The Spirit of Forgiveness ~> Full Moon in Cancer_/♥\_ Dec 2012

_/♥\_ 2012’s last Full Moon beaming 7Cancer at 10:20gmt tomorrow morning (5:20amEST, 14:50pm Delhi). Whilst living in the NOW, there’s always an element of nostalgia with historical and memorable Cancer, the sign which rules the Moon. As we look back over this momentous 2012: the once-in-a-lifetime Venus Transit, Mayan Solstice alignment, transformational Uranus-Pluto squares, not to mention the Diamond sparkling London Olympics and a search for the God Particle, we can see how far we have come in the combined awakening of the heart-mind.

Without sounding too dramatic, the heavens now suggest we have reached the point of awareness in ‘Unity Consciousness’ when we can release ourselves from the fear of mortality, heal deeply engrained negative emotions and, if you think that’s a tough mission call, take personal responsibility to play a unique part of the collective transformation. In other words nothing is going to change, unless we change as individuals. And that means dropping self-abuse along with any violence, anger or hatred, towards others; and living a life of loving-kindness and compassion. As the Sun is conjunct Pluto, planet of endings and beginnings, now is the time to make such a transition.

In many ways this Full Moon has the power to release the past in the spirit of forgiveness. With its’ ‘Grand Water Trine’ there’s a sense of completion, watching Spirit flowing through Samsara’s countless phases of cyclic life, death and rebirth, in order to maintain a Divine natural harmony, and to emerge from the emotional depths, lighter and much refreshed

With that, I wish you all a very happy Full Cancer Moon and a wonderful New Year. May all beings be Happy & Enlightened; and may our accomplishments be the most eminent attainments on the path: renunciation, compassion, unshakable faith and realization of the correct view _/♥\_

Image 'Full Moon Tracking' by Visual Alchemy, with thx _/♥\_

Grand Water Trine ~ Goddess of Compassion _/♥\_ Dec 2012

♥¸.•¨¯`•☆٠.•..•¨*☀☽✩☼
26:12:12 ~> Not yet full Boxing Night but beaming bright, La Luna multi-tasking in Gemini, and coming on strong with Earth Mother Ceres and Sacred Vesta. The GoddesseS are now opposite loving Venus & healing Mercury in hopeful Sagittarius, thus caring for loved ones, near & far, in body, speech and mind (in every which way shape and form); and the strong & full Moon growing in light, is to be exact on Friday 28th at 7Cancer (cardinal signs to the fore) @10:20GMT.

Luna forms AMAZING aspects as she culminates in creative Cancer; forming a Yin powered 'Grand Water Trine' to enhance fluidty in dreams as well as at home, work, or in relationship. Opposite Spirit Sun with transformational Pluto, the Sun and Moon also form the axis of an unusual Kite formation, as well as a tight 'T' square to altruistic Uranus: with this configuration one must never underestimate the moral, physical and/or spiritual strength of the individual that rises to the challenge of being of spiritual service .
♥¸.•¨¯`•☆٠.•..•¨*☀☽✩☼

Image is of KwanYin, Goddess of Compassion _/♥\_

Shadow in Crisis ☀ Saturn Pluto closing square ☀ August 21st 2010

Like collective alchemists through the authority of LOVE, we’re now able to work with our shadow side and transmute even the most difficult negative energy. By eliminating the fear-feeding vampires from the psyche, we transmogrify suffering into positive expressions of honesty, justice and integrity, and therefore regenerate the balanced heart.

Today sees the last of the 3 ‘real & raw’ Saturn-Pluto squares, accenting magical transformation. It’s an interesting combination of planetary energies; one is subtle and deep, powerful and unseen: which is Pluto; the other is influential and real, solid and recognisable: Saturn. 

Together they generate a controlling force for light or dark. This is a mighty aspect full of rejuvenating promise and the magic of rebirth; it suggests harnessing discipline, patience and responsibility to collectively revitalise traditional but outmoded destructive systems by eliminating the all that no longer serves and evolve.

