☽ Sun in Cancer – Last Quarter Moon in Aries ~> ‘mutual reception’

Goddess Tara – Medicine Buddha Moon _/✿\_

Sun in Cancer – Last Quarter Moon in Aries

Due to an astrological association called ‘mutual reception’, this often tense combination of ‘The Lights’, at the Last Quarter Moon phase, can now actually work rather well. This is because both Sun and Moon are in signs in which the other is strengthened, i.e. the Sun is exalted in Aries and the Moon rules Cancer.

Goddess Tara now blesses this specific astral arrangement which enhances bravery as well as confidence, so that even unusually stressful conditions can quickly be resolved with courage and conviction. Also, as the hyper-sensitive Moon is currently conjunct Uranus, the planet of sudden surprise, events and ideas benefit from original thinking, uniquely outside any box. An impulsive quick change could easily lead to innovation – yet patience is still called for, especially when dealing with group situations, friends and technology. And as the Cancerian Sun also conjuncts Mars (the ruler of Aries) it’s compounds the momentum to make things happen, hopefully without becoming so self-absorbed that it kills empathy. Be aware that eradicating selfish elements (particularly within ones’ self) requires continual awareness, as well as tolerance, loving kindness, and repeated good intentions (so that one becomes familiar with raising the altruistic intention by doing what is best for everyone); and that catching ones’ self before frustration, resentment or anger takes over because others aren’t moving fast enough, or doing what we want, involves clear and objective self-awareness – and practice. For the spiritual warrior, each time we stop the mind from wandering into dangerous territory, where accumulated positive karma is wiped-out by anger in nanosecond, it's a victory towards liberation. Embrace such freedom now: there is no time like the present to increase compassion in action! 

°˖✧◝( ◠‿◠ )◜✧˖° Tara Mantra ~> Om Tare Tutare Ture Soha _/\_

Love is the Bridge ~ Lunar Eclipse October 8th 2014

“Love is the bridge between you and everything” ~ Rumi

KARMA multiplied day x 7 million.✫´¯`*•.¸¸☼ ♡

☾ ● ◯ The October Full Moon is sometimes called Hunter’s Moon, aka Blood Moon, Travel Moon, or Dying Moon, as the leaves (in the northern hemisphere) begin to wither and drop, which in itself can instil the dread of winter. But wherever you are take heart: This Aries Moon is also an exciting Lunar Eclipse, exact 11:51bst (6:51est), laden with love and light. In harmonious Libra, and conjunct Venus, Spirit Sun aligns love with intelligence, to encourage kindness to be at the heart of activating creative change.

The Moon is exactly conjunct Uranus, the enlightening planet associated with dramatic turnarounds, as well as altruism, with each expressing his or her own individual gifts within the larger social scale. Now Uranus wakes us up to that which emotionally fulfills, like a bolt from the blue urging one into action. And with both Sun and Moon in hard aspect to Pluto (to activate ongoing Uranus/Pluto square), it is imperative to make very real and personal changes in relationship to self, those we care for, and the way that we treat our environment. This set of eclipses (today is Lunar, @15Aries-Libra, with solar 23rd Oct 0Scorpio) also suggests we are the old/new people, stronger than before, astrologically and psychologically primed for self-awareness, particularly in relation to others. H.H. Dalai Lama says “Although it is difficult to pinpoint the physical base or location of awareness, it is perhaps the most precious thing concealed within our brains. And it is something that the individual alone can feel and experience. Each of us cherishes it highly, yet it is private.” His Holiness’s words also remind how it the very private and personal awareness which empowers Spirit and the heart-mind to maintain strength, harmony and balance.

Now is the time to Let the Love-Light shine dearest cyber Sangha ~> and be the change we wish to see! __/\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶♡
with ℒℴѵℯ __/♡\__ & Thanks to Visual Alchemy for 'The Angel of Bliss'

☆ Tara Moon ~ Medicine Buddha 18 -19th July 2014 _/✿\_

For the Last Quarter Cancerian Tara lunation, The Lights, Sun & Moon, are in mutual reception - meaning the luminaries get along very well: Sun in Cancer is in the Moon’s natural domain, and the Aries Moon is in the sphere of the Sun’s exaltation. Spirit and soul flow and merge and quickly, to eliminate emotional, physical or mental blocks. This mighty combination is dynamic and Cardinal in quality, and usually overcomes problems swiftly, with care and kindness.

