☆ 2014 Year of the Green Wood Horse

“When god created the horse, he said to the magnificent creature: I have made thee as no other. All the treasures of the earth lie between thy eyes. Thy shalt carry my friends upon thy back. Thy saddle shall be the seat of prayers to me. And thou shalt fly without wings, and conquer without sword; oh horse.” ~ Anonymous

2014’s second New Moon SuperMoon on the 30th of January is at 11Aquarius 21:38GMT, (16:39EST) heralding the Chinese New Year of the Green Wood Horse. (Losar, Tibetan New Year, is 2nd March, when the Sun is in Pisces). As a Super New Moon, when the Moon is perigee (closest) Earth, tidal floods (and winds, as Aquarius is an ‘Air’ sign) are higher than usual. This also means emotions are likely to be heightened, and thoughts intense and wilder, making this a rather strong start to an exciting lunation (lunar cycle) that already promises to gallop into action to stimulate growth, especially in the spheres of friendship, heroic group activities, technology, and individual brilliance. Note that ‘Spring Tides’ occur approximately three days after a New Moon.

This affable Green Wood Horse is yang in nature and a symbol of stamina and strength with great social skills, as well as a powerful and boldly innocent fearlessness when starting new projects. Associated with new shoots and the season of spring, the colour green connects to ‘Air’ which is moving and growing, intellectual and questioning. Wood is grounded, stable and solid in the Earth (base chakra), able to reach up towards the heavenly light, to shoot the breeze with youthful enthusiasm to express and quickly create (activating the throat chakra).

Tibet’s WindHorse even conveys great good fortune to all four corners of the Cardinal Cross, and is often shown in prayer flags that flutter in the wind carrying prayers, hopes and wishes, with the blessings of the three jewels: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.

This New SuperMoon also coincides with the direct motion of planet Venus. After 40 days and nights of retrograde motion, the Goddess of Love will go forward at 13Capricorn, on the 31st, completing the year of the snake’s transformational process of self-perceptin – all the while supporting both Wood Horse Year (celebrated on the 31st, just after the new Moon) and the Celtic Imbolc, or Candlemas, when signs of light (returning to the North) help to renew conviction and faith.

Wishing everyone a very happy and loving year of the Green Wood Horse _/\_ Special thanks to tsakli.org for the beautiful Tibetan Windhorse _/\_

As we enter the Wood Horse Year during these times of profound change, a personal astrology reading expands one's understanding of how to ride the four winds. For consultations and rates please contact me here
Thank you! •~☆♥´¯`•.¸¸.•L❀VE•´¯`•.¸¸. Laura

□ Sun in Aquarius ~ ☉♒□☽♏ ~ Last Quarter Moon in Scorpio - Jan 2014

Coming to the end of the year of the Black Water Snake - a year of profound insight and powerful emotions - tonight's Last Quarter Moon presents the opportunity to transform during ‘a crisis of conscience’ (because this is a time when principles are called into focus). Now is therefore time to clear and prepare for the oncoming and exciting Aquarian New Moon and the New Chinese Year of the Green Wood Horse Thursday the 30th January. (Note this year that Losar, Tibetan New Year, is a month later, March 2nd). The energy surrounding the Wood Horse is markedly different to the water bound Snake; the Horse is dynamic, quick and active, willing to shoot the breeze and grow and move in exciting places and spaces. So best be prepared to ride the new WindHorse-power. Remove hindrance and overcome obstacles by being cooperative and concentrated (even with self), utilising the clarity of the altruistic and friendly Aquarian Sun, in combination with the insightful (and often secretive) magnetic Scorpio Moon.

This arrangement of Sun and Moon tends to give the Spiritual Warrior shamanic healing abilities, by testing the ability to remain emotionally detached - yet profoundly engaged in the process of healing issues of trust, abuse and power. The challenge is to use such perceptive awareness wisely, so that all beings are happy.

Green Tara, Great Mother Liberator who helps overcome obstacles _/✿\_Om Tara Tutara Ture Soha _/✿\_

Venus the Love Goddess ~> ♥ Jan 2014 ♥

BEAUTY & LOVE & Sacred Geometry abound everywhere ~> & Within her CosmiC Five pointed STAR dance, planet Venus has now changed from being an evening star to a morning star; for those with an easterly horizon look out to see Venus before Sunrise.

