starworlds: Astroweather -- Transformative Alignments at the Galactic Center

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Astroweather -- Transformative Alignments at the Galactic Center

Rahu Conjoins Pluto 11/24/10 in Sagittarius, joined by Mars and Mercury on 12/12/10

Brahma (Ultimate Creator) sits on a lotus,the symbol of divine energy and divine grace. The lotus grows from the navel of Vishnu, who is the sleeping god, whose dream is the universe. . . . Brahma opens his eyes and a world comes into being. . . Brahma closes his eyes, and a world goes out of being. ~ Joseph Campbell

During the next two months, there will be a lot of planetary activity lining up and receiving energy from the Galactic Center which ancient Vedic astrologers called the Vishnunabhi, the navel of Vishnu. The Galactic Center is the mysterious and complex bright core around which our spiraling galaxy rotates. It is located at a distance in the direction of the constellations Sagittarius, Ophiuchus, and Scorpius where the Milky Way appears brightest.

The Galactic Center cannot be observed at visible, ultraviolet, or x-ray wavelengths because interstellar dust obscures the line of sight. All scientific information about it comes from observations of gamma ray, hard X-ray, infrared, and radio wavelengths. The precise astronomical location of the Galactic Center at approximately 3 degrees Sagittarius (sidereal) was first verified in 1918 by Harlow Shapley. However its energetic connection to the earth was not realized until 1932 when Karl G. Jansky, an engineer working for Bell Telephone, was investigating the source of the static interference with overseas telephone lines. He discovered that the interference was due to radio waves being emitted from the center of the galaxy. The source of the radio waves appears to be located almost exactly at the Galactic Center, and may coincide with a super massive black hole. This black hole has the equivalent mass of 4 million suns and is the source of most of the gravitational energy in our galaxy. Thus the Galactic Center is the Sun around which our Sun rotates.

The ancient seers of the Vedic culture understood this astronomical connection between our Sun and the Galaxy, and used it as a marker for the ascending and descending yuga cycles that are measured by our Earth/Sun relationship to it (ie the pole star alignments at the solstices). During the past decade the winter solstice occurs as the Sun rises in the mouth of the great rift or Galactic Center and will be exact in 2012. In Galactic Alignment John Major Jenkins revealed that this alignment is one of the astronomical phenomena tracked by ancient Mayan, Egyptians and Vedic traditions.

The Maya had a glyph for the Galactic Center,called Hunab Ku, represents the supreme God and ultimate Creator. To them it represented the gateway to other Galaxies beyond our Sun as well as all of the Consciousness that has ever existed in this Galaxy. Hunab Ku is liken to a womb that births new stars and it gave birth to our own Sun and planet Earth. The Maya also described periodic bursts of energy coming from Hunab Ku that influence life and consciousness here on earth, and the Mayan Calendar marks these cycles, which some believe are to coincide with the conclusion of the current cycle in 2012.

Modern science presents evidence that this ancient wisdom may be based in fact. In 2002 Antony Stark and Chris Martin presented research that indicated evidence of episodic star bursts at the Galactic Center in which many stars undergo supernova explosions at a hundred times the current rate. They believe these explosive events occur every 500 million years with the next one due in 200 million years. The effect on earth would/will be cataclysmic. Some scientists even theorize a pulse generated 200 million years ago may have been responsible for mass extinctions, thus inferring that these pulses are responsible for shifts in evolution.

There is also new evidence that in addition to a Galactic Center, there is also a grand Universal axis called the Central Axis situated towards the stellar fields of Virgo. Carl Johan Calleman believes that the Mayan Calendar tracks these evolutionary waves from this center or World tree. Thus we are bathed in transformative bursts of star waves from both our galactic and universal trees.

In our home galaxy, the Galactic Center corresponds to an area of space between the constellations of Scorpio and Sagittarius, its critical points are in the Gandanta degrees of these signs. In Vedic astrology the transition of a water sign to fire sign is called Gandanta, which is traditionally seen as an inauspicious position causing misery to the area of influence of the planet. In Sanskrit Gand means knot, or node, and anta means end, in particular the last 3 degrees of a water sign, and first three degrees of a fire sign -- at the three distinct junctions of Pisces (Revati)- Aries (Aswini), Cancer (Ashlesha)- Leo (Magha), and Scorpio (Jyeshta)- Sagittarius (Mula).

Each of the Fire signs are the portals to soul growth. Aries marks the beginning of the soul's journey, the individuated or inner self; Leo develops the outer self and material; and Sagittarius designates the point at which the soul turns away from the material as it seeks to merge with universal consciousness. Since the Galactic Center falls in the early degrees of Sagittarius, it marks the gateway to this transition. Therefore, planets transiting these asterisms channel energy from that portal to our solar system, and depending on their nature express messages from the core to those of us on Earth who are listening -- and willing to evolve.

