Meditation Informs Healing Facilitation

Buddhist vows: what have I gotten myself into?

This is a post about the Refuge Vows one takes on the Vajrayana Buddhist path

I want to start out by saying that I write the title in jest. If you meet a Dharma (Buddhist) teacher who you feel a strong connection with, it is very beneficial to take refuge, which effectively means to become a Buddhist. Do the best you can and then let go. I am writing this to inform, not to cause overwhelm or guilt of any sort. Remember to practice kindness to self.

I wonder, when we take refuge, if a teacher had enough time, would they go into detail on all of these commitments or vows? Or does each teacher have slightly different methods or flavors as it were? Hmmm… See what you think:

Upon reading Alexander Berzin’s book entitled “An Introduction to the Kalachakra Initiation,” I got a vivid reminder of all the vows I have taken, and about the vows I could possibly take if I were to go through the Kalachakra Initiation, which thankfully I don’t plan to do. One can also go to the berzinarchives.com to see multiple essays on this same subject. There are also multiple texts which include this information, including the source texts by the Indian master Asanga.

I realize that, for beginners, there are a lot of words in this post which may seem novel or foreign. That’s because they are. A trustworthy site to go to look up these and other terms is Rigpa Wiki – rigpawiki.org.

In spite of having practiced for six years and having read multiple books, some of these are new to me. It does not mean I that do not follow them, but I did not realize they came with taking refuge. Most of this info comes directly from Alexander Berzin, PhD. so it would be good to read the Berzin Archives or another of his books when you get the chance, as he goes in depth on each of these topics. I feel that Berzin is closest to the Gelugpa in orientation, considering his work with the Dalai Lama and the Kalachakra texts. As a result, I wonder, or better yet, yearn to know if I can “get out” of any of these due to my being a Kagyupa… But I suspect these apply to everyone who aspires to be a Buddhist.

Refuge:
Taking refuge means much, much more than simply having our hair cut and receiving a Dharma name (usually in Tibetan). To take refuge in the Vajrayana path, one commits themselves to a teacher already examined, or commits themselves to finding and investigating a qualified teacher. Obviously we take refuge in the Triple Gem – the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, not exactly in that teacher per se. We commit ourselves to studying Dharma texts and this goes even further, we also commit ourselves to applying the sections of the Dharma (practices) that help us to overcome our afflictive emotions. Apart of taking refuge in the Arya (noble ones) Sangha, we commit to understanding how the Four Noble Truths apply to our lives. In doing so, we follow the example of the Noble Sangha.

This next set of commitments applies to all of the Three Jewels as a whole. Also, when I read them, I wonder about certain lineages and whether or not they realize these commitments apply to them… By studying the Dharma and the Four Noble Truths, we apply ourselves to become less attached to sensory pleasures. Berzin says that we work on ourselves and try to constantly improve our positive skills and potentials. Most people know that Buddhism is about renunciation. And I think that distortions of this fact keep people away from the Buddhist path or even inquiry. However, when we take refuge, we commit to lead a more ethical life – following the Buddha’s example as it were. This is different though than following a completely set-in-stone sequence of rules – rather we need to investigate, what is beneficial for us and for those around us? What harms me or those around me? What should I adopt and what should I discard?

I think that most people who take refuge know that they have committed themselves to causing as little harm to themselves and others as possible. Berzin mentions that our spiritual progress never comes at other’s expense. I like that. The eighth commitment is to make offerings to the Triple Gem whenever possible, and especially during Buddhist holidays, as “this helps us to feel apart of a larger community” (Berzin archives). I suspect that if one is quite impoverished, that making offerings mentally visualized might suffice – or picking a wildflower and offering it. There is the story of a woman offering a single flower to a previous Buddha and with that merit, having a fortunate rebirth down the road (unfortunately I am away from my notes, so I don’t know the sutra this comes from).

As another personal note, I have taken refuge from several well-respected lamas in the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism – at least in terms of have separate refuge ceremonies. Of course, whenever we receive Tantric intitiations, we also take refuge and bodhicitta vows – minus the haircutting and Dharma name aspects. I was also present when members of a Ladakh Pilgrimage took refuge from Bakula Rangdrol Nyima Rinpoche. Some of these lamas went more in depth on these topics above while others did not have much time and only made a few comments. For instance, Bakula Rangdrol Nyima Rinpoche was the primary Cham dancer at the Lama Yuru dances, so he did not have a lot of time.

