☼☾ Solstice Full Moon 0°49’ Cancer 2018 ☽☼

☆•*¨*•.¸¸☼☾ Solstice Full Moon 0°49’ Cancer ☽☼¸¸.•*¨*•☆
The interplay of Wisdom & Compassion

Rarely do our closest celestial ‘Lights’, the Sun and Moon, partner-up at such a climactic point of the year, the December Full Moon Solstice. As such, this Full Cancer Moon truly marks a yuletide to shine and sparkle. Taking selfies with twinkling fairy lights meant to illuminate the Xmas tree may be fun, but to let the world know how bright you really are, be brave: let your inner-light glow naturally, your innate Buddha nature, that glow of goodness we were all born with. 

The Solstice Full Moon in Cancer tenders family gatherings in a cosy Christmas hideaway, somewhere with people you feel relaxed and safe enough to drop your guard to scintillate and shine. As the Full Moon rises, the season’s also change into winter in the north, summer in the south. And the Solstice Sun now comes to a wondrous ‘stand still’ for three days rising and setting in the same place before again shifting emphasis of light, for nights to become shorter in the north, longer in the south. So we, too, tend to wind down for a few days to catch up with thoughts and loved ones, before light returns (in the north) Dec 24^th-25^th.

Sol’s celestial revolution marks Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Changing season Friday 21^st December, @22:23 (GMT) (already Saturn’s day in Asia and Aus), Spirit Sun moves sign. By leaving optimistic Jupiter and communicative Mercury in charge of the Archer and forward-thinking ideals, at this Full Moon Cardinal Earth Solar Fire Festival, Sun makes a grand entrance into the business-like sphere of the ambitious Capricorn Sea-Goat, sign of concretisation and control. 

Within eighteen hours of such Solstice fanfare, @17:48 UT, on Saturday the 22^nd December (Sunday in Asia & Aus), the Moon actually culminates to Full. The fruits of whatever was set into intention December 7^th may be visible. If not, don’t worry; the ripples of good intention are still out there in the noosphere. And settle comfortably with the Moon at home in Cancer: content and radiant in the reflection of the cosmic ‘Light of Intelligence’, our Sun. This is a mega-astrological wheel-turning moment, a bit like Sun and Moon partying like its 1999, which is exactly when we last bathed under similar Solstice Full Moonbeams. But without millennial madness! Whoo-hoo! Happy Solstice Full Moon! 

Be aware that as Sun and Full Moon radiate along the cardinal axis of 0 degrees Cancer and Capricorn, a mighty powerful initiation also takes place within the individual heart-mind. Through this inner-planetary dance, Sun and Moon encourage compassion and wisdom to weave in and around the shamanic spiritual warrior’s soul and psyche.  

With an emotionally triple-charged Cancer Moon aligning to a crystallising Capricorn Sun, which is conjunct Time Lord Saturn, the celestial spotlight fixes upon the karmic connections we have and share with our soul family. All beings may be One under a Solstice Sun, enjoying love light and heat; but at this very special Full Moon during Sol’s standstill, it is quality time with families, friends, and the connections we care to nourish with our commitment, that also give added strength and cheer to a new Solar year and the birth of Sun’s ‘New Light King’. 

☆ Other heavenly influences directly associated with this stunning Solstice Full Moon include a major challenge coming from a stellium in the late degrees of Pisces: with Hygeia, Chiron and Mars, squaring-up to Sun and Moon. These three are the shamanic healing warriors, ever at the ready and banded together now to be quickly able to apply the spiritual and psychological (even physical (if called for)) band-aid, as together Chiron, Mars and Hygeia can cut to the quick and generate the love-wisdom that heals (collective) wounded emotions. So you see, it’s not just because it Christmas that forgiveness and compassion can emanate strongly now, but healing personal emotions or family feelings is well-starred. 

☆ Remaining (fairly) responsible over this Full Moon (while Luna is opposite Saturn, which is in a wide conjunct with Pluto) – just when everyone else just wants to let their hair down and forget all worries and woes, it could be one of those bizarre times when being disciplined is deeply satisfying and restorative.

While Sun and Moon connect to sobering Saturn, they are, in actual fact, in tighter (and more helpful) aspects to the wacky wild-card wizard, Uranus, planetary awakener and astral overseer: with a Trine and Sextile to Sun and Moon respectively. Sun is trine Uranus Rx in Aries, and now slowing to go forward 7^th January (just a day after the Solar Eclipse!). 

