Dawnings

Spring in Southern Australia

It is spring here in Ozland down under: Nature’s theme is new growth.

It was indeed delightful to hear Bill Clinton on the Dave Letterman Show speak of the need to ‘start again’. In my life experiences , I have learnt that the essence of healing of any situation or circumstance is the ability, courage and willingness to begin anew.

What grand ideas President Clinton espoused: cutting back on mortgage payments to keep people IN their homes; that money making money merely serves the already wealthy and that we need to invest in practical projects that benefit the community. Why is it that the best emerges from people when they are no longer dealing with the oppressive demands of power and are happy to just be themselves?

With Venus in Scorpio now, we shall see more clearly the predatory and competitive intentions in personal, business and commercial interests.  The pyramid models of the past are decaying. [see Pendulum: Beyond the Pyramids ] Evolution calls for a personal development of sharing. 

Mars and Mercury in Libra assist in honest communications and creative endeavours. Annihilating each other serves no-one. Honest communication facilitates sharing which MAY lead to understanding. We need talking sticks to come into fashion worldwide that all may have their chance to speak their truth. 

I suggest again my idea from a few weeks ago that each New Year’s Day we declare as Honesty Day: from sunrise to sunset on the first day of the year we endeavour to be honest with ourselves and each other. On the basis of what we discover, we may then begin each year more naturally our real selves.

The human species is being offered some fantastic opportunities to be truly creative. Neptune, The Karmic Agenda and Chiron (our vulnerability) in Aquarius speaks volumes about the 4th kingdom (Humanity) rethinking – what is the Highest Good for all concerned?  There is a profound cycle with Mercury retrograde in these next few weeks to detach and observe: to become the witness and watcher. Much shall unravel and be revealed. Each day will be new.

Saturn in Virgo and Jupiter in Capricorn are beginning to move slowly forward again. They together guide us to take one small careful step – then another – then another. Slowly and carefully we can consciously take responsibility for the well being of our own lives, our civilisations and our planetary world.

The New Moon in Libra is exact at 6.12 pm on Monday 29th September here on the east Coast of Australia. [AEST]. That’s right on sunset. The yin and yang; the inner and outer; our feeling and thinking selves; our soul and human personal self -  can be experienced as one. 

May we find within ourselves our own seed of the eternal – our divine spark – to inspire, encourage and light the way ahead.

… For the Love of our planet, our species and life itself.

Blessings,

* Risa’s weekly posting is an Esoteric Essay on these ‘interesting times’ and is worth printing out for future reference.

This weekend and the ensuing few days are days for peace. The 21st (Sunday in Ozland) is United Nations Peace Day. It was a beautiful Full Moon last weekend, and now we can return some of the spiritual precipitation (blessings) we received, back into the world.

The closing ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics reminded us that peace and goodwill have a powerful impact on the civilisations of our world. The impact of the Paralympics in Chinese Society has been profound. Now over 300,000 invalid and disabled folk can welcome a new program of integration into the Chinese society. In the final speech, we heard words of encouragement: ‘equalising splendour’ and ‘fairness’, that we are ‘Masters of our own destinies’ and ‘It’s all about spirit’: One world, one dream, one people.

The early hours of 23rd September [AEST] the sun moves into Libra – the Equinox - when day and night are equal. By the time we awake on Tuesday, the Sun will have entered Libra, the sign of peace and balance. Libra is the midway point of evolutionary development – when the human being is consciously aware of our duality – the soul and the human temporary personality and being. Interestingly, Philip in his Galactic weekly report indicates a Libra was once a monetary measure. 

A Yod (covenant) forms temporarily that day, linking the moon in Cancer (the masses) and Saturn in Virgo. Both peak at the Node conjunct Chiron in Aquarius. Mass humanity, the ordinary folk, can breathe a sigh of relief, for now. The Yod is revealing at this time of balance: Poverty of the many amidst amassed wealth by the few – is inhumane.

The upheavals within the monetary system have occurred during a trine in earth signs, linking the moon in Taurus with Saturn in Virgo and Jupiter in Capricorn. Government intervention (Capricorn) has tweaked (Saturn in Virgo) the system with a flood of cash (Moon in Taurus) to prevent a crash. As I write this, a Yod has formed between the Moon in Taurus (desire for abundance) and Uranus in Pisces (awakening of the spirit) both peaking at the conjunction of Mercury and Mars in Libra (We think about fairness and equality).  A balance has temporarily brought respite and peace.

There is much to consider from this little storm. A hurricane pounded Texas with millions evacuated. Likewise, millions across the world have been ‘hit’ by the storms in an archaic share system. Words are used blithely – with little consideration for their meaning. We speak of the sharemarket and shareholders and shares invested for profits. Sharing is indeed what this is all about: sharing of profits which have been building up over centuries. The truth spills out in a torrential outpouring through a crack in the walls of deception. Governments now intervening is indeed a result of Governance that has supported such an imbalanced system.

[The cycle ahead of Pluto in Capricorn until 2024 indicates there will be much needed transformation of our social systems. Jupiter in Capricorn now is assisting in the expansion of our social consciousness. What we learn by each of these smaller upheavals – be they climatic, societal or personal in actuality – needs to be seriously considered and revelations guide us to renewed fervor and intent to bring about the changes necessary. Yes, we shall be letting go of much that has been familiar and is now evidently, inappropriate behaviour. Some people are suggesting this is the heralding of the end of Capitalism: it may well be. In some societies history has witnessed an over emphasis on the collective and annihilation of the individual – in others, an individualism ‘Me-ism’ has polluted life to the detriment of the many. As we merge into a global world a new wholistic approach shall emerge. The qualities of Integrity and Responsibility will be founding characteristics of a new era dawning in humankind. The devastation we experience as the old crumbles can be balanced by an increasing joy in the creation of an entirely new way of being – one that nurtures both the group and the individual within the group.]

