✴️ All change! 4 planets change direction for the start of the Wood Horse Year!

Hooray! Mercury, planet of information and communication, goes forward today, 28th February, just in time for Losar, the Tibetan New Year of the Wood Horse. In these past few weeks, Mercury has perhaps even revealed how a bit of distance and reorganisation, coupled with a change of attitude has garnered help to visualise the dream and overcome (emotional) problems. At the same time dynamic Mars stations in the heavens to go retrograde (which is does every two years and two months) and concentrate upon the Libran qualities of peace and love. For the next three months (until May 20th), the challenge for Mars in Libra is to mediate rather than take up arms in any kind of conflict. The Libran Mars (remember Summer 2012) accents that the pen is mightier than the sword, and the need for justice when working with others and forming alliances, especially those which can help conquer feeling helplessness in situations/relationships where we perceive we have no control. The old adage “Two heads may be better than one” may prove rather effective in generating the enthusiasm to create some kind of power/fiscal/emotional balance.

The two personal planets, Mercury & Mars, are not the only ones changing direction: Jupiter, the celestial pantheon’s Grand Duke is also making a second of three hits to squaring Uranus, the planet of change, all-the-while preparing to go forward at 10Cancer, Wednesday the 5th March – only two days after the end of the protector Dön period leading up to Losar (and beyond). So even though things might seem at a standstill for the Year of the Horse, there will undoubtedly be noticeable movement from this date.


Lord of Karma, Saturn, also changes direction to go retrograde on Monday! For almost 5 months, Saturn going backwards in Scorpio will no doubt bring up issues of secrecy and trust.

Any changes we now see/sense/understand are therefore a clarion call to partake in the evolution of humanity in this dynamic year of the Wood Horse during a Cardinal Cross of the Central Spiritual Sun. Those with planets around 9-12 degrees water signs, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces; and those with planets at 25-29 Air may astutely feel these winds of change blowing in his or her direction and feel compelled to respond and act upon critical collective issues, and bring about positive transformation compassionately, so that each individual can contribute to the greater good of the whole, aiding all beings seen and unseen.

☼ ☽ ¸¸.•*¨*•☆
If you would like to know how these changes of direction constellate your horoscope, I’m giving special rates during the Losar month ~> please contact me for rates.
With thanks for sharing to ShadRaja for this wonderful cosmic windhorse! _/\_

☾ Dark Aquarian Moon ~> Feb 28th '14

The New Tibetan/Himalayan Year of the Green Wood Horse is almost here! Before it begins with Losar’s magical karma multiplied month of healing miracles (after the New Pisces Moon Saturday March 1st at 11Pisces (8:08UT/3amEST)), there’s a dark moon phase to navigate, while the sensitive Moon passes through quirky Aquarius. Be aware: Keep up protection practice; Aquarius is the zodiac’s wild card, which can epitomize eccentrics and sudden change, all of which can open the mind and actually be very liberating. Out of the blue, this Moon in Aquarius can offer a fixed point to move from, as the astral theme of change of New Moon & New Year is also compounded by no less than FOUR planets also switching direction. _/♥\_

ॐ Maha Shivratri Thursday 27th February 2014

Today, Thursday 27th February is Maha Shivratri, honouring Shiva, the Hindu Lord of Creation and Destruction, as he burns up negative karma and partakes in the cyclic cosmic dance of life, death and rebirth (symbolised by the passage of Shiva’s ornamental Moon, from Dark to New). Fasting and calling upon the all-powerful Shiva to protect from the poison encountered when churning up the Milky Way and the great Ocean (of Samsara) Shiva saves from ignorance and desire. Dating from the time of the Vedas, 4000 years ago, Shiva, whose name means ‘The Auspicious One’, also permeates Tibetan Buddhism in the form of Tantric Dharma protector Mahakala, for example - among others. Indeed, Mount Kalaish is revered by Shaivites and Tibetan Buddhists alike as the source of all spiritual power, as well as India’s great rivers. Mt Kalaish is considered the home of Shiva, together with Tibet’s Heruka Chakrasamvara, and a place of pilgrimage for devotees of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jains. Shiva is also patron of the arts and yoga; his symbol is the snake, representing the power of Kundalini as well as the ability to transform base emotion/action/thought into spiritual understanding.

