Dec 27-28th ~> Lama Tzongkhapa & Dakini Day ~ ☼ ♑ ✶ ☽ ♏

☼ ♑ ✶ ☽ ♏
Post Solstice and Xmas, the Solar year comes to a close – as does this current lunation with the deeply insightful and feminine Scorpion Moon making a concluding, harmonious Sextile aspect to the practical Capricorn Sun. These last days of 2013 are therefore particularly yin, inward and reflective. And with both solar and lunar cycles heading for a union at the New Moon starting the Solar Year, January 1st is already marked as a ‘SuperMoon’ with a concealed Plutonic power that aides the process of extraordinary renewal in an almost enforced revitalisation, be it financial, emotional or environmental. The tantrica’s active participation in the transformation of hidden, subtle energies also reveal the intimate secrets of awakening bodhi-mind with an expansion of consciousness: the altruistic awareness karmically responsible, golden and glowing – ready for 2014’s dreams and drama, as well as tending the ordinary with a joyful heart.

So not only does today’s strong and meditative Dakini Day embolden courage,  insight and perception, as the magnetic Goddess conjoins the karmic North Node, but this Moon in Scorpio also hooks into the ongoing trineS between both, expansive Jupiter and shamanic Chiron. Within this healing perspective, searching deeper into and through difficult parts of the heart-mind and psyche, there’s a strengthening sense of fulfilment by clearing the way for a New Year New Moon by letting go of any residue sticky thoughts/feelings/ideas, as 2014 is a year for the heroic Spiritual Warrior to generate bodhicitta, create inner balance and peace, develop personal faith and, with an understanding of the law of karma, becoming even more responsibly aware of the interconnectedness of all life.  

❀ॐ☮☀✥☯ツॐLiGhT&ﾚ❤√E ॐツ☮☀✥☯ॐ❀

Today’s auspicious Dakini Moon also coincides with the day we celebrate the Mahanirvana of Lama Tsong Khapa, Losang Drakpa, the 15th century teacher and founder of the Galugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, to which His Holiness Dalai Lama belongs.  In this spirit, the artwork by Bernart Amygdalah, is a flower offering to the Red Dakini Goddess and all precious teachers. With LoveLight  __/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✶

☼ TARA MOON Xmas & ~> Medicine Buddha pujaS ~ Christmas 13

❤♫❤♫❤♫.•*¨`*•.¸♫❤♥☼♥☼♥☼♥¸.•*¨`*•.♫❤♫❤♫❤ 

╔══════════ ೋღ❤ღೋ ══════════╗ 

* ░H░A░P░P░Y░ * ░C░H░R░ I ░S░T░M░ A░S * 

╚══════════ ೋღ❤ღೋ ══════════╝ 

❤♫❤♫❤♫♫❤•*¨`*•.¸♥☼♥☼♥☼♥¸.•*¨`*•.♫❤♫❤♫❤

 

☼ ♑ ♇ - ☾ ♎ ♂

The last square lunation of 2013 certainly holds a planetary formation that has the potential to generate profound healing when the deeply sensitive last quarter Moon, in balancing Libra, conjuncts dynamic Mars; this combination challenges but encourages peaceful, friendly and loving relations. Looking after those we consider family, as a Mother would her child, requires diplomacy and infinite patience. As Mars opposes awakening Uranus in energetic Aries, surprises are best seen as opportunities to maintain an equanimous mind – especially within the sphere of personal and professional relationshipS.

This Christmas Day connects to a most powerful celestial pattern, one that has been a signature of the past years: ‘The Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’. At the Midheaven-MidEarth axis lies the Sun/Pluto conjunction, initiating through drama and crisis; opposite Jupiter in Cancer, the challenge is to open one’s mind and consider long-term views bearing in mind security and stability (within the spiritual practice, specifically regarding the responsibility of looking after others’ emotional wellbeing, (as part of a Global Family, who all have valid differences). On the horizontal sunrise-sunset axis of This Grand Cardinal Cross is a wild Uranus in Aries, holding the key to this Grand Cross, unlocking an awakening in amazing ways. Altruistic Uranus is exactly opposite the Libra Mars over this Tara Moon Xmas day, suggesting the overcoming obstacles entails a balance of opposites, such as variability and steadiness, prejudice and judgement, materialism and spiritualism. Whilst remaining fully in the present, available to playful spontaneity, this Xmas holds clues as to situations/energies that not only take us into 2014 with a New Year SuperMoon, but as even far ahead as May 2014.

