Winter Solstice 09 ~ 'Smile, breathe, slow down' Mars Rx

The magic of Winter Solstice lies in Yule log fires and mistletoe kisses, as the new light of the Sun King, symbolic of our divine and radiant life-giving Spirit, is rekindled to once again illuminate these dark northern skies. At this turning point in the southern hemisphere days begin to shorten, and the emphasis rests upon inner-reflection.

This 2009 Solstice is also very special – not just because it’s the end of one decidedly ‘interesting’ decade and the beginning of another with equal amount of dramatic promise – but several astrological factors suggest momentous transformation and spiritual evolution is compelling. It is the first Solstice Sun to be conjunct the potent outer planet Pluto in 248 years. This beam of Solstice sunlight into the shadowy realms of Pluto suggests we need to look further and discover hidden resources that will rejuvenate power and energise in the future.

We also approach the close of a long drawn transition which started in 1985, when Winter Solstice began to align with the Galactic Centre, and a ‘New Age of Enlightenment’ dawned, which was initially felt by the sensitive. This alignment was exact in 1998, and ends in 2012. Sorry to disappoint those who think it’s only 2012 when we direct our gaze upon our home spiral’s hub, at the same time as the light of the Winter Solstice sun begins to grow: we’ve been doing just that for over twenty years! That said spiritual evolution can happen in an instant, or as the fruit of years of practice.

And so it is with the last of three meetings, Jupiter, as celestial Santa Claus, with mystical Neptune, ruler of oceanic feelings and the collective undercurrent, that we wave goodbye to the year’s darkest hours. The highest vibration of these two energies (three, if we include Chiron, who is technically in the conjunction, but not exact) is an expansion (and healing) of humanity’s spiritual faith.

In the wake of COP15, the mood of the moment sees many lost in Samsara’s choppy Neptunian sea, unable to accept the change we seek comes from within each and every one of us. Our expectations may have been high, as symbolised by Jupiter in Aquarius, but giving up the game is not the same as surrendering to Neptune. As a transpersonal planet, Neptune often demands a sacrifice of some kind that urges us to let go of selfish tendency and go beyond personal desire; when we ‘give in’ to this higher vibration by showing compassion to our self and others, we surrender self-interest in the name of collective cosmic harmony and begin to generate Bodhicitta, the heart essence that emanates unconditional love.

With a Solstice Moon growing in light, right alongside the Triple Aquarian conjunction, we, the people (the moon is the populace in political astrology), are also illuminated: If we want humanity to progress, we must protect nature and all planetary elements, starting with water purification to initially help heal the current toxic overload, that manifests physically, mentally, psychically and spiritually.

Together, in our solstice meditation (Monday December 21st, 17:48 GMT), we can become a powerful force for altruistic intention, and lighten each other’s spirit, in spite of the enormity of the task which lies ahead. For the first part of the next year, Jupiter will be in Pisces, the changeable water sign, making it an opportune moment to act. Yet there is a major indication that we need to revise how we are going to act.

Posted all over London underground is a portrait of Ghandi, on a bright orange background with the words “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” Being a peacenik, (as well as once having been Ghandi in a facebook past-life quiz!) the copy caught my eye, enough to make me slow down and think about how fast-paced dynamic action is extolled as a virtue in the rushed hustle bustle of our modern society. From an astrological point of view such characteristics belong to the warrior planet Mars, otherwise known as the Sun’s henchman, the ego’s or our self-image’s best supporter.

Celestially speaking when we have the urge, impulse or need to make things happen, forceful Mars steps in to act as subordinate or competitive adversary, a rival or defender of the faith; like a bouncer at the hottest Christmas party Mars is portrayed as highly spirited – if a little hasty, clumsy and headstrong; it’s all too easy to get riled-up around such zippy Martial momentum. According to Sogyal Rinpoche (Tibetan Book of Living & Dying), “Speed IS aggression” (this should be a bumper sticker!). Yet much depends upon how speed is used and in what context. Quickly aiding someone suffering with a heart condition from one too many xmas toddies has a different sense of urgency than driving along a spacious southern French road, where even a 70-year-old speed-freak Santa can pugnaciously goad and overtake everyone in sight; in the later case it makes one wonder at the kind of personal perception we have about our skills, especially when spurred by thrill-seeking hurried power.