And although this final square on Saturday 21^st ends a series which began in November '09, bringing home the need for managing destructive tendency, this is a part of a larger cycle, which began in 1982. This powerfully renewing cycle now completes a crisis phase of conscience, which occurs during a closing square.  

This Saturn - Pluto cycle began in 1982, when Saturn was also exalted in Libra. It ends in 2020 when Saturn will be at home in Capricorn. Therein lies a clue in how to handle the nature of the cycle: by understanding Saturn's need for exaltation, and its requirement to build (sustainable) society, based upon (Libran) peace, love and fairness as a means to gaining the recognition Saturn desires; i.e. if Saturnian authority behaves fairly and justly, it receives the praise and respect, name and fame. But if Saturnian authority throws its weight around, it also gains name and fame, but does not receive any respect, it just rules through fear. Mass control, through various terrorist organisations, has been a major signature of this particular cycle - but power needn’t be so heavy handed.  We need not live in fear, as this cycle is also about responsible collective regeneration.  Okay, some kinky souls might enjoy karmic-whipping bondage, but this particular Saturn Pluto cycle actually recommends stabilising with love and trusting insight to rise above the vibration of fear, and have the strength to personally lift off any chains of oppression that prevent us from experiencing magical bliss.

The first applying square these two heavy-weights made was in '93, when both planets were locked in fixed home signs: Saturn in Aquarius & Pluto in Scorpio: co-operative transformation were already key words at this early stage of the cycle, with the birth of the internet, for instance.

The opposition between the two planets came in 2001, when Saturn was in Gemini and Pluto in Sagittarius; this mutable opposition was marked by the dramatic change which ensued by the tragic 911, when we saw fearful communication and fundamentalist truths become the order of the day. Now we are at the closing square, made all the more interesting as we are one whole Saturn cycle on from the beginning of this 38 year cycle. This means that (along with those whose charts seriously constellate with these signs and planets) a whole bunch of 28-29-30 year olds are intensely feeling the pressure to renew resources. Perhaps this Saturn in Libra generation are more in tune, able to easily intuit what to work on in order to find harmony. By the time the two planets meet again to complete this cycle, they will be in boundary making Capricorn, where Saturn is at home, in 2020; by then the writing may well be on the wall, with all kinds of institutions up for renewal. Interesting times... 

We must also consider that this Saturn-Pluto square is part of the ongoing t'square, with Jupiter/Uranus opposing the Saturn, to also square Pluto (which becomes the cardinal cross again September 3rd). Authoritarian Saturn is the only planet going forward, other energies are being internalised. So this square has a distinctively different kind of feel, as though our personal authority knows that the only way to gain respect. Also, interesting to note: according to Alice A. Bailey, because of being bound to the material world, Saturn cannot follow man onto the Spritual Cardinal Cross, which uses Uranus as its agent to manifest awareness.

Applying these cycles, including the Cardinal Cross, to our personal lives can be so revealing; especially when we look back we can hopefully learn from our experiences. We can also see how the cosmic law of cause and effect works in our life, and how we often repeat Saturn's karma until we learn the lesson, however hard that lesson might be, to then be free of the karma. ♥ xl

thanks as always to Bill Brouard, for his lotus heart & other unknown artists ♥ 

LIBRA ~ Cardinal Cross of the Spiritual Sun ~ Evolution of the Sacred Heart

Libra ~ Libra Rising

1^st Solar house Saturn-Mars-Venus in Libra (August 2010)

4^th Solar house Pluto in Capricorn

7^nd Solar house Jupiter/Uranus Aries

10^th Solar house Moon in Cancer
For cosmic overview click on the
Cardinal Cross of the Spritual Sun

~ ♥ ~ Most importantly for Libra, the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun has karmic Saturn, now exalted in Libra, the sign of balance and harmony, which is the best possible place for Saturn to be. (Venus is also currently at home in Libra, with her cosmic lover, Mars, who is in ‘fall’ in Libra (meaning it’s not his favourite place; Mars would rather be swashbuckling with his warrior comrades, as opposed to dealing with that most tender of human activities: loving rapport)). 

