ॐ Feb 17th ~> 1st Guru Rinpoche day of the new Fire Monkey Year! _/ ♡ \_

☆ With the radiant Sun in altruistic Aquarius, and the responsive Moon in Gemini, the Lights (Sun and Moon) create an altogether enquiring and intellectual combination, encouraging one to tame this monkey mind, and live life by what is best for everyone. 
☆ On this first Guru Rinpoche day of the Fire Monkey year, it is also good to know that Guru Rinpoche was a real person – and a Monkey; so we honour the memory of Guru Rinpoche, also called Padmasambhava, the ‘Lotus born’, Tibet’s second Buddha, who subdued negative forces and brought Tantra (from India) to Tibet. This also makes a Monkey year extra special for Guru Rinpoche, a Jewel of a Teacher. Connecting now, with body, speech, and mind, to all our most precious teachers, those living, those passed, and those yet to come, also maintains the thread that holds the treasured wisdom together. 
☆ As the Moon grows in light, Chötrul Düchen, the Full Moon Day of Miracles is only a few days away. Note how we also are in a karma multiplied period; goodness applied now could well be quickly rewarded _/♡\_

With ℒℴѵℯ  ॐ__/❀\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✫
& many thanks to unknown artist for Guru Rinpoche Thangka, whose teachings bless the sublime inner essence. 

♐ Dakini Day Valentine __/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✶

With the Red Moon Goddess now in Sagittarius ♐♐♐ her arrows of Love align directly with the centre of the galaxy to focus upon a strong sense of justice, freedom for all, and victory (in Love)! 
This Dakini Moon highlights the humane vibration of the Valentine Sun in Aquarius, to now rise above profane and romantic love that adores hearts and flowers as shows of affection (though, granted, these are fun ;) ). The Aquarian Water Bearer has the discipline to take responsibility for others emotions, and with selfless love has the insight to see that love is a verb: to ‘be love’ is also part of raising the altruistic intention, wanting the world to be a better place, not just lovers and partners, but for everyone, the animals, birds and insects included.
Image is Goddess is Kurukulla (artist unknown), sometimes called Red Tara, beaming Love with the freshness of youth. Like Cupid or Eros, Kurukulle also has a bow to subjugate the target of affection with flowery arrows to make them fall in love!
❤ Happy Dakini Day! ❤ Happy Valentine’s ! ❤

☆ •°*♌ ☾ ♒ ◯ ♒ ☽ ♃ *°•.☆ Full Leo Moon Feb2015

"Self-confidence is knowing that we have the capacity to do something good and firmly decide not to give up." ~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama ~

Because tonight's Full Leo Moon (exact 23:07gmt Feb3rd) is conjunct expansive Jupiter, there is a tendency to inflate and multiply whatever is happening. Now, more than ever, we need to good to ourselves and others and be aware how it is the middle path that leads to peace, and to have the confidence to be kind and grow the positive with courage and compassion whenever and wherever possible. For whenever Jupiter touches a planet, the energies of that planet are magnified; with the currently retrograde Jupiter in union with this Full heartfelt Leo Moon all kinds of situations can take on mammoth proportions – for good or bad, happy or sad. 

Together with the most sacred celestial guide - Jupiter is THE cosmic Guru, this sensitive Moon invokes memories, student/teacher relations, and family connections, be it global family or ‘familiar’ kindred spirits, the past also takes on greater significance, especially when thoughts are connected to the heart and to love. So be aware that emotions can now be heightened and reactions excessive - even the snow (or Sun in the southern hemisphere) might seem crisper, whiter, purer. 

Issues of loyalty in love may also be raised, where doing what is right to keep one’s integrity in tact provides a firmer foundation in truth. Jupiter also teaches us to seek out the broader view, a perspective that enables one to understand and embody even the most abstract principles and ethics which can ultimately lead to Spirit’s liberation. 

With Spirit Sun now in Aquarius, the sign of the higher mind’s freedom through altruism, it’s worth remembering how in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition that the mind lives in the heart. The more we focus upon love and kindness then the more intelligent we become, as a collective and as an individual.
With ℒℴѵℯ__/❤\__ Thanks to Visual Alchemist for 11thAtainment artwork.