Affectionate and light giving, Venus as the rosy morning star is associated with the Goddess of LOVE, Aphrodite. Venus is still retrograde, though, going forward in the accomplished Capricorn at the fixed spring Fire Festival, Candlemas/Imbolc, Jan 30-31-1st, when the Goddess will be celebrating poetry, healing, craft and smiths. ૐ•~☆♥´¯`•.¸¸.•L❀VE•´¯`•.¸¸. _/\_

✫☽~♥~☉✫ Full Moon in Cancer January 15/16th ✫☽~♥~☉✫

Like a Mother looking after her child, the Moon at home in Cancer provides a place of homely protection, the sanctuary from chaos, and an anchor in rough seas. And the key to the Cancer Moon’s ability awaken the Divine Mother (within each of us) to show care and consideration is love, unconditional and pure.

This Cancer Full Moon, (sandwiched between two New SuperMoons) is exact Wednesday 15th/Thursday 16th at 4:52GMT, accenting professional guidance and practical care for next of kin, as well as friends and the global family. Reflecting the Spirit of the life-giving Sun in accomplished Capricorn (conjunct retrograde Venus), the growing-to-full Cancer Moon conjuncts generous Jupiter, revealing opportunities and helpful, available resources, emotional or solid, that feed and nurture growth and positivity.

With the actual Full Moon, however, there’s a tougher, almost wrathful feminine force at work. Conducting dark energy scored from the Moon’s trajectory around Earth, and determined to protect Earthly treasures (elements water and Earth), Black Moon Lilith heralds from the Divine Mother’s womb as the wisdom Dakini to conjunct this Cancer Full Moon. Black Moon Lilith is the wild part of our self that is fearless when entering the void to embrace bliss. For this is the power of the Divine Feminine who understands the alchemical transformational of Kundalini snake medicine, and whose heightened sense of enlightened awareness galvanises the participation of solving and resolving all the emotional and worldly problems in Samsara’s sea of suffering, as a means of caring and healing and cutting down haughty ego. This, then, is no ordinary Full Moon: it’s a Full Moon with the potential to awaken and illuminate the (collective) subconscious and transform into action.

With love & thanks to A. Andrew Gonzalez, for artwork 'The Oracle of the Pearl', 

from Laura _/♥\_

✫☽☉~♥~☉☾✫~ HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 ~✫☽☉~♥~☉☾✫

 

The start of this brand New Year is deliciously unique with a New Capricorn SuperMoon at 11:14GMT. This is a potent beginning for 2014, with Earth closest the Sun, and Moon closest the Earth, the magnetic pull between heaven and Earth is positively tidal. Thus the celestial energies at the beginning of 2014 are close, deep, and powerfully compelling!

And now Solar Poles have aligned, we also have the potential to be aligned in thought, word and deed. Being well and truly centred in the New Year’s sturdy Capricorn earthiness means we are able to utilise skilful means when faced with obstacles. Bear in mind that while we have this glorious start with a SuperMoon, it’s not the only rare marker for 2014, due to the year’s cosmic signature coming into focus right from day 1, with a ‘Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’ bringing Divinity, spiritual awareness and the altruistic intention to the fore, right from the start.

Such a start to our collective beginning is rare and I will write more about this unusual Grand Cross, but for now I want to say HAPPY NEW YEAR, and let you know the planets in this exceptional cross formation are active and dynamic, generating movement and self-motivated change. Growth for the Spiritual Warrior comes from developing loving kindness and bodhicitta with a balanced heart-mind, aware of personal karmic responsibility; and therein lies the challenge.

May 2014 be auspicious for all beings!

Astro note: This is the first of two SuperMoons, both in January, as the Chinese Year of the Wood Horse follows one lunation later, at the end of the month on the 30th (note Tibetan New Year, Losar, is on March 2). _/\_

Best wishes to you all!
with LoveLight _/\_
✫ ☾☉~♥~☉☽✫✫ ☾☉~♥~☉☽✫✫ ☾☉~♥~☉☽✫

30th December ☼ SOLAR ALIGNMENT ☼ _/\_

Brilliant news for the start of 2014: NASA announced Sun's North & South poles have aligned! So now we begin a new 11-year Solar-flare sun-spot cycle. The Sun is the heart of the Solar system; in our horoscopes its our identity, our central spirit, thus we are Solar humans, made of light! And a pole-flip happening at the time of an applying New SUPERMOON, which will take place the day after tomorrow, on New Year's Day (meaning the Moon is nearest Earth), and that the Capricorn Sun will also be perihelion (closest) to Earth on January 3rd/4th, only emphasizes our spirit/soul connection to Helios' heart. Astrologically speaking, this is also a perfect example of how applying aspects are so much more powerful than separating aspects. From the esoteric viewpoint it perfectly illustrates how Capricorn is the natural Solar high point, radiating at mid-heaven as the gate of initiation, a rite of passage one passes through in order for Spirit Sun to realistically unite heart-mind and body.

