☾ Three things cannot be hidden: the Moon, the Sun and the Truth.

7^th August Lunar Full Moon Partial Eclipse

15° Leo Sun – Aquarius Moon @18:11UT

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“Three things cannot be hidden: the Moon, the Sun and the Truth.” ~ Buddha

Over the coming weeks, during a spectacular eclipse season, the triple fold energy of Sun, Moon, and the truth, or at least the freedom to discover, speak and understand our truth comes to light in a dramatic and unpredictable fashion. A Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius indicates are now entering a period of surprises and exposés. Get ready now: prepare to open a generous heart to all that is genuine and sometimes seemingly crazy but decidedly real – and then implement any insight gained or revelations experienced for the benefit of others, as well as yourself. Then you, too, can learn to be naturally happy - which sounds simple enough, though a sustained effort of self-awareness to live in authentic presence – with dignity, integrity, and poise, now takes a rebellious kind of ethical discipline that also knows when its ‘right’ to bend oppressive rules in favour of benefitting the greater whole.

✰ From the astrological point of view, when our dynamic electro-magnetic Sun flashes and sparkles in the fiery sign of Leo, the solar systems’ astral authority is said to be in a favourable position, delighted to be ‘at home’ in its own domain, as Leo’s natural inclination is to emanate happiness with a steadfastly warm and loving glow. This golden luminous light is potentially at the heart of all Leo activity, boundless in both energy, and supply. As such, the congenial and dominant sign Leo is associated with creative self-expression, children and fun, art and parties, as well as all-important love and romance.
✰ Radiant Leo shines upon the part of our life and personality we consider central, i.e. Leo illuminates authority (personal, as well as the boss) and ‘the core self’, our ego identity and, on the higher vibration, our light-filled spirit. Fellow Buddhist or Vedanta readers might clamour here to say ‘But there is no Spirit, no ‘self’.’. Ultimately they would be correct: in that we are all made up of stardust as a bunch of densely vibrating atoms (made up of 99% space!), with relative sense perceptions that make it seem like the personality is solid and real. But when we actually look for the ‘conscious self’, consciousness itself is nowhere to be found. In our material world we cannot actually put our finger upon that essential sense of self anywhere, not in the brain or in the mind. What we do know about our conscious spirit, however, is that when that our heart aligns with an authentic purpose, strong in truth, then the ‘real self’ - our most natural shining nature - blazes brilliantly.  And this is exactly what the passage of the Sun in Leo and the powerful eclipses encourage us all to do: embrace all our magical gifts and talents and glisten and shimmer with a heartfelt glow.

                      

☾☼☽Eclipses generally come in pairs, one Lunar, the other Solar, two weeks apart. During this Full Moon partial Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius on Monday 7th (and ensuing Leo Solar Eclipse, 21^st August), it’s as though that internal dimmer switch suddenly flickers to be turned full-on, possibly for a good few weeks, flashing golden neon during the New Moon Solar Eclipse. Subtle energies are always more pronounced during eclipses, so one must learn how to protect oneself psychically as well as physically. Therefore surround yourself with friends and loved ones who have your best interests at heart. At peak eclipse moments not only can the third eye twinkle (with a potentially vibrant crown chakra), but a certain edge of consciousness is also illuminated, enlightening never-seen-before corners within the psyche, previously shadowed by fear or doubt. It is these very insights that will help when dealing with the random outside events eclipses stir up.
However wild the weekend preceding the Monday Full Moon eclipse (on Moon day!), it could be helpful to note how this Lunar Eclipse is partial; i.e. nowhere on Earth does Luna become totally red. Instead, there will be penumbral shading at the Southern tip of the Moon, seen as peachy-pink more clearly over Asia for 30 minutes at the peak within the two hour length of time this eclipse takes to complete. And whilst the internet is focused upon the very exciting US total Solar New Moon Eclipse August 21^st, this partial Lunar Eclipse sets the tone, only slightly lower-key; and is visible in Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe. Though Europe will have partial penumbral view at Moonrise, unless Europeans (not you Brits!) are Moon-bathing with a horizon in view, it won’t actually look that different.

