Happy Winter Solstice!

Check out the Winter Soltice video from Newgrange, Ireland, one of the oldest surviving structure in the world. It was built 5,000 years ago to capture the first rays of the sun on the Winter Solstice.

http://www.servecast.com/opw/211208/archive150.html

December 2008 Astroweather

December begins with the three great benefics, the Moon, Jupiter and Venus, converging together in late degrees of Sagittarius during the twilight hours. Under the influence of Uttara Ashada, this luminous combination inspires openness, grace and ease. You may remember this nakshatra's influence over last month's presidential election, giving unchallengable victory to President-elect Obama. Uttara Ashada is ruled by the ten Vishvadevas or Universal Gods: Goodness, Truth, Willpower, Skill, Time, Desire, Firmness, Ancestors, Brightness and Peak. These deities are the guardians of all that is good and their strength is based on the collective alliance of good virtue. When the Moon, Jupiter and Venus align under their universal consciousness, victory is given to the collective good and we realize that we are more powerful united as one. It is fascinating that President-elect Obama will official announce his national security team, including Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, under this powerful stellar line up that falls in the 11th house of gains and groups of the US Scorpionic Chart.

Jupiter in Capricorn 12/9/08 - 12/17/09
On December 9, 2008 Jupiter changes sign from its mulatrikona rulership in Sagittarius to its debilitation in the sign of Capricorn. Jupiter's expansive and optimistic nature is subdued under the influence of Saturn's sign. It will be a year to reassess how we spend our money, time and energy. Many of us will be on a debt diet to restore our financial health. It will not be easy, but certainly will be worth it in the long run.

In addition, Jupiter will be entangled in the eclipse patterns at the end of January and beginning of February. The solar eclipse occurs on January 25, 2009, followed by a lunar eclipse on February 9, 2009 and Jupiter's conjunction with Rahu on February 14, 2009. Astrological traditions view eclipse cycles as karmic time periods in which the obscuration of the luminaries brings out psychological disturbances, political unrest, shadow issues, and fear. During this two period it is important to remain objective and not get carried away with any impulsive choices based on fear. The sign of Capricorn promises prosperity through sacrifice and endurance. It can bring depression by delaying things, obstacles, and worry, but it can also deliver success through perseverance.

Stay tuned for future posts:
Full Moon Friday December 12, 2008 at 8:37 am
Winter Solstice Sunday December 21, 2008
New Moon Saturday December 27, 2008 4:22 am

Namaste!

Astro Weather November 2008

Full Moon November 12, 2008

Wednesday's Full Moon occurs in the sign of Aries in the nakshatra Krittika. A full moon is the monthly opposition of Sun and Moon. It brings matters to fruition under its bright light. This month's debilitated Sun in Libra is shining its light on a moon that is in a sign ruled by Mars and a nakshatra ruled by the Sun. This Sun/Mars dynamic gives a fiery strength, courage, authority and power.

Astronomically the nakshatra Krittika is located in the constellation of the Pleiades. Many ancient cultures had creation myths associated with these stars. In the Vedic tradition the six (seven) visible stars of the Pleiades are associated with the wifes of the six (seven) ancient Seers. The wives hid Shiva's son Skanda from the demons and trained him in the various systems of knowledge. His destiny was to destroy the demons and return heaven to the Gods. Thus the Pleiades, or Krittika, is a celestial training ground where one receives instruction on one's life purpose. It is also a place of refuge.

The power of this nakshatra is to burn or cut away negativity to get to the deepest truths, dahana shakti. The fire symbolism of this nakshatra expresses itself physically, mentally, emotionally and physically. Physically it relates to digestive fire that converts food into energy; emotionally its fire can arouse anger and passion; mentally this fire gives the ability to digest and assimilate new information and gives great curiosity; and finally on the most subtle planes this fire is the purifying principle that burns away karma. It is a good time to look at how you digest life. See if purification might be required to really stoke your fire.

Namaste!

Orbs at Grant Park

An orb is a transparent sphere of light that appears in digital photography. The scientific view is that in digital cameras the distance between the lens and flash has decreased causing a decrease in the angle of light reflection that increases the chance of catching sub-visible particles. However, there have been experiments using the same camera that have captured orbs where there were none moments before. The psychic community suggests that orbs are balls of psychoplasmic energy that appear under certain conditions -- like extreme emotions or in the presence of paranormal activity. I have photographed orbs only once. Days after the death of my father, my four year old nephew was collecting Easter Eggs and was tickled beyond belief to find one in the mail box. . . we all were laughing and it was a moment of beautiful bliss. The orbs appeared around him and we felt it was my father and ancestors watching over this moment. So when I viewed these photos of the orbs at Grant Park I knew it represented the extreme global release of joy and hope that the entire world felt at the news of Barack Obama's Presidential win.

