♡ peace & LOVE Full Libra Moon lunar eclipse ~ March 23rd 2016

♡ A peace & LOVE Full Libra Moon lunar eclipse is on Wednesday, exactly at midday GMT (-5 Est; + 5 ½ Delhi) and is visible in India, Australasia & the Americas. Aligning the ‘me-we’ axis at 4 degrees Aries~Libra, Sun, Moon and Earth, now highlight how we interact with others is a mirror of the way we relate to ‘self’. In other words the vibration we exude is what we tend attract into our lives, especially when it comes to relationship. Living in love grows more love; while anger or hate only manifests more hate and further negative emotion, such as blame, doubt, confusion; all of which makes relating even to one’s true self even more difficult, obscuring the essential kind and loving Buddha nature we are all born with. This eclipse urges one to live in love in regard others, without looking for ego validation.

There is no doubt this is a difficult eclipse period. And now the fiery Sun is exalted in Aries, where it exudes bravery, passion and ardour; it is also in good aspect to Mars (Mars rules Aries). Situations and emotions that surround this particular lunar eclipse may well resurface early May (and around the 22nd) and again mid-August, due to Mars (and Saturn) going retrograde April 17th for almost two months. Mars retrograde in Sagittarius accents the need to reassess the bigger picture unfolding now; specifically concerning alliances and investments made mid-February.

Spectacularly, home planet Mother Earth experiences more auroras during an equal-day, equal-night equinox period, as solar winds generate beautiful displays of light at the poles: an indication that when we are aligned and balanced, in harmony with our world, we also shine more easily. This Libra Moon helps one to appreciate the beauty in relationship, and remember that LOVE conquers all, as well as to aim for peaceful resolution of conflict.

& HAPPY HOLI everyone ~> colour me ℒℴѵℯ!

_/✿\_ ☽♡ ¸¸.•*¨*•☆ with thanks to AvatarBuddha for Buddha Entrance__/\_

·✰··☾☼☽··✰· 8/9th Pisces Solar Eclipse SuperMoon @1:56gmt (21:56est) _/|\_

·✰· When Sun and Moon unite in their orbits to form a total eclipse (Solar or Lunar) a massive amount of transformational celestial energy concentrates upon the degree concerned; in this case it is degrees 18-19-20-21 of supersensitive Pisces feeling the pull of oceanic tidal change. This eclipse illuminates the major theme of the Yang Fire Monkey year: that all mutable signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces are under the celestial spotlight to become even more humanitarian and flexible, as opposed to crafty and deceptive. So while all of us might sense the world is at turning point of some sort (depending upon where those degrees lie in your personal horoscope), because watery Pisces is an all-consuming, all embracing collective sign, it’s also possible many will intuit the imperative healing needed for the underlying global subconscious, which too easily tortures itself in toxic turmoil; in as much as we all want to be happy and avoid suffering; but what stops us attaining happiness – or at least seeing that happiness is a state of mind is, of course, our deluded thoughts: the desire nature and aversions that breed ignorance and fear. Please note when mutable signs are indicated, people can be more easily influenced and craziness can quickly replace rational composure. The way to counteract any overwhelming emotion, however, is to develop a meaningful connection to the heartfelt Love-Wisdom which resides within, and live a life of service, be it practical or spiritual to add a sense of purpose that is as physically, mentally and spiritually healing for ones’ self (on a molecular level) as well as others (on a cellular level).

·✰··☾☼☽··✰·

Many other planets now join the Sun, Moon, SOUTH node (Ketu, aka the Dragon’s tail) on this Maha Shivratri, International Women’s Day, including Mercury, Neptune, and Chiron, which are an imaginative and informative shamanic trio arriving at this eclipse with a saintly message: in the words of beloved Pema Chodron “Sometimes the crisis is the healing”.  Humanity’s greatest crisis comes about by perpetuating a situation of ‘us and them’. Be aware: this sense of separateness is how people are controlled by others who wear the mask of illusion. In reality, and from the ‘higher’ outlook, we are One: one race, one planet, under one sky breathing the same air, purifying in the same Samsara sea. Such unity consciousness is possible to quickly understand through activities that produce lots of positive emotion, such as dance, music, yoga, meditation and prayer can helps to realize that even the Divine and self are naturally One.  

