Astro Weather September 2007

September begins in the middle of an eclipse period. The two week period between the eclipse is often filled with dynamic shifts and changes that have an effect on the following six months -- until the next eclipse period. The upcoming weeks may be intense, dizzying, and eye-opening for many of us as we shift up a notch on our spiraling and evolving paths.

Full Lunar Eclipse, August 28, 2007
September begins under the waning influence of a spectacular full lunar eclipse. In the wee hours of August 28th, the north node, Rahu, caste a shadow over the full moon in the constellation of Aquarius, the Water Bearer. According to Hindu mythology the Water Bearer is depicted as the physician of the gods, who pours the divine nectar of immortality from his sacred medicinal jar. The Nakshatra associated with this part of the night sky is Shatabishak, meaning the "hundred healers", or "hundred physicians." An alternate translation is "hundred flowers" which may refer to the crown chakra, through which this asterism conveys its message, as well as knowledge of herbal and flower remedies.

Each nakshatra has a shakti, or energy of intention, associated with it. Shatabishak bestows bheshaja shakti, or the power of healing. The opportunity for healing and receiving the cosmic soma was high that evening. Personally the eclipse occurred exactly on my ascendant offering me the opportunity to learn more about my dharma, as well as to experience a surge of energy through my crown chakra that kept me up all night. (I heard countless stories of restless sleep this week from my patients, as well as from my brother-in-law who has the same Shatabishak ascendant as me.)

Also known as the Veiling Star, Shatabishak is ruled by the eclipsing dragon's head, Rahu, which makes its transit over this full moon even more powerful, intoxicating, enlightening, and obscuring. As Prash Travidi describes: Secrecy is the one quality which separates Shatabishak from other Nakshatras. . . in fact [it] derives all most all its power from what is hidden. Whether it is the herbs in the ocean or secret formulas of nature's functioning, Shatabishak always tries to gain access to what is hidden and in doing so attains its power. Shatabishak is not always very ready to share the hidden secrets it has discovered and tries to hide them just like the ocean covers up many a treasure.

So what was unveiled for you during this eclipse? Politically there has been some significant changes as resignations from the current administration are being announced, while at the same time the details of which are surely being guarded. Will we ever know the real story?

Partial Solar Eclipse September 11, 2007
As eclipses cycles dance around the earth effecting our destiny like a cosmic double helix, they always occur in pairs at the height of flow (full moon/lunar eclipse) and ebb of flow (new moon/solar eclipse). The next phase of this cycle is a partial solar eclipse on September 11th at 6:44 am PDT. In this case, Ketu crosses a corner of the Sun casting a different type of shadow upon the earth. Whereas Rahu is expansive and extrovertive, Ketu is contracting and introverted. Ketu is a detaching force that can give spiritual liberation from the game of life. It is currently in the sign of Leo and nakshatra of Purva Phalguni. Purva Phalguni means "fruit of the tree" and its symbol is the hammock representing rest and recuperation. Another symbol is the Shiva Lingam indicating the power of creative procreation -- prajanana shakti. It is ruled by Venus and thus manifests in sensual pleasure and sociable behavior. As this new moon is being eclipsed by the contracting energy of Ketu, we might find ourselves in need of some rest and relaxation if we over do it during the previous weekend. In addition, somber Saturn is also involved in this eclipse which drains the fun out of the Leonine energy. As Leo rules kings and leaders, it will be interesting to see how our president handles all the resignations and political power shifts. The fact that the solar eclipse falls on the anniversary of 9/11 will only intensify the growing disillusionment with the "official" story.

Pluto Stationary Direct September 7, 2007
Pluto goes stationary direct on September 7, 2007 and will head towards its last contact with the Galactic Center on October 28, 2007. Please see previous post on Transits of Pluto and Jupiter to the Galactic Center for more information.

Venus Stationary Direct September 8, 2007
Venus will go stationary direct on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at the same degree of Cancer that she was at around June 23, 2007 in the nakshatra of Ashlesha. This nakshatra is in the constellation of the Hydra, the female water snake. Ashlesha means "the entwiner" and is called the "clinging star". As I mentioned in a previous post on Venus retrograde, this period we may feel blocked from receiving the things we love, perhaps due to clinging to our old ideas of what we want. During the retrograde period we may have had time to reassess our desires and dreams, and once Venus goes direct, we will have the energy to manifest an upgraded version of what we want. Venus returns to the point of retrograde on October 11th during which time this our new dreams may come to fruition.

