Vesek 2012 Buddha Purnima Beltane Full Moon

Get ready to touch base with magnificent and magnified shining Buddha nature, as the year’s biggest supermoon is on the rise! And in the radiant light of this brilliant Full Scorpio Moon, Buddhists across Asia also celebrate ‘Vesak’, or ‘Buddha Purnima’ as it is called in India, commemorating the birth, death and paranirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha.

When Lord Buddha was born 2500+ years ago, as the son of a King, an astrologer predicted Prince Gothama Siddhartha would achieve great powers: if Siddhartha followed a spiritual path, he would become an enlightened saint or, if he followed his regal father into the world of materialistic desire, he would be a renowned ruler. Either way, Buddha Shakyamuni was destined for greatness – such is the formidable command of the fixed and determined Taurus-Scorpio Sun-Moon alignment. Thankfully, after years of meditation and realising the true nature of reality, Buddha chose to leave the palace and walk the dharma path, to remind how our own enlightenment sparkles. No matter how much we obscure the innate spiritual treasure we are all born with, this particular sun-moon phase raises our vibration for the unconditional love-light to shine (which some in the west might call this soul-awareness Christ consciousness) that also helps one to appreciate the value of having the karma to be blessed with a precious human rebirth.

Full Moon is exact at 3:35 London on Sunday 6thMay; 9:05 Delhi; May 5th 23:35 New York, 8:35 LA ~> May your meditation, drum, dance & song during this powerful interaction between the Beltane Sun, Earth, and the Perigee Moon, lead to full realisation and heartfelt love _(♥)_

Planets in transit: technical astrospeak...

Practical Taurus Sun exemplifies a grounded spirit; opposite an alchemical Scorpio Moon, personal sensitivity is profoundly transformational. Both Sun and Moon now at 16 degrees also make good aspects to other planets. The Beltane fixed-earth Venus-ruled Taurus Sun next to auspicious Jupiter, and Earth Mother, Ceres (aka Demetre), indicates a potentially good harvest for all that has been metaphorically sown during the previous two weeks, from new moon to full.

As soon as La Luna is full, she begins to wane towards the new moon solar eclipse on May 20^th at 0 Gemini. This will then mark another important lunation, as Venus in Gemini will also be in retrograde motion (think back 8 years to June 2004 to reconnect with this other incredibly rare 121-year occultation, a phenomena which occurs in pairs). This retrograde of the Love Goddess is perfect to tame the mind and restore self–love. 

Thank you Visual Alchemy for "The Warmth of My Embrace" & unknown artist of earth-heart ♥

New SuperMoon Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius ~ November'11

“Truth is immediate, radiant, here and now. It is not that truth has to be discovered — only you have to become aware. Truth is already here.” Osho

A new SuperMoon on Thursday night/ Friday morning (6:08GMT on the 25^th November) is a solar eclipse at 2 degrees in fiery Sagittarius, sign of the archer centaur who's arrow is directed towards higher principles: truth and freedom. A simple truth is how freedom is all too easily lost when we allow aggression and attachment to rule. In a world strewn with ignorance and desire it is the agent of falsity, the grasping ego, which we need to tame in order to reveal that radiant truth. Yet this incredible egoless wonder can only ever be experienced individually. No one can make us fully aware of our innate luminous wisdom but ourselves. Thankfully, astrologically speaking, there are times when a more obvious portal unlocks the alive kind of awareness that can potentially open the heart-mind, such as during an eclipse.  

Before I go into detail of this eclipse, it’s always important to note how eclipses are mighty powerful, not to be taken lightly in any way; especially now, as this is a SuperMoon (when the moon is perigee (in close approach to the earth)) and all kinds of dramatic turning points can arise. As such, I advise people to psychically, emotionally (and even physically) protect, so that when the cosmic portal opens wide one remains safely centred in breath, heart and mind. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition we set the intention for the benefit of all beings, and connect to the Guru (inner and outer) through meditation to focus while the channels, chakras and winds course through the body (hopefully unhindered), thus urging the tantric vajrayana practioner towards enlightenment (through the path of transformation).   

