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.

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 ♥☼♥

Riding the Sun Lion ~ Leaping a MoonShadow

As portals for unseen influences and psychic energy, eclipses can be triggers for powerful events and transformation. For when the three main celestial bodies, Sun, Moon and Earth, lock into dramatic formation creating contrasting light and shadow, an eclipse often coincides with dramatic revelations and polarising events that become turning points in our lives, watersheds that propel us upon an entirely new trajectory. Which is why, during the exact time of the eclipse, Eastern philosophy bides one to remain in a calm and protected, meditative environment – so that we can make the most of any awareness: impressions that can arise may be intellectual or emotional, intuitive or physical. Body, mind and spirit are intricately connected to celestial cycles. Subtle energy channels, the meridians, carry ideas, emotions and sensations through the psycho-anatomical being; and all kinds of reactions can be activated during eclipses. The trick is to go easy upon yourself (and others). Insight gained into such sensations, be they faint or fierce, allows one to be objective and experience an immediate sense of presence, of being in the moment.

By letting go and not holding onto disturbing emotions or thoughts it releases the mind, spirits’ vehicle, from neurosis; so that we become one with the radiating universe, to just ‘be’ and rest in the loving heart centre. This is the Buddhist way to create inner-peace and equanimity. Animist cultures warn off negative eclipse influences and celebrate the union of the three heavenly bodies with drumming, dance and chanting. In Buddhism we also invite personal protectors by calling the Guru from afar; others might invite Angels to watch over them and help the focus and process of transformation.

Eclipses generally come in pairs; and although it is not so rare, we are now entering a the triple set (the last triple was July 1991), beginning with a lunar eclipse (when Earth’s shadow blocks out the light of the Sun) early Tuesday morning on the 7^th at 10:12 am (BST); the second is solar (when Moon aligns with Sun at 29 Cancer) on the 22^nd July; the third lunar eclipse is on the 6th of August, a full moon at 13 degrees accents the Leo-Aquarius, self-community axis for the last time for eight and a half years.

The first of these three planetary geometric interplays involves the Sun in Cancer with the Moon in Capricorn. The shadow side of self could well be leaping and hopping, as it’s a mega intense combination: Sun and Moon represent male and female, whilst in the horoscope Cancer and Capricorn form the parental axis. Cancer is the creative foundation, forming roots for Capricorn as the unyielding pinnacle; its an alliance that, when working well, can stabilise and become the basis of compassion in action. The change we seek can now be external, as in work and family, or internal as in psychological and spiritual, through dreams and symbolism, or both, seeing as we have three eclipses to work with.

The Moon also rules emotions and the Water sign Cancer. A full Moon nearest a Solstice, the sun’s highest peak (in Northern hemisphere) is always strong, where feelings can run high. And this one is also fortified with passion, not just because it is an eclipse, but because the Moon sits next to a wild and little known phenomena: Black Moon Lilith, another shadow point involving Earth and Moon. There is a potential to feel tired and frustrated helpless and hopeless in the midst of any change where you feel powerless. Yet in the darkness Black Moon Lilith stands in the shadow of the Moon, and she now beholds the light of the Sun, resisting egotistical cupidity. Black Moon Lilith shows how and where in our lives we are prepared to make sacrifices in order to protect the human Spirit and our connection to the powerful void.

Acknowledging past results affect future ambitions (karma) enables us to pave the way to affect a positive outcome; this lunar eclipse can help us to begin dismantling walls – real and perceived - that prevent access to feeling wholly connected to our bliss. By letting go of unhelpful energy patterns to remain the present moment, helps to dissolve the ego and be at one with time and space – all of which can be wonderfully liberating.

Solstice Sun with Vesta ~ Ingniting Inner light

Summer solstice (in our Northern hemisphere) is traditionally a time of festivity as the Sun is at ‘stand still’ high in the sky at its’ zenith. As in days of yore, traditional communal solstice fire festivals honour the life force of our solar system, the Sun. By acknowledging the power of the life-giving Sun, we also show respect to our inner essence, Spirit, otherwise known as the Divine, which we could also call conscious intuitive awareness, at one with the radiant universe.
We’re lucky this year’s longest day, marking the entry of the Sun into Cancer, symbol of home and family, happens over the weekend; celebrating with loved ones needn’t wipe out the rest of the week. The Sun is with the asteroid Vesta, who keeps home fires burning and adds a certain spark to the proceedings. Even so, this is no ordinary Solstice: strength is also in its’ subtlety as the Sun opposes Pluto in Capricorn, planet of complete rejuvenation, urging for total renewal as if it were a matter of survival. With Sun, Vesta & Pluto in alignment, the celestial focus is upon inviting the inner Light of Consciousness to infuse courage, faith and stamina to affect positive self-renewal and a rebirth of the human spirit.

