Kalachakra Peace Mind ♥ ૐ ♥ New Aries Moon 2010

Spring equinox marks the beginning of Kalachakra Calendar, and the new Aries moon begins Kalachakra month. I find this timing interesting in so many ways, as Aries in Western astrology is depicted as independent and gung-ho, a fearless warrior with a cause to fight, or a naive impulsive loner - the Tarot’s fool. Yet according to the most sacred system of Tibetan astrology, Kalachakra Astrology, now is the time to contemplate and meditate upon World peace – internal peace within each individual’s heart- mind and body, and external peace, as in no more war or suffering. The first two weeks of the lunar month - during the growing moon phase - are considered most effective to implement peaceful thoughts and activities into our daily lives.

Even in the face of negativity, such as being shouted at or hurt by others, in any confrontation we must learn to turn our minds towards peace and harmony - and still be kind to the aggressors. Thus our spiritual practice is one of patience and compassion to find peace within ourselves – especially as we can often be our own worst enemy. As the newness of life emerges all around, we might well feel that Aries impulsiveness to spring into action and conquer the real threat: our own anger and inability not to react with further antagonism when challenged.

Today's Moon at 24Aries (the 14^th April) could have us believe all systems are go-go-go. But just as we buckle belts and get ready to slam pedal to the metal in a hurry to destination ‘Nirvana’, our dear cosmic trickster, Mercury, planet of communication and short journeys, heads into apparent backward motion on Sunday the 18th, urging us to proceed with caution. For three weeks (until 11^th May, or 2^nd June latest), ‘more haste, less speed’ is the maxim to live by. Should we push too-fast, too-soon, we may find our cosmic wheels spinning in the sand.

All need not go adrift – neither momentum, money, nor good intentions as Mercury is also healer AND messenger: In Taurus the message is to slow down, recuperate, and take our time to enjoy the scenery and fill the senses by just ‘being’, so we can calmly face what needs to be either let go altogether or revised and re-integrated (be that psychological, spiritual, mental or physical).

Good old-fashioned Taurean principles concern the sensual body and stable relations, material wealth and the earth’s natural environment. Wherever Taurus activates the individual’s horoscope, it will show the sphere which now needs to be reworked and re-thought in a realistic and practical manner. Thus the aim of Mercury retrograde in Taurus is to heal body and soul, as well as any financial rift. By creating a debt-free, risk-free framework with solid values, Taurean staying-power and productivity will provide a good yield, encouraging physically security. Still, we’d do well to scrutinise burning desires verses our basic needs; and be aware there are obstacles, such as human greed or selfishness, whilst trying to generate a slow but sure (financial) recovery and stability. So keep a beady eye out for slippery customers, especially when dealing with bricks and mortar, finances and art, or even that favourite Taurean subject: food, as there is every possibility of having to return, reconsider, or even re-sow seeds that ought to be ready by summer.

Any import of information may seem to be rationed, particularly during the first ten days of the three-week Mercury retro period; but bit-by-bit, piecing together triple checked ideas, travel plans or accounts, a way forward will become clear. Basically, if you enjoy reading the small print on food-packaging and bus time tables, you could have the time of your life.

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Many Thanks, with love and credits to Anya Langmean for Amitabha painting, nasa for the lunar-rover, and unknown artists and photographer.

The Free Heart ~ A Consciousness of Others ~ Full Libra Moon 2010

Full Moon on the Rise ~ Let the love-light shine!

"We keep looking outside for the light when we should now become the light". Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

The growing light of the Aries Sun radiates in fiery exaltation, mirroring our own internal light that swells in luminosity through positive focus, meditation, and intent. Opposite the Full Moon in relationship orientated Libra on March 30 at 3:25 BST, a brilliant Sun in Aries encourages braver moves with passion, verve and originality; the Libra Moon reflects a smartly cooler sophisticated emotional reaction to such Aries dynamism. This lively Sun-Moon alignment can create a fair-minded outlook, enabling us to move ahead with confidence, steadfast in self-acceptance, with the ability to make sure everyone’s emotional needs are met.

Aries -Libra is the Zodiac’s ‘me-we’ axis: Circumstances around this full moon present an opportunity to look at our self in relation to other people. Now there is the potential to expose the less desirable workings of a self-cherishing mind, and see the importance of helpful and loving allies. When assessing how we work with others, we must ask ourselves what exactly do we bring and what do we give to our family, friends and relationships. Which associations are helpful, for all concerned - and how will they go forward and benefit others?

Bear in mind that in the midst of these seemingly hard questions, karmic Saturn, the cosmic task master, will accompany the Full Moon. Others may hold up a mirror to reveal issues of loneliness versus being alone, neediness versus being self-reliant, fears versus love. This intensity of feeling is to help define our limits in relationship and out, which may be more apparent as the Moon approaches culmination; some may find it difficult to express how they feel, wanting to switch off the ‘emotional button’ entirely, making it difficult for other’s to connect. Yet there is an easing of pressure as the soon as la Luna is full. Still, a self-serving mind could easily feel the strain. Patience is called for; watch out for selfish tendency. Quickly nip in the bud any overwhelming sense of me, myself, mine, to alleviate self-inflicted karma, either by hurting someone else or suffering a damaged ego. Switch attention to helping others. This is the way to a healthy ego, feeling good and valuing ourselves.

