✴️ Dark Moon Halloween ~> 2013

Some moments are more enchanted and potent than others. At Halloween, when the veil between visible upper and unseen lower worlds is thinnest, mythical skeletons dance across the skies, and witches wing by on Birch tree brooms, it tends towards a magical time that gets deep, edgy, and powerful.  Halloween holds a mystical magic that can transform in a dream-like instant, purely by honoring the ancestors and all that has gone before - and by being ready for a dramatic renewal. And as tonight’s is a Dark Moon Halloween, it’s advisable to call upon our protectors, totems and guides, and all that can help the Spiritual Warrior maintain emotional balance, which is specifically important when crossing the karmic threshold of the fixed and focused New Moon Scorpio Solar Eclipse, November 3rd.

Bear in mind that while we are now at the peak of the on-going 3-year Uranus-Pluto square (more on that tomorrow), astrological Halloween is actually November 7th, when the Sun is at degree where we officially pass through the ‘Via Combusta’, a.k.a. ‘The Fiery Path’, when Spirit rises like a proverbial phoenix out of the ashes. 
All the while we have a myriad of sacred geometry providing anchors for practical magic, and heavenly pointers to where the fates are flying:

The ‘Kite’ formation harnesses a ‘Grand Earth Trine’ stimulating recuperative and regenerative conservation of resources; with the Dragon’s Tail (South Node) implementing the healing energies we bring with us, which can also be used in the future.

A ‘Mystic Rectangle’, made up of only helpful aspects, suggests spiritual stability throughout this eclipse period, until November 8th.

The ‘Finger of God’, pointing to Uranus, planet of awakening altruism for the next couple of days, with the life-giving Sun and destiny-fulfilling North Node (Dragon’s Head), in the sign of renewal and shared assets, joining forces with Mars in Virgo, sign of healing and discernment.  All this suggests many are currently creating intrepid communities, forming Sangha and affinities with kindred spirits, individuals who feel also the need to support others in this time of dramatic change to power structures and resources. 
__/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✶

Happy Halloween everyone!
Thanks to unknown artist for Mahakala Dharma protector ~> May all beings be protected from fear and want. _/♥\_

✴️ Insightful Purification ~> Dakini Day October 29th 2013 _/♥\_

With laser like perception, Spirit Sun in Scorpio now makes a most harmonious aspect to the wholesome and thoughtful Virgo Moon. Such a combination of ‘The Lights’ encourages eagle-eyed discernment which the organised mind can apply to purifying defiled states of consciousness, changing habits of a lifetime, improving diet, as well as clearing physical space, removing emotional obstacles and freeing psychic karma. Today is optimum, therefore, to prepare for the transformational Solar Eclipse November 3rd, and patiently eliminate that which no longer serves the Divine Feminine, or the sensitive side of oneself, male or female, and generate the inner purity that experiences the vast expanse of spiritual liberation.

In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh “Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything - anger, anxiety, or possessions - we cannot be free.”

Thanks for sharing & Many thanks to unknown artist for vibrant Vajrayogini _/♥\_

☆ 'Tara Moon’ ~> Medicine Buddha puja _/♥\_ Oct 26th

Perceptive Scorpio Sun squares tonight’s Last Quarter Leo Moon, suggesting the Goddess, Tara, draws upon lion heart strength to quickly overcome obstacles. Leo Moon self-generates courage and generosity, directing a powerful healing. In combination with Scorpio’s focus and insight, the potential for ‘The Lights’ to illuminate deep and hidden resources means even difficult and negative, selfish emotions and ambitions can now be rooted out, creatively released, and transformed into love…

In the words of Mingyur Rinpoche ~>

“When you transform your mind, everything you experience is transformed.”

…And prepare the heart-mind for a powerful karmic renewal at the New Moon Solar Eclipse in Scorpio, Nov 3rd (which is preceded by the fourth of the seven Uranus Pluto squares 1st November – more on that to come _/\_ )

Stunning Green Tara Artwork by David Campbell Wilson with thx & thx for sharing

Tara Mantra “OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA” _/♥\_

☆ FireBrand ~> astro peek at Russell Brand

In the wake of a Paxman interview, the facebook newsfeed has become a one-man Russell Brand show, with Brand’s call to boycott voting and start a revolution soliciting extreme reaction from all sides. Some want to heed the battle cry and, presumably, die for him, as revolutions are never a civilised affair. But maybe that's not the kind of rEvolution RB is looking for? As others are very much against, generally men of a certain age who find Brand opinionated, trite and wayward. The girls seem to love him, possibly for the same reasons but seen in a different light, seeking a revolution of the heart.

As an astrologer it intrigued me to know what, from the planets’ point of view, does Russell Brand have to make him a magnet for others to either attract or repel in such a polarizing manner? Born with the loquacious Sun in Gemini on the 4th June 1975, at 00:07*, in Greys, Essex, Russell Brand’s horoscope buzzes with a larger-than-life, rather nervous and extremely assertive but deeply sensitive personality, one who loves novelty and variety, to be always on the go in constant communication. One might even say his gift-of-the-gab is a past-life thing; in this life he is to be the wiser media Guru. His destiny is to reveal mastery of the chat, aiming for wisdom's truths. The man even compared His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, in Manchester youth program not so long ago!

His Capricorn chart ruler, karmic Saturn, is deadly serious, in contrast to the playful Gemini Spirit. Coming across as dark and handsome with a devilish twist is also part of the Brand charm; with weighty Saturnian topics such as voting, politics and the environment delivered with clever and light-hearted Gemini wit.  The heavy-weight ruler, Saturn, is in detriment in the sign of Cancer, however, with challenges to the early home life and school, with issues surrounding the matriarch, such as food, mother and authority. Furthermore, Saturn's wide conjunction to Love Goddess Venus is another indication that he needs to take greater responsibility with his approach to women. After the age of 30, Saturn generally matures somewhat and can work the relationship issues that having Saturn in an area that improves when duty bound, by working his body, as well as intellect, the projected Peter Pan grows up to become a fast-talking Spiritual Media Warrior, who is now very much in tune with the present zeitgeist .

