August 2004 Alignments Newlsetter http://ezezine.com August 2004 Alignments Newsletter "After winter comes the summer. After night comes the dawn. And after every storm, there come clear, open skies." - Samuel Rutherford As we engage in the Cosmic Dance, we experience highs and lows, night and day, storms and calm. “Miracles” become commonplace. Our thoughts take form instantaneously as we shape a new reality. Together, we are entering a paradigm of our own creation. This month we focus on principles and techniques that form a meaningful foundation for our growth and creativity in times of change. We are reawakening to the reality that the world is what we make of it. Is it time to make some changes in your world? August might be a good time. Please pass this newsletter along to others who might benefit from the information. Namaste. In this issue... 1) The End Is the Beginning 2) August Planetary Alignments Update 3) Mercury Retrograde: Time for Refinement 4) Listen to the Voice of Your Soul --------------------------------------------------- The End Is the Beginning --------------------------------------------------- All of life, all of existence, is made up of cycles. Cycles are natural, rhythmic, like the emergence of day from the darkness of night, the promise of new life in the spring following the hushed stillness of winter. Night ends, day dawns. Winter melts into spring. All endings lead to new beginnings. The end of an egg results in a fuzzy baby chick. From the end of a seed we gain a new flower. The end of a river expands to an ocean. Where one ends, one begins. That is life. When we resist the endings by holding on to outdated forms, we rob ourselves of experiencing the beauty, the wonder and the awe of creation. If we lose a job, a home, or a business contract, we can count on something better coming along. When an important relationship ends, it means we’re ready for a new one at a higher level. That is how it works. In Hindu tradition, this energy is symbolized by Shiva and Shakti. Shiva is the destroyer who clears a path for Shakti’s creative energy to manifest. The Universal Life Force that underlies all of creation is patiently waiting for us to allow our birthright of joy, bliss, peace and contentment to enter our being. That is our natural state. It is time to reclaim this birthright. In Eastern traditions, cycles of time are measured on the order of thousands, millions and billions of years. In Western astrology, we’re familiar with the 26,000-year precessional cycle of the equinoxes and the 2,000-year zodiacal ages. In the Mayan daykeeping system, a major world cycle is ending and a new one will begin around 2012. Ancient traditions around the world speak of the ending of vast cycles of time and the beginning of new and wondrous cycles basically all at once -- now. The end is the beginning. The end of the world as we know it is here. We are entering a new paradigm, a new world age, a time of cosmic enlightenment accessible to all. How does the Creator-Destroyer in you manifest? When change presents itself, do you cling to the nearest outdated form or welcome the possibilities the change may be offering? When you feel emotional turmoil deep within for no mentally understandable reason, do you suppress it, ignore it, or explore it? What are you attracting into your life to help you let go of the shores and flow with the river of creation toward the expansiveness of the cosmic ocean? To your Soul, we say, “Your day is coming.” To the ego, we request, “Let go.” This is a transition period, a turning point unprecedented for humanity. What is your place as the tides sweep us inevitably into a new and vastly different paradigm? Where is your community? Who nurtures and supports you? Whom do you nurture, support and counsel? What is being asked of you at the Soul level to transform, renew and uplift? What is your purpose in these times? Planetary alignments in August present an ideal opportunity for reflection on these concepts and more, for attuning to the Soul, and for quantum healing through the power of Love. We are with you on the journey. -------------------------------------------------------------- Over Labor Day Weekend, we will explore themes of the Earth’s transition, metaphysics of the soul and transformational healing during the 2004 Star Path Conference and Metaphysical Fair, September 4-6 in Crestone, Colorado. Since ancient times, Crestone’s natural vortex energies and healing waters have attracted Native Americans, shamans, priests, intuitives and others seeking higher states of consciousness. It is the ideal setting for a gathering centered on themes of the new paradigm. Our weekend intensive, “Transcending Linear Consciousness,” is