☯ Sun in Libra ~ Moon in Cancer ☯

October 4th-5th 2015
☯ During the second part of a lunation cycle, with the moon waning from full to dark, the feminine influence is strong. Thus today’s Last Quarter Moon in Cancer, where the sensitive Moon rules watery Cancer, the Great Mother Goddess wields a magnified influence, especially when creating a balance between time management, as home and within social relationships. Be those contacts in business or with loved ones, it might now be worthwhile to review the past few weeks - from the solar eclipse three weeks ago, to last week’s dramatic blood red lunar eclipse. See how much has already altered in certain important relationships just by being brave enough to let-go of outmoded ways of being (together) that no longer serve the highest good for either party.

☯ While Mercury is still retrograde, keeping lines of communication open and as clear as possible remains of paramount importance; though there is the temptation to play cards close to one's chest, a certain amount of transparency appears fortunate for everyone. Mercury goes forward on the 10th October, freeing-up space for the kind life-transforming changes that only happen once every few years. And a new Moon on the 13th marks a month of major resolutions on many levels and in many ways - as long as one is prepared to purify, serve, and grow the feminine wisdom that is currently on offer.
☯ Image is of Ganga, Goddess of the sacred Ganges river, whose name means 'Swift Goer', as she rides a crocodile (Capricorn) spreading divine potency while she flows into terrestrial realms.

✶ A Dark Moon Equinox ~ September 2014

If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.” ― Thích Nhất Hạnh, Being Peace

Dakini Day~> 19th Sept
✶ With Spirit Sun in the sign of the Virgo Goddess, and the sensitive Moon at home in Cancer, the Lights now reflect a deeply feminine caring quality. Subjects to which we feel an innate kind of loyalty and need to protect, such as health and work, (female) friends and family (Sangha), the historical past - as well as personal creativity - all can now blossom and bloom by showing the kind of love a mother would nurture her child - even when/if self-administering.

✶ A Dark Moon Equinox is days away, 23rd September, when aligning with Earth’s balance of light and dark between the hemispheres will encourage a poised and steady, confident heart. In the midst of this natural change of season, calm stability is more easily achieved by relaxing into where you are now, super cool, with nothing to regret, nor anything to strive for, just resting in the still point of balance, inherently mindful and meditative of life, love and light.

✶ From the astrological perspective, and depending upon which side of Gaia you are, this autumnal/spring equinoctial marker is followed swiftly by a galactically influenced new Libra Moon on the 24th. This New Moon, in the Sign of the Scales, will conjunct the ‘Super Galactic Centre’ – the centre around which our own Milky Way galaxy, along with other galaxies, spiral. And as all things are interconnected (through the conscious Buddha field of love and light), a new Moon upon this powerful but potentially peaceful sensitive Libran point is mind-boggling in its’ extensive vastness – it’s a though the existence of our own ‘Immeasurable Heaven’ (within the recently named ‘Laneakia’), is instinctively and most naturally drawn to love, peace and equality.

☆ ‘Right View’ ~> April 6-7-8th ☼/♅ ♈ ☆ ☾/♃ ♋

Mind, body and spirit are inextricably linked, especially when it comes to healing. Yet we can so easily be thrown off centre by difficult events and situations; even a random thought or memory, or unkind word can disrupt our equilibrium and entrap negative emotions that can tap into past karma and enforce our delusions. So that we don’t fall into an abyss of pain and suffering (even if unwell), having what Buddhist’s call the ‘Right View’ puts whatever we are going through into perspective. The ‘Right View’ involves seeing all things as a) impermanent b) exploring that the ultimate ‘real’ you is egoless (i.e. there is no independent, self-existing ‘I’) and c) it’s the very misconception of self that needs to release attachment or aversion to suffering as well as perceived success in order for our intentions – and outcomes, to remain wholesome.

This is not to say that one must reject our pain or anger, boredom, depression, disappointment as insignificant or indeed high points in our lives, because on a relative level they do exist and are extremely relevant to our spiritual journey. But when one ‘observes’ such emotions (through meditation) it becomes easier to identify how certain feelings play out in the mind and body, and affect our overall wellbeing _/♥\_

☆ From the astrological view, this month’s Medicine Buddha Moon in sensitive, caring Cancer conjuncts the Sacred Guru, Jupiter - the planet that affords perspective. We can therefore use these next few days to look after ourselves – and others – and see and recognise the negative thought patterns or wrong actions we cling to. And because the sensitive Moon highlights a powerful opposition between Jupiter and transformational Pluto (exact 20th April), we can even release destructive emotions and thoughts and let go of these repetitive loops from being carried forward as part of our karmic pattern _/♥\_

