Tag: Self

Good Monday Morning…one day after

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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?

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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.

New Moon in Cancer: Sweet Surrender

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New Moon July 27th, 2014 @ 5 degrees Cancer 37 minutes
04:08 a.m. EDT 01:08 a.m. PDT

The title for this New Moon is ‘sweet surrender’. In the early degrees of Cancer when the soul is vulnerable to all the external stimuli and still basking in the love-light discovered upon the recent venture into familiar and comfortable interior caverns. Gentle, tender wrapped in your arms safe and loved you unfold, surrendering to the glow of love that radiates from your heart. Love flows everywhere—no boundaries. Incapable of turning the tide of pure emotion, you rise and fall, the ocean, inhales and exhales so consistent, eternal, where can there be fear in such Love? Only knowing soothes the mind, rocks the mind into obedience.

Stillness penetrates deeply in the darkness. Thoughts are absorbed into soft mesh, the fabric of consciousness that slowly lets go of all the debris collected over numerous ages of participation. You are free, limbs search for ground in the void only for a moment. Without thinking, the need for ground suddenly has no meaning. You move with the rhythm of truth, guided by the essence that is your nature. No thinking necessary. No problem solving, planning, pretending. From the cocoon you emerge and fly for the first time with the Beloved as your guide.

During this New Moon prepare your self for a dip into the well of divinity and see if it doesn’t usher you into life anew—softness, kindness, caring and easing into everyone and everything you meet with out resistance. The Crab is being coaxed from its shell by the forces of the deep. Neptune’s powers of persuasion are based upon the desired dissolution of any harsh or hard elements standing between you and your liberation. You will gladly be wooed by this immensely attractive influence. Not to become prey to but to become one with. Frivolity rejected in favour of intimate excursions, explorations of each petal as it unfolds and watching as it floats downstream and finally out of sight.

There are very few distractions now unless you go looking for distraction. There is little to call you in any other direction as your direction stands out as clearly as one cloud slowly spreading its edges across the sky, so thin that white becomes blue and is lost.

These few days before and after the New Moon put us in touch with Yin energy—gentle, sensitive, compassionate with appreciation for the human condition and wanting to engage from a place of peace rather than conflict. It emphasizes Love and receptivity and a willingness to ‘sacrifice’ what does not serve the highest good.

Wherever this New Moon falls in your own chart will generate deeper consideration of those aspects in your life.

1st House: The Self. Be sure to allow your self the time and space for inner reflection.
Self inquiry—who is this ‘I’? A different process than getting your feet right way up after first arriving.

2nd House: Self-worth and security. Big issues around how you perceive your self and place in the world. This may show up as emotional insecurity. Stay focused knowing that thoughts are based on the past and none of it is true in this moment.

3rd House: Communicating the Self. Some of your basic ways of expressing your self with others may come up for review. Don’t take things personally. Remember that you are wearing your heart on your sleeve.

4th House: Home and Emotional Expression. A sensitive house as it is our roots, the Mother. Matters of Self nurturance and feeling—loved and accepted or not. Again be prepared for deep connections to how you feel without becoming engrossed in the past. The moon does represent past patterns. Here they come up for review.

5th House: Self expression, Self realization and Romance. Obviously the combination of the Sun/Moon here in Cancer is a great opportunity to stand up and Be ‘it’. No words necessary fortunately. Its all about what comes from the Heart and in this case it is only Love. On a mundane level it certainly will achieve a lot in terms of any relationship plans you have.

6th House: Mentoring, Work, Health. So, realize that you are vulnerable. Take care of your self. The tendency is usually to look after others first but in this case, you are number one then everyone else and they will show up for a good shoulder—yours is it.
Also the house of small animals. They may show up too.

7th House: One on one relationship. Marriage house. Kindness and caring of those with whom you relate on a personal level. Lucky them! Do not allow your incredibly sensitive and perceptive self to be disillusioned by what may look like the opposite coming from partners. It gives you the chance to Be Love regardless of what comes at you.

8th House: The cycle of humanity and others possessions. Sex/sexuality. Super sensitivity and heightened awareness of the needs of humanity. Everything you give out comes back tenfold. The desire to give may be outstanding but be prepared to receive the same. Be aware that whomever you connect with sexually will have a deep impact on you energetically. If it is not someone that is committed you may feel loss at their leaving.

