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	<title>Cafe Astrology Relationships &#187; Romance &amp; Sexuality</title>
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	<link>http://cafeastrology.com/blog</link>
	<description>Love and Relationship Astrology</description>
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		<title>Break Up Songs</title>
		<link>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/break-up-songs/</link>
		<comments>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/break-up-songs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:20:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cafeastro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Annie's Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romance & Sexuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[break-up songs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cafeastrology.com/blog/?p=988</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is not astrology-related specifically, but I thought I would share some break-up songs here. Like the lines from Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve, &#8220;I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah/ I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now&#8230;&#8221;, sometimes music helps.
This one [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is not astrology-related specifically, but I thought I would share some break-up songs here. Like the lines from <em>Bittersweet Symphony</em> by the Verve, &#8220;I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah/ I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now&#8230;&#8221;, sometimes music helps.</p>
<p>This one by Dido is good for a Neptunian disappointment&#8230;discovering that &#8220;you&#8217;re just a boy, not a man, (and I&#8217;m not coming back)&#8221;&#8230;</p>
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<p>One of my favorite songs, Chicane&#8217;s <em>No Ordinary Morning</em>:</p>
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<p>Another huge fave, by Sinead O&#8217;Connor, <em>Thank You for Hearing Me</em>. I would have to say that this is what I consider the most beautiful song about a relationship that has ended, and coming to peace with it&#8230;</p>
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<p>The Cranberries, <em>Daffodil Lament</em>, about getting the courage to leave and move on, after struggling with the decision&#8230;</p>
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<p>Imogen Heap&#8217;s <em>The Moment I Said It</em>, about the realization that a lover is likely leaving her (for someone else)&#8230;</p>
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<p>My Immortal by Evanescence&#8230;</p>
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		<title>Do Opposites Really Attract?</title>
		<link>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/do-opposites-really-attract/</link>
		<comments>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/do-opposites-really-attract/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:25:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cafeastro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Romance & Sexuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opposites attract]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cafeastrology.com/blog/?p=364</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do Opposites Really Attract?
We&#8217;ve all heard it before &#8211; opposites attract. The adage is reiterated in movies, by our parents, and most notably from the mouths of friends who refuse to leave an unsuitable partner &#8211; &#8220;I admit we&#8217;re always at odds, but opposites attract!&#8221; Well, if opposites really do attract, then why do so [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_365" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 402px"><img class="size-full wp-image-365" title="yinyang" src="http://cafeastrology.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/yinyang.jpg" alt="Opposites Attract" width="392" height="335" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Opposites Attract</p></div>
<p>Do Opposites Really Attract?</p>
<p>We&#8217;ve all heard it before &#8211; opposites attract. The adage is reiterated in movies, by our parents, and most notably from the mouths of friends who refuse to leave an unsuitable partner &#8211; &#8220;I admit we&#8217;re always at odds, but opposites attract!&#8221; Well, if opposites really do attract, then why do so many relationships based on this theory crumble due to &#8220;irreconcilable differences?&#8221;</p>
<p>When the adage is taken too literally it seems to have the reverse effect. Potential life-partners who fail to share similar lifestyles, values and goals rarely enter the realm of eternal bliss because they are continuously butting heads with one another over issues that define the relationship.</p>
<p>A person&#8217;s contrasting lifestyle may be what intrigued their short-term partners in the beginning, but conflicting objectives and aspirations will inevitably cause problems in any relationship &#8211; especially after those initial sparks have burned out and the realities of life sets in.</p>
<p>So when do opposites attract &#8211; and actually stay together? Partners with dissimilar values, goals and moral standards may resent each other as the relationship progresses, but ironically, couples with contrasting personalities go together like birds of a feather!</p>