The world is aware and awakening to a new reality. Writers support behavioral scientists assisting in this process with an increased vocalisation of the need for equality and integrity in a monetary system rotted by greed and emotional driven risk taking.

This will not be easy to correct and the news channels are full of rhetoric about what has been obvious to so many for so long: that greed and desire of the few at the expense of the many – is unsustainable.

The personal planets in Libra supports this view indicating human activities are addressing personal imbalances in all levels of relationships which are impacting on our world. Is the system itself okay for now? For a few days, peace can reside in our hearts and healing stream forth into our personal beings.   

By 24th September, the Mars conjunct Mercury in Libra will be speaking volumes and the male/desire driven world reveals itself. Venus leaps into Scorpio and revelations re the nature of business and the desire body will be highlighted in the weeks ahead. The peaceful energies of Libra will continue to create a buffer to any stormy situations.

By the 25th, Mercury is retrograde until mid October: Rethink. Past events and projects will resurface for review and re-evaluation – reconsider future developments in the light of balance between the soul and the human self. 

The personal planets of Venus then Mars moving into Scorpio in October will create intensity – a tumultuous stirring of the already muddy waters. The lotus blossom lives with its roots in mud: Neptune, the Karmic Agenda and Chiron, the healer, all in Aquarius, remind us that we humans are fostering the growth of our divinity, the human spirit.  Expect more storms as nature seeks to clean up.

For now, for a short while, enjoy the peace. In Ozland, it is spring – a time to recognise and express our love of the new beginnings in nature. Sow seeds of Love and creativity.

May Honesty, Faith, Hope, Peace and Love be on our minds and grow within our hearts.

Blessings,

 In the larger garden of our planetary world, on a huge scale, in the CERN Community on the border of France and Switzerland, the LHC fires up – what an exciting physics project! For live coverage (which is fun!) see the broadcast from Ireland.

A delightful Prof Brian Cox spoke on the Denton program  representing the younger scientific community – the Pluto in Virgo group (born 1957 to 1972) are enthusiastically fulfilling their evolutionary role.  Thousands of scientists from over 25 countries have contributed to this.  According to Prof. Paul Davies, this research began 2 and half thousand years ago. Interesting timing – our major world religions have all emerged since then. Perhaps our shenanigans on Urth do register in the universal matrix somewhere and a response is forthcoming. This an ideal time to study The Consciousness of the Atom by AA Bailey.

Saturn and the Sun in Virgo dancing along in trine to Jupiter in Capricorn is auspicious timing for such a grand scientific experiment. Pluto and Jupiter have now returned to forward motion so lots of ‘stuck’ energies can begin to release. The grouping of personal planets in Libra supports our drive for harmony and balance in all our relationships. Neptune, Chiron and the Karmic Node in Aquarius are fostering group healing through the process of inspired activity. ‘Dreaming’ and the human spirit are quickening. Uranus in Pisces IS the unusual, extraordinary, surprises, discoveries and inventions.

The stellar cosmic clocks are chiming for us to let go and release that which has been and allow something new to occur.  It is indeed a pleasure to see what fun we can have when we humans co-operate and pool resources and knowledge for exploration and discovery instead of bickering and warring amongst ourselves. Ah! The personal webs we weave …!

Business and Corporate institutions and all levels of governance, are facing the biggest upheavals as we enter a long cycle of transformation. A Virgo sense of humour is helpful.

We will have begun to notice the heaviness of too much complication and legislation. This next 20 year cycle shall call for a more simplified and intelligent approach to legislation; to designs of our cities and civilisations; to the quality of what we do – and the mastery of how we do it.  Ancient cities being uncovered in the Amazon jungle may give us a clue from the past (Saturn) on simple and effective design (Sun Virgo). The higgledy piggledy creativity (“let’s try this!”) of the Sagittarian cycle is entering its second and final ovation.  Exploration becomes research with an eye to application.

The Full Moon is in Pisces on Monday 15th at 7.15 pm AEST. This is just after sunset on the East coast of Ozland – ah! a good night for a walk along the ocean shore to see the moonlight on the water. Uranus in Pisces IS light on water so viewing the sun/moon light sparkles on the sea or a lake, rising early enough to catch the morning light on dew drops – these will help inspire.

Something BIG is happening. The seeds sown long ago are stirring deep within the crystallised patterns of being.

The Shift  

Humanity is awakening to a new level of consciousness. In the ancient writings, this world initiation is described as the shedding (cracking open) of the hold density and materialism has on our psyches to drink deeply of the more refined spiritual and altruistic values. See Risa’s posting for 3-10th Sep for an in depth description. For the Galactic see Philips’ newsletter and for the personal and cultural see Planet waves.
 
This Full Moon links to 1966/67 and to the 3rd November this year. The CERN community is inspired to replicate what happened just after the ‘Big Bang’ that begun our Universe. That tiny moment just after conception – when new life commences – is being created in a huge collider. I like the notion that the two particles have to actually run into each other for new life to emerge. C’est La Vie!

Perhaps we shall all collectively experience a precious moment of timefulness and wonder as we connect with the essence of universal creativity.

Whatever perspective we have on our personal experiences in a dynamic and changing world, it possible to add something new and change what has been. The quantum leap is by and for, us all.

NF +1 = C  Yay! [See Pendulum Page]. Maybe the scientists will create mini perpetual colliders in moebius band loops. Now THAT could be a merging of the past, present and future for 2012 and change our experience of energy and time.

Enjoy!

 What a beautiful evening display we have for Spring sunset and twilight walks! Venus has emerged as the Evening star with Spica, Mercury and Mars rising with the crescent moon growing over the next few days – we have quite a treat to view in the evening skies.  Our ability to respond to beauty is a gauge and measure of our sensitivity and soulfulness. Drink deeply folks!

Wednesday 3rd September is Ganesh Day – a good time to send some blessings to those devastated by the floods in India. Ganesh brings good fortune and assistance to ‘overcome obstacles’.

