Tibetan Buddhist Altar

6/20/2024 Thursday by Wangmo

Theme: Approaching the mid-point

The Solstice is nearly upon us – bringing a reminder of seasonal change at the height of summer or winter depending on where you live and the associated rituals that accompany that. Of course if you live on the equator you’re equidistant! The Moon is nearly full, heightening emotions, and is square Saturn reminding you of the limitations you inevitably have to deal with. With the Moon in Sagittarius optimism counterbalances any Saturnian pessimism.

It doesn’t matter where you practice, so try not to be too fussy. If you are, you risk expending all your time and energy on creating, in minute detail, the right conditions for practice and leave no time at all for the practice itself.~Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

6/18/2024 Tuesday by Wangmo

Theme: Watchfulness and Welcomness

With the Moon conjunct Pallas Athena and going opposite Uranus today it’s time to put on your wisdom hat when dealing anything outside your experience, whether it’s technological or emotional. In other words, how you react is a litmus test on where you’re at. With Venus and Mercury holding hands (conjunct) it’s really such a helpful time for communication and reaching out to others through a heart connection.

Me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me, me. Everyday we chant this like a mantra from morning to night. Think carefully. Really. Look inside.~Kyabgon Phakchok Rinpoche.

6/17/2024 Monday by Wangmo

Theme: The soft innards!

With Venus and Mercury now in the sign of Cancer expect more sensitivity and imagination, in equal measure, are on the rise. Cancer is a water sign so emotions fuel relationships and communications more than usual. Home in all it’s manifestations, and nurturing, are key themes. Cancer is the crab so the hard exterior others see can belie the inner reality. How will you break through your defensive shell? With the Moon in Scorpio it’s a kind of over-flowing day for those who can see.

One who knows does not speak; one who speaks does not know.~Lao Tzu

Theme:  A Positive Shift

Sun and Moon are in harmonious aspect to each other, reflecting inner harmony. As everything is in balance your energy flows easily without obstruction. You feel at ease with others and they with you. This also brings vitality once more, which is greatly appreciated.
Jupiter and Pluto are also working to make  positive changes in your life. This can occur through some form of success or even power coming to you, but will only be truly beneficial if you strive to improve conditions for all.

“ What they call you is one thing. What you answer to is something else.”
Lucille Clifton

Theme: Expressions of Love

Venus and Mercury are moving away from the Sun highlighting ways we express love. It’s easier to express emotions due to distinctions between the mental and emotional being removed. Expression of feelings can be synthesized through the arts, if so inclined.
The challenge today is Neptune bringing considerable confusion; communications can be misunderstood or not even delivered. It’s important not to hold back on information as that will only increase the confusion. It can even indicate a breakdown of relationships due to an unreal expectation of others.
The positive side of these transits is that if you are spiritually focused and your compassion is strongly developed you find this time helpful in deepening your devotion and commitment to caring for others.

“ No matter what path you’re following compassion is the only way to realization.”
Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Theme:  Rocking the Boat

A T-square has formed with Venus, Sun, Mercury all at the apex, affecting areas of relationships, self expression and communication. The basis is Moon Neptune which brings a sense of groundlessness. Experiencing strange moods with heightened sensitivity can bring confusion due to lack of clarity. This is a mutable T square which can make it hard to concentrate and focus can be very scattered. Meditation may be useful during this time, helping tame the mind and bringing peace and stability to our day.

“ If we are not fully ourselves, truly in the present moment, we miss everything.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

6/12/2024 Wednesday by Wangmo

Theme: Mutability

With the Moon in Virgo today and a host of planets in Gemini, mutability is a major theme. The imagine is of water flowing around a rock, rather than meeting a situation head-on. It’s a good time for all sorts of writing and communicating. Attending to practical details and ones health is a strength of the Moon in Virgo, along with receiving nurturing through the earth. In contrast the energy of Gemini needs clean air to fully breathe – and talk!

Silence is something that comes from your heart, not from outside. It doesn’t mean not talking and not doing thing; it means that you are not disturbed inside.~Thich Nhat Hahn

6/11/2024 Tuesday by Wangmo

Theme: Flexibility

With so many planets in Gemini (four to be precise) it’s a good opportunity to go with the flow and be flexible. The devil is in the detail so take care of details! Another feature of Gemini is integrating the light and dark, more hidden side of your nature. Acknowledging both parts can allow for more integration. The Moon in Leo shines a bright, more optimistic light on your activities today..

…the essence of practice is to be in a state of open presence, in unity with any feeling that may arise.~Chogyal Namkay Norbu Rinpoche

The Moon is Void of Course between 3.16pm and 1.39am the following day. Avoid starting new projects. Spend time in reflection.

6/10/2024 Monday by Wangmo

Theme: The heart of love

With the Sun and Venus still close together, by degree, it’s an opportunity to open the door to the heart. Opening that door enables transformation and has a flow on effect in the wider sphere of your life and also benefits others. Mars has moved into Taurus bringing a more earthy step-by-step approach to asserting and defending your territory. Taurus is ruled by Venus reminding us that if you add kindness to any equation it transforms the ‘I’ into ‘us’. The Moon is in Leo today bringing a new spark of confidence and creativity to the next couple of days.

Suffering only happens through clinging and through desire. So due to our delusion we continue to lust after our experience, and that lust continues to cause our suffering.~Jetsunma Ahkon Norbu Lhamo