This post is continued (see above).

For the Benefit of All Beings – the movie

This material is copyrighted by Kirby Moore. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. To support my business and blogging efforts, please visit my website. More recently, I have begun teaching Astrology classes on Trauma-Informed Astrology, see http://www.traumainformedastrology.com for more! Thank you for visiting!

On Sunday evening, I saw a movie by Christina Lundberg about Garchen Rinpoche. It was basically a documentary, talking about Rinpoche’s lifestory, his previous incarnations, his experience in the Kham resistance movement (yes, he was in the military for a couple years, believe it or not!) and the film has many of Rinpoche’s students and fellow teachers (Lamas primarily) talking about how blessed we are to have someone like him among us.

It was an incredibly inspiring, informative and uplifting film. There are also ample opportunities to cry, which for some of us, is a great thing! I have been studying and practicing within the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism since 2005, having first attended Garchen Rinpoche in 2007, so I have slowly gotten to know more about Rinpoche. However, I learned a lot during this movie. I had no idea he had been in the military. Apparently that is apart of why he went to prison for so long (20 years).

I don’t want to ruin much more of the film, but how could I, really? The cinematography is potent, subtle and gorgeous; the subtitles are clear and the translations solid. I actually want to watch the movie again because I missed some of the background as I was reading the translated words below, or I would miss the words as I was mesmerized by the beautiful scenery.

If you get the chance, I would highly recommend this special, precious film. It is showing at the Navy Memorial tonight (July 12th) and on Thursday night (the 14th). You can get off or on the metro right there at the National Archives stop. The address is 701 Pennsylvania Ave. Go watch it for the benefit of all beings!

Monastics and Masters; Buddhists Underground

This article is a brief description of my three days experience at the Kalachakra for World Peace.

I’m reporting from the Kalachakra in D.C. I went to the Verizon Center on Wednesday for His Holiness’ birthday celebrations. Then Thursday was all prayers, preparing space for the Kalachakra initiation, mandala and then in the afternoon Namgyal monks did a Kalachakra dance. Similar to Cham, but I suspect a little different. I don’t know what they were doing, or why. (sorry for my ignorance) 🙂 Today was the first day of teachings.

Sights – very colorful, beautiful, high quality. The camera people seem to know what they are doing. Sounds – see below, the chanting and the instruments are clear… voices? Smells – all positive – incense, flowers, french fries. Tastes – it might be possible to smuggle in a little food, as these guys are charging more than airports or movie theaters…

Wednesday: I love it when Tibetans have a reason to dress up. Even the men look good – traditional chubas over Tibetan tunics and pants, curious traditional shoes; of course though, the women look sublime. Many colorful chubas, scarves, frocks – even the Westerners were doing pretty good. For the Dalai Lama’s birthday, Arun Gandhi, the Mahatma’s grandson and Martin Luther King III (MLK Jr’s son) sat to either side of His Holiness. They gave inspiring speeches about conflict resolution, compassion and how we aught to be having a peace race – as in the opposite of an arms race. Tibetan children played a traditional song for His Holiness, with numerous instruments and singing.

There may have been five to eight thousand people the first day. Everything seems fine, except of course the four dollar bottle of water and the ten dollar chicken fingers (seriously! gross!). Oh, and if you are sitting in the 400s sections, the resonance of the speakers is bizarre and you end up hearing multiple sounds simultaneously – I could understand neither the Tibetan nor the English. Luckily, you can get a headset in English – ten dollar deposit, and it makes His Holiness’ words and his translator’s words crystal clear.

Thursday: All prayers, along with a Kalachakra monastic dance. The dancers were in very festive, colorful golden outfits, with Lanza characters on their crowns. Lanza is the very fancy version of Tibetan which you often see at the tops of the beginning of sadhanas and pechas. The Dalai Lama sat in the mandala platform on several occasions as the monks from Namgyal (His Holiness’ personal monastery in Dehra Duhn) surrounded him with ceremonial phurbas (ritual daggers probably meant to protect the space – don’t worry, they are dull). There is a camera in the top of the mandala house, so the viewers got a curious perspective looking down on His Holiness as he recited prayers and meditated on the platform.

