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Ancient Earth Religions

ASTROLOGY

- ARTICLES -

Astrological Perceptions
Balsamic Moon
Celtic Astrology
Chinese New Year - 2007 Year of the Pig
The Denial of Pluto
Evolving with the Signs of the Zodiac
Illumination or Darkness?
New Moons and Full Moons
Solstices and Equinoxes
The People of the Zodiac

Astrological Perceptions

FALL'S SHOOTING STARS (September - November 2007)

by Barbara Lee

Aries: March 20 to April 19/20
I Am - This fall, you may be undergoing an unusual personal overhaul from the inside out. Every area of your life will change for the better, your home environment, your communication style, as well as your spending practices. Be like the trees and lose your leaves to prepare for new growth.

Taurus: April 19/20 to May 20/21
I Have - This fall has its share of endings and beginnings. Everything that you hold dear will be even more endearing. Long time issues with your Mother once and for all will be resolved as you forgive and walk into the light with unconditional love. By November, you will receive your treats.

Gemini: May 20/21 to June 21
I Think - Transiting Mars in Gemini this September will tend to light a fire under your you know what. So whatever you are driven to do, nothing can stop you now. Your Health will be of special importance as October approaches. With an increase in stamina, you will be guided to direct all your extra energy to home improvements.

Cancer: June 21 to July 22
I Feel - This is a good time to square away your will and any unfinished legal issues with others that have gone unfinished. October brings a breath of fresh air to help you see any family issues more clearly. It will be up to you to set the record straight, as you do what it takes to go the extra mile.

Leo: July 22 to August 22/23
I Will - September 9th transiting Venus in Leo finely goes direct. Venus will not return to the degree it went retrograde until October 11th. These last few months have been interesting to say the least in regards to your one-on-one relationships. Retrograde means redo, reorganize, repair as well as past relationships reentering your life to heal what was thought to be already healed. Yeah! Another chance to heal past relationship issues.

Virgo: August 22/23 to September 22/23
I Analyze - This may be difficult for you, but it is time for you to step outside of the recesses of your mind and try to see life from someone else’s perspective. This fall is amazing for self-growth as well as creating new lines of communication with others that can further your career as well as your personal understanding.

Libra: September 22/23 to October 23
I Balance - September, depending on how you manage your life changes, will raise your vibration beyond your normal thinking realms. September 11th, there is a New Moon Solar Eclipse in Virgo that will help you reacquaint you with your focus and personal intent. By the Harvest Full Moon in Aries on September 26th, you will be ready to begin your new projects.

Scorpio: October 23 to November 22
I Create - This fall is a good time for you to let go of the past so the Future can present itself. Remember when you planted those seeds? Did you go out and dig them up to see if they had sprouted? No, you didn’t—you trusted that they would grow. You have asked for what you wanted and now you must release it to the highest and greatest good of all concerned and you will receive your highest good.

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21
I Perceive - Spiritual action is what is needed in your dilemma. Mid-October resolution will take place, but only if you realize that you have to go to the inner planes to activate the healing process. Even with your short bursts of impatience, butting heads will get you nowhere but the land of frustration.

Capricorn: December 21 to January 19/20
I Use - This fall you will get that promotion that you have been working towards. The work that you have done stands on its own, and your reputation speaks for itself. Now that you are on top, it is very important for you to be especially kind to others. Of coarse keep a strong back bone, but be an empowering mentor to all that you come in contact with.

Aquarius: January 19/20 to February 18
I Know - This fall, the Autumnal Equinox happens September 23 at 2:52 A.M. in Libra with a moon in Aquarius—a great day for you to meditate on your intentions by a beautiful lake. You are opening up to higher and higher frequencies. Healing is the key; release the old so the new can be embraced. Trust in your intuition as it continues to get stronger.

Pisces: February 18 to March 20
I Believe - For you to manifest what you want this fall, you have to make sure that you really really want it with all your heart. Be careful what comes out of your mouth; believe it or not you are creating your reality by what you talk about. This fall, a change happens inside of you—your values shift into a higher vibration where self responsibility becomes a priority.

Copyright © September 2007 Barbara Lee / All rights reserved

STARGAZING
A good way to tune to the Moon or a planet is to actually see it, make eye contact, connect energetically. We astrologers at our computers may sometimes forget this aspect of the ancient tradition. Indications are that much of our astrological wisdom has come from actual "stargazing." Meditating on the heavenly orbs is a way that we can selectively open to their influences.