Om Om Om! Om Namo Shivaya! ॐ_/♥\_

Leaving the year of the Black Water Snake, we now shed the last of the snake’s skin, to be renewed and ready to embrace the Green Wood Horse year. ॐ_/♥\_

Happy Maha Shivratri! May all beings be blessed to find a source of creativity energy to transform ignorance into wisdom! ॐ_/♥\_

♆ SUN conjunct oceanic Neptune today (SUNday 23rdFeb). ☼ ♓ ♆

Before the New Year of the Green Wood Horse trots to canter at 'Losar' with next weekend's New Pisces Moon, March 1st/2nd, a last major aspect is made by the Blue Water Snake SUN conjunct oceanic Neptune today (SUNday 23rdFeb). ☼ ♓ ♆

The planet of illusion and dreams, interconnection and compassion, Neptune, is now enthused by Sun’s celestial spotlight, accenting a profound spiritual sensitivity towards the seen and unseen, the inner Divinity and third eye, and that part of self which surrenders unto devotion and visualises the greater good of the whole, without becoming engulfed by the overwhelming.

In esoteric astrology, the Sun ‘veils’ Neptune, meaning that when the Sun (self/ego) is connected to Neptune, it activates the benevolent and generous heart of the Sun, i.e. each individual has ability to embody the Neptunian influence within, as a caring Divinity, as well as tune into collective events/thoughts/projections with greater compassion and empathy.

ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_ Thx to AsianArt.com for Nagini

ღ Tara Moon ~> Sun in Pisces & Moon in Sagittarius ☼ ♓ - ☾ ♐

Today, at the Last Quarter Moon, we honour Goddess Tara, the Great Mother Liberator who quickly helps to overcome obstacles. By channeling the Divine Feminine’s currently pronounced qualities, the Great Compassion for all beings and her far seeing eye, we tap into the ability to engage in difficult situations with loving kindness, able to remain open, detached and positive, even if we witness seemingly unbearable suffering.

This is the last part of a lunation leading from the end of the female Black Water Snake year into the yang New Year of the Green Wood Horse; as such it is one of the darkest moments of the Tibetan Year, called the Dön Season (Feb22nd –March3rd). During this time energy seen and unseen can create problems (internal or external), when relying upon protectors is advisable . Call in the Great Spirit, Angels, Lamas, and Yidams now. ॐ_/♥\_

Tara Mantra ~> "Om Tara Tutare Ture Soha" _/♥\_

❤ Friendship, Love & Unity on a Full Moon V-day! ♥ Feb'14

V is for Valentine, the healing saint who married couples forbidden to wed, and over the years has become a symbol for romantic LOVE. V is also for Venus, Goddess of LOVE hearts and flowers, who presides over relationships.  
Cosmic synchronicity abounds as Friday 14^th February is Valentines’ day, the very same day of the week that Venus governs, Friday.  Not only that, joy of joys, it’s also a Leo Full Moon, the playful sign of LOVE which rules the warm heart.

Ever get the feeling the heavens are asking us to perfect the heart essence and let our natural loving goodness flow? ~> Heart to heart…

“ If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher.” ~Pema Chödrön
☆•*¨*•.¸¸❤☾ ☼ ☽❤¸¸.•*¨*•☆☆

Astro-tech ~> Accenting creative self-expression and the glory of the individual Spirit in relation to the greater whole, this Full Valentine Moon is exact at 26 Aquarius (in the decanates ruled by Venus!), at 23:52GMT Friday night (6:52EST).

Spirit Sun and Soulful Moon are also in T-square to karmic Saturn, accenting associations that require networking, patience and strength to overcome issues which block the path to love & freedom. While visionary Aquarius is the light that shines across the world ‘shining light within the darkness, cleansing with healing rays until the darkness is dispelled’, the Leo Moon fires passion and confidence in doing what’s best for all concerned, friends as well as loved ones.  

♥ ☼ ♥ Shine the Love Light ♥ ☼ ♥

A poem ~> ‘Illuminating Light’ from the Upanishads

“There the sun shines not, nor the moon and the stars,
nor the lightning, let alone this earthly fire.
Only when illumining Light shines,
everything else shines;
the self-revealing Light illumines the entire universe.”

