Venus & Mars conjunction in Aries ~> April 2013

Before the new Aries moon on Wednesday 10th April, two other very beautiful planetary connections take place. One includes the relationship planets, Venus and Mars, who are now in heavenly union; this conjunction takes place every two years, which is not as common as one might think, even though these planets carry with them the international symbols of male and female. Early tomorrow morning (exact Sunday morning at 5:23BST), the celestial lovers meet in pioneering Aries, the same sign the Sun is currently exalted: the sign of courage and enthusiasm. Together, Love Goddess Venus and passionate Warrior Mars (at home in fiery Aries) spark each others ardour, confidence, and the consciousness to share the cosmic urge to accomplish brave deeds, with LOVE conquering anger, hatred and aggression; for Mars only disarms with Venusian charms.

While Venus and Mars blaze in the glory of togetherness in the dark of the moon, an entirely more fluid dynamic, the spring and summer’s ‘Grand Water Trine’ also begins its Yin powered journey of an ever-changing watery configuration over the coming months. Starting off with the Earth Mother Goddess, Ceres, moving into Cancer to create a helpful trine aspect to structural Saturn, giving form and potentially stabilising with care and consideration to Neptune’s dreams about home, work, intimate relationship, or even saving the planet. This ‘Grand Water Trine’ is one of 2013's central features, with Saturn and Neptune its’ main components to bring a steady reality to the glamour of illusion that helps maintain a disciplined spiritual practice throughout.

Image of Vairocana and consort from a wiki work-in-progess the ‘Tibetan Book of the Dead’, with LoveLight & thanks _/♥\_

If you would like an Astrology Reading, to know more about either the up-coming new Aries moon, Venus and Mars in union, or how to personally tap into the year’s Grand Water Trine, please check here for rates. Thank you _/✿ \_

Mars conjunct Saturn ~> 15th August 2012 ~> The Unshakable

__/♥ \__ Quick-to-rise Mars and karmic Saturn are currently on a cosmic journey together, to form an exact conjunction on 15th August. Best keep our cool, and bare in mind how anger wipes out karmic merit in one fell swoop.

"Anger cannot be overcome by anger. If a person shows anger to you, and you show anger in return, the result is a disaster. In contrast, if you control your anger and show its opposite--love, compassion, tolerance, and patience--then not only will you remain in peace, but the anger of others also will gradually diminish. No one can argue with the fact that in the presence of anger, peace is impossible. Only through kindness and love can peace of mind be achieved.

...human beings can judge and reason; we understand consequences and think in the long term. It is also true that human beings can develop infinite love.... However, when humans become angry; all of this potential is lost. No enemy armed with mere weapons can undo these qualities, but anger can. It is the destroyer.

If you look deeply into such things, the blueprint for our actions can be found within the mind. Self-defeating attitudes arise not of their own accord but out of ignorance. Success, too, is found within ourselves. Out of self-discipline, self-awareness, and clear realization of the defects of anger the positive effects of kindness will come peace."

--from How to Expand Love: Widening the Circle of Loving Relationships by H.H. Dalai Lama, translated & edited by Jeffrey Hopkins

Image is of Akshobhya, 'The Imperturbable', 'The Immover', 'The Unshakable'
__/♥ \__

Crowning Leo Glory ~> Full Moon in Aquarius 2011

A mega blast of cosmic energy roared from the Leo Sun King marking wild this week. The triple series of solar flares peaked with an X-flare on Tuesday the 9^th August at 8:05UT. Solar flares hurl highly-charged particles and plasma into the solar system. These fierce coronal mass ejections impact upon Earth through a variety of means, from the weather to communication satellites; the flare on Tuesday (Mar’s day) was thankfully not directed head-on towards Earth, yet there are still strong vibrations; and the sensitive found it hard to sleep, with little appetite, feeling listless. This particular set of flares are symbolic of our spiritual progress and being able to familiarise oneself with the ability to remain centred during the purification process which encourages the Leo crown (chakra) to shine.  