This kind of connection between Uranus and Sun and Moon can activate the third eye. It can also make us more aware and sensitive to the current collective chaos. Most recently, Uranus has been at ‘the bends’, and in hard square to the North and South Nodes, Rahu and Ketu, Dragons’ Head, Dragon’s Tail. The unpredictable Uranian revolutionary team spirit exploded into action all over the place! But with the change now of nodal axis, from Leo – Aquarius into Cancer-Capricorn, the influence of the nodal contacts widens: i.e. Solstice points, Cancer – Capricorn, are often defining moments for many, both personally and professionally. 

Currently, the North Node, Dragon’s head, Rahu is conjunct ‘First Magnitude’ ‘Fixed Star’, Procyon in Ursa Minor; this is an indication of rapid success with short-lived opportunities, a couple of weeks or three – so maybe good to make the most of whatever comes your way – quickly – no dilly dally for soul family healing.

☆ On the upside, Jupiter remains at home in Sagittarius for the next year; and is currently with communicative, but detriment Mercury, also questing and quizzing in Sagittarius. But Jupiter has all the luck, charm and blarney of the Irish, which is especially advantageous. Both Jupiter and Mercury are now conjunct a Fixed Red Star, Antares, suggesting success comes by being totally on point, however – plus a knack for good timing.

☆ Also in the Full Cancer Moon horoscope there are also no less than four planets in rulership, including Luna herself, along with Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune. All planets are in the astrological domains that amplify their better qualities. The Moon in Cancer, for instance, makes us more caring; a Sagittarian Jupiter opens the mind for exploration, understanding the bigger picture, to see how lucky we are; Saturn in Capricorn recognizes our discipline and accomplishment; and Neptune still in Pisces (until 2026) accenting our connection to the oceans and our emotions.  

☆ And Love Goddess Venus in Scorpio is now free from her retrograde shadow, and ascends the heavens as the leading planet in the ‘Locomotive’ pattern of planets. With her intense kind of love, the Scorpio Venus leads stars signs, Scorpio, Sag, Capricorn, with Vesta in Aquarius, and the Shamanic Spiritual Warriors in Pisces pulling up the rear in both the Solstice and Full Moon charts. It’s like having someone who transformed their own demons steering planets through a time tunnel towards eclipse season, and a New Capricorn Moon Solar Eclipse, January 6^th.  There will 6 celestial significators in Earthy Capricorn.  It could be a geophysical shaky start to 2019. The following Full 0* Moon on the 21st is also a Super Moon**, with high (emotional) tides. Beware mood swings and weather!

There’s no denying it, for a supposedly stabilising Earth Dog year, with its Mars and Venus retrogrades, 2018 has had its share of rattles and rolls. Events and situations around the world, and in our personal lives as well, have witnessed shocking and profound loses; be it people, species, rights, privacy, job or financial status, certain things, some of which were long fought for, and we thought would always be around are slipping away. 

Collective feelings are currently so strong they plunge deeply to merge with an oceanic ‘Soul Family’. Within this soul group ripples an innate mystical undercurrent of understanding, tolerance and kindness, which flow in and out of all our stories. Maybe we will all tap into some of that innate goodness in 2019, which will come into focus with the year of the Earth Boar (starting Feb 4^th), that generally proposes a tranquil home and inner-life, while we each work diligently towards achievable personal goals.

With that I wish you all a very happy Solstice Full Moon and Happy Holidays! Happy New Year too! 

Sending LOVE-Light on the Full Moon beams!
From Astro Dakini aka Laura Boomer-Trent
Agent Dakini at the Cosmic Itelligence Agency.

*Five Full Moons in a row are at 0 degrees of the sign: this Cancer Moon is the second in the 5x0 series.  

**Term coined by Richard Nolle in the 70’s for the Moon at Perigee Syzygy, i.e. the Full Moon is closest to Earth. 

Image of Sun & Moon by Vincent of Beauvais, Le Mirouer, 1463

✫ Miracles Days 12 & 13 (13th/14th March) ☽ ♌

On the 12th day, the light radiating from Gautama Shakyamuni Buddha purified the three poisons (ignorance, aversion & attachment), developing loving kindness in all beings. On the 13th day, light beamed from Buddha’s heart-mind, within each atom the Buddha Dharma, filling the whole of space with an infinite Buddhafield. _/♥\_

☽ ♌ With only two days until the Full Miracle Moon, the Moon is still in Leo, accumulating the light that shines from within, so that each individual self-illuminates to pacify negative thoughts, traits, or actions, with the antidotes of loving kindness, forgiveness and compassion.