Mars enters Gemini September 16, 2007 - April 27, 2008
Mars will enter Gemini on September 16, 2007 and will be opposite Pluto and the Galactic Center around September 20, 2007. It will also undergo a retrograde cycle, which begins on November 15, 2007. With Mars retrograde we reassess how we go after what we want. Following on the tail of the Venus retrograde cycle, it seems very karmic and appropriate. This an extraordinary long period for Mars to be transiting Mercury's mutable sign meaning that there will be a lot of changes in how we expend energy, especially mental energy as Mercury rules this sign. I will post more about this astrological period next month.

Autumnal Equinox September 23, 2007
The Autumnal Equinox occurs on Sunday, September 23, 2007 and is followed by the Harvest Full Moon September 26, 2007. 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. And as it is the first full moon following a lunar eclipse, watch to see what you harvest.

Namaste!

Eclipses - Rahu Ketu

One of my favorite books and movies from childhood is Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. It combined the science fiction theme of time travel with my favorite legendary period of Camelot. The main character, Hank Morgan (played by Bing Crosby in the 1949 movie),overthrows Merlin as the most powerful magician because he was able to block out the rays of the sun. This Connecticut Yankee somehow knew the eclipse tables and that a total solar eclipse would occur in England in 528 AD, and used them to demonstrate his great power. Eclipses have long been associated with the ursurption of power, with the politics of kings and leaders, and with cycles of death and rebirth. Ancient mythology and modern fiction are filled with examples of their compelling effect on the earth.

An eclipse is defined as an astronomical event in which one celestial object moves into the shadow of another. Although any planet or moon can be involved in an eclipse, here on earth our energetic lives are dramatically shifted during lunar and solar eclipses. A solar eclipse occurs during a new moon when the moon aligns with the one of the nodes and blocks the full light of the sun from the earth, creating a darken daytime sky, and literally shifting the light patterns of the sun. The shadows that are cast on the earth during this time are a carbon copy of the eclipse above. It is rather surreal, and thus associated with psychological disturbances, shadow issues, and fear. A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon and has a less dramatic effect on light patterns, but does create an eerie red glow on the full moon. It's psychic effects are unpredictable ranging from the gift of new insight to the release of repressed emotions.

The North and South Nodes of the moon are the points where the moon crosses the ecliptic, the sun's path in the sky. The ascending node, called Rahu in Vedic astrology, is where the moon crosses to the north of the ecliptic. The descending node, called Ketu, is where it crosses to the south. Rahu is the head of the dragon, and Ketu is the tail. Because of their ability to swallow the sun (the light of the soul and source of life itself) and moon (the reflected light of consciousness) and then return them imprinted with new information, they are associated with death and rebirth, and thus indicators of karma.

There are many allegorical stories about the lunar nodes. In Hindu mythology, Rahu is a snake that swallows the sun or the moon causing eclipses. According to legend, the asura Rahu drank some of the divine nectar of immortality. Before the nectar could pass his throat, Vishnu/Mohini cut off his head. 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 and fame (immortality). Rahu on a physical plane gives insatiable desire to achieve, to conquer, and to possess.

Ketu is what remains of the body of Rahu, the headless tail. The lost head symbolizes the loss of the thinking mind. The headless body may also represent an enlightened being who is freed from the thinking mind. As opposed to Rahu's affliction of the mind, Ketu can afflict the body. It is a moksha-karaka, indicator of liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Ketu can bestow great insight and healing ability, or it may place obstacles that ultimately change how one thinks. It brings spiritual tendencies, ascetism and nonattachment to worldly desires and ambitions, and it balances the materialistic compulsion of Rahu with its impulse to enlightenment.

There is a terrific modern myth that exemplify these energies: LOST. Fans of this amazing TV series may recognize the interplay of the archetypal Rahu/Ketu energies expressed in the characters of Jack Shephard and John Locke. Jack is a Rahu type, whose logical mind brings him success as a doctor, but becomes afflicted with fear, alcohol and a blinding obsession to get off the island. Locke, the Ketu type, whose afflicted body is healed on the island, proceeds on the fools journey by using intuition alone. The LOST myth unfolds according to the actions and results of the actions of these two men. This dance with their individual, but intertwining karmas occurs on the ruins of the "Dharma" Initiative. We are never sure who is good or who is bad. Season Finales are like eclipses -- releasing the built up karma and propelling the characters into a new understanding of reality.

