The planet Mars recently went “Retrograde” in the sign of Virgo.  For those of you not familiar with the term “Retrograde” it is simply a term that describes the apparent motion of the planet Mars in relationship to planet Earth.  At one time or another all of the planets in our solar system appear to be moving backwards (except the Sun and the Moon) in relationship to us (Earth).  This apparent backwards motion is simply due to the “overlapping” of one or another planet’s motion to another.  Astrologically Retrogradation symbolizes the with holding or delay of whatever is represented by the planet(s), signs, and houses involved.

Mars is the Red Planet, the planet of fire, hence the analogies of fighting, blood, warriors and other Martian activities and references.  Mars is the natural ruler of the sign Aries (March-21 to April-21), and the first house of the Zodiac.  As most of you know Aries relates to Spring time when the Earth is coming out of its Winter hibernation, where plants come back to life, new life all around us springs to action.  This is also the Vernal Equinox, new beginnings, action, and initiation of life.

Virgo is the sign of discrimination, analysis, fastidiousness, intelligence and duality to name just a few of its attributes.  Virgo is ruled by the planet Mercury, the representation of our intellect, cognition, and communication.  Virgo also relates to one’s health or lack there of.  The house that Virgo naturally rules is the sixth house, which relates to cooperation or lack of cooperation, and as previously mentioned one’s health.  This is why so many Virgos are health conscious, and critical of those who pay little attention to their own health and diet.  This is Virgo’s domain.

So, you might ask why is this guy telling me about these things, things that I have little knowledge or interest in?  Well, I tell you this because Mars in Virgo, Retrograde, suggests much about all of us in these difficult times.  This current position of Mars is a difficult one regarding the integration of Virgoan attributes into the world of action, aggression and little patience.  The planet Mars, where ever he may be is calling for the attention of those with a prominent Mars in their Natal Astrological chart such as Mars in Aries, Pisces, and Virgo or in Angular houses (1,4,7, and 12) as a few examples.  Of course everyone is included, just some more than others.

Mars Retrograde in Virgo will last until Mid-April (April 14, 2012), which is a good amount of time generally speaking.  It is not the planet(s) nor their houses that do anything directly, they are simply heralding information, timing, and knowledge to those who will listen.  Symbols are Archetypes of the soul’s condition and needs.  With the symbols and explanations that I have established here it is safe to say that during this period of Retrogradation communications will be frustrated as well as any actions that are a consequence of said communications.  This will be a time of great frustration and misunderstandings especially politically, and globally.  However, on a smaller scale these effects will disturb and frustrate the average person on a scale that cannot escape its influence within relationships, the home, or out on the street.

Action, and lack of it will be the dominant theme for this time period and I encourage everyone to use this time period to evaluate your needs and thinking (Mercury, Virgo), and attempt to see through the overall picture of wanting to say and do what it is you are trying to accomplish.  This will be a time of needing to wait and see just what it is that you are attempting to bring across to those that you are hoping to communicate with.  Also, when your frustration comes to a boil, again, try and relax and see through the fog and illusive thinking.  Whith Mars in Virgo Retrograde this will be a time to learn fro the mistakes of yourself and others.

Good Luck All and enjoy!

Aho

Curtis Williams  MA, A.P.D., CTRM

Well, as the year 2012 gets going it seems that many of the “flash point” activities for disaster and or the end of the world are coming to light. Only a few days ago the Sun spewed several billion tons of charged “plasma” hurtling towards Earth at 2.2 million miles per hour!  That is approximately 1,000 kilometers per second.  Thankfully this CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) is at the bottom scale of direct importance, still it has been years since the Sun has erupted in this way.  It is not very often that one hears the term “solar tsunami.”

NASA has released a statement saying that a bus sized asteroid will pass by our planet tomorrow, Friday January 27, at 10:30 am, EST.  The asteroid is said to be 36 feet (11 meters) wide.  At this size the space rock is not considered to be a danger to us or our planet.  Asteroid 2012 BX34 would not make it through Earth’s atmosphere even if gravity pulled it towards us.  Still, it is curious that we are given this information less than 48 hours in advance.  Kind of makes me wonder why that is.

