Karmic Balance ~ Sun conjunct Saturn in Libra ~ 1st Oct 2010

To create a cosmic balance, karma now comes into play as the Libran Sun conjoins Saturn, who is exalted in Libra to weigh up the good and the not-so-good. It could quite easily be time of important moves and decisions (especially for those with early Cardinal degrees prominent, when we also take into consideration that Saturn is opposite Jupiter & Uranus, square Pluto).

Facing up to the consequences of the karmic law of cause and effect need not be unpleasant. Indeed, providence can be positively encouraging when we when we come from the heart spirit and take responsibility for all our relationships; for that is when the love-light shines to illuminate all kinds of difficult situations, helping to resolve peacefully together, with kindness and diplomacy.

Remember that we tend to attract what we need (to learn) in order to become wise.

Fascinating synchronicity: as the Libra Sun came within orb of Saturn: The other day I found myself in a room with 3 Librans; each of them dealing with the demanding trials of Saturn's presence on their point of Spirit; each of them appeared to be more patient, accepting and wiser and, on the cosmic scale of things, more willing to compromise in order to acheive. Such are the gifts of 'Old Father Time'.

I also find it interesting how all three leaders of British politics, David Cameron, Nick Clegg, and now Ed Miliband are all cardinal signs; complete with the drama in the personal lives of Libran Cameron and Capricorn Miliband, who really are dealing with massive karmic responsibility.   

SunDance MoonWeaves ☼ ❤ ☾ Autumn Equinox & Full Aries Moon 2010

A Full Harvest Moon on Thursday morning at 0Aries at 10:17 (bst) is the very same day of the Autumn Equinox, when the sustaining Sun moves into relationship-orientated Libra (to shortly conjoin karmic Saturn). While the Moon has looked incredibly full for days and heightened emotions, this combination of ‘The Lights’ at play, a vibrant Aries Moon integrating with the Libra Sun, accents an intuitive heart at play; and continues the trend of celestially marking 2010 as a mega-powerful year, full of dramatic turning points, extraordinary revelations and personal realisations.

2010 is no ordinary year. I know I have said this before but it’s worth repeating for newcomers: “I have never seen the planets speak to us in such a direct manner, through the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun, in almost thirty years of star gazing”. The heavens are shouting loud and clear, not just to the spiritual warrior but to all of us to wake up to our full potential. So far to remind us we really are spiritual beings in the human body, we’ve had super-strong eclipses in Capricorn and Cancer in January and July generating major shifts; at the cross-quarter fire festival, ‘Lammas’, our Cardinal cross fully activated the need to find and remain in our centre during this incredible period of accelerated evolution. Thus, it appears the most important celestial events this year happen around solar fire festivals with a strong lunation, suggesting that while the Sun dances and the Moon weaves, spirit and soul entwine to move through the time-space continuum like a double helix, to help us spiral into our cosmic oneness. (Astro-buffs might also like to check out this year’s Winter Solstice & the lunar eclipse).  

Autumn Equinox, however, is the Sun’s yearly twilight stage (in the northern hemisphere) resulting in a time of change of light, to darker, longer nights; and longer days in the south. With a full fiery Moon to activate this point of perfect balance, alongside munificent and magnifying Jupiter with altruistic Uranus, the changes we now experience could be manifold and we may even witness an unexpected reversal; yet all is cosmically designed to ignite the fire of love, and boost self-confidence and self-belief, especially when working towards the welfare of others. Aim now for peace, love, and harmony for all. Through the activity of beauty and love, we conquer fear and impatience and indecision AND we find peace of mind!

As an Equinox Full Moon once again sparks off the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun, we can explore our true self, discover peace in relationship, and develop personal wisdom with spiritual power. And how we each juggle these super-harmonic virtues is revealed in the individual horoscope; much depends upon where the Cardinal directions of Aries, Cancer, Libra Capricorn lie in your birth chart and what planets are found there as to how you will navigate the dynamics of these times. 

Thanks as always to most treasured Visual Alchemist & artists unknown ☼ ❤ ☾ 

Venus in Scorpio & A retrograde dance of Magnetic Balance ~ Sept 2010 --> Jan 2011

Early

On September the 9th, the Queen of the heavens, Venus, moved into Scorpio, a domain of intensity and passion, which sounds terribly sexy and full of French ooh-la-la, beauty and balance.  Using formidable feminine wiles in this fixed water sign Scorpio, Venus can also be a tour de force. Be prepared: Her tarry in Scorpio will be a seductively s-l-o-w and subtle alchemical performance, as she changes from evening star to morning star.  Although the planet of love and adoration normally moves through a sign in a matter of weeks during her 224.7 day orbit around the Sun, Venus will now stay in Scorpio for almost four months (with a short sojourn back into Libra in November), indicating how our celestial Love Goddess will turn retrograde to make her famous twenty-month circumvolution, and dance into focus her magical five-pointed Heart Star, which takes eight years to trace into completion (so the last time she make her point in Scorpio was in 2002).  

During this intricate dance, Venus, as Goddess of the Night, (variously called Venus of Vespers, Hesperus, Lucifer, Ishtar or Innana) will also make three direct associations to Pluto in Capricorn, the outer-planet that rules Scorpio, concentrating inter-personal chemistry and magnetism; the first of these contacts is on Sunday the 12^th of September, less than 24 hours after Venus has been occulted by the Moon. The combination of Moon, Venus and Pluto, lord of the underworld, encourages us to maintain a sympathetic heart while we delve into the deepest parts of our soul to discover an acute kind of intuitive acumen that heightens psychic ability and activates the power of transformation.  The theme of this part of her dance is to avoid drama and conflict by keeping a low emotional profile (smouldering is optional) and, if we dare to shine a light upon our shadow, duck under the radar while the magical transformation of turning lead into gold takes place. 