·✰· This Solar Eclipse (totality is across Indonesia) is with Ketu, aka the South Node. When energy flows in through the south it is often stronger, in primal Shakti mode; this is mostly because we generally release through the South Node (energy going out as opposed to coming in). Riding the waves during this eclipse is much easier when one remains open to twists and turns. Another function of the south node is as point of incarnation and reincarnation; and generally we say the qualities of the sign, house placement, aspects made are an indication of past life energies. And this eclipse accents a spiritual portal that has been open much wider than usual since November last year, due to conjunction of Jupiter the planet that magnifies with Rahu, the North Node, the the gate has widened, . (This may explain why so many seem to have passed since that time.) The exact conjunction of expansive Jupiter and Rahu takes place at Summer Solstice, when the enormity of collective light can heal and bring relief to those who need it. We can also tap into that healing during this new Moon by remembering that all is never lost, the power of prayer is phenomenal and that with faith and compassion miracles do happen.

·✰· A New Moon is also a time of setting intentions. As always, our intention (here at DharmaStars) is to raise the cosmic love vibration with compassion, sincerity, and a kind heart, especially when faced with difficulty and uncertainty. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on the 23rd March (eclipses always come in pairs: solar and lunar), will be only days away from Spring/Autumn equinox, when this turning of the light induces a cosmic surge in the will to accomplish balance, self-directed as well as in relationship.    

·✰· Geomagnetic storms are forecast for the next few days, bringing beautiful Auroras to Mother’s Earth poles. And as her natural Sushumna glows with light, so can ours. _/\_ <3

This effects of this eclipse could last a few days; and we're not out of eclipse season until at least the end of March. Take good care everyone. Be kind to yourself and others <3 _/\_

·✰··☾☼☽··✰··✰··☾☼☽··✰··✰··☾☼☽··✰·

With ℒℴѵℯ _/✿\_ and many thanks to Visual Alchemy for the Blast of Blue Buddha Bliss ~> see you on the flip side.

☸ The Great Prayer Light Festival & DAY OF MIRACLES ~> 22nd February 2016

*•.¸(*•.¸❤¸.•*´)¸.•*´
☸ Full Moon 3 Virgo @18:21gmt (13:21EST)
KARMA MULTIPLIED day (+ or - ) x 100 million.

‘Chötrul Düchen’ is the first Full Moon of this year of the Red Fire Monkey. On this ‘Day of Miracles’, according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, we make light offerings to commemorate the Buddha’s miraculous displays.

☸ A magical Pisces stellium currently includes Spirit Sun, boundless Neptune, and the Earth Mother Ceres, all in the sign of the sensitive and imaginative fish, indicating compassion, care and creativity have the potential to be enhanced by the practical wisdom surrounding the Full Virgo Moon.

☸ As consciousness aligns with the sub-conscious, Spirit aligns with Soul: and while great for mediation practice, this full moon could trigger tender-hearted, deeply moving emotions. A day after the exact Full Moon (Tuesday 23rd), the Moon aligns with Jupiter and the North Node to generate life-changing, mind-expanding turning points. From this moment we enter into a powerful eclipse season, with this lunation coming to a close with a SuperMoon solar eclipse March 8th/9th. Time now to be kind to self and others; by tuning into the softer and feminine side of our self we can create the kind of miracles that can heal physically, mentally and spiritually on a phenomenal scale… _/❤\_

"Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects." – Dalai Lama

With ℒℴѵℯ ॐ__/❀\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✫ & many thanks to Olivier Adams for this beautiful photo of young monks making light offering :) 

ॐ Feb 17th ~> 1st Guru Rinpoche day of the new Fire Monkey Year! _/ ♡ \_

☆ With the radiant Sun in altruistic Aquarius, and the responsive Moon in Gemini, the Lights (Sun and Moon) create an altogether enquiring and intellectual combination, encouraging one to tame this monkey mind, and live life by what is best for everyone. 
☆ On this first Guru Rinpoche day of the Fire Monkey year, it is also good to know that Guru Rinpoche was a real person – and a Monkey; so we honour the memory of Guru Rinpoche, also called Padmasambhava, the ‘Lotus born’, Tibet’s second Buddha, who subdued negative forces and brought Tantra (from India) to Tibet. This also makes a Monkey year extra special for Guru Rinpoche, a Jewel of a Teacher. Connecting now, with body, speech, and mind, to all our most precious teachers, those living, those passed, and those yet to come, also maintains the thread that holds the treasured wisdom together. 
☆ As the Moon grows in light, Chötrul Düchen, the Full Moon Day of Miracles is only a few days away. Note how we also are in a karma multiplied period; goodness applied now could well be quickly rewarded _/♡\_

