teacher – Fiesta Estrellas

Pisces energy dominates this full moon/eclipse chart, especially with the touch of ‘fire’ of modern Pisces ruler Neptune newly established in Aries. We are in a full surrender to the moments that we have no control around–which we could argue are all of the moments. I don’t need to mention the world events because the destruction and chaos is clearly happening and we are in the dynamics of massive change. Months ago, I spoke of end of February and the dynamic of Neptune and Saturn conjunction in Aries for the longer stays–Neptune being the longest at approx 14 years. We knew that a punctuated event would take place within the vicinity of the timeframe of the astrological transits, which is why astrology is so helpful to bring more awareness. It’s a mirror/mandala and a way to reflect. While it does not dictate the future, it can share with you the future’s weather in terms of the energies at play. I want to dial into more personally how we can benefit from this information. We each have our own ways that we relate to the impact of the whole.

The gift of this eclipse at Virgo is that we can more keenly respond bodily to the sensations of our awareness. Using the body as a tool for awareness and sensation, we can more immediately figure out how to apply care for our personal needs. Our routines and rituals can find grounded expression with meditation, exercise, and our spiritual practices. Spiritual practice can be a place to land when the energies are so intense and deeply impacted through fear, worry, or nervous system chaos in reaction to the lack of control. Breathing strategies can bring more sensation into the body and away from the mind such as box breath, oven this pursed-lip breathing as described below.

Jupiter features here while in retrograde, but it is forming a harmonious aspect to the Sun and the Moon in this eclipse. This means that Jupiter can amplify the intensity for better or for worse. Jupiter can bring us into our faith as well as to challenge it. Ultimately the bigger picture is in question when Jupiter is active in a chart. Jupiter can also symbolize the spiritual teacher and guidance. One looks to the “Guru” for removing the obstacles that obscure truth, reality, and by reuniting us beyond our inner suffering, to touch the infinite hope that cannot be extinguished.

May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. This message as all my messages are sent with love and respect for your unique journeys. May you be well. May you experience peace.

Leader and Teacher

Nelson Mandela has passed away today. He left us a legacy of wisdom, beyond any words.

The voice of Sagittarius manifests as optimism. Nelson Mandela had both Sagittarius Ascendant and North Node.

http://www.astro.com/astro-databank/Mandela,_Nelson

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” ― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

I want to spend a little time and attention on Jupiter just now. In astrology, Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius. He’s the guru and teacher – a benefactor. He helps us to make use of knowledge (his complement on the zodiacal dial is Gemini, knowledge). Jupiter is wisdom, and is pretty relevant right now. We’ve got the Sun and Mercury transiting in the sign of Sagittarius (per the tropical zodiac).

The word “guru” means to remove ignorance, or darkness. Guru is a benefactor by helping to support that which leads to the enlightenment of the student. A teacher arrives when the student is ready, they say. I say *also* that the teacher lives in you, and assumes external manifestations as the student realizes itself as the teacher. This is important, for the student to see the teacher outside of himself first – this part of the process is not to be skipped, for this is how we realize our ideal.

Sagittarius has a special understanding for nature…

Nelson Mandela on the nature of leadership:

“When you want to get the cattle to move in a certain direction, you stand at the back with a stick and then you get a few of the cleverer cattle to go to the front and move in the direction that you want them to go. The rest of the cattle follow the few more energetic cattle in the front, but you are really guiding them from the back. Nelson Mandela then added: That is how a leader should do his work.”

“We have laid the foundation for a better life. Things that were unimaginable a few years ago have become everyday reality. I belong to the generation of leaders for whom the achievement of democracy was the defining challenge.” — Speech to Parliament in Cape Town, March 26, 1999

With his sun in the sign of Cancer, he acted as guru to the whole consciousness of the human family, centering his energy strongly at home working for freedom from apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela helped guide people through truth and reconciliation (healing) out of the ignorance and darkness of apartheid.

“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” — Statement at the opening of his defense in the Rivonia treason trial, April 20, 1964.

His chart’s ruling planet Jupiter (Guru) is currently transiting his solar home sign in Cancer – just as a hero/leader/guru returns home beyond the veil of the material plane. May he be eternally in peace.

Photo credits are from http://www.voicesfromhaiti.com/2013/07/nelson-mandelas-gift-written-by-irmina-ulysse/. Please see the link in honor of his birthday. A day when humanity was given a tremendous gift through his life and his deep and enduring wisdom.