Until she goes retrograde at 13Scorpio on October 8^th, Venus also continues a closely-entwined, forward-moving pas-de-deux with her celestial lover, Mars (also in Scorpio), as she has done for the past months in her Libran home sign, where together the celestial lovers emphasised peace, love and balance in relationship. On October 3rd, they will be in their tightest embrace since August 20th, at 12 Scorpio. In Scorpio, both Venus and Mars are more edgy and extreme. 

Note that Venus goes into retrograde motion only one day after the new Moon in Libra on the 7th Oct (which Venus rules as a day-sign (Taurus being Venus’ night-sign)); and this Libra-Scorpio connection remains throughout, to become a serpentine dance of magentic synchronisation. This combination of the lights, Sun and Moon in Libra, with Venus at station in Scorpio, suggests harmonious new (aspects of) alliances are subject to intense review; Pluto ruling Scorpio dares to look intently beyond the Bardo’s shadow lands, directly at the bare bones of any situation. It is worth baring in mind that while Venusian love is the key to understanding the mysteries of life, death and, ultimately, for the rebirth which perceptive Scorpio represents, trust, self-love and self-confidence must also be developed so that at the point of regeneration one is able to pass through the symbolic reincarnation unscathed. 

In order for Venus to do this, she retreats for 40 days and 40 nights, allowing us to review and reconsider our own understanding of self-appreciation, especially in relation to others with whom we share our personal life. On a relative level, all kinds of joint concerns, which are often taboo, are examined from every possible angle; and because Scorpio and Libra are the signs in which she dances this includes legacies and investments, relationships in business or marriage. 

Scorpio rarely does half measures: during this period a sexual or psychic, political or monetary venture is either totally renewed or disguarded altogether. The idea is that by the time the Venus turns direct one has learnt the necessity of unconditional self-love, able to harness the power to convert and tame even the mind's darkest most dangerous and poisonous demon (one's desirous ego): By showering the negative with beauty and love it is transformed into light to become a helpful protector, an alley as opposed to enemy. 

In Tibet the Goddess Tara is associated with Venus. And from the secret Tantric point of view this retrograde is also about using special insight – vipassana - to enhance and understand the transformational healing power of kundalini, and the legacy of being able to work with the chakras, winds and drops, so that one can further familiarise the death process, with which Scorpio is also associated.

Scorpio is the opposite sign of where Venus is at home, in Taurus; in astrology this placement is consequently known as being in ‘detriment’ – not her favourite position, as Scorpio can be as obsessive as it is alluring, as jealous as it is Tantric, a tower of strength as it is destructive. Scorpio smoulders with sexual and compelling power that is coupled with deep psychological insight; planets in this sign indicate the ability to transmute everything and anything, with a flick of a deadly tail or a crush of a passionate claw, Scorpio can destroy even the things they love.  Having Venus here accents potential relationship power play, as well as the renewal of power, be that love or money, or the exquisiteness of intimate relationship. Where the degrees 27 Libra --> &13 Scorpio lie in your own chart, which house placement, and the planets activated there will show how you personally are to be re-learning and re-discovering undying love. 

As with any retrograde, there are dates when these issues have a greater propensity to arise and come alive with passion. Venus will be at her greatest brilliancy at the autumn Equinox, September 23rd, but only visible in the southern hemisphere in the western sky. Previously noted is when Venus retrogrades on October 8^th (and when Mars wends his way forward without her charms to soothe his ardent action - its as though by warrior Mars pressing forward, Venus changes her allegiance, having already begin to favour powerful Pluto).  On the 24th of October, Venus conjoins the asteroid Vesta, Goddess of the hearth: Together they renew a sacred vow, made around August 6th, at the time of the Cardinal Cross activation, to keep the flame of love pure. Then on the 25th of October, Venus connects to Mercury, the celestial messenger: Receiving news of an agreement, or making some kind of impassioned commitment to self and others would not go amiss.

Passing between the Earth and the Sun, Venus is at inferior conjunction with the Scorpio Sun on the 29th October; and as she basks in the radiance of the Sun we cannot see her; although hidden, we can feel her loving vibration and her need for balance. Then Venus makes her second stratigic sextile maneuver to Pluto on All Souls’ Day, November the 1st, which says it all, really, divining through sacred ancestors so that we can produce basic changes in our ordinary consciousness. And on November 7^th , the real Halloween - when the veils between the upper and underworld’s are the thinnest, retrograde Venus re-enters Libra – when we have even more Scorpionic esoteric interplay - only a day after the new Moon in Scorpio, suggesting secrets and negativities are pacified with a new kind of insight, care and love: metta, karuna, maitri  = loving kindness and compassion activating the central chakra: that of the heart.  Shortly after, in the second week of November Venus emerges as Aphrodite, the rosy coloured morning star (a role she plays until July 2011). Finally, with a heart chakra in balance, Venus comes to station to turn direct on the 19 November as a day-ruled star at 27 Libra, aware of how powerful forces, both seen and unseen, can assist positive relationship and spiritual development. 