☆The generous and loving Leo Moon is also next to Pallas Athena, urging one to have a plan; with the Moon and Pallas now part of a fleeting but strong mystic rectangle a practical four-point plan can 1) work confidently with others in a co-operative and peaceful manner (and deal with the retrograde Mars in Libra). 2) Communicate clearly the altruistic intention, and finalise thoughts/ideas from late January and wave goodbye to that sticky Mercury Saturn square. 3) Bring about the change you want to see by being strong and determined (without being impetuous). 4) Shine gifts and talents to assure self-satisfaction (without being egotistical) and help others at the same time = win-win. ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ _/\_

Blessing of love & thanks to this unknown artist whom I love - if anyone knows the name of the artists, please do let me know. _/\_

۞ Heal Ourselves & Heal the World ~ Medicine Buddha Moon ~> 6/7th February __/♥\__

A potent Medicine Buddha Moon is now exalted in earthy Taurus. This first quarter Moon proffers a chance to soothe and organise the mind during a wild and windy Aquarian month. This ability to steady and ground oneself is helpful in stabilising meditation, as well as within relationships – especially those valued aspects (of self) which are in final phase of a powerful transformation.

In tight aspect to the Water Bearer, the waxing Taurus Moon highlights the good things in life which help us heal: food, flowers, and friends. By honouring simple pleasures shared with loved ones or effortlessly savoured alone, the boost to the immune system and recovery that occurs when happiness abounds is enormous. And even one moment of restorative awareness, caught and congratulated, can be goodness multiplied when dedicated to benefit of all beings.

__/♥\__With versatile Mercury going retrograde today, and Venus just having come out of retrograde, plus Mars now in the shadow phase of its’ retrograde on March 1st, the personal relationship planets are certainly gyrating in the heavens. Even the most solid alignments can swivel and turn (in the nicest possible way) to change direction, goal or intention, which is why it’s important to now hold one’s space and get comfortable within one’s own skin (as best we can) during this first quarter Moon phase; because the planets of rapport and affinity are currently keeping everyone alert to evolving within the variable creative tension that naturally arises between interconnecting loved Ones and friends, family and colleagues. En route to the Valentine’s Full Moon, the trick is to now nourish the soul and make LOVE healing, sweet and wholesome.

“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease” Hippocrates

Seven Magical Sisters & Artemis ~ Taurus Full Moon '10

“Twinkle Twinkle little STAR, how I wonder what you are. Up above the sky so bright, like a diamond in the night.” Everyone, young and old, has smiled and sung this song at some time and marvelled at the starry heavens. And there is one very special cluster of stars which truly fascinate and activate this sense of wonder in more ways than is at first obvious; these are the Pleiades –Seven magical Sisters who shimmer and glitter at the very last degree of Taurus, who are linked to mysticism and power, life and death.

For millennia we humans have known something very special emanates from the Seven Sisters. Mythology abounds with stories of these blue stars: To the Greeks they were Doves; to the Celts they are ‘The Fates’; to the Chinese the ‘Seven Sisters of Industry’; to the Indians they are ‘Seven Mothers’ who judge and wield moon-shaped razors; and to the Egyptians they are Seven Goddesses whom the dead encounter. Through these stars we acknoweldge a portal into another world.

Just by watching these alluring Seven Goddesses we link into a collective cosmic mythology that has captivated our imagination and thereby become a part of historical harmony. In esoteric astrology the Pleiades stimulates the human heart centre, enabling one to relinquish the obsessive desire that Scorpio can often cling to. Scorpio is also associated with transformation through rebirth and renewal; though letting go of all that no longer serves can sometimes be a painful process due to Scorpios’ fixed intensity.

So while the Sun is in Scorpio, still with Vesta igniting the inner flame, and the Full Taurus Moon conjuncts the influential Pleiades on Sunday, the 21^st at 17:27 gmt, the power of love is coupled with the power of renewal.  (Look to 29 degrees Taurus and Scorpio in your chart to see where this renewal is taking place.)   