<p>You Say Potato &#8211; I say Potato?</p>
<p>In successful committed relationships, a high-strung, risk-taker is often balanced out by a down-to-earth, practical person. The animated, adventurous personality brings spontaneity and flair to the mix, while the practical personality assesses each situation with diligence, and keeps the relationship on an even keel. Relationships defined by this formula are often successful because where one person is deficient, the other steps in to complete the puzzle. Many couples with opposing behavioral traits tend to balance each other out, creating a team with collective skills in which they can both use for their own benefit.</p>
<p>On the other hand when similar personalities spend a lot of time together, often what results is either a relentless power-struggle, or a relationship where, well, nothing much happens at all (and both individuals either look elsewhere for companionship &#8211; or die from complete boredom).</p>
<p>So when assessing whether you should stay or go, or in the early stages of a new relationship, ask yourself this: Do we share the same values and goals in life?</p>
<p>If the answer is yes, then you&#8217;re on the right track. And if your personalities differ, don&#8217;t fret &#8211; as social psychologist Susan K. Perry concluded: in successful relationships, &#8220;you need a certain amount of strangeness&#8221; to keep things exciting.</p>
<p>By Naomi Kent</p>
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		<title>Sexual Aromatherapy â€“ How to Use Scent as an Aphrodisiac</title>
		<link>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/sexual-aromatherapy-use-scent-as-an-aphrodisiac/</link>
		<comments>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/sexual-aromatherapy-use-scent-as-an-aphrodisiac/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:48:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cafeastro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Romance & Sexuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aromatherapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cinnamon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sensuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vanilla]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cafeastrology.com/blog/?p=197</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sexual Aromatherapy â€“ How to Use Scent as an Aphrodisiac
Scent is the silent language of sexuality. We are affected by the scents around us, by the scents of others and especially by the scent of our lover. By adorning yourself with certain scents or adding the right scents to your bedroom and home you can [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Sexual Aromatherapy â€“ How to Use Scent as an Aphrodisiac</strong></p>
<p><em>Scent is the silent language of sexuality. We are affected by the scents around us, by the scents of others and especially by the scent of our lover. By adorning yourself with certain scents or adding the right scents to your bedroom and home you can create a sensual and romantic atmosphere your lover is sure to respond to.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-199 aligncenter" title="aromatherapy" src="http://cafeastrology.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/aromatherapy.jpg" alt="" width="430" height="291" /></p>
<p>Our sense of smell is tied directly to the part of the brain that is linked to memory and emotion. Research studies have proven that different scents can actually produce different emotions and reactions; they can make us feel a certain way. Odors have been shown to penetrate the human subconscious causing reactions such as changes in blood pressure, respiration and pulse rate.</p>
<p>Once a smell is remembered it is rarely forgotten. A scent can stir basic emotions and feelings. Memories can be recalled instantly just from the whiff of a familiar scent. A smell like your motherâ€™s perfume or your dadâ€™s aftershave can transport you back in time to your childhood. Our sense of smell is over ten thousand times more sensitive than our sense of taste. A healthy young person can distinguish and recognize over thousands of different odors.</p>
<div id="attachment_210" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 135px"><img class="size-full wp-image-210" title="vanillalavendersandalwood" src="http://cafeastrology.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/vanillalavendersandalwood.jpg" alt="   Vanilla, Lavender, and Sandalwood" width="125" height="201" /><p class="wp-caption-text">   Vanilla, Lavender, and Sandalwood</p></div>
<p>Aromatherapy has been used for over 5000 years from Ancient Egypt to Modern Europe in the 1920â€™s and 1930â€™s where French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse coined the term aromatherapy.</p>
<p>Aromatherapy has often been used in sexual practices and rituals throughout many cultures and time periods. Perfumes and sweet smelling herbs have played important roles in religion and sex magic. Many plants are known for their amorous properties and their scents have been used around the world. The â€œalchemy of scentâ€ has charmed and lured both men and women, it has been used to attract lovers, heal a relationship; it has been used in the art of seduction and mentioned in the Kama Sutra. Cleopatra was known to have used a special blend of rose, cardamom, and cinnamon to seduce Marc Anthony. Basil was used by young Italian women to charm and bewitch potential lovers, ancient Arabic manuals giving advice on sexual matters refer to Black Pepper for its erotic qualities, Ginger was used by the Romans for its sexual enhancement properties, an Italian princess used Neroli to fragrance her gloves and bathing water, and Tantric disciples smeared Sandalwood on their bodies while celebrating sexual ecstasy.</p>