Venus eventually re-enters Scorpio on the 29^th/30^th of November, when she will revisit the first half of Scorpio for the second time. On December the 1st Venus and Mercury connect to confirm any agreement made late October.  Then she forms her third and last harmonious sextile aspect to Pluto, to make sure the transformation of the Divine Feminine is complete, on the 8^th December.  Only in the New Year does she change signs into the more optimistic and hopeful Sagittarius on the 8^th of January and settle into her regular pattern before another retrograde in May 2012.  This dramatic dance of ‘magnetic passion in balance’, during this time of the Cardinal Cross of the Spiritual Sun, points to a critical time of (earth’s form and) soul in crisis, having to evolve intelligently; Venus in Scorpio’s subjectivity can promote deep, all-consuming love to be the motivating factor. 

& if you, like me find crop circles fascinating (even though I am aware of a couple of early hoaxers - they certainly weren't been able to do every circle), here is another take on The Dance of Venus which I find interesting as an artist, for patterns, dates, and fractal math!

Further insightful Venus studies with excellent illustration are found here at Nick Anthony Fiorenza's Lunar Planner

Thanks & credit to ashram.au for the five pointed star Venus chakra woman, & to Mclaran for the classic pas de deux, Jack Niland for the marvellous Tara, and other unknown much appreciated artists.      

Virgoan heart of Perfected Wisdom ♥ ☼ ♥ New Virgo Moon

According to Buddhist philosophy, we are born with an innate goodness called ‘Buddha Nature’. This inherent purity can become corrupt through circumstance, causes and conditions - karma, choices and influences. Yet if we look beyond the innumerable layers of dense conditioning there is, in everyone, a pristine consciousness which can be reawakened with awareness and effort. And although many hard core spiritual practitioners might balk at the idea of aligning the zodiac to this stainless kind of consciousness, to my mind the perfection we often strive to attain is already within, as represented by the constellation Virgo, the flawlessly accomplished Goddess.

I mention this now as Wednesday’s new Moon @15Virgo joins together the practical Virgo Sun and Moon at a midway point, potentially stimulating that indwelling illumination into a spiritual reality. With Mercury, as celestial messenger, now at home in healing Virgo, the meditation is upon connecting our ordinary world of personality and everyday events to the soul’s lucid clarity.  Many of you might now ask: How do we bridge that gap?  And although the answer could go against the competitive nature of current society, it is simple: By following a dharma path of service and helping others we naturally feel good about ourselves, and thereby our inner nature begins to shine.

                

So mark Wednesday in your diary as a ’Good Deed Day’; although, there’s a catch to all this saintliness, as to expect thanks or shout about how fabulous you feel helping a little old lady to cross the road only panders to ego and cancels out the positive vibration the unconditional kindness sets into motion. Instead, keep a lid on unnecessary self-congratulation, retain the poise of heartfelt goodness, and encourage the transformational power of light-filling goodness to build from within.  It’s also worth noting that trickster Mercury remains retrograde for another week, until the 13^th, when all kinds of timekeeping and messages can still go awry: on a relative level dates can be missed, along with frustrating transport and information problems; be especially vigilant when signing documents: Double check everything. Even when helping granny to cross the road, make sure you’re taking her in the right direction!

Another positive feature to put into place while the wholesome Virgo Sun and New Moon conjoin is a healthy routine - one that takes care of all aspects of body, mind and spirit. Our body is also our own personal earthly temple, and now is an optimum time to be mindful and treat it wisely, as a sacred vessel that houses the spiritual being in a human body.  A yoga and meditation practice coupled with regular nutritious meals in a clean and organised space allows one to focus with clearer intent, and possibly even gain some kind of clairvoyance to see how to be of further benefit towards others.

To generate the Virgoan heart of perfected wisdom and finish the new Virgo moon report, here’s a quote from dear Tsem Tulku Rinpoche: “Holiness is not a state of you having a halo. Holiness is you having to try harder” – Sayonara to Depression ♥ ~ ☼ ~ ♥

This is good to aim for as the lunation culimates at 0 degrees Aries, with a rare full moon at the Autumn Equinox, sparking off our issues surrounding the cardinal cross.

LEO ~ Cardinal Cross ~ Evolution of Divine Light

Leo~Leo Asc ©

3^rd Solar house Saturn-Mars-Venus in Libra (August/Sept 2010)

6^th Solar house Pluto in Capricorn

9^th Solar house Jupiter/Uranus Aries

(Retrograde into Pisces until Feb/Mar 2011)

12^th Solar house Moon in Cancer

Active, with a strong radiant vitality, as indicated by being ruled by the dynamic life-giving Sun, Leos’ possess a wonderfully bright disposition which affords brilliance in any circumstance.  For the dazzled rest of us, we marvel at your splendour, wanting to know the secret of confidence. 

According to Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche: “Developing confidence is like watching the sun rise. First it seems very feeble and one wonders whether it will make it. Then it shines and shines. Confidence is not about arrogance or pride. It is a natural unfolding process. It's not a question of needing confidence or not needing it. It's naturally there. In fact, we actually don't have to develop confidence. It's more that we have to acknowledge the confidence that already exists.”

Confidence is thus a natural ability to ‘be’ comfortable in one’s skin. Like the Sun, its just 'there'. But in actuality is more easily generated by those who have had the good fortune to be loved and unconditionally adored and appreciated in childhood. Leo is the sign of children. So if you’re that rare Leo beastie who has ‘self’ issues, a monthly delve into the feeling–orientated world of personal ancestry might not go amiss, as the Moon transits Cancer to invoke the compassionate benefits of the Cardinal Cross formation, so your Sun ruled personality will glow and grow and shine freely.   

