✴️️ SakaDawa Full Moon May 21st 2016

☼ Inner truth, outer courage – Inner light, outer brilliance ☼

Full Moon in Sagittarius

May 21st 2016 @ 21:14 UT

Stirring up courage, passion, and ardour, May’s Full Sagittarian truth-seeking Moon is most dynamic and active. And because the Moon is conjunct Mars, 21^st-22^nd (depending upon time zone), emotions can also be quick to rise – even though Mars is retrograde and slow (i.e. closest to the Earth, in a phase called ‘Mars Max’*). Therein lies the key; if/when dealing with destructive emotions such as anger or frustration, or when moving too fast, slow down, breathe deep; energy levels may be low (or easily drained: Mars rules the adrenal ‘fight or flight’ glands) and reactions may be awkward. So take time if making major decisions (such as buying property) and practice patience, because ‘more haste is less speed’. Or as one of my spiritual teachers says “speed is aggression”.

The Moon not only joins feisty, freedom-loving Mars during this philosophically inclined Sagittarian Moon, but on the last of the three Full Moon nights (23^rd), Luna then conjuncts weighty Saturn, bringing reality to the fore. There are many astrological significators which indicate sensitivity is seriously heightened during this particular Full Moon, with excitement quickly followed by karmic payback (good or bad). Events/situations/plans that possibly link as far back as August, and/or November 2015, could even come home to roost for a final time. Yet still, due to Mercury also going forward within a day of the exact Full Moon (@21:13UT), the heart mind has the potential to realise the value of living a good and healthy life, where needs are met in an uncomplicated manner. 

Be that as it may, the Moon, and all she symbolises (empathy, the feminine, water, the people, etc.) could feel besieged by seemingly forceful influences. This Full Moon illuminates soul’s longing for a greater understanding of life’s more abstract concepts, and is actually a good time to consider the long-term: because warrior Mars and no-nonsense Saturn do not ‘perfect’ at this moment in time (i.e. they do not conjunct, but are now brought together by the Moon), far-sighted Sagittarian issues, such as mind-expansion, deeper-meaning and faith, are highlighted. A Full Moon in the sign of the centaur accents the Spiritual Warrior who lives in the ‘now’, even when presented with a glimpse of future concerns that are cosmically bound to be prominent at the end of August 2016, when Mars and Saturn finally meet (@ 10° Sagittarius).

With Moon conjoined to Mars, it also means Sun is opposite Mars.  Sun opposition Moon and Venus opposition Mars sees both sets of relationship planets on other sides of the sky. This can be the classic marriage of ‘opposites attract’ or just that others can repel; either way these two oppositions spark a creative (and sexual) tension that could all-too- easily feed ego competition. Rise to a challenge by all means, but remember that any merit in your karmic credit bank is wiped-out in one fell swoop if anger is negatively expressed. In the words of the Buddha “Anger is like holding onto hot coals – you are the one who gets hurt!”  

Luckily, Sun at 1Gemini is conjoined to harmonious Venus, still at home in Taurus. Venus helps the non-stop whirring mind of the Gemini Sun to generate a positive mental attitude with the kind of enthusiasm that fuels inner warmth and de-light. Though this is no ‘ordinary’ Venusian Love Goddess the Sun shines upon; she is combust (behind the Sun) revealing how unconditional, self-love also now means loving the wild side of the feminine and honouring the woman who runs with wolves and hunts in moonlight.

Currently at the 26^th degree of Taurus, Venus aligns with a fixed star called ‘Algol’, which represents the ‘Gorgon’s Head’, the snake-hair dreadlocked Medusa, whose name originally meant ‘sovereign female wisdom’. Fixed stars pinpoint certain intensity. In this case, it is a concentrated primal feminine passion which, if obstructed or repressed, severed or feared, has the potential to dramatically turn to stone (situations and or people)– or, not-so-surprisingly, to heal, especially when the powerful feminine force is revered. Bear in mind that each one of us has an intuitive feminine side – even if you’re a guy; and Mars only disarms for Venusian charm (made especially poignant as Venus and Mars oppose each other as the Moon wanes on the 25^th),  which, when embraced, restores an internal balance that inspires our natural radiance and true identity to shine. 

For many people the world over, who live in accordance with the rhythm of lunar lore, this is also a most important Moon in the Buddhist calendar, as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gothama Siddartha Buddha. Buddha was a historically real person, who lived over 2500 years ago and taught that we are all born with an inner-light we can grow, to dispel darkness specifically through sharing our love and happiness. This ‘Festival of Light’ is known as ‘Wesak’ throughout Far-Eastern Asia, ‘Buddha Purnima’ in India, and ‘Saga Dawa’ in the Himalayas. It is a Full Moon is considered to be a ‘Karma Multiplied day’, encouraging a mindfulness of our own natural brilliance during this glorious light-filled Silver Moon, to be enhanced by planets Scarlet Mars, Golden Saturn, and Rosy Venus. Shine on dear astro brothers and sisters. May this be a Moon when the luminous clear light of (self) Love (not in an egotistical way) beams and radiates from within, and all around…  

Lastly, as Sagittarius is the zodiac sign of philosophical understanding and spiritual practice, I close this Full Moon report with a prayer from our great esoteric (Gemini Sun) astrologer, Alice A.Bailey, to invoke the light within.