The Sun is exalted in Leo, so events are dramatic, and often fun. Though this past week has been ‘marred’, literally, with Mars igniting volatile inflamitory issues through the challenging square to Uranus in Aries, i.e. the economic downgrades for U.S. & France, and of course, the "England riots", which shocked everyone by the speed at which they spread (and I don’t think one can blame social media, I saw many posts that encouraged people to stay home and safe). Mars is hot, fiery and implusive, as is Aries. Uranus however, will reveal any instability, whereas Mars ignites the tinder-box. Mars is also in a detrimental position throughout August (in homey Cancer, as well as being ‘unruly’ out-of-bounds). Mars also aggravates anger; it is well documented that people lose their ability to think straight when angry. Rioting is therefore a lose-lose situation - all the more reason to follow the Buddha’s advice and practice being calm. Yet with Mars' opposition to powerful but secretive Pluto (square Uranus), has brought a challenging and often polarising emotional and economic roller-coasters to ride, from the depths of dispair and up again to envisioning the confident future - as well as bringing previously hidden ufo files, to surface. I love ufology and am endlessly fascinated by what’s hidden in space (of course from the Buddhist pov, there is no-space:)). But still, my relative inclination is towards spiritual esoterica.  

Esoterically speaking, it might interest you to know how the Sun works on three levels - a bit like a sand-mandala, with its’ triple layered meaning: physical (body), heart (speech) and Spirit (the wisdom mind). There are also times when each of the Sun’s different qualities are activated. We are now in a long period of coming to understand the Spiritual wisdom-mind, a mind that has been stirring the heart-mind with varying intensity since the summer solstice 2010.

During this time of accelerated Spiritual development, we are learning to go beyond the political mundane events we see around us, and elevate our consciousness so that when confronted by difficult situations we remain clear and lucid.  

The Full Moon at 20 degrees of Aquarius on Saturday August 13^th, at 19:57bst, we have the opportunity to connect to kindred spirits, and raise that loving vibration, to generate the altruistic intention the Aquarian brotherhood of humankind symbolises.

Planet Venus is also currently up-close and very personal with the Sun (exact conjunction on 16th) and opposing the Moon, indicating the importance of LOVE. So let's look at how we love: INTERpersonal describes relationships between you and another. INTRApersonal describes self-love - which is very poignant during a superior conjunction of the Sun and Venus. Can you honestly say, with hand on heart, that you love all of yourself? During this time when Spirit Sun is with Venus planet of values, respect and love, learning to love oneself, ghastly bits and all, is paramount, in order to transform the very same negative aspects. That which we condemn or deny are the most difficult to transform.

Acceptance encourages the healing magic.

As we say in Buddhism, when we learn to love one's own demons - jealousy, anger, greed etc, they stop eating at us or destroying in the same destructive way - and, more often than not, they disappear.

To be dedicated to LOVE is to be dedicated to evolution of the human SPIRIT.

Personally I am going to be with my most precious guru, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama over this full Moon ~> holding you in my prayers and sending Lama love your way :) _/|\_    

Mercury ☆ Mars ☆ Nov 20 ☆ Becoming 'The Immovable One' Akshobya

From the Moon throne arises Akshobya 'The Immovable One' with the admantine nature of pure consciousnes radiating compassion upon any irritation. ♥_/\_ૐ

Akshobya transforms anger into mirror-like wisdom:

And with Mercury now conjunct Mars (20th Nov '10) at 17 Sag = Quick thinking with an even quicker tongue, it means we can be quick to rise ~> Anyone feeling tetchy? Best watch being super-critical and, because the mind is on fastforward for the next couple of days - over this Full Moon - the celestial challenge is see how quickly one can bring ourselves into check and transform any anger into discriminating awareness. ♥_/\_ૐ 

Bare in mind that Mercury is entering an applying shadow period just after this weekend's Full Moon, to go retrograde on the 11th of December at 5 Capricorn (with Pluto, Ceres & the North Node), when seeking the wiser and more caring (collective) direction comes into focus.  Then,  just as this difficult year comes to a close, Mercury turns direct at 19 Sag, revealing how we renew our optimism by transforming the mind.  Mercury once again conjuncts Mars early next year, at 28 Aquarius on Feb 20th, when our anger'ometer once again is tested to remain cool, calm, and collected, with a mind unpeturbed by internal thoughts or outside events.  