❤ Final Medicine Buddha Moon of the Horse Year ☼ ☾ January 28th 2015

For the final First Quarter Medicine Buddha Moon of the Horse year, tonight’s exalted Moon in Taurus holds a powerful healing. The combination of Fixed air and earth swiftly connects to the very core of ailments and problems, so they can be managed with love and patience. Even if making sudden, quick change there’s a sense of stability and perseverance that gives value to certain actions which point to cures and remedies.
This year of the Yang Wood Horse has shown us how to be victorious by moving like a lotus rising up and out of the muddy pond, and into spaces that opened-up to light-filled opportunity through our own drive and sense of purpose. And as the Horse year comes to an end, not to be seen again for 60 years, there's bound to even greater development in this increasingly spacy and computerized world the next time this powerful Horse comes around.
Even so, projecting into the future can make one anxious. Aquarius is also a future-orientated sign; and events around this Moon phase can, however, steady frazzled nerves, and encourage one to remain on centre and build upon that which nurtures the heart-mind and soul (particularly important during this Mercury Retrograde period). So prepare now for a dazzling Full Leo Moon on the 3rd Feb, when the heart-mind reigns supreme and altruism is vital to riding the positively exciting planetary élan.
*•.¸(*•.¸❤¸.•*´)¸.•*´
Medicine Buddha Mantra “Tayata Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radza Samudgate Soha” _/❤\_ ૐ

△ ♒ ☼ △ ♊ ☾ Sun in Aquarius - Moon in Gemini Feb 9th

The most promising aspect in astrology is the ‘trine’, as 120 degrees between heavenly bodies brings out cosmic gifts and talents. When this aspect takes place between the Sun and Moon before Full Moon it highlights the male, yang attributes; thus Tibetans assign this to the most precious Guru (within), Guru Rinpoche – honouring that which seeks rational clarity and wisdom and the ultimate realisation of the ‘Rainbow Body’.

Today we not only see this beautiful aspect activate the blessings of the teacher, as the intellectual and altruistic Aquarian Sun harmonises with the quick-thinking and versatile Moon in Gemini (made all the more astute as Mercury, Gemini’s ruler is retrograde); but the two ‘Lights’ are also connecting the Mars in Libra forming a ‘Grand Air Trine’. Air encourages an interchange of ideas and enjoys companionship. The position of Mars in this Grand Trine kindles an awareness of the lunar eclipse April 15, and is ripe for the Spiritual Warrior to harness the loving qualities of a balanced heart-mind to interact in a positive manner in all relations, in friendship, and in love.

__/\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶
“Ultimately, the real guru is inside ourselves: We are our own guru, we are by ourselves. So it’s up to us to walk the path, always. We are born by ourselves in this body, and we will die by ourselves. There will be nobody who will take care of us afterwards in the sense like holding our hands and carrying us. We have to walk the path by ourselves.”

– Tenzin Ösel Hita, from “Teachings from the 45th Kopan Course,” given in 2012 at Kopan Monastery, Nepal

LOSAR 2141 ~> March 2nd 2014 _/♥\_

Before Mercury goes retrograde on Thursday, 6th February, the celestial courier reminds me to clarify, as best I can, why the beginning of the Tibetan New Year of the Green Wood Horse 2141, LOSAR is, according to the most widely used Tibetan Calendar, March 2nd, which, by cosmic coincidence, is also around the time that Mercury also goes forward at 18 Aquarius ((28th Feb) and Mars goes retrograde (more on the scarlet planet in due course)).

But just as the Horse year canters into action, it appears there’s some confusion about this year’s date for Losar. This is mainly due to several factors – not least the different schools calculating calendars in Tibetan astro-science. The two main calendar systems are Tsurbu (Kagyu) and Phugpha (Galugpa). These two sects generally agree on the starting date for Losar; this year, however, the (older) Tsurbu system calculated 31st Jan as the start of the New Year Losar, corresponding with the Chinese New Year and some Tamang in Nepal. But according to the (newer) Phugpha calendar and to Dalai Lama’s official office, His Holiness - and therefore most other Himalayan Buddhists - will celebrate Losar March 2nd. So don't put away your best party outfit too soon, but get ready to ‘Tashi Delek’ once again March 2nd!

