July 2004 Alignments Newsletter http://ezezine.com July 2004 Alignments Newsletter “Even a thought, even a possibility, can shatter us and transform us.” - Nietsche Our exploration of the Divine Feminine continues this month. Venus, the planet of Love, has just turned direct after her retrograde dance with the Sun and Pluto. She continues to shine her wisdom and light as we enter this new cycle that leads to the next Transit of Venus in June 2012. We’ve “officially” entered a portal of transcendence prophesied since ancient times. With this awareness, we move forward in love and service to the Divine Plan working out on Earth. Please pass this newsletter along to others who might benefit from the information. Namaste. In this issue... 1) Emergence of the Divine Feminine 2) Venus Weaves Her Magic 3) July Planetary Alignments Update 4) Working with Transformational Energies 5) Transcending Linear Consciousness --------------------------------------------------- Emergence of the Divine Feminine by Allison Rae --------------------------------------------------- The time has come for all beings on Earth to engage in the dance of the Soul. Through the gateway of the human heart, we glimpse the Soul, the divine creative spark that seeks to grow and learn through experience, to return to its cosmic origins. We are the vehicles that will carry the Soul to new heights. The recent Passage of Venus has opened our hearts to the wisdom of the Soul. These are the times prophesied as the Ancient of Days, the transition of Earth and humanity to the next world. The Soul holds the key, the blueprint for the new realm we are creating together -- Heaven on Earth. For millennia, the Soul has known this change is coming. We have felt it throughout our lifetimes. Now we feel a sense of urgency. The Soul yearns to be set free. The Transit of Venus on June 8 was a portal of transcendence so significant, we are only beginning to glimpse the many realities now unfolding in its wake. During this eight-year period between Venus transits -- from June 2004 to June 2012 -- we are in for the ride of our lives. Never has so much change swept the planet. We can’t begin to fathom -- yet -- the magnitude of the transformation now at hand. Our lives are turned inside-out. Our belief systems are shattered. Emotions run high. New thoughts, new patterns, new beliefs are forming, taking shape from within. The old must be released to make way for the new. What does the “new” look like? The Soul knows. The more we release outdated thought patterns, open the heart and tune into the Soul, the more bliss we will experience as our inner being leads the way to the next world. When our hearts and minds attune to the Divine, we are set free to experience realms of ecstasy in human form that we have dreamed of through the ages. Opening in this way takes tremendous courage and commitment. Soul work isn’t easy, and it often isn’t fun. Allowing paradigms to collapse at our feet challenges everything we believe about the world we live in. This is the energy of the “Tower” card in the Tarot. Nothing is as it seems. The deepest transformation is possible only through the annihilation of the illusion of third-dimensional reality as we have perceived it. Our salvation in these times of deep, often traumatic change is the feminine consciousness that lies within. Access to this inner consciousness is through the human heart. In Western culture, the ways of the heart have not been taught as they have in Eastern traditions. So we learn from our brothers and sisters of the East how to nourish the divine, feminine, intuitive, creative, compassionate nature within. We learn ways of “being” rather than “doing.” Eastern masters know the secrets of the heart. Venus teaches us, too. Venus is the only body in our solar system, other than our Moon, considered to be feminine. Through her, we remember the power of receptivity, intuition, sacred union in form. Venus represents the goddess, the Divine Mother, the feminine principle within us all. Her lessons have been startlingly clear this year, and her celestial rendezvous continues to influence us. We highlight her aspects to Neptune, Jupiter and Pluto in Alignments this month. The Sun is now in Cancer, the sign of the Mother. Cancer is feminine, nurturing and highly intuitive. The Full Moon on July 2 in Capricorn-Cancer reminds us of the need to balance our feminine intuitive nature with the realities of our external, physical world. The New Moon in Cancer on July 17 begins one of the two most powerful lunar cycles of the year in Tibetan Buddhist practice for opening to our feminine, receptive nature. We are also gifted this July with a “Blue Moon” -- the second Full Moon in a calendar month. The Moon represents the feminine, our emotions, the thoughts and beliefs held deeply in the unconscious. The “light” of the Moon is actually the reflected light of the Sun, indirectly illuminating our deepest thoughts, feelings and emotions. The two Full Moons expand the transformational energy available to us this month as we continue on the inevitable path of Soul evolution. Enjoy the journey! -------------------------------------------------------------- Two