☯ ✡☨ ✞ ✝☥ ☦ ☧ ☩ ☪ ☫ ☬ ☭☯ ✡☨ ✞ ✝☥ ☦ ☧ ☩ ☪ ☫ ☬ ☭

In any encounter, we have a choice: we can strengthen our resentment or our understanding and empathy. We can widen the gap between ourselves and others or lessen it. ~Pema Chödron

During this holyday of the return of the New Light King, we can lessen that gap with the help and wisdom of the Divine Feminine, and develop compassion for all beings, no matter their status, beliefs or religion. ENJOY!

Tara Mantra ~> "Om Tara TuTara Ture Soha" x108_/\_
Happy Holidays everyone! _/\_

_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ

☆•*¨*•.¸¸❤☾ Solstice ☼ Blessings ☽❤¸¸.•*¨*•☆ Dec 21st 2013

The ‘Light of Life’, Spirit Sun, is passing through a heavenly karmic gate that entails a cosmic initiation into ‘group’ consciousness, by entering Capricorn at 15:12GMT, December 21st, marking Winter Solstice in the north, Summer Solstice in the south. When the Sun reaches this turning point in its cycle – as it does twice a year – Great Spirit provides an incentive for us all to peacefully relax in a momentary 3-day 'gap', just like 'the gap' in meditation which happens in-between the ‘out breath’, and before the inhalation of prana with the ‘in breath’, as Sol = 'Sun', and Stittum = 'stoppage' or standing still.

These next three days are a therefore a celestial pause to honour the LoveLight (within), presenting the perfect opportunity to rest in the sacred lotus of the heart-mind and stop, assess, and release past (life) conditioning and (karmic) habits, letting go of pain and negativity, in order to liberate, heal and transform all that no longer serves our Divine purpose. On Christmas day the ‘New Light King is reBorn’ and the Sun starts to change direction once again, inhaling solar energy and bringing Golden Light into the collective consciousness. Take note: when you consciously breathe in positivity and exhale dark thoughts and feelings, you’ll be surprised at how much stronger and confident you will feel, instinctively lighthearted, able to radiate the LoveLight. _/\_

Remember that Goddess of Love, Venus, also begins her retrograde dance in Capricorn making this SOLstice a poingant time for relationships. For this is when the initiation into the light of consciousness becomes personal, learning to love ‘self’ at the same time becoming a world server.

A sensitive Moon now in Sun-ruled Leo also suggests we can now play and have fun, even when elevating consciousness. _/♥\_

So enjoy! ~> Happy Solstice! & Thanks for sharing. Thanks also to unknown artist for beautiful image of Shantideva, 8th century Himalayan Saint, on a Golden Lotus. Shantideva wrote 'The Bodhisattva's Way of Life'; and one of his prayers is also our modern day Bodhisattva, H.H. Dalai Lama's, favourites:

"For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain, until then may I too abide to dispel the misery of the world" - Shantideva's prayer _/♥\_

❉ Pre-Solstice Muse ~> Dec19th 2013

Did you feel a release, or at the very least a tug towards liberation in your heart during and after that full-power center-of-the-galaxy full m00n? So that with a freer Anahata heart-chakra the direction of the heart is clearer ~> ~> towards LOVE.

With dynamic Mars now in Libra for 8 months, peace, love & unity rules in all affairs - as does dialogue and mediation. ☮ Even LOVE Goddess Venus goes retrograde at this Saturday's winter SOLstice, 21st December, when an initiation into self-love begins, and consciousness elevates. In this we have a choice, however, as both Libra and Venus are signs of relationship balance, harmony and decision making. All the while the Solstice Leo Moon will highlight individual power preparing to emerge triumphant, to shine like the Solstice Sun with a return of the New Light King.

Meanwhile, Cancer Moon doubles the emphasis upon home-sweet-home; and a Moon conjunct the cosmic Guru, Jupiter opposite Venus, warns to not go overboard (comfort eating, for example) whilst at the same time appreciating the love, spiritual friends, and good times we already share. ॐ_/♥\_

~H.H. the 17th Karmapa~
" Our own positive qualities can be a rich source of joy for us. Even if we have just one altruistic thought, this is a cause to be deeply happy. We have ample resources for happiness in the bounty of our own mind......."

◯ Galactic Heart ~> The Higher Vibrational Light Source - ☉ ♐ ~ ☼ ~ ♊ ◯

Tonight/Tomorrow’s full Gemini Moon at 9:28GMT spotlights the most brilliant and powerful vortex at the heart of our Galaxy. With the illuminating Sun at 26Sagittarius, the Gemini Moon reflects the high vibrational light of our Sun conjunct the Galactic Centre, opening a super-sensitive portal for the conscious heart-mind to connect to our cosmic core, bathe in its luminosity, and allow it to permeate our being to radiate pure unadulterated cosmic LoveLight.