This Last Quarter Moon is also with the South Node. Any sense of chaos, aggression or confusion could spark off a feeling of ‘Déjà vu’. A healing balance is found within a refuge, at home and/or in the dharma. This particular Last Quarter Moon urges us to consider the welfare of others, as well as look after self; Indeed, it is imperative to look after ourselves first, to build and acknowledge the strength to remove personal obstacles before we help others. This is not a cowardly move, but a fearless spiritual warrior must be clear and strong within, in order to assume the responsibility that leading the field and caring for others entails.

Now is the time to invoke the help of the powerful Goddess and healing Buddha (within), and be mindful about what we choose to nourish ourselves with, in regards to body, speech, and mind.
Tara mantra "Om Tara Tutare Ture Soha" __/♥\__

with ℒℴѵℯ __/♥\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸♥✶

ॐ Dakini Day ~> May 23rd/24th ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_

Coming into the last major phase of this moon cycle, with only five days before the New Gemini Moon that starts the month of SakaDawa, today’s Dakini Moon in Aries puts fire in your soul and brilliance at the heart.

This highly independent Aries Moon also activates the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun, the current celestial configuration that is dynamic, active and extremely influential. Because this Grand Cross also involves generational planets, it means the initiation into transformation and often dramatic change is felt by everyone, in one way or another. Whether the changes we individually go through are seen or unseen (as in spiritual or psychological), it is over this weekend that the initiating power and insight from the Divine Feminine (which we all possess) that now sets the stage for liberation, with this super-strong and passionate Aries Moon.

Note this adventurous Aries Moon conjuncts wild-card Uranus on Saturday 24th, when insight can come from out of the blue. As can less helpful emotions, such as egotism, selfishness and anger. That Uranus is the Hierarchical ruler of Aries, it does however suggest raising the altruistic intention and helping others is the way to help oneself.

Today’s positive aspect from the Gemini Sun and Aries Moon also coincides with Mercury entering into the shadow phase of its retrograde, which will take place June 7th until July 1st. An applying shadow phase tends to alert us to possible issues which will need extra attention during the retrograde. And as Mercury rules Gemini there’s a double emphasis upon healing, communication and, dare I say, trickery. Yet there may even be more solutions than usual, as well as more slip-ups. Gemini and Mercury are both known as being quick-witted and highly versed in mental gymnastics, aware there are many paths, each with interesting twists and turns which lead to the same place – and much will depend upon our ability juggle many things at the same time, as well as relations with sangha and friends, as to the speed to which we achieve the aims we now set forth over these next few days.

ℒℴѵℯ_/✿\_ & thx to unknown artist for Mandala.
If you would like to know more about how the heavens shape your own personal horoscope, please contact me here for rates. Thank you! ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_

✶ Dakini Day ~> Sun in Aries ☉ ♈ ✶ ☾ ♒ Moon in Aquarius – March 26th _/♥\_

When Spirit Sun is in Aries (March 20th – April 20th) the celestial spotlight shines upon ‘self’, and the radiant nature of the Divine emanates spontaneously with innocent, child-like joy. And in a helpful last major aspect of this lunation, this confident and exalted Aries Sun makes a sextile to the sensitive waning Moon in friendly Aquarius. It’s an extremely ‘yang’ dynamic between elements fire and air today, but with an even deeper connection between Sun and Moon, insomuch that the fiery Sun is also applying a conjunction to the liberating and altruistic planet Uranus, which rules Aquarius, the sign where the Moon now creates an emotional bond between kindred spirits to become more experimental and expressive. In this aspect the feminine Dakini Moon supports the sunny, glowing self in relation to others, making it a perfect day for socialising and teaming up with fellow sky-dancers, and open-minded kindred spirits, for each to share the Divine spark of inspiration and shoot the breeze with ideas that help digest and understand past events, as well as provide motivation and alternative insights that one can utilise during the Aries New Moon March 30th - at which point we enter eclipse season under the powerful auspices of the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun and, in the words of Alan Watts, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance”. _/♥\_

With thanks to unknown photographer for dancing dakinis _/♥\_

☆ FireBrand ~> astro peek at Russell Brand

In the wake of a Paxman interview, the facebook newsfeed has become a one-man Russell Brand show, with Brand’s call to boycott voting and start a revolution soliciting extreme reaction from all sides. Some want to heed the battle cry and, presumably, die for him, as revolutions are never a civilised affair. But maybe that's not the kind of rEvolution RB is looking for? As others are very much against, generally men of a certain age who find Brand opinionated, trite and wayward. The girls seem to love him, possibly for the same reasons but seen in a different light, seeking a revolution of the heart.

