"There's no place like home." We've all heard that before. Uttering this simple phrase conjures up the image of Dorothy in the movie classic The Wizard of Oz. After journeying to Oz, an interesting and complex foreign land, all Dorothy longs for is to be magically transported back to the sanctuary and simple comforts of her own home. During these times of growth and transition, Dorothy's goal is one to which we can all relate. During the frantic and frightening days that followed September 11, 2001, the home-delivery pizza business flourished. Many of us retreated to the solace of our homes, perhaps holding loved ones just a bit closer, and peering out at the world while eating pizza and watching TV! Contemporary life-styles continue to be hectic and fascinating, changing daily. There are new dangers and worries to address. Situations that we would never have imagined just a couple of years ago have become commonplace. Processing it all and maintaining balance can be a challenge. It's a great privilege to be here on Earth to welcome this New Era, as predicted by prophets for many years, but it isn't always easy. Establishing and maintaining a home base that enhances happiness, while providing protection, are the most important key elements in manifesting the brightest and best potentials the year ahead offers. Your birth sign will guide you toward achieving that with aplomb.

BREATHING, AFFIRMATIONS, AND THE AIR
When arriving home, perhaps depressed by the day's stressful news and challenges, it's natural to experience shortness of breath. This contributes to anger and exhaustion. In contrast, taking a few moments as you enter the door to restore the natural rhythm of breathing will clear the mind and invigorate the body. This will set the stage for making the most of your home in the hours ahead. Yoga has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years, and the basis of Yoga practice centers around breathing. We can live only a brief time without air and breath. Proper breathing, combined with improving ventilation and the quality of air in the home, then, is a good place to begin creating your personal corner of heaven. Incorporate aromatherapy as an easy and effective way to make the air more pleasing and healing. Treating yourself to a flavorful drink will finish making your arrival home a success.

ARIES
Your Sun-Sign rules the head, eyes, and brain. Stand in the center of your home, and focus your attention on those parts of the body. Breathe in deeply nine times (the number of Mars, your planetary ruler). Exhale slowly. Visualize energy circulating through the cells in the head and face. Bring your arms up to shoulder level, palms up. Exhale and relax your arms, bringing them to your sides. Finish the exercise by repeating this affirmation aloud: "My head is unclouded. Clearly each brain cell vibrates with joy and light. Impurities are released. Obstructions leave me." Mint, often called the aspirin of the herb world, would be a good incense to select. It is associated with an improved attitude and outlook on life. Also, try brewing a cup of peppermint tea. This will relax you for dinner and stimulate a healthy appetite at the same time. Since you are a fire sign, sit near a sunny window and sip it from a cheery red mug. In the evening, assemble a candle garden, a tray of pillar candles of different heights, and reflect on how the tongues of flame symbolize brightness and hope. Candles in bright sunshine hues, such as crimson, rose, coral, and gold, will be especially uplifting as a meditation focus. Give away or discard items that recall painful experiences connected to the past. As the celestial pioneer, it's especially important for you to dwell on the present and future.

TAURUS
Sit comfortably on the floor or in your favorite chair. Fix your thoughts on your throat, neck, and ears (your birth-sign links to those areas of the body). Inhale and exhale slowly six times (your cosmic number). Place the soles of your feet together and straighten the spine. Gently roll your head forward and circle it three times to the right, then three times to the left. Finish with this affirmation: "The nerves and tissues in my neck are strong. My ears are clear and my hearing sharp. My throat is clear of congestion." Rose incense, which links to love and discretion, is a wonderful fragrance for you. Light a single pale pink (one of your favorite colors) candle scented with rose, or spray your face and hands with rose water. Enjoy a cup of rosehip tea. Rich in vitamin C, rosehip tea turns a beautiful shade of pink while brewing and has a delightful citrus tang; it will please your eye and soothe your soul at the same time. Sip from a delicate flowered cup made of the thinnest china. Tap a chime or finger cymbals gently. The cascade of bell tones uplifts your spirits and chases away any remaining tension or negative spirits in your surroundings. Your ears are especially sensitive. Be aware of any noise pollution in your environment, and seek ways to mask or eliminate it.

