☯ Libra New Moon Oct'13

☼ New Moon 11 Libra, at 1:34am UT

In the language of symbols, the Libran scales represents a social sign, seeking love, peace and fairness in all relations. And although famous for sitting on the fence, often being indecisive because of being a people-pleaser not wanting to upset anyone, the aforementioned ideals to which this highly evolved and elegant sign aspires also require a certain kind of cool balance and equipoise, which the only machine in the zodiac can beautifully harmonise.

With an ability to engage and come from the heart yet at the same time remain emotionally detached is Libra’s rare gift, especially when mediating stressful situations – of which there currently seem to be quite a few, as Sun and New Moon square up to the challenging Cardinal Cross (that comes in and out of cosmic play for next seven months). Interestingly, this New Moon provides an opening for a liberating and innovative heroic awareness which stems from having an altruistic intention: for all beings to be happy and free from suffering. And when Libra’s ruler, the Love Goddess Venus, changes signs in a few days, remaining composed and stable whilst still seeing (and working) the bigger picture gives the heart-mind space to grow, as well as protection from getting hooked into the eight worldly concerns: praise and blame, fame and disrepute, success and failure, pleasure and pain.

From this astrological meditator’s view point utilising dynamic Libra’s airy element also means being aware of the subtle winds, chi (rLung in Tibetan) to consciously create a personal internal balance, which then helps all kinds of co-creating inter-personal decision making.

It’s also worth noting how this lunation marks an exciting month ahead, with the beginning of the year’s second eclipse season, and a full Moon lunar eclipse in Aries Oct 18th /19th, highlighting geocosmic/worldly/personal shifts and transformation. Adding to the intense heavenly mix, the celestial messenger, Mercury, begins a retrograde in Scorpio on the 9th. Plus comet ISON, which has a strong association to Mars, will soon be coming into view!

So now is the time, during this new Libran Moon, to familiarise breathing into the pivotal centre of balance, and develop the mindfulness and equanimity which supports and strengthens personal spiritual practice, as well as the ability to gracefully handle our forever changing world. _/♥\_

With love & gratitude to Elaina Deva for her gorgeous pink lotus eclipse Moon _/♥\_

Solar Eclipse July 11th ~ Uniting as One

The heavenly union of our radiant Sun and reflective New Moon takes on a greater significance during the Total Solar eclipse at 19 Cancer on Sunday July 11^th at 20:34 (bst), as a cosmic kind of consciousness has the potential to enter into our awareness.  A Solar eclipse reminds us to remain in our presence, aware nothing is permanent, not even the sunshine during the day.

With each monthly conjunction of Sun and New Moon, there is always a sense of the new stirring, within our heart-mind, emotions and intellect, as well as within our natural environment. But during a Solar eclipse, when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, time suspends in a sacred space to create a powerful portal for magical human realization. The partial eclipse begins at 18:09 (bst), total starts at 19:15 (bst) with the greatest eclipse at 18:34; total ends at 21:51 (bst) and partial ends at 22:57 (bst).  This eclipse is in effect for a total of five hours, with five minutes 20 seconds grand totality.

In fact, all kinds of energies, seen and unseen, can ride in with this dark moon conjunction. So it is most important to call in the Dharmapala, protector deities, and the Lama, as spiritual bodyguard, from afar - especially during meditation and prayer, as that is when we are more sensitive and open to emptiness and bliss. 
At a Solar eclipse duality disappears as dynamic and fiery Solar Yang manifests as Rahu Dragon’s head, merging with the Lunar Yin Ketu’s tail – at the forehead chakra - to unite as one.  For the duration of the greatest totally of the eclipse, in this case 5 minutes and 20 seconds, we can bide this celestial state of non-duality.

This year’s set of eclipses are in Moon ruled Cancer, as descending node, and karmic Capricorn ascending node. This Sun and Moon in feminine Cancer bonds the global family via the Mother’s womb and the primordial Goddess, where we find innate bliss in oneness; while the opposite node, Capricorn, accents karmic responsibility. Tibetans say that Karma is multiplied 10,000x during an eclipse day.

