2010 New Year ~ Blue Moon ~ Pyramid Power

Leaving the noughties behind (*sigh of relief*) we welcome a new decade in the light of a powerful Blue Super Moon, which is not only in partial eclipse, but this triple whammy Cancerian Moon is also closest to the Earth, and our Earth is closest to the Capricorn Sun. It is a rare and tight celestial embrace between the Divine Cosmic lovers, Sun & Moon, aligning with our human Earth Spirit, inviting an intense but short-lived moment of magically merging tidal energies: Male with female, yin and yang, gold with silver, positive and negative, right brain - left brain, consciousness and the unconscious fusing together to create the potential to go beyond the normal confines of duality, into blissful Oneness. Within this sense of unity we can untie the knots in our heart mind and invoke the high vibration of pure awareness – not only to see things for what they really are, but psychically sense and feel deeply, all the while resting in objectivity, reflecting the celestial dynamic without attachement or aversion.

Karma is always magnified when the tremendous force of the dragon's head and dragon's tail are activated x 10,000; and with this lunar eclipse we have the possibility to work with incredible pyramid power (Sun-Moon-Earth; Mercury-Capricorn-Humanity; triple Aquarian Conjunction of Chiron-Neptune-Jupiter) to create strong foundations and release a potent positive intention of unconditional love into the collective atmosphere - the noosphere - a sphere of united and evolutionary human thought.

To make the most of these few hours either side of the eclipse (exact time of the Full Moon is on the evening of the 31^st, at 19:13 GMT), be aware these are enchanting moonbeams, even if covered by cloud. Protection is as important as being open. Yet if there was ever a New Year to make resolutions that can work, this is it, as ‘The Lights’ illuminate any intention you make. Over the next day consider carefully this year’s goals and objectives, and then ring in the New Year by inviting Full Moon insight and mirror-like wisdom for 2010. To complete any aim or purpose, personal advantage is enhanced by working for the benefit of others. And if you’re up for seeing the bigger picture, set a positive intention for the coming decade!

Bear in mind this coming year’s stars are multifarious, challenging and complex, reflective of the many choices and changes we all encounter. We are now also in a Mercury retrograde period (until January 15^th) (and Mars Rx until Spring). As usual, when Mercury is retro, we are advised to re-read legal documents and fine print at least three times before signing on anything big, like getting a loan, buying a house or setting up a business. This particular Mercury is in the same sign as the Sun, initiating and deliberate Capricorn, denoting solid framework to the formation and concretising of intuitive ideas that also combine a rational approach, a modus operando that is personally effective, as well as on a humanitarian level.

Mercury in Capricon says there may be a mountain of karma holding down or suppressing evolution and creating resistance. This could be internal, as in our own mind creates thoughts that hold us back, or external, as having to deal with a recalcitrant authority, for example. With Mercury in apparent backward motion, now is the time for quick thinking, to bring about a new vision and change in our perception that swiftly releases us from mental bondage. Taming the mind is therefore central and crucial to finding the freedom of new experiences, as well as bringing difficult and destructive experiences to a close. With planning and effort, the results of intelligent problem solving could bring movement in a positive direction at soon as the new moon on the 15^th January. And by the time of the metal White Tiger Tibetan & Chinese New Year, on the 14^th February, Valentine’s Day, much of what is currently being re-worked could be close to some kind a resolution.

As mentioned, the heavens are decidedly Byzantine this year, dominated by a rarely protracted phenomenon called ‘the Cardinal Grand Cross’ involving Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. If you are one of these signs, the inclination to act and create, participate and initiate is strong. This dramatic cross formation will be around for most of the year. While many astrologers are saying that these are the trickiest transits we have seen for a long time, we must make an effort to maintain the quest for liberation and generate the cosmic love vibration, not falling into the negatively controlling fear trap. The hot cosmic tip is to become mindful of one’s own place in relation to fellow beings, and to exhibit harmony and balance wherever and whenever possible, and accent the importance of peace. Influential Saturn is in peace-seeking Libra: If we are to have peace in the world, we must find peace within our selves. Admittedly this may be easier said than done, but there are breathing techniques that can quickly create this calm mind (and advance intelligence): by watching and observing the breath just for only ten minutes a day, it can be enough to generate the peace of mind one needs to effectively deal with everyday demands (of course, sit in longer meditation if so inclined!). One last astral snippet: a financial turning point towards the end of May brings slow but sure improvement all around. Good luck! May your New Year Stars twinkle with Love and Light!