As an astrologer it intrigued me to know what, from the planets’ point of view, does Russell Brand have to make him a magnet for others to either attract or repel in such a polarizing manner? Born with the loquacious Sun in Gemini on the 4th June 1975, at 00:07*, in Greys, Essex, Russell Brand’s horoscope buzzes with a larger-than-life, rather nervous and extremely assertive but deeply sensitive personality, one who loves novelty and variety, to be always on the go in constant communication. One might even say his gift-of-the-gab is a past-life thing; in this life he is to be the wiser media Guru. His destiny is to reveal mastery of the chat, aiming for wisdom's truths. The man even compared His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, in Manchester youth program not so long ago!

His Capricorn chart ruler, karmic Saturn, is deadly serious, in contrast to the playful Gemini Spirit. Coming across as dark and handsome with a devilish twist is also part of the Brand charm; with weighty Saturnian topics such as voting, politics and the environment delivered with clever and light-hearted Gemini wit.  The heavy-weight ruler, Saturn, is in detriment in the sign of Cancer, however, with challenges to the early home life and school, with issues surrounding the matriarch, such as food, mother and authority. Furthermore, Saturn's wide conjunction to Love Goddess Venus is another indication that he needs to take greater responsibility with his approach to women. After the age of 30, Saturn generally matures somewhat and can work the relationship issues that having Saturn in an area that improves when duty bound, by working his body, as well as intellect, the projected Peter Pan grows up to become a fast-talking Spiritual Media Warrior, who is now very much in tune with the present zeitgeist .

Even the title of Russell's recent show, ‘The Messiah Complex’, is revealed in his natal horoscope, as the Sun - which defines ego and identity (in the sign of the informative Twins) opposes Neptune, oceanic planet of spirituality and spiritual oneness. When working well, Neptune can indicate deep compassion and charity, meditation and yoga; but heaven help anyone whose Neptune is out of whack and opposite the Sun, as it denotes drug, alcohol, and all kinds of nefarious toxic abuse and addiction. Save or be saved, Neptune is also the planet of victims and martyrs, illusion and glamor, which makes it as easy for him to ‘lose’ himself (even if he has emotional control issues), and even easier for other to transfer their feelings about his celebrity, as well as political ideals onto Russell. How he deals with such idolization depends upon how profoundly he can tune into the spiritual world for refuge and support.

But what makes Brand’s horoscope really twinkle is how the current movement of the heavens excites the warrior within, urging him to become the knight in shining armor on a righteous cause, encourage people to wake-up to any present iniquity by exercising his gift to articulate rampant corruption.

Russel's chart is tuning into a dynamic alignment called ‘The Uranus Pluto Square’, of which there are seven squares over three years, which started in 2012, and finishes in 2015. This on-going square symbolises a tension between the traditional paradigm of absolute power and authority, and those seeking freedom and equality. Both Pluto and Uranus are generational planets that propel Russell’s scope into the vanguard of the action: Pluto, the planet of life, death and rebirth, activates a place of collective longing in Russell’s chart, while the planet of sudden upheaval, Uranus, sparks his well-placed and passionate Mars, courageous and dynamic planet of action. Whilst being able to mobilise, fight, and guide with giddy enthusiasm, this is the chart of a fireBrand who senses the perils of both the ordinary foot soldier AND the elite major general. Because his natal planet of revolution, Uranus in Libra, resonates with equality and freedom I suspect he sees himself as an innovative visionary, which he is, to a certain extent. At the very least he is the current mouthpiece for many of the disenfranchised 99%, unnerving a 1% - but still we can all applaud his bravery.

One last point is how Venus, the planet of love, is also an indicator of social skills, which sits almost exactly on his descendant, point of marriage and relationship. Even if people don’t always like what he says, they still seem to be fascinated, and dare I say, want his friend.

