☾ Activate a Generous Heart & Find Freedom in Creativity ~ Lunar Eclipse July 27th 2018

Full Moon 4.44° Aquarius Friday 27^th July @20:18UT

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“A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are things which renew humanity.” ~ The Golden Rule Revolution (Elaine Parkes)

A destiny-fulfilling, hot and passionate, fiery Full Blood Moon is a Total Lunar Eclipse on Friday, 27th July 2018, the longest eclipse of the century and the second in a rare series of three eclipses. Astrologically aligned in the signs Leo and Aquarius, this eclipse encourages an in depth exploration of both heart AND mind. The first of this unusual eclipse series began with a karmic gate opening the very essence of our spirit with the New Cancer Moon 12th July; the third is an inspired Leo New Moon, August 11^th. Indeed, it is not until 2020 do we next encounter a similar set of triple eclipses – from when it is an even longer wait until 2027 and the next time this concentrated ‘power-of-three’ astronomical alignment takes place - the last was 2013. You get the picture: this eclipse season opens a very special kind of psychic Star Gate – through which one can have a clear and open view of ‘self’ in relation to one’s fellow travellers on spaceship Earth. Whether one actually musters up the mettle to go through this magical portal in order to evolve, connect heart to heart to the ‘higher’ self and other kindred spirits and make dramatic changes in one’s life will depend upon a level of personal courage and collective clarity – and how easily one can handle an arrogant ego and the unpredictable way of things. 

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As the radiant light of the majestic Leo Sun conjuncts the North Node, aka the Dragon’s Head, or Rahu, the celestial spotlight dramatically highlights watershed moments and crucial turning points (at the 4 degree marker of Leo and Aquarius). Think back: did you step through another ‘Star Gate’ approximately 9 and/or 18 years ago? Measure how you have developed and grown to get an idea of how to handle a potentially similar circumstance. The difference between past critical periods and now is how the life-giving Sol is currently in league with Pallas Athena, one of the larger asteroids representing female creativity with spectacular strategies. Pallas Athena suggests a strong feminine force can influence a future that impacts upon larger group activities. Her support is invaluable in being able to assess and sway not only what we may personally be going through, but how transparent are mutual social concerns and, perhaps more importantly, who is now willing to become a people’s champion. 

Pallas Athena’s presence at the heart of this eclipse indicates it is the valour and strength of the intelligent warrior woman that aids present planning which can lead to major breakthroughs. While this may be taken literally as in having a female advisor, such as a young daughter gifting words of wisdom to her father, or just by tuning into and listening to our own sensitive ‘feminine’ side in an impartial manner; when we affiliate with the feminine we can more easily determine the selfish from the selfless and provide the kind of support called for in exciting but volatile times. Pallas Athena currently seeks to heal and transform passion, drive and aggression through art, love and romance, adding a decidedly feminine touch to the Leo-ruled Sun’s fiery yang.  (Its also been brought to my attention how Athens is also burning :( prayers of love and healing are being sent from my side)

Opposite the Sun is the Yin Moon, with the South Node, aka the Dragon’s Tail, or Ketu; whenever the Moon is conjunct Ketu there’s often a sense of déjà vu, sometimes facing challenging emotions and situations we have been through before (either due to past life or just a previous similar situation). And so it appears a confrontation with past karma is staring right at us now, upfront and personal.

☆ As the sensitive Moon is also conjunct a retrograde Mars it is time to release and let go of destructive emotions (anger, greed, jealousy, hatred, doubt) that hold us back (in time), and learn how to be at our best at home, at work, and those with whom we are in daily contact without being abusive, pushy, argumentative, or creating explosive conflict which, due to the current backward movement of Mars, the astral God of War, would probably backfire anyway.

