Sun Mars Mercury opposition Saturn ~April-May 2013

The Lights (Sun & Moon) present a see-saw dynamism today, swinging up-down from judgemental pessimism to enthusiastic optimism in fairly equal measures. Thus, for the spiritual practitioner, the middle path beckons, particularly when working on what’s important. Perform all tasks with a happy heart, as Spirit Sun and warrior Mars oppose karmic Saturn, accenting personal responsibility for duties and situations that challenge, demand patience and a practical application. Being disciplined can be incredibly rewarding and pave the way for accomplishment. Today's far-sighted Sagittarian Moon opposite Jupiter provides hope and optimism, especially when living in truth.

Be aware: there’s a tendency to gloss over veracity, loyalty and/or integrity with Jupiter square Neptune. So it’s good to be mindful that with over exuberant quackery one can fool oneself - and others - into thinking spiritual materialism is the real deal. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche says that “As long as a person is involved with warfare (or conniving in ambition or relationship), trying to defend or attack, then his action is not sacred; it is mundane, dualistic, a battlefield situation.” The thoughts in brackets are mine, but here C.T. Rinpoche suggests the main work to do (especially this week, as Sun, Mars & Mercury sequentially oppose taskmaster Saturn in Scorpio) is upon the ego and letting go of egoic desire and delusion, however tough and laborious that may be Sun, Mars & Mercury do provide determination and stamina. And today we have jolly Jupiter to gee-up the sphere of benevolence and forgiveness, which can take the edge off being too hard upon anyone, especially ourselves.

Throughout this week, loving Venus conjunct the Taurus South Node is the astral reminder to always come from the HEART __/❤\__

Mars square Jupiter ~ Oct'11

Fiery Mars in heart-centred Leo creates a tense aspect to the generous and spiritual teacher, Jupiter in earthy Taurus, 3rd-5th Oct. This is an opening but demanding relationship, when the challenge is to stabilise one’s playful passion and creativity - often more easily said than done. The combination of an EQUANIMOUS MIND with RIGHT CONCENTRATION has a greater potential to produce the RIGHT ACTION. :)_/♥\_

DALAI LAMA ON ACTION: "It is not enough to be compassionate; you must act. There are two aspects to action. One is to overcome the distortions and afflictions of your own mind; that is, in terms of calming and eventually dispelling anger. This is action out of compassion. The other is more social, more public."--Dalai Lama

 Image to help us visual thinkers to generate right action is by Venerable Lobsang Tendar, and is of “Manjushri, who is said to have the power of discriminating wisdom. He can discriminate between correct and incorrect views and between beneficial and non-beneficial actions that must be taken on one's spiritual path. He holds a sword that vanquishes ignorance. Manjushri's sword is also considered a sword of quick detachment and a symbol of enlightened will.” 

Manjushri Mantra :  "om a ra pa ca na dhih" _/\_♥ॐ

Slaying the Ego at the Spring Equinox 2009

The radiant light of the Sun energises the northern hemisphere as from midday Friday the 20^th, with the Spring Equinox, a time of equal day and equal night. The Sun represents one’s identity and is exalted in the sign Aries, a symbol of courage, daring and enterprise. The Sun is also in hard aspect to Pluto, ruthless planet of transformation and renewal. So the challenge of being a true warrior, in the spiritual sense, is sparked wherever you are.

For Plutonic regeneration to take place we must defeat negative forces, and let go of unhelpful habits such as holding onto a wrong view; by doing so we discover previously hidden strengths. With Manjushri’s double-edged sword of truth and logic at the ready, be prepared to slay the ego at the same time appraising self-worth. Admittedly, this is a serious test for anyone. Yet now is the time to raise self-esteem by cutting through the veil of illusion with a fierce kind of grace and separate ourselves from anger, fear, resentment, addictions or anything else holding us back. To stop measuring oneself against others will also bring certain relief. And, besides, there is great bliss to be found in allowing the important aspects of life to flourish, such as personal relationships and creative activities that replenish the soul.