| For the Northern Hemisphere August 9 - September 8, 2010 All times are local unless otherwise specified. Look Up! The Moon, waxing and waning, impressively promenades across the dark sky, partnering with the sparkling stars and glowing planets. Who is the Moon dancing with tonight?
Click on the Moon links for meditative insights and additional information.
A New Lunar Cycle Begins east–left, west–right, north–top, south–bottom
Reflections ~ New Moon With every New Moon our soul goes into meditation and aligns with the inspiration of the Nirmanakayas; a potential is enlivened and a seed of consciousness is formed deep within. Take some time to create a sacred space. A new cycle is beginning The New Moon aligns with Talitha of the Great Bear, Acubens of Cancer the Crab and the Zeta star of the Hydra. All these celestial bodies are located in a "near same" longitude. Review the map above.
Cancer the Crab can be thought of as the Egyptian Scarab, the beetle that rises out of its dung into the light of day, similar to the lotus that rises out of the mud. The scarab's claw is Alpha Cancer, Acubens, which conjoins Zeta, the eastern star of the Hydra's head. Review the map above.
In Summary This lunar cycle is calling us to become conscious of any limiting and binding selfish, fearful or controlling beliefs we might have, those dogmas that keep us separate from others. We must rid ourselves of these if we are to become whole and manifest our divinity. Each of us must face our Hydra, the beast of our beliefs that lives within the murky caverns of the mind, a monster whose lair sinks deep within our subconscious. Feelings of fear and the clenched claw of stubborn resistance are sure signs of the need to confront the beast. Humility and a willingness to experience common ground and unity opens the claw, and raises the Hydra out of the dark depths into the light of the soul, where it cannot live. "We rise by kneeling; we conquer by surrendering; we gain by giving up." Destroying the Lernaean Hydra Once the light of the soul is shining we are able to receive the inspiration of the Great Bear and become a caring, nurturing force for each other, a global ambassador able to dissolve differences. Lunar theme: Giving Up the Beast of our Beliefs ~ Dissolving Differences Clarity
of Purpose Meditation [Return to Menu at top]
Young Luna ~ 4 Planets
~ A Bright Star
Approximate Set Times Rise/Set
Times ~ Major Bodies As
the Moon grows in the light provided by our Sun, Reflections ~ Waxing Crescent Moon Overcoming obstacles to the new incoming awareness begins with the waxing Crescent Moon. What was conceived at the New Moon, Giving Up the Beast of our Beliefs ~ Dissolving Differences, (review above) is now in the process of waxing or gestating. August 11, Wednesday, 15-30 minutes after sunset, Mercury lies to the upper right of Luna's very slender Crescent. Review map above. This horizon-hugging duo is difficult to see even with binoculars. If your up for the challenge, bring along those binoculars. In addition you'll need right timing, a clear sky and a site with as much altitude as possible overlooking an unobstructed horizon. Luna and Mercury lie below and are stimulating Leo the Lion's tail star, Denebola the changer. Swift judgment is passed and changes occur when this star whips into action! These celestial bodies are asserting that it's time to wake up to the Higher Law of Spirit and proceed as a Christed One, with vertical integrity and horizontal humanitarian participation in the world.
August 12-14, Thursday-Saturday, 30 minutes after sunset, look for Luna and the shifting planetary triangle positioned in the constellation of Virgo the Virgin. Luna first lies below Venus, then near Spica, Virgo's brightest star. Review map above and this 8/14 Nightfall Map. The energies of Virgo the Virgin nurture and shield humanity's hidden divinity until spiritual birth can occur on Earth. To understand this is to recognize the fact that each and every one of us is essentially divine. Spica, symbolizing the sacred womb of Virgo the Virgin, accepts and nourishes the seed of Arcturus, the savior avatar. Helpful Star Map This seed of divinity resides in Virgo and therefore within humanity, and when it is fully awakened the human becomes a caring and nurturing force in the world. Arcturus is the bright golden star high in the west after dusk. The Big Dipper can be seen in the northwest; arc from its handle to Arcturus, then spike down to Spica. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks Thursday night until dawn Friday. Look northeast after 11:00pm. The Perseids are active through 8/22. Reflections
~ Venus, Mars, Saturn in Virgo the Virgin Global
Meditations August 15, Sunday, Luna lies below the missing claws of Scorpius, the two brightest stars of Libra the Balance. Map/Text Hmmm ... the missing claws have become Libra's razor edged path, which demands a poised equilibrium between spirit and matter. Ponder the Libran Way, a right use of opposites that dissolves our differences. [Return to Menu at top]