The photos were passed along to me via email with this note:
When we were on our way home from the rally Tuesday, we ran into a couple of ladies on the train that had taken some pictured I wanted to share with a few people. The lady who took these didn't believe in this stuff beforehand, but does now. These are some amazing orb shots from the Grant Park rally the other night. I shot these from her camera screen with my video camera, because I didn't have my regular camera on me at the time. But you get the gist when you see them. Lots of happy souls out there.

Unchallengable Victory to Barack Obama!!

Moon in Uttara Ashada gives apradhrisya shakti -- Unchallengable Victory.

Election Day

Election Day in the US is the day set by law for the election of public officials. Currently it occurs on the first Tuesday following the first Monday of November--so the earliest possible date is November 2 and the latest November 8.

Since 1792, the U.S. Congress permitted the states to conduct their presidential elections any time in a 34-day period before the first Wednesday of December, which was the day set for the meeting of the the Electoral College. For the early colonials, an election date in November ensured that the harvest would have been completed and the winter storms would not interrupt travel. In 1845 Tuesday was selected as the day of voting, so that farmers and people traveling by horse and buggy could get to the county seat, have a day to vote, and a day to return home without interfering with the Sabbath. As Wednesday was market Day, Tuesday was the final choice. Tuesday is ruled by Mars, and Mars rules the 10th house -- the house of the public -- in the Scorpionic America chart.

Initially I thought it inauspicious that we would select our leaders on a day in which the planetary karaka, or significator, for the leader of our country, the Sun, is debilitated. The Sun is debilitated in the sign of Libra, for the time period between October 16 and November 15. As I mentioned in my previous post the Sun signifies the self, authority, the government, and royalty. It is uncomfortable in the sign of Libra which confers an accommodating nature that is useful when dealing with groups and relationships, but not for taking its right place of authority. The Libra Sun of election day annually conjoins the exhalted chart ruler, Saturn, of the Scorpionic US chart. This intriguing configuration reveals the underlying source of power in the US -- the people. It is indicative of a democracy in which the majority of the people rule through negotiation and checks and balances (Libra). Our leaders are public servants, not kings, who enact the will of the people.

Today we have many choices around how and when to vote, making it a little tricky for Vedic Astrologers to cast an event, or Prashna chart. But for the Presidential elections, I always like to set the chart data for election day at the time that the polls open in Washington, DC. As this event chart always has the Sun and Ascendant rising in the constellation of Libra, the key to interpreting the chart comes from the Moon which to me represents the the public, the will of the people. On November 4, 2008 the moon will just barely be in the sign of Capricorn and the nakshatra Uttara Ashada. This moon is within 4 degrees of John McCain's natal moon and within 2 degrees of Barack Obama's chart ruler, Saturn, and 7 degrees of dasha Lord Jupiter.

Uttara Ashada is called the "universal star" that reflects its humanitarian influence. Abraham Lincoln had his moon in this nakshatra which is ruled by the Vishvadevas, the ten sons of the god Dharma. The power of this asterism is to grant an unchallengable victory (apradhrisya shakti); so which candidate will this energy bless?

I believe the stars favor Barack Obama, with his chart ruler AND dasha lord in Uttara Ashada. In addition Obama's natal Moon in the 5th house of past life karma is within one degree of the exhalted Moon in Taurus in the US chart. The Moon is a karaka indicator for the public as well as an individual's mind, so Obama's mind and karma is tied to that of the US. And he is running Jupiter-Moon Dasha. Jupiter is the great benefic, and it's dasha brings much success. Currently Jupiter is in its own sign of Sagittarius, but it will shift to Capricorn, its sign of debilitation on December 9, 2008, the day the Electoral College meets for the Determination of Controversy as to Appointment of Electors.

Obama's rising sign, chart ruler Saturn and Jupiter are all in Capricorn. Usually Jupiter is debilitated in Capricorn, but in this case its retrograde motion reverses the debilitation in what's called a Neecha Banga Raja Yoga. Jupiter also gets dik bala or what's called directional strength in the first house AND I believe its placement in the first house also confers a Hamsa Yoga. A Hamsa Yoga is formed when Jupiter is in its own sign or exhalted (in this case through a Neecha Banga Raja Yoga) in a Kendra House (angle 1,4,7,10) and it confers fairness, philosophical nature, and very good luck.

In addition, it is conjunct the chart ruler Saturn in its own sign or mulatrikona in the first house, an angle, giving another Pancha Mahapurusha raja yoga -- "yoga of very important people". A Shashya Yoga is formed when Saturn is in its own sign or exhalted in a Kendra House and it confers power, discipline and authority. These Pancha Mahapurusha Raja Yogas elevate Barack Obama's chart, and since he is currently Jupiter's grand cycle, all of this energy lines up at a very significant moment. It means that the Electoral College will have a clear winner that day: Barack Obama.

