Celebrating a man of Peace ~ Sun in Libra (Aries Full Moon & Mercury direct 09)

This note is in honour of the anniversary of the birth of one of the planets' great men of peace on October 2nd, that of Mahatma Gandhi. His maxim “Be the change you want to see in the world” is also a very popular quote these days. Rightly so; for each and every one of has the personal responsibility to alter – and improve – our lives, and those of others around us, and therefore shape our own (collective) destiny. How do we do that? By changing the way we perceive our selves, our relationships and our position in the world we alter the way we react. I appreciate this may sound easier said than done. But in seeing all the good around us, the kindness and love that we give and receive - and are grateful for - it enables us to generate a feelgood factor that in turn makes problem solving much easier. “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” To all extents and purposes it seems many of us have recently been through the opposite of this, bumbling best we can through a time of soul searching, seeking new ways of looking at the world and new ways to change our approach to problems so that our needs get met, if not our wants. Yet the times now call for material consolidation and practical advancement. It’s not always easy to be realistic and assess and go ahead with what works and leave behind what doesn’t.

“In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.” Truth is now found through being expansive in community and spiritual associations, where the dream of a positive future can manifest with the support of kindred spirits.

Celestially speaking, October looks more promising than last month to implement changes that have a lasting quality, as Mercury, planet of the mind, ideas and commerce moved into direct motion to go back over the late degrees of Virgo before re-entering peace-loving Libra October 10th. A quick recap of this Mercury retrograde when our healing brother conjoined Saturn (and the two are still performing together to will be exact on 8th October for the 3rd time) and oppose Uranus and square to Pluto (also for the third time). The responsible kind of transformation we seek could pick up momentum over Sunday’s full Aries moon, when quicksilver Mercury again opposes Uranus, planet of innovation and sudden insight; and Mars, ruler of Aries, also makes a daring dash to revolutionise with Uranus. All in all, these next few weeks are instrumental for pointing long term plans in a direction we would like them to move. The spirit of the Sun in sign of balance and love, Libra, radiates with the action orientated Aries Full Moon to remind that when we come from the heart, and keep the benefit of others in mind, there is every chance developments will conform to our wishes. Bearing in mind one last Gandhi quote, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

FYI Mahatma Gandhi born October 2, 1869 at 7:12 AM in Porbandar (India) with Libra Sun & Asc, with a prominant and insightful Mercury in Scorpio on his Ascendant.

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.

The kiss of Purity & Justice ~ Mercury retro - Libra -> Virgo 09

A positive reaction to ‘fairness’ is hardwired into the human brain. Understanding that something is ‘right’ seems to satisfy a basic need, such as food and sleep. Yet fairness and justice are not always one and the same; that the sign of ‘Justice’ is often a blindfold beautiful young woman, holding sword and scales high above an institutional High Court, could provide clues as to how to create the kind of equilibrium many of us now seek - be that fairness a much-called for balance in relationship, within business, or in our own mind (with the latter often being the most difficult to achieve). A blindfold person need not be someone kept in the dark. Beneath our wraps lie the gifts of intuition, perception and insights which can embrace truth and integrity. Combine such symbolism with the faith that can be found by discussion and intellectual reasoning and we reach parity, as shown by the sword and scales; per chance we also discover peaceful equanimity.

With Mercury, planet of the mind, facts and communication now retrograde in Libra, the sign of harmony, equilibrium and justice, finding the most reasonable way to deal with certain situations, or certain people, is high on the celestial agenda. In our personal lives this could translate as deciding the best way forward in our social relationships: From friends, to business to marriage partnerships, we may now be asking how much adjustment is called for, investment needed or, indeed, commitment required from both parties to be acceptable as ‘fair’, if not just. As Mercury goes back into Virgo on the 18th September, where the wavering planet stays until the 10th of October, we are warned not to worry ourselves silly by trying to only settle upon the perfect solution; for there are always mitigating circumstances. While it is advised to study all available facts and figures, at least until Mercury goes forward on the 30th of September, focusing upon a healthy daily routine allows mind and body to align, making it easier to stay in good physical shape and therefore alert to any revelation. Applying and adjusting to those insights (however dramatic or difficult) provides the satisfaction which comes from achieving a sense of fairness, by separating right from wrong. And a real sense of accomplishment may be more apparent as Mercury goes back into Libra in October.