Spiritually this eclipse connects us to all pervading space, which is empty of inherent existence.  On a psychological level this corresponds to primordial feelings; through facing our darkest emotions, healing family fortunes, repairing ancestral connections and mending historical barriers by moving ahead cautiously.  How this eclipse actually manifests in our lives will depend upon where the eclipse degree lies in the horoscope and the aspects it makes to the individual chart. And it may take a while to see, as the effects of eclipses are said to last in the case of solar eclipses for as many years as minutes: This one is total and five minutes long, equalling five years of influence.  (The next total eclipse is 2013.) So it’s worth baring in mind the power of the intention during this very potent occasion.

That said, this eclipse actually makes some good aspects to other planets. Sun and Moon are conjunct the 'loyal and loving' asteroid Juno, and all three are in harmonious sextile to active Mars (and by extension Saturn), making it easier to purify karma and rid impure mental and physical afflictions.  

During eclipses our bioenergy, often called the chi or prana which constantly courses through the channels and nadis in our subtle body can ignite kundalini to rise to meet at the forehead chakra – the all-seeing eye, and even the crown chakra can open - which is why it is so very important to be psychically protected during these moments. 

Be prepared.  Note the breath and how left and right nostrils are performing. Before the actual eclipse tune into the subtle body and be aware of how the prana is flowing through you. Note which nostril is dominant; and how you feel. Are you hot, cold, humid or dry?  There are foods to eat to enhance or calm either of the main side channels: the right hand Sun and left hand Moon, (Pingala and Ida, (Roma & Kyangma (tib)). (Personally, I find it’s always handy to have a glass of water close by during eclipses and, being an emotional water sign, a tissue!).  Then during the eclipse, while sitting in the seven point Varocaina meditation position, focus upon the breath, directing the centre of your attention to the own heart, mirroring the convergence of energy at the Solar System’s heart of the Sun and keep the flame of love alight. 

We are currently coming to the end of the current ‘eclipse season’. Eclipses occur twice a year, coming in pairs with a lunar and solar eclipse.  The next lunar eclipse is Winter Solstice December 21^st and the Solar on the 4^th Jan 2011.  

On the 26^th June we witnessed the Full Moon lunar eclipse, one of the Full ‘Super Moons’ astrologers have been talking about for some time because it also generated a very rare celestial phenomena called the ‘Cardinal Cross’, or the ‘Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’ as it is known in esoteric astrology: a configuration which is directly implicated with the evolution of the human spirit. This Cardinal Cross now connects responsible Saturn in Virgo opposite outgoing Jupiter and altruistic Uranus, both now in Aries, to the eclipses of the Cancerian Sun and the Moon with transformational Pluto.  The key qualities this 2010 Cardinal Cross of the Spiritual Sun will brings about during the process of enlightenment and evolution are autonomy and motivation, contribution of talents, mastery of purpose – to synthesise all this one has to fully engage with life, and not let it pass us by.

To be honest, in thirty years of heavenly observation, the planets have rarely been so chock-full of such powerful potential.  How this manifests could remain to be seen until after the New Moon solar eclipse on Sunday, when we will be ushering in a barrage of powerful new energy.  

With so many influences all converging within this tense formation, we may all in one way or another have reached our own personal crossroads. This Cardinal Cross promotes Saturn to speak of discipline and career concerns, but in opposition to expansive Jupiter with Uranus, we’re asking for co-operation, to express our own uniqueness; while the Sun represents individual spirit, Pluto can be controlling in the midst of chaos and drama. You get the picture: It’s an evolution which may not be so easy. 