Currently on the back-foot, Mars is also involved in a protracted four-month long aspect, with Uranus in a hard, three-hit whammy. Having a reputation for left-field brilliance, Uranus rules the wacky and wonderful Altruistic Aquarius, the sign of this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse. Together, Mars and Uranus signify explosive and sudden snaps and cracks out of the blue and flashes of insight. Both Uranus and Aquarius are also symbols of extremes. So while there are Aquarian types who live for freedom and liberation from suffering, always acting for the benefit of humanity and all sentient beings, there are also others who, for whatever reason, create chaos and disruption with the same kind of zeal. Whether madness or magical, edgy chaos is compounded by the Sun’s tight square to Uranus July 25th, extending into a Fixed ‘T-Square’ with the Full Moon and Mars.  

Tension is high, particularly in busy zappy places with large groups of people. Watch-out as nerves fray and tempers bubble and boil. Note how the dynamic hot-head Mars remains in backward motion until the end of August, when it dips back from spacy Aquarius into realistic Capricorn, its sign of exaltation. This means that even though assertive Mars is currently ‘out-of-bounds’, i.e. unpredictable and unruly, and features as a main protagonist in this intense eclipse horoscope, it is actually slow and in retreat. Defence mechanisms now need to be reviewed. Duck and cover if necessary. Negative forces may seem to be on the rise, but taking time out to assess the state of opponents (real, or ego’s psychological demons) and how to make the most from potential new positions can be a sign of strength, not surrender. Come the August 11^th eclipse, Mars could be slightly more powerful due to its’ executive Capricorn qualities – but still I would not advise starting fights or getting involved in contentious mud-slinging, even if having to stand one’s ground.  

In the actual night sky a retrograde fiery red Mars is an amazing sight to behold, however (Along with all the other seven planets now visible-to-the-naked-eye!). Build strength and stamina and put some iron in your soul when contemplating the scarlet planet at the zenith of the mid-night heavens these next couple of months; the closeness of Mars during such a long sojourn in Aquarius (since May16th) creates perfect viewing conditions. After two months of being in apparent backward motion, dynamic Mars goes forward on the 28^th August. As the planet of action, Mars symbolises the feisty and furious, fighting to make one’s mark is not the same as carefully defending what you believe requires protection (which is why Mars is exalted in no-nonsense Capricorn). In any event throughout this Leo eclipse season bear in mind that "Hatred will not cease by hatred, but by love alone. This is the ancient law."  ~ Buddha
☆ Although progress may be short-lived, needing to be repeated to firm-up any advances, because, and just to complicate the current celestial climate Mercury, the heaven’s courier, is retrograde over this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse too! Regular C*I*A readers know the Mercury retrograde drill: double check, triple check and even quadruple check all forms of communication and timetables, especially missives appertaining to spiritual aspirations, personal ambitions, art, creativity, parties and children, LOVE and romance! Is there anything worse than having a hot date turn-up at the wrong time or place?! Lovers beware: timing is crucial. Also, it’s good to take extra-care of personal details during this Mercury retro period. Data hungry Mercury accents the need to understand the importance of one’s own facts and files and the position held within certain (obscure) technological systems that may now be aired and investigated.

Cloaked in the fire of wisdom, Mercury is fairly close to the Sun (19°) during this eclipse. Reading as an individual’s horoscope, I would extend the orb of contact and associate the wily planet of the mind, medicine and messages, with the heart-centred power of the Sun; and, as Mercury is also in the sign of the brave hearted Lion, it is therefore under the beams of the Solar Spirit’s essential position of regal Leo dignity. The mercurial messenger is going back all the way to 11° Leo (on the 19^th August), not quite to the same degree as the Full Moon, but close to Pallas Athena’s current position, so carefully assessed planning could be the key when unlocking the codes to the illusive Star Gate.
Stay cool, cosmic friends. How we communicate with others is vital to getting needs met. Trickster Mercury has many modes of communication. Roar like the Leo lion if you want to alienate; but dialogue and listening and taking others feelings, thoughts and plans into consideration will avoid admiration turning into contempt. For when meetings are entered into with the spirit of respect and compromise, and with the manners of a Sun King, there’s a greater chance of cooperation so that all parties have happier future prospects.

