ॐ Feb 17th ~> 1st Guru Rinpoche day of the new Fire Monkey Year! _/ ♡ \_

☆ With the radiant Sun in altruistic Aquarius, and the responsive Moon in Gemini, the Lights (Sun and Moon) create an altogether enquiring and intellectual combination, encouraging one to tame this monkey mind, and live life by what is best for everyone. 
☆ On this first Guru Rinpoche day of the Fire Monkey year, it is also good to know that Guru Rinpoche was a real person – and a Monkey; so we honour the memory of Guru Rinpoche, also called Padmasambhava, the ‘Lotus born’, Tibet’s second Buddha, who subdued negative forces and brought Tantra (from India) to Tibet. This also makes a Monkey year extra special for Guru Rinpoche, a Jewel of a Teacher. Connecting now, with body, speech, and mind, to all our most precious teachers, those living, those passed, and those yet to come, also maintains the thread that holds the treasured wisdom together. 
☆ As the Moon grows in light, Chötrul Düchen, the Full Moon Day of Miracles is only a few days away. Note how we also are in a karma multiplied period; goodness applied now could well be quickly rewarded _/♡\_

With ℒℴѵℯ  ॐ__/❀\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✫
& many thanks to unknown artist for Guru Rinpoche Thangka, whose teachings bless the sublime inner essence. 

❤ Losar 2143 Year of the Red Fire Monkey

☆ Losar, the Tibetan fortnight of miracles, begins February 8th, with a New Moon at 20 Aquarius, at 14:40gmt, and the 2143 Year of the Red Fire Monkey! Get ready now, as the charming antics of the Wood Goat make way for dynamic, progressive and ingenious, Monkey action!

☆ Two things to note about a Monkey year, one is that Padmasambhava, Tibet’s second Buddha, was a Monkey, with an ability to master everything under the Sun – and Moon. This year is therefore a special year to connect with and honour the great Tantric master; to be confident and gain mastery of the chattering Monkey mind, as did he. In words of precious Guru Rinpoche “Fortunate ones, mingle your mind with the Dharma and the happiness of Buddhahood will manifest within you!”
☆ The second interesting point is how the United States is actually a Fire Monkey (1776), which makes sense when one considers how the quick-thinking Fire Monkey is inventive (if not always cautious), able to swiftly seize the moment to upstage and outshine. All Monkeys strive for improvement with originality and supreme optimism, but the Fire Monkey does it in great self-assured style and with remarkable initiative.
☆ Generally speaking this is a good Year for the Rat, Snake, Sheep. Lucky for Ox, Horse, Monkey. Mixed for Rooster, Dragon. Challenging for Tiger. And fair for Rabbit, Dog, Boar.
Wishing everyone a fortunate, loving and happy New Year of the Fire Monkey
_/❤\_ Losar Tashi Delek! ☆ With many thanks & love _/❤\_

☼ △ ☾ Guru Rinpoche day June 26th 2015

☼ △ ☾ Every month on the 10th day of the lunar cycle, when Sun and Moon form a fabulous and dynamic association of ‘The Lights’, we, in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, honour the Lama, the Teacher (within). This day is also known as Guru Rinpoche day, honouring Padmasambhava, the 2nd Buddha (after Shakyamuni), ‘the lotus born’ who generated rainbows and brought the sacred art of Tantra from India to Tibet in the 8th century. Guru means teacher, and Rinpoche the ‘precious jewel’, thus energies surround this Moon phase are generally positive, guiding and helpful, especially when on the path of transformation.

☼ △ ☾ Today’s Guru Rinpoche day, 26-27th June is also very special, as it not only celebrates the birthday of the historical second Buddha of Tibet, Guru Padmasambhava, but there are no less than three major lineage holders whose birthday it is at the same time: His Holiness, the 17th Karmapa (30 year’s old); Dilgo Khyentse Yangsti Rinpoche (22), and most beloved Dzogchen Yogi, Chatral Sangye Dorje Rinpoche (102!). Our very best wishes go to these esteemed lineage holders on this great day _/♡\_

As the radiant Sun blesses their familial Cancerian Spirts, the Moon in Scorpio can deepen heart connections that pave the way for profound self-liberation.
If you have a teacher whom you feel has helped you in any way to become a kinder, more loving, better you, today is the day to give thanks and allow those teachings to seep deeply into soul, and fuel creativity to raise consciousness and embody wisdom and compassion (and realise complete Great Enlightenment).