Saka Dawa New Moon ~ Love & Enlightenment 2010

Phew… Big sigh of relief, as Mercury, planet of information, finally began to roll forward Tuesday night, albeit rather slowly. These past few weeks have been intense in so many ways, especially when gathering one’s thoughts, conveying a message, or making any journey - all forms of communication have been seriously hampered, making it a bit like wading through treacle to face sticky moments with sweet smiles. Notwithstanding dear old facebook chat on hold, making contact with others could have been at the mercy of something else outside our dictate: Various events i.e., volcanic ash, a massive oil spill and a shaky Euro mean few of us are escaping the word ‘crisis’ – which, by now, most know is another expression of ‘opportunity’ in Chinese: Yet still, in the midst of the modern world in a spin, we need to be patient, to mature our staying power and strength to make the most of these opportunities (and, according to the Boddhisatva vow, for all beings to benefit).

So it remains to ask: Why is our patience being tested? Patience is one of the Buddhist six perfections. But how do we better ourselves by being patient? With patience we become wise, less likely to be at the mercy of our emotional reactions.

Composure, tolerance and insight is astrologically called for until the end of the month; patiently remaining in control of thoughts and emotions means we are far less likely to anger. Besides, getting angry wipes out merit stock from the karmic bank; giving in to anger means we rarely think straight and only perpetuate misunderstanding, uncertainty and chaos.

All kinds of valuables - finances as well as relationships - could have born the brunt of this particularly frustrating Mercury retrograde period. But tonight’s new moon (on the 14^th) at 2:04 GDT 23Taurus, suggests making a grand plan to bring about healing those values, so that a fair resolve now has every chance of working. This might be good news for some as, according to my understanding of astrology, we hit the nadir of this current financial predicament on the 23^rd of May, after which the only way is up. I could be wrong, but recent events lead me to sense we could well be on the road to recovery (barring hot-heads and/or environmental circumstance).

This New Moon is also the beginning of Tibetan Saka Dawa month, celebrating the birth, death, and enlightenment of Lord Buddha on the Full Moon on the 27^th May, which will be a multiplied karma day x1000. Saka Dawa months marks a lunation cycle that generate intense all pervading love & light in mega lux lumens.

Inspiration and blessings come from the cosmos as Jupiter, planet of expansion and optimism, joins forces with Uranus, the ‘Great Awakener’. This combination is positively visionary: the bigger picture encapsulates spiritual perspective. These two planets are now working together in Pisces, activating a new awareness of life’s magic and mystery. In early June they will perfect their conjunction at zero-point Aries, kick-starting summer projects with zest, zeal and excitement. Whoo-hoo! Even if its wet or cold, at least the summer won't be boring.

Many thanks to Bill Brouard - visual alchemist, and other unknown artists :) _/\_♥ ૐ

Kalachakra Peace Mind ♥ ૐ ♥ New Aries Moon 2010

Spring equinox marks the beginning of Kalachakra Calendar, and the new Aries moon begins Kalachakra month. I find this timing interesting in so many ways, as Aries in Western astrology is depicted as independent and gung-ho, a fearless warrior with a cause to fight, or a naive impulsive loner - the Tarot’s fool. Yet according to the most sacred system of Tibetan astrology, Kalachakra Astrology, now is the time to contemplate and meditate upon World peace – internal peace within each individual’s heart- mind and body, and external peace, as in no more war or suffering. The first two weeks of the lunar month - during the growing moon phase - are considered most effective to implement peaceful thoughts and activities into our daily lives.

Even in the face of negativity, such as being shouted at or hurt by others, in any confrontation we must learn to turn our minds towards peace and harmony - and still be kind to the aggressors. Thus our spiritual practice is one of patience and compassion to find peace within ourselves – especially as we can often be our own worst enemy. As the newness of life emerges all around, we might well feel that Aries impulsiveness to spring into action and conquer the real threat: our own anger and inability not to react with further antagonism when challenged.

Today's Moon at 24Aries (the 14^th April) could have us believe all systems are go-go-go. But just as we buckle belts and get ready to slam pedal to the metal in a hurry to destination ‘Nirvana’, our dear cosmic trickster, Mercury, planet of communication and short journeys, heads into apparent backward motion on Sunday the 18th, urging us to proceed with caution. For three weeks (until 11^th May, or 2^nd June latest), ‘more haste, less speed’ is the maxim to live by. Should we push too-fast, too-soon, we may find our cosmic wheels spinning in the sand.

All need not go adrift – neither momentum, money, nor good intentions as Mercury is also healer AND messenger: In Taurus the message is to slow down, recuperate, and take our time to enjoy the scenery and fill the senses by just ‘being’, so we can calmly face what needs to be either let go altogether or revised and re-integrated (be that psychological, spiritual, mental or physical).