In order for transformative Pluto to assist our makeover, we need to ‘let go’ of a deeply engrained part of our being, such as obsession, fear or desire that no longer serves our highest evolutionary good. And this may not be an easy a task to undertake, as to cut away from said fixation may well seem akin to ego-death. In the Buddhist sense, death is only part of cyclic existence. Death is not the end, though, only a change as we flow through the Samsaric Ocean. Renewing life is the most significant transmutation we make. When we place our trust in faith, love, and peace of mind, doubts and fear of death melt into the void. Ego, on the other hand, is the part of our being that thrives on pointless drama, anger, competition and lust; all aspects of the psyche that generate conflict, dread and panic, which kick and scream all the way to the final resting place. Endings can be admittedly difficult, as change makes us look at ourselves in the raw and send us reeling into shadow mode. Yet it is from that shaded place where we can see the light of creativity and inspiration. So in the midst of Solstice celebration a controlled sense of calm and sensitivity to what may initially seem like a sacrifice, such as breaking an ingrained negative habit, changing the way we think or feel about something or someone, can actually be an awakening to light any psychological or spiritual load and breathe new life into any flagging spirit.

Interestingly, the further we look outside ourselves the deeper within we go, to reach more subtle dimensions of self in relation to spirit. A New Cancer Moon on the 22^nd compounds the need for emotional support, where one is able to express how it feels during times of transformation. Venus and Mars cosy up to each other too; so all in all, this Solstice point could be a period of very sexy self-improvement. Enjoy & Happy Solstice!

The Wings of Mercury

The winged messenger Mercury returns to my personal point of contracts. Guess what turned up? Yes, the contract for the already done tarot job (as I predicted to da boss). So I'm happy Mercury Direct now re-enters its home sign, communicative Gemini. Any exchange of ideas should speed up considerably.

The Mercurial courier also carries a healing wand, the Caduceus, as he travels swiftly through the sign of the twins; the next three weeks are optimum to boost the immune system with helpful remedies, healthy lifestyle, and a certain amount of mind training that retains poise and strength. Chakra meditation can balance mind, body and Spirit. While ‘insight meditation’ is for seasoned practitioners to observe the neuroplasticity of the cosmic psycho-spiritual-anatomical alignment. Knowing we are what we think and eat, means watching what is digested and allowed to influence; this also means noting whom to cultivate as (cyber) friends and neighbours. Note to self: Should the mind swirl with negative thoughts, take deep controlled breathes to energise with more oxygen, and make an effort to quickly change tack and generate sound motivation.

Saka Dawa 'Fully Enlightened Moon' 2009 pt 2

Saka Dawa ~ “Fully Enlightened Moon” on the rise ~ in T-square with Saturn = Spirit + Soul + Karma, or put another way: over the next three days the challenge is to generate positivity, perform good actions and create compassionate thoughts by maintaining emotional clarity and personal authority. Representing individual and collective karma, earthy Saturn now has a great deal of clout, especially during this very special and blessed Full Moon weekend, symbolic of Shakyamuni's enlightenment and Paranirvana, as it is also the head of ‘Thor's Hammer’ ~ banging on the pressure to take the responsibility of our spiritual evolution seriously. (Thor’s Hammer is a celestial configuration when two planets are in square to each other, pointing to another 135 degrees away.) It’s a powerful super-poke, energising with a sacred conductivity enabling one to literally carve mountains and create openings in seemingly difficult situations.

This full Moon is also conjunct a royal fixed star ‘Antares’, the heart of the Scorpion; there's no need to go through a dark night of the soul, as we are already equipped with all the sensitivity we need at this time. The Sun in opposition to the Moon shines a light upon a door to perception wide open - used wisely, Saturnian time is on our side when seeking wisdom, insight or success.

Saka Dawa 'Fully Enlightened Moon' 2009

In the run up to this potent Full Sagittarian Moon, on Sunday the 7th, a crisis of faith may well be the issue at hand. Should you find your mind twirling with nagging moments of doubt, this is good. Bewilderment can lead to wonderment. As this Full Moon is in hard aspect to Saturn, the planet of Golden Wisdom, the danger of being held back by dogma or threatened by a bunch of beliefs that do not ring true (for you personally) is an opportunity to, at the very least, see the same old thing, person, situation, from a different viewpoint. Faith is required to have a basis in reality, to give life joyful optimism; the need is to ask questions and test conviction by one’s own experience, and not accept blindly.