With ℒℴѵℯ  ॐ__/❀\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✫
& many thanks to unknown artist for Guru Rinpoche Thangka, whose teachings bless the sublime inner essence. 

❤❤❤ Maha Saraswati Basant Pancham Valentine _/\_ ❤❤❤

❀❤❀With the growing light of the Losar Moon, today in the Indian and Himalayan tradition, this fifth day of the ‘fixed Air cross’ Aquarian lunation, is ‘Basant Panchami’, honouring Saraswati, the Goddess of music, art and wisdom _/\_  <3 Saraswati is the great Goddess who boosts intelligence and cultural understanding; she presides over a day this year (2016) when the dynamic Aries Moon is conjunct Uranus, inspiring newness and change; while the radiant Sun is square to Mars (applying into his retrograde shadow phase). Scarlet Mars also rules Aries. The challenge is to therefore create, not destroy. This combination of ‘Lights’ (Sun & Moon) also suggests making adjustments to projects already on the go may be surprisingly illuminating. That said, anything radically innovative has the blessings of the Sacred Goddess.  Yet as Mars is retrograde throughout the spring to early summer, best be prepared to rework and re-do whatever is being generated now.
❀❤❀ May the blessings of the Goddess abound, and be especially sweet for Valentine weekend! Om Aim Namah॥_/\_  ❀ ❤ ❀
Fyi: Mars retrograde 18 April @8Sagittarius --> 30 June @23 Scorpio; Mars can also now be seen in the early evening sky.
Thanks with love to unknown thangka painter for beautiful Nepali Saraswati _/\_  ❀❤❀

LOSAR lunation 2016 ☼✰··☾♡☽··✰☼ Monlam

✰ From today, 9th February, the first 15 days of the new Lunar year, the LOSAR lunation, are considered karma multiplied days _/\_ During this ‘Monlam’ period, from New Moon to Full, it is said the Lord Buddha performed a miracle each day. Each miracle accumulates more and more merit to awaken the bodhi-mind, the awakened heart-mind; and on the 15th Full Moon day (22nd February 2016) the accumulation of merit is celebrated with the ‘Day of Miracles’, also called known as 'Chötrul Düchen', or ‘The Great Prayer Festival’.

✰ In Buddhism we also learn that we are all potential Buddhas (which means ‘awakened one’). As such, we also co-create with the universe and can participate in making our own miracles, and dedicating the merit to benefit of others. Such goodness bodes well for the removal of personal obstacles which might arise during this Fire Monkey year.

✰In khartsee (Tibetan/Chinese astrology), generally speaking, obstacles come in the birth year. For those born in 1956 obstacles need not necessarily be unlucky: one is advised however, to exercise more caution than be carefree, but still welcome the change to be inventive and work with others.

✰ From this year's planetary point of view, Jupiter (the planet associated with the 12 year animal cycle, known as the Grand Duke in Chinese system) is making tricky aspects with Saturn (Lord of obstacles and karma) in March & May, so obstacles may come early. The two planets then go on to make good and more helpful aspects as the year progresses, which potentially harmonises business, health and relationships (from September onward, until Feb 27th 2017, when the animal sign changes again (to Rooster)).

✰So, imho, overall, this may not be an excellent year, though some will undoubtedly buck that generalisation, it can be a good year for Monkey _/\_ :) Losar Tashi Delek! _/\_ Laura

✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰✰ 

Special Losar rate for 1-2-1 Astrology sessions during Losar lunation! 9th Feb – 9th March ~> Check your personal astrology to see how to live in harmony with friends, colleagues, and loved ones & get the best out of this cheeky Monkey year!