I find today's polar alignment extremely encouraging, as it also means we can now more easily bring Heaven to Earth, to illuminate consciousness and overcome animal instincts, and remove obscuration and blocks within our own central channel, able to heal and rest unhindered at peace in our own sacred Solar heart - What a great way to see in the New Year, with the centre of the Solar system in perfect Love-Light alignment! A most auspicious start to 2014! _/\_ ☼

Here's the link to the news:

ﾚ o √ 乇 ....
(¯`♥´¯) ✰
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨) ✰
(¸.•´ (¸.• (¸.• ( ¸¸.•¨¯`• ✰ﾚight✰ ♥ღ from Laura _/\_

Dec 27-28th ~> Lama Tzongkhapa & Dakini Day ~ ☼ ♑ ✶ ☽ ♏

☼ ♑ ✶ ☽ ♏
Post Solstice and Xmas, the Solar year comes to a close – as does this current lunation with the deeply insightful and feminine Scorpion Moon making a concluding, harmonious Sextile aspect to the practical Capricorn Sun. These last days of 2013 are therefore particularly yin, inward and reflective. And with both solar and lunar cycles heading for a union at the New Moon starting the Solar Year, January 1st is already marked as a ‘SuperMoon’ with a concealed Plutonic power that aides the process of extraordinary renewal in an almost enforced revitalisation, be it financial, emotional or environmental. The tantrica’s active participation in the transformation of hidden, subtle energies also reveal the intimate secrets of awakening bodhi-mind with an expansion of consciousness: the altruistic awareness karmically responsible, golden and glowing – ready for 2014’s dreams and drama, as well as tending the ordinary with a joyful heart.

So not only does today’s strong and meditative Dakini Day embolden courage,  insight and perception, as the magnetic Goddess conjoins the karmic North Node, but this Moon in Scorpio also hooks into the ongoing trineS between both, expansive Jupiter and shamanic Chiron. Within this healing perspective, searching deeper into and through difficult parts of the heart-mind and psyche, there’s a strengthening sense of fulfilment by clearing the way for a New Year New Moon by letting go of any residue sticky thoughts/feelings/ideas, as 2014 is a year for the heroic Spiritual Warrior to generate bodhicitta, create inner balance and peace, develop personal faith and, with an understanding of the law of karma, becoming even more responsibly aware of the interconnectedness of all life.  

❀ॐ☮☀✥☯ツॐLiGhT&ﾚ❤√E ॐツ☮☀✥☯ॐ❀

Today’s auspicious Dakini Moon also coincides with the day we celebrate the Mahanirvana of Lama Tsong Khapa, Losang Drakpa, the 15th century teacher and founder of the Galugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism, to which His Holiness Dalai Lama belongs.  In this spirit, the artwork by Bernart Amygdalah, is a flower offering to the Red Dakini Goddess and all precious teachers. With LoveLight  __/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✶

☼ TARA MOON Xmas & ~> Medicine Buddha pujaS ~ Christmas 13

❤♫❤♫❤♫.•*¨`*•.¸♫❤♥☼♥☼♥☼♥¸.•*¨`*•.♫❤♫❤♫❤ 

╔══════════ ೋღ❤ღೋ ══════════╗ 

* ░H░A░P░P░Y░ * ░C░H░R░ I ░S░T░M░ A░S * 

╚══════════ ೋღ❤ღೋ ══════════╝ 

❤♫❤♫❤♫♫❤•*¨`*•.¸♥☼♥☼♥☼♥¸.•*¨`*•.♫❤♫❤♫❤

 

☼ ♑ ♇ - ☾ ♎ ♂

The last square lunation of 2013 certainly holds a planetary formation that has the potential to generate profound healing when the deeply sensitive last quarter Moon, in balancing Libra, conjuncts dynamic Mars; this combination challenges but encourages peaceful, friendly and loving relations. Looking after those we consider family, as a Mother would her child, requires diplomacy and infinite patience. As Mars opposes awakening Uranus in energetic Aries, surprises are best seen as opportunities to maintain an equanimous mind – especially within the sphere of personal and professional relationshipS.

This Christmas Day connects to a most powerful celestial pattern, one that has been a signature of the past years: ‘The Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun’. At the Midheaven-MidEarth axis lies the Sun/Pluto conjunction, initiating through drama and crisis; opposite Jupiter in Cancer, the challenge is to open one’s mind and consider long-term views bearing in mind security and stability (within the spiritual practice, specifically regarding the responsibility of looking after others’ emotional wellbeing, (as part of a Global Family, who all have valid differences). On the horizontal sunrise-sunset axis of This Grand Cardinal Cross is a wild Uranus in Aries, holding the key to this Grand Cross, unlocking an awakening in amazing ways. Altruistic Uranus is exactly opposite the Libra Mars over this Tara Moon Xmas day, suggesting the overcoming obstacles entails a balance of opposites, such as variability and steadiness, prejudice and judgement, materialism and spiritualism. Whilst remaining fully in the present, available to playful spontaneity, this Xmas holds clues as to situations/energies that not only take us into 2014 with a New Year SuperMoon, but as even far ahead as May 2014.

