The Anthropocene Age & the invention of plastic

Turn on that old vintage plastic radio and hear ye! With plastic pollution everywhere, literally everywhere, even in the human fetus, I began to wonder what is the astrological symbol of an such insidiousness 'Anthropocene Age', apart from the all-consuming Neptune, Pisces and 12th house connections. 

As usual, to answer an astrolgers' question it begins with finding a date and looking at a chart, or in this case, charts. Astrology is all about timing. So the logical question regarding this plastic age is, when did it start? I am not saying the dates I propose are 'it' i.e. the beginning of the Anthropocene age, but to my mind, one that has worked with plastic when I was at art school in the 70's and during my 80's special fx art dept days, as well as having to know the difference between early plastic, i.e. bakelite and bois durci when now looking at antiques, all the following dates must be taken into account.

The first, because it is truly synthetic, is the invention of Bakelite 
Patented Dec 7 1909
The chart is timed for when the patent office would open.

There's much astrological symbolism to be gleaned here, not least Eris in Pisces, Neptune opposite Uranus @19 Cap (key point imho for where we are now with the Saturn/Pluto/South Node (clearing karmic blocks), plus the Sun/Mercury Opp Pluto - and the Mars at 0 Aries.

There is also the solar chart for the Inventor
Leo Baekeland: The Father of The Plastics Industry: 

 With his death chart:

Followed by a solar chart award from the American Chemical Society

Put them all together...                           

For the moment I do not want to say too much about these dates, as there is so much symbolism to be read in them, especially the award chart. But I am going to say that we need to address the plastic situation now, and leave the charts here without any blame attached to anyone for this awful mess we humans have got ourselves into...

Now. How do we get out of it?... Where are the clues - and commitment to do so? Is it with the youth? It certainly doesn't seem to be with the powers who create the pollution problems in the first place.

☼¸¸.•*¨*•☆ Full Moon Festival of Light! ☆•*¨*•.¸¸☼ 12 March '17

…… Full Moon 22Virgo @14:53GMT (9:53EST) ……
☸ KARMA MULTIPLIED day (+ or - ) x 100 million ☸
This first Full Moon of the Tibetan year of the Red Female Fire Bird celebrates a ‘Day of Miracles’, called ‘Chötrul Düchen’. Today we light candles and make light offerings to commemorate Buddha’s miraculous displays, which came about through his purification of thought, word and deed, meditation and ethical mind-training, plus an accumulation of lifetimes of karmic merit.

☸ A magical Pisces stellium includes Spirit Sun with oceanic Neptune, accenting boundless hidden spiritual strength, collective undercurrents, and the karmic imprints of an entire soul group. Next to the prayerful Pisces Sun are asteroids Pallas Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, strategy and war; together with Chiron, the solar systems’ psychic kundalini Shaman, they imply feminine wisdom is now key to healing accidental emotional wounds.
Close to Sun is the celestial messenger, Mercury, also in psychedelic Pisces. Poetic and romantically fuelled by spiritual oneness, Mercury in watery Pisces is suited to the meditation cushion, in order to find the mind's true inner nature is a radiant and bright, with a heart brimming with unconditional Love.
Spiritual care and rational creativity now have the potential to be enhanced by this Full Moon in Virgo, where the Virgin Goddess offers as a duty a practical compassion, lifting the normal and everyday into the realms of sublime and supernatural.
☸ By tuning into our softer feminine side we can also create personal miracles that can heal physically, mentally and spiritually. However small an act of kindness may be, it can affect the wellbeing of others, even worlds unseen or unseen… 🙏 🙏 🙏
"Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects." – Dalai Lama
With ℒℴѵℯ on this blessed day ॐ__/❀\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✫ & many thanks to FPMT for photo

☼✰··☾♡☽··✰☼ New Moon Pisces Solar Eclipse @14:58gmt ~>

☸ Losar ~ Tibetan New Year 2144 of the Red Firebird! ☸

Today’s New Moon Solar eclipse will see a magnificent ‘Ring of Fire’ over South Africa, with the potential for solar winds to make it rather spectacular, when we will be able to see the Sun’s all-illusive corona, high density plasma that holds the secrets of the Sun’s crowning glory. The Eclipse is in Pisces, the sign of the magical power of prayer, as well as collective confusion, and the compassion we generate within the mysteries.