According to eastern philosophy, the union of Sun and Moon creates a sacred dynamic to enhance our most powerful subtle body energy; as Earth’s most important two heavenly bodies combine in concentration, they also influence our ability to focus and connect with our innate compassion and wisdom. Mindful of this potent force which lies within and around each and every living thing, the balance of male and female, sun and moon, yin and yang is at once receptive and dynamic, magnetic and electrical, commanding a personal and sometimes psychic awareness that dissolves duality.  How attentive we are of this naturally subtle but powerful (Vajra Body) energy and its blissful state of ONEness depends upon how open our heart-mind can be to unconditional love. And this is probably one of the great truths: love is our natural peaceful state. Absolutely free from plurality, one experiences an open heart-mind, conscious of the peace within to imbibe strength, courage and optimism.  

And this is where the hopeful and confident sign of the Sagittarian archer comes in: locate the early degrees of Sagittarius in the personal chart (or chart of nations if you're into mundane astrology), note where wisdom and insight can be aimed and directed through active joyful perception; this is also the place where karmic merit can be currently accumulated - and dedicated - especially in the two weeks following, as the new moon grows into a full Lunar Gemini eclipse on the 10^th December. 

Although partial, this Sagittarian solar eclipse will be seen in Antarctica - Earth’s southernmost pole, suggesting a passage of heavenly energy flows through Earth’s axis (with the Dragon's head, aka Rahu or North Node, opening the root chakra) and within the Sushumna,  for Rahu’s divine nectar to flow and radiate as a boundless sea of infinite stream of (toroidal) aura and love-light.

While this is the last of four partial solar eclipses of the year, it also coincides with quick-silvered Mercury at station, going retrograde for three weeks. As the ruler of Gemini, Mercury is also a major player in this set of eclipses, as it is the sign in which the upcoming lunar eclipse will take place on the 10^th December. Gemini activates the cosmic light of intelligence: The heavens now urge one to release negative associations or distructive thought patterns that block the flow and hinder realising truth.

During this Thanksgiving Thursday/Friday’s solar eclipse, both Mercury, planet of the MIND, and Venus, planet of LOVE, loosely align to the GALACTIC centre, galvanizing a continued shift in the noosphere as well as individual consciousness. A Venus in Sagittarius archer finds support directing cupid's arrow towards the cosmic love vibration. When communicative Mercury is in far-sighted Sagittarius, it broaden's the mind, emboldens the free-spirit, and fuels the independent thinker; retrograding Mercury retraces thoughts and ideas which help to understand the bigger picture, and get a handle on what truth and freedom actually means; as well as pay service to the demanding attention to detail and any philosophical, spiritual and religious ideals, as well as long-distant travel, or law courts, academia, and/or the in-laws.

This is a very purple dorje Jupiterian moment in time (Purple is Jupiter's colour;)). Also active in the Solar eclipse chart is the Grand Earth Trine, to which Sun and Moon are in a challenging quincunx formation to the still retrograde Jupiter (going forward on Boxing day (just as I am with the in-laws!)). Jupiter is also the planet of expansion, and Sagittarian ruler. Though this formation is what my astrology teacher, Howard Sasportas, called 'a push-me-pull-you', something has to give: A quincunx implies we need to adjust. With expansive Jupiter in sensual Taurus, the sign of love and money now creating tension to Sun and Moon, everyone is feeing the stress of material growth. Though all is not currently lost. Because of Jupiter's ruling connection to Sagittarian Sun, coupled with Venus - who rules Taurus - also being in Sagittarius, Sun/Moon, Venus and Jupiter, are all therefore within the helpful framework labeled ‘mutual reception’. So even with the difficult labelling (and distribution of tasks) this transit actually indicates, Venusian compromise is possible; even the dreadfully-behaved financial markets could stretch themselves to maintain good humour when discovering the growth they seek has slow periods. All anyone has to do is to look away from the money markets to see how people can and do THRIVE - even under this trying circumstance, alignment to the universal flow of radiant truth creates peace and love.

