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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

♋♑ ~> River Deep – Mountain High - Sun in Cancer Full Moon in Capricorn 17°09’ @5:07 UT July 9th

☽☼☾ On July 9th, from the outer reaches of our solar system, the astrological Lord of the Underworld, Pluto, aligns perfectly with a Full Moon @ 17°09’ Capricorn, opposite the Cancerian Sun (at same degrees). During this alignment certain situations, feelings or relationships are cosmically bound to transform purely by being confident, caring, and daring to look and indeed going beyond the norm. Take note: this is a Full Moon where discipline is called for when taking action to go bravely beyond one’s comfort zone, especially when exploring Pluto’s mysteries.

Enigmatic Pluto is a generational planet, meaning entire swathes of people born between rather long time frames have a similar means of transforming all that which no longer serves. Ruthless in fixity, Pluto is the planet of extremes that takes one higher onto the mountain, deeper into the unknown, safe in the wisdom that we are never really alone and that the cosmos always supports – even in the face of adversity. The generation born today will bear the celestial hallmark of an Pluto in Capricorn, the sign of the spiritual and ambitious mountain goat. Thus, it’s a collective, all-or-nothing transformation of authority, taxes, business, and, perhaps most importantly, the conservation of shared resources, such as the land, mining and forestry. Sharing such assets could also come naturally to those who are intent on making the world an easier place for the many and not the few*.

Often with an air of invisibility, Pluto is an metamorphic planet of secrets and power, sexual magnetism and psychic sensibility – a slow-moving planet that can indicate a seductive gradual unfolding of subtle energies now illuminated by the Sun. Due to its long orbit around the Sun (248 years), Pluto is currently slowly ploughing through earthy, ambitious, mountain-climbing Capricorn, making transparency – or the lack of it – a key issue for those hungry for control by any means possible. But while the last of vestiges of the ‘7x Uranus-Pluto Cardinal square’ continues to spotlight corruption and tyranny (without and within), the collective task of altruistic 'social reform in the age of technological innovation'** (the Uranus-Pluto square that lasts from 2010-2018) continues apace, sadly all-too-often with the kind of upheaval and disruption that can make people cynical, anxious and suspicious.

Because the sensitive Moon is in its’ ‘fall’ in Capricorn, even the unconditional nurturing nature of Mother Moon may seem limited. For whatever reason: too busy, too tired, too hard bitten, or unable to emote by letting the mind rule the heart, the Moon with profound Pluto indicates there’s a tendency towards a broody sangfroid, dressed up in a seductive sexiness that exudes issues of control, that do no one any favours. Should you encounter this attitude within yourself or others – as the Moon and Pluto in Capricorn can turn things against oneself, best move on, investing time and energy into accomplishing matters that satisfy the deeply spiritual side of yourself by being profound in ways that empower, yet still allow one to remain private and confidential in one’s accomplishment.

From the astrological historical point of view, what makes this Moon Pluto contact most interesting is how both the Cancerian Sun and Mars (the latter a Pluto adversary) have all come together to highlight the degree of Pluto’s discovery, which was in Cancer at the time when the nuclear bomb was discovered, as well as the introduction for birth-control pills for women. Pluto is the planet of sex, death, snake medicine, and other people’s assets, so it no surprise to see life and death issues now raised – and attempts to control the feminine Shakti power. It’s also evolutionary Pluto’s nodal degree, indicating an unseen power portal has opened, through which we can jointly tunnel through difficulties, by concentrating and holding the light in focus.

All the while Pluto and the Moon reflect the beams of the comforting Cancerian Sun – in the Moon’s home sign; the strength of which may resemble the warm love a mother has for her child, a love which may even negate and avert any potential dark night of the soul, especially for those who can handle opposition with grace and clarity.

Yet even though the radiant Sun is in the Moon’s domain, Sol cosies up to usually dynamic Mars, but which is now in ‘detriment’ in the sign of the Crab, i.e. Mars is not the Sun’s usual strong henchman and both Sun and Moon sense vulnerability. Mars is in fact currently very weak and battle scarred, possibly even needing a place to rest and looking forward to holidays. In Cancer, heroic Mars also defends ideals that lie in the ancestral past. Even if skeletons rattle in the Plutonic closet, family ties are important over this Full Moon. With nepotism aside, Mars with the Sun also suggests the chances for staying home to make fairy cakes may (eventually) ignite more passion than swashbuckling with celebrity pirates in super yachts and other such brash summer fun. So best save the bling until the New Leo Moon in a couple of weeks, when its sparkles a-go-go.