9th: The Holy Grail. Higher Self. Internal drive for Self realization and an interest in exploring whatever channels will carry you to ‘higher heights’. Setting out on a journey or quest for the apparently elusive freedom to BE and a strong inclination to share that with others, to shine your light and spread the Truth. People will be attracted to your confidence and your inner peace.

10th: Recognition. Career/Ambition. Structure of humanity. There is no holding you back! Your ability to affect those around you, to add to the expanding sense of community and awareness of what it takes to truly make a difference may bring you recognition for services rendered. Global healing through Love is the motivating factor for which you may find your self feeling enormous gratitude.

11th: Community. Goals. Friends. Feeling a deep connection to humanity and aspiring to engage with everyone in brotherhood/sisterhood. We are all in this together. We are all the same. Many hands joining together in Love and peace. Feeling the strong bond that unites us all. Love elevates us to new heights of human expression and freedom.

12th House: Absolute. Not two. Knowing. There really are no words to describe the 12th house adequately. Why is that? The 12th house is what remains after one can no longer describe anything about our true nature. Here there is a deep knowing and anything that stands in the way of that will be seen as worthless—a frightening process for some. Fear may arise as a result. It will pass as it is seen that there really is nothing to fear and that vulnerability is necessary to freedom.

 

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.

Good Monday Morning…for the love of…

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…this glorious moment, this presence and our heart, the jewel that provides us everything.

The Stairway of Existence

We are not in pursuit of formalities or fake religious laws,

for through the stairway of existence we have come to God’s door.

We are people who need love, because love

is the soul’s life, love is simply creation’s

greatest joy.

Through the stairway of existence, O through

the stairway of existence Hafiz,

have you now come, have we now all come,

to the Beloved’s door.

–Hafiz, from a Year with Hafiz by D. Ladinsky

Good Monday Morning…for the Love of…

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Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts.”–Paramahansa Yogananda (courtesy jonroumain.com)

…sharing the richness of the moment and all its inseparable beauty; instantly joining the effervescence of light and joy that illuminate this experience of pure Being. Let us join hands and spread the wealth!

Full Moon in Scorpio

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Full Moon May 14, 2014 @ 23 degrees Scorpio 54 minutes

03:16 p.m. EDT 12:16 p.m. PDT

With that Moon Language

Admit something: Everyone you see, you say to them, “Love me.”

full moon may scorpioOf course you do not say this out loud;

otherwise someone would call the cops.

Still though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.

Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye

that is always saying, with that sweet moon language,

what every other eye in the world is dying to hear?

–from a year with Hafiz, Daniel Landinsky

Keen focus on what matters or what does not matter. Moon in Scorpio (conjunct Saturn, 4 degrees) opposition Sun in Taurus; if we feel like we need something for emotional stability our premise for this belief will be challenged. Tugged at by old insecurities, the basic considerations of the astrological 8th house, the cycle of humanity, birth, death, rebirth and regeneration, may loom tall on the agenda for the next several days. Further penetration to the core of our beliefs and that which may limit us.

Until at last we arrive at the shining truth– what is here is love. We realize that; that which we have always yearned for, we have always been. Only at a ‘deeper’ level of knowing do we grasp this truth. It is when everything else falls away and we have no illusions that we are not, that we are liberated. This is a gift of Scorpio and this Full Moon chart. There is little wiggle room. The wound is finally cauterized, the wound being our emotional neediness, by recognizing the impermanence of material reality in exchange for the knowing of unlimited, eternal ‘Reality’.

If the energy to perform habitual distractive antics eludes you this is part of the challenge, to sit with whatever may be uncomfortable on the way to realizing nothing matters–‘nothing really matters’ means a space in which not anything is a problem (Robert Wolfe, livingnonduality.org)– except the ‘truth’.

It may feel like road rash, sound like nails on a blackboard, taste like battery acid and look like the final scene from Braveheart but on the other side of this is stillness, perpetual calm–the absence of suffering.

Scorpio is strongly motivated to succeed and rarely balks at a challenge. So, whatever test you may be presented with at this time will be victoriously surmounted. In fact dig deep and deeper. Whatever the issue, you will find the strength to ‘defeat the enemy’ and move beyond into silence where the mind is not in control and peace prevails. I am “that” is all that arises and that is everything.