To ease our minds NASA included in the statement that Astronomers are regularly monitoring the skies in search of asteroids that could pose a danger to Earth.  These experts estimate (that is reassuring) that asteroids measuring approximately 460 feet (140 m) across would cause widespread damage near their impact sites.  And of course they would need to be even larger to cause devastation on a global scale.  The article however does not stipulate just how much larger that might be.

Last year NASA announced that it had catalogued about 90 percent of the largest asteroids whose orbits bring them near Earth.  Isn’t it funny that a science oriented organization (NASA) uses words like “about” when defining 90 percent, and “even larger” when discussing the size of asteroids that need to be of more girth than the 46 foot asteroid that will swing by us tomorrow?  I do not know about you but these announcements do not inspire any security or calm to those who I have spoken with.

It was also stated that asteroids large enough to cause major damage and disruption to the global economy and society have hit Earth, on average, every 200 or 300 years.  Again, information as to when the last significantly sized asteroid to hit our planet is not included.  To say every 200 to 300 years leaves 100 years between the average time period, and this cannot be reassuring to those who are convinced that we are doomed at the end of 2012.  How ever things go this year I encourage you all to enjoy every moment that you can because all good things must come to an end.  Right?

Aho

Curtis Williams  MA, A.P.D., CRTM

The practice of Reiki is becoming increasingly popular and accepted within the mainstream of both society and the media.  Reiki is now being taught in recreation centers, people’s homes, online, arenas, hospitals and many other venues.  The accessibility of Reiki is simply wonderful.  With the availability almost anyone can learn the art and techniques of Reiki, and in a relatively short amount of time. The cost of learning Reiki (Levels I and II) is quite affordable and most teachers will work with those who cannot afford the initial fee by allowing payments and or a sliding scale.

There are now many more branches or schools of Reiki than when I first  began, and I am not certain if this is good or not so good.  However, I believe that the more opportunities for the learning of Reiki, the better.  What is really exciting is that there is the potential for children to learn about Reiki, and to begin practicing Reiki at an early age.  With the learning of Reiki comes the learning of how to use and move energy, healing energy.  This is not necessarily difficult but it is not necessarily easy, it comes with practice and a good teacher.

Not everyone is meant to be a teacher and most who teach Reiki only need to be clear and concise in how the energy works.  Reiki is a sophisticated energy.  Now some of you might balk at my saying this but hear me out first.  Reiki energy is an energy that has its own consciousness or awareness on the physical and spiritual plane.  Reiki does not need to be directed here or there, or at least not initially anyway.  Once a practitioner becomes familiar with Reiki energy then one can begin to use it in a way that is consciously directed.

It takes time and experience to become comfortable with Reiki energy.  Though for a practitioner to become competent and familiar with how the Reiki energy moves or flows, and how this energy “knows’ where it is needed and where it is not one needs to practice, practice, practice and make sure you do your homework.  What some people do not understand is that Reiki can do no harm.  You do not have to believe in any particular deity or religion but that one simply believe in a higher power than oneself.  Pretty simple right?

Once the student completes Level II and he or she has been practicing regularly the Reiki energy opens a dialogue with the practitioner such as “check this area over here,” or “do not keep your hands as long on this area as you should on this area over here.”  This may sound crazy, and perhaps it is but I see this dialogue or communication as a natural but extraordinary means of interacting with one’s higher self and with the universe.  Who is to say that there is a difference?

Now that we have almost completed the first month of a New Year (January), what is holding you back from learning a modality of healing energy that you can use not only for yourself but for your friends, pets and family?  There are several good teachers in our area both North and South counties.  In fact I am listing a Reiki directory for your convenience as one many tools to help you find a Reiki teacher in your area (http://www.reikimembership.com/MembershipListing.aspx).

Good luck and I do hope that you give Reiki a chance to help improve your life and of others such as friends, family, pets, ideas, plants, gardens and a whole host of others.  All you have to do is call!

Aho

Curtis Williams  MA, A.P.D., CRTM

It appears that with the Sun entering Aquarius this morning at 8:09:36 am, PST it (Aquarius) also brought with it the first rain we have had in some time.  We are already at least half way through our rainy season with little rain totals leaving many to wonder, worry, and feel wary of a drought on the horizon.  This rain today, and hopefully tomorrow heralds a break in our dry spell for the rest of the winter.