Honesty system applies:
General guidelines for 1 hour: sliding scale if you are in work $88 - $155; or genuinely wealthy $230
Note initial session tends to be 1½-2 hours; follow-up sessions are usually an hour, but can be longer.
On-going series of astro-coaching: $77 per hour.

❤ Losar 2143 Year of the Red Fire Monkey

☆ Losar, the Tibetan fortnight of miracles, begins February 8th, with a New Moon at 20 Aquarius, at 14:40gmt, and the 2143 Year of the Red Fire Monkey! Get ready now, as the charming antics of the Wood Goat make way for dynamic, progressive and ingenious, Monkey action!

☆ Two things to note about a Monkey year, one is that Padmasambhava, Tibet’s second Buddha, was a Monkey, with an ability to master everything under the Sun – and Moon. This year is therefore a special year to connect with and honour the great Tantric master; to be confident and gain mastery of the chattering Monkey mind, as did he. In words of precious Guru Rinpoche “Fortunate ones, mingle your mind with the Dharma and the happiness of Buddhahood will manifest within you!”
☆ The second interesting point is how the United States is actually a Fire Monkey (1776), which makes sense when one considers how the quick-thinking Fire Monkey is inventive (if not always cautious), able to swiftly seize the moment to upstage and outshine. All Monkeys strive for improvement with originality and supreme optimism, but the Fire Monkey does it in great self-assured style and with remarkable initiative.
☆ Generally speaking this is a good Year for the Rat, Snake, Sheep. Lucky for Ox, Horse, Monkey. Mixed for Rooster, Dragon. Challenging for Tiger. And fair for Rabbit, Dog, Boar.
Wishing everyone a fortunate, loving and happy New Year of the Fire Monkey
_/❤\_ Losar Tashi Delek! ☆ With many thanks & love _/❤\_

♥ Feb1st _/✿\_ A Cross-Quarter Tara Moon _/|\_ ☾ ☩

In the lead up to the Losar New Moon February 8th @ 14:39gmt, Spirit Sun arrives at the Solar Fixed cross-quarter point in the year that is midway between seasons, winter in the north and summer in the south. These are sacred days in the solar cycles, as light now begins to noticeably grow in the Northern hemisphere. The next Solar marker after this will be at Spring Equinox, in 6 weeks.
In the ancient nature religions this current cross-quarter phase. from 7-15 degrees Aquarius, is variously called Imbolc, the Feast of Torches, or Candlemas or St Briget’s day in the Christian Calendar, honouring feminine qualities of poetry, art and craft, as well as smiths and offering shrines.In esoteric astrology, the Sun in the sign of Aquarius ‘shines the light within the darkness, cleansing with healing rays until the darkness is dispelled’. Thus the pure light Goddess gains greater emphasis as tonight/tomorrow’s last quarter Tara Moon conjuncts fiery Mars (at home in Scorpio). Now is the time to invoke the help of the Great Mother Liberator (Tara and/or Brigitte) to help conquor dark demons and overcome obstacles that might hinder a positive start to the New Moon, when the Tibetan month of miracles, Losar, and a fast-moving year of the Yang Fire Monkey begins. Profoundly transformational action, in the name of art, beauty and culture, now has the potential to take one closer oneness, as well as to more personal goals over the coming days.

With ℒℴѵℯ _/✿\_ blessings ॐ & thanks ♥
Laura _/♥\_

☆ Santa Karma Full Xmas Moon 11:11 ☆☆☆ • • •( ( (☾ ◯☽) ) )• • • ☆☆☆

☆☆☆ • • •( ( (☾ ◯☽) ) )• • • ☆☆☆ Full Xmas Moon in Cancer 11:11ut (-5est) _/❤\_ Reflecting the brilliance of our radiant life-giving Sun, this Full Cancer Moon embraces the practical caring and nurturing Mother luminosity of feminine wisdom (within), to shine a light upon the path ahead for ourselves, as well as others, and into 2016’s year of the Fire Monkey (which begins Feb8th).

