Astro Weather -- August Full Moon

Full Moon Tuesday August 24, 2010
According to many native American traditions, August's full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon since this fish was abundant and readily caught at this time of year. Sturgeon are anadromous, meaning that they migrate from their saltwater habitat to spawn in fresh water. I wonder what else might migrate from the oceans to the fresh water inlets next week (ie oil)? According to Deborah Durbin, author of Simply Native American Astrology:

From the sturgeon [totem], you can learn how to persevere no matter how difficult the situation, how to stay true to your course, you can strengthen your determination and learn about depth and knowledge.

In sidereal astrological traditions, the August full moon occurs in either Capricorn or Aquarius, both ruled by Saturn, which also gives determination along with some difficulties that provide opportunity to learn our most profound lessons in life. This year the August full moon is in the sign of Aquarius, along with Neptune, all opposite a newly retrograding Mercury in Leo. The conjunction of Moon and Neptune may stimulate empathic interactions, as well as sublime fantasies. The retrograding Mercury may bring up old issues from the past. Old lovers or friends may call. If you are surrounded by other people during this full moon, you may feel like an emotional sponge, so pick your company wisely. Otherwise, if you are lucky enough to have some free time, you may wish to drift off into your own private world to indulge in deep meditation, visions, or fanciful dreams.

This Aquarian moon occurs in the twenty-fourth nakshatra Shatabhisha, which means "the hundred physicians" or "hundred healers." It may also be translated as "the hundred flowers" indicating the knowledge of herbs and other flower remedies. The number 100 refers to the collection of stars belonging to this asterism, each representing one physician or healing flower.

The deity associated with this nakshatra is Varuna, one of the most important deities during the pre-Vedic period. Varuna means "he who covers" probably referring to Varuna's rulership of the skies and cosmic weather. From this elevated position of observation it was natural for Varuna to become the great observer of deeds, and his role was to punish those that were transgressions of not merely the Law, but Rta, Cosmic Order.

Rta means that which is "properly joined," "order," "rule," and "truth." It is the principle of natural order that regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it. Thus Varuna was feared as a just judge. The stars were believed to be his thousand-eyed spies, watching every movement of men. Perhaps retrograding Mercury opposite this potentially revealing full moon will bring the truth to light and expose the many deceptions and fabrications being conjured in the media and elsewhere.

Varuna is one of the Adityas, the children of the Earth mother Aditi. The Adityas are solar deities who reside in the heavens and personify various natural phenomenon. Varuna is lord of the oceans and water element in nature. Some neo-Vedic astrologers equate Varuna with Neptune as seen in modern astrology. As this full moon conjoins Neptune, the Neptunian qualities may be amplified. Varuna is depicted as a fair complexioned man riding a sea monster while holding a pot that contains soma, the magical elixir of the gods that gives rejuvenation, intoxication, and immortality. Like the Aquarian water bearer of modern astrology, Varuna offers divine waters for healing.



As the god of rain, Varuna presides over the oceans and the skies. He is associated with the dark half of the sky as he carries the sun deep below the waves over night. As a solar deity, this rulership over the 'dark' side may also apply to the Sun. Many of this summer's solar flares have been occurring on the dark side of the Sun, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more activity on the other side during this lunation. As space weather effects earth weather by stirring the magnetic fields, causing earthquakes, and intensifying hurricanes, this full moon may bring more rain and floods.

Varuna is also a god of the dead and keeper of drowned souls, who grants immortality with his precious soma. The connection to immortality is depicted in the symbol for Shatabhisha, an empty circle. The significance of the circle refers to cycles of all kinds: the cycle of life and death, the cycle of day and night, or a trip around the zodiac. When you look these cyclic pattern of energy, you realize that there is no death, only eternal cycles. Perhaps this is the secret to immortality?

An empty circle also implies a boundary around space, such as a galaxy, solar system, or a cellular wall of a microscopic organism. A circle may be used to set the boundaries in the creation of sacred space like a medicine wheel in which healing work may be done under its protection. Thus a circle may contain and protect as well as conceal and hide. For example the mystery of crop circles is that their meaning is often hidden in the geometric designs within the circle. And the energy within the circle is different than the energy outside the circle.