☯ ✡☨ ✞ ✝☥ ☦ ☧ ☩ ☪ ☫ ☬ ☭☯ ✡☨ ✞ ✝☥ ☦ ☧ ☩ ☪ ☫ ☬ ☭

In any encounter, we have a choice: we can strengthen our resentment or our understanding and empathy. We can widen the gap between ourselves and others or lessen it. ~Pema Chödron

During this holyday of the return of the New Light King, we can lessen that gap with the help and wisdom of the Divine Feminine, and develop compassion for all beings, no matter their status, beliefs or religion. ENJOY!

Tara Mantra ~> "Om Tara TuTara Ture Soha" x108_/\_
Happy Holidays everyone! _/\_

_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ_/\_♥ ૐ

☆•*¨*•.¸¸❤☾ Solstice ☼ Blessings ☽❤¸¸.•*¨*•☆ Dec 21st 2013

The ‘Light of Life’, Spirit Sun, is passing through a heavenly karmic gate that entails a cosmic initiation into ‘group’ consciousness, by entering Capricorn at 15:12GMT, December 21st, marking Winter Solstice in the north, Summer Solstice in the south. When the Sun reaches this turning point in its cycle – as it does twice a year – Great Spirit provides an incentive for us all to peacefully relax in a momentary 3-day 'gap', just like 'the gap' in meditation which happens in-between the ‘out breath’, and before the inhalation of prana with the ‘in breath’, as Sol = 'Sun', and Stittum = 'stoppage' or standing still.

These next three days are a therefore a celestial pause to honour the LoveLight (within), presenting the perfect opportunity to rest in the sacred lotus of the heart-mind and stop, assess, and release past (life) conditioning and (karmic) habits, letting go of pain and negativity, in order to liberate, heal and transform all that no longer serves our Divine purpose. On Christmas day the ‘New Light King is reBorn’ and the Sun starts to change direction once again, inhaling solar energy and bringing Golden Light into the collective consciousness. Take note: when you consciously breathe in positivity and exhale dark thoughts and feelings, you’ll be surprised at how much stronger and confident you will feel, instinctively lighthearted, able to radiate the LoveLight. _/\_

Remember that Goddess of Love, Venus, also begins her retrograde dance in Capricorn making this SOLstice a poingant time for relationships. For this is when the initiation into the light of consciousness becomes personal, learning to love ‘self’ at the same time becoming a world server.

A sensitive Moon now in Sun-ruled Leo also suggests we can now play and have fun, even when elevating consciousness. _/♥\_

So enjoy! ~> Happy Solstice! & Thanks for sharing. Thanks also to unknown artist for beautiful image of Shantideva, 8th century Himalayan Saint, on a Golden Lotus. Shantideva wrote 'The Bodhisattva's Way of Life'; and one of his prayers is also our modern day Bodhisattva, H.H. Dalai Lama's, favourites:

"For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain, until then may I too abide to dispel the misery of the world" - Shantideva's prayer _/♥\_

❉ Pre-Solstice Muse ~> Dec19th 2013

Did you feel a release, or at the very least a tug towards liberation in your heart during and after that full-power center-of-the-galaxy full m00n? So that with a freer Anahata heart-chakra the direction of the heart is clearer ~> ~> towards LOVE.

With dynamic Mars now in Libra for 8 months, peace, love & unity rules in all affairs - as does dialogue and mediation. ☮ Even LOVE Goddess Venus goes retrograde at this Saturday's winter SOLstice, 21st December, when an initiation into self-love begins, and consciousness elevates. In this we have a choice, however, as both Libra and Venus are signs of relationship balance, harmony and decision making. All the while the Solstice Leo Moon will highlight individual power preparing to emerge triumphant, to shine like the Solstice Sun with a return of the New Light King.

Meanwhile, Cancer Moon doubles the emphasis upon home-sweet-home; and a Moon conjunct the cosmic Guru, Jupiter opposite Venus, warns to not go overboard (comfort eating, for example) whilst at the same time appreciating the love, spiritual friends, and good times we already share. ॐ_/♥\_

~H.H. the 17th Karmapa~
" Our own positive qualities can be a rich source of joy for us. Even if we have just one altruistic thought, this is a cause to be deeply happy. We have ample resources for happiness in the bounty of our own mind......."