Yet the real point of Mars is to guard our Spirit, so we can enjoy participating in life with a light-heart, without getting hooked into endless angry dramas about the rate of success or failure and, at the same time, be generous enough to rejoice in other people’s triumphs; which is just what we may find ourselves doing while Mars begins a backward trail through the creative sign of Leo from a transformational Solstice point on 21^st December.

Whenever a planet puts on the breaks, lingers at station and then goes retrograde, we also slow down and revisit that part of our lives indicated by the astrological planet, sign and house in our horoscope. And because Mars is concerned with action it presents the perfect occasion to practice patience, particularly with our own self or ego, and take time – approximately three months – to rework and re-do aspects of our life we identify as ‘inspired’. Bear in mind how Leo is ruled by the Sun, the central core of the solar system, bringing light and warmth to the lion-hearted Leo’s sphere of love, generosity, artistic fun and creation - including children and parties. And as Leo Mars goes retro, just as the Sun begins to grow in light in the northern hemisphere, the challenge over the next few months is to make the most of opportunities that fully engage with the practice of ACTIVE LOVE, especially for oneself and those we care for, and to do so in style! So be brave like the majestic lion – open your heart and you will begin to notice that by the time Mars begins to go forward (just before the Spring Equinox) a smile here, a kind word there, and allowing yourself to be courteous and gentle towards others works wonders, not only for your own benefit but for everybody else’s interests as well. On that note, I wish you a very Happy Winter Solstice – Blessed Be with LOVE & radiant Solstice SunLIGHT.

Yin Yang illustration by http://www.francenehart.com/index.htm ; Ghandi by edmittance; Xmas Cats by me; Heart Sun by Stryde31; Tibetan Lion by Tony Annionos

Transform collective karma by co-creating loving kindness ~ New Scorpio Moon + Saturn square Pluto 09

Like the heavens, nature also mirrors thoughts, feelings and events we encounter in our lives. So while we (in the northern hemisphere) enter late autumn watching the trees develop into stark skeletons as dark nights draw in, the call of a friendly fireside could remind us of cyclic existence and how all things must die in order to be reborn; and how any kind of death leads to the promise of rebirth and regeneration, be it figurative or real, the meditation is upon impermanence.

Tomorrow’s new Scorpio moon is with Ceres and Venus, helping us to take a kindly look at all kinds of various subjects we’d normally consider taboo. With Scorpio’s heightened perception, no matter how much we might want to sugar coat situations, the reality check is that when we look through and past the bombardment of superficiality, we could now see how a price must be paid before witnessing signs of new growth. As harsh as that may be, we seem to have reached a crisis point in so many areas, personal and environmental. Pluto ruled Scorpion’s may have already sensed the urgent need for regeneration and consolidation, especially in light of the now tight aspect between stabilising Saturn squaring up to Pluto, planet of restoration.

To now stylishly trim and make cut-backs in any sphere of life prone to straggling loose ends would be a smart move, to avoid being tripped-up later on. When taking what might initially seem like harsh measures, remember we are only clearing the ground for something to grow far stronger and more beautiful. Being brave enough to throw out the dross and preserve that which has profound meaning ensures lasting value. The nerve to release and let go of negative or mistrustful thoughts, situations and people, comes from deep within; once tapped, a forever open power supply flows from a previously hidden resource activates a courageous and deeply sexy heart.

Saturn in Libra now getting up-close and personal with Pluto in Capricorn suggests important and intimate relationships also benefit from a long hard look at how to create positive restitution. Balance and fairness is called for, not only in business partnerships, love affairs, relationship to authority, finances or even looks, but also how we invest time and effort with those we love. The apparent collective techno-mania, as symbolised by the triple Aquarian conjunction, so easily sucks away people’s enthusiasm and quality time for the real world. Are we in danger of turning into egotistical robots while relationships and/or health suffer?

