September 2009

The Power to Heal Conversations with the Moon The full moon of September takes place on Thursday, September 4, at 9:04am Pacific Time, in the lunar sign of Shatabhisha. This constellation is known for its power to heal. No matter what your opinions on the health care debate may be, the topic of health itself will likely be on your mind this month. The full moon in this lunar sign is asking us to let go of the mental and emotional blockages that can be a breeding ground for disease. "How do I do that?" you may ask. You might begin asking yourself these questions and excavating deeply enough for authentic responses: Am I addicted to _________? What do I still take personally? Who do I still need to forgive? Write this day/time into your calendar: Friday, September 18, at 11:44am Pacific Time. This new moon in the vedic lunar sign of Uttara Phalguni is a great time for getting serious about cleansing - cleaning out your house, cleansing your intestines, clearing off your desk. For an refreshing discussion on detoxification, check out cardiologist Dr. Alejandro Junger's website and book entitled Clean.

Planning & Scheduling Living in Accord with the Seasons Mercury is retrograde from Sept. 7 - 29. As usual, this is a great time to pull out unfinished projects, and comb through them until they're complete. In addition to the usual in-drawn slow-down of Mercury retrograde, this retro period of the winged messenger backs into another conjunction with Saturn, and an opposition with Uranus. "Official" analysis of conditions may come out in favor of caution, reserve, and the establishment during this time. An equally strong backlash from those advocating change will ensue. Mercury, Mars, and Pluto form a t-square for the first week of September, suggesting that a fight is being obsessively cultivated, and the battleground is the media. Venus travels through Cancer for the first half of the month, forming an opposition to retrograde Jupiter in Capricorn on September 11. This is best described by a symbolic scene: Two diplomats agree to speak politely while a war is being waged. On September 15, Venus moves into the sign of Leo, lending us all delicious self-expression, and appreciation for those plucky souls who aren't afraid to be themselves. Saturn moves out of the sign of Leo this month where he's been since July of 2007, and into the sign of Virgo until November of 2011. This placement of Saturn is easier in general for all of us, and is likely to promote a general trend over the next two years toward simplifying and streamlining healthcare, agricultural methods, and national food distribution systems. However the exact nature of Saturn's influence on you depends on the house he transits and aspects in your chart. Saturn visits the Sun, Moon, and Mercury retrograde, on the Virgo new moon of September 18. Here's another way of expressing this planetary line-up: a nurse, weary from a long day, sees people still arriving to receive care and does what needs to be done, fueled only by a deep commitment to public service. Pluto has been retrograde since April 4, and finally turns direct on September 11. We've had five months to shed old skins. Hopefully we're all a few mental pounds lighter. Autumnal equinox on Sept. 22: a natural point in the yearly cycle in which we harvest the fruits of summer. Sunlight diminishes for a time and we begin to gather energy inwardly. In India, the yearly celebration of the ancestors called Pitru Paksha, begins this year on Saturday, September 5, and lasts two weeks. Notice what doesn't change, even when everything around you does. Coming from this place of what doesn't change - this is one way of apprehending enlightenment.

Meet Puma Puma, missing one eye, but incredibly spry and agile, is a neighborhood cat who comes around every day to visit me, and occasionally sits outside my office window when I'm doing readings. Puma helps me do the work I'm here to do. This gorgeous, feisty little being is such a blessing...

