New Moon in Capricorn _/\_11th January ‘13

Our first new moon of the year, at 19:43GMT, is also the final lunation of the remarkable Water Dragon year. As the Earthy Capricorn Sun and Moon are now in conjunction with the celestial courier, Mercury, heaven’s message is quite pragmatic and clear: stabilise to accomplish, practice to become efficient, and remain in the Dragon's 'Authentic Presence' ('wangthang' in Tibetan), your own personal 'power field', that is created by one's basic goodness.

Spirit Sun, emotive Moon, and communicative Mercury are also loosely conjoined to loving Venus, loyal Juno & transformational Pluto, all in the sign of the mountain-climbing Sea-Goat. It’s worth noting that in Esoteric astrology Venus is the hierarchical ruler of Capricorn; this means that even if involved in ambitious power play, the spiritual warrior must always come from the heart. There is, however, little time for comparison or distraction with so many planets in no-nonsense Capricorn. Focus and concentration are the order of this New Moon, which teaches us to prioritise and prepare to be mindfully aware of the nature of reality, one’s true nature, Buddha nature.

Fiery Mars in Aquarius still squares Capricorn’s traditional ruling planet, Saturn in secretive Scorpio; issues of trust, respect, and friendship could create crossed wires, which may mean actively putting boundaries into place ~> Erect the Vajra fence now to protect, keeping kindred dharma spirits close, and certain cheeky monkeys out of reach.

And seeing as this is a physical and practical moon sign, now is the time to look after the body, especially knees (in meditation), teeth (for chewing slowly), and/or skeletal structure for climbing the spiritual heights, all the while enjoying the view, especially when in mountain posture!

The next New Moon is February 10th, with Losar, Tibetan New Year of the Black Water Snake, February 11th.

Image of stupa from ‘The Treasury of Lives’ with thx _/❤\_

Stormy Solstice Mission ~ Mars Square Saturn Dec'10

Active Mars now squares slow-coach Saturn. With both planets in exaltation - Mars in Capricorn & Saturn in Libra - this tense square could well contribute to stirring up a massive tempest on Saturn, the likes of which haven't been seen in decades. According to Nasa, who are running a Casini Solstice Mission (as an ode to Saturn's rulership over Capricorn's ingress at Winter Solstice?!),  these storms apparently happen every 28.5 years, which is one Saturn cycle! Though according to one British newspaper the last time it happened was 1990, and before that 1960, 1933 and 1903.  Of course, I couldn't resist looking to see exactly where Saturn was during those years. Interestingly, Saturn was at home in Capricorn for '90 & '60, but in the sign of its traditional rulership, Aquarius, for '33 & '03.  

A quick history google (Saturn rules time) came up with all kinds of wildness, such as Elvis entering the Army ('60) and Imelda Marcos and Kashoggi officially not being corrupt in 1990 (huh?), along with nuclear threat galore. So without doing more intensive research (unlikely, as with this quadruple Capricorn my work load is ON) I wouldn't like to say what connection these storms might have with our relative world - apart adding the observation from my friend Helene Transit, who suggested this exaltation has brought snow instead of water.  As you probably know, I use very wide orbs and planets being in square by sign is perfectly acceptable (especially when there is so much public anger (Mars) in relation to our own Earhtly storms). For it seems in mid-december (when this storm was first identified) there was a wide 10 degree square between the two planets. I can live with that, very comfortably.

Astrologically speaking, this configuration is about testing patience. Warrior Mars is passionate but not bloodthirsty in Capricorn, where he is Major General as opposed to the ordinary foot soldier.  Mars here likes to build and create order, shouldering responsibility whilst hobnobbing with the powers that be. Lets not forget that Mars is currently near Pluto, the North Node, Pallas Athena, and the Sun, so there is bound to be some kind of call to action, with Mars as the Sun's henchman.  In square to the exhalted Saturn in Libra, the challenge is to see the value in going slower, at a steadier pace, something Mars rarely does, preferring to recklessly charge into places where angels fear to tread, often to his own detriment.  