Perhaps the most important lesson from the Zodiac’s Guru, Jupiter – who is Lord of this solar eclipse (tropically speaking), is how spiritual healing is, while exigent (as indicated by the T-square to Mars opposition Neptune), well worth the effort exploring. In fact, with the current trine from Sun and Moon to radical Uranus, planet of dramatic change, I suspect there will more than a handful of individuals who now suddenly ‘wake-up’ and smell the divine nectar.  

Mars in Virgo ♂♍ in stabilising Grand Earth Trine

Cast your mind back to a lovely late August bank holiday :) Note exactly what began around that time, possibly as a dream which pleased and excited. Now see that very thing (person, situation, or ideal) begin to develope and pick-up pace with serious celestial oomph. I'm saying this now because that very nice Earth Grand Trine we had at the start of the Indian Summer is back in heavenly play. Back then it was Sun and new Moon that brought Jupiter and Pluto's long trine to the fore, that symbolises massive transformation of the current value system. Now its dynamic and assertive Mars, who can go with the flow in the feminine sign of the virgin.

Since Mars moved into Virgo on the magical date, 11:11:11 (where he will diligenty work, heal and purify every last detail for EIGHT months - (extended stay due to retrograde (more on this later)) it generates extra energy to restore the Grand Trine's recouperative powers; linking to benificent Jupiter in Taurus (the zodiac's banker), and Pluto in Capricorn (the zodiac's corporation) Mars is ready to find solutions and cleverly overcome obstacles. This should also help any healing process within the current global financial shake-up. 

Magical Neptune is still in oppostion to Mars, flying the tail of a rare Kite formation ~>  May this trine be worked so all beings are free from want _(♥)_ *waves wand and sprinkles fairy dust*•´¯`•.¸¸.♥

ps: This trine makes a cosmic comeback late winter/early spring in March, when  Mars retrograde stations to once again go forward and provide a helping hand to stabilise this fantastic Grand Earth Trine ---> ♥´¯`•.¸¸.•L❀VEly•´¯`•.¸¸.♥ No time to lose. Look to Virgo in your chart and see where the action is.

With the often invisible Pluto at the pyramid point in the triangle, and the Sun in Scorpio, there is still a sense of mystery about changes taking place. But an earth trine of this calibre has the potential to be a revisited period of Golden Healing Transformation. 

11:11:11 Global ONEness _(♥)_ exalted Full Taurus Moon

When illusion is strong and emotions appear heightened ~> All the more reason to remain grounded at peace and centred in presence ♥

Dynamic Mars in dramatic Leo now opposes mystical Neptune in futuristic Aquarius making it easy to get lost in fantasy; but this same alignment is also excellent for meditation and yoga, dance and drum!

Full moon is only days away, waxing into exalted culmination at 18 degrees Taurus, sign of value and worth, on Thursday, 10th November, at 20:16 gmt.

The day before the Full Moon, magical Neptune goes forward after 5 months retrograde on Nov 9th, harnessing our focus upon the sacred and the power of Divine love. Moonbeams continue to radiate upon the 11:11:11 activation of GLOBAL ONE-NESS; and, synchronistically, active Mars moves into healing Virgo until July 2012.

All the while beneficent Jupiter magnifies, with more luck, joy and insight, as Luna grows into fullness _(♥)_

New Virgo Moon in Cosmic Grand Trine ~ August '11

A cosmic Grand Earth Trine charged Monday morning’s New Virgo Moon with remarkable recuperative powers. The trine’s influence is heightened today (Tuesday) as munificent Jupiter stations at 10Taurus, giving us perspective endowed with stability, and precious time to graze enables one to digest and see what needs to be done in order to manifest on the material plane.