Less people on this day, maybe three thousand tops? The Namgyal monks chant with deep, sonorous voices – almost primal in way. Very soothing to sit back and listen as they did several sets of prayers, some with His Holiness, some on their own. Maybe 30 monks total, but they could be heard all the way across the arena.

Friday I went up to Frederick to the TMC to deliver something to a friend. Then I lucked out and got to have lunch with Khenpo Tsultrim and that friend. Then back to Alexandria before the torrential rain and T-storms swept through.

Saturday – I did not attend the public talk as I needed a little rest. I went to the arena instead and got to chat a bit with friends and watch the monks slowly progress on the sand mandala. Nobody in the arena in the morning, which makes sense considering His Holiness was giving a public talk on the Capitol steps… In the afternoon, people slowly started seeping in, but once His Holiness (actually there were two Holinesses it turns out, see below) began to teach, nearly every lower seat was full. There may have been ten to fifteen thousand today.

The Dalai Lama taught seemingly extemporaneously (no text in front of him at all). He started out with the basics, talking about sticking with your own religion – don’t get confused by switching religions often. Religions are not like fashion or hair styles. Choose one, investigate carefully and stick with it. He eventually got into the first text which was the Gom Pai Rim Pa or Stages of Meditation by Kamalashila. He added humor, wit and some direct words of advice. It seemed to me that he was targeting his talk to a public, non-buddhist audience, which was good. But I think I would have preferred more of a Buddhist talk. He knows best though – I am just an ordinary, afflicted being! 🙂 Oh – The Karmapa, Ogyen Drodul Trinley Dorje, sat in the front row on stage. What a tremedous blessing! Not one His Holiness, but two!

The Dalai Lama will teach another two days on preliminary topics – such as “infinite altruism” and the understanding of emptiness (shunyata). Then on Tuesday there is a special Kalachakra dance. Then Wed – Fri will be the Kalachakra empowerment, with long life prayers and empowerment on Saturday.

I have been riding in the Washington Metro with other Buddhists, some of them monks, which seem to draw curious looks. But it is nice to have good company. Hence the title.

Sound healing with Toby Christensen

Primal energies, elemental rhythms
re-awaken heart, re-awaken potential
wisdom presence is visceral now

Old wisdom returns
stoking the embers,
coaxing flames long forgotten
something is incubating
deep within my cells,
knowledge sleepily waits
for body and mind to unite
having completed a great journey
now ready to take birth
eagerly anticipating the moment
of life renewed

Energetic repatterning with a healing drummer

This post is from an empirical, Buddhist practitioner-oriented perspective (I am just being honest).

http://www.healingdrummer.com

Recently I had a healing drum session with Toby Christensen. Frankly, I had mixed reviews going into it, but now I want to explore these sessions further. And coming from someone who has dabbled in… hhmmm… at least a couple dozen healing modalities, this means two big thumbs up! And now to describe the session in detail.

As many of you dear readers know by now, I am a Sun-sign Pisces, indicating certain personality traits, such as an openness to most things new and if it claims to have mystical benefits, then you can typically sign me up. However, these open-faith-in-life and naive enthusiasm are now balanced with a healthy dose of empiricism. As a sincere Tibetan Buddhist practitioner, I am now cautious about what I subscribe to or put another way, what I pay attention to, because my mind-stream has become more sensitive. Plus there are hundreds of Tibetan Buddhist practices which supposedly benefit any walk of life, so why would I want to add anything else? Well isn’t that attitude troubling?!

This was the attitude I went into Toby’s session with. I was gifted the session by a generous friend for a graduation present. So I wanted to participate with an open heart, but honestly I was not expecting anything spectacular. However, I was quickly surprised:

First we did a cowrie shell divination. Let me explain (as best I can). There was a mat which had the four directions represented, in a typical Indigenous American (and even Tibetan) fashion, along with various pictures of elemental archetypes. On top of the mat were various Indigenous American tools, crystals, leather items, a talon, etc. Then in the middle was a pile of cowrie shells, coins, stones and various metal jewelry and other similar items. It turned out Toby had studied with an African teacher, but it seems like Indigenous practices are similar around the globe.