And because the Sun is next to dynamic Mars in Leo during this eclipse, (as well as Ketu, South Node, Dragon’s Tail (from where Leo Mars likes to rattle sabres and bark orders)) this Full Eclipse Moon is cosmically bound to be dramatic. It’s also worth bearing in mind how, in Elemental Astrology, a Southerly direction shadowed (by the Earth) on the Moon, is associated with the colour red, the shape of the triangle, the zodiac signs Aries & Leo, as well as fire and lightening. Also, because this Lunar Eclipse is aligned along the Leo-Aquarius axis it awakens 2017’s Fire Phoenix, to ignite the wisdom flame in both mind and heart, to burn the dross and rise from the ashes reborn, with virtue of Spirit restored ~~~> Think back to this time last year, and note how your own creative spark of loving kindness has conquered fears in your own life, purely by creating fresh new outlooks.
Leo is a ‘personal’ sign in astrology because of its concerns with individual expression. By contrast Aquarius tends towards collective experience, team events and group activity. So while the co-operative revolutionary Aquarian Moon reflects Leo’s individual LoveLight, it’s conceivable that we, as a collective, have some kind of ‘Eureka!’ moment, when clarity and truth suddenly slot into place. The trick is not to distract each other with theatrics or talk that alienate self from others, or indeed sever the mind from one’s own intricate network of emotions. Use any original insight gained at this time to better all relations, specifically those with whom we consider our fellow kindred spirits, and you won’t be sorry. In fact, you will be empowered.
The Sun at home in the sign of the Lion also boosts personal confidence. The Lion enables one to remain steadfast strong and determined, so that we can impart playful, good-hearted cheerfulness with unconditional warmth in all our affairs. The Leo Sun also symbolises monarchs and rulers; and the quality of light of those who govern in positions of power can determine the joy of his or her subjects; just as the regal Sun radiates upon Earth to give life with light and heat, a good leader is warm and kind.
A strong Leo Sun also adds distinctive dignity and power to any given situation. So if there was ever a moment to build strength, stay strong, and sound your own horn and big-up oneself, especially about what you personally add to enhance relationship – in love, business or friendship – as well as to any group situation, this may well be the Full Aquarian Moon to celebrate successes as both Lights, Sun & Moon, are in good aspect to Jupiter, the planet of triumph and jubilation. 

And this is all well and good BUT shocking in swiftness and extremity, it’s also a Full Moon Eclipse in radical Aquarius, when the exact opposite of what is expected is almost cosmically bound to happen, as Earth blocks the Leo LoveLight of Sun for the Aquarian Moon to reflect. All the while Sun has celestial back-up in any current situation, being conjoined to a fire-cracker Mars in Leo; there may be stiff competition to out-shine and out-perform, on stage or off.  Try now to understand how speed is aggression and that being a part of competition is not the same as only partaking to win. When playing the game of life, to align in truth makes it easier to rest in a spacious loving heart and find contentment within.

You are warned: Aquarian Moons can be edgy and electric. Being put on the spot may be the moment for personal development to take centre stage – even if it means looking at traits and aspects (of our self) we would consider bombastic, bossy or disjointed. Remember at all times how we need to be fearless when bringing love to light. The Sun-Mars conjunction in trine to Saturn in Sagittarius (stationed on the Galactic Centre, to go forward in the days following the Solar Eclipse (26^th August)) will remind us that loving bravely takes courage, as well as faith – and a capacity to work together under trying circumstance. Even behind a façade of bravado, this is a time to treasure those friends who reveal your weaknesses and faults, for they offer you the real gift of truly knowing oneself.
✰ Another important astrological feature to include in this eclipse comes hot on the heels of a third and final (closing) square between Jupiter and Pluto (to conjunct 2020), accenting how the power of love really does transform, just as easily as secrets can expand power bases. Not everyone needs to know your business. Both, the 7^th’s Full Moon Partial Lunar Eclipse, and the New Moon Total Solar Eclipse on the 21^st, are cosmically bound to generate defining moments in our collective stories, with power-plays acted out internally as well as in the mundane world. Be aware how eclipses always mark dramatic pivotal points, watershed moments when the course of ideas, actions and emotions, as well as history, can suddenly turn and flow towards a dramatically different direction. So check this mid-season 15° fixed points of Leo and Aquarius in your own scope to gauge how critical crossroads impact your own life. If you’re old enough to remember look back 19-ish years, and get an idea of how this eclipse cycle influences.