By conserving and concentrating resources, this lunation encourages one to get real and focus, to channel universal consciousness through very ordinary circumstances, such as regular daily chores, taking care of mind and body. As Lord Buddha says “Before enlightenment, chopping-wood, fetching-water; after enlightenment chopping-wood, fetching water.” When we treat even the simplest activities with care and attention, they become a potential source of pleasure and, most interestingly, a gateway to the awakened Divine.

The sacred geometry at the start of this lunation is quite unusual. Two interlocking ‘Thor’s Hammers’ suggest two very separate issues need to be simultaneously ‘hammered’ (self-cherishing and emotional sacrifice, for instance); yet this Grand Trine exudes more pure Goddess power than normal, which tames the harsher energies we have recently been dealing with.

Spirit Sun is still travelling the heavens with love Goddess Venus (a union which continues to remain in orb until 9^th September); and as they are both in the sign of the virtuous Virgo, now conjoined by the receptive Moon, it compounds the feminine traits of sensitivity, intuition and insight.  The Virgo conjunction accents an already beneficent trine between expansive Jupiter in steady Taurus and the very subtle but commanding influence of Pluto, in authoritative Capricorn, which currently demands a transformation of our value system. The Grand trine thus indicates positive economic and environmental compromise.

Tuning into the into the (internal yin) Goddess, who is now applying gentle pressure to find the middle ground, helps us understand to how the desire to help others is actually of greater evolutionary significance than the attachment to material acquisition. At the same time, we still have all the ability to give form to all that we need.

As always, the energy of any given moment is one to work with, as opposed to one that ego battles against. The trouble is a Grand Trine is often so nice and easy that it’s often gone before we know it. So my advice is to make the most of this emanating point of positive conditioning, and over the next two weeks establish the endurance on celestial offer and create good foundations for the coming autumn and winter months.

♥ ☼ ♥ Love Light ♥ ☼ ♥ New Moon in Leo ☽ July'11

With a sigh of relief we waved goodbye to an old Moon that held keys which unlocked karmic bonds – a lunation which began as the third of three eclipses was always going to be heavy (famine, war, Norway and beloved Amy – not to mention any other  ‘crisis’).  Am now inclined to say let’s be brave like the gracious lion and welcome a new lunar cycle that began with 7 Leo at 19:40bst, and stabilise the happy noble heart :). 

Leo is ruled by the Sun, at the centre of our solar system. As such, Leo's are usually commanding characters, who tend to be at the hub of any action. This elite sign enjoys dressing up, having fun, and being dramatic. But such amusement also comes with a hefty responsibility: to lead with grandeur and warmth, emanating a love for all that stokes fiery Leo's sensibility of being in charge.

From where I am (northern skies) I'm happy to report that for the first time in ages we’re experiencing piercing blue sky, with the Sun radiating the kind of clarity that inspires painters, philosophers and parties. There's a definite newness in the air as this lunar cycle begins with the Sun at home in regal Leo, as it is conjoined by both, the sensitive Moon and the love Goddess, Venus, the latter two bestowing feminine charm and beauty, as well as loyalty and dignity. From a physical perspective the lights, Sun-ruled Shiva and Moon-ruled Shakti/Pavarti, unite with Venus to harness Shakti power with Leo fixity and focus to naturally raise Spirit and exercise loving kindness. 

This Sun, Moon, Venus conjunction also makes a positive trine aspect to Uranus, indicating respect for individuals and groups, as well as being helpful  when assessing changes to value systems.Though it’s not all sunshine and roses in debt-culture, as this triple light-heart Leo conjunction suggests there is tough work to do by squaring up to Jupiter in Taurus – an indication how selfishness and greed is rife (challenging any (Leo) oligarch), and how frivolous financial spending ought to be curtailed. Still, Leo fun can be had – even during difficult times. How we deal with problems has a direct influence on the outcome. A generous noble gesture from a guiding light work wonders with the popular results, placating to greater effect – but, one wonders in this degenerative time of the Kali Yuga,  who is daring enough to be big-hearted? Interestingly, from the hard angle to Jupiter, this ‘love-light conjunction’ creates an often intense ‘Thor’s Hammer’ formation, which now points directly to the destiny-fulfilling North Node: the way forward is to be totally realistic about any material needs we require to make the most of any opportunity to be stable, artistic and inventive. Sun-ruled Leo reminds us that a creative culture is central to civilisation.