How one connects with the flow of this Divine Light of Consciousness spiraling through time and space, will very much depend upon what, exactly, we feed our heart-mind, as the focus of this Full Moon is upon wisdom, communication, and truth (relative & ultimate). If we live in constant fear, obsession or jealously, then negativity obscures the real truth of one's light-filled Buddha nature. Whereas nurturing the mind with positive thoughts and intentions means we are more likely to freely generate love, joy, kindness, empathy, compassion, humility and peace.

Bear in mind that both Sun/Galactic Centre and the Moon are in hard aspect to a very active Mars in harmonious Libra (and will continue to be so into 2014); so finding one’s balance during this Full Moon through (and into the New Year’s Eve SuperMoon) a ‘grounding’ meditation will encourage a release of both, past (life) information/habits/thoughts, as well as encourage enlightening visions of the future, which is why it is so important to find joy and bliss in present equanimity. Even if there is conflict with ever-changing direction (of the monkey mind), we can remain in authentic presence by watching the breath to create the equanimous heart-mind, and align with the wisdom mind's higher vibrational light source. _/♥\_

One last note is how Uranus, the awakening planet, is going forward today, after a long retrograde sojourn. Uranus in Aries impels a heightened state of individual awareness within group situations. Look to 8Aries in your horoscope and see where your personal altruistic heroism can be found.

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.” -Benjamin Disraeli

Galactic Full Moon Blessings of LoveLight & Happiness to everyone

Guru Rinpoche Day ~> 12th December ~> ☼ △☽ + ♃ △ ♄

Today's ‘Guru Rinpoche’ day is for feasting and celebrating the spiritual teacher (within). The Spirit of the Sacred Guru is embodied in the far-sighted, truth-seeking, Jupiter-ruled Sagittarian Sun on Jupiter’s day (Thursday); and with the Sun in this position, making a strong aspect to the Moon on this 10th day of the lunar cycle, it symbolises a triple dose of optimism, philosophical wisdom and strength – and therefore a great time to honour the intuitive Guru of the fire element, light offerings, prayer and puja.

Hold onto inner fortitude and know that the spiritual freedom found by grasping the meaning of the teachings - loving kindness, compassion, and mindfulness – are corner stones of stability, especially when the winds of change begin to flow towards the light at the centre of the Galaxy, at the same time as the Full Gemini Moon, in 5 days.

The Cosmic Guru, Jupiter, is also in the promised good aspect to karmic Saturn today (as per previous post): enhancing a positive relationship with spiritual friends and guides. Jupiter and Saturn also provide emotional insight into the deeper recesses of psyche, teaching there is nothing to fear, only situations/events/feelings which are to be understood.

Guru Rinpoche Mantra to overcome obstacles : ~>
_/♥\_ OM AH HUNG BENZA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG _/♥\_

With Love & thanks to Bernart Amygdala for his Cosmic Vajra _/♥\_

☽ 1st Quarter Medicine Buddha Moon _/\_Sun in Sagittarius ☉ ♐ ~ ☽ ♓ Moon in Pisces Dec 8- 9-10 ~ 2013

1st Quarter Medicine Buddha Moon _/\_
Sun in Sagittarius ☉ ♐ ~ ☽ ♓ Moon in Pisces ~> This health-giving combination of the growing ‘Lights’ develops faith, hope and charity, and is fluid and changeable. Emphasising deep emotional intelligence, this sensitive First Quarter Moon in square to Spirit Sun provides the ability to open the mind and follow psychic threads through the astral-morphic field by intuitively sensing oceanic connectivity and feelings of oneness and bliss. At the same time as expanding consciousness through creative visualisation, the Sagittarius Sun embraces the bigger picture through academic comprehension, understanding how the mind-body-spirit pathway is inextricably linked, especially when it comes to healing.

Research has shown how visualisation and mindfulness affect the body on a molecular level; with positive thoughts reducing stress on the heart-mind. Now the generous and unconditionally compassionate amalgamation of Sagittarius and Pisces encourage the happy heart and healthy morale that contributes to healing self, as well as others, by knowing that the circle of compassion is to include all beings with love and devotion.

This meditative Pisces Moon also forms a beautiful 'Grand Water Trine' between the Sagittarius ruler, Jupiter (which is also the traditional ruler of Pisces, hence the double-battery positivity with this combination of Lights), now in Cancer, and Saturn in Scorpio. Those who have 16-20 degree water sign planets could ‘feel’ an extra boosts of benefits this week. Also, think back to last July to see how much a certain idea/relationship/project has grown and stabilised; then give yourself until May 2014 to reach a conclusion. ॐ_/♥\_


With love & thanks for sharing and to unknown artist for wonderful cosmic chakra Merkhaba meditation ॐ_/♥\_

♂ Spiritual Warrior brings balance to self & others with Mars in Libra ♂ ♎

The dynamic planet of action, fiery Mars, is now at the very last ‘anaretic’ 29 degree of Virgo, meaning the zodiac’s warrior is about to leave the sign of health, work and routine, and change signs and move into Libra, the sign of the balancing scales. Mars in Libra is considered a tough placement for the martial planet, as Libra is the sign of love, harmony and peace – seeking the line of least resistance, where everyone’s needs get met; whereas competitive Mars generally prefers to build empires or fight trials with gung-ho might and strength. Mars in Libra, however, is in the sign where Love Goddess Venus is at home, and is where the heroic Spiritual Warrior learns to disarm, to mediate and to defend, protect and act in the name of amity, justice and LOVE. 