This Full Moon, called ‘Saka Dawa’, is considered to be one of the most holy in the Tibetan Calendar. It has a triple signification, representing Buddha Shakyamuni’s birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana. It is also one of the few days in the year when all karma – virtuous or non-virtuous – is magnified a hundred thousand times. Karma, the law of cause and effect, has a habit of expanding at the best of times; so when you find yourself doing something good, think of the karmic merit you’re creating (and dedicate it towards positivity.) On the other hand, if you encounter anger, jealousy, greed etc, try to quickly catch it, and then give praise for being compassionate towards yourself (and others!). Such discipline is a most positive way of honouring Saturn.

This Gemini Sun and Sagittarian Moon also creates a testing ‘T’ square to the Lord of Karma, Saturn in the healing sign of Virgo (note the word ‘healing’ has roots in the word ‘holy’ to be ‘whole’). The cosmic challenge is to take our responsibility for remedial activity more seriously, i.e. for the planet, for each other, and for ourselves. Authoritative Saturn, in helpful do-it-yourself Virgo, is also at the apex of another demanding configuration called ‘Thor’s hammer’ or ‘God’s Fist’. The heavenly pointers banging on the pressure for purity, transparency and responsibility are the North Node in Aquarius - symbolic of a collective destiny, with and Venus and Mars, the cosmic lovers, together in Venus’ home sign, Taurus, representing all we love and cherish. This celestial formation also suggests an endless source of love and affection to sustain and support us upon our personal and collective journey; yet we may have to overcome personal greed for the greater altruistic intention to manifest as one heart beating the one love, so all beings can be happy.

Sculpting the Mind under Gemini Skies

The mutable sign of Gemini, reminding us how novelty amuses and how versatile we are. Gemini governs communication, information, and what we think about and how we transmit that data, while the nurturing Moon feeds us. Now is the time to observe what kind of thoughts consume us. Bear in mind how thoughts have wings; what runs through the corridors of our mind in one moment, can just as easily fly into the ether and become a future reality. ♥ ૐ ♥ ©

Saturn direct & the Raven

Yesterday I met an inspirational Raven in the Cevennes Mountains. His watchful eye fixed upon our approach, and as this bewitching bird spread his massive wings to fly we could see he was bigger than the Bonelli’s, the local eagle, with a wingspan of maybe 4 feet, he knew exactly where he was going. Black Raven is Saturn’s bird; and this encounter felt like a direct message from Saturn himself.

Realistic Saturn, symbol of responsibility, cause and effect, is now at station 14 Virgo, and about to go forward from having being retrograde in Virgo since New Year’s Eve. Which means that all year we have been collectively reworking issues of authority, discipline, and karma by going over old ground in order to go forward. Saturn’s lessons maybe slow but are none the less magical, tainted by patience, acceptance, and fortitude.

Raven is also one of the most intelligent birds, associated with thought and memory, past and future. Links to fate are inextricable, as Raven flies into the void to retrieve necessary wisdom. From Sunday 17th May we may find it easier to reap rewards for the hard work we have done so far this year – re-treading an old path can lead to new views.

Mythology abounds about Ravens, death and rebirth a popular theme: the smaller Corvus corax cousin, the Crow, has even been associated with the birth of many Dalai Lamas, including our treasured Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.

Jupiter * Chiron * Neptune in Aquarius

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Separating fact from fiction continues to be a theme, one way or another, for the rest of this year. Like the young Lyra with her alethiometer in the Golden Compass, reading warning signs and positive directions may be clearer for some, such as the intelligent air signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. The rest of us have to trust on something other: an intuitive wisdom which discerns when the wool is being pulled over our eyes. With their innate truthometer, those Sagittarians and Pisceans, who have not fallen for the allure of power, may also find it easier to filter honesty from deceit.

From the spiritual perspective, truth lies within; recognising this ancient wisdom gem enables one to overcome all kinds of modern problems (physical, mental and technological). From the planetary perspective, the year-long presence of Jupiter, Chiron and Neptune, now all in liberating Aquarius, means we can develop, hold, and establish any creative vision throughout the summer and have some fun. Ideas that involve building bridges between heart to mind, or from self to others are particularly effective. 

The personal freedom we seek should on no account mean misery for others. For individual, collective and planetary healing to take place, mind games that create victims or martyrs ought to be shunned good and proper. And if things feel like they are falling apart, it may be a cosmically cunning opportunity to rebuild by letting-go.