◯ Galactic Heart ~> The Higher Vibrational Light Source - ☉ ♐ ~ ☼ ~ ♊ ◯

Tonight/Tomorrow’s full Gemini Moon at 9:28GMT spotlights the most brilliant and powerful vortex at the heart of our Galaxy. With the illuminating Sun at 26Sagittarius, the Gemini Moon reflects the high vibrational light of our Sun conjunct the Galactic Centre, opening a super-sensitive portal for the conscious heart-mind to connect to our cosmic core, bathe in its luminosity, and allow it to permeate our being to radiate pure unadulterated cosmic LoveLight.

How one connects with the flow of this Divine Light of Consciousness spiraling through time and space, will very much depend upon what, exactly, we feed our heart-mind, as the focus of this Full Moon is upon wisdom, communication, and truth (relative & ultimate). If we live in constant fear, obsession or jealously, then negativity obscures the real truth of one's light-filled Buddha nature. Whereas nurturing the mind with positive thoughts and intentions means we are more likely to freely generate love, joy, kindness, empathy, compassion, humility and peace.

Bear in mind that both Sun/Galactic Centre and the Moon are in hard aspect to a very active Mars in harmonious Libra (and will continue to be so into 2014); so finding one’s balance during this Full Moon through (and into the New Year’s Eve SuperMoon) a ‘grounding’ meditation will encourage a release of both, past (life) information/habits/thoughts, as well as encourage enlightening visions of the future, which is why it is so important to find joy and bliss in present equanimity. Even if there is conflict with ever-changing direction (of the monkey mind), we can remain in authentic presence by watching the breath to create the equanimous heart-mind, and align with the wisdom mind's higher vibrational light source. _/♥\_

One last note is how Uranus, the awakening planet, is going forward today, after a long retrograde sojourn. Uranus in Aries impels a heightened state of individual awareness within group situations. Look to 8Aries in your horoscope and see where your personal altruistic heroism can be found.

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.” -Benjamin Disraeli

Galactic Full Moon Blessings of LoveLight & Happiness to everyone

Guru Rinpoche Day ~> 12th December ~> ☼ △☽ + ♃ △ ♄

Today's ‘Guru Rinpoche’ day is for feasting and celebrating the spiritual teacher (within). The Spirit of the Sacred Guru is embodied in the far-sighted, truth-seeking, Jupiter-ruled Sagittarian Sun on Jupiter’s day (Thursday); and with the Sun in this position, making a strong aspect to the Moon on this 10th day of the lunar cycle, it symbolises a triple dose of optimism, philosophical wisdom and strength – and therefore a great time to honour the intuitive Guru of the fire element, light offerings, prayer and puja.

Hold onto inner fortitude and know that the spiritual freedom found by grasping the meaning of the teachings - loving kindness, compassion, and mindfulness – are corner stones of stability, especially when the winds of change begin to flow towards the light at the centre of the Galaxy, at the same time as the Full Gemini Moon, in 5 days.

The Cosmic Guru, Jupiter, is also in the promised good aspect to karmic Saturn today (as per previous post): enhancing a positive relationship with spiritual friends and guides. Jupiter and Saturn also provide emotional insight into the deeper recesses of psyche, teaching there is nothing to fear, only situations/events/feelings which are to be understood.

Guru Rinpoche Mantra to overcome obstacles : ~>
_/♥\_ OM AH HUNG BENZA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG _/♥\_

With Love & thanks to Bernart Amygdala for his Cosmic Vajra _/♥\_

☽ 1st Quarter Medicine Buddha Moon _/\_Sun in Sagittarius ☉ ♐ ~ ☽ ♓ Moon in Pisces Dec 8- 9-10 ~ 2013

1st Quarter Medicine Buddha Moon _/\_
Sun in Sagittarius ☉ ♐ ~ ☽ ♓ Moon in Pisces ~> This health-giving combination of the growing ‘Lights’ develops faith, hope and charity, and is fluid and changeable. Emphasising deep emotional intelligence, this sensitive First Quarter Moon in square to Spirit Sun provides the ability to open the mind and follow psychic threads through the astral-morphic field by intuitively sensing oceanic connectivity and feelings of oneness and bliss. At the same time as expanding consciousness through creative visualisation, the Sagittarius Sun embraces the bigger picture through academic comprehension, understanding how the mind-body-spirit pathway is inextricably linked, especially when it comes to healing.

Research has shown how visualisation and mindfulness affect the body on a molecular level; with positive thoughts reducing stress on the heart-mind. Now the generous and unconditionally compassionate amalgamation of Sagittarius and Pisces encourage the happy heart and healthy morale that contributes to healing self, as well as others, by knowing that the circle of compassion is to include all beings with love and devotion.