New Moon

New Moon Tuesday October 28, 2008 4:14 pm pst

Tuesday's new moon occurs in Libra under the nakshatra Swati. A new moon is the monthly conjunction of Sun and Moon. This month the Sun is debilitated in Libra. As the Sun signifies the self, authority, the government, and royalty, it is uncomfortable in the sign of Libra which confers an accommodating nature that is useful when dealing with groups and relationships, but not for taking its right place of authority. The Sun in Libra can be charming, alluring, and supportive, but it can also be out of balance and give too much causing a passive-aggressive polarity. When coupled with the new Moon in Libra, this accommodating nature may effect our minds and emotions as well. This lunation cycle is a wonderful time to re-access and bring to balance of all of our relationships.

The nakshatra Swati is often translated in a variety of ways: "self-going", "good goer", "self-blowing", "tender", "sword" or "priest". These terms seem to encompass all the qualities that this asterism evokes. Its symbol is a single plant shoot blown by the wind. The nakshatra contains the fixed star Arcturus that many Crop Circle enthusiasts believe to be the source of intelligence behind crop circles, which are made up of bent plants seemingly blown in geometrical patterns as if by the wind. Although it is late in the season, I think it would be really cool if a new crop circle appear that day.

Swati is ruled by Vayu, the demigod of air and wind. In Hinduism he is also known as Vata (air), Pavana (purifier), or Prana (breath). Astrologically air and wind symbolism reveals the quality that confers its restless nature. This nakshatra gives the power to "scatter like the wind," pradhvamsa shakti. It is ruled by Rahu, the north node of the moon, that has a vata, literally "blown", or airy, nature. Rahu is a manifesting force that can build like a gentle breeze, or wreak havoc and blow like a category five hurricane. Swati also has a connection to Saraswati, the goddess of music and learning, that reveals the higher nature of this nakshatra -- all sort of learning. (See more about Saraswati in the column to the right.) It is a great time for new art, music, and intellectual pursuits.

The two keywords that capture my attention are sword and priest. In the Five Element School of Acupuncture, the sword and priest symbolize the metal element of the fall. Autumn is a time when energy begins to contract after reaching its peak of expansion in the late summer. The Metal Element represents this time of the exquisite beauty of maturity as seen in the brilliant colors of fall foliage. It is also the time of release, of letting go, and letting the dying process begin. It is the energy that allows a person to be present through the process of purification, farewells, tears, grief, and loss. Treating this element with acupuncture is believed to allow patients to bow to and accept what is inevitable, much like the bending of a delicate shoot.

The Metal element within our psyches is the part of us that seeks perfection of form and function. It is our inner disciplinarian and perfectionist. The sword is the perfect symbol for its desire for justice and its defense of virtue, honor, principle, and moral values. The archetype of the priest represents that which evokes inspiration, awe, and reverence. When we are under the influence of the metal element, we are called back into our internal sacredness. Tibetan priests ring metal bowls to create a sacred space for meditation. The vibrational tones raise and align our vibrations to the purity of the metal element. The new moon on Tuesday is the perfect time listen to the ringing of bells, inhale the crisp quality of the fall wind into the metal organ, the lungs, and release worn out patterns that no longer serve us.

Full Moon Surprise?

Full Moon Tuesday October 14, 2008 1:02 pm pacific

The full moon on Tuesday will be in the sign of Pisces, in the nakshatra Revati. Being the last nakshatra in the astrological wheel, Revati is connected to endings and completion. It is translated as "wealthy" and "to transcend," perhaps alluding to its place at the end of the journey through 27 nakshatras. Revati's power is kshiradyanapni shakti, the power of nourishment symbolized by milk. The presiding deity is Pushan, a protector of flocks and herds. According to the Puranas, Pushan is one of the twelve sons of Aditi who was the keeper of the sacred cows of the gods. He protected travelers from bandits and wild beasts, and prevented men from being exploited by other men. Pushan guided his followers towards rich pastures and wealth. Mercury is the ruling planet of Revati, and it is interesting that this full moon occurs as Mercury is about to go stationary direct on 10/15/08 at 1:06 pm. We could certainly use Pushan's protection from the bandits on Wall Street and in Washington. I've posted the Pushan mudra on this page as a remedy to help us through this time period.

In addition to the economic mess that was revealed, or promoted, under this Mercury retrograde period, the internet and UFO world are also buzzing with a prediction of possible alien encounter under this full moon. According to psychic Blossom Goodchild, aliens associated with the Federation of Light will reveal themselves to the earth:

We wish it to be understood that on the 14th day of your month of October in the year 2008 a craft of great size shall be visible within your skies. It shall be in the south of your hemisphere and it shall scan over many of your states.

We give to you the name of Alabama.

It has been decided that we shall remain within your atmosphere for the minimum of three of your twenty four hour periods.