☼ △ ☾ Astro info ~> July 2nd’s Full Capricorn Moon on Thursday @3:19bst,  activates dynamic Divinity within the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun; Pluto is with Luna, opposite Sun/Mars, and all in square to the nodal axis in Libra (NN) and Aries (SN).  FYI: The nodal axis is just now approaching an alignment with the Super Galagtic centre, i.e. the core around which zillions of galaxies are drawn. This full Moon presents the potent Solstice turning point; and it is loaded with powerful ‘unseen’, psychic vibration. Note that situations around this Full Moon, are cosmically bound to have a direct impact upon those at Equinox Solar Eclipse, September 28th.  But that’s way ahead! For now, lift one’s spirit and enjoy the Summer (in the North) or the growing light in the South.

With ℒℴѵℯ_/✿\_  & thanks all my teachers and to unknown Tangka painter. Happy Guru Rinpoche day Everyone!

Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pemma Siddhi Hung _/\_ :)

Wood Sheep SakaDawa 2015 ~> Guru Rinpoche Day_/\_

☼ △ ☾ A glowing Luna beautifully reflects the light of Spirit Sun, which is also now growing into its illuminating magnificence; SakaDawa Full Moon in Sagittarius celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and paranirvana, is on Tuesday 2nd June. Before then, the current Gemini Sun, Mercury, Mars conjunction continually stimulates the mind (great time to train the mind with lojong and/or mindfulness); as the ability to understand and act upon the ‘right view’ is greatly enhanced by resting on centre, and finding balance by talking things through with others, and generally airing questions, thoughts and information that can be put into action.

☼ △ ☾ In good aspect to the Moon in Libra, which is conjunct the destiny-fulfilling North Node, ‘The Lights’ now presents a wonderful turning point, towards the light, towards love, beauty and harmony as a mainstay of relationships.

☼ △ ☾This configuration on Guru Rinpoche day suggests the relationship is one between teacher and student, Guru and chela is almost ‘fated’, as though one were ‘meant’ to have a soul contract in splendour and devotion. Today, therefore, is a day to cherish those relationships from which we learn.

Image with thanks & ℒℴѵℯ_/✿\_ to the brilliant Karma Phunstok

△ Grand Air Trine △ Guru Rinpoche day _/\_ Jan'15

☽☆☾ This lunar cycle’s 'Guru Rinpoche' day, when we give thanks and honour our guides, teachers and, in the Tibetan Buddhist’s tradition, our Lama, has a seriously intellectual quality about it, with reason and love triumphant when embracing unity, bliss and emptiness. This is because a triangle formation between the Aquarian Sun, the growing Gemini Moon, and the Moon’s North Node in Libra, now emphasises the highest functions of the heart mind.
 

 △ With a 'Grand Air Trine' the ability to find common bonds through ideas and friendship can create unity that helps to overcome the dualism separating us from the cosmic Oneness, which has our best interests at heart. Indeed, this kind of magical spacy cohesion helps to appreciate how the teacher works in mysterious ways. Please note that a teacher can be within, someone you met, or from books or videos, even.
 

△ And though we are all born with an inherent inner wisdom, none of us is perfect. In Buddhist philosophy we are all each others’ teachers, in one form or another. So it is during this glorious Gibbous Moon phase, before the upcoming glorious full Moon, where we celebrate the sacred connections that help us to breathe easy and remove karmic obscuration.
 