From a mundane point of view, we may also witness sudden U-turns with governments and bosses. Because this freedom-loving Aquarian moon highlights those in authority who dictate by ‘do as I say and not as I do’, (often done in order to divide and rule) are best avoided. Take note: commanders who self-serve do not have other’s best interests at heart. Better to oversee one’s own world now and discover the sovereignty of fairness and equality that comes about from curtailing personal ego, especially by being of service to humanity.

✰ Make no mistake, the Dragon’s Head, North Node in Leo, Rahu is rising: hot, fiery and tempestuous. In ancient times people would often stay indoors to try and avoid conflicts and/or the effects of an eclipse. While monastics meditate, the lay drum and dance to scare away negative effects of losing light. Indeed, it may well be that looking at a darkened Moon, or Sun (only looked at with eclipse glasses or else risk blindness) invites confusion, and in some rare cases, with a new moon solar eclipse, bring out the oddball eccentrics en masse.

Wherever you may be August 7th, at work, home, or with friends, when the light of the brilliant Leo Sun is reflected by the group-orientated Moon in Aquarius – as it is during this Full Moon, the potential to find ones’ place – and feel assured and poised in that position – also means recognising the unique gifts we personally bring to the greater whole. So be aware: within team-work, or even working individually, a special talent could now easily surface. Exciting times for personal evolution!

✰ Two more points of esoteric astrological significance compound the need to balance self-love with that of others during this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse:

1)  In Esoteric astrology the Moon has an Aquarian Hierarchical rulership, meaning ‘the Aquarian Light that shines on Earth across the sea’ is of great import; i.e. the Noosphere, or the Unified Biofield buzzes with potentiality. Aquarius is future orientated; so any personal sensitivity is best be directed towards altruism, making the world a better place, without being cold-hearted but seeing all beings as equal.   

2)  Also in Esoteric astrology, the Spirit of the Sun ‘veils’ Uranus, the traditional ruler of Aquarius, indicating how the clarity of ‘the self’ thrives when with one’s peers or in collective situations. The aspiration to identify with accomplishments is also heightened.

✰ All of this just as Uranus begins a retrograde motion, August 3^rd, only turning direct New Year’s Day 2018! Thus, for the rest of the year Uranus retrograde in Aries inflames the 2017 year of the Phoenix Fire Bird’s Grand Fire trine, taking place between the Leo North Node (Dragon’s Head) and Saturn in Sagittarius to spark the passionate flames of creative love. Indeed, Uranus makes a final exact trine to Saturn 11:11, providing spacial awareness that opens a powerful portal for heroic inner-work, for the spiritual warrior who generates altruism to galvanize and inspire, bravely lighting the way for others on the path. 

✰ The last point to mention on this extended Full Moon Eclipse report concerns Mercury retrograde on 13^th August, going back from Virgo into Leo, to pick up the exact degree of the Solar Eclipse 21^st August! Both the Celestial Messenger and the Sun will accent the bight Fixed Royal Star, Regulus, at the heart of the Lion. Unbridled success can be enjoyed under this star, and is phenomenal – if only for a short time, as missions can dramatically fail should revenge, pride or arrogance be primary motivation.  Suffice to say that whatever theatrics take place during these coming weeks (timed since July 24^th), there’s every chance we will still be talking about (whatever) the situation well into the Autumn Equinox.  

Upon closing I wish everyone to have a wonderful Full Moon and Eclipse season. With LoveLight from Agent Dakini (who still has a few places left for retreats in Southern France –> press here!) and a big THANK YOU to HymalayanTrader for wonderful Buddha with Dragons illustration thangka _/\_
And remember in all this Leo love action: “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.”

 

♋♑ ~> River Deep – Mountain High - Sun in Cancer Full Moon in Capricorn 17°09’ @5:07 UT July 9th

☽☼☾ On July 9th, from the outer reaches of our solar system, the astrological Lord of the Underworld, Pluto, aligns perfectly with a Full Moon @ 17°09’ Capricorn, opposite the Cancerian Sun (at same degrees). During this alignment certain situations, feelings or relationships are cosmically bound to transform purely by being confident, caring, and daring to look and indeed going beyond the norm. Take note: this is a Full Moon where discipline is called for when taking action to go bravely beyond one’s comfort zone, especially when exploring Pluto’s mysteries.

