New Moon in Taurus & Fixed Star Algol

“Life begins with love, is maintained with love, and ends with love. Right now, while we are alive, is the time to practice and express love. So please take care of your love. Love is capable of reaching so many people.” ~Tsoknyi Rinpoche

A New Moon at 26Taurus @ 5:12bst Monday, 18th May, is ruled by Love Goddess Venus, Taurus is an earth sign, where a New Moon in the sign of the Bull suggests there’s a greater stability to be found in all we truly cherish: love and nourishment, as well as finances and shelter. Please, Goddess, let it be so, especially in Nepal, as well as the rest of the world.

This New Moon sees the start of SakaDawa, the ’Star Month’ which culminates with a Full Moon June 2nd, when Himalayan Buddhists honour Buddha’s life, death and enlightenment. Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment in the ‘Earth-touching’ position, seated under the (Taurus ruled) Bodhi Tree. “The great 20th-century Vedantin sage, Ramana Maharshi said the Earth is in a constant state of dhyana (meditative absorption). The Buddha's earth-witness mudra (hand position), as in the shown illustration, is a beautiful example of "embodied cognition." His posture and gesture embody unshakeable self-realization. He does not ask heavenly beings for assistance. Instead, without using any words, the Buddha calls on the Earth, by touching it with his right hand, to bear witness.”* Note now, that this New Moon also coincides with quicksilver Mercury slowing down to go retrograde until June 11th. Time now to remodel outmoded thinking. As this lunation begins, we can begin to review, and renew the way we communicate about subjects we care about. And like the enlightened Buddha, bear witness to the value to life, all the while reorganising and re-training the mind to awaken compassion and loving kindness. 

At the 26^th degree of Taurus, Sun and New Moon conjunct (on the 18^th May) a challenging fixed star called Algol, which represents the ‘Gorgon’s Head’, the snake-hair dreadlocked Medusa, whose name originally meant ‘sovereign female wisdom’ **. Fixed stars tend to pinpoint certain intensity: In this case it is a concentrated primal feminine passion which, if obstructed or repressed, severed or feared, has the potential to dramatically harm and turn to stone – or, surprisingly, to heal, when the powerful feminine force is understood and revered.

Interestingly, Medusa in myth is one of three winged gorgons (skydancers!), sometimes shown with fangs and a boar’s head (Vahari!); while Medusa is the central ‘ruler’, the other two are ‘wanderer’ (Moon) and ‘strength’ (Sun). All of which could, in my opinion, be twilight language for awakening Shakti-power through the human subtle body’s three main channels, stirring Kundalini serpent power.

Also fascinating is how blood from the right side of the Gorgon’s head has the power to restore the dead back to life, while that of the left is venomous. This relation to the brains’ two hemispheres (and three channels) is poignant for modern yogis - especially when one considers when heroic Perseus cuts off the Gorgon’s head (i.e. ends his animal passion), it is only for the immortal magical winged horse Pegasus to emerge with his brother Chrysaor, holder of a golden sword.  Also in my opinion, this myth suggests that when we prevent the espression of a powerful sexual energy it can devour us in fear, frozen in time with frustration unresolved and supressed, only to explode more violently at a later date. Better to address these often taboo subjects, that of man’s desire and female sexuality, and release pent-up (sexual) energy in a healthy, beauty honouring manner and heal the feminine within.     

There is also the not-so-small matter of Mercury retrograde in the healing, trickster brother’s home sign, Gemini. Until June 11^th, Mercury wends his way back over old ground (13-4Gemini).  A finger of fate between the retro Mercury and Cosmic Guru, Jupiter, points directly to transformational Pluto, suggesting a dramatic change of mind directly appertains to the healing power of information, and the truth found therein.  

**http://www.skyscript.co.uk/algol.html

With love & thanks to the FPMT for beautiful Shakyamuni Buddha in Earth-touching mudra & to *http://www.ecobuddhism.org/wisdom for inspiriation _/\_ & Ramana Maharishi quote.