One of the reasons I find the timing of this event to be intriguing is that the chart for the full moon has an ascendant that lines up exactly with the Galactic Center. As I mention in previous posts (7/27/07), this part of the night sky called the Vishnuabhi, Vishnu's navel, is the center from which all galactic life emerged. Planetary alignments with the center usually bring in new evolutionary information to our world. So this full moon is under the influence of this center suggesting that any information received at this time may be significant.

However, we need to keep in mind that some of that information may be not be clear, or may even be disinformation as Mercury's energy is debilitated while retrograde in Virgo. For example, conspiracy circles also talk about a staged alien invasion in which the public may be fooled into believing a holographic light show. When planets station, they become more powerful, and when Mercury goes direct on the following day it will be extremely potent as it is in its sign of exaltation. There may be a surge of information released at that time that is difficult to process. It will take a very discriminating heart to feel and know the truth -- be it about aliens, politics or the economy.

Namaste!

Astro Weather October 2008

New Moon September 29, 2008, Mercury Retrograde 9/24/08 - 10/15/08

October begins under the influence of Monday's new moon in Virgo accompanied by a retrograding Mercury. Usually the sign of Virgo is described as discriminating and exacting, just the kind of energy one needs to look at the proposed bail out plan here in the US. However, as I mentioned in my previous blog, Mercury, the planet of commerce and trade, is retrograding in its own and exhalted sign rendering it debilitated and confused, like the US economy and Wall Street. In addition, this new moon lineup occurred in the 8th house of the US Scorpionic chart, the house of debt and hidden matters. It is difficult to sift out the truth from fear-driven rhetoric.

What is truly amazing is that proposed bail out was rejected after hundreds of thousands of phone calls and emails voiced the peoples will to Congress. As Michael Moore wrote,

The Corporate Crime of the Century was halted by a vote of 228 to 205. It was rare and historic; no one could remember a time when a bill supported by the president and the leadership of both parties went down in defeat.

The markets lost 1.2 trillion dollars and the media went on a fear blitkrieg. Again, as Michael Moore points out:

Sane people know that nobody "lost" anything yesterday, that stocks go up and down and this too shall pass because the rich will now buy low, hold, then sell off, then buy low again. But for now, Wall Street and its propaganda arm (the networks and media it owns) will continue to try and scare the bejesus out of you.

Perhaps it was the new moon in the nakshatra Hasta that gave clear insight. This asterism consits of five stars representing fingers of a hand. It corresponds to the constellation Corvus, the Crow. This nakshatra belongs to the Vaishya, or merchant/business, class. Hasta's power is the ability to manifest what we are seeking and to place it in our hands, hasta sthapaniya agama shakti. It is a healing nakshatra. I find it interesting that a "hand"out to Wall Street was rejected -- leaving political proponents like the President eating crow. A new revised bill will be up for Vote this evening when the moon will be in Libra associated with Mars and Venus. The deal has been sweetened, but Mercury retrograde is not good for signing any deal as important information and details are often overlooked.

During this Mercury retrograde period our brains, ruled by Mercury, will not be able to perceive clearly. One remedy that Vedic astrology suggests is the repetition of planetary mantra. In this case Mercury's mantra would be om bum budhaaya namah (see sanskrit above for visual). As the most recent new moon fell in Hasta, the hand, it's power may be magnified during this lunation cycle. Other remedial measures might include yoga poses on the hands such as bakasana, crow pose, or hand gestures such as buddhi mudra. In mudra practice, hand gestures are used to direct energy from the heart to the hand. In Chinese medicine the heart meridian flows from the heart thru the palm of the hand to the pinky finger. It is believed that the heart is the only organ that can recognize truth, thus mudra becomes an intensive focus on a truth or intention. I would suggest using the three m's -- meditation, mantra, and mudra -- to connect with the heart field hear you inner truth during this Mercury retrograde period.

Namaste!

Future Posts
Full Moon in Pisces 10/14/08 1:02 pm pdt
Mercury Stationary Direct 10/15/08 1:06 pm
Mercury returns to point of retrograde 10/30/08
Venus Mars exchange 10/13/08 - 11/6/08

Autumnal Equinox, Mercury Retrograde

Autumnal Equinox 9/22/08
The Autumnal Equinox occurs on Monday, September 22nd. It marks the brief astronomical moment when light and dark are in balance. After the autumnal equinox the power of the sun begins to wane. Nights begin to grow longer than days until the Winter Solstice in December. Ancient people like the Mayans, Egyptians and Druids used architectural markers to observe these seasonal shifts and set their calendars. The autumnal equinox signaled the fall harvest, which, if you think about it, is the harvest of sunlight that was collected and stored by the plants all summer long to be used during the fall and winter when the sunlight is weak. It is a symbolic time to assess what you have collected and what needs to be released. Like a tree releases its leaves that become compost for the next year, we too must let go of what no longer serves us and return to our core, our roots.