Enigmatic Pluto is a generational planet, meaning entire swathes of people born between rather long time frames have a similar means of transforming all that which no longer serves. Ruthless in fixity, Pluto is the planet of extremes that takes one higher onto the mountain, deeper into the unknown, safe in the wisdom that we are never really alone and that the cosmos always supports – even in the face of adversity. The generation born today will bear the celestial hallmark of an Pluto in Capricorn, the sign of the spiritual and ambitious mountain goat. Thus, it’s a collective, all-or-nothing transformation of authority, taxes, business, and, perhaps most importantly, the conservation of shared resources, such as the land, mining and forestry. Sharing such assets could also come naturally to those who are intent on making the world an easier place for the many and not the few*.

Often with an air of invisibility, Pluto is an metamorphic planet of secrets and power, sexual magnetism and psychic sensibility – a slow-moving planet that can indicate a seductive gradual unfolding of subtle energies now illuminated by the Sun. Due to its long orbit around the Sun (248 years), Pluto is currently slowly ploughing through earthy, ambitious, mountain-climbing Capricorn, making transparency – or the lack of it – a key issue for those hungry for control by any means possible. But while the last of vestiges of the ‘7x Uranus-Pluto Cardinal square’ continues to spotlight corruption and tyranny (without and within), the collective task of altruistic 'social reform in the age of technological innovation'** (the Uranus-Pluto square that lasts from 2010-2018) continues apace, sadly all-too-often with the kind of upheaval and disruption that can make people cynical, anxious and suspicious.

Because the sensitive Moon is in its’ ‘fall’ in Capricorn, even the unconditional nurturing nature of Mother Moon may seem limited. For whatever reason: too busy, too tired, too hard bitten, or unable to emote by letting the mind rule the heart, the Moon with profound Pluto indicates there’s a tendency towards a broody sangfroid, dressed up in a seductive sexiness that exudes issues of control, that do no one any favours. Should you encounter this attitude within yourself or others – as the Moon and Pluto in Capricorn can turn things against oneself, best move on, investing time and energy into accomplishing matters that satisfy the deeply spiritual side of yourself by being profound in ways that empower, yet still allow one to remain private and confidential in one’s accomplishment.

From the astrological historical point of view, what makes this Moon Pluto contact most interesting is how both the Cancerian Sun and Mars (the latter a Pluto adversary) have all come together to highlight the degree of Pluto’s discovery, which was in Cancer at the time when the nuclear bomb was discovered, as well as the introduction for birth-control pills for women. Pluto is the planet of sex, death, snake medicine, and other people’s assets, so it no surprise to see life and death issues now raised – and attempts to control the feminine Shakti power. It’s also evolutionary Pluto’s nodal degree, indicating an unseen power portal has opened, through which we can jointly tunnel through difficulties, by concentrating and holding the light in focus.

All the while Pluto and the Moon reflect the beams of the comforting Cancerian Sun – in the Moon’s home sign; the strength of which may resemble the warm love a mother has for her child, a love which may even negate and avert any potential dark night of the soul, especially for those who can handle opposition with grace and clarity.

Yet even though the radiant Sun is in the Moon’s domain, Sol cosies up to usually dynamic Mars, but which is now in ‘detriment’ in the sign of the Crab, i.e. Mars is not the Sun’s usual strong henchman and both Sun and Moon sense vulnerability. Mars is in fact currently very weak and battle scarred, possibly even needing a place to rest and looking forward to holidays. In Cancer, heroic Mars also defends ideals that lie in the ancestral past. Even if skeletons rattle in the Plutonic closet, family ties are important over this Full Moon. With nepotism aside, Mars with the Sun also suggests the chances for staying home to make fairy cakes may (eventually) ignite more passion than swashbuckling with celebrity pirates in super yachts and other such brash summer fun. So best save the bling until the New Leo Moon in a couple of weeks, when its sparkles a-go-go.