Pic credit: Francine Hart

Winter Solstice 09 ~ 'Smile, breathe, slow down' Mars Rx

The magic of Winter Solstice lies in Yule log fires and mistletoe kisses, as the new light of the Sun King, symbolic of our divine and radiant life-giving Spirit, is rekindled to once again illuminate these dark northern skies. At this turning point in the southern hemisphere days begin to shorten, and the emphasis rests upon inner-reflection.

This 2009 Solstice is also very special – not just because it’s the end of one decidedly ‘interesting’ decade and the beginning of another with equal amount of dramatic promise – but several astrological factors suggest momentous transformation and spiritual evolution is compelling. It is the first Solstice Sun to be conjunct the potent outer planet Pluto in 248 years. This beam of Solstice sunlight into the shadowy realms of Pluto suggests we need to look further and discover hidden resources that will rejuvenate power and energise in the future.

We also approach the close of a long drawn transition which started in 1985, when Winter Solstice began to align with the Galactic Centre, and a ‘New Age of Enlightenment’ dawned, which was initially felt by the sensitive. This alignment was exact in 1998, and ends in 2012. Sorry to disappoint those who think it’s only 2012 when we direct our gaze upon our home spiral’s hub, at the same time as the light of the Winter Solstice sun begins to grow: we’ve been doing just that for over twenty years! That said spiritual evolution can happen in an instant, or as the fruit of years of practice.

And so it is with the last of three meetings, Jupiter, as celestial Santa Claus, with mystical Neptune, ruler of oceanic feelings and the collective undercurrent, that we wave goodbye to the year’s darkest hours. The highest vibration of these two energies (three, if we include Chiron, who is technically in the conjunction, but not exact) is an expansion (and healing) of humanity’s spiritual faith.

In the wake of COP15, the mood of the moment sees many lost in Samsara’s choppy Neptunian sea, unable to accept the change we seek comes from within each and every one of us. Our expectations may have been high, as symbolised by Jupiter in Aquarius, but giving up the game is not the same as surrendering to Neptune. As a transpersonal planet, Neptune often demands a sacrifice of some kind that urges us to let go of selfish tendency and go beyond personal desire; when we ‘give in’ to this higher vibration by showing compassion to our self and others, we surrender self-interest in the name of collective cosmic harmony and begin to generate Bodhicitta, the heart essence that emanates unconditional love.

With a Solstice Moon growing in light, right alongside the Triple Aquarian conjunction, we, the people (the moon is the populace in political astrology), are also illuminated: If we want humanity to progress, we must protect nature and all planetary elements, starting with water purification to initially help heal the current toxic overload, that manifests physically, mentally, psychically and spiritually.

Together, in our solstice meditation (Monday December 21st, 17:48 GMT), we can become a powerful force for altruistic intention, and lighten each other’s spirit, in spite of the enormity of the task which lies ahead. For the first part of the next year, Jupiter will be in Pisces, the changeable water sign, making it an opportune moment to act. Yet there is a major indication that we need to revise how we are going to act.

Posted all over London underground is a portrait of Ghandi, on a bright orange background with the words “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” Being a peacenik, (as well as once having been Ghandi in a facebook past-life quiz!) the copy caught my eye, enough to make me slow down and think about how fast-paced dynamic action is extolled as a virtue in the rushed hustle bustle of our modern society. From an astrological point of view such characteristics belong to the warrior planet Mars, otherwise known as the Sun’s henchman, the ego’s or our self-image’s best supporter.

Celestially speaking when we have the urge, impulse or need to make things happen, forceful Mars steps in to act as subordinate or competitive adversary, a rival or defender of the faith; like a bouncer at the hottest Christmas party Mars is portrayed as highly spirited – if a little hasty, clumsy and headstrong; it’s all too easy to get riled-up around such zippy Martial momentum. According to Sogyal Rinpoche (Tibetan Book of Living & Dying), “Speed IS aggression” (this should be a bumper sticker!). Yet much depends upon how speed is used and in what context. Quickly aiding someone suffering with a heart condition from one too many xmas toddies has a different sense of urgency than driving along a spacious southern French road, where even a 70-year-old speed-freak Santa can pugnaciously goad and overtake everyone in sight; in the later case it makes one wonder at the kind of personal perception we have about our skills, especially when spurred by thrill-seeking hurried power.

Yet the real point of Mars is to guard our Spirit, so we can enjoy participating in life with a light-heart, without getting hooked into endless angry dramas about the rate of success or failure and, at the same time, be generous enough to rejoice in other people’s triumphs; which is just what we may find ourselves doing while Mars begins a backward trail through the creative sign of Leo from a transformational Solstice point on 21^st December.