With Saturn (Venus & Mars) in your third house of communication, noting how the mind works, riding upon breath as Spirit’s vehicle, to give you more confidence. Healthy breathing is encouraged to stay calm and alert. Saturn in this sphere of information suggests difficulties in getting your point across can be overcome when you present yourself clearly, with authority, and prove how wise you are, as well as how much you are willing share ideas and learn.

   

When it comes to love and romance, Leo is the sign of a heart brimming with joyful fun, of playing on the beach laughing about how the sand gets trapped between your toes with a carefree smile and generous loving gestures. While your playful inner-child happily tells jokes and is thoroughly charming, there is currently another side to Leo which is actually quite serious, deadly even – especially at this moment in time when it comes to telling it like it is, especially to new suitors. With assertive Mars plus authoritative Saturn in this area of communication, you may not be in the mood for small talk, nor flattering anyone’s fragile ego.  The combination of these planets indicates how important it is you seek ways to smooth romantic relations in a realistic manner. With Venus currently here for a few more weeks, every loveable Leo may find being diplomatic is the only way to go. Be a people pleaser by finding peaceful solutions that allows forgiveness to flow, even when this Cross makes its’ tricky aspects. When seeking the ‘Real Thing’ now is not the time to go for a lover’s looks, concentrate instead on brains, mental stimulation and strength of character.

During the monthly moments of the exact Cardinal Cross make time to be by yourself so you can relax, meditate, and access the Divine within.  This kindness to yourself means that you can once and for all forget whoever it is from the past that haunts you. So get ready to move on into a whole new loving dimension, which is real, solid and fulfilling.

Saturn will encourage the need for original ideas. Now is the time to let the world know what you have to offer. Should you have your own business and you’re looking for more, while now is the time to get it up and get it noticed you still need to be patient. With long-term vision and determination, a well thought out media-blitz means greater profit in the future.

With Uranus and Jupiter in Aries in your sphere of philosophy, religion and travel, awakening to new cultures gives life great meaning. This same domain also rules higher education, so study and walking the halls of learning will also seriously broaden your horizons.  Remember that both planets are now in retrograde, going back to revist your sphere of intimacy. You now have a second chance to look at how you share your secret self. When both planets return to your solar 9^th, Feb/March, your drive for expansion will also resume.

Even though working closely with another may be a point of obsession, keep a positive focus. Neighbourhood events could be pleasantly distracting. While energy levels look high, with humility balancing confidence, you also need to look after yourself, physically as well as psychologically – with Pluto activating a transformation in the Lion’s daily routine, taking care of mind, body and soul becomes paramount. For a confident Leo, self-image is important. Try not to make too much of any drama out of any fleeting (financial) crisis. Generally speaking your energy radiates brilliantly; it is good to be aware how too much thinking create stress. Learn to tame the mind as you would the ego. Should tension levels being to rise, nip them in the bud as soon as you recognise the fist sign of worry, and make looking after yourself a priority. Remember Shantideva’s advice: If there is something that you can do to alleviate any given problem then do it. And if there is nothing that you can do, then why worry? It is true that we are all in a major phase of collective transformation, where there are many changes going down in the world that affect each of us differently. You, for instance, may find you have to reconsider the way you think about things by discovering new ideas, new people and possibly even have to reassess your belief system, so that you can build faith in your intuition. The stars of the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun therfore urge Leo to radiate Divine light, tame the mind, and love themselves and others. And, on a relative level, get mega organised to learn from life’s powerful experiences, so that you unconditionally shine.  



Thank you to Visual Artist Bill for Sun Lion, to justgethere.com for the sunmind and other unknown artists.

♥

Grand Earth Trine ~ Sunday 29th August

GRAND EARTH TRINE with the Moon moving into Taurus today, where she is exalted; La Luna creates a a practical, sensual and transformational triangle in the heavens, with Sun in Virgo & Pluto in Capricorn = spritual adjustment with emotional stability.

Virgo's level head is just what's needed after a fiery Moon in Aries opposed Libran Mars-Venus yesterday.

Interestingly, a volcano erupted after 400 years in northern Sumatra. I looked at that fiery Moon's chart; with (Virgo ruled), although they are saying Mount Sinabung is calming, with Mercury retro it could blow fireballs again. We had a volcano eruption the last Merucy retro too, that time when Mercury was in Taurus, in Iceland, when flying over Europe came to a halt. The earthy Capricorn north node nearing Pluto and joining THAT T'square could also have something to do with the timing of this eruption.
~ ♥ ~
thx to unknown artist for triangle found on squidoo ♥

VIRGO ~ Cardinal Cross ~ Evolution of SPIRITUAL REALITY

Virgo ~Virgo Asc ©

2^nd Solar house Saturn 
(& Mars-Venus in Libra August 2010)

5^th Solar house Pluto in Capricorn

8^th Solar house Jupiter/Uranus Aries 
(revisting Pisces August-Feb/Mar2011)

11^th Solar house Moon in Cancer (monthly)

For the cosmic overview of the this celestial formation, click on the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun

With the karmic taskmaster Saturn (& Mars and Venus) in your sphere of values all you hold dear, developing a strong sense of self worth becomes mega-important. At the same time, your ruling planet Mercury is now going retrograde in your sign, so thinking about yourself and how you fit into the greater scheme of things is totally permissible. But watch out for overblown self-cherishing. Note Mercury makes only aspects to the Sun and Moon during this retrograde period; this is a revision phase of re-aligning Spirit Sun and Moon soul’s to and with pure awareness. On the 3^rd September, Mercury is in inferior conjunction with the Sun, which is the same day as a Cardinal Cross, bringing the sensation of being at a crossroad once again focus. Only this time you may well be ready to make some kind of decision. That said, Mercury retrograde is also a subtle internal process (as well as a time of communication issues), this time, though, Mercury is aided by karmic Saturn, as Mercury is on the same declination at Saturn on both sides of his healing journey, retrograde and direct. Sept 12th may the time when things start going forward, but the mind of authority gets totally serious when Mercury actually conjuncts Saturn Oct 8th.