△ Paying respect to those who help gain personal insight, intuition, and wisdom overview, continues to be in the spotlight with Full Leo Moon, Tuesday the 4th, which will be conjunct Jupiter, the solar system’s munificent ‘Cosmic Guru’, which should be fun. ;)

☽☆☾ It is also worth noting how the nodal axis, with north &south nodes signifying where we are going and where we are coming from respectively, are currently activated by eccentric Uranus, conjunct the South Node. This powerful galvanization from the planet of change, Uranus, advocates the movement towards peace, beauty and harmony (NN in Libra) by raising awareness of where we have been, bringing new gifts to make serious changes (Uranus conjunct SN) that embrace the new and exciting.

In this astral Aquarian age of enlightenment, altruism is the key to the success of any transformation. _/♥\_ 

☽☆☾ Image is of Garuda – artist unknown, sent to us by one of the great living masters, Jadho Rinpoche _/♥\_  Garuda is the Himalayan ‘King of the Birds’, who removes the poison to avoid any injury that comes about from desire, ignorance and aversion. In the Tibetan Kalachakra system of astrology, Garuda is associated with the inventive Fixed Air sign, Aquarius. the sign in which Sprit Sun currently resides.

Guru Rinpoche New Year! 2015

__/\__ Celebrating the wisdom of the Lama as 2014 draws to a close. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the moon phase five days before a full moon, the Gibbous Moon, is a monthly feast day in honour of our Teacher (Guru or Lama, historical or modern, friend, foe or loved one), who shows us how to live in love, with compassion. With the moon not yet full (Jan4th), Luna’s light is still reflective and bright; and this is considered the monthly optimum expression of joyful and luminous ‘yang’ energy. Both Sun and Moon are always in the same element for Guru Rinpoche day. In today’s case, the initiating Capricorn Sun and an exalted Taurus Moon accent the stabilising Earth element, helping to manifest in the ‘real’ world. A practical Moon in the sign of the Bull moderates Capricorn’s austere ambition, bringing out the SeaGoat Sun’s more spiritual qualities, such as maintaining the stamina and strength to accept personal responsibility and to welcome with an open heart the unerring discipline and practice needed to master skills - talents which are so often wasted without value or encouragement. Now ‘The Lights’ emphasis the wisdom of the (inner) Guru, it bodes well for our intentions, visioning, affirmations and resolutions to materialise for the coming year, 2015.


Happy New Year All!
With ℒℴѵℯ __/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✶& thanks from Laura & extra special thanks to Visual Alchemy for ‘Yantra Spill’ image

Fire trine △ August 6th 2014 ~> Guru Rinpoche day! _/✿\_

On this 10th day of the 6th Tibetan month, Padmasambhava appeared lotus born to become Tibet’s second Buddha, otherwise known as Guru Rinpoche. It is said Buddha Shakyamuni foretold his rebirth; and today we honour the precious Guru Rinpoche who taught Buddha’s teachings through Tantric form.

☼ ♌~ △ ~ ☾♐ ~ △ ~ ♅♈
This year the Golden light of the Sun in Leo and the inspirational Moon in Sagittarius seal this holy Guru Rinpoche day with a ‘Grand Fire Trine’, as the lights, Sun & Moon, form a spiritual triplicity with Uranus in combustible Aries. When the Moon is in a fire sign, the power of wisdom is increased, igniting the creative spark; fire in Tantra is associated with wisdom. With insight and sagacity, this combination can bring about spontaneous and liberating self-awareness, lighting the innermost recesses of the mind in a flash.

Today is a perfect day for making light offerings ~>
_/☀\_ with the words of the Buddha
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle,
and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Similarly, Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

Photo of the statue of Guru Rinpoche in glorious radiant sunlight is one I took recently at Lerab Ling, in Languedoc-Rousillion, Southern France, shared with ℒℴѵℯ. May all beings be happy - and wise! __/♥\__