When planets are found at the last degree of a sign, in astrology we call this degree ‘anaretic’, meaning it has an accumulative effect from having almost completed the passing through of one sign.  It’s as though we have already digested all the qualities of the sign before leaping into the next, and in the case of this Full Moon, when the Sun is in Scorpio and the Moon in Taurus, those consecutive signs are truth-seeking Sagittarius and curious Gemini.  Nonetheless, the issues surrounding this Full Moon are still Taurean (personal values and constancy, love and money) and Scorpio (shared values and strength, intimacy and power). Over this moon we harness Scorpio’s ability to deeply sense our Taurean needs in a heartfelt and protective manner without so much the need for words.  A Moon with the Pleiades can trap, hold, and purify (with wisdom and compassion) any negativity that comes to light via Scorpio’s psychic radar.

The Moon is also our emotional anchor; when full the Moon brings clarity and wisdom; and in Taurus, the Moon is exalted, where we find stability.  In the West she is feminine, a Goddess with many names. At this time of year (in the northern hemisphere), when the leaves on the trees have fallen and the nights are dark we call her Diana, or Artemis, the Goddess of the Hunt. Artemis is the bringer of Light, caring for children, women and the environment.  She is often connected to the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades in myth, and being reunited with them over this Full Moon indicates our Goddess energy is once again magnified.  

This gathering of moon maidens and sky dancers creates a dynamic connection, particularly as we are still under the cosmic auspices of the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun (which resumes an exact formation March 13th 2011).  Alice A. Bailey writes that during the time of a Cardinal Cross, the Pleiades employs both Mercury and Mars as agents working through Gemini AND Sagittarius; so it is interesting how they are now in conjunction in truth-seeking Sagittarius.  This could well be a sign that in order to understand the truth we also need to connect more with our intuitive and feminine sides, creating Shiva-Shakti over this Full Moon.  And from Monday, both Sun and Moon move into these signs, when a greater, yang energy becomes our celestial focus for another month, through which the heart-orientated Pleiades communicates.

Wherever you are during this full Moon, when looking out for the Pleiades with the Moon, take a moment to weather-watch. As over November’s ‘Dark Moon’, in both an ancient Babylonian custom, as well as Tibetan, it is said the during Full Taurus Moon (where the moon is exalted) one can note what might lie ahead in the cold winter months, especially for practical sustenance, as Taurus is an earth sign, symbolic of gardening and crops.

Thanks as always to Bill Brouard,"Artimis" by beloved Susan Seddon-Boulet, and other unknown but much appreciated artists.

♥ ☆ ♥ Perfecting the Heart Essence on the path to Freedom ♥ ☆ ♥ Full Moon July 2010

Every Full Moon is special. As the emotional Moon reflects the light of the Sun, together they illuminate with lucid clarity. Yet each moon is different as Sun and Moon course through the zodiac, moving signs, connecting to other wandering planets to make each moment in time distinctly unique. Some Moons are more unique than others. And this one accents highly positive cosmic connections, the likes of which I never seen before, because they herald from way beyond our solar system; so while you are moon bathing under tonight’s full moon, take a moment to absorb some of this Full Moon in freedom-loving Aquarius’ more spacey qualities. 

At 2:37am BST the Moon will be at 3 degrees of friendly Aquarius, opposite the bright Leo Sun. Leo represents our generous spirit - the perfection of the heart essence, while group-orientated Aquarius signifies the altruistic mind, as well as social networking and technology. The axis where these two signs align across an individual’s horoscope indicate the ways head and heart align to bring about love and romance, networking friendships and helpful alliances.

Incredibly, the Full Moon in Aquarius (on Monday 26th @ 2:27 British summer time) is actually on the very same degree from whence in the heavens the largest ever burst of gamma rays originated, arriving on planet Earth on this Summer Solstice, even knocking out Nasa’s telescope. Could this very high frequency resonance be some kind of cosmic nuclear pulsation that helps to elevate consciousness and irradiate collective density?
♥ ☆ ♥ The story of the gamma ray is here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7893771/Nasa-satellite-blinded-by-biggest-ever-star-explosion-seen-in-space.html

Doubly amazing, this week saw another Leo Sun – Moon in space-age Aquarius synchronicity, as a massive Sun beaming 300 times more light than ours was discovered along the same marker of the ecliptic (the path of the Sun) as this Full Moon. It’s an extraordinary coincidence how these two remarkable events should share the same degrees as the Full Moon; as in mundane astrology the Moon represents the people, and in hopeful Aquarius it indicates we can now embrace the future in the selfless spirit of heart felt co-operation, to co-create our global humanity where all beings can find happiness.
♥ ☆ ♥ Watch the space voyage to another sun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUMIzrRKSY8

Since the advent of a massively rare configuration of planets lined up this year as the ‘Cardinal Cross of the Spiritual Sun’, we’ve had encouragement from the cosmos to confirm (and assist) our spiritual evolution;  this full moon links up rather nicely with the 'T square' made by Saturn, Uranus/Jupiter and Pluto in the Cardinal Cross, assisting in making postitive lasting changes. So the question remains: are we ready to raise our vibration and generate a magnanimous loving heart? Because the Universe seems to signal that we are.