GEMINI
Stand in the center of your home library or favorite reading nook. Close your eyes and focus on the arms, hands, and lungs, as your birth sign has a special tie to those areas. Breathe deeply five times, exhaling to the count of five (the number of Mercury, your ruler). Now, flex the hands and fingers, and move the wrists in a circular motion. Next, move the right arm forward and backward, making a large arc. Then make the same arc with the left arm. Repeat, swinging both arms vigorously. Finish with this affirmation, "My limbs are flexible; my lungs circulate air smoothly through my body. I am agile, alert, vigorous, and alive." Jasmine, which has a light and airy scent, is the aroma most apropos to Gemini. It suggests exotic destinations. Even while relaxing at home, you are still a curiosity-seeker and traveler at heart. The fragrance will remind you of intriguing faraway places. Dab jasmine oil on a rainbow patterned candle (you love mixed and varied color combinations). Alternatively, you could turn on a strobe light or lava lamp; the motion will help you to step outside of annoying distractions. Brew some jasmine or green tea, and pour it into a styrofoam cup or thermos that will keep it warm and be easy to transport for a while as you pace a bit. Make an entry in your journal. Return phone calls and answer e-mails.

CANCER
The breasts and stomach have a special link to your birth sign. Focus your attention on these parts of your body and slowly fill your lungs to capacity. Exhale slowly to the count of twenty, squeezing all of the air out. Repeat. Then breathe normally a few times. Think of fluids and foods processing in your body. Place your hands on your hips and circle the trunk of your body several times in each direction. This will lubricate the hip areas. Stand with feet shoulder width apart and feel your soles sink into the floor, being grounded and stable. Finish with this affirmation: "New health and vitality enter my bloodstream. Strong, energetic, constructive, calm, and peaceful, my fears are stilled." Wintergreen, which is both cooling and aromatic as well as stimulating, is your fragrance. Put a few drops of the oil into a small tabletop fountain and turn it on as you arrive home. Drop some favorite seashells into the water to further enhance the mood of beauty and safe passage as you settle in. Brew wintergreen tea, using an heirloom style teapot and matching cup. If you can find a South American rain stick, hold it and tilt it back and forth a few times; the soothing sound will help you find a deeper connection with the inner self.

LEO
You might experience a stiff back or elevated pulse upon arriving home at the end of a challenging day. Stand quietly near the door and feel the pride you have in your home. Close your eyes and thank your heart for the wonderful job it does pumping the blood through your body. Then turn your attention to your back. Feel it supporting you, holding you upright. Breathe deeply and exhale completely ten times (one of your numbers). Draw the breath into your navel and imagine filling a balloon there. Now pivot your upper torso to the right, then to the left. Inhale and exhale in rhythm. Keep the feet and legs still. Finish with this affirmation: "My heart beats with strength and vitality. I am alive and alert; my back is supple and supports me easily." Add a note of brightness and splendor to your arrival home by lighting a sunny orange candle in a stained glass holder, or turn on a beautiful lamp with a crystal shade. A mug decorated with a cheerful sun face motif (your special astrological ruler) filled with chamomile tea would be a good choice. Chamomile is said to warm the heart and acts as a general strengthening tonic. A citrus fragrance, such as lemon (purity), lime (attraction), or orange (love), is the ideal aromatherapy scent. Select it as an incense, or add a few drops of the essential oil to distilled water in a spray bottle. Frankincense, closely associated with the Sun, is another fragrance that would be good. A precious gift or offering since antiquity, aromatic frankincense will elevate the mind while calming emotions.

