From the Obvious to the Subtle

Our major struggles end up being with our own inner fears, insecurities and destructive patterns and not with outside forces.” ~Michael A. Singer, The Untethered Soul

Coming down from Franceschi Park recently there was a doe descending a slope. When my car came round the corner she quickened her pace and disappeared into the bushes. It was a surprising sight somehow. A large wild animal roaming free. It has been years since I have seen a deer in Santa Barbara. The occurrence startled me into contemplating its symbolic meaning. Especially at this time of the New Moon and in light of current turmoil.

In Celtic tradition there were two aspects of the deer: the feminine element, called Eilid in Gaelic, the female red deer, symbolizing femininity, gentleness and grace. It was believed that the deer called to men from the kingdom of the fairies to free them from the trappings of the earthly world and taking them to the world of magic. https://www.faena.com

It was a bit how I felt. Perhaps wanting to disappear into the foliage to discover what has given these seemingly delicate but mighty animals the ability to survive in ever changing circumstances. It must be magic! Though humans have the capacity to think we too are animals. When we stop thinking and tune into deeper waters we are guided with ease and grace toward the unknown. This may seem mysterious and it is somehow magical that Life will unfold without us ‘doing’ anything.

Deer symbolize the powers in nature that are not easily subdued. They are native to every continent except Australia, thus they are able to adapt very well to many habitats. They represent instinctual energy, independence, and regeneration, which stems from their antlers being shed and re-grown each year. This instinctual energy that deer represent tells us to trust our gut reactions…http://www.purespirit.com

With the constant flow of information that comes at us from many directions we may seldom pay heed to the deeper waters of the intuitive faculties. So many distractions! These days it may seem to require Herculean effort to still the mind and be in silence. Deer are quiet. At times they take on the cloak of invisibility. There she was in that moment, agile, moving with great ease. Then gone in the next moment. Leaving her message rather indelibly etched upon my inner eye. Everything is possible when we are irresistent to change. Animals do not think they know anything; are guided with perfection based on their wholly instinctive natures. We too have that capacity.

Deer also symbolizes the gentle, enticing lure of new adventures. Should a deer come into your life, Ted Andrews tells us to look for new perceptions and degrees of perceptions to grow and expand…http://www.purespirit.com

Beliefs are being examined and those that are limiting are being discarded. The approaching swell has the power to diminish all that has stood in time to guide us in ways that have created the under utilization of our truest qualities. Heaped upon them is fear.

Deer beckons us to go deeper into the forest, into the mystery that lies deep within. There in the quiet, the stillness we may be and contemplate nothing in particular and witness the self/ego disappear as the energy of ancient solitude settles into the bones. With a sigh, an exhale I realize I am that, this infinitude of peace.

New Moon: July 20th 28 degrees Cancer 27 minutes 10:33 a.m.

Not much fanfare around this New Moon. No eclipse or solstice or exact conjunction to any important angles or fixed stars as we had in June. It is the second new Moon in Cancer this year. June 20th saw the solar/lunar conjunction at 0 degrees Cancer 21 minutes. The alpha and the omega we could say here. In the beginning (June) the moon was influenced by the moon, ruler of the first decant of Cancer while the ending (July), the last decant, is represented by Neptune natural ruler of Pisces the last of the water signs.

Moon is our emotional, instinctive, instinctual self—in June, new moon in Cancer, we received a large dose of energy focusing on this area of experience. Neptune now alleviates the burden of self examination due to emotional upheaval, in favor of letting go of all things personal to feel the true lack of separation between “this one” and all else. We are offered a glimpse of the magic of freedom from suffering. The instinct is to be without boundary, without need to classify or identify. To not take things so personally.

In the July New Moon chart there is a long trine—8 degrees between Sun/Moon and Neptune. Neptune only gently nudging these luminaries—a blessing and a whispering; to discover the treasures that lie within.

Neptune exactly trines the asteroid Vesta at 20 degrees Cancer elevating the notion of our task to one that serves the heart of humankind. Vesta is associated with the vestal virgins of Rome, the keepers of the flame. They tended the hearth that symbolically was the heart of Rome.

Vesta is where we find our deepest desires kindled; that are kept alive through great moments of victory or times of distress and devastation. Always alive within us is ‘spirit’ that which survives when all else ceases to exist, it is. Neptune and Vesta energy touches us in such a way that we cannot not sense the fire of spirit burning within. Each life is being altered according to the extent of openness we each have at this time. The cup cannot receive more than its capacity. The rest would be lost.

