About Astrological Transits and Progressions

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Please leave a comment as this particular subject is quite subjective I think.

In this post, I will elaborate on whether or not Transits in aspect to Progressed Planets are really that significant. This post assumes the reader has basic to intermediate understanding of Western astrology.

What is a transiting planet? Transits consist of the current location of the planets (in our solar system) and then to see if they reflect changes / energetic shifts in an individual, we compare the Transit location of the planets to that individual’s Natal planets.

What is a progressed planet? According to “Parkers’ Astrology” by Julia and Derek Parker, progressing the chart allows astrologers to see trends in the life of that individual. To see which trends will be active at what time, we generally use what are known as secondary progressions, which basically take a day (after the birth date) for a year. What this means is that to look at the trends in the life of someone when they are between 5 and 6 years old, we would look at the 5th day after their birth day. If you try to think about this too hard, it is a bit mind boggling. How could this seemingly arbitrary system work so well? Some things might be worth accepting. Or, if you know a lot about astrology and progressed charts, please leave a comment. I suspect I might hear someone mention harmonics, indicating that amplifying a day gives us a year. But anyway, back to the subject at hand.

So basically, a progressed planet is not a “real” body in the sky. Unlike the Natal chart, which shows the real positions of the planets at birth (and their aspects among / with each other). Transiting planets are real, just in the present moment.

When Transiting planets make close hard aspects to Natal planets, generally that is a reflection of inner changes or “Ah ha!!” moments or moaning and groaning, etc. So we know Transits are significant when compared to Natal planets.

When Progressed planets are compared and contrasted with the Natal chart, the influences are generally more subtle, but they are still very noticeable. The Progressed Moon for instance, moves about one degree per month, so we can see its influence rising for about a month, being very strong for the middle month and then fading for another month. And the Progressed Moon is basically where our heart is in that particular month (kinda important I’d say). As an example, when the Progressed Moon enters the 6th house (hard work, discipline, organization, service, detail-orientation), generally, if we need to get to work with regard to improving our lot in life, this is where we do it. The 6th house is preparation for the 7th house, of intimate relationships, marriage and compromise. Hence, if we need to improve our income, or house, or job, the 6th house Progressed Moon will indicate a good time to get to work doing so!

But, I’m not convinced that Transiting planets make an enormous difference when they aspect merely a Progressed Planet. What I am trying to say, is that there are numerous aspects and layers of Western astrological interpretation which merit more time and dedication with regard to significant insights being learned. For instance, I would say this is one overly simplified list of Timing Systems to look at, listed in order of significance: Transits, Secondary Progressions, Solar Arc Directions, Transits to Mid Points, the Solar Return, Tertiary Progressions, then I might mention Transits to Progressed planets.

One thing we should look at however is when these above mentioned Timing systems stack. What I mean is when multiple planets from differing systems aspect the same Natal planet or planetary dynamic. For instance, if we have Mars opposite Pluto in our Natal Chart (or any other powerful, potentially challenging Natal aspect), then it is worth paying close attention to this. If we have Transiting Mars conjunct our Natal Mars, plus our Progressed Sun squaring this opposition (T-Square formed), plus the Solar Arc Saturn conjunct Pluto? Then that is a powerful stacking of energy going on. It would be worth speaking with a qualified astrologer at this point because you should strongly consider all the house placements, the house rulers and any other Timing aspects that are happening at the same time.

Not to put the fear of the Lord in anyone… if ever we see a potentially “frightening” (to use an antiquated term) series of aspects lining up. Take a deep breath. There are always guardian angels at work – what I mean is that if we have the above configuration happening, but if Progressed Venus is conjunct our Sun, or if Progressed Sun is conjunct Jupiter (or Venus) or if Transiting Jupiter is making a pleasant aspect to the Sun, or chart ruler; then we might pass through that potentially explosive stacking of aspects with just a little bit of added stress. This is because the benefics work for us and they must be considered before allowing any worry to arise. 🙂

So take a deep breath. Know it is going to be okay. And then, if you can look at your chart and its dynamic shifting without grasping or gripping, then do so. But if your tendency is to grip and cling to fatalistic information, then be careful who you talk to and which web sites you use. Find a qualified astrologer who practices frequency-based, choice-centered astrology! And make sure they walk their talk.

Okay… I’ve been on my soap box for way too long now. Thanks for reading as I step down off of it.

Losar in Charlottesville, Feb 2012

This morning I awoke bright and early, after having slept maybe… oh boy… two hours? Anyway, went over to my friend’s apartment for breakfast before heading to the local Dharma Center to do Losar prayers with the Tibetan community.

prepping the fire pit for puja

I got to his place at 6:30 am. He was already up and at em, bright eyed and bushy tailed. He was doing his shrine – he had the kap se, or the Tibetan New Year fried cookies, plus the special grains in their container which is used especially for Losar (I will find the name here shortly), plus he had many offerings on his shrine for the New Year, including tro ma drai si (a rice with a Tibetan tuber root in it, sometimes raisins are added for sweetness), dried fruit and nuts, plus candles, offering bowls, a bottle of wine and flowers. It was a full shrine to be sure.