<p>Aromatherapy is a part of creating perfumes. The arcane science of perfume has also been used for thousands of years and is based on laws of â€œvibrationâ€ and â€œpsycho-sensoryâ€ responses observed over long periods of time. A truly â€œmagicalâ€ formula will work on both the conscious and subconscious mind to illicit a predetermined response. There are many scents and scent blends that will cause sexual responses.Â  The modern perfume industry is still trying to create the perfect aphrodisiac by using blends of scent. Perfumes are designed to attract, allure, and cause arousal. It is all erotic aromatherapy.</p>
<p>By using sexual aromatherapy and anointing yourself with certain oils you can become irresistible to your lover. You can create a sensual ambience in your bedroom and throughout your home by using the aromatic essences. Essential oils can be used to increase sensual and sexual energies.</p>
<p>The essential oils and scents I am going to describe have been chosen for their known aphrodisiacal properties. These essential oils can be used in diffusers, burners, candles, incense, scent rings, scented potpourri, perfumes and colognes, added to bath water or added to massage oils to create a sexually enticing atmosphere in your bedroom and throughout your entire home. These scents can be used alone or in special blends to create the type of sexual atmosphere and sexual response you want.</p>
<p><a href="http://cafeastrology.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/spices.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-200" title="spices" src="http://cafeastrology.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/spices.jpg" alt="" width="136" height="114" /></a>Two of my personal favorite scents are vanilla and cinnamon. <strong>Vanilla</strong> is a very soothing scent, is known for its healing and calming properties and has been used in many â€œloveâ€ perfumes and potions throughout history. <strong>Cinnamon</strong> is universally known as an aphrodisiac. In a study of male response to fragrances, the most seductive of all the fragrances was a spicy cinnamon roll. It caused more blood flow to the penis than any other scent. I guess that explains why my husband always seems to have an erection, I have cinnamon scented candles and potpourri everywhere, not to mention cinnamon scented lotions and body sprays. All this time I thought it was me that made him so aroused when it was really the cinnamon. The erotic runners up in the â€œscentualityâ€ study were <strong>pumpkin pie</strong>, <strong>lavender</strong> and <strong>doughnuts</strong>. Funny, Iâ€™ve never thought of pumpkin pie or doughnuts as sexy.</p>
<p>Other scents known for their aphrodisiac qualities are:</p>
<p><strong>Basil</strong> has a sweet, spicy aroma. It has many associations with love, seduction and fertility. Basil awakens the senses and can arouse the basic sexual instincts. It can be used to reawaken a sexual relationship, help ease mental, emotional and physical fatigue and used in massage oils to remove weariness.<br />
Do not use during pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Bergamot</strong> can enhance the mood of lovers. Its lemon and floral aroma can lift a loved oneâ€™s spirit and it is able to alleviate tension and anxiety.</p>
<p><strong>Black Pepper </strong>can add spice and vitality to a love life. It has warming, penetrating and strengthening properties that can rekindle the flames of passion. It emits a spicy aroma that arouses the senses and supplies stamina and strength.</p>
<p><strong>Cardamom</strong> is a very magnetic essence used for sexual attraction.</p>
<p><strong>Cedarwood</strong> opens emotions and helps lovers enter a spiritual dimension in their lovemaking. It can sooth fears and anxieties and draws lovers into a blissful and sensual reality.<br />
Avoid using during pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Clary Sage</strong> is deeply sensual with relaxing and calming properties to decrease inhibitions. It boosts libido and dissolves fears and anxieties.<br />
Coriander is worn to attract a lover and it is also known for being able to keep a love relationship harmonious.</p>
<p><strong>Frankincense</strong> has a haunting aroma. It can bring depth and meaning to a relationship, heighten awareness and enhance communication. It can stimulate the senses and comfort the mind.</p>
<p><strong>Ginger</strong> is pungent and spicy. It will boost vitality and heat up the libido. Use it to inflame passion and desire.</p>
<p><strong>Geranium</strong> is a scent that adds a sustaining and restoring quality to a relationship. It can help open communication in a relationship.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-201 alignright" title="lavender" src="http://cafeastrology.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/lavender.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="200" /></p>
<p><strong>Jasmine</strong> is heady and exotic. It is used to capture, sustain or rekindle the affections of a loved one. It promises deep and lasting affection. It brings strength and warmth to a sexual relationship.<br />