--> With many thanks to t.k.Traktung Khepa, for sharing with us these beautiful paintings; Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche &Tara _/\_

Mercury Retrograde & Full Kalachakra Moon ~ Beltane 2009

St. Raphael

--->>>Mercury Retrograde alert! <<<---

It’s that time again (already!) when all kinds of communication cock-ups happen with alarming regularity. I, for one, have already been whammed: this retrograde strikes my descendant and I have been waiting weeks for a contract to arrive, only to be told it today it was sent out late and to another address! Who says astrology doesn’t work?

But how does it work? First a bit of background: Mercury retrograde happens for three weeks at a time, three times a year, reversing through the elements as it goes backwards, i.e. from Water to Air to Earth to Fire. Versatile Mercury rules communication, as well as healing, the mind, short journeys and our neighbourhood (and primary school too). The caduceus-carrying healer shows how we assimilate, digest and transmit all kinds of data and information; and as such it governs the media, selling and, most importantly at this time, business propositions, paperwork and proposals.

A retrograde period can and often does involve two signs and two elements, giving each retrograde its’ own flavour (of traffic jams, road blocks, misinformation, missed called and misunderstanding). Because Mercury is in apparent retrograde motion, these periods are considered to be times to revise, review, rework and redo whatever needs healing, particularly our mind, and the way we think or utilise our thoughts and ultimately, how we communicate, what we say, and how we say it.

This current retrograde from Gemini Air to Taurean Earth could start out trickier than most as Mercury rules Gemini, sign of the twins: it’s a double whammy and not just one single issue we are dealing with. These signs and elements suggest we can stabilise ideas as well as love and money, mind and heart, earth and humanity. So it was life-affirming to see ‘green shoots’ declared by the banking sector as Mercury was slowing down to go back into the zodiacal Taurean bank, also in time for the powerful Taurus-Scorpio Full Moon.

Technical info: Starting 7^th May at 1 degree of Gemini, Mercury will re-enter Taurus on the 13^th, taking three weeks in all to go back to 23 Taurus by June 2^nd, when we enter the resolving shadow period until the 14^th. We have been in the applying and usually quite problematic shadow period since the 23^rd of April; so if you have experienced communication problems to do with land, business, finances, art, jewellery, items of beauty and adornment, clothing or retail, hot on the heels of transport problems then look to Mercury in your horoscope (natal and by transit) and see where, how, and when you’ll be able to resolve communication and/or healing or financial issues that come up. Be prepared to work and re-work, read and re-read (and then still don’t be surprised if you miss something).

This Mercury retro also encompasses Saturday morning’s Full Moon, accenting individual flourishing and profound relations. Finding a loving balance within shared ventures, as well as solitary activities, such as meditation, can also strengthen and imbibe the spiritual warrior with insight and stabilising wisdom to balance heart to mind, spirit with consciousness, and humantiy to Earth. This is no mean feat, but the heavens reflect only what we are capable of.

The beauty of Beltane, the solar fixed fire festival of lush fertility continues over the next few days; honouring Earth and experiencing nature in all her glory may well be the way to heal any rifts in relationship, as well as forge new alliances and, if you’re really lucky, reach new contemplative depths.

In my practice I will send out Beltane blessings, with love under full Kalachakra moonlight

p.s. I also thought you might enjoy this interesting site, which has a great graphic showing how the eight solar fire festivals align in space…

http://www.archaeoastronomy.com/

The Dharma of Capitalism

Cosmic love courses steadily towards critical spiritual mass with a waning Moon, Venus, Mars & Uranus, all in the last degrees of mutable Pisces: Now is the time to make an evolutionary leap in understanding the wisdom of compassion, as the path of the Spiritual Warrior beckons. Yet to reach this highly realised state while these planets are in hard aspect to Pluto, planet of total transformation, the familiar and material kind of comfort zone we might be used to may not even exist any more; so there’s a potential to feel lost, fearful and nervous of what might lie ahead and make a drama out of a crisis – especially in the face of other people’s pessimism. Change by its very nature challenges us to rethink, plan, and still make adjustments along the way. In these extraordinary times the impetus for change generates a variety of reactions from all sides. Without warning lovers, friends, and even the stranger on the street can swing in an instant from friendly to hostile and back again; so it is more important than ever to calm the neurotic mind and allow the wisdom that comes from the heart to shine through. By not getting attached to negative emotions, such as anger, jealousy or resentment, it means our personal self-esteem also gets a boost.