Vedic astrologer Komilla Sutton beautifully sums up the opposing influences of eclipses and the Rahu-Ketu dynamic:

Rahu Ketu have twin purpose, one in the mundane life and another in the spiritual life but it is intertwined, like their shadowy nature. Their actions in the material realm are meant so that we change our thoughts and ideas about what we want and desire. What is darkness to a person enmeshed in materialistic ambitions can be powerful spiritual energy for those on the path of Moksha and spiritual enlightenment. The nodes always serves opposing purposes- good and bad, lots and nothing, give and take. Rahu gives, Ketu takes back. The are no straight rules about them. They operate in so many different colours which can lead you to the highest spiritual pinnacle to the greatest financial achievements or vice versa. They can give contrary results. You can never give predictions dealing with surety.

Lunar Eclipse August 28, 2007
A total eclipse of the Moon occurs during the early morning of Tuesday, August 28, 2007. The event is widely visible from the United States and Canada as well as South America, the Pacific Ocean, western Asia and Australia. The Moon will be eclipsed by Rahu in Aquarius. The chart for the event in Seattle has a Cancer rising, which is ruled by the Moon in Aquarius that happens to be placed in the 8th house (hidden things,death) with the planet Uranus. It falls in the Nakshatra of Shatabishak, also known as the "veiling star." What will be unveiled? The deity associated with these stars is Varuna, bearer of cosmic waters. Much has been written about Lunar Eclipses and earthquakes, and as an observer of cycles it seems to me like there is a strong possibility for an earthquake all along the Pacific rim during the two weeks prior and after the actual eclipse. (The earthquake in Peru happened just after this was originally posted.) Ocean storms may also be stirred up. (And it is hurricane season.) I am not a fan of dire predictions, and would rather offer the earth love and gratitude to pray for healing movement rather than destruction.

Solar Eclipse September 11, 2007
The last eclipse of 2007 is a partial solar eclipse at the Moon's descending node in southern Leo. Its visibility is confined to parts of South America, Antarctica and the South Atlantic. The chart for the event shows that the eclipse occurs at the horizon and is tied to the planets Saturn and Mercury. I would listen closely to the words and stories presented by the media at this time. There may be an increase in propaganda that may over-dramatize world or national events, or important information that was hidden may be brought to light. Perhaps the truth of what really happened on the overplayed 911 tragedy will be revealed?

Astro Weather August 2007

Venus Retrograde, July 27 - September 8

August begins under the influence of a recently retrograding Venus. As the planet of relationships, arts, and pleasure, Venus retrograde slows down the flow of energy to these areas of our lives. We may feel blocked from receiving the things we love. Venus also rules the neck, and I have to say the energy in my neck is not flowing like it should. The remedy for this counterflow is to reflect the energy of a retrograde by "stepping back" to reassess what brings us enjoyment, or how does what brings us enjoyment also bring a pain in the neck? Are the relationships in our lives working? If not, how do we shift energy or our perspectives to be more aligned with a higher aspect of Venus?

Vedic astrology offers wonderful remedial measures, called upayas, for afflicted planets or difficult transits including wearing gemstones and chanting mantra. White crystals, such as diamond and white sapphire, emit a frequency that resonates with Venus. By wearing these crystals we imprint our field with this vibration and thus strengthen the Venus frequency within us. In the Vedic tradition, Venus, Shukra, is the son of the great seer Bhrigu who taught his descendant all spiritual sciences and Vedic scriptures. As Venus rules chanting of mantras, tantra, alchemy and the medical arts, these pursuits are great remedies. Venus retrograde is the perfect time to reconnect with these practices -- especially on Venus' day, Friday. A mantra one might use is: Om shum shukraaye namah.

For a list of planetary mantras and their pronounciation see: http://www.hinduastrology.com/mantrasaudio/index.asp

Saturn in Leo
Saturn continues it journey in the early degree of Leo. As I mentioned in a previous post, Saturn will be at the critical gandanta degrees until August 11, 2007, a day before the new moon in Cancer/Ashlesha. The following week the Sun catches up to Saturn and Saturn starts to lose more strength as it becomes combust on August 21, 2007. And the final week of August involves Saturn in the Lunar eclipse, on August 28, 2007. This period is definitely a time to take it easy, beware of burn out, and practice Saturn's mantra: Om sham shanayisharaaye namah.