He was very busy so he said this was a self-serve breakfast. It was very funny actually – he was brewing chang kos, or boiled Tibetan beer and Tibetan tea. And after he offered these to the wisdom beings, then I had some. Guests are important, but not as important as the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. (Of course!) So I fixed us some eggs and toast. And with the curious, “is-that-a-bitter-or-fermented-taste?” chang kos and the salty, buttery Tibetan tea, I was full.

many prayer flags at Tashi Choeling
At one point, he lit some incense and I could have sworn that he had mistakenly put an illegal substance in the incense box. I thought I’d been around the block when it came to pungent incenses, but apparently I did not know about this particularly heavy smelling juniper variation. It was over-powering at first. We got his things together and then went to the Dharma Center.

At Tashi Choeling, the local Jonang Center which is just south of Charlottesville, the Tibetan community of C’ville meets for holidays and events. At first, there were about twenty people there, including eight to ten students from the University, some of whom I had met before and others who I met for the first time. But overall, I felt very welcome and welcomed. I typically feel like I am at home among Tibetans and that was the case here.

We eventually got organized and chanted prayers inside. I have one or two of those prayers, I guess the general ones, memorized, so I was able to say them with ease, but otherwise it was all I could do to keep up in the Tibetan-only prayer book. After that, we went outside where several Tibetans put up prayer flags – which included one or two people going up into trees to do so. Several other people got the fire going and then we chanted more prayers around the fire pit.

After the fire puja, we did the traditional Tibetan New Year ritual of offering (I think this is right, please correct me if not) flour to the deities. “Ssooo… Ssooo… Ssooo… Ki ki so so lha gyai oo!!” At which point you throw up a pinch of flour as an offering. When this is done simultaneously as a group, it looks really good – little fountains of white flour go up as one (and then rain down on you).

Then back inside to eat tro ma drai si, kap se, drink Tibetan tea and relax. It was good to chat with several friends in Tibetan, or I should say, the broken version of Tibetan that I attempt to speak… It was very inspiring though, I got several people’s numbers and I plan to call them to get together and practice conversing. I met several people for the first time. All in all, a very pleasant and relaxed morning.

It’s been a year…

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Thank you for visiting!

Year of the Male Water Dragon, a Leap Year, 2012 (Tibetan year 2139). Wow! Anyone thinking this should be a potent year? I believe it will be a full year. A year of discovery and a year of exploring new horizons, personally anyway.

I typically cultivate and create a provocative mission statement for the Western New Year, so why not try one for the Tibetan Losar? The past year has been a time of incubation primarily, especially after graduating from UVa in May. I attended Spring Retreat at the TMC in May / June, where I also got into my first car accident (first time for everything I guess). Plus I was able and so very fortunate to attend His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings on the Kalachakra in July, and I got to support several dedicated Dharma practitioners and Tibetan language students over the fall here in C’ville. Since December I have been working part time at a fine dining room at a local golf resort, which feels like a nice family of fellow employees, so it is not a bad way to pay the bills.

And it seems like some of these trends might continue over the next year.

What do I wish to hold in my heart this upcoming year?

– to continue resting in “don’t know” mind, despite yearning to control, to know, and longing to direct my life in a direction that seems to “make sense” to me (and preferably others), by resting in “don’t know” mind, I might support a brilliant, yet unknown and not-yet-able-to-be-perceived unfolding. To summarize: don’t know how long it will take, want to rest in “don’t know” mind for as long as it takes, and I don’t actually know what “it” is that is supposed to transpire 🙂 Lovely. Did I mention how difficult this was…? At least I can chuckle at the absurdity of this predicament.

For the benefit of myself and a desired future family, I want to be able to provide, to shelter and to have plenty to share, so that I can enjoy their company… hence it is a touch frustrating when the I Ching tells me that my life is blessed and that I am destined for great things, but for now, just wait! Grrrowlll! Don’t get me wrong – I’m definitely not complaining… I just impatient. I want to move toward what I perceive that to be now! Oh well, what choice do I have? I have learned, from far too many stubborn, resistant, foolish trying-to-push-through-despite-what-the-I-Ching-suggests actions, that it is now time to accept the fact that obstacles happen. Why bang my head against an enormous granite boulder when I could just wait for it to slowly roll by, revealing what has always been on my path?

– I intend to listen to my heart. In the past, it has been so easy to merge with another, to be a pleaser and basically to be in alignment with someone else’s needs / desires. I want to directly confront this pattern and to gently yet firmly choose to embody, to be in my energy, my breath and my awareness of being aware. Then I will decide what to do next. I want to do what it takes to find myself: rest down, find alignment and lean into wisdom beings’ embrace.

– I’d like to work with a provocative instruction from one of my heart teachers: Realize and act like you, your life and your practice are just fine, exactly the way they are. Oh my! I have my work cut out for me 🙂

What might this look like? Radical gentleness. New levels of resting down. Spending time with any discovered tightness / tautness of muscle, bone, tissue and working to relax into the ease of appropriate self-regulation. Being kind by slowing down just a little bit more – at work, while driving, at home, with friends, when hiking, when awake.

– If it is in the cards, I’m hoping for a slowly-unfolding, inspiring and beautifully growth-oriented relationship this year. But for now, I am withdrawn and getting used to space. My heart needs to take it slow though – I’m realizing that my brain can jump weeks ahead of where my heart is, so yet another reason to go extra slow!