VIRGO
The lower digestive tract is your vulnerable point. Inhale and exhale five times (your cosmic number), and think of toxins being released. As a sense of lightness and freedom develops, lie down on the floor (or exercise mat) with your face down and torso straight. Lift first your right leg, then relax it, and then lift the left leg. Repeat several times. Assume an easy cross-legged posture. As an affirmation say, "All debris and waste are easily released. I am light, graceful, and energetic." Lavender provides the ultimate relief from the anxiety, depression, and worry that often plague Virgo natives; it is said to draw friends and generate merriment. Plan a traditional British afternoon tea or Oriental tea ceremony; research these traditions, and include all of the details possible in your ceremony (you revel in minutiae). Toss a few dried lavender blossoms into a brew of traditional black or green tea. Enjoy your tea in a pristine white cup with a matching saucer. Light a single cream-colored tapered candle in a traditional-style brass candlestick. Record memories of the day in your journal/diary, and make notes about ideas and appointments to discuss with friends and family members later in the evening. Change into freshly laundered casual clothing before answering calls and e-mail. Sweep the front porch and steps free of any leaves or other debris.

LIBRA
Your sign links to the lower back area and kidneys. As you arrive home, check to see if someone else is around to stand opposite you in the hallway as you proceed. If not, just share a special few quiet minutes with your inner self. Stand erect with a straight back and take six (number of Venus, your ruler) deep, cleansing breaths. Do a couple of forward bends. Focus on the lower back. Think of it providing a base for your torso. Remembering that our bodies are mostly water, thank the kidneys for purifying and detoxifying the life-giving fluids in your system. Smile, and say an affirmation: "My harmony grows with each breath; my inner peace extends to bless and balance my home." Thyme, the delicate herb that children in Scotland believe will lead them to the faeries, is an aromatherapy element you can use effectively. Brew dried thyme as a tea; its scent and flavor are reminiscent of spring grasses. Add sugar or honey and lemon and serve some dainty tea cookies, coffee cake, or hard candies. Drink from a very pretty tea cup, or perhaps a souvenir mug received as a gift from a dear one. Add a few sprigs of fresh, fragrant thyme to a vase, and use it to decorate your tea table. Flowers can be included as well. Marigolds or mums would be good choices. A small oil lamp would add a glow of order, beauty, and harmony to your personal welcome home. Two matching candles in a pastel color in white ceramic or copper candlesticks are another appropriate alternative.

SCORPIO
Your birth sign relates especially to the reproductive system. As you arrive home, focus on the magic of regeneration and the continuity of life. Think about the body's wonderful reservoirs of life power. Breathe deeply nine times (your cosmic number) and exhale completely while standing quietly. Next, swing the right leg forward as you inhale; then exhale as you swing it back. Do this several times. Switch to the left leg and repeat. With confidence, chant the affirmation: "I rule my destiny. I create the environment I live in. All that I produce and construct is of the highest quality." Patchouli, an earthy musk fragrance linked to energy and triumph, is your fragrance. Add a few drops of the oil to water in a diffuser lit by a small tea light. Enjoy the shadows dancing on the wall and think of the quiet evening hours to come. Sensual, sharp, with an undertaste of pine, spearmint tea would complement the atmosphere as you arrive home. Sip it from a heavy earthenware mug, or try it iced with a dash of bitters. Have a velvet caftan or thick terry dressing gown waiting near the door, and shed your tight business wear as quickly as possible. Your worries and inhibitions will follow suit.

SAGITTARIUS
The upper legs link to your Sun-Sign. Think of the lower limbs propelling you, taking you where you want to go. Step into the kitchen. Focus your thoughts upon the thighs and massage them gently. Place your arms behind your head and take three deep breaths. Three is the number of Jupiter, your ruler. Now bend forward and let your arms dangle comfortably for a few moments. Breathe comfortably and stand erect as you intone your affirmation: "My movements are lithe and strong. With purpose I complete each day's mission." Lemon balm is an appropriate tea; it was the daily drink of Lord Llewellyn of Wales, who credited its rejuvenating powers with his life span of 110 vigorous and healthy years. Prepare some lemon balm tea to enjoy in a deep blue ceramic mug while you review the headlines in the evening paper and toss a treat to your pet cat or dog. Animals have a special ability to relax and heal you with their devotion and companionship. Clove is your aromatherapy scent. It offers encouragement and is linked to luck and prosperity. Bring some water to a gentle boil and toss in a few cloves; then reduce the heat and simmer. Rub clove oil on light bulbs as you turn them on. The bracing, spicy fragrance will add a feeling of cheer and hope—even on days that have been difficult.