Even the title of Russell's recent show, ‘The Messiah Complex’, is revealed in his natal horoscope, as the Sun - which defines ego and identity (in the sign of the informative Twins) opposes Neptune, oceanic planet of spirituality and spiritual oneness. When working well, Neptune can indicate deep compassion and charity, meditation and yoga; but heaven help anyone whose Neptune is out of whack and opposite the Sun, as it denotes drug, alcohol, and all kinds of nefarious toxic abuse and addiction. Save or be saved, Neptune is also the planet of victims and martyrs, illusion and glamor, which makes it as easy for him to ‘lose’ himself (even if he has emotional control issues), and even easier for other to transfer their feelings about his celebrity, as well as political ideals onto Russell. How he deals with such idolization depends upon how profoundly he can tune into the spiritual world for refuge and support.

But what makes Brand’s horoscope really twinkle is how the current movement of the heavens excites the warrior within, urging him to become the knight in shining armor on a righteous cause, encourage people to wake-up to any present iniquity by exercising his gift to articulate rampant corruption.

Russel's chart is tuning into a dynamic alignment called ‘The Uranus Pluto Square’, of which there are seven squares over three years, which started in 2012, and finishes in 2015. This on-going square symbolises a tension between the traditional paradigm of absolute power and authority, and those seeking freedom and equality. Both Pluto and Uranus are generational planets that propel Russell’s scope into the vanguard of the action: Pluto, the planet of life, death and rebirth, activates a place of collective longing in Russell’s chart, while the planet of sudden upheaval, Uranus, sparks his well-placed and passionate Mars, courageous and dynamic planet of action. Whilst being able to mobilise, fight, and guide with giddy enthusiasm, this is the chart of a fireBrand who senses the perils of both the ordinary foot soldier AND the elite major general. Because his natal planet of revolution, Uranus in Libra, resonates with equality and freedom I suspect he sees himself as an innovative visionary, which he is, to a certain extent. At the very least he is the current mouthpiece for many of the disenfranchised 99%, unnerving a 1% - but still we can all applaud his bravery.

One last point is how Venus, the planet of love, is also an indicator of social skills, which sits almost exactly on his descendant, point of marriage and relationship. Even if people don’t always like what he says, they still seem to be fascinated, and dare I say, want his friend.

*Source of birth time: Marcos Prachett

✶ Autumnal Heart Star ~ Oct 13

The Six-Pointed Sacred Star is fleetingly back tonight/tomorrow, as the ‘Grand Sextile Merkaba’ twinkles overhead in the autumnal sky. Formed by two interlocking triangles, Earth and Water, the Double Tetrahedron creates a transcendental stargate that empowers the Divine Feminine (within) and her inspired life-force.

The Water triangle renews resources that purify obscuration and generate spiritual healing; whilst the Earth Trine (including the all-important south node, especially in between eclipses) emphasizes the healing power of the Goddess, to remain grounded whilst the heart chakra arouses pure Buddha nature, opening to love and kindness, peace and compassion.

Om Om Om ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶ ॐ_/♥\_

☿ Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio ☿ ♏ Rx - 21st Oct - 10 November

Usually swift in winged attire, Mercury, sparkling planet of mind and movement slowed down yesterday to become retrograde at 18 Scorpio for three weeks, until November 10th. Going all the way back to 2Scorpio, Mercury now goes undercover to be the guiding light when delving into dark recesses, a covert celestial agent with a responsible mission.

Secretive, enigmatic and transformational, Mercury in Scorpio is magnetic, thoughtful and extremely incisive when dealing with difficult subjects. In Scorpio, Mercury is the psychopomp, escorting people, things, ideas, through various transitions: from life to death, to life after death through the bardo, and rebirth.

When the planet of the mind delves into powerful Scorpio it does so fearlessly, teaching that when something/someone dies it is to be reborn. Holding steady with laser-like perception, Mercury in Scorpio deals sensitively with taboo subjects such as power, sex, death, and shared investments, such as emotional investments within intimate relationship, spiritual investment with tantric commitment, or financial such as big business, taxes, and inheritance (environmental, cultural, or monetary); none of these are easy topics, often requiring trust and faith, and an ability to stop and step back to release the old and outworn in order to be renewed and reborn. As Mercury will conjunct karmic Saturn twice more during this retrograde/direct phase (and twice more Sextile both Pluto & Mars, plus Trine Neptune), busy Mercury is able to magically facilitate healing at any time, thus encouraging the development of insight, intuition, and the psychic sensitivity to transform past life (past events/past psychology) into a potentially powerful force for good by taking personal control of one's life, and sharing the best with the rest. _/♥\_

Thanks to unknown artist for evocative Buddha _/♥\_
If you would like to know more how this period constellates in your own horoscope, please contact me for rates

❂ Full Moon in Aries Lunar Eclipse _/♥\_ OCT13

KARMA MULTIPLIED DAY X7 million
Eclipses generally come in pairs: one solar, the other lunar. With a Lunar eclipse coming up on Friday/Saturday (18th-19th), the following eclipse in two weeks’ time is an even more powerful and rare hybrid Solar Scorpio eclipse, on November 3rd. Both the Lunar and Solar eclipse provide a magical portal, karmic gates for incoming and outgoing universal consciousness – bringing energies that create external and internal shifts, which are often dramatic (18-year) turning points. This particular eclipse could even cultivate a pristine awareness of our self in relation to benefiting others, especially if the degree of the eclipse constellates our own horoscope.