This meditative Pisces Moon also forms a beautiful 'Grand Water Trine' between the Sagittarius ruler, Jupiter (which is also the traditional ruler of Pisces, hence the double-battery positivity with this combination of Lights), now in Cancer, and Saturn in Scorpio. Those who have 16-20 degree water sign planets could ‘feel’ an extra boosts of benefits this week. Also, think back to last July to see how much a certain idea/relationship/project has grown and stabilised; then give yourself until May 2014 to reach a conclusion. ॐ_/♥\_


With love & thanks for sharing and to unknown artist for wonderful cosmic chakra Merkhaba meditation ॐ_/♥\_

♂ Spiritual Warrior brings balance to self & others with Mars in Libra ♂ ♎

The dynamic planet of action, fiery Mars, is now at the very last ‘anaretic’ 29 degree of Virgo, meaning the zodiac’s warrior is about to leave the sign of health, work and routine, and change signs and move into Libra, the sign of the balancing scales. Mars in Libra is considered a tough placement for the martial planet, as Libra is the sign of love, harmony and peace – seeking the line of least resistance, where everyone’s needs get met; whereas competitive Mars generally prefers to build empires or fight trials with gung-ho might and strength. Mars in Libra, however, is in the sign where Love Goddess Venus is at home, and is where the heroic Spiritual Warrior learns to disarm, to mediate and to defend, protect and act in the name of amity, justice and LOVE. 

Take note: this is no ordinary passage through Libra, as Mars usually spends just over a month in a sign; but this lesson in learning Love and ahimsa, non-violence at all costs, is no less than 8 months long, as Mars will go retrograde at the beginning of March 2014, as 27 Libra, and go all the way back to 9 Libra on May the 20^th, when the scarlet planet turns direct; this planetary dynamo finally leaves Libra July 26^th 2014.  
Those born in the 50’s may feel the need to passionately defend ideals and dreams; Those both 1968-75 could shield peers and teams with greater enthusiasm; while those born in 1982-83 could well question the balance of power in love and law, without becoming embroiled in psychological or political games.  Ultimately, Mars in Libra is about learning to balance the heart-mind in a gentle and loving manner.
In the words of Sitting Bull, “Warriors are not what you think of as warriors.  The warrior is not someone who fights, because none has the right to take another’s life. The warrior, for us, is one who sacrifices himself for the good of others.

His task is to take care of the elderly, the defenseless, those who cannot provide for themselves, and above all, the children, the future of humanity”

With love & thanks to the unknown artist for the image of Yogi in Warrior pose, & thanks also for sharing.

♀ Venus & the Moon ~> ♀ ☽ ♑ Venus Rx - December 2013

The Queen of the Heavens & Moon Goddess conjoin today, 5th December, in Capricorn: This is a practical combination for relationships - while most everyone could feel the need for some kind of constancy and/or stability at home, at work, or even in the mind. In esoteric astrology, Venus is the hierarchical ruler of Capricorn, teaching that what we strive for is best served for the whole – not just for personal gain or ambition: In the sign of the Sea-Goat, Love Goddess Venus reveals how to love our work and work at love as both, love & work, demand steadfast responsibility and commitment to benefit others, with personal discipline and patience.

From the astronomical point of view, Venus is now the brightest light in the Western sky, to the left of a slither of silver light from a growing Moon. As the Moon moves quickly, growing into full on the 17th December, the now brilliant and seductive Night Star, Venus, is slowing, as the Goddess of LOVE is about to enter her retrograde dance at Solstice (Yule) 21st December. This means Venus will become hidden from Earth's view, going deep into the underworld - to learn the difference between desire and love - before emerging as a morning star January the 11th, regaining forward motion at CandleMas (Imbolc) Feb 1st. By Valentine’s Day 2014, the Love Goddess will be shining at her best as 'The Light Bearer', a rosy Morning Star. __/\__ ☼☆•*¨*•.¸¸ ☆

Cast your mind back to Jan-Feb 2006, this is the last time Venus was retrograde in Capricorn, and see how this ☆ five-pointed star dance ☆ of the Love Goddess might unfold in your own life. (Venus has made 5 retrogrades (20 months apart over 8 years) to form a celestial pentagram since 2006).