Shatabhisha is also known as the "veiling star" which alludes to this type of hidden message. This nakshatra is ruled by Rahu, the North Node of the Moon whose shadow is powerful enough to consume the luminaries during an eclipse. He is depicted in art as a dragon with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. According to the Puranas, the asura Rahu drank some of the divine nectar of immortality during the Samudra manthan, churning of the oceans.



Alarmed that a demon might acquire the power of longevity, Vishnu cut off Rahu's head before the nectar could pass his throat. The head, however, remained immortal as it had already tasted the divine elixir. Because of its desire for divine nectar, Rahu is associated with intoxication and is an indicator of obsession with power, fame, and immortality.

This connection with desire for immortality and the cosmic ocean links Rahu to the nakshatra Shatabhisha. Thus this nakshatra is associated with secretive nature that may veil or distort information for both selfish or sacred purposes. It may not be clear whether the obfuscation is to gain personal power, or to preserve sacred knowledge until it is time to be revealed.


During this full moon, it might be wise to draw your own magic circle and make space for meditation. Shatabhisha is connected with the crown chakra. In acupuncture baihui, also known as Du 20, means "100 Convergences" and is stimulated to raise energy. Du 20 may also be used as a portal to higher levels of consciousness. It is a perfect time to explore these realms in solitude or in a sacred circle of like-minded devotees. It is also a good time to experiment with herbal or flower remedies, especially for health issues that are hidden or difficult to diagnose.



Namaste!

Astro Weather -- Mercury Stations and Goes Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde August 20, 2010 - September 12, 2010

Astrologers love to analyze and discuss retrograde cycles. A planet is described as 'retrograde' when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. Although every planet in our solar system appears to station and turn retrograde in cyclic periods, they are never actually retrograde or stationary. The planets appear to shift direction due to an optical illusion. This illusion occurs as a result of a planet's motion in relation to earth.



The outer planets move slowly in relationship to the Earth's orbit. They appear retrograde when they are in the sign(s) opposite the Sun. The gas giants often spend up to 6 months in retrograde motion effecting slower astrological changes than the inner planets.

The inner planets move more quickly than the Earth and always appear within 45 degrees of the Sun. Because they lie closer into the Sun than the Earth, Mercury and Venus are called inferior planets. As viewed from Earth, Mercury and Venus never get very far from the Sun. The maximum elongation angle for Mercury is 28 degrees and the
maximum elongation angle for Venus is 45 degrees. Mercury is always in the sign before, sign of, or sign after the sun.

Due to these elongation angles, Mercury and Venus are visible only either shortly after sunset or shortly before sunrise. And our view of Venus changes, showing phases much like the Moon's. During a retrograde cycle the inferior, or inner planets, Mercury and Venus, seem to disappear behind the sun and return as transformed figures, such as Venus Morning Star shifting to Venus Evening Star. It was viewed by ancient sky watchers as a shamanic process for a planet to disappear from the sky, fall into the Sun, and return after some sort of solar alchemical process.

In both Western and Eastern astrological traditions Mercury rules thinking and perception, as well as communication, commerce, education and transportation. While it is traditionally believed that difficulties occur during retrograde, it is also a time for reflection in order to understand the meaning of any obstacles that may occur. Western Astrologers often describe Mercury's three-week retrograde period as a challenging time for its communication and travel activities. In Vedic astrology a retrograde planet is interpreted at being more powerful, especially on the days that it stations, so Mercury retrograde can also be viewed as a time of sharpened insight. How we experience a retrograde period is different depending on whether our natal charts have retrograde planets, or where the retrograde planet transits our natal charts. By knowing when the planets start to go retrograde, it is possible to be prepared to utilize the shifting energy effectively. Vedic astrology uses remedial measures, called upayas, like mantra, gemstones and yantras to balance these energies and the karma they bring. Below is Mercury's Yantra. By meditating on this sacred geometry, we may alleviate some of the suffering that may occur during this shift of energy.



