Tag: Being

Still…

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Today is still
and so the ocean
though, cool air
and rolling waves,
damp sand and distance
with the scent of eternity.

“If the defining feature of our future is uncertainty, then we all need to become improvisers.” ~Srinija Srinivasan, Daily Good, 12.9.25

(Improvise def.: if you improvise, you make or do something using whatever you have or without having planned it in advance.)

To improvise we are in the moment, with only what is available in this moment. This precludes one from relying on the past. Instead we are challenged to tune into a greater source that offers a multitude of possibility. We listen, engage the senses and go with the infinite and eternal flow.

“Improvisation means coming to the situation without rigid expectations or preconceptions. The key to improvisation is motion—you keep going forward, fearful or not, living moment to moment. That’s how life is.” ~Bobby McFerrin (Don’t Worry, Be Happy)

In the Bardo we were brave and confronted some of what ails us. It is an individual discovery that serves us to better understand our limitations. This contributes to collective discovery. Everything moves forward together. Individually each step may seem unique. Yet all steps contribute to the same thing and that is greater awareness.

Even as technology seems to herd us into corners we may still find freedom in the boundary-less inner world that expands into infinity. We race unfettered toward an undefined goal embracing every moment with spontaneous delight. There are no rules or laws, expectations or judgment. There is air to breathe and motion to guide us. Openness, space and possibility.

For all of us prepared to dip the ladle a little deeper, to stir the bottom of the pot and find hidden, those nuggets of creativity that lie waiting, this is the moment. This year, that rapidly draws to a close, has been one of challenge. It may have resembled the trials of Sisyphus, a king of Corinth who was condemned by Zeus to roll an enormous boulder uphill. Every time he neared his destination the boulder rolled back downhill. This was his eternal struggle.

The never-ending challenge is over. There is no boulder and there is no hill! There is only this moment of possibility that awaits in which, when I listen, all answers arrive. Often the answer is so simple that I have not been able to hear it.

This New Moon in Sagittarius is a moment to feel into an unknown capacity for the creative and unfettered self. Sagittarius is a mythological being, half man, half horse. The human having tamed the beast within seeks greater awareness. He is an archer with bow and arrow raised to the heavens, symbolic of seeking truth. Sagittarians desire the freedom to explore all possibilities and move through life as free spirits. The curiosity of Gemini, their opposite, becomes deeper exploration in Sag.

With ruling planet Jupiter (in Taurus) figuring prominently in this new moon chart, we are inclined to act with wisdom and a sense of justice. (Be aware of tendencies to feel righteous or all knowing as this can be a shadow expression of Jupiter).

There is ease in this chart as Jupiter is in favorable aspect to Uranus in Taurus and Saturn/Neptune in Pisces. This forms the infamous small talent trine that allows for brilliant use of creative resources. Uranus of course is in favor of evolution at all costs and the Neptune/Saturn conjunction in Pisces has a ‘responsible, focused’ vision that upholds greater spiritual exploration.

The ease of this combination of planets is based on seeds that were planted during the solar eclipse March 29th of this year. That occurred in Aries, I seek Self. Now in Sagittarius we realize I am what I seek and that allows for an unlimited experience in this phenomenal world.

From a ‘higher vista’ we see clearly, as in the World card XXI of the major arcana. Our experiences have been plenty and as we ‘have been there done that’ on so many occasions, we need not be distracted by choice. We feel only the movement that moves everything and we too move. It is easy.

“The winds of grace blow all the time. All we need do is set our sails.” ~Ramakrishna

The squeeze shows up in the Sun/Moon and Venus square aspect to the same Saturn/Neptune conjunction. It would seem that we can’t exactly run wild, hither and yon without paying attention to the deeper calling—to attend to deeper desires that Venus in Sagittarius can have when challenged by the need to continue learning (Saturn) and our listening to the call home (Neptune).

Finally, Mars in early Capricorn, the manifestor of the universe, is next door to Sun/Moon and square to Saturn/Neptune. The energy of Capricorn is a powerful dynamo. Tireless and never without resources, Mars in Capricorn will provide us with ample motivation to move. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn is reliable, focused and determined to provide that which supports us in these wild times.