·✰· When Sun and Moon unite in their orbits to form a total eclipse (Solar or Lunar) a massive amount of transformational celestial energy concentrates upon the degree concerned; in this case it is the 6-7-8-9-10-11° super-sensitive Pisces feeling the pull of oceanic and cosmic tidal change. This degree is also conjunct the Babylonian fixed Royal star Fomalhaut: a star which sometimes indicates dealing with difficult secrets and/or hanging out with the wrong crowd, as well as snake bites and squandered inheritance. Essentially Fomalhaut’s influence is to learn from and leave behind the negative and bring consciousness to the fore, dragging from the depths of the oblivion all kinds of insight into the light, and the inner and outer workings of the most subtle vibrations. It’s a star to watch very early on summer morning, with its spherical ‘fish’s eye’ hanging low in the sky. To my mind this star witnesses the embodied resonance of a collective soul - we are one - each with an actual body (relatively speaking) and corporeal soul. And this brings me to what I think the crux of this eclipse is about: how we collectively demonstrate loving kindness and compassion to all beings, as we all (eventually) become enlightened conduits for cosmic universal consciousness. 

Taking into account the fact that the mighty powerful Uranus-Pluto Square is now currently being reactivated, this then is no ordinary eclipse. It’s one, when looking at all the dramatic changes taking place, where we need to think in the long term. In the short-term, some situations happening now are directly and karmically connected to and/or even created by obstacles relating to 2012-13-14. BUT we mustn’t forget that the Uranus-Pluto cycle is a long one, approximately 125 years, and that where we are now is only the crisis ridden opening square; i.e. the first quarter of a longer cycle. Looking at this longer astrological cycle, it is also worth noting how an eclipse at this degree is also exactly opposite the feminist liberation and freedom loving conjunction of the mid-60’s, directly opposing that particular generational signature, (Uranus-Pluto conjunction in Virgo). Those born around that time may really resonate with this eclipse and feel a strong need to purify and connect to the divine, and with a sense of urgency if one is live in the kind of 'Peace,Love & Equality' the 60’s offered.

That said, Pisces is the very last sign of the zodiac, and to realise a collective heaven on earth, endurance and serenity are always a boon. Now, however, we need to collectively heal our connection to the sacred feminine, our bodies, the Earth herself as well as the Divine. Please also note how this opposition to this most famous 60’s conjunction, which saw freedom in love and information on computers grow to where we are now, is actually going to be in 2046-48, and it will be encompassing the same degree we are looking at now, i.e. 5-6-7° Pisces. What does this tell us? It tells us that every time there is an eclipse at this degree (every 19ish years) there will be an important cosmic download from the universal matrix which we need to integrate into our lives in order to become spiritual and practical world servers. And as we soon leave this tense trans-personal Uranus-Pluto aspect behind (by the end of next year) we will continue to look at the issues of making personal and collective sacrifices, so that we can heal the planet and ourselves. 

·✰· But most exciting in the immediate is how a day after this New Moon begins the Tibetan New Year of the Red Fire Bird, Losar, which starts on Monday 27th Feb to celebrate a fortnight of miracles the Buddha displayed during his lifetime. These are considered karma multiplied days. Each miracle accumulates more and more merit to awaken the Bodhi-mind, the awakened heart-mind; and on the 15th Full Moon day (12th March 2017) the accumulation of merit is celebrated with the ‘Day of Miracles’, also called known as 'Chötrul Düchen', or ‘The Great Prayer Festival’. 

With that, I wish you all a very happy ‘Losar Tashi Delek’!
Light blessings and love _/\_ from Laura

Ps:
·✰· A New Moon is also a time of setting intentions. As always, our intention (here at Dharma Stars ) is to raise the cosmic love vibration with sincerity and a kind heart, especially when faced with difficulty and uncertainty, and to keep the faith!.
·✰· Geomagnetic storms are also forecast for the next few days, bringing beautiful Auroras to Mother’s Earth poles. As her natural Sushumna glows with healing LoveLight, so can ours. _/\_
Many thanks to unknown artist for Firebird _/\_

7th March ☸ Dakini Day __/❤\__

Sun in Pisces & Moon in Capricorn
With no less than six planets in watery Pisces, today’s earthy and feminine Moon in sensible Capricorn provides a personal sanctuary; through being responsible and disciplined we can create an island bedrock, and find stability within while Samsara’s shores lap all around.

