❂ Fire bird Sakadawa ~> New Moon Gemini _/\_ 25th May 2017 ♊ 🙏

The New Gemini Moon of the Fire Bird Year (20:44BST) is perigee, meaning it is the closest New Moon to Earth of the year, with tides higher than usual - and emotions could also overflow up to three days after the New Moon.

For the Himalayan Buddhist this New Moon is the start of Sakadawa, and a karma multiplied month x100 that gains momentum until the Full Moon June 9th, when karma is multiplied by 100 billion as we celebrate the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Although this sounds delightful in the need to be mindful of action and results, this is also a New Moon with two rather difficult astral signatures within its scope: one is how the Goddess of Love, Venus – now conjunct asteroid Pallas Athena - is bringing out the fearless warrior woman looking for serious change. And as Venus and Pallas square up to Pluto, the secretive planet of control, it puts the feminine archetype into a powerful position, which may or may not work. Successful outcomes depend upon intention and insight.

Another factor to take into account is one of my least favourite transits, that of feisty Mars in opposition (Rx) to taskmaster Saturn. This combination of the two planetary malefics can signify all kinds of hard-hitting bully-boy tactics. And as the Moon connects to this aspect over the weekend, it brings home harsh realities and how much work needs to be done to overcome doubt and fear. We would all do well to take an active responsibility within our various walks of life, so that can we find within the strength to overcome any fear that could stultify positive potential.

Back in the 80’s there used to be a popular phrase that I always found helpful which was ‘feel the fear – but do it anyway’; and Pema Chodron says in her book 'When things fall apart' "Usually we think that brave people have no fear. The truth is that they are intimate with fear. When I was first married, my husband said I was one of the bravest people he knew. When I asked him why, he said because I was a complete coward but went ahead and did things anyhow." So be brave, my friends, as life goes on in its myriad of changes. Thankfully the planets begin to brighten up somewhat towards the middle of next week.
May all our new Moon intentions be helpful, especially to be free from the fear of suffering by the means of enlightened thoughts, words and activity. 🙏🌹

With many thanks for 'Chenrezig, Lord of Compassion', to unknown artist _/\_

May Day! _/✿\_ 2013

Diligence and patience are highlighted with dynamic Mars in slow-moving Taurus, now in direct opposition to the karmic Time Lord, Saturn, planet of limitation. When encountering anger and or frustration self-discipline and strength (of character) is helpful and REQUIRED to stay centred and on the middle path.

Bear in mind that we are presently at a cross-quarter point in the solar year, a time of obvious but natural change, as well as in ‘eclipse season’, when the interplay of Spirit Sun, sensitive Moon, and home planet Earth generates intense shifts (that potentially lead to revelation and spiritual awakening). These movements and shifts in consciousness can be physical, emotional, or psychological when letting go of the negative is imperative to rest in mind’s natural radiance and joy.

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama says that "Self-discipline, although difficult, and not always easy while combating negative emotions, should be a defensive measure. At least we will be able to prevent the advent of negative conduct dominated by negative emotion. That is 'shila', or moral ethics. Once we develop this by familiarizing ourselves with it, along with mindfulness and conscientiousness, eventually that pattern and way of life will become a part of our own life."- from "Live in a Better Way: Reflections on Truth, Love and Happiness",

Image is of the Drepung Monks patiently creating the Medicine Buddha Mandala __/❤\__

 Happy Beltane!

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 __/❤\__

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.