Avoid using during pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Juniper</strong> is a scent that cleanses negative feelings and has stimulating properties. Use it to get rid of insecurities and form trust.<br />
Avoid during pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Lavender</strong> is a scent that is soothing to the heart. It relaxes and balances with its comforting aroma. Use it to heal and nurture a relationship and sooth the mind.<br />
Avoid use during the first trimester of pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Lime</strong> is a scent that adds cheer and laughter to romance and increases the appetite for desire and passion. Lime fills the atmosphere with joy and lightness. It eases anxiety and clears the path for communication.</p>
<p><strong>Neroli Absolute</strong> is seductive. It evokes a sense of contentment and eases communication. It acts as an aphrodisiac.</p>
<p><strong>Orange</strong> is a scent that brings warmth and cheerfulness to a relationship. It encourages joy and sensitivity.</p>
<p><strong>Patchouli</strong> has a deep, musky and lingering aroma associated with earthy sensuality and spiritual elevation. It is very sexually provocative and decreases inhibition and encourages desire.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-202 alignright" title="patchouli" src="http://cafeastrology.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/patchouli.jpg" alt="" width="179" height="188" /></p>
<p><strong>Rose Absolute</strong> is a scent with aphrodisiac and sexual healing properties. It is emotionally uplifting and opens the heart. Avoid use during pregnancy.</p>
<p><strong>Sandalwood</strong> has a sweet and woody aroma. It has been used in ritualistic sexual practices celebrating the divinity of sexual ecstasy. It encourages emotional openness and enhances physical sensuality. It creates spontaneous interaction and helps lovers get out of a sexual rut.</p>
<p><strong>Ylang Ylang</strong> is an erotic scent that acts as a powerful aphrodisiac. It increases libido and enhances attraction between lovers. It can sooth the over anxious while boosting low energy. It opens emotions and promotes a more sensual and erotic experience during lovemaking.</p>
<p>These essential oils can be found in health food stores, new age shops, in catalogs and online. A little goes a long way. Only a few drops are needed when added to water or other oils. Experiment with scents to create a custom blend that can greatly enhance your sexual appetite and experience. Using scent as an aphrodisiac can be a greatly rewarding experience for both you and your lover. Do not give up if it takes awhile to find the perfect scent or combinations of scent. Once you do find the perfect blend of sexual aromatherapy scents you will have a truly â€˜scentualâ€™ experience.</p>
<p>By Roxanne Rhoads</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Taste of Love: Culinary Aphrodisiacs</title>
		<link>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/a-taste-of-love-culinary-aphrodisiacs/</link>
		<comments>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/a-taste-of-love-culinary-aphrodisiacs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:07:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cafeastro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Romance & Sexuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aphrodisiac]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chocolate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[honey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love potions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vanilla]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cafeastrology.com/blog/?p=171</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although some might argue that good chocolate is better than sex, others might suggest combing the two for a more arousing experience.Â  Aphrodisiacs have played a long-time role in the history of food and sex.Â  Although their intrinsic value has been debated many times over, aphrodisiacs remain a subject of interest for many people throughout [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Although some might argue that good chocolate is better than sex, others might suggest combing the two for a more arousing experience.Â  Aphrodisiacs have played a long-time role in the history of food and sex.Â  Although their intrinsic value has been debated many times over, aphrodisiacs remain a subject of interest for many people throughout the world.Â  The following article discusses aphrodisiacs throughout history and the various reasons for their usage.</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://www.cafeastrology.com/blog/chocolate.jpg" alt="" width="133" height="200" />Throughout history, men and women consumed aphrodisiacs for essentially two reasons: to increase fertility or to enhance performance.Â  According to its definition, an edibleÂ  aphrodisiac is a food, potion, or drug taken to stimulate and arouse sexual excitement.Â  Many people swear that these work; albeit, some better than others.Â  Critics say that the foods may have a placebo effect when it comes to enhancing sexual performance, but are not likely to be authentic love potions.</p>
<p>In the ancient world, many food items were seen as having sexual powers.Â  Not surprising, many of these foods sometimes resembled human genitalia.Â  Bulbs and eggs and other foods that may have appeared like a seed were often tried for their aphrodisiac properties.Â  Food was immensely popular to the ancients and its collection was linked to many aspects of life.Â  Poor nutrition was commonplace and could cause people to experience a drop in both fertility and libido.Â  Consequently, some foods that could stimulate energy could certainly be thought to have other stimulating effects.</p>