In Buddhist teachings we acknowledge everyone wants to be happy, to be content in their skin, and with the ability to spiritually, emotionally and rationally develop the human (animal) condition. What we really need to compensate recent gloom is a healthy dose of radiant light. So it’s nice to see the actual Sun in the science news again: It appears every time the Cardinal Cross manifests, usually by the monthly passage of the Moon in Cancer, we have an M-class solar flare (which then have a knock-on affect upon earth's magnetic field). These flares may well have more to do with our spiritual evolution than is at first obvious; and this observation needs more careful research from my side. It will be interesting to see how the Sun behaves as Mars enters into the Cardinal Cross foray the same day that Mercury goes retrograde next week. (FYI I am currently working on two different astrological projects: THE book :) And an article about ‘The Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’, both of which are in the process of being...)  

Yes, hot on the heels of this new lunation, Mercury, planet of communication, goes Retrograde on Wednesday 3rd :)) Astral advise: BACK UP everything - twice! Mercury is now at exalted 1 degree Virgo, which is usually excellent for analysing or organising the filing system; and our saintly halo for being so ordered and sorted has the potential to become whiter-than-white as Mercury opposes oceanic Neptune, just as it begins to retrograde. I jest. But whenever a planet goes retrograde, it’s important to look at how it links to other planets because that will be the triple whammy.  And the opposition from Mercury to Neptune could be very confusing, especially if travelling, map reading, dealing with neighbours or siblings, or perhaps more importantly, digesting spiritual teachings - because this is actually the kind of communicative Mercury configuration which encourages the spirit of enquiry, using analytical methods to reach a deeply intuitive understanding.  Mercury opposition  to Neptune creates a ripple effect, with thoughts, feelings and and ideas moving through the unseen energy field's undercurrent. Setting a positive intention is therefore paramount.

Fast moving Mercury doesn’t stay long in Virgo, though all kinds of information during this three week period – from facts and ideas, teachers and teachings – will need to be tested – including faith. In Buddhism this kind of questioning is welcomed. Indeed, it is called for, as one must understand from the depth of one’s rational and intuitive mind that the Buddha dharma is pure gold (which it is – take my word, but you must find this veritable treasure for yourself, in order for it to resonate in the mind-stream’s deeper vibration).

Mulitfaceted mult-talented Mercury has many skills; healing and communication being 'higher' traits that do extremely well in Virgo; but because it is fleet-footed with the gift of the gab, it's also called the trickster planet, so symbolic of smooth-talking con-artists, and thieves.  As mercury goes back into Leo, this indicates our ego, or our own mind, has the potential to either heal or become the trickster with all points in between.  This retrograde is about transforming the ego. So watch for saying anything you don’t mean just to puff yourself up and make yourself look grander than others.

By Monday the 8th August quick-silver Mercury is already back into Leo, indicating that we need to transform the ego-bound mind-heart with confidence and LOVE. This means the late degrees Leo (from 18 degrees onward) are thrice-blessed by trickster healer, with an optimum 3 weeks to then awaken heart-mind.  (Pluto in Leo Generation - aka we Baby Boomers - could well feel the need to gain insight into self in order to transform the mind - toute suite) :)) Going all the way back to 18 Leo, to go forward on 27 August, by setting the 'intention' to serve both spiritually and practically, ego-mind goes through the mental wringer. 