☆ •°*☾The Moon: Reflections upon the Soul of the Horoscope☽*°•.☆

☆ •°*☾The Moon: Reflections upon the Soul of the Horoscope☽*°•.☆

As the radiant light of the Sun illustrates Spiritual strengths in the birth chart, so the Moon reflects upon the mysteries of the Soul and all it pertains to in this life, as well as past and future lives. Luna is a magical and restorative, dependable magnifying mirror, amplifying energies of contacting planets and providing regular windows of opportunity within a monthly cycle to align heart-mind and soul. 

In this work/playshop we will explore Soul's cosmic karmic imprints by observing Lunar cycles through astrology’s informative elements, signs, phases of the lunar month and the moon’s nodes. The Lunar placement can also determine which of the three Moon chakras dominates, with gifts or challenges. 

Bring your chart! Together we can reveal and highlight Soul's purpose, your challenges, secrets, and gifts, by synthesising natal sign, phase, and house placement – as well as moon aspects to current transits and progressed lunation cycle. (Or email me to have your chart prepared.) 

Bio: Viewing life through a Buddhist lens, Laura Boomer-Trent is an astrologer with over thirty years of astrological experience. She has an arts background, and is credited with creating, writing and presenting C4’s ‘The Astrology Show’ back in the day...

For maps, directions and address, here's the link to
The Theosophical Society
50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA
Sunday May 10th @14:30
£15, £10 concessions, £7 TS members

Buddha Purnima ~ ☼ ♉ -- ◯ ♏ 3rd/4th May

Buddha Purnima – Wesak - Vesak is the Full Moon (exact tonight/tomorrow morning 4:42BST @14 Scorpio) when much of southern Asia celebrates the birth, death and paranirvana of Gothama Siddartha Buddha. The Himalayan Buddhist community will celebrate the same features during Saka Dawa, the ‘Star Moon’ next month (June 2nd).

☸ Like the Buddha, one can reap now profound insights during this extremely powerful Full Scorpio Moon, which one can apply to maintain a healthy sense of self-worth and emotional stability. Spirit Sun in Taurus encourages us to appreciate what is of value in this life. Whereas the Scorpio Moon imparts an inner sensibility, which intuitively knows when it is time for renewal, and when to let go or ideals, materials and even people that no longer serve the union of spirit and soul, and the part one plays within the soul groups’ contract.

☸ With both Sun and Moon in hard aspect to expansive Jupiter in generous Leo, this tends to magnify any self-made drama so it is essential that we become big-hearted, kind to ourselves and others and generate faith in our optimism. While it is important to harness Jupiter’s ability to view a bigger picture, it is also imperative to be realistic, and keep a close eye upon personal expectations. With Jupiter’s unrestrained nature we can set ourselves up for disappointment if we watch things, people and events come and go without understanding that all is transitory.

☸ This Full Moon is also called 'the Flower Moon'. Buddhists use the symbol of a flower to symbolise life’s fleeting nature: resting one’s gaze upon nature we can appreciate the beauty and joy inherent in all things, yet understanding that beauty fades and dies, only for the seed of consciousness to be reborn, by releasing any propensity to rely upon the material world for fulfilment. Now is the time for the spiritual seed of enlightenment to grow and shine.

With thanks to Visual Alchemy for Beautiful Buddha, & sending ℒℴѵℯ on the moonbeams, especially to everyone in beloved Nepal, where there were 3 more eathquakes today, and renewal is for the future to rise like a phoenix from the ashes, but for many survival is the present. Please give generously: a kind thought, prayer or donation can go a long way.
Thank you, Laura__/❤\__ ☼✶•*¨*•.¸¸❤✫

Medicine Buddha for all those affected by the 7.9 Earthquake in Nepal ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_

April 25th 2015 ~> ॐ_/♥\_
Due to several dramatic events this week, the volcano in Chile, and two quakes, in New Zealand and Nepal, I’ve been asked as to why now, seeing as we are not in the usual time-frame of eclipse season? Firstly, the Sun has been fairly active mid-week (and we on Earth tend to lag a few days behind solar activity's effects); and though not so large, solar flares have been medium sized but rather long lasting, releasing vast and unstable electromagnetic plumes from a northerly direction (entering into Earth’s crown chakra, Tibet/Nepal, and more lightly through southerly base chakra, NZ).