△ ♒ ☼ △ ♊ ☾ Sun in Aquarius - Moon in Gemini Feb 9th

The most promising aspect in astrology is the ‘trine’, as 120 degrees between heavenly bodies brings out cosmic gifts and talents. When this aspect takes place between the Sun and Moon before Full Moon it highlights the male, yang attributes; thus Tibetans assign this to the most precious Guru (within), Guru Rinpoche – honouring that which seeks rational clarity and wisdom and the ultimate realisation of the ‘Rainbow Body’.

Today we not only see this beautiful aspect activate the blessings of the teacher, as the intellectual and altruistic Aquarian Sun harmonises with the quick-thinking and versatile Moon in Gemini (made all the more astute as Mercury, Gemini’s ruler is retrograde); but the two ‘Lights’ are also connecting the Mars in Libra forming a ‘Grand Air Trine’. Air encourages an interchange of ideas and enjoys companionship. The position of Mars in this Grand Trine kindles an awareness of the lunar eclipse April 15, and is ripe for the Spiritual Warrior to harness the loving qualities of a balanced heart-mind to interact in a positive manner in all relations, in friendship, and in love.

__/\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸✶
“Ultimately, the real guru is inside ourselves: We are our own guru, we are by ourselves. So it’s up to us to walk the path, always. We are born by ourselves in this body, and we will die by ourselves. There will be nobody who will take care of us afterwards in the sense like holding our hands and carrying us. We have to walk the path by ourselves.”

– Tenzin Ösel Hita, from “Teachings from the 45th Kopan Course,” given in 2012 at Kopan Monastery, Nepal

۞ Heal Ourselves & Heal the World ~ Medicine Buddha Moon ~> 6/7th February __/♥\__

A potent Medicine Buddha Moon is now exalted in earthy Taurus. This first quarter Moon proffers a chance to soothe and organise the mind during a wild and windy Aquarian month. This ability to steady and ground oneself is helpful in stabilising meditation, as well as within relationships – especially those valued aspects (of self) which are in final phase of a powerful transformation.

In tight aspect to the Water Bearer, the waxing Taurus Moon highlights the good things in life which help us heal: food, flowers, and friends. By honouring simple pleasures shared with loved ones or effortlessly savoured alone, the boost to the immune system and recovery that occurs when happiness abounds is enormous. And even one moment of restorative awareness, caught and congratulated, can be goodness multiplied when dedicated to benefit of all beings.

__/♥\__With versatile Mercury going retrograde today, and Venus just having come out of retrograde, plus Mars now in the shadow phase of its’ retrograde on March 1st, the personal relationship planets are certainly gyrating in the heavens. Even the most solid alignments can swivel and turn (in the nicest possible way) to change direction, goal or intention, which is why it’s important to now hold one’s space and get comfortable within one’s own skin (as best we can) during this first quarter Moon phase; because the planets of rapport and affinity are currently keeping everyone alert to evolving within the variable creative tension that naturally arises between interconnecting loved Ones and friends, family and colleagues. En route to the Valentine’s Full Moon, the trick is to now nourish the soul and make LOVE healing, sweet and wholesome.

“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease” Hippocrates

LOSAR 2141 ~> March 2nd 2014 _/♥\_

Before Mercury goes retrograde on Thursday, 6th February, the celestial courier reminds me to clarify, as best I can, why the beginning of the Tibetan New Year of the Green Wood Horse 2141, LOSAR is, according to the most widely used Tibetan Calendar, March 2nd, which, by cosmic coincidence, is also around the time that Mercury also goes forward at 18 Aquarius ((28th Feb) and Mars goes retrograde (more on the scarlet planet in due course)).

But just as the Horse year canters into action, it appears there’s some confusion about this year’s date for Losar. This is mainly due to several factors – not least the different schools calculating calendars in Tibetan astro-science. The two main calendar systems are Tsurbu (Kagyu) and Phugpha (Galugpa). These two sects generally agree on the starting date for Losar; this year, however, the (older) Tsurbu system calculated 31st Jan as the start of the New Year Losar, corresponding with the Chinese New Year and some Tamang in Nepal. But according to the (newer) Phugpha calendar and to Dalai Lama’s official office, His Holiness - and therefore most other Himalayan Buddhists - will celebrate Losar March 2nd. So don't put away your best party outfit too soon, but get ready to ‘Tashi Delek’ once again March 2nd!