*Source of birth time: Marcos Prachett

Sky Dancing Dakini Day! ~> June 2nd/3rd 2013

An airy Gemini Sun makes a harmonious aspect to the emotive Moon, in autonomous Aries. Together they generate a burning passion for the spiritual warrior to communicate and act upon thoughts seemingly carried by the wind.

Curious Gemini stimulates the enquiring mind to cruise the information highway and to transmit news, ideas, and knowledge. Moon in dynamic Aries quickly assimilates such information, so that how we feel about important issues can be swiftly assessed, synthesised and acted upon before next weekend’s Gemini New Moon, June 8th.

Interestingly, both spirit Sun and the fiery, living-in-the-moment Aries Moon are now in a good strong aspect to liberating Uranus, where ‘The Light’s’ highest vibration is for all beings to be treated as equal. Thus the Gemini sky-like mind spirals towards the end of this lunation with a feminine guiding hand that senses the need for personal independence and freedom, be that a freedom to think or worship, or from war, suffering or hunger. And thus has a cause to support.

Even with a helpful aspect, emotions can be powerful. So while Uranus dictates primitive emotion such as anger and selfishness are unhealthy and obstructive – i.e. always thinking of I, me and mine, it may be the seed for causing potential harm to others, as well as be bad for the heart; the caution here is to avoid thoughtless whim and sudden martial exploits on impulse. Uranus is the Hierarchical ruler of Aries: self-centred attitude can certainly be directed to developing personal strength, but using this might of individual volition for an altruistic cause and the benefits of others is the action of mindful warrior of the heart, not a domineering dictator.

Happily, this Summer’s delightful Grand Water Trine is now shaping up to direct the mind-stream to be in one’s flow: to be caring, perceptive and compassionate. This deeply sensitive Grand Trine sets the tone for the coming months, getting extra encouragement at the new Moon, as well as at another powerful Solstice Full SuperMoon (the 2nd Full SuperMoon in a row of three!).

A 2nd Aries Moon beams the Light of Life ~ Oct '10

The Divine Light of consciousness stimulates head AND heart with a second Full Moon in Aries. This time the Moon will be at 29degrees Aries at 2:36 am (gmd) early Saturday morning. A second Full Moon in any zodiacal sign is a ‘Krishna Moon’ or ‘Christ Moon’ radiating love for all, including self (& this may well be the origination of the ‘Blue Moon’ concept, due to Krishna’s royal colour.).

Only a few days after the Moon in apogee, stretching our Earthly electromagnetism, this full Moon happens to be very powerful.  Once again in Aries the Moon is opposite the Libran Spirit Sun: the spiritual warrior’s sacred heart is balanced with mirror-like wisdom and a certain familiarisation, as both Lights (Sun & Moon) contain within them the various emotional and spiritual experiences since the previous Autumn Equinox Full Aries Moon: thus the ‘Light that Moves to Rest’ reflects ‘The Light of Life’ that shines on a true and loving heart. 

From nought degrees Aries at the Full Equinox Moon, until now at the anaretic degree at the very end of the sign - one entire lunation - the Libra-Aries axis of personal will verses relationship is given a second cosmic focus. The theory is that because we are acquainted with the range of dynamic Aries-Libra expressions: I and we, individual and partnership, assertion-compromise, we are therefore more in tune with these powerful and forward moving energies, able to find a happy balance between the will of action and peaceful dialogue (or not, as the case may be). 

 

Now is the time to balance personal will within relationship needs. Impulsive or irrational feelings could tip the Libran scales.

Much, as always, will depend upon the individual’s connection to these all important Cardinal signs, especially now that taskmaster Saturn is in harmonious Libra, sometimes parading as the Lord of Love who dares to dance with the horned devil (a power-playing ego), while squaring up to Pluto at 3 degrees Capricorn, indicating a formidable, almost painful transformation of authority; and on the opposite side of the sky lie Jupiter and Uranus, stirring up personal, collective and planetary change in a most challenging way.   

This, however tricky the current arrangement of the planets, is an important Moon for Buddhists, as it is the Full Moon when the Lord Buddha agrees to the Deva’s request to descend from the Heavenly Realms of the 33, the Trayatrisma (where he had repaid kindness by teaching his mother), and return to Earth to continue teaching the dharma. In a week’s time, at the last quarter moon on October 30^th, just before Halloween, we celebrate the actual descent, Lhabab Du Chen, as being one of the four most important days in the Buddhist calendar.