▼ Grand Water Trine ▼ ~> July 2014 _/▼\_

With three planets stabilizing and healing emotions, Sun, Moon/Saturn & Chiron form a 'Grand Water Trine' to accompany this Cancerian lunation’s Guru Rinpoche day, accenting deep feelings and psychic connections. Due to the sensitive Moon conjunct karmic Saturn, one might feel less like being in the flow, more like being ‘earthed’ or even stuck in mud. Whatever we now intuitively sense is forming, stabilizing, or even holding us back, be it career, family, or sangha, or just a sensation of being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of suffering one sees around so that one is propelled to do something about it, this particular ‘Grand Trine’ encourages us to steady-up, slow-down and pace oneself to tune into the unspoken rhythm of life, at least until the Full Capricorn SuperMoon, and possibly even until Saturn goes forward July 21st. Now is the time to take stock of precisely what we feel we are responsible for. Note, however, that any cause for concern – private, personal or professional – can be quietly overcome with dedicated diligence and practical application, as today’s Scorpio Moon conjuncts karmic Saturn. And as taskmaster Saturn rules the upcoming Full Moon, 12th/13th July, which is also Guru Purnima, the 'Teacher Moon' get ready for an upcoming initiation into conscious participation with a ‘higher’ world view.

Though this is the time for revering teachers, being recognized for any committed achievement may actually have to come from within. So if there is anything you feel is well done, give yourself the proverbial pat on the back today, and use this sense of accomplishment to create optimism for the future. _/\_

With ℒℴѵℯ_/✿\_ many thanks ...

☼ Saka Dawa Guru Rinpoche Day ~> breathing the Love-Light

June 8th
☼ ♊ ~ △ ~ ☾ ♎
Staying on center, taking care of self (and family), and finding the balance within makes it easier to deal with tricky encounters. With Sun in quicksilver Gemini stimulating the mind, and the reflective Moon in harmonious Libra, ‘The Lights’ now illuminate the intellectual Air element, suggesting it’s time to skilfully influence and balance our thoughts. One of the fastest ways to harness the constantly moving mind is through breathing, as the ancient teachings tell us 'breath is mind's vehicle to Spirit'. Consciously working with the breath soothes the heart-mind to restrain negative emotions, as well as maintaining internal harmony by clearing emotional or psychic knots within the subtle body.

With the Moon next to Mars fiery emotions can quickly rise – and exhaust. While it’s true passion can energize, anger depletes positive karma in one fell swoop. Struggling with aggression or other negative emotions which eat into the bank of karmic merit is unnecessary when you can positively motivate and energize by taking two minutes out of the day to concentrate upon breathing: Doing so quickly calms and controls the chattering monkey mind, increases vitality and focus, and generates an inner peace that relaxes both mind AND body. And it’s so easy to instantly tune into the natural conscious intelligence that surrounds us and imbibe ‘prana’, the universal holy life force of ‘Air’ ~> Go now, find a comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes: Breathe in for the count of 5, hold for 5 and exhale for 5…

…and note how much more in your flow you can become.

In the approach to the Karma-Multiplied Full Sagittarius, wisdom-seeking Moon, today (Sunday) is also the day in my spiritual tradition that we honor the holy Lama (within), who is laden with good qualities.

With courageous Mars next to the Moon also suggests we can bravely acknowledge how to manage our lives to live in peace and harmony, specifically by walking the Dharma path, putting the Buddha’s teachings into practice. __/\__

Love & thanks to Tulku Jewels for BuddhaChakra artwork __/\__

☸ Sun in Aries trine Moon in Leo April 9/10th

Honoring the Guru on this 10th day of the second Tibetan month; when Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, Tibets’ second Buddha, showed mastery of both sutra and mantra, and became known as, ‘Lion of the Shakyas ‘, brave and ‘Wise seeker of the Sublime’. _/♥\_

☆~☽☼☾~☆ The exalted Aries Sun now makes an extremely helpful, vitalizing aspect to the sensitive Moon in loyal and joyful, loving Leo, sign of the generous and powerful Lion, which is also ruled by our golden Sun. This is a very fiery combination of ‘the lights’, radiating optimum dynamic ‘yang’ energy. The vibrant celestial duo, Sun and Moon, energize, accenting a vibrant heart connection a Spiritual Warrior has to (the Guru’s) inner wisdom, the source of endless illumination. Both Lights now urge us to discover our true self, in Oneness with others, an ego-less self-love; recognizing talents and gifts that muster courage and conquer self-delusion with positive antidotes, as the desire to accomplish great Spiritual deeds is heightened, strengthening heart-mind and soul for the oncoming Luna eclipse in 5 days.