With gratitude we embrace this Full Moon experience.

Good Monday Morning…It is the Same.

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A Different View

Pale grey skies

pierced by red shingled roofs

and a line of trees,

ragged silhouette upon a soft horizon.

In between here and there,

metal towers carry rows of wire for miles

across narrow strips of vacant land,

a slice of green in an otherwise homogenous zone

of concrete and pavement and compliance.

Still, the ocean roars,

the late afternoon breeze still brings with it

an invitation to roam;

to discover that there is nothing between here and there

except the knowing of love and beauty

that is the nature of everything–

never mind the appearance to me while glancing over this very different view.

It is the same.

pickering ontario good monday morning

Sunrise Pickering along Lake Ontario

Good Monday Morning…Truth is…

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Truth is blossoming love, flowing freely and embracing all of us in warmth and a continuous feeling of Be-longing. Love is the truth of a touch that doesn’t stop even when we are separated by many miles, our hearts remain connected in support of all we do here–no matter what appears to be going on around us. Everything is motivated by love. Love is recognizing that ‘you and I’ are one and though I may project my concerns and fears on you, it is part of the journey toward love of Self and Self realization.

In gratitude for your continued presence and willingness to participate in the intimacy that unites all of us.

rose for blog GMM april 28It Felt Love

How did the rose
Ever open its heart
And give to this world
All its beauty?

It felt the encouragement of light
Against its Being,
Otherwise,
We all remain too frightened.–Hafiz

New Moon April 2014: In Adoration of Venus

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New Moon April 28 11:14 p.m. PDT /April 29 02:14 a.m. EDT
@ 8 degrees Taurus 52 minutes

Selling Your Art

At the very least you are a vital cell in a cosmic holy body.
And everyone works so hard no matter what they do.
There is no place for you to go but onward into a greater freedom.
The poor man rarely parties because of so many cares.
We should put an end to that.

Knowledge can be pawned for a good sum.
Find some truth and mix it with your talents.
If you can get the balance right between you and others,
and you and death, shops will start selling your art.
And maybe even a masterpiece you will become,
Your every gesture.—Hafiz (from A Year with Hafiz by Daniel Ladinsky)

venus for new moon april 2014New moon in Taurus is about the grace of Being so that every relationship is experienced as a gesture of the truth that surrounds us all in an intimate embrace. We ‘love’ the absolute simplicity of flowing without destination, without thought free of the mind to rest in stillness, to abide in deep peace. Suffering is the result of resistance to the very easy act of surrender. What could be less stressful than resting in this moment without expectation? Embrace the truth and slip into the ease of Being that which you are.

Venus is about luxuriating in the ease of knowing Self and attracting same. This is beauty, creativity; a romance that defies temporal existence. And Venus in Pisces dissolves into all that is as effortlessly as she arose from the depths of the sea. Her home is boundless, unlimited and offered to all just as we are ‘offered’ the air we breathe and we take it in just as easily as we ‘take in’ our true nature. Why does the mind prevent us from seeing this? Because here, the mind has no jurisdiction. It is seen that we are not in need of the mind, that we move and function regardless of its activity. What joy in that!

Venus requires no words for conversation or thoughts to inspire but is inspired by Being. Being is inspiration, passion, relationship, art—love and joy. We taste the beauty of Being with our human mouths, see the radiant expression of “that” in every form, touch intimacy, smell Reality and hear the silence of life in accord. Venus is so much more than she appears superficially and why she stands naked before all—do we dare delve into what lies beneath the porcelain exterior? Can we move beyond the physical pleasure to which we cling, thinking we are the body/mind, to know the true nature of our Self?

New moon, no reflection encourages us to go within to find our answers. Self-inquiry is so simple. It involves only this right here right now and nothing more. And though we think we know, we know nothing because the mind does not understand. This is the beauty and grace of Venus. She knows nothing but experiences with the utmost presence and radiates “that” from within. Love and happiness flow.

Happiness is your nature.
It is not wrong to desire it.
What is wrong is seeking it outside
when it is inside.—Sri Ramana Maharshi

Happy new moon in Taurus. Bring it home!

 

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