All this at the same time loving Venus in Leo takes hidden refuge in Spirit Sun for next 60 days while she is at 'Superior conjunction' as she radiated from behind the Sun. This means that we have a rather long-lasting Sun-Venus conjunction for a couple of months, until she once again emerges as Ishtar, the seductive evening star that will dazzle in Autumnal skies.  All the while this Lionine Love Goddess Venus is reminding us that vanquishing self-cherishing ego stabilses the heart ♥ ♥ ♥ :)) 

 

A Full Moon in August 13^th will be a good maker for assessing constructive energies that aid others, which represent the Moon in Aquarius, the sign which is the hierarchical ruler of the emotional Moon.  Basically, when we reach this cooler and more objective Aquarian Moon , we will once again have to shift-up a notch, in order to combat the compulsive ego’s destructive need for instant gratification. Luckily, the combination of a Full Aquarian Moon’s clear-light can provide the rational mind’s insight to attain some kind of stabilising insight.

As always, there’s much light-work to be accomplished. Until the next time _(♥)_ May your days be filled with happiness and friendship, with ♥´¯`•.¸¸.•L❀VE•´¯`•.¸¸.♥ & LIGHT :))

♥ Special thanks to Bill Brouard and other unknown artists for wonderful and much appreciated illustrations ♥

Stabilsing Earth ❤ ۞ ❤ Jupiter in Taurus June 2011 --> June2012

Astrologers often declare ‘there's no such thing as luck’!  Instead, we say there are auspicious times, which, by their very nature, are more likely to place us in the right place, talking to the right person, saying the right thing, and most importantly, holding the right view and right understanding. And it is the magnificent planet Jupiter which presides over these precious golden moments, so often laden with blessings and opportunity.

Beneficent Jupiter bestows good fortune, success, and the desire to travel and expand horizons, be that spiritually, intellectually and/or physically.  Jupiter also indicates sacred wisdom, higher learning and innate teaching abilities. With intrinsic humour, hope, and good-naturedness, Jupiter's motto is "Be big about it!"  Its principle is generosity of spirit, that also determines our moral convictions and ethics.

Jupiter's significance is now advancing through the circle of animals: For the past four and a half months, the largest planet in our Solar system has been whirling at the speed of light through Aries, sign of the pioneering confident Ram; any kind of self-obsession or self-analysis a magnified learning curve.  The influence of Jupiter during this dynamic sign seemed to be a wake-up call from our personal inner-guru to understand persona, or more specifically put 'self ' into perspective and question the wisdom of persona projection; to not be so pushy or self-indulgent, but instead think of others and find peace. When Jupiter recently opposed responsible Saturn in relationship-orienated Libra, a year-long call urged us to step-up enthusiasm and be confident when doing what is right and fair for others, and for peace and justice. 

In this modern world of fast-track evolution, there are also shared events which are triggers to make the most of opportunity, symbolised by personal planets such as Jupiter now aspecting generational Neptune (by trine in the ingress chart), the planet that represents great swayths of spirit-soul groups and the underlying emotional energy that binds collective thought, events or situation. 

Now we are riding the big wave, with Fukushima, for instance, as many instinctively feel the quickening karmic winds of change, even if unable to exactly express those emotions - feelings, by their very nature are a sensation that carry unseen chemicals, hormones and thoughts. Events such as happened in Japan create the kind of interconnected situation which makes one wonder about the philosophy of a ‘me, me, me’ society. All the while the transpersonal planet change, Uranus, remains in (tropical) self-orientated Aries, when kindred spirits instigate many a new collective new move (for the next seven years), as Jupiter, celestial teacher and bringer of good fortune shifts into the steady sign of the Tauran Bull until June 2012; so symbolic of treasuring the value in simple pleasures such as a child's smile, the smell of a flower, or a view from a mountain top.

And by Jove! A massive thunder storm has now going on over my head for the past three days! The celestial pantheon is reminding me how dorje-wielding Jupiter (4th pic down for more info on indestructable dorje), the philosophical Lord of Thunder and Lightening is moving signs Saturday 4th June ~ from speedy Aries into Taurus, stabilising sign of Earth's riches, as well as LOVE & money ~ Very auspicious for those with planets in Taurus ♥

Thanks and love to unknown artist & photographer for inspiriational images.