This business of which New Year to celebrate (or align with) is also further complicated as Tibetan astro-science also employs various methods of astrology, Kartsi, Nagsi & Bön elemental; as such, there are even THREE major ‘New Year’s’, two of which are lunar (Elemental & Losar) and one solar (Kalachakra), with the Lunar Losar being the most important as most Tibetans even count his or her age from the Losar of their birth; nearly everyone also celebrates their birthday at Losar (birthdays are generally not acclaimed in the same way we do in the West), making Losar a truly shared experience.

With four planets in fun-loving Leo, I personally raise a toast and blow the horn to all of these dates, and will also happily include Western New Year’s, Solstice & Halloween, as well as Spring Equinox into life’s festivities. Though from the western astrological view point of view, I find it fascinating that Chinese New Year is always Aquarian, accenting noble intention, but with a totalitarian caution; while Tibetan Losar can float between the fixed Water Bearer and the more fluid and sympathetic sign of the Fishes. Oceanic Pisces also appertains to humanities’ collective vastness, so symbolic of the Buddhist ‘Sea of Samsara’ and the different realms of existence, that I find it fitting, somehow, that Tibet’s New Year is often celebrated at the beginning of a Pisces Lunation by a culture whose spiritual leader’s name, Dalai Lama, means ‘Great Ocean of Wisdom’. Indeed, isn’t such wisdom to be revered, as we course through all life’s passages, planting and growing the seeds of compassion?

And so, in this promising and dynamic year of the Green Wood Horse, I wish health & happiness, insight & understanding, whichever Losar or New Year you celebrate! Losar Tashi Delek ~> with Light Blessings! _/♥\_

With love thanks to _/♥\_  the Jonang tradition for Green Wood Horse illustration.

☉ ♒ ☼ Imbolc ~ & Mercury Retrograde ♓ ☿ ♆ ☽

Feb 1st ~> Astro-Flash! We are now midway between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Winter is almost over. And planet Mercury is currently applying to a Mercury Retrograde phase, which is just around the celestial corner on Feb 6th! Mercury is currently in dreamy, oceanic Pisces – today with Neptune/Chiron AND the Moon, highlighting each individual’s spiritual connection to holistic healing ~> _/♥\_ ♓ ☿ ♆ ☽

During its retrograde Mercury will swish the fish, about turn and high-tail all the way back to 18Aquarius, to re-join and/or re-organise one’s position, as well as reignite hopes and re-consider wishes. At its best, Mercury in this situation awakens altruistic intention to generate Bodhicitta and relieve both collective and individual suffering; at its worst, Mercury caught retrograding between these signs can succumb to feelings of confusion, nihilistic hopelessness and victimisation, prone to baffling mysticism, spouting dictatorial intellectual nonsense.

The key to clarity during this period is to utilise the combined Pisces-Aquarius ability to visualise a positive view, through meditation and cooperation, and welcome flashes of insight and innovation. Mentally prepare to re-work, re-do and rethink outside the box, and find exciting alternatives for certain projects, ideas or plans, especially those pertaining to team-work and avoid being any kind of fall guy when dealing with professionals. Look also to 3Pisces and see which area of your horoscope now commands forgiveness and compassion and unfailing patience, possibly until the Spring Equinox, acknowledging that loving kindness is the only option. __/♥\__

☉ ♒ ☼ The few days between now and the start of Mercury Retrograde on Thursday also embrace Imbolc, or Candlemas, which is the Aquarian Fixed Solar Fire Festival, also known as Brigitte’s day, to honour the Goddess of Light, patron of poets, crafts and smiths. Bride Wheels are made (similar to Tibetan ‘Doh’), to symbolise the turning of the Cosmic Sun Wheel and protect from fire. This is also a time for weather divination (by watching badgers and snakes), and reflecting upon dreams, made all the more poignant by Mercury’s current connection to the out-of-this-world Pisces planets. __/♥\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸♥✶