The Free Heart ~ A Consciousness of Others ~ Full Libra Moon 2010

Full Moon on the Rise ~ Let the love-light shine!

"We keep looking outside for the light when we should now become the light". Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

The growing light of the Aries Sun radiates in fiery exaltation, mirroring our own internal light that swells in luminosity through positive focus, meditation, and intent. Opposite the Full Moon in relationship orientated Libra on March 30 at 3:25 BST, a brilliant Sun in Aries encourages braver moves with passion, verve and originality; the Libra Moon reflects a smartly cooler sophisticated emotional reaction to such Aries dynamism. This lively Sun-Moon alignment can create a fair-minded outlook, enabling us to move ahead with confidence, steadfast in self-acceptance, with the ability to make sure everyone’s emotional needs are met.

Aries -Libra is the Zodiac’s ‘me-we’ axis: Circumstances around this full moon present an opportunity to look at our self in relation to other people. Now there is the potential to expose the less desirable workings of a self-cherishing mind, and see the importance of helpful and loving allies. When assessing how we work with others, we must ask ourselves what exactly do we bring and what do we give to our family, friends and relationships. Which associations are helpful, for all concerned - and how will they go forward and benefit others?

Bear in mind that in the midst of these seemingly hard questions, karmic Saturn, the cosmic task master, will accompany the Full Moon. Others may hold up a mirror to reveal issues of loneliness versus being alone, neediness versus being self-reliant, fears versus love. This intensity of feeling is to help define our limits in relationship and out, which may be more apparent as the Moon approaches culmination; some may find it difficult to express how they feel, wanting to switch off the ‘emotional button’ entirely, making it difficult for other’s to connect. Yet there is an easing of pressure as the soon as la Luna is full. Still, a self-serving mind could easily feel the strain. Patience is called for; watch out for selfish tendency. Quickly nip in the bud any overwhelming sense of me, myself, mine, to alleviate self-inflicted karma, either by hurting someone else or suffering a damaged ego. Switch attention to helping others. This is the way to a healthy ego, feeling good and valuing ourselves.

In Buddhism we say if someone really gets to you, by making you angry for instance, then that person is a treasure, as they reveal a part of ourselves that needs to be worked on. But the real secret to dealing with destructive emotion is to be relaxed about who we are, which is naturally kind and good.

As this Full Moon spotlights a balanced ‘self’, if you don’t like what you see the Aries Sun imbibes the courage to change it. Several planets (Sun Moon Saturn & Pluto) now support a radical shift, enabling the alchemical transformation of negative imprints which may have been subtly or not so subtly reinforced for years (lifetimes possibly), making it less painful to let go of unhelpful thoughts and desires, so we are content in our skin “etre dans la peau”, as the French say, comfortable going deeper, becoming clearer, finding happiness at heart. With such ease of being, it’s then easier assist, and to be there for others.

And if you are still wondering 'What about Me'... watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDSAAlrqAHM&feature=related

Thanks and blessings to unknown artists, much appreciated whoever you are.

2010 New Year ~ Blue Moon ~ Pyramid Power

Leaving the noughties behind (*sigh of relief*) we welcome a new decade in the light of a powerful Blue Super Moon, which is not only in partial eclipse, but this triple whammy Cancerian Moon is also closest to the Earth, and our Earth is closest to the Capricorn Sun. It is a rare and tight celestial embrace between the Divine Cosmic lovers, Sun & Moon, aligning with our human Earth Spirit, inviting an intense but short-lived moment of magically merging tidal energies: Male with female, yin and yang, gold with silver, positive and negative, right brain - left brain, consciousness and the unconscious fusing together to create the potential to go beyond the normal confines of duality, into blissful Oneness. Within this sense of unity we can untie the knots in our heart mind and invoke the high vibration of pure awareness – not only to see things for what they really are, but psychically sense and feel deeply, all the while resting in objectivity, reflecting the celestial dynamic without attachement or aversion.