This weekend's Full Moon Lunar eclipse at 26 Aries is a penumbral lunar eclipse, with a slightly paler Moon that may be difficult to perceive the difference between a normally glowing 'Hunter's Moon', yet almost impossible not to feel, as La Luna governs emotions. And as a beauty-orientated Libra Sun aligns with the courageous Aries Moon, the heavens symbolize a dynamic motivation between self, abandoning clinging to the ego, in favour of social harmony; as the fiery Ram ignites the ‘light of life’ the Scales seek a heart balance between intrigue and the straightforward, the material and spiritual, Love and Light, so that a full expression of wisdom and compassion can freely develop.

Events and situations this weekend remind us that Love-Wisdom is, in fact, our innate glowing radiant Buddha nature. If mindful to harness soul-control, this eclipse is an optimum time to embrace the karmic law of cause and effect and transform base passion and desire into pure vibrant love.

Regular Zodiac Heaven's Dharma Stars readers may be aware that during the eclipses sensitivity to subtle body energies is also heightened, as chakras, winds and channels are responsive to this delicate time when the luminosity of Sun, Moon and Earth cosmically coordinate to create a powerful and sacred moment of peace, introspection and insight, making this an optimum time to meditate.

The exact time of this eclipse is 7:50pm on the 18th EDT and 00:50BST, and will be more noticeable over Central Africa.

Thanks to unknown artist for Lotus love_/♥\_

Medicine Buddha Moon ~ Tara Puja – Oct 12th _/♥\_

Spirit Sun in harmonious Libra today highlights the dynamic first-quarter Moon in disciplined Capricorn, to balance responsibilities and generate positive, lasting change which benefits all.

This first quarter moon also creates a tight ‘T-square’ to expansive Jupiter’. So when making important decisions and adjustments there’s every reason to remain optimistic; even minor modifications made this weekend (in relationship, at work, and/or at home) can be deeply healing and bear fruit. Note, however, such fruit may take time, organisation and practice to really ripen. This is because Venus, Libra’s ruler and Capricorn’s hierarchical ruler, goes retrograde at the Winter Solstice, when both the illuminating Sun and loving Venus will be in Capricorn. 

Issues close to the heart that need a deep resolution could therefore take up until the Solar year’s turning point, or even until the Candlemas New Moon, when Venus once again goes forward. So now is the time to exercise patience with self and others, especially when dealing with situations that challenge one to stay centred (in radiant natural Buddha nature) _/♥\_

Love & thanks for beautiful calligraphy and artwork with Medicine Buddha Mantra by Tashi Mannox _/♥\_

May all beings be free from suffering ~> “Hail! Appear, O Healer, O Healer, O Great Healer, O King of Healing! Let the Healing be swift And let the Healing begin!” __/♥\__

☯ Libra New Moon Oct'13

☼ New Moon 11 Libra, at 1:34am UT

In the language of symbols, the Libran scales represents a social sign, seeking love, peace and fairness in all relations. And although famous for sitting on the fence, often being indecisive because of being a people-pleaser not wanting to upset anyone, the aforementioned ideals to which this highly evolved and elegant sign aspires also require a certain kind of cool balance and equipoise, which the only machine in the zodiac can beautifully harmonise.

With an ability to engage and come from the heart yet at the same time remain emotionally detached is Libra’s rare gift, especially when mediating stressful situations – of which there currently seem to be quite a few, as Sun and New Moon square up to the challenging Cardinal Cross (that comes in and out of cosmic play for next seven months). Interestingly, this New Moon provides an opening for a liberating and innovative heroic awareness which stems from having an altruistic intention: for all beings to be happy and free from suffering. And when Libra’s ruler, the Love Goddess Venus, changes signs in a few days, remaining composed and stable whilst still seeing (and working) the bigger picture gives the heart-mind space to grow, as well as protection from getting hooked into the eight worldly concerns: praise and blame, fame and disrepute, success and failure, pleasure and pain.

From this astrological meditator’s view point utilising dynamic Libra’s airy element also means being aware of the subtle winds, chi (rLung in Tibetan) to consciously create a personal internal balance, which then helps all kinds of co-creating inter-personal decision making.

It’s also worth noting how this lunation marks an exciting month ahead, with the beginning of the year’s second eclipse season, and a full Moon lunar eclipse in Aries Oct 18th /19th, highlighting geocosmic/worldly/personal shifts and transformation. Adding to the intense heavenly mix, the celestial messenger, Mercury, begins a retrograde in Scorpio on the 9th. Plus comet ISON, which has a strong association to Mars, will soon be coming into view!

So now is the time, during this new Libran Moon, to familiarise breathing into the pivotal centre of balance, and develop the mindfulness and equanimity which supports and strengthens personal spiritual practice, as well as the ability to gracefully handle our forever changing world. _/♥\_

With love & gratitude to Elaina Deva for her gorgeous pink lotus eclipse Moon _/♥\_

♥ Moon in Leo ~ Dakini Love from the Heart of the Goddess - Sept13

SUNday Dakini Day _/\_ 29th September
Sun in Libra ~ Moon in Leo (ruled by the Sun)

Dakini LOVE emanates from the HEART of the Goddess to liberate all beings from feeling trapped in the chaotic caverns of despair. ~> Feel the ♥´¯`•L❀VE•´¯`•♥ of the Divine Goddess today, as Spirit Sun in relationship and beauty-orientated Libra makes a delightfully helpful aspect to the majestic Leo Moon (the sign which also governs the human heart )

Sun and Moon are now in a determined ‘yang’ combination, accenting loving kindness in dynamic action: Whilst a peaceful Libra Sun harmonizes social relations, the waning Moon in Leo enlightens in the shadows, to inspire culture and artistic ventures.