I have often been asked (and told) if the sign of Aquarius is a Water sign, probably due to the symbol or figure holding and emptying a container that clearly shows water coming out of it.  So, it is logical to assume that the sign of Aquarius is indeed a Water sign, only it is not a Water sign.  The Water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.  Aquarius is an Air sign.

The symbol of a person emptying water form a container is because in times before us the month of February symbolized the replenishing rains that were to come.  So sure enough, and with exquisite timing the Sun entering Aquarius is perfect both literally and symbolically.  I have always loved the rain.

So, just to let you know the beginning of Aquarius begins January 20, and ends February 19.  For those of you who are perfectionists and detailed oriented, and wish to hold someone like myself to the fire, the sign of Aquarius does not always begin January 20, it sometimes begins a day before depending upon the cycle of Earth’s orbit.  Same holds true with for when Aquarius ends.

Be safe out on the roads as the lack of rain has allowed the oil from our automobiles to build up on the highways.  So try and stay dry, drive carefully, and above all please enjoy the wonderful rain that is falling on us even as I write this.  Happy birthday to all you Aquarians out there!

Aho

Curtis Williams  MA, A.P.D., CRTM

I first want to say that I am neither leaning left or right here, I am simply shaking the tree to see what falls to the ground.  I am well aware that there are many politicians who say one thing and do another, and those who say one thing and do nothing at all.  I recently read that ex Senator and one time rising political star John Edwards was to be indicted on the misappropriation of political donations.  To add insult to injury this was allegedly to cover up the lifestyle and romantic relationship of one of his campaign aides who was pregnant with his child while he was married to Elizabeth Edwards who recently died of cancer.

You see, whether Democrat, Republican, Independent, Green or any other political party men and women will misbehave regardless of political affiliation, financial status, or religious beliefs.  However there is a politician who is running for the highest political position in our country.  This man’s name is Newt Gingrich.  Most of you know who he is and more than likely what his political positions are and have been.  I do not know this man other than what I have read or heard on television, radio or Internet.  However I now have his Astrological chart and this is of tremendous importance, or, at least it is to me.

Mr. Gingrich was born June 17, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pa at 11:45 pm EWT.  This date and time along with the given coordinates shows a Gemini Sun, Sagittarius Moon (Full Moon phase), and Aquarius Rising.  The Sun Moon combination suggests a great need for diversification in communications and the respect for Newt’s opinions (things can get nasty if you do not agree with him).  Newt’s greatest desire and sense of importance is to be influential, however, if things get stuck and there can be no progress, then talking about them is a close second and substitute.  Here is a nervous system that is working overtime.  Aquarius rising suggests that Newt delights in bucking the system, thinking and acting out of the norm.

What is truly disturbing to me is Newt’s reported behavior towards women, more specifically his ex-wives.  Newt’s first wife (Jackie) is on record that while being treated for breast cancer (I believe that she had just had a mastectomy) and in the hospital that Newt asked for a divorce!  Talk about kicking someone when they are down.  And again and on record, while being treated for multiple Sclerosis Newt’s second wife Marianne says that Newt asked her for an “open marriage” while she was in treatment for her disease.  Newt would eventually marry a third time to the woman (Callista) with whom he was having an affair and asked for the said open marriage.  What is critical here is that Marianne states that with Newt sitting next to her the doctor was adamant about not allowing for upsetting events or circumstances, that she needed a calm caring environment to get better.

There are measurements in Newt’s chart that suggest this sexual manipulation, illusion, fantasy and deceit (Mars Quindecile Neptune).  Neptune is also “handle” to a Mutable T-Square with both the Sun and the Moon suggesting again, deceit, illusion or lack of clarity in the most disorienting manner.  Here the person can become mentally confused when under stress and consequently unable to interpret the signals being sent to him in his environment, whether it be professional or personal.  There is a strong urge to escape here, and this may be attributed to how he allegedly handled his previous marriages, by escaping them in any manner or behavior.  Curiously enough Neptune is again involved in Newt’s chart at the Sun/Moon Midpoint (misunderstandings, discontent and deception).