Mercury Retrograde 9/24/08 - 10/15/08
This week Mercury makes its last retrograde pattern of the year in its own sign, or moolatrikona, as well as its sign of exaltation. It stations at 12:17 am at 28 degrees of Virgo. The first planet from the sun rules thinking and perception, as well as communication, commerce, education and transportation. Astrologers often describe its three-week retrograde period as a challenging time for these activities. The effects of this retrograde period may be amplified because an exalted planet is going retrograde. In Vedic astrology a retrograde planet is interpreted at being more powerful, especially on the days that it stations. Even a debilitated planet may becomes so much stronger that the negative effects are reversed in what's called a neecha banga raja yoga. However, an exalted planet, like this one, is believed to lose power to the point of debilitation. Mercury will be at its exaltation point of 15 degrees on Friday, October 10, 2008. This is a date to hold your highest intentions and not allow fear or propaganda distract your heart from the truth.

This reversal is not good news for the recent global economic disaster. As Mercury rules commerce, it may indicate that consumer confidence declines or that trade becomes debilitated. In addition Mercury rules communication and the media, so the truth may be hard to discern at this time as well. Any deal that is signed under its influence is bound to be reversed once Mercury goes direct. Moreover this retrograde occurs in the 8th house of the US Scorpionic America chart. The 8th house represents taxes, debt, death, conspiracies and hidden matters. Yikes! More grim debt details may be revealed, or even worse kept from the public. Even now conspiracy websites are full of speculation on a war with Iran, delayed elections, and financial collapse. The occupation of Iraq was started on another equinox, March 20, 2003 during which time Mercury was also debilitated thus allowing disinformation to be presented by the media. Ironically Mercury also rules tricksters and thieves. So perhaps during this debilitating Mercury retrograde, it is the liars who will be revealed.

Although I'm not a political astrologer, I couldn't help but look at the charts of the two presidential candidates. This Mercury retrograde falls on the 24 degree Virgo ascendant of John McCain's natal chart. His chart ruler thus debilitated will not serve him at all during the first two presidential debates on 9/26/08 and 10/7/08; but it may give him a boost on 10/15/08 as it stations and regains its exaltation strength. However, I am more concerned about his health during this period -- especially lung (ie skin cancer as the lungs rules the skin in Chinese medicine) and nervous system related illnesses. This retrograde may not be so difficult for Barack Obama as Mercury retrogrades in his 9th house which rules philosophy, law, spirituality, father, higher education and good fortune. Mercury also rules his 6th house of enemies, so opponents may become debilitated (again not good news for John McCain). My biggest concern is what happens if John McCain becomes too sick to complete his campaign? Who then heads the GOP ticket? Mercury goes stationary direct on October 15, 2008 at 13 degrees Virgo. It was last at this point during the Republican National Convention when Sarah Palin was revealed as the Vice Presidential nominee. I wonder how Mercury's return to this point in time and space will bring new information forward that was not knowable at that time -- like the woman is not qualified to be next in line for the presidency of the United States.

And one last note, as Mercury rules the lungs and nervous system it is important not to get too run down as the possibility of an early flu season is high -- especially with all the national and global stresses going on in the business/political arenas right now. There have been predictions of a virulent flu or pandemic, so it might be wise stock up on immune boosting supplements like elderberry extract, zinc, echinacea, yin qiao and gan mao ling. You can boost both the immune and nervous system by regular meditation practice. This practice is perhaps the best remedy for Mercury retrograde, a time when our mental energies are directed internally.

Namaste!

Astro Weather September 2008

New Moon Saturday August 30, 2008

September begins under the influence of the new moon which occurred on Saturday, August 30, 2008 in the sign of Leo and nakshatra of Purva Phalguni. This nakshatra contains two stars, Delta Leonis and Theta Leonis that represent the legs of a cot or poles of a swinging hammock. Anytime a bed appears as a symbol, it indicates rest and recuperation. It is a social and sometimes lazy nakshatra, considered good for self-indulgent and artistic activities. It is ruled by Venus which is currently debilitated in Virgo. Luckily the planet of the fine arts and beauty is accompanied with an exalted Mercury in Virgo lifting her up somewhat. We may enjoy mental pursuits more at this time.

Purva Phalguni is also the nakshatra of Shiva's wedding procession. Traditionally it promises a happy marriage and family life. It bestows prajanana shakti, the power of procreation. The marriage of Shiva and Shakti may be seen as a metaphor for Kundalini rising. Shiva as the masculine principle is still, with a static quality. He is unmanifested consciousness. Shiva has the power to be, but not the power to manifest. Shakti, as the force of Kundalini and the feminine principle is dynamic, energetic and creative. Thus the sacred marriage of Shiva to Shakti represents the rise of Kundalini into the Higher Mind that is represented by the snowy mountains of Kailash. Kailash is the symbol of the highest mind and Shiva has his abode on this mountain where silence reigns eternally. The analogy is between a human wedding which releases the highest ecstasies of the flesh, and the wedding of Kundalini with Shiva, which is a symbol of the highest bliss attainable by an individual soul.