CAPRICORN
The skeletal structure, bones, and teeth, as well as the knees, are ruled by your birth sign. As you arrive home, pause in the living room and loosen any tight clothing. Relax and turn your attention toward your knees; then let your thoughts extend to your bones, and reflect on how they provide a framework for your body. Flex your knees and take four deep breaths (four is the number of Saturn, your ruling planet). Jump slightly forward, then back again. Breathe evenly and concentrate on the words, saying this affirmation clearly: "My knees and joints are fluid and flexible. New vitality washes over me with each motion. My bones are strong and solid." Sage is your herbal fragrance, as well as a good choice for a table tea. Enjoy the brewed tea in an artsy handmade mug, perhaps in a dark green or gray color; it will generate a feeling of optimism and is linked to wisdom as well as good health. Light an earth-toned candle and ignite a smudge stick of sage herb; the fragrant incense will purify and balance the home. Alternatively, pine is another wonderful aromatherapy scent for you; it enhances survival and helps in coping with challenges, just as conifers remain strong, bright, and green throughout the cold winter. Pine also evokes thoughts of the winter solstice, the time of year that rules the onset of Capricorn.

AQUARIUS
The circulatory system, as well as the nerves and ankles, is the link to your sign. Upon arriving home, seek out a favorite chair and foot stool. Elevate your feet and legs for a few minutes. Take seven deep, cleansing breaths (seven is the number of Uranus, your ruler). Visualize bright energy flowing in with each breath and permeating your entire body. In your mind's eye, envision the light circulating through each extremity, including all of the tiny nerve endings and capillaries. When the image is clear, stand up and jog in place for a few minutes. Feel the steady current of the life force ripple through your body. Focus awareness on the movement of the lower legs. Complete the exercise with this affirmation: "I grow stronger and more healthy each day. The blood circulates freely, sustaining my whole body." Clover tea, which comes from a rich purple plant (purple is a shade most Aquarians have an affinity for), is the herbal brew to prepare; it is spicy, with a hint of sweetness and is highly nutritious, being an excellent source of phosphorous and calcium. Pour it into a spill-proof mug so you can safely set it on the computer while you go on line. For many years, clover was the preferred table tea of laborers and workers. Today, it can generate a sense of democracy and equality. These ideals are especially Aquarian. Bayberry is your aromatherapy scent; in folk magic, it is thought to generate luck and opportunity. Try burning a bayberry candle, and reflect on this traditional rhyme: "Bayberry candles burned to the socket bring health, good fortune, and gold in the pocket."

PISCES
The feet are associated with your birth sign. Slip off your shoes upon entering the house and sit down in front of your lighted aquarium. Enjoy the graceful, silent movements of the fish for a few minutes, and then extend your legs in front of you. Shake your legs to release stress, and then point and flex the toes several times. Take eight slow and even breaths (eight links to Neptune, your ruler), and next hold the right foot in both hands and massage vigorously. Repeat with the left foot. Appreciate your feet for moving you from place to place, as you repeat this affirmation: "As I walk, I draw respect and admiration through the day. My feet are strong and never fail me." Review the entry you made earlier that morning in the dream notebook you keep at your bedside. Pisceans are the celestial dreamers, and your recollections upon awakening are especially valuable guides in understanding the mysteries of daily life. As you make a habit of recording and analyzing dreams, you will find the messages they bring will become consistently richer and more meaningful. Ginseng is your herbal tea. Drink it hot or iced in a clear glass mug. Ginseng has a long tradition of creating strength and spiritual awareness. Savor it slowly, while maintaining a contemplative, meditative mindset. Sandalwood, a sacred fragrance long thought to draw divine favor and spiritual energies, is your fragrance. Burn it as an incense in a brass or glass holder set on a window ledge.