A new moon in Taurus on Saturday the 25th accents more solid values; and giving all that we cherish some kind of makeover has certain rewards. There is nothing to fear in letting go of outmoded ways of being to make way for the new. For instance, instead of perpetuating unhelpful thoughts, begin to praise everyone (including yourself) for talents and abilities and affirm everyone’s self-confidence. Note: Value yourself and others will too. (Needless to say, this does not apply to overbearing egos!) Finances and personal relationships could also soon start to look up, which would, no doubt, be the kind of change we will all welcome.

This also came through the wires, which I thought I would share being very timely as the Sun shines its light passing through Taurus, the zodiacal bank:

“The Dharma of Capitalism” in the Wall Street Journal…

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124034244071240085.html

Rosy Love Goddess update

Retrograde Venus is now in that all-important very phase as she re-enters the last degree of Pisces (tropically) on the 12th of April, staying the sign of her exaltation until the 24th April; meaning she is in the best possible place she can be to emanate a cosmic kind of love within the collective environment. This end degree of the zodiac implies an inherent understanding of all that has gone before; with the planet of love at 29 degrees Pisces it suggests that when we come from the heart we’re able to forgive, show tolerance and empathise in any given situation to be compassionate towards others (even if they upset us). At this very last degree of the zodiac imagination is the key to shaping the future.

Venus, symbol of all we care for and cherish, as a morning star awakens the love vibration; and as she rises she is also gaining light with her greatest brilliance on May 5th. (Lucky Taureans who have birthdays around that time!)

After her biblical 40 day retrograde, Venus goes forward on the 18th April. Yet the day before she leaves Pisces to go back into Aires she kickes her heels in two last moves in her cosmic dance, which are rather extraordinary as she first conjunts Mars on the 21st, then occults the Moon, on the 22nd April. (Venus last occult the moon October 2008).

Exalted Venus can have a soothing effect upon feisty Mars, and previous warring factions should come to an agreement; Mars only disarms for Venusian charms. The the coming together of the cosmic lovers signals ♥ LOVE CONQUERS ALL ♥ and to actively raise bodhicitta (opening the heart-mind) in order to show limitless compassion to other sentient beings becomes even more relevent, on a universal scale. This dynamic union preceeds the occultation, the hidden transference of energy between planets as they come together to create a potent influence. Mars is dynamic, while Venus represents love, and the Moon our emotions.

With this particular occultation the Moon will be waning. A waning moon encourages us to release negative feelings. A Moon~Venus ~Mars transmission of this calibre is specifically about overcoming personal desires and balancing our sense of self-worth with the needs of others, i.e. the collective. This is not to say we should be selfish or egoist, but to see the value in being oneself aligned within a greater whole, i.e. there is no difference between one or many. To be aware of this interdependence encourages self-awareness and unconditional love (of self and others) and an ability to act upon heartfelt intention at the same time mindful of the changes now being implimented in the spirit of cooperation.
Let the love shine on….

An advancing evolution on the horizon ~> April 09

An advancing evolution is on the horizon bringing with it a reality shift that comes into focus as Mars, planet of action, conjoins Uranus, planet of awareness, on April 15th. Both planets are in Pisces, a sign that encourages one to merge with the unknown with insight and compassion. But over the next few days dynamic Mars first opposes unyielding Saturn, creating a reality check; and traditional methods of doing the same old thing may be more appealing – but only for an instant. Bear in mind that while the world wonders about the current climate of uncertainty, those in authority are also subject to the same instability, in need of practical support and re-education. Patience, dedication and the art of gentle persuasion will achieve so much more than pushing blindly ahead this weekend. Being bogged down by minutiae, however, in the run up to the Full Libra Moon on the 9th may mean missing the opportunity to balance the witnessing mind with the calm steady beat of the heart and realise one’s truth.

Anger, resentment and general discontentment could arise and even be held in the body because a seemingly immovable object just won’t budge or give in to those desires which may also be born out of ignorance. The Buddhist teachings tell us we should especially treasure those who generate negative emotions within us, for they also serve as an impetus to practice the kindness and diplomacy that appeases difficult situations and at the same time make peace with ourselves. By knowing this we sense problems can be transformed. And then they will - in time. As an irresistible force comes up against a critical spiritual mass mid-month, something or someone gives way so that progress will be made. Dance, music, meditation, yoga and sport, helps to keep the flow of energy, chi and prana more fluid during this period, creating the kind of happiness that can deflect harmful physical, mental, or even spiritual stress.