Newt also has Saturn (in Cancer) in the fourth house (home, family) both suggesting a significant strain in this area.  The fourth house in any chart represents the home and the sign Cancer due to the natural progression of the zodiac and house ruler ship.  As mentioned previously Newt’s Moon in Sagittarius is in his tenth house (career and one of the parents), and with this tremendous conflict between the emotions and the ego (represented by the opposition between the Sun and Moon) in conjunction with the havoc Neptune plays in relationships, career and the home environment I would have to question Mr Gingrich’s motives and ability to hold the office of President.

It was allegedly during the time of asking second wife Marianne for an open marriage that Newt was so highly critical (and rightly so) of President Clinton’s extramarital affair with Monica Lewinsky.  It is just this type of duplicity (Neptune) that should concern every voter regardless of political affiliation when selecting the leader of a country.  In less than two years (about the time of the presidential inauguration) Solar Arc (SA) Neptune will be exactly on Newt’s Midheaven (career, Leadership, outside world) and in his tenth house suggesting the distinct potential for an even larger digression in personal and professional conduct considering how negatively Neptune has impacted Mr. Gingrich’s past behavior(s) in the past.

Like him or leave him, love him or hate him Newt Gingrich is not the type of man who can endure difficult times and certainly does not have the mental stamina to be an honest man on pretty much all the important fronts of sincere human behavior.  It is unfortunate that the people who would do our country the most good are habitually driven out of the political process by people like Newt Gingrich and others (recall Senator Edwards) who have little regard for integrity.  We all have our faults, but we are not running for President of the United States now are we?

Aho

Curtis Williams  MA, A.P.D., CRTM

For those of you who have come me for an Astrological consultation you know that I am going to go directly to the source of the problem, crisis, difficulty, obstacle or dilemma.  I do not advocate the “Fluff and Fold” Astrology that I recently wrote about.  I understand that many of you want to know “When will I meet my soul mate?”; Should I play these lucky numbers?”; “Will I ever get my dream job?”  These are all popular and somewhat practical questions but they do not get to the real issue(s) of why you are here to see me.

A Natal Astrological chart is one’s blueprint for life, a directional map of potentialities and probabilities but there are certainly no “Absolutes!  There are very few absolutes in life, and even those are debatable and up for discussion.  However, there are cues and clues as to what one’s predispositions are in concurrence to one’s early home environment, Level (rich, poor, educated, violent etc) in which one was brought up and exposed to, and the opportunities available in life.

I do not believe in telling my clients that which they wish to hear.  I will take into consideration what one’s circumstances are regarding the crisis (unfortunately this seems to be the only time one seeks out an Astrologer) they are currently experiencing, and what their capabilities are in handling them as illustrated by the natal chart.  I will not ambush my clients by telling them that their life is in severe or interminable condition, nor will I tell them that their life is lined with rose petals.  No, I will them the truth.

Telling the truth is an art form and by no means is it easy particularly when it is the last thing the client wishes to hear.  What I will do is give them the emotional support and encouragement they need as proscribed by their condition and reality.  Aside from telling them the state of their affairs as seen through the lens of Astrology I will then proceed to discuss the strategies that best suit them, and the timing in which to enact these strategies.  This sounds simple enough I know, but it is anything but simple.

“Full Contact Astrology” is an approach to where you are given the necessary tools to work with but it is the client that will have to use them, not me or a significant other.  The strategies given are to be employed by those they are given to, and above all and more importantly it is the client who must accept the responsibility for the crisis they are in.  If the client is ready and willing to accept responsibility for their predicament then there is a very good chance for recovery from the crisis.

I would like to leave a short note for my readers:  If you see me “before” the crisis begins you can be alerted to the problem in advance to which it then can perhaps be avoided altogether. One might ask “How will I know before hand if I do not know it is coming?”  Well, the question answers itself here.  If you come to me when you are not in crisis there is a good chance that we can get a handle on any potential difficulty by simply reviewing the natal or progressed chart when all is well and in order.  In other words why wait until there is problem when all you have to do is call me now?

Aho

Curtis Williams  MA, A.P.D., CRTM

With such high commercial and celebrity visibility poor Khloe Kardashian is on the other side of the “cross hairs” from which she is usually in charge.  I find it very interesting that of all the Kardashian family members Khloe is the most critical and divisive of the entire clan  (mom comes a very close second).  I do not presume to know whether Khloe is of the paternity of Rob Sr., or not, however I do know that she does not resemble the rest of the siblings like they do with each other.