Great time for balancing light with the creative feminine dark side - as well as feasting with loved ones. Enjoy! ♥´¯`•.¸¸.

With thanks to A.Andrew Gonzalez for Golden Dakini _/\_

♥ Green Tara ~ Dolma Moon - Wind over Water - Libra & Cancer

Green Tara ~ Dolma Moon ~> Honouring the Divine Feminine and the Great Mother Liberator who overcomes fear and danger _/♥\_

Today’s Sun in airy Libra blows the winds of change, stirring ripples across our (emotional) landscape, as the Moon comes to her last quarter in a deeply sensitive water sign, Cancer. A last quarter Moon generates remedial action. As 'The Lights' now galvanize the two elements, wind and water, the Goddess Mother highlights ‘the art of placement’: Feng (wind) over Shui (water); and how our location reflects our psychology, i.e. a messy room indicates scattered thoughts. Similarly, an ordered space affords the mind room to think and visualize and, very often, heal.

Depicted as green, Arya Tara is associated with the wind element, suggesting firm conviction and a willingness to bring about speedy change with gentle devotion. This last quarter moon is therefore optimum to quickly apply Libran balance and beauty into familiar settings, at home, in the work place, within the heart-mind - and be in tune with our surroundings, ready for a peaceful new Libra Moon October 4th.

Tara Mantra “OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SVAHA” _/♥\_

Many thanks to Sue Halstenberg  for her beautiful painting of Green Tara _/♥\_

☼ Autumn Equinox in the North ~ ☯ ~ Spring Equinox in the South ☼ Sept'13

Whether contemplating falling leaves or looking at new green shoots, Equinox marks a moment of inevitable change as Spirit Sun enters Libra, the sign of the scales, on the 22nd September at 20:44UT, and the balance of the ‘light of life’ switches hemispheres. In the north, we embrace the darkened reflective womb of feminine yin, as nights get longer and days shorter. Whereas fiery yang will dominate in the south. But, for these few equinoctial days, as the effects of a Full Moon linger, the heavenly harmony of equal-day and equal night, yin and yang, are in total equilibrium.

Whichever hemisphere you are in, with the sensitive Moon now in sensual, earthy Taurus, this equinox has a very Venusian feel, as both Libra Sun and Taurus Moon share the Goddess of Love, Venus, as ruler.

Venus currently traverses insightful Scorpio together with karmic Saturn. Interestingly, Saturn is Libra’s hierarchical ruler, emphasizing the importance of working partnerships and social relations, as well as developing trust within intimate friendships. This conjunction of Goddess and Time Lord is generally considered testing, particularly as they conjoin the destiny-fulfilling North Node. Commitment, discipline and responsibility are now key transformational factors, especially when applied with tender loving care.

Controlling Saturn’s greatest lesson is to learn how to come from the heart, to love with integrity, to be fair and just - without strings or attachment. It’s worth bearing in mind that if feeling alone or lonely at this time of change, some important and long-lasting relationships can have this realistic yet loving celestial connection. Furthermore, in Scorpio, this celestial rapport intuitively knows who and what offers meaningful support to the profound alchemical process in the transformation of the heart. So if there is change to be made in our personal lives now, it is to surround ourselves with spiritual and like-minded friends, companions who favour awakening to the LOVEly ultimate reality that there is no separateness between 'me' or 'we', and that we are, in fact, pure wholesome bliss.

Happy Equinox _/☯\_ & thanks to unknown artist for lovely seasonal contemplative Buddha.

ॐ Full Moon in Pisces ~> The Blessings of Loving Kindness & the practice of ‘Metta’ _/♥\_ 2013

A glorious Harvest Moon 27Pisces (11:11UT! 19th Sept) suggests we can now reap rewards from qualities associated with the sign of the Fish, as well as the Goddess of Perfection, Virgo, especially those that illuminate spiritual healing and devoted practice. Meditation, yoga, tai-chi, mantra, music, dance, poetry, art, swimming (even) are all activities that align higher chakras to the heart-mind, to release the divine nectar of creative luminescence that transports one into the intuitive world of oceanic bliss. But perhaps the most valuable practice that combines the boundlessness of Pisces and pragmatic Virgo is that of universal loving kindness, also known as Metta (‘Maitri' in Sanskrit).

Metta is based upon the understanding all life is interconnected and taking to heart the care and well-being of others, which can then be used as an antidote to all negative emotion. The blessings of Metta are manifold, including the development of compassion, rejoicing in the happiness of others, and a calm personal equanimity.

ॐ_/♥\_ Metta Sutta ॐ_/♥\_
“This is what should be done by one who is skilled in goodness
And who knows the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright, straightforward and gentle in speech,
Humble and not conceited, contented and easily satisfied.
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm, and wise and skilful,
not proud and demanding in nature.
Let them not do the slightest thing that the wise would later reprove.
They should wish:
In gladness and in safety
May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be,
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and to-be-born,
May all beings be at ease!
Let none deceive another, or despise any being in any state,
Let none through anger or ill-will wish harm upon another.
Even as a mother protects with her life her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings,
Radiating kindness over the entire world,
Spreading upwards to the skies, and downwards to the depths,
Outwards and unbounded, freed from hatred and ill-will.
Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down,
Free from drowsiness, one should sustain this recollection.”