In 2005 Edith Hathaway published an article on Pluto's transit of the Galactic Center entitled Pluto in Kali's Zone. She writes:

The two nakshatras most associated with Kali are Jyestha and Mula. . . In this particular transitional area, the mythic battles between the Devas (the gods of light) and the Asuras (gods of darkness) became the most intense. . . For the first time in 248 years, transiting Pluto hovers at the exact border of these constellations for much of three years: from Nov. 2004 thru Nov. 2007. As it marches towards the Galactic Center, we have perhaps a major turning point in the history of civilization as we know it. Pluto, or indeed any planet slowly crossing Kali’s terrain, enters into an arena where it is now more visible and recognizable.

Although Pluto is not one of the visible planets usually discussed by Vedic astrologers, Neo-Vedic astrologers still value it's mythological and allegorical use. And despite the IAU's (International Astronomical Union) demotion of Pluto to dwarf planet, its message to those watching its position is not diminished. Pluto is still an indicator of death, rebirth and powerful transformations. It has been transiting this critical point in space since November 2004. And although its "exact" conjunction with the Galactic Center occurred on December 29, 2006, July 18, 2007, and October 28, 2007, its current position is still in the nakshatra of Mula.

During the next two months Pluto will conjoin the North Node, or Rahu, at 10 degrees Sagittarius in the tikshna, or dreadful, nakshatra Mula. Mula is called the "root" star and literally marks the place where stellar life emerged in our galaxy. It is ruled by the South Node, or Ketu, which is an indicator of moksha or spiritual liberation. Ketu influences Mula by getting to the root of everything. Like the root system of plants and trees, this nakshatra also symbolises all sorts of hidden things, realms, and events. Mula is also the name of the first chakra which keeps us rooted to the earth and connected with our tribe, or DNA root. Ketu also rules past karmas, and Mula's collection of roots indicates we may be able to tap into past lessons to bring forward today.

The deity of this nakshatra is Nirriti, the goddess of destruction who lives in the kingdom of the dead. In Western astrology Pluto also rules over the kingdom of the dead, and these two energies have an affinity for each other. As the goddess of destruction, Nirriti has the power to break things apart, barhana shakti. Ironically this nakshatra falls in the sign of the greatest benefic, Jupiter which indicates there may be something spiritual to gain from the destruction of Nirriti. Just as Pluto is associated with deep transformation, Mula may inflict loss and pain, but will eventually lead to God-realization. Mula presents opportunities to return to consciousness, but we must surrender to receive this intense galactic light, let go of what is not working, and allow new life to emerge.

So what will happen when Rahu, the indicator of involution, or the engrossing of the spirit in material is touched by Pluto, the planet of transformation? Change. Moreover, when Rahu is placed in a nakshatra ruled by Ketu karmic energies align. In this case Rahu has to learn to let go of its material needs and start to reach upward. If deeply rooted, a shoot reaches upward towards the light into new growth. Rahu's energy also amplify's things, so its conjunction with Pluto as they transit the Galactic Center may produce a tranformative amplification of galactic wave downloads. If we are deeply rooted, our consciousness may have the opportunity to soar and grow.

The modern oracle, The Sabian Symbols describes 10 degrees Sagittarius as "a theatrical representation of a golden-haired goddess of opportunity." It is an intriguing synchronicity that Nirriti is described as having golden locks in the Atharva Veda (V.7.9). Sounds like an ancient Ayran? Rahu is no stranger to drama, and this oracle may suggest that we need to distinguish between reality and theater. Or it may indicate a time of great opportunity. Mula can both give or take wealth and riches, as well as bestow and dissolve fame. Those with planets at 10 degrees Sagittarius will experience the effects most profoundly.

When Mars enters Sagittarius on November 30, 2010 and then joins Rahu and Pluto on December 12, 2010 there may be literal explosions on the physical plane. The most intense line up occurs on the Winter solstice during a lunar eclipse that is squared by an opposition of Jupiter in Pisces and Saturn in Virgo (aligned with the Central Axis?). The emotional Full Moon in Ardra may trigger a drama played out on a group consciousness or national level, but it also taps into the axis of the Milky Way and may deliver one of the most enlightening energetic downloads of recent years. It is definitely a time for contemplation rather than action.

Namaste!

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Aum saraswateye vidmahe, bramputriye dhi-mahi, tanno sarawati prachodayat

Saraswati is the Goddess of leaming, knowledge, and wisdom. The Sanskrit word sara means "essence" and swa means "self." Thus Saraswati means "the essence of the self." Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped by all persons interested in knowledge, especially students, teachers, scholars, and scientists.

What is the Difference between Vedic and Western Astrology: 23 Degrees, Nakshatras, and Sidereal

Twenty-three is my quick answer to the question: "what is the difference between Vedic Astrology and Western astrology?" I don't mean to be cryptic, but 23 degrees is literally the difference between the Tropical and Sidereal zodiacs. It is called the Ayanamsha -- in Sanskrit ayana meaning solstice and amsha meaning portion -- and it refers to the difference between Tropical and Sidereal zodiacs.