Mercury begins its second retrograde pattern of the year in the sign of the Sun, Leo. In 2010 all Mercury retrograde cycles fall in fire signs. The fiery quality of Leo imbues Mercury with a brightness, good recall, high ideals, and creative thought. When Mercury stations in this sign, the heat gets turned up on Mercurial matters. The Market may burst into new activity, or burn up in a dramatic flair. Leo is said to rule over kings and leaders, and Mercury retrograde is a challenging time to get any kind of agreement settled. It is a great time to review, but not sign contracts as all the information may not be available. And this time Mercury stations opposite a Moon-Neptune conjunction that may cloud logical thinking with dreamy emotional thoughts. Neptune is also the modern indicator for oil, and Mercury's retrograde in the opposite sign may bring up new information about the BP oil spill that was hidden from the public eye.

Perhaps the most fruitful use of Mercury retrograde is to make time for reflection. Slow down and review the past few months' mercurial activity. For example, it is an excellent time to complete unfinished projects, or correct things that were not done right the first time. If you are involved in the business world, it is wise to back up files and make copies as Mercury retrograde can interrupt the smooth flow of information. A retrograding Mercury also influences thinking, and allows us to focus inward. Dream work and meditation may be more profound, and bring up things we have forgotten, or unfinished business on a psycho-spiritual level. Retrograde planets may also function to fulfill a karmic debt or promise, or to clear up things from the past. One must take a step backward in order to go forward later. It is a great time to clear away karmic clutter.

Namaste!

Astro Weather August Full Moon 2010

Full Moon Tuesday August 24, 2010
According to many native American traditions, August's full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon since this fish was abundant and readily caught at this time of year. Sturgeon are anadromous, meaning that they migrate from their saltwater habitat to spawn in fresh water. I wonder what else might migrate from the oceans to the fresh water inlets next week (ie oil)? According to Deborah Durbin, author of Simply Native American Astrology:

From the sturgeon [totem], you can learn how to persevere no matter how difficult the situation, how to stay true to your course, you can strengthen your determination and learn about depth and knowledge.

In sidereal astrological traditions, the August full moon occurs in either Capricorn or Aquarius, both ruled by Saturn, which also gives determination along with some difficulties that provide opportunity to learn our most profound lessons in life. This year the August full moon is in the sign of Aquarius, along with Neptune, all opposite a newly retrograding Mercury in Leo. The conjunction of Moon and Neptune may stimulate empathic interactions, as well as sublime fantasies. The retrograding Mercury may bring up old issues from the past. Old lovers or friends may call. If you are surrounded by other people during this full moon, you may feel like an emotional sponge, so pick your company wisely. Otherwise, if you are lucky enough to have some free time, you may wish to drift off into your own private world to indulge in deep meditation, visions, or fanciful dreams.

This Aquarian moon occurs in the twenty-fourth nakshatra Shatabhisha, which means "the hundred physicians" or "hundred healers." It may also be translated as "the hundred flowers" indicating the knowledge of herbs and other flower remedies. The number 100 refers to the collection of stars belonging to this asterism, each representing one physician or healing flower.

The deity associated with this nakshatra is Varuna, one of the most important deities during the pre-Vedic period. Varuna means "he who covers" probably referring to Varuna's rulership of the skies and cosmic weather. From this elevated position of observation it was natural for Varuna to become the great observer of deeds, and his role was to punish those that were transgressions of not merely the Law, but Rta, Cosmic Order.

Rta means that which is "properly joined," "order," "rule," and "truth." It is the principle of natural order that regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it. Thus Varuna was feared as a just judge. The stars were believed to be his thousand-eyed spies, watching every movement of men. Perhaps retrograding Mercury opposite this potentially revealing full moon will bring the truth to light and expose the many deceptions and fabrications being conjured in the media and elsewhere.