In the words of Dr Christopher Hill “Eternal Joy is the appreciation of self… as self contains all the stars”.

Celebrate and enjoy the gift of life ~> ☼ ☽ ¸¸.•*¨*•☆

With thanks to unknown photographer for 'Light Guru' _/♥\_

✧ Miracles ~> days 9 & 10 (10th&11th March)

With the GROWING LIGHT of the Moon, Buddha extended his light body into the ends of Samsara (and that’s a mighty long way!) _/♥\_

Today, the 11th of March is also this month’s Guru Rinpoche Day, which means its only 5 days until the Full Moon, and THE day of Miracles on the 16th of March, when karma is multiplied 10xmillion (good or bad).

This Guru Rinpoche Day also has a Water trine, reminiscent of last summer/autumn 2013, enabling one to reflect upon how things have changed since then, and how much more aware you are right now. While the Water signs Pisces Sun aspecting the Cancer Moon and the exalted Cosmic Guru, Jupiter, working beautifully together with Saturn in Scorpio, they create the fluid and receptive ‘Grand Water Trine’, which encourages one to go inwards to explore the world of the imagination. This particular trinity is also spiritually expansive, showering blessings and generating hope and compassion which can bring about greater understanding of life’s magic and mysteries. Enjoy ~> in 5 days’ time, the Full Virgo Goddess Moon accents a greater wisdom at work.

"Don't you know yet? It is your light that lights the worlds." Rumi _/♥\_

△ ♒ ☼ △ ♊ ☾ Sun in Aquarius - Moon in Gemini Feb 9th

The most promising aspect in astrology is the ‘trine’, as 120 degrees between heavenly bodies brings out cosmic gifts and talents. When this aspect takes place between the Sun and Moon before Full Moon it highlights the male, yang attributes; thus Tibetans assign this to the most precious Guru (within), Guru Rinpoche – honouring that which seeks rational clarity and wisdom and the ultimate realisation of the ‘Rainbow Body’.

Today we not only see this beautiful aspect activate the blessings of the teacher, as the intellectual and altruistic Aquarian Sun harmonises with the quick-thinking and versatile Moon in Gemini (made all the more astute as Mercury, Gemini’s ruler is retrograde); but the two ‘Lights’ are also connecting the Mars in Libra forming a ‘Grand Air Trine’. Air encourages an interchange of ideas and enjoys companionship. The position of Mars in this Grand Trine kindles an awareness of the lunar eclipse April 15, and is ripe for the Spiritual Warrior to harness the loving qualities of a balanced heart-mind to interact in a positive manner in all relations, in friendship, and in love.

__/\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶
“Ultimately, the real guru is inside ourselves: We are our own guru, we are by ourselves. So it’s up to us to walk the path, always. We are born by ourselves in this body, and we will die by ourselves. There will be nobody who will take care of us afterwards in the sense like holding our hands and carrying us. We have to walk the path by ourselves.”

– Tenzin Ösel Hita, from “Teachings from the 45th Kopan Course,” given in 2012 at Kopan Monastery, Nepal

Guru Rinpoche Day ~> 12th December ~> ☼ △☽ + ♃ △ ♄

Today's ‘Guru Rinpoche’ day is for feasting and celebrating the spiritual teacher (within). The Spirit of the Sacred Guru is embodied in the far-sighted, truth-seeking, Jupiter-ruled Sagittarian Sun on Jupiter’s day (Thursday); and with the Sun in this position, making a strong aspect to the Moon on this 10th day of the lunar cycle, it symbolises a triple dose of optimism, philosophical wisdom and strength – and therefore a great time to honour the intuitive Guru of the fire element, light offerings, prayer and puja.

