Ganesh ૐ Lord of Astrologers

Homage to Ganesh, Lord of astrologers, on his birthday _(♥)_ This 12-arm emmanation of Ganesh is associated to the Tibetan deity of compassion, Avaloketisvara. Ganesh Chaturthi is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on fourth day of the waxing moon. The Virgo Elephant God serves humanity on a practical level, helping to overcome obstacles so we become the best we can be :) 

Om Sri Ganesh :~> Aum sumukhaya namah !

☆•*¨*•.¸¸❤_/\_♥ ૐ ☾ ☼ ☽ ❤_/\_♥¸¸.•*¨*•☆

Moon Spica & Saturn ~> Sept 1st 11

The Moon is with bright star Spica AND Saturn tonight. Cloud cover permitting, we should be able to see all three line up together.  As the wheat sheaf in the constellation of Virgo, Spica star confers honour, fame and bread on the table.  Saturn asks that we take responsibility and make sure that all beings eat as well as we do; while the Moon provides the sensitive caring to do so.

The image is of Diana of Ephesus, whose temple was once considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders.  Her role is the Mother of Earthly abundance – food, drink & joy, and her temple aligned with the rising of Spica.

☆•*¨*•.¸¸❤☾ ☼ ☽❤¸¸.•*¨*•☆☆

May all beings everywhere
Plagued by sufferings of body and mind
Obtain an ocean of happiness and joy

By virtue of my merits

May no living creatures suffer,

Commit evil or ever fall ill

May no one be afraid or belittled

With a mind weighed down by depression

May the blind see forms

And the deaf hear sounds

May those whose bodies are worn with toil

Be restored in finding repose

May the naked find clothing

The hungry find food

May the thirsty find water

And delicious drinks

May the poor find wealth

Those weak with sorrow find joy

May the forlorn find hope

Constant happiness and prosperity

May there be timely rains

And bountiful harvests

May all medicines be effective

And wholesome prayers bear fruit

May all who are sick or ill
Quickly be freed from their ailments

Whatever diseases there are in the world
May they never occur again.

May the frightened cease to be afraid

And those bound be freed

May the powerless find power

And may people think of benefitting each other. 

_(<3)_ His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

New Virgo Moon in Cosmic Grand Trine ~ August '11

A cosmic Grand Earth Trine charged Monday morning’s New Virgo Moon with remarkable recuperative powers. The trine’s influence is heightened today (Tuesday) as munificent Jupiter stations at 10Taurus, giving us perspective endowed with stability, and precious time to graze enables one to digest and see what needs to be done in order to manifest on the material plane.

By conserving and concentrating resources, this lunation encourages one to get real and focus, to channel universal consciousness through very ordinary circumstances, such as regular daily chores, taking care of mind and body. As Lord Buddha says “Before enlightenment, chopping-wood, fetching-water; after enlightenment chopping-wood, fetching water.” When we treat even the simplest activities with care and attention, they become a potential source of pleasure and, most interestingly, a gateway to the awakened Divine.

The sacred geometry at the start of this lunation is quite unusual. Two interlocking ‘Thor’s Hammers’ suggest two very separate issues need to be simultaneously ‘hammered’ (self-cherishing and emotional sacrifice, for instance); yet this Grand Trine exudes more pure Goddess power than normal, which tames the harsher energies we have recently been dealing with.

Spirit Sun is still travelling the heavens with love Goddess Venus (a union which continues to remain in orb until 9^th September); and as they are both in the sign of the virtuous Virgo, now conjoined by the receptive Moon, it compounds the feminine traits of sensitivity, intuition and insight.  The Virgo conjunction accents an already beneficent trine between expansive Jupiter in steady Taurus and the very subtle but commanding influence of Pluto, in authoritative Capricorn, which currently demands a transformation of our value system. The Grand trine thus indicates positive economic and environmental compromise.

Tuning into the into the (internal yin) Goddess, who is now applying gentle pressure to find the middle ground, helps us understand to how the desire to help others is actually of greater evolutionary significance than the attachment to material acquisition. At the same time, we still have all the ability to give form to all that we need.

As always, the energy of any given moment is one to work with, as opposed to one that ego battles against. The trouble is a Grand Trine is often so nice and easy that it’s often gone before we know it. So my advice is to make the most of this emanating point of positive conditioning, and over the next two weeks establish the endurance on celestial offer and create good foundations for the coming autumn and winter months.

LOVE HEALS Dakini Day & Moon in Cancer ♥ ☽✩

Dakini Day's celestial message: ♥ LOVE HEALS! ♥

Sensitive Moon in home water sign Cancer today ~> Activating, as per every month (for quite some time), the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun (and we are getting to know what THAT means;)). This time the cross comes alive with powerful Goddess energy providing this perfect monthly opportunity to raise the cosmic vibration and meditate upon love, compassion and the Bodhi heart-mind.