Good old-fashioned Taurean principles concern the sensual body and stable relations, material wealth and the earth’s natural environment. Wherever Taurus activates the individual’s horoscope, it will show the sphere which now needs to be reworked and re-thought in a realistic and practical manner. Thus the aim of Mercury retrograde in Taurus is to heal body and soul, as well as any financial rift. By creating a debt-free, risk-free framework with solid values, Taurean staying-power and productivity will provide a good yield, encouraging physically security. Still, we’d do well to scrutinise burning desires verses our basic needs; and be aware there are obstacles, such as human greed or selfishness, whilst trying to generate a slow but sure (financial) recovery and stability. So keep a beady eye out for slippery customers, especially when dealing with bricks and mortar, finances and art, or even that favourite Taurean subject: food, as there is every possibility of having to return, reconsider, or even re-sow seeds that ought to be ready by summer.

Any import of information may seem to be rationed, particularly during the first ten days of the three-week Mercury retro period; but bit-by-bit, piecing together triple checked ideas, travel plans or accounts, a way forward will become clear. Basically, if you enjoy reading the small print on food-packaging and bus time tables, you could have the time of your life.

_/\_♥

Many Thanks, with love and credits to Anya Langmean for Amitabha painting, nasa for the lunar-rover, and unknown artists and photographer.

The Free Heart ~ A Consciousness of Others ~ Full Libra Moon 2010

Full Moon on the Rise ~ Let the love-light shine!

"We keep looking outside for the light when we should now become the light". Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

The growing light of the Aries Sun radiates in fiery exaltation, mirroring our own internal light that swells in luminosity through positive focus, meditation, and intent. Opposite the Full Moon in relationship orientated Libra on March 30 at 3:25 BST, a brilliant Sun in Aries encourages braver moves with passion, verve and originality; the Libra Moon reflects a smartly cooler sophisticated emotional reaction to such Aries dynamism. This lively Sun-Moon alignment can create a fair-minded outlook, enabling us to move ahead with confidence, steadfast in self-acceptance, with the ability to make sure everyone’s emotional needs are met.

Aries -Libra is the Zodiac’s ‘me-we’ axis: Circumstances around this full moon present an opportunity to look at our self in relation to other people. Now there is the potential to expose the less desirable workings of a self-cherishing mind, and see the importance of helpful and loving allies. When assessing how we work with others, we must ask ourselves what exactly do we bring and what do we give to our family, friends and relationships. Which associations are helpful, for all concerned - and how will they go forward and benefit others?

Bear in mind that in the midst of these seemingly hard questions, karmic Saturn, the cosmic task master, will accompany the Full Moon. Others may hold up a mirror to reveal issues of loneliness versus being alone, neediness versus being self-reliant, fears versus love. This intensity of feeling is to help define our limits in relationship and out, which may be more apparent as the Moon approaches culmination; some may find it difficult to express how they feel, wanting to switch off the ‘emotional button’ entirely, making it difficult for other’s to connect. Yet there is an easing of pressure as the soon as la Luna is full. Still, a self-serving mind could easily feel the strain. Patience is called for; watch out for selfish tendency. Quickly nip in the bud any overwhelming sense of me, myself, mine, to alleviate self-inflicted karma, either by hurting someone else or suffering a damaged ego. Switch attention to helping others. This is the way to a healthy ego, feeling good and valuing ourselves.

In Buddhism we say if someone really gets to you, by making you angry for instance, then that person is a treasure, as they reveal a part of ourselves that needs to be worked on. But the real secret to dealing with destructive emotion is to be relaxed about who we are, which is naturally kind and good.

As this Full Moon spotlights a balanced ‘self’, if you don’t like what you see the Aries Sun imbibes the courage to change it. Several planets (Sun Moon Saturn & Pluto) now support a radical shift, enabling the alchemical transformation of negative imprints which may have been subtly or not so subtly reinforced for years (lifetimes possibly), making it less painful to let go of unhelpful thoughts and desires, so we are content in our skin “etre dans la peau”, as the French say, comfortable going deeper, becoming clearer, finding happiness at heart. With such ease of being, it’s then easier assist, and to be there for others.