In Buddhism we say if someone really gets to you, by making you angry for instance, then that person is a treasure, as they reveal a part of ourselves that needs to be worked on. But the real secret to dealing with destructive emotion is to be relaxed about who we are, which is naturally kind and good.

As this Full Moon spotlights a balanced ‘self’, if you don’t like what you see the Aries Sun imbibes the courage to change it. Several planets (Sun Moon Saturn & Pluto) now support a radical shift, enabling the alchemical transformation of negative imprints which may have been subtly or not so subtly reinforced for years (lifetimes possibly), making it less painful to let go of unhelpful thoughts and desires, so we are content in our skin “etre dans la peau”, as the French say, comfortable going deeper, becoming clearer, finding happiness at heart. With such ease of being, it’s then easier assist, and to be there for others.

And if you are still wondering 'What about Me'... watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDSAAlrqAHM&feature=related

Thanks and blessings to unknown artists, much appreciated whoever you are.

Loving Light of the Equinox Sun ~ Spring 2010

Feeling a spring in your step? We fast approach the Vernal Solstice (in the northern hemisphere) at 17:32 GMT Saturday the 20th, and from here on the sap rises from under our feet energising renewed life into plants and bones, tired from this long hard winter. When the Sun moves into Aries, where is it exalted, we’re encouraged to shine with lifted spirits and praise the light of our innate intelligence. Aware each of us has a gift to bring to the world and, thinking long-term, as the light of the Sun increases, the Sun in Aries now marking the beginning of the zodiac, gives the go-ahead to invest energy into that talent.

The nature of the Sun is to shine upon everyone – without exception. Our Sun’s luminous rays do not discriminate who deserves its’ heat and light. Everyone equally benefits from the radiating sun. Feeling the blissful warmth of the Sun’s rays we sense tenderness, love and compassion that can be shared all around. The Sun is also in good aspect to Mars in Leo; this aspect is dynamic, healthy and playful; our goals can be reached with determination and, because Saturn is also involved in this celestial equation, cultivating helpful allies pays dividends.

At this time of equal day–equal night, yin and yang can balance within, connecting us to courage, strength and willpower, individually and collectively, to deal with an extraordinary Equinox: The Sun illuminates Saturn, Lord of karma by opposition; and squares transformational Pluto, planet of extremes. Days after the Equinox, on the 23^rd, the Moon moves into Cancer; here we witness the start of ‘The Cardinal Cross’ of 2010, which dominates this year’s heavens. This rare and unusual formation suggests we need to access our own individual ‘Spiritual Sun’, and grow the radiant glow that illuminates from within - the light that loves, forgives and heals. The way we allow our personal luminosity to expand is to be willing to accept and adjust, which is not always easy. The agent of change is in the spirit of spiritual warrior, working in co-operation to co-create. Together we can conquer our first challenge: to overcome any fear and trepidation of what the current development might bring. No one ever said it was easy - but the heavens only reflect what we are capable of. Humanity is much more amazing than we often give ourselves credit for.

One of the main features of this Grand Cardinal Cross is the Saturn square to Pluto. This square is symbolic of the current spate of destructive earthquakes. Mythological Pluto (or Hades as he is also known), when he grabbed Persephone, the lord of death reached his hand up through a gaping, earth-quake like chasm to abduct the young maiden who innocently picked wild-flowers. Persephone (aka Prosperina or Kora) has a duel role, as both Spring Queen and, almost unwittingly, she is Goddess of the Underworld. So she represents our blameless naivety as well as lost innocence. Persephone’s Mother, Demeter, the Earth Mother, was distraught at her daughter’s abduction. After much mourning and searching for her violated offspring, Persephone was found in the underworld, where she had already taken a bite out of Pluto’s domain by eating pomegranate seeds (symbolic of sexual indulgence). A deal was struck, between Pluto and the Earth Mother, who had by that time ignored her crops, vegetation and people: for Persephone, i.e. light and life, returns to the overworld for half the year, which she does at spring, only to descend again for winter. So it seems rather fitting that at this Spring Equinox, a time of renewed possibilities that we have Pluto shaking Mother’s Earth’s ground again, as he is in hard aspects to earthy Saturn – ‘Old Father Time’ Saturn is also Demeter’s father – This is an old grudge match about resources, justice and fecundity.

Interestingly, Saturn rules authority, empire, and all that keeps us contained; Pluto lords over controlling big business - as well as secrets, and Pluto is now in Saturn’s sign. Playing cards close the chests may prove difficult for all those in positions of power. Yet still they try, even if secrecy breeds indignation to the notion of fairness; the Aries Sun anc Cardinal Cross will illuminate underhand dealings. Key words for this transit are “responsible relationship” challenging “obsessive ambition".

