• ✰• Venus Retrograde - Passionate Compassion • ✰•

For 40 days and 40 nights, the seductive Goddess of Love and all things beautiful, Venus, is Retrograde from 4th March – 15th April, activating the 5-pointed star she makes in the heavens every eight years.
Currently in fiery, go-getting Aries, Venus is set to return to the more sensitive and bewitching Pisces, the sign of forfeit, forgiveness and the out-of-this-world phantasmagorical. 

This is a challenging retrograde for Venus, due to being in her ‘fall’ in ardent, self-orientated Aries (always a bit tricky in relationship where good connections generally require thinking of others as well). But while Venus is just now in hot pursuit of passionate love, she is also set to return to her finest exaltation, in the more universally aware Pisces, to discover a compassionate, kinder heart. 

This Venus retrograde, with her burden of competitive ego, reveals a not-so-secret addiction to the kind of love where ‘self’ is abandoned into the overwhelming feeling of oneness and unity consciousness a Piscean Venus generates. Reviewing the interconnection with universe, and surrounding oneself by the all-consuming power of unconditional Divine love, with Venus at her exalted degree of 27Pisces, shows how this cosmic kind of love really switches on the illumination button: enlightenment, but without getting seduced by glamour or fooled by illusion which we would call 'spiritual materialism'.

To put this transit into the context of your own personal life-cycle count back eight years, to March 2009. As then, this is another inferior conjunction of Venus with the Sun on March 25th, just days after Spring Equinox, and only one day after a dynamic New Aries Moon! A new day dawns for Venus in her Piscean exaltation, as she lies between Earth and Sun, when cosmic love reigns supreme in all relations – even if it means making a personal sacrifice for the greater good of the whole. 

With ℒℴѵℯ _/✿\_ & thanks to Tashi Mannox for his beautiful ‘PaniStar’_/\_ Within his five-pointed star is painted a mantra of Vajrapani, a powerful Bodhisattva, protector and remover of obstacles, inner and outer. 

We may well need all the help we can get to remove certain stubborn obstacles, specifically those that prevent us seeing the value of self-Love, as Mercury also goes retrograde for the last five days of Venus retrograde to challenge a variety of value systems, of which unconditional Love is the highest. 

☾ ◯☽ New Moon in Aries 2015

☽★☼ Brave heart Aries is a passionate and fiery sign; with courage and a cause to champion, Aries also has a delightfully playful impulsive streak that dares venture into the unknown with a willingness to be open and genuine (if slightly naive and innocent). All of which can be very exciting, as well as refreshing, as Aries tends to bring in and reveal the novel and new with speed, and often a bang.

☽★☼ Our brilliant Sun is now exalted in Aries, radiating the illuminating ‘Light of Life’. Today’s New Moon in Aries ( Saturday 18th April, at 19:55 bst) ignites this divine spark, encouraging inner-light to shine from within. The Sun also rules the right eye in men and the left eye in women; thus this Aries New Moon sharpens a Spiritual Warrior’s vision to turn the gaze in towards 'the self'. Look to 28 Aries in your horoscope and note any Aries spontaneous revelations that allow clarification, to suddenly see things in a new light, especially issues sullied by (personal) anger, resentment, or other negative emotions that make it difficult to move on. Now is the time to be the Spiritual Warrior, one who has courage to exercise patience - with oneself and others, to start removing obscuration to enlightenment, and be ready to reap actual rewards at the Full Moon May 4th. And though it may be premature to say, but with Mars (the ruler of Aries) now at the very same degree as the coming Full Moon, set your intention wisely: there is an unshakable quality to one's mission 'May the fourth be with you' ;) !

Wishing new moon light blessings for all, with ℒℴѵℯLight __/\__ & thanks to Socrates Green for `Sacred Gate with the Seal of Inner Vision´

★ ☽ Last Quarter Moon in Capricorn ☾ ★ April 11th 2015

Currently fast-moving, bizarrely predictable yet unexpected changes are charted with a plethora of newness, symbolised by the present Aries conjunction that sees Uranus, Sun and Mercury, fire fervour and passion, to impulsively leap into action. 

