• ✰• Venus Retrograde - Passionate Compassion • ✰•

For 40 days and 40 nights, the seductive Goddess of Love and all things beautiful, Venus, is Retrograde from 4th March – 15th April, activating the 5-pointed star she makes in the heavens every eight years.
Currently in fiery, go-getting Aries, Venus is set to return to the more sensitive and bewitching Pisces, the sign of forfeit, forgiveness and the out-of-this-world phantasmagorical. 

This is a challenging retrograde for Venus, due to being in her ‘fall’ in ardent, self-orientated Aries (always a bit tricky in relationship where good connections generally require thinking of others as well). But while Venus is just now in hot pursuit of passionate love, she is also set to return to her finest exaltation, in the more universally aware Pisces, to discover a compassionate, kinder heart. 

This Venus retrograde, with her burden of competitive ego, reveals a not-so-secret addiction to the kind of love where ‘self’ is abandoned into the overwhelming feeling of oneness and unity consciousness a Piscean Venus generates. Reviewing the interconnection with universe, and surrounding oneself by the all-consuming power of unconditional Divine love, with Venus at her exalted degree of 27Pisces, shows how this cosmic kind of love really switches on the illumination button: enlightenment, but without getting seduced by glamour or fooled by illusion which we would call 'spiritual materialism'.

To put this transit into the context of your own personal life-cycle count back eight years, to March 2009. As then, this is another inferior conjunction of Venus with the Sun on March 25th, just days after Spring Equinox, and only one day after a dynamic New Aries Moon! A new day dawns for Venus in her Piscean exaltation, as she lies between Earth and Sun, when cosmic love reigns supreme in all relations – even if it means making a personal sacrifice for the greater good of the whole. 

With ℒℴѵℯ _/✿\_ & thanks to Tashi Mannox for his beautiful ‘PaniStar’_/\_ Within his five-pointed star is painted a mantra of Vajrapani, a powerful Bodhisattva, protector and remover of obstacles, inner and outer. 

We may well need all the help we can get to remove certain stubborn obstacles, specifically those that prevent us seeing the value of self-Love, as Mercury also goes retrograde for the last five days of Venus retrograde to challenge a variety of value systems, of which unconditional Love is the highest. 

△ Taurus Sun sextile Jupiter in Cancer ~ May 5-6-7-8th '14

Living in the present is the way of a mindful spiritual warrior. To be aware of each moment means we can live life to its fullest. But still, on a relative level, it sometimes helps to look back and assess how we’ve come along when developing potential. In astrology it is the planet Jupiter that provides the 360° perspective of past, present and future, giving us the ability to measure time, distance, and our association with Oneness.

Since Solstice ’13, optimistic Jupiter has been exalted in sensitive Cancer, from where he soothes painful past memories at the same time offering hope for the future. And as Cosmic Guru, beneficent Jupiter holds a key role in being able to synthesize the activity of this particular moment in time, through the currently waning Cardinal Cross which pressed the surge button for dynamic spiritual growth.

As well as being involved with a magical Grand Water Trine (leading to another Grand Sextile, Sacred Star later this week!) which generates responsible healing on deep cellular level, Jupiter is also making his last major aspect to the stabilizing Taurus Sun, Tuesday 6th May, in a closing cycle which ends, and therefore marks a fabulous new beginning with the Full July SuperMoon, still two months away. This, therefore, is the time to head to the top of the metaphoric mountain and imbibe some of Jupiter’s encouraging wisdom; with panoramic vision find space to relax with plans and ideas, and see what needs to be brought together in order to peacefully move into and embrace the changing world. All the while Goddess Venus, now in assertive Aries, is nudging up to visionary Uranus, reminding us to love living in the present, wherever we may be. After all, ‘now’ is all we have and is the springboard into the future. Best use each moment wisely. ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶
♥ & ponder this...
“If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.” ~ Lao Tzu

With ℒℴѵℯ & many thanks to Mountain Stream Organization for wonderful image of Mount Kailash, sacred to all Buddhists, Hindus & Jains alike...

ॐ_/♥\_

Om Mani Padme Hung...

Venus at Superior cojnunction with Full Libra Moonbeams ~ Easter 2013

★☽☼☾☆ Creative sky dancing under full Libra moonbeams; the relationship Love Goddess Venus (which rules Libra) is with the lively Aries Sun, to be exact tomorrow (28th March) AND Uranus, the wild and cool planet that demands space to be an eccentric free spirit. My beloved late teacher, Howard Sasportas, (co-founder of the Centre of Psychological Astrology) would associate this combination of planets with a dynamic he called the ‘freedom-closeness dilemma’. That is, the highly-charged challenge of being in a respectful partnership, with all its shared intimate moves and experiences, yet still able to expand, change, and socially experiment - all of which can confront a variety of conventional rules of what relationship means.

