New Moon 01.20.15: Expect the Unexpected

New Moon 01.20.2015 @ 0 degrees Aquarius 9 minutes 08:14 a.m. EST 05:14 a.m. PST

There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. ~Nelson Mandela

new moon chart 01 20 15 We sail in a galleon the way for which is set by the ever changing night sky. The deep silence of the New Moon gives voice to countless stars that suddenly appear in numbers far too numerous to count. One would weary of this endeavor and simply give in to observing the cosmic domain; feeling small at first then vaster than the mind can possibly grasp. At 0 degrees Aquarius this moon offers consciousness freedom to explore without boundary or definition. Ruled by Uranus this decan (in this case the first 10 deg. of Aquarius) defies convention, acts upon knowing rather than belief and has no regard for emotional attachment as it limits ones vision/freedom. With four planets in Aquarius and three in Pisces we should expect the unexpected during this phase. There is an elimination process occurring that manifests through our greatest desires but illuminates our greatest fears, that of the unknown and yet we are helpless to struggle against the natural flow; the current is too swift. We are carried along and acting for the highest good without regard for individual concern. There is an inherent responsibility in expressing/being truth that we cannot deny so that peace will prevail that we might continue having the opportunity to embrace life here, a rare opportunity. We reach for everything, are content with nothing. The beauty of nothing becomes undeniable. Optimism goes hand in hand with a sense of how to accomplish, that leads to the practical application of these lofty ideas that spring from the depths of a newly realized truth. And there is no need to ask what is this truth as it is known, and known that there is no need to ask. Therein is freedom from the mind that perpetually wants answers and questions to confirm its purpose. Saturn in this chart figures prominently as it sextiles Sun/Moon and squares Neptune/Mars. Its position in Sagittarius provides a vehicle for escaping the mundane through awareness of the underlying structure that is Reality. The mind will run rampant perhaps, wanting to educate us in all kinds of ways but on a deeper level the stillness will implore us to silence. What a huge relief! To suddenly find one self with out opinion, perspective or proposition. Without anything about which to be concerned we can get down to the ‘task’ of simply being and in that we allow everything its beingness. With nothing rubbing up against anything else causing friction there is no conflict, war or lack of peace. Listening takes precedence over the need to inform. It is at this time of the New Moon that we do our deepest listening, first to our own heart and then knowing that all hearts are essentially the same develop wisdom and compassion for all things here as we are the same. Full moon, new moon—quarter moon, harvest moon—come and go along with an eternity of astrological aspects that apparently give definition to a moment. However, the bottom line is the same; that the ‘acquisition’ of freedom is awakening to Reality, escape from illusion and everything here eventually leads to that though it apparently takes time. In Reality, it takes nothing at all.

Full Moon 01 04 2015: Cancer and going Deeper

Full Moon January 04, 2015 @ 14 deg. 31 min. Cancer 11:53 p.m. EST 08:53 p.m. PST

There is nothing you can see that is not a flower; there is nothing you can think that is not the moon. ~Matsuo Basho, 17th century poet

full moon chart 1 4 15Last year began with a New Moon in Capricorn literally the opposite to how this year begins with a Full Moon in Cancer. 2014 began with the energy and influence of Saturn
immersed in Scorpio leading a chart intent upon peeling away and finding the essential ‘structure’ beneath. With Saturn in trine aspect to Black Moon Lilith conjunct Jupiter we could not help but examine the hand that rocks the cradle, questioning the role of the hand; aware of its function and therefore free of its influence.

The new cycle includes liberation from dependency. And now we approach 2015 from an emotionally more mature place with greater awareness of our motivations. In the dawning of a new year we are treated to a realization via the moon in its own sign of Cancer as it opposes the sun and squares the north and south node; that the ‘path’ to unity (north node in Libra), and beyond suffering is through recognition of the completeness of the individual self (south node in Aries) and in need of nothing external to Self as Self is everything.

The deep feeling nature of Cancer as it ‘sees’ via the inherent confident knowing of Capricorn provides a glimpse of Reality that offers ultimate security as there is nothing missing and there is nothing to do that will alter this Reality. Meanwhile it is observed that everything else changes and is temporary.