First off, Khloe is the tallest of the Kardashian brood, her skin is lighter, her temperament is more abrasive and as previously mentioned, more critical.  A psychologist might say that this could be due to the birth order in which Khloe falls.  Of the four full blooded Kardashian siblings Khloe is the third of four siblings.  In psychology there is what is termed the “Big Five Factors” in delineating sibling personality.  They are: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

Openness relates to the imagination, aesthetic sensitivity, attentiveness to inner feelings, and intellectual curiosity.  Conscientiousness relates to self discipline, carefulness, thoroughness, organization, and need for achievement.  Extraversion relates to gregariousness, being assertive, and seeking external stimulus.  Agreeableness is self explanatory however I will include empathy, being considerate, being generous and helpful.  Neuroticism relates to the feelings of anxiety, anger guilt, and depression.  I have included these components for the consideration of discerning what you believe Khloe to have as a sibling in regards to her other siblings.

As previously mentioned Khloe falls third in the birth order of four full blooded Kardashian siblings (there are two half blooded siblings in the family from a different father/husband).  Research suggests that the third born child is generally the charmers of the family.  They can be the class clown, and generally manipulators, very good manipulators.  They can also be affectionate and uncomplicated.  However, underneath all of that charm one might find a rebellious, critical, temperamental, spoiled and impatient person.  Does any of this sound applicable here?

Astrologically, I would suggest that Khloe has a Eastern Hemisphere emphasis (defensive, and critical), and, a Southern Hemisphere emphasis which suggests the feeling of not being in control of her life, probably due to the celebrity of her father and the the events (O. J. Simpson trial) which brought the notoriety she had no control over.  This sense of helplessness can be one of an overwhelming fear of not being able to direct one’s life necessitating psychological actions of defensiveness and misdirection of personal actions.

I could not find Khloe Kardashian’s time of birth, however her birth date is June 27, 1984, in Los Angeles CA.  This date gives Khloe a Cancer Sun with either a Gemini Moon or perhaps even a Cancer Moon to go with her Cancer Sun (which I feel is likely).  The double Cancer sign for both her Sun and Moon strongly suggests the need for security, especially within the family.  Here materialism substitutes or supports the emotional significance of the drive for security.  This may be why she is so driven to maintain her clothing store on the East Coast rather than the West coast, driving a wedge in both family and marriage (passive aggressive behavior).

I feel for Khloe, for if she truly does have a double Cancer sign with both the Sun and Moon then she cannot possibly be at ease or peace with the press calling her and her mother out on whether Khloe’s father is separate from the other children.  Khloe’s mother has already admitted to having an affair within her marriage to Robert Kardashian Sr.  Kris Jenner (it used to be Kris Kardashian) went so far as to state in her autobiographical book that those days (the 80′s) were fueled by the need for attention and cocaine.  Gee mom, is there something you haven’t told me?

Khloe’s mom Kris (Nov 15, 1955) has a Scorpio Sun (control issues) and looks to probably have a Cancer Moon (the mirroring of need security that she shares with Khloe).  There are a lot of water signs within the Kardashian family (Pisces, Scorpio and Cancer) suggesting a deeply emotional and insecure familial theme that seeks to assuage their insecurities by flaunting them through all sorts of media such as television, porno tapes (Kim K), bill board advertisements Miami FL), newspaper articles and the Internet (my blog).  This is not the most healthy strategy in which to manage such a family’s emotional needs, just look at the Hogan family.

Anyway, I hope that this emotional fire burning in the media i.e., calling out Khloe Kardashian Odom because her mother may have had an extramarital affair.  Even though Kris Jenner has privately and publicly orchestrated the rise of her family’s celebrity (quite successfully I might add), and now wealth, she may want to consider the old adage of “Be careful what you wish for.”

Aho

Curtis Williams  MA, A.P.D., CRTM

As we quickly move away from the “holiday” season, much of which includes Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and the Winter Solstice there are many who continue to reel with the despair, anxiety and emotionalism that represent such holidays.  For many of us the holidays are filled with fun, laughter, family gatherings and social events.  However, for others there can be much debilitation when attending or attempting to participate in said events.