Earth is also crossing a point in the sky called the ‘heliospheric current sheet’; this is when planet Earth experiences Sun’s magnetic polarity changing from north to south. This is a time of planetary adjustment (which can wreak seemingly widespread damage, espcially if other planetary configurations interact, such as now).These are not the only astrological/astronomical markers: Also significant is the conjunction of quicksilver Mercury and fiery Mars, both in earthy Taurus (on the exact point of their own nodes (yes, each planet also has its' own nodal/eclipse cycle)); In square to Jupiter, the planet of expansion in Leo, this combination of Jupiter, Mars & Mercury means dramatic shake-ups are fast and furious. With the Sun also in Taurus and the Moon now uniting in generous Leo with the cosmic Guru, Jupiter, this fixed and extremely determined combination of ‘The Lights’ accents the value of the creative tension, the divine spark inherent in all beings, as well as the ability to quickly heal, with focus and care.

It’s also a medicine Buddha - Tara Moon day (depending upon which tradition is followed), the first quarter moon, a time of crisis in action, when the healing emphasis is upon stabilising one self (the earth and others) by connecting to the natural world, and seeing artistic and cultural value, as well as surrounding precious resources.

As all helping hands and deities are needed today, especially in Nepal, here are both mantras:
Medicine Buddha is:
“TAYATHA OM BEKANZE BEKANZE MAHA BEKANZE RADZA SAMUGATHE SOHA” _/\_
And Tara mantra is “OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA” _/\_

ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_ॐ_/♥\_

With thanks to Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara for Medicine Buddha mandala ॐ_/♥\_

☾ ◯☽ New Moon in Aries 2015

☽★☼ Brave heart Aries is a passionate and fiery sign; with courage and a cause to champion, Aries also has a delightfully playful impulsive streak that dares venture into the unknown with a willingness to be open and genuine (if slightly naive and innocent). All of which can be very exciting, as well as refreshing, as Aries tends to bring in and reveal the novel and new with speed, and often a bang.

☽★☼ Our brilliant Sun is now exalted in Aries, radiating the illuminating ‘Light of Life’. Today’s New Moon in Aries ( Saturday 18th April, at 19:55 bst) ignites this divine spark, encouraging inner-light to shine from within. The Sun also rules the right eye in men and the left eye in women; thus this Aries New Moon sharpens a Spiritual Warrior’s vision to turn the gaze in towards 'the self'. Look to 28 Aries in your horoscope and note any Aries spontaneous revelations that allow clarification, to suddenly see things in a new light, especially issues sullied by (personal) anger, resentment, or other negative emotions that make it difficult to move on. Now is the time to be the Spiritual Warrior, one who has courage to exercise patience - with oneself and others, to start removing obscuration to enlightenment, and be ready to reap actual rewards at the Full Moon May 4th. And though it may be premature to say, but with Mars (the ruler of Aries) now at the very same degree as the coming Full Moon, set your intention wisely: there is an unshakable quality to one's mission 'May the fourth be with you' ;) !

Wishing new moon light blessings for all, with ℒℴѵℯLight __/\__ & thanks to Socrates Green for `Sacred Gate with the Seal of Inner Vision´

★ ☽ Last Quarter Moon in Capricorn ☾ ★ April 11th 2015

Currently fast-moving, bizarrely predictable yet unexpected changes are charted with a plethora of newness, symbolised by the present Aries conjunction that sees Uranus, Sun and Mercury, fire fervour and passion, to impulsively leap into action. 