From 3rd – 6th September, Saturn is dancing with the Sun in Virgo. For those now preparing to be flexible and adapt to the fine tuning (tweaking) of our human inter-relation with the environment, nature and our created civilisations – the expansive time ahead will bring much support. It is a good time to consider what is really useful in one’s life – people, our work, our accumulated junk, our communities and our habits. Faith – the times ahead will see massive transformations in our world. There will be gradually less of politics and more of responsible governance – it begins with our own lives. 

The Libran influence (Mars, Mercury and Venus are in Libra) is urging us to look at relationships: how we relate to the world of nature, to society, to each other and to our own Higher Selves, is being activated. What is out of balance will become quite apparent. What do we do about issues of social (in)justice and (in)equalities? Are our relationships creative, interested in life, supportive and nourishing? Watch people (enmasse) – ‘change’ their minds!

The combinations are interesting – how do the Business world and financial sectors relate to the people? How do the people relate to Governance? How does our society work? Tweaking by Reserve Banks and Boards is becoming a daily occurrence. Oops and ouch!

What worked yesterday is unravelling. This can be disturbing until we are willing to embrace the opportunity to grow and evolve.  The changes in the role of media outlets were hinted at it in the astrology file for 2008 [see Astrology Page] as ‘reporting’ and opinion based media gives way to much needed investigative journalism. People seek more truthful exploration.
Power mongering and egocentricities are creating overload in a world that is becoming more demanding of our essential need to adapt to survive.

Glamour and the surreal are thinly veiled outfits these days. ‘Tell ‘em their dreaming!’  The cliche from the Oz film: The Castle, is most appropriate as Neptune in Aquarius gently prods us to realise we have been asleep at the wheel. Ultimately we (humans) are recovering the long lost seed of our own divinity. As we find our own activating, so we can also begin to recognise this in all forms of life.  

There are increasing numbers of people being suddenly declared redundant as Big Business scurries to retain the same level of profiteering and applies cost cutting as a method of control. This reveals much about the personal climate and the people factor in those organisations. A new approach could be to ask for a round table of consultation and conferencing about the changes needed to adapt. The next cycle of human development and evolution (Aquarian Age) brings in a keynote of ‘we’ – the heavy handed feudalistic style is passé. A useful reference for those in business sectors is Peter Senge’s: ‘The Fifth Discipline’.

We are in uncertain times and Cyclone Gustav is threatening New Orleans. Michael Oppenheimer’s 30 minute lecture on Climate Change and Sustainability, may be helpful to watch – he concludes ‘we must adapt to uncertainty’ and become flexible. The Sun and Saturn together in mutable Virgo are supporting this wisdom. This means different methods of managing change will be needed. At least this time around, the US is more prepared to respond.

On Friday, 5th September, the Sun and Saturn conjunct in Virgo trine Jupiter in Capricorn: Big Corporations and old ways of thinking that try and hold back the tide of change will find that social consciousness is expanding. ‘Profit’ based economies will need to learn the meaning of sustainability and what Business is really all about – being busy and productive, in useful service to the world. Hoarding profits at the expense of the core essence of any organisation and its true purpose – is ludicrous – and this is becoming quite obvious.

Pluto about to surge direct (by 7th September) in Sagittarius reminds us that affluenza and glamour have had their day in the sun. The values of humanism and fairness in all our activities are emerging as vital to the Reformation that beckons. All our planetary civilisations will be transformed in the next two decades.  Now is a good time to realise the reality of this stage and embrace it. The seeking of quality and time in all our human activities and creations is stirring deep within the collective psyche. Our love of freedom – of time, space and choice – is emerging from this cycle which began in 1995 and is now closing. People speak now of discovering the emptiness of being materially wealthy and ‘time poor’.

We have a front row seat. Our Solar Village alignment with the Galactic Core is a once in 250 year cycle. On September 10th, the LHC* will send the particle beam around the loop. Think of the ancient esoteric symbol of the snake swallowing its own tail. This is scientists tweaking cosmic energies. By late October we shall have gained much insight into the nature of the Cosmos! [If we are still here in this dimension]. Planet Urth is Ray 3 – applied and active intelligence. We are here to play and experiment in a planet of dynamic diversity. Perhaps Saturn and the Sun in mutable Virgo will facilitate the tweaking of time. We do not know what will happen! I hope this will give us a new form of energy that can free humanity from its dependence on the old heavy and polluting industrial methods and technologies. If it is cosmic – universal – it will be easily accessed.

A reminder – that Virgo is also the sign of humour – that kind of satirical ability to laugh at ourselves and the insanity that seems to be surfacing on the news, television and internet. A sense of humour can be revealing and releasing. The spin is just spin.

A lot of the pretension has been in assuming that people in authority actually know what they are doing or talking about – the truth is more likely to be the unknown. It is this essential quality that defines the true scientist. It is indeed refreshing when we can say: ‘we do not know’ – without feeling inadequate. When we all pool together what little we DO know, the truth is more likely to be revealed. The spirit of discovery is a core quality of our souls.

Try watching Hotel Mauna Kea (Hawaii) for a cheerful lift of the spirits.

It IS good to awaken to truth and to a more realistic experience of life.

Blessings and Happy springtime in Ozland.

*LHC: Large Hadron Collider

** Pic of Ganesh Shrine on island of Kauaii, spring 2007.

 * A pair of Pacific Gulls enjoy the sun at Rye beach.

Wow! The Closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics was a spectacle of pageantry.

The ‘One Human Family’ united across cultures, creeds and beliefs to share in a truly international event.

Australia entered the International stage (culturally) with our Olympics in Sydney 2000. Now, in 2008, China has made her debut.

Songs that spread the message of love around the world and appreciation for sharing in the ‘Miracle of Life’; the flower banners depicted ‘Friendship, Peace and Joy’ opened out from a centre tower on which the amazing athletic abilities were demonstrated; the immaculate precision and organisation of so many people, the colour and costumes, tradition intermingling with modern day. China opened her heart and doors to the world and demonstrated a vitally important quality: that of an eye for detail.