Like Saturn, Virgo, can be practical; the difference is that Virgo is also currently super-sensitive, with the ability to tune into ‘the other side’ and asses other people's feelings with alarming ease. This could make you want to retreat. This is largely due to Jupiter and Uranus awakening hidden depths in the 8^th house of profound secrets, where insight, intimacy and Tantric deities reside.

Thankfully you are smart enough to see that many problems are, in fact, nothing to worry about.  As the planet of communication, Mercury, affords you wit, humour and quick thinking in any given situation -  and is actually very much at home in your sign during this transition of the Cardinal Cross  – you quickly assess any given circumstance, able to change the subject or move away if you need to. This is just what you need; because of your current hypersensitivity you could feel drained by external drama. Yet because of this current talent to lighten any encounter, you can also alleviate all kinds of stressful situations, especially within your working environment. So keep an eye on rising stress factors, even if they’re not even yours, and watch-out for a few days of monthly high tension, reminiscent of late July, every time the moon is in Cancer, and see how much more adept you are at handling tricky situations each time around.

There are delicate moves for everyone to negotiate with this Cardinal Cross: for Virgo with expansive Jupiter, and awakening Uranus in your house of intimate relations, it also squares up to powerful Pluto in your sphere of romance. This could feel like you are playing truth, dare, kiss or promise with a loved one.  The way to win hearts is to conquer the enemies of faults and delusion. Be aware how both planets are currently retrograde until February, March 2011, so single Virgo may be even dealing with a person/people from the past, possibly waking-up old doubts; similarly, the coupled-up Virgo may also be shaking out skeletons from the closet that need to be analysed with a ‘handle-with-care’ sticker.  

For all Virgos, showing love with discretion could make the time of this Cardinal Cross a bit like having a date with fate. When it comes to romance you’re actually in your power. Even better, you are learning how to sustain energy so you can alleviate stress and ameliorate any (work or heart based) situation.  The monthly activation of the Cardinal Cross will encourage you to learn how to invest authority in relationship, so you can reap rewards (early next year – around February). With Uranus in your 8^th solar house, insight comes from non-analysis.  So follow hunches and note feelings which arise from the space in which you breathe  

On an even more practical and material level, being cautious with your cash flow will pay dividends. Because Saturn now sits in your zodiacal bank, money matters could be devilishly tricky. Active Mars and lavish Venus are luckily now working with responsible Saturn: this celestial message suggests you take practical matters, including finances, much more seriously than you have done for a long time.

While it might have been a sign of relief saying goodbye to Saturn in your sign, making you aware of your personal shortcomings for the past couple of years, the astral taskmaster has now shifted lock-stock-and-barrel into your sphere of finances. Expenses need a hawk-like eye. It is now mega important to find balance while you shift to a higher frequency of being.  Outward balance reflects and inner-balance.

Among the many changes going down in several areas of your life as indicated by Cardinal Cross in the solar horoscope are: financial; romantic; and accessing personal power while being confronted by powerful people or events. Hence you are going through an enormous amount of personal development that could make life mega intense – but you do not need to let tension get to you, try and keep it creative.  Give yourself time to achieve such an agenda – at least six months to a year, and if you achieve half of what you what to do, it will be very good. Luckily for you there is a marvellous link from the emotional Moon in your sphere of friends to potent Pluto when the cross is activated, which can give you a sense of the kind of deep inner-work you are currently doing, and as it T squares Saturn, you will see results.  With duty-bound Saturn in your second house of values, it is absolutely imperative that you learn to view yourself with a solid sense of self and see how all that you treasure is actually process that flows around and around, fuelling confidence and filling you up with healthy pride in all that you do. This Cross is here for you to see how a great deal of beauty surrounds you, and how that beauty is reflected from within as radiates from your own internal Spiritual Sun, which resides at your heart.

Thanks to Marianna Rydvald for her beautiful White Tara, Bill Brouard for Goddess and lizard mandala, and other unknown artists ♥_/\_ૐ

Magical Dream Healing ☽ •~ ♥ ~• ☆ Full Moon in Pisces

Experiencing any given emotion, be it love or compassion, anger or resentment, our mind tends to label the feeling at the speed of light as ‘pleasant’, ‘unpleasant’ or ‘neutral’. This Buddhist insight corresponds to the mechanism of the brain, which initially perceives any given situation as either ‘threat’ or ‘reward’. Whichever category a sensation falls into how we actually express our emotions has a vastly dramatic repertoire,  from cool, calm and collected, to those which make us feel we’re riding the wild and high peak of a tidal wave in Samsara’s choppy ocean. Feelings, like all phenomena, can seem very real and, because of the psycho-spiritual-anatomical connection, have a direct effect upon physical and psychological health as well as spiritual well-being. If only we could remind ourselves that our feelings are subject to the law of impermanence; they come and they go at varying rates, depending on our inclination or ability to go with the flow and not let the emotion distract our mind from our main human purpose: to be happy, fulfilled, and at peace, regardless of the situation. Feelings can also be very difficult to put into words.