Karma is always magnified when the tremendous force of the dragon's head and dragon's tail are activated x 10,000; and with this lunar eclipse we have the possibility to work with incredible pyramid power (Sun-Moon-Earth; Mercury-Capricorn-Humanity; triple Aquarian Conjunction of Chiron-Neptune-Jupiter) to create strong foundations and release a potent positive intention of unconditional love into the collective atmosphere - the noosphere - a sphere of united and evolutionary human thought.

To make the most of these few hours either side of the eclipse (exact time of the Full Moon is on the evening of the 31^st, at 19:13 GMT), be aware these are enchanting moonbeams, even if covered by cloud. Protection is as important as being open. Yet if there was ever a New Year to make resolutions that can work, this is it, as ‘The Lights’ illuminate any intention you make. Over the next day consider carefully this year’s goals and objectives, and then ring in the New Year by inviting Full Moon insight and mirror-like wisdom for 2010. To complete any aim or purpose, personal advantage is enhanced by working for the benefit of others. And if you’re up for seeing the bigger picture, set a positive intention for the coming decade!

Bear in mind this coming year’s stars are multifarious, challenging and complex, reflective of the many choices and changes we all encounter. We are now also in a Mercury retrograde period (until January 15^th) (and Mars Rx until Spring). As usual, when Mercury is retro, we are advised to re-read legal documents and fine print at least three times before signing on anything big, like getting a loan, buying a house or setting up a business. This particular Mercury is in the same sign as the Sun, initiating and deliberate Capricorn, denoting solid framework to the formation and concretising of intuitive ideas that also combine a rational approach, a modus operando that is personally effective, as well as on a humanitarian level.

Mercury in Capricon says there may be a mountain of karma holding down or suppressing evolution and creating resistance. This could be internal, as in our own mind creates thoughts that hold us back, or external, as having to deal with a recalcitrant authority, for example. With Mercury in apparent backward motion, now is the time for quick thinking, to bring about a new vision and change in our perception that swiftly releases us from mental bondage. Taming the mind is therefore central and crucial to finding the freedom of new experiences, as well as bringing difficult and destructive experiences to a close. With planning and effort, the results of intelligent problem solving could bring movement in a positive direction at soon as the new moon on the 15^th January. And by the time of the metal White Tiger Tibetan & Chinese New Year, on the 14^th February, Valentine’s Day, much of what is currently being re-worked could be close to some kind a resolution.

As mentioned, the heavens are decidedly Byzantine this year, dominated by a rarely protracted phenomenon called ‘the Cardinal Grand Cross’ involving Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. If you are one of these signs, the inclination to act and create, participate and initiate is strong. This dramatic cross formation will be around for most of the year. While many astrologers are saying that these are the trickiest transits we have seen for a long time, we must make an effort to maintain the quest for liberation and generate the cosmic love vibration, not falling into the negatively controlling fear trap. The hot cosmic tip is to become mindful of one’s own place in relation to fellow beings, and to exhibit harmony and balance wherever and whenever possible, and accent the importance of peace. Influential Saturn is in peace-seeking Libra: If we are to have peace in the world, we must find peace within our selves. Admittedly this may be easier said than done, but there are breathing techniques that can quickly create this calm mind (and advance intelligence): by watching and observing the breath just for only ten minutes a day, it can be enough to generate the peace of mind one needs to effectively deal with everyday demands (of course, sit in longer meditation if so inclined!). One last astral snippet: a financial turning point towards the end of May brings slow but sure improvement all around. Good luck! May your New Year Stars twinkle with Love and Light!

Pic credit: Francine Hart

Buddha's Descent from the 33 ~ Taurus Full Moon 09

The heart of the Sun is likened to the spiritual human heart which, when positively galvanized, has the ability to radiate cheerful enthusiasm to control and direct deeply profound emotions, such as craving or aversion. This is worth bearing in mind as the Sun now passes though compelling and magnetic Scorpio, when passion is as easily aroused, as is our ability to be resolutely concentrated (dharana) and focused (dhyana). This finely tuned and sometimes hidden ability to shine a light upon our negative state - or even a positive meditative objective – is acute as we approach the Samhain full Moon in Taurus, on November the 2nd, also known as all Soul’s Day.