On a lighter note, as a connoisseur of the good life, Libra also rules looks and haute-couture fashion. Instead of being a slave to trends, Libra tends to appreciate lasting quality, with exquisite taste. As autumn draws in, it’s a great time to dress-up, re-vamping old favourites for a classy and new winter look! Enjoy!

Dream Healing Caduces

We all have an image in our mind of how we are. For those whose egos are as Royal as Buckingham Palace, it’s a vision of excellence, of someone unable to do anything wrong or make mistakes. For others who only see faults, foibles, and that tiny little spec of fluff on your shoulder, the picture is far less grandiose; and one that can so easily feed a poverty mentality held in the grip of fear and loathing. Neither viewpoint is that healthy or nourishing: one too pompous, the other too narrow; it takes a certain kind of understanding to realise that while no one is perfect, everyone is precious: an awareness of self in relation to others.

A false perception of how we associate with the world can lead to feeling disconnected in so many spheres: in relationship to people, money, work, even reality itself. Yet all is never lost. Especially while healing Mercury, also planet of the mind, is stationed (to go retrograde on Monday) in rational Libra; the sign of peace and loving harmony shows how a balanced viewpoint comes by turning towards the middle way. This way of ‘intrinsic awareness’ allows us to see how our own life is reflected by everything around us, through others and our environment; if we take this further then we can perceive how one’s mind is also reflected in the body. And with the light of the life-giving Sun now focusing upon health-orientated Virgo, the connection to our physical wellbeing is seriously emphasized.

So how do we achieve this balanced state of intrinsic awareness, of self-acceptance with a healthy mind and body? The most direct way is through meditation, yoga, prayer, dance or poetry, or any other activity that promotes insight through non-analysis. During this Sun in Virgo ~ Pisces Full Moon (exact Friday at 5pm BST), a powerful solar-lunar association activates the dream and the achievable, to unify form and the formless, the real and phantasmagorical. Best note where the Virgo-Pisces axis lies in your horoscope, and prepare to synchronize mind and body with Divine Spirit. Take time to sit and breathe and observe how thoughts show up in your physical being, through tension and stress. And take care, as Samskaras from previous lives can also come to light when developing an equanimous mind and the heart of compassion.

Note Mercury is going to go retrograde in Libra early next week, heading back into purist Virgo on the 18th. Ordinarily, when any of the yearly three ‘Mercury Retrograde’ periods come up, astrologers warn about re-reading every last word of legal fine print at least twice before signing upon dotted lines, and to be aware that transport and postal delays should be factored in if sending or travelling – and still expect things to go slightly out of whack. But this next Mercury retrograde is no ordinary backward sliding passage, as the planet of communication lines up with an authoritative and realistic Saturn, which remains in opposition to radical Uranus (for another year yet), suggesting we all need to continue looking in a responsible manner at alternative measures for ways to make our lives secure and calm, open and free, without feeling oppressed, descending into anarchy, or resisting change.

So keep an eye on any balls you have in the air right now. Make a mental note of all you’re thinking about, how you process and juggle those thoughts, and the potential outcome of any analysis, because you might well be going over similar ground mid-September and again mid-October. Remember, experience counts, and forewarned is forearmed.

Staying on a practical note: if making (any major) decision over the next month, the most appealing option might be to sit on the fence whilst weighing up all options, (even asking other peoples’ opinions, if necessary professionals) possibly up until mid-October. Before pronouncing any sensible and responsible judgement, you may ironically go through an extreme transformation of causes and condition that enables something or someone to really flourish for years to come.

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/