Kundalini is the energy is coiled at the base of the spinal cord and is naturally awakened by the time of the astrological phenomenon called the Uranus opposition that occurs between 38-42 years. As this new moon was in opposition to Uranus, it may have sparked a little kundalini rising here on the planet. Notice how hurricane Gustav increased in intensity during this time. Moreover, the fun of Purva Phalguni may have be dampened by the strong influence of Saturn, also in Leo. Saturn in Leo is not happy and easily disappointed. Saturn is somber and grounding. Perhaps some of us experienced this combination as low energy or being tied down by responsibility. This heaviness should shift by the time Jupiter goes direct on September 7, 2008.

Jupiter Stationary Direct on Sunday, September 7, 2007

Jupiter goes stationary direct on September 7, 2008 in its own sign of Sagittarius. It has been retrograde since May 9th slowing down expansion and making us reassess our philosophical, political and religious beliefs. A retrograde period is about going inward to reevaluate our inner knowledge. Once it goes direct on September 7th we should be able to bring these new insights to the outer world and expand our opportunities.

Full Moon September 15, 2008

The full moon on September 15 will be in Aquarius, in another nakshatra of recuperation, Purva Bhadrapada. Its two stars, Markab and Scheat are located in the body of Pegasus, the winged horse. It has an obscure deity Aja Ekapada, "one footed goat" who is associated with the fierce form of Shiva known as Rudra. Like Western concepts of the devil, the one-footed hindu god is associated with chaotic destructive energy that purifies so that new may be created. There is a diabolical element to this nakshatra that may trigger violence, paranoia, deceit, death and conspiracy. But this one-footed god is fulfilling a divine plan, so the change and discomfort produced under its influence is mainly the pain of transformation. Purva Bhadrapada puts an end to things and thus rules over activities like death, funeral services, risk taking, as well as the harvest of agriculture. Perhaps this last activity is most significant as the Harvest full moon in September often occurs in Purva Bhadrapada.

The Harvest Moon is no ordinary full moon and it behaves in a special way. Throughout the year the Moon rises about 50 minutes later each day. But near the autumnal equinox, the difference in the local time of moon rise is only 30 minutes. This comes in handy for farmers who are working long days to harvest their crops before autumn. The extra hours of light projected by the full Moon closest to the equinox is what gives the Harvest Moon its name. Watch to see what you harvest.

Namaste!!


Next post:
Autumnal Equinox Monday September 22, 2008
Mercury Retrograde September 24, 2008 - October 15, 2008
New Moon September 29, 2008

Astro Weather August 2008

Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse
The next full moon occurs on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 2:16pm. Although out of sign, it is also a lunar eclipse. (I feel that the previous full moon in July packed more of a punch since the north node and moon were in the same sign of Capricorn that month.)

This month the full moon falls in the earliest degrees of Aquarius in the Nakshatra of Dhanishtha, the 'star of symphony'. It's symbol is the drum. If you've ever listened to the amazing vocals of Sheila Chandra (chandra means moon), you may have heard her vocal percussion that originated from an Indian technique of calculation for drummers. This South indian vocal art form is called konnakol. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtVgV-pi0mA

As a drum is used to keep time and thythm, this nakshatra is also associated then with time and rhythms. It follows the nakshatra of Shravana that bestows the gift of listening. As Dhanishtha follows in order, it suggests that the next step is to translate what was whispered by the divine in the cosmic realms to playing earthly music. This would be a great time to dance under the light of the moon.

Namaste

8-8-8 Crop Circle

As if to validate the significance of the date, this crop circle appeared on 08/08/08.

8-8-8

There are lots of news stories this week on the favorable or inauspicious promise of the upcoming date: 8-8-8.

China chose to start the Olympics at 8:08 pm on 08/08/08. Simultaneously thousands of Chinese couples will be married at that time believing that 8 is a prosperous number. Eight is revered in China because the word for eight, ba, sounds like the word for prosperity, fa. Eight is also a mystical number in Taoism and relates to the 8 directions (N,S,E,W,NE,NW,SE,SW) or bagua, familar to feng shui enthusiasts. The bagua are 8 sets of broken and/or straight lines called trigrams that symbolize how yin transforms into yang, and yang into yin. The I Ching, or Book of Changes, was created 4000 years ago and interprets the 64 (8 X 8) possible combinations of trigrams in reference to how energy changes.

In music there are 8 changes between octaves called notes. An octave is an interval of 8 diatonic degrees between two tones of same name, the higher of which has twice as many vibrations per second as the lower. An octave marks the place of transformation between musical intervals, like an evolutionary step up or down in frequency. When 8 is turned on its side, it becomes the symbol for infinity. We may consider the infinite intervals of an octave to be like the infinite levels of evolution for the soul.

