Tag: sagittarius

Happiness is…

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Happiness is not a Pursuit (thoughts for December)

There exists a way of being that underlies and suffuses all emotional states, that embraces all the joys and sorrows that come to us. A happiness so deep that, as Georges Bernants wrote, “nothing can change it, like the vast reserve of calm water beneath a storm.” The Sanskrit word for this state of being is sukha.

Sukha is the state of lasting well-being that manifests itself when we have freed ourselves of mental blindness and afflictive emotions. It is also the wisdom that allows us to see the world as it is, without veils or distortions. It is, finally, the joy of moving toward inner freedom and the loving kindness that radiates toward others. ~Arun Gandhi from a forward to Happiness by Matthieu Ricard

When we suspend judgment and see with the eyes of grace wherein everything is an expression of Divine Wisdom, there is a beautiful rhythm that rocks us, guides us, moves us. We touch the untouchable, drink in the dry desert, hear the silence, feel the stillness and dance to our hearts content in a world of marvelous mystery and limitless creation.
There are no thoughts of past or future only the resounding vibration that permeates all creation, establishing without thought, harmonious resonance in which the Being is freedom to play in the endless field of possibility.

Happiness is not a pursuit but the natural feeling that abides when we step out of the mirrored corridor of physical existence that causes us to reel in confusion. With which image do I identify A., B., C., or none of the above? If you answer none of the above the illusion/confusion disintegrates like a disturbing image in a dream that dissolves when we awaken. An afterimage may linger but it is known to be without substance (i.e: ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change) just as when we awaken to our true nature, the mind is seen to be an accumulation of thoughts that populate emptiness and are without substance. Whatever the thought, it is based on the past and is not the result of observation of this moment.

In this moment without thought is that which cannot be described with words or apprehended by the mind. It requires no effort, no thing, to be in this moment. The simplicity of this allows the body to rest in a way that it has not for perhaps a very long time. For this moment we have relinquished any desire for control over or attachment to any thing and abide in peace.

You must choose between your attachments and happiness. ~ Adyashanti

Happiness is knowing that there is nothing in the relative world that can displace what is always present, unwavering even in the face of worldly events. When we are peace—what a place of stillness to greet that world! May each and every day be filled with peace of mind and loving heart; that our steps touch the earth and each other in a way that amplifies the essence of wholeness, oneness, the Absolute. Let December be about giving of thy Self and reveling in this pure joy.

Sagittarius is the dominate sign for December and exists almost completely within the constellation Ophiucus the healer, known as such for the association to Asclepius the Greek healer. In mythic lore Asclepius witnessed a snake bringing herbs to an injured snake whence he developed the powers to heal. As the story unfolds, Jupiter was dissatisfied with this potential gift; that humanity might know immortality so he slew Asclepius and placed him in the sky as the constellation Ophiucus.

The constellation is the healer entwined by an enormous serpent, the serpent being representative of ‘wisdom’, the knowing of Truth. In the tarot the constellation of Ophiucus is associated with the Tower, number XVI of the major arcana. Number 16 or 7 reduced, is the number of tests or trials. The Tower is where we accomplish the letting go of old beliefs and patterns that we might be free to know the immortality of being; that our true nature is always, not influenced by weather or time. The Tower is the material plane, the structure that we create that we might feel secure and still wend our way to ‘god’. Yet if we believe that through this, in any way, we might discover Truth we are not clear. It all comes tumbling down—eventually—and, it is an event that can elicit great joy in a seeker, as then one is truly free, touching ‘god’ in everything, seeing ‘god’ as everything; knowing that ‘this’ is I and there is nothing I need do to uphold ‘this’.

If an additional card were created for the Tarot deck, making it number 22 of the major arcana, it might be a heart, access to the eternal Om, the pulse that infuses every cell every where. In Hinduism Om is ultimate reality, the Absolute, god. It is what is once we have mastered the journey of duality, the physical World (No. XXI major arcana). The number 22 is a master number that symbolizes the mastery of duality. Once we know the nature of duality we are at once aware of our true nature.

Our fears may run deep. That which inhibits us from knowing Self may rear up at us during those moments when we seem closest to Self discovery. If we have the Courage and Strength (No. VIII major arcana) to proceed through each moment, no matter how excruciating it may seem, we find what lies at the ‘heart of the individual’, deeper than the deepest fear, abiding in stillness and peace is ‘that’, ‘that’ is.

Happiness is ‘that’.

Thank you for your presence and the love that you are. May your holidays be filled with happiness!

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.

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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 in Sagittarius…

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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.