upcoming weekend programs will focus on themes described in the article above. In our new two-day intensive, “Transcending Linear Consciousness,” we will introduce specific techniques for releasing thought patterns that inhibit consciousness expansion. This workshop will be held July 17-18, 2004, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. See the article below for more information. In September, we will celebrate the Autumn Equinox and Harvest Moon with a special women’s retreat. Women of like heart and spirit will gather to honor the goddess, explore our creativity, experience mysticism in Nature, and share wisdom on topics such as women’s health and wellness, attuning to natural cycles, and new-paradigm relationships. We’ll also co-create a Full Moon ceremony in the sacred landscape of the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. “Women’s Harvest Moon Retreat -- A Celebration of the Divine Feminine” will be held September 24-26, 2004, in Crestone, Colorado. For details, please visit our web site http;//www.TheStarCenter.org. In addition, we offer channeled Soul Readings, Astrology and Numerology on an individual basis to help clients access the wisdom of the Soul. All truth rests within us, and from time to time it's appropriate to seek assistance to confirm or illuminate our deepest knowing. This is the value and purpose of our readings. For more information, visit our web site http://www.TheStarCenter.org. -------------------------------------------------------------- Venus Weaves Her Magic -------------------------------------------------------------- Venus has just returned to direct motion, and now we have a special opportunity to evaluate the ways her retrograde period has influenced our lives and loves. Venus retrograde periods last 40 days and 40 nights, a symbolic reminder of the themes of purification and transition associated with the retrograde passage. Venus stationed retrograde on May 17 and turned direct on June 29. During this retrograde period, Venus conjoined the Sun in the historic Transit of Venus. Venus retrograde periods are intensely valuable both spiritually and psychologically. For many of us, this time has been devoted to evaluating our relationships. Are our current relationships serving us? Are we growing within our relationships? Do we need to release or transform existing relationships? What new relationships have manifested? Which “old” relationships have returned, and why? During Venus retrograde, we are catapulted into the realms of our own subconscious. What beliefs do we hold about love and relationships? What are our values? Which beliefs are blocking the Soul’s desire to grow and evolve? How has our upbringing and cultural conditioning shaped these beliefs? How do we reprogram our thoughts and beliefs to experience more meaningful, joyful and healthy relationships? This is the symbolic journey of Venus into the Underworld where she transforms through death before re-emerging as the Morning Star. These themes are intensified during this retrograde cycle by direct oppositions between Venus and Pluto. The Goddess of Love and God of the Underworld faced off twice -- on May 1 and June 2. A third opposition is coming up July 25. Many ideas we had about love have been shattered. Our finances and our relationship to the material world have been challenged, too. Because of the retrograde activity, Venus has formed three passes each in significant aspect to Neptune and Jupiter as well as Pluto. Venus’ aspects to each of these planets further shapes our transformational process. Venus formed a trine with Neptune on April 21 and June 12. The third trine will form on July 16, the eve of the New Moon in Cancer. Neptune is intuitive, compassionate and highly spiritual. At this final pass, intertwined with the New Moon alignment, we may find ourselves in a deeply loving and nurturing space with ourselves and others. This theme may be one of the most pleasant gifts of the Venus retrograde cycle, an opportunity to merge with our soft, gentle, sensitive, spiritual nature. The planet of Love has also been dancing with Jupiter. Venus and Jupiter formed a square on April 14 and again on June 19. The third pass will be on July 20. This hard aspect formed by love-affirming Venus and the planet of luck and expansion could lead to excesses in matters of the heart, spending and sensuality. Jupiter is in Virgo, though, which may restrict our tendency to overindulge. Where in our lives do these patterns manifest? As Venus turns direct and continues her journey with Neptune, Jupiter and Pluto, we are called to merge our subconscious and conscious selves, to integrate the darkness and light within and resolve our “dual” nature. In facing and transforming our shadow, we embody more Light. We offer this “Venus road map” to help in your process of self-discovery, awareness and spiritual growth. Invoking the Goddess to teach and transform us directly will provide needed guidance and wisdom on your individual journey. Namaste. --------------------------------------------------- Planetary Alignments Update --------------------------------------------------- Our drama, “The