THE BALSAMIC MOON
The Balsamic Moon is the phase of the Moon cycle that occurs during the 3 days before the New Moon. The Balsamic Moon phase is known as the Wishing Moon. This is a time for invoking what is needed. The Balsamic Moon is also called the Witches’ Moon because witches traditionally bring people to mind for healing at this time of every month. Healing comes through feeling at this pivotal time of the Moon's cycle.

The Balsamic Moon is visible as a small crescent in the eastern sky an hour or so before Sunrise. During this time (1-3 days before New Moon) we are more apt to feel what our true needs are. A wish made at the Balsamic Moon is more apt to come true because need is naturally felt so deeply now. It's better to avoid doing what takes us away from feeling our needs if we want our wishes to come true.

The more a need is felt now, the more invocative energy goes into the beginning of the Moon cycle, and therefore, the more likely that this core need will be met. Fulfillment generally comes at the Full Moon in response to what is seeded or felt as needed with the New. When the early morning Balsamic crescent appears, it is time to ask questions, to recognize needs, to offer prayers for healing. This is the best time to influence the forthcoming cycle of soli-lunar creation.

Sensitive people are more apt to be aware of psychic phantasms and discordant collective emotional tides at the close of the Moon cycle. What is awry is brought to awareness. Feeling invokes healing.

Ideally, we take on little that is new before or on the New Moon, but work to finish up and clear out in preparation for a new beginning. More astral shadows are apt to be passing by and moving through.

Cleansing baths are customary just before New Moon in many old traditions. Epsom (magnesium) salts and baking soda are good to add to the bath. Magnesium is element #12 in the periodic table. Tarot key #12 is the Hanged Man, a card identified with Neptune and the deep unconscious. The Moon and Neptune rule the ocean and emotion and the collective realm of possibilities. Magnesium salts in the bath help dispel astral phantasms and clear perceptions at the deepest level. Candles, incense, and flowers are part of the ritual bath prescribed for the day before New Moon in Hindu tradition.

THE NEW MOON
The cycle of the Moon begins when it conjoins the Sun. The Moon is not visible then and its creative psychic energy is not available to human consciousness. The New Moon is the seed of a psychic process initiated in the deep unconscious.

The nature of a lunar cycle can be read in the celestial pattern of the New Moon. The seed impulse released at the New Moon arises from the individual and collective soul in response to the needs of people and other sentient beings.

Lunar energy is generally inaccessible at the exact time of the New Moon. The day of the New Moon is unfavorable for conscious planting of psychic or physical seeds. At this time the soul is planting seeds and consciousness is turned within. Physical and psychic clearing are good to do at the dark of the Moon. It is ideal to clean and put the house in order during this time, then perhaps have friends in on the evening that the New Moon crescent appears.

The days just following the appearance of the New Moon crescent are ideal for beginning new things. This is a good time to speak up, to let your needs be known, and to announce your intentions to the world. Farmers plant seeds when the waxing Moon appears. This is the best time to plant seeds on all levels.

The early Celts, Jews, Arabs, and Native Americans began their lunar cycle with the sighting of the New Moon crescent.  All our outwardly directed activities are supported by the new influence then coming to consciousness.

Attention given to the soul light over the crown of the head nourishes the positive possibilities that are taking shape there. Breathe deeply and focus awareness on core needs for self, loved ones and the world as a whole. By this means a channel for transforming is created so that energy flows away from what is not really needed nor desirable and energy goes toward the realization of our most heart felt wishes and the needs of the soul.

Celtic Astrology

What Tree Did You Fall From?
Find your birthday, find your tree and then scroll down.
(author unknown)

APPLE TREE (the Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.

ASH TREE (the Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.

BEECH TREE (the Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)

BIRCH TREE (the Inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

CEDAR TREE (the Confidence) - of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

CHESTNUT TREE (the Honesty) - of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood, loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.

CYPRESS TREE (the Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.

ELM TREE (the Noble-Mindedness) - pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but  not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

FIG TREE (the Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.

FIR TREE (the Mysterious) - extraordinary taste, dignity, sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious, uncontented lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable.

HAZELNUT TREE (the Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding, very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.

HORNBEAM TREE (the Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

LIME TREE (the Doubt) - accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.

MAPLE TREE (Independence of Mind) - no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

OAK TREE (the Brave) - robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

OLIVE TREE (the Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

PINE TREE (the Particular) - loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.

