Illuminating Spirit ~ ☼ ~ Summer Solstice & Lunar Eclipse 2010

In the language of the Spiritual Warrior, or even the modern Light Worker, the Sun is referred to as ‘The Great Illuminator’ or ‘The Light of intelligence’ and ‘the Spiritual Centre’ which freely radiates warmth, love and light, in which, in the right proportions, all life thrives. The Sun, it has also been postulated, even has a consciousness of its own. Indeed, in the horoscope, we note how the Sun symbolises personal consciousness: for the Sun in astrology is individual identity central to one’s being, determining who we are growing into (which can take a lifetime), and the dominant issues we are processing and learning, in this life; Yang in quality, the Sun is also authority, ego, father and boss. 

I was reminded, just before I did my solstice practice, that when the Sun is at standstill, it is creating a 'gap', like 'the gap' in meditation that happens inbetween the out breath and the in, the pause in which we rest that sometimes makes it seem like we are in Samadhi - until we realise that we are in that gap, and then of course we headlong back into Samsara! Such is the nature of mind.

The Sun is also central in Buddhist thangka paintings, where we view many a deity beaming love-light seated upon a Sun disc; in Tantric meditation we imagine some deities seated upon a Sun disc, who are then placed at our heart, so that we, too, can learn to radiate unconditional loving kindness and compassion – just like the actual Sun. In astrology, the physical heart is also ruled by the Sun, mirroring how the Sun is at the heart of our solar system. Esoterically speaking, the Sun has a triple function: a physical form, as a heart centre, and spiritual illuminator. When we mindfully raise our vibration and encourage our own Sun to radiate from the spiritual centre, we overcome ego’s desire and aversion to realise Divine consciousness as an awareness of personal Unity with the enlightened source – and bask in our own luminous golden wonder, so to speak.

Summer makes everyone smile, and with light heart we witness the Sun peak at its highest point in the sky in the northern hemisphere, at 12:28 British Summer Time, on Monday the 21^st (-5EDT). The word Sol comes from Latin, for Sun, while ‘stice’ means to ‘stand still’. For the next couple days the Sun stands at its zenith, before heading south again shortening the days in northern skies. 

Yet this is no ordinary Solstice. At this 2010 turning point, the Sun is in an almost perfect planetary pattern, a rare Cardinal Cross, which in esoteric astrology is called The Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’, suggesting many are awakening to the fiery heart of love as a means to understanding self in relation to the world, communicating in a manner more considerate of others. This Cross has building for a while now (most of 2010), getting more intensely ‘connected’ over these past few weeks, pointing to the dramatic change which brings all kinds of different paths together, and uniting people, things and ideas, to present new openings which enable one to regain balance through action, stability through transformation, awareness through unity.

Although this cross is made up of the four cardinal signs, Aries (where Jupiter & Uranus are), Cancer (Sun), Virgo/Libra (Saturn), Capricorn (Pluto & Ceres), everyone will feel it, because the transpersonal and generational planets are involved. Because it is (mostly) Cardinal in quality, it is a Cross which indicates movement - dynamic action with spiritual intent. The solar light of the solstice Spiritual Sun continues to radiate power and strength over the coming weeks, with influential upcoming eclipses. The full Moon lunar eclipse on the 26^th June almost perfects the Cardinal Cross (But not quite! That will happen when Saturn moves back into lovely Libra, and will be exact when the moon Moves into Cancer (which it rules) on Aug 6th (when the Sun will be in Leo, which it also rules, but as Leo is a fixed sign, it will not be in the Cardinal Cross formation).

Why this upcoming Solstice and Full Moon are strong is because during eclipses, Lunar on June 26^th, and solar July 11th, we encounter major trigger points for earth changes (and being only one or two degrees out of exact sign on a powerful planetary alignement is nothing in the greater scheme of things) making this a very potent celestial Cross formation (and much more powerful than January's eclipses) and events around it are likely to demand action. 

