New Moon 12.21.2014 and Winter Solstice! Rebirth.

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

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

new moon chart 12 21 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy celebrations and blessings for a marvelous New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Good Monday Morning…It is the Same.

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

Full Moon April 15 2014/Total Lunar Eclipse

Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse April 15, 2014 @ 25 deg. Libra 16 min.
03:42 a.m. EDT 00:42 a.m. PDT

A full moon is warm light in the vast darkness, a familiar ‘friend’ that captivates and inspires us to creative passion, romance and the deep fascination of home. We have many memories of the full moon over years, decades and centuries; of being seduced by gorgeous abundance, pacified by constant stillness and hypnotized by thoughts that carry us beyond all limitations. We melt into the allure of hundreds of moments of simply Being in the presence of “that” in splendiferous expression.

There have been many reports about the series of total lunar eclipses that begins with this full moon (the others are on October 8, 2014, April 4, 2015 and September 28, 2015) and what they might portend. I am in favor of adopting the point of view offered by Geoff Gaherty writing for Starry Night Education at space.com

“Associations between “disastrous” events and normal astronomical events are all fabrications of the human mind, as people attempt to find explanations for why disasters affect them. Because of the Internet and cable news channels, people now hear reports of disasters from around the world, including earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, which they never would have been aware of in the past. It’s almost inevitable that something bad will happen right after an eclipse or a visit from a comet.

As an ardent skywatcher who derives much pleasure from beautiful events like lunar eclipses, it saddens me that there are “prophets of doom” in the world who view these life-enriching events as portents of disaster.

The good news about these forthcoming lunar eclipses is that all four will be visible to most skywatchers in North America”.

Simply to enjoy rather than fret. That is not to say that what is occurring with a few planets is benign. We are being affected by the t-square soon to be grand cross in cardinal signs. We can perhaps all attest to a degree of greater intensity, insecurity that is affecting us in some way depending on what your particular experience is now.

Everyone will receive a shot of enlightenment. It would be hard to avoid it with Mercury exactly conjunct Uranus at the same degree as Pluto and Jupiter only minutes away. An enormous dose of inspirational, transformational, transcendent energy rippling through the collective consciousness and executing legions of stifling patterns that have insisted on strong attachment to the mind. Liberated! Oh, joy.

Pluto opposition Jupiter, square to Uranus opposition Mars (this by the 22nd will be exact we none the less have been feeling the effects of this for a couple of weeks with the ongoing square of Uranus/Pluto for longer of course) is not a trivial matter relatively speaking. Some people have been dealing with physical manifestations of this energy while others are being pressured to ‘release’ on all levels what isn’t working or whatever is cluttering, all that is superfluous or feeds the illusion. What may have seemed a monumental task in the past is now easily approachable and effortlessly accomplished.

Resistance is an unnecessary reference to our experience. Gratitude is our reference point and every full moon is a reminder of the miracle of life and what a blessing it is! Never mind what sign the moon is in. Except we might mention that moon in Libra is peace, balance and harmony that only contributes to the grace we are receiving via what may feel like a supreme kick in the butt. No, it is grace! It only feels like running into a two by four. Just wait a few days, until your senses return—or, hopefully not. Walking around in a dazed state, a silly smile on your face that won’t seem to go even if you try.

Self and other, Self/other, slother, loth, ot, o=O. Erase the line.

Observe the moon without any thought whatsoever. At some time you may become aware of a little smile that has crept over your face that feels much bigger than it is as it has started from within and won’t stop.