Yet everyone is feeling the pinch, even the wealthy. If it's not fincances making them take note of finite interests, it will be something else, a relationship perhaps, or legal matters. Few escape Pluto's long-term generational influence and its' call to transform.

Symbolically speaking, Earth Mother will nurture love and protect unconditionally, while we all need to reconsider the rape of the Earth’s resources. Holding accountable those who plunder and pillage in the name of personal power is a challenge. Even in the face of sustainability, greed, avarice and ignorance may well continue to prevail. But with or without humanity, our planet Earth will regenerate herself - eventually.

The Vernal Equinox is also the start of the Kalachakra calendar, indicating time to meditate for world peace: peace within, peace without, and peace on the planet.

As always, thanks & appreciation to unknown artists.

Sowing the seeds of compassion ~ New Moon in Pisces 2010

“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” Buddha

Every great spiritual teacher, from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to beloved Osho and Ram Dass, tell us “to be here now”. The past has already been, and the future is a mysterious mix of present circumstance and karma; so the most important time in our lives is NOW! True, the monkey mind can turn around and around and swing back and forth, but with practiced effort it becomes easier to train this mind of ours to focus and remain centred in a continued mindful presence.

An awakened state of awareness helps us to note how all life is inter-connected, and events, ideas, and even the other beings we encounter are a mirror of our own emotions, thoughts and actions. This almost supernatural connection to everything around us is where science and spirituality now meet, through the noosphere – a quantum field of unseen electromagnetic energy that resonates with Global consciousness, as well as (how we direct) our psycho-anatomical- spiritual subtle body. Thus, we humans are actually much more magical than we give ourselves credit for. Each instant a sacred blessing – thoughts with wings fly through the biosphere, generating a vibration that interacts with the collective consciousness and, at the same time, extend into an evolutionary sphere of resonance that can heal and elevate.

Astrologically speaking, there are times when it’s easier for individuals to consciously to tune into the wave of collective energies, and unite with the spiritual soul group to become ‘one’. The New Moon at 25 degrees Pisces, on Monday the 15th at 21:01 GMT, is one of these magical moments. This is a New Moon to activate the space-time connection between Divine cosmos and the sacred light that lies within each of us. Meditating upon the space in between the eyebrows, the wisdom eye – the Third Eye - can open the all-seeing pineal gland, a stargate already stimulated by increasing sunlight (in the northern hemisphere). Buddhists can envisage a spiritual awakening in the Dharmadhatu. In the Hindu tradition, the Third eye is associated with magical all-seeing powers; in the West we link it to clairvoyance or clairsentience. Third eye meditations are not to be taken lightly, as Kundalini can awaken; unless you know what you are doing, I advise you to practice with others who do. Having said that, through meditation and prayer, yoga and dance, poetry and music (all Piscean activities), ego can step aside for Spirit to progress and generate a higher frequency of light that can be used to initiate unconditional love and compassion.

With astrology we learn more about our relative dualist realm: As well as being symbolic of deep spirituality, Pisces is also the sign of phantasmagoria, with the accumulated energy of all previous zodiacal signs, Pisces can indicate self-undoing, where toxic negativity can fester, self-destruct, and fuel Samsara’s illusion. Hence a game of victim and martyr is often played by those with an emphasis upon end-sign influences: Pisces, Neptune, 12th House. Being seduced by glamour, with a spirit held to ransom by addiction and desire is a tough place to be (believe me, I know about these things). I don’t want to come across as holier than thou, but it is possible to confront the cycle of delusion, break nasty habits, and turn corners. (I did.) The cosmic key to release is to heed self’s plea for forgiveness and surrender to the collective’s call for universal service.

A transformation of the heart-mind can be invoked with this Pisces Sun and Moon, currently conjoined to Mercury, the celestial courier, and Uranus, planet of dramatic reform and modernisation: To send out into the world a powerful and positive altruistic intention that has greater effect. As the light of the moon increases, by the Spring Equinox, next Saturday, the 20th at 17:32 GMT, any intention we set into motion now, like a seed just sown, will begin to take root – all we then need to do then is add blessed Piscean water, and watch our seed grow. (Note World Water Day 22nd March).

This Vernal equinox sees the cardinal points are activated as 2010’s very powerful alignments begin to shape into place. It’s not an easy configuration by any means. We can take heart from esoteric astrologer, Alice A. Bailey, who says the Cardinal Cross accents the Spiritual Sun, i.e. our own light within the greater unity - with individual Uranus as the agent of awakening 'the whole' to the awareness of cosmic consciousness.

Pic credit to Tim Buckley for the beautiful third eye http://www.redbubble.com/people/bodhiimages/art/3052824-5-first-up

Unknown seedwoman and tatoo man and grid, most appreciated, whoever you are X