Transformation of Consciousness,” continues in July with Saturn joining Venus and Pluto on center stage. Venus completes significant three-part aspects with Neptune and Jupiter as well as Pluto this month. We also have a Blue Moon -- the second full moon in a month -- on July 31, rounding out our journey through the subconscious realms as we continue on the path of enlightenment. Full Moon in Capricorn-Cancer -- July 2 -- 7:09 a.m. EST At this first Full Moon of Summer, the Sun, Saturn and Mercury in Cancer oppose the Moon in Capricorn, calling us to balance the masculine and feminine within, and nourish our body, mind and Soul. Water-sign Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which influences the oceans and tides. Water is life. Cancer is mother. How are we being nourished and sustained? Are we self-reliant or dependent? What role does our mind play in our spiritual Earth walk? Saturn may offer some clues as he moves to align with the Sun on July 8. We’re encouraged to follow our hearts, remaining grounded, practical and compassionate as we make our way in uncertain times. Sun sextile Jupiter -- July 5 The Sun in sextile to Jupiter is a positive, hopeful aspect that shines solar Light on our plans and dreams. We might focus this energy toward self-improvement by learning new skills, techniques and philosophies to enjoy the present and brighten our future. Broadening our horizons is in order now. Sun-Saturn Conjunction -- July 8 Life may take on a sober tone when the Sun and Saturn rendezvous. The Sun represents the self. Saturn symbolizes authority, responsibility and karma. It’s time to evaluate our goals and accomplishments objectively, then determine where we need to make adjustments. The Sun and Saturn are both transiting Cancer, so our attention might focus on home, family, security and related issues. Venus trine Neptune -- July 16 Venus trine Neptune sounds a harmonic of love. Neptune brings a higher dimension of spirituality to Venus’ influence on love and finances. These planets compliment each other in harmonious relationship as the goddess of love continues to unveil her secrets in this Venus-oriented year. New Moon in Cancer -- July 17 -- 7:24 a.m. EST The Moon conjoins the Sun to form this fertile lunation in Cancer, the sign of the Mother. New Moons always herald new beginnings. This one, with Chiron opposed the Sun and Moon, may stir up deep feelings and old wounds. Cancer is about mothering, nurturing, protection, feelings and intuition. How are we parenting ourselves? This is a powerful gateway for entering the feminine void from which creation springs forth. It’s a time for planting seeds for physical and spiritual growth. Venus square Jupiter -- July 20 Venus in hard aspect to Jupiter may feel a bit uncomfortable. Our tendencies to overindulge will be grounded by Virgo’s practical energy. Yet this is another teaching tool for Venus. The planet of love is encouraged by Jupiter’s high-mindedness. We might find our career plans supported if we explore opportunities to further our education and expand our skills. “Luck” takes on a practical tone. We may be especially attracted to art, music, dance and other forms of creative expression through this period. Sun into Leo -- July 22 The Sun shines when he makes his annual trip home to Leo. The Sun represent the self, will or ego. Evolved Leo is energized as a strong, confident, creative individual. Unevolved Leo cowers behind a veneer of false egotism that attempts to hide a lack of self-esteem. How does Leo express in each of us? At its best, this transit can ignite the creative spirit, foster personal expression and encourage child-like joy in every experience. Venus-Pluto Opposition -- July 25 This is the third and final opposition between Venus and Pluto in this cycle of growth and regeneration. How have our ideas about love, relationship and finances transformed? What have we discovered about our subconscious beliefs, and how they affect our joy-level in life? Who are the other players in our spiritual and psychological dramas? Have we manifested new relationships? Venus-Pluto offers us a gift of self-mastery. How are we shaping this opportunity? Blue Moon (Full Moon) in Aquarius-Leo -- July 31 -- 2:05 p.m. EST Every two-and-a-half years, there’s a second Full Moon in a calendar month. It happens this month with the Sun in Leo and Moon in Aquarius. This is a happy lunation associated with parties and other social festivities. The Sun in Leo encourages us to sing our song with an open, joyful heart. The Moon in Aquarius reminds us of our responsibility to the collective. How are we making the world a better place? Neptune makes his spiritual influence known as he approaches opposition to the Sun on August 5. While we might feel festive, Neptunian energy can be a bit foggy, reminding us to feel with our heart to find our true path. ---------------------------------------------------------- Working with Transformational Energies ---------------------------------------------------------- "There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." - Louis L'Amour When we look at the world around us, read a newspaper or watch TV, it’s