✧ Miracles _/♥\_ day 7 & 8 (of 15) ~> March 9th

On the 7th day the Buddha created dharma wheel connections; and thunder on the 8th day frightened those who had no faith to flee, so only those who had trust in the Buddha remained. The gods then showered them with flowers. *•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´

_/☆ \_ Interestingly, from the first day until the 8th (from New Moon to 1st Quarter) Buddha’s miracles are known as ‘competition days’, in as much as Gautama Buddha rose to challenges set by other doctrines. The days 8-15 (of the lunar cycle, from 1st quarter to Full Moon) are non-competitive. The day of seed's action, i.e. the 1st dayS of the New Moon are seen as competitive because the Spring seed requires dynamic courage - as well as the right conditions - to break through it's pod and sprout through various obstacles, to expand, grow, and struggle to establish earthy roots that enable it to reach up into the LoveLight. In the second part of a lunar cycle, the Moon's reflection of Sunlight is brighter and a plant is more easily established, so it can grow in both, during the day and at night, blossoming with fulfillment during the Full Moon, 16thMarch.

☆ Today's Moon in Cancer is also approaching a conjunction with Jupiter, the Cosmic Guru. The star you see next to the Moon tonight is actually Jupiter, with both at the center of the Summer Circle (fixed stars). The sign Cancer marks the Summer Solstice, on June 21st, and the exalted Jupiter in Cancer provides a perspective; in the sign of the tenacious Crab, both the emotional Moon and Jupiter now highlight security and the nurturing one receives from family as well as teachers. Note that today/tonight/tomorrow could provide insight as to what exactly you are cultivating: faith, for instance, or trust, family or an education - and whatever it is that is growing in the longer scheme of things, this weekend is for getting a better idea of the shape it will take in order to culminate by the Summer SOLlstice. *•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´

♥ Green Tara ~ Dolma Moon - Wind over Water - Libra & Cancer

Green Tara ~ Dolma Moon ~> Honouring the Divine Feminine and the Great Mother Liberator who overcomes fear and danger _/♥\_

Today’s Sun in airy Libra blows the winds of change, stirring ripples across our (emotional) landscape, as the Moon comes to her last quarter in a deeply sensitive water sign, Cancer. A last quarter Moon generates remedial action. As 'The Lights' now galvanize the two elements, wind and water, the Goddess Mother highlights ‘the art of placement’: Feng (wind) over Shui (water); and how our location reflects our psychology, i.e. a messy room indicates scattered thoughts. Similarly, an ordered space affords the mind room to think and visualize and, very often, heal.

Depicted as green, Arya Tara is associated with the wind element, suggesting firm conviction and a willingness to bring about speedy change with gentle devotion. This last quarter moon is therefore optimum to quickly apply Libran balance and beauty into familiar settings, at home, in the work place, within the heart-mind - and be in tune with our surroundings, ready for a peaceful new Libra Moon October 4th.

Tara Mantra “OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA” _/♥\_

Many thanks to Sue Halstenberg  for her beautiful painting of Green Tara _/♥\_

☽ Cancer & Metta Bhavana ~> Loving Kindness July 8th 2013

One of the main Buddhist principles, that of cultivating ‘loving kindness’, Metta Bhavana, towards all beings, is epitomized by the empathetic zodiac sign Cancer, symbolic of familial sustenance and support. Both, Sun and Moon are now in watery Cancer with a new Moon on Sunday/Monday 7-8th July, at 8:13BST, creating a triple whammy cosmic reminder (as Moon rules Cancer) to look after all beings, as a mother would her child.

Sensitivity is magnified and emotions heightened as Sun and Moon form one of two 'Grand Water Trines' currently blessing our heavens. By connecting to shamanic Chiron in magical and compassionate Pisces and the destiny-fulfilling North Node in perceptive Scorpio, the lights – Sun and Moon - spotlight the need to practice loving kindness, with a focus upon our own hearts and plant the seed of love, with the healing and well-being of others as our motivation.

Three other planets, Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune triangulate earlier degrees of water signs, adding to an intuitive pyramid power that inspires generosity, imagination, and karmic responsibility. This phenomenal and long lasting emphasis on the water element accents universal interconnectedness (which may even be reflected environmentally in the weather, either in a need/or lack of water or overflow). Also, feelings we cannot put into words and/or overwhelming emotions can, with a little training, raise intuition, psychic insight, and a direct hotline to Divine bliss. Even in the face of recent events around the beloved Bodhi Tree in BodhGaya, developing a warm heart and gently tuning into a peaceful rhythm of life, helps one to be extend loving kindness beyond self, family, tribe or nation, to embrace all beings, no matter the culture, race, gender or background.