Within astrological rulerships there are times, however, when planets in ‘fall’ and ‘detriment’ can still helpfully connect to facilitate positive outcomes. And this could well be the case at this Full Moon, as Mars is exalted in Capricorn, and the Moon at home in Cancer. So both Mars, and Luna, find themselves in signs in which the other excels. This kind of mutual admiration from afar can work wonders; a configuration such as this can help clarify good friends from bad enemies – which could be very handy at a Full Moon that reactivates the now infamous ‘Cardinal Cross of The Central Spiritual Sun’: the astrological configuration dominating the heavens in various waves of intensity for the past seven years raising spiritual awareness as well as the materialistic opposite. As the Lights, Sun and Moon, also form a tight T-Square to expansive Jupiter in harmonious Libra, they also tighten the square towards Uranus in Aries July 10th, as the Moon then creates a square Cardinal sky mandala, with four planets each approximately 90° apart. Just as Jupiter’s far sighted wisdom make it the Cardinal Cross’s synthesiser, it is Uranus that functions as THE ‘Agent of Change’, with the intention to benefit others the stimulus to act. Those who have planets dominant in Cardinal signs, Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn in his or her scope may even experience a seemingly sudden change of direction the day after the exact culmination of the Full Moon, around July 10th, extending the time-frame to the above mentioned New Leo Moon, July 23rd.

A Cardinal Cross is always action-packed, and the will to perfect good actions will certainly hold one in karmic stead. Whatever a planet/sign joins the either Sun or Moon, in this instance of the Cardinal Square with Mars, Jupiter, Pluto, Uranus, it further defines and suddenly brings to light, from out of the shadows all kinds of previously hidden and murky issues. Pluto in Capricorn, for instance, means empire-building Big Boys feel the heat. Make no mistake, getting to the bottom of certain shared secrets and investments during this Full Moon is no ordinary mission, but one that requires utmost self-control, responsibility and TRUST.

Sun and Moon are approaching good aspect to Chiron, which has just gone retrograde for the rest of the year, only going forward at the beginning of December, bring the healing of our waters, emotions and dreams to the fore. Shaman Chiron squares up to karmic Saturn to face-up to the pain which teaches compassion.

This year of the Fire Bird’s insightful and creative ‘Fire Trine’ also now begins to witness planets and asteroids come and go within 2017’s astral triangle featuring key players: Uranus in Aries, North Node in Leo, and Saturn in Sagittarius. Notably, Warrior Goddess Pallas Athena, though now shifting signs into Taurus, stays close to Uranus for the rest of the year, indicating a need to plan for iconoclastic change; and Karmic Saturn now joins the dark side of the feminine, Black Moon Lilith, for a few months of intense soul searching into one’s own truth, especially giving form to the heady responsibility of the wild woman’s freedoms; plus the August eclipses when The Lights’ really begin to spark and burn away the dross to reveal an innate inner-wisdom.

To sum up, standing in the shadows may seem like a preferred option for some in the run up to Full Moon culmination, but as Luna peaks the desire to instigate alternatives and revel in the new and beautiful may be too irresistible – though it may still take time to formalise options and adjustments.

With Full Moon Blessings of Love and Light - especially as this is also Guru Purnima, the day we honour our teachers, to whom I give thanks for their blessings and faith, from Laura aka Astro Dakini 🙏❤️💖💙💜💛

Also, a note to say there are a few places left for this year’s Astrology Retreats in Southern France.
And a mention to two astrologers whose work struck me this week : * Bill Herbst – Mountain Astrologer Dec ‘15 & **Astrid Fallon – Planetary Cycles, with Love and thanks 🙏💕also to Onejian from Deviant Art for Buddha Mountain Buddha artwork 🙏❤️

Sun Mars Mercury opposition Saturn ~April-May 2013

The Lights (Sun & Moon) present a see-saw dynamism today, swinging up-down from judgemental pessimism to enthusiastic optimism in fairly equal measures. Thus, for the spiritual practitioner, the middle path beckons, particularly when working on what’s important. Perform all tasks with a happy heart, as Spirit Sun and warrior Mars oppose karmic Saturn, accenting personal responsibility for duties and situations that challenge, demand patience and a practical application. Being disciplined can be incredibly rewarding and pave the way for accomplishment. Today's far-sighted Sagittarian Moon opposite Jupiter provides hope and optimism, especially when living in truth.