ॐ_/♥\_Enjoy the blessings of this Full Harvest Moon _/\_ and thanks to unknown artist for KwanYin, Goddess of Compassion

ॐ Virgo Lunation ~ Guru Rinpoche --> Cardinal Cross & Fixed 'T' Square 2013

September 14th ~> Guru Rinpoche
Sun in Virgo - Moon in Capricorn

I was asked today why, according to astrology, these are such challenging times. And this is a really long and involved answer with lots of astro-tech, as there are two very difficult aspects going on at the moment, which involve both Cardinal and Fixed signs (which is 2/3rd of the zodiac), so few escape the planetary energies – apart from the cosmic enlightened ones, of course, who are beyond the influences of the heavens. _/\_

One such difficult aspect is the Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun, which will continue to come and go until 2015/6 with varying intensity (as it has already been doing for the past three years). This highly evolutionary square is rare in its longevity, and involves dynamic, active Cardinal Signs: Assertive Aries with Uranus, planet of awakening as the agent of the square; Sensitive Cancer, with Jupiter, planet of expansion as the synthesising factor; Balancing Libra with messenger Mercury, planet of communication – with the Equinox Sun highlighting the Cardinal Cross at the end of the calendar month; last but not least, responsible Capricorn with transformative Pluto.

At its highest vibration, this square represents a rising Divinity (within). To be honest, this Grand Square with its two oppositions and an enduring hard aspect between two generational planes, Uranus and Pluto, it’s not easy to say the least, as interconnected life can go ‘haywire’ it involves a great deal of personal transformation and spiritual awareness to remain true to self. And every time the Moon hits one of these planets during this incredible Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun, we feel deeply the part we are playing in being able to dissolve the veils obscuring our shining and true Buddha nature.

Yet the required spiritual critical mass for Divinity to rise is, to my mind, almost here - if not already reached; as a collective tide turns towards the Divine Feminine, the Goddess balancing the rational of the mechanistic left-brain with the holistic creative right-brain, as well as awakening an intuitive wisdom with loving compassion. Still, the stress created by this realignment, of human with Divine, can be tough with on-going suppression of freedoms. And having a day when relationships falter, or self/others fail to produce, or authority clamps down and/or peer group seems alienating and a seemingly toxic collective upholds mass distraction with toys for celebrity boys (and girls), it’s all the more reason to hold ground, centre up and rest in the natural beauty of the glowing and radiant heart-mind ~> So when the going gets tough, breathe, meditate, slow down, and rise above the negative vibration that can hook the mind into slavish nonsense.

If the Grand Cross isn’t enough, the second aspect is a hard ‘T’ square between relationship-orientated Venus, disciplined Saturn, and the North Node in Scorpio (and by extention the South Node in Taurus) to Mars in Leo, which means fiery Mars has, for the past week or so, be on ‘The Bends’, turning between the dark side of the Moon and happenstance. Which could well feel just as crazy as it sounds! And Mars is still in square to Saturn creating a sensation a bit like wading through treacle, which has an upside, in as much as martial Mars is halted through fear, doubt, or plain realistic assessment (phew!). Note that Mars is akin to the energy of the South Node (logging the kind of energy we bring from previous incarnation or situations), and karmic Saturn is akin to destiny-fulfilling North-Node. So basically the Martial Lion has been wrapped around the Dragons’ Head AND the Dragon’s Tail, caught between coming and going. Now, he is going – straight into the arms of passionate, powerful love.

And as Venus, the planet of love now conjuncts Saturn, a commitment to the transformational power of deep, meaningful love means abandoning power plays of control and domination. So that when Love Goddess Venus squares passionate Warrior Mars at the last quarter moon 27/28th September, it can spark ardour, confidence, and the consciousness to renew and revitalise shared enterprise by following the urge to accomplish brave deeds, with unconditional LOVE conquering anger, hatred and aggression; for in the planetary pantheon Mars only disarms with Venusian charms.

So seeing that today, 14th September, is this lunation’s Guru Rinpoche day, with Sun in healing Virgo, the sign of the perfect and abundant Goddess, in good aspect to the sympathetic Moon in sensible Capricorn, it is more than fitting to ask for blessings and protection (from the Guru within) and discover the ability to overcome obstacles of these difficult aspects, so that all our aspirations can be fulfilled. ॐ_/♥\_

Guru Rinpoche as Medicine Buddha. Guru Rinpoche Mantra ~> "Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung" _/♥\_

❥ An arrow of blessings ~ Medicine Buddha Moon Sept '13

First Quarter Moon ~ Medicine Buddha ~ Tara Puja __/♥\__

To eat lightly, rest deeply, and work in the healthy service of all sentient beings are the energies of Spirit Sun in physical, earthy, purifying Virgo, the zodiac's healing Goddess. Now the Sun is in square to the Moon in fiery, far-reaching Sagittarius, ‘The Lights’ work with base chakras, keeping feet planted on the ground to remain optimistic when searching for truths which resonate deep within the heart-mind. Tonight’s Sagittarian Medicine Buddha Moon helps direct energy up and beyond, sending out an arrow of blessings. Maintain a sense of adventure when performing the most ordinary activities, and spirits will rise to see the beauty in simple tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or caring for oneself and/or others. So as we head towards the meditative Full Moon in Pisces on the 19th September, sensitivity is heightened to demonstrate compassion and kindness. The Grand Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun is also once activated over the coming days: Being anchored within helps to overcome doubts and fears (especially within relationship), as noted by the Venus and Saturn conjunction riding the destiny-fulfilling North Node on the western horizon at sunset - Such a heavenly sight at this time of major transformation!