In exact opposition to the Sun/Moon is Saturn in Capricorn. A heavy hand to discipline, to teach us our lessons? Or the mature hand of wisdom that guides us toward a deeper sense of responsibility for the well being of all—not the victim but a part of the healing. And thank goodness for Saturn in Capricorn! It is the rudder that keeps the ship upright. It is the grounding that keeps us ‘heads above the water’. Neptune is in Pisces and Sun/Moon, Vesta and Mercury are all in water. Saturn provides an earthly anchor lest we feel in danger of being swept away. That of course is the thought, “I will be swept away, annihilated.” Saturn asks us to allow for old patterns to be swept away and to trust that what lies underneath the old structure is our greatest sense of security, our salvation.

The sign of Cancer with Moon rulership has not only to do with nurturing and nourishing the physical and emotional bodies but also the ‘soul’. This we do by diving into source.

The Moon XVIII of the major Arcana in Tarot rules the night the unconscious and represents our quest for freedom from the tyranny of the mind. It requires courage to plumb these depths, the darkness can be daunting. Fears are sequestered here. And yet, once we recognize that these fears are not of our making, that they are the product of conditioning we are freed from their grasp and free to gather the riches of these depths—stillness, peace, quiet that is the soul’s domain.

In the stillness of the mind I saw myself as I am – unbound.” Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Puerta del Cielo

Puerta del Cielo: Door to the Sky, Doorway to Heaven

As the fly bangs against the window attempting freedom while the door stands open, so we bang against death ignoring heaven. ~ Douglas Horton

Passing by a small church near Chapala and Mission recently, I was intrigued by their sign welcoming parishioners into their space. In large letters it said, Puerta del Cielo. I thought what a beautiful invitation, to rise above the clouds, the mundane, the daily travail and soar! Free to roam, to experience peace and leave the noise behind; to walk through this ‘door to the sky’. We look up instead of focusing our attention on the details. We breathe in the spaciousness and feel the expansion. We find our doorway to heaven. Now heaven is a word, unlike sky, which has as many interpretations as there are people (and then there may be some people for whom heaven does not exist). Heaven exists according to our idea of perfection; that can change over the years as we complete the fulfillment of desires. The doors are endless or at least as numerous as are our wants.

The doorway to the sky though, is the fast track. The sky can have its moods but it is always sky and we can reach for the sky or in other words seek the limitless, boundless, infinite and eternal nature of reality in a conscious manner. This means only that we are aware of a desire to dump anything that prevents us from walking through (symbolically of course) the one door. Sky, is rarely open for debate or religious interpretation. Things show up on the field of sky. Clouds come and go. We do not need however, to have our vision obscured by them. As John Butler relates:

Look up and go above the clouds forget about the mind.’ (4.22.20 video How to Overcome the Mind)

Butler further points out, from his idyllic village in the United Kingdom, the organic ever flowing nature of Nature that is and has been for millennia regardless of storms, rapids, extremes in temperature etc. As Nature, human beings are more than capable of the same patient, persistent, persevering qualities as that which exists all around us that has no mind. We deal with apparent catastrophic events and survive. Some would say and thrive…that quality that pervades “all things” is Truth of our Nature. The mind is a handy accessory.

The mind as we know is a very useful tool. However, when it garners control, as happens frequently due to old habits and patterns, we are confining our selves to experience only a part of this life that unfolds endlessly. Opportunities to create are limited by the mind!

At this time we can challenge our beliefs, habits and those perceptions (some that we are not even aware of) that have shaped our reality. Every day we can look for all those signs that show us the ways in which miracles show up. And, it might behoove us to redefine the word miracle or to newly establish, deep in the recesses of mind that miracles happen for everyone, at any time and anywhere. We are not victims. Everything that occurs here is an expression of our own design. What an opportunity to evolve this species beyond the victim mentality; to take responsibility for our own health and well being!

There are such moments in life, when, in order for heaven to open, it is necessary for a door to close. ~Jose Saramago

New Moon May 22, 2020 2 degrees 5 minutes Gemini 10:39 a.m. PDT

Gemini in general: Gemini represents the energy connection within creation. It is described as the “light of inter-play,” meaning that it is Gemini that reveals the basic duality of manifestation, the relationship of spirit and form. All souls, as individual entities come into human incarnation as vital entities through Gemini. It governs the breath of life, the movement of spirit in form. In Gemini, the relation between soul and body emerges in which the body or form serves the soul. ~zodiacrealm7.wordpress.com

This New Moon deepening our awareness of Self in physical form. I am That, not the body/mind.

The mineral cell salt potassium chloride is specific to the sign Gemini. Gemini rules the nervous system, lungs, shoulders, arms and fingers.