– Finally I am looking for clarity in this year about what steps to take next in my life. I am sure this has to do with the first point above. At present, there is a the chance to do some incredible training with a master in birth processing counseling work. So I need to see if I want to make that commitment. Otherwise I am still on the fence about what direction to choose for grad schools, but I have feelers out as it were.

Well thanks for listening to me ramble on and on. I hope your (and all beings’) New Year is full of blessings and clarity and lasting affection.

on purity of nature

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Thank you for reading.

Inner retreat faltering… flurries beginning to fall
Reaching, grasping for something… unknown… not yet realized…
suddenly the snow is falling moderately outside
Onto outer retreat then, on goes flannel, outer shirt,
scarf, coat, hat with ear flaps, goat-skin fuzzy gloves.

Biting cold, moving mind via form through time and space.
Pavement not taking snow, puddling and rivulettes forming,
leaves and bush just softly dusted with a white light brush,
A man pauses, he can go up or down, on the road less traveled, or…
He chooses up, away from the norm.

An adventure is signaled, trudging through flakes and gravel,
grey road amidst many silent, natural, neutral guardian trunks,
In winter weather, oaks seem ash seem poplars,
only evergreens are shaking and catching the windy swirls.
Up he goes, into the unknown, away from civilization, an urban pioneer.

Something about a wintry mix that sparks fierce explorer in him,
when challenged in nature, he pushes on, fights to conquer a mountain.
After uphill journey, passing novel house with columns and white gate,
“no trespassing, private road.” man-made, an obscenity on this stage.
Obviously trying to evoke Jefferson, but not this day – just stop, breathe deep.

Road levels out, gravel grey and brown, dirt mixed with years of pebbles,
Now he is alone, nothing but he and white and grey and pine needles,
dancing in wind, shivering and quivering with delight,
He decides to skip, freely, now hurling body through time and space,
daring the snow to fall, heavier, stronger, mountain hears his pleas.

Road does something strange and foreign as it descends,
he opts to trail blaze. Again faced with a road less traveled.
He chooses over-steep-boulder-strewn-leafy-brambly-snowy-mountain slope,
versus easy back-tracking over boring man-made road.
Peering out near an edge, he gazes down and sees civilization far below.

He cuts across slope, circumambulating mountain,
feet slide, shoot, slip, leaves dusted with more and more cold snow,
cold wind now bites face, then is on flanks,
blue coat becoming swiftly white,
a bizarre yeti here in this urban forest.

Choosing a treacherous route on purpose, daring snow, daring mountain,
now he must use tree and hands to support, shoes not great,
sometimes mud slips out from under feet,
far below, he hears children frolicking in the snow, conjuring a smile,
do they know, do they hear, far above, upon distant slopes.

An adventurer, conquering mountain, conquering fear?
No! Only squirrels chattering indicates that they know,
his strange intrusion into their quickly changing whiteout,
Large trees, short sprouts, little saplings, cling,
cling precariously to steep slope.

From high above, a fountain of rocks,
boulders scattered down face,
Stubborn old stones, refusing to take the snow,
surfaces slick, oranges, garnets, golds and greens,
highlight lichens and ancient stories.

Complete steep slope, less slipping now,
Now faced with a decision – to press into mini pine groves,
or go around, sure to discover gross-gated, man-made house?
There! a natural doorway as pine tree is leaning precariously,
beckoning, whispering, inviting – “come to my grove.”

Decision is already made for him, he goes into deep thick tiny pines,
brambles wrap round legs, thorns bite, reminding him he is alive,
some would shy away from these fears,
large animals probably nearby – most likely deer,
he pushes ahead without hesitation.

A curious and strange large bird stirs and flies off,
quickly lost in the eddying frosty cascades.
Navigating through, around, under tangles of grape vines,
He pops out, in open spacious woods, vulnerable.
Another pine grove beckons ahead.

Then he sees a familiar landscape,
Enormous water cistern, from far side of mountain.
His bearings were correct. Snow and mountain and slipping,
did not put him off course.
Skirting around fence, he strikes toward original road.

Crossing a barbed wire fence,
an invisible threshold,
man-made, unnatural, a threat to nature,
he frowns. Whose demarcation? And for what purpose?
Sharp, nasty, metal barbs, hopefully did not cause harm.

Finding road, running swiftly down embankment, hoping road is clear.
Road no longer grey, white has taken over.
Different landscape now.
Fence white, wind forcing one side of trees to cake,
snow pelting him in face, wind pushing down coat.

Getting close to home now, he shivers.
Is his nose starting to accumulate snow?
If so, bad sign. But it feels good, alive.
Having conquered his mountain, he feels vitalized in his core.
Goal of exploring, venturing into the unknown, not having a plan.

Accomplished. Done. Next time though,
he will remember to wear his boots,
Just in case. A modern day don juan. persists gently.

Astrological View of a Stressed Endocrine System, pt. 2

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Thank you for reading and please enjoy your stay.

This post is a continuation of a previous article posted by the same title. Just scroll down or look in the Spiritual Astrology category on the right to find it.

Also, when I mention that an endocrine system is stressed, I am referring to the subtle energy. This could be the chi, the jing, (to use Chinese medicine terms) or it could be elemental energy that is out of balance. But either way, I believe our bodies are fairly resolute and fortified, so despite being stressed or depleted, we can continue to function fairly well in our lives. But if we know and recognize signs of stress, then it might be a good time to practice self-care.