Beliefs Are Tested! east–left, west–right, north–top, south–bottom
Reflections ~ First Quarter Luna, Scorpius The First Quarter Moon, exact Monday, August 16, at 11:14am PDT (18:14 UT) squares the Sun at a 90-degree angle and brings up a tension, as we struggle for fulfillment. Ideally any obstacles impeding the awareness conceived at the New Moon are overcome at this time. Scorpius influences a turning point in the life of humanity and in the life of the individual human being. It reorients the personality to the life of the Soul and later to initiation and sensitivity to the Divine Plan. When the Moon transits Scorpius, it activates the transformative power within us, the Kundalini Fire of Life. The realm of the cosmic Scorpion is therefore known estoterically as the burning ground. Scorpius is the seat of the coiled serpent power and Antares the serpent itself ready to be enlivened. Opposite Antares in the zodiacal wheel lies Aldebaran, the illuminating eye of Taurus the Bull, the star of enlightenment. Antares wields the Fire of God by its connection to Aldebaran. The waxing Moon and Scorpius are bound to challenge our beliefs and transform our awareness. The cosmic Scorpion has a stinger to insure the evolutionary lessons are learned! Call upon the Fire of Life to set ablaze the beliefs that keep us separate from one another and stand in the way of unity. Reflections
~ Waxing Gibbous Luna, The waxing Gibbous Moon is more than half lit, moving toward its full sunlit phase. Illumination and growth are offered by this lunar phase, only if the obstacles from the past are cleared away. This must happen, if the energy released with the coming Full Moon is to be utilized. Sagittarius the Archer is easily identified by its teapot asterism. Constellation Image August 19 Luna lies at the top of the teapot and conjoins the dwarf planet Pluto currently residing above the asterism. Review map above. Note: The night of August 20 Luna lies at the eastern border of Sagittarius (not shown on map). Sagittarius resides where the river of the Milky Way (galactic plane) flows into the ecliptic (plane of our solar system). In fact, his arrow points to the bulging Heart of our Milky Way Galaxy, the Galactic Center. Sagittarius rides toward the light of the inclusive Galactic Heart. This cosmic Archer along with nearby Pluto are impressing humanity to aim for the spiritual vision that includes the “Whole” Truth, dissolves our differences and unites us all. This vision is essential to building a humanitarian world. In addition, the potent energies of the Jupiter Pluto Saturn Crossbow (T-square) peak Monday-Saturday, August 16 through August 21, 2010. Pluto's "crossbow arrow" of death insures that an end comes to whatever is holding back the TRUTH, the soul's unifying and creative expression.
As if there wasn't enough going on with Pluto, Saturn, Jupiter and Uranus, Thursday, August 19, we have Venus positioned below Mars forming a shifting sunset triangle with Saturn, all in the constellation Virgo the Virgin. Ponder Virgo's sunset triangle and its affect upon humanity; see sky maps too. Note: Venus and Mars are in exact conjunction Friday, August 20, at 11:49am PDT (18:49 UT). BTW: August 20 Mercury halts its forward motion to begin a retrograde that lasts through September 11. Allow the new incoming energies to break up the old patterns. Hmmm ... Sunday, August 22, the Sun (heart of our solar system) occults Regulus (heart star of Leo the Lion), which focuses and regulates the emanations of Sirius (esoterically the heart of our Sun) toward Earth! Imagine the heart of humanity growing in love as this energy streams forth through our solar system. Whew! Feeling overwhelmed? Take slow deep breaths. Surrender to your Higher Power. Listen for and expect guidance. [Return to Menu at top]
Large Luna ~ A Delight Near Jupiter
Reflections ~ The Full Moon Any Full Moon experience can offer us greater illumination of our essential divinity. Issues worked on since the New Moon come to a climax. If the restrictions of the past have been released during the waxing Moon, then the Full Moon can bring fulfillment. If not, the Full Moon might bring serious mental conflicts, possibly affecting the physical body. The Full Moon is exact August 24 at 10:05am PDT (17:05 UT) Full
Moon Global Meditation What was conceived at the New Moon, Giving Up the Beast of our Beliefs ~ Dissolving Differences, review above now comes to fruition and is birthed into the full light of our conscious minds. Reflections ~ Full Moon's Position The Full Moon resides in the constellation Aquarius, in conjunction with Enif, the nose star of Pegasus the Flying Horse. The light of Aquarius ever shines within the dark, paving the way for the soul and spirit to express through substance. The healing rays of this constellation cleanse that which must be purified until the dark has gone.