With Love and thanks to unknown artist for Purple 5-Star Mandala ☆

☄ Sun & Moon in Sagittarius 2nd/3rd Dec ☼ ☄☽♐ 2013

The New Moon in the sign of the Archer sets sights firmly upon success. The target or honours being sought may be of the material world, or spiritual acumen and/or the revelation of truth and freedom. No matter how big or small our ambitions, this adventurous, forward-looking Sagittarius New Moon at 00:22UT (19:22EST) provides strength to keep spirits high and hold course with any insight we may have when envisioning the future, as though the sky is the limit. But bear in mind that when fiery SoL and Luna are at this particular 10 degrees Sagittarius it also heighten the risk factor when aiming high, so it’s good to keep morals intact and issues/ambitions/relations in perspective, as 'The Lights’ now conjunct a Royal Star, Antares. Be aware that while this star blazes brightly, there’s a shadowy martial side when hurried enthusiasm or reckless ruthlessness has the potential to lose all in what ostensibly may still only be a game of chance.

Being inspired at the start of this lunation means it easier to seek out alternatives, and make the most of opportunities with dramatic, non-conformist changes in the first half of the cycle, with a waxing Moon, which takes us up to the 17th December Full Moon in Gemini - a magical Moon that opens a heavenly portal straight to the centre of the Galaxy. After which, Love Goddess Venus retreats and encourages a fondness of tradition (and whatever we are working on) by going retrograde at Solstice, making it a cosy Yule with a surprising Xmas twist that could grip us all the way to New Year’s Eve, when a SuperMoon kickstarts 2014.

Of course, from the Buddhist point of view there is no time like the present. Past and future are only concepts, so all we really have is the power of now, as the light-radiating gateway to spiritual awakening. And so it is in the afterglow of ISON's cosmic dust that the brilliant and wise Sagittarius Sun invites us to now shine-on and discover that single-point-in-times' liberating experience. _/♥\_ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶

With LOVE & thanks to unknown artist for fiery image of Chenrezig, Lord of compassion_/♥\_

☄ _/♥\_ Dark Moon in Scorpio - Dec1st ♏ ♄ ☽ ☿ ☄ ☉ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶

Dark Moon in Scorpio with ISON, Mercury & Saturn - Dec 1st '13
_/♥\_ ♏ ♄ ☽ ☿ ☄ ☉ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶
Dark moons are just as much times for sowing the seed as they are for releasing and letting go of old issues and sticky problems - sending them back to void. Because this particular balsamic Moon is conjunct the planet of the mind, Mercury, and karmic Saturn, the planet of limitation and endings, there’s a sense of finality to certain difficult issues (which could have been around for years). And as this weekend’s dark Scorpionic moon phase could trigger profound feelings - fear, loss, hopelessness - bear in mind how even these emotions can now serve as the means for dramatic alchemical transformation, from base ordinary things/ideas/relationship into treasured golden enlightenment.

It’s also worth noting that informative Mercury, disciplined Saturn, and the sensitive Moon are with Comet ISON! Though much is now hidden with the dark Moon, if there is ever a story of life, death and regeneration, it is Comet ISON. Pronounced dead and gone after its perihelion sungraze, ISON reappeared and perhaps may even able to grow its glowing tail once again – we just don’t know yet, as it has still yet to come into view, which it could well do again after the forward-moving New Moon in Sagittarius Dec 2nd/3rd. Though on December 1st, early bird sky dancers will catch the last slither of the Moon, with Mercury & Saturn in the pre-dawn sky – and possibly the comet. This combination of planets and comet is actually an extremely sobering stellium that once again determines the importance of understanding the nature of reality, in order to combat debilitating fears and doubts: that all is ultimately pure love and bliss.

Comets always bring unknown factors from deep space into play. And, in ISON’s case, coming from beyond magical mystical Neptune, its dynamic transformational energy affects us all. Generally speaking comets are not considered to be good omens, as they excite and heat disordered conditions. However, ISON – in whatever state it is in, is still under Sun’s beams, in the ‘crossover’sign between Scorpio & Sagittarius sometimes called the 13th sign, Ophiuchus. This part of the sky is attributed to the teacher of Hippocrates, the healer ‘Asklepius’ who is holding a snake; his staff the symbol of modern medicine.

ISON’s passage becomes doubly symbolic during the year of the Black Water Snake. In Tibetan Buddhism, the snake depicted in the wheel of life is symbolic of hatred, the root emotion to violence and war, when the way of peace is by transforming that angry emotion into compassion for all beings. Remembering also that the third week after enlightenment, Lord Buddha (whose rebirth we recently commemorated, at LhaBab DuChen, only a week ago) was sheltered by the coiled snake energy (Kundalini) of the seven headed snake (in line with seven chakras). Thus, to my mind, the symbology of a Dark Moon touching the tail of Asclepius’ Snake, aligned with the healing brother Mercury, earthy Saturn & ISON, it suggests the importance of global healing, activating Kundalini Earth energy, transforming consciousness and raising the Diving feminine Shakti power to the max.