Relationships are therefore now under the celestial spotlight, as the heavens now urge Libra to share the love and radiate peace, all the while dealing with karmic Saturn in your sign. Interestingly, this photo with ‘Karma Comes’ flashed up on dear old facebook the other day (thank you Rinpoche). And it made me reconsider what do we mean by karma? Why do we always think of karma as negative? Karma can be positive too. But trying to wrap the brain around the concept of karma can create enough energy to fry our noodle. It’s not always easy to accept ‘the law of cause and effect’ without any kind of questioning (which is good!), yet its a concept often bandied about to explain the unexplainable. Perhaps it’s easier to understand the more biblical phrase ‘what you sow, so shall you reap’, meaning that if you do something good, good will come, if you do something dodgy, keep looking over your shoulder, as karma also exercises a strange phenomena, in that it expands and can make a habit out of any vibration: positive or negative, particle or waves ripple out into the universe, so a karmic pattern seemingly takes on a life of it’s own.

Astrologically, the whole horoscope is one’s karma, with various markers highlighting: Saturn, as Lord of Karma, the sign Capricorn, certain house positions, and the nature of the moon’s nodal axis can tell us something of past, present and future karma. But in Buddhist teachings it is also seen as a philosophy, a way of living, as karma creates an imprint in one’s mind. Understanding how we are responsible for our own karma tends one towards kindness, with a more loving approach to life. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama says that once we understand karma, we can develop faith.

This could be easier as dynamic Mars, loving Venus, and Saturn work together in your sign (until early September), giving Saturn’s two year station in Libra a good start, motivating with determination.  The trick to this challenging planetary combination is to brush aside judgemental attitudes and unreasonable pessimism with a gentle hand.  You can even move mountains at this time,  very slowly, by resting in pure love. You may find willfuly pushing any situation without this special kind of sacred heart only make matters worse and becomes the proverbial Push-me-Pull-you, instead of the harmonious balance of Yin-Yang that you are. What you can do, in the most positive sense, is to take on board how karma grows, and how it therefore plays an important role in our existance.

Rest assured any plans you form at this moment in time, any foundations you build, and the energy you direct at any project at this starting point of Saturn in Libra (where the old taskmaster stays until October 2012) will take on greater significance as this Cardinal Cross unfolds.  Now is also the time to actively analyse any soothe fears and doubts. Libra is an intellectual air sign, and the heavens are asking you to see how love conquers all; and how, through mediation and dialogue, kindness and equality, you achieve peace and respect.  So be prepared to accept much more responsibility in the not too distant future, because you, of all people, can handle it. This is why Saturn, one of the most feared and revered planets in the celestial pantheon, is exalted in Libra: because everything you do is done with love. When it comes to establishing the spiritual Sun deep within with Saturn on your side, it bestows a timeless effect.

Saturn in Libra also makes dramatic planetary connections that play a pivotal role in the ongoing T square (which is activated into the monthly cross when the Moon is in Cancer).  A natural movment and transition could be all taking place all around you, while Saturn in your sign suggests you are now choosing to take life more seriously, noting how you stabilise situations/emotions/events just by remaining present in your centre. As this karmic planet of authority, discipline and recognition, is also the cautious and careful; the astral advice is to therefore initiate with prudence. Luckily, the Cardinal Cross suggests you have an enormous network of friends and supporters. 

In the solar fourth house, Pluto in Capricorn indicates dramatic developments at home, having a direct effect upon your career. This moment in time presents an opportunity to seize control (of unhelpful habits/karma) and transform your very foundations  by letting go of past grievences and burdens. Being the sign of the scales, you can veer between making a commitment, or fear the entire changing world. If it’s the latter, know that love - your love - conquers all.