You all know who I am talking about.  It can an uncle Jeremiah or aunt Lucy who sit alone in the corner of the room while the others are having great fun through singing, dancing, or telling stories of Christmases past.  Worse still, they may have locked themselves in a bedroom or bathroom hiding from the rest of the family while the younger members of the family wonder what in the world is wrong!  A nephew or niece, not quite old enough to understand the family dynamics of mental illness may ask what is wrong only to see the adults roll their eyes, or someone says “It’s ok honey, don’t worry aunt Lucy just doesn’t feel well.”

Yes, this is the time of year that can augment or exacerbate a mental illness in conjunction with the reluctance or flat out denial of a family problem, especially if it is mental illness.  Mental illness comes in the form of behaviors such as an alcoholic or gambling binge.  Or, it can be one of a severe depression or a behavior(s) such as a compulsive sexual expression that only furthers the damage of an out of balance brain chemistry.  Whether the individual exhibits the symptoms of their disease through any of the above behaviors (and there are more) the after effects not only crush the person with the mental illness, it crushes everyone within the family’s emotional circumference.

Mental illness can be expressed by many, many types of behaviors.  Sometimes, as previously mentioned, through alcoholism, gambling, drug addiction, emotional and social disorders.  I am not aware of anyone who has not experienced a family or family member with a mental illness, however it just never seems to get acknowledged.  And it is the manner in which the families refuse to acknowledge that a loved one has an illness, mental illness.  Often, and amazingly enough the “dead horse” on the table is not acknowledged, ever!  No, it would be inappropriate to discuss such a thing.  Or, as it is so often termed, “the problem.”

Uncle Jeremiah may be medicating himself with alcohol, or other such drugs in order to mask the very real emotional and physical pains he is experiencing in order to function.  It appears that the people we love the most are often the ones who receive the least help for such a huge difficulty.  The other members of the family are treading water like hell so as not to seem as a dysfunctional family.  The not so funny thing about this is that everyone knows what is going on they just are not willing to talk about it!

Some of you may be thinking, “well, if we can only get through the holidays everything will be fine.”  Unfortunately, no it will not.  In fact, the disease of mental illness will only continue to get worse.  Each passing year the “problem” gets worse, and worse.  Try and think of mental illness, as a snowball.  For each and every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or any other day as snowball rolling down hill and picking up speed from the previous years of non acknowledgement, and dysfunction.  Metaphorically, it is going to hit a house and destroy everyone and everything in it, it is simply a matter of time before it all comes crashing down.

What does this say and teach the “little pictures with big ears?”  Our children can only learn from what they are taught, and if the parents are not saying or objecting to uncle Jeremiah or aunt Lucy then how can we expect them to do anything about it?  Better still, what tools are being given to them when they have families of their own?  We might believe that if we ignore the problem that it will disappear or go away, but we know that this is not so.

For those of you who might feel at your wit’s end I have included some links for mental health organizations that may possibly be helpful to you and your family.  After all, this is a New Year and perhaps this is the time to help break an unwanted cycle.  http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=fight_stigma or http://www.cartercenter.org/health/mental_health/index.  There should be No shame in trying to help one’s self, or others.

Aho

Curtis Williams  Ma, A.P.D., CRTM

As we quickly move away from the “holiday” season, much of which includes Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and the Winter Solstice there are many who continue to reel with the despair, anxiety and emotionalism that represent such holidays.  For many of us the holidays are filled with fun, laughter, family gatherings and social events.  However, for others there can be much debilitation when attending or attempting to participate in said events.

You all know who I am talking about.  It can an uncle Jeremiah or aunt Lucy who sit alone in the corner of the room while the others are having great fun through singing, dancing, or telling stories of Christmases past.  Worse still, they may have locked themselves in a bedroom or bathroom hiding from the rest of the family while the younger members of the family wonder what in the world is wrong!  A nephew or niece, not quite old enough to understand the family dynamics of mental illness may ask what is wrong only to see the adults roll their eyes, or someone says “It’s ok honey, don’t worry aunt Lucy just doesn’t feel well.”

