in the meadow and looking at the…

Signs across the divide Watch the birdie In the summer of 2012, I saw robins everywhere I went - did they have a message for me? ‘You’re seeing robins, aren’t you?’ a spiritualist asked before I said a word. ‘It’s your dad with a message – he’s OK.’ My dad Les died of a diabetic coma when I was 5, and I’d been thinking about him a lot. It wasn’t the only time birds have linked me to a lost loved one. When my stepdad Dermot died in 1988, I saw a budgie in my garden on the day of his funeral. We visited an aviary when I was a child, so I knew Dermot was evoking this memory to comfort me. In 2003, I got the news that my…

January forecast Your relationship You’re pushing for a more intense connection with your partner once your ruler Mars enters passionate Scorpio on the 3rd. You’re bemoaning the lack of fizz in your sex life. You need to address your inner needs rather than putting your beloved first. And you must step into a more powerful role in lovemaking! New love Your libido kicks into overdrive as the year begins, and sex and passion are high on your list of New Year goals. Mars in sexy Scorpio lights up your animal magnetism. Words mean little now as you’re finding someone deeply attractive. Get ready to party on the weekend of the 23rd/24th. Your dream lover’s ready and waiting with a big smile on their face. Career and money Frustrations creep in…

January forecast Your relationship Rocket planet Mars accelerates to turbo power in your Relationship Sector from the 3rd. This is either full-on passion or filled with intense arguments! If you’ve taken things for granted, you can no longer get away with being laid-back. You must talk about the things that matter, and prove your feelings with action. New love When you meet someone new, it’s vital to determine if you’re a mismatch. Love planet Venus is in free-wheeling Sagittarius, which indicates you’re an open book. Yet your partner planet Mars is in secretive Scorpio. The 13th-15th are your best bet for a light-hearted affair. Career and money Rush things at work and you create problems, but a lot depends on other people’s input. Don’t be disheartened, and take your time.…

January forecast Your relationship Amorous Venus settles into your Relationship Sector until the 23rd, and you’re in for a gorgeous few weeks on the love front. Yet serious Saturn remains close by and won’t let you get away with frivolous behaviour. There are no half measures, as when it comes to love, you’re instructed to commit or quit. New love Try not to make new feelings complicated. Searching for subtle indications or hidden motives leads you down a dead end and won’t reveal the answers you want. Instead, keep love light and help yourself by realising that, potentially, there are unanswered questions on both sides. Career and money Mercury unravels in your Finance Sector until the 25th, and you’re required to unpick a money mess. If you lose financial support…

January forecast Your relationship Your heart-to-hearts at Christmas resulted in a decision that could come unstuck now. That’s because communication planet Mercury retreats through your Relationship Sector from the 8th until the 25th. The best advice is to focus on what makes you happy. Venus warms your love life from the 23rd. New love Passionate love affairs put the buzz back into your world once lusty Mars enters your Romance Sector on the 3rd. This isn’t time to be conservative in your choices but instead have fun. Lasting commitments are out, sex is in. Still looking? The 18th brings a date with someone from another culture. Career and money Relating planet Venus is in your Lifestyle Sector until the 23rd, and the most important factor to job satisfaction is the…

January forecast Your relationship Ease your way gently into a new year and let things be. Communication planet Mercury backs out of your Relationship Sector on the 5th with disturbing results. You’ll feel puzzled about a lack of understanding. Once the Sun settles into this same sector on the 20th, you can shine light on an issue. New love Gentle Venus lights up your Romance Sector until the 23rd and a New Year resolution linked to love spurs you into action. Issues around a child or pregnancy cast a cloud, but your responsible nature helps you find a solution. Your best date? Wednesday 13th when luck works it magic. Career and money Concentrate on your own job and accept you’re not going to get the help you’d like. The upside…

January forecast Your relationship As the year begins, you run into problems. Tell your partner what you want. You’re doing the usual Virgo thing of taking care of things, but ask your other half to take on some of your responsibilities to lessen the load. Mind planet Mercury’s turnaround in the Heavens on the 25th puts you back in control. New love The last thing you need is to be with someone who lets you down. Be clear about the must-have qualities on your partner wish-list. A relationship can’t flourish unless you wait for someone whose hands are tied. Once Venus enters your Romance Sector on the 23rd, you’re on a firmer footing. Career and money Mercury’s change of direction on the 5th indicates a delay with a job. Be…

January forecast Your relationship A new year is the equivalent of a clean sheet in life, which is the case for your relationship. Let go of a disagreement that marred the last month of 2015, and recommit to a new way of loving. Your cheerful nature is an essential part of your well-being. Your romance tip: ditch chores and get out more! New love Worry less about finding love and concentrate on having fun. The month brings highs when you’re attracted to a friend, and lows when you meet someone with wealth but no personality. The 9th highlights where new love’s going. Career and money Motivational Mars is at its best in your Money Sector from the 3rd. Get to grips with cash problems fast and be ambitious in your…

January forecast Your relationship There’s no doubt who’s wearing the trousers in your relationship as mighty Mars moves into your sign of Scorpio on the 3rd. Power is your middle name. This combination means you know what you want and you’ll go all out to get it. As Mars rules your libido, this is super sexy and one area of your life that’s about to profit from a kick-start is romance! New love You’re bounding with enthusiasm – and if finding love is one of your New Year resolutions, your year begins in style. A seductive Mars-Neptune alliance on the 18th is a one-off event that’s pulsing with passion. The only thing to watch out for is miscommunication, so double check any dates. Career and money There’s no questioning your…