Because realistic Saturn opposes Jupiter and Uranus in Aries in your sphere of relationships, all matters of the awakened heart are of paramount importance. Libra’s tend to live by the heart. And having ambitious Saturn in your sign means you can concretise something very real, such as a marriage or living together. Saturn in your solar 1st house also puts your own needs first, possibly bringing one karmic cycle (with another) to a close. The astrological mansion of partnerships, the 7^th house is now a hotbed of shocking clarity, because of these two other planets in opposition to Saturn. With Uranus and Jupiter stirring up enthusiasm in this sphere of partnerships, sharing freedom and truth with loved ones (or business partner) means more than before. The principal point about long term Jupiter-Saturn- Uranus-Pluto transits is to conquer any fear or commitment; if you are afraid to delve into a relationship that allows you to explore the full spectrum of love and profoundly beautiful emotions, now is the time to ask yourself why that might be? On a psychological level, if there is no openness or willingness to expand and mindfully grow together, this might leave a Libran already in relationship feeling alone or out on a limb. Though partners could repeatedly reassure you, watch the saturnine mood and exercise awareness; it is your choice if you wish to remain in emotional pain, instead of love yourself (and therefore others) and releasing pent-up negativities by talking things through and forgiving, which is highly recommended while you have such unconditional planetary backing. There is no denying how matters of the heart can be complicated if we’re concerned only with self-cherishing. But love can also be made simple by litterally opening your heart. For the single Libran the serious suitor should be given consideration; for it seems as though love is around every corner, all you have to is stop staring at a brick wall (unless, of course, you’re Zen;)). Bring balance within (through meditation – chakra work, tai-chi yoga etch) and you will have balance in the world around you.

With this kind of synchronization, natural leadership qualities also come to the fore; with Saturn in Libra you turn into the current voice of celestial authority.  Patience, planning and perseverance, ambitions and long-held dreams also become a focal point, as you are able to apply yourself with ardour and diligence, especially when the Moon makes her monthly appearance in Cancer in your objective solar 10^th house. Others also appreciate how just and fair and sweetly pushy Libra can be. Your ability to keep the peace is also a rare and called-for talent in the world, especially now, during this period of the Cardinal Cross, when you get an opportunity to shine and reveal loving (spiritual) accomplishments (most importantly for yourself).

A word of financial and psychological caution: Try not to be too miserly in the guise of traditional common sense. Remember that yours is the sign of evalutation, and everyone responds to a little sweetener. This a time when experience counts: Cast a backward glance to last November and note any major developments. Have you, after all this time, allowed love to flow and take responsibility for certain goals which you may have previously feared? Or do you think you need to ‘work’ some more upon your purpose? There is no time like the present to take that firm but gentle hand and guide yourself (and others) to a land of bliss. The stars really do urge you to feel the fear, but do it anyway, albeit ever-so-cautiously. Keep the love-light shining Libra; almost every major sphere of your life is now in a period of massive evolution which will benefit from Saturn in Libra’s dependable and conscientious wisdom: and know that the spiritual rewards of coming from your sacred heart will be truly tremendous. 

The initial link for the Cardinal Cross of the Spritual Sun

Thanks to Urgyen Tenpa Rinpoche for the Karma Comes Photo; Alex Gray for the vajraheart, Bll Decker for healing hands, nomad bead company for Vajrasattva, and other unknown but much appreciated artists thank you all.

♥_/\_ૐ

CAPRICORN & the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spritual Sun ~ Evolution through Initiation ~

Capricorn & Capricorn Asc ~ Evolution through Initiation

4^th Solar house Jupiter/Uranus Aries (3^rd Pisces when retrograde)

7^th Solar house Moon in Cancer

10^th Solar house Saturn-Mars-Venus in Libra (August 2010)

1^st Solar house Pluto in Capricorn

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

Capricorn, at the best of times, is a powerful authority. And because the planets line up in an amazing formation, these coming years, including the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun could turn out to be the most potent of your life. Wow. While there is every chance you experience extremes of fortune, by coming into your own power, what will this mean for the rest of us as politically influential Pluto transits through your sign? Probably it will be more of the same energy: extreme with difficult decisions to make, but without any Capricorn know-how to ramp-up authority, especially when playing with the Big Boys.