Be aware: there’s a tendency to gloss over veracity, loyalty and/or integrity with Jupiter square Neptune. So it’s good to be mindful that with over exuberant quackery one can fool oneself - and others - into thinking spiritual materialism is the real deal. Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche says that “As long as a person is involved with warfare (or conniving in ambition or relationship), trying to defend or attack, then his action is not sacred; it is mundane, dualistic, a battlefield situation.” The thoughts in brackets are mine, but here C.T. Rinpoche suggests the main work to do (especially this week, as Sun, Mars & Mercury sequentially oppose taskmaster Saturn in Scorpio) is upon the ego and letting go of egoic desire and delusion, however tough and laborious that may be Sun, Mars & Mercury do provide determination and stamina. And today we have jolly Jupiter to gee-up the sphere of benevolence and forgiveness, which can take the edge off being too hard upon anyone, especially ourselves.

Throughout this week, loving Venus conjunct the Taurus South Node is the astral reminder to always come from the HEART __/❤\__

Guru Rinpoche Day ~ April 20th 2012

On the 10th day of any lunar month, Sun and Moon make what’s known in astrology as a ‘trine’ aspect, meaning La Luna is exactly one third into her lunation, and five days away from being full. This particular trine aspect is considered to be so important in Tibetan Buddhism that every month this day is known as ‘Guru Rinpoche day’, when we say prayers and make offerings to honour the Lama (our teacher) and our connection to the Lama’s heart, revealing one’s own Buddha nature.

The triangle relationship between planets is the best possible aspect to experience (in the horoscope). A 120° trine aspect bestows cosmic gifts and skills that can be easily developed and brought to fruition. Yet personal talents can be overlooked and underutilised because we often take them for granted. But when ‘The Lights’, Sun (action) and Moon (wisdom), are in this triangle formation during Moon's waxing phase, illuminating wisdom in action our gifts of are clear to see. As such, this particular trine aspect is deemed to be extremely fortunate as one is able, with the teacher’s insight and kindness, to swiftly overcome obstacles in order to accomplish fulfilment (enlightenment, even) at the time of the full moon.

So as Spirit Sun moves into steady Taurus tomorrow (April 20th) it makes this very special ‘trine’ to the sensitive Moon in healing Virgo; and the tempestuousness of the past few days should begin to dissipate and stabilise situations so that recovery, reconciliation and attention to detail can take place.

Having said that, no one aspect works alone: the planets are all interconnected; as Sun remains with fiery Mars throughout the upcoming eclipses – a partial Lunar eclipse on the Full Moon in Scorpio on April 25th, and the Taurus Solar eclipse May 10th, it suggests turning points are ahead, though the action is firm, steady and cautious, as opposed to rashly jumping into any situation head first. With Sun, Mars & Venus all in the sign of the Bull, patience comes to fore when harnessing resources, and the fruit of one’s actions begins to take shape __/❤\__

(✿◠‿◠) Breathe into the heart-mind, relax, and let the love flow during today's very special Guru Rinpoche day, which today holds a beautiful cosmic synchronicity__/❤\__

Why so special? Well, readers of Dharma Stars might recall how Jupiter is the heavenly Guru who, like Tibet's second Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, wields a thunderbolt of enlightenment directing with his dorje to the truth of illusion and the wisdom of Buddha nature. And today, Guru Rinpoche Day, Jupiter is at the very same degree of 2012’s once-in-a-life-time Venus transit. This won’t happen again, so tune into lucky Jupiter and Goddess Venus (now at home in Taurus) who opened the way for Jupiter to now exert his lightening flash of understanding. Enjoy the awakening zap, and be struck by the sage celestial teacher’s Light of Love! __/❤\__

Artwork is a close up of the heart of Dorje Chang by Heinz Hoes with thx ♥
Top Image is of Guru Rinpoche Rainbow emanation.

Mantra ~> Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pemma Siddhi Hung _/❤\__

Medicine Buddha Moon ~> Tara Puja _/✿\_ April 18th 2013

☼☾ Spring into action with this first quarter Moon in Cancer and Sun in Aries: The fiery Aries Sun evokes self-assertion and bravery, while a watery Cancerian Moon accents sensitive emotions, home and family; thus this Medicine Buddha Moon’s healing is directed towards having the courage to unconditionally take care of self, and others, as a mother would her child.