Technological enhancements enabled the pictorial and symbolic to be the means of communication – so easily crossing all barriers of language and able to be understood by all involved.

And her traditional gift of fireworks, mirroring the heavens. 

Thank you China.

The new moon at 7 degrees Virgo is exact on Sunday 31st August at 5.58 am AEST – a predawn cosmic moment in time. In harmony, Mars rests at 7 degrees Libra.

Our Personal Best as a human family shows much promise and potential. The Virgo influence will continue until late 2009 with Saturn urging us to ‘get very real’ about life.

Venus enters Libra in the earlier midnight hours, preceding the new moon. Peaceful resolution is possible. Mercury, Venus and Mars are in Libra until Venus sidles into seductive Scorpio on 24th September. Mars stays in Libra until 1st October. The weeks ahead will highlight relationships. The trine from Libra to Aquarius will be a reminder that ultimately in any relationships, a strong basis of friendship is vital.  

Friendship, Peace and Joy indeed: One world, One dream.

Blessings,

[* Make a note in your diaries for September 5th: The Sun will be conjunct Saturn on 12 degrees, and trining Jupiter in Capricorn. Around dawn, [AEST], both will sextile the moon in Scorpio – a moment for deep ponderance on one’s Purpose, Destiny and meaning. ‘Twill be worth rising for a dawn contemplation. ]

Lunar Eclipse 17th August 08

Time to acknowledge the heart that loves life, humanity and our planet.

Time to slowly open to HOPE and to invoking for our world , that which we know is the true potential of an evolving humanity. 

Time to grant due credence to the wisdom of the soul. 

‘Twas a chilly morning – the above pic of the Eclipse was taken at 6.00 am on Rye ocean beach braced against the winds straight off the Antarctic. 

Mars has sidled quietly into Libra. These few weeks until 4th October will present a prelude to the Saturn in Libra cycle which begins October 30th 2009. Already, justice and legal institutions are under the microscope.

The energetics of Mars in Libra will bring forth the issues of fairness, justice and equality.

The Olympics in Beijing hilights the balance of genders now evident as women athletes are shining. Lots of wonderful human stories are emerging from this international sporting event. The accuracy of the Virgoan influence is apparent with our technological atomic level of accuracy.

On 21st August, Mercury and Venus together in Virgo will hold tension with the Node and Chiron in Aquarius. Humanity and ‘what is humane?’ is being tagged. The latest ABC Four Corners program investigates the appalling lack of social conscience perpetrated by the mining Corporations as they pillage Australia. Compulsory viewing for shareholders.

On 23rd, the Mercury/Venus waltz lines up opposite Uranus in Pisces. The sun enters Virgo and the Moon is in Taurus. Smoooooth – a very earthy time. Gardening and massage? Walk in a forest? The financial world goes tipsy turvy.

Surprises abound and revelations intrigue.  The earth speaks. We see and hear clearly.

What is interesting is how, as our consciousness expands, we can rarely claim these days, that: ’we did not know’. Hmmmm!? Now what do we DO with what we know? Where there is a Will, there is a Way.

For those who need a lift that truly calls forth joy:
Look up the amazing video footage of a lad called Matt – dancing around the world.

www.wherethehellismatt.com/

Guaranteed to bring a smile and a chuckle to the sleepiest of hearts!

Dance on folks,
Warm blessings,

Peace.

Photo by Steve Christo (The Age Gallery)

The newest of our technologies have brought the Opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics into the hearts and minds of a major portion of the human species on this wondrous Urth. What a fantastic display China!

Each of these Olympic Ceremonies has enabled a different culture and nation to emerge and present itself on the world stage. China has people aplenty and their ability to work together in unison is evident. This nation of China has experienced much of what the world has to offer: feudalism, monarchies, communism and now embracing much of capitalism – and on Friday night it displayed its history and culture to the world. It has given us the basis for printing, paper, fireworks, silk, martial arts and much more. Billions of us are learning to read downwards as we scroll down our computer screens.

I loved the small details amidst the finely tuned masses working together for one purpose: the people running around the globe, the unfolding pics of the torch passage through the world, the 9 year old boy from the earthquake province quietly walking with his tall minder, the thousands of individuals functioning together with a common unified purpose.

People are wondering how these huge numbers of people could all work together so well – the timing, the accuracy – as if of one unified mind. This is an example of the ability of a group to work as one (It is the new emerging Aquarian Age actualised). It is 21 years since we linked across the globe for the Harmonic Convergence – and the Eclipse on Sunday falls on that exact date. We created a unified field on that day. Now the world is awakening in ways we could not have forseen. It takes singular focus, group consciousness and willing hearts to achieve this. We, humanity, are well prepared for this next stage of planetary growth.  

In thinking of the world situation – China has a great deal to offer the global village. They have self mastery down to a fine art. Yes, it is the collective at its extreme, just as America has individualism as its extreme.

The astrology for this upcoming eclipse enforces these themes: the individual shining Sun in Leo, Chiron and Karmic Node conjunct in Aquarius, Neptune conjunct the Full Moon in Aquarius and the stellium in Virgo.

In discovering our own spirit and our own relationship to Life, to the world and to our human experience, we may also discover what we have to offer.

We can no longer ‘go along’ blindly: our human consciousness is expanding as the inevitable path of the unfolding evolution, beckons. Jupiter retrograde in Capricorn is urging us to uncover the beliefs and social norms to which we have bound ourselves – unconsciously. For some, these have been associated with money and power; for some, social conservatism and expectations; for some, finding the ‘right’ set of beliefs and doctrines. The healing of humanity is hilighted.

We can no longer feign a blind obedience to loyalties we have not questioned nor examined in the Light of Truth and the Light of Love.