Hold onto inner fortitude and know that the spiritual freedom found by grasping the meaning of the teachings - loving kindness, compassion, and mindfulness – are corner stones of stability, especially when the winds of change begin to flow towards the light at the centre of the Galaxy, at the same time as the Full Gemini Moon, in 5 days.

The Cosmic Guru, Jupiter, is also in the promised good aspect to karmic Saturn today (as per previous post): enhancing a positive relationship with spiritual friends and guides. Jupiter and Saturn also provide emotional insight into the deeper recesses of psyche, teaching there is nothing to fear, only situations/events/feelings which are to be understood.

Guru Rinpoche Mantra to overcome obstacles : ~>
_/♥\_ OM AH HUNG BENZA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG _/♥\_

With Love & thanks to Bernart Amygdala for his Cosmic Vajra _/♥\_

Grand Water Trine ~ Guru Rinpoche Day November 12th __/♥\__

When the almighty Spirit Sun passes through the powerful sign Scorpio, it signifies a deep and extraordinarily insightful time, when touching moments are laden with poignant beginnings and endings that tend towards a some kind of rebirth: psychological, spiritual, or physical. And now, on Guru Rinpoche Day, as water signs Scorpio Sun and Pisces Moon work beautifully together with another strong and helpful planet Jupiter, the Cosmic Guru – also in fellow water sign Cancer (where he is exalted), they create a fluid and receptive ‘Grand Water Trine’.

While a Grand Water Trine encourages one to go inwards to explore the world of the imagination, this particular trinity is also spiritually expansive, showering blessings and generating hope and compassion which can only enhance Scorpio’s discerning skill, to bring about greater understanding of life’s magic and mysteries. Today may well be one of those days when it’s easier to be in one’s flow and synchronicity abounds.

The sensitive Moon is also the emotional anchor in today’s sky. So instead of being swept away by overwhelming feelings, transform negativity into positive action, and give thanks for all the goodness in life; by dedicating this beauty to the benefit of all sentient beings, we find stability within the compassion heart. __/♥\__

Guru Rinpoche Mantra ~> _/\_
Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pemma Siddhi Hung x 108

With love & thanks to unknown photographer of Guru Rinpoche's statue in the lake at Lerab Ling. __/♥\__

ॐ Virgo Lunation ~ Guru Rinpoche --> Cardinal Cross & Fixed 'T' Square 2013

September 14th ~> Guru Rinpoche
Sun in Virgo - Moon in Capricorn

I was asked today why, according to astrology, these are such challenging times. And this is a really long and involved answer with lots of astro-tech, as there are two very difficult aspects going on at the moment, which involve both Cardinal and Fixed signs (which is 2/3rd of the zodiac), so few escape the planetary energies – apart from the cosmic enlightened ones, of course, who are beyond the influences of the heavens. _/\_

One such difficult aspect is the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun, which will continue to come and go until 2015/6 with varying intensity (as it has already been doing for the past three years). This highly evolutionary square is rare in its longevity, and involves dynamic, active Cardinal Signs: Assertive Aries with Uranus, planet of awakening as the agent of the square; Sensitive Cancer, with Jupiter, planet of expansion as the synthesising factor; Balancing Libra with messenger Mercury, planet of communication – with the Equinox Sun highlighting the Cardinal Cross at the end of the calendar month; last but not least, responsible Capricorn with transformative Pluto.

At its highest vibration, this square represents a rising Divinity (within). To be honest, this Grand Square with its two oppositions and an enduring hard aspect between two generational planes, Uranus and Pluto, it’s not easy to say the least, as interconnected life can go ‘haywire’ it involves a great deal of personal transformation and spiritual awareness to remain true to self. And every time the Moon hits one of these planets during this incredible Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun, we feel deeply the part we are playing in being able to dissolve the veils obscuring our shining and true Buddha nature.