Medicine Buddha Mantra "Tayatha Om Bekanze Bekanze MahaBekanze Rasa Samut Gate Soha" __/♥\__

“Hail! Appear, O Healer, O Healer, O Great Healer, O King of Healing! Let the Healing be swift And let the Healing begin!” __/♥\__

✫ ☾☉ ~ ♍ NEW MOON ♍ ~ ☉☽✫ Sept 5 2013

A last sparkle of the six-pointed star glimmers for this new Virgo Moon at 12:35 bst, 5th September. After months of resting in a magical double tetrahedron and the essence of the Goddess, the Earth/Water Grand Sextile begins to disappear as la Luna grows towards a Full Moon on the 19th September that will take us through Equinox, a point of change, balance and harmony. But don’t be too sad to see the heaven’s glorious starry ode to Goddess fade, as this Sacred Star will be back, all be it fleetingly October 24th, for another very obvious heavenly reminder of the deeply sensitive feminine within. Meanwhile, the protective Divine Feminine materializes with this new Virgo lunation (made all the more powerful, as the Moon is Virgo’s esoteric ruler), making it possible to break negative responses by affirming the real-world need, as well as the ability, for practical, down-to-earth healing.

Restoration, recovery and revitalisation are major themes when the sensible New Virgo Moon aligns with Spirit Sun. As ‘The Lights’ oppose shamanic Chiron, the wounded healer, they heavens suggest many ways to heal a wound, be the wound physical or emotional, psychological or spiritual. Chiron is in the visionary water sign Pisces, when dreams can now be a great source of healing inspiration – as can music, dance, art and poetry. According to the late, great Gabrielle Roth, “In many shamanic societies, if you came to a shaman or medicine person complaining of being disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, they would ask one of four questions. When did you stop dancing? When did you stop singing? When did you stop being enchanted by stories? When did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of silence? Where we have stopped dancing, singing, being enchanted by stories, or finding comfort in silence is where we have experience the loss of soul. Dancing, singing, storytelling, and silence are the four universal healing salves.”

Now is the time to apply those salves, but at the same time be reasonable with ourselves, making necessary adjustments to lifestyle and diet, applying helpful tonics daily work-outs, singing, dancing and, perhaps most importantly, keeping a positive outlook foremost in one’s mind, being happy just where we are.

Thanks to wonderful unknown Thanka painter for this beautiful image of ‘The White Umbrella Goddess’, Ushnisha Sitataputra, who protects against harm, natural and supernatural, with the active power of compassion.

Her short mantra is “OM SIT TA TA PA TREY HUM PHET” ॐ_/♥\_

☆ Healing Breath ~ Healing Heart-Mind _/♥\_ Tara Moon - 28thAug'13

☆~☽☼☾~☆
Tara Moon ~ Medicine Buddha puja _/♥\_
The airy quality of tonight's last quarter Gemini Moon, in T-square to the illuminating Sun and meditative Neptune, supports mindfulness by working with the breath, as breath is mind’s vehicle to Spirit. When the chattering monkey mind starts to distract, stability can be found by concentrating on the beauty of nature, such as a tree, rock or flower as an object of meditation, thus allowing the unseen healing field of life-giving consciousness to flow in and around the (collective) heart-mind. _/✿\_

☼ ☾ Both ‘Lights’, the Earthy Virgo Sun and curious Gemini Moon, currently share the same ruler: Mercury, planet of informative healing. Mercury is now exalted in restorative Virgo, and opposite charitable Neptune, the planets highlight the need to 'ride the winds' and practice the perfection of the wisdom mind, showing loving-kindness and compassion to all beings (including oneself). 

 ☆~☽☼☾~☆

Mantra for Goddess Tara “Om Tara Tuttare Ture Soha” _/♥\_

Arya Tara, swift-acting liberating mother Goddess, we invoke your blessings. Please watch over & protect us; hold us in your loving embrace, shielding all from danger, fear or suffering.

thanks to Djimmi Dorje for exquisite Green Tara _/♥\_

☿ Dynamic Spiritual healing ~> 25th - 28th August 2013

~> ☉ & ☿ ♍ - ☍- ♆ ♓

The Spirit of the purifying Virgo Sun is currently boosted by the healing qualities of fleet-footed Mercury, Virgo’s ruler. As well as being the planet of wheeling and dealing, Mercury represents the kind of mental pacts we make with ourselves, particularly in regards to the healthy nurturing of mind, body and soul. A difficult Mercury placement can signal ignorance and/or negative thought processes. However, the winged messenger is now exalted in exacting Virgo, so Mercury is in the best possible place to be, to make this an optimum time to assess the benefits of a sensible lifestyle to look after oneself: positive thinking and healthy diet being the starting point of any remedial therapy.

For the next few days, both Sun and Mercury are also involved in the Sacred Six-pointed Star formation, galvanizing the curative Medicine Wheel (which began early July). And while these two planets now directly oppose spiritual Neptune, at home in visionary Pisces (exact Mercury opposition today, with the Sun opposite Neptune on the 27th), the power of visualization and working with unseen energy is magnified. Awareness of the invisible field of consciousness emanating unconditional love and bliss can be made manifest and utilized for practical purposes. Through prayer, meditation, yoga, dance, music and art (etc), Neptune in Pisces dissolves ordinary boundaries, taking us into uncharted astral realms (of the imagination), to align with the Divine, as well as highlighting the subtle energies that flow in and around the heart-mind and body (chi, bio-energy).

This cosmic connection creates an earthly perspective: Even if we cannot completely overcome suffering or cure disease, a positive intention coupled with the right tools, view and understanding, can heal a flagging human spirit: note that to transform suffering into joy advances spiritual practice. As the Buddha says “Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.” So the most important thing we can ever do is to cultivate a good heart, towards ourselves - and others.

Heal well my friends ~>
With love and thanks for sharing, and thanks to unknown artist for inspiring meditation _/\_

If you would like to know how the Sacred Six Pointed Star and/or the healing qualities of Mercury and Sun constellate your horoscope, please contact me for rates here
Thank you _/\_

✶ Sacred Star & Cosmic Cross ☩ ~> August Bank Holiday '13

✶▼△ ☼ Glorious planetary activity shines upon this August bank holiday weekend, with two very rare configurations happening at the same time; both alignments constellate together from the early hours of Sunday morning, 25th August, until the end of the month, creating magical sacred geometry that unifies the heart-mind: The stabilizing focus of the ‘Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’ provides direction and ambition, stimulating critical spiritual mass to encourage individual awareness to acknowledge the Divine within all things. The longer lasting pattern (until 7th September) is a welcome return of the mystical Six-pointed Star, aka Grand Sextile, the Double Tetrahedron, Merkaba, Star of David, Seal of Solomon (which I’ve written about in depth already).