Now fire’s heat rises and water falls; Heat warms while water cools. When water and fire are in harmony, heart-mind and body are also synchronized. Making supplications to Goddess Tara and/or Medicine Buddha today provides strength and support to achieve such a balance.

Today also sees this exalted Aries Sun in conjunction with the heated and volatile, scarlet Warrior planet, Mars. This double whammy of Aries fire illuminates Cancer’s watery emotions, where the challenge is to protect, act and create. On a mundane (political) level, global events have mirrored this intense aspect with bombs, fires, and weapons being very much in the news. But while generating helpful empathy and compassion for the victims of senseless violence and doing what we can, I don't want to focus upon the external affairs that we often have little or no personal control over, as we here at Dharma Stars concentrate upon fulfilling our spiritual life. There are other ways to express this passionate combination which involves being directly engaged and getting physical in order to utilize heat and burn up toxins, release anger without harming anyone, and build up self-confidence, such as breathing in positivity, walking instead of taking the bus one stop, or going to the gym.

Note the planets are quickly shifting signs; while the slow-moving planet of change, Uranus, remains in Aries, both Sun and Mars move into Taurus, to join Venus in her home sign, on Saturday 20th, and the emphasis will be upon a slow and steady release of creativity, when it will be good to have the stamina and strength Sun and Mars are now building. Remember also that we are now in eclipse season, with a Full Moon partial Lunar eclipse in Scorpio April 25th, when feelings are strong and Spirit determined.

Thanks for unknown artist for fire-water yin-yang __/❤\__

If you would like an astrology reading to know more about how Active Fire & Sensitive Water works in your horoscope, or indeed how the eclipse activates your chart, please contact me here for rates. Thank you, with Spring LoveLight, Laura __/❤\__tact me here for rates. Thank you, with Spring LoveLight, Laura __/❤\__

Initiating Life Divine ☾ ☼ ☽ Capricorn New Year Solar Eclipse

A Solar eclipse in Capricorn is about giving form to the spiritual objective; tomorrow morning there is a small and narrow stargate for Earth to connect to the void, when the gates of karma open; and our meditation is to invite the (internal) deity into our life Divine.

Now the moon has passed the point of lunar eclipse, already in Capricorn, we are in a dark moon phase; the responsibility of what lies ahead could seem overwhelming. Don't Worry. Formulate a plan (and allow a year or so materialise) to remain mindful in the present ♥ Karma is also multiplied 100000X

So here we go: 2011! Wow! In with an astro bang! Tuesday the 4^th January, 9:03gmt (time zones), at 13Capricorn ♑ , a Solar Eclipse  stats a new moon lunation, potent with the ability to transform everything that we’d like to be praised and recognised for the work we have achieved. Planet Earth is also perihelion the Sun during this eclipse, so Spirit and Form are cosmically close. At the same time a shower of meteors, the Quadrantids, herald from just below the Big Dipper!

A year that starts with a Solar eclipse, with the North Node also called Rahu, or 'dragon's head', accompanied by strategic Pallas Athena and fiery Mars in earthy Capricorn, suggests there is no time to lose, that we initiate, take action, and make a plan to stabilise so that we have a point to move from.  Personally I would wait until the effects of the eclipse have waned a little, and wait a day before charging headlong into anything - as it might take a day or so to calm down after any potential Sun-Moon-Mars flare up. 

So it’s not just because its winter that we also need to boost the immune system, be that physically, psychologically and psychically, with a very real and practical approach. The Warrior Queen Pallas Athena is our asteroid associated with health, healing, and regeneration, alchemically being able to transform with her serpent wisdom (Kundalini). And while she is currently companion to the Sun and Mars, its time to heavy-up on the anti-oxidents and look after ourselves.

There is another astrological reason for Tuesday being important, due it marking the last and final exact conjunction of the three hits of Jupiter and Uranus. This visionary and expansive conjunction started off with Jupiter conjunct Uranus in June at 0Aries; then around Autumn Equinox last September, when retrograde, they formed another conjunction, in Pisces; this last union, also in the sign of the fish, magnifies uncontrollable flow (of highly charged emotion), change and sudden storms; this can happen individually, as well as in the collective. In Pisces, a mutable water sign, it’s a signal we are possibly feeling overwhelmed by outside forces, feeling swept along with the tide.  How one steering through this last conjunction, which has a sphere of influence all the way until the end of February, will depend of course, where this conjunction lies in the chart.  

