New Virgo Moon in Cosmic Grand Trine ~ August '11

A cosmic Grand Earth Trine charged Monday morning’s New Virgo Moon with remarkable recuperative powers. The trine’s influence is heightened today (Tuesday) as munificent Jupiter stations at 10Taurus, giving us perspective endowed with stability, and precious time to graze enables one to digest and see what needs to be done in order to manifest on the material plane.

By conserving and concentrating resources, this lunation encourages one to get real and focus, to channel universal consciousness through very ordinary circumstances, such as regular daily chores, taking care of mind and body. As Lord Buddha says “Before enlightenment, chopping-wood, fetching-water; after enlightenment chopping-wood, fetching water.” When we treat even the simplest activities with care and attention, they become a potential source of pleasure and, most interestingly, a gateway to the awakened Divine.

The sacred geometry at the start of this lunation is quite unusual. Two interlocking ‘Thor’s Hammers’ suggest two very separate issues need to be simultaneously ‘hammered’ (self-cherishing and emotional sacrifice, for instance); yet this Grand Trine exudes more pure Goddess power than normal, which tames the harsher energies we have recently been dealing with.

Spirit Sun is still travelling the heavens with love Goddess Venus (a union which continues to remain in orb until 9^th September); and as they are both in the sign of the virtuous Virgo, now conjoined by the receptive Moon, it compounds the feminine traits of sensitivity, intuition and insight.  The Virgo conjunction accents an already beneficent trine between expansive Jupiter in steady Taurus and the very subtle but commanding influence of Pluto, in authoritative Capricorn, which currently demands a transformation of our value system. The Grand trine thus indicates positive economic and environmental compromise.

Tuning into the into the (internal yin) Goddess, who is now applying gentle pressure to find the middle ground, helps us understand to how the desire to help others is actually of greater evolutionary significance than the attachment to material acquisition. At the same time, we still have all the ability to give form to all that we need.

As always, the energy of any given moment is one to work with, as opposed to one that ego battles against. The trouble is a Grand Trine is often so nice and easy that it’s often gone before we know it. So my advice is to make the most of this emanating point of positive conditioning, and over the next two weeks establish the endurance on celestial offer and create good foundations for the coming autumn and winter months.

SuperMoon Spring Equinox with Uranus in Aries ~ March 11

What a week! Solar X-flares, volcanoes, a massive earthquake (and lots of smaller ones), PLUS a mega tsunami to add to the 4.5 billion people on the planet already suffering from some kind of disaster. Rescue teams do their best. Lightworkers too; please join me sending healing prayers of love to pacify the elements, overcome obstacles and eliminate fear, to the people of Japan, and the world over. _/\_♥ॐ. 

Everyone has been wondering: was it the SuperMoon which caused Japan’s 8.9 earthquake and tsunami? My answer is, well, um, yes it could be (but that’s not even half the story), even though it’s not exactly the correct definition of a SuperMoon (new or full closest to the earth, of which there are 5 or 6 every year); this current lunation culminates in said SuperMoon, and only one day before the Spring Equinox, the starting point of the Zodiac.  

The chart of Japan’s Earthquake shows Thor’s Hammer, with the Moon and oceanic Neptune crashing down onto earthy Saturn.  The last of three oppositions between Jupiter and Saturn form the tight axis, like an iron rod holding Thor’s hammer, ready to crash into earth and ocean reminding us to overcome fear (Jupiter in Aries), rest in our centre (Saturn in Libra), and be responsible custodians who really do take care of the earth.  Jupiter as planet of truth, is still in hard aspect to secretive Pluto, and with Pluto's influence to hide it may not be entirely clear exactly what has happened for some time to come. But there are always those who sense the truth, and are able to rise the challenge to this intense kind of energy to transform, generate light, and evolve - big style!