Varuna is one of the Adityas, the children of the Earth mother Aditi. The Adityas are solar deities who reside in the heavens and personify various natural phenomenon. Varuna is lord of the oceans and water element in nature. Some neo-Vedic astrologers equate Varuna with Neptune as seen in modern astrology. As this full moon conjoins Neptune, the Neptunian qualities may be amplified. Varuna is depicted as a fair complexioned man riding a sea monster while holding a pot that contains soma, the magical elixir of the gods that gives rejuvenation, intoxication, and immortality. Like the Aquarian water bearer of modern astrology, Varuna offers divine waters for healing.



As the god of rain, Varuna presides over the oceans and the skies. He is associated with the dark half of the sky as he carries the sun deep below the waves over night. As a solar deity, this rulership over the 'dark' side may also apply to the Sun. Many of this summer's solar flares have been occurring on the dark side of the Sun, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more activity on the other side during this lunation. As space weather effects earth weather by stirring the magnetic fields, causing earthquakes, and intensifying hurricanes, this full moon may bring more rain and floods.

Varuna is also a god of the dead and keeper of drowned souls, who grants immortality with his precious soma. The connection to immortality is depicted in the symbol for Shatabhisha, an empty circle. The significance of the circle refers to cycles of all kinds: the cycle of life and death, the cycle of day and night, or a trip around the zodiac. When you look these cyclic pattern of energy, you realize that there is no death, only eternal cycles. Perhaps this is the secret to immortality?

An empty circle also implies a boundary around space, such as a galaxy, solar system, or a cellular wall of a microscopic organism. A circle may be used to set the boundaries in the creation of sacred space like a medicine wheel in which healing work may be done under its protection. Thus a circle may contain and protect as well as conceal and hide. For example the mystery of crop circles is that their meaning is often hidden in the geometric designs within the circle. And the energy within the circle is different than the energy outside the circle.



Shatabhisha is also known as the "veiling star" which alludes to this type of hidden message. This nakshatra is ruled by Rahu, the North Node of the Moon whose shadow is powerful enough to consume the luminaries during an eclipse. He is depicted in art as a dragon with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. According to the Puranas, the asura Rahu drank some of the divine nectar of immortality during the Samudra manthan, churning of the oceans.



Alarmed that a demon might acquire the power of longevity, Vishnu cut off Rahu's head before the nectar could pass his throat. The head, however, remained immortal as it had already tasted the divine elixir. Because of its desire for divine nectar, Rahu is associated with intoxication and is an indicator of obsession with power, fame, and immortality.

This connection with desire for immortality and the cosmic ocean links Rahu to the nakshatra Shatabhisha. Thus this nakshatra is associated with secretive nature that may veil or distort information for both selfish or sacred purposes. It may not be clear whether the obfuscation is to gain personal power, or to preserve sacred knowledge until it is time to be revealed.


During this full moon, it might be wise to draw your own magic circle and make space for meditation. Shatabhisha is connected with the crown chakra. In acupuncture baihui, also known as Du 20, means "100 Convergences" and is stimulated to raise energy. Du 20 may also be used as a portal to higher levels of consciousness. It is a perfect time to explore these realms in solitude or in a sacred circle of like-minded devotees. It is also a good time to experiment with herbal or flower remedies, especially for health issues that are hidden or difficult to diagnose.



Namaste!

August Astro Weather 2010

New Moon August 9, 2010 August begins with a New Moon in its ruling sign of Cancer. A Moon in Cancer is often described as sensitive, perceptive, emotionally responsible, feminine, and supportive. In many earth traditions, the New Moon was recognized as a time that promotes growth. It is a time to plant seeds and set goals that will come to fruition under the full moon. As the New Moon falls in its own sign, or mulatrikona, it is a particularly powerful one for new growth.

This New Moon occurs in the mystical 9th Nakshtra Ashlesha which consists of six stars in the constellation of the Hydra, the mythical seven-headed sea monster. In Vedic astrology it is fitting that Ashlesha translates as "the entwiner." Another name for this lunar mansion is the "clinging star" which reveals its tendency to embrace and entangle the object of its attention.



