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Saturday, November 24. 2007
Jupiter has completed his transit of Scorpio as of today and has moved into Sagittarius. Jupiter will remain in Sagittarius for the next 13 months transiting three nakshatras, Mula, Purvashadha and Uttarashadha. Astronomically, Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and is the largest in the solar system. More than one thousand Earth’s could fit inside Jupiter if it were hollow. It also contains more matter than all of the other planets combined. Jupiter stabilizes the solar system and because of its gravitational density, pulls asteroids, meteorites and other loose debris into its orbit, directly into it’s mass, literally cleaning up the solar system. If we were without Jupiter’s balanced mass and space clearing, our Earth would be vulnerable to a great amount of impact and destruction from outer space. Jupiter when well placed in our birth chart, provides the same protective and benevolent service in our lives. Jupiter is Guru in Sanskrit meaning teacher, remover of Darkness – Light bringer. Jupiter removes obstacles, as he is associated with Ganesha, the elephant headed Hindu deity. Jupiter-Ganesha provides us with a rooted-ness, a solid ground to stand upon while living our path to knowledge and wisdom. Jupiter is guardian of the abstract mind ruling education both intellectually and spiritually. Jupiter assists us in formulating ideology and in the spiritual realm, lords over religions and philosophy. Guru guides our ethical and moral values addressing our sense of optimism. Guru influences our growth in a positive way however will become judge and jury to insure we are on the right path. Jupiter rules Sagittarius bestowing a love of freedom, an idealistic, straightforward attitude in life that is sincere, broad-minded, and sexual with a good-sense-of-humor. In addition, Sagittarius imparts qualities associated with honesty and truth seeking, athleticism and adventure. Sagittarius in the negative can be blunt and have a steamroller effect upon those around them. Chiron, the superlative centaur among his brethren, represents Sagittarius in the night sky. Like the satyrs, centaurs were notorious for being indulgent drinkers and carousers, given to violence when intoxicated, and generally uncultured. Chiron, by contrast, is intelligent, civilized and kind; famous for his knowledge and skill with medicine. A great healer, astrologer, and respected oracle, the last remaining centaur, Sagittarius-Chiron, is revered as a teacher and tutor. Jupiter is currently in the nakshatra of Mula. Mula’s shakti-power is in breaking things apart having the power to ruin or destroy. Through Mula, one gains the power to destroy destruction. In bringing afflictions, Mula Nakshastra will allow us to destroy the root of our affliction or obstacle. Mula represents the necessary destruction that proceeds every new creation. Purvashadha follows Mula and is the power of reinvigoration and strength. Purvashadha brings about purification and regeneration providing us with the energy needed in our creative efforts. Uttarashadha follows Purvashadha providing the power of great victory. It is the strength to meet our goals and win. Uttarashadha brings us to the summit of our power, support and recognition, not so much through our personal efforts but with appropriate alliances and support. Our victory depends upon a righteous cause that is beneficial to all.
Saturday, November 3. 2007
I want to prepare the reader for the archetypes contained within the Vedic nakshatras by first defining the term, archetype. http://aras.org/index.aspx The following are direct quotes from ARAS defining Jung’s work on myth and archetype. 'Archetype' derives from a Greek compound of arche and tupos. Arche or 'first principle' points to the creative source that is not seen directly. Tupos, or 'impression', refers to any one of numerous expressions of the 'first principle' (Joseph Henderson, from ARAS Vol.1: Archetypal Symbolism p.viii). We can only live life to the fullest when we are in harmony with these symbols (archetypes); wisdom is a return to them (CW8: 794). [For the alchemists] they were seeds of light broadcast in the chaos…the seed plot of a world to come…One would have to conclude from these alchemical visions that the archetypes have about them a certain effulgence or quasi-consciousness, and that numinosity entails luminosity (CW8: 388). We are dealing with primordial types, with universal images that have existed since the remotest times (CW9(1): 5). Archetypes are qualities not individually acquired but inherited…inborn forms of perception and apprehension, which are the a priori determinants of all psychic processes (CW8: 270). Archetypes are deposits of the constantly repeated experiences of humanity (CW7: 109). Archetypes are an inherited tendency of the human mind to form representations of mythological motifs. Representations that vary a great deal without losing their basic pattern. This inherited tendency is instinctive, like the specific impulse of nest building, migration, etc. in birds. One finds the representations collectives practically everywhere, characterized by the same or similar motifs. They are not assigned to any particular time, region or race as they are without known origin, and can reproduce themselves even where transmission through migration is ruled out (CW 18:523). 