February 2009

Vitriol as Virtue Conversations with the Moon The full moon of February takes place on Monday, February 9 at 6:50am Pacific Time, in the lunar sign of Ashlesha. A lunar eclipse is occurring at this full moon, which exacerbates at the same time as scatters its power. The power of this constellation is "the ability to inflict with poison." It is linked with transmutation of negative energy. The next six months (until the next eclipse) will be highly productive for individual, psychological transformation. On an outer, social level, these next six months may contain more contention than usual. Negative energies rise to the surface seeking release. Met with acceptance, negative energies can be neutralized. A good example of a productive use of Ashlesha energy is Mohandas Gandhi's revolutionary form of non-violent protest. (Gandhi's Moon was in Ashlesha.) His civil resistance employed skill, wisdom, self-restraint and personal charisma/influence, against oppressive forces. He is credited for bringing about sweeping reform in the areas of India's untouchability laws, women's rights, and freedom for India from colonial rule. The levels of controversy in Gandhi's life also give an idea of the kind of controversy we will all be grappling with in these next six months. And for another good example of putting vitriol to good use, re-read Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience" (a.k.a. "Resistance to Civil Government".) Write this day/time into your calendar: Tuesday, February 24 at 5:35pm Pacific Time. This new moon's job is to uncover attachments and addictions. Also, it will stimulate people coming together in groups to discuss large problems in order to find solutions.

Planning & Scheduling Living in Accord with the Seasons Venus spends an extended stay in the sign of Pisces - until May 31. For most of the remainder of this lunar cycle, Venus brings some padding to the national economy, as well as a dramatic increase in artistic energy and a general social interest in beauty. For the rest of the month of February, we will experience four planets in the sign of Capricorn: Mars in Capricorn lends us energy to plow ahead and get things done effectively and efficiently. Mercury conjoining Mars in Capricorn brings advances and discoveries to science, warfare, and travel. It also brings brusque communications favoring expediency. Jupiter in Capricorn begins as a "sapping of confidence," but posited as it is with Mars, shows that we will gain courage and hope through action. With Rahu in Capricorn, we are fascinated by the whole spectacle of leadership reform. (i.e. the changeover in administration.) Saturn and Uranus continue their opposition by sign until April. We continue to witness a reshuffling of power between the old and the new .

Ah Sunflower by William Blake Ah Sunflower, weary of time, Who countest the steps of the sun; Seeking after that sweet golden clime Where the traveller's journey is done; Where the Youth pined away with desire, And the pale virgin shrouded in snow, Arise from their graves, and aspire Where my Sunflower wishes to go!

September & October 2007

Total Lunar Eclipse Aug. 28 Conversations with the Moon There's a full moon and total lunar eclipse on Tuesday, August 28th at 3:35am Pacific Time, in the lunar sign of Shatabhisha. This eclipse is fertile ground for spending contemplation or journaling time on examining addictive behaviors or unnecessary attachments. This is the time to commit to our own self-designed "recovery" programs. It is a particularly well-suited time to explore any addictive tendencies within our social collective (our extended families, our spiritual groups, our nation), and our own individual participation in that collective behavior. For example, as a nation, do we have an 'addiction to oil' as our president has observed? If so, what can we each individually do about it?

Planning & Scheduling Living In Accord With The Seasons There is a partial solar eclipse on September 11th, at 5:45am Pacific Time in the lunar sign of Purva Phalguni. Traditionally, eclipses are thought of as excellent for inward spiritual life, and not good times to initiate any significant endeavors. The Sun travels with Saturn and Ketu in the vedic sign of Leo until mid-September, signifying a call to responsible action, and a commitment to realizing our unique potential - and maybe some painstaking efforts in getting there. Saturn and Ketu are tightly conjunct in Leo during the second half of October. We may each be feeling the pressure of authorship that we have over our own lives. Performers and politicians may experience self-doubt around their own ability to 'sparkle'. Is it possible we might see the resignation of a world leader? Neptune in Capricorn is loosely opposite Venus in Cancer during the month of September. We might be appreciating the beauty and romance of traditional gender roles in the family structure. (i.e. the nurturing mother, the father who's a strong provider). These themes may come up specifically in the new movie releases during this time. Perhaps we'll hear this theme crop up during political campaigns. The full moon of September happens on Wed., Sept. 26 at 12:46pm, Pacific Time. The full moon of October happens on Fri., Oct. 26 at 11:51am, Pacific Time. Mercury goes retrograde from Fri., Oct. 12 until Wed., Oct. 31. Mercury retrograde is best for editing, revising plans, hooking up with old friends, revisiting the past. It's energy is backwards moving, so communications don't always flow forwards so smoothly. Avoid, if possible, signing contracts, embarking on journeys, beginning big projects. If you must, don't sweat it. (Just like with the weatherman - if you have a picnic planned and the weatherman says "there'll be rain", you don't necessarily cancel the picnic - maybe you find a covered picnic area just in case.)