Before bounding into situations unknown, hold courage close to heart and listen carefully for the wisdom of the Mother Goddess Liberator. At this last quarter Tara – Medicine Buddha Moon, eclipse season fades for another six months; and an Earthy Capricorn Goddess commands pragmatic wisdom, especially during periods of dramatic transformation.

The sensitive Moon is also now conjunct secretive Pluto. In judicious Capricorn, the Divine Feminine now accents intuition best guided with discipline, to leave no stone unturned when dealing with all things hidden. Even with difficult issues, calling upon the healing power of the Goddess helps to overcome obstacles, both seen and unseen, which may now even reveal a buried treasure - a previously hidden emotional or spiritual strength, perhaps a skill or gift which helps 0ne to rise above daily challenges (that appertain to ambition and accomplishment, and how to get there all-the-while dealing with sudden changes).

The weekend is thus another opportune moment to remove and let-go of all that no longer serves powerful healing and purpose. The early part of next week is earmarked for organising, in order to plant new seeds that blossom and bloom at the height of summer: Make adjustments now and be ready for a fresh new kick-start with an exciting New Moon in Aries, April 18th.

Image is of Goddess Green Tara
“Green Tara is Tara's most dynamic manifestation. Her color symbolizes youthful vigor and activity. The Buddhist Lord of karma (action), Amoghasiddhi, is also associated with the green color, thus signifying that they belong to the same family. This is a further affirmation of the perception that Green Tara is a goddess of action. She is often depicted in a posture of ease with right leg extended, signifying her readiness to spring into action. The left leg is folded in the contemplative position on the lotus pedestal, the two together thus symbolizing the integration of wisdom and art. Her left hand, in the gesture of granting refuge holds the stem of a blue lotus that floats over her left shoulder as a symbol of purity and power. With her right hand she makes the boon-granting gesture.” ( www.exoticindiaart.com )
With thanks...
~> Tara mantra “Om Tara Tuttara Ture Soha” _/\_

☉ Light of Life ~> New Moon in Aries March 30th _/♥\_

After a while of being around Tibetans, you will hear the phrase ‘being in the mandala’. What ‘being in the mandala’ means is that you are fully present in the magical centre of a cosmically infused multidimensional time tool, that is symbolic of our interconnection to body, speech and mind, in relation to Cardinal directions, six elements, planets, energies of the Sun & Moon, Buddha families, deities, and the heart-mind of the Guru (within). To be in the mandala is at once a wondrous state of awareness in an often complex process of becoming at one with the central heart-mind. I mention this now because this exciting New Aries Moon at 19:43BST, the Sun is not only exalted, but this lunation also sees important planets perfect the ‘Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’, forming a tight Grand Cardinal Cross from the beginning April, making us all feel like we are entering the mandala. Through one gate or another (depending upon personal planets in horoscope), be it east, west, north or south, though a personal calling or family/relationship/authority issues, we are all being called into the mandala created by the Grand Cardinal Cross, becoming totally aware of our own personal part in the greater whole, in peace, and with beauty and harmony at a point of collective transformation.

☉ ♈ ☽ ♅ It’s also worth bearing in mind that because the New Moon and Sun now conjoin Uranus, the planet which Alice A.Bailey attributes as being the agent of change in the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun. There’s a palpable sense of a collective awakening to altruism in action. Uranus is also the surprise wild card, accenting uniqueness and individuality within peer-to-peer situations, as well as eureka moments that come like bolts from the blue. According to esoteric astrology, Uranus is the hierarchical ruler of Aries; meaning the Ram’s up-front bravado is best served for a cause, with a passion to help those who can’t help themselves. This is not to say that one mustn’t look after oneself, because the main focus of Aries is the Light of Life itself: the Sun, assigning personal identity and talents. Indeed, what the collective now requires are spiritual warriors who are brave, aware that each has distinct gifts, ready for transition in action.