designed for those in the vanguard of quantum evolutionary change in these transitional times. Two sessions are scheduled this fall: October 2-3 in Colorado Springs and October 23-24 in Crestone. “The Star Path: Journey of the Soul” is our “re-entry level” weekend intensive for Lightworkers and Starseeds. We explore the current transformation from cosmic, planetary and individual perspectives, drawing on ancient prophecy, metaphysical texts and intuitive wisdom. The next Star Path workshop will be October 16-17 in Crestone. The October weekend intensives are timed in conjunction with a pair of eclipses -- a partial Solar Eclipse on October 13 and a total Lunar Eclipse on October 27 -- for increased potency, transformation and activation of cellular memory. For more information, please visit our web site: http://www.TheStarCenter.org --------------------------------------------------- Planetary Alignments Update --------------------------------------------------- The three recent Venus-Pluto oppositions continue to prod us to revise our ideals of love. Additional players on the scene this month are Jupiter, Uranus and Chiron, each with significant aspects to lend energy to our transformational journey. The upcoming Mercury Retrograde period from August 9 to September 2 provides the perfect pause to reflect on recent changes, wrap up old business and prepare for a new cycle of energy this fall. Lammas - August 1 (traditional), August 6 (zodiacal) Lammas is one of the “cross-quarters” of the zodiacal year -- the midpoint between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox. This is when the powerful gods of the grain harvests are honored. The harvest is just beginning as we anticipate the full bounty to be harvested at Equinox. Lammas is filled with the energy of ripening, of coming to term. So it is with our spiritual lives. We begin to reap the harvest of our spiritual endeavors. Cross-quarters are honored as Sabbats in pagan traditions and are considered even more powerful Sun-Moon-Earth alignments than the Solstices and Equinoxes. In Celtic lore, Lammas is Lughnasadh, named for Lugh, the Celtic deity who presides over the arts and sciences. This touching tale comes from Celtic legend (see http://www.mythinglinks.org/Lammas.html for more information) and speaks to the meaning of this phase of the season both literally and metaphorically: According to Celtic legend, Lugh decreed that a commemorative feast be held each year at the beginning of the harvest season to honor his foster mother, Tailtiu. Tailtiu was the royal Lady of the Fir Bolg. After the defeat of her people by the Tuatha De Dannan, she was obliged by them to clear a vast forest for the purpose of planting grain. She died of exhaustion in the attempt. The legend goes that she was buried beneath a great mound named for her, at the spot where the first feast of Lughnasadh was held in Ireland, the hill of Tailte. This gathering included games and contests of skill as well as a great feast made up of the first fruits of the summer harvest. As years passed, traditions surrounding the feast at Tailte began to solidify into events and ceremonial activities designed to celebrate not only Tailtiu and the bounty of the harvest that her original sacrifice provided, but also to honor the work and sacrifice of human beings as they strove to provide sustenance for their families and community. Lammas (zodiacal) and Jupiter Square Pluto -- August 6 August 6 is the actual zodiacal midpoint between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox and so is observed by many as the date of the Lammas Sabbat. Ritual, prayer and celebration at this time are particularly potent, especially those focused on gratitude for our abundance, the gift of community, our dedication both individually and collectively to our ideals in these areas. On this Lammas, Jupiter forms a square to Pluto, a heavyweight combination whose tranformative energy could be focused into areas of the higher mind, greater understanding and long-distance travel. Where these transiting planets touch your natal horoscope could be areas influenced significantly at this alignment. Mercury Retrograde -- August 9-September 2 We began this calendar year in Mercury Retrograde, and now we enter another retrograde period lasting more than three weeks. In previous issues of Alignments, we highlighted the dominance cast by the Mercury Retrograde period in place when we entered 2004. Throughout the year, and especially during the Mercury Retrograde phases, we have an opportunity to revisit, revise and change direction, if needed, in important areas of our lives. This time, Mercury stations retrograde in Virgo, a rather sobering thought. The attention will be