I mention all this now as the Full Moon is on the rise, to be exact on Tuesday at 1Pisces, @18:05 BST (+5 EST).  A Full moon in a water element rouses passionate emotion at the best of times. In Pisces, the last sign of the zodiac, a sign that tends to emote deeply, feeling situations often on a profoundly psychic level, we're even able to tune into the collective undercurrent.  So if you find yourself ‘picking-up’ subconscious but overwhelming emotions, which you sense are not yours (or even if they are) know they too will pass.

So while this is a moon where one could be easily swept away by a song and dance, sound or gesture, there are other important celestial factors to consider; because this Pisces Moon is also with its' oceanic ruler Neptune, and  wounded-healer, Chiron, plus Black Moon Lilith - a celestial marker I tend only to work with when face-to-face with clients, as she is the symbol of the repressed frustration we feel when the good we want to see from a very tricky situation is slow (or absent) in forthcoming.  But Lilith has been whirling backwards and forwards over this Neptune-Chiron conjunction for some time, so I think she’s worth bringing out into the light, as to ignore the potential wrath of the feminine is essentially hazardous. Putting all these astrological pointers together from the global perspective one might say this moon suggests an underlying deep disturbance concerning the element of water. All we have to do is look around and see floods in Pakistan (where a fifth of the country is underwater), China, flash floods in Europe, not to mention the state of the Gulf of Mexico, and we get a pretty good idea of the healing that our suffering planet needs. Which is where you and I come in - and right now!

Water responds to thoughts, emotions and intentions.  We have had many successful group meditations that have a direct impact upon the health of our seas, oceans, lakes, river and ponds, courtesy my dear Lama, the late venerable Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche, Dr Emoto, Lynn McTaggart, and the Medicine for the Earth Shaman’s led by Sandra Ingerman, among many others.  We now know that giving our love and thanks to the water and asking for forgivness, has a transformational affect upon h2O – for the better. Amazing to know how our love creates such purity. So with the sensitive Moon in magical Pisces, a sign that harmonises unseen energy, I say let’s do it over the next few days, and send out the cosmic love vibration directly to our world’s water – we are, after all made up of 75% water ourselves. By saying prayers and our practice near water, our own negative emotions may be assuaged as well.

And as both Pisces and Neptune are symbolic of our dreams, together we can vision the healing to be pure, all pervading, from the depths of our oceans bubbling up through to the light, cleansing, healing and soothing.We also have the Sun in Virgo's hands-on remedial touch to help us - not to mention that in esoteric astrology, Virgo is ruled by the Moon (instead of Mercury). 

Of course, those of a truly practical nature might also want to donate and help...
in Ladak with HH 12th Gyalwang Drukpa's Live to Love appeal
please be patient, the link works but is a bit slow...

& for Pakistan please send a letter of support and donate flood relief

Blessings of love & thanks ♥

Shadow in Crisis ☀ Saturn Pluto closing square ☀ August 21st 2010

Like collective alchemists through the authority of LOVE, we’re now able to work with our shadow side and transmute even the most difficult negative energy. By eliminating the fear-feeding vampires from the psyche, we transmogrify suffering into positive expressions of honesty, justice and integrity, and therefore regenerate the balanced heart.

Today sees the last of the 3 ‘real & raw’ Saturn-Pluto squares, accenting magical transformation. It’s an interesting combination of planetary energies; one is subtle and deep, powerful and unseen: which is Pluto; the other is influential and real, solid and recognisable: Saturn. 

Together they generate a controlling force for light or dark. This is a mighty aspect full of rejuvenating promise and the magic of rebirth; it suggests harnessing discipline, patience and responsibility to collectively revitalise traditional but outmoded destructive systems by eliminating the all that no longer serves and evolve.

And although this final square on Saturday 21^st ends a series which began in November '09, bringing home the need for managing destructive tendency, this is a part of a larger cycle, which began in 1982. This powerfully renewing cycle now completes a crisis phase of conscience, which occurs during a closing square.  

This Saturn - Pluto cycle began in 1982, when Saturn was also exalted in Libra. It ends in 2020 when Saturn will be at home in Capricorn. Therein lies a clue in how to handle the nature of the cycle: by understanding Saturn's need for exaltation, and its requirement to build (sustainable) society, based upon (Libran) peace, love and fairness as a means to gaining the recognition Saturn desires; i.e. if Saturnian authority behaves fairly and justly, it receives the praise and respect, name and fame. But if Saturnian authority throws its weight around, it also gains name and fame, but does not receive any respect, it just rules through fear. Mass control, through various terrorist organisations, has been a major signature of this particular cycle - but power needn’t be so heavy handed.  We need not live in fear, as this cycle is also about responsible collective regeneration.  Okay, some kinky souls might enjoy karmic-whipping bondage, but this particular Saturn Pluto cycle actually recommends stabilising with love and trusting insight to rise above the vibration of fear, and have the strength to personally lift off any chains of oppression that prevent us from experiencing magical bliss.

The first applying square these two heavy-weights made was in '93, when both planets were locked in fixed home signs: Saturn in Aquarius & Pluto in Scorpio: co-operative transformation were already key words at this early stage of the cycle, with the birth of the internet, for instance.