From Truth Serum News 01 31 2018

The mineral cell salt Kali Muriaticum (Potassium Chloride) is the mineral worker of BLOOD that forms FIBRIN and properly diffuses it throughout the tissues of the body…

In our veins and blood, fibrin makes up for 3 in 1000 parts of both.  When the molecules of Potassium Chloride (Kali Mur) fall below the standard needed amounts, the blood fibrin thickens.  This causes what is known as pleurisy, pneumonia, catarrh, diphtheria, etc…

When the blood circulation fails to throw the thickened fibrin via the glands or mucous membrane, it may stop the action of the heart, or what is known as a heart attack.  Embolus is a Latin word meaning “little lump” or “little ball”.  To die of Embolus or heart failure means that the heart’s actions were stopped by little lumps or balls of Fibrin that are clogging the auricles and ventricles of the heart. When our blood contains the proper amount of Potassium Chloride (Kali Mur), fibrin is functional and the symptoms above do not manifest.”

Check out the full article for details. It would seem like a good time to make sure your potassium chloride levels are optimal.

The most outstanding feature of this New Moon is it’s exact conjunction to the fixed star Mirfak, the brightest star in the Perseus constellation. Perseus is the hero who slew the gorgon Medusa and saved the princess Andromeda from being devoured by a sea monster. To accomplish his task Perseus was given the winged sandals and helmet of Mercury (ruler of Gemini) that provided him with intelligence and the freedom to fly.

This New Moon represents the rising of the hero who helps to rid humanity of an ‘evil’ that robs one of full expression. The gorgon Medusa was famous for turning anyone who looked at her to stone. Gemini is the breath of life and the movement of spirit in form. It is the interplay of spirit and matter and the interconnectedness of all things. During this New Moon we have an opportunity to nurture the seed within that is the hero ready to challenge all that denies us deeply desired human connection and freedom of expression.

Other aspects of this New Moon chart are a grand trine to Sun/Moon from Saturn/Pallas Athena and including the asteroid Juno, goddess of relationship. All in air signs, Gemini, Aquarius and Libra respectively—mobile, open and flexible in their attitude toward change. For Gemini change is the way of Life. Aquarius by nature is change and Libra promotes change for the perfect relationship be it with a person or the environment or space.

Saturn (focus, responsibility, the task master) conjunct asteroid Pallas Athena (wisdom, strength, creativity) will keep us on track as we rise up, look up and reach for the sky and disengage our selves from the fear and anxiety that has enveloped us for the last two months. We do not want to sacrifice human relationship for fear of a virus that, as Dr. Zachary Bush points out in a recent video, is only one of numerous viruses that are already in our systems that due to healthy immune systems do not affect us.

We can rise up, touch the sky and keep on going.

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Pulling down the Heavens (Qigong exercise for clearing energy)

This exercise clears and builds energy in a simple yet powerful way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iChfo6WudcE

Full Moon July 12th, 2014 in Capricorn

Full Moon July 12th, 2014 @ 20 degrees Capricorn 03 minutes 07:25 EDT
04:25 PDT

When we look up at the Full Moon this month we see an image upon which we have gazed so many times before with various emotions and thoughts perhaps influenced by the sign that is occupied by our luminous friend. Perhaps by what we feel reflected to us through the light that is our nature—all else will fall away. The structures that we have built for safety and security fall away and the desire for freedom and the subsequent realization of our lack of freedom are plainly evident. The Heart opens and the need for structure is no longer defined.

This all a tremendous experience in Capricorn as the sea-goat has made its way to the mountain top and with lofty view realizes that the structure is like a ladder but as I never needed to climb anywhere, the ladder serves no purpose and what has been learned is now applied to serve the structure that is humanity. I discover my humanity deep within the truth of Be-ing.

No need to whine, worry or wonder you that stand between your suffering and surrender.
You cannot resist and live to tell the story! We’re all going down—but to rise into the light of liberty and joyous community, the structure that exists for eternity. When all else fails, Love prevails.

While we are at it here, might as well feel deeply all that is taking place—the sadness, grief, anger—anger moves us—anger is the energy that takes us from A to B. In sadness we sit. We should deny none of it. All of it is the One.

Capricorn is an earth sign, an opportunity to ground into physicality with the benefit of our vision to Be “that” or Love here—deep, intimate oneness in this body, here, now.

There are several planets shifting signs or direction in the two weeks between this Full Moon and the next New Moon (July 26th). Not a common occurrence. This represents a time of change that allows for deeper feeling. Mercury moves into Cancer on the 12th/13th depending on which coast you live on. Thought and communication originate from a deep place of feeling; less verbal expression. Venus follows into Cancer on the 18th. It is about what we desire that lifts us out of old patterns of want.