<p>If one is to judge an aphrodisiac by shape alone, itâ€™s not shocking that asparagus tops many lists of sexually enhancing foods.Â  Asparagus, either boiled or steamed, and eaten for a period of three days is supposed to unlock hidden stores of sexual energy.Â  The fact that asparagus is also nutritious may make experimenting with it worth try.</p>
<p>Almonds have long been considered an amorous food.Â  Their shapes have long been compared to the eyes of beautiful eastern women.Â  In regard to sex, almonds are said to increase the power of fertility and enhance female passion.Â  Keeping a few on the nightstand is easy and almonds are also a nutritious snack; so, one way or another, you are likely to benefit by eating handful.</p>
<p>Translated, the Aztec name for avocado means â€œtesticle tree,â€ so it is little wonder that avocados were eaten to increase desire and enhance sexual pleasure.Â  Like many fruits, avocados have a delicious texture that lends itself well to aphrodisiac lore.</p>
<p>The Aztecs were also some of the first chocolate connoisseurs and they were not shy about consuming it for its aphrodisiac benefits.Â  With more antioxidants than a glass of wine and a caffeine kick to boot, chocolate can provide a bit of a heady rush that lends itself well to the sex department.</p>
<p>Still, if a box of chocolates doesnâ€™t work for her this Valentineâ€™s Day, try offering a package of licorice.Â  The Chinese believed that licorice could stimulate lust in a woman and increase passion.Â  Licorice root has been used in folk medicines since ancient times.</p>
<p>Honey is a well-known aphrodisiac that has been used in potions, medicines, and cooking since ancient Egyptian times.Â  Honey is also a main ingredient in mead, an alcoholic beverage that was consumed in ancient times as well.Â  Medieval couples were known to drink mead on the wedding night to induce passion.</p>
<p>The Romans made oysters out to be popular aphrodisiacs.Â  Even today, many people are aware of this foodâ€™s amorous past and eat them accordingly.Â  Nutritious and full of protein, the Romans may not have valued these traits, but they believed that oysters and wine could lead a woman to lose her inhibitions and act with wanton abandon.</p>
<p>Vanillaâ€”both the taste and smellâ€”have been linked to sex over the centuries.Â  In fact, some studies by perfume companies have found that the scent chosen most often as a favorite among men and women was vanilla.Â  Add a touch of vanilla to coffee or a vanilla bean to champagne and you may have the makings of an erotic evening.</p>
<p>Perhaps less romantic than chocolate and vanilla, bananas and carrots (for obvious reasons) were also known aphrodisiacs.Â  Their suggestive shapes ranked them high on the list of aphrodisiacs and they have been eaten by various royal pairs from history in order to increase fertility.</p>
<p>Other important aphrodisiacs from history include fennel, coriander, garlic, figs, ginger, basil, broccoli, aniseed, strawberries, celery, squash, mustard, cinnamon, parsley, chili peppers, nutmeg, papaya, raspberries, caviar, crab, pomegranates, peaches, oats, mangoes, tomatoes, pistachio nuts, snails, turnips, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, and truffles.Â  Of course, these foods are easy enough to find in your local markets, but some cultures included more exotic edibles that will not likely top your grocery lists like a tigerâ€™s testicles or a Spanish fly.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, just as the ancients suggested that some foods could powerfully enhance sex and fertility, they also believed that other types of food could greatly detract them.Â  Some of these include lettuce, rue, dill, and watercress.</p>
<p>Itâ€™s also interesting to note, that while there have been studies of drugs used to treat male impotence, there have been very few inquiries from modern science into the value of aphrodisiacs.Â  While disbelievers may scoff at their abilities to work wonders for our sex lives, others believe they have the ability to work sexual miracles.Â  Of course, since many taste great, are basically nutritious for you and far safer than illicit drugs like the notorious sex drug Ecstasy, it may not hurt to give some of these ancient love elixirs a try!</p>
<p>By J. A. Young</p>
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		<title>Astrology and Gemstones: What&#8217;s Your Bling?</title>
		<link>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/astrology-and-gemstones/</link>
		<comments>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/astrology-and-gemstones/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:28:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cafeastro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Romance & Sexuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[birthstones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstones]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cafeastrology.com/blog/?p=97</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Astrology and Gemstones: What&#8217;s Your Bling?
Choosing the right gemstone has a lot to do with your birthday. According to the Astrological Table of Gemstones, each sign of the zodiac has its own special gem. 
