October 2004 Alignments Newsletter http://ezezine.com October 2004 Alignments Newsletter This is truly the Year of the Goddess. The Transit of Venus and three Venus-Pluto oppositions of 2004 have facilitated vast changes within ourselves and our relationships. Now, with the help of special planetary alignments in October, we begin to focus that transformational energy to reshape our lives and our world. We continue our exploration of the Divine Feminine this month with a unique series of unique alignments that echo the Harmonic Concordance of November 8, 2003, and deliver us into new and magical realms! Please join us in spreading the word about the global meditation set for October 28 in conjunction with the Total Lunar Eclipse and Grand Quintile by passing this newsletter on to others of like mind and spirit. Namaste. In this issue... 1) Faces of the Goddess 2) October Planetary Alignments Update 3) Harmonic Concordance II -- A Call for Global Meditation 4) Grounding the October Eclipse Energies 5) Soul Readings --------------------------------------------------- Faces of the Goddess --------------------------------------------------- “Words fail to say who or what the Goddess is, but She can be known and experienced in a direct and personal way.” - Goddess as Creatrix of the Universe From the formless void within, the Goddess speaks. She requests our attention at this important time in Earth’s history. She speaks of cosmic forces, endings and new beginnings. She reminds us of our vastness, our ability to create, to focus and direct energy through positive intent. We and the Goddess are One. We live in the time the Hopi call the Great Purification. Powerfully destructive forces are purifying and reshaping our planet in this moment. Hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, fires, war, disease, hunger. These are the Earth changes prophesied since ancient times. This process will continue throughout this transition, as we prepare for the next Golden Age. The old is making way for the new. Purification. Death. Rebirth. Creation. These are faces of the Goddess. In October, signs in the heavens are signaling major milestones in humanity’s development as a species. A rare series of Grand Quintiles joins the October eclipse series to illuminate us from above with the stellar brilliance that is also our core. The Goddess has placed her mark on this message. Grand Quintiles Astrologer John Mirehiel, who termed last year’s elegant November 8 Grand Sextile alignment the Harmonic Concordance, is now circulating information about a series of planetary alignments in October that he believes rivals the significance of last year’s celestial event. John informs us that Jill Whitman of Toronto discovered a series of two Grand Quintiles -- one on October 1, the second on October 28 -- that will be formed by five planets each. The aspect pattern creates the shape of a pentagram or five-pointed star. Quintiles in astrology are known to carry two distinct energies -- destructive and creative. Old forms must die away in order for new forms to be born. This may sound prophetic, and it is. It is also the nature of the Universe, as embodied in the divine feminine energy of the Goddess. The five-pointed star is a well-known symbol in goddess circles. It dates to ancient Babylonia as a symbol of the goddess Ishtar. The pentagram is widely used in Wiccan-Goddess ritual to this day. The symbol also appears as the suit of pentacles in Tarot divination cards. The pentagram is the mark of the Goddess, her stamp, her seal. As this pattern emerges in the sky not once, but twice, in October, the Goddess reminds us of her presence, and her process, in our individual and collective existence. In numerology, the number “5” signifies change on all levels -- physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Change is growth. Change is evolution. Change is process. The Hebrews referred to the Pentateuch, which related to the first five books of the Bible that represented the concept of truth. In ancient Greece, the followers of Pythagoras referred to the Pentalpha, a five-pointed star formed by five "A"s ("alpha" being the first letter of the Greek alphabet), and this symbol represented absolute perfection. The Druids were believed to consider the pentagram a symbol for "Godhead." To the Egyptians, it represented the "underground womb." In Wicca, the pentagram represents the four elements of life, as well as Spirit, which makes up the fifth point. The top-most point represents Spirit, all great Divine. The element of Air, symbolizing intelligence and the arts, is represented by the upper left point of the pentagram. Water, representing emotions and intuition, is the upper right of the pentagram. Earth relates to stability and physical endurance, and is represented by the lower left point. Fire, representing courage and daring, is the lower right point. When the pentagram is drawn upright, Spirit - the Unseen, Divine Source - presides over the other four earthly elements. Another interpretation of the pentagram symbol comes from esoteric astrology. According to Bill Tierney, the quintile “was considered to symbolize an aspirant’s creative soul alignment with the Will of the Cosmos, suggesting that quintiles have occult, transcendental undertones.” Bingo! Like the Grand Fixed Cross Solar Eclipse (1999), the Grand Stellium in Taurus (2000), Wesak Full Moon Lunar Eclipses (2003 and 2004), the Harmonic Concordance (2003) and the Transit of Venus (2004), these Grand Quintiles in October are moments of soul awareness that connect us to a vast, cosmic landscape of which we are each a miniscule yet significant part. Our minds are only beginning to comprehend the magnitude of these configurations. It may take years to absorb and integrate their gifts fully. The Heavens are giving us a sign. And it is through the Goddess that the Divine chooses to speak. Solar and Lunar Eclipses Also in October, we will experience an eclipse series that is intricately interwoven with these Grand Quintiles. The first is a partial Solar Eclipse in Libra on October 13. Justice, harmony and balance are themes of this New Moon configuration. Then, on October 27, just 17 hours prior to the second Grand Quintile alignment, a Total Lunar Eclipse in Taurus/Scorpio will echo the Harmonic Concordance Lunar Eclipse configuration from last year. Whatever was initiated with the alignment on November 8, 2003, will be activated again, perhaps brought to completion, at the October 27 alignment. We know that all eclipses are powerful portals that enhance our prayers, meditation practice, healing abilities and multidimensional states. The addition of the Grand Quintiles in this “Month of the Goddess” adds a distinctly feminine quality to our transformational process. Central to these special October alignments is the Moon. In astrology and in many indigenous traditions, the Moon is considered an embodiment of feminine energy. She guides the tides and influences women’s reproductive systems. She is connected with emotions, intuition and healing. The Moon is a face of the Goddess. Our vantage point for these celestial configurations is the Earth, also considered “feminine” and “goddess.” She is the source of our nourishment and sustenance. Earth is “Mother,” “Gaia.” She is home. Earth is another face of the Goddess. Goddess Month Dozens of festivals in October honor goddesses in spiritual and religious traditions around the world. Is this a coincidence? Or divine orchestration? One of the great Hindu festivals -- Diwali or Deepwali, the lunar New Year -- begins on October 10. This Feast of Lights honors Vishnu the Preserver and Lakshmi, beneficent goddess of health and abundance. The festival’s purpose is to burn away the old and light the path for the new in a gentle purification. In mid-October, Hindus celebrate Navaratri, one of two main goddess festivals of the year. In both spring and fall, Hindus give thanks to the Divine Mother for the abundance of the Earth. Mahayana Buddhists honor the goddess of compassion and mercy known as Tara, Kwan Yin, Kannon, Kwanzen and other female embodiments of the Bodhisattva. Also in Tibetan Buddhism, the Full Moon in Taurus marks the Buddha’s descent from the heavens with a celebration of his mother who gave him human life. In ancient Egyptian tradition, the Feast of Ma’at, goddess of truth, is celebrated in early October. October also brings one of the great festivals of the Triple Goddess in Celtic and Wiccan traditions. This one marks the woman’s transition from Mother to Wise Woman or Crone. The month ends with the Sabbat known as Samhain, the most important Wiccan holiday of the year. Samhain marks the transition from one solar year to the next. We see a beautiful progression from the beginning of the month to the end, a symmetry clearly created by a divine, inspired hand. The month opens with the Mark of the Goddess -- the Grand Quintile - and ends at the completion of the Wiccan solar year. Cosmic Perspective The most prevalent Goddess energies in October will be those of transformation through purification, death and rebirth, which clears the way for increased creativity and manifestation at a higher level. While October could be a challenging time both individually and collectively, it’s wise to remember the heart and purpose of all this change is Love. We and the Earth are purifying so we may embody and express more of the divine energy -- Love -- that is the source of all creation. October 2004 is the end of a cycle that began with the Grand Fixed Cross alignment in August 1999. What have we learned in the past five years? How have we grown? The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Taurus/Scorpio brings to completion what we initiated at the Harmonic Concordance Lunar Eclipse last November. What are we completing? What is the next level of