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As the Solar cosmic wheel turns in Sun-ruled Leo, it reaches the half-way cross-quarter point of Fixed Fire, fanned by Aquarian Air. Aquarius is a future-orientated sign; and this Aquarian Full Moon Red Eclipse next to Scarlet Mars will no doubt prove to be memorable moment to carry well into the Equinox. 

Remember to set the innovative Aquarian altruistic intention, aware that during an eclipse all kinds of energies swirl in and out of the nodal vortex, as Sun, Moon and Earth will align for Earth to block out the light of the Sun. So that when we see a coppery red Moon we can align our heart-mind to the inventive creative spirit and be true to our soul’s resonance. 

Coming to end of this report it’s worth noting how this Eclipse is visible from quite a large land mass. Only the USA doesn’t get to see it, yet the West Coast of America is among the places of stress and geophysical tension, along with the Middle East, Japan, China, and Brazilian Coast.

It is also the Indian ‘Guru Purnima’, the Full Moon honouring  Spiritual Teachers who guide across time and space. Ending this Full Moon astro report with a heartfelt ‘Namaste’ to Indian readers and teachers (*hands together in prayer mode at the heart and with a deep bow*), love and astral blessings to all from Astro Agent Dakini, until next month Rumi has the last word, “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”

❤ Awakening the Heart ❤ Full Aquarius Moon August 18th 2016

☆  For stargazers who have wide orbs (of the astrological kind) like myself, when ‘The Lights’, Sun & Moon, are 17° away from the shadowy karmic nodal axis (a.k.a. the life-changing North and South node; and with contact between Lights and eclipse points already comfortable within 15 degrees) it denotes an ‘almost’ Lunar eclipse on 18^th August, @9:25UT, only just skims the edge of the usual ecliptic parameters. August’s Full Moon is therefore the first in an unusual series of three ‘faint’ eclipses; with two Lunar eclipses either side of September 1^st’s Earth Goddess Virgo Solar eclipse, encompassing universal signs, Aquarius and Pisces. A set of eclipses such as this, means the prospect for a collective wake-up call is heightened, and for many to experience a glimpse of clarity through awakening the heartmind, as a veil between ‘us’ and ‘other’ is slightly lifted, so we can hopefully see without prejudice or bias. 

☆ While this Full Moon eclipse will not turn a romantic copper-coloured red during this month-plus-long eclipse season (give or take a few days), the freedom-loving Full Aquarian Moon reflecting the bright light of the playful Leo Sun stills promises lots of fun and games. With a Full Moon that sextiles Uranus, the ruler of Aquarius (which then trines the Leo Sun) it portends sudden zaps and flashes of inspiration into past-present-future action - especially in regards to one’s own uniqueness and creativity, the gifts one brings to organisations and group situations can enhance the sense of ‘oneness’.

☆ Aquarius is an intellectual yet independent sign that is often rebellious; but there is currently a wonderful influence for casting a discerning eye that patiently allows these promised insights to bubble up through the ethers – insight which enables obstacles and issues to be sharply pinpointed without creating too much chaos or disruption. Being aware of hitches or hurdles that get in the way of goals, or hold back you or the team you are part of is half way to being able to overcome issues and seize any opportunity to better oneself – and improve relations with friends. (An excellent Full Moon for the Olympics!)

Aligning the crowd-crowning Aquarian Moon to a regal Leo Sun King, we need to remember how this Full Moon is a hair’s breadth within ecliptic orb, and situations can seem almost pre-destined.