At the end of this year there are bound to be revelations and ah, hah moments. Whatever projects you may have perculating know that 2026, the year of the Fire Horse, is in essence a whole year of Sagittarian accomplishment fueled by great vision and a ‘knowing’ which expediates the creative process. AI is a significant contributor to the speed with which we advance and has the ability to reflect to us our own shortcomings. We’re listening.

In these accelerated times we can feel challenged and comfortable at the same time. Challenged to open up and comfortable knowing that that is all that is required of me, to open up. I am free of thoughts that life should be any way in particular. We have become aware that ‘my thoughts create my reality’ and as such have more freedom to express ourselves from a truer source.

May our openness guide us to care for each other in new ways and to touch deeply in a way that awareness allows.

Random Quotes

“Reverie is not a mind vacuum. It is rather the gift of an hour which knows the plenitude of the soul.”~Gaston Bachelard

“Will you gather daydreams or will you gather wealth? How can you find your fortune when you cannot find yourself?” ~Gordon Lightfoot

Without its daydreams the self is apt to shrink down to the size and shape of the estimation of others. ~Michael Pollen

Today…

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Today there is gratitude for thoughts that no longer remain, 
for doing without thought, for moments of no thought.
For clouds that slide by, for leaves ruffled by a slight breeze.
There is gratitude for the idleness that permeates this moment
allowing silence to speak.
......
Hardly anything left
I sweep away the dust now
The night, such quiet.

Love…

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…is everything. When we do not know love (as abiding within) we look everywhere for it; the source of so many disappointments, heartache and suffering. When we are not suffering life has a light, open and inquisitiveness that is delightful! We are free to Be in this moment without a need to do or pursue something that is in any case, impermanent. Give it, receive it and most of all know that love is not an acquisition but is inherent…

June—Into Summer and the ‘Quest’ for Freedom

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for june blogWe must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us. ~ Joseph Campbell

A dancer leaps from the stage, a grand jete, filled with grace that can only be the result of an empty mind. Great athletes, artists, people ‘employ’ an innate sense of the absolute to defy the physical limitations that confine most. There is no thought that it is not possible, only the overwhelming desire for freedom.

Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to, when all they need is one reason why they can. ~Martha Graham

Grace ushers us from moment to moment if we allow that; if we do not have too many thoughts that say it is not possible. Life is exactly what we’ve always wished for, if we don’t get in the way. The dance does not proceed if we stand on our own toes.

In June allow ‘grace’ to sweep you off your feet, to find your inherent direction and let go in order to enjoy the freedom of waltzing through life without a care in the world. Not easy you say? Okay if you say so. After all it is your experience and it will be exactly what you want it to be. You might ask however, who is in charge? And am I being led on a mighty goose chase only to discover that what I really want is right back where I started from. Whew! What an exhausting journey. When completely done with the pursuit of the illusive waking up, finally we rest in exactly what is here and voila! That’s it! So simple.

There are so many things we would not dream of questioning—the setting of the sun, the movement of the river, waking up each morning to a new day. Why do we question our true nature from which all else arises? Why do we seek, and therefore must doubt, Reality and instead abide in the suffering brought about by confusion? Not questions that require answers only consideration and only if one desires freedom. Otherwise we scoot along doing the very best we can and in a way it is all the same, as everything is ‘that’ in every moment. One way the ‘ego’ takes responsibility for our life and drives us mad. The other way, there is no need to control anything as it all happens regardless of any apparent participation by any ‘me’. Me only exists in relation to other and both do not exist as they are already and always ‘that’.

As soon as you believe that a label you’ve put on yourself is true, you’ve limited something that is literally limitless, you’ve limited who you are into nothing but a thought. ~ Adyashanti

In June as we approach the longest day of the year, (June 21st) with daylight hours extended there is a natural optimism that frees us from some limitations. There is a desire to experience the freedom one felt as a child when the months of summer brought liberation from teacher, books and desk. One could create from the imagination and follow that vision wherever it might go. We were free to Be simply. We flowed as the river flows. In the classic Rider Waite deck these qualities are represented in the Page of Cups.