Now to continue this thread. What transits and progressions can indicate a challenged kidney and adrenal (endocrine gland on the kidneys – responsible for adrenaline and other “fight or flight or freeze,” stress-response chemicals)?

First, what planets are in Libra or Aries? Is there any Natal pattern of sensitized kidneys? Saturn conjunct any personal planet (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus or Mars) in Libra / Aries would say yes. Perhaps Pluto and Uranus as well. Simply having a single planet in Aries or Libra may not indicate much in the Natal chart, but if there is ever a time of heightened transit activity to that planet, then it might be good to watch for over-working and exhaustion.

Second, do Mars and Saturn make a challenging aspect in the Natal chart? If so, this could indicate sensitive adrenals. Then, if this is the case, whenever this aspect is transited or contacted by a progressed planet (or Ascendant / Midheaven), it could reflect a time of heightened stress in one’s life.

Finally, what aspects do Mercury and Uranus make? Are they pleasant or trying? This will show how the nervous system of the individual is geared naturally. Do they react in fear (aspect to Saturn perhaps)? Do they have faith in life (Mercury in Gemini making positive aspects or Uranus in Aquarius / Scorpio making positive aspects or positive Jupiter aspects)? You’d need to take the house placements into account for this as well. This can also give a fascinating glimpse into how a person deals with stress.

Now to show some examples. And actually, if you don’t mind, I will use some examples from my Natal Chart, as I started out the initial post by saying that my system is taxed, strained, exhausted beyond description. I am feeling like resting down for a month solid, and maybe that would be enough to convalesce.

Here’s my personal recipe for a stressed adrenal system:
Tr. Venus conjunct Mercury in Aries
Tr. Pluto square Mercury in Aries
Pr. Mars conjunct Mercury in Aries
Pr. Asc opposite Mars (which is opposite Saturn in my Natal Chart)
Pr. MC square Saturn (and soon to square Mars)

So my Mercury is a singleton in Aries, barely aspecting anything else (which may makes its manifestations more eccentric and unusual). The important thing for this example is that it is in Aries (the reciprocal of Libra). And look at all those intense Mercury hits – only the Tr. Venus passed over it quickly, moving on to later degrees of Aries with a rapid pace. Tr. Pluto will be squaring Mercury for at least a couple years (off and on in terms of its strength). And then Pr. Mars will be sitting on Mercury for a solid three years (!!!) – ooph! Remember, Mars in conjunction with Mercury leads to driving swiftly (think Aries), and driving fast leads to stressing the kidneys and adrenals as well. So now is a good time to purposely drive slower and more mindfully.

Then I have in my Natal Chart, Saturn in Virgo opposite Mars in Pisces, which is presently getting activated by the two Progressed Angles of the Ascendant and the Midheaven. So having Saturn opposite Mars in a chart can mean different things on various levels – personality effects, health implications, psychological issues which need to be cleaned up etc. And of course the house placement and other aspects to this opposition need to be looked at. But, if nothing else, we can easily assume that Mars opposite Saturn will have some kind of effect on the individual’s ability to handle stress.

As I mentioned earlier, having Mars and Saturn in a hard (challenging) aspect, which includes the opposition, indicates a pattern of easily stressed adrenals. Think about this in a very basic way: Mars is the gas (pedal or throttle) and Saturn is the brakes (limitation and restriction). What happens when we hit the gas and the brake at the same time? The vehicle gets very confused, upset even! Likewise, Mars and Saturn are not the best bed fellows.

So, even after doing years of personal growth work (therapeutic) as well as somatic processing work (bringing the therapy into the body), there could still be an old pattern of stress that could be re-triggered if given the right conditions. And sure enough – when we are stressed at work (for someone else), and if we are trying to juggle a new relationship, if we are simultaneously processing health issues and attempting to keep a part-time self-employed job going… Well you get the drift!

Isn’t it incredible how insidious stress can be? We don’t notice all the little things stacking up until we are saddled with many little responsibilities. Then the body will start to show signs of being exhausted. In my next post in this series, I will review (some of these things I have already mentioned) some techniques, activities and supplements I take to rest down and calm down.

Thank you kindly for reading.

*** Remember, Kirby Moore is not a licensed medical professional. He does not claim to be one and as a result he does not claim to be an expert on any of the above material (take it all with a grain of salt please). This is presented for educational or entertainment purposes only. If you have a medical problem, consult a licensed health care practitioner as soon as possible.

Astrological View of a Stressed Endocrine System

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Thank you for visiting.

Just for the record, what I am about to discuss can be a very complicated subject. I assume the reader has some knowledge of astrology, but please keep in mind that each idea posed here could be expounded on further.

Recently, I recalled reading somewhere, I believe it was in an astrology book, about a very creative friend of the author who said, as the friend was lounging for hours on his couch, “You know, I have burned out every synapse, stressed every sinew and exhausted all my reserves. I am pooped beyond description and all I can do, in response, is to lie here on this couch.” The author apparently had a different opinion, but the exhausted-couch-guy eventually (I think it was six weeks) got out of his cycle of needing rest and got on with what was to be a productive life.