The difference now is how the Sacred Star involves the illuminating ‘Lights’, Sun & Moon, highlighting feminine elements Water and Earth. As a perfect solar Virgo Goddess makes a wonderful aspect to Luna, exalted in fertile Taurus, this is Goddess power to the max, adding strength, beauty and wisdom within, sequencing subtle psychic sensitivity with a rare celestial empowerment that can at once activate deeply felt compassion and loving kindness, with the practical ability to remain grounded in peace and LOVE no matter what the circumstance. As His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama says “The more you are motivated by Love, The more Fearless & Free your action will be.”

Have a wonderfully starry end of August! _/♥\_

"Celebrate Unconditional Love & Peace"
╔╗◕‿◕ "Anywhere, anytime
║║╔═╦╦╦═╗ ► without judgement,
║╚╣║║║║╩╣ ► without prejudice
╚═╩═╩═╩═╩ ► without regret.

☼ ☽ ♥ Full Blue Zodiacal Moon in Aquarius ♥ ☾ ☼

Accenting creative self-expression and the glory of the individual Spirit in relation to the greater whole, a second Full Moon in Aquarius (the 1st was July 22nd) is a zodiacal Blue Moon, 2:44am BST Tuesday Night/Wednesday morning, 20th/21st August. Blue Moons intensify energies and raise consciousness, providing additional illumination upon the qualities and strengths of the two signs involved.

With Leo/Aquarius ‘The Lights’ again clarify the Spiritual Warrior’s awareness and altruistic intention, specifically as this second Aquarius Moon conjuncts Neptune, planet of unconditional compassion. Altruism, generating loving kindness to all beings, prevents harm and/or interference (in the spiritual practice), to become a source of comfort. Without getting lost in delusion or confusion, mindfulness awakens to Unity Consciousness, aware of co-creating with our universe so that wishes are fulfilled; by giving thanks for the blessings we experience at any given moment we encourage beauty, joy and love to reside and radiate from the heart centre.

As His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, says “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”

Incredible sacred geometry in the sky further highlights Full Blue Moon magic: Goddess Venus, now at home in Libra, is already beginning to activate ‘Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’. And the summer’s ‘Grand Water Trine’ is still in effect, highlighting the world of feeling, collective undercurrents, and the flow of psychic sensitivity. At the same time a ‘Mystic Rectangle’ promotes practical mysticism, suggesting deep sensitivity, insight and intuition, are vital for conflict resolution.

Wishing all beings an auspicious and happy full Moon ☼ ☽ ☼
and Thanks to unknown artist at the FPMT for the glowing Thangka painting of ‘1000 arm Chenrezig, Avalokesvara, Buddha of Compassion’, whose mantra is “Om Mani Padme Hung” _/♥\_

☼ ♌ ~ △ ~ ☾ ♐ Guru Rinpoche Day ~> _/♥\_ August 16th 2013

☼ ♌ ~ △ ~ ☾ ♐ = Guru Rinpoche Day ~> _/♥\_
August 16th = 10th day of the 7th Tibetan Month of the Bird

One of the 20th century’s greatest Lamas, Dudjom Rinpoche says this about today's Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava “On the Tenth Day of the month of the Bird, the Tirthikas from Tamradvipa threw Him into the river Ganges. But having performed a Vajra Dance in the sky, by His magical powers He caused the waters of the river to reverse their flow. Having awakened faith in them, at the time of establishing the Doctrine in their kingdom, He became known as Kha-ding Tsal or Khagamana, "He who soars in the sky like the Garuda."”

While this great mythological story involves wondrous beasts such as Garuda (the snake–eating King of Birds), one has to read between the lines of any magical twilight language and think symbolically. As such, the month of the bird offers the ability to fly high and rise above the earthly mundane to have perspective upon all life. That Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava, was thrown into a sacred river, the Ganges, suggests he emerged filled with ever-flowing blissful devotion, emanating unconditional love - qualities which reverse the tide of negative emotion and overcome obstacles.

A Vajra Dance honours unified connectivity and all elements in all ten directions: the four cardinal and four cross-quarters (phases for sun & Moon) as well as up & down: stabilising mid-heaven to mid-earth. The Vajra (a.k.a. Dorje) is the diamond sceptre used in Tibetan tantric practice to symbolise focus, form and vitality, awakening the practioner to the foundation of the physical realm through its dynamic thunderbolt action. The ‘Thunderbolt’ is also one of Jupiter’s tools. In astrology, Jupiter IS the sacred Guru, ‘The Vajra Holder’.

Now exalted in watery Cancer, Jupiter can soar high above emotional dross, offering the ability to see the bigger picture, at the same time giving substantial support. Jupiter in moon-ruled, home-loving Cancer is also in a very powerful association with this 10-day Moon, called ‘mutual reception’, as the Moon is in Sagittarius, which is ruled by Jupiter. This means that the Sacred Guru, Jupiter, and the sensitive Moon are in extremely good relations today.