And if you are still wondering 'What about Me'... watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDSAAlrqAHM&feature=related

Thanks and blessings to unknown artists, much appreciated whoever you are.

United in Love ♥☼♥ Leo Sun ~ Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius 09

According to the Tibetan tradition, during the 24 hours surrounding a lunar eclipse, karma and merit generated is magnified 70 million times. Imagine the feel-good factor Bill Clinton is incurring by returning home with the two young reporters imprisoned in North Korea. For tonight we witness the last of three eclipses in a row, which is the Full Moon, lunar and penumbral and vaguely visible over Europe and Africa. (Next is New Year’s Eve!)

Eclipses are always powerful and loaded with emotional intensity; cross-culturally associated with magical Dragons. In Tibet, Dragon signifies inscrutability, mystery, and the highest kind of principles that guide our fiery inner light – Spirit – to be fearless with compassion, courageous and open. In the west it is the heavenly ‘Ourobos’, the transformational tail-eating serpent representing the never-ending cycle of life, death and re-birth. With evolutionary Rahu at the head and Ketu at the tail, Tibet’s Dragon is also ‘Roarer of Thunderclouds’ and bearer of the glowing orb, the ‘wish-fulfilling gem’, symbolic of enlightenment.

At 1:55 am, (BST) the celestial dragon fertilises the pearl-like seed of potentiality, as the fiery and generous Leo Sun aligns with a coolly altruistic Aquarian Moon, both at 13.43 degrees. And although this eclipse is partial, potent energies assemble. Aquarius is also the sign of wishing: so best be conscious and careful of what we wish at this time. This is also a rather ‘yang’ eclipse, as both signs are masculine in nature, denoting wisdom in action, intuition working with the rational. Aquarius holds the head of the dragon (the north node), urging us towards a humanitarian future. The tail of the dragon (south node) is in Leo, encouraging us to come from the heart, to be loving and creative and confident of our individuality within the Aquarian collective, and discover personal strength in unity.

And as this Moon conjoins the triple Aquarian conjunction of Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune, the incentive to grow, mend, and let go of addiction, anger or blame is strong. In the body, Jupiter rules the liver, while Neptune is associated with toxicity, and Chiron the accidentally wounded healer. This association suggests that whatever we may have done in the past to ourselves, others, or even to the planet (through our own ignorance), now is the time wise-up, forgive and be generous, to move on with hearts free from destructive emotions, brimming with unconditional, compassionate love.

One last note, here in the Northern hemisphere we have the high summer fire festival ‘Lammas’, celebrating warmth, joy and the reaping of summer wheat harvest.

With that, I wish you all happiness. May your harvest be bountiful and may your own personal wish-fulfilling gem manifest.

Stay well and stay blessed,
With love and full moonlight,
Dragon Fractal using the Julia set ♥☼♥

An advancing evolution on the horizon ~> April 09

An advancing evolution is on the horizon bringing with it a reality shift that comes into focus as Mars, planet of action, conjoins Uranus, planet of awareness, on April 15th. Both planets are in Pisces, a sign that encourages one to merge with the unknown with insight and compassion. But over the next few days dynamic Mars first opposes unyielding Saturn, creating a reality check; and traditional methods of doing the same old thing may be more appealing – but only for an instant. Bear in mind that while the world wonders about the current climate of uncertainty, those in authority are also subject to the same instability, in need of practical support and re-education. Patience, dedication and the art of gentle persuasion will achieve so much more than pushing blindly ahead this weekend. Being bogged down by minutiae, however, in the run up to the Full Libra Moon on the 9th may mean missing the opportunity to balance the witnessing mind with the calm steady beat of the heart and realise one’s truth.

Anger, resentment and general discontentment could arise and even be held in the body because a seemingly immovable object just won’t budge or give in to those desires which may also be born out of ignorance. The Buddhist teachings tell us we should especially treasure those who generate negative emotions within us, for they also serve as an impetus to practice the kindness and diplomacy that appeases difficult situations and at the same time make peace with ourselves. By knowing this we sense problems can be transformed. And then they will - in time. As an irresistible force comes up against a critical spiritual mass mid-month, something or someone gives way so that progress will be made. Dance, music, meditation, yoga and sport, helps to keep the flow of energy, chi and prana more fluid during this period, creating the kind of happiness that can deflect harmful physical, mental, or even spiritual stress.