And December's Venus retrograde dance at Solstice will again teach the importance of Five-Star LOVE ☆☆☆☆☆

Image is of Vajrayogini, the Goddess for degenerate times, as she is the manifestation of ultimate wisdom and compassion, aiding in the transformation of mundane experience into higher levels of spiritual understanding.

☄ Thanksgiving Dakini Day ~> November 28th ’13 ☼ ✶☽

Sagittarius Sun ♐☄ ☄ (with Comet ISON!) & Moon in Libra ♎

Accenting wisdom and beauty, this convivial combination of ‘The Lights’ inspires the fiery Sagittarian spirit of adventure with love, warmth, and more than a sprinkling of sophisticated Libran grace and balance. Interestingly, the Sagittarian Sun’s ruler, Jupiter, and the Libra Moon’s ruler, Venus, connect today in opposition, giving rise to expanded ideals (and possibly waistbands too!). This is a great time for putting much into perspective – especially relationships in partnership, business, teacher-student, or friend to friend; when the potential to find peace of mind through socialising, is by being fully present with those who nurture and support fairness, truth, and openness. All of which is heartening, especially when preparing to complete a powerful (and some might say ‘stressed’) lunation that began with a Scorpio solar eclipse, and ends with the Sagittarius New Moon on 2nd/3rd December. That said, this rather elegant Dakini Moon, in harmonious Libra, is opposite Uranus and square Pluto, encouraging the emotional body to sense the currently transformational zeitgeist; and, quite apart from the need to protect and steer clear of negative power games, there may well be some surprises in store; even these may take on greater momentum with the upcoming lunation in the sign of the Archer. But be aware that during the dark Scorpio Moon (30th/1st) care, caution, and consideration is called for, principally in being kind to self, as well as to others who have less altruistic intentions. _(♥)_

Wishing one and all a very happy Thanksgiving Hanukkah Dakini Day Tzog offering! Karma multiplied day x100 _(♥)_

Image is of Dakini Kurukulla (with thanks to the Buddha School, Taiwan, LeiTsang Temple). Kurukulla is the Goddess of the Cause of All Knowledge, who uses flowers, beauty and feminine wisdom as the means to charm, as noted by her flowery bow and arc. _(♥)_

No Mud No Lotus - Mercury / Saturn - November 26th '13 ~> _(♥)_

Planet of the mind, Mercury, conjuncts karmic Saturn for the 3rd time in a month, due to Mercury’s Scorpionic retro loop-de-loop; which means that whatever problem was going down at Halloween, and the 8th November, is once again given karmic Saturn’s powerful scrutiny. Issues raised back then could even now see some kind of practical resolve. This is because Saturn with Mercury urges us to examine traditional power structures, and the way we deal with authority, as well as any negative thinking or stuck thought patterns such as obsession, jealousy or control, by planting the responsibility for our own thoughts firmly back into our own heart-minds. This conjunction encourages us to transform and train the mind in a practical manner, which in Buddhism we would call ‘lojong’: training the mind towards awakening, through difficult and trying situations. So don’t worry if your rational mind is stuck in the mud today, reaching for lotus-like clarity will happen soon enough, as fleet-footed Mercury swiftly makes a good aspect to loving Venus AND the cosmic teacher, Jupiter on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 28th (when ISON sungrazes with the Sagittarian Sun!). _(♥)_

☽ Tara Moon in Virgo _/♥\_ 25th November 2013

☉⚥☽ Last Quarter Moon in Virgo ♍ square Sun in Sagittarius ♐

A closing Moon phase always highlights the need to re-orientate by upholding principle. With Spirit Sun currently in truth-seeking Sagittarius, squaring the sensitive Moon in practical Virgo, today’s Last Quarter Moon emphasis is upon planning and reorganising with a realistic eye to detail, thinking big with a view to looking forward with an honest and enthusiastic heart. This combination of Virgo and Sagittarius is changeable however; now is therefore the time to make adjustments, revising remedies that purify and heal, as well as arranging time and space for activities that broaden the mind, deepen spiritual development, and encourage artistic expression.

It’s a perfect day to touch the heart of consciousness, to meditate and inspire increased personal wisdom, kindness and awareness that can, in turn, be used to benefit the lives of suffering sentient beings.

Honouring Goddess White Tara with the white lotus for a long life; and to help purify body, speech and mind, cultivate wisdom and compassion and overcome obstacles. White Tara’s mantra "Om Tara Tuttare Ture Mama Ayur Punya Jnana Pushtim Kuru Svaha" _/♥\_

This Tara Moon coincides with the 'International day for non-violence towards women' ~> Dedicating prayers so that violence of all kinds be eradicated. Thank you. With love Laura _/\_

Thanks to unknown artist for White Lotus Om ॐ♥ N░A░M░A░S T░E ॐ♥