The potential is for becoming flexible and flowing with the innate rhythm that permeates all things. Gratitude for being here to witness and experience everything that occurs and for the awareness that arises as a result of surrender. Surrender that is a result of no longer being convinced that I am right. (based on the 5th harmonic of this Full Moon chart that has 6 planets in mutable signs including the sun/moon). The potential is going with the flow.

The test is taking the initiative to step forward in this authenticity and to shrug off the tendency for repetitive expression based on the past. In this moment there is only this reality. In this moment everything exists simultaneously as an expression of the Absolute: def.= free of external references or relationships, not limited in any way. The test is in letting go.

The service is through persistence, maintenance, single minded focus and determination to uphold that which has been gained. To deepen the roots of knowing and share the wisdom that resides in abundance in the heart of our being. (based on the 9th harmonic chart where the sun/moon are in fixed signs). The service is in Being.

The harmonic charts are a slice of the natal chart that are arrived at by division of 360 degrees by 5=72 deg. The septile aspect, 7=51.4—deg. The quintile aspect, 9=40 deg. The novile aspect.

At 14 degrees Cancer this Full Moon is influenced by the star Sirius at the same location, the brightest star in the heavens. Sirius has a long history as a navigational point and by its rising just before the sun, a precursor of the flooding of the Nile. What is it we are being guided toward and what abundance will be the result of this journey? To answer this question consider the role of the outer planets in this chart. At 12 or 13 degrees they promote freedom, independence and awakening (Uranus 12 deg. Aries), elimination and transformation (Pluto 13 deg. Capricorn conjunct the sun) and healing (Chiron 13 deg. Pisces) as they aspect directly the Sun/Moon axis.

This is not new of course, the square for example between Uranus and Pluto has just occurred for the 6th time. The 7th and last aspect is in March of this year. These planets have an ongoing relationship of evolving consciousness the results of which are evident in Truth arising.

Neptune, the planet that urges one to go deeper and creates apparent confusion in relation to ordinary reality is at 5 degrees Pisces and in this Full Moon chart opposes Black Moon Lilith and conjuncts the point of fortune.

What this means is discovering the Truth that lies beneath the fear (Black Moon Lilith) of our own nature; in some way confronting the fear of annihilation. This is our greatest desire and where we will find greatest fulfillment (point of fortune). With the BML in Virgo, the objective is to realize one self as perfect or absolute, not in need of anything; that is a dualistic objective, attaining what we think we lack. Neptune stands as the mirror in this opposition, ‘you are not what you appear to be’. In other words you are not your mind/body but that which is when all else has been defined. The nebulous quality of Neptune results from the minds inability to comprehend its meaning which lies beyond relative experience.

The opposition of Neptune and BML is squared by Saturn at 1 degree Sagittarius so that focus and determination are added to a desire to know Self. There is no fear or hesitancy with Saturn in Sagittarius but rather a persistent calling to show up in authenticity. Old patterns of authoritarianism are replaced with a longing to disseminate Truth and share the light. The arrow that Sagittarius directs upward has the potential to illuminate as it crosses the skies and expands our vision. This supported by Mercury, Venus and Mars in Aquarius the sign of freedom and enlightenment. How we think and communicate, what we want and how we act become communal or collectively centered. Personal acquisition makes little sense. We open up even more to this experience as one with everything and in the big picture find peace in knowing it is all Love. Deep abidance in the heart confirms this.

During these several days before and after this Full Moon in Cancer express gratitude for the guidance you receive, the abundance that is everywhere in your life and the gift of being here with open eyes!

Thank you and blessings for this amazing life.

New Moon 12.21.2014 and Winter Solstice! Rebirth.

New Moon 12.21.14 @ 0 degrees 6 minutes Capricorn 8:35 p.m. EST 5:35 p.m. PST
and Winter Solstice. The magic of the absence of moonlight announcing rebirth.

Definition, rationality, and structure are ways of seeing, but they become prisons when they blank out other ways of seeing. ~A. R. Ammons (Mars and south node in Capricorn)

new moon chart 12 21 2014

The final New Moon of 2014 is our chance to complete, in the sanctity of inner quiet, whatever we have become aware of this year that we do not wish to carry over into the new year; bits of the crumbling structure that we have chipped away at for ‘awhile’ still in need of a little nudge over the edge. As stated several times over this last year, we have had plenty of help in this undertaking from the Uranus/Pluto ongoing square and Saturn in Scorpio—persistent energy moving us toward waking up and greater awareness. Ultimately a kinder attitude toward one another—family, friends and those with whom we may have differences.