My Bohemian Life by Arthur Rimbaud I went off with my hands in my torn coat pockets; My overcoat too was becoming ideal; I travelled beneath the sky, Muse! and I was your vassal; Oh dear me! what marvellous loves I dreamed of! My only pair of breeches had a big whole in them. - Stargazing Tom Thumb, I sowed rhymes along my way. My tavern was at the Sign of the Great Bear. - My stars in the sky rustled softly. And I listened to them, sitting on the road-sides On those pleasant September evenings while I felt drops Of dew on my forehead like vigorous wine; And while, rhyming among the fantastical shadows, I plucked like the strings of a lyre the elastics Of my tattered boots, one foot close to my heart!

August 2007

Playing It By Ear Conversations with the Moon There's a full moon today, Saturday, July 29th at 5:48pm Pacific Time, in the lunar sign of Shravana. It's important today and for the next two weeks while this full moon's theme is played out, to pay attention to what is being said. Practice your listening skills. We all have the potential to feel a little pressured and self-doubting in our relationships and our creativity, with Venus conjunct Saturn and Ketu, (especially during mid-August). So making a special effort to listen with compassion will be healing for the ones you love, including yourself. This is a particular moment in time on the dance floor, where the last song is fading away, and a new one is slowly beginning. Everyone gets to choose a partner, or say yes to an invitation, and step into the new groove, with it's new dynamic, it's new form, it's new feeling. It may feel awkward at first. You may feel fearful of appearing dorky. You may be learning to prohibit rejection from lessening the good feeling you have about yourself. This metaphor can apply in romantic relationships, business partnerships and endeavors, or mutually beneficial associations with others of any kind - and it can apply equally to a relationship we have with an art form. Which habits made your dance wonky in the past? What are you currently working on, that will make the dance flow more smoothly? Are there new moves you'd like to try?

Planning & Scheduling Living In Accord With The Seasons It's the 6 month mark again, so we have another Lunar and Solar eclipse pair, happening on August 28 and September 11th, respectively. Traditionally, eclipses are thought of as excellent for inward spiritual life, and not particularly successful times to initiate things. The total lunar eclipse at 3:35am on Aug. 28 happens in the sign of Shatabhisha, symbolising the potential for profound healing of long-standing emotional traumas and addictions, through applied inner work, with the help of "100 physicians", or, a whole host of experts. It would traditionally be suggested however, *not* to elect surgeries or treatments for physical illnesses, during a period of 6 days before and after this lunar eclipse. (It must be stated that if a medical professional suggests you schedule something during this period, you should always favor medical advice over astrology.) Venus turned retrograde Friday 7/27, and will remain so until 9/8. This is a time for inner "work" around relationships and creativity. Examine useless patterns of reacting, doubting, self-centeredness and practice new behaviors of self love. The Sun joins Saturn and Ketu in the vedic sign of Leo on August 18, signifying a call to responsible action, and a commitment to realizing our unique potential. Mars moves into Taurus for the month of August, forming a mutual square with Saturn, and a mutual opposition with Jupiter, giving the mandate to set ambitious goals and be methodical and determined in how we go about achieving them.

Fortune's Gate fortune's gate came delivered, unexpected in it's fresh sentence. no one could have pantomimed the hip-flop glee display that came in on it's heels. the human spirit cannot fathom that kind of atomic bursting with joy, it's unbearable delight fumbling simply, forward. (In honor of Mars square Saturn, opposite Jupiter)