 

There is also another cosmic Solstice formation, a Grand Air Trine, between communicative Mercury at home in Gemini, the sensitive Moon in Libra, sign of balance, and spiritual Neptune in the altruistic and intellectual sign of  Aquarius. This is a forceful energy that can condition consciousness: the Buddha said ‘what we think we become’ – an apt thought to hold in mind during the Sun’s high point. It may take a while to see the results of any subjective intent.  While this formation holds solstice, when the Moon is full on the 26th, and conjunct powerful Pluto, la Luna activates a mighty magical transformation, which the Spiritual Warrior can harness, and indicate the kind of direction we need to take - giving ourself the next eighteen years to complete the task.

Wtih a flow of golden solar nectar from the angelic messenger, the Sun/Mercury conjunction, to the receptive full Moon eclipse and oceanic Neptune conjunct Chiron, suggests we can even heal the oceans - as well as our collective emotions. The responsive Moon rules water, and is remains in good aspect to Neptune which governs deep seas, in Aquarius initiating the focus of Universal Mind. This is spiritual service: As Masaru Emoto advises as part of the healing, we need to let the water know we love it, and ask for forgiveness. 

In the Tibetan tradition, this Solstice happens to also be Guru Rinpoche Day, a day of celebrating our connection to the Guru (within). Its not always like this, as it is for the Christian St John on a set day. Guru Rinpoche day moves around the moon. Also called Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche is the all-powerful male presence we invoke to help overcome obstacles, as he is said to be the second Buddha, protector and most accomplished yogi. We can all upon this strong male active yang principle at any time, not just for solstice. Should you feel inclinded to sing his mantra while Sun Dancing with the Moon weave, he can help one to centre and overcome all kinds of hurdles “Om Vajra Guru Pemma Siddhi Hung”

Love and Gratitude as always to the Visual Alchemist, Bill Brouard for 'fiery angel' and 'unconvential commincation goes sub-aquatic' http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Visual-Alchemy/307201723841?ref=ts
and all other unknown artists_/\_♥ ૐ

Awakening the Spiritual Warrior ★ ☮ ★ New Gemini Moon 2010

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart…. Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside, awakens.” C.G. Jung

An entirely new lifestyle bursting with clarity and positive activity has the potential to successfully emerge from a decidedly murky past. Over this coming decade, and more specifically over the next couple of years, on a large scale and through mass spiritual awareness, the heavens now suggest that we can generate a happier and healthier world through vibrant cooperation and co-creation. Before this transformation becomes apparent in our own personal sphere, serious questions need to be addressed by everyone; and the answers lie within our heart of hearts: Are we ready for a shift in consciousness, which could involve a massive leap of faith? Are we brave enough to embrace the new with an open mind, willing to let go of the old paradigm: that of growth as the only way to development? Are we ready to evolve by lightening our load, pairing down, and therefore enabled to embrace a sustainable new way of living?

Most people are aware, to some degree or other, how we cannot continue as we have done, as world events and personal reactions bring home imminent change. For the observant few it has been like watching the untenable future disappearing before our very eyes. When Jupiter and Uranus recently conjoined in the last degree of oceanic Pisces, we witnessed an ecological marine tragedy unfold. The Element water is linked to human emotions. As oil leeks into the ocean collective compassion arises at the same time as confused and overwhelming feelings mix with wanting to be responsible, to help survive catastrophe. Yet the sight of man-made calamity seems to have an even more powerful effect upon our compassionate nature and we are possibly prepared to surrender to our addiction to oil. Through horrendous muddied seas a positive message has come through, as it has now become clear that we cannot carry on as a species abusing earth’s resources. Another way beckons.

There is little time to lose in waking-up to alternative solutions or setting an intention to work on the new and improved, as the two influential planets have now joined forces in fiery Aries, adding initiative and impetus to swiftly direct individual and collective spontaneous change. Expansive Jupiter and electrical Uranus have moved on from Pisces (but will revisit Pisces again*), together they illuminate our cosmic psyche like a giant heavenly spotlight, shining a light upon the path of the Spiritual Warrior, so we can act with confidence, engaging with the world at the same time as dramatically modify our objective and all we previously identified with. Should anyone want to stay locked into the outworn competitive model of selfish mores, the chances are they will remain forever unaware of his or her own true nature, and end up dealing with the same old darkness manipulated by fear and paranoia, instead of basking in the radiant love-light and innate goodness that emanates from the human heart.