☆ While the wacky, new and exciting holds a certain appeal under an Aquarian Moon, making allowances for seemingly neurotic or erratic behaviour empowers us to be of greater affect to seek alternatives that can help one self to help others. That said, with events, feelings and thoughts now subject to eccentric theatrics, keeping a light heart with an open mind will be a sign of strength, the kind of fortitude that encourages the express ability to be original and think creatively. Honours may even be bestowed to Leo-Aquarians who can stay on course and share their unique and individual talent(s) with kindred spirits (check 23-27° Leo/Aquarius in your personal horoscope scope as to what, how, or where); but to really bask in success, the consciously minded also considers the needs of others – and takes that into their remit when seemingly doing what pleases themselves..

☆ For a spiritual practitioner, subtle body energies detected either in meditation during the Full Moon, or when dealing with left-field out-of-nowhere sensation, idea, or action, could also produce an opportunity to participate in generating a kinder heart. Chakras from the heart to the third eye can also be super-sensitive during this Full Moon, as two fixed signs enter into celestial play, resolved to align head to heart. Energies may be active or blocked, but the Sun’s generously shared healing prana feeds the light of consciousness that resides at our own heart. And in home sign Leo, Sol’s resplendent and preferred position suggests a heart-chakra focused upon unconditional love raises our ability to shift the overall global vibration (aka the noosphere) from solely thinking about self (Sun in Leo) to the altruistic care of our collective brother-sister-hood, as indicated by Aquarius being the Moon’s hierarchical ruler. In esoteric astrology ‘hierarchical’ in this case refers to that part of oneself which emotes with the clear consciousness of the ‘higher self’, nurturing friendships and kinship purely for the greater good of all.

☆ Before looking further in-depth at Luna’s Full Moon aspects and other current transits, a word about eclipses as portals for unseen influences and psychic energy; eclipses can be triggers for powerful events and transformation. For when our three main celestial bodies, Sun, Moon and Earth lock into a formation that creates contrasting light and shadow, however faint or fierce, even a ‘softer’ eclipse such as this can coincide with dramatic revelations and events can become turning points in our lives, watersheds that propel entirely new trajectories.  The two other eclipses which belong to this triad are in September; the 1^st sees a Virgo New Moon as an annual Solar eclipse (which, in itself is not so strong, but with Sun conjunct an exalted, but retrograde Mercury, communication, health, education and feminine concerns come directly under the celestial spotlight); last in the series sees the September 16th Full Pisces Moon also only a partial Lunar eclipse. But it is the Full Moon closest to Earth’s equinox, which gives greater influence and the change of season becomes obvious (into Autumn or Spring, depending upon which hemisphere you are in).
☆ The Aquarian Luna also conjuncts asteroid Pallas Athena, and fixed star Deneb Algedi: the former a symbol of wonder woman, the successful and strategic warrior woman; the latter a professional advisor with aims to protect and help others.  This combination has all the potential for altruistic action – to serve by leading, even in the face of (home-grown) drama.  Remember it’s an ‘almost’ eclipse: there will be no actual shadow crossing to see on either Sun or Moon. There may also be the feeling of a close shave with the dark side’s emotional and unseen shadow, but at the same time the Light of the Leo sun affords the chance to overcome fears and shine a steady light when walking or witnessing the wild side. 

As current markers of change, this set of eclipses also resonates at similar degrees and signs ( 23-27° Leo/Aquarius), as those coming up February 2017.  Good to note in the diary where and how you are now, as a place to look back for comparison, when Feb ’17 rolls around.

☆ Between 17^th/18^th August Full Moon and the Libra Air Equinox, there is, however, a manageable month-size chunk of time, where one learns to adjust to new seasonal rhythms. No one should be complacent between now and then, or get too lost in a motley crew shamanic party scene, as there are several other aspects coursing the heavens that carry great astrological import, such as the magnificent Mars-Saturn-Antares conjunction (exact 24^th August). The Scorpions’ piercing red eye now aids dynamic Mars and the other malefic, Saturn, to see in the dark. This triangle of active taskmasters now has laser-like vision to determine exactly what is important in life – truth and freedom, wisdom and compassion – to then cautiously and diligently work on whatever it is that gives life most meaning for you.