So how you get the best out of yourself during this time will very much depend upon how you are feeling about a) co-operation within your career (profession is always a Capricorn concern), b) emotional fulfilment in relationship, c) freedom within family environment, and d) having personal confidence to deal with the previous three – and all without feeling as though the weight of world is on your shoulders. While you could be developing super hero qualities, with Uranus and Jupiter in the 4^th solar sphere of family, unexpected problems could arise from your home to throw you off track. The occasional power outage could stress us all out, but try not to let a naturally serious mood descend into feeling suppressed, oppressed, or generally lacking oomph should anything truly out of the ordinary happen, which demands you firmly take hold the reigns of responsibility. Others depend upon you, as signified by the two planets you have a personal connection to who are major players in the Cardinal Cross: your ruler authoritative Saturn, who is in direct square to controlling Pluto in Capricorn (August 21^st). Both planets suggest you will discover immense strength of character; but is how you wield this personal power, i.e. fairly and squarely, without offending or dominating others, which will count towards a deposit in the karmic merit bank. For these two planets bring about evolution through profound and often secretive action (so you don’t need to shout about it): Collective new beginnings are about to be explored, which may not be obvious to everyone as we steer through Samsara’s choppy seas. But one thing is for sure: you are at the helm.   

To give matters a certain hint of mystery, there are fascinating thresholds to cross, even in love and romance. These exciting times have many planets in your favour, revealing a hidden magnetic attraction. This could make joining up with someone or something you like totally compelling. And when the emotional Moon makes her monthly opposition to both sexy Pluto in your sign, and Saturn Libra, in the sign of partnerships, a single Capricorn could connect with someone who presses all your buttons. As the planets continue throughout the year to form this very strong and very rare ‘cross’, all Capricorns could sense how your purpose in life is not only to achieve and do well in the material world, but that you can also feed a deeply spiritual part of your being, particularly through a balanced and loving relationship. As Saturn, your Sun’s ruler meets up with the planet of love, Venus, this month (in August) you may feel the power of love encouraging you to examine the way you have related in the past, where you are right now, and what you anticipate in the future; its like having a dancing Dakini of the three times sparkle in your presence. In relationship or not, you’re warned to watch mood swings; either too overbearing or too fearful, too unpredictable or too emotional, too obsessive or fixated.  Be aware that projecting or transferring negativity could destroy the very thing that you want to co-create. Exerting a modicum of self-control will go a long way in helping you to discover deeper psychology; you may even have insights into spiritual secrets.

Generally speaking Capricorn is more practical than idealistic, thriving on work and achievement; not only are you more ambitious than most but on a relative level you’re also more organised and practical to attain your goals. You could draw upon this resigned and responsible part of your character throughout this year as your ruling planet Saturn, is also the planet of recognition, residing in your house of fame and glory. This powerful combination of Pluto and Saturn can work in several ways: you could ruthlessly push ahead in any situation, at work by getting the promotion you seek, within relationship by hitching up with a trophy partner, at home living in a high security desirable block, or you could be dealing with delays, jealousy, broken promises, stroppy bosses, and hardened offenders. You, however, are advised to be a shining example of patience and perseverance. It takes bravery to show a mastery of personal transformation, and to take on a re-birth that restores a world to balance through love and care. Co-creation and co-operation are the way to discover everyone’s unique talent, which they bring to the table for collective and global renewal. 