According to Vedic astrological traditions, 8 is a powerful number of transformation and evolution. The 8th house in an astrological chart represents the field of activity relating to Scorpio such as hidden things, sex, the occult, death and longevity. According to some Vedic Numerological traditions Saturn rules the number 8 and also rules over death and darkness. [It is interesting to note that Mars is exalted in Saturn's sign, Capricorn, but Saturn is debilitated in Mars' sign of Aries.] The 8th house is also the house of spousal income, so getting married on that day may bring more energy to eighth house matters like sex and dowry.

The 8th house also rules over the occult and conspiracies and the internet is filled with speculation on possible terrorist attacks -- like those that occurred on 7-7-2005 (2+2005=7) in London. According to conspiracy authors secret societies like to use master numbers (any number multiplied by 11) as ritualistic dates, like 9-11. There was even a video posted on Youtube called 8-8-8 Olympic Conspiracy, but it was pulled. Hmm. The Olympics themselves are seen as an Illuminati controlled world event symbolized by the torch (see David Icke for more on Illuminati symbolism), so it is no surprise that this date intrigues many internet detectives.

If these secret societies are using numerology for some sort of ritual, they really should have consulted an astrologer, because start time of the Olympics, 8:08 pm, is at least a half hour too late to trigger any death inflicting event. So let's hope the good juju of the ancient Taoists still is resonnating in the land of China. May the spirits of these alchemists will turn the lead/dark shadows of current eclipse period into gold for the most talented Olympic athletes.

Astro Weather August 2008

Solar Eclipse, August 1, 2008
As I've discussed in earlier posts (See August 10, 2007), an eclipse is defined as an astronomical event in which one celestial object moves into the shadow of another. Here on earth eclipses of the sun and moon occur in pairs every six months as the nodes, Rahu and Ketu, align with the full or new moon.

Astrological traditions view eclipse cycles as a karmic time period in which the obscuration of the luminaries brings out psychological disturbances, political unrest, shadow issues, and fear. August begins with the South Node, Ketu eclipsing the new moon on August 1, 2008 at 3:13 am PDT. The qualities of a Ketu eclipse differ than that of a Rahu eclipse and reflect the mysterious energy of the South Node. Ketu is the tail of the dragon. It has no head, but it does have heart which causes it to react instinctively, emotionally, and intuitively rather than intellectually like Rahu, the head of the dragon. Ketu eclipses can trigger irrational fear or moments of enlightenment.

In the wee hours of the morning the new moon will occur in Cancer in one of the most auspicous nakshatras Pushya, meaning the "nourisher" and sometimes translated as "flower". It represents the flowering and nurturing process of the sign Cancer. Its shakti power is the abililty to create spiritual energy, brahmavarchasa shakti and it gives this new moon the energy to mature our spiritual practice.

Ketu is located nearly 10 degrees away, so its effect will not be full. It falls in the nakshatra Ashlesha which is also known as the 'clinging star' or Hydra. At first glance the Hydra and tail of the dragon or snake may seem to have the same instinctive and intuitive predispositions. However, Ketu's fiery nature that burns off karma gets softened in the water sign of Cancer. Its natural tendency towards detachment and rejection of the material realm is confronted with an opportunity to embrace life, especially the bountiful material life of Cancer. Will this eclipse open our spirit to embrace our will and balance out the polarizing play of the nodes? Or will the shakti of the Ashlesha nakshatra visasleshana shakti, the power to inflict with venom paralyze the blooming Pushya energy?

Interestly Mercury is also in Ashlesha, which is a Mercury ruled nakshatra, separating the luminaries from Ketu. Perhaps Mercury in Cancer will be able to bridge the light of the spirit (Sun) and mind (moon) with the emotion of the will and heart (Ketu). As the planets of intuition and psychic insight, the Moon, Mercury and Ketu, align in this highly sensitive formation, I would pay attention to dreams and intuitive feelings.

Namaste!

Astro Weather July 2008

Full Moon 7/18/08
The next full moon occurs early on Friday morning in the sign of Capricorn and in the nakshatra Uttara Ashada, meaning "the latter invincible one". It is known as the "universal star" and gives humanitarian interests. For example, John Lennon, Deepak Chopra, Robert Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln all were born with moon in Uttara Ashada. My last lunation post in January discussed the previous nakshatra Purva Ashada, meaning "undefeated" or "invincible". Purva means "earlier" and Uttara means "latter". There are three sets of nakshatras that are paired: Purva/Uttara Phalguni, Purva/Uttara Ashada, and Purva/Uttara Bhadrapada. All three of these nakshtaras have symbols of beds and thus represent places of relaxtion, healing, and sometimes death. Uttara Ashada, is therefore, the latter "undefeated" or final victory.