With thanks to unknown artist for cosmic connection _/♥\_

☆ 2014 Year of the Green Wood Horse

“When god created the horse, he said to the magnificent creature: I have made thee as no other. All the treasures of the earth lie between thy eyes. Thy shalt carry my friends upon thy back. Thy saddle shall be the seat of prayers to me. And thou shalt fly without wings, and conquer without sword; oh horse.” ~ Anonymous

2014’s second New Moon SuperMoon on the 30th of January is at 11Aquarius 21:38GMT, (16:39EST) heralding the Chinese New Year of the Green Wood Horse. (Losar, Tibetan New Year, is 2nd March, when the Sun is in Pisces). As a Super New Moon, when the Moon is perigee (closest) Earth, tidal floods (and winds, as Aquarius is an ‘Air’ sign) are higher than usual. This also means emotions are likely to be heightened, and thoughts intense and wilder, making this a rather strong start to an exciting lunation (lunar cycle) that already promises to gallop into action to stimulate growth, especially in the spheres of friendship, heroic group activities, technology, and individual brilliance. Note that ‘Spring Tides’ occur approximately three days after a New Moon.

This affable Green Wood Horse is yang in nature and a symbol of stamina and strength with great social skills, as well as a powerful and boldly innocent fearlessness when starting new projects. Associated with new shoots and the season of spring, the colour green connects to ‘Air’ which is moving and growing, intellectual and questioning. Wood is grounded, stable and solid in the Earth (base chakra), able to reach up towards the heavenly light, to shoot the breeze with youthful enthusiasm to express and quickly create (activating the throat chakra).

Tibet’s WindHorse even conveys great good fortune to all four corners of the Cardinal Cross, and is often shown in prayer flags that flutter in the wind carrying prayers, hopes and wishes, with the blessings of the three jewels: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.

This New SuperMoon also coincides with the direct motion of planet Venus. After 40 days and nights of retrograde motion, the Goddess of Love will go forward at 13Capricorn, on the 31st, completing the year of the snake’s transformational process of self-perceptin – all the while supporting both Wood Horse Year (celebrated on the 31st, just after the new Moon) and the Celtic Imbolc, or Candlemas, when signs of light (returning to the North) help to renew conviction and faith.

Wishing everyone a very happy and loving year of the Green Wood Horse _/\_ Special thanks to tsakli.org for the beautiful Tibetan Windhorse _/\_

As we enter the Wood Horse Year during these times of profound change, a personal astrology reading expands one's understanding of how to ride the four winds. For consultations and rates please contact me here
Thank you! •~☆♥´¯`•.¸¸.•L❀VE•´¯`•.¸¸. Laura

□ Sun in Aquarius ~ ☉♒□☽♏ ~ Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio - Jan 2014

Coming to the end of the year of the Black Water Snake - a year of profound insight and powerful emotions - tonight's Last Quarter Moon presents the opportunity to transform during ‘a crisis of conscience’ (because this is a time when principles are called into focus). Now is therefore time to clear and prepare for the oncoming and exciting Aquarian New Moon and the New Chinese Year of the Green Wood Horse Thursday the 30th January. (Note this year that Losar, Tibetan New Year, is a month later, March 2nd). The energy surrounding the Wood Horse is markedly different to the water bound Snake; the Horse is dynamic, quick and active, willing to shoot the breeze and grow and move in exciting places and spaces. So best be prepared to ride the new WindHorse-power. Remove hindrance and overcome obstacles by being cooperative and concentrated (even with self), utilising the clarity of the altruistic and friendly Aquarian Sun, in combination with the insightful (and often secretive) magnetic Scorpio Moon.

This arrangement of Sun and Moon tends to give the Spiritual Warrior shamanic healing abilities, by testing the ability to remain emotionally detached - yet profoundly engaged in the process of healing issues of trust, abuse and power. The challenge is to use such perceptive awareness wisely, so that all beings are happy.