Before bounding into situations unknown, hold courage close to heart and listen carefully for the wisdom of the Mother Goddess Liberator. At this last quarter Tara – Medicine Buddha Moon, eclipse season fades for another six months; and an Earthy Capricorn Goddess commands pragmatic wisdom, especially during periods of dramatic transformation.

The sensitive Moon is also now conjunct secretive Pluto. In judicious Capricorn, the Divine Feminine now accents intuition best guided with discipline, to leave no stone unturned when dealing with all things hidden. Even with difficult issues, calling upon the healing power of the Goddess helps to overcome obstacles, both seen and unseen, which may now even reveal a buried treasure - a previously hidden emotional or spiritual strength, perhaps a skill or gift which helps 0ne to rise above daily challenges (that appertain to ambition and accomplishment, and how to get there all-the-while dealing with sudden changes).

The weekend is thus another opportune moment to remove and let-go of all that no longer serves powerful healing and purpose. The early part of next week is earmarked for organising, in order to plant new seeds that blossom and bloom at the height of summer: Make adjustments now and be ready for a fresh new kick-start with an exciting New Moon in Aries, April 18th.

Image is of Goddess Green Tara
“Green Tara is Tara's most dynamic manifestation. Her color symbolizes youthful vigor and activity. The Buddhist Lord of karma (action), Amoghasiddhi, is also associated with the green color, thus signifying that they belong to the same family. This is a further affirmation of the perception that Green Tara is a goddess of action. She is often depicted in a posture of ease with right leg extended, signifying her readiness to spring into action. The left leg is folded in the contemplative position on the lotus pedestal, the two together thus symbolizing the integration of wisdom and art. Her left hand, in the gesture of granting refuge holds the stem of a blue lotus that floats over her left shoulder as a symbol of purity and power. With her right hand she makes the boon-granting gesture.” ( www.exoticindiaart.com )
With thanks...
~> Tara mantra “Om Tara Tuttara Ture Soha” _/\_

△ Grand Fire Trine ~ April 2015

△ The beautifully inspiring 'Grand Fire Trine' between the exalted Aries Sun with Uranus/Mercury, forming a triangle between fellow signs with Jupiter in Leo, and Saturn in Sagittarius, generates a dynamic kind of magnetism this week which can raise the heat in certain situations, as well as burn away the dross. One of the planets involved in this fabulously creative Fire Trine, Jupiter, the cosmic magnifier is also going direct on Wednesday, after four and a half months retrograde motion, giving a greater perspective on matters of the heart, devotion, and spiritual treasures.

△ When a planet ‘stations’ upon certain degrees (to go either direct (as in Jupiter’s current case) or retrograde) it heightens the importance of the issue denoted by that degree, deepening the meaning of any associated experience. At 12 degrees Leo, beneficent Jupiter suggests it is now time to be strong, shine, and grow the love by opening one’s heart to the creative spirit.
△ It’s also worth bearing in mind how the degrees 12-15 Leo are amongst this year’s celestial hot spots, because both planetary benefics, Jupiter AND Venus (when she retrogrades in the late Summer), constellate these degrees for the heart-mind to re-balance yang motivation, solar channels and the solar plexus, for spiritual practice to operate within distinctly warmer and more confident and loving conditions. ॐ_/♥\_¸¸.•*¨*•☆
Thanks to Watkins for the image and rebalancing page http://www.watkinspublishing.com/rebalance-solar-plexus-chakra/

★ Diversity in Unity & the Lunar Eclipse in Libra (Exact 15 degrees Libra/Aries @12:05gmt)

☽★☼ Karma Multiplied Day x 100,000 

☽★☼ Destiny now calls us to co-create peace, love and unity in all affairs. As this 3rd in a series of 4 Lunar ‘Tetrad’ Eclipses (the next is in September), to let go of the self-cherishing ego is the way to embrace beauty, fairness and justice _/\_

☽★☼ The outer planets influence on this eclipse, specifically the last of the now infamous 7 Uranus Pluto squares, means each individual’s ability to change and transform can make a dramatic impact upon the collective. As they say: if you want to see change in the world, then start by changing one’s self. The key to success is to now bring individual talents to the whole for all to enjoy, caring for and celebrating each other's gifts that we share.