☆ For those seeking the astro weather: geo cosmic activity – volcanic fires & cyclonic winds may also blow during the first part of this eclipse season.

Places where many people gather can also be of concern in case of sudden dramas; be especially cautious in crowds and places of long-distant transit and travel, prayer, healing, and law-courts.   

May you go mindfully throughout this rather interesting triple set of eclipses. If you want to be happy, be altruistic. Practice compassion, and start to glow from the inside, with a genuine, happy heart. 

☼ Aurora alerts ~>

☼ Aurora alerts ~> Solar winds riding high during this lunation's Last Quarter Tara Moon - a moon cycle that began with celebrating Chökhor Düchen and Buddha's first teachings (of the 4 Noble Truths) now comes to an end with the ability to understand the nature of reality by allowing oneself a pragmatic yet spiritual overview _/♥\_
☼ As the harvest now begins (of healing herbs and food) the nurturing Moon is exalted in the sign Taurus; and the life-giving Sun radiates from its regal domain at the centre of a generous Leonine heart. The Sun is also now at one of eight Solar fire festivals. At the Fixed Fire cross-quarter point of the Sun wheel, the focus is upon the the fruits of our own labour, as well as that of beloved Mother Earth.

☽··✰ Sky dancers can also look forward to the Perseid meteor shower this week, which has already begun and promises to be this year's shooting star attraction! A waning moon heading towards Dark Moon on the 13-14th makes the Green Wood Goat a peak viewing year. Look to the North East and, light pollution notwithstanding, you may well witness a delightful display ☼ ☆•*¨*•.¸¸❤☾
With ℒℴѵℯ _/✿\_ & Thanks for beautiful artwork of Green Tara in the emanation of Compassion by Gill Ripingale ☆
Giving thanks now for the warmhearted love of the Great Goddess (which is in everyone - we all have an intuitive feminine side) _/♥\_
  'Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha'_/♥\_

☆ •°*☾ ◯☽ *°•.☆ Guru Purnima ~> Blue Lammas Moon _/♥\_

☀ July’s consciousness-raising Blue Moon, tomorrow, Friday 31st @8Aquarius-Leo 11:42BST, is astrologically marked for honouring spiritual friends and teachers, with a Full Moon known as ‘Guru Purnima’. Even if we get our knowledge or understanding from a book, now is the time to acknowledge those who share their sagacity, insight and intelligence. Many in the ego-driven West think honoring transcendental teachers is beyond personal remit; and often we believe we can become realised beings on our own. But it is the rare jewel who comes into the world radiant and enlightened, as someone usually has to teach us the basics in almost everything, from sitting in the correct position to breathing meditation, so that we can practice and perfect. Imagine a world if everyone kept and guarded for themselves all they knew and understood!

☀ Its worth mentioning that the whole point about gaining wisdom and spiritual realisation is to be able to generate Bodhicitta, which is the Tibetan Buddhist word for the dedication to live for others to gain full enlightenment. To help us reach this same enlightened state, spiritual teachers open our hearts to remove fear and obscuration; at the same time they impart motivation and encouragement so we can become aware of our own personal skills and means to help ourselves to help others. For all this we give thanks at this special cross-quarter (Lammas) Full Moon of Fixed Fire and Air, when clarity and confidence can inspire, setting the heart-mind onto a powerful and positive trajectory with determination and focus  _/♥\_

☀ From the esoteric astrological point of view the hierarchical ruler of the Moon is Aquarius, suggesting objectivity is required when tuning into intuition, especially when dealing with emotions, or emotional situations. Note: By being love and repeatedly doing what is best for everyone, miracles will surely happen.
Photo by our very own Olivier Adam, of older nun tenderly teaching young nun the magical mudra of Mount Meru _/♥\_ with ℒℴѵℯ & thanks _/✿\_