From the Buddhist viewpoint, Jupiter is the Dorje-wielding master of Truth - A wise and kindly Guru who understands the nature of reality, how the five elements work with the sixth element, the light of consciousness, uniting the subtle energies of the psycho-anatomical-spiritual body. And how, through mindful mediation of the eight-fold path, one can utilise such wisdom to greater beneficial affect. Uranus is often referred to as ‘The Great Awakener”, often jolting us into mindfuness through sudden flashes of awareness. As meditators we can practice to awaken to this awareness by placing our concentration upon the third eye, the area between the eyebrows (as Uranus rules the pituitary gland). Uranus is also known in astrological parlance as eccentric and humanitarian; with Jupiter it could be crazy wisdom working hand in hand with an altruistic intention to bring alive the Spiritual Warrior, who dares to face his own demons when the Sun in Gemini emphasises taming the mind.

This weekend on Friday/Saturday 12^th, the new moon in Gemini throws the switch setting the mind buzzing with new ideas to help understand the complex dualistic nature of opposites, such as ego and non-self, body and soul, scientific and mystical. The point here, at the start of this lunar month, is not to feel pressurised by peers or authority, but to use the altruistic awakened mind to analyse for oneself and see what works best for one’s self, as an individual, right now, so that each one of us can be of greater benefit to humanity.

A good addition during meditation for this Gemini new Moon is to ‘feel’ the psychic energy of the etheric body around the corporeal body; allowing airy Gemini’s role as the mercurial messenger of the light to fill our body with prana on each inward breath, connecting mind to spirit, and let the light infuse into every pore, hold the light-filled breath for a moment, before releasing stress and strain with the out breath. We can do this for as long as we like, anywhere we like: on the bus, in a bank queue, in a traffic jam, we can direct attention to the breath anywhere. Using the radiating presence of each breath as a naturally moving progression towards a rapid perfection allows us to develop insight, so that our decisions are made more easily.

Working towards the Full Solstice Moon on June 26^th, which is probably the strongest moon of the year as it is not only a lunar eclipse, but Sun and Moon are central to the Cardinal Cross of 2010, with Jupiter/Uranus opposite Saturn in square to the Sun and Moon; the Moon is also conjunct Pluto. While this may also be a time of tension and stress, it is also when we can each find deep inside of us an autonomous way to motivate the Spritual Warrior to seek the point of integration, to find that internal balance and contribute and collaborate with a real sense of purpose to the Triple Gem of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and all our relationships, family, friends, and community.

*Jupiter retrogrades from 24 July, going back into Pisces from September 9^th, to station at 23degrees Pisces on 19^th November, coming back into Aries 22^nd January 2011.

*Uranus retrogrades from 6^th July, going back into Pisces 14^th August; to station at 26 degrees Pisces, coming back into Aries on the 12^th March 2011.

Training the mercurial mind ~ Mercury in Gemini

Mercury in Gemini 10 June 10

Mercury is the planet of the mind. Our celestial messenger moves quickly through Gemini, his home sign, making sure our anntena is alert to all kinds of helpful & healing information (on a relative level).

On the ultimate level: "What is the mind? It is a phenonmenon that is not body, not substantial, has no form,... no shape, no color, but, like a mirror, can clearly reflect objects."
Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Interesting mental exercise to quickly train the mind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6KKyPjnhjI

And this (though am not sure it is Tibetan): http://angelmessages.paradisenow.net/tibetan_exercise_of_paradox.html

Dorje-wielding towards 'The Great Awakener' ~ Jupiter Uranus conjunction 0 Aries 2010

☆ ♥ ☽ ~ ☼ ~ ☽ ♥ ☆ Our Central Spiritual Sun is awakening as we approach summer solstice and enter a period of greater solar activity. The astrological Cardinal Cross of 2010 is now underway as expansive dorje-wielding Jupiter conjoins Uranus, the 'Great Awakener', at 0Aries on Tuesday, for the 1st time in 83 years. ☆ ♥ ☽ ~ ☼ ~ ☽ ♥ ☆

The radiating Sun, as the Divine Light of spiritual intelligence, is exalted in Aries, initiating the will to unify and to bring about synthesis. The sign of the fiery Ram denotes the strength of the spiritual warrior who brings about the fusion or integration of the personality, the one-ness of personality, psyche and spirit, and the unification of humanity with conscious evolution, for the founding of Shambhala.