The truth – one aspect of it – is that our humanity is evolving. It is unfurling like the scrolls of human experience through the passage of time and space. It is this experience of seeing and witnessing and knowing first hand, this process of unfolding evolution in time and space that is unique to our dimensional incarnating experience as souls in matter.

We have the unique and wondrous knowing of first hand subjective experience and objective observation.

This is the gift of our living now.

The human species is indeed growing towards one species of much diversity, one human family of many peoples and cultures, creeds and experiences.

‘One world, one dream’ is playing itself out right now: the Sun in Leo will be eclipsed by the Full Moon in Aquarius – right on the planet Neptune (dreaming) next weekend. [I am well aware of the high probability of astrological knowledge being applied by the Chinese creators and writers! They chose the exact timing of 080808. See the crop circle* that emerged in to join in the celebration.]

One world, one dream is a work in progress. Humanity is a work in progress.

The Stellium of Saturn with the personal planets in Virgo may bring out our narkiness and criticism, our pettiness and mean spirited tendencies. As I feel these well up in my mind, I am consciously redirecting this careful analytical ability into sorting my files, completing my taxes and cleaning. Most of the time (Saturn) it works. I am discovering lots of programs and files in my intellect/brain that are now redundant.

This second Eclipse will be at sunrise for us on the East coast of Australia: Sunday 17th August at 7.17 am AEST. The Sun in Leo will be just above the horizon and the Full Moon in Aquarius will be sliding into the shadow of the planet. It is saying to reflect back in a group conscious humanity, the courage to shine. This is the emergence of our human spirit, the spark of the divine which we all nurture and keep safe deep within and which once ignited, draws us closer to God transcendent.

The exact angle of Mercury to the Midheaven (AEST) in Gemini indicates communication is timely. Communication is the way we, realising our separateness, reach over the great divide to engage with each other. A picture (visual) speaks volumes.

By lunch time on Sunday 17th, Saturn will have led Mercury, Venus and Mars in Virgo into our day. This Virgo stellium is fabulous: for focussing on what really matters, for clear thinking, cleaning, sorting, gathering and accuracy. Virgo is all about the environment – without which we do not survive. It is about the micro and detail. Small does matter. The exact trine from Venus in Virgo to retrograde Jupiter in Capricorn is a ‘sign’ of our next great gift: Venus guides us to our next stage of growth emerging later this year. Mundane astrology refers to this as a time to dream and wish: it is also a time to discover what really matters to us – what we truly value. And the Virgo/Capricorn backdrops infuse us with the realisation that we must act upon what we discover for it to be real.

Pluto back in Sagittarius and aligning with the Galactic Centre, is exploding, triggered by an impulsive and overly critical (fearful and insecure) Mars. Those with power, prestige, wealth and the knowledge of the BIG – need to discover gentleness and wisdom, humility and gratitude before embarking on the next decade or so of grounded application and realistic creation. Quality shall beckon as quantity diminishes. The critical journalism and comments re China are reflections and expressions of those unwilling or unable to recognise that perfection in this world of time and space, is a process and is never achieved without cooperation. Competitiveness is passé. The athletes now speak of their own Personal best (PB) as the measure. By growing, changing and ‘doing our best’ we achieve with, for and on behalf of, humanity.

This spark from Mars to Pluto, ignited the war in Georgia. Territorialism and ownership are outmoded ideas: to eliminate people, human creations and resources in the name of ownership or ‘rights’ is a dead end in terms of evolution. Old beliefs and loyalties have become inflamed and cause disease. This challenge to transform our lowest evolutionary impulses will be exact on the day of the Eclipse. The environment is hilighted.

In many ways, it is fitting that China hosts this Olympics – China offers us the how of managing the 1st Ray – of power and initiative. Directing that energy stream consciously is a fine skill to learn.

The fine tuning, the superb timing, the group consciousness and the artistic display and ceremony of the Olympics are all there in the stellar formations.

Truth is – we need to include everyone in the overall celebration of living that is our heritage, our human right, our duty and our privilege. None of us can do it alone. The world needs what each of us can offer and therefore the issue of human rights is really all about the value we place upon life itself.

The aggressive claiming of what we think are our ‘human rights’ have at times, been quite destructive of nature and of each other: What we claim for ourselves must also be made available to all humanity if it is to be described as ‘rights’.

These two eclipses are gently nudging us towards an expanded view – that of discovering a more humane way of living and creating on this our precious planetary world. What this means – ‘humane’ – is something upon which to ponder.

The second of these Leo Eclipses grants us a window to view the greater humanity’s purpose into which we can contribute our own particular individual gifts.

China has shown us a way: particles (individuals) moved in harmonious rhythm to create a wave.  Light is made up of particles (individual units of matter) which together can form a wave. In this ceremonial new tradition, a ’rite of passage’, humanity is expressing in ceremony, how Light works!

May this Eclipse reveal the individual you – and the purpose and the way - that you may consciously and willingly participate in humanity’s unfolding evolution.

My dream is of a round table of the world’s cultures, creeds and gifts which together enlivens a symbiotic whole: a table where co-operation and creation are the valued methodologies.

One world, one dream,
In – deed …

Blessings.

Australian Wattle heralds spring

In Australia, when the Sun enters Leo, the daffodils, jonquils and Native Wattle emerge. When we see the wattle flowering in bushland we know the season of spring has begun. We will see this green and gold reflected in the sports outfits worn by our athletes at the Olympics.

 If you are feeling a little reclusive and reflective at the moment – you are on cue and responsive to the solar cosmic clocks. Everything in nature, including ourselves, has its cycle to grow, bloom, shine forth, recede and re-seed. Here in Ozland, we are in the winter/spring season transition.  Yes, the Sun is in Leo and with these two eclipses, we are being truly turned inside out and upside down.

The cosmic wheels are turning and our ability to go with the flow and adapt – to surf the energies as they stream forth – is wise, and effective.

