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

Lhabab Düchen ~ 11-11-11 ~ Buddha returns from the 33

Monday is a multiplied karma day; when the effect and merit of actions, thoughts and words are multiplied by 100,000,000! So best be mindful throughout the day, or at least try (as in my case!). Lhabab Duchen is one of the four most important days in the Buddhist calendar. The 15^th day of the 9^th Tibetan month sees the celebration of Buddha’s return to earth after three months and seven days of dharma teaching to his mother in the realm of the 33, the sphere of the Deva’s. (Mystic numerologists will be interested to see this festival of the 33 is in the week of 11-11-11, adds up to 33!)

By all accounts Buddha left Earth and entered Deva Heaven at the age of 41. Astrologers will note a classic mid-life point of dramatic change, as shown by the transiting planet of change, Uranus, in opposition the natal Uranus, due to its’ 84-year cycle. Almost everyone goes through a powerful awakening around the age of 40-42 (with the possible exception of a triple Taurean – only kidding: Buddha was Taurus). Breaking off from someone or something or bringing something to completion that allows the individual to move towards creating a second part of life in order to fulfil some kind of dream or ambition is common at this time of life. For the Buddha it was an act of repaying the kindness to his mother for bringing him into this world. That Buddha had such a mid-life turning point (not exactly the same as the crisis we lesser mortals may create) makes the teachings all the more human.

From the bliss realms Buddha returned to Earth via a triple ladder, which was made by Vishvakarma, the Hindu god of architecture and machines. Built from gold, crystal and lapis lazuli, the triple ladder stretched all the way from Mount Meru. At the appointed hour (on the last quarter moon) on the right-hand golden ladder appeared the all-powerful, all-seeing Bramha, with the fine form deities; on the left-hand crystal ladder came dorje wielding Indra, with the Lords of the sensual worlds; while Buddha descended via the central lapis lazuli ladder, representing the middle path and an intimate relation with the realms of meditation, infinite space and infinite consciousness; thus bringing heaven to earth and illustrating how to overcome the duality of form and formless, nothing and everything.

The festival is celebrated this year while the Sun is in Scorpio, signalling renewal, if not of faith then perhaps strength, and in a tight ’T’ to the almost infamous triple (that word again!) Aquarian conjunction in exact square to the Moon in Leo, now conjunct warrior Mars. The ego-war is on: the natives are restless in the healing quest for divine liberation!

By next weekend we have Saturn in Libra finally making the square to Pluto. Unless one remains resolute it could be all too easy to slip into the all-controlling unseen fear vibration. Transforming suffering into happiness might not seem positive to some on the surface, but in my humble opinion is the only way to deal with such heavy aspects, and respond with the renewal of two of the most important aspects of being: heart and psyche (more on that later).

But first some technical info: This square is part of a greater cycle that began in 1982, when Saturn was also exalted in Libra; and it ends in 2020 when Saturn will be at home in Capricorn. Therein lies the clue in how to handle the cycle: makes friends with Saturn and build a sustainable society based upon (Libran) PEACE & LOVE.

As two planets dance around the Sun they form angles to each other, the 90 degree squares and 180 degree oppositions being notoriously the hardest, but often the most interesting to deal with. The first square these two heavy-weights made in '93 locked both planets in home signs: Saturn in Aquarius, Pluto in Scorpio. Responsible collective regeneration becoming key words, even here, at this early stage of the cycle.

The opposition was in 2001, when Saturn was in Gemini and Pluto in Sag, when we saw truth become the order of the day. Now we are at the closing square - except we are one whole Saturn cycle on. This means that (along with the rest of us and those whose charts seriously constellate with these degrees and planets) a whole bunch of 28-29-30 year olds are intensely feeling the pressure to renew resources, as they could quite easily see the writing on the wall by the time the two planets meet again to complete the cycle in boundary making Capricorn. Interesting times...

Buddha's Descent from the 33 ~ Taurus Full Moon 09

The heart of the Sun is likened to the spiritual human heart which, when positively galvanized, has the ability to radiate cheerful enthusiasm to control and direct deeply profound emotions, such as craving or aversion. This is worth bearing in mind as the Sun now passes though compelling and magnetic Scorpio, when passion is as easily aroused, as is our ability to be resolutely concentrated (dharana) and focused (dhyana). This finely tuned and sometimes hidden ability to shine a light upon our negative state - or even a positive meditative objective – is acute as we approach the Samhain full Moon in Taurus, on November the 2nd, also known as all Soul’s Day.


While the solar Gregorian calendar dictates October 31st as Halloween, the cross-quarter point is on November 7th. During this time of year the veil between worlds, underworld and overworld, consciousness and subconscious, is thin – allowing us to delve into previously hidden parts of our psyche as well as rise to the other extreme: ecstatic peaks. At such times we also need to enhance sensitivity and take care, as desire nature can also run amok to captivate the mind and obsess about all kinds of yearnings. Any emotional attachment to our perceived requirements could render one doubly responsive at this time. Insightful Scorpio works in mysterious ways, ultimately pointing to the path of transformation and the power to alchemically change destructive emotional longing into generating an aspiration towards compassionate love, ‘bodhicitta’ in Buddhism. Doing so orientates towards the spiritual heart of every individual, our true Buddha nature.