The Page of Cups is the inner child, our pure, creative and innocent nature without the conditioning that later would obscure our sense of Self. The inner child experiences no boundaries or limitations as everything is possible. All comes from the heart, is the heart.
In esoteric symbolism the fish is spiritual ideas or awareness. The fish in this page’s cup is indicative of his connection to Self and therefore an endless source of free flowing energy that is emotional peace and joy.

The other two cards for June are: Seven of Swords indicating the freedom to escape the perpetual deluge of thoughts that would otherwise drive us hither and yon in a confused state of frenzy, chasing rainbows and tilting at windmills. In this card the young man moves forward with ease and grace, burden is no longer a word in his vocabulary. The number seven represents the overcoming of challenges that then allow life to flow with greater peace.

Nine of Wands where the hard work has been done, all fears and concerns have been relegated to a position of inactivity. As such the young man who has obviously fought his battles can rest in a place of confidence. Nines are a high level of attainment and as Wands are the last suit, of inspiration and spirit, he has conquered the issues of the other three levels—of the physical, the emotional and mental and can therefore relax and enjoy in his knowingness.

In Chinese astrology June is the month of the Horse the animal with whom we associate freedom in spite of the long history of servitude to man. An image of a horse running across an open space uninhibited, unfettered makes our spirits soar. We have memories of being unfettered that this image triggers. Then ask your self what is between me and freedom? The ‘quest’ for June, liberation, freedom.

Full Moon 06.02.15: 11 degrees Sagittarius

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Full Moon @ 11 degrees Sagittarius 49 min. 12:19 p.m. EDT 09:19 a.m. PDT

There is such a thing as perfection…and our purpose for living is to find that perfection and show it forth….Each of us is in truth an unlimited idea of freedom. Everything that limits us we have to put aside. ~Richard Bach

full moon chart 06 02 15Limitation is a concept pertaining to duality. It is the result of thinking there is any one that may be limited. Limitation is a judgment and confines us to the never ending search for “perfection” when that is our natural state. If we think we are not, then naturally we will seek that. And as we perceive my self in relation to others then we will begin by seeking outside of our self for what will contribute to our sense of perfection. I must be more, better or different than I am now.

This Full Moon in Sagittarius is involved in a mutable cross (4 planets that square each other and two sets of opposition). Mutable relates to the quality of the signs these four planets occupy. Mutable signs allow change. They are flexible and apt to go with the flow; the wind that has no limitations. The wind in a windstorm has been used to describe a mutable grand cross. There is a great deal of tension inherent in a grand cross. It is a dynamic configuration that is highly motivated to seek resolution to the discomfort of the tension. In this case with the Sun/Moon in opposition, Neptune and Black Moon Lilith in opposition and all squaring each other the way to ‘peace’ is through recognition of Truth that lies at the ‘center’ of the square.

Deeply situated in a ‘place’ that transcends all of the thoughts that I am this or that or anything to do with a Grand Cross is the knowing that these thoughts are my limitation. In the Grand Cross I bump up against my self creating my self outside of or appending my true nature. In the windstorm the only ‘place’ to rest is in the eye of the storm, the center, the one place where I sit in stillness knowing that ‘this too shall pass’. It is just a storm. It tugs at the hair and clothing but has no effect upon “that” which is everything and nothing and exists still, even when the storm has passed. Let it be therefore and be “it” and unattached to the storm that ceases to exist as quickly as it arose.

With Neptune standing in opposition to the Black Moon Lilith there is a desire to defy limitation or ignore it as a manifestation of duality. Black Moon entices, draws from Neptune the greatest gift the ruler of Pisces offers and that is dissolution—of beliefs that structure our world. The solution is dissolution and in the environment that is the realm of this frozen giant, the winds that rage at 1500 m.p.h., the fastest in this universe, dust will never settle.

With Mercury and Mars conjuncting the Sun (All in Gemini. There are 8 planets of 11 in mutable signs) there is ample energy directed toward experiencing and then moving to the next experience with the result quickly arrived at—been there done that, been there done that and that—reminding ourselves as mercury is still retrograde that I’ve hit my head against the wall enough times to recognize the way through this is not any of the ways that I have tried in the past. And therefore, what is it?