Water, however, continues to be a major theme this year, with both Chiron and Neptune to enter in oceanic Pisces in April (which I will go in-depth at a later date.).  Suffice to say we only have to look at how the element Water is a feature of our era: We have Jupiter and Uranus, plus healing Chiron in conjunction with the sea-ruling Neptune in the late degrees of Aquarius, emphasising the entire planet’s water (especially since Uranus and Neptune have been in a sometimes mutual relationship these past 23+ years). With an area the size of Germany & France under water in Queensland, Australia, as well as recent floods in China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Europe, plus the tragic Deepwater incident in the Gulf of Mexico, one quickly understands how the water element is subject to tremendous import, as indicated by these planetary configurations (compounded by the movement of both Chiron and Neptune into Pisces this year).  Water within our body is akin to our emotions; we are made up of 70% water; and our emotions ride the internal waves. When looking at the way the world’s seas, oceans and rivers are behaving, we could also say our own collective emotion is also out-of-whack.  Yet all is not lost, while water cleanses, heals, purifies, Pisces and Neptune are also signs of forgiveness and compassion. This doesn’t mean that we can carry on polluting as we have been, but it does mean we can see the ignorance of humanity’s ways, being able to forgive, then get on with the Spiritual work of World Service: healing, detoxifying, energising the light. Which may well be what this eclipse is all about: initiating a world of spiritual and emotional awareness, so we can absolve ourselves and others (past and present), and concentrate upon a healthier future.   

Having discussed the watery Jupiter-Uranus, this actual eclipse is in solid and earthy Capricorn, which is also about being practical, taking personal responsibility to stabilise emotions - and thoughts, as well as places, business and traditional government.  But because eclipses are pivotal turning points, these powerful earthy eclipses shake us up, bringing the shadow into stark focus. It’s good to remember that underneath the Capricorn Mountain Goat’s sturdiness, a sign of movement into future ventures which require self-discipline, dedication and support, Capricorn also has a scaled fish tail, indicating deep spirituality combined with an intrinsic awareness of the karmic law of cause and effect, which can be used for better or worse.

Capricorn is a no nonsense sign that, like most Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer and Libra) enjoys the spotlight, as it marks the end of darkness and the entrance of the New Light King. These next few days could thus bring about dramatic endings and new light-filled beginnings.  No matter what is happening, at work, at home, on the road, it’s good to stabilise an eclipse moment with Shamatha meditation (calm abiding and watching the breath) before entering into any Kundalini or Chakra work. Those inexperienced with chakra work please do not experiment during an eclipse. Instead rest in your breathing, and allow this time to be an initiation into Spirit.

Bare in mind that the Full Moon on the 19^th Jan is 29 Cancer (the 4^th Full Moon at an Anaretic degree) is the culmination of this eclipse lunation.  Earthy Capricorn and watery Cancer are form and formlessness, and THE signs linked to the Sun and the Moon channels in the body, Ida and Pingala – as well as being the signs that urge souls to incarnate or even, after many incarnations, reach the point of crystalization.  This, therefore, is a time when Spirit can pass through both doors, and is why all the great masters emphasis the need for protection.

I’ve written quite extensively about the way an eclipse functions in the psycho-anatomical-subtle body, so I’ve changed the time-scale of popular posts on the side-bar of the blog; I suggest you read any article with the word ‘eclipse’ in it to get a better handle on how to breathe and meditate through and with this powerful trinity of Sun, Moon and  Earth, spirit, soul and form – light, dark and shadow - Particularly this from our last Solar Eclipse.

The next eclipse, in six months time, will be a set of three (which happens every few years). This will be a summer solstice lunar eclipse on June 15th, related to this winter’s solstice lunar eclipse, when so many planets aligned with the Milky Way’s Galactic Centre. In summer, it will be the Moon at 24 Sagittarius which aligns our emotional centre to the heart of the Galaxy, connecting our heart to the crown chakra.

So stay blessed, dear friend. I’ll be with you in spirit, connecting to the light grid from the wilds of the countryside, before heading back to dear old hometown London, from where the next blog will be posted. ♥

Thanks as always to our beloved Bill Brouard and other unknown but much appreciated artists ♥