The opposition between the two planets came in 2001, when Saturn was in Gemini and Pluto in Sagittarius; this mutable opposition was marked by the dramatic change which ensued by the tragic 911, when we saw fearful communication and fundamentalist truths become the order of the day. Now we are at the closing square, made all the more interesting as we are one whole Saturn cycle on from the beginning of this 38 year cycle. This means that (along with those whose charts seriously constellate with these signs and planets) a whole bunch of 28-29-30 year olds are intensely feeling the pressure to renew resources. Perhaps this Saturn in Libra generation are more in tune, able to easily intuit what to work on in order to find harmony. By the time the two planets meet again to complete this cycle, they will be in boundary making Capricorn, where Saturn is at home, in 2020; by then the writing may well be on the wall, with all kinds of institutions up for renewal. Interesting times... 

We must also consider that this Saturn-Pluto square is part of the ongoing t'square, with Jupiter/Uranus opposing the Saturn, to also square Pluto (which becomes the cardinal cross again September 3rd). Authoritarian Saturn is the only planet going forward, other energies are being internalised. So this square has a distinctively different kind of feel, as though our personal authority knows that the only way to gain respect. Also, interesting to note: according to Alice A. Bailey, because of being bound to the material world, Saturn cannot follow man onto the Spritual Cardinal Cross, which uses Uranus as its agent to manifest awareness.

Applying these cycles, including the Cardinal Cross, to our personal lives can be so revealing; especially when we look back we can hopefully learn from our experiences. We can also see how the cosmic law of cause and effect works in our life, and how we often repeat Saturn's karma until we learn the lesson, however hard that lesson might be, to then be free of the karma. ♥ xl

thanks as always to Bill Brouard, for his lotus heart & other unknown artists ♥ 

Mercury Retrograde @ 19 Virgo ~ re-working the practical direction

Woah! COSMIC turning point! Which way to go? Where & how? It's THAT time again: MERCURY RETROGRADE at 19Virgo, where the planet of short journeys, information & healing is at home --> until 5Virgo on the 12th Sept. PLUS the Leo Sun is opposite Aquarius Neptune, at best highlighting our DIVINE HEART (or mass delusion) when the celestial lovers Venus & Mars are in tight Libran embrace (((♥))) LOVE abounds even if communication is confusing...

Its worth noting some astro tech: while this Mercury retrograde is in the same sign during this retrograde, keeping on the same Virgo track, Mercury only makes actual 'aspects' to Sun and Moon, meaning that spiritual identity and emotions work with a thoughtful mind, which is in a re-vision phase. This is an subtle internal process, aided by karmic Saturn as Mercury is at the very same declination at Saturn, on both sides of his healing journey, retrograde and direct. Sept 12th may the time when things start going forward, but the mind of authority gets totally serious when Mercury conjuncts Saturn Oct 8th.

Before then, the Sun conjuncts Mercury at inferior conjunction, 3rd September, the same day our Cardinal Cross is once again activated, with the Moon in Cancer. Should be in fascinating day in the world of communication for the cosmic messenger.

LIBRA ~ Cardinal Cross of the Spiritual Sun ~ Evolution of the Sacred Heart

Libra ~ Libra Rising

1^st Solar house Saturn-Mars-Venus in Libra (August 2010)

4^th Solar house Pluto in Capricorn

7^nd Solar house Jupiter/Uranus Aries

10^th Solar house Moon in Cancer
For cosmic overview click on the
Cardinal Cross of the Spritual Sun

~ ♥ ~ Most importantly for Libra, the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun has karmic Saturn, now exalted in Libra, the sign of balance and harmony, which is the best possible place for Saturn to be. (Venus is also currently at home in Libra, with her cosmic lover, Mars, who is in ‘fall’ in Libra (meaning it’s not his favourite place; Mars would rather be swashbuckling with his warrior comrades, as opposed to dealing with that most tender of human activities: loving rapport)). 

Relationships are therefore now under the celestial spotlight, as the heavens now urge Libra to share the love and radiate peace, all the while dealing with karmic Saturn in your sign. Interestingly, this photo with ‘Karma Comes’ flashed up on dear old facebook the other day (thank you Rinpoche). And it made me reconsider what do we mean by karma? Why do we always think of karma as negative? Karma can be positive too. But trying to wrap the brain around the concept of karma can create enough energy to fry our noodle. It’s not always easy to accept ‘the law of cause and effect’ without any kind of questioning (which is good!), yet its a concept often bandied about to explain the unexplainable. Perhaps it’s easier to understand the more biblical phrase ‘what you sow, so shall you reap’, meaning that if you do something good, good will come, if you do something dodgy, keep looking over your shoulder, as karma also exercises a strange phenomena, in that it expands and can make a habit out of any vibration: positive or negative, particle or waves ripple out into the universe, so a karmic pattern seemingly takes on a life of it’s own.

Astrologically, the whole horoscope is one’s karma, with various markers highlighting: Saturn, as Lord of Karma, the sign Capricorn, certain house positions, and the nature of the moon’s nodal axis can tell us something of past, present and future karma. But in Buddhist teachings it is also seen as a philosophy, a way of living, as karma creates an imprint in one’s mind. Understanding how we are responsible for our own karma tends one towards kindness, with a more loving approach to life. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama says that once we understand karma, we can develop faith.