Uttara Ashada has ten ruling deities known as the Vishvadevas or Universal Gods. Their names translate into: goodness, truth, willpower, skill, time, desire, firmness, ancestors, brightness and peak. They are benevolent and the guardians of good. Their power is to grant an unchallengable victory, apradhrisya shakti.

According to ancient Vedic legend, the stars of this asterism, which are located at the end of the Sagittarius constellation and early degrees of Capricorn, point to the battle ground where Indra and the divine forces celebrated final victory over demonic forces. Some ancient texts describe a 28th nakshatra called Abhijit, whose translation also means "final victory". Although scholars differ on it's exact degrees, it is referenced as 0-12 degrees Capricorn. In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna says: "Amongst the nakshatras, I am Abhijit." Interestly the blue star Vega is part of this nakshatra, and the hindu deity Krishna is depicted with blue skin. Abhijit is considered a light nakshatra that is auspicious for healing, traveling or starting a business.

As I mentioned in earlier post from August 2007 Astro Weather called Star Dust Memories, the former pole star Vega, is located in Abhijit. Vedic astrology has documented the time when Vega was the north pole star, between 10,000-12,000 BCE. According to David Frawley, "Vega may be the other point of light which governs life and spiritual evolution on Earth." Ancient Egyptians refer to Vega as Maat, the great Egyptian goddess who helped souls move from one life to another. In the movie Contact, Jodi Foster travels through a wormhole to Vega and visits with her deceased father. According to many channeled teachings, some of the oldest root races originate from the star systems of Vega and Lyra and after some galactic calamity escaped to Pleiades and Sirius and established an interstellar portal with the earth. And in Energy Blessings from the Stars Virginia Essene describes Vega as beaming gifts of sound healing to the earth. Perhaps the mythology of the hindu deity Krishna who is both divine warrior and musician reflects an ancient history of a root race.

The full moon will also align with the North Node, Rahu, and Neptune in Capricorn in opposition to the Sun with Venus and the South Node, Ketu in Cancer. Moon/Neptune conjunction in opposition to Venus is a wonderful aspect for meditation, dreaming, music and creative work. As the moon is full around midnight, ask your dream keeper for messages from the ancients or sound masters of Vega.

Namaste!

I'm back!

For the past six months I have been healing my body from chronic Lyme's disease. While not fully recovered, I am feeling better than I have in years thanks to the amazing homeopathy and natural remedies prescribed by my new naturopath. I found her after seeing the newly released documentary, Under Our Skin, which chronicles the journey of three Lyme's patients, their Lyme-literate doctors, and the political controversy that surrounds this disease that effects far more people than official numbers suggest.

For more information see: http://www.underourskin.com
or trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxWgS0XLVqw

I plan to write more about my recovery in future posts. In addition I plan to write a lot more about earth changes and ascension. My goal is to post something new each week. We'll see if that happens.

Namaste!

Astro Weather January 2008

Happy New Year!

January begins with Mars still retrograde in Gemini until January 30, 2008. This configuration is playing out in my body in the return of an old inflammatory (Mars) arm and shoulder (Gemini) injury making it very difficult to type without nerve pain. So this update may be a little briefer than previous posts, or I may revise it later this month.

New Moon January 8, 2008 3:37 am pst
The new moon occurs on Tuesday morning in the sign of Sagittarius and Nakshatra of Purva Ashada, meaning the "undefeated" or "invincible star". The deity of this lunar mansion is Apas who represents the causal waters spreading in all directions. It is asssociated with the spreading of one's name and reputation. The gift associated with this asterism is called varchograhana shakti, the power of invigoration. The new moon will also be conjunct Jupiter opposite Mars retrograde in Gemini. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and when conjoined the moon gives a special yoga called geja kasari yoga which confers the strength of an elephant and courage of a lion. The new moon's influence on Tuesday's upcoming New Hampshire Presidential primary will give the winner a huge boost in the polls and invigorate the 2008 Presidential campaign.

Full Moon January 22, 2008 5:35 am pst
This month's full moon occurs in its own sign of Cancer, in the very beneficial nakshatra Pushya. Pushya means "to nourish" and the symbol of this nakshatra is a cow's udder, or flower. In India the cow is considered one of the most sacred animals. It's milk represents not only physical sustenance but also the flow of lifeforce and vitality. Cows also play a huge role in agriculture and thus also symbolize fertility and the earth. This asterism's power is to create spiritual energy, brahmavarchasa shakti, so this full moon promises to be inspiring to both artists and mystics.

Mercury retrograde January 28, 2008 - February 18, 2008
In 2008 Mercury will go through its retrograde pattern in earth signs (last year it fell in the air signs). It will station and go retrograde at 29 degrees Capricorn in the Nakshatra Dhanistra which is ruled by Mars. Two days later Mars goes direct so there may be increased miscommunication and/or transportation snafus during this time.

Saturn in mutual exchange with the Sun January 14-March 13, 2008