Jupiter Stations
The good news for the month is that Jupiter stations and goes direct late on Monday August 6, 2007 opposite an exalted Taurus moon conjunct Mars. As the great benefic, Jupiter is significator of happiness, knowledge, learning and expansion. When it goes direct we may feel more optimistic. The coinciding wide opposition to Mars may encourage us to suddenly ask for what we want. Just make sure not to be overly demanding or expansive because a combust Saturn and retrograde Venus which square the Jupiter-Mars opposition may still bring some unexpected disappointment.

Namaste!

Stardust Memories

To me the night sky of the summer months is the most spectacular -- if you can actually view it away from the glare of city lights. The galactic center can be seen, as can my favorite star, Vega in the constellation of Lyra. The full moon at the end of July occurred a few degrees from this asterism, with Mars moving into Taurus aligning with the Pleiades. Both of these star systems are associated with old souls who migrated to Earth through stellar portals to assist with the energetic shifts of enlightenment, ascension, and earth changes. I feel a strong connection to Vega, which has been described as the star of sound healers. The Pleiadian constellation is believed to transmit energies to open the heart chakra.

My fascination with Vega, also know as Wega, started with dreams of Wegans landing outside of Seattle. I began to research its mythology and astrological meaning. Vega is a bright star in the constellation of Lyra, the Lyre. This is no ordinary harp, it belonged to Orpheus and thus this constellation is believed to give musical and artistic talents. It is also linked to magic and divine spells. Those who are influenced by it are spellbinding, touched by the other world. It was rising when one of the most charismatic composers of all time, Mozart, was born. Ketu, the south node, indicator of past lives and spiritual liberation aligns with Vega in the 12th house (healing/past lives)of my natal chart. No wonder it feels like home/ohm to me, and no wonder I am drawn to the magic of sound healing.

Vega was the pole star circa 10,000-12,000 BCE, and was then, according to Brady's Book of Stars, called Maat. Maat is the great Egyptian goddess who helped souls move from one life to another. I have always felt a calling to assist the dying cross over. So nearly 13,000 years ago Vega had a direct line of influence as the pole star. This time coincides with the shifting of the yugas to a descending, or sleep, cycle. As most of my earliest past life memories go back to the end of Atlantis and beginning of Egypt, I feel like my soul was drawn to the earth during that time assist in the shift. And now that we may be approaching the ascending half of the yugas, I am here to witness the shift once again and help people WAKE UP. [Are there any other Wegans out there? I'd love to hear from you as there aren't many of us here at this time.]

Most of the star seed tribes that I meet are from the Pleiades and Sirius, whose energy is referenced in many modern media symbols. For example, the term Subaru comes from the Japanese language meaning “unite”, as well as the constellation known in the west as the Pleiades. The Subaru logo is the six visible stars of the Pleiades. Toyota uses the Taurus symbol in its reference to the Pleiades, and Sirius radio shows a dog refering to Sirius, the dog star. Many ancient cultures had creation myths associated with these stars. In the Vedic tradition the six visible stars of the Pleiades are associated with the nakshatra Krittika. According to one of the many legends, the six wifes of the ancient Seers 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. According to many channeled teachings, some of the oldest root races originate from the star systems of Lyra and after some galactic calamity escaped to Pleiades and established an interstellar portal with the earth.

In 1968 Erik Von Daniken published Chariots of the Gods and opened the world to the idea of alien beings influencing the evolution of primitive humans, as evidenced in the archeological record. Eight years later Zecharia Sitchin presented more evidence gleened from ancient records of Sumeria and even the Bible itself. In The Twelfth Planet he describes a man-made planet, Niburu that is inhabited by our extraterrestrial ancestors, the Nephilim, who return to earth every 3600 years to see how their off world project is going. Nibiru has an orbit that is perpendicular to the ecliptic of our solar system, so we cannot see if from our viewpoint until it get close enough to show up like a glowing star.

A fellow astrologer recently forwarded an intriguing article to my meditation group. "Scientists Now Know" describes one theory on why our solar system is aligned at an odd angle to the Milky Way. (See http://www.viewzone.com/milkyway.html). This new astronomical theory suggests that our solar system originated from another galaxy, the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy, joining and merging with the Milky Way. We may actually come from the stardust of another galaxy. This possibility raises so many questions! Could the earth actually be the alien world? And are the chariots of the gods filled with native Milky Wayans who are trying to assist our converging solar system to assimilate the frequencies of the Milky Way galaxy?

Namaste!