H.H. Penor Rinpoche & the Sun Venus conjunction

Two extraordinary events took place the 27th March 2009: One in India where His Eminence, the Nyingma Kalachakra Master, Penor Rinpoche, passed into paranivrana and his final meditation in this body; the second was astronomical with the Sun’s conjunction of Venus. When such occassions converge, a third experience results: the raising of bodhicitta and the opening of the heart-mind. For when a highly realised meditation master who knows the truth of the Kalachakra statement “as it is outside, so it is within the body” passes at such a rare moment, he shows the way of the heart is towards a blissful clear light state of enlightenment.

In astrology, Venus is the planet of love and beauty, treasure and values (the word Rinpoche means Jewel), while the Sun is consciousness central, Spirit, psychologically named individual identity or ego. And this is no ordinary conjunction either. It is an inferior conjunction, meaning Venus is this side of the Sun; and her most radiant light unable to be viewed from Earth. Venus shines her brightest during these rare conjunctions, suggesting that when the Light of Love aligns with Spirit and Earth energy calms to become easy-going, pleasurable and optimistic. No wonder H.H. Penor Rinpoche is a popular and much loved teacher if he was so in tune with this celestial configuration.

Astronomically speaking, the Queen of the Heavens takes eight years to create her cosmic sky dance in the shape of a five-pointed star; and she moves in the manner you would draw the pentagram; so these conjunctions happen every 19 months. Interestingly, Venus rules Taurus, the sign under which the Buddha, Gothama Siddhartha was born.
©lbt

Fiery Thunderbolt

This fiery new moon in Aries inspires courage and stimulates confidence in new ideas, new ventures and new relationships. New ways of looking at an established relationship, be it a business association or love affair, can also revitalise passion and enthusiasm - in both parties, to go full steam ahead by the end of April.

Amorous Venus is also still retrograde in Aries, conjoining the Sun, Moon and Mercury: action is called for, while personal strength is mastered and more easily projected when motivated by love and positive intention. Coming from the heart generates unconditional compassion, which also means being good to one’s self, as well as others. Having the strength, patience and discipline to refrain from intentionally or absentmindedly harming, either oneself or others, comes to the saintly few. Most of us have to work at practicing this most honourable ethic: because our ego and identity can all too easily become caught-up in difficult situations, as in a battle of wills, that emotions such anger, jealousy or competitive pride arise; such corrupting influences make it nigh on impossible to correctly assess situations. Allowing the mind access to the innate and much-needed gentle awareness could now encourage reconciliation between previously warring factions.

With four Aries planets in hard aspect to controlling Pluto, now is the time to rise to the challenge and persevere with enthusiasm, and stop dragging old and outworn habits into any new enterprise or association. The brave hero of the hour will reduce to ashes any negative influences that no longer serve his or her highest good, to take one step further towards a profound and phoenix-like personal transformation.

Many thanks to Lokabandhu for inviting me to Buddhafield to witness this wonderful vajra thunderbolt - May the light of the fire septre illuminate our path with spiritual clarity! http://www.buddhafield.com/

Mind science

Mind science fascinates me, as training the chattering monkey mind is something I am constantly working on. Admittedly the mind and the brain are not the same. The brain is the intellect while the mind constantly interacts with feelings and the environment and, from astrology's 'interconnectivity' point of view, also with the heavens. So when scientists recently went looking for God in the brain, was it any surprise that all kinds of cerebral activity get sparked? Even though scientists only studied the brains of monotheistic religions, i.e. Christian, Muslim, Jewish, to me this only confirms that the intellect conceives the Divine to be everywhere, all around the ordinary world.

Here is one of the recent reports:

'Scientists searching for brain's 'God spot' find belief circuits'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/ 'God' is found everywhere in the brain, 4966118/Scientists-searchi

ng-for-brains-God-spot-find-belief-circuits.html

Since reading these articles I have been wondering why then, fellow astrologers (and dharma practitioners too), do we see Jupiter, Neptune, 9th, 12th, Sagittarius, Pisces as being our only heavenly links to faith, religion, and the Divine, God, the Void, call it what you will. The cosmic kind of consciousness that fires up all parts of the brain, which means it must surely be found in all areas of the horoscope as well?

This article in the New Zealand herald mentions other studies, a Buddhist one and another, which Dawkins fans might enjoy:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/science/news/article.cfm?c_id=82&objectid=10560954&pnum=2

Slaying the Ego at the Spring Equinox 2009

The radiant light of the Sun energises the northern hemisphere as from midday Friday the 20^th, with the Spring Equinox, a time of equal day and equal night. The Sun represents one’s identity and is exalted in the sign Aries, a symbol of courage, daring and enterprise. The Sun is also in hard aspect to Pluto, ruthless planet of transformation and renewal. So the challenge of being a true warrior, in the spiritual sense, is sparked wherever you are.