He had me state my intention and then sift the pile around the mat three times. As previous posts indicate, I have been working with the I Ching for several years now, and it was very fascinating how his interpretation of the divination mat confirmed much of what the I Ching has been telling me for the past year or so. That was very good – it was almost as if another set of guidance was coming through with his interpretation. I felt like some of my hidden qualities and potentials were seen and expressed and I benefited greatly from this cowrie shell reading.

Next, we went up to the healing space. He instructed me to lay down and then he explained how he would use a rattle to move my energy around and then he would stand over me and play healing, elemental rhythms on his djembe drum. Again, to be honest, I was a bit skeptical. He wanted me to do what? But luckily I have been through several Indigenous rituals in the past, not to mention some very fascinating and far out rituals with Tibetan practices, so it was not so much what he was going to do physically. I was more skeptical about the way in which he said that the sounds of the drum could work with my energy body and flush out anything that should not be there. Plus he mentioned that it was possible to heal traumas without actually bringing back the memories of it. I was not so certain.

I had recently had a car accident and I was suffering from another back injury, so I could sure use what he was talking about. I just did not believe it, that was all. However, I lay down and did as he asked, allowing him to play the rattle as I got comfortable. I had requested a blanket so I was nice and cozy by the time he started playing the drum.

He stood over me, facing my feet. The drum was slung over his shoulders and he was wearing it in front of his waist. That made it so the opening of the drum came down through his legs and was pointed at my chest and throat. Then he started to play. Whoa! It was loud! We had negotiated a way for me to ask him to stop, without using any sounds (by hitting him on the leg), and I came close to doing so. I thought the volume would be too much for my ears! Seriously, it sounded like he was getting rid of centuries of resentment himself on his drum, meaning I was the recipient of its loud pleas for help!

But then an interesting thing started happening. Maybe it was a few minutes into the drumming session, maybe it was more, but I started to nod off. I was very confused. How in the world could I be falling asleep when in fact there were incredibly loud vibrations pouring forth from the drum, not 10 inches away from my chest??!! But there it was. So I recognized that I was not actually falling asleep, but rather I was nodding off into a healing trance. When I saw this, I allowed my mind to drift off. And sure enough. I did not remember most of my dreams, but I knew I was having them.

Then, the last time I drifted off (it happened several times), I definitely had a vision which I remembered. It was not anything magical or extraordinary, but it was mine, and I realized that something had happened between me and the drum. Then his rhythms slowed, indicating that he was wrapping up. Long ago, before I practiced Buddhism, I had dabbled in shamanism through Michael Harner’s teachings, so I noticed a couple similarities between this drumming session and those previous adventures.

Toby took off his drum and then used the rattle again to close the session and then he sat down to discuss what he noticed. I noticed that he just had an incredible work out as he was drumming over me for at least 20 minutes, but I suspected that it was more like 30 to 40 minutes! Wow! Anyway, he told me what he sensed as he drummed through my chakras, and somehow, I had noticed what he was describing. I did not want to mention anything, as I wanted to see what he could determine on his own, without any information offered. As I just recently graduated with my BA in psychology, I wanted to be as empirical as possible, despite being open to new therapies and modalities. So, in spite of my silence, he described which of my chakras were open, where the energy was flowing, which ones were processing or sluggish, etc. And it seemed he was right on. I was not certain how much was strictly personal for me and how much he might tell most of his clients, but it seemed very accurate.

Then I slowly got up. And I felt much different. My neck felt better, my back felt like its discomfort was more diffuse and somehow warmer, and my pelvis felt better. I remarked that I felt much different, even though I meant to say that I felt different in a very good way. But long story short, I am now very glad I went through with the divination and the drumming. And I am no longer so skeptical about what he claimed was possible through that particular healing process.

When he comes back through Charlottesville in October, I plan to purchase another drumming session from him. I am very pleased with what he offered.

Challenging T-Squares; part two; A Change Requested? (Western Astrology)

Continued post about the recent Astrological T-Square involving Uranus, Saturn and Pluto.