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, this Full Moon also reveres the long-life Buddha from the pure lands, Amithaba. As such, Christmas is a karma-multiplied day x100. So not only Santa knows when you’re good, today ;) but karmic actions, thoughts and words are also magnified - good or bad. This might sound daunting in the face of Full Moon and friendly family gatherings, but the best way to raise karmic merit is to dedicate all love, kindness and good that we experience to the benefit of others, so that all beings can find happiness. Even if we can’t help to literally look after others, by dedicating all such Christmas Spirit we can still raise the cosmic love vibration and keep it rippling into the new year. Enjoy!

Image is Amitabha Buddha in the centre, with Bodhisattva at each side, each with their Moon halo. With ℒℴѵℯ & best wishes for a beautiful day wherever you are. ॐ__/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✫

☼ Solstice 2015 ☼ Xmas 11:11 Full Moon

In the Tibetan tradition today is Guru Rinpoche day; when Sun & Moon now make the best possible aspect for generating changes in one’s life to implement compassion in action. This also means its only five days until Friday’s Full Christmas Moon 11:11UT! 

☼ And Solstice is tomorrow night/Tuesday morning, 4:48UT on the 21st22nd. For the next three-month winter period 2015-2016, Sols' ingress into Capricorn accents a glorious grand trine between an exalted Taurus Moon and the Cosmic Guru (Padmasambhava!) in Virgo, the sign of the sacred feminine; restoration comes by transforming the mind and valuing intuitive wisdom. 

☼ As nature is drawing back (in the north), take time to rest and relax and build support for the dark winter months ahead (+ Merc retro early Jan); we, too, need to focus upon what's important: our roots, loves, work and families, our health and happiness. Solstice-Yule is a Fire festival to honor our Earthly (body) connection to the live-giving Sun (Spirit), which is soon to be reborn - and the days will be getting longer. But still energy can be low now, even with a growing moon. Please do make sure to spend time over the holidays healing in the all-inspiring bio-sphere called ‘the great outdoors’ to revitalize.

Over the past few days the sky has been manifesting luminous pearly shimmering in the arctic, with electric blue clouds over the antarctic: and CME’s (Coronal Mass Ejections) from the Sun are currently hurling towards planet Earth, carrying highly-charged electromagnetic plasma and protons that buzz up the cosmic vibration, which then manifest as winds upon our oceans: emotions, thoughts, actions all in a dynamic and active healing flow. The affects through (Earth’s) sushumna and subtle body can be to positively activate the incoming galactic stream of mindfulness and a powerful healing. Today’s Guru Rinpoche therefore suggests positive action, along with that small thing about a total transformation of the way we understand life, death and universe. 


Merry Yule & a very blessed Guru Rinpoche Solstice to all! _/\_ with love and best wishes... ☼☽❤¸¸.•*¨*•☆
& thanks to unknown artist for Padmasambhava & to spaceweather.com for the photo.

✶ Sun in Sagittarius square Moon in Virgo ~ Tara Moon

Tara Moon 3^rd-4^th Dec

Sun in Sagittarius square Moon in Virgo ~>

☼ ✶☽ Virtuous actions are duly rewarded when the Moon is in Virgo, especially beneficial when the last quarter moon is conjunct favourable Jupiter, the planet which rules Sagittarius, the sign through which Spirit Sun is now passing.  Sagittarius accents truth, freedom and abstract concepts that may be academic as well as spiritual; thus it’s highly recommended to maintain an open mind whenever Sagittarius and Jupiter are at the centre of the celestial stage.  Yet Sun still conjuncts Saturn; and the heaviness of karmic negativity cautions the mind towards restrained discipline, to not over-reach in the name of zealous enthusiasm.
☼ ✶☽ Creating positive imprints for a healthy life-relationship-environment-planet currently requires commitment and a respect of the karmic law ‘as you sow, so shall you reap’, the fruits of which can be sweet or sour depending upon the seeds (in thought, word or deed) that are sown before Luna completes this cycle December 11^th, with a new Sagittarius Moon.   

Thus it may (always) be timely to heed the words of the Buddha

“Commit not one harmful action; cultivate a wealth of virtues; train the mind. This is the teaching of the Buddha.”

Image is by talented Tibetan artist, Karma Puntsok, of Great Mother Liberator, Tara, whose mantra ‘Om Tare Tuttara Ture Soha’ can be recited in order to overcome obstacles, as well as to train the mind.

With ℒℴѵℯ  ॐ__/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✫