Adding influence, however, is a negative fixed star (Sheat) that implies flooding with the last degree of Pisces, just as Uranus, planet of shock and awe, jolted into explosive Aries March 11^th, where it stays for 7 years. Generally speaking, Uranus is unpredictable and chaotic during change, capable of extreme and radical beaviour. Its also the planet of genius, the New Age, and the kindred spirits. According to esoteric astrology, Uranus is the hierarchical ruler for heroic Aries. This means the collective competitive ego will change. How this manifests over these coming years will depend upon the degree of a leader’s awareness (please Goddess!). Good to know the higher vibration of Uranus has the potential to imbibe such wisdom, and in Aries it also provides courage to be mindful, especially when moving into new ventures with an altruistic heart. Uranus in Aries also recognises the value of each unique individual's contribution in the process of humanity's evolution, so that all beings are happy.

Cast your mind back to last spring, when we had a taste of what the thoughtless and heavier vibration of Uranus leaving the last degrees of the zodiac and moving into Uranus in Aries was like. As shown, this can be a fast-moving accidental and head-strong energy; and the Deepwater Horizon explosion took place (the same time as Saturn went back into the last degree of Virgo (which is the same as this full Moon) and Chiron went into Pisces). While senstive people held hands across the sands, oil spewed untold pollution into the sea along with unknown quantities of corexit, a detergent so strong that we don’t know long-term effects upon us, or any living creature in or out of the sea. 

Uranium is also named after Uranus – It's obviously time for the nuclear industry to really look at what kind of energy we ought to invest in. But who among us will be the brave Spritual Warrior to leave behind the old outworn paradigm and impliment a daring new vision? Interestingly, the Japanese nuclear reactors are now 40 years old - that's two Jupiter-Saturn cycles, one and a bit Saturn cycle AND a Uranus opposition. One could say Japan's nuclear industry is going through a midlife crisis.  This midlife change is something we all go though (in various forms), from the age of 38-42, when transiting Uranus opposes the natal Uranus, and the need to radically alter one's lifestyle in order to create and impliment the freedom to explore our own uniqueness becomes paramount during the second half of life (as symbolised by so many marriages, jobs and contracts that break down at this age).

I think/hope/pray that by the time Jupiter has rollicked its' way through Aries, by early June, things will begin to settle down somewhat. There's a humdinger New Moon April 3rd to manoeuvre, which could be challanging after this upcoming SuperMoon in Virgo that opposes the watery Pisces Sun on the 19^th of March.  Floods are normal with a Spring Equinox tide, but as Sun and Moon are in tight square to the nodes it could well herald higher tides, more storms/quakes, greater volcanic action & magnetic solar flares. 

Jupiter always makes things so much bigger than we ever expect them to be - good or bad. And as thunderous Jupiter and electrical Uranus have been melding cosmic magic together for the past year, we have witnessed mighty storms, along with a global depression that has even brought people together in a new and exciting manner, with the unification of spirituality of the digital rainbow tribe.

Yet the planets are hotting up now with the heavenly messenger, Mercury, also in Aries; and as Jupiter and Uranus now start to separate, we must actively train the mind and exercise our vision to implement the altruistic state of consciousness. Of course, this means we  remain centred in our presence and invite the Gentle Iron rabbit to work his wonder ♥

Other important factors to consider for this upcoming Spring Equinox Full moon is the Sun-Moon-Earth-nodal-axis forming a mutable cross upon the same degree as the Winter Solstice lunar eclipse, which just happens to be the very same degrees as the first Jupiter Saturn opposition last March – so there is an emphasis upon the last degrees of the Zodiac (which square the galactic centre); PLUS this actual last Jupiter-Saturn opposition’s (exact 28^th March), and unpredictable Uranus is very much in the cosmic mix. From the esoteric point of view, a Mutable Cross awakens consciousness with the potential to raise planetary awareness during times of immense change. Did I hear someone say 'Bring it on!'?