While the solar Gregorian calendar dictates October 31st as Halloween, the cross-quarter point is on November 7th. During this time of year the veil between worlds, underworld and overworld, consciousness and subconscious, is thin – allowing us to delve into previously hidden parts of our psyche as well as rise to the other extreme: ecstatic peaks. At such times we also need to enhance sensitivity and take care, as desire nature can also run amok to captivate the mind and obsess about all kinds of yearnings. Any emotional attachment to our perceived requirements could render one doubly responsive at this time. Insightful Scorpio works in mysterious ways, ultimately pointing to the path of transformation and the power to alchemically change destructive emotional longing into generating an aspiration towards compassionate love, ‘bodhicitta’ in Buddhism. Doing so orientates towards the spiritual heart of every individual, our true Buddha nature.

This Full Moon on Monday (19:14 GMT 14:19 ET) commemorates Buddha’s agreement to the Deva’s request to descend from the Heavenly Realms of the 33, the Trayatrisma (where he had repaid kindness by teaching his mother), and return to Earth to continue teaching the dharma. In a week’s time, at the last quarter moon on November 9th, we celebrate the actual descent as being one of the four most important days in the Buddhist calendar. This ability to move between spheres is not currently confined to the Buddha. The Spirit of the Sun is also currently up-close and personal with communicative Mercury who, in Scorpio, acts as mediating psychopomp between the seen and unseen, urging us to be attentive to our thoughts while we shift between our levels of consciousness, so that we can recognise any gems we might discover.

The Sun and Mercury also conjunct asteroid Ceres, now enjoying elevated status since being promoted by astronomers to have a greater rank in the solar system. Symbolically, Ceres is the Great Earth Mother, a resonance of Tibetan Green Tara, caring for all as if we are her own. Ceres in Scorpio encourages us to connect to others through sharing special moments. The enchanting touch of Ceres makes everyone feel loved and nurtured. Whispering sweet nothings into loved ones ears; friendly gestures in familial or social settings, a tender caress as a story is shared over dinner; or through massage and a blissful sexual union with the one we are intimately connected is a welcome kind of therapeutic togetherness, bringing joy, camaraderie and renewed strength for Halloween ~Samhain and to rejoice Buddha’s Decent next week. At this intermediary fire festival, flames blaze along the leylines conveying the message of light, warmth and love, from heart to heart. Fire can also glow from within, as Tantric Kandal.

As autumn leaves fall, Scorpio is also a time of cutting back that which impedes renewed growth later on. So too, is it our time to let go of outworn modus operandi. If you have anything to offer to the light of love (hopes, dreams and ambition or fears, doubts and worries about relationship, money, career, the future) write it down clearly and hold your intent to transmute or let go when sacrificing it into the fire. On a more mundane note, while Mercury is with the Sun in Scorpio, we can harness the ability to focus more easily and access the penetrating qualities of the mind. Puzzles may now be solved and secrets unearthed. It is also an optimum time to assess how shared assets and potential legacies are maturing.

From an esoteric view Mercury, with the Sun in Scorpio, activates the laser-like psychic perception that zaps straight to the magical heart of any matter, including quick easy access to the Spiritual Sun. And because a fixed cross accompanies this Full Moon, (with the triple Aquarian conjunction and Mars in Leo) the potential is for heart, throat and anja centres to act as portals for Divine luminescence. Shine on, Beloved Ones, Shine on… Special thanks to Karim Rashid for visionary art

Dream Healing Caduces

We all have an image in our mind of how we are. For those whose egos are as Royal as Buckingham Palace, it’s a vision of excellence, of someone unable to do anything wrong or make mistakes. For others who only see faults, foibles, and that tiny little spec of fluff on your shoulder, the picture is far less grandiose; and one that can so easily feed a poverty mentality held in the grip of fear and loathing. Neither viewpoint is that healthy or nourishing: one too pompous, the other too narrow; it takes a certain kind of understanding to realise that while no one is perfect, everyone is precious: an awareness of self in relation to others.

A false perception of how we associate with the world can lead to feeling disconnected in so many spheres: in relationship to people, money, work, even reality itself. Yet all is never lost. Especially while healing Mercury, also planet of the mind, is stationed (to go retrograde on Monday) in rational Libra; the sign of peace and loving harmony shows how a balanced viewpoint comes by turning towards the middle way. This way of ‘intrinsic awareness’ allows us to see how our own life is reflected by everything around us, through others and our environment; if we take this further then we can perceive how one’s mind is also reflected in the body. And with the light of the life-giving Sun now focusing upon health-orientated Virgo, the connection to our physical wellbeing is seriously emphasized.