A suggested formula in resolving any kind of relationship conflict between Aries autonomy and the often disconnected, chaotic genius that an unconventional Uranus implies, now tightly aligned with the Venusian need for attachment, is to embrace any space between you and a loved one, as a means of doing our own thing with love in our heart. Generously giving others freedom and/or taking our own independence means everyone can remain friends. It’s also a lesson in not holding on so tightly so that one is in danger of suffocating the very thing/person/idea that is loved and admired.

From a spiritual practitioner’s point of view, one might say Venus with Uranus in Aries now encourages one to fully engage in the self-observing dance of self-awareness and consciousness, to focus upon ego-melting love by being engaged but, at the same time, detached enough to find a happy balance between autonomy and intimacy, between self-sacrificing altruism and dignified self-worth.

Venus disappears totally from Earth's view as she now enters into superior conjunction with the Sun (and Uranus), only to re-emerge as ‘Queen of the Heavens’, as an evening star late May/early June – where she will stay until January 2014. As an evening star Venus takes on qualities of a more mature feminine wisdom.

If you would like an astrology reading to know how Venus and the ‘freedom-closeness’ constellates your horoscope, please contact me here for rates.
With L❀VE•´¯`•.¸¸.♥
Image of 'Year of Astronomy' by Mysteria DL at DeviantArt__/❤\__

• • •Earth-Touching Beltane New Moon• • •( ( (☾ ◯☽) ) )• • •11

This Beltane new Moon in Taurus, May2nd/3rd, 7:51bst, highlights the Spiritual Warrior’s ability to forgive and move quickly on to manifest for the greater good with love, wisdom, and compassion as necessary stabilising forces. Exalted in Taurus, here the Moon offers the best possible place to remain constant and steady – even in the midst of rapid change the Moon in Taurus keeps feet planted on the ground in a very practical and sustainable manner. All the while a stellium of more volatile Aries planets presents the currently challenging mega-mammoth roller-coaster, ridden with stately pomp, as symbolised by martial Mars at home in assertive and dynamic Aries, conjunct the King of the Heavenly Gods, Jupiter, along with media-master Mercury and loving Venus - the latter Aries planets in opposition to task-master Saturn.  (Esoteric ruler of Aries, Mercury is still in retrograde shadow til the 5th).  Saturn exalted in Libra denotes the seriousness of karma that can also be incurred at this time, as well as the heightened need to overcome reactionary fear through realised love - love of self in relation to others, specifically.

Valuing Spirit over ego and coming from the heart breeds love instead fear; with awareness of self in relation to the whole encouraging the kind of self-acceptance which motivates one to create and, at the same time, truly comprehend the rhetoric (personal and/or collective), we are better equipped to find and hold firmly onto the thread of kindness that runs through and binds together our inter-connected Divine oneness.

Taking Saturn’s lesson of karmic balance into account – by being responsible for the love we share – we’re also more likely to be fair-minded, able to remain clear in any situation to overcome anger or nip any rampant demon desire in the bud more quickly too.

With two of the solar systems heavyweights now in Venus ruled signs: solid and earthy Sun in Taurus and Saturn in Libra, we have the planetary potential to even things out: so that when we access the equanimious heart-mind, we have a taste of how good life really is. Being ruled by Venus, Taurean influences heighten earthy sensuous passion. Venus is the Goddess of Love, after all, defining intimacy, close relationships, ardour, and the entire smoochie business of romance & attraction. Harmonious Venus also rules beauty and refinement in all areas of life. Wherever Venus is found in the horoscope, there you will find your capacity for good taste and sweetness, as well as showing how you sparkle in the arts, in your social life, and in fashion. With Venus in Aries and the Sun in Taurus (now in mutual reception), we can quickly seek to stimulate the senses; soft, sexy fabric stroking skin, healthy food and drink to take care of within, and pretty flowers for lovely company are sometimes all it takes to find beauty and bliss.

Venus also shows how we value ourselves in relationship, as well as financially and/or psychologically – spiritually, even.  Woman tend relate to Venus differently than Men, who are symbolised by warrior Mars (which impacts through dynamic Aries). Women tend to use the Venus in a horoscope to seek balance in the sphere she inhabits.  Interestingly, there is now a mutual reception between the Sun in Taurus and the Taurean ruler Venus, who is now in Aries until mid-May; This means both Spirit Sun and relationship-orientated Venus are working towards a common goal in harmony. That goal is to value self-love with spiritual self-awareness, free from greed, lust and fear.

Changes are taking place that lead to incredible sweetness 8th-15th May.

This lunation (a lunation is one Moon cycle, from New to Full in 28 days) also heralds the last month of expansive Jupiter being action hero Aries; as from June 5th Jupiter moves into Taurus for the a year, when our understanding of love, as well as the financial situation, has better potential to improve.  We now get a taste of that essential basic goodness with the Sun in Taurus.