This is a powerful healing time – a time to rethink much of what we have created and to release that which is no longer useful and vital in our lives. What we choose to keep holds within it, potential for more growth and blooming ahead in time. The key thought is usefulness. Something that inspires us and lifts our spirits – is useful. Please do not let the increasing pressures of the Virgoan analytical reduce this value to pure functionalism!  At the same time, that which once inspired us, may no longer hold its appeal.

Venus will assist us as she enters Virgo tomorrow, 7th August. Here, she will activate our deeper sense of what is vital to our well being and what truly supports and nourishes us – so that we CAN grow, bloom, create (seed) and live on.

Lo and behold, scientists are noticing that the North and South caps of ice are melting much faster than predicted as described on the ABC’s Four Corners. In Australia, experts have reported that old growth forests are vital to offset our carbon emissions.  Nothing that is being reported is truly new – rather, we are like children growing up and discovering what is in this world and how it works. How we function as humans – is now also under the spotlight. Ways of parenting and training will continue to be a major concern. On a grand scale, this includes how we create our societies and lifestyles and whether these are truly caring and nurturing the species.

On the 11th August Mercury enters Virgo. This will stimulate the intellect – the twittering mind. With the moon entering Sagittarius at that time also, the media networks will be abuzz. The factual and what is correct will be hilighted. Before that shift, Mercury and Neptune stand on either sides of the cosmic wheel which surrounds our solar village. Inspiration, recollection, remembrance and heartfelt longings surface to remind us of those memories held within our hearts. We all have them, little seeds and experiences we’ve popped into our heart pockets as treasures. Disappointment, disillusionment and discouragement are remnants of what could/should-have-been’s and did not fulfil their promise.

An example of this is the website which has conned hundreds of people into buying tickets for the Olympics and which has turned out to be a ‘false front’ – a fraudulent scam. We react with shock and surprise that anything so scurrilous could be organised on such a scale – hey, this is a global world now, and we are slowly becoming aware of much that has conned us with dangling carrots. People have invested their lives into homes, communities and lifestyles based on a premise/promise. 

What we are truly discovering is the extent to which so much of our lives is created on shifting sands. Jupiter retrograde in Capricorn is bringing to the surface the enormity of the consequences of a lack of social conscience. This is revealing of our Societal planning, our Governance, our Communities, our Corporate and Business worlds, our financial systems and our traditions. The ability to be aware of the individual within the group is a major maturing point for humanity at this stage of its unfolding evolution. The realities of our way of being are reflected back to us in our modern communication systems: television, radio, newspapers and magazines, the internet and the blogs postings that are a global living network of people living life.  What the Pope said in Australia is reported across the world. The personal IS now global and political.

On 8-9th August, the Moon in Scorpio will create tension with the Leo/Aquarius axis. Our intentions and desires will be intensified. Olympians are discovering they need healthy conditions to be athletes and active. Indeed, the deeply ingrained paradigm of competition is revealing itself to be quite dysfunctional. Anyone who has had to deal with sibling rivalry knows this; anyone who has been lashed and beaten by bigger and bullying individuals, gangs, groups, tribes, entities and corporate monsters, knows this.

Historians and academics will argue that ‘competition is healthy’ – is it? We are evolving. Competitive and aggressive thinking is a response from the lower chakras energised by survival, relationship and ego driven desires and perceived threats. Neptune’s slow dissolving of assumptions humanity has held as ‘fixed’ is revealing there may be other ways to live as a species. Co-operation, sharing and negotiation are relatively new ideas we can now begin to integrate into all forms of our civilisations and beliefs. It will take a few generations – evolution is slow and sure. In some ways, the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics, are becoming as important as the various events. The opportunity to present a cultural fest for the world to see and share is highly valued. This is the Aquarian energy streaming in to fill us with the Ray 7 – ceremony and ritual – as a way we can all share in a spiritual event. The individual willing to become part of a group is an awesome experience – both for participants and observers.

We can now recognise and acknowledge our instincts (from the base triad of drives), we can enter the heart chakra and expand our experience into generosity and inclusive embrace, we can expand even further to include the impulse to communicate and share, to ponder and see further than our selves and indeed, even be aware of the context of our own species in a greater world. Finally, we can become all seven chakras, blazing forth and fully human, intuitive, intelligent, loving, and instinctive. For mass humanity – the first great initiation is happening NOW and shall be for many souls, the first great threshold of awareness which opens the human being to new horizons. No matter how e/volved we may (think) we are – this is a collective experience and we are all in/volved.  

The shift from Leo to Virgo in the weeks ahead will be gradual – and bring us into a greater reality – that of our natures, our environment, our ways of thinking and being, our technologies and our deeply held assumptions. Our species is fragile and so is our natural environment. Our spirits are growing in strength. With both Venus and Mars in Virgo, relationships may at last find some common ground. Practicalities are the theme.

The first Eclipse of the new Moon was personal – the next Eclipse on the 16th will be on a mass scale.

I choose NOW, as we traverse from the personal to the communal, from the individual to the whole, as the moon waxes and reflects the light – to seed a new idea.

A New Tradition: each New Year’s Day, from sunrise to sunset, humanity opens itself to HONESTY. The old idea of resolutions and partying can continue. The seed thought here, is that the first day of the commonly held calendar (and I am well aware there are a few different ones to recognise), is one in which in the light of day, we open ourselves to the experience of true honesty. Yes, this could be interesting – enlightening, humorous, and quite revealing. On the basis of that first day of light for the year, those who want to – can make their resolutions, decisions, plan, and be aware of intentions for the solar cycle ahead.

We can name it (and humans love to name, and put titles on things, events, experiences), The First of the Year – our Day of Light: A day for honesty and truth and transparency.

I propose this, fully aware that it will create ripples and reactions, responses and derision.

Well, with Mars and Uranus creeping towards a challenging square to Pluto at the Galactic Center, I for one,  would love to see and know humanity as it truly is.

Take this idea – float it, share it, discuss it and promote it.