Whenever a planet puts on the breaks, lingers at station and then goes retrograde, we also slow down and revisit that part of our lives indicated by the astrological planet, sign and house in our horoscope. And because Mars is concerned with action it presents the perfect occasion to practice patience, particularly with our own self or ego, and take time – approximately three months – to rework and re-do aspects of our life we identify as ‘inspired’. Bear in mind how Leo is ruled by the Sun, the central core of the solar system, bringing light and warmth to the lion-hearted Leo’s sphere of love, generosity, artistic fun and creation - including children and parties. And as Leo Mars goes retro, just as the Sun begins to grow in light in the northern hemisphere, the challenge over the next few months is to make the most of opportunities that fully engage with the practice of ACTIVE LOVE, especially for oneself and those we care for, and to do so in style! So be brave like the majestic lion – open your heart and you will begin to notice that by the time Mars begins to go forward (just before the Spring Equinox) a smile here, a kind word there, and allowing yourself to be courteous and gentle towards others works wonders, not only for your own benefit but for everybody else’s interests as well. On that note, I wish you a very Happy Winter Solstice – Blessed Be with LOVE & radiant Solstice SunLIGHT.

Yin Yang illustration by http://www.francenehart.com/index.htm ; Ghandi by edmittance; Xmas Cats by me; Heart Sun by Stryde31; Tibetan Lion by Tony Annionos

Path of a Mindful Heart ~ 1st Full Moon Dec 09

Would you travel to the ends of the earth in pursuit of blissful love? Of course you would. You may think that a ridiculous question; but would you undertake the journey to the centre of the heart if it involved risk and possible danger? Hm, perhaps not so many hands go up. Therein a fundamental human problem lies; when we seek pleasure and gratification outside of ourselves, happiness often eludes and we end up suffering. Because the Sun is now in arrow-shooting, wisdom-inducing Sagittarius, it might be easier to pierce through delusion, and take on board the reality that the beauty of love actually radiates from within. All too easily we can ignore such a basic truth and search for solace from something or someone else: going for a new relationship, new restaurant, car, or job promotion we think will validate our need to be cherished – albeit temporarily.

From the onset of looking beyond our own heart-mind for the love and affection, passion or adoration we seek, we instantly set ourselves up for hacking through tough terrain. So often we meet resistance, or have to change tack too much, too fast – then if things don’t go our way we feel too timid, with a perceived lack of physical, mental or spiritual strength. Sometimes we confuse unquenchable desire with the human hunger for experience and the need to achieve, create and explore; even becoming resentful of those who dare go beyond ordinary confines – then we inadvertently protect and pretend to be content within our small lives – and continue to seethe inside from frustration, anger or resentment – but detached from our true loving nature.

Yet now is an excellent time to discover our glowing inner-essence and actively raise bodhicitta: Dynamic Mars is in fiery brave Leo, roaring as loud as it can to encourage us to become spiritual warriors, who know that to project obsession is not the path of heart, for that is the way of the power-hungry ego whose puffed-up sense of self is burdened by an attachment to a preferred outcome – sometimes holding on so tightly to an idea of ‘what could be’ that we encounter that most serious hazard: the danger of destroying the very thing we wish for. Yet the journey to fulfilment is only perilous should we fail to rest assured in the safety of our own most precious beating heart - a generous heart that generates love and compassion, and commits random acts of kindness.

I mention all this now as Wednesday’s upcoming Full Gemini Moon encourages us to keep the faith and watch the way our mind wanders. The planets now want us to think BIG and be open to opportunities which allow situations to develop with trusting, honest and caring communication. Electrical Uranus, group orientated symbol of sudden change which often brings mindful awareness is also now going direct after five months retrograde - just in time for the Climate Change meeting in Copenhagen, which begins during a closing phase of the moon and ends with a new moon phase, suggesting modern measures will be put into place. Just how far we go in protecting the environment or necessary job creation, using available sustainable energies, will depend upon how visionary and willing to come from the healing heart those in authority are. There is hope here (believe it or not) to do the right thing: Challenging centralizing change, our life-giving force, the Sun, is in square to the ongoing Saturn Uranus opposition, as Uranus goes forward. This Saturn Uranus transit is one of our times’ most important, spanning almost two years; thirteen months in with another eight to go. So we are coming the end of the middle phase (April is next and July the last); Saturn is now also exalted in Libra, promoting fairness in the midst of chaos. The Uranian altruistic and high vibration suggests personal responsibility towards others verses group awareness; finding strength with others’ of like mind can advance the global spirit towards peaceful unity.

There is a sense that if things don’t work out the way we planned, it can be with joyful Sagittarian enthusiasm we can at least be philosophical and, with breadth of vision, see what we personally need to learn in the process of becoming and being the best that we can, collectively as well as personally. The Blue Moon on New Year’s Eve can reveal that love conquers all.