Interestingly, the last major aspect either of these two planets, Jupiter & Uranus make before their meeting at the starting point of the zodiac, is to the Moon, suggesting we, the people, are very much in tune with the collective cosmic current.
☆ ♥ ☽ ~ ☼ ~ ☽ ♥ ☆ Shine on, dear friends, each a sacred star ☆ ♥ ☽~ ☼ ~ ☽ ♥ ☆

Uranus in Aries ~ Activating the ‘Central Spiritual Sun’

“Now is the first day of the rest of your life.”…

Last night’s Full Moon commemorating Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree – Saka Dawa Duchen, coincided with a mega astro event, which happens only once every 84 years, as Uranus crossed zero point of 0 degrees Aries – an indication of how we are now collectively up for something completely new and different, which will put fire in our soul adding a spark to intuitive wisdom.

As it traverses the zodiac in its 84 year cycle, every seven years planet Uranus shifts sign. Uranus is a transpersonal, generational planet known in astrological circles as ‘The Great Awakener’. At its most illuminated electrical vibration it represents the alternative viewpoint and the altruistic mind; as well as having evolutionary spirit Uranus can also be disruptive chaotic rebel, with or without a cause. Uranus is totally unpredictable and often symbolically present at accidents. I find it interesting that during the last weeks of Uranus in oceanic Pisces, as it conjunct magnifying Jupiter (traditional ruler of Pisces), we witnessed an oil spill in the ocean, the likes of which we have never seen.

The impact of Uranus changing sign is often witnessed and felt suddenly, in a matter of weeks, especially if we look among our peer group and see how we as an individual relate to those we consider helpful and/or influential. How the unexpected manifests, as a bolt from the blue, an abrupt shift, a hasty retreat or rapid rise will be shown through house and sign placement in the horoscope, as well as by natal generational archetype and aspects they make to the current Uranus placement.

For the past seven years Uranus has been in spiritual Pisces; where a noticeable evolution of the heart-mind is evident, especially through technological networking – Uranus rules all things scientific and cyber. And, unless operating from the lower end of a potentially totalitarian Uranus in deceptive Pisces, the company sought was sensitive and supportive when going beyond the boundaries of traditional or conservative faith, to elevate one’s soul with utopian dream peopled with kindred spirits. We will touch base with our beloved brethren again, from August to March ‘11, when Uranus retrogrades back in Pisces (to clear up the oil spill some more perhaps) but until then, for a few short months, we are going to get a taste of things to come, as Uranus moves into Aries and a whole new era begins. Because Uranus is visionary, one eye will be firmly fixed on self, the other on how the team plays. And, unless one is mindful, the two are not necessarily mutually inclusive.

The move of Uranus into Aries brings into focus all things vibrant and exiting – new directions, new friends, and a new cause to champion. Summer thrills double in intensity, as Jupiter, the planet that magnifies swiftly follows into Aries on June 7th. These two planets, Uranus and Jupiter, at the zero point of Aries galvanize group action. It may be worth noting how Uranus rules space and new technology, while thunderous Jupiter rules the Sky and truth. We may not see any mass mobilisation of awakened spirits until the lunar eclipse of June 26^th and the solar eclipse July 11^th, when ‘Thunderbirds are Go’, and the mission is nothing short of activating the ‘Central Spiritual Sun’ with the Grand Cardinal Cross of 2010 to awaken us to Divine Consciousness. Note: Aries rules the head and Uranus the pituitary gland.

On a relative level a Cardinal Cross is challenging in so many ways, with Cardinal signs especially feeling the pressure to move into a new dimension and leave behind the old paradigm. This Cardinal Cross at the equinox and solstice 0 degrees points, so finding the loving balance between autonomy and relationships, stability and status, at the same time as dealing with negative outside influences.

