Advice

Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch and Kennel shows us a training session with his young female Labrador retriever, Mae. Watch how Mae maintains her attention on Ted, in order to get the job done. Good girl, Mae. Ted really makes it...

Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch and Kennel  showed us a retrieving kitty on an earlier video. But how about the most basic of commands: Sit, Stay. Ted demonstrates that with patience Kitty can do that too. So much for conventional wisdom- "cats can't...

December 17 to 24, 2009
Visible Planets: Morning: Mars and Saturn  Evening: Mercury and Jupiter

Winter Solstice and Christmas South of the Border

MexXmas It’s mid-December and I’m headed to Mexico. My husband and I rather suddenly decided to spend a couple months south of the border in Baja California – shining example of how “no major planets retrograde” can manifest action. (Mars goes retrograde on Dec. 20th, so this will change.)

I’m planning to write and post columns via WiFi along the way, but quien sabe? I know from past experience that internet service is spotty and unreliable in Baja. So, I’m posting early this week and hoping it all works out.

Feliz Navidad!

December 10 to 17, 2009
Visible Planets: Morning: Mars and Saturn  Evening: Mercury and Jupiter

Opening our Hearts to the Ultimate Truth of Spirit

HolidayGuad Two weeks ‘til Christmas and hearth-fires crackle with the goodwill and good wishes of the holiday season. The Sun, Mercury and Venus are now moving through Sagittarius, sign of idealistic thinking and philanthropic giving. It is here that spiritual generosity paves the way for high hopes, open hearts and adventurous minds.

Ruled by magnanimous planet Jupiter, Sagittarius calls upon us to look at the bigger picture – humanity, the world and universe – rise above the petty and embrace the divine. We are asked to find the good in ourselves and others, forgive trespasses, give from the heart and seek the ultimate truth – the truth of Spirit.

Religion and religious or spiritual beliefs are important pieces of the Sagittarian puzzle. Whether we are Christian, Jewish, Native American, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, pagan, atheist or agnostic, what we think, what we question and what we ultimately come to accept and believe about the world of spirit comes into play this time of year. Catholics celebrate el Dia de Guadalupe and Jews light Menorah candles on Dec. 12th. Nativity scenes commemorate the birth of Jesus. Winter Solstice honors the returning light of the Sun. And holiday parties pay homage to Bacchus, god of wine and revelry.

December 3 to 10, 2009

Visible Planets: Morning: Mars and Saturn  Evening: Mercury and Jupiter

Good thoughts, good vibes, good food, good deeds...

BlueSanta As the Sun moves through the middle degrees of Sagittarius, see if you can feel the optimistic, philanthropic energy of the Archer taking hold. The holiday season is quintessentially Sagittarius and we can’t help but be affected by the ho-ho-hos and merry-merrys. A distinct generosity of spirit permeates the ethers and we are called to open our hearts and let the joy in.

Ruled by magnanimous planet Jupiter, Sagittarius energy tends toward grandiosity and largesse. It’s the classic golden touch, the benevolent ruler, the guardian angel and the lucky charm. It’s good luck; good fortune and all things that are and make us feel “good.”  Enthusiastic optimism fuels the Sagittarian fire and the flexible, adaptable quality of its modality keep the flames of hope, faith and truth flickering in the eternal hearth of Spirit.

Giving to others – especially those less fortunate – sharing the wealth and focusing on the goodness of the world rather than its darkness are characteristics of this very magnanimous sign. Holiday spirit, holiday cheer and holiday hustle are all classically Sag. And, of course, on the flip side of all this grandeur, we have over-indulgence, never-say-no and devil-may-care attitudes that can put us over the top or off the cliff.

Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch and Kennel and Cottonwood Hunt Club admits an ability to train retrievers. Nowhere in the claim does it state that the retriever has to be a dog. Check out the video. How about burros, Ted? ...

November 26 to December 3, 2009
Visible Planets: Morning: Venus, Mars and Saturn   Evening: Mercury and Jupiter

"As Above, So Below"

Universe_man This week’s Dec. 2nd Full Moon in the Sagittarius/Gemini polarity marks the culmination of an on-and-off period of planetary retrogrades that served to bring us back upon ourselves and our experiences. Awakening, change and breakthrough have been themes all year, but we have consistently revisited our decisions and choices, amended plans and reconsidered directions. That’s the nature of retrogrades and, of course, life.

"As above, so below.
" The great astrological dictum. The Hermetic creed. The cosmic truth. And, today, the quintessential quantum-metaphysical law.

[click "Play" to listen to Ted's comments about training Lulu]

LuLu_Adopt Second Chance Humane Society executive director Kelly Goodin read Ted Hoff's columns in Telluride Inside... and Out and became convinced this dog whisperer could help rescue her rescues. Several weeks ago, we posted a Second Chance success story named Lulu. The following is a copy of an email Kelly sent to TIO in thanks. (In addition to Lulu, the other dog mentioned in the note, "Gina," is our rescue, who is doing wonderfully well thanks to Ted's talent and dedication.)