Aries: Aries is a fire sign that shines brightly with an inner fire. It is headstrong and always at the cutting [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Astrology and Gemstones: What&#8217;s Your Bling?</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.cafeastrology.com/blog/gemstones.jpg" class="alignright" width="290" height="193" />Choosing the right gemstone has a lot to do with your birthday. According to the Astrological Table of Gemstones, each sign of the zodiac has its own special gem. </p>
<p>Aries: Aries is a fire sign that shines brightly with an inner fire. It is headstrong and always at the cutting edge, so what more fitting gem for this sign than the brilliant diamond? As Aries also rules the head, diamond earrings or studs are especially appropriate. </p>
<p>Taurus: This sign loves the lush bounty of nature, so the correct gemstone is the lush green emerald. Ruled by Venus, Taurus loves a beautiful setting. Remember that when you gift a Taurean an emerald necklace, for Taurus also rules the throat.</p>
<p>Gemini: Bright, lively Gemini needs a sparkling gem, and both the shimmering agate and the sparkling crystal are appropriate. Have them set in rings, cuff links or bracelets as Gemini is ruled by Mercury, which rules the hands.</p>
<p>Cancer: This sign is ruled by the Moon, so the pearl and the moonstone are the correct gems for this sign. They are best presented as a beautiful brooch or tie pin, or you could try a belt or gems set in a silk girdle, as Cancer rules both the breasts and the stomach.</p>
<p>Leo: This warm hearted fire sign responds to the ruby, with its fiery glow. Leo rules the heart, so a pendant, brooch or tie pin will be the perfect setting for a ruby gift.</p>
<p>Virgo: This sign loves the fruits of the earth and the glow of nature &#8211; its natural element is summer, so the lush golden glow of the sardonyx makes a fine gemstone for Virgo. Like Gemini, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, which makes rings, cuff links and bracelets the ideal setting for Virgo&#8217;s gem.</p>
<p>Libra: Airy, balanced Libra appreciates fine things, and especially the Libran gem, the sapphire. Ruled by Venus, Libra is as fond of adorning the neck as Taurus, but will wear jewelry in any form. Remember that Libra loves balance, so perfectly matched sets, like earrings, bracelet and necklace will be the favored choice.</p>
<p>Scorpio: This dark, mysterious sign favors something out of the ordinary in gems &#8211; the correct gem for Scorpio is the vivid, iridescent opal. Scorpios like concealment, so a gift which is not readily seen will be appreciated &#8211; a pendant which can be worn under clothes, a compact or charm which can be kept out of sight, will appeal to Scorpios.</p>
<p>Sagittarius: This is a fire sign that appreciates freedom and loves to travel. The sparkle of the Sagittarian gem, the topaz, echoes the sparkle of this exuberant sign. Whether blue or typical topaz gold, this gem will suit Sagittarians in a simple setting that can be worn on the run.</p>
<p>Capricorn: This status conscious sign favors a gem with understated elegance &#8211; the amethyst is the perfect gem for Capricorn. The setting should be timeless, for passing fads do not retain their value. For busy Capricorns, a watch setting is perfect &#8211; but they will also appreciate elegant<br />
rings or earrings.</p>
<p>Aquarius: While there have been many candidates for the gemstone of this sign, the Aquarmarine, which echoes the name shines with cool blue radiance, is the most appropriate choice. Aquarius is the sign of the unexpected, and rules the ankles so you can choose unusual settings, such as an ankle bracelet.</p>
<p>Pisces: This sign is most closely associated with the vastness of the ocean, so the most appropriate gemstone is jade, which echoes the endless depths. This gem can be presented in any form, but especially appealing to Pisceans are delicate adornments for the feet and hands.</p>
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		<title>15 Feng Shui Ways to Turn Your Bedroom into a Romantic Retreat</title>
		<link>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/feng-shui-turn-bedroom-into-romantic-retreat/</link>
		<comments>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/feng-shui-turn-bedroom-into-romantic-retreat/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:28:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cafeastro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Romance & Sexuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feng shui]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[romance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cafeastrology.com/blog/?p=71</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[15 Feng Shui Ways to Turn Your Bedroom into a Romantic Retreat
Has your love life lost its luster? Maybe your boring bedroom is to blame. You can revamp your room into a romantic retreat by using the ancient art of feng shui (pronounced fung shway).