Take note: this is no ordinary passage through Libra, as Mars usually spends just over a month in a sign; but this lesson in learning Love and ahimsa, non-violence at all costs, is no less than 8 months long, as Mars will go retrograde at the beginning of March 2014, as 27 Libra, and go all the way back to 9 Libra on May the 20^th, when the scarlet planet turns direct; this planetary dynamo finally leaves Libra July 26^th 2014.  
Those born in the 50’s may feel the need to passionately defend ideals and dreams; Those both 1968-75 could shield peers and teams with greater enthusiasm; while those born in 1982-83 could well question the balance of power in love and law, without becoming embroiled in psychological or political games.  Ultimately, Mars in Libra is about learning to balance the heart-mind in a gentle and loving manner.
In the words of Sitting Bull, “Warriors are not what you think of as warriors.  The warrior is not someone who fights, because none has the right to take another’s life. The warrior, for us, is one who sacrifices himself for the good of others.

His task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who cannot provide for themselves, and above all, the children, the future of humanity”

With love & thanks to the unknown artist for the image of Yogi in Warrior pose, & thanks also for sharing.

♀ Venus & the Moon ~> ♀ ☽ ♑ Venus Rx - December 2013

The Queen of the Heavens & Moon Goddess conjoin today, 5th December, in Capricorn: This is a practical combination for relationships - while most everyone could feel the need for some kind of constancy and/or stability at home, at work, or even in the mind. In esoteric astrology, Venus is the hierarchical ruler of Capricorn, teaching that what we strive for is best served for the whole – not just for personal gain or ambition: In the sign of the Sea-Goat, Love Goddess Venus reveals how to love our work and work at love as both, love & work, demand steadfast responsibility and commitment to benefit others, with personal discipline and patience.

From the astronomical point of view, Venus is now the brightest light in the Western sky, to the left of a slither of silver light from a growing Moon. As the Moon moves quickly, growing into full on the 17th December, the now brilliant and seductive Night Star, Venus, is slowing, as the Goddess of LOVE is about to enter her retrograde dance at Solstice (Yule) 21st December. This means Venus will become hidden from Earth's view, going deep into the underworld - to learn the difference between desire and love - before emerging as a morning star January the 11th, regaining forward motion at CandleMas (Imbolc) Feb 1st. By Valentine’s Day 2014, the Love Goddess will be shining at her best as 'The Light Bearer', a rosy Morning Star. __/\__ ☼☆•*¨*•.¸¸ ☆

Cast your mind back to Jan-Feb 2006, this is the last time Venus was retrograde in Capricorn, and see how this ☆ five-pointed star dance ☆ of the Love Goddess might unfold in your own life. (Venus has made 5 retrogrades (20 months apart over 8 years) to form a celestial pentagram since 2006).

With Love and thanks to unknown artist for Purple 5-Star Mandala ☆

☄ Sun & Moon in Sagittarius 2nd/3rd Dec ☼ ☄☽♐ 2013

The New Moon in the sign of the Archer sets sights firmly upon success. The target or honours being sought may be of the material world, or spiritual acumen and/or the revelation of truth and freedom. No matter how big or small our ambitions, this adventurous, forward-looking Sagittarius New Moon at 00:22UT (19:22EST) provides strength to keep spirits high and hold course with any insight we may have when envisioning the future, as though the sky is the limit. But bear in mind that when fiery SoL and Luna are at this particular 10 degrees Sagittarius it also heighten the risk factor when aiming high, so it’s good to keep morals intact and issues/ambitions/relations in perspective, as 'The Lights’ now conjunct a Royal Star, Antares. Be aware that while this star blazes brightly, there’s a shadowy martial side when hurried enthusiasm or reckless ruthlessness has the potential to lose all in what ostensibly may still only be a game of chance.

Being inspired at the start of this lunation means it easier to seek out alternatives, and make the most of opportunities with dramatic, non-conformist changes in the first half of the cycle, with a waxing Moon, which takes us up to the 17th December Full Moon in Gemini - a magical Moon that opens a heavenly portal straight to the centre of the Galaxy. After which, Love Goddess Venus retreats and encourages a fondness of tradition (and whatever we are working on) by going retrograde at Solstice, making it a cosy Yule with a surprising Xmas twist that could grip us all the way to New Year’s Eve, when a SuperMoon kickstarts 2014.