La Luna is opposite extreme Pluto, suggesting profound insight and/or intense emotions can bubble up from the depths. Surpressing feelings or any sensation that might be too difficult or troublesome to handle or look at, have a habit of coming back triple fold later on, unless we get to the core of an issue and transmute the energy. Now is the time to just that by being aware to the open loving heart and let the healing be strong. Shamanic sky dancers please take note of fabulous connections to the earthy and productive Virgo VENUS and the radiant perfect SUN, who are now in harmonious sextile to the emotional MOON, as well as being in easy trine to transformational Pluto, all the while opposing healing Chiron, in watery Pisces (conjunct Neptune, just to compound the oceanic essense of Samsara). ~> & Bless all water to be restructured with LOVE & make headway into healing self and planet. _(♥)_

♥¸.•¨¯`•☆٠.•..•¨*☀☽✩

Goddess of Perfection _(♥)_ Venus in Virgo Aug'11

Cosmic Love Goddess Venus moves into virtuous Virgo today (22nd Aug) reminding us how PRACTICE makes PERFECT :)) In love or at work, Venus in Virgo encourages us to to clean up our act and be grounded, sensible and diligent; to do and give the best we can brings joy and satsifaction to any task.

Great time to detox. Even our meditaton practice can be a place of purification, as we benefit from the earthy Venus influence now opposing watery Neptune, symbolic of spiritual and psychic connection. To my mind this combination overcomes the usual Venus is in detriment in Virgo, by default of Venus being exated in Pisces, which is ruled by Neptune - highlighting practical application with sensitivity can bring about the realisation (of emptiness & bliss).

Note: Mercury went retrograde at 1Virgo; with loving Venus now at this point, we may begin to feel 'easier' about mercurial issues which arose around the 3rd August. Mercury also goes forward this coming weekend. (Did I hear someone say hooray?)

Image is the Thai Earth Goddess, Phra Mae Thoranee, who helped Lord Buddha wash away Mara's evil poison, thereby enabling him to continue his spiritual path. _(♥)_

Crowning Leo Glory ~> Full Moon in Aquarius 2011

A mega blast of cosmic energy roared from the Leo Sun King marking wild this week. The triple series of solar flares peaked with an X-flare on Tuesday the 9^th August at 8:05UT. Solar flares hurl highly-charged particles and plasma into the solar system. These fierce coronal mass ejections impact upon Earth through a variety of means, from the weather to communication satellites; the flare on Tuesday (Mar’s day) was thankfully not directed head-on towards Earth, yet there are still strong vibrations; and the sensitive found it hard to sleep, with little appetite, feeling listless. This particular set of flares are symbolic of our spiritual progress and being able to familiarise oneself with the ability to remain centred during the purification process which encourages the Leo crown (chakra) to shine.  

The Sun is exalted in Leo, so events are dramatic, and often fun. Though this past week has been ‘marred’, literally, with Mars igniting volatile inflamitory issues through the challenging square to Uranus in Aries, i.e. the economic downgrades for U.S. &amp; France, and of course, the "England riots", which shocked everyone by the speed at which they spread (and I don’t think one can blame social media, I saw many posts that encouraged people to stay home and safe). Mars is hot, fiery and implusive, as is Aries. Uranus however, will reveal any instability, whereas Mars ignites the tinder-box. Mars is also in a detrimental position throughout August (in homey Cancer, as well as being ‘unruly’ out-of-bounds). Mars also aggravates anger; it is well documented that people lose their ability to think straight when angry. Rioting is therefore a lose-lose situation - all the more reason to follow the Buddha’s advice and practice being calm. Yet with Mars' opposition to powerful but secretive Pluto (square Uranus), has brought a challenging and often polarising emotional and economic roller-coasters to ride, from the depths of dispair and up again to envisioning the confident future - as well as bringing previously hidden ufo files, to surface. I love ufology and am endlessly fascinated by what’s hidden in space (of course from the Buddhist pov, there is no-space:)). But still, my relative inclination is towards spiritual esoterica.  

Esoterically speaking, it might interest you to know how the Sun works on three levels - a bit like a sand-mandala, with its’ triple layered meaning: physical (body), heart (speech) and Spirit (the wisdom mind). There are also times when each of the Sun’s different qualities are activated. We are now in a long period of coming to understand the Spiritual wisdom-mind, a mind that has been stirring the heart-mind with varying intensity since the summer solstice 2010.

During this time of accelerated Spiritual development, we are learning to go beyond the political mundane events we see around us, and elevate our consciousness so that when confronted by difficult situations we remain clear and lucid.  