And now I know how that guy was feeling. I wrote at least six months ago, something along these lines, but as I told a friend of mine earlier today, “my baseline, on an anxiety scale from one to ten, is an eight.” That is my resting baseline. Imagine what happens if I skip a meal, or have a stressful encounter with someone (or get sucked into someone’s drama at work). So now, more than ever, my kidneys and adrenals need to rest.

Now, how can I tell this is the case from my Natal Chart? Where do we start to look to see how the kidneys are doing? Oh, and I want to mention for the record that I am talking about subtle energy here. Yes, the physical kidney might be stressed, but it is still functioning well – purifying the blood, removing toxins, supporting the heart and liver, etc. So it is the subtle energy in / around the kidneys that can get stressed or challenged.

To get a glimpse at how the kidneys and adrenal system are doing from astrology, we look in several parts of the zodiac and the chart. First, any competent astrologer would tell you that the sign of Libra rules the kidneys (Libra is balance, harmony and purification through relationships – just as the kidneys purify the body of toxins and excess minerals, etc). I happen to agree with this conclusion. But there is more. Whenever we mention one sign, we must always think of its opposite – the reciprocal sign of Libra, is Aries.

Libra rules the kidneys and the lumbar back region around them. While Aries rules the head – specifically the forehead, the crown, the upper cortices and other brain structures. How, if at all, are these related? Well, when our kidney subtle energy (jing in Chinese medicine) is stressed and depleted, we tend to get headaches. Just as we can get headaches if we get dehydrated, which also affects the kidneys, we see that these signs have some connection – which all reciprocal (opposite) signs do.

But what else may indicate a stressed endocrine system? Well what planets rule the adrenal glands? What planet(s) rule the nervous system? What aspects can indicate a proclivity toward a stressed sympathetic nervous system response?

First, Saturn and Mars rule different parts of the adrenal glands respectively. The adrenals sit on top (ad-) of the kidneys (renal system). So any challenging aspects between Saturn and Mars can indicate a pattern of a stressed endocrine system (specifically referring to the adrenals). What else? Well Mercury and Uranus rule the central nervous system respectively. And then, any planet that tenants Libra or Aries may indicate or reflect a sensitive renal or adrenal system.

We could look at houses, other planets and other aspects, but for the sake of brevity, let’s stop here. So we have Libra ruling the kidneys, Aries possibly having a reciprocal effect on them, Mars and Saturn have direct rulership of the adrenal glands, Uranus and Mercury rule the central nervous system (and our mental dexterity and responses) and finally any other planet in Libra and Aries might have an effect on the renal system as well.

So what are some aspects to look at to see if / when these innate proclivities will be triggered? In other words, are there certain transits or progressions which indicate a time of sensitized kidneys? I say, “Yes!”

In terms of transits, we look at the slower moving planets first, as they stay on or near a certain degree (and therefore near a planet) for much longer. For instance, Pluto moves an average of about two degrees per year. That means it will “sit” on or near a planet for up to three years. Neptune is also a slow mover, then Uranus will usually only effect an aspect for about a year or so. Saturn and Jupiter move faster, but due to Saturn’s retrograde motion of approximately 20 degrees forward and then 8 degrees back, it tends to contact planets and aspects them for up to a year off and on.

Then, regarding progressions (secondary), we look at the inner planets, because when we do the secondary progressions, we are basically taking a day past our birthday for every year we are alive. In other words, to see what our progressed chart will look like when we are twenty years old, we simply look at twenty days past our day of birth (using the same birth time). Therefore, only the inner planets make any significant movement in a lifetime in a progressed chart. So we are most interested, with regard to progressions, in the Progressed Moon, Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars, plus the Progressed Angles – the Ascendant and Progressed Midheaven – play very critical roles in what is “up” for us at any given time.

I will go further on this subject in my next post. Same title, part 2.

*** Kirby Moore is not a licensed medical professional. He does not claim to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease. All information posted here is for educational or entertainment purposes only. If you suspect that you have a medical condition, please consult a licensed practitioner.

Green light for Astrology

Hello Dear Readers,

First, I realize I need a website. And that project is next on my plate. I have started a Weebly account and will begin progress on a site shortly. However, until that is complete (and very professional / presentable), I will continue to post new developments here.

So work has been slowing down. That is, working for someone else in a job which is difficult on my body. It is a job which requires skillful charm and requisite patience and frankly, I am tired of it (it is waiting tables in an upscale golf-resort / fine dining restaurant). It was enjoyable in December when we were so busy the days just flew by, and the paychecks reflected that busy-ness, but no longer. Hence I intend to be of benefit to many people in a job that I enjoy, which is healthy for my body and which I can sustain with ease and grace.

As many of you may know by now, I have been working closely with the I Ching for the past three plus years, taking time to explore various interpretations of the Book of Changes and to develop a reliable relationship with it. By the way, when I throw the I Ching, I visualize my heart teachers (Tibetan Lamas) and wisdom beings (wisdom deities) present in front and above me, then I picture my question and then I throw the coins. Therefore, I hope that the advice I receive is actually a reflection of what is. I seek to penetrate through pretense and to get underneath what I want (deluded desire) to see the raw truth (sometimes uncomfortable) in that specific situation.

With that said, recently the I Ching gave me the green light to offer Astrology Interpretations to a larger audience. It said that this is a fruitful time for it, and that fruitful times also pass, so get started.