Even in the midst of the trying Uranus Saturn opposition, we have been urged to take personal responsibility in order to have the freedom to create positive change. This is because Uranus and Saturn have been locked into a long-drawn out opposition that started way back in October ’08, with no less than five exact hits of this 45 year cycle, which I have mentioned more than once. And now we have one last exact polarisation to come: on 26 July Uranus and Saturn line-up and call for a careful balance of independence and reliance and confidence in governing relations. As Saturn is also about to go forward in a couple of days, on 30^th May, we may feel the need to personally restrain, especially in regards to stress and really make an extra effort to detox before summer kicks in with a powerful eclipse that quickly follows the Solstice.

It’s likely to get hot in more ways than one around mid-summer’s night – only a month away - so now is the time to jump to it, make use of Uranus in Aries initiative and swiftly order immediate surroundings such as files and paperwork, because fun and sun are bound to beckon us to come and play and, at the same time, elevate human consciousness!

As always, thanks to the Visual Alchemist Bill Brouard for his 'Pop Shaman' and Awaken Aries Woman; astrology news for the saturn-uranus illustration; creating the light body & Buddha lotus ♥ _/\_ ♥ ૐ

Golden Day with Moon of Compassion ~ Saka Dawa Duchen 2010

When the Moon is in Sagittarius we’re often prepared to chance our luck, as life can seem like a lottery, sometimes we win – sometimes we lose. Yet much of what happens in our personal lives can be actually controlled by how we perceive and what we think, as our present thoughts have a direct influence upon the future.

Especially now with the life-giving Sun traversing mercurial Gemini, accenting the benefits of neuroplasticity: We have the celestial tools in our healing hands to quickly reshape the mind. And while we tinker away inside the brain, eliminating negative emotions, its helpful to be aware how the majority of our daily thoughts are recycled neurosis, and only a small percentage of what we think about is original – mostly we’re busy churning over the same old stuff – again and again. Baring this in mind it is important to reinforce the intention to stay positive and raise the cosmic love vibration. So while the Gemini Sun stimulates our questioning grey matter, ask yourself if you reinforce certain issues by buying into your own personal ad campaigns? Do you then convince yourself what you’re thinking about is true, when in reality it’s only an illusion? If so, now is the time to assess thought processes and change patterns to be of greater effect towards helping yourself help others.

"Anything is possible; everything is possible. The power of the mind is incredible, limitless."
~~ Lama Yeshe ~~

Approaching the midnight Full Moon on Thursday night – Friday morning @ 00:07 British Summer Time, the Sagittarius Moon and Gemini Sun align and make a challenging aspect to dreamy Neptune, the planet of wild imaginative fantasies. This, therefore, is not the time to be impulsive and risk all for nothing, but to awaken to intuition and know that by working as one, with others, we can motivate and co-create, with each person playing their own individual part within the whole.

In the Tibetan tradition, this is Saga Dawa Duchen, the Moon of Buddha’s enlightenment. It could also be called ‘The Moon of Compassion’, a heavenly moment that switches on an internal light to illuminate the Divine within, so that we forgive and accept the past, remaining fully centred in each present moment. This is the kind of brilliance which can also inspire and shine upon the way forward. But remember: “You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself.”

This Full Moon is also one of the year’s ‘Golden Days’, when karma is magnified one hundred million times. With that, I wish that all beings find happiness and its causes and be free from suffering and its causes.

The day is also marked by an event that happens only once every 84 years, when Uranus crosses the zero point of 0 degrees Aries.

Saka Dawa ~ Medicine Buddha Moon 2010

Wishing all sentient beings love & happiness in this most sacred month of the Buddhist Calendar, called ‘Saka Dawa’.

Today we celebrate the birth and conception of Sakyamuni Gothama Buddha, by reciting the Medicine Buddha. If you would like to generate the healing vibration, the mantra is posted below . You don’t need to have taken an empowerment for this mantra – so all are invited to tune in!