Financially with deceptive Neptune sill retrograde in your zodiacal bank, you may have to deal with annoying bank errors, or costly unexpected expenses that take time to unravel and understand. But this is not your area of major transformation: if you are honest with yourself, you may have noticed how over the past year you started to present yourself in a much more convincing manner.  When influential Pluto crossed into your sign it brought with it a formidable and dominant energy that cannot be abused or treated lightly. While Pluto in Capricorn also makes a challenging aspect to expansive Jupiter in Aries, your solar sphere of the fourth house of home and family, it will magnify events within this very familiar space for the next. Remain strong and stable to be able to adjust and move at the drop of a hat.  This could be challenging for you with Uranus activating the same domain. Your foundations could feel quite shaky, chaotic even.  Rules and regulations could also be thrown to the wind. Be it family encouragement, your actual home or a circle of friends, whatever you thought was going to support you forever and a day, is now in the process of a major shift. So you may no longer be able to count upon this old secure guard in the same way. This means instead of holding onto tradition for dear life, by looking at the same-of- way-of-doing-the-same-old-thing, you will need to awaken the windows of the soul and look through new eyes to bring new ideas and creative insight to the fore. Given time you will be able to implement these to not only bring greater security to you personally, but also to others, whom you consider your global family.

There really is no escaping how this is a most significant time for Capricorn; with so many aspects of your world now on the celestial stage, and all of them in the spotlight. This means the Cardinal Cross could be a demanding year on many fronts. So be prepared to open up your heart, mind and spirit, and grow – BIG time! You’re now the guardian of hidden glory – a secret Holy Grail – from which only the brave and qualified Spiritual Warriors are allowed to taste victory. It may well that you so work hard to get to where you want to get to that you’re not going to let go of any attainments so easily. But with Pluto in your sign you do need to be in a constant process of renewal, by digging into the depths of your being and, if necessary, uprooting all that no longer serves you, so you can accomplish with a light heart.  Remember the more you hold on to harmful thoughts, feelings or actions, the more you are bound to be challenged. Note, though, how you are actually in a better position than most to deal with difficult situations: Choose to wield this considerable power wisely, and consider the welfare of others carefully for your Spiritual Sun to shine with love, and you will surely enjoy the status, love, and respect you seek.

Week 15th-21st August '10 ~ ♥ ✩ ☄ ✩ ♥ ~ Harmonious Lovers & the T-square

This week the skies again activate the Cardinal T squares (to become Cardinal Cross 3rd Sept). Expansive Jupiter still in autonomous Aries, conjuncts Uranus, planet of dramatic change who is revisiting compassionate Pisces. Both planets are retrograde, indicating an internal shift through greater spiritual self-awareness. A challenge to any mindful self-exploration comes tomorrow, as Jupiter makes the second of three oppositions to the karmic taskmaster, Saturn, who is in relationship orientated Libra. (Dates to note: 1st opp was 23rd May, & the last will be on 28th March 2011).  This long lasting aspect shows what we need to work on and overcome in order to clarfiy the most balanced and altruistic way forward. With a gentle guiding hand we can allow our mind's eye to focus with luminioius mindfulness (as illustrated by Alex Grey♥).

On Thursday the19th, the Moon conjuncts Pluto in Capricorn, providing depth and insight. We might not always like what we see, but when the emotional Moon is roused through profound Plutonic feelings, the power to transform is also generated.

Friday, the 20th the Spirit of Sun opposes Divine Neptune,when the dakini dance is a meditation on bliss and emptiness, as opposed to losing onself in a state of mindless oblivion. On the same day loving Venus embraces her heavenly lover, Mars, as the two enter a close pas-de-deux until early October (when Venus goes retrograde in demon-facing Scorpio).  For love to circulate freely, Venus and Mars presently seek to harmonise and find balance and trust in relationship.

At the same time Mercury, planet of communication, goes retrograde from the 20th August until 13th September. Mercury is at home in Virgo, so crossing 't's and dotting 'i's', while emphasised, ought to be a breeze - but could well be horribly complicated. Just remember to re-read the small print at least 3x.