The Full Moon at 20 degrees of Aquarius on Saturday August 13^th, at 19:57bst, we have the opportunity to connect to kindred spirits, and raise that loving vibration, to generate the altruistic intention the Aquarian brotherhood of humankind symbolises.

Planet Venus is also currently up-close and very personal with the Sun (exact conjunction on 16th) and opposing the Moon, indicating the importance of LOVE. So let's look at how we love: INTERpersonal describes relationships between you and another. INTRApersonal describes self-love - which is very poignant during a superior conjunction of the Sun and Venus. Can you honestly say, with hand on heart, that you love all of yourself? During this time when Spirit Sun is with Venus planet of values, respect and love, learning to love oneself, ghastly bits and all, is paramount, in order to transform the very same negative aspects. That which we condemn or deny are the most difficult to transform.

Acceptance encourages the healing magic.

As we say in Buddhism, when we learn to love one's own demons - jealousy, anger, greed etc, they stop eating at us or destroying in the same destructive way - and, more often than not, they disappear.

To be dedicated to LOVE is to be dedicated to evolution of the human SPIRIT.

Personally I am going to be with my most precious guru, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama over this full Moon ~&gt; holding you in my prayers and sending Lama love your way :) _/|\_    

Inspiring confidence ~> Moon in Sagittarius

Tibetan saying:
"chu ma nyok na dang,
sem ma chö na de.

It means roughly, "Water, if you don't stir it, will become clear; similarly, the mind, left unaltered, will find its own natural peace, well-being, happiness and bliss..." What is so incredible about this instruction is its emphasis on naturalness and on allowing our mind simply to be, unaltered and without changing anything at all." ~> Sogyal Rinpoche_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ

A peaceful mind is a constant source of strength and wisdom. Today's fiery Sagittarian Moon could even inspire the soaring confidence dear Sogyal Rinpoche referes to (especally for those with mutable planets), as it is in hard T-square aspect to both the retrograde Mercury, planet of the mind, and retrograde Neptune, planet of meditation now with healing Chiron. This combination suggests emotional nourishment through clear and calm contemplation, as opposed to being swept along by muddied confusion.

Chökhor Düchen ~ 1st turning of the wheel of dharma

In the Tibetan calendar today, 3rd August, is Chökhor Düchen, a karma multiplied day _(♥)_ Turning the wheel of dharma, Chökhor Düchen celebrates the first teaching of the Lord Buddha, seven weeks after his enlightenment (at Saka Dawa).
Buddha's first teaching topic is the Four Nobel Truths:
1) The reality of suffering (Dukka)
2) The cause of suffering (Samudaya)
3) The cessation of suffering (niroda)
4) The path to the cessation of suffering ((magga) through the 8-fold path)

May all beings be free from suffering & the causes of suffering! _(♥)_

Astrologically, today is marked with Mercury, planet of the mind going retrograde at 1Virgo, indicating pure thought with clear mind is attainable - with re-vision. At the same time, Mars, planet of action, moves into sensitive Cancer, his position of fall; indicating the lessons for the Spiritual Warrior are to tread lightly, with care. As the Moon moves into Libra today, she conjoins Saturn and Fixed star, Spica, tomorrow, when the planetary energy brings flashes of brilliance during a strong karmic situation.

The mudra here is Dharmacakra ~> the teaching mudra, which represents the 8-fold wheel of dharma. :) _(♥)_

♥ ☼ ♥ Love Light ♥ ☼ ♥ New Moon in Leo ☽ July'11

With a sigh of relief we waved goodbye to an old Moon that held keys which unlocked karmic bonds – a lunation which began as the third of three eclipses was always going to be heavy (famine, war, Norway and beloved Amy – not to mention any other  ‘crisis’).  Am now inclined to say let’s be brave like the gracious lion and welcome a new lunar cycle that began with 7 Leo at 19:40bst, and stabilise the happy noble heart :). 

Leo is ruled by the Sun, at the centre of our solar system. As such, Leo's are usually commanding characters, who tend to be at the hub of any action. This elite sign enjoys dressing up, having fun, and being dramatic. But such amusement also comes with a hefty responsibility: to lead with grandeur and warmth, emanating a love for all that stokes fiery Leo's sensibility of being in charge.

From where I am (northern skies) I'm happy to report that for the first time in ages we’re experiencing piercing blue sky, with the Sun radiating the kind of clarity that inspires painters, philosophers and parties. There's a definite newness in the air as this lunar cycle begins with the Sun at home in regal Leo, as it is conjoined by both, the sensitive Moon and the love Goddess, Venus, the latter two bestowing feminine charm and beauty, as well as loyalty and dignity. From a physical perspective the lights, Sun-ruled Shiva and Moon-ruled Shakti/Pavarti, unite with Venus to harness Shakti power with Leo fixity and focus to naturally raise Spirit and exercise loving kindness. 