By doing nothing except accepting what is, in this moment, as an expression of the Absolute Reality occurring in physicality. We think it is so difficult, that we need to bash into our selves to get it but the opposite is true. “Sit’ in silence and be free. Thoughts will come and go—so. They have nothing to do with me; that is Reality. All those thoughts are a product of the past and are not relevant here and now. Let the winds sweep you away and know that it has not the ability to alter “that” our true nature.

All the challenges that may arise as a result of any tension at this time are merely showing up as an image on a screen that I project based on what I deem to be real—that which I identify with; the accumulation of patterns that have fallen upon these shoulders that is all part of a story with which I identify—an illusion as there is no individual for whom this can be true. There is only ‘source’ everywhere and everything Being.

In the midst of clashing molecules form arises. We understand the eternal nature of the ‘abiding’ that precedes all physical existence.

Mutable=flexibility, going with the flow that allows all things to appear on the screen of reality and to quickly pass away.

Grand Cross=dynamic, motivation to resolve tension.

I’ve tried everything! What’s next? The realization that ‘I” am that which is still.

At 11 degrees we know that “we” is all one and make every effort, no stone unturned, to overcome the limiting confines of relative perception. 11 is a master number where we first grasp freedom beyond separation–not two.

New Moon in Taurus and Mercury retrograde

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New Moon 05.17/18.15 @ 26 deg. Taurus 56 minutes
0:13 a.m. 05.18 EDT 09:13 p.m. PDT

Also, Mercury retrograde 05.18 @ 13 deg. Gemini and direct 06.11 @ 5 deg. Gemini. Practice patience and acceptance. Take time to reflect and relax. Be observant rather than critical and tolerant as “stuff” happens i.e. miscommunication, not hearing. Back up and approach from a new direction.

new moon chart 05 17 15The New Moon is preparation for this Mercury retrograde as slowing down and being still is what takes place naturally with the moon in Taurus conjunct the Sun—at peace, secure in proximity of the ‘greater’ luminary; basking in the warmth and light of awareness. Blessed with freedom to Be without restriction or incessant ‘worry’ about anything that has anything to do with this physical reality.

Taurus the sign of establishment, once knowing security of physical reality/illusion of duality, has the potential to transcend concern for the basic necessities and be liberated to express the higher octave of Venus (ruler of Taurus) unconditional love or our true nature. These two astrological ‘moments’ are simply unfolding with perfection as is all creation regarding our apparent movement toward Self realization.

It came to my attention recently that the moon due to the speed of the rotation of the Earth is or has been moving away from the Earth at approximately 3.8 cm. per year, an infinitesimal distance given the enormity of space. However, symbolically, this combined with humanity moving out of the Kali yuga and into the ‘lighter’ or less dense Dwapara yuga increases the grace and ease with which we may experience our Self. The moon symbolizes the instinctive nature and the past, those patterns of emotional behaviour that influence us and have the potential to create limitations and suffering.

The distancing of the moon from the earth=detachment or allowing and accepting what is rather than being controlled by the ego to react in such a way that is often uncomfortable.

There are very few close aspects to the New Moon. Saturn at 1 degree Sagittarius creates an out of sign opposition that has a 5 degree separation. Saturn’s weighty dynamic even when mutable has the effect of anchoring one to the ‘issue at hand’. That specifically will be different for every individual but essentially the same for all in that old patterns that do not serve us must go! Upon porcelain, every blemish is a distraction. Saturn, that stands at the threshold of the physical plane, whose rings represent beliefs that are grounded in relativity and as such hurdles to be leaped on the way to liberation is an enormous gift to us; the bracing slap in the face lest we are too distracted to ‘wake up’ from the dream.

See that humanity is cradled as a dew drop on a leaf, on a branch, on a tree, in the soil, on the Earth. See that humanity is a crest of the wave and the infinite ocean. See that I am that, could not be otherwise. A tiny fleck of water hurled through the air amongst the spray, falling back to the sea or dissolved by the noon day sun—gone while “that” remains, always, never changing, infinite. I am “that”.