Children are being supported to deliver their message and we, the current adult population are ready to listen. Children have a vision and will be encouraged to express that vision by all of us interested in ways of thinking that elude the older generations. This New Moon in Capricorn bestows a sense of responsibility to ‘the vision’ as we have not experienced before; fresh ideas, unique and unlimited by old beliefs.

“When children and youth are seen as partners in development their participation fosters
ownership and empowerment to contribute to their own well-being and that of society as a whole. (from the World Vision website: The role of children in the post-2015 Development Agenda)

As this is also the winter solstice and symbolic for rebirth throughout history and various cultures perhaps we all have an opportunity to embrace the inner child and arise, unencumbered by conditioned response or reaction. Mars the active force and representing the direction in which our energy flows during these few days prior to and following the new Moon is in freedom loving Aquarius at the point of the bow that would launch into awakening—beyond the known world and into the mysterious and vast unknown. On either side of Mars is Chiron, the healer and Venus/Pluto that is discussed subsequently as the focus of transforming the material desire nature. In opposition to Mars is the Black Moon Lilith that we know as the point at which we recognize the true Self. Mars leading the way ignites our passion to know the true Self and so migrate to inner peace. This supported by the healing of our wounds and less focus upon what we think we want or need here to be okay.

With Saturn at 29 degrees 48 minutes Scorpio this is the final curtain call to scrutinize and eliminate the deep, old collective patterns that restrict and bind us to servitude—serving the ego. We work with these aspects in relation to the blueprint we were given upon entrance. And though it may sound complicated it is quite simple. If you wish to scale a mountain there is a single rope that dangles in front of you—the only means by which to reach the top—you may veer a foot or two to one side or the other looking for the best foot hold but the rope remains the constant source for your ascent.

The final New Moon is a time to clarify the vision you have for the coming year. With Pluto, the planet of power, elimination and transformation conjunct Venus the ruler of desire and relating there will be a honing of what we perceive to be important. In some cases getting to the bare bones of what motivates us will be the driving force at this time.
For others realizing that old patterns influence us in ways that are limiting is just as profound. Wherever this combination shows up in your chart there will be a deep need to purge one self of dependence in favor of authenticity.

It would be impossible to avoid the showering of light that we are receiving from planet Uranus (it is everywhere) that, squaring Pluto and Venus, impels us to throw open the shutters and receive this gift. Suddenly it is realized that focusing on the minutia for a really, really long time we have managed to distract our selves from seeing the big picture. The distraction has been the reality whilst the Reality, always right here, has gone unnoticed except for the vague desire for something I long for but, as of yet, have not attained. (This of course in varying degrees for all of us. Not a criticism at all. It is as it is and couldn’t be more perfect!)

It must be stated also that there are five planets in Capricorn at this time—Sun, Moon, Mercury, Pluto and Venus. This has the capacity to undertake big projects and successfully complete challenging agendas. Not necessary for this to happen immediately. But with this powerful dynamic present to fully design a concept to be completed in 2015 would have considerable potential for standing out of the ordinary. Capricorn is adept at utilizing resources and creating what is of greatest service. Composers/musicians, engineers and architects for instance are often influenced by Capricorn—builders of systems, structures and rhythms.

What is your dream for 2015? What is your desire beyond the accumulation of material assets that contributes to well-being individually and collectively? Allow the inner child to engage in this process and free your self to dive into your unknown world of play and creation. No matter how many times we have dipped our toes into the pool, there is always something new awaiting us. This for the mind in stillness.

Happy celebrations and blessings for a marvelous New Year!

New Moon November 22, 2014 @ 0 degrees 7 minutes Sagittarius 07:32 a.m. EST
04:32 a.m. PST

“Our life is not a means to finding truth; life is the expression of truth…
Where the truth may lead is revealed by our life, not in advance of it. The truth is that life is filled with risk, and to live truth is to live constantly at risk.” ~Robert Wolfe, Abiding in Nondual Awareness

It is the task of Sagittarius to boldly convey the Truth discovered during the long night of the soul in the realms of Scorpio. During a New Moon we yearn for pure expression of that which is intuited on a deep level. There is no light to reflect what might exist consciously. There is freedom to express purely from a place of awareness—the fresh perspective of the infant. For an adult this does feel risky and yet the ‘reward’, knowing Self, outweighs the fear.