Yet we are only human, each with our own human weakness that, with awareness, we can slowly but surely awaken the heart and rid ourselves of our personal foibles. What transpires over the coming eight months while these two planetary heavyweights are in this last closing square (from a cycle begun in 1982, to close again in 2020) will depend upon how much we really care for ourselves and for each other, and how we are able to make love the overriding principle and stop fear from being the active condition.

There is a sense of urgency as the outer planets muster to create a powerful force of change in 2010, when having a brave heart to foster and cherish all we hold dear will stand us in victorious stead for the year ahead. This means sensitively looking after oneself, friends and family, our community, and ultimately, mother Earth. The time for renewal is now, for the return of growth to be so much more serene.

One last note; yesterday, from a Tibetan Buddhist connection, I received a list of pointers on how to generate powerful karma. Saturn, lord of Karma, is now in Libra, the sign of peaceful relations: the Karma of Love becomes evermore pertinent, and the way of the heart more realistic. And as Saturn recently extended its sphere of influence with a brand new super ring, with a certain discipline everyone can learn how to avoid the drama and crisis that Pluto in Capricorn might use as tools of control.

What I really liked about this page is how the points are practical and achievable. Here is the link: Enjoy!

http://www.dzogchenlineage.org/giving/practice-of-generosity.html

Lcross ~ Cabeus ~ Niccolo Cabeo and Mars conjunct the Moon's South Node

On the 9^th October at 11:30 GMT, the NASA mission, Lcross, intends to bomb the moon in a crater named after an Italian Jesuit priest: Astroprof says “Crater Cabeus is named for Niccolo Cabeo, who was a natural philosopher who lived from 1586 to 1650, during the age of Galileo and Kepler. He taught theology and mathematics at a Jesuit college in Parma. He studied meteorology and physics, making contributions in the study of hydrology and electromagnetism…In the realm of electromagnetism, Cabeo studied the effects of static electricity. He also studied magnetism, though his explanation for magnetic phenomena turned out to be quite wrong.

The crater named for Cabeo is near the Moon’s south pole, located at 84.9° S and 35.5° W (-35.5°). The name for this crater was approved in 1935. Crater Cabeus is 98 kilometers across.” In which nasa is aiming to create another 5k crater.

This information peaked my interest, as I share the priests’ fascination for the magial properties of water as well as electro magnetism. Born February 26 1586 in Ferrara, Italy - no time given - the chart is drawn for noon. Before we look at the meaning of certain planets accenting pertinent parts of his horoscope, it is worth noting that astrologers acknowledge how a chart goes on ‘living’, even though the actual person may have passed this mortal coil and gone beyond.

Nicolo Cabeo’s birth date gives him a spiritually dedicated Pisces Sun, which suits him being a philosopher-priest. His life-giving Sun sits next to assertive Mars and Uranus, also in Pisces, making him quite the active and innovative genius. Whilst also being a cultural centre of 16^th Italy, Ferrara was also famous for sword making and arms, which may have resonated with the martial qualities of Mars conjunct his Sun; though Pisces makes him more the spiritual warrior. Cabeo also possessed an investigative Gemini Moon (but may be Moon in Taurus if born earlier before 2am). Informative Mercury, planet of the mind, is found in the late degrees of electrical Aquarius - fitting for someone who discovered how similar electrical poles repel, and opposites attract. I should say here I have no idea if the astronomical body who named the Moon crater in 1935 nominated his placement at the Moon’s southern pole because of his ‘polarity’ discoveries, but the astrological and astronomical association corresponds nicely.

The shadowy alignment of the Moon's node is also brought to light at the precise moment of the bombing, when combative Mars transits together with the Moon’s current south node, Ketu, the dragon’s tail, indicating an aggressive return to revisit some kind of past karma. Cabeo’s Mercury is also currently aspected by the transit of the triple Aquarian conjunction: Three planets currently moving together through hopeful Aquarius are expansive, truth-seeking Jupiter, with healing- wounded Chiron, and the mystical and mysterious watery Neptune.

The big question about this mission is the healing, purifying, and historical knowledge that belongs to the Great Moon Mother Goddess, and her rulership of the worlds' water?