The first thing to come to mind when dealing with aspects involving both Uranus (rebellion, liberation, progress) and Pluto (potency, transformation, intensity, healing journeys), is revolution extraordinaire. The recent upheaval in the Middle East is incredibly tumultuous, intense, dangerous and unpredictable (all key words of Pluto and Uranus). And the potential for government change and reform is huge, which I think reflects the potency of this particular combination of planets. Again, I cannot stress how rare it is to have this combination (these three planets) – at least once a century there is a significant T-Square involving three outer planets (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and/or Pluto), but just to reiterate, this particular combination is closer to once every 200 years. Therefore this is a very potent combination as the recent protests and rebellions might reflect.

Uranus was within the eight degree orb of being a square for nearly the past year. Therefore, along with Saturn, these three giants may be a reflection of the intestinal fortitude required to protest in a country where you can be beaten or killed for simply acting against the status quo. Just look at the Middle Eastern revolutions arising over the recent months:

Tunisia, Egyptian revolution – January 2011; Yemen protests – February 2011; Saudi Arabia, Syrian protests March 2011 plus Morocco, Iran and other countries. Not to mention all the domestic American protests involving governors attacking organized labor for fiscal reasons!

Generally T-Squares indicate tension, struggle and growth-opportunities, to put it lightly. And when dealing with Pluto, you can add the potential for cathartic change to the list. Any hard aspect in general (opposition, square, some conjunctions) can lead to pressure or a fulcrum being applied to the planets involved, which means that through stress, we can gain deeper awareness, understanding and then eventually and hopefully, maturing. Therefore, in addition to social revolution and reform, these planets in a T-Square aspect represent personal change and growth.

And the same is true of situations in life, no matter what the subject matter. If we can listen well enough, we can foresee and avoid most crises; but most of us have delusions or desires that we stubbornly push for. However, these planets generally have to do with establishing realism and living a practical, authentic lifestyle. And of all ten planets and luminaries, these three are the most oriented with change and maturation. All three of these planets have to do with transformation, change and growth, although they go about it in differing ways:

Saturn goes about change in a controlled, organized and structured way. It has to make sense and Saturnian types will probably check and double check all contingencies. But when change is deemed necessary, no one goes about orchestrating it like an authentic Capricorn (Sun, Moon or Rising sign). And keep in mind many people here in the West are Saturnian types whether they are Capricorns or not (having Saturn in hard aspect with one’s Sun, Ascendant, Moon or Mercury can easily indicate conditions for a highly controlled / structured / disciplined upbringing). Also, having Saturn in a strong sign like Capricorn, Aquarius, Virgo or Libra along with being in aspect to another personal planet (Venus or Mars plus the list above) can indicate strong Saturnian tendencies.

Uranus is the planet of unpredictability, shock and disruption. So of course change is inherent within those descriptions. Unfortunately most of us don’t listen well enough, or we resist our true path for too long and life comes along and throws an incredibly surprising curve ball. Uranus is the most visionary and intuitive of all the planets – when Aquarians (ruled by Uranus) come down out of their heads and rest in their heart (of wisdom), there are no clearer, compassionate or kinder people on the planet – not that this is an easy feat to accomplish!

On a side note, I have been studying the Tibetan language for several years now and I love how they have multiple words for mind and heart and all of these words are inter-changeable. Another Uranus keyword is impermanence. We must consider that everything (basically) in life is impermanent – our job can change, our vehicles change, our spiritual path should shift if we are sincere in our practice, our house will change. You name it, there is change. Impermanence is Uranus’ language. It is when we stop listening to its wise words that we can get in trouble. For those of us like myself, who stubbornly hold on to the way things are… Just remember that it is good to let go occasionally before life makes the oft-resisted, formal request!

Last but certainly not least, Pluto is the master of transformation. Think about it, as the ruler of the underworld, Pluto (Hades) dealt with the greatest transition of all, death and the underworld journey. Therefore, astrological Pluto has to do with many levels and layers of transformation: thoughts on the death process and what happens after we die, deeper thoughts and desires around sexuality (in French – le petit mort, “the Little Death” is a metaphor for orgasm), occult practices and theory, healing journeys in general (degeneration, generation, regeneration). As I mentioned previously, Pluto has association with the most intense arenas of life – the deepest suffering (psycho-pathological disorders, intense drug use, obsession, compulsion) but it also has to do with the greatest psychological, emotional and spiritual healing and understanding. That is why some esoteric astrologers feel that whenever we speak of Pluto we must also mention Minerva