The Great Invocation

From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into the minds of men.
Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.
May Christ** return to Earth.

From the centre where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men –
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the centre which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

**Many believe in a World Teacher, a “Coming One”, knowing him under such names as the Lord Maitreya, the Imam Mahdi, the Kalki Avatar and the Bodhisattva (which we can all be, by aspiring to live a life that benefits others). These terms are sometimes used in versions of the Great Invocation for people of specific faiths.

*Astologer Richard Nolle, who termed the phrase ‘SuperMoon’, also invented the name ‘Mars Max’, for the phase for when Mars is closest to the Earth and brightest in the midnight sky.

🔯 Dakini Day! ~> 2nd May 2016 _/✿\_

🔯 Bright blessings on a darkening Moon from the compassionate Dakini Goddess, with Luna in Pisces. The Mayday Sun in Taurus is Earthy; while the Moon in the sign of the Fish is Water - and conjunct oceanic Neptune - so profound sensitivity (real or imagined) is magnified. Both Lights are therefore now receptive 'Yin' in nature, emphasizing wisdom, stability, and the flow of active healing through faith and devotion (to the intuitive Goddess within). Plus a fabulous 'Grand Earth Trine' helps to consolidate, recuperate and renew until June 7th. Connect now to the Sacred Feminine to learn how to forgive, help when called, be imaginative and soothe any frazzled senses.

🔯 A New Moon @17 Taurus on Friday 6th (19:29UT) marks the beginning of the Himalayan month of SakaDawa, or ‘Wesak’ as it is called other parts of Buddhist Asia, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and paranirvana of Gautama Sakyamuni Buddha. Throughout the upcoming lunation karma is multiplied 100x. Creating merit is to be encouraged! So take time during these next five days of the waning moon to free what needs to be cleared and prepare for a lunar cycle that honours the light within. 

Flower offering to the most venerable Red Goddess, Vajrayogini, 
with artwork by talented Bernart Amygdalah Digital-Art, 
with ℒℴѵℯ & thanks _/✿\_ ☼☽♡ ¸¸.•*¨*•☆

United Nations Vesek & Buddha Purnima __/❤\__ 13-14th May 2014

Celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment & paranirvana _/☼\_

A Full Scorpio Moon at 20:16BST highlights poignant renewal when reflecting the light of Spirit Sun in earthy Taurus – the sign of the Moon’s exaltation. Scorpio represents rebirth, often through difficult and trying circumstance, while Taurus is nourishing, earthy and solid. So while the Moon traverses insightful Scorpio, this deeply profound Buddha Moon says much about the need for emotional stability in order to see the light and be metaphorically reborn.

This 24 degree Taurus Sun also emphasizes a realistic approach to all our endeavors, which then helps to develop a greater understanding of our own world, and personal experiences. Realism overcomes illusion and delusion, as well as being practical when dealing with karma and the result from action (in thought, word or deed), from which there is no escape.

In his book "Old Path, White Clouds" Thich Nhat Hanh tells the story of the Buddha pointing at the moon, who says "I must state clearly that my teaching is a method to experience reality and not reality itself, just as a finger pointing at the moon is not the moon itself. A thinking person makes use of the finger to see the moon. A person who only looks at the finger and mistakes it for the moon will never see the real moon."

So while we express devotion and love of Buddha’s life during Vesak & Buddha Purnima (and again on SakaDawa 13th June for Tibetan Buddhists), perhaps the most important aspect is to be realistic, and see one’s life clearly for what it is, to walk the talk, and put Buddha’s teachings of the 8-fold Noble Path into action, starting with the ‘right view’: Note now how you feel, what you’re thinking, how you communicate, what you do and how you do it; be aware that when you’re mindful of yourself in relation to the world around you that you are self-enabled to transform something quite ordinary into the extraordinarily beautiful and meaningful. Then watch your light of wisdom magically grow...

Happy Vesek everyone!

☸ Buddha's birthday ~> Vesak & Sakadawa

May 6-7-8th __/\__ With the Sun in Taurus, the Buddhist world now begins to honor the birth of the Buddha. Though it must be noted that Siddhārtha Gautama Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth date varies with tradition; so while Himalayan Buddhists celebrate his birth, enlightenment, and paranirvana this year with SakaDawa on June 13th, many other Buddhist countries begin now to celebrate the birth of Buddha, just as the earthy Taurean Sun squares today’s first quarter Leo Moon - an astrological combination symbolic of stabilizing the spirit by courageously overcome ego’s obstacles.

And on the Full Scorpio Moon, accenting spiritual transformation, most of Asia celebratez Vesak, revering the Buddha’s life and teachings on 13/14th May.