Yet the required spiritual critical mass for Divinity to rise is, to my mind, almost here - if not already reached; as a collective tide turns towards the Divine Feminine, the Goddess balancing the rational of the mechanistic left-brain with the holistic creative right-brain, as well as awakening an intuitive wisdom with loving compassion. Still, the stress created by this realignment, of human with Divine, can be tough with on-going suppression of freedoms. And having a day when relationships falter, or self/others fail to produce, or authority clamps down and/or peer group seems alienating and a seemingly toxic collective upholds mass distraction with toys for celebrity boys (and girls), it’s all the more reason to hold ground, centre up and rest in the natural beauty of the glowing and radiant heart-mind ~> So when the going gets tough, breathe, meditate, slow down, and rise above the negative vibration that can hook the mind into slavish nonsense.

If the Grand Cross isn’t enough, the second aspect is a hard ‘T’ square between relationship-orientated Venus, disciplined Saturn, and the North Node in Scorpio (and by extention the South Node in Taurus) to Mars in Leo, which means fiery Mars has, for the past week or so, be on ‘The Bends’, turning between the dark side of the Moon and happenstance. Which could well feel just as crazy as it sounds! And Mars is still in square to Saturn creating a sensation a bit like wading through treacle, which has an upside, in as much as martial Mars is halted through fear, doubt, or plain realistic assessment (phew!). Note that Mars is akin to the energy of the South Node (logging the kind of energy we bring from previous incarnation or situations), and karmic Saturn is akin to destiny-fulfilling North-Node. So basically the Martial Lion has been wrapped around the Dragons’ Head AND the Dragon’s Tail, caught between coming and going. Now, he is going – straight into the arms of passionate, powerful love.

And as Venus, the planet of love now conjuncts Saturn, a commitment to the transformational power of deep, meaningful love means abandoning power plays of control and domination. So that when Love Goddess Venus squares passionate Warrior Mars at the last quarter moon 27/28th September, it can spark ardour, confidence, and the consciousness to renew and revitalise shared enterprise by following the urge to accomplish brave deeds, with unconditional LOVE conquering anger, hatred and aggression; for in the planetary pantheon Mars only disarms with Venusian charms.

So seeing that today, 14th September, is this lunation’s Guru Rinpoche day, with Sun in healing Virgo, the sign of the perfect and abundant Goddess, in good aspect to the sympathetic Moon in sensible Capricorn, it is more than fitting to ask for blessings and protection (from the Guru within) and discover the ability to overcome obstacles of these difficult aspects, so that all our aspirations can be fulfilled. ॐ_/♥\_

Guru Rinpoche as Medicine Buddha. Guru Rinpoche Mantra ~> "Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung" _/♥\_

☼ ♌ ~ △ ~ ☾ ♐ Guru Rinpoche Day ~> _/♥\_ August 16th 2013

☼ ♌ ~ △ ~ ☾ ♐ = Guru Rinpoche Day ~> _/♥\_
August 16th = 10th day of the 7th Tibetan Month of the Bird

One of the 20th century’s greatest Lamas, Dudjom Rinpoche says this about today's Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava “On the Tenth Day of the month of the Bird, the Tirthikas from Tamradvipa threw Him into the river Ganges. But having performed a Vajra Dance in the sky, by His magical powers He caused the waters of the river to reverse their flow. Having awakened faith in them, at the time of establishing the Doctrine in their kingdom, He became known as Kha-ding Tsal or Khagamana, "He who soars in the sky like the Garuda."”

While this great mythological story involves wondrous beasts such as Garuda (the snake–eating King of Birds), one has to read between the lines of any magical twilight language and think symbolically. As such, the month of the bird offers the ability to fly high and rise above the earthly mundane to have perspective upon all life. That Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava, was thrown into a sacred river, the Ganges, suggests he emerged filled with ever-flowing blissful devotion, emanating unconditional love - qualities which reverse the tide of negative emotion and overcome obstacles.

A Vajra Dance honours unified connectivity and all elements in all ten directions: the four cardinal and four cross-quarters (phases for sun & Moon) as well as up & down: stabilising mid-heaven to mid-earth. The Vajra (a.k.a. Dorje) is the diamond sceptre used in Tibetan tantric practice to symbolise focus, form and vitality, awakening the practioner to the foundation of the physical realm through its dynamic thunderbolt action. The ‘Thunderbolt’ is also one of Jupiter’s tools. In astrology, Jupiter IS the sacred Guru, ‘The Vajra Holder’.