Looking forward, Neptune will soon be going into Pisces (at the same time as we have a new Aries Moon on April 3^rd); this could be our saving grace: Imagine if the world were bathed in beautifully structured unpolluted water - how healthy in mind, body and spirit we would be. Trust me: We are going to learn a lot more about water during the next 14 years. .•♪♫¸¸.☆♥ ♥ ♥

And if you're at a loose end next weekend, I am talking at the Theosophical Society in London, 50 Gloucester Place, at 6pm on Sunday, 20th March, with Full Moon Spring Equinox energy, on 'Personal & Planetary Awarness for Peace and Prosperity'. Come, it would be wonderful to see you! :)

_/\_♥ॐ The deity at the start of this blog is Kshitigarbha is our 'EARTH STORE' Bodhisattva.  As recommended by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, His short mantra is  "OM AH KSHITI GARBHA THALENG HUM" specifically for pacifying earth and water. Here is a lovely version to dedicate to the people of Japan longer mantra

Thanks to Alex Musgrave for fanastic blast of red star, and other unknown but much appreciated artists.

New Leo Moon wields an indestructible dorje ☆ ♥ ☽~☼~ ☽ ♥ ☆ August 2010

A fiery new Leo Moon on the morning of the 10th August, at 17degrees Leo at 4:08 (BST), makes a dramatic display with a ‘Thor’s Hammer’ formation. This pattern accents the power of Spirit Sun combined with soulful Moon, and marks a month when self-expression and inspiration are fuelled by a thunderbolt of love and lightning creation.

Thor’s Hammer is an astral arrangement based on dividing the circle into eight; the pattern appears when a planet (or two heavenly bodies in this case) is at the apex of two planets, each (sesquiquadrate) 135 degrees apart, which are then connected to each other to form a 90 degree square. There are two different ways to read this quadriform, and neither suggest it’s an easy configuration (read challenging – as it stimulates a strong kind of T-square that rarely acquiesces without conscious attention): One method is to look at how the two planets in square create a tension, which then finds an outlet from the planet(s) they are pointing to, like an arrowhead. The other is that the planet(s) at the apex funnels energy into the square to force resolution of/in conflict. Either way, it’s an interesting dynamic, because it is always active. Even years later I still haven’t made my mind up if there is a definitive system for the hammer’s energy to flow, as much always depends on the individual’s scope – so I tend to watch all three points carefully.

In mythology, Thor’s Hammer, the ‘Mjöllnir’, belongs to the Norse sky God, who wields thunder and lightening across the stormy heavens, ruling the atmosphere to provide life-giving rains, guiding winds and sometimes tragic flash floods and cloudbursts, such as we have seen in Pakistan, Central Europe, China and lastly, in Leh, Himalayan India, (so close to my heart). Thor’s Hammer never misses a beat; even if small or used gently, it always hits its’ mark. Thor is also associated with the thunder-wielding Eastern sky God Indra, Roman Zeus, and Greek Jupiter, who all carry a thunderbolt. In Tibetan Buddhism, this thunderbolt is called a dorje (or Vajra in Sanskrit, a quintessential symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism).

As a sceptre held in the right (male) hand, the dorje symbolises manifold wisdom in action radiating in all ten directions and, as such, is a Tantric instrument we use in daily practice to represent immovable and indestructible skilful means, action with awareness, and to invoke and internalise crystal clear dynamic clarity (that comes after a thunderstorm). Thus diamond like clarity (Buddha nature) comes into focus with a bright Leonine Sun and new Moon forming the apex of our celestial hammer. When the Sun’s heartfelt core converges with our flowing emotional (moon) centre in the self-possessed fixed fire sign Leo, the conflict created by ego’s desires will be pinned fairly and squarely on the head. Thor’s Hammer urges us to be firm in our sense of positive purpose, and direct the changes we need to make in order to ride the fiery Lion and proceed in massive personal transformation.

Why transformation? And why so big and fiery? Well this is because the square (head?) of this Hammer is influence by key players in our tense Cardinal Cross: On one side we have expansive Jupiter with liberating Uranus, in the fire sign of Aries, instigating enormous change for the Spiritual Warrior; on the other corner of the tight square is Powerful Pluto helping us to intuitively feel our way and move through any dark tunnels by keeping sight of the growing clear light of wisdom. Pluto in Capricorn in Thor’s Hammer aspect to the new Leo Moon and Sun can also swiftly axe any drama kings or queens that thrive on crisis, or that which no longer provides support or luminosity.