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Jung outlined four main archetypes: The Self - Regulating center of the psyche and facilitator of individuation. The Shadow - Opposite of ego image, qualities the ego denies however possess in a repressed state. The Anima - Feminine icons in a man's psyche. The Animus - Masculine icons in a woman's psyche The number of archetypes is limitless however the following are common recurring images: Syzygy - Contrasexual opposites that symbolize communication of the conscious and unconscious mind. Child - Displays adult-like qualities giving wise advice. Hero – Those in the face of danger, adversity or weakness, who display courage and self-sacrifice for the greater good and moral excellence. Great Mother - Those who serve as a general fertility deity, the bountiful embodiment of the Earth. Wise Old Man - Represented as a kind, wise, older father-type figure who uses personal stories and experience to guide in a mystical way, his listeners to who they are and who they might become. Trickster or Ape – This deity breaks the rules of the gods or nature, sometimes maliciously but usually, with positive effects. Puer Aeternus (Latin for "eternal boy") Expression of the puer archetype includes immaturity, narcissism and desire to escape into fantasy or idealism in preference to reality. Cosmic Man - Represents the oneness of human existence, or the universe. The Artist-Scientist - builder, an inventor, a seeker, a dreamer, and a thinker. They are simultaneously knowledgeable and yet innocent, impulsive yet cautious. They represent the wonder found in curiosity, and dangers.
Friday, November 2. 2007
The term Lila, from Sanskrit meaning ‘play’, is a Vedic term defining the universe as joyous, graceful and creative. We experience Lila through the vehicle of time and time, is a creation of Brahman. Brahman is the unchanging, transcendent reality. The ground of all space, energy, matter and time. The word "Brahman" is from the verb brh in Sanskrit meaning ‘to grow’. We grow over time through the experience of space, energy and matter. Whether or not we percieve our life experience as 'play' is the issue. A lunar month as a measurement of time, averages 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes. This is one orbit of the moon through all the 12 signs of the zodiac or in other words, the orbit of the moon around the earth. We are well aware of the rising and setting of the sun but as ‘modern’ people, have lost tract of the lunar orbit or transit. Most people are aware of the moon only when it is full remaining unaware of its position relative to the stars or constellations. Why should we care about the alchemy of the moon and stars? As the moon passes through the 12 constellations (zodiac), the reflected light of the moon joins the light of the stars creating an mixture of new (solar) and ancient (star) light. If we are out-of-doors at night to observe these lunar movements, We will absorb this light through the sense organs of our eyes and skin. This light is full of Prana, a cosmic intelligence connecting us with Lila, the play in our lives (Please see the earlier posting 'Healing Moon"). The Lunar mansions are 27 divisions plus 1 lesser used division of the sky. As the Moon passes through these divisions during its monthly cycle, it represents a division of the ecliptic similar to the zodiac. The moon takes approximately one day to pass through each nakshatra transiting a constellation over roughly, 2.5 days. Out-of-doors or not, the Lila of the lunar transits will shine in our lives, through the archetypes of the Nakshatra or lunar mansions.
Thursday, October 25. 2007
A nakshatra or lunar mansion (house) is one of 28 divisions that the moon passes through during its monthly cycle. The nakshatra system, exclusive to Hindu astronomy and astrology, are identified by the prominent star or stars located within them. The moon is currently within the nakshatra Ashvini, identified by its location in the constellation of Aries. Moon in Asvini moves quickly and easily, is brilliant, bright and intelligent. The Ashvins, personified as twins, are the physician healers to the Devas. Deva refers to a collective of great shining, celestial beings in Sanskrit. I consider the Devas to be the archetypal spiritual intelligence behind our humanity, the group soul of our human experience. The Asvins healing power is so great; they bring the dawn after the darkest night. Because of their power to raise the morning sun, they represent movement from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. Their sacred energy alone is enough to destroy disease and bring about good health. The symbol of the Ashvin is honey as it has many miraculous properties, a fact known to the people of ancient days. In ayurveda, honey is the medicine of the Gods and believed to cure many impurities. Have a cup of tea and add a spoonful of honey. Allow yourself sweet blessings and boons of the Asvinis during this time. Allow yourself, to heal and receive loving kindness from others and you. As we find the courage and grace to heal and love ourselves, understand that in tandom, the great shining celestial beings of Nature will also heal.
Wednesday, October 24. 2007
Uttara-Bhadra-Pada Serpent of the Deep Spinal Cord - Dural Tube Soul of the Feet The moon is currently in the constellation of Pisces in the nakshatra of Uttara Bhadra Pada. The symbol of this nakshatra is the back legs of funeral cot and a serpent or dragon living deep within the oceans. The moon in Uttara Bhadrapada is good for speaking and writing. Its influence upon us is cheerful, generous and psychic with deep insights.
Wednesday, October 17. 2007
The moon in the nakshatra Mula, symbolized by a 'goad' and the lion's tail, is a tool used in the India to prod and guide an elephant forward. It is important to remember where these metaphors originate when we study Vedic astrology and yoga. A Mula moon goads us...constantly prodding us on our spiritual path; however, this prodding can be both painful and irritating. The lion's tail as a symbol associated with Mula is characteristic of a cat expressing irritation and anger at teasing or prodding. By opposition, the lion expresses dominance by confidently raising his tail when her territory has been secured. This represents the two sides of Mula. Anger and irritation at being prodded and supremacy when one's domain is realized. Moon in Mula represents that aspect of the cosmic Guru (Jupiter) who prods us on our spiritual path, acting as our eyes when we are blind, guiding us through our difficulties and suffering. We are guided on our spiritual path via Guru Jupiter’s rulership of Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the constellation of inspiration and love of freedom in both thought and being. The opportunities offered via moon in Mula is the growth of our wisdom and supremacy of mind through consistent examination of the ego-self in exploring the Divine through our spiritual path.