This Sun, Moon, Venus conjunction also makes a positive trine aspect to Uranus, indicating respect for individuals and groups, as well as being helpful  when assessing changes to value systems.Though it’s not all sunshine and roses in debt-culture, as this triple light-heart Leo conjunction suggests there is tough work to do by squaring up to Jupiter in Taurus – an indication how selfishness and greed is rife (challenging any (Leo) oligarch), and how frivolous financial spending ought to be curtailed. Still, Leo fun can be had – even during difficult times. How we deal with problems has a direct influence on the outcome. A generous noble gesture from a guiding light work wonders with the popular results, placating to greater effect – but, one wonders in this degenerative time of the Kali Yuga,  who is daring enough to be big-hearted? Interestingly, from the hard angle to Jupiter, this ‘love-light conjunction’ creates an often intense ‘Thor’s Hammer’ formation, which now points directly to the destiny-fulfilling North Node: the way forward is to be totally realistic about any material needs we require to make the most of any opportunity to be stable, artistic and inventive. Sun-ruled Leo reminds us that a creative culture is central to civilisation.

In Buddhist teachings we acknowledge everyone wants to be happy, to be content in their skin, and with the ability to spiritually, emotionally and rationally develop the human (animal) condition. What we really need to compensate recent gloom is a healthy dose of radiant light. So it’s nice to see the actual Sun in the science news again: It appears every time the Cardinal Cross manifests, usually by the monthly passage of the Moon in Cancer, we have an M-class solar flare (which then have a knock-on affect upon earth's magnetic field). These flares may well have more to do with our spiritual evolution than is at first obvious; and this observation needs more careful research from my side. It will be interesting to see how the Sun behaves as Mars enters into the Cardinal Cross foray the same day that Mercury goes retrograde next week. (FYI I am currently working on two different astrological projects: THE book :) And an article about ‘The Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’, both of which are in the process of being...)  

Yes, hot on the heels of this new lunation, Mercury, planet of communication, goes Retrograde on Wednesday 3rd :)) Astral advise: BACK UP everything - twice! Mercury is now at exalted 1 degree Virgo, which is usually excellent for analysing or organising the filing system; and our saintly halo for being so ordered and sorted has the potential to become whiter-than-white as Mercury opposes oceanic Neptune, just as it begins to retrograde. I jest. But whenever a planet goes retrograde, it’s important to look at how it links to other planets because that will be the triple whammy.  And the opposition from Mercury to Neptune could be very confusing, especially if travelling, map reading, dealing with neighbours or siblings, or perhaps more importantly, digesting spiritual teachings - because this is actually the kind of communicative Mercury configuration which encourages the spirit of enquiry, using analytical methods to reach a deeply intuitive understanding.  Mercury opposition  to Neptune creates a ripple effect, with thoughts, feelings and and ideas moving through the unseen energy field's undercurrent. Setting a positive intention is therefore paramount.

Fast moving Mercury doesn’t stay long in Virgo, though all kinds of information during this three week period – from facts and ideas, teachers and teachings – will need to be tested – including faith. In Buddhism this kind of questioning is welcomed. Indeed, it is called for, as one must understand from the depth of one’s rational and intuitive mind that the Buddha dharma is pure gold (which it is – take my word, but you must find this veritable treasure for yourself, in order for it to resonate in the mind-stream’s deeper vibration).

Mulitfaceted mult-talented Mercury has many skills; healing and communication being 'higher' traits that do extremely well in Virgo; but because it is fleet-footed with the gift of the gab, it's also called the trickster planet, so symbolic of smooth-talking con-artists, and thieves.  As mercury goes back into Leo, this indicates our ego, or our own mind, has the potential to either heal or become the trickster with all points in between.  This retrograde is about transforming the ego. So watch for saying anything you don’t mean just to puff yourself up and make yourself look grander than others.

By Monday the 8th August quick-silver Mercury is already back into Leo, indicating that we need to transform the ego-bound mind-heart with confidence and LOVE. This means the late degrees Leo (from 18 degrees onward) are thrice-blessed by trickster healer, with an optimum 3 weeks to then awaken heart-mind.  (Pluto in Leo Generation - aka we Baby Boomers - could well feel the need to gain insight into self in order to transform the mind - toute suite) :)) Going all the way back to 18 Leo, to go forward on 27 August, by setting the 'intention' to serve both spiritually and practically, ego-mind goes through the mental wringer. 