For the stillness of a mind at rest nurtures and purifies the moving body (of water).

~> Wishing one & all a very happy International Women's Day for March 8th! __/❤\__

Love & thx to unknown artist for MoonTree Goddess by the shore♥

Full Moon in Virgo ~> The Great Prayer Festival & DAY OF MIRACLES

25th February 20013 ~> *•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´

Full Moon 7Virgo @20:26gmt (15:26EST)

The Great Prayer Festival & DAY OF MIRACLES

This is a karma multiplied day (positive or negative) x 100 million.

Known in Tibetan Buddhism as ‘Chotrul Duchen’, this Monday we make light and butter-lamp offerings during the first Full Moon of the year of the Black Water Snake, to commemorate the final day of miraculous display by the Buddha, which has lasted 15 days since the new moon.

From the astrological point of view, the incredibly rare and deeply felt Pisces stellium includes Spirit Sun, boundless Neptune, shamanic Chiron, Dynamic Mars and Mercury, the heaven’s courier, all in the sign of the fishes; the celestial message is one of continued spiritual healing and profound sensitivity in the quest for perfection in body, speech and mind. At the Full Moon, all the planets are opposite the Virgo Moon, with Spirit Sun and wounded healer, Chiron, exactly spotlighting the Virgoan wisdom of the Divine Feminine.

We all have an intuitive and wise side to us, only some are more linear (left brain) masculine types and are, for whatever reason, fearful of the feminine’s perceptive depth and sensitivity, with its cyclic understanding and desire to be of service. At the same time as being giving and unconditional, the receptive feminine encourages us to enter the previously unknown through dance, meditation, prayer, play, yoga, tai chi, paint, and to take photographic works of art. We all have a right side of the brain that encompasses the instinctive ability to be more holistic and, when we do use it we become kinder and more compassionate towards others (often as a consequence of seeing the suffering and stress inflicted upon the world (dukka)). Now, looking around at the damage being done to the feminine the world over, it is obvious to see. More than ever we need to correct this imbalance and bring the world and ourselves into harmony. In order to do so, we must stop inflicting harm towards our sensitive side, be it to Mother Earth, woman herself, her children, or even ourselves.

As consciousness aligns with the sub-conscious, male and female become equal, we realise our truth and well-balanced potential, able to manifest and work with the heart-mind’s wisdom and compassion, so that all sentient beings are free from suffering.

Be aware this full moon could be an emotional affair. Do be kind to self and others; get grounded by tuning into the softer and feminine side of self and can create miracles, that can even heal physically, mentally and spiritually on a phenomenal scale _/♥\_


Image of lotus light offerings by Olivier Adam~ with thanks_/♥\_
http://www.dharmaeye.com/

If you would like to know how the time of miracles manifests in your horoscope please contact me, with love & blessings, Laura _/♥\_

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces *•.¸(*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´ Feb-March 2013

Mercury, planet of communication and information is currently in oceanic Pisces, the sign that delves into spirit’s unchartered realms to stir the imagination to think in poetic visuals and phantasmagorical dreams. Mercury is now already slowing down to go retrograde next week on the 24^th February at 19 Pisces.  Mercury will go backwards for three weeks, join our Heart-Star, Sun, on March 4^th at 14Pisces, and go forward March 18^th at 5Pisces.

Pisces is also the sign of forgiveness and compassion, sacrifice and renunciation, as well as deep emotions and spirituality, sensing and tuning into unseen collective undercurrent that can engulf and even overwhelm a sensitive psyche, especially in situations in which we have no personal control.
During this three/four week period no less than six other planets will join Mercury in Pisces, including Sun and Moon. Such a rare configuration has the potential to give rise to deep and powerful feelings, in addition to dreams and visions that are capable of connecting us to the sacred Oneness of life.  Take note of subtle sensitivities in meditation and/or current dreams containing incredible symbology, for they may be clairvoyant and /or pertinent to profound spiritual healing. 