The moral of this new moon, however, is to take extra care of how and where we direct and aim the concentrated focus (skt: dhrana and dyana) we need to achieve the non-dualistic state of consciousness, as indicated by the union of the Leo Sun and Moon. High concepts abound: truth, freedom and special insight can now be directed from a generous heart aligning sensitivity with enthusiasm. Remember how a nail not hit squarely will not align correctly; so make the most of this opportunity and focus upon kindling the warm heart of a unified Leo Sun and Moon - even if one has to self-generate joyful loving effort.

“When one comes to the Essence of Being,
The shining Wisdom of Reality
Illumines all like the cloudless sky”.
- Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa

Note: This lunation is building towards a full Moon of oceanic healing...

Saka Dawa 'Fully Enlightened Moon' 2009 pt 2

Saka Dawa ~ “Fully Enlightened Moon” on the rise ~ in T-square with Saturn = Spirit + Soul + Karma, or put another way: over the next three days the challenge is to generate positivity, perform good actions and create compassionate thoughts by maintaining emotional clarity and personal authority. Representing individual and collective karma, earthy Saturn now has a great deal of clout, especially during this very special and blessed Full Moon weekend, symbolic of Shakyamuni's enlightenment and Paranirvana, as it is also the head of ‘Thor's Hammer’ ~ banging on the pressure to take the responsibility of our spiritual evolution seriously. (Thor’s Hammer is a celestial configuration when two planets are in square to each other, pointing to another 135 degrees away.) It’s a powerful super-poke, energising with a sacred conductivity enabling one to literally carve mountains and create openings in seemingly difficult situations.

This full Moon is also conjunct a royal fixed star ‘Antares’, the heart of the Scorpion; there's no need to go through a dark night of the soul, as we are already equipped with all the sensitivity we need at this time. The Sun in opposition to the Moon shines a light upon a door to perception wide open - used wisely, Saturnian time is on our side when seeking wisdom, insight or success.

Saka Dawa 'Fully Enlightened Moon' 2009

In the run up to this potent Full Sagittarian Moon, on Sunday the 7th, a crisis of faith may well be the issue at hand. Should you find your mind twirling with nagging moments of doubt, this is good. Bewilderment can lead to wonderment. As this Full Moon is in hard aspect to Saturn, the planet of Golden Wisdom, the danger of being held back by dogma or threatened by a bunch of beliefs that do not ring true (for you personally) is an opportunity to, at the very least, see the same old thing, person, situation, from a different viewpoint. Faith is required to have a basis in reality, to give life joyful optimism; the need is to ask questions and test conviction by one’s own experience, and not accept blindly.

This Full Moon, called ‘Saka Dawa’, is considered to be one of the most holy in the Tibetan Calendar. It has a triple signification, representing Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana. It is also one of the few days in the year when all karma – virtuous or non-virtuous – is magnified a hundred thousand times. Karma, the law of cause and effect, has a habit of expanding at the best of times; so when you find yourself doing something good, think of the karmic merit you’re creating (and dedicate it towards positivity.) On the other hand, if you encounter anger, jealousy, greed etc, try to quickly catch it, and then give praise for being compassionate towards yourself (and others!). Such discipline is a most positive way of honouring Saturn.

This Gemini Sun and Sagittarian Moon also creates a testing ‘T’ square to the Lord of Karma, Saturn in the healing sign of Virgo (note the word ‘healing’ has roots in the word ‘holy’ to be ‘whole’). The cosmic challenge is to take our responsibility for remedial activity more seriously, i.e. for the planet, for each other, and for ourselves. Authoritative Saturn, in helpful do-it-yourself Virgo, is also at the apex of another demanding configuration called ‘Thor’s hammer’ or ‘God’s Fist’. The heavenly pointers banging on the pressure for purity, transparency and responsibility are the North Node in Aquarius - symbolic of a collective destiny, with and Venus and Mars, the cosmic lovers, together in Venus’ home sign, Taurus, representing all we love and cherish. This celestial formation also suggests an endless source of love and affection to sustain and support us upon our personal and collective journey; yet we may have to overcome personal greed for the greater altruistic intention to manifest as one heart beating the one love, so all beings can be happy.