Of course, from the Buddhist point of view there is no time like the present. Past and future are only concepts, so all we really have is the power of now, as the light-radiating gateway to spiritual awakening. And so it is in the afterglow of ISON's cosmic dust that the brilliant and wise Sagittarius Sun invites us to now shine-on and discover that single-point-in-times' liberating experience. _/♥\_ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶

With LOVE & thanks to unknown artist for fiery image of Chenrezig, Lord of compassion_/♥\_

☄ _/♥\_ Dark Moon in Scorpio - Dec1st ♏ ♄ ☽ ☿ ☄ ☉ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶

Dark Moon in Scorpio with ISON, Mercury & Saturn - Dec 1st '13
_/♥\_ ♏ ♄ ☽ ☿ ☄ ☉ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶
Dark moons are just as much times for sowing the seed as they are for releasing and letting go of old issues and sticky problems - sending them back to void. Because this particular balsamic Moon is conjunct the planet of the mind, Mercury, and karmic Saturn, the planet of limitation and endings, there’s a sense of finality to certain difficult issues (which could have been around for years). And as this weekend’s dark Scorpionic moon phase could trigger profound feelings - fear, loss, hopelessness - bear in mind how even these emotions can now serve as the means for dramatic alchemical transformation, from base ordinary things/ideas/relationship into treasured golden enlightenment.

It’s also worth noting that informative Mercury, disciplined Saturn, and the sensitive Moon are with Comet ISON! Though much is now hidden with the dark Moon, if there is ever a story of life, death and regeneration, it is Comet ISON. Pronounced dead and gone after its perihelion sungraze, ISON reappeared and perhaps may even able to grow its glowing tail once again – we just don’t know yet, as it has still yet to come into view, which it could well do again after the forward-moving New Moon in Sagittarius Dec 2nd/3rd. Though on December 1st, early bird sky dancers will catch the last slither of the Moon, with Mercury & Saturn in the pre-dawn sky – and possibly the comet. This combination of planets and comet is actually an extremely sobering stellium that once again determines the importance of understanding the nature of reality, in order to combat debilitating fears and doubts: that all is ultimately pure love and bliss.

Comets always bring unknown factors from deep space into play. And, in ISON’s case, coming from beyond magical mystical Neptune, its dynamic transformational energy affects us all. Generally speaking comets are not considered to be good omens, as they excite and heat disordered conditions. However, ISON – in whatever state it is in, is still under Sun’s beams, in the ‘crossover’sign between Scorpio & Sagittarius sometimes called the 13th sign, Ophiuchus. This part of the sky is attributed to the teacher of Hippocrates, the healer ‘Asklepius’ who is holding a snake; his staff the symbol of modern medicine.

ISON’s passage becomes doubly symbolic during the year of the Black Water Snake. In Tibetan Buddhism, the snake depicted in the wheel of life is symbolic of hatred, the root emotion to violence and war, when the way of peace is by transforming that angry emotion into compassion for all beings. Remembering also that the third week after enlightenment, Lord Buddha (whose rebirth we recently commemorated, at LhaBab DuChen, only a week ago) was sheltered by the coiled snake energy (Kundalini) of the seven headed snake (in line with seven chakras). Thus, to my mind, the symbology of a Dark Moon touching the tail of Asclepius’ Snake, aligned with the healing brother Mercury, earthy Saturn & ISON, it suggests the importance of global healing, activating Kundalini Earth energy, transforming consciousness and raising the Diving feminine Shakti power to the max.

And December's Venus retrograde dance at Solstice will again teach the importance of Five-Star LOVE ☆☆☆☆☆

Image is of Vajrayogini, the Goddess for degenerate times, as she is the manifestation of ultimate wisdom and compassion, aiding in the transformation of mundane experience into higher levels of spiritual understanding.

☄ Thanksgiving Dakini Day ~> November 28th ’13 ☼ ✶☽

Sagittarius Sun ♐☄ ☄ (with Comet ISON!) & Moon in Libra ♎

Accenting wisdom and beauty, this convivial combination of ‘The Lights’ inspires the fiery Sagittarian spirit of adventure with love, warmth, and more than a sprinkling of sophisticated Libran grace and balance. Interestingly, the Sagittarian Sun’s ruler, Jupiter, and the Libra Moon’s ruler, Venus, connect today in opposition, giving rise to expanded ideals (and possibly waistbands too!). This is a great time for putting much into perspective – especially relationships in partnership, business, teacher-student, or friend to friend; when the potential to find peace of mind through socialising, is by being fully present with those who nurture and support fairness, truth, and openness. All of which is heartening, especially when preparing to complete a powerful (and some might say ‘stressed’) lunation that began with a Scorpio solar eclipse, and ends with the Sagittarius New Moon on 2nd/3rd December. That said, this rather elegant Dakini Moon, in harmonious Libra, is opposite Uranus and square Pluto, encouraging the emotional body to sense the currently transformational zeitgeist; and, quite apart from the need to protect and steer clear of negative power games, there may well be some surprises in store; even these may take on greater momentum with the upcoming lunation in the sign of the Archer. But be aware that during the dark Scorpio Moon (30th/1st) care, caution, and consideration is called for, principally in being kind to self, as well as to others who have less altruistic intentions. _(♥)_