Feng shui is all about enhancing the environment around you to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>15 Feng Shui Ways to Turn Your Bedroom into a Romantic Retreat</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://www.cafeastrology.com/blog/fengshuibedroom.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" />Has your love life lost its luster? Maybe your boring bedroom is to blame. You can revamp your room into a romantic retreat by using the ancient art of feng shui (pronounced fung shway).</p>
<p>Feng shui is all about enhancing the environment around you to create a positive flow of energy. By taking into account colors, compass directions, natural elements and proper placement of furniture and other items in a room, feng shui techniques can alter what occurs in the rest of your life.</p>
<p>With feng shui, romance begins in the yin (feminine) vibration of your room. Yang (male) energy should be kept to a minimum in the bedroom. Excite the chi (life-force) in the room by creating a romantic and passionate atmosphere.</p>
<p>Here are 15 ways feng shui elements can be used in your bedroom to enhance love and passion in your romantic and restful retreat.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Feng shui expert Nancilee Wydra suggests starting seduction at the door with a sensual scent. A spicy scent like cinnamon apple is sexy and uplifting. My personal favorite is a custom blend of apple cinnamon and vanilla.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Invoke the passionate fire element by using candles, oil lamps (or on a cool evening a roaring fire if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your bedroom).<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Feng shui places a lot of emphasis on color selection and use. Warm colors such as browns, beiges, earthy reds, rosy pinks, subtle oranges and warm yellows are best for the bedroom. Red is the color of love and passion and is best for sexual energy while yellow symbolizes communication.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Have furniture and objects in your room with soft feminine curves. Avoid pointy male objects. Think of round pillows, hearts, and an oval ottoman anything with natural curves instead of harsh lines.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â In feng shui the location of the bed is a very big deal. You should be able to see the door from the bed but not be directly in front of it. Your head should not be towards the door. The headboard should be firmly against a wall not a window. There should be nothing under your bed so chi can flow freely around it. You should not be able to view your bathroom from your bed. If you bed is on the same wall as a door this can cause disagreements between a couple.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Arrange everything in pairs to symbolize a union- two candles, two paintings, or two sculptures.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â If you are in a relationship have photos of you and your lover around the room. If you are married a wedding photo of just the two of you would be perfect. Other great photos would be of the two of you on vacation or any photo of the two of you that depicts happiness as a couple.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Enhance the passionate energy in your room with objects and paintings in shades of red, pink and garnet.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â To preserve sexual receptivity place a ruby or garnet on each nightstand. These stones are very powerful in attracting the opposite sex.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Feng shui principles suggest placing a red object on the womanâ€™s nightstand to increase eroticism in the female partner.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â A piece of copper should be placed on the maleâ€™s night stand. Copper represents the male essence and enhances male eroticism. YouÂ  could use a tiny jar of copper scraps or any object made of copper.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â In the right hand corner of the bedroom (from the entrance) create a love shrine. This area should be dedicated to symbols that remind you of romance and passion. These symbols will activate the energy of love. You could use erotic art, a sculpture of two lovers, a heart shaped object, two hearts intertwined, crystal prisms or a mobile. Place items there that would be meaningful to both partners in the relationship.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Incorporate natural materials in your room such as fur, leather and wool. For your bedding you should use natural cotton or silk. Avoid synthetics like polyester.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â Feng shui expert Ellen Whitehurst suggests intertwining two 27 inch red cords and hanging them inside your bedroom on the doorknob to bind love energies to you.<br />
â€¢Â Â  Â There is no place more perfect for sensual art than in the bedroom. Nothing is more suggestive than piece of attractive erotic art hung over the bed. Erotic paintings and sculptures can be put throughout the bedroom to supercharge sexual energy.</p>
<p>By incorporating the elements of feng shui into your bedroom you not only alter the way your room looks but you can also alter the experiences you have there.</p>
<p>by Roxanne Rhoads</p>
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		<title>Human Pheromones â€“ Fact or Fiction</title>
		<link>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/human-pheromones-fact-or-fiction/</link>
		<comments>http://cafeastrology.com/blog/human-pheromones-fact-or-fiction/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:19:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>cafeastro</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Romance & Sexuality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[human pheromones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scent]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://cafeastrology.com/blog/?p=67</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Human Pheromones â€“ Fact or Fiction