According to another site, however, it seems these storms have been brewing all year - with this storm as the biggie? Who knows if it will get any bigger. But its also interesting to note with the plethora of planets now in Capricorn also accenting Saturn (in exaltation) how this erruption also mirrors the various power structrues which are behaving in a seemingly stormy fashion (banks, for instance). Saturn rules stable boundaries, and Mars in Capricorn will actively draw the line. In Libra, the Saturnian authority ought care with fairness and love. According to Alice ABailey, any Saturnian body that cannot be just (Libra) will fail to gain the love and respect it craves and therefore fails to evolve into higher chakra vibration, having to remain in the heart, until, that is, Saturn understands the power of love.

1:1:11 Remember the Future Now ~ Happy New Year!

Transforming the way we energise mind, body and spirit, is currently the celestial order . Though instead of addressing the need to turn over a new leaf for the New Year, the immediate appeal - especially during these winter months - could be to duck under the duvet and preserve every ounce of oomph and chutzpah for dealing with everyday concerns, which of course now means parties and pledges. And while we toast 01:01:11, I have one question: Will this next year be the year when we awaken to our true nature, changing obsessive desire by opting for something so much more sustainable, such as love and beauty, truth and openess? 

Going through the New Year's magical 1:1:11 portal, double master numbers foster psychic awareness, stability and strength.  The stars (and numbers) are saying ‘there is no time like the present’ to awaken the immense wonder inherent in every being. Now is the time to be the practical visionary: Make a wish! Set your magical intention into motion, at the same time trim back the unnecessary, old or outworn, and start the year with a leaner, cleaner outlook. Maybe our friends in the Southern hemisphere can fare better with this current planetary line-up hailing powerful renewal, because there is obvious light in greater abundance, giving space to think and illuminate the imagination.

North or South, because the Sun is next to strategic Pallas Athena, one of the best astral tips for self-renovation in time for New Year (and thereby contribute to collective transformation) is to make a plan. And as mind-body-spirit interconnects, the plan is also to include boosting the body’s immune system, as well as psychological moral. As Spirit Sun now conjuncts transformational Pluto, and dynamic Mars squares up to responsible Saturn (who are both currently exalted in their signs), said plan could also be radical if not downright workable.  Both Saturn and Pluto are slow moving, so without strings or attachment, it's a long-term practical approach towards what needs converted, renewed or improved, in order to restore a stable power base (and healthy body). Being realistic about any project, and the work entailed, means we have a greater chance of succeeding. Rather than blowing all to the wind by being overly expansive (leave that until spring, when the heavens are marked for rapid new growth), it will be easier to remain centred in the glorious eternity of the present moment by accepting that with love and care nothing is impossible.

Though this New Year holds a mixed astrological bag; some moments familiar, soft and tender - as the Scorpio Moon conjuncts sexy and loving Venus - while others are tough and stubborn, such as the lingering Mars square Saturn reminding us that hope is like patience, but with the light on. Effort spent in research and quiet reflection may initially feel like wading through treacle, requiring stoic patience; but with more than a little ingenuity and centred calm, new ideas begin to flow. Luckily, inventiveness has the potential to come in spades as the New Year gets into swing; on the 4^th of January our personal vision of a brighter future could get the wake-up call, loud and clear. The 4^th is also a powerful new moon Solar Eclipse in earthy Capricorn (more on this later); there are bound to be major shifts in recognisable power structures. During these mighty moments its mega important to remain grounded and protected. Oh! Is it back under the duvet again for some?! ;)

One last note: Just before New Year, on Thursday the 30^th, Mercury, the planet of travel and communication goes forward. We might think we have seen the back of delays, disruption and misinformation, but the chances are that journeys and anything media orientated are still subject to interruption with a certain amount of chaos well into January. So if travelling, or starting new ventures, don’t become complacent: double check everything and still expect to turn up new facts or figures that could turn your life around; but “remember that patience is not passive; on the contrary it is active; it is concentrated strength.” (Edward G. Bulwar-Lytton).

LOVE and thanks to unknown artists and photographer of the TIPA performer of the Hunter from the Lhamo Opera.