Wishing one and all a very happy Thanksgiving Hanukkah Dakini Day Tzog offering! Karma multiplied day x100 _(♥)_

Image is of Dakini Kurukulla (with thanks to the Buddha School, Taiwan, LeiTsang Temple). Kurukulla is the Goddess of the Cause of All Knowledge, who uses flowers, beauty and feminine wisdom as the means to charm, as noted by her flowery bow and arc. _(♥)_

No Mud No Lotus - Mercury / Saturn - November 26th '13 ~> _(♥)_

Planet of the mind, Mercury, conjuncts karmic Saturn for the 3rd time in a month, due to Mercury’s Scorpionic retro loop-de-loop; which means that whatever problem was going down at Halloween, and the 8th November, is once again given karmic Saturn’s powerful scrutiny. Issues raised back then could even now see some kind of practical resolve. This is because Saturn with Mercury urges us to examine traditional power structures, and the way we deal with authority, as well as any negative thinking or stuck thought patterns such as obsession, jealousy or control, by planting the responsibility for our own thoughts firmly back into our own heart-minds. This conjunction encourages us to transform and train the mind in a practical manner, which in Buddhism we would call ‘lojong’: training the mind towards awakening, through difficult and trying situations. So don’t worry if your rational mind is stuck in the mud today, reaching for lotus-like clarity will happen soon enough, as fleet-footed Mercury swiftly makes a good aspect to loving Venus AND the cosmic teacher, Jupiter on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 28th (when ISON sungrazes with the Sagittarian Sun!). _(♥)_

☽ Tara Moon in Virgo _/♥\_ 25th November 2013

☉⚥☽ Last Quarter Moon in Virgo ♍ square Sun in Sagittarius ♐

A closing Moon phase always highlights the need to re-orientate by upholding principle. With Spirit Sun currently in truth-seeking Sagittarius, squaring the sensitive Moon in practical Virgo, today’s Last Quarter Moon emphasis is upon planning and reorganising with a realistic eye to detail, thinking big with a view to looking forward with an honest and enthusiastic heart. This combination of Virgo and Sagittarius is changeable however; now is therefore the time to make adjustments, revising remedies that purify and heal, as well as arranging time and space for activities that broaden the mind, deepen spiritual development, and encourage artistic expression.

It’s a perfect day to touch the heart of consciousness, to meditate and inspire increased personal wisdom, kindness and awareness that can, in turn, be used to benefit the lives of suffering sentient beings.

Honouring Goddess White Tara with the white lotus for a long life; and to help purify body, speech and mind, cultivate wisdom and compassion and overcome obstacles. White Tara’s mantra "Om Tara Tuttare Ture Mama Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Svaha" _/♥\_

This Tara Moon coincides with the 'International day for non-violence towards women' ~> Dedicating prayers so that violence of all kinds be eradicated. Thank you. With love Laura _/\_

Thanks to unknown artist for White Lotus Om ॐ♥ N░A░M░A░S T░E ॐ♥

☽ Lhabab Düchen Sunday 24th November __/❤\__

‘Festival of Buddha’s Descent from Heaven'

KARMA MULITPLIED DAY (good or bad) x 10 million!

Lhabab Duchen is one of the four most important days in the Buddhist calendar. The 21st day of the 9th Tibetan month sees the celebration of Buddha’s return to the human realms from Indra’s Heaven; after spending three months and seven days in the sphere of the Deva’s, repaying his Mother’s kindness, liberating her and teaching the dharma. Buddha’s return to Earth (at the age of 41 – a Uranus oppostion, indicating a change of life) is considered to be one his eight great deeds.

From the feminine bliss realm (the realm of the 33, the Trayastrimsa) Buddha returned via a triple ladder, which was made by Vishvakarma, the Hindu god of architecture and machines. Built from gold, crystal and lapis lazuli, this triple ladder stretches all the way from Mount Meru to Earth (symbolic of illumination from crown chakra to base chakra, and the Tantrika using the central channel and right and left channels of the subtle body as vehicles for liberation).