POPLAR TREE (the Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not very self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

ROWAN TREE (the Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

WALNUT TREE (the Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

WEEPING WILLOW (the Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.

~ Chinese New Year ~

2007 YEAR OF THE PIG

Pig Years: 1911 1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007

February 18, 2007 ushers in the Year of the Pig
February 18, 2007 - February 6, 2008

THE SIGN OF THE PIG "It's better to give than to receive" would probably be the Pig's motto. Pigs are more comfortable giving of their own time or attention than they are to ask others for it. They do not find asking for help an easy task and would rather carry the burden themselves. Pigs will do anything they can to maintain a sense of peace amongst family or friends. This can lead to a tendency to be taken advantage of, but Pigs basically forgive and forget everything. They are compassionate souls who simply want to keep the peace.

THE FIRE PIG, 1947 AND 2007

Active, outgoing and extroverted, Fire Pigs breathe new life into everything they do. These Pigs are vivid, motivated individuals who cannot be deterred from a goal once they have set it. They are emotional and passionate about their loved ones, their occupations and their objectives. They are bold and vivacious, unafraid to take risks despite the consequences. They make great bosses because they do work so hard and because they are so spirited. But don't double-cross a Fire Pig. They have the ability to be quite abrasive when things don't turn out as they planned. Source: www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Pig.htm

PIG FORTUNE FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

This is the year in which the Pig can make excellent progress in many areas of life. Plans out into motion last year come to fruition now and any residual domestic or relationship problems can be ironed out. The good auspices favor marriage or moving home. YEAR TREND:  Happy Times
Source: www.globaled.org/chinaproject

ANIMAL FORTUNES

The Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in history, dating from 2600 BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the zodiac. Like the Western calendar, the Chinese Lunar Calendar is a yearly one, with the start of the lunar year being based on the cycles of the moon. A complete cycle takes 60 years and is made up of five cycles of 12 years each.

The Chinese Lunar Calendar names each of the twelve years after an animal. Legend has it that the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from earth. Only twelve came to bid him farewell and as a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality, saying: “This is the animal that hides in your heart.”

Source:www.New-Year.co.uk/chinese/calendar/

The Denial of Pluto

by Govinda Miller
Copyright © December 2006 Heart Links / All rights reserved

AS YOU MAY HAVE HEARD, the planet Pluto has recently been demoted from the status of a “Planet” to that of a “planette.” Recently, 424 scientists of astronomy met at the International Astronomical Union conference in Prague, and voted to demote Pluto to “Dwarf Planet” status. As a result of their decision, Pluto is no longer considered a planet.

As Above, So Below

Whenever there is a major discovery in the heavens, it is symbolic of a shift in the consciousness of humanity. Since Pluto’s discovery in 1930, astrologers have observed the relevance of Pluto as a reflection of the profound transitional events experienced on Earth, for Humanity and each of us, as individuals. Pluto’s discovery ushered in an era that brought nuclear fission, the atomic bomb, and horrendous dictators to the world. The atomic bomb brought to the Collective Consciousness the reality of a destructive power that could possibly cause the annihilation of all life on Earth and continues to be a threat to this day.

A Pluto transit brings up unresolved, fear-based emotions from the unconscious that Carl Jung termed as the “Shadow.” When Pluto purges these emotions and brings them into our conscious mind, this gives us the opportunity to feel and process them so they can be healed. Most people are not willing, or able to do this, because it is so difficult; the most difficult journey in life is the journey of Truth. To face yourself honestly takes great courage. The ego does not want to accept that it has imperfections. The tendency is to protect itself and to project all negative energies onto someone, or something else.

The denial of Pluto as a Planet, and the demotion of Pluto to dwarf planet status, reflects the collective consciousness ego’s denial of its own shadow. The fear we see in the world is a reflection of the collective shadow.

IT IS TIME FOR US TO HEAL our collective consciousness of repressed fears. To do this, we must take responsibility, individually and collectively, for the fear that we feel and transmute this to love. We must recognize that only through surrendering to Love (AKA God) can we access a power great enough to heal ourselves and our world.

So, the choice is ultimately yours: are you going to deny that your shadow emotions exist (Pluto, the Dwarf Planet), or are you ready to own your shadow emotions and heal them (Pluto, the Planet)? The first path leads to denial and a delay of your personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. The second path leads to self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal mastery. It’s up to you to decide.