☽★☼ With the astral focus upon the exalted Aries Sun conjunct the South Node, the Dragon’s Tail of the Lunar Eclipse (Ketu), there is a potential for a sudden release of anger, impatience, or pent up frustration - by going to the gym, for example, or entering into dialogue with whoever is subject of irritation, or by simply removing oneself from an annoying situation so the mind can relax, and allow the courage to come to the fore. The Spiritual Warrrior has the strength to release negativity without hurting anyone, including oneself. Also it’s worth bearing in mind how Libran Moon is about to enter a part of the sky called the ‘Via Combusta’; walking the 'fiery path’ encourages renewal by releasing all that no longer serves. So now is the time to be objective and unencumber thoughts, feelings, people and situations that prevent feelings of harmony and peace. Indeed, this Libra Moon suggests we make more of an effort to practice loving kindness, especially with close loved ones and the people we socialise with in order to reveal our own inner beauty as a reflection of the strength and splendour we see all around.

☽★☼ In the Northern hemisphere it’s also time to look after the liver, eat bitter foods, detox the physical body and drink light herbal teas to maintain optimum balance, so that meditative equipoise is not also possible, but stabilised, in these times of dramatic change _/\_

Wishing everyone a wonderful eclipse wherever you are, and even if you don’t see it, you will probably feel it, go lightly, with LoveLight, Laura

Image is by Robert Beer http://www.tibetanart.com of Samanthabhadra, with ℒℴνℯ & thanks. _/\_

⊚ Lunar Eclipse in Libra ~> April 4th 2015

Karma Multiplied Day x 100,000
☽★☼ In this year of the Green Yin Wood Goat/Sheep, it is the season of spring, of natural new growth and stability, that has extra emphasis due to the Wood element’s association to spring (each element has a seasonal propensity). Any helpful new shoots now in evidence (be they metaphorical) should be positively encouraged. Summer will be good for the Sheep wending peaceful progression too, but as the essence of Wood is likened to Western astrology’s Air element, the astral influence is a windy spring. Solar winds are also currently streaming in from the Sun, charging up Earth’s atmosphere with what might even be called solar vayu, the prana of consciousness: a magical and nourishing wind air. Meditators and the inherently sensitive may now even sense the winds of change blowing in some surprising breakthroughs, especially so with a full Blood Moon Lunar eclipse on the rise. 

☽★☼ The element of Air is brought further into focus because the equinox Full Moon is in Libra (exact 13:05gmt). Libra is a leading Air sign, social and friendly, seeking peace and beauty in all relationships. And in opposition to the speedy and fearless (i.e. headstrong and impatient!) Arian Spiritual Warrior that could push for faster transmutation, the balanced Libran influence has the equipoise and potential to harmonise relationships a self-cherishing ego has with all kinds of significant other(s). This, then, is a Full Moon to align the me-we axis, so that both party's needs and ambitions are met.

☽★☼ During this kind of eclipse a practiced yogi may also be aware of the internal winds; the vayu which course through the body. As Yoga Tantra teaches, winds which carry the prana throughout the body can, at the time of an eclipse, relax celestially related channels: so much so the tantrika can release (karmic) knots, so the heart-mind can be truly transformed and liberated to freely practice loving kindness. Yet while this kind of high-level meditation takes years if not lifetimes of practice and guidance, we mere baby Bodhisattvas may also feel some kind of (collective) shift awakening the senses to bliss and beauty, wisdom and compassion.
Happy Easter Full Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse to one & all _/✿\_
Image is Akshobya by Jampa Tsondue _/✿\_ with love & thanks