growth? It’s hard to ignore the synchronicity of the timing of these planetary alignments as they relate to world events, including the U.S. presidential election on November 2. Perhaps election day will bring some answers, maybe even some surprises. Our duty is to focus the lens of these intense cosmic energies to transform our own lives and the world around us. Individual ritual and spiritual practice will be especially meaningful throughout this period. A global meditation is scheduled for October 28 in conjunction with the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse alignment. Please see the articles below for more information and consider joining in. Namaste. -------------------------------------------------------------- Highly recommended reading: For John Mirehiel’s interpretation of the Grand Quintiles, and the story of their discovery, please visit the Harmonic Concordance web site: http://www.harmonicconcordance.com/newsite/AstrologicalMusings--Quintiles.htm Dan Furst has added his unique insights on his Universal Festivals Calendar web site: http://www.hermes3.net/oct104.htm -------------------------------------------------------------- We have two weekend intensives scheduled in conjunction with the October eclipse series to align with the transformational energies of these rare planetary configurations. Both sessions will be held in Crestone, Colorado, a powerful Earth energy vortex area in the southern Rocky Mountains. Crestone is easily accessible from airports in Denver, Colorado Springs and Albuquerque. “The Star Path: Journey of the Soul,” October 16-17, awakens participants to their life path and purpose within a cosmic context recorded in Earth’s ancient spiritual traditions. Soul alignment and attunement are included. This program, by the way, was “birthed” at the Harmonic Concordance last year in Phoenix. Dozens have participated in these unique and powerful gatherings since then. This will be our final offering of the Star Path intensive for 2004. “Transcending Linear Consciousness,” October 23-24, helps participants recognize and release limiting belief patterns, unplug from the Matrix and experience the consciousness of Infinite Being. The session includes lecture, meditation, esoteric healing techniques, plus individual and group exercises in personal mastery. Participants have reported major shifts of consciousness and expanded awareness as a result of attending the weekend session. For more information, please visit: http://www.TheStarCenter.org and click on Workshops. --------------------------------------------------- Planetary Alignments Update --------------------------------------------------- From beginning to end, October rocks with Goddess energy. The month begins with a planetary Mark of the Goddess -- a pentagram -- in a Grand Quintile pattern on October 1 and ends with Samhain, the traditional Wiccan year-end celebration, on October 31/November 1. Throughout the month, goddesses from traditions around the world are honored with festivals and ceremony celebrating the many moods, shapes, capabilities and characteristics of the Divine Feminine. Grand Quintile -- October 1 A pentagram is formed in the heavens as the Moon, Sun, Saturn, Pluto and Uranus align to form an aspect pattern known as a Grand Quintile or five-pointed star. This well-known goddess symbol dates to ancient Babylonia and represents the goddess Ishtar. Like goddesses, quintiles are known for their creative as well as destructive energies. What in your life is falling away? What wants to be born? Combined with the eclipse series and second quintile pattern later this month, this star in the heavens signals the need to flow with the never-ending cycle of death and rebirth that is existence. Venus into Virgo -- October 3 When the goddess of love and finances transits the earthy, practical sign of Virgo, it’s time to clean house and tighten our belts at the change of seasons. Relationships may feel restrictive, or we may find that we restrict ourselves within them. Venus was luxuriant during her recent transit of Leo. In Virgo, she is more practical and reserved as we prepare for the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. Libra New Moon Solar Eclipse -- October 13 10:48 p.m. EST All New Moons are about fresh starts and new beginnings. The energies of this New Moon are ramped up by a partial solar eclipse, which will be visible from Japan and northeast Asia, the western Pacific, Hawaii and western Alaska. The New Moon in Libra is traditionally considered one of the most harmonious and cooperative New Moons in the calendar. At this lunation, the Moon forms a T-cross with Saturn in Cancer and Chiron in Capricorn, so issues of emotional or physical healing -- or both -- especially those involving parents, will be activated. The eclipse begins two hours before the New Moon, is at the greatest eclipse point at the exact moment of the New Moon, and ends two hours