Evolving with the Signs
of the Zodiac

by Govinda Miller
Copyright © September 2007 Heart Links / All rights reserved

EACH SOUL CHOOSES THE EXACT TIME, place, and circumstances of birth in order to experience and master specific energies during a lifetime. The Natal Chart is a symbolic representation of these energies.

Every Natal Chart has all twelve of the Zodiacal Signs within it. Each Sign has a wide spectrum of frequency possibilities, ranging from the lower, denser, mundane levels to the higher octave, Divine levels of expression.

The energies of the twelve Signs express through the Planets and Houses in your chart. To a large degree, the frequencies that operate in your life are a result of your karma and how you perceive yourself and your reality. You can consciously clear karma and improve the quality of your life by focusing your intentions on and consciously expressing the higher frequency potentials of the signs. When you understand and express the higher octave potentials of the twelve Signs, you enrich every area of your life and accelerate your personal evolution.

Here are the twelve Signs and their High Octave Resonance expressions, with affirmations to engage your mind and activate higher potentials of every area of your life:

ARIES: The area of your Natal Chart where Aries expresses is where you tend to be dynamic, naturally initiate action and take the leadership role. When you direct your warrior spirit in service to the evolution of humanity, you will originate new creations and unique directions that empower the higher good. You will be an inspiration to others, who may want to follow and/or support your lead. It is best to express yourself from innocence—be childlike and spontaneous.

Affirmation: “I am a spiritual warrior. I initiate actions that serve the higher good for all concerned.”

TAURUS: The area of your Natal Chart where Taurus expresses shows how and where you tend to be creative and/or artistic in practical ways. Positive results will come through your keen sense of practical worth, appreciation of natural beauty, gentle persistence, and creating with love. You naturally and artfully create solid, functional structures.

Affirmation: “I use my resources to serve the good in my world. I create practical, beautiful structures
that complement and serve Nature and the Divine Feminine on Earth.”

GEMINI: The area of your Natal Chart where Gemini expresses shows where you tend to be mentally active and expressive. The higher frequency involves focusing on the positive possibilities of all experiences, and teaching about a higher good for all. You are a natural teacher and you can bridge people with important, helpful information. When you train your mind to understand and share Divine wisdom, you will accelerate your spiritual evolution and that of others.

Affirmation: “I am a positive thinker. I study and share knowledge that serves Divine Love and Truth.”

CANCER: The area where the sign of Cancer expresses shows where you are very sensitive, changing, nurturing, and where you tend to create a family feeling. The higher frequency creates a sense of unity with others through nurturing a heart connection. Divine Mother emulates the higher octave resonance of Cancer energies.

Affirmation: “I nurture the Divine in all beings and embrace all people as members of my Human family.”

LEO: The area of your Natal Chart that Leo rules is where you exude a warm-hearted nature that inspires others. This is where your creativity, charm, playfulness, willpower, loyalty, and leadership shine. The higher frequency expresses warm-hearted leadership for Divine Will and inspires the inner child of others.

Affirmation: “I am a playful, warm-hearted, courageous leader for Divine Good.”

VIRGO: The area of your chart where this sign is shows where you tend to be organized, impeccable, and service-oriented. The higher frequency sees perfection in the world as it is, and serves the higher good of others through practical, organizational ability, and attention to details.

Affirmation: “I serve the well-being of others through my attention to details and practicality.”

LIBRA: The area of your chart where Libra is shows where you tend to be artistic and do best in partnership(s) with others. The higher frequency recognizes the value of relationships as mirrors for personal mastery. You will find perfect balance and peace through a committed relationship with your Higher Self.

Affirmation: “I see and create beauty, balance, peace, and harmony in all of my relations.”

SCORPIO: The area of your chart where Scorpio is shows where you seek deeper meanings and experience powerful transformations. The higher frequency desires to know God deeply—which transforms the ego to align with and to serve the Divine.

Affirmation: “I transmute myself and others through my awareness of and
willingness to express deeper spiritual wisdom.”

SAGITTARIUS: The area of your Natal Chart where Sagittarius is shows where you are philosophical, optimistic, expansive, and abundant. The higher frequency inspires and liberates through integrating and expressing optimistic, philosophical wisdom.

Affirmation: “I see and express optimistic, philosophical truth.”