For Plutonic regeneration to take place we must defeat negative forces, and let go of unhelpful habits such as holding onto a wrong view; by doing so we discover previously hidden strengths. With Manjushri’s double-edged sword of truth and logic at the ready, be prepared to slay the ego at the same time appraising self-worth. Admittedly, this is a serious test for anyone. Yet now is the time to raise self-esteem by cutting through the veil of illusion with a fierce kind of grace and separate ourselves from anger, fear, resentment, addictions or anything else holding us back. To stop measuring oneself against others will also bring certain relief. And, besides, there is great bliss to be found in allowing the important aspects of life to flourish, such as personal relationships and creative activities that replenish the soul.

Cham Dance

Masked dance always strikes an unexplainable chord within me. Dance takes us to those unfathomable depths that enable one to communicate with the Divine. The Tibetan Masked Cham dance is particularly wonderful; I also like it because it is in 3 parts – like the action of a retrograde planet, such as Venus who is our current Queen of the cosmic retrograde Dance. Venus had been pressing ahead into the radiant night sky, full of stately splendour, eagerly seeking love with lust and ardour; then on March 7th, she stopped at 18◦ of go-getting Aries before internalising a retrospective phase to deal with certain *issues* and, like the Cham Dancer, confront her demons. In our present Venus-in-Aries scenario, the issue we can effectively address is self-love, and the barriers we create to total self-acceptance.

I don’t mean ‘self-love’ in an egotistical ‘Hey, everyone look how great I am!’ kind of way, but valuing the innate kindness and love that comes from the heart is essential for a positive self-image and self-acceptance. Funnily enough, we westerners can have such big of issues about self-worth; thinking ‘oh, my nose is too big’ or ‘I’m not rich enough’, or, ‘I’m not fabulous enough to have a lover, job or friend that is good for me’; the mind then allows such thoughts to get us down and damage our self-esteem, and we end up believing all the lies and misconceptions our ego tells us. His Holiness, Dalai Lama is always amazed how westerners can devalue ourselves, when the precious human rebirth is such a treasure. Everyone has their own gift to bring humanity, for some it is healing, music, dance or sport, for others its meditating, parenting, caring, working with animals, swimming, singing, driving or making or selling things, even the way of the warrior can be spiritual, (especially now, with Mars in Pisces).

The second part of the dance is on Aoril 12th, when Venus will retrograde back into the anaretic 29th, very last degree of Pisces; in her sign of exaltation she emanates an unconditional cosmic kind of love, when the teachings on love and compassion, for oneself and others becomes so pertinent. Taking time for totally forgiving past mistakes (seeing them as something to learn from) and learning to love our demons can be so liberating. The strange things is that when accept and love our negative points they change to become positive –demons can then be transformed into becoming happy because they are loved, and so they stop pestering us! The 3rd part comes on th 18th April when Venus goes forward again. Stevie Wonder says “If you can’t love yourself, then who can you love?” With his words I encourage you to let the Goddess of the Dance open your heart to an endless sea of love and discover in that endless ocean heartfelt compassion and knowledge that the universe always supports you.

Jangchub Lingpa's Cham Dance video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ser_0mBGqjY

2012

Over the years I’ve given 2012 a great deal of thought, and have come to the conclusion that the universal invitation to raise consciousness is already happening. A number of astrological factors indicate this. Even so, I bare in mind that Namkai Norbu Rinpoche, one of the greatest living Dzogchen masters teaches ‘astrology is only one of the 12 lores or sciences concerned with Spirit or Mind’; there are many ways to ‘realisation’.

Having said that, I am primarily a Western astrologer and a Buddhist practitioner who studies the movements of the heavens (#8 on Namkai Norbu Rinpoche’s list), but can see why some astrologers have hooked into 2012 as time of change, because Uranus in Aries is Square Pluto in Capricorn (tropically), denoting a transformational shift, collectively as well as individually. (There is also the beginnings of a Grand Cardinal Cross starting in 2010 through 2015, which have already begun to navigate.)

While much is being made about the fact that the rising Winter Solstice Sun conjuncts the Galactic centre at the 2012 Winter Solstice, few are acknowledging that the Winter Solstice Sun has been doing exactly that for some time now, since at least 1996. I recall being with HH the Dalai Lama, and 300,000 other Buddhists at a Kalachakra Initiation near Darjeeling, India, on the 1996 Winter Solstice Full Moon, thinking then about the 2012 Mayan prophesy - the end of one world and the beginning of another - noting how the prophesy was already in place: we are at the end of an era and, if we are to understand Samsara and cyclic existence, we are now seeing the beginning of something new.