on details, completing unfinished business, getting things right this time. It’s not time to forge ahead. The energy shifts partway through the retrograde period when Mercury enters Leo on September 24. Leo is a sign of creativity and passion, especially in individual endeavors. By the end of this period, we may have some plans in place for focusing in new and creative directions. New Moon in Leo -- August 15 9:24 p.m. EST At the New Moon in Leo, the focus is on the Self. Who Am I? Why Am I Here? What contributions am I making to society, my community, my family? Leo is fiery, confident, self-possessed. Immaturely expressed, Leo is the energy of “It’s all about me.” Its more mature expression has to do with great feats of creativity and generosity tempered with humility. The Sun, representing the Self, and Moon, representing the unconscious, are conjoined in Leo, creating a fertile matrix for self-awareness within the context of the collective. The backdrop of Mercury Retrograde, accompanied by a humbling Saturn-Chiron opposition and a sweet Jupiter-Chiron trine add interesting twists to this lunation. The gift of Chiron is the opportunity for healing that comes when we recognize that emotional tender spots in the present are tied to woundings in the past. However we felt wronged early in life will be repeated over and over until the original wounding is healed. In myth, Chiron’s original wound came from abandonment by his father, Saturn. When the two planets (Chiron is actually a large asteroid) are opposed in the sky, any similar issues we have will surface for resolution. Meanwhile, Jupiter moves to trine Chiron, lending supportive energy and needed perspective to whatever is ripe for healing. Sun-Uranus Opposition -- August 27 In astrology, the Sun represents, the Self -- a familiar theme this month. Now in Virgo, the Sun moves to oppose rebellious, outspoken Uranus. Watch for breakthroughs, change-ups and the revelation of “control issues” at this volatile time. A potential benefit of this alignment, if we’ll allow it, is liberation of the ego. Full Moon in Pisces -- August 29 10:22 p.m. EST The annual Full Moon in Pisces is a dreamy, spiritual, if nebulous affair, the time when Grandmother Moon may reveal secrets to us from the watery depths of the unconscious. The challenge is in the interpretation. After all, Pisces is, if anything, dreamy. Uranus’ conjunction with the Moon in Pisces helps keep us balanced and detached. Thanks to Uranus, this lunation offers the potential for a spiritual breakthrough. The gifts of Pisces are compassion, spirituality and inspiration -- our divine nature. This gateway allows us to attune to the frequency of spiritual love and offer ourselves in compassionate service, perhaps in new and unexpected ways. Pluto Stations Direct -- August 30 The turn of direction by slow-moving Pluto is less obvious than other planets because his M.O. is to work beneath the surface. During the retrograde period, deep transformation has been taking place within us, and as Pluto resumes forward motion on August 30, we may become aware of which areas the God of the Underworld has been targeting. The key is to pay attention. Dreams and the events in our lives reflect back to us the processes happening deep within. Journaling around Pluto’s station direct may yield some interesting feedback. Looking ahead… Autumn Equinox -- September 22 Harvest Moon -- September 28 Partial Solar Eclipse -- October 13 Total Lunar Eclipse -- October 27 Next Mercury Retrograde -- November 30-December 19 ---------------------------------------------------------- Mercury Retrograde: Time for Refinement ---------------------------------------------------------- Mercury rules communication, transportation and technology, so the traditional, mechanistic advice for Mercury Retrograde periods is to have your car serviced, double-check on appointment times and travel arrangements, and be patient with glitches in electronics in the home and office. In the picky sign of Virgo, Mercury asks us to examine the details of our lives, putting our physical and financial houses in order. On August 24, Mercury will move into Leo, freeing up creative energy for our process. On a spiritual level, Mercury Retrograde is time to turn within to evaluate our progress toward our goals, reshape, revise and redirect where necessary. This could be considered a process of “refinement.” It’s important not to be attached even to our most divinely inspired plans. Things change. Letting go is a common theme these days, even letting go of some of our goals and dreams as we continue to reshape our reality. During Mercury Retrograde, it’s wise to ask ourselves: - What do I need to bring to completion in order to