So how do we achieve this balanced state of intrinsic awareness, of self-acceptance with a healthy mind and body? The most direct way is through meditation, yoga, prayer, dance or poetry, or any other activity that promotes insight through non-analysis. During this Sun in Virgo ~ Pisces Full Moon (exact Friday at 5pm BST), a powerful solar-lunar association activates the dream and the achievable, to unify form and the formless, the real and phantasmagorical. Best note where the Virgo-Pisces axis lies in your horoscope, and prepare to synchronize mind and body with Divine Spirit. Take time to sit and breathe and observe how thoughts show up in your physical being, through tension and stress. And take care, as Samskaras from previous lives can also come to light when developing an equanimous mind and the heart of compassion.

Note Mercury is going to go retrograde in Libra early next week, heading back into purist Virgo on the 18th. Ordinarily, when any of the yearly three ‘Mercury Retrograde’ periods come up, astrologers warn about re-reading every last word of legal fine print at least twice before signing upon dotted lines, and to be aware that transport and postal delays should be factored in if sending or travelling – and still expect things to go slightly out of whack. But this next Mercury retrograde is no ordinary backward sliding passage, as the planet of communication lines up with an authoritative and realistic Saturn, which remains in opposition to radical Uranus (for another year yet), suggesting we all need to continue looking in a responsible manner at alternative measures for ways to make our lives secure and calm, open and free, without feeling oppressed, descending into anarchy, or resisting change.

So keep an eye on any balls you have in the air right now. Make a mental note of all you’re thinking about, how you process and juggle those thoughts, and the potential outcome of any analysis, because you might well be going over similar ground mid-September and again mid-October. Remember, experience counts, and forewarned is forearmed.

Staying on a practical note: if making (any major) decision over the next month, the most appealing option might be to sit on the fence whilst weighing up all options, (even asking other peoples’ opinions, if necessary professionals) possibly up until mid-October. Before pronouncing any sensible and responsible judgement, you may ironically go through an extreme transformation of causes and condition that enables something or someone to really flourish for years to come.

United in Love ♥☼♥ Leo Sun ~ Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius 09

According to the Tibetan tradition, during the 24 hours surrounding a lunar eclipse, karma and merit generated is magnified 70 million times. Imagine the feel-good factor Bill Clinton is incurring by returning home with the two young reporters imprisoned in North Korea. For tonight we witness the last of three eclipses in a row, which is the Full Moon, lunar and penumbral and vaguely visible over Europe and Africa. (Next is New Year’s Eve!)

Eclipses are always powerful and loaded with emotional intensity; cross-culturally associated with magical Dragons. In Tibet, Dragon signifies inscrutability, mystery, and the highest kind of principles that guide our fiery inner light – Spirit – to be fearless with compassion, courageous and open. In the west it is the heavenly ‘Ourobos’, the transformational tail-eating serpent representing the never-ending cycle of life, death and re-birth. With evolutionary Rahu at the head and Ketu at the tail, Tibet’s Dragon is also ‘Roarer of Thunderclouds’ and bearer of the glowing orb, the ‘wish-fulfilling gem’, symbolic of enlightenment.

At 1:55 am, (BST) the celestial dragon fertilises the pearl-like seed of potentiality, as the fiery and generous Leo Sun aligns with a coolly altruistic Aquarian Moon, both at 13.43 degrees. And although this eclipse is partial, potent energies assemble. Aquarius is also the sign of wishing: so best be conscious and careful of what we wish at this time. This is also a rather ‘yang’ eclipse, as both signs are masculine in nature, denoting wisdom in action, intuition working with the rational. Aquarius holds the head of the dragon (the north node), urging us towards a humanitarian future. The tail of the dragon (south node) is in Leo, encouraging us to come from the heart, to be loving and creative and confident of our individuality within the Aquarian collective, and discover personal strength in unity.

And as this Moon conjoins the triple Aquarian conjunction of Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune, the incentive to grow, mend, and let go of addiction, anger or blame is strong. In the body, Jupiter rules the liver, while Neptune is associated with toxicity, and Chiron the accidentally wounded healer. This association suggests that whatever we may have done in the past to ourselves, others, or even to the planet (through our own ignorance), now is the time wise-up, forgive and be generous, to move on with hearts free from destructive emotions, brimming with unconditional, compassionate love.

One last note, here in the Northern hemisphere we have the high summer fire festival ‘Lammas’, celebrating warmth, joy and the reaping of summer wheat harvest.

With that, I wish you all happiness. May your harvest be bountiful and may your own personal wish-fulfilling gem manifest.

Stay well and stay blessed,
With love and full moonlight,
Dragon Fractal using the Julia set ♥☼♥