Activities which encourage a positive Divine union include yoga, tai-chi, chi-gung, dance, music, prayer, mantra and meditation, trance, hypnotism – and all endeavours that dissolve ego so that merging with the great Oneness is possible. Alcohol and drugs, even prescription ones, are substances that can also take you out of this world, but best avoided as toxins confuse and convolute subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) psychic body energy, as well as disturb the pineal gland, which is ruled by Neptune, the planet linked to Pisces.  

Looking after our pineal gland, a major component of the all-seeing, visionary third eye chakra is paramount to our emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, especially nowadays with the constant exposure to electromagnetic fields which disrupt the mind-body-spirit pathways. So my advice during this mega Pisces time is (for practitioners of dream yoga) to make sure that we get enough healthy sleep. And while planet of communication, Mercury, is retrograde it could well be wise to steer clear of wi-fi (yes, be brave, and switch off at night) and disconnect from unseen frequencies and resonance that negatively affect the Pineal gland, which secrets all-important healing Melatonin during the night. Melatonin is also ruled by Neptune, ruler of sleep, which is now conjunct the wounded healer Chiron. Since 2011 Neptune and Chiron have been coursing the heavens together in watery Pisces suggesting that we need to heal our connection to unseen and previously known phenomena (such as electromagnetism and the structure of water). In 2012 British scientists suggested switching off phones and other electronic communication devices at least an hour before bedtime, so not to disrupt the Melatonin so vital for night-time repair to the body; doing so also protects the delicate and subtle hormonal system which is key to Kundalini. 

In Tibetan Buddhism we use the technique of Neptunian visualisationin meditation for many reasons. One of the most important is that by focusing upon the visualisation (with the third eye) we can transform our understanding of duality, to see that life is all Maya, an illusion, a dream that has relative joy and beauty but no need of attachment to the chains of ego, and thereby release karmic bonds to the wild Samsaric Ocean, associated astrologically with Pisces, Neptune and the 12^th house.

LOSAR ~ TIBETAN New Year 2139 Black Water Dragon ~Feb-22-2012

Best LOSAR wishes to EVERYONE for the TIBETAN NEW YEAR of the WATER DRAGON 2139! _/♥\_ 

New Moon is at 22:35gmt (-5 NY, +5:30 Delhi) in 2 Pisces; Sun and Moon conjunct Neptune, Pallas Athena, Chiron & Mercury all in Pisces indicate that magic is in the air with such an extraordinary heavenly line-up, encouraging one to make a plan to heal the suffering of being a human floundering in the sea of Samsara, to dissolve duality into ONEness and experience Piscean/Neptunian emptiness & bliss _/♥\_ ૐ And maybe even create a miracle by Full Moon on March 8th, the 'Day of Miracles' ♥ 

Although we’ve been asked not to celebrate Losar this year, and to remain in prayer for those who are in Tibet, I still want to bubble up through the Piscean Dragon water and say please do enJOY the spiritual offerings and essential greatness this combination of planets symbolises. 

Essentially there are a great many pointers that indicate that now is the time think in longer cycles, not just where we are in relation to the East’s Black Water Dragon, who is active, passionate and extremely perceptive for a whole solar year; but also our Western Oceanic Neptune is now at home in imaginative Pisces for the next 14 years; and this new way of collective sensing even reverberates with yesterday’s MahaShivratri, the Hindu festival when Shiva dances his creative-destructive cosmic dance, at the same time he saves humanity by drinking the poison which comes about from churning-up the milky universe; this rather selfless and compassionate, Dzogchen action perfectly aligns with current planetary aspirations to save or be rescued.  