All this at the same time loving Venus in Leo takes hidden refuge in Spirit Sun for next 60 days while she is at 'Superior conjunction' as she radiated from behind the Sun. This means that we have a rather long-lasting Sun-Venus conjunction for a couple of months, until she once again emerges as Ishtar, the seductive evening star that will dazzle in Autumnal skies.  All the while this Lionine Love Goddess Venus is reminding us that vanquishing self-cherishing ego stabilses the heart ♥ ♥ ♥ :)) 

 

A Full Moon in August 13^th will be a good maker for assessing constructive energies that aid others, which represent the Moon in Aquarius, the sign which is the hierarchical ruler of the emotional Moon.  Basically, when we reach this cooler and more objective Aquarian Moon , we will once again have to shift-up a notch, in order to combat the compulsive ego’s destructive need for instant gratification. Luckily, the combination of a Full Aquarian Moon’s clear-light can provide the rational mind’s insight to attain some kind of stabilising insight.

As always, there’s much light-work to be accomplished. Until the next time _(♥)_ May your days be filled with happiness and friendship, with ♥´¯`•.¸¸.•L❀VE•´¯`•.¸¸.♥ & LIGHT :))

♥ Special thanks to Bill Brouard and other unknown artists for wonderful and much appreciated illustrations ♥

Square Dancing on Sun & Moon discs ☼ Solar Eclipse July1st

A dark moon is coming to rest before tomorrow’s last of 3 eclipses in one summery lunation. The previous two eclipses (the 1st Solar on June 1st & a Lunar eclipse on June 15th) opened the mind (Gemini) to portals of truth and light at the centre of the Galaxy (Sagittarius). For the Spiritual Warrior this one can open the floodgate of life itself, welcoming ancestors incarnating in the manifest universe.

As previously intonated, this triple eclipse season aligns a Divine Union of Sun & Moon to Earth, in such a way that encourages one to let go and release the outmoded, and embrace the inner-light connecting us to Spirit – It’s just a small matter of tuning and riding into those subtle wave and spin vibrations to hold the light ;) Through breath-work and, in this instance, a Solar eclipse meditation in a calm and protected manner, we're potentially enabled to observe and release past negativity (usually on out breathe) and, utilising compassion in action (being good to oneself) to relax in the non-conceptual, Divinity within. In Buddhist teachings, one uses any realisation as a means to understand emptiness (but that’s not what I am purporting to achieve in this New Moon Solar Eclipse report :)). So while Kundalini meditation is powerful (and always done with the master's guidance), due to the sensitive nature of  cosmic rays the best any ordinary individual might hope for during this eclipse is the ability to find a balance between rational and intuitve, yin and yang in active refelction.

The celestial aspects involved in this last eclipse include the extraordinary Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun, accenting the need to square up to and act upon what might initually seem to be hard and difficult issues, all the while taking into consideration almost every sphere of our lives, showing care to self and others as a Cancerian Mother would her child. It is therefore of utmost importance to observe how we feel during this Cancer new moon, particularly noting any impulse, intuition, and sensation.  
  

At this New Moon partial Solar eclipse on Friday 1st July at 9:54BST the Sun and Moon are at 9 degrees of moon-ruled watery Cancer, opening the way for instinctual awarness: Emotions are a means to enlightenment.  

It is with thanks to Bernadette Brady who alerted me to the fact that this is also a new 1226 year Saros cycle, being activated with 'The Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun' as its signature. This is a very special Solar eclipse indeed. ~> Now is THE time to call in our dharma protectors, so we can fully embrace our spiritual discipline, revel in truth, and free the awakened and compassionate heart-mind ~& even if it takes 1000+ years to do so! :)) _(♥)_ 

Maybe it will take that long to complete the Cardinal Cross mission? Who knows? It’s a good guess the mess we humans have created so far is going to take a while to clean up. What we can say with certainty is that we are at a very challenging moment in time, with fast-moving energies calling for us to be incredibly self-aware and come from the altruistic heart, especially amidst change and the endless authoritarian power struggles, and still keep the value of Mother Earth in Jupiterarian positive life-affirming perspective.

Yet the Cancerian nature of this eclipse, as Goddess of the Sea, reminds me to honour the Great Mother Divinty and nurture family and self in relation to the evolving mass consciousness. Through kindness to all beings, and undstanding how we all suffer we can develop devotion and, dare I say, Bodhicitta, the precious altruistic and awakened heart-mind.

This Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun is not one to be nailed upon the starry fermament forever; while its' essense influences the resonnance of the next thousand years, still the zodiac turns. This actual Cardinal Cross pattern remains with varying planetary players until 2015 (ish), after which the heavens become more mutable, invoking wisdom from our current action. Forming the Solstice axis of the cross, Spirit Sun and Soul Moon are in Cancer, in opposition to powerful Pluto in Capricorn; renewing structure through intense and often difficult to see crisis (Nuclear radioactivity, for instance). Across the Equinox axis of balance and assertion lie awakening Uranus in dynamic Aries (with Goddesses Ceres, the Earth Mother, and Black Moon Lillith, Goddess of the Void) in opposition to disciplined Saturn in harmonious Libra, together they encourage a focus upon each individual heart to be alert and at peace.