So here is what I am offering in regards to Astrology:
(please visit the Spiritual Astrology category and look at previous posts which describe what the following topics are)

For $125, I offer the following:

Full Natal Astrology Interpretation (90 minutes recorded interpretation) or

Complete Two Year Timing Aspects (90 minutes recorded conversation about the chart’s Transits, Progressions and Solar Arc Directions) or

Full Medical Astrology Interpretation with Medical Astrology Timing Aspects (90 minutes recorded interpretation)

Keep in mind, that while I have been studying Medical Astrology for six years, while also focusing on learning and providing healing facilitation through process-oriented bodywork; I am neither a doctor nor a licensed medical practitioner, so I do not claim to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent any disease. The Medical Astrology interpretation is for educational purposes only.

Relationship Astrology interpretation (90 minutes recorded interpretation) this includes the Chart Synnastry and a detailed explanation of the Composite Chart of two individuals.

For $90, I offer the following:

Relocation Astrology – Astro-carto-graphy and Local Space Astrology (one hour recorded interpretation)

Rectifying the Birth Chart – if the birth time is unknown, we use the process of Rectifying the Birth Time to work backwards using major events in a person’s life to match it up with the proper birth time. (one hour conversation to discern the correct birth time)

Finally I offer individual tutoring in Spiritual Astrology at the rate of $40 per half hour or $65 per hour. Learn how to discern a chart’s basic drives and patterns, look below the surface to see what a chart’s evolutionary background is and look to see how these traits are progressing through the individual’s life with timing aspects.

Again, please visit the Spiritual Astrology category on the right to see previous posts describing each of these areas of what I offer in detail. Also, if these rates are too high, I can compromise to find a good rate for both of us. Do keep in mind however that most of these offerings require three to four hours of my time – counting preparing the charts, reviewing them and then doing the actual recorded in-person or over-the-phone interpretation.

To contact me to set up an interpretation, call me at four three four (area code) four six five zero six zero three. Thank you.

While I have been trained in everything that I mention above, working with several astrologers and mentors over the past seven years, I feel that I excel in a few areas of astrological interpretation. Natal Astrology is the basis of all branches of Western (Spiritual) Astrology, so I feel very confident discussing the intricacies of an individual’s Birth Chart. Then I have spent the most time focusing on the Timing Aspects – the Transits, Progressions and Solar Arc Directions and I am good in the art of predictive astrology (within the bounds of Frequency-Based, Choice-centered Astrology).

Also, on a personal level, I have been seeking a romantic partner who inspires me to be a better human being, one with which I can have a co-creating, provocatively-transformative and an aligned-with-a-potent-spiritual-intention relationship. As a result, I have spent a lot of time looking at relationship astrology charts – primarily for clients professionally, and in my spare time. Therefore I particularly enjoy working with clients for Relationship Astrology interpretations.

And finally, as I have been studying multiple modalities of healing facilitation, such as Reiki Energetic Healing, Craniosacral Biodynamics and Visceral Manipulation, I am also intrigued with Medical Astrology. I find the human body to be a fascinating mystery, which when viewed through the lens of Medical Astrology, begins to be understood in new, dynamic ways. And as a result, I am very happy to do these interpretations with individuals.

The Astrology of Embodiment, Introduced

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. I am writing off the top of my head, so this could either be very good or an enormous flop! Thanks for sticking with me either way.

I believe the astrological chart (the Natal Chart, the Birth Horoscope, etc) to be a snapshot of our gross karmas, at least in a nutshell. What do I mean? If you believe in reincarnation, great, if not, can you just pretend for a second? So we have past lives. Say there is unfinished business with other people, animals, enemies, locations, etc. And there is unfinished business with regard to our strong habits and predispositions. There may also be unfinished business with regard to certain cultures and belief systems. This all shows up in the birth chart. We reincarnate to clean up these various situations and strong inclinations, if they need to be cleaned up of course. If not, then we reincarnate to benefit others, which is not such a bad thing.

For the most part, especially here in the West, just about all of us share one massive shortcoming in common. We are stuck up in our heads. Meaning we are not in our bodies – it takes effort to be aware of our tummies, to be aware of our breath. We have to purposely slow down to get in touch with our body’s needs. Why is this the case? I’m not saying we are all suffering from this affliction. Luckily, there are teachers and sublime beings who lead others back home into their bodies. But for the most part, especially in less-than-conscious families and industries, people are just running around being aware from the neck up.

Well, as babies, we emulate those around us. Studies on mirror neurons shows that kids (0 – 7 especially) do what their caretakers do. (This is why it is vital for parents to walk their talk – no saying one thing and doing another and expecting their kids to honor their words! Getting off that soapbox now…) It is natural – we want to learn from our parents and become functioning teenagers and adults. Unfortunately, if the adults we are learning from have no clue what it is to be embodied… if they are just in their heads, out of touch with their hearts and bellies, well then what chance do we have as babies?

As babies, we seek to be as safe and comfortable as possible. To do so, we emulate our parents. If our parents are living a stressed, tight, rat-race-oriented lifestyle, then as babies we learn to lock up certain parts of our body. I mean, what is the point of having an open heart if it is just going to get hurt and wounded everyday? So we start to close certain parts of our breath, we tighten our shoulders, in a sense creating a natural defense around our tender, vulnerable areas. But is this really necessary? Well, at that young impressionable age, yes. As conscious adults with choices about how we carry ourselves, how we use our tools of consciousness and awareness, NO!