CAPRICORN: The area of your Natal Chart where Capricorn expresses shows where you tend to be focused, serious, cautious, pragmatic, grounded, organized, and authoritative. The higher frequency expresses when you use your experiences, practicality and authority to serve Divine good with integrity.

Affirmation: “”I create structures that serve a Higher Good. I focus on and express
Divine Wisdom with practicality, integrity, and perseverance.”

AQUARIUS: The area of your natal chart where Aquarius is shows where you are unique, independent, unconventional, and ahead of your time. You have a natural ability to serve Humanity and Earth through personal knowledge and mental skills.

Affirmation: “I study, integrate, master, and express knowledge that
serves the evolution of Humanity and Earth.”

PISCES: The area of your Natal Chart where Pisces expresses shows where you tend to be compassionate, visionary, and spiritual. You will access the higher frequency when you feel and express compassion for all beings, visualize a higher good for Humanity and Earth, and share this vision with others.

Affirmation: “I feel and express compassion for all beings.
I visualize and share visions of Heaven on Earth.”

WHEN YOU FOCUS ON AND EXPRESS THE HIGH OCTAVE Resonance potentials of the signs through the Planets and Houses of your Natal Chart, you will naturally elevate the vibrational experience of all areas of your life.

Example 1: Cancer on the Eleventh House Cusp (friends, groups, community, Humanity, hopes and wishes)—you will realize your hopes and wishes by nurturing the good in your friends, groups, and community.

Example 2: Mars in Cancer—you will increase your personal power and leadership when you nurture others and treat them as though they are your family.

Through consciously expressing the higher octave resonance of the twelve signs in your Natal Chart, you will naturally evolve towards personal mastery, quicken your personal evolution, and increase joy in your life.

May Divine Will be done through each of us.

Illumination or Darkness?
The Choice is Yours

by Govinda Miller
Copyright © March 2007 Heart Links / All rights reserved

WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING a Saturn Opposition Neptune cycle that began in September of 2005 and will continue through August of 2007. This stressful cycle is challenging us to make a choice between two distinct worlds that exist side by side. One world may be seen and experienced through the energies of Saturn, and the other through the energies of Neptune. Saturn represents a world of density and limitation, based on third-dimensional perceptions. This world will continue its downward spiral into violence and chaos—an illusion largely supported by the media through its sensationalistic focus on the negative, fearful perceptions of physical reality. Those who focus on this world will feel anxiety, stress, fear, and anger.

A New Illumined World of unlimited possibilities, represented by Neptune, is simultaneously coming into manifestation and is becoming stronger, and more real, each day. If you hold a vision of peace and choose love, compassion, and forgiveness (the higher octave expressions of Neptune) this New Illumined World will become your reality. When you hold the vision of, and feel passion for, the Divine Feminine (the higher frequencies of Neptune), you support the creation of these energies in your world. By doing this, you will literally draw on the power of the Universe through the Saturn/Neptune Opposition energies. These higher octave Neptune expressions of the Divine Feminine Christ energies are the essence of the "Second coming of Christ," that has been prophesied.

This Saturn/Neptune cycle is a call from the Universe for you to make a choice between these two possible realities. Also, this opposition exposes the hidden agendas of those in power and authority. As you learn to look beyond the limiting programs of society and the illusions of this world, and follow your heart, you will awaken spiritually. As you awaken spiritually, you shall know the Truth, and this Truth will set you free to create a world of peace, love, and light.

OM Shanti.

New Moons and Full Moons

New Moons and Full Moons are powerful times at which to meditate and attune to the rhythm of life. A new infusion of potential occurs on the New Moon, which begins the Lunation Cycle, and these new energies build up to and reach fruition at the Full Moon.

From the Full Moon to the New Moon the energies are disseminated and implemented. Many people around the world now link up in meditation for planetary healing on the exact time of each New Moon and Full Moon, since these are key times for making energies available to the collective consciousness.

Positive thought forms and energies can be seeded on the New Moon, and the light can be held for their recognition and flowering on the Full Moon. The sign in which the Moon is placed determines the nature of the energies.

The occurrence of an Eclipse in the lunation cycle heightens the significance of the issues involved, since the Sun-Moon alignment to the Earth will then be precise. A Solar Eclipse occurs on a New Moon, and a Lunar Eclipse occurs on a Full Moon. Symbolically, the Eclipse allows us to see the shadow - the aspects of ourselves that we disown - so that we can accept it, learn from it, and integrate it. The effect of an Eclipse can last for weeks and (if it is a Solar Eclipse) sometimes months afterwards.