With so many planets resonnanting together in the sign of samsara and nirvana, hope and hopelessness, victims and martyrs - especially those who suffer for their spiritual faith - I am also saying a prayer for all those in Tibet – including the Chinese. This currently horrific wave of violence and self-immolation or reactive crackdown is tragic for all concerned.  Yet while both cultures have much in common - and there has to be a 'middle way', I also feel incredibly helpless, as totalitarian commercialism marches upon all indigenous and shamanic beings who live in close harmony to the land and the elements, all over the world.  It is not just Tibet where 'tribals' and 'communities' are threatened and often sacrificed in the name of power. Still, it is still interesting how Tibet and China do share certain development (Much like the English and Irish, i.e. similar, but not quite.). In the calendar there are often have different starting dates for new elemental years. China, and a most of Asia, always celebrate on the Aquarius New Moon. The energy of which indicates an intellectual cool and detached approach to humanity (which also resonates with China’s Moon sign). The Tibetan year shifts between Aquarius, and where it is found more often, in devoted and spiritual Pisces. Maybe this says something about the general population themselves? All food for thought - especially if we consider the difference of being Jupiter ruled, or Saturn ruled, as is New Year for most of the world. 

This year's Losar Pisces Black Water Dragon Neptune Moon is a serious reminder us that our global theme of the moment is the state of our WATER.  To be in the flow: of water, of communication, cash, and cosmic biocognative energy is what the coming decade is all about. Good to note that Pisces's traditional ruler is Jupiter, modern ruler is Neptune, and esoteric ruler is Pluto; in this order it suggests that in the past we grew, at present we dissolve into divinty, and deep down, within the shared psyche, we powerfully transform – a process that takes generations to complete; but once it happens as a race we evolve to become more compassionate and caring, as indicated by the highest vibration of this end of zodiac sign. That’s the theory anyway. We may actually keep on swimming in our own nonsense forevermore, which would also be quite in keeping with Pisces/Neptune & the 12^th House – otherwise known as the Celestial Dustbin, as dear Liz Green calls it!   

:) Me? I prefer the super-subtle but mighty-powerful spiritual evolution that’s on offer and, seeing as Pisces is on my 4th house cusp (and the angles are always very important for transits), I will no doubt see my spiritual foundation grow, dissolve, and surrender into the transformation within the magical and universal unfolding of mystical Neptune in emotional Pisces _/♥\_ ૐ

So, with that..

I wish all beings are happy, that they be free from suffering and that all are liberated from this ocean of Samsara and its pounding waves of old age, birth, sickness and death. _/♥\_ ૐ

_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ_/♥\_ ૐ

PISCES & the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun ♥ evolution in LOVE ♥ + ☼ + ♥

Pisces~Pisces Asc ©

2^nd Solar house Jupiter/Uranus Aries

5^th Solar house Moon in Cancer

8^th Solar house Saturn-Mars-Venus in Libra (August 2010)11^th Solar house Pluto in Capricorn

For the cosmic overview of the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun

For someone so tuned into phantasmagoria, this Cardinal Cross suggests you radiate the Central Spritual Sun by knowing the ordinary world is also a wondrous place to be.  To you life could be the classic Zen situation: “Before enlightenment, chopping wood fetching water – After enlightenment, chopping wood fetching water”. In other words, the way to growth and positive development is through acknowledging the beauty, bliss and ease in everyday situations.  A child’s smile, a view from the hill, a nicely cooked meal: these are the kind of situations which bring joy and lighten the heart.  Being open to such simple elements will enhance and expand all sense perceptions too, and put you in touch with the magic that dwells within.

On a very material, practical and relative level, the ongoing Cardinal Cross of the Spiritual Sun also indicates how important it is for Pisces to closely observe life’s realistic matters, specifically fiscal concerns; this is due to expansive Jupiter and unpredictable Uranus residing in your sphere of finances. Your bank balance could dramatically see-saw. As the Cross involves two retrograde planets in your zodiacal bank, there may well be a surprise turn around in the coming months – possibly for the better; as it appears cash flows in large amounts, but in fits and starts. Having magnanimous Jupiter and awakening Uranus in this 2^nd solar house of things you cherish and hold dear, be that love and money, a Pisceans’ personal worth can mature fortuitously by seeing the value in altruism as well as life’s simple pleasures.  