January forecast Your relationship Love planet Venus in Sagittarius until the 23rd indicates a boost for your relationship. If you can keep a positive attitude towards love, even challenging topics can be met with humour. But check you’re not being too upbeat – you could miss any signals that suggest your beloved is dealing with hidden issues. New love There’s no reason to be anyone else but who you are to find romance. Sweet Venus favours your sign, upping your attraction factor, making it easier to meet someone new. Circle the 13th when an attraction is reciprocated. Yet you might begin to realise that you’re perfectly happy being single. Career and money Jupiter’s slower pace in your Career Sector from the 8th hints you can put on the brakes at…

January forecast Your relationship Your intentions to communicate could go out of the window while talk planet Mercury retreats. Don’t beat yourself up, and allow your relationship to ebb and flow naturally. Some matters are meant to be private, and if family insist on making your life their business, even more reason to keep schtum! New love When Venus is in your Hidden Sector, this hints at unrequited emotion. Whether you harbour secret feelings for someone who’s unavailable or you lack the courage to let a friend know you find them attractive, the pace is slow. Wait patiently until the 23rd when romance finds you. Career and money If a job comes to a natural end, have faith that something better is around the corner. Sort out any outstanding money,…

January forecast Your relationship You’re racked with doubt, which is unsettling your relationship. Whether one of you needs more privacy or finds it hard to open up, be gentle with each other. Strengthen your bond by discussing your mutual hopes. The Leo Full Moon in your Relationship Sector on the 24th restores your faith in love. New love When Venus teams up with your ruling planet Saturn in your Friendship Sector on the 9th, you’re offered an opportunity to deepen a connection. This isn’t a casual affair, but a commitment to the person you’ve secretly loved. If your feelings aren’t reciprocated, be strong and close the door on your infatuation so you’re free to love elsewhere. Career and money Mars gets things moving in your Career Sector from the 3rd,…

January forecast Your relationship Jupiter’s turnaround in your Relationship Sector on the 8th indicates you should have a relationship review. Where and how do you feel nurtured? Are there niggles that are doing your head in? Does your partner prioritise friends before love? The planets align from 13th-15th to provide intimate conversations. New love Your busy schedule leaves little room for romance. Make sure a new lover fits in to your lifestyle. Romance planet Venus sits in your Career Sector until the 23rd so s/he could find you at work. An affair with your boss is a no-no! Your best bet comes when you meet a friendly person on the 10th. Career and money Good intentions to take charge of your finances go out of the window when you can’t…

A vision in pink swept down the grand stairs. ‘Hello, darling,’ Barbara Cartland smiled, holding out her hand. It was 1985, and I was a journalist interviewing Barbara Cartland for my health column in a Sunday supplement. World-renowned romantic novelist Barbara had invited me to visit her at Camfield Place, her country mansion near Hatfield, Hertfordshire. She showed me to the library where she’d written 723 novels. ‘Sit down, darling,’ she said, pointing to a chair. ‘Beatrix Potter saw 12 candles snuffed out’ Spiritual I was apprehensive before our meeting that she might be intimidating. She’s thought to have sold up to two billion books! But she was witty and kind. We hit it off straightaway. After the interview, Barbara presented me with a gold leaf from an oak tree…

My boy wants his bow-wow Dear Miss Crimebuster Ever since our beloved dog went missing from the garden, I can’t bear seeing my little boy’s tears. Every night, he wishes on a star for his safe return. It’s heartbreaking. Karen, 27, Manchester Dear Karen A teenage boy opened your garden gate, grabbed your son’s dog, and took off in a car. He won’t be coming back, I’m afraid. But I do see a black and white puppy arriving soon. This little bundle of mischief will mend his broken heart. He’s expecting a going over Dear Miss Crimebuster My 26-year-old son has been with his girlfriend for five years, but he wants out of the relationship. However, she comes from a notorious family with links to the criminal world. Their name…

Dear Yasmin My family’s battling about my dead mum’s money. When will it be finalised? Nic, 47, Davenham Dear Nic To say when is hard as that’s for you and your family to decide. I drew three cards for the past, present and future and one for advice. You got King of Wands, 8 of Swords and 4 of Coins, indicating your mum was charismatic, and the last thing she’d want is family fighting over her estate. Sadly, the second card suggests you feel like a solution isn’t possible. The future card implies hoarding of money. But good news comes with the advice card: Queen of Coins – it suggests a harmonious resolution and that you’ll get cash you’re owed.…

This month’s column takes us on a trip to the USA, and to a bizarre place known as the Oregon Vortex… complete with its very own house of mystery. Strange incidents within the Gold Hill area of Oregon date back to when Native Americans were in occupation. Horses, for instance, refuse to enter. And as a result, the Native Americans wouldn’t go there either – it became known as The Forbidden Ground. Odd occurrences Fast forward to 1904, the Gold Rush hit, and an assay office resembling a small house was built on the land to cater for prospectors looking to value their finds. But a few years later, the mining ceased. And soon afterwards, the house slipped off its foundations. This left the house skew-whiff. And it was at…