The story of Saturn continues to play a dominant role in this New Moon chart as it conjuncts the Sun/Moon and squares Jupiter ruler of these two in Sagittarius. Jupiter, great element of lightening up, accessing wisdom as well as a sense of humor. We may have been taking things a little too seriously of late, feeling burdened and limited. Many thoughts have the potential to limit. So numerous are our ‘burdens’ that taking time to define them, in Saturn fashion, becomes a waste of energy. Suffice it to say that every blow to body, mind, spirit has left an imprint that can act to obscure the path ‘home’.

For some few it is obvious, for others as we wake up to say, the nature of the life we have been living as false, there is a need to ‘clean house’ of beliefs that have kept us in a holding pattern that never allows us to take off. The combination of aspects during this New Moon are not radical or bound to lead us to an edge that requires a leap. They are a somewhat subtle and persistent continuation of evolutionary energy that promotes the slow dissolution of collective patterns/beliefs that eventually one by one, open us to Truth. Obviously if the mud you waddle in is deep, it can take you longer to reach the shore.

The ability to make decisions at this time may be hampered by opposing forces—that of critical thinking (Mercury conjunct Saturn in Scorpio) versus brazen desire (Venus in Sagittarius). The result of this may be inaction or conversely action that uses wisdom to fuel any efforts to create monumental change in the area of personal psyche; a reminder that Uranus is still squared by Pluto and therefore the underlying impetus to evolve and transform for the highest good is a deep motivation. As these are outer planets they affect all levels of activity here.

Jupiter square to Mercury/Saturn tends to push for generosity of spirit rather than the spirit of dissection, severity, discipline—being discerning as to what does not allow one to be open–open hearted, open minded; moving past self criticism to self love and out of isolation to inclusion.

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~Carl Jung

Perhaps the most dangerous secrets are what we keep from our selves—unwilling to look inside for fear that what we find is either too dreadful to deal with, or that we are agreeing to take full responsibility for our life, daunting no matter how this is approached. No other way than to face whatever need be faced on the way to liberation. Fear has kept us captive far too long. With Mercury conjunct Saturn in Scorpio one may be very fearful and at the same time find the courage to approach what does not serve one with the precision of a surgeon, fully capable of slicing away the diseased portions of this form in order to uncover healthy tissue beneath.

And recall that Jupiter in Leo shares the lion’s facility for bravery in aspect to these two making it easier to delve even a little deeper than one might otherwise find possible. Jupiter wants to say, “there now everything will be just fine”. And Sagittarius displays audacity that would mock those of a timid nature. All we need do is remember some famous Sagittarians to know their tendency to forge boldly forward where others fear to tread. This group includes, Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Noam Chomsky, Walt Disney, Tina Turner, Miley Cyrus, Steven Spielberg, Jon Stewart etc.

During these few days preceding and following this New Moon focus on challenging your self to uncover something previously lying hidden from view. If your intention is clear you will probably find that others show up as willing guides for your creative endeavor. These are gifts and should be accepted with appreciation. And while you are at it, don’t take your self too seriously. You can’t make a mistake.
new moon nov 22 2014

Full Moon November 6, 2014 in Taurus: Venus Rising

Full Moon November 6, 2014 @14 degrees Taurus 26 minutes 5:23 p.m. EST
2:23 p.m. PST

“There is elegance and grace in knowing that is reflected to us in everything we witness. It begins when a thought no longer elicits reaction.”

Gazing upon the Full Moon is to know stillness. In this moment there is no judgment, no desire to have it be anything other than it is. We have gazed upon this moon so many times. It is so much a part of our awareness that there is only peace as we arrive home. We are in a place of utter acceptance. The experience fills us to overflowing; boundaries fade and the moment becomes the unending sense of not two but one.