To make this development, we may be looking at various different routes: maturing wisdom and authority; polishing our professional services; becoming more actively involved in issues that rouse; releasing anything that no longer serves our positive progress: all these are ways in which we can be free of our fetters in order to welcome the new with this upcoming Solar Eclipse.  And because Uranus and Jupiter are involved, we may also be looking at bigger, collective issues, galvanised to be more responsible at work, with others, about ourselves, and the planet. These are huge issues which demand care and attention, treating ourselves with the kind of love that a mother shows her child. Similar sensitivity needs to be given to everyone around us, as no one seems exempt from the kind of dramatic changes currently taking place.  Be aware how tidal forces will be strong if not extreme during these next two weeks; this can mean our internal emotions can soar to wild heights then plummet into shocking depths, this can also be externally seen with the weather; more specifically because this is a water ruled new Moon in Cancer, as well as a Solar eclipse, our oceans and all water comes into focus: flash floods, mudslides and even quakes are all likely in hot spots. The point here for the spiritual being is to remain calm and coolly ride any turbulent energy as best we can, to maintain the positive vibration.

Interestingly, we also have a comet streaking through the sky in the same area as the position of the Sun (Spirit), and as it is now closest to the earth, it also has the longest tail in history. We can catch it in the sky at dusk in early July. Comets are generally considered difficult omens for those in authority. This once-in-a-life-time visitor, Comet McNaught, came into view while transiting Perseus, the Hero; at the same time it was also announced a new star was born in the same constellation: the new hero for our times could well be the spiritual warrior, as opposed to the war hero. The comet will be visible during the Solar eclipse on July 11th, when the Moon blots out the light of the Sun, but can only be seen from the South Pacific, on Easter Island (where I'd love to go!).


With all this wild celestial activity, something is cosmically bound to break through and awaken during this Cross, stormy as it may be. Although everything outlined here is not all that easy, people rarely want to move out of a perceived comfort zone, even if sleeping on a bed of nails - only the deeply sensitive are seemingly aware of the potential of this situation. Heartening to know we are nearing critical spiritual mass, encouraging all paths to meet at the Central Spiritual Sun. This alone will have some kind of evolutionary impetus. Exciting times! Even if they are not so carefree we can still cultivate the light heart.

Illuminating Spirit ~ ☼ ~ Summer Solstice & Lunar Eclipse 2010

In the language of the Spiritual Warrior, or even the modern Light Worker, the Sun is referred to as ‘The Great Illuminator’ or ‘The Light of intelligence’ and ‘the Spiritual Centre’ which freely radiates warmth, love and light, in which, in the right proportions, all life thrives. The Sun, it has also been postulated, even has a consciousness of its own. Indeed, in the horoscope, we note how the Sun symbolises personal consciousness: for the Sun in astrology is individual identity central to one’s being, determining who we are growing into (which can take a lifetime), and the dominant issues we are processing and learning, in this life; Yang in quality, the Sun is also authority, ego, father and boss. 

I was reminded, just before I did my solstice practice, that when the Sun is at standstill, it is creating a 'gap', like 'the gap' in meditation that happens inbetween the out breath and the in, the pause in which we rest that sometimes makes it seem like we are in Samadhi - until we realise that we are in that gap, and then of course we headlong back into Samsara! Such is the nature of mind.

The Sun is also central in Buddhist thangka paintings, where we view many a deity beaming love-light seated upon a Sun disc; in Tantric meditation we imagine some deities seated upon a Sun disc, who are then placed at our heart, so that we, too, can learn to radiate unconditional loving kindness and compassion – just like the actual Sun. In astrology, the physical heart is also ruled by the Sun, mirroring how the Sun is at the heart of our solar system. Esoterically speaking, the Sun has a triple function: a physical form, as a heart centre, and spiritual illuminator. When we mindfully raise our vibration and encourage our own Sun to radiate from the spiritual centre, we overcome ego’s desire and aversion to realise Divine consciousness as an awareness of personal Unity with the enlightened source – and bask in our own luminous golden wonder, so to speak.

Summer makes everyone smile, and with light heart we witness the Sun peak at its highest point in the sky in the northern hemisphere, at 12:28 British Summer Time, on Monday the 21^st (-5EDT). The word Sol comes from Latin, for Sun, while ‘stice’ means to ‘stand still’. For the next couple days the Sun stands at its zenith, before heading south again shortening the days in northern skies. 