Helping us to transform throughout this eclipse season (Full Lunar eclipse on the 15th April & Solar on the 29th) is the horse power and strength of the Green Wood Horse. Spring is the main time of the wood ‘air’ element, and a time of action, growing into new spaces and places. It’s a powerful moment in time & space ~> enjoy __/\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶

With Love & thanks for sharing and to unknown artist for Cosmic Mandala. _/♥\_

Moon Mercury Chiron Neptune in Pisces _/♥\_ ♓ ☽ ☿ ♆ March 28/29th

Deep and powerful emotions can take us into uncharted realms, as the now darkening Moon conjoins oceanic Neptune, along with the celestial courier Mercury, and the healing shaman Chiron – all flowing through the heavens together in the dreamy and imaginative sign Pisces. This is a creative and visionary time, as the magical fishes connect heaven to earth through the hidden vibration of meditation, song and poetry to generate unlimited potential for miraculous healing. Such a potent stellium of planets also provides insight into the sea of suffering. Instead of feeling hopeless, we can sense where we fit into the collective picture and what we can do to help; even if we're not ready to act just yet, the image and ideas are being formed through the heart-minds eye.

By offering spiritual service we transform on a deep, cellular level. It may well be a tune, dance or prayer, whispers on the wind, or a ripple in water that stirs the heart-mind’s love-wisdom into awakening an awareness to the inner light that radiates kindness and compassion. And while Neptune is with Chiron such benevolent consideration heals not only self, but others as well.

Before the New Aries Moon on Sunday 30th, when the light of life itself springs into action, be aware that “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” Aristotle

☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶with love & thanks to Oliver Adams artist for the beautiful light offering these intent young monks make _/♥\_

Right Action ~> New Aries Moon April 2013

New Moon 20° Aries Wednesday April 10th @10:34BST

“It is not enough to be compassionate, we must act.” ~ His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama __/❤\__

☽☼☾ While collective compassion remains accented in the heavens, it is a stellium in fiery Aries that now symbolises dynamic action, leadership, and pioneering derring-do that urges one to confidently undertake take new challenges and adventures.

The excitable energy of this ardent Aries Moon with the Sun, Venus, Mars, and Uranus, all together in the courageous sign of the Ram, indicates an extraordinary quest that bursts forth into something fiery, passionate, and original.

‘The Lights’ (Sun & Moon) are tightly entwined with relationship planets; thus the cosmic mission gets up-close and personal, as it calls for the individual to discover love, self-love, loving what we do that contributes to the benefit of society, our friends and family. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama also says in reference to action, “The more you are motivated by Love, The more Fearless & Free your action will be.” And when we are fearless, enthused with a good heart, we're then able to engage in what is known in Buddhism as ‘Right Action’.

Right Action is part of the eightfold Dharma path, and implies utilising the kind of mindfulness that can quickly nip in the bud the Aries tendency towards emotional outbursts, anger or impatience. Right action also entails having the moral courage to respect all life (not just human life) by living by certain precepts, the main ones of which are: 1) no killing (any living being) 2) no stealing or taking what is not given 3) no lying (not even to oneself) 4) no sexual misconduct, and 5) no intoxicants. There are many more precepts reserved for either being a monastic or on retreat; but these basic vows describe the right action for a lay spiritual warrior to live an enlightened life. Admittedly it takes awareness to keep to all five, but if you have never thought about these actions before, consciously doing even one is a step on the path to becoming a baby Bodhisattva.