The Full Moon in Taurus is the awakening of the self assured. “I have”. In the early stages of discovery is acquisition until satisfaction is achieved. Then we stand in fullness that has nothing to do with anything outside of one self. This Full Moon in Taurus is Venus complete. The vision of the goddess rising from the sea, like the Full Moon, there is perfection and we ask for no more or different or better. We are content and there is peace. We no longer deny our selves or punish our selves by resisting acknowledgement of the source from which all notion of security is derived.

 

full moon november 6 2014 chart

At this time is the potential for ‘elegant transformation’. The swan, head bowed, focused only on the mirror-like surface supporting it as it glides easily through time and space. The 5th harmonic of this Full Moon chart (the 360 degree circle divided by 5=72 degrees-two planets affected by this aspect called a quintile, have the unique ability to usher one into a place of potent manifestation once we traverse the rocky landscape of physical reality) has an exact t-square between Mars and the Sun/Moon opposition. Mars in Aquarius has the vitality to move us through the portal to understanding the fragility of physical existence or duality to the knowing of the Self eternal and the subsequent manifestation of the gifts particular to each individual.

In the natal chart for November 6 is a conjunction of Mars and Pluto in Capricorn—the movement and further disintegration of structures unsupportive to ‘healthy’ growth. The aspect is exact on November 10th and is accompanied by Venus edging closer to Saturn and a square from Jupiter; deep examination of personal desire that can influence all of our experiences, limiting clarity and Self expression—coming from the heart. At the same time is a sextile from Mars/Pluto to Pallas Athena in Scorpio and a sextile to Chiron in Pisces. This geometry is referred to as a small talent triangle that defines the nature of the ‘gift’. We have access to insight and wisdom and a sense of independence to successfully heal wounds that lie, in some cases, far below the surface. In fact the combination of these planets—Mars/Pluto and Pallas and Chiron in these signs—Capricorn, Scorpio and Pisces is a prescription for significant mending of the warp and weft of humanity—affecting each of us equally whether we are aware of this or not.

We continue in our daily endeavors perhaps oblivious to the powerful energetics occurring about us and so smoothly can these transitions carry us from A to B to C that we one day wake up without pain. And it may register barely an ah, hah.

Venus was prominent by aspect in the recent New Moon (conjunct the luminaries October 23) and is again both by natural rulership of the Moon and through proximity to the Sun though separating now. We have had a long hard look at what we want and now as Venus approaches Saturn we have the opportunity to expel excess baggage.

“This road (to knowing Self) is passable, but it does steepen. If you are not intent in your direction, you may access the leveled detours. But if you do take the direct road, be prepared to jettison your cargo.” ~Robert Wolfe,  from Abiding in Nondual Awareness

Our ‘efforts’ are continuous and of this we may be unaware. When we glimpse the ‘light’ as we may through the familiar observation of a Full Moon and all comes to rest in the heart, baggage or no baggage, we recognize home. Without the conditioning however we are free to observe everything from a place of stillness. In these next few days we are led into a deeper and profound connection to this peace.

Good Monday Morning…one day after

Greeting you one day after but with a message for this Full Moon tomorrow: practice  not taking things personally. In a time that could be fraught with contention, it is wise to just observe another’s behaviour knowing that it has little to do with you–if there was a you for it to have anything to do with. We are each a screen upon which we project what is being experienced in any moment that may be based upon input from various past but related experiences that might not involve you in any way at any time. Is this something you want to attach to in a way that causes discomfort or down right suffering? Probably not.

The issue of there not being a YOU–it does not mean that the physical body and the mind do not exist, it means that as something separate from the Absolute, they do not. The Absolute is referred to as “all that is” because? Well, because it is everything. That means “I am everything”–no separate existence; it is not possible.

Two Steps Of the Journey by Mahmud Shabistari

The journey of the pilgrims is two steps and no more:

One is the passing out of selfhood,

And one toward mystical union with the Friend.

(Sufi poetry abounds with symbolism so that the term Friend refers to the One or Absolute presence. It was a protective measure lest they be named ‘infidels’.)

Full moon In Aries, October 8 2014: Do we have a choice?