This dance of two earthly elements Saturn and Taurus reaching beyond as far as the eye can see encourages us to elope with the unknown, to believe in our wildest dream and to actually feel the stability of having nothing and knowing nothing except what is in this moment—the perfection of that and the peace it is.

Mars, 7 degrees away in Gemini, the warrior has wings on his feet and is apt not to dally in whats, whys, whens or wheres. Flexible, agile and moving from experience to experience he has mastered every nuance necessary to complete his education therefore prefers to touch briefly as he assumes his flight of fancy. Woe be to those who endeavor to clip the wings and cage the beast. He will don the cloak of invisibility and be seen no more. With Neptune square the hero he may dash about tilting at windmills but in earnest while the rest of us look on at the scene through a vast picture window sipping mint juleps and adjusting our conversation.

Sweet Venus ruler of Taurus even sweeter considering her position in Cancer though an opposition to Pluto will ensure that desire remain on an impartial plateau and that nurturing, caring is inherent to all beings and as such there is no need that drives me to take care of you but to attend to my Self as a means of giving to all.

Undoubtedly these few days will pass by and life goes on as usual except that those invisible energetic waves that propel us forward or inward take us deeper without us even knowing. Therefore, nothing to do or be concerned about as ‘it’ is all happening as we speak. Freedom is and now for me to just accept that.

Full Moon 05.03.15 in Scorpio

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Full Moon 05.03.15 @ 13 deg. 23 min. Scorpio 11:42 p.m. EDT 08:42 p.m. PDT

“The mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it.”
~Nisargadatta Maharaj, author of I am That

full moon chart 05 03 15

Vastness swallows us whole over and over and over…in every moment our cares, whims and dissatisfaction are lost in the endless Reality of Being that has not a thought let alone consideration for any individual desire.

The light of this Full Moon filters through the shadows and the darkness, reaches deep into awareness dispersing doubt, confusion and reminding us that the cycle that is humanity–birth, death, rebirth and regeneration–the realm of Scorpio and the 8th house, is an individual experience in the midst of Being. In the midst of Being, as if swallowed by an ocean, there is no individual, there is no separation and there is no suffering. Suffering is a thought. A situation is intolerable? The situation is, intolerable is a thought.

Scorpio divests us of all unnecessary accoutrements; all those many layers of accumulated perception that have contributed to beliefs that are not true in this moment. Byron Katie ‘the Work” focuses attention on what is true in this moment. What we know to be true is here and now and far less than what we ‘believe’ is true. When we rely on perceptions or ‘our’ understanding of situations everything is filtered through a warped lens of habitual patterns of thinking.

Venus ruler of Taurus, the sign the Sun occupies presently is 29 degrees ahead of Mars co-ruler of Scorpio where the Moon resides for approximately 2 ¾ days beginning at 6:47 p.m. on May 2nd. This is a constructive relationship between two planets that are generally described as ‘having differences’. Next door to each other they offer support and wisdom based on what they experience without sacrificing a thing to ‘maintain’ relationship.

Relationship exists, is an aspect of experience but the notion of separate components is where the problems arise, all based on our perception of ‘need’. I need that which appears to be outside of my self. How can anything be outside of everything or the Absolute? The problem is with individual identification.

If we allow for what exists always and accept what is in this moment there is no need to traverse any crevasse or troubled waters—they are just waters—there are no shadows or darkness just what is occurring, the natural unfolding of the Absolute. Everything that arises from this ‘one’ is an expression of “that”—this one or that one, us we them—all the same an expression of “that”. One entity cannot be okay and another not.

Jupiter that vast gaseous giant to which we attribute qualities of wisdom and benevolence and expanded awareness exactly squares this Full Moon (within a few minutes) and is accompanied by Juno. In mythology these two were husband and wife and did not experience marital bliss perhaps as they were also sister and brother. Jupiter/Jove was well known for his many dalliances that provoked Juno to commit some desperate acts of retaliation. The lovers of Jupiter suffered the consequences of her anger and were turned into various different animals or features in nature, trees, streams etc.