Not only are Sun & Moon key players in this Cardinal Cross (first activated Lammas 2010), but they are also in a helpful trine aspect to the Chiron Neptune conjuntion - healing Chrion with the seas of Neptune. When we combine this celestial energy with the Cancer Sun-Moon square to Saturn, Pluto and Uranus, it can be summised as “Collective mass consciousness restructuring the Wounded Water”. There are several points to note here: One is that Cancer is esoterically ruled by oceanic Neptune, emphasising the water element. The other is how this eclipse is taking place over the Antarctic, focalising and stabilising the heavenly union in trinity - Sun-Moon-Earth - upon the very part of our planet where our world's water meets. The Antarctic has a loop of cold and salty water flowing all around it, the thermohaline current, and is where super-gyers swirl into the deepest layers of the ocean’s undercurrents.  This Moon therefore is key to restructuring water and emotion, through penetrative wisdom and intuitive vision holding the remedial intention is crucial.

 Water is symbolic of memory and emotions. And as this eclipse holds point of focus upon undulating depths, it is similarly symbolic of our deeper feelings, which are likely to be the ongoing source of profound healing and purification, a soothing refreshment. Water offerings with love & gratitude work on unfathomable levels.  Most who read this are probably aware of Dr Emoto’s work with healing and restructuring water; so while he is organising a world water healing day every month, this New Moon Solar Eclipse could actually be seen as THE seeding moment of a momentous 1000+ year healing, when at the end of this period we really do understand the our true nature, one that karmically encapsulates the Central Spiritual Sun.  So let’s not forget how one drop of water can take a 1000 years to complete an entire loop of the thermohaline current and send our loving prayers and best intentions to the world's seas, oceans and rivers during this eclipse, asking for clean and pure restructured water, so symbolic of the clear and unobscured emotion we require for enlightenment.  _(♥)_

Thanks to unknown natural life photographer and visionary illustrators <3 :)

Saka Dawa Full Moon Lunar Eclipse ~ 15th June'11

Tomorrow's Full Moon full moon eclipse is a big day for Tibetan Buddhists, marking SAKA DAWA, the day we celebrate the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Sakyamuni Gothama Buddha. ♥_/|\_ ૐ

This eclipse, with the Moon at 24 Sagittarius, aligns with the centre of the Galaxy, opening the portal for the mind-stream in truth to imbibe ...and embody the sacred cosmic love-light. Lunar eclipse is in effect from sunset in Europe, rising to perfect culmination at 21:14 (bst) with a central heart connection between planet Earth and Moon. For the meditator this is an optimum opportunity for impartial observation of all sensation (internal-external, yin-yang, sun-moon) harmonising earthly heart-mind with our illiminating awakened spirit.

Karma multiplied (x 10million during eclipse) ♥ = Breathe, be the LIGHT ~> kind to self & others ~> In presence living the LOVE ♥_/|\_ ૐ x

And as the radiant Sun in intellectual sign Gemini opposite Moon in forward thinking Sagittarius am reminded of the Buddha's words "All is mind. What we think we become" ♥ ...

more thoughts to come later... xxx :)

With love & thanks for amazing illustration 'Above the Below' by wonderful Mr Bill Brouard ♥

karmic blessing --> a mind-stream in truth _/|\_ 11June11

Most harmonious relationship today between Gemini Sun and Libra Moon with the growing light of the Moon; this waxing 120 degree triangle between the lights marks GURU RINPOCHE day in the Tibetan tradition, when we make offerings to Guru Padmasambhava to help us to overcome obstacles and stay clear in heart~mind and intention.

This being the month of SAKA DAWA, when karma is multiplied, it’s worth noting how the emotionally aware Moon in poised Libra is separating from a conjunction with an exalted Saturn, Lord of Karma (and is still within orb). Saturn is presently powerful, about to go station direct on MoonDay 13th, making this a poignant moment to harness. The combination of strong YANG Moon-Saturn suggests taking personal responsibility for who we are, and how we live our truth; Saturn in this position indicates we are aware of past karma, and intrinsically knowing the work, enthusiasm and patience we need in order to remain flexible in mind and steady in objective, at peace, and coming from the balanced heart in all relationships.

This is a potent light energy, as we approach Wednesday's full moon lunar eclipse accenting the inquisitive Gemini-Sagittarius axis. The question is: Are we ready to live in accordance with our own true nature?