We may be mature and evolved enough now and willing to create a new tradition. This global ceremonial recognition can take us through the next 16 years of Pluto in Capricorn. (This next cycle will require of us, integrity, honesty and quality of life.)

This is after all, a planet of free will, of Active Intelligence within a solar village that teaches us about Love and Wisdom.

Being honest (with oneself and with others) for one day a year is a grand idea whose time may well have come. It came to me – inspired – and I chuckle when I think of it.

Enjoy pondering, reorganising, sorting, cleaning and watching the Olympics courtesy of our marvellous technology networks that enable us to know we are indeed, one species, one humanity, on a stunningly gorgeous planet (that we need to take care of). Join in the spirit of Goodwill with the global virtual handshake.

The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12th so you watch the heavens precipitate in 3rd dimensional wonder.

This final retrograde experience of Pluto in Sagittarius is bringing much of our cultural explorations and expression to the forefront of our awareness.

My heartfelt encouragement to all the cultures, nations and individuals involved in this Olympics. A brave China is host and for the people of China, this is a wonderful opportunity to share their own joy of life with us all.

Blessings.

 *** In the spirit of Goodwill, the Dalai Lama has begun a global handshake - to extend our friendship and willingness to overcome all temptation to sink into the mire of angst, malice and hatred. Love – wise love – is a way through. The Avaaz organisation shall present the global handshake to China at the closing of the Olympics.

 The Total Solar Eclipse in Leo is at 8.11 pm on Friday 1st August here on the East coast of Ozland. Mercury is just ahead of the Sun and new Moon. Venus in Leo is opposite Neptune in Aquarius. The blessings from Sirius are streaming forth through Leo into our own Solar Village Light – our Sun and hence into our own hearts. Drink it in!

What do we love about ourselves and how does what we love about being ‘me’ fit into the larger family group of humanity?
Where on our natal chart is our moon and what house (area of experience) is illuminated by Leo (the heart of Life – the Sun)?

Our family and ancestral groups have in the past, deeply affected the way we see ourselves and how we are ‘supposed’ to shine – usually to fulfill a social agenda.  We are a social species and we want so much to have others love in us what we love in ourselves. And we want people to love what we love. For over two thousand years we have been taught to Know and Love ourselves and henceforth each other – and Life.

This Eclipse will highlight our disillusionment about the world – about humanity especially.  Hiding within this disappointment is a feeling that we have have ‘missed the mark’ and detoured from Eden. We humans have overdosed on a punishment /reward mentality, designed to shape and mould our uniqueness into a socially acceptable way of being. The root of this discomfort is an innate (dis)belief in our place in Creation, the Universe, the Grand design of Life itself. Many of our inherited religious and scientific teachings and doctrines perpetuate toxic thinking. Too many of our laws and societal norms confirm a presumption of original sin. We question our own right to exist. We compete with each other for life’s blessings.

There is enough to share and there are solutions to our problems.  A truly heartfelt courage is now called for.

Our financial system is based on ‘credit’ – a word which is also defined as ‘worth’. A quantum leap of evolution could take place if we all simply lived within our means and refused to go into debt. The ‘value’ of all we have created would be eclipsed by the reality of a relative usefulness. 

“See the Lilies of the Field – they toil not nor do they spin …” 

Nature has a wonderful way of living and being all of its own accord: a flower, a tree, a butterfly, a bird, a cat – they all just are – beautifully adorned, supremely designed and each having its time and space to shine.

i.e. Until humanity comes along and kills the bees, pollutes the waters, devastates the land, fast tracks the growing of the animals for consumption and robs the flowers and plant kingdoms of their natural essence.

Why?

Humans are learning to ‘create beyond what is’ and that invariably involves a projection of ego in some way or another. We want to build and create in the image of the Creator – of life itself. Our cities and lifestyles have lost the delight of living in the push to prove how we can improve. Intellect predominates. It safisfieth not. There is more to learn  - Consciousness. 

Over the last few decades, ‘ego’ has become a negative word. Yet, without the ego, we are unable to know ourselves. The ego creates a defense system designed to protect our individuality.  Letting it go seems to invite self annihilation and we are frantic to hold onto whatever it is that enables us to be different, separate and with something unique to offer.

My Shamballa training taught me that the ego protects this uniqueness and that our task is to embrace and consciously, purposefully, develop our individuality to contribute to a greater whole : A daffodil is ostentatious, a peacock shows itself to the world in all its glory, the sun shines unabashed. Each has its part to play and each contributes to the whole.

This nakedness and transparency of the soul shining forth is a major discovery in this world. Here, on Urth, in a planetary world of continually changing diversity, each blade of grass, each leaf, each flower, each soul each human – is different yet connected with a grouping of some kind or another. It is an intricately designed, precariously balanced and fascinating, symbiotic system. It works.

At this stage in the planet’s unfolding evolution, we are also growing beyond the original tribal, racial and familial groups that previously defined us. The fundamentalism within us seeks a stable base – definitive laws, creeds and beliefs that shape our outer world so that we feel safe enough to exist and perhaps to live creatively. The extent to which we have ‘sold out our souls’ for security and acceptance is being highlighted over this month. It is time to retrieve our Love of Life. 

In people we admire, we seek out the characteristics we think we can emulate. The relatively recent phenomena of fame and celebrity glamour – reflect our desire to have someone shine on behalf of and for us. The truth is – each of us has a profound responsibility in each incarnation – to discover, nurture and fulfill at least some our potential in the unique being that we are for a fleeting moment in time.  

Finding that core of energy that flows forth naturally, the spark of the divine which emanates as light and love to the world – is a noble task.

This Eclipse on the 1st August, is when the moon (emotional patterns and programming which helped us create a self identity) moves between our Urth (Diversity and active intelligence) and the Sun (Loving Wisdom and Wise Love). The later Eclipse on 16th August will unveil more for the species of humanity and its spiritual purpose.