The zodiac is a ring of constellations often referred to as signs, such as Aquarius, Leo, Scorpio and Taurus. It is a cosmic clock around which our solar systems operates and how astrologers measure cycles of time. Most people do not realize that there are two distinct zodiacs. Vedic astrologers use the Sidereal zodiac and Western astrologers use the Tropical zodiac. The Sidereal zodiac is based on observations of planets lining up against the backdrop of the fixed stars. It is oriented to the center of the galaxy. On the other hand, the Tropical zodiac is based on the relationship between the sun and earth. It is oriented to the equinoxes. In Western astrology the spring equinox sets the beginning of the Tropical zodiac at 1 degree Aries, even though the sun is astronomically traveling in the light fields of Pisces. In other words, it does not correspond to observable position. Vedic astrology is called Jyotisha in Sanskrit, meaning the science of light, and Vedic astrology describes how the light emitted from the stars effects us. When Western astrology was in its early stages, the two zodiacs may have lined up; but over time the two moved apart approximately 50 seconds per year to the current 23 degrees of separation (even that number is debated, but the standard of India, the Lahiri ayanamsha is 23 degrees 10 seconds).

Vedic astrology is considered by scholars to pre-date Western astrology and is the only system that has accounted for the precession of the equinoxes. What is the precession of the equinoxes? The answer to that involves another occurrence of the number 23 (those familiar with the enigma of 23, like LOST and RAW fans, may find this amusing). Because Earth's axis is tilted 23° 27' in its orbit around the sun, its equatorial plane is tilted with respect to the ecliptic plane, the plane created by Earth's orbit. These two intersecting planes create an intersecting line called the vernal axis that occurs on the first day of spring, or Vernal equinox. As the Earth spins on its axis, its axis wobbles (precesses 50.3 seconds of arc per year or 1 degree every 71.6 years) very slowly over a period of about 24,000 to 26,000 years. As this occurs, the pole of the Earth inscribes an arc in the heavens called the precessional arc. The Earth's pole aligns with different stars throughout the precessional period. The current pole star is Polaris. Approximately 13,000 year ago it was Vega, one of my favorite stars. Earth's precessional cycle is also referred to as Earth's Great Year in the alchemical tradition, World Ages, or Yugas in the Vedas. David Frawley describes it a one year in the life of humanity.

In Vedic astrology there is a line of thought that suggests this 24,000-26,000 cycle (and even wobble of the earth itself) maybe be generated by a grand cycle of our sun with a companion dark star. Modern astronomy is studying this possibility as well. The ancient Vedic seers divided up the cycle into four world ages: the Satya(Truth or Golden), Treta (Third or Silver), Dwapara (Third or Bronze) and Kali (first or Iron) Ages. Each age describes a stage of awareness for mankind in which consciousness ascends, descends, and ascends in unending cycles perhaps due to the influence of this yet to be discovered companion star. Although New Age philosophers have described humanity as entering the Age of Aquarius, astronomically speaking that will not happen for approximately 300-400 years.

According to Vedic thought, the cycles of ascending and descending consciousness are connected not only to our rotation around a companion star, but also our cycle around the galactic center. According to David Frawley, "Vedic astrology orients the zodiac to the galactic center, or the central galactic sun, whose influence comes to us through fixed stars of the constellation Sagittarius." The galactic center is like our cosmic belly button -- it is sometimes called Vishnunabhi, or the navel of Vishnu-- the point from which our galaxy grew and expanded. Many ancient cultures studied and recorded their observations about this area of the night sky, including the Mayans whose calendar marks an astronomical event of our winter solstice aligning with the galactic center in 2012. It's like the earth's pole or antenna will be aligned and open to receive message from the source itself. [H]ohm is calling.

One of the most brilliant developments of the ancient Vedic seers was to further divide the zodiac into more identifiable parts. They did this by creating the Nakshatra system. In Sanskrit Nakshatra means lunar mansion. As the moon travels through the entire zodiac in 27-28 days, the ancient seers ascribed a Nakshatra for each day simplifying its location. Although too vast a subject to go into in this post, it is interesting to point out that the name for the Nakstratra that marks the galactic center is Mula, meaning root or source.

Another difference between Western and Vedic astrology is the modern use of non-observable planets and asteroids. As a Neo-Vedic astrologer I do consider some of the outer planets when I look at a chart, but I tend to be more interested in the fixed stars and Nakshatras. I marvel at how Western astrologers bring in new astronomical discoveries to their chart interpretations. Basically I see Western charts as a map of the same terrain as a Vedic chart, but indicating different types or levels of information. It's like comparing a topological map with a road map. I don't need to know the difference of elevation between Broadway and 3rd Avenue, but I might like to know the street number of Benaroya Hall. It all depends on what type of information one is seeking. Vedic astrologers come from a tradition and philosophy that focuses on the four aims of life: dharma (purpose), arthra (attainment), kama (desire),and the most important moksha (liberation). Western astrology is enriched by many diverse traditions and the information gleaned from it may be quite extensive and more suited for the modern mind. But for me, I've always been drawn to the stars in the night sky and have felt them speak to me in the language of light. And as Jyotisha is the science of light, it is the tool and filter I use to translate this information.

For a good video overview on precession click here.