Medicine Buddha Resources: Mantra

Sanskrit Pronunciation

Tad-ya-ta: Om Bhai-sha-jye Bhai-sha-jye Maha Bhai-sha-jye Ra-ja Sa-mud-ga-te Sva-ha

---

Tibetan Pronunciation

Tad-ya-ta: Om Be-kan-dze Be-kan-dze Ma-ha Be-kan-dze
Ra-dza Sa-mung-ga-te So-ha!

With love and heavenly Buddha Blessings,
Laura _/\_♥ ૐ

Radiant ♥ LOVE ~ Leo Moon with Mars

Radiant LOVE ♥ Leo Moon conjuncts Mars, the dynamic planet with the scarlet red glow, for the last time in this marathon 8 month Mars in Leo station. Leo rules the heart; Mars is action; & the Moon our emotions. Such symbolism suggests that activating the sensitive loving heart can take time. It’s also taken a great deal of awareness of 'ego drama'. Mars in Leo shows how inner-strength and generosity of spirit allow us to express and care for our creative inner-child without being childish.

(Next month the Moon conjuncts Mars in Virgo, when we’ll be putting our energy into wholesome living.)

Tonight's practice will be Senge Dongma, the Lion-Faced Dakini, or Simhamukha, as she is called in Sanskrit, dances in the bow and arrow posture. The staff she carries represents her secret consort. She is considered to be a secret emanation of Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava, and is a remover of obstacles and a guardian of "hidden texts".

Saka Dawa New Moon ~ Love & Enlightenment 2010

Phew… Big sigh of relief, as Mercury, planet of information, finally began to roll forward Tuesday night, albeit rather slowly. These past few weeks have been intense in so many ways, especially when gathering one’s thoughts, conveying a message, or making any journey - all forms of communication have been seriously hampered, making it a bit like wading through treacle to face sticky moments with sweet smiles. Notwithstanding dear old facebook chat on hold, making contact with others could have been at the mercy of something else outside our dictate: Various events i.e., volcanic ash, a massive oil spill and a shaky Euro mean few of us are escaping the word ‘crisis’ – which, by now, most know is another expression of ‘opportunity’ in Chinese: Yet still, in the midst of the modern world in a spin, we need to be patient, to mature our staying power and strength to make the most of these opportunities (and, according to the Boddhisatva vow, for all beings to benefit).

So it remains to ask: Why is our patience being tested? Patience is one of the Buddhist six perfections. But how do we better ourselves by being patient? With patience we become wise, less likely to be at the mercy of our emotional reactions.

Composure, tolerance and insight is astrologically called for until the end of the month; patiently remaining in control of thoughts and emotions means we are far less likely to anger. Besides, getting angry wipes out merit stock from the karmic bank; giving in to anger means we rarely think straight and only perpetuate misunderstanding, uncertainty and chaos.

All kinds of valuables - finances as well as relationships - could have born the brunt of this particularly frustrating Mercury retrograde period. But tonight’s new moon (on the 14^th) at 2:04 GDT 23Taurus, suggests making a grand plan to bring about healing those values, so that a fair resolve now has every chance of working. This might be good news for some as, according to my understanding of astrology, we hit the nadir of this current financial predicament on the 23^rd of May, after which the only way is up. I could be wrong, but recent events lead me to sense we could well be on the road to recovery (barring hot-heads and/or environmental circumstance).

This New Moon is also the beginning of Tibetan Saka Dawa month, celebrating the birth, death, and enlightenment of Lord Buddha on the Full Moon on the 27^th May, which will be a multiplied karma day x1000. Saka Dawa months marks a lunation cycle that generate intense all pervading love & light in mega lux lumens.

Inspiration and blessings come from the cosmos as Jupiter, planet of expansion and optimism, joins forces with Uranus, the ‘Great Awakener’. This combination is positively visionary: the bigger picture encapsulates spiritual perspective. These two planets are now working together in Pisces, activating a new awareness of life’s magic and mystery. In early June they will perfect their conjunction at zero-point Aries, kick-starting summer projects with zest, zeal and excitement. Whoo-hoo! Even if its wet or cold, at least the summer won't be boring.

Many thanks to Bill Brouard - visual alchemist, and other unknown artists :) _/\_♥ ૐ