Pheromone research has been extensive in the animal kingdom. Pheromones are a naturally occurring chemical compound found in insects, animals, and supposedly humans. When pheromones are secreted they dictate sexual behavior and sexual desire. The term â€˜pheromoneâ€™ was coined in 1959 by German scientists to describe the sex attractants of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Human Pheromones â€“ Fact or Fiction</p>
<p><img class="alignright" src="http://www.cafeastrology.com/blog/pheremones.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="254" />Pheromone research has been extensive in the animal kingdom. Pheromones are a naturally occurring chemical compound found in insects, animals, and supposedly humans. When pheromones are secreted they dictate sexual behavior and sexual desire. The term â€˜pheromoneâ€™ was coined in 1959 by German scientists to describe the sex attractants of insects. The word â€˜pheromoneâ€™ is based on the Greek words pheran which means to transfer and horman which means to excite.</p>
<p>Animals and insects use pheromones as communication. They can be consciously detected over long distances. They help animals recognize mates, mark territory and signal sexual interest. Animal and insect pheromones are used today in pest control products to lure insects into traps or to repel other insects or animals from coming into a certain territory. Hunters use female animal pheromones to attract the male as prey.</p>
<p>The concept of human pheromones has been debated and researched for years. Dr. Winnifred Cutler, a biologist and behavioral endocrinologist is one of the leading researchers on human pheromones. She has linked pheromones to effects on womenâ€™s menstrual cycles and fertility. Male pheromones can cause their female partners to be more fertile, have regular menstrual cycles and milder menopause.</p>
<p>Dr. Cutlerâ€™s studies show that women are most affected by pheromones, those of men and of other women. Pheromones explain why women who live together usually menstruate at the same time. Dr. Cutler reports that â€œItâ€™s remarkable. A very clear pattern has been emerging and it confirms that a womanâ€™s optimal reproductive health is part of a finely tuned system and that a man, on a regular and sustained basis, is an essential part of it.â€ More studies are being done to see how pheromones can impact and help those who are having fertility problems. So it turns out men are useful to women after all. Itâ€™s about time we found out what they were good for.</p>
<p>So how do pheromones work? Humans seem to have lost the capacity to consciously detect pheromones, but the perception is still there on a subconscious level. Scent does go through the most primal part of our brain, the same part that deals with memory and emotion. Odors have been shown to penetrate the human subconscious and cause physical reactions such as change in blood pressure, respiration and pulse rates. The same happens with pheromones. They are subconsciously detected and illicit an internal sexual response. Scientists have found that pheromones are detected through the Vomeronasal Organ in the nose. The vomeronasal organ is located near the entrance of the nose. It detects the pheromones then sends a signal to the brain.</p>
<p>According to an article in â€œPsychology Todayâ€ how we perceive body odors of others is a highly selective process. We usually smell best to someone whose genetic make up is most different than our own. This benefits us in the long run when it comes to producing strong, healthy children. Men are said to secrete the pheromone Androstenone to attract women and women secrete Androstenol to attract men. Though in todayâ€™s super clean and hygienic society we often wash away all of our natural scent. In the animal world pheromones still dictate sexual behavior and response. Humans have lost much of that, though there are pheromone products on the market are supposed to help, but are any of the products worth buying? Dr. Winnifred Cutler did a study using a commercial pheromone called Athena, which she developed. Seventy Four percent of those studied experienced increases in hugging, kissing, and sexual intercourse.</p>
<p>What about the rest of the products on the market? Some are pretty expensive. Many companies have taken the research and made their own products making extraordinary claims that these colognes and perfumes will have the opposite sex falling to their feet in front of you or lined up to get into your bed. They claim you will be irresistible to the opposite sex. So I wanted to know if there is any basis to these claims, do any of these products actually work.Â  So I conducted my own study on several pheromone colognes, sprays, gels and oils.</p>
<p>I enlisted my husband as a guinea pig and took a few pheromone products for a test run. We tried them on each other and wore them out into the real world. No one attacked either one of us though we did receive some extra attention from the opposite sex while wearing some of the products. My conclusion is if you want to make the opposite sex fall at your feet like the ads claim, well itâ€™s not going to happen, but if you want some extra attention or a bit of an edge, they might work to your advantage. If you want to spice up your love life with an existing partner, that is possible.</p>
<p>We found that the products seem to work best when the man and woman are both wearing the corresponding female or male based pheromones. The products that worked best for us were The Edge for him and The Edge for her. When we wore those we had an unbelievable night of lovemaking. Alter Ego products for him and her came in a distant second, but there was definitely a big gap in the response factors. Some other products caused a few blips and interesting responses but believe me, no one was being attacked by strangers and the doors were not being beaten down by any would be lovers.</p>
<p>As far as the other wonderful benefits of human pheromones I can not testify, though I have always pretty much had a man in my life and Iâ€™ve never had menstrual problems or fertility issues. Iâ€™ll leave those studies to the scientists though who are now doing extensive research on the implications pheromones may have involving fertility and even depression.</p>
<p>By Roxanne Rhoads</p>
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