This business of which New Year to celebrate (or align with) is also further complicated as Tibetan astro-science also employs various methods of astrology, Kartsi, Nagsi & Bön elemental; as such, there are even THREE major ‘New Year’s’, two of which are lunar (Elemental & Losar) and one solar (Kalachakra), with the Lunar Losar being the most important as most Tibetans even count his or her age from the Losar of their birth; nearly everyone also celebrates their birthday at Losar (birthdays are generally not acclaimed in the same way we do in the West), making Losar a truly shared experience.

With four planets in fun-loving Leo, I personally raise a toast and blow the horn to all of these dates, and will also happily include Western New Year’s, Solstice & Halloween, as well as Spring Equinox into life’s festivities. Though from the western astrological view point of view, I find it fascinating that Chinese New Year is always Aquarian, accenting noble intention, but with a totalitarian caution; while Tibetan Losar can float between the fixed Water Bearer and the more fluid and sympathetic sign of the Fishes. Oceanic Pisces also appertains to humanities’ collective vastness, so symbolic of the Buddhist ‘Sea of Samsara’ and the different realms of existence, that I find it fitting, somehow, that Tibet’s New Year is often celebrated at the beginning of a Pisces Lunation by a culture whose spiritual leader’s name, Dalai Lama, means ‘Great Ocean of Wisdom’. Indeed, isn’t such wisdom to be revered, as we course through all life’s passages, planting and growing the seeds of compassion?

And so, in this promising and dynamic year of the Green Wood Horse, I wish health & happiness, insight & understanding, whichever Losar or New Year you celebrate! Losar Tashi Delek ~> with Light Blessings! _/♥\_

With love thanks to _/♥\_  the Jonang tradition for Green Wood Horse illustration.

☉ ♒ ☼ Imbolc ~ & Mercury Retrograde ♓ ☿ ♆ ☽

Feb 1st ~> Astro-Flash! We are now midway between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Winter is almost over. And planet Mercury is currently applying to a Mercury Retrograde phase, which is just around the celestial corner on Feb 6th! Mercury is currently in dreamy, oceanic Pisces – today with Neptune/Chiron AND the Moon, highlighting each individual’s spiritual connection to holistic healing ~> _/♥\_ ♓ ☿ ♆ ☽

During its retrograde Mercury will swish the fish, about turn and high-tail all the way back to 18Aquarius, to re-join and/or re-organise one’s position, as well as reignite hopes and re-consider wishes. At its best, Mercury in this situation awakens altruistic intention to generate Bodhicitta and relieve both collective and individual suffering; at its worst, Mercury caught retrograding between these signs can succumb to feelings of confusion, nihilistic hopelessness and victimisation, prone to baffling mysticism, spouting dictatorial intellectual nonsense.

The key to clarity during this period is to utilise the combined Pisces-Aquarius ability to visualise a positive view, through meditation and cooperation, and welcome flashes of insight and innovation. Mentally prepare to re-work, re-do and rethink outside the box, and find exciting alternatives for certain projects, ideas or plans, especially those pertaining to team-work and avoid being any kind of fall guy when dealing with professionals. Look also to 3Pisces and see which area of your horoscope now commands forgiveness and compassion and unfailing patience, possibly until the Spring Equinox, acknowledging that loving kindness is the only option. __/♥\__

☉ ♒ ☼ The few days between now and the start of Mercury Retrograde on Thursday also embrace Imbolc, or Candlemas, which is the Aquarian Fixed Solar Fire Festival, also known as Brigitte’s day, to honour the Goddess of Light, patron of poets, crafts and smiths. Bride Wheels are made (similar to Tibetan ‘Doh’), to symbolise the turning of the Cosmic Sun Wheel and protect from fire. This is also a time for weather divination (by watching badgers and snakes), and reflecting upon dreams, made all the more poignant by Mercury’s current connection to the out-of-this-world Pisces planets. __/♥\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸♥✶

With thanks to unknown artist for cosmic connection _/♥\_

☆ 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.