Now exalted in watery Cancer, Jupiter can soar high above emotional dross, offering the ability to see the bigger picture, at the same time giving substantial support. Jupiter in moon-ruled, home-loving Cancer is also in a very powerful association with this 10-day Moon, called ‘mutual reception’, as the Moon is in Sagittarius, which is ruled by Jupiter. This means that the Sacred Guru, Jupiter, and the sensitive Moon are in extremely good relations today.

So you see, even though we might need to adjust our emotional viewpoint, today is astrologically perfect to acknowledge Guru Devotion, and tap into the stream of Lama Love that honours our teachers (within) to make offerings, fly prayer flags, and give thanks for all the spiritual guidance they so caringly give, as a mother would her child. _/♥\_

Image of Red Garuda by unknown artist with thanks _/♥\_
Guru Mantra ~> "Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung" _/♥\_

♥ Water offerings on Guru Rinpoche's birthday __/♥\__ July 18th

                                  *•.(*•.¸♥¸.•*´).•*OM AH HUNG !*•.(*•.¸♥¸.•*´).•*

Honouring Guru Rinpoche on this 10th day of the 6th Tibetan month, 18th July, with water offerings commemorating the birth of Tibet’s Padmasambhava, otherwise known as Guru Rinpoche, the lotus born, who turns the wheel of Dharma for the Dakinis of the Island.

Sealed with the historic 'Grand Water Trine' (five days before the last Full Super Moon of the year July 22nd), water offerings are symbolic on many levels. With water offerings we create merit so spiritual and material goals can be accomplished. Water offerings encourage generosity and help to overcome desire and attachment, purifying body, speech & heart-mind.

May the merit of water offerings and the blessings of the Grand Water Trine be received by all beings!
with ﾚ o √ 乇 ....
(¯`♥´¯) ✰
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨) ✰
(¸.•´ (¸.• (¸.• ( ¸¸.•¨¯`• ✰ & ﾚight✰ ♥ღ _/♥\_
Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pemma Siddhi Hung __/♥\__

Cosmic Teacher's ~> Guru Rinpoche day ~> 18th June & Sun conjunct Jupiter _/\_

☼ ✶ ☾ Five days before the years’ largest Full SuperMoon, and two days before the year’s solar turning point at Summer Solstice, Spirit Sun conjoins the Cosmic Guru, Jupiter (exact at 17:10BST June 19th), making for Tibetan Buddhists an especially doubly poignant Guru Rinpoche day. For today we also celebrate the miraculous lotus-born birth of Tibet’s 8th century second Buddha: Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava, the great master who was born on this 10th day of the waxing lunation in a Monkey month (June).

Guru Rinpoche emphasises the importance of dwelling in the open-minded attitude of enlightenment, remaining optimistic and devoted to faith when faced with obstacles. Similarly, in astrology, Jupiter is the enthusiastic planet of philosophy, travel and truth, and the archetype we look to in the horoscope to explore new horizons, understand others, and spiritually grow into our natural wisdom.

Both Guru Rinpoche and Jupiter are teachers that encourage us to expand our world view and consciousness, confident in knowing that all elements - including space, are interconnected. With Guru Rinpoche’s teachings we too, can also grow our personal rainbow aura, with an awareness which radiates from the heart-mind.

As Sun and Jupiter meet at 28 degrees of Airy and intellectual Gemini, they also conjunct the fixed Royal star, Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse indicates success and honours; through clear communication we can now connect with honest and devotion and call upon the Guru’s transcendent perfection to help overcome mental obscuration and delusion and, depending upon which stage we are at in our continual unfolding, embrace relative and ultimate truth, so that we, too, can become masters of pure mindfulness, and be of greater benefit to others in these changing times.

Guru Rinpoche mantra to overcome obstacles ~>
OM AH HUNG VAJRA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG!
__/\__ Tashi Delek & Happy Guru Rinpoche day!