On July 16th Jupiter moves into Leo. All of our grand gestures and wisdom are devoted to what feels good. It is not about short term gain or what strokes the ‘ego’ necessarily but what supports our long term well-being. Leo rules the heart. What a heart expansion we are experiencing!

Saturn goes direct! July 20th, for some, is the long awaited date for the task master moving again and therefore not hammering home the same point over and over. We can now get on with what we have discovered while rooting through the cellar in the dark, digging up stuff that has stubbornly evaded scrutiny. Or that has disguised it self as necessary to our survival. And too, we may have been faced with fears based upon some very old thoughts that arise then are seen to be nothing more than the breeze that rustles the leaves. For some this may feel like a strong wind rattling the shutters.

We settle into the comfort of knowing the Self once again in peace and Love. The healing comes easily to us, spreads quickly from the center outward soothing, caressing and nurturing in a way that only Truth can. It has slipped between the resistance and the beliefs from the inside out and shattered all the incongruities that have just never made sense giving rise to numerous, numerous questions that of course have no answer.

Then on July 21st Uranus stations retrograde. What happens when the planet of evolution, change and awakening slows down in Aries (I seek Self)? More internal inquiry. What stands in the way of Liberty? This question may be asked so many times during the course of a lifetime, especially for those determined to get to where they have always been. Abrupt change is very possible and may become ordinary; dropping everything that has always seemed fine in favor of a quest that takes one into the unknown. Instinctively we know this is where our truth lies, beyond the known world.

The will and the way join hands in gracious allegiance. By the 24th as the New Moon approaches and Mars slides into Scorpio we should be filled with insight, many ah, hah moments that bring a smile—further relaxation into our perfection.

There is an intensity to these days that manifests in various physical issues from exhaustion to a disorienting dizziness and feelings of nausea. There are no reminders of what should be, how one should or should not conduct themselves. Instead each individual is called upon to utilize their intuition as to what best serves them. And many things are available to us; many beautiful people are present to show the way if we find our selves in a place where we want to see our own luminous reflection. The doors are open just walk through.

We may begin by gazing at this Full Moon. Being filled with gratitude and nothing else is a moment of Love and joy. And that is all there is.

full moon july 12 2014 chart

Full Moon in Sagittarius…

Full Moon June 12, 2014 @ 22 degrees Sagittarius 06 minutes 0:11 a.m. EDT
9:11 p.m. PDT

“Not knowing when the dawn will come I open every door.” ― Emily Dickinson

We have this glorious moment, this present and our heart the jewel that provides us everything.

A Full Moon in Sagittarius, what a glorious opportunity to see our full potential! This chart supports every inch that we proceed in that direction or every mile our heart leaps in pursuit of our desire. What is that desire? If the answer to this question is unclear, gazing at the fullness of the moon may provide important clues. As you peer into the luminous surface allow your self to proceed deeper into the light—fall into the light. Immerse your self in the light and observe what springs up all about you.

If awareness comes to you then so may the gift of being here fully. The truth spreads about us in a way that we can not deny our greatest desire—to Be present, authentic and all that flows from the heart without fear or hesitation—embracing our humanity, embracing humanity.

There are several exact aspects in this Full Moon chart that point directly to what we will integrate over the next several days. Other than the Sun/Moon at 22 degrees, Jupiter in Cancer occupies this number as well, quincunx Moon and semi-sextile Sun. Not going to overflow with enthusiasm or an expanded sense of self unless it applies to the greater understanding of Self. There is no knowing other than not knowing. There is no personal sense of identity as this does not serve Truth. There is no sense of personal accomplishment as it has little meaning compared to beauty of full expression. Truth, wisdom, expression from the heart is the only expression that matters. Then the sense of expansion into source, am that source is embodied. Blissful, peaceful, love-ful swim in the light of this Full Moon.

Next we take a look at the Saturn/Venus opposition that includes Chiron also at 17 degrees, trining Saturn and sextile Venus exactly. Chiron, the healer makes easy aspect to the planets in opposition suggesting that to heal, release of insecurity, feelings of inadequacy and self judgment come about through a deep knowing of the self as perfect. As perfection there is no need for any thing external to fulfill me and suffering ends. My greatest desire fulfilled—recognizing my self as the object of my love—one and the same.

The last two planets in exact aspect are Pluto and Mars at 12 degrees in square to one another.

