PREVIOUS THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY January 16 2012 to January 22 2012 Monday January 16 Mantramatics Hiya Jonathan, As a long-term reader and a physics student, I am about as tired of your cynical comments about my life commitment as you must be of the comments from scientists who think they know it all. They don't. But we take great pleasure in trying. Exploring the realms of mathematics is my version of meditation. I adore it. For the sake of those who demonstrate their love of the cosmos through their love of science, please forgive those who deride mystics and philosophers. Stephanie Hiya Stephanie, I'll add this to my list of new year resolutions! Tuesday January 17 Big Idea Hi Jonathan, You recently mentioned your diet. If weight-loss is your goal, I'm happy for you - but I have a history of disordered eating, as do many of my friends and family members. We have long suffered discrimination and stigma from being non-compliant with the cultural beauty standard of thinness (otherwise known as fat hatred). Please choose your words very carefully lest you contribute to the message that we need to lose weight to be beautiful or accepted. The Health At Every Size Movement emphasizes healthy behaviours and refutes the spurious notion of thinness for health. Aiyesha Wednesday January 18 Bearable Lightness of Being Dear Jonathan, What do you make of the news that Jupiter's core is slowly dissolving? Duncan Dear Duncan, The research you refer to suggests that while Jupiter is more than a hundred times bigger than Earth, it weighs less than ten times as much. We could conclude from this that the planet we traditionally see as a symbol of hope and justice is gradually 'losing heart'. But then, in astrology, Jupiter also represents optimism, generosity and faith. We might take this scientific discovery as glorious confirmation that all these qualities are associated with a natural cosmic lightness of being! Thursday January 19 Lunatic Idea Dear Jonathan, I recently read a book that suggested humankind is being manipulated (and not in a nice way) from the Moon. This explains why we are so passive and find it so difficult to stand up for love, protection and honesty. Some people believe the Moon is hollow or of 'artificial construction'. What do you think? Annelies Dear Annelies, I've never been to the Moon! But if the human race is being 'manipulated' by anyone or anything, I suspect it is being manipulated by its own tendency to envisage 'dark forces' in places where they probably don't exist! Friday January 20 Kettle Quips Astrologers believe planets offer insight into people. 'Rational' thinkers insist such claims are outmoded. Actually, there has never been a proper investigation. Most studies have involved misunderstanding astrological principles. Those that ask fair questions produce encouraging results, which are promptly challenged by outraged scientists. This antipathy gives me sympathy for fringe philosophers like the reader, yesterday, who suspected the Moon was populated by manipulative entities. I know I sound like a pot calling the kettle black when I refute that but then say this weekend's 'dark of the moon' will make many feel sensitive. But it's what I foresee! Saturday January 21 Your Week Ahead Happy New Year! I know we did all that a while ago - but the Chinese (along with all the other Asian cultures who celebrate New Year this weekend) have the right idea. Let a New Year begin with a New Moon and you're much more likely to get a fresh start. Remember that brave resolution you found it so hard to stick to? You'll find, if you revive your commitment to it now, that it is much easier to sustain it. Indeed, if you've been hankering after positive change in any area of your life, it can finally begin. Sunday January 22 Your Week Ahead - Love Focus Happy New Year! I know we did all that a while ago - but the Chinese (along with all the other Asian cultures who celebrate New Year this weekend) have the right idea. Let a New Year begin with a New Moon and you're much more likely to get a fresh start. Remember that brave resolution you found it so hard to stick to? You'll find, if you revive your commitment to it now, that it is much easier to sustain it. Indeed, if you've been hankering after positive change in any area of your life, it can finally begin. Back to Index   Click here for Jonathan Cainer's Daily Zodiac Forecasts