The third and final Saturn-Pluto square, on Saturday 21st, ends a triple series that began in November '09, bringing home the need for controlling destructive tendancies. As mentioned before, this is a part of a larger cycle which began in 1982 (and ends in 2020). We now complete a crisis phase of conscience, which occurs during a closing square (the opening square being 1993). This is powerful aspect, full of renewable promise: with discipline and responsibility we can harness our will and ability to evolve, like collective alchemists able to transmute even the most difficult negative energy, and transmogrify tough and persistant hardship into positive expressions of justice and fairness, and regenerate a planet in balance.

The Free Heart ~ A Consciousness of Others ~ Full Libra Moon 2010

Full Moon on the Rise ~ Let the love-light shine!

"We keep looking outside for the light when we should now become the light". Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

The growing light of the Aries Sun radiates in fiery exaltation, mirroring our own internal light that swells in luminosity through positive focus, meditation, and intent. Opposite the Full Moon in relationship orientated Libra on March 30 at 3:25 BST, a brilliant Sun in Aries encourages braver moves with passion, verve and originality; the Libra Moon reflects a smartly cooler sophisticated emotional reaction to such Aries dynamism. This lively Sun-Moon alignment can create a fair-minded outlook, enabling us to move ahead with confidence, steadfast in self-acceptance, with the ability to make sure everyone’s emotional needs are met.

Aries -Libra is the Zodiac’s ‘me-we’ axis: Circumstances around this full moon present an opportunity to look at our self in relation to other people. Now there is the potential to expose the less desirable workings of a self-cherishing mind, and see the importance of helpful and loving allies. When assessing how we work with others, we must ask ourselves what exactly do we bring and what do we give to our family, friends and relationships. Which associations are helpful, for all concerned - and how will they go forward and benefit others?

Bear in mind that in the midst of these seemingly hard questions, karmic Saturn, the cosmic task master, will accompany the Full Moon. Others may hold up a mirror to reveal issues of loneliness versus being alone, neediness versus being self-reliant, fears versus love. This intensity of feeling is to help define our limits in relationship and out, which may be more apparent as the Moon approaches culmination; some may find it difficult to express how they feel, wanting to switch off the ‘emotional button’ entirely, making it difficult for other’s to connect. Yet there is an easing of pressure as the soon as la Luna is full. Still, a self-serving mind could easily feel the strain. Patience is called for; watch out for selfish tendency. Quickly nip in the bud any overwhelming sense of me, myself, mine, to alleviate self-inflicted karma, either by hurting someone else or suffering a damaged ego. Switch attention to helping others. This is the way to a healthy ego, feeling good and valuing ourselves.

In Buddhism we say if someone really gets to you, by making you angry for instance, then that person is a treasure, as they reveal a part of ourselves that needs to be worked on. But the real secret to dealing with destructive emotion is to be relaxed about who we are, which is naturally kind and good.

As this Full Moon spotlights a balanced ‘self’, if you don’t like what you see the Aries Sun imbibes the courage to change it. Several planets (Sun Moon Saturn & Pluto) now support a radical shift, enabling the alchemical transformation of negative imprints which may have been subtly or not so subtly reinforced for years (lifetimes possibly), making it less painful to let go of unhelpful thoughts and desires, so we are content in our skin “etre dans la peau”, as the French say, comfortable going deeper, becoming clearer, finding happiness at heart. With such ease of being, it’s then easier assist, and to be there for others.

And if you are still wondering 'What about Me'... watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDSAAlrqAHM&feature=related

Thanks and blessings to unknown artists, much appreciated whoever you are.

Loving Light of the Equinox Sun ~ Spring 2010

Feeling a spring in your step? We fast approach the Vernal Solstice (in the northern hemisphere) at 17:32 GMT Saturday the 20th, and from here on the sap rises from under our feet energising renewed life into plants and bones, tired from this long hard winter. When the Sun moves into Aries, where is it exalted, we’re encouraged to shine with lifted spirits and praise the light of our innate intelligence. Aware each of us has a gift to bring to the world and, thinking long-term, as the light of the Sun increases, the Sun in Aries now marking the beginning of the zodiac, gives the go-ahead to invest energy into that talent.