That 2012 has grabbed people’s imagination is fascinating. Sure, it is glamorous to be thought of as a Blue Cosmic Storm rather than a crab, as in my case; but the whole 2012 Mayan Calendar phenomena also presents opportunities: On one hand we can exercise humanities’ collective longing for positive change and evolve our innate kindness and compassion, share the love, and bring an end to suffering. On the other, people can lay themselves open to an end-of-the-world doomsday scenario and get hooked into the fear, from which one can then be controlled.

But in the end, the change we are experiencing is to the natural world; and this current recessional economic climate can only benefit nature, and all her elements, of which we are but a part. Our environment is as precious as all sentient beings.

As far as western astrology is concerned a pertinent cosmic representation of what we are going through is the current association of the transpersonal outer planets, Uranus and Neptune; these two have been in direct relation for 22 years (with one more year to go (before Uranus goes into Aries)). Visionary Uranus is symbolic of groups, change, and awareness; Neptune signifies psychic sensitivity and the Divine. This combination reflects an interest in astrology groups, as well as lightworking and consciousness raising transcendental networking. In its’ most positive sense, the dream team mutual reception of Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius indicates a mass elevation of the human spirit. It also invites pure awareness. While Pluto in Capricorn suggests big business transforms to be responsible about earthly resources, caring like a perceptive and powerful mother-figure.

What I recommend during this period of intense change is that everyone takes time to de-stress and touch base with reality: meditation, yoga and music (amongst others) are all non-toxic ways we can relax into our natural state of inner-peace.

Dance of Venus ~ Step 1 ~ The Heroine

Value systems are called into question as Venus, symbolic of all we cherish, is now slowing down in the sign of the Aries firecracker. On the 6^th March Venus halts to go retrograde for a biblical 40 days and 40 nights, when the heavenly Aries Love Goddess changes the steps of her cosmic dance, from being the excitable evening star to that of a bright and rosy morning glow. (Venus traces out a five-pointed star in the heavens with this retrograde pattern, with five Sun/Venus conjunctions over 8 years).

Affecting all of us during this time are concerns about property, relationships, and self-image; so following Yogi Bhajan’s very Venusian 3 Rules for Prosperity will be our challenge (which Carolyn recently posted): 1) Always be kind 2) Always speak kindly of others 3) Always speak kindly of yourself. (Tougher to follow than you think!)

Reassessing the sometimes-childish and selfish ego with kindness demands more than the brute force of a dynamic personality – humility, courage, and a cause to compassionately campaign will show how Venus rewards those who rise to the challenge and emanate the cosmic love vibration. That this Venus retrograde period means slamming on the breaks to a speedy thrill-seeking approach towards love or looks, money or art, seems fitting in the run up to Easter, a festival of resurrection - the perfect time to assess our impact upon something else we couldn’t live without: planet Earth. Just as important: If, having landed somewhere due to an impatient ego (duh!), to learn that LOVE CONQUERS ALL makes it possible to forgive others and ourselves and move on. And celebrate International Woman’s Day on the 8^th of March knowing that to imbibe indestructible feminine strength and wiles honours the feminine within, as well as all the glorious Venusian women we know or have known, and love.

Earth Ox Solar Eclipse

Planet Earth is currently in the midst of a massive wake-up call. The coming changes could revolutionise humanity in so many ways – for the better. Today’s new moon, heralding the Chinese Year of the Earth Ox, is rather special as it suggests we think big, stay positive, and set destiny on its’ course. It is also a solar eclipse, a time when the conscious and the unconscious can work together to create a potent harmonising of self in relation to others. Remarkable insights and ideas can now suddenly come from nowhere. Making time for a moment of mediation will help to clarity the creative vision and empower us to achieve our goals.

To dream and fashion ideas won’t be enough during this lunar month as the impetus is to also activate and concretise. Wishes can come true and hopes can be realised. A little help from influential friends enables us to overcome obstacles and remain focused should detours be necessary. Success as well as perceived failure can now be used creatively, by showing others what we are made of, and how we learn from the consequences of our actions. There is a cosmic catch to being truly triumphant however; for whatever we do must be done for the greater good of all. Personal glory is assured (Leos will be pleased to hear!) from any project or plan as long as it is accompanied by an altruistic intention, and not just to line one’s own pockets. Note Mercury goes forward on 2^nd February, and contracts will still need to be reviewed until then. .