The sign of the waterbarer, Aquarius, also rules technological advancement; NASA has certainly activated the significance of Cabeo’s fact disseminating Mercury; and his explortion into the vast nature of water cycles and oceanic, samsaric sequence continues.

Cabeo’s Cancerian Neptune is in the esoteric sign of its' rulership; as well as Neptune being the modern ruler of his Sun. This can signify the search for lost water, and as previously mentioned, at the moment of impact is being whammed by martial Mars, also with the moon’s south node (as seen in many other 'terrorist' attack charts). And all this at the moon’s southern pole. As the reason NASA wants to bomb our beautiful moon is to find out the secrets of aqua vita, it seems as if Cabeo remains destined to be a part of a greater quest for understanding the cosmic cycle of water. How very cool…

Although, to be honest, I don’t quite understand why we humans have to be so violent in our endeavour to discover if there is water on the moon? I was informed by a friend, Philip Graves, that through Herve, Tin Tin went to the moon in 1955, and discovered water. Its also in the Vedas and verified by thousands of years of astrological knowledge that water and the moon as inextricably linked. I would also have thought moon rock brought back in the 60’s and 70’s might provide a wet and slippery clue, not to mention India’s Chandrayanna space mission's recent finds - the correlation of which would be a tad more economical and sensible. But maybe there is rather more risky Jupiterian exploration at stake here, one with more than meets our mystical Neptunian eyes? One that might be more fitting to the transit of Mars conjunct the South Node, conjunct Cabeu's water ruled Neptune?

Earthdance~Medicine Buddha Moon

☼ At the stroke of twelve midnight in London tonight (4pm pacific) over 300 dancefloors in 60 countries unite at the same time to generate a positive intention, while the 'Prayer for Peace' is played simultaneously. This kind of heartfelt objective is powerful. Wherever we are, even at the computer, or in our own sitting room, we can join and raise the vibration and radiate peace to the world, and harness the positive purpose of the planets:

☼ In the midst of peace, happiness and a beautiful community spirit, a solid sense of responsibility radiates from this year’s Sun in Libra Earthdance astrological chart. The triple Aquarian conjunction of beneficent Jupiter, curative Chiron, and Divine Neptune, sends a powerful celestial message: that immense transformational healing can be reached through a critical spiritual mass, by elevating group consciousness to feel the cosmic love vibration. At the moment of the ‘Prayer for Peace’, a Medicine Buddha Moon beams healing blue light, to bring in and hold positive remedial qualities: Harmonising past with future destiny enables one to embrace change with a collective understanding that combines science and magic, rational and intuitive, youth and age, to co-create a sustainable Earth.

☼ At the same time, brilliant altruistic values resonate with compelling discipline; wanting to make the world a better place is strengthened by acknowledging personal freedom and trusted, heartfelt friendships. An Elders Council, backed by the Spirit of the Sun with authoritative Saturn, as Lord of Karma, provides much-needed support detailing the importance of the task ahead – which is nothing short of healing our beleaguered planet - and acts as a gentle reminder of the need to unconditionally forgive those who have been a part of past negative policy. The power of prayer is mighty indeed, and compassion compelling. The overwhelming impression that emerges from this 13th Earthdance is how aware, pragmatic and wise we can be in order to overcome fear and empower the true nature of the creative human Spirit. Enjoy. Peace. ♥ ☼ ♥

Natural Great Peace ~ Autumn Equinox 09

“Rest in natural great peace this exhausted mind,
Beaten helpless by karma and neurotic thoughts
Like the relentless fury of the pounding waves
In the infinite ocean of samsara.
Rest in natural great peace.”

Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche

According to the Buddhism, we're born with an innate ‘Natural Great Peace’, sometimes called our ‘Buddha nature’ – inherently luminous, calm and peaceful. But as we develop, grow into and work with the denser material world, we can lose sight of the light and the ability to access that most sensitive part of ourselves we might now label ‘cool’. For whatever reason, environmental, learned behaviour, or social conditioning, we often find it impossible to let our mind’s settle. Running after one thought or another means we end up chasing our tail - way off mark from the serenity or calm we’d like to be in while we deal with life’s constant flux and flow of change. It’s as though our dark side delights in overwhelming our radiance, to stultify us with fear and foreboding. Yet today is Equinox, when equal day and equal night is marked by the Sun moving into harmonious Libra, the sign of the scales: an internal balance between yin and yang enables us to pacify tension and stress, made especially easy by watching the breath. Libra is of the Air element, intellectual and rational; it shows how to control negative reactions and stop spiralling into a negative vortex purely by noting the breath; and this could gently push the ‘sensible’ button. Breathing short and fast is stressed; but long and slow and even breath is relaxed and paced.

And with the spirit of the Sun at a Cardinal point today, such as Libra (22:19 BST), it adds internal power and authority and the conviction to find our own light, without having to look outside of ourselves. That said Libra is the sign of partnerships, seeing how others are not a projection but a reflection of our own true peaceful nature.

Influencing the will to restore is also seen by two other sets of planetary dynamics currently constellating: In earthy Virgo, the practical sign of healing are Venus, Pallas Athena, Mercury (still retrograde) and Saturn. This is quite a combination indicating the need to take care of, and nurture others, as well as our selves and most importantly, boost our immune systems as naturally as we can. Healthcare is such a big issue these days, not just because of this stellium in Virgo (a stellium is when three or more planets are grouped together), but a celestial theme continued with the triple conjunction of expansive Jupiter, curative Chiron and spiritual Neptune, all in the collective sign of Aquarius. The urge is to be idealistic and go for boosting the critical spiritual mass.

Of course, we could all be being hoodwinked, but a lot of good news filtered through the media this week, in my humble opinion: net neutrality rules (very Saturn-Mercury), Tobin tax, Gross National Happiness, and a commitment to climate change adjustments in Copenhagen this December, and perhaps most encouraging of all is a call by the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, for global and nuclear disarmament. This may be because the recent third of the five Saturn-Uranus oppositions (the next are April and July) put the onus on Saturn to be more reasonable than repressive, thus prompting hope and faith. Which is just what we need right now, because the task of taking care of billions of people at the same time as empowering the human spirit is crucial, especially if we are to evolve and enlighten.

credits: The glorious painting of yin and yang is by Jim Thompson & the mandala is the Peace Garden at the London War Museum.

Discovering an inexhaustable treasury at the Leo New Moon '09

The very heart of our enlightened mind awakens with this new Leo moon. A worthy altruistic intention, called “Bodhicitta” in Sanskrit, is a precious natural essence generated by developing compassion, wishing that all beings be happy – including ones’ self – and have the causes of happiness. And as Sun and Moon align in this joyful, most determined and heartfelt sign of Leo, (also ruled by the Sun) it is a celestial union that adds light, dynamism, and inner-strength to help us radiate genuine unconditional love.

With the luminaries (the sun & moon) bringing into line the opposing triple Aquarian conjunction, that of beneficent Jupiter, healing Chiron, and imaginative Neptune, exploring individual space and being comfortable within a collective environment, be it at work or play, within a group activity or the global cyber community, brings about an awareness of equanimity that encourages one to be at ease within our inexhaustible treasury of generosity. Now is the time when the power of love feeds the creative Spirit and engenders untold miracles. And besides, it's also a great time to have some fun and party!

Shantideva, Tibet’s 8th Century scholar praised Bodhicitta such:

“It is the supreme Elixir
That overcomes the sovereignty of death.
It is the inexhaustible treasure
That eliminates poverty in the world.
It is the supreme medicine
That quells the world’s disease.
It is the tree that shelters all beings
Wandering and tired on the path of conditioned existence.
It is the universal bridge
That leads to freedom from unhappy states of birth.
It is the dawning moon of the mind
That dispels the torment of disturbing conceptions.
It is the great sun that finally removes
The misty ignorance of the world.”

Wishing happiness & love to everyone at the New Leo Moon! Enjoy X
BIG thanks to Sogyal Rinpoche, and the Tibetan Book of Living & Dying.