Neptune and the Moon are in exact conjunction 8.5 hours preceeding the exact Full Moon. "Neptune is the planetary inspiration for 'what moves us' at the soul level, and brings us together in recognition that we're One." Molly Hall / About.com Reflections ~ Full Moon's Illumination The Full Moon during Virgo is illuminated by the Sun positioned near Regulus, the heart of Leo the Lion. Virgo offers an opportunity to intentionally unite spirit and matter. Leo the Lion provides an opportunity to be the soul, which is neither spirit nor matter but the relation between them. Regulus the Royal, Lion-Hearted Lawgiver focuses and regulates the evolutionary energies of Sirius (esoterically the heart of our Sun) in order to stimulate a response in humanity that expresses the Christ consciousness, a response that aligns with the soul's Higher Law. Regulus keeps us vertically attuned for horizontal humanitarian participation in the world (Leo’s opposite Aquarian pole). With the Lion-Hearted Lawgiver near the Sun (heart of our solar system) the heart of humanity grows in the love of the soul as it streams through our solar system and illuminates the Full Moon. In Summary With this Full Moon humanity is being called to recognize what is of value, what aligns us with the integrity of the soul, "what moves us" and brings us together in recognition that we're One. This vertical integrity intentionally unites spirit and matter and must precede our horizontal humanatarian participation in the world. We are being called to grow our hearts, to foster humanitarianism, to do what is truly supportive of the greater well being of all. When we can do this the beast no longer lives; differences dissolve. [Return to Menu at top]
The Great Square of Pegasus
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Reflections
~ Waning Gibbous Moon, Ideally the waning Gibbous Moon is a time that readies us to manifest anew. It brings illumination to the influences of the entire lunar cycle. If not, dis-ease results. Luna, Jupiter and Uranus are located in Pisces, the constellation of the World Savior. See this 8/26 11:30pm Map and review the Sky Chart Above. The stars of this dim constellation can only be seen in a dark sky on a moonless night. It is interesting to note that Pisces, lies beneath the Great Square of Pegasus, which the ancient Babylonians called "The Doorway to Paradise." Today astronomers travel through this doorway or "window" to the edge of our Milky Way Galaxy and go beyond to other galaxies!. Likewise, the Doorway to Paradise opens and new dimensions of reality are experienced, when the Light of the World, the World Savior, frees humanity from subservience to the form, ending forever the darkness of matter. These celestial energies are reminding us of the Christ consciousness, humanity's essential divinity, the awakened heart and soul. Jupiter is brilliant and illuminating in this celestial position, for it is the brightest light in the morning sky and also in the evening sky after Venus sets. The giant planet is ultimately bound to be light for our world, expanding our hearts and minds. The call to humanitarian service is strong with Jupiter in Pisces. In this location Uranus also sheds its light upon our world by surprisingly shifting humanity into a new reality with new visions of the greater whole, freeing us from the outdated, limited form-life. Jupiter's easterly prograde motion brought it into conjunction with Uranus June 8 and now its westerly retrograde motion (7/23-11/17) is moving Jupiter back toward Uranus for an exact conjunction September 18.
In addition, Jupiter and Uranus are both in a close approach to Earth, reaching opposition September 21. This portends a strong, joint planetary effect upon our lives. Expect surprises and sudden opportunities, as well as the feelings to express youthfulness and freedom. This lunar cycle reminds us to use these energies to foster the greater good, which dissolve differences. Out of the Ordinary Jupiter Is at Its Best Now [Return to Menu at top]
Too Hot? Find the Kool Winter Stars!
Reflections ~ Winter Stars ~ Sacred Hoop The Great Winter Hexagon and the heavenly equilateral Winter Triangle now appear in the morning sky 4:00am-sunrise. Some of the brightest stars in the heavens are located in this area of the sky. The Great Winter Hexagon is a heavenly geometry made up of stars that guide the way and expand the heart. The Lakota Sioux and other Plains Indians called this region of the Winter Hexagon the Sacred Hoop. It was considered to be extremely auspicious, when the Moon and Planets moved through the Hoop. On September 3 the waning Crescent Moon lies near the intersection of the horizontal ecliptic and the vertical Milky Way, the center of the cross formed within the Sacred Hoop (blue dot). Numerous myths and oral histories from Native American to Egyptian to Northern-European to Babylonian have referred to this intersection of the Milky Way with the Zodiac as the place where souls enter into incarnation, a gateway between the immortal and mortal realms, the Gate of Man.
Reflections
~ Waning Crescent Moon, The waning Crescent Moon phase brings enlightenment at a deep level, a time of conscious growth, clarification of values and the surrender to a new future. Rebirth can occur and playfulness can come forth. September 2, Thursday, the waning Crescent Moon rises around midnight and lies twixt the horns of Taurus the Bull. The horns of the Bull embody struggles that are age-old and evolutionary. During these times a multitude of global and personal struggles, desires and spiritual aspirations are tugging and pulling at us. Humanity often hangs on the horns of a dilemma having to make a difficult choice. Open to new visions and breakthroughs arising from our perseverance. September 3, Friday, the diminishing Moon rises by 1:15am followed by red Betelgeuse around 1:45am. Luna aligns with the Gate of Man, the portal between the immortal and mortal realms (see blue dot on above map), reminding us of our divine immortality. Betelgeuse stimulates humanity’s heart center, the gateway to the soul. Imagine mortal beings awakening to their divinity and the truth that we are all part of one sacred hoop.
September 4, Saturday, the thinning Moon rises around 2:30am. It lies to the right (south) of Pollux in the constellation of the Gemini Twins. The cosmic Twins though opposites, Castor representing the form and Pollux the spirit, innately cooperate for the benefit of the whole. These aligned celestial bodies affirm that our present world of dualities and differences can offer opportunities of compassion and cooperation, which in turn lead to heartfelt expansions of consciousness. Imagine humanity with hearts ablaze dissolving differences and giving birth to the New Earth.
This lunar cycle is ending. Continue to let go of any limiting beliefs that create separtation instead of unity. Allow compassion and cooperation to dissolve differences. Be reborn. Shine on Homo Luminous! September 8, Wednesday, a New Moon occurs at 3:30am PDT (10:30 UT). Stay tuned for the next edition of Moon Dances.
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