A co-operative and co-creative partnership looks positively helpful throughout this coming period. Saturn in the area of tantra and trust can create stability within your most intimate relationship. Having karmic Saturn in the sphere of intimacy overcomes fears of sharing the most secret part of your soul, to fully commit to a partner, and in doing so the true magic of love is revealed. Remember there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Trust your instincts, develop faith, and get ready to share you life as you never have before. True love is about listening with a calm mind and deep understanding and finding out how the other person is so that you can alleviate their suffering.  Because Saturn is in Libra, the sign of beauty and poise, you may use feminine wiles (even if you’re a guy) to cajole any reticent partner into revealing how they feel. Nonetheless, Pisceans have an innate ability to be able to psychically tune into others - little can ever be totally hidden from you. The usual methods of communication would be defunct if you were to use your intuition more.  Saturn in this most private, magical and powerful position shows what you need to work on: in Libra, the sign of the scales, it shows that the balance you seek in relationships comes about when you are balanced within.  These next two years are optimum to work with ‘unseen’ subtle energy: chakras, channels, winds and nadis that align heart to head, spirit to cosmos.

On a lighter note: the good news while this challenging time continues in so many different ways (and even a previously close friendship seems to be going through the wringer of change) is when the Moon in Cancer forms the monthly cross, as it marks dates when you hold court, tell jokes and keep people entertained, having the time of your life, living, loving and generating fun.  For the single Pisces, this could mean you get to catch someone’s eye and positively twinkle. For Pisces in relationship its worth noting that with Saturn in the area of sexual union, interaction can be tender and loving if you are willing to invest time , purposefully staying in sync throughout the Cardinal Cross can concretise an alliance. On the other hand, Saturn tends to bring realism to the fore, and if a relationship has already run its’ course, karmic Saturn has no qualms about ending.  

Generally speaking, when it comes to your profession and career you are usually quite lucky – at least in getting a foot in the door. And with powerful Pluto in your sphere of cooperation, the house of hopes and wishes, you currently have the ability to cultivate positive connections, assisting your personal transformation. Pluto here also indicates you can prove indispensable in a crisis, as the little planet from the underworld affords a special kind of insight. If you are a freelance Pisces, now is the time to be brave and think long term.  Cutting back is the way forward: look forward to springtime when you’ll see new shoots to rejuvenate spirit. Sensitive but ambitious Pisces could be aware how its time to make a responsible and dramatic alteration to how people view you – a new CV perhaps? In only a few short months you could totally turn around a feeling of lack to one of joyful abundance. Saturn in the 8^th also indicates that investments do, need careful examination, as do all shared ventures.

The biggest lesson for Pisces during this ongoing Cross is to understand that many problems often stem from the way we view them. If you can change your point of view, avoid being dictated to by your emotions and desire, and know that a deeply compassionate love is your guiding factor (called Bodhicitta in Tibetan Buddhism) even dull routine can be changed into something joyful.  So keep your spirits up; with your ruler Neptune still in your solar 12^th, you may need to get away from the chaos of modern life from time to time, and find a peaceful haven in the country so you can meditate, recharge your batteries and give yourself space to think and just ‘be’.  Remember that everything you tend to worry about never happens.  Stay patient, remain generous, and the Cardinal Cross will teach you how to deeply enjoy sharing the light of your Spiritual Sun, which comes from being secure with friends, family and loved ones. With Pisces prominent, spirituality is always strong.  The Divine works and flows through you with ease, as each sacred moment and dream can reveal a special insight, and any small display of love will always restore your faith in yourself, and humanity. A last word is to note that Uranus retrogrades goes back into your sign for five months from August 14th, and many of the personal changes you want to make get a second chance, as well as helping cosmic hand from generous and lucky Jupiter, who also retrogrades back into Pisces from 10th September until 23rd January; so all in all this period, although going backwards, enables you to rework values and learn to love yourself, ego and all, as that is the only way we truly evolve. 

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Thanks as always to the wonderful Bill Brouard, the Visual Alchemist (there are three of his works here); and unknown Aro Buddhist painter for beautiful shamanic Buddhist lovers ☆ ♥ ☽~ ☼ ~ ☽ ♥ ☆