begin anew? - Is it time to end or redefine relationships, projects, business deals, jobs, plans for travel? - How is my physical health? What personal habits do I need to change in alignment with my overall goals? Is it time for an herbal cleanse or a fast? - What support do I need in these areas? Working consciously with the energy of Mercury Retrograde leads to greater awareness of our inner process and how it relates to the outer world. -------------------------------------------------------- Listen to the Voice of Your Soul -------------------------------------------------------- The Soul is where the action is. In our weekend intensive, “The Star Path: Journey of the Soul,” we focus on the path of the individual soul within the context of the Earth’s transition during these times of planetary transformation. The soul is constantly expanding. The soul grows and learns through experience in human form. Life path and purpose, significant relationships, career, family and business matters can all be traced to the experiences the soul chooses to have in this lifetime. Accessing wisdom at the soul level allows us to navigate our life path consciously, in grace. There are many ways to do this. Meditation is the most common method for tuning in to the guidance of the Soul. Meditation doesn’t need to be an hour-long sit in full-lotus position. Meditation can be as simple as lighting a candle in a quiet room, sitting comfortably in a chair or on the floor and stilling the mind for at least 15 minutes. Focus on the breath. Free the mind of thoughts and focus on the inner depths of your being. Attuning to Soul Wisdom through meditation is simple, and it’s free. The daily practice of sitting -- perhaps combined with basic yoga postures - is probably the best way to relax the bodymind and access the wisdom of the soul -- the inner voice or knowing deep within your being. This helpful meditation is posted on the Healing Society web site (http://www.healingsociety.org/activities/meditation_view2.html): - Take Time to Listen to Your Soul - Silently close your eyes and place your hands on your chest, one overlapping the other. Now is the time for you to listen to the voice of your soul. Now is the time for you to give an ear to your soul. With your will, you can listen to the voice of your soul. Your soul is love and peace. Your soul is pure and complete, in and of itself. From that pure soul, from deep within your Self, there is a vibration. When you feel that vibration, it will touch you with deep love and peace, and bring tears to your eyes. Your heart will overflow with joy and the vibration will purify your body and mind. Listen to the pulsing vibration of your soul. -By Ilchi Lee This meditation is so beautiful, so exquisitely simple and real. It speaks volumes. In addition to meditation, we have many tools of divination that can be attuned to the Soul. Tarot and other card decks, pendulums, dowsing rods and crystals can be used in various ways to access the wisdom of the soul. A common method is to sleep with the tool under your pillow or near your bed, requesting that it be attuned to the vibration of the Soul. When you seek guidance using the tool, restate your request that the information come from the Soul level. Wisdom tools like astrology, numerology, the “Human Design System” and others use your birth data to discern clues about the soul’s intentions. The date of birth and sometimes the name are used to calculate the blueprints of what the soul chooses to learn through experience in this lifetime. Journaling from the soul level can also be an illuminating experience. Try sitting quietly as you would for meditation, with a pad or journal and pen nearby. When you feel deeply relaxed, contact your soul and begin to write whatever comes without judgment or censorship. As we practice in these ways, the still, small voice within grows stronger. We gain confidence as the wisdom we channel from the soul level plays out in our lives with miraculous results. “The voice” might guide us to turn right instead of left one day, a new direction that changes our life forever. -------------------------------------------------------------- Our channeled Soul Readings are available for those seeking guidance on an individual basis about life path and purpose, the soul’s intentions for this lifetime, and issues in the current situation such as personal relationships, family, business, travel, relocation and employment. All truth rests within, and from time to time it’s appropriate to seek guidance to confirm our deepest knowing. This is the value and purpose of our readings. 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 free 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