“May you be filled with loving kindness.
May you be safe from inner and outer dangers.
May you be well in body and mind.
May you be at ease and happy.” _/\_

With love & new Cancer Moon blessings
__/♥\__

Medicine Buddha Moon ~> Tara Puja _/✿\_ April 18th 2013

☼☾ Spring into action with this first quarter Moon in Cancer and Sun in Aries: The fiery Aries Sun evokes self-assertion and bravery, while a watery Cancerian Moon accents sensitive emotions, home and family; thus this Medicine Buddha Moon’s healing is directed towards having the courage to unconditionally take care of self, and others, as a mother would her child.

Now fire’s heat rises and water falls; Heat warms while water cools. When water and fire are in harmony, heart-mind and body are also synchronized. Making supplications to Goddess Tara and/or Medicine Buddha today provides strength and support to achieve such a balance.

Today also sees this exalted Aries Sun in conjunction with the heated and volatile, scarlet Warrior planet, Mars. This double whammy of Aries fire illuminates Cancer’s watery emotions, where the challenge is to protect, act and create. On a mundane (political) level, global events have mirrored this intense aspect with bombs, fires, and weapons being very much in the news. But while generating helpful empathy and compassion for the victims of senseless violence and doing what we can, I don't want to focus upon the external affairs that we often have little or no personal control over, as we here at Dharma Stars concentrate upon fulfilling our spiritual life. There are other ways to express this passionate combination which involves being directly engaged and getting physical in order to utilize heat and burn up toxins, release anger without harming anyone, and build up self-confidence, such as breathing in positivity, walking instead of taking the bus one stop, or going to the gym.

Note the planets are quickly shifting signs; while the slow-moving planet of change, Uranus, remains in Aries, both Sun and Mars move into Taurus, to join Venus in her home sign, on Saturday 20th, and the emphasis will be upon a slow and steady release of creativity, when it will be good to have the stamina and strength Sun and Mars are now building. Remember also that we are now in eclipse season, with a Full Moon partial Lunar eclipse in Scorpio April 25th, when feelings are strong and Spirit determined.

Thanks for unknown artist for fire-water yin-yang __/❤\__

If you would like an astrology reading to know more about how Active Fire & Sensitive Water works in your horoscope, or indeed how the eclipse activates your chart, please contact me here for rates. Thank you, with Spring LoveLight, Laura __/❤\__tact me here for rates. Thank you, with Spring LoveLight, Laura __/❤\__

Spring Equinox 2013

☼ Rise & Shine! °◌•˚◎◦⊚°◌•˚◎◦⊚ Today is the Vernal Equinox, when the radiant light of the Sun enters Aries, its sign of exaltation @11:02gmt, to energise the northern hemisphere with the Spring Equinox, a time of equal day and equal night (in the southern hemisphere it is, of course Autumn). Wherever we are, this is a time of change.

☼ Spirit Sun represents one’s identity and in the sign of the Ram, a symbol of courage, daring and enterprise. The Sun is also in hard aspect to the on-going Uranus-Pluto square AND the Cancerian Moon; transformation and radical renewal can be now achieved with caution, by showing the care a mother would her child.

☼ In the Tibetan system, at Spring Equinox we honour Kalachakra ~> Kala = Time, Chakra = Wheel, the mandala which encapsulates cosmology, astrology, and the energy systems of the body _/♥\_

The Kalachakra Mandala is also the mandala for World Peace:

“A good motivation is what is needed: compassion without dogmatism, without complicated philosophy; just understanding that others are human brothers and sisters and respecting their human rights and dignities. That we humans can help each other is one of our unique human capacities.” ~ His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama ~ _/♥\_

Happy Spring Equinox!
Illustration is of the Kalachakra Mantra monogram _/♥\_

If you would like an astrology reading to know how this Spring Equinox constellates your horoscope, please see here for rates. _/♥\_

Mercury direct ~> in Pisces March'13

Thank Heavens! Planet of communication Mercury is now direct, and the healing trickster will soon be wading out of these Piscean waters٠•●♥❤♥●•><((((º>

This particular Mercury retro, has been one of the slipperiest retrogrades for a while, as things/people/situations challenged equilibrium, compassion, and the ability to surrender unto something greater than ego. The deeper meaning of this Mercury retrograde has been to ride the waves of emotion and realise how the intuitive light within illuminates all kinds of conundrums. Issues surrounding this Mercury retrograde could linger a while, even as we go forward into an exciting Spring Equinox on Wednesday 20th ~> when Spirit Sun joins dynamic Mars and radical Uranus in the sign of the Ram. The Moon will be in Cancer then too, and the order of the day will be to proceed with caution. So no hard and fast pedal to the metal; take corners or shortcuts with careful ease and sensitivity, and take on board the lessons of the past few weeks, to be an aware and conscious being. _/\_