This could be easier as dynamic Mars, loving Venus, and Saturn work together in your sign (until early September), giving Saturn’s two year station in Libra a good start, motivating with determination.  The trick to this challenging planetary combination is to brush aside judgemental attitudes and unreasonable pessimism with a gentle hand.  You can even move mountains at this time,  very slowly, by resting in pure love. You may find willfuly pushing any situation without this special kind of sacred heart only make matters worse and becomes the proverbial Push-me-Pull-you, instead of the harmonious balance of Yin-Yang that you are. What you can do, in the most positive sense, is to take on board how karma grows, and how it therefore plays an important role in our existance.

Rest assured any plans you form at this moment in time, any foundations you build, and the energy you direct at any project at this starting point of Saturn in Libra (where the old taskmaster stays until October 2012) will take on greater significance as this Cardinal Cross unfolds.  Now is also the time to actively analyse any soothe fears and doubts. Libra is an intellectual air sign, and the heavens are asking you to see how love conquers all; and how, through mediation and dialogue, kindness and equality, you achieve peace and respect.  So be prepared to accept much more responsibility in the not too distant future, because you, of all people, can handle it. This is why Saturn, one of the most feared and revered planets in the celestial pantheon, is exalted in Libra: because everything you do is done with love. When it comes to establishing the spiritual Sun deep within with Saturn on your side, it bestows a timeless effect.

Saturn in Libra also makes dramatic planetary connections that play a pivotal role in the ongoing T square (which is activated into the monthly cross when the Moon is in Cancer).  A natural movment and transition could be all taking place all around you, while Saturn in your sign suggests you are now choosing to take life more seriously, noting how you stabilise situations/emotions/events just by remaining present in your centre. As this karmic planet of authority, discipline and recognition, is also the cautious and careful; the astral advice is to therefore initiate with prudence. Luckily, the Cardinal Cross suggests you have an enormous network of friends and supporters. 

In the solar fourth house, Pluto in Capricorn indicates dramatic developments at home, having a direct effect upon your career. This moment in time presents an opportunity to seize control (of unhelpful habits/karma) and transform your very foundations  by letting go of past grievences and burdens. Being the sign of the scales, you can veer between making a commitment, or fear the entire changing world. If it’s the latter, know that love - your love - conquers all.

Because realistic Saturn opposes Jupiter and Uranus in Aries in your sphere of relationships, all matters of the awakened heart are of paramount importance. Libra’s tend to live by the heart. And having ambitious Saturn in your sign means you can concretise something very real, such as a marriage or living together. Saturn in your solar 1st house also puts your own needs first, possibly bringing one karmic cycle (with another) to a close. The astrological mansion of partnerships, the 7^th house is now a hotbed of shocking clarity, because of these two other planets in opposition to Saturn. With Uranus and Jupiter stirring up enthusiasm in this sphere of partnerships, sharing freedom and truth with loved ones (or business partner) means more than before. The principal point about long term Jupiter-Saturn- Uranus-Pluto transits is to conquer any fear or commitment; if you are afraid to delve into a relationship that allows you to explore the full spectrum of love and profoundly beautiful emotions, now is the time to ask yourself why that might be? On a psychological level, if there is no openness or willingness to expand and mindfully grow together, this might leave a Libran already in relationship feeling alone or out on a limb. Though partners could repeatedly reassure you, watch the saturnine mood and exercise awareness; it is your choice if you wish to remain in emotional pain, instead of love yourself (and therefore others) and releasing pent-up negativities by talking things through and forgiving, which is highly recommended while you have such unconditional planetary backing. There is no denying how matters of the heart can be complicated if we’re concerned only with self-cherishing. But love can also be made simple by litterally opening your heart. For the single Libran the serious suitor should be given consideration; for it seems as though love is around every corner, all you have to is stop staring at a brick wall (unless, of course, you’re Zen;)). Bring balance within (through meditation – chakra work, tai-chi yoga etch) and you will have balance in the world around you.

With this kind of synchronization, natural leadership qualities also come to the fore; with Saturn in Libra you turn into the current voice of celestial authority.  Patience, planning and perseverance, ambitions and long-held dreams also become a focal point, as you are able to apply yourself with ardour and diligence, especially when the Moon makes her monthly appearance in Cancer in your objective solar 10^th house. Others also appreciate how just and fair and sweetly pushy Libra can be. Your ability to keep the peace is also a rare and called-for talent in the world, especially now, during this period of the Cardinal Cross, when you get an opportunity to shine and reveal loving (spiritual) accomplishments (most importantly for yourself).

A word of financial and psychological caution: Try not to be too miserly in the guise of traditional common sense. Remember that yours is the sign of evalutation, and everyone responds to a little sweetener. This a time when experience counts: Cast a backward glance to last November and note any major developments. Have you, after all this time, allowed love to flow and take responsibility for certain goals which you may have previously feared? Or do you think you need to ‘work’ some more upon your purpose? There is no time like the present to take that firm but gentle hand and guide yourself (and others) to a land of bliss. The stars really do urge you to feel the fear, but do it anyway, albeit ever-so-cautiously. Keep the love-light shining Libra; almost every major sphere of your life is now in a period of massive evolution which will benefit from Saturn in Libra’s dependable and conscientious wisdom: and know that the spiritual rewards of coming from your sacred heart will be truly tremendous. 

The initial link for the Cardinal Cross of the Spritual Sun

Thanks to Urgyen Tenpa Rinpoche for the Karma Comes Photo; Alex Gray for the vajraheart, Bll Decker for healing hands, nomad bead company for Vajrasattva, and other unknown but much appreciated artists thank you all.

♥_/\_ૐ