Sunday, October 7. 2007
Why do care to where moon is during his transit through the constellations? Bear with me as I explain in a roundabout way, why the observation of phenomena within our solar system is important. The second sloka in Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras is Yoga chitta vritti nirodaha. It says yoga is integration and quieting of excess movement within the mind. Specifically, chitta is the unfiltered reservoir of all our soul’s experience…from lives before as well this one. Vrittis are the rising emotion as our chitta is disturbed. Nirodaha is the regulation and coordination taken as a result of chitta being stirred via vritti. The soul carries chitta, the reservoir of all past action forward into each new body. We call this karma. Each act, intentional or not, generates karmashya, karmic residue in accord with either dharma or adharma. This residue has samskaras, repetitive traces that produce two results: The first is vasana - memory as a form of residue. The second is klesa - affliction and suffering. I think of memory as an after-burn, the ashes of the past once burned. A metaphor for this after effect is burning a well-seasoned log. It gives off great warmth and light with a minimum amount of smoke thereby reducing those afflictions associated with smoke. A damp, unprepared log will burn the eyes, cause choking and leave soot on everything not to mention the very low quality of light released. How we interpret current experience will generate a memory. This memory serves us in the future as the ground of enlightenment freeing us or of bondage choking us. Our capacity to interpret is the fire. How well we interpret has to do with the strength and light of mind. Remember that the mind is the Moon in Jyotisha. How much light-fire the mind has is reflective of the phases of the moon. Obviously, having more light gives greater understanding thereby reducing affliction creating joy and happiness. This is why we want to tract the movement of the moon through his transits. In addition, in Ayurveda, a strong physical digestion is important. The physical capacity to metabolize food and eliminate the waste, is the same as the Mind digesting emotional-spiritual experience into beneficial memory free of attachment. Memory of the past and past lives will attach more firmly to our former blunders if we are not able to digest and properly understand our current experiences.
Continue reading "Four Karmas"
Wednesday, September 26. 2007
I've been sharing astronomical information with you all over the last 12 weeks specific to our lunar-solar eclipse patterns. As mentioned, these recent eclipse patterns have been particularly inturbulating. Have you recently experienced upheaval or sudden change in your life ? Have you had a deep desire for change or retreat? Do feel the need to de-tox or cleanse your physical body... thereby your emotional and soul body? These desires are reflective of the Universe supporting us in personal healing and growth. Take the steps now! Fill the space of recent loss or upheaval with a plan of action that brings your dreams and visions to a grounded reality. The Universe supports us all in action supporting Nature and the Universe! How can loss or suffering be the supportive of personal growth? Loss in Ayurveda is defined as a VATA condition. Vata is defined as the elements air and space. When we understand that loss creates space and that space creates a vacuum; we as yoga practitioners, can bring our awareness...our MIND... to that space and consciously determine what will fill that space. How do we determine what best fills the space in our lives brought on by sudden loss or chaos? Look to the heart as it is the source, the beacon of light within our body-mind-soul. In Jyotisha, the science of Light...The moon is representative of the mind and only reflects light. The Sun is the source of light and is representative of the heart. This evening the moon is full in Pisces. Not only is the moon full, it is at perigee meaning it is astronomically closer to the earth. We experience this as the moon appearing brighter and larger. The moon in Pisces means the SUN is in Virgo. A Virgo sun provides a very systematic, pragmatic and purpose driven LIGHT. As we know, the moon does not have a light source...it reflects light! The moon is currently reflecting a strong function driven light filtered through it's Piscian placement. Pisces is a constellation of intuitive and mystically inspired dreams; it is compassion and sensitive. The combination of a Virgo SUN with a Pisces moon creates an specific alchemy of light. The particular light 'product' is extremely purpose driven in locating dreams inspiring you to ultimately ground these visions..literally bringing spacey, cloudy dreams down to earth. Because the Moon is astronomically closer to the earth at this time, we technically have more light available..to enlighten our state of mind. This light comes from the Sun filtered through Virgo, a utilitarian constellation. Can you bring this light to your heart? Can you allow the sun of your own heart to shine from a place that is fearless? That understands how to let your dreams to come true? Is your mind in a place able to receive and be reflective of this understanding...this enlightenment?
Monday, September 17. 2007
Jyotish are the eyes of Purusha, a cosmic, physical embodiment of the Universe. The eyes of this cosmic being, receive light from the Sun, Moon and surrounding planets and stars, just as we and all living beings on earth do. Jyotish is known as the divine study of light because through it, we understand both the physical sources of light and the spiritual beginnings leading to enlightenment. The Vedas are ancient Indian texts and are considered divine beings, each with six limbs or arms. Jyotish as the eyes, represents one of these limbs. The other five arms or limbs are as follows. - Vyakarana or grammar
- Chandas or meter
- Shiksha or intonation
- Niruka or etymology
- Kalpa or ritual
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