easy to see that the transition of humanity into the next world, the Golden Age, requires a nearly unfathomable shift of consciousness. Some days it seems like the challenge is too big, that it might not happen, that our efforts are futile. Not so. The shift doesn’t happen all at once, on a certain date, or at a certain hour. The overall shift of consciousness is made up of many smaller shifts, over time. We are in the midst of the transition now. Transformation is a daily process. We change every day, by the hour, by the minute. Each tiny change in each individual life adds up. As individuals, we affect the collective. When we release old patterns, expand our consciousness and embody more Love, more and more Light is able to enter the Earth grid. In time, this process will reach critical mass. For many Lightworkers, feelings of hope and peace often alternate with depression, stress and fatigue. This is the rollercoaster ride we signed up for when we chose to incarnate into this transition period. Several practices are especially effective in dealing with the transformational energies we’re experiencing now. They even out the ride, so to speak. Meditation opens the heart and mind. Meditation practice involves the body, mind and spirit. It’s our time to commune with the Divine and allow the higher vibrational energies of Light and Love to descend into our form. Journaling helps us slow down and process the rapid-fire information flowing into us. We discover what’s been held in the subconscious mind as well as strategies for handling the changes in our lives. Guidance from the higher realms often comes through journaling. The Earth is purifying, and so are we. Cleansing and purification practices such as sweat lodge, sauna, soaking, herbal cleanses and fasting will help clear toxicity as we release on physical and emotional levels. Exercise is an important ingredient in our daily blend of activities. Yoga is helpful for opening and relaxing the bodymind. Our bodies also need cardiovascular exercise every day to stimulate our systems and stay grounded. Spiritual breathwork is an amazingly efficient technique for releasing and integrating trauma stored in the mind, body and cells. In some parts of the world, this modality is called “rebirthing.” It’s also called spiritual or conscious breathwork. Exploring new forms of creative expression such as art, writing, music, dance, photography and film-making opens the channel for creative life force/divinity/love to flow through us. Creativity opens the heart, stimulates the nervous system and assists in processing subconscious issues. Life as a Lightworker is made easier through these and other daily practices. Each of us needs to find a formula that works best for us. When we get “comfortable” with our practice, it’s a good idea to change it up from time to time to stimulate new growth and expansion. For additional ideas, see the Information Center on our web site http://www.TheStarCenter.org. Peace on your journey. -------------------------------------------------------- Transcending Linear Consciousness -------------------------------------------------------- Imagine being reborn without the thoughts and beliefs that limit our experience as spirits in human form. Releasing patterns of limited thought opens the mind so we may experience more fully the expanded states of awareness that are our true, divine nature. Through these experiences, we embody Christ Consciousness. This is the path of mastery. Our new weekend intensive, “Transcending Linear Consciousness,” is designed to free the mind so the spirit may soar. Through individual and group work, we will learn to recognize and release linear constructs, access our limitless being and overcome resistance so we may experience multidimensional states more consistently and explore our spiritual-physical capabilities. We are vast and powerful beings who agreed to enter third-dimensional reality, transcend the illusion of linear consciousness, and return to an even higher state of cosmic awareness. We've done a great job as masters of limitation. Now it's time to find our way back to our infinite being, to "unplug from the Matrix," and reclaim our mastery as ascended beings. Join us in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on July 17-18, 2004, for a powerful weekend gathering on the New Moon in Cancer. Full information is available on our web site. Our workshop and retreat schedule continues this fall with the Women’s Harvest Moon Retreat on September 24-26, and a new workshop, Walking a Sacred Path, on October 9-10. For more information, please visit our web site http://www.TheStarCenter.org In Love and Peace, Allison Rae allison@TheStarCenter.org http://www.TheStarCenter.org Resources for Lightworkers and Starseeds The monthly Alignments Newsletter features information about star alignments, personal and planetary transformation, metaphysics, personal mastery, ancient wisdom, spiritual prophecy and more. We also offer a sister newsletter, The Star Path, focusing on peace and enlightenment in daily living. To subscribe, visit http://www.TheStarCenter.org All Content Copyright 2004 Allison Rae/TheStarCenter.org