Within astrological rulerships there are times, however, when planets in ‘fall’ and ‘detriment’ can still helpfully connect to facilitate positive outcomes. And this could well be the case at this Full Moon, as Mars is exalted in Capricorn, and the Moon at home in Cancer. So both Mars, and Luna, find themselves in signs in which the other excels. This kind of mutual admiration from afar can work wonders; a configuration such as this can help clarify good friends from bad enemies – which could be very handy at a Full Moon that reactivates the now infamous ‘Cardinal Cross of The Central Spiritual Sun’: the astrological configuration dominating the heavens in various waves of intensity for the past seven years raising spiritual awareness as well as the materialistic opposite. As the Lights, Sun and Moon, also form a tight T-Square to expansive Jupiter in harmonious Libra, they also tighten the square towards Uranus in Aries July 10th, as the Moon then creates a square Cardinal sky mandala, with four planets each approximately 90° apart. Just as Jupiter’s far sighted wisdom make it the Cardinal Cross’s synthesiser, it is Uranus that functions as THE ‘Agent of Change’, with the intention to benefit others the stimulus to act. Those who have planets dominant in Cardinal signs, Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn in his or her scope may even experience a seemingly sudden change of direction the day after the exact culmination of the Full Moon, around July 10th, extending the time-frame to the above mentioned New Leo Moon, July 23rd.

A Cardinal Cross is always action-packed, and the will to perfect good actions will certainly hold one in karmic stead. Whatever a planet/sign joins the either Sun or Moon, in this instance of the Cardinal Square with Mars, Jupiter, Pluto, Uranus, it further defines and suddenly brings to light, from out of the shadows all kinds of previously hidden and murky issues. Pluto in Capricorn, for instance, means empire-building Big Boys feel the heat. Make no mistake, getting to the bottom of certain shared secrets and investments during this Full Moon is no ordinary mission, but one that requires utmost self-control, responsibility and TRUST.

Sun and Moon are approaching good aspect to Chiron, which has just gone retrograde for the rest of the year, only going forward at the beginning of December, bring the healing of our waters, emotions and dreams to the fore. Shaman Chiron squares up to karmic Saturn to face-up to the pain which teaches compassion.

This year of the Fire Bird’s insightful and creative ‘Fire Trine’ also now begins to witness planets and asteroids come and go within 2017’s astral triangle featuring key players: Uranus in Aries, North Node in Leo, and Saturn in Sagittarius. Notably, Warrior Goddess Pallas Athena, though now shifting signs into Taurus, stays close to Uranus for the rest of the year, indicating a need to plan for iconoclastic change; and Karmic Saturn now joins the dark side of the feminine, Black Moon Lilith, for a few months of intense soul searching into one’s own truth, especially giving form to the heady responsibility of the wild woman’s freedoms; plus the August eclipses when The Lights’ really begin to spark and burn away the dross to reveal an innate inner-wisdom.

To sum up, standing in the shadows may seem like a preferred option for some in the run up to Full Moon culmination, but as Luna peaks the desire to instigate alternatives and revel in the new and beautiful may be too irresistible – though it may still take time to formalise options and adjustments.

With Full Moon Blessings of Love and Light - especially as this is also Guru Purnima, the day we honour our teachers, to whom I give thanks for their blessings and faith, from Laura aka Astro Dakini 🙏❤️💖💙💜💛

Also, a note to say there are a few places left for this year’s Astrology Retreats in Southern France.
And a mention to two astrologers whose work struck me this week : * Bill Herbst – Mountain Astrologer Dec ‘15 & **Astrid Fallon – Planetary Cycles, with Love and thanks 🙏💕also to Onejian from Deviant Art for Buddha Mountain Buddha artwork 🙏❤️

‘Guru Purnima’, a.k.a. the 'Teacher’s Moon’ ~ Full Capricorn Moon 2016

Tonight's Full Capricorn Moon (@23:57bst) is ‘Guru Purnima’, a.k.a. the 'Teacher’s Moon’, to honour the illuminating insight of the spiritual instructor (which the aspirant carries within the heart (of his or her own Sun)). Devotion to a teacher is often misunderstood (in western society), as we so often think we will achieve enlightenment on our own, without being shown or taught how to. And while its true that a few bright spirits do have the karma to be self-illuminating, for the most part our inherent potential for enlightment needs a guiding hand to steer our thoughts and actions towards the light - which is where the compassionate and wise spiritual teacher steps in to help us become wiser, kinder, and more loving. That said, even Shakyamuni Buddha advised everyone to test his teachings as if they were nuggets of gold, and not just accept out of reverence. So in the words of our most precious guiding light, H.H.14th Dalai Lama, “The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis.” i.e. 'the teacher within'. As such, this is the Moon to give thanks for the wisdom of the sages. __/♥\__

Beautiful art from Karma Phuntsok, with love & thanks for sharing

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

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

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

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