Shamans in tribal cultures believe that the energy of an Eclipse also facilitates the opening of inter-dimensional doorways.

Meditating at the time of significant planetary alignments will magnify their healing effect, because we, as part of the planetary consciousness, are consciously accepting and integrating their energies for healing purposes, and therefore helping the collective consciousness to heal itself (holographic healing). The energies and thought-forms we generate in meditation, strengthened by the resonant energies of the planets, will be more likely to inspire positive change in Humanity at this time, for they will provide the vision to successfully integrate the archetypal energies of the collective consciousness that are resonating with the planetary alignments.

Solstices and Equinoxes

The Solstice and Equinox points form the four gates or four directions of the celestial medicine wheel. The Sun illuminates and activates these gates as it appears to journey through the sky from the Earth's perspective. In reality, it is the Earth's journey through the sky as it orbits the Sun that creates the seasonal cycles. The ancient ones had an active and conscious relationship with the sky mysteries, creating standing stone circles and other monuments to assist in tracking these yearly cycles and capturing or maximizing the incoming energies activated during these seasonal shifts as different parts of the sky were being engaged. Working with the Solstice and Equinoxes as well as the cross-quarter dates (the half-way point between each Solstice and Equinox) helps us to remember these mysteries and to develop our own relationship with the seasonal cycles of Earth and Sky.

by Carolyn Sky Dancer / E-mail: carolyn@ShamanicAstrology.com

The Summer Solstice is also at the same time, the Winter Solstice for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere. In Peru, it is a most sacred time for it signifies the Inti Raymi, or the Return of the Sun (Sun and Son-God-Ruler being synonymous in their cosmology and related to the turning of the ages or times called Pachacuti, due to come soon).

The Sonnenwende ("Sun's turning") of the Norse calendar, so named because at this point in the year, the Sun reaches its farthest northern sunset point on the horizon, and must now begin moving south, and bringing with it the hotter, more rapid movement of Summer, and everything else that that the South implies. The season of husbandry begins now in bonfires that mark this day as the one when the Sun's light stays longest in the Sky.

In northern Russia, especially in St. Petersburg, this day begins the White Nights, which last for the next ten days. In this and other fire festivals that can get more raucous than most, fireworks and all, many people love the days of the Long Light because this is the best time to burn the chaff and the worry of the year gone by, and get ready to work the field under the waxing Sun, and care for children.

In the Celtic calendar, this day is called Litha, and honors the water goddess. Many European peoples also honored the Green Man, leafy symbol of nature's resurgence, counterpart to the Egyptian Osiris.

Taoist festival honoring the Heavenly Emperor Shang-Ti and celebrating the active presence of the Tao in all things. This is the time when the masculine Yang force is at its peak, and initiates the season of fire, south and Summer.

In the Islamic lunar calendar, first day of the New Year.

In many ancient calendars, this is one of the year's best times for honoring Wise Women. In the Greco-Roman calendar, this was the Day of All Heras (Roman counterpart Juno, for whom this month is named), when people gather to listen to women who have achieved spiritual Union with the Great Goddess.

In ancient Britain this was the Day of Cerridwen, celebrating all Wise Women.

...And it was morning as God stood before his twelve children and into each of them planted the seed of human life. One by one each child stepped forward to receive his appointed gift.

ARIES ......  March 21 - April 19
To you Aries I give the seed first that you might have the honour of planting it. That for every seed you plant one million more will multiply in your hand. You will not have time to see the seed grow, for everything you plant creates more that must be planted. You will be the first to penetrate the soil of men's mind with My Idea. But it is not your job to nourish the Idea nor to question it. Your life is action and the only action I ascribe to you is to begin making men aware of My Creation. For your work I give you the virtue of Self Esteem.
..... Quietly Aries stepped back to his place .....

TAURUS ..... April 19 - May 20
To you Taurus I give the power to build the seed into substance. Your job is a great one requiring patience for you must finish all that has been started or the seeds will be wasted to the wind. You are not to question nor change your mind in the middle nor depend on others for what I ask you to do. For this I give you the gift of Strength. Use it wisely.
..... And Taurus stepped back into place .....

GEMINI .....  May 21 - June 21
To you Gemini I give the questions without answers, so that you may bring to all an understanding of what man sees around him. You will never know why men speak or listen, but in your quest for the answers you will find my gift of Knowledge.
..... And Gemini stepped back into place .....