Ashlesha is symbolized by a coiled snake. Kundalini means "coiled" in Sanskrit. In yogic traditions serpent imagery is used to describe the sleeping energy coiled at the base of the spine that becomes activated either with spiritual practice or naturally with time. As this energy rises through the chakras it awakens the each one, until finally it reaches the crown chakra bringing enlightenment and pure bliss.



As the deity assigned to Ashlesha is Ahi, the serpent of wisdom, this asterism is associated with Kundalini energy and enlightenment. Ashlesha is an intense and sharp nakshatra, and like a snake it has the power to heal or inflict poison with its venom, visasleshana shakti. Under its influence, this New Moon may generate knowledge that may be used to heal or to inflict suffering. It may require deep and penetrating insight to use this new found wisdom wisely. Ashlesha is ruled by Mercury which turns retrograde later in the week, so make sure your information is correct.

Mercury Retrograde August 20, 2010 - September 12, 2010

Astrologers love to analyze and discuss retrograde cycles. A planet is described as 'retrograde' when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. Although every planet in our solar system appears to station and turn retrograde in cyclic periods, they are never actually retrograde or stationary. The planets appear to shift direction due to an optical illusion. This illusion occurs as a result of a planet's motion in relation to earth.

The outer planets move slowly in relationship to the Earth's orbit. They appear retrograde when they are in the sign(s) opposite the Sun. The gas giants often spend up to 6 months in retrograde motion effecting slower astrological changes than the inner planets.

The inner planets move more quickly than the Earth and always appear within 30 degrees of the Sun. This means they always occupy the same sign as the sun, or the signs before and after. During a retrograde cycle the inner planets, Mercury and Venus, seem to disappear behind the sun and return as transformed figures, such as Venus Morning Star shifting to Venus Evening Star. It was viewed by ancient sky watchers as a shamanic process for a planet to disappear from the sky, fall into the Sun, and return after some sort of solar alchemical process.

In both Western and Eastern astrological traditions Mercury rules thinking and perception, as well as communication, commerce, education and transportation. While it is traditionally believed that difficulties occur during retrograde, it is also a time for reflection and to understand the meaning of any obstacles that occur. Western Astrologers often describe Mercury's three-week retrograde period as a challenging time for its activities. In Vedic astrology a retrograde planet is interpreted at being more powerful, especially on the days that it stations, so Mercury retrograde can also be viewed as a time of sharpened insight. How we experience a retrograde period is different depending on whether our natal charts have retrograde planets, or where the retrograde planet transits our natal charts. By knowing when the planets start to go retrograde, it is possible to be prepared to utilize the shifting energy effectively.



Next week Mercury begins its second retrograde pattern of the year in the sign of the Sun, Leo. In 2010 all Mercury retrograde cycles fall in fire signs. The fiery quality of Leo imbues Mercury with a brightness, good recall, high ideals, and creative thought. When Mercury stations in this sign, the heat gets turned up on Mercurial matters. The Market may burst into new activity, or burn up in a dramatic flair. Leo is said to rule over kings and leaders, and Mercury retrograde is a challenging time to get any kind of agreement settled. It is a great time to review, but not sign contracts as all the information may not be available. And this time Mercury stations opposite a Moon-Neptune conjunction that may cloud logical thinking with dreamy emotional thoughts. Neptune is also the modern indicator for oil, and Mercury's retrograde in the opposite sign may bring up new information about the BP oil spill that was hidden from the public eye.

Perhaps the most fruitful use of Mercury retrograde is to make time for reflection. Slow down and review the past few months' mercurial activity. For example, it is an excellent time to complete unfinished projects, or correct things that were not done right the first time. If you are involved in the business world, it is wise to back up files and make copies as Mercury retrograde can interrupt the smooth flow of information. A retrograding Mercury also influences thinking, and allows us to focus inward. Dream work and meditation may be more profound, and bring up things we have forgotten, or unfinished business on a psycho-spiritual level. Retrograde planets may also function to fulfill a karmic debt or promise, or to clear up things from the past. One must take a step backward in order to go forward later. It is a great time to clear away karmic clutter.

Namaste!