This ability to move between spheres is not confined to the Buddha. The Spirit of the Sun is also currently up-close and personal with Venus and communicative Mercury.  When in Scorpio, Mercury acts as mediating psychopomp between the seen and unseen, urging us to be attentive to our thoughts while we shift between our levels of consciousness, so that we can recognise any gems we might discover. Venus retrograde provides a loving kind of insight; and Mars in Scorpio adds probing depth.

Celebrating a man of Peace ~ Sun in Libra (Aries Full Moon & Mercury direct 09)

This note is in honour of the anniversary of the birth of one of the planets' great men of peace on October 2nd, that of Mahatma Gandhi. His maxim “Be the change you want to see in the world” is also a very popular quote these days. Rightly so; for each and every one of has the personal responsibility to alter – and improve – our lives, and those of others around us, and therefore shape our own (collective) destiny. How do we do that? By changing the way we perceive our selves, our relationships and our position in the world we alter the way we react. I appreciate this may sound easier said than done. But in seeing all the good around us, the kindness and love that we give and receive - and are grateful for - it enables us to generate a feelgood factor that in turn makes problem solving much easier. “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” To all extents and purposes it seems many of us have recently been through the opposite of this, bumbling best we can through a time of soul searching, seeking new ways of looking at the world and new ways to change our approach to problems so that our needs get met, if not our wants. Yet the times now call for material consolidation and practical advancement. It’s not always easy to be realistic and assess and go ahead with what works and leave behind what doesn’t.

“In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.” Truth is now found through being expansive in community and spiritual associations, where the dream of a positive future can manifest with the support of kindred spirits.

Celestially speaking, October looks more promising than last month to implement changes that have a lasting quality, as Mercury, planet of the mind, ideas and commerce moved into direct motion to go back over the late degrees of Virgo before re-entering peace-loving Libra October 10th. A quick recap of this Mercury retrograde when our healing brother conjoined Saturn (and the two are still performing together to will be exact on 8th October for the 3rd time) and oppose Uranus and square to Pluto (also for the third time). The responsible kind of transformation we seek could pick up momentum over Sunday’s full Aries moon, when quicksilver Mercury again opposes Uranus, planet of innovation and sudden insight; and Mars, ruler of Aries, also makes a daring dash to revolutionise with Uranus. All in all, these next few weeks are instrumental for pointing long term plans in a direction we would like them to move. The spirit of the Sun in sign of balance and love, Libra, radiates with the action orientated Aries Full Moon to remind that when we come from the heart, and keep the benefit of others in mind, there is every chance developments will conform to our wishes. Bearing in mind one last Gandhi quote, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

FYI Mahatma Gandhi born October 2, 1869 at 7:12 AM in Porbandar (India) with Libra Sun & Asc, with a prominant and insightful Mercury in Scorpio on his Ascendant.

Fiery Thunderbolt

This fiery new moon in Aries inspires courage and stimulates confidence in new ideas, new ventures and new relationships. New ways of looking at an established relationship, be it a business association or love affair, can also revitalise passion and enthusiasm - in both parties, to go full steam ahead by the end of April.

Amorous Venus is also still retrograde in Aries, conjoining the Sun, Moon and Mercury: action is called for, while personal strength is mastered and more easily projected when motivated by love and positive intention. Coming from the heart generates unconditional compassion, which also means being good to one’s self, as well as others. Having the strength, patience and discipline to refrain from intentionally or absentmindedly harming, either oneself or others, comes to the saintly few. Most of us have to work at practicing this most honourable ethic: because our ego and identity can all too easily become caught-up in difficult situations, as in a battle of wills, that emotions such anger, jealousy or competitive pride arise; such corrupting influences make it nigh on impossible to correctly assess situations. Allowing the mind access to the innate and much-needed gentle awareness could now encourage reconciliation between previously warring factions.

With four Aries planets in hard aspect to controlling Pluto, now is the time to rise to the challenge and persevere with enthusiasm, and stop dragging old and outworn habits into any new enterprise or association. The brave hero of the hour will reduce to ashes any negative influences that no longer serve his or her highest good, to take one step further towards a profound and phoenix-like personal transformation.

Many thanks to Lokabandhu for inviting me to Buddhafield to witness this wonderful vajra thunderbolt - May the light of the fire septre illuminate our path with spiritual clarity! http://www.buddhafield.com/