In this series of posts, I intend to go into the shadow side of each planet. What does it mean to have a challenged Mercury and how does that affect embodiment? Or Mars? Or Jupiter, etc?

I will ponder this subject for a few days and then post the next article in this series.

Thanks for reading.

Awareness of Head, Heart and Pelvis in relationships

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Thank you for reading.

I got this information first from Julie Henderson’s body of work – with Zapchen Somatics; but it has also been reinforced by years of giving and receiving process-oriented bodywork (Craniosacral Biodynamics, Reiki Energetic Healing and Visceral Manipulation among other potent modalities). This information is very precious. It is also very potent, so kindly treat it accordingly.

In Buddhism, there are the three doors through which we encounter the world (and receive the precious Dharma) – body, speech and mind. In the body, the three doors are represented by the body at the forehead, the speech at the throat and the mind at the heart. This is very important – the heart has more to do with the mind (subtle consciousness) than the brain does. With that said, let’s push ahead into a more fully embodied dynamic.

In Zapchen Somatics, a modality created by Julie Henderson, PhD., the three main centers are the Head (representing the brain, wisdom and clarity), the Heart (representing the heart, compassion and kindness) and the Pelvis (representing the pelvis and potency). Without awareness of all three, we are out of balance. Because a kind heart which is not informed by discerning clarity becomes very foolish. Likewise, a potent being who has neither kindness nor clarity quickly becomes a monster and loses many of their friends in the process.

Within relationships, we are attracted to someone for a number of reasons, but ideally, we want a balance of these three centers pervading that attraction. Let me elaborate: when we are young, and we don’t know ourselves well, and we have bucket-loads of hormones coursing through our bodies, then it makes sense that we have a Pelvic-oriented attraction toward someone. If we have not explored a lot intellectually, we do not know our mind well, and we don’t know who we want to be with intellectually. And if we have many unresolved wounds and misunderstandings, then we will not really be in our hearts, and as a result, there might merely be a lot of bumping of pelvises. But, for those of us with experience in intimate sexual relationships, we know that a relationship based solely on sexual attraction can wax and wane, and eventually burn out.

Therefore, it is good to get to know yourself. Do some work to come into your body – receive bodywork, do yoga, do meditation, go for soothing hikes in the woods, and above all else – SLOW DOWN! In Julie’s work, it requires years of time to fully come down out of our heads – seriously. Think about our culture – our time is limited and pressured, most people live in a rat race, barely making ends meet, and if we have a family to care for, we can’t count our spare time on our thumbs! Therefore, it is good to take time while you can, when it is appropriate to get to know yourself. Once you start to get to know your proclivities and predispositions, you can work to start changing any that don’t lead toward happiness and well-being.

Then once you start to work on yourself, then you will slowly start to come down out of your head and into your heart. As you come down into your heart, your pace of life and your kindness toward yourself will improve, slowing down and resting down with more ease. But it takes time! I cannot stress this enough. I have bodywork clients who I have seen off and on for five years who are just starting to be in their bodies. And they may have years to go before it is an easy, stable embodiment.

But once you start to come down into your heart, you will still have moments when you lose your balance – because a heart that is not supported by a conscious pelvis can easily start to suffocate and retract. There is potency in the pelvis – and depending on our wounding, we might have more or less access to that potency from the get go. But without awareness of our patterns, that potency might manifest in strange, distorted ways. That is why it can take 20 years to fully embody – say we pop one strong habit or pattern every few years… Well it will take a while to get there 🙂 But with slow, stable, diligent effort, we will get there!

And once you start to get there, you will notice when you are in alignment. You will notice when you start to fall out of balance. And hopefully you will have worked with a coach or healer or spiritual teacher who can authentically teach you tools for quality self-care – how to come back into alignment with ease and grace. And how to not beat yourself up (be kind!) when you do stumble, because we are human beings and we make mistakes – it’s not an “if,” but a “when.”

So when we start to embody more fully, when we are in touch with our innate potency, which is guided by both compassionate kindness and wise clarity, then we will start to be a ruby among garnets, a polished gem. Then people will feel comfortable around us naturally without our saying anything special or doing anything out of the ordinary. They will sense the ease in our field and they may (or may not) notice the way in which we gracefully move our embodied form. But most importantly, they will feel at ease because we are in our hearts, which is supported by our potency – so we can kind when appropriate, or fierce if need be, but it will be a wise wrath.

As such, I recommend taking time for self-introspection before falling into a relationship. If you feel a strong connection with someone, take the time to check in – do we laugh a lot together? Do we connect on intellectual subjects? Meaning, can we be together without constantly needing to be thinking about sex? Is there an empathic connection – meaning a heart connection? Are they able to be kind to me and to themselves? And of course, without the pelvic connection, you don’t have easy sexual relations… So go for all three if possible. But that requires you to be in your heart, in your body, comfortably and in alignment.

So be careful what you ask for – because if we pray with diligence for a potent, transformative, healthy relationship, eventually we will get it. If we pray for a partner that we ourselves are not, then expect to be called on your stuff. And acknowledge the areas that you need to change. Be flexible and fluid if possible. And then you will be able to navigate through the many obstacles which can arise when practicing relationship yoga.

