Intuitive Listening

Listening is one of the most healing things we can do for others. It's a skill that takes conscious attention and practice. When we listen deeply, we hear the words, we feel empathically the feelings, direct and unexpressed, and we have a level of knowing that comes from soul to soul contact. Sometimes we hear wise words in our minds that we imagine to be our own thoughts; it is really the voice of a Spirit guide offering assistance and clarity.

Listening is a powerful intuitive skill and astrologically is connected to the energy of the Moon. The sign, aspects and house placement of your Moon will give you an understanding of your natural inclinations and style of listening. Mercury tells you how you think and communicate. The relative energies of your natal Mercury will also add a piece of the puzzle of self-awareness. You might be drawn to listen fully and empathically with a Cancer Moon, yet your chatty Gemini Mercury asks more questions, dances on the surface, wants to tell an amusing story. Finding a healthy integration of the two planets is the goal.

Recently I was talking to a friend about a relationship dilemma in my life. She listened very quietly, offering relevant questions and encouraging but minimal words in return. At one point I expressed that I was having trouble understanding another person's apparent blocked energy because I had never had that particular problem. She did not say a word, just allowed the silence to remain until I picked up my next thought.

Later on I had a huge revelation that I did in fact have a very similar challenge if only I turned the tables around and looked through the lens of another area of my life. The silences and empathic listening had allowed me to come to this and several important conclusions without the resistance I would have had to unsolicited advice and analysis of my situation. Sharing issues with another person is not necessarily a request for advice. Yet it is our tendency to offer advice and opinions. In moderation and especially after a direct request for advice this might be helpful, but most often the role of intuitive listening is the most powerful medicine we can offer to our loved ones.