If what we feel about ourselves and how we express that in the world, is not glowing naturally, the world is lesser. Our world needs us to love ourselves and each other and life generally.

When any of us truly knows within the heart and soul, that we are part of and carry the seed within us, of all creation and life, then we do indeed glow.

It is called presence and it is our original innocence. It is worthy. When we truly know it and feel it, we can ‘wear our crowns lightly’.   

Self awareness and the Love of Life – of loving being our unique selves for this lifetime – sparks this conscious presence.

And the world is better for this.

* Pic of the Vigil of Lights at Seaford in January 2008.

Risa’s site describes the esoteric perspective of the Eclipses and the regal role of Leo.

Planet Waves ‘How to become Unstuck’, provides an interesting essay on the Aquarian role and the personal in the group. Eric’s daily Blog for the Eclipse describes in detail, the Nodes and Eclipses and is a brilliant summary for Baby Boomer students of Life. For the younger ones (X and Y generations) much is revealed about the current collective consciousness you have inherited and bear witness to today. The Way forward can therefore become clearer for us all.

Shine forth !

 Happy Full Moon week!

The waxing moon shall be glowing in a crystal clear sky for a few days. By Friday, we have rain predicted again. If you are out for an (brisk) evening stroll on Friday evening the full moon will be rising over the horizon with Jupiter in Capricorn. Exact at 6.00 pm Friday evening 18th July. AEST

 Venus will be setting at that time so look West for Venus in Leo and East for the Jupiter/Moon. That is if you are in Melbourne or along Australia’s East Coast. It all depends on where on the planet one is located.
 
The other side of this This Cancer/Capricorn axis will be energised when the Sun is in Capricorn January 2009. That is one of the delightful benefits of observing the sun/moon phases – we can watch the solar village planetary movements, the cosmic clocks in motion.
 
I was interested to read in Eric Francis’ fascinating article about Buckminster Fuller (see previous post) that he urged parents (and teachers) to ensure children understand how our planet moves in relation to the Sun and how the moon moves around the earth.
 
The Sun is fixed – we are on the move with the planet!
 
It’s all about perspective. We only have eyes in the front of our skulls so our (physical) perception is always looking in front of us and outward. One of the exercises to develop consciousness is to train oneself to see with the inner eye, above us, below us, right and left front and behind.
 
The aboriginal art which is now becoming more familiar across the global community, is dreamed by the artist who then awakens and paints the picture from his/her mind’s eye. They enjoy the ability to hold an aerial perspective.

 I have been pondering these wider perspectives and how they change and expand our consciousness. I am motivated to consider these factors whilst aware of deeper feelings and concerns for my own survival and well being.
 
This morning pre dawn’s ponderings revealed I enjoy and am acutely aware of, the built in diversity in our planetary world. I am not the same with each person I meet.  I am not the same each day. Everything keeps changing, we are constantly adapting. Within such an environment, we experience movement/energy and light/dark and time/space.

So it is also, in a dynamic world, our laws, policies and concerns; our belief, values and priorities, are also adapting. For anything to be alive, it is in perpetual change and motion, whether slow (mineral kingdom) or rapid (air and fire). 

What then IS fixed? Ah, the position of the sun – its nature is dynamic (vital) which gives us heat and light by being alive and continually giving out its energy.

NASA scientists are scratching their skulls trying to work out what the sun is doing at the moment. It seems to having a snooze.  They are ‘examining centuries of sunspot data’ records to determine whether this is some sort of cyclical season or is something new happening? 

Thing is our incarnating lifetimes are so short and we need wider perspective to see life in context.

A child takes 7 the first year cycle to adapt to the cycles of our physical nature. The physical mechanisms of our biology are impressed from the energies of Saturn (the timekeeper of the solar village). Saturn works on a 28 year cycle so 7 years is a quarter. The Saturn Return is a major rite of passage around 28-30 years of age and again around 56-58.

My biological form is entering my second Saturn Return and that is why I am consciously and purposefully preparing as an apprentice elder for the next grand cycle. 

I am personally delighted to witness the emergence of the ‘grandmother’ groups across the planet. Most appropriate for an aging population of Baby Boomers.

One of the observations I have enjoyed throughout my lifetime is that of Governance. It is indeed a joy to note Governments such as our new one in Ozland, creating Departments of Environment and Climate Change.
 
I am sure folk of the future will look back in history and marvel that the human population focussed more on economics for centuries than on the environment and climate.
 
In our time, now, the order of priority is shifting from economics to environment. The growing pains (caused by our need to adapt or become extinct), are arising because of the concerns expressed by industry, agriculture and commerce that caring about people and families, about land and nature, is so expensive.
 According to Pendulum, one of (four) primary Galactic Values we are required to express and demonstrate is that of: Care and Perpetuation of life.

 We are indeed, as a species, ‘getting the message’! Yay!
 
There’s a whale in Port Phillip Bay who managed to get past the dredger which is ripping apart a marine world at the heads for the projected expansion of commercial interests.  The beaches around the Bay are fast disappearing and dead fish are floating near the city.
 
Ooops!  What a Campus this Urth of ours is! We live and we learn.
 
Enjoy a dynamic week as we feel the energy build up for the Full Moon. Let off some steam by considering what are your own cares and concerns for the six months ahead. Stressful feelings and thoughts may emerge over these next few days with the Moon in Sagittarius beating the drum to Pluto’s tune. This too shall pass.

It’s all about expanding the inner consciousness and beliefs (Moon and Jupiter in Capricorn) and knowing what are our own values (Venus in Leo) at this stage of the Grand Plan. Prioritising is helpful with regard to practicalities. (Saturn in Virgo)

 By the time the cosmic clocks chime in January’s Full Moon, we shall be glad we have thought deeply about what we are doing and why.
 
 Blessing and Blessed Be.

 [* pic by Gwen Jessup: This tiny wild, white fringed lily emerges in the Australian bushlands for only a day or so each year. Gorgeous!] http://benlochbalcony.blogspot.com/