So you see, even though we might need to adjust our emotional viewpoint, today is astrologically perfect to acknowledge Guru Devotion, and tap into the stream of Lama Love that honours our teachers (within) to make offerings, fly prayer flags, and give thanks for all the spiritual guidance they so caringly give, as a mother would her child. _/♥\_

Image of Red Garuda by unknown artist with thanks _/♥\_
Guru Mantra ~> "Om Ah Hung Vajra Guru Pema Siddhi Hung" _/♥\_

♥ Insight into Light ~ Medicine Buddha August 2013

The radiant golden light of the Leo Lion supports and nourishes the life-force during today’s Medicine Buddha ~ Tara Puja Moon, highlighting concentrated focus and the courage and determination to transform deeply engrained (karmic) patterns or issues which obscure the beauteous joy of our inner-essence: the creative shining Spirit.

En route to the culmination of the Full Aquarius Moon on the 20th /21st August, this first quarter moon phase, in formidable and perceptive Scorpio, calls for dramatic adjustments, leaving no stone unturned in any kind of research. Now is the time to be sensitively engaged, insightful, and artistically resourceful, especially when healing the subtle energies of the heart-mind and body, emotions and psyche.

Medicine Buddha Mantra "Tayatha Om Bekanze Bekanze MahaBekanze Rasa Samut Gate Soha" __/♥\__

“Hail! Appear, O Healer, O Healer, O Great Healer, O King of Healing! Let the Healing be swift And let the Healing begin!” __/♥\__

Thangka of Golden Sangye Menla - Medicine Buddha with snow lions, by ExoticIndia, with thanks __/♥\__

☩ Cardinal Grand Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun ☩ August 2013

_/♥\_ Whilst out stargazing tonight, being blessed with glorious shooting stars from this weekend’s Perseid’s shower, it might inspire to bear in mind how tonight’s sky also fleetingly embraces the powerful ‘Cardinal Grand Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’. This rare configuration now occurs when planets, such as today's moon, are in Libra (where Venus will activate 26thAug). ☩  The Cross symbolizes critical spiritual mass, and sparked a collective spiritual evolution exactly three years ago, August 2010 – when the courageous Leo Spirit Sun was also passing through the constellation of heroic Perseus.

☩  In 2010 a spectacular Grand Cross activated the earliest degrees of the dynamic Cardinal signs, indicating a new collective awareness (as well as stressing the need for wholesome change in the midst of communal crisis – emotional, economic and environmental). Now we are looking at 8-16 degrees of Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn in the celestial spotlight until at least April 2014. This Cardinal Cross of Central Spiritual Sun motivates the Divine Will of the Whole to be in accord with cosmic Love-Light.

☩  Holding the vertical (midnight/midday) axis of the cross, expansive Jupiter, now exalted in Cancer, synthesises humanity’s hope and needs as it makes the 1st of 3 oppositions to metamorphic Pluto in Capricorn, suggesting a valiant transformation of resources for sustainable future stability. Balancing the horizontal, sunrise-sunset axis of the cross is the awakening planet, Uranus, in dynamic Aries (also the agent of the cross); opposite the harmonious Libra moon, everyone feels the need for positive change. As all four signs work together to direct towards our Spiritual centre, it enables core location so that we can rest in Divinity, a place Buddhism calls 'our Buddha nature'. _/♥\_

If you would like to know how this astrologically technical Grand Cross constellates in your horoscope, please look here for rates

With thx for sharing & thanks and love to Artzotec for Chenrezig Mandala, representing the Lord of Compassion. whose mantra is "Om Mani Padme Hung" _/♥\_

New Leo Moon ♥ • • •( ( (☾ ◯☽) ) )• • • ♥ August 2013

Majestic Leo is ruled by the life-giving Sun, which is central to the cross-quarter marker for the height of this season. Now, as the golden Sun radiates warmth through the light of the soul, we observe the ‘Fixed’ Solar Fire festival accenting the glowing Heart of the Leo Sun, a time of joyful relaxation and abundance, when summer's first grains ripen in the northern hemisphere, and days lengthen in the south. At the same time, a New Moon at 14 degrees of fiery Leo, on Tuesday, 6th August at 22:50bst kindles Leo’s sacred flame of unconditional love-light.

Compounding the light blessings, the commanding Leo Sun and Moon are currently with asteroid Vesta, Fire Goddess of hearth and home, who purifies and tends the sacred flame with unfailing devotion. All three are currently in a challenging aspect to the karmic Dragon’s head and tail. This mythical meeting of Dragon and Lion suggests we’re at a potentially enlightening turning point, one that could avoid burn-out and bring about practical earthy healing to a specific heart-felt cause; by shining the Leo Love-Light into the deepest recesses of our (collective) psyche we can now clearly see what needs to be powerfully transformed in order to safeguard the heart-mind, and shared resources.

_/♥\_ From the Buddhist perspective, both Lion and Dragon are symbolically important iconography. Like Leo, the dragon is a creature of great creative power, with positive yang dynamism, whilst the regal Lion is dignified and loving, playful and cheerful. Bodhisattvas, beings who attain a high level of spiritual development, are often called ‘Buddha’s Lions’; and Buddha’s teachings ‘the Lions’ Roar’. As such, Lions are also royal dharma protectors, found at the entrance to many temples, often holding up thrones for Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, indicating formidable strength and competence.

☼☽ So while this New Leo Moon provides the will to exercise wisdom that protects a faithful heart and advances the creative spirit with generosity and love, remember there is also room for a sprinkling of inscrutable Dragon magic to enhance these rare moments of the influential six-pointed star of the Grand Sextile, flowing in and out of perfection throughout this month of August. ☼☽¸¸.•*¨*•☆ ♥

 

 "Let your love flow outward through the universe,
To its height, its depth, its broad extent,
A limitless love, without hatred or enmity.
Then as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a one-pointed mind;
Your life will bring heaven to earth".
~> Sutta Nipata

tThanks to ExoticIndia for beautiful thangka painting of Shakyamuni Buddha & to Visual Alchemy for 'Goodness Gracious'_/\_