Full Moon October 8, 2014 @ 15 degrees 5 minutes Aries 06:50 a.m. EDT
3:50 a.m. PDT

full moon oct 8 2014 chartFull Moon October 8, 2014 @ 15 degrees 5 minutes Aries 06:50 a.m. EDT
3:50 a.m. PDT

“The dramatic message seems abundantly clear: exposure to profound illumination is exposure to definite risk of radical transformation of one’s material existence or security. The willingness to risk is not separate from the openness to awakening. One who is not willing to take this risk—of possessions, career, family, security, stature, future and past—has encountered the first barrier, the eye of the needle.”—Robert Wolfe, Living Nonduality

This Full Moon is aggressive, feisty and tempestuous! It has the potential to blast us free of tenacious emotional and behavioral patterns as Uranus, the great awakener conjuncts the moon and together they trine Jupiter and Mars–all in fire. Burn baby burn! The sense of security dearest to us may not be what serves us. In a flash of inspiration whatever it is that stands between me and the freedom to express my self fully (Aries “seeks self”) is heaved into the flames without hesitation. Mars in Sagittarius is impetuous, bold and thinks nothing of hurling one self over the edge of the cliff to deal with the consequences later. Well, guess what? There are no consequences. Not that makes any difference really.
Perhaps the ego suffers a little bruising as I give up thoughts that I should be this or that, something more, better or different; just more expectation that creates disillusionment.

Now there is the clarity to stand up to the ego and free one self from long held believes about the nature of our existence (none of which is true). This is accomplished with a great deal of enthusiasm (again thanks to Aries). Too long have we dawdled between what we erroneously assume is our responsibility here and really living life! Jupiter in Leo and ruler of Sagittarius suggests in a very loud voice that we go for it and express from the heart. It would be possible to become enamored of one’s own greatness, bigness, importance with this trine except for the very fortunate square between Venus in Libra and Pluto. Venus in Libra is about fairness, balance and harmony and Pluto in Capricorn is not likely to allow any desires for self promotion to stand in the way of real liberation. That is the whole point here.

This is another wake up call set for repeat. We are taking this rising into awareness seriously. As of October 4th, Mercury is retrograde in Scorpio, couldn’t get more perceptive and adept at finding what does not serve an individual; to release them selves from the discomforting thoughts of mortality. When Mercury went retrograde, the moon was in Aquarius ruled by Uranus the planet that now conjuncts the moon and insists on evolution for our highest good. We will shine our light. It is our deepest desire to dwell in the heart of the true Self. This takes us back to the Pluto square Venus aspect that eliminates individual desires that eventually leave one feeling lost and lonely once we have cycled through a pile of them to say, “now what?”

And if we consider that as Mercury went retrograde Saturn was squaring the moon in Aquarius we get an even clearer picture of what this Full Moon illuminates for us as well as this period of Mercury retrograde; that is disciplined and focused attention upon overcoming limiting emotional dependency. Anything I take personally has the potential to create separation in which case I can perpetuate the vicious cycle of neediness.

Of course there are a few side effects of the energy surrounding these few days that we may want to prepare our selves for. A fire grand trine is more energy than some can handle especially if the chart is predominantly water or earth. The essence of Truth, the rising of awareness may impel one to be rather blunt.

As the energy builds the momentum could drive you to excessively straightforward expression that seems foreign to your tongue. You may unwittingly offend dozens of people as you travel, a whirlwind unleashed and unstoppable, devouring all that moves and is unmoving only to find that there is no devouring taking place. All that lies in my path has always been a part of me—I am that. Finally, I lack the social conditioning to delude my self further. Thank God for that! Or my Self. Same thing. I am eternally grateful for continuous presence beyond all else and my determined-ness to wrestle the ego into a place of subservience long enough to know freedom, the joy of release.

It feels so good! Think about mending the scorched and tattered field of experience later. Maybe when I look back I will see there is nothing that requires mending; nothing out of place or in need of smoothing or soothing. So deep has the mind travelled of recent that words are not a factor in the consideration of any action or reaction. The mind dwells in a place of tranquility and stillness a place of thoughtless observance–peace. This is not a quiet Full Moon or one that is celebrated with the usual appreciation. This Full Moon demands our unwavering dedication to the light within. We may oooh and aaah at its splendid magnificence but deep within we know that it is my self that shines as brightly. It is my self that captures my attention as a shining luminary, as the object of my apparent desire. We need not move an iota to capture the essence of the one who stands staring with adoration at the silvery orb that has kept us company throughout the centuries and more.