CANCER ..... June 22 - July 22
To you Cancer I ascribe the task of teaching men about emotion. My Idea is for you to cause them laughter and tears so that all they see and think develops fullness from inside. For this I give you the gift of Family, that your fullness may multiply.
..... And Cancer stepped back into place .....

LEO ..... July 23 - Aug 22
To you Leo I give the job of displaying My Creation in all its brilliance to the world. But you must be careful of pride and always remember that it is My Creation, not yours. For if you forget this, men will scorn you. There is much joy in the job I give you if you but do it well. For this I give you the gift of Honour.
..... And Leo stepped back into place .....

VIRGO ..... Aug 23 - Sept 22
To you Virgo I ask for an examination of all man has done with My Creation. You are to scrutinize his ways sharply and remind him of his errors so that through him My Creation may be perfected. For doing this I give you the gift of Purity of Thought.
..... And Virgo stepped back into place .....

LIBRA ..... Sept 23 - Oct 23
To you Libra I give the mission of service, that man may be mindful of his duties to others. That he may learn cooperation as well as the ability to reflect the other side of his actions. I will put you everywhere there is discord, and for your efforts I will give you the gift of Love.
..... And Libra stepped back into place .....

SCORPIO ..... Oct 24 - Nov 21
To you Scorpio I give a very difficult task. You will have the ability to know the minds of men, but I do not permit you to speak about what you learn. Many times you will be pained by what you see, and in your pain you will turn away from Me and forget that it is not I but the perversion of My Idea that is causing you pain. You will see so much of man that you will come to know him as an animal and wrestle so much with his animal instincts in yourself that you will lose your way; but when you finally come back to Me, Scorpio, I have for you the supreme gift of Purpose.
..... And Scorpio stepped back into place .....

SAGITTARIUS .... Nov 22 - Dec 21
Sagittarius I ask that you make men laugh, for amidst their misunderstanding of My Idea they become bitter. Through laughter you are to give man hope, and through hope turn his eyes back to Me. You will touch many lives if but for a moment, and you will know the restlessness in every life you touch. To you Sagittarius I give the gift of Infinite Abundance, that you may spread wide enough to reach every corner of darkness and bring it light.
..... And Sagittarius stepped back into place .....

CAPRICORN ..... Dec 22 - Jan 19
Of you Capricorn I ask the toil of your brow, that you might teach men to work. Your task is not an easy one for you will feel all man's labours on your shoulders; but the yoke of your burdens contains the responsibility of man, which I put into your hands.
..... And Capricorn stepped into place .....

AQUARIUS ...... Jan 20 - Feb 18
To you Aquarius I give the concept of future that man might see other possibilities. You will have the pain of loneliness, for I do not allow you to personalize My Love. But for turning man's eyes to new possibilities I give the gift of Freedom, that in your liberty you may continue to serve mankind wherever he needs you.
..... And Aquarius stepped back into place .....

PISCES ..... Feb 19 - March 20
To you Pisces I give the most difficult task of all. I ask you to collect all of man's sorrows and return them to me. Your tears are to be ultimately My Tears. The sorrow you will absorb is the effect of man's misunderstanding of my Idea, but you are to give him compassion that he may try again. For this, the most difficult task of all, I give you the greatest gift of all. You will be the only one of my twelve children to understand Me. But this gift of understanding is for you, Pisces, for when you try to spread it to man he will not listen.
..... And Pisces stepped back into place .....

Then God said:

You each have a part of My Idea. You must not mistake that part for all of My Idea, nor may you trade parts with each other. For each one of you is perfect, but you will not know that until all twelve of you are one. For then the whole of My Idea will be revealed to each of you. And the children left, each determined to do the job best that he/she might receive his gift. But none fully understood his task or his gift, and when they returned, puzzled, God said: You each believe that the other gifts are better. Therefore I will allow you to trade. And for the moment each child was elated as he considered all possibilities of his new mission.

As time passed each of the twelve children realized God's wisdom and rejoiced in each of the original gifts that was given to them. All 12 children then approached their Heavenly Father realizing that they really were one from the very beginning. Now however they could see their own divine capabilities as their own unique gift from God. At the same time they had respect for their brothers and sisters gifts as well, seeing the value in each one as well as the interaction.

And God smiled as he said:  Behold my beautiful children in whom I am well pleased.

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