Quite an evening in the sky, a romantic golden Saturn with a misty Moon above my head pour moi ce soir and Spica & Arcturus above ~

Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung ~ x108

Om Shani ~& Om Chandra :) Om Shanti ♥ Om Om Om ♥ ૐ_/♥\_ ☽✩

Stabilsing Earth ❤ ۞ ❤ Jupiter in Taurus June 2011 --> June2012

Astrologers often declare ‘there's no such thing as luck’!  Instead, we say there are auspicious times, which, by their very nature, are more likely to place us in the right place, talking to the right person, saying the right thing, and most importantly, holding the right view and right understanding. And it is the magnificent planet Jupiter which presides over these precious golden moments, so often laden with blessings and opportunity.

Beneficent Jupiter bestows good fortune, success, and the desire to travel and expand horizons, be that spiritually, intellectually and/or physically.  Jupiter also indicates sacred wisdom, higher learning and innate teaching abilities. With intrinsic humour, hope, and good-naturedness, Jupiter's motto is "Be big about it!"  Its principle is generosity of spirit, that also determines our moral convictions and ethics.

Jupiter's significance is now advancing through the circle of animals: For the past four and a half months, the largest planet in our Solar system has been whirling at the speed of light through Aries, sign of the pioneering confident Ram; any kind of self-obsession or self-analysis a magnified learning curve.  The influence of Jupiter during this dynamic sign seemed to be a wake-up call from our personal inner-guru to understand persona, or more specifically put 'self ' into perspective and question the wisdom of persona projection; to not be so pushy or self-indulgent, but instead think of others and find peace. When Jupiter recently opposed responsible Saturn in relationship-orienated Libra, a year-long call urged us to step-up enthusiasm and be confident when doing what is right and fair for others, and for peace and justice. 

In this modern world of fast-track evolution, there are also shared events which are triggers to make the most of opportunity, symbolised by personal planets such as Jupiter now aspecting generational Neptune (by trine in the ingress chart), the planet that represents great swayths of spirit-soul groups and the underlying emotional energy that binds collective thought, events or situation. 

Now we are riding the big wave, with Fukushima, for instance, as many instinctively feel the quickening karmic winds of change, even if unable to exactly express those emotions - feelings, by their very nature are a sensation that carry unseen chemicals, hormones and thoughts. Events such as happened in Japan create the kind of interconnected situation which makes one wonder about the philosophy of a ‘me, me, me’ society. All the while the transpersonal planet change, Uranus, remains in (tropical) self-orientated Aries, when kindred spirits instigate many a new collective new move (for the next seven years), as Jupiter, celestial teacher and bringer of good fortune shifts into the steady sign of the Tauran Bull until June 2012; so symbolic of treasuring the value in simple pleasures such as a child's smile, the smell of a flower, or a view from a mountain top.

And by Jove! A massive thunder storm has now going on over my head for the past three days! The celestial pantheon is reminding me how dorje-wielding Jupiter (4th pic down for more info on indestructable dorje), the philosophical Lord of Thunder and Lightening is moving signs Saturday 4th June ~ from speedy Aries into Taurus, stabilising sign of Earth's riches, as well as LOVE & money ~ Very auspicious for those with planets in Taurus ♥

Thanks and love to unknown artist & photographer for inspiriational images.

Cosmic Twins point way with triple set of eclipses -> June '11

A New Gemini Moon at 22:03 BST, on June 1^st, is a partial Solar Eclipse over the northern Arctic, stretching from Sibera to Nova Scotia, also marking ‘Saka Dawa’, the most the venerated lunar month in the Tibetan calendar. Saka Dawa celebrates Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana ( this often happens a month after the rest of Asia). 

This eclipse, although partial, is still an important astrological phenomenon as the Dragon’s tail (following South Node) in the sign of the Gemini Twins highlights the need to come from a well-informed place - implying the time is ripe for some serious mind-training. It's time for a healthy neuroplasticity meditation. Bear in mind how eclipses are the result of earth encountering yin-yang energy vortices, from which we confront duality; all kinds of energies can swirl and ride the enquiring Gemini mind – the seen and the unseen, positive and negative, light Gemini twin and dark Gemini twin, all can spin the wild out-of-control mind and turn our thinking upside down (which can, of course, in certain circumstances be rather helpful). 

Because Gemini is an ‘Air’ sign, we are therefore encouraged to guard the Bodhi mind’s treasure, to be mindful of breath (as mind’s vehicle to Spirit) and support calm abiding Shamatha meditation so that pure prana, ki, r’lung, bio energy (different names for cosmic energy) swiftly pacifies and protects mind-body-spirit, helping not to incur negative karma.  Please also be aware that from the physical body’s perspective, breathing problems can also be magnified during this lunation (28 days), such as asthma and allergy ~& Breathe gently, even when stuck at the traffic light or in a slow-moving queue; take the opportunity to tune into breath and calm the mind with long, slow, mindful inhalation and exhalation. Earth itself is also experiencing 'winds', with powerfully strong tornadoes; and the official Atlantic hurrican season starts with this New Moon Gemini Solar Eclipse.