“Mars square Pluto is generally seen as a very difficult aspect, since the forces symbolized by Mars and Pluto and shown to be in conflict by the square are both associated with power, force and violence. The square suggests that powerful forces block your actions and prevent you from fulfilling your desires. These forces may be external to you or they may be your own subconscious “darker” forces.”—Gargatholil, DepthAstrology2.com

The brilliant aspect of these two powerful forces at 90 degrees inhibits one way or another, the fulfillment of desires that serve only to support the individual. Confronting the darker side of human nature is a way of eventually creating energy free of this need in order to eliminate such influences from one’s experience. We may all have an opportunity to examine some sliver of sordid human behaviour in order to transcend same. It is also an opportunity at the same time to recognize that it may be someone else perpetrating a ‘wrongdoing’ but in some way I too am responsible as we are all one here. No one suffers alone. Just as when one awakens to the Truth we are all lifted into the light.

Jupiter rules Sagittarius so has significance as a result of this relationship. We have seen that it aspects the Moon and the Sun. It also squares the north and the south node. The point to which we aspire based on what we have learned in the past (north node) and leaving the past (south node) to be present now. South node in Aries, searching for Self, bringing forward all that one has experienced in this pursuit through the wisdom and expansive nature of Jupiter en route to knowing Self as balanced through surrendering to, accepting and allowing the Truth to arise, dissolving illusion. Jupiter is the optimism through which we know everything is possible, there are no limitations and in Cancer, love embraces us in the womb of creation, endless, effortless, eternal—nothing to resist.

The degree of the Moon is 22, a master number that refers to understanding the nature of duality. When this is accomplished and we are immersed in the knowing of Reality, all things come to us easily, with grace. In physicality we are the Divine, Beloved and so experience existence from knowing that it is as it is—and why not? No resistance. The arrow of the archer, Sagittarius, points heavenward. In the tautness of the bow is enormous potential to attain great heights. Optimism and the passion to realize Truth point in the direction we travel always with an added measure of encouragement during these several days before and after this Full Moon. Let your destination be the very place from which you began.

New Moon May 28, 2014 in Gemini…Finding the Words

New Moon May 28, 2014 @ 7 degrees 21 minutes Gemini
2:40 p.m. EDT 11:40 a.m. PDT

Finding the Words…

…that simply express–what deeply motivates you as you interact on a daily basis. Gemini can find numerous words to describe any situation. Like the crow they are attracted to everything shiny and like a rat they can collect; for Gemini moon collecting information that offers a sense of emotional security. As there is a square to this Sun/Moon from Neptune in Pisces ‘mere’ words will prove to be inadequate and your quest for stability will be unsuccessful if you continue to think that what supports awakening has anything to do with what can be found outside of one self. Information contributes to building structure that on the surface appears to support our existence but in no way expresses the truth of Being.

At this time the illusion that we have constructed will sag, exhibit holes, deteriorate as the mind, that Gemini is famous for utilizing so adeptly, sees clearly its own limitations, dismantles it self allowing the light to permeate all things. All things are light and in that there is no separation. The mind rests and words become a tool for sharing the simplicity of what is, a very beautiful expression of that which motivates us on a deep level—inner peace. One word in the stillness has greater effect than any speech delivered from a scholarly pulpit. A single drop of water creates a ripple across the surface of a pond that like a mirror reflects to us who we truly are.

With the mind at rest during this New Moon or at least, discovering what perpetuates disturbance and nurtures weakness/fear, a clearing out occurs as balance and peace spread across terrain that once rose and fell with alarming abruptness. The roller coaster ride ends. There is no longer a desire to experience the sensation of weightlessness that two opposing forces create. For this to happen, the opposing forces must be in perfect balance, a very temporary condition in duality. The gift of Gemini is the opportunity to realize that perfection is, and balance is—it is duality seen for what it is and knowing that that is not reality.

A trine from Mars in Libra at this time lends energy to this recognition; to the ‘understanding’ that what we are not, the body, leads to not a complete demise of action but reveals that action occurs—not as a result of anything ‘I’ do but as the result of the constant eternal flow of “that”, our true nature. There is “that”, includes time/space, they too are relative. The freedom that results, the liberty to Be, is peace, is love, is beauty and gratitude for this awareness is eternal.

With Mercury at 29 degrees Gemini we can be sure that realization is the last bit of information that this sign assimilates. And with Venus at 29 degrees Aries we are aware of what truly motivates the individual here. These two planets hand in hand stimulate a powerful desire to overcome our attachment to who we think we are—this mind, this body. We realize the truth of what we have been missing that replaces this notion that I can get it through anything this mind or body does. Words do not remotely enter into an understanding of that and the mind has no idea of what that is.