Green Tara, Great Mother Liberator who helps overcome obstacles _/✿\_Om Tara Tutara Ture Soha _/✿\_

Dakini Day! Sun in Aquarius ~ Moon in Sagittarius _/✿\_ 5th Feb’13 ~>

‘The Lights ‘ (Sun & Moon) now share a dynamic and hopeful yang quality during this last Dakini Day of the Dragon Year, due to the broad-minded Sagittarian Moon harmonising with the altruistic and visionary Aquarian Sun, the Goddess generates optimism, clarity and enthusiasm.
Yet no one ‘aspect’ between a pair of planets dictates the sole quality of any moment. And without deflating the confidence these two energetic and motivated signs working together can bring, there are always other factors to take into account which can influence the day, such as the current Mercury Mars, Neptune and Chiron, conjunction in the early degrees of in Pisces. This latter combination of planets makes it easier to connect to the deeply emotional undercurrents that pulsate through ‘the field’ of the collective (un)consciousness, galvanizing the spiritual warrior to be compassionate and forgiving; Pisces encourages one to tap into the heart of the Divine, with a deep vibration that is wonderful for meditation and spiritual practice, yoga, dance and poetry.

So while Spirit Sun is still in the sign of the water-bearer, and has yet to meet up with the new Aquarian Moon (Feb 10th), it is in a watery Piscean fashion that we now find ourselves flowing. With a series of potentially incredible alignments now forming in Samsara’s cosmic sea, a stellium of six planets culminates at the next full moon, 26th Feb, in the sign of the Fishes, potentially bringing untold healing and awareness through unseen means, such as the power of prayer and an unshakable faith in the face of uncertainty, confusion or sacrifice. Bear in mind that personal psychic boundaries could become very porous, allowing access for the feelings of others to pervade, influence and sway in a non-spoken manner. Mercury, planet of the mind, information and communication, will also be going retrograde in Pisces; when going with flow means tuning into the universal heart-mind and raising Bodhicitta, i.e. the wish for all beings to achieve full enlightenment ♥☼:☽❤¸¸.•*¨*•☆☆

Image ~> Thx to Visual Alchemy for Honouring the Goddess _/♥\_

Sun in Aquarius ~ ☉♒□☽♏ ~ Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio

3rd Feb’13 ~ Tara Moon

During the last quarter moon – the time astrology calls ‘a crisis of conscience’ (because our principles are called into focus), we begin to clear and prepare for the oncoming New Moon. Obstacles encountered today can be overcome by being cooperative and concentrated, utilising the clarity of the altruistic Aquarian Sun, in combination with the insightful (and often secretive) Scorpio Moon.

Because of the ability to remain emotionally detached - yet profoundly engaged - this arrangement of Sun and Moon often gives the Spiritual Warrior shamanic healing abilities. The challenge now is to use this perceptive awareness wisely, so that all beings are happy.

This is why we, in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, now call upon Tara, the Great Mother Liberator, the Goddess who wants all beings to be free from suffering. The ensuing everlasting happiness Tara bestows, through the development of compassion and wisdom, we experience spiritual liberation, free from being bound to ego’s desires and aversions. From the more material point of view, honouring the Goddess can even release one from the freedom of want, hunger and fear, as well as discover the freedom of speech and worship; to experience all this is to be truly liberated.

_/✿\_Om Tara Tutara Ture Soha _/✿\_

If you would like to know how this time of 'engaged perception' constellates within you, I am giving a special 'Losar' rate for the Tibetan New Year of Black Snake, Feb 11th, please contact me for details _/♥\_

Many thx to unknown artist for this beautiful Green Tara _/♥\_

☆~☽✪☾~☆ Imbolc Blessings ☆~☽✪☾~☆ Jan'13

1st – 7th Feb ~>

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas, is a Solar festival celebrating the first light returning (in the northern hemisphere). As such, it is a sacred festival of honouring the Light of consciousness; with the Sun in Aquarius it unifies Light workers in world service.

Thus the Western tradition now venerates the return of youthful hope and fertility, revering the Goddess Brigitte, patroness of poets, crafts, smiths, healing and midwives _/✿\_

This ‘cross-quarter’ Aquarian Fire festival marks the middle of a season; and has the quality of ‘Fixed Air’ with its determined call to purify body, speech and mind. It’s now time to spring clean, (and get ready for next week’s Tibetan New Year of the Black Water Snake!) before gathering with friends and shooting the airy Aquarian breeze.