Yes, this is the time of year that can augment or exacerbate a mental illness in conjunction with the reluctance or flat out denial of a family problem, especially if it is mental illness.  Mental illness comes in the form of behaviors such as an alcoholic or gambling binge.  Or, it can be one of a severe depression or a behavior(s) such as a compulsive sexual expression that only furthers the damage of an out of balance brain chemistry.  Whether the individual exhibits the symptoms of their disease through any of the above behaviors (and there are more) the after effects not only crush the person with the mental illness, it crushes everyone within the family’s emotional circumference.

Mental illness can be expressed by many, many types of behaviors.  Sometimes, as previously mentioned, through alcoholism, gambling, drug addiction, emotional and social disorders.  I am not aware of anyone who has not experienced a family or family member with a mental illness, however it just never seems to get acknowledged.  And it is the manner in which the families refuse to acknowledge that a loved one has an illness, mental illness.  Often, and amazingly enough the “dead horse” on the table is not acknowledged, ever!  No, it would be inappropriate to discuss such a thing.  Or, as it is so often termed, “the problem.”

Uncle Jeremiah may be medicating himself with alcohol, or other such drugs in order to mask the very real emotional and physical pains he is experiencing in order to function.  It appears that the people we love the most are often the ones who receive the least help for such a huge difficulty.  The other members of the family are treading water like hell so as not to seem as a dysfunctional family.  The not so funny thing about this is that everyone knows what is going on they just are not willing to talk about it!

Some of you may be thinking, “well, if we can only get through the holidays everything will be fine.”  Unfortunately, no it will not.  In fact, the disease of mental illness will only continue to get worse.  Each passing year the “problem” gets worse, and worse.  Try and think of mental illness, as a snowball.  For each and every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or any other day as snowball rolling down hill and picking up speed from the previous years of non acknowledgement, and dysfunction.  Metaphorically, it is going to hit a house and destroy everyone and everything in it, it is simply a matter of time before it all comes crashing down.

What does this say and teach the “little pictures with big ears?”  Our children can only learn from what they are taught, and if the parents are not saying or objecting to uncle Jeremiah or aunt Lucy then how can we expect them to do anything about it?  Better still, what tools are being given to them when they have families of their own?  We might believe that if we ignore the problem that it will disappear or go away, but we know that this is not so.

For those of you who might feel at your wit’s end I have included some links for mental health organizations that may possibly be helpful to you and your family.  After all, this is a New Year and perhaps this is the time to help break an unwanted cycle.  http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=fight_stigma or http://www.cartercenter.org/health/mental_health/index.  There should be No shame in trying to help one’s self, or others.

Aho

Curtis Williams  Ma, A.P.D., CRTM

It is a New Year for us all, and while our hopes and expectations may be off the charts there is a certain reality for each of us in this.  Often, we get caught up in the either the past or the future, and consequently lose all sense of the present.  We lose the potential enjoyment of the here and now as well as the sense of difficulty of the here and now.  It is of vital importance to be aware of the need to prioritize our lives and environments by way of sequencing the past with the present and the present with the future.

How often do you find yourself (or someone else) say something along the lines of “I hate my job right now!”  Or, someone says “If I could only lose five pounds”  I would be so much happier.”  Of course these are important concerns for the people involved but they may be missing the point.  Their current job may have great medical and dental insurance, or the person seeking to lose some weight may need to acknowledge that although they may be unhappy with their current weight they are in great health, just unhappy with the extra pounds.

The concerns that each one of has, and I do understand that life is not as simplistic as the above analogies, however I feel that it is necessary to at least attempt to position our concerns with the “reality” of our lives.  What is your reality right now?  Are you pondering a change in employment or thinking about leaving an important relationship with someone?  What are the objectives and how do they “sequence” in your reality?  It may take some time to asses the condition of each scenario but from which direction are you referencing?

My point is this.  Although we may be unhappy with a current particular situation or circumstance how often do we employ the present with the past or the future?  It is often said that timing is everything, and although it may not quite be everything it is an indispensable perspective from which to draw from.  Life is not very pleasant when one is unhappy or unhealthy, but how often do we acknowledge our lives as being so when we are happy and or healthy?

With the beginning of a new year, the past and the future may be invaluably influential in how we perceive the in which we view our lives, but there is so much more to be said about what is transitioning in the present.  Kick it around and see where you end up it, you just might find out something worthwhile.

Aho

Curtis Williams  MA, A.P.D., CRTM