The nature of the Sun is to shine upon everyone – without exception. Our Sun’s luminous rays do not discriminate who deserves its’ heat and light. Everyone equally benefits from the radiating sun. Feeling the blissful warmth of the Sun’s rays we sense tenderness, love and compassion that can be shared all around. The Sun is also in good aspect to Mars in Leo; this aspect is dynamic, healthy and playful; our goals can be reached with determination and, because Saturn is also involved in this celestial equation, cultivating helpful allies pays dividends.

At this time of equal day–equal night, yin and yang can balance within, connecting us to courage, strength and willpower, individually and collectively, to deal with an extraordinary Equinox: The Sun illuminates Saturn, Lord of karma by opposition; and squares transformational Pluto, planet of extremes. Days after the Equinox, on the 23^rd, the Moon moves into Cancer; here we witness the start of ‘The Cardinal Cross’ of 2010, which dominates this year’s heavens. This rare and unusual formation suggests we need to access our own individual ‘Spiritual Sun’, and grow the radiant glow that illuminates from within - the light that loves, forgives and heals. The way we allow our personal luminosity to expand is to be willing to accept and adjust, which is not always easy. The agent of change is in the spirit of spiritual warrior, working in co-operation to co-create. Together we can conquer our first challenge: to overcome any fear and trepidation of what the current development might bring. No one ever said it was easy - but the heavens only reflect what we are capable of. Humanity is much more amazing than we often give ourselves credit for.

One of the main features of this Grand Cardinal Cross is the Saturn square to Pluto. This square is symbolic of the current spate of destructive earthquakes. Mythological Pluto (or Hades as he is also known), when he grabbed Persephone, the lord of death reached his hand up through a gaping, earth-quake like chasm to abduct the young maiden who innocently picked wild-flowers. Persephone (aka Prosperina or Kora) has a duel role, as both Spring Queen and, almost unwittingly, she is Goddess of the Underworld. So she represents our blameless naivety as well as lost innocence. Persephone’s Mother, Demeter, the Earth Mother, was distraught at her daughter’s abduction. After much mourning and searching for her violated offspring, Persephone was found in the underworld, where she had already taken a bite out of Pluto’s domain by eating pomegranate seeds (symbolic of sexual indulgence). A deal was struck, between Pluto and the Earth Mother, who had by that time ignored her crops, vegetation and people: for Persephone, i.e. light and life, returns to the overworld for half the year, which she does at spring, only to descend again for winter. So it seems rather fitting that at this Spring Equinox, a time of renewed possibilities that we have Pluto shaking Mother’s Earth’s ground again, as he is in hard aspects to earthy Saturn – ‘Old Father Time’ Saturn is also Demeter’s father – This is an old grudge match about resources, justice and fecundity.

Interestingly, Saturn rules authority, empire, and all that keeps us contained; Pluto lords over controlling big business - as well as secrets, and Pluto is now in Saturn’s sign. Playing cards close the chests may prove difficult for all those in positions of power. Yet still they try, even if secrecy breeds indignation to the notion of fairness; the Aries Sun anc Cardinal Cross will illuminate underhand dealings. Key words for this transit are “responsible relationship” challenging “obsessive ambition".

Yet everyone is feeling the pinch, even the wealthy. If it's not fincances making them take note of finite interests, it will be something else, a relationship perhaps, or legal matters. Few escape Pluto's long-term generational influence and its' call to transform.

Symbolically speaking, Earth Mother will nurture love and protect unconditionally, while we all need to reconsider the rape of the Earth’s resources. Holding accountable those who plunder and pillage in the name of personal power is a challenge. Even in the face of sustainability, greed, avarice and ignorance may well continue to prevail. But with or without humanity, our planet Earth will regenerate herself - eventually.

The Vernal Equinox is also the start of the Kalachakra calendar, indicating time to meditate for world peace: peace within, peace without, and peace on the planet.

As always, thanks & appreciation to unknown artists.