So, if the fast pace of the last few months has seemed hectic, tune into this new Moon and revel in the beauty of nature, adjust to sacred simplicity and rest within the generous fertile fullness of Mother Earth.
• • •( ( (☾ ◯☽) ) )• • •

Shakti-Power --> Venus in Aries <-- April=May '11

Goddess Venus is in firey Aries until mid-May ♥ During this passage she makes spectacular aspects: Conjunct Uranus this combination initates dramatic change leading to incredible sweetness 8th-15th May, when she conjuncts Jupiter. Be warned, though, the Aries emanation of Venus is pure SHAKTI POWER- an exciting combination famed for flame-throwing fanfaronande excitement, with passionate and earth-shattering, life-enhancing experiences ♥´¯`•.¸¸.♥

♥ Lion Heart Love ~♥~ Mars Direct in Leo ♥ March 2010

International Woman’s Day coincides with Venus, symbol of women and Queen of the Heavens, moving into dynamic, action orientated Aries, to ignite the fire in our soul. Aries is ruled by Mars and, with cosmic synchronicity, the two celestial lovers - Venus & Mars – are currently entwined in a sacred Fire Trine, accenting power, purpose and intuition, bringing a feel-good factor reminiscent of a pre-Xmas party, except the buzz is now fresher and decidedly more animated. It’s as though we have had to exercise patience since last October to fully awaken our heart-fire.

Activating the might and strength of the heart, passionate Mars is about to go forward at 0 degrees Leo, to once again kindle the flames of love that shape, refine, and purify. The normally vivacious Mars in Leo has been retrograde since December, from when it might have seemed as though our call to LOVE was in vain. That is now about to change as Mars is at standstill over the next few days, tuning into our global heartbeat, to be ready with all systems go in the sign of the creative 'King of Fire' on the evening of Wednesday, the 10th March. (FYI When a planet goes into apparent backward motion (retrograde) we re-consider how it functions. As Mars is the planet of action, we have had to re-do whatever the zodiacal sign indicates.)

In Leo, creativity flourishes with love and romance, fun and children. Psychologically Leo represents ego, authority and bravery. In the body it illuminates the heart and sustains the spine. Ruled by the Sun, central life-giving source and star of our solar system, Leo provides spiritual support and heartfelt encouragement. Note Mars will be in a shadow period until May 17th, so many of the issues we have been dealing with about love, relationship, authority, those that concern the heart of matters, should see some kind of resolve. Our currently midnight scarlet sphere provides love’s dynamo, staying in Leo until June 6th. All in all, Mars will have spent an inordinately long time in one sign, eight months in the sign of heartfelt LOVE, instead of the usual six weeks, which is maybe an indication how we all need to work on love and understand how love works, i.e. how to open the heart to a circular motion: the more we are generous with our love and share, the more love there is to share.

These next few days before the Pisces New Moon on the 15th, are important in many ways because we are now at a pause before this new Tiger year really starts. Take this precious moment in time to focus upon what you want to do with the rest of the year. Setting the intention with love in the heart encourages a positive journey and helpful result.

“When you take care of each moment, you take care of all time” Buddha Shakyamuni

There are several mega transits this year, not least the Cardinal Grand Cross, which, according to esoteric astrologer Alice A. Bailey, accents the emergence of the spiritual Sun, with planet Uranus, the harbinger of change, as the agent of the materialisation of Shambhala’s Spiritual Sun. Uranus and Jupiter will come together in the summer in Aries, which is a truly visionary combination. More on this unusual formation later…

Many thanks to all unknown artists for blessing us with such beautiful images.

Fiery Thunderbolt

This fiery new moon in Aries inspires courage and stimulates confidence in new ideas, new ventures and new relationships. New ways of looking at an established relationship, be it a business association or love affair, can also revitalise passion and enthusiasm - in both parties, to go full steam ahead by the end of April.

Amorous Venus is also still retrograde in Aries, conjoining the Sun, Moon and Mercury: action is called for, while personal strength is mastered and more easily projected when motivated by love and positive intention. Coming from the heart generates unconditional compassion, which also means being good to one’s self, as well as others. Having the strength, patience and discipline to refrain from intentionally or absentmindedly harming, either oneself or others, comes to the saintly few. Most of us have to work at practicing this most honourable ethic: because our ego and identity can all too easily become caught-up in difficult situations, as in a battle of wills, that emotions such anger, jealousy or competitive pride arise; such corrupting influences make it nigh on impossible to correctly assess situations. Allowing the mind access to the innate and much-needed gentle awareness could now encourage reconciliation between previously warring factions.

With four Aries planets in hard aspect to controlling Pluto, now is the time to rise to the challenge and persevere with enthusiasm, and stop dragging old and outworn habits into any new enterprise or association. The brave hero of the hour will reduce to ashes any negative influences that no longer serve his or her highest good, to take one step further towards a profound and phoenix-like personal transformation.

Many thanks to Lokabandhu for inviting me to Buddhafield to witness this wonderful vajra thunderbolt - May the light of the fire septre illuminate our path with spiritual clarity! http://www.buddhafield.com/