So while the Sun and new Moon conjunct Love Goddess Venus & Warrior Mars, the time is now right to make light offerings, motivate and fire up ‘Right Action’: Plant seeds of •❤• █▄◯╲╱☰ • ❤ now, then watch L❀VE, strength & personal happiness grow. ❤

If you would like an astrology reading to know where the action is in your horoscope, please contact me for rates, here With LoveLight & New Moon Blessings, Laura

Light Offering photo by Olivier Adam, with thanks __/❤\__
http://dharmaeye.com/

nil desperandum -> patience & forethought win out ~ New Aries Moon 2011

A New Moon in the sign of the Ram renews hope and optimism, as additional seasonal momentum propels one fearlessly forward.  Such drive is helpful, particularly as the start of this lunation heralds massive and potentially disruptive sudden change, from which there is much to learn. New projects, ideas or adventures that recently appeared ‘all-systems go’ may quickly reach a momentary high, leading to the need to slow down one’s mind and ride this New Aries Moon, 3^rd/4^th April, with focus and attention. 

Dramatic developments demand an alert mind ready to seize opportunities that stir the compassionate heart into positive action. Since the Spring Equinox (21^st March), when sensitive Moon conjunct boundary-marking and restrictive Saturn (read cuts) we’ve increasingly witnessed rising levels of dissatisfaction across the world over too little autonomy, status, or stability, without a modicom of which the relationship to self and other’s – including the Divine - struggles to find balance.

Now that a cluster of planets assemble in the confident but sometimes reckless sign Aries, the astral prospective is as antagonistic as it is assertive. In a push to seek volition and establish autonomy we may realise sudden new growth. But push too far, too fast, or be too furious, violent and competitive, and any or everything could backfire. Anger management is therefore high on the current celestial agenda, not only to avoid sticky situations but also to question rivalry as well as consider the kind of authority we respect, while the heavens point towards individual freedom within ethical limits as means of ruling responsibility.

Mercury, planet of communication and all we ponder, is thankfully in retrograde motion, which means we now take time to revise, reconsider and reprogram; in Aries, we can begin to understand how the mind works; Aries provides the bravery to reassess how we think and, perhaps more importantly for the impetuous Aries, to consider the RAMifications (couldn’t resist the pun!) of our most personal thoughts and actions. Being hot-headed, anxious, or intolerant is not the same as being keen and eager. This is one of those occasions when more haste really is less speed and the Mercury retro could work in our favour.

In esoteric astrology, Mercury rules Aries, signalling how important it is to contemplate before we act upon asserting our beliefs and thoughts – even for only the Aries nano-second. This association between the first sign of the zodiac, Aries, and the heavenly messenger, Mercury, suggests single-minded thoughtful focus, to be genuinely mindful, as shaping life in truth requires courage as well as reflection, especially if we are to understand life’s mysteries.

The Buddha said “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.”

The most dangerous enemy to ardent Aries is its’ own over-heated impatience. Aries can be impulsive, acting quickly to see fast results; self-absorbed and unaware that others can be more cautious, needing time to reflect Aries can soon run up against a wall, spent and out of steam. To avoid such worst case scenarios, make the most of retrograde Mercury in Aries, affording these three precious weeks of reflection. 

In Tantra, fire represents knowledge; in astrology fire symbolises intuition. With SIX planets in fiery Aries, the Spiritual warrior advances as instinct aligns with ‘right understanding’ (from the Buddhist 8-fold path).  Those planets are Dynamic Mars (at home in Aries), BML, altruistic Uranus (hierarchical ruler of Aries), soulful Moon, Spirit Sun, expansive Jupiter AND retrograde Mercury, all oppose the confining Saturn, bringing to a head the recent 3rd and FINAL hit between Jupiter and Saturn (phew - enough already ;) thank you Goddess; this is the last seriously low point of a 20-year cycle): Blazing expansion and high-minded morality are again face-to-face, balancing all points between healthy self-assertion and making sure other’s also have a fair deal. Even-handedness is a major and ongoing deal (until 2012 – at least), and particularly karmic for the (internal) authority that ought to come from the heart.

Talking of which, it is spring (in the northern hemisphere), which rules wood and the colour green: the colour of the heart. Wood represents organic expansion, with influencing wind element; green is also the colour of Tara, the Tibetan Goddess who is the Great Mother Liberator. We call on her wisdom to quickly overcome the many obstacles to the planet and in our personal lives. “Om Tara tuTara ture soha”

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.