At the appointed hour (on the Last Quarter Moon in Virgo, in definite aspect to the teaching Sagittarius Sun ) on the right-hand golden ladder appeared the all-powerful, all-seeing Bramha, with the fine form deities; on the left-hand crystal ladder came dorje-wielding Indra, with the Lords of the sensual worlds; while Buddha descended via the central lapis lazuli ladder, representing the middle path and an intimate relation with the realms of meditation, infinite space, and infinite consciousness; thus bringing protective wisdom of the Devas, from heaven to earth, the reborn Buddha illustrates how walking the Dharma path, the middle path, with loving kindness and compassion helps to overcomes ignorance and the duality of form and formless, nothing and everything.

Happy Lhabab Düchen everyone ! __/❤\__

◯ ♉ Taurus Full Moon ~ Festival of The Light of the Gods ♏ ☼ Kartik Poornima

The Full Moon at 26 Taurus, 15:16 GMT (12:16EST), November 17th, is an exalted moon – meaning this is the best possible sign for the emotional Moon to be in, providing stability in the midst of an incredible transformation. This moon radiates feminine wisdom, encouraging clarity and insight into the shadowy issues of control and desire, obsession and greed. Now is the time to be brave, get grounded, and leave no stone unturned when dealing with personal peccadilloes. As the Moon Goddess now displays a discerning wisdom which helps one to overcome the insatiable craving which self-cherishing fixates upon. At the same time this combined celestial experience of earthy Taurus and insightful Scorpio provides the opportunity to determine that which is wholesome and nourishing, for the spiritual warrior to uproot any negative emotion that obscures the realisation of ultimate and conventional truth.

Sun & Moon are also in good relation to the Cosmic Guru, Jupiter, planet of truth and freedom, affording an overview of a greater plan (in conventional terms that could take until March to implement or move to another stage). Jupiter is also currently exalted and retrograde in the water sign Cancer; and, interestingly, it is the Water element which is honoured during this Festival of the Light of the Gods, by making light offerings to water and libation to rivers, pools and oceans, there is a powerful symbolism of purifying and healing, releasing and renewing, and connecting to all that has gone before and all that is.

As light illuminates darkness, this is THE Full Moon revered by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists alike - although for different reasons, the reverence held for this Moon Festival of The Light of the Gods shows the profound power and depth of devotion and feeling during this fixed and determined combination of ‘The Lights’: Sikhs commemorate the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism; Hindus celebrate Kartik Poornima, the triumph of Shiva over the Tripuri, three cities overrun by Demons; for the Jains it is the Full Moon Festival of Light that comes after Diwali; for Buddhists it is the Moon when Lord Buddha accepts the invitation by one of his disciples to return to Earth from the realms of the Devas, the realms of the Thirty-Three, where he went to repay the kindness show by his Mother, and to teach her the Dharma (in the realms of the Goddess), which he does at the upcoming Last Quarter Moon. Thus, on Sunday the 24th of November, Buddhists the world over celebrate the rebirth of Lord Buddha, as one of the four most important days in our calendar.

Until then, receive the Full Moon blessings, and enjoy the clarity offered by this Moon of many names, Dark Moon, Tree Moon, White Moon, Snow Moon, Beaver Moon, Trading Moon, the Moon that celebrates The Light of the Gods.

Thanks for shring and love and thanks to unknown artist for beautiful image of Shailaputri, daughter of the mountain, who gave birth to the elephant-headed god Ganesh, the son of Shiva, whose mount is Nandi the bull. _/♥\__

Grand Water Trine ~ Guru Rinpoche Day November 12th __/♥\__

When the almighty Spirit Sun passes through the powerful sign Scorpio, it signifies a deep and extraordinarily insightful time, when touching moments are laden with poignant beginnings and endings that tend towards a some kind of rebirth: psychological, spiritual, or physical. And now, on Guru Rinpoche Day, as water signs Scorpio Sun and Pisces Moon work beautifully together with another strong and helpful planet Jupiter, the Cosmic Guru – also in fellow water sign Cancer (where he is exalted), they create a fluid and receptive ‘Grand Water Trine’.

While a Grand Water Trine encourages one to go inwards to explore the world of the imagination, this particular trinity is also spiritually expansive, showering blessings and generating hope and compassion which can only enhance Scorpio’s discerning skill, to bring about greater understanding of life’s magic and mysteries. Today may well be one of those days when it’s easier to be in one’s flow and synchronicity abounds.

The sensitive Moon is also the emotional anchor in today’s sky. So instead of being swept away by overwhelming feelings, transform negativity into positive action, and give thanks for all the goodness in life; by dedicating this beauty to the benefit of all sentient beings, we find stability within the compassion heart. __/♥\__

Guru Rinpoche Mantra ~> _/\_
Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pemma Siddhi Hung x 108

With love & thanks to unknown photographer of Guru Rinpoche's statue in the lake at Lerab Ling. __/♥\__

Spooky & Spacy ~> Medicine Buddha Moon in Aquarius ♒

First Quarter Medicine Buddha Moon in Aquarius ♒ in square to Spirit Sun in Scorpio ♏ _/\_ Spooky & Spacy!