Yet this is no ordinary Solstice. At this 2010 turning point, the Sun is in an almost perfect planetary pattern, a rare Cardinal Cross, which in esoteric astrology is called The Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’, suggesting many are awakening to the fiery heart of love as a means to understanding self in relation to the world, communicating in a manner more considerate of others. This Cross has building for a while now (most of 2010), getting more intensely ‘connected’ over these past few weeks, pointing to the dramatic change which brings all kinds of different paths together, and uniting people, things and ideas, to present new openings which enable one to regain balance through action, stability through transformation, awareness through unity.

Although this cross is made up of the four cardinal signs, Aries (where Jupiter & Uranus are), Cancer (Sun), Virgo/Libra (Saturn), Capricorn (Pluto & Ceres), everyone will feel it, because the transpersonal and generational planets are involved. Because it is (mostly) Cardinal in quality, it is a Cross which indicates movement - dynamic action with spiritual intent. The solar light of the solstice Spiritual Sun continues to radiate power and strength over the coming weeks, with influential upcoming eclipses. The full Moon lunar eclipse on the 26^th June almost perfects the Cardinal Cross (But not quite! That will happen when Saturn moves back into lovely Libra, and will be exact when the moon Moves into Cancer (which it rules) on Aug 6th (when the Sun will be in Leo, which it also rules, but as Leo is a fixed sign, it will not be in the Cardinal Cross formation).

Why this upcoming Solstice and Full Moon are strong is because during eclipses, Lunar on June 26^th, and solar July 11th, we encounter major trigger points for earth changes (and being only one or two degrees out of exact sign on a powerful planetary alignement is nothing in the greater scheme of things) making this a very potent celestial Cross formation (and much more powerful than January's eclipses) and events around it are likely to demand action. 

 

There is also another cosmic Solstice formation, a Grand Air Trine, between communicative Mercury at home in Gemini, the sensitive Moon in Libra, sign of balance, and spiritual Neptune in the altruistic and intellectual sign of  Aquarius. This is a forceful energy that can condition consciousness: the Buddha said ‘what we think we become’ – an apt thought to hold in mind during the Sun’s high point. It may take a while to see the results of any subjective intent.  While this formation holds solstice, when the Moon is full on the 26th, and conjunct powerful Pluto, la Luna activates a mighty magical transformation, which the Spiritual Warrior can harness, and indicate the kind of direction we need to take - giving ourself the next eighteen years to complete the task.

Wtih a flow of golden solar nectar from the angelic messenger, the Sun/Mercury conjunction, to the receptive full Moon eclipse and oceanic Neptune conjunct Chiron, suggests we can even heal the oceans - as well as our collective emotions. The responsive Moon rules water, and is remains in good aspect to Neptune which governs deep seas, in Aquarius initiating the focus of Universal Mind. This is spiritual service: As Masaru Emoto advises as part of the healing, we need to let the water know we love it, and ask for forgiveness. 

In the Tibetan tradition, this Solstice happens to also be Guru Rinpoche Day, a day of celebrating our connection to the Guru (within). Its not always like this, as it is for the Christian St John on a set day. Guru Rinpoche day moves around the moon. Also called Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche is the all-powerful male presence we invoke to help overcome obstacles, as he is said to be the second Buddha, protector and most accomplished yogi. We can all upon this strong male active yang principle at any time, not just for solstice. Should you feel inclinded to sing his mantra while Sun Dancing with the Moon weave, he can help one to centre and overcome all kinds of hurdles “Om Vajra Guru Pemma Siddhi Hung”

Love and Gratitude as always to the Visual Alchemist, Bill Brouard for 'fiery angel' and 'unconvential commincation goes sub-aquatic' http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Visual-Alchemy/307201723841?ref=ts
and all other unknown artists_/\_♥ ૐ