In this Full Moon chart with Venus and Mars working together and Jupiter and Juno in friendly conjunction it is an opportunity to experience harmonious abidance and recognizing that we all share the essence of Being. We are all this Being here in physical reality. Compassion, love presides as a result of the liberty from all of the mind constraints that have limited us for a long time. We let go of expectation of others to provide us with anything and rest in knowing that whatever is, is what is happening.

Jupiter square the Sun and the Moon provides a rather ‘influential’ energy for trusting rather than resisting and realizing Self not as separate from what is but as “that’ which is always, never changing, stillness, silence when the mind settles into knowing of the heart rather than thinking. During this Full Moon enjoy the freedom of observation without thought or expectation. If it feels uncomfortable being stripped to the bone remember the discomfort is only a thought and peace is what is beyond that thought.

New Moon February 18, 2015: 0 degrees Pisces

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New Moon February 18, 2015 @ 0 degrees Pisces (*) 6:47 p.m. EST 3:47 p.m. PST

(* In Maynard’s Celestial Guide calendar the New Moon is listed at 29 deg. 54 min. Aquarius. My astrology program says 0 degrees Pisces and I have no logical explanation for this discrepancy. I am going with what Halloran software program displays at the above time which means there are two new moons in Pisces in 2015. The other is March 20th at 29 deg. 27 minutes and this is also a solar eclipse, a powerful way to complete this month punctuated by the last sign of the zodiac where we dissolve into nothing and realize we are everything.)

Deep down, below the surface of the average man’s conscience, he hears a voice whispering. ~Carl Jung

new moon chart 02 18 15

What can we expect with 6 planets in Pisces that include a conjunction of Mars and Venus as well as the Sun and Moon? With the yin/yang elements in agreement and immersed in the well of collective unconscious or absence of thought/belief, guided or motivated by essence, we experience a realm that words can not accurately describe. It is in Pisces that thought becomes knowing and actions evolve from a sense of perfection that permeates the deep waters of our souls.

Is there a tendency with Pisces to drift away and become lost in streams of awareness that avoid connection to the mundane elements of physical existence? Might this be our fate for these few days surrounding the New Moon? It would depend upon what other aspects exist in the natal chart. Pisces people are just as diverse as members of any other sign based on the many combinations of planetary positions.

The chart for February 18th has the benefit of a Saturn square to the Sun/Moon and also to Neptune at 7 degrees Pisces. Though this may manifest in some as insecurity and observing fears that lay hidden in crevasses barely wide enough for the passage of a tiny lizard, in others it is grand vision, compassion and empathy for the human condition; a sense of responsibility to the highest good and to relieving the suffering that has been a defining quality of human existence throughout. In Pisces is found the connection to Christ Consciousness and an elevated platform from which to act without reaction.

We may find, once we have realized the source of our fears, that we have very little to be attached to that would limit us from Being our true nature that is symbolized within this last sign in astrology. Without boundaries or ‘beliefs’ we are free. That is the frightening and nebulous quality of Pisces—it is for the most part beyond the knowable. Pisces people with whom I have acquaintance, are not to be understood in the same way we might understand others. They offer few footholds for those requiring relative connection. We are sometimes left to navigate therefore our own insecurities that prompt us to seek avenues into others psyches.

Saturn in Sagittarius aspecting the luminaries provides an anchor for the practical application of what we find while engaged in exploration of the spaces between the warp and the weft. Saturn is the ballast for the ship that might otherwise float out to sea. The disposition of Saturn is to create parameters, to focus attention and to resist ‘temptation’ that would distract us from our goal.

In the dark of this Moon we will find our selves relying on blind faith with impetus to loosen the grip we have on physical reality in order to embrace the deeper rhythms to which we are eternally tuned. Make way for spontaneous insights that provide magical solutions and allow time for the mystical that has potential to transport us to new ‘heights’. Enjoy the waves of compassion whilst contributing amply to them and notice the kindness with which we are now interacting with each other–grace, patience and peace.

This is the opening of a gateway to the above mentioned; that as we approach the New Moon of March 20th will open further to be all inclusive and continue to ease us from separative thought.