Good Monday Morning…Aren’t we all the best!

It doesn’t matter what appears to be going on here or there or what the mind is conjuring. There is pervading stillness, emptiness in which this occurs that is always. This is what lures me home. This is home.

Aren’t we all the best!
No matter what we are doing,
Doing our best
Or, as always, moving toward
That, even if at a snail’s pace
While everything else leaps through
space at speeds greater than
our minds may imagine
we dawdle along
thinking
doing
in earnest
that which provides us
with a momentary sense
of satisfaction
a moment of stillness
the mind erupts in a
tiny smile
light in the silence
home in the heart.

New Moon August 25, 2014: Stripped to the Bone

fish carcass for august new moon blogNew Moon August 25, 2014 @ 2 degrees Virgo 19 minutes
05:33 a.m. EDT 02:33 a.m. PDT

In slumber the shadow crosses slowly a desolate landscape. Stunning is the austerity.
One cannot help but be affected by the stillness; the lack of distraction. Where in this dream do I fulfill my desires? The thought goes out a long way but ricochets back to me from distant boulders. Where in this place do I find my desires? I do not find that I want anything and yet I see the landscape unfolding with magnificent curves, sharp edges, soft contours and a horizon that is finally at the end of the limitless sea—perhaps. This I do not know. But ‘it’ goes on. Has nothing to do with what I want. A vulture rises from behind a high outcropping and makes big circles in the sky searching for something that has died, spirals above me. The shadow disappears.

Contributing to a vision that includes only the bare necessities is sharp insight into what serves a higher purpose. Once again the feeling is ‘being stripped to the bone’. The result is feeling raw but it doesn’t take long before a sense of wild freedom replaces vulnerability; freedom from duty and responsibility for anything other than focus upon inner peace, the stillness that we encounter when perched upon a rock in the desert in waning sunlight.

A time to allow intuitive gifts to carry one into deeper levels of expression that demonstrate a commitment to what is beyond thought; being motivated by impulse. The impulse that drives all of us forward no matter how daily life is manifested or what appears upon the big screen. Thus there is freedom to be present and enjoy the moment.

No worry or concern for what should or should not, might or might not be. Only clear insight as to the nature of existence.

The messenger is not an individual alone on a mission to establish truth in the chaos. The messenger is the collective dream that desires to know the Love that we are, the inner peace that is. The message rises repeatedly from whatever is occurring in this moment. The message sings to us, dances about us, lands heavily at our feet, wafts temptingly in our vicinity as it continues to flow in and out of experience that is limited by our sense of physicality. Let go of all belief, become the song, the dance, the air that I breathe and the impulse for home beats with such regularity all else falls away as it changes, moves out of time and disappears. What remains is the true nature.

Stripped to the bone the door flies open and the heart is free to pour forth Love into Love into Love. In the golden light my tiny shadow looms large and then in an instant is gone.

This New Moon stalks me like a cat, the vibration of its silent steps jarring awareness of all that looms about me in the dream. With laser precision I eradicate symbols and images that have long kept me prisoner here. Naturally words dissolve and every belief I have ever had lets go and tumbles out of memory. In the morning we all marvel at this spectacular sun rise.

august new moon 2014 chart

 

 

 

 

Good Monday Morning…Sweet Surrender (con’t)

Tripping Over Joy

What is the difference
Between your experience of Existence
And that of a saint?

The saint knows
That the spiritual path
Is a sublime chess game with God

And that the Beloved
Has just made such a Fantastic Move

That the saint is now continually
Tripping over Joy
And bursting out in Laughter
And saying, “I Surrender!”

Whereas, my dear,
I am afraid you still think
You have a thousand serious moves.”
― Hafiz, I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy

I wake up for nine days with the chin of an eternally optimistic chocolate Lab resting on my hand or arm, with tail wagging and bright eyes imploring, “let’s play!” Because she is the sweetest and most well behaved critter on four legs, I surrender to the hour, 6:15, throw on some clothes, harness her up and we explore the neighborhood–new to me and always new to her no matter how many times she has sniffed that patch of ground.

She doesn’t know me but loves me regardless and I don’t know her but the feelings are mutual. It is the wonderful thing about dogs and I personally am grateful for a little extra LOVE this week! Thank you Lily.