Illustration "The Divine Mercurial Water" by Baro Urbigerus, Hamburg 1705

Losar Guru Rinpoche Day ~> 3rd March 2012

Spirit Sun opposes dynamic Mars during today’s Guru Rinpoche day, the first in our year of the inscrutable Dragon; and the currently perceptive Moon conjoins active Mars in a few days time for the Losar Full Moon ‘Day of Miracles’ on the 8th March (International Woman’s day!). The inspired Pisces Sun encourages spiritual service, showing compassion and kindness to all beings, while a retrograde Mars in Virgo can get ultra-critical, stuck in the discerning search for personal perfection. Though a helpful and rather auspicious trine formation between today’s Pisces Sun and the receptive Moon, now at home in super-sensitive Cancer, suggests applying skilful means – patience, insight and analytical reasoning quickly clears thinking clouded by unrelated feelings, to tell the difference between illusion and delusion. Recognising what is real or pure fantasy calms this potentially tricky aspect between Sun and Mars. Good time for healing rifts and familiarising oneself with what is truly healthy for body and soul _/♥\_ ૐ

Moon in Cancer ☽ ♥ ☽ Celestial Mother ~ Beltane '11

A beautiful & fairly long-lasting conjunction between loving Venus and messenger Mercury can currently make our conncection with the Mother Goddess a healing experience. Until 24th May, the Venusian heart and Mercurial mind lock into tight cosmic embrace as they transition from the last degrees of autonomous Aries into stabilising Taurus. The intensity of a potentially blissful communion is also magnified by the presence of Jupiter, who can jolly the proceedings over the next few days.

Happy Mother’s Day! :) _/♥\_

Rather fitting that today the celestial body which represents Mother, the Moon, is now at home in Cancer, which is governed by the Moon. ♥

May all sentient Mother beings in all realms be happy!

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

Saturn's new ring expands our own circle of influence

In retrospect it’s been an extraordinary start to autumn. But when any planet opposes the awakener, Uranus, we should always expect the unexpected! Uranus invokes an intense kind of awareness that comes from out of the blue; so it was with surprise and delight that during this current Saturn-Uranus opposition we suddenly advanced our knowledge of how the solar system works - and hence, from the astrologer’s point of view (because all of creation is interdependent) we now also have a greater understanding of what makes us tick.

Only a few days ago we discovered that Saturn, planet of responsibility and discipline, boundaries and recognition, has a previously undetected 3 million mile wide ring around it. From the metaphysical perspective this signals an extension of our own boundaries, to start being responsible, specifically for others outside our immediate circle. Astronomers needed hi-tech infrared cameras to view this absolutely massive ring. This also suggests we need new and different tools, especially for effort and work to be recognised, so that everyone can benefit from the altruistic intention. Saturn is currently in the last degrees of Virgo, symbol of body-consciousness, intelligence, and order. Tools that will work, to quote Dr Deepak Chopra, to ‘Train the Mind and Heal the Body’ are now called for; tools which are essential for personal, intellectual and spiritual expansion, such as analytical meditation or yoga, that stretch both mind and body. Virgo also governs the intestines, and is associated with our daily routine; so the importance of eating well, sleeping well, exercising well, and generally looking after oneself becomes mega significant to move into this new phase of human evolution. One of the easiest ways to maximize productivity is through time management. Time is Saturn’s speciality. Over these next few weeks it will be helpful to note which hours in the day are easier to work or play, eat or sleep - to be aware of peak performance; then aim to utilise and increase efficiency. Interestingly, in beautiful cosmic synchronicity, on the very same day of the astronomical discover another ring was announced, this time on solid Earth, at Stonehenge; Saturn, as ‘Time Lord’ rules stone and all things old and institutionalised.

Soon Saturn will change signs. On the 30^th of October (just in time for Halloween!) the celestial representative of karmic consequence moves into its’ rulership, Libra, the sign of partnership, justice and fairness, beauty and the scales. This shifts the responsibility from not only being sensible about one’s own mind, body and spirit, but to being accountable for others’ well-being too. Be prepared: the next two years the emphasis will be upon creating honourable and loving associations. The message is clear: If you want to be loved, be the person you would like to love.

We’ve also seen Obama instil the concept of peace into the heart of the World. On the same day the Moon was ‘bombed’, nominally in search for water. The two events might not initially seem linked, yet the moon reveals beautiful astrological associations: the Moon rules water, the tides and our emotions, is ruled by the zodiac sign Cancer, Cancer is the sign of America, Obama’s Venus (symbol of value) is in Cancer; and on the day of his Peace Award, the transiting Moon conjunct his Venus. What goes around comes around! The bombing, for some, might also be seen as wounding of La Luna and thus the feminine. Remain resilient and calm: Untold female strength is yet to be revealed. Womanly charms are about to be given control, as influential Saturn moves into cool and charismatic Libra, precursor of peace and love.