This Full Moon on Monday (19:14 GMT 14:19 ET) commemorates Buddha’s agreement to the Deva’s request to descend from the Heavenly Realms of the 33, the Trayatrisma (where he had repaid kindness by teaching his mother), and return to Earth to continue teaching the dharma. In a week’s time, at the last quarter moon on November 9th, we celebrate the actual descent as being one of the four most important days in the Buddhist calendar. This ability to move between spheres is not currently confined to the Buddha. The Spirit of the Sun is also currently up-close and personal with communicative Mercury who, in Scorpio, acts as mediating psychopomp between the seen and unseen, urging us to be attentive to our thoughts while we shift between our levels of consciousness, so that we can recognise any gems we might discover.

The Sun and Mercury also conjunct asteroid Ceres, now enjoying elevated status since being promoted by astronomers to have a greater rank in the solar system. Symbolically, Ceres is the Great Earth Mother, a resonance of Tibetan Green Tara, caring for all as if we are her own. Ceres in Scorpio encourages us to connect to others through sharing special moments. The enchanting touch of Ceres makes everyone feel loved and nurtured. Whispering sweet nothings into loved ones ears; friendly gestures in familial or social settings, a tender caress as a story is shared over dinner; or through massage and a blissful sexual union with the one we are intimately connected is a welcome kind of therapeutic togetherness, bringing joy, camaraderie and renewed strength for Halloween ~Samhain and to rejoice Buddha’s Decent next week. At this intermediary fire festival, flames blaze along the leylines conveying the message of light, warmth and love, from heart to heart. Fire can also glow from within, as Tantric Kandal.

As autumn leaves fall, Scorpio is also a time of cutting back that which impedes renewed growth later on. So too, is it our time to let go of outworn modus operandi. If you have anything to offer to the light of love (hopes, dreams and ambition or fears, doubts and worries about relationship, money, career, the future) write it down clearly and hold your intent to transmute or let go when sacrificing it into the fire. On a more mundane note, while Mercury is with the Sun in Scorpio, we can harness the ability to focus more easily and access the penetrating qualities of the mind. Puzzles may now be solved and secrets unearthed. It is also an optimum time to assess how shared assets and potential legacies are maturing.

From an esoteric view Mercury, with the Sun in Scorpio, activates the laser-like psychic perception that zaps straight to the magical heart of any matter, including quick easy access to the Spiritual Sun. And because a fixed cross accompanies this Full Moon, (with the triple Aquarian conjunction and Mars in Leo) the potential is for heart, throat and anja centres to act as portals for Divine luminescence. Shine on, Beloved Ones, Shine on… Special thanks to Karim Rashid for visionary art

Saturn's new ring expands our own circle of influence

In retrospect it’s been an extraordinary start to autumn. But when any planet opposes the awakener, Uranus, we should always expect the unexpected! Uranus invokes an intense kind of awareness that comes from out of the blue; so it was with surprise and delight that during this current Saturn-Uranus opposition we suddenly advanced our knowledge of how the solar system works - and hence, from the astrologer’s point of view (because all of creation is interdependent) we now also have a greater understanding of what makes us tick.

Only a few days ago we discovered that Saturn, planet of responsibility and discipline, boundaries and recognition, has a previously undetected 3 million mile wide ring around it. From the metaphysical perspective this signals an extension of our own boundaries, to start being responsible, specifically for others outside our immediate circle. Astronomers needed hi-tech infrared cameras to view this absolutely massive ring. This also suggests we need new and different tools, especially for effort and work to be recognised, so that everyone can benefit from the altruistic intention. Saturn is currently in the last degrees of Virgo, symbol of body-consciousness, intelligence, and order. Tools that will work, to quote Dr Deepak Chopra, to ‘Train the Mind and Heal the Body’ are now called for; tools which are essential for personal, intellectual and spiritual expansion, such as analytical meditation or yoga, that stretch both mind and body. Virgo also governs the intestines, and is associated with our daily routine; so the importance of eating well, sleeping well, exercising well, and generally looking after oneself becomes mega significant to move into this new phase of human evolution. One of the easiest ways to maximize productivity is through time management. Time is Saturn’s speciality. Over these next few weeks it will be helpful to note which hours in the day are easier to work or play, eat or sleep - to be aware of peak performance; then aim to utilise and increase efficiency. Interestingly, in beautiful cosmic synchronicity, on the very same day of the astronomical discover another ring was announced, this time on solid Earth, at Stonehenge; Saturn, as ‘Time Lord’ rules stone and all things old and institutionalised.

Soon Saturn will change signs. On the 30^th of October (just in time for Halloween!) the celestial representative of karmic consequence moves into its’ rulership, Libra, the sign of partnership, justice and fairness, beauty and the scales. This shifts the responsibility from not only being sensible about one’s own mind, body and spirit, but to being accountable for others’ well-being too. Be prepared: the next two years the emphasis will be upon creating honourable and loving associations. The message is clear: If you want to be loved, be the person you would like to love.

We’ve also seen Obama instil the concept of peace into the heart of the World. On the same day the Moon was ‘bombed’, nominally in search for water. The two events might not initially seem linked, yet the moon reveals beautiful astrological associations: the Moon rules water, the tides and our emotions, is ruled by the zodiac sign Cancer, Cancer is the sign of America, Obama’s Venus (symbol of value) is in Cancer; and on the day of his Peace Award, the transiting Moon conjunct his Venus. What goes around comes around! The bombing, for some, might also be seen as wounding of La Luna and thus the feminine. Remain resilient and calm: Untold female strength is yet to be revealed. Womanly charms are about to be given control, as influential Saturn moves into cool and charismatic Libra, precursor of peace and love.

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?

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.