When ‘The Lights’ are in this decidedly ‘fixed’ combination for a Medicine Buddha - Tara Puja Moon, we can hold the healing on course; improving at the same time as going deeper into the currently profound (psychic) transformation, the Aquarian influence awakens one to the often quirky alternative. Now is therefore the time to welcome any flashes of inspiration: new connections, new ideas, and new groups of people who can energise the soul, giving a feeling of cooperation that raises awareness, as well as the all-important altruistic intention.

Also, good news today, as Mercury, planet of information and communication is going forward to day (hooray!). All kinds of shared issues and agreements now get the go-ahead. This has been quite a difficult retrograde, teaching patience as well as enhancing insight, as all kinds of secrets, desires, and power games came to light. It might be worth noting that particularly tough issues may not even see a resolution until Mercury conjuncts Saturn again, for the third time in two months, November 26th. Until then take inspiration from Leo Tolstoy in War and Peace he says “The strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.”

Prayers going out to all those in need right who are now suffering, especially to those caught up in the wake of Typoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and all those trapped in war, want, and hunger ~ May they soon find relief __/♥\__

Medicine Buddha Mantra “Tayatha Om Bekanze Bekanze mahabekanse Rasa Samut Gate Soha!” ~~~> __/♥\__ “Hail! Appear, O Healer, O Healer, O Great Healer, O King of Healing! Let the Healing be swift And let the Healing begin!” __/♥\__

With love & Thanks to Visual Alchemy for the Green/Blue Buddha __/♥\_

☼ Phoenix rising ~~~> Sun leaves the Via Combusta _/♥\_☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶

At the astrological Samhain, 7th November, the Spirit of the life-giving Sun is renewed at 15 degrees of Scorpio, as consciousness rises like the Phoenix from the ‘Via Combusta’, the fiery path, having burnt to ashes all that is no longer necessary, in order to move forward (to the next Solar marker, Winter Solstice 21st).

The Sun is also now conjunct karmic Saturn, accenting that practice makes perfect, especially in regard to difficult and challenging tasks that require focus and experience. The trick is to knuckle down, take responsibility seriously, and not get despondent when faced with limitations and obstacles; because missions undertaken now bring great rewards when successful – it’s a hard job, but somebody has to do it.

On the plus side, friendly Venus just entered Capricorn, (Saturn’s sign) where she will stay until early March. This lengthy sojourn is due to her retrograde. And while this is considered a sobering position for the Love Goddess, at least it provides the opportunity to love one’s work, no matter how tough it may be.

Like a hopeful Phoenix reborn from flames, shine on beloved friends __/\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶

Thanks to unknown artist for glorious golden light maiden _/♥\_

New Moon Diwali Solar Eclipse ☾ ♏ ☼ 2013 Sunday 3rd November

Festival of Light ~> Diwali Solar Eclipse - Igniting Sacred Light

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The New Moon Solar Eclipse at 12 degrees Scorpio is the most potent New Moon of the year, as both Sun and Moon are with sobering Saturn and retrograde Mercury ~>  Call in protectors & set intentions wisely, as this Solar Eclipse is triple charged with a karmic mother-load, reminding us ‘what we sow, so shall we reap’.

From the tantric meditators point of view, during this particular eclipse subtle body sensitivity to unseen energy can at once highlight and/or clear kleshas (karmic imprints) in an instant, or at least chip away at old ‘stuff’ to lighten-up the way along the Dharma path. 

Meditators who work with the subtle body, channels and chakras, can, throughout this eclipse – and without identifying with ‘egoic mind’ – draw up from the Earth powerful healing Goddess energies through the central channel; at the same time, bring down through the crown with strong powers of visualisation a purifying insight that has the potential to release (past-life) habits and change thought patterns to alter direction and create dramatic transformation, all the while remaining grounded and stable at the base, bringing the Light out of from darkness, to radiate at the heart.

This eclipse has a peak of 1 minute 45 seconds, and will last approximately an hour and a half, depending upon where you are in the world, with Central Africa witnessing some totality.  Its influence is long-lasting, meaning that “Nothing ever goes away until it teaches you what you need to know” ~> quote from Pema Chodron

So, dear Spiritual Warrior, have a good eclipse, as we unite mind, body and Spirit ‘holding the space’ with love and harmony.

Thanks for sharing and immense gratitude to Joma Sipe for his astounding artwork for the cover of Theosophical International Conference.

See you on the other side… _/♥\_