Yet with Spirit Sun now in hard square to the taskmaster Saturn, the importance of keeping a healthy balance of work and socialising is paramount. Whilst being with kindred spirits is a way to keep body and soul together, it may well be the serious business of a labour of love that keeps one busy over the next few days. _/♥\_

Purification Mandala from the Family of Light ~ with thx _/♥\_

Inauguration Guru Rinpoche Day ~> Jan 21st 2013

Most Auspicious Guru Rinpoche Day! _/❤\_

Spirit Sun in humanitarian Aquarius & emotive Moon in communicative Gemini, who is currently conjunct Jupiter, the zodiac’s cosmic Guru, making this a very special day to practice dharma, connect to the (inner) teacher, and give thanks for all the loving kindness and wisdom shown.

The lights – Sun & Moon – are in stimulating Air signs today, bringing people together and at the same time accenting the free-thinking individual heart-mind that is bursting with fresh new altruism. Giving such uniqueness the space it requires to grow and blossom within the greater whole celebrates the kind of integral freedom which liberates the ego; all the while the very same selflessness unites mind, body and spirit.

When the Moon is with Jupiter in Gemini, it’s a beautiful time for being with kindred spirits, shooting the breeze, and realising just how blessed we are _/❤\_

Healing Action ~> Medicine Buddha Moon Jan 2013

19th Jan 2013 ~> This 8th day of our last moon cycle in the Dragon year is a First Quarter Medicine Buddha Tara Moon, considered to have exceptional healing qualities that can quickly help one to overcome obstacles, be the problem physical, psychological or psychic.

This particular first quarter urges the Spiritual Warrior to watch the mind and remain brave and confident when dealing with the root of the three poisons: ignorance, aversion and attachment. Patience and practicality are required with each step upon the path of transformation, to keep body, mind and spirit in balance. Multi-choice developments come soon enough, as the Sun moves into Aquarius this evening, bringing with it the exciting, shiny and new _/❤\_

May all being be healthy and happy to enjoy life to the full! _/❤\_

Thanks to Wildmind for Medicine Buddha illustration _/❤\_

Leo full Moon ❤ Feb 2012 ❤ The LOVE thing

☆~☽❤ ☼ ❤☾~☆ Whoo-hoo ~> LEO FULL MOON tonight, reflecting the intelligent ‘light that shines across the sea’ from a friendly Aquarian Sun = it’s A LOVE THING that stimulates the heart-mind!

At the exact time of the 18 degree Full Moon 21:54 GMT (-5 for NY; +5 1/2 Delhi) Spirit Sun conjuncts Mercury, the celestial courier; news and/or conversations could be a wake-up call, to the point, and insightful. Mercury always carries a healing message. What we learn now impacts upon our integrity in the coming months (especially while dynamic Mars is retrograde in principled Virgo). So get ready to drop the sun-ruled-Leo-ego and radiate a generous and steady kind of ardour that reaches to the edges of the universe, melting even the iciest heart at this Imbolc Valentine Full Leo Moon! __(❤)__

Also worthy of astro note, whilst out moon-bathing, is how the Lord of Karma, Saturn, goes retrograde today (until just after Summer Solstice, going all the way back to 22 Libra); still exalted in the sign of the scales, the heavenly taskmaster teaches us to be responsible for the love we share and to remain balanced within. From a calm centre we have more chance of realising how truth, peace and justice are the means of living in harmony upon our oh-so beautiful planet. __(❤)__

Medicine Buddha Moon ~ ♉ ~ Jan 2012

☆•*¨*•.¸¸❤☾☼ ☽❤¸¸.•*¨*•☆☆
Today’s MEDICINE BUDDHA MOON is exalted in TAURUS (also the sign of the Buddha’s birth); and with Guru Jupiter as the restorative Moon’s right hand companion, celestial healing properties abound. Good time to connect to (inner) Guru, as well as earth and stabilise ideas, projects AND relationships. Make positive adjustments now and prepare for fulfilment around a very creative full Moon Feb 7th :)) _(♥)_