later. Mercury into Scorpio -- October 15 Heady, intellectual Mercury is less than comfortable in Scorpio, sign of sex, the underworld, death and rebirth. In combination with the Grand Quintiles and eclipses this month, Mercury in Scorpio may help our minds gain new awareness and understanding in these mysterious areas. Venus Square Pluto -- October 20 Venus has been a key player this year in elevating human consciousness to the frequency of divine love. Pluto has had a starring role opposite Venus, forming three direct oppositions earlier in the year to assist in the transformation of our notions of love, relationships and material concerns. Here Venus and Pluto engage again, this time in a square that echoes the lessons we’ve been learning all year. How have our values changed or reshaped our relationships? Which relationships have been discarded? Which have been transformed? What adjustments still need to be made? Sun into Scorpio -- October 22 Scorpio’s transformational m.o. is death and rebirth. During the Sun’s transit of Scorpio, we have several planetary configurations to facilitate dramatic change at the deepest levels through this cyclic and life-affirming process. The zodiacal symbol for Scorpio is the scorpion, noted for its deadly sting. In hermetic tradition, the symbol is the eagle, one who flies between heaven and Earth. What is due to be recycled within us is likely to manifest through the highly charged transformational process amplified by the Grand Quintiles and eclipses this month. What parts of ourselves are dying? What will be reborn? Neptune Stations Direct -- October 24 Neptune’s murky, confusing energy will normalize when he returns to direct motion on October 14. Neptune stationed retrograde back on May 17, while Venus was also retrograde as she approached her historic crossing of the solar disk. During his retrograde phase, Neptune has challenged us to evaluate our most deeply held spiritual beliefs, and we may have been called to deal with issues from the watery realms of the subconscious. We learn and live more fully in the light as he stations direct once again. Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Taurus/Scorpio -- October 27 11:07 p.m. EST This Full Moon in Taurus opposes the Sun in Scorpio and echoes the Harmonic Concordance Lunar Eclipse of November 8, 2003. Whatever was begun at that time may come to completion with this alignment. The Moon, the primary feminine planet in astrology, is said to be “exalted” in Venus-ruled Taurus, further enhancing the Goddess Fest energies of the month. The Sun in Scorpio adds an edge of sensuality and danger. The Total Lunar Eclipse enhances these energies, and unresolved issues from the unconscious are due to arise. The beginning of the eclipse is visible in Africa, Europe, the North Atlantic and the Americas. The end is visible in these areas and also throughout the Atlantic, and in the eastern Pacific. Worldwide ritual and meditation are planned at the time of the eclipse alignment to draw in the energies of peace, higher consciousness and divine feminine energy. (See article below.) Grand Quintile -- October 28 Just 17 hours after the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, a rare second Grand Quintile pattern emerges in the sky, forming another 5-pointed star or Mark of the Goddess. In this alignment, Jupiter moves to replace the Sun in the October 1 formation, lending expansiveness, optimism, fortune and higher consciousness to the moment. Traditional Samhain -- October 31/November 1 The most important date in the Wiccan calendar, Samhain celebrates the Celtic New Year. The dying God returns to the womb of the Goddess in preparation for rebirth at Yule. At Samhain, loved ones who have died are remembered and their souls are invited to join in the feasting and celebration. This is also the third and final harvest. Halloween is a version of this ancient observance. The final day of October is also a goddess festival honoring the arts of spinning and weaving. These crafts are associated with the act of creation and embodied in the Hopi goddess Spiderwoman and Greek goddess Hecate, among others. Looking ahead… Mercury Retrograde -- November 30-December 19 -------------------------------------------------------- Harmonic Concordance II -- A Call for Global Meditation -------------------------------------------------------- The concept of group lightwork is grounded in ancient tradition. Tibetan Buddhists recommend using the times of eclipses for spiritual practice, as the results will be multiplied many times over for the benefit of all. During a Solar Eclipse, the effects of positive and negative actions are multiplied 100 million times, according to Lama Zopa Rinpoche. During a Lunar Eclipse, the factor is 7 million. Here is John Mirehiel’s request for worldwide prayer at the time of the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, which he is calling Harmonic Concordance II, on October 27-28, 2004: “Because of the coincidence of the Taurus/Scorpio Total Lunar eclipses in both the Concordance chart, and in this chart of October 28, and because they are quite nearly one year apart, I have taken the liberty of calling the sequence ‘The Harmonic Concordance II.’ Once again, we are encouraging the global tribe of Modern Mystics to reunite in yet another prayer of conscious intent and gratitude. The conscious intent that we held at the Concordance was a threefold call for Unity Consciousness, healing for ourselves and, most importantly, for Mother Earth, and for the descent of individual God Conscious awareness. For the Concordance II celebration and prayer, may I suggest that, along with re-invoking those intents, we specifically add a fourth, for the reawakening of the Divine Feminine - in our own and all of Hu-manity's consciousness. Of course, considering this very active month of October, any of the above mentioned days would be well suited to another gathering of the worldwide spiritual community. But, once again, we are presented with a single ideal moment that is most appropriate for a global prayer of conscious intent: the perfection of the Total Lunar Eclipse, at 4:07 am (GMT), on October 28. Please join with us in broadcasting these prayers of intent to the Universe, in gatherings with others or in your private Celebration and Prayer.” For more information, please visit the Harmonic Concordance web site: http://www.harmonicconcordance.com To find out the conversion to your local time zone, visit: http://www.worldtimezone.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------- Grounding the October Eclipse Energies ---------------------------------------------------------- Many Lightworkers are already feeling the effects of the upcoming planetary alignments in October. Eclipses shift the Earth’s electromagnetics and may cause causing disorientation, dizziness or drowsiness. We’re likely to see an increase in extreme weather patterns and seismic activity. Eclipses are known to stir things up in the Earth plane. The shifting energies can cause anxiety, emotional outbursts and even physical illness. Human violence tends to increase at these times. The two weeks between the eclipses -- October 13-27 -- will be the most intense period. Here are some suggestions for remaining grounded and centered. - Spend time alone, in silence, in nature. Connect with the Earth and ground the energies by walking or running. Exercise is crucial for maintaining spiritual, mental, emotional and physical balance, especially during eclipse periods. - Invite the higher energies and higher expressions of your own divine self to enter your being. Anchor these energies with daily prayer, meditation and ritual. - Eat grounding foods, especially those rooted in the soil like potatoes, turnips, carrots and ginger. Kidney cleansing and support will be especially helpful at this time. Also cleanse the colon. - Bathe in mineral waters or natural hot springs. Add mineral salts to your bath at home. Put rocks or crystals in the water with you for extra grounding and support. - Eclipses often disrupt our sleep patterns. You may find you need more sleep during eclipse periods. Or you may experience insomnia. Getting adequate rest is important for remaining balanced and centered. Take naps if needed. If it’s practical, sleep outdoors on the ground. As always, listen to your body’s cues about what is needed and how much. During this eclipse series, especially, you may be called to assist others in their personal process of transformation. Friends and family may look to you for support, information and encouragement. In areas affected by Earth changes, our prayers and financial donations may be needed. Daily journaling helps us understand the process of growth and transformation happening within and around us. Journaling also helps us stay grounded and focused during periods of intense acceleration. And finally…it’s effective to observe eclipses and their gifts of soul expansion individually or in groups. As we open ourselves to receive and transmit higher frequencies of love and light, we contribute to the evolution of consciousness on Planet Earth. Enjoy the journey. -------------------------------------------------------- Soul Readings -------------------------------------------------------- Individual Soul Readings are available for those seeking wisdom, healing and guidance in these times of accelerated change. 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 purpose and intent of my readings. I combine astrology, numerology, intuitive wisdom and channeling to access truth from the highest levels of your being. Sessions are available by phone or e-mail, or I’ll record your session and mail it to you. For more information, please visit our web site: http://www.TheStarCenter.org and click on Soul Readings. 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