As this is Saka Dawa month, Karma is also multiplied throughout, with positive karma generated from taking the eight Mahayana precepts during this sacred month magnified (Basic 5 precepts: no killing, no stealing, no lying, no intoxicants, and no sexual misconduct.). What makes this Saka Dawa special is how this is a triple eclipse season with two solar eclipses, as both June and July commence with a New Moon accenting Earth’s poles: first in the Northern Land of The Midnight Sun in June, and at the Southern Antarctic (where all the world's water meets) in July. It’s as though Earth’s Sushumna is activated with this set of eclipses (so that we can consiously download the healing gamma ray activity coming from the Crab nebula) Sandwiched in between at the apt middle way, is Saka Dawa Duchen, with a Full Moon Lunar eclipse on 15^th June – A Lunar eclipse (visible over Europe and Asia but not the US) just before Summer Solstice picks up the last Winter Solstice Lunar eclipse which pointed directly to the galaxy ~> amplifying an opportunity to tap into and embrace the light of intelligence, and raise the cosmic love vibration. As Sun, Moon and Earth symbolise unifying duality of the relations between male and female, yin and yang, and poles north and south, crown and root chakra, we mindfully meld action with wisdom and evolve mindful-consciousness.

Regular readers are now aware to be attentive to the subtle body, with chakras, winds and channels being extra sensitive at the time of an eclipse: Eclipses can be an integral (and sometimes backdoor) passage for spiritual evolution.  On a relative level we often witness life-changing events and situations during eclipse season, especially if the degree of the eclipse constellates our own horoscope. At 11degrees Gemini, this first of these three eclipses comes in regal style as it conjuncts Aldeberan, a Babylonian Royal star that confers honour through risk (think twice before doing anything too crazy).  This star is the (third?) eye of the Bull; which  Babylonians refferred to as 'The Furrow of Heavens' - perhaps in relation to the milky way and galaxy. In the tropical sign of Gemini, this promises to be a powerful month with the potential for awakening to collective enlightenment, particularly by analysing and questioning the verity of one’s beliefs.  

  

Saka Dawa Duchen culminates with a Festival of Lights on the 15^th June with the lunar eclipse pointing towards the centre of the Galaxy.  This lunar eclipse shares a similar vibration with the last Winter Solstice Lunar eclipse (link to blog) in as much as it is a means for us to understand the nature of the etheric and subtle bodies, and activates the collective sacred fire. Alice A. Bailey teaches that Gemini is the Hierarchal ruler of Earth; and Earth is esoteric ruler of Sagittarius; thus the connection between these three highlights the unique relation and exaltation of the nodal axis in these signs.  This combination almost guarantees soul development: “When the dual forces of the cosmic brothers (Gemini) becomes the energy of the one who rides towards the light (Sagittarius) then the fourth (chakra or dimension) becomes the fifth (chakra or dimension). Humanity, the link, becomes the Hierarchy, the bestower of all good. Then all the Sons of God rejoice” (p356 Esoteric Astrology.  Italics are my own interpretations).

At the time of the June 1st eclipse, the horoscope indicates the Sun and Moon make wonderful aspects to disciplined Saturn: an indication how we take on our work with a greater sense of responsibility. This aligement also accents our ongoing Spiritual development with the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun coming into perfection only three days after the actual eclipse (so still very much within effect). The same can also be said about the lunar eclipse being only six days before the Summer Solstice, which also brings into line the Cardinal Cross.  The last of the three eclipses finishes the set with a perfect Cardinal Cross, meaning we must once again look to Uranus as the agent of the changes making an easy sextile to Mars in Gemini only a few degrees away from our original eclipse - making it even more important that we are aware of 'what goes around, comes around'. 

So while I am often labelled 'optimistic' when delivering complex astrology (I have a propensity of fire over water in my own chart), I appreciate these are extremely unusual times of enormous change, but at least we can be aware of what is happening; with information at our fingertips (Gemini) we can make an informed decision as to the direction in which we should go (Sagittarius).  I’ll probably write more about the Cardinal Cross of the Spiritual Sun over the summer... And who knows? I may even finish the sign-by-sign analysis I so enthusiastically promised last year! Meanwhile, enjoy the blessings of blissful Sakadawa love-light and remember to go easy during this intense eclipse period.   

Many thanks to LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE, for the karma pacifying mantra; & thanks as always to Bill Brouard for the Event Horizon Buddha; to Vishnu108 for the fabulous earth twirling Buddha;  and to other unknown artist/photographers for much appreciated images.