Today, however, in my Tibetan Buddhist tradition, we make our monthly offerings to the healing power of the Medicine Buddha. Due to Saturn's opposition to the illuminating Sun at this first quarter, sun-ruled Leo Moon, the astral focus currently tends towards the results of self-created karma now coming into sharper focus over the next few days - so that any unhelpful action can be transformed and healed, ready for an emotionally cathartic Full Scorpio Moon a week away. __/\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶

Thanks to Exotic India for radiant Medicine Buddha Thangka __/\__

Cultivate a Wealth of Virtue ♥ Taurus New Moon ♥

New Moons are times of new beginnings. In abundant earthy Taurus, sign of food, flowers and finance, seeds of the new are planted to grow in the garden, as well as in the sensuous wilds of true Taurean treasure: the kind and loving heart-mind. The Taurean Bull highlights what we value, be that a thing, person, place or song.

Buddha was a Taurus. The following lines sum up his teachings:

“Commit not a single unwholesome action,
Cultivate a wealth of virtue,
To tame this mind of ours.”

We have the opportunity to tame the mind - and more, with the Taurus New Moon @8:18BST, where the Moon is exalted, as it constellates a very practical ‘Earth Trine’, a triangle formation with active Mars in healing Virgo, and transformational Pluto in powerful Capricorn. This useful ‘Earth Trine’ remains in stabilising effect for twelve more days. We need this celestial steadiness because Mars remains at early degrees Virgo in opposition to the ‘wounded-water’ configuration that is Neptune and Chiron (still in effect two years since the Deepwater Horizon accident in the Gulf of Mexico – not to mention Fukishima). And although Mars is the high-flying point of the ‘Earth Trine’ which becomes the tail of a rare ‘Earth-Water Kite’ formation – which is a wonderful opportunity to fix damaged power structures, mend broken hearts, and have deep psychological/emotional breakthrough – it might be so wonderful that we take for granted any boon, bountiful shooting stars, or stroke of genius we have or encounter, that we easily ignore the cosmic help now on offer. So be aware or you might blink and miss it and get stuck with Mars in his other tight aspect: still at ‘the bends’, being in direct ‘T’ square to destiny’s nodal axis. In fact, warrior Mars is dealing with this fast blast of karma, which requires constant readjustment throughout most of the lunation, until after Wesek, at the last quarter Moon around May 13th. To be honest, Mars in this position is not my favourite; situations can get heated for no reason other than ignorance.

Venus is often the only planet that can seduce a listless Mars. As Love Goddess Venus is the Taurean ruler, now in smooth-talking Gemini, (where she will soon perform an amazing celestial dance (more on this to come)) harmonious relations entail entering into dialogue to understand others' point of view To do so means one is truly on the dharma path, well on the way to the equipoise that cultivates a wealth of virtue, awakening the heart chakra and taming the anxious mind though love-wisdom and compassion _(♥)_

Wesak Buddha Purnima --> Full Moon in Scorpio 2011

While the Full Moon in Scorpio is widely recognised and celebrated as the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and mahanirvana, and this upcoming Full Moon, in Fixed sign Scorpio opposite Sun in Taurus, is known all over Asia as either ‘Wesak’ or ‘Buddha Purnima’; the Tibetans have another quite complicated calendar system, which will celebrate the thrice-blessed moon known as ‘SakaDawa’ on June the 15th (when there is a solar eclipse – making the Summer Solstice Full Moon one of the year’s mega moons).

To clarify: this upcoming Full Moon, 27 degrees Taurus, at 12:09 (British Summertime) on the 17th May, is ‘Buddha Purnima’, honoured generally in the Hindu faith with Shakyamuni Buddha as an emanation of Vishnu, ‘The Preserver’; and, at the same time the three sacred events are venerated by Theravada Buddhist tradition with ‘Wesak’.

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, during this Full Moon we connect to the ‘Wheel of Time’, Kalachakra, with the Mandala for World Peace. 

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Symbolic of feelings, needs and desires, the emotive Moon in the zodiac sign Scorpio – sign of intimacy, depth and death, signals we now intuitively know when enough is enough. It’s an optimum time to root out and rid oneself of destructive habits. While the illuminating Sun in materialistic Taurus, together with the personal planets, Mecury, Venus AND Mars, shine light upon the limited satisfaction of continually chasing desire nature, this Full Moon, 26-27-28 degrees of Scorpio, highlights the spirit-soul makeover, so necessary en route to enlightenment.

Wherever this fixed axis of Taurus and Scorpio lies across an individual’s horoscope, it accents secret desires, previously hidden painful attachment and/or obsessions about power and control. Its also the alignement of fruitful Earth & perceptive Water, appreciating insight to yield results. These soulful moonbeams also illuminate a natural sixth sense, leading to the psychological, emotional, or spiritual resources which help to ease a transformation from drama to stability, fear to love, conflict to peace.

Moon & Sun now form a challenging ‘T Square’ to the Neptune-Chiron conjunction in Pisces; our understanding of Maya and dream-like illusion heals not only our own wounds, but others’ too. This configuration suggests a potenitally powerful collective spiritual healing, personal emotional renewal, and a balancing of the subtle body through ‘holding’ with positive focus and heartfelt vibration, allowing the magic of unconditional love to flow and restore faith.  (Read restructuring water/emotions).

Thanks to Visual Alchemist for Buddha Love Mind :)

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