(It also helps to have a reliable, authentic spiritual practice to dedicate yourself too – then you are buoyed and supported by a lineage of healthy wisdom, and you have a spiritual family to fall back upon in case those obstacles become too heavy. See my other posts for more on this subject of authentic spiritual practice – especially the Dharma category.)

Thank you for visiting and if you have the desire, visit my Chipin page to see how you can support my blogging and travel adventures:

http://kirbymoore.chipin.com/pilgrimage-to-nepal

Astrological Venus: a measure of desire

This material is copyrighted by M. Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Thank you for reading and enjoy your visit.

When we think of Astrological Venus, whether or not we have much experience with astrology, we probably think what? That men are from Mars and women are from Venus? Yeah, and? Well… Venus is the female symbol. Yes. What else? Venus is one of the brightest “stars” in the sky, occasionally rising before the Sun (as Phosphorus) and sometimes setting after it (as Hesperus), the morning and evening star respectively. Venus is apparently a very hot, dry planet if you were able to peek through its thick cloud cover. But now let’s change gears and look at the esoteric interpretation of it’s symbol.

What is the symbol of Venus? We see a circle representing the spirit, the unborn and the unceasing over a cross of the material (form) realm. In Isabel Hickey’s book, Astrology: A Cosmic Science, she indicates that this symbol shows the ultimate power of unconditional loving-kindness and limitless compassion (the circle) to overcome anything worldly (the cross), which is Venus in its highest manifestation. I would happen to agree here, but I don’t think many of us encounter Venus in such a pure, ego-free manner.

Personally, I think of Venus as being similar to the concept of Yin (versus Yang which may be more aligned with Mars). Yin is an Eastern concept for the essence that is fertile, receptive, yielding and fluid. It is a very slippery dynamic, one that I believe must be felt, experienced, embraced before we can gain a fuller understanding of its machinations.

But, despite ancient Hellenistic astrologers calling Venus the Lesser Benefic, what happens when we have too much Venus in our charts? What happens when we have multiple transits and progressions activating Venus (or we have personal planets that GET activated by Venus)? At that point, we get the chance, if we are ready, and if conditions are ripe, to see how our mind deals with desire.

During these times, there might be a romantic, passionate tryst. There might be overindulgence in sensual pleasures such as wine or chocolate or furs or Ritz Carltons, etc. But what happens when we pause in the midst of this desire? What happens if we break up with someone during one of these heavy-Venus-laden times? What happens if Uranus gets involved and we lose everything (temporarily) in the midst of Venusian yearnings?

That is where the rubber meets the road my friends. That is the true chance to practice contemplation and introspection. And at this, you might say, “DUHH!!” And rightfully so. But what happens when we unpack those feelings? What happens when we sit with the raw element of an unpacked emotion – such as fear, or vulnerability, or shame? Allowing it to sweep over us, whether it takes three hours or three days? Have we ever allowed ourselves the time to feel something until it is completely exhausted?

No? Well neither have I. But I wonder what is hidden beneath those luxurious layers of Venus’ silkily sensual satisfactions. What pearls and gems await our discovery? What is our hectic, busy, discursive mind afraid of our discovering? Oh how I wonder.

What do I mean by seeing how our mind deals with desire? Well, if we have the positive karma for it, during times of heavy Venus (or Jupiter, the Greater Benefic, for that matter), we will be faced with abundance – possibly a poverty of riches (to borrow a phrase). What do we do at that point? Do we fall in head first, drunk with pleasure and constantly want more? Or do we stick with what we know, what is stable and steady (and what is actually Saturnian and disciplined)? How can we find a balance? This is the test actually.

This constant desire for more brings up an anecdote: there was once a monk who happened to come across a great treasure – an enormous, perfect sapphire. This monk said to himself, “I am going to give this perfect gem to the poorest person in the land, because they need it more than anyone else.” So do you know who he ended up giving that gem to? Well, to the King of course, the only man in the kingdom who had everything, and who still wanted more.

To conclude, I do not think of Venus or Jupiter for that matter, and not even Saturn, as challenging influences in the astrological chart. I feel that certain astrological dynamics will reflect various situations in our lives where we may have too much of a good thing (Venusian or Jovial abundance). Then we are tested – are we content? Can we let go and enjoy just a taste? Do we yearn for more, having tasted a little bliss, lusting ever further?

If you go back through my previous Spiritual Astrology posts, you will discover at least one post on the benefits of astrological Saturn. And here, I paint an abundantly-strained picture of what happens with too much of anything, even too much of a good thing. If and when you come across a really really good year (which probably has Venus and / or Jupiter functioning behind the scenes) what do you choose? Balance or excess indulgence? It is certainly possible, although for many of us, it can come as such a surprise that it catches us off guard. This is where a good coach or teacher can come in handy – reflecting our situations back to us, suggesting moderation and sticking with wise choices.

So yes, I suggest vigilance and mindful awareness even in the midst of positive transits. You might even say, especially in the midst of these blessed aspects. Keep alert to all the little tricks your discursive mind can play and then you will be on your way to equanimity and the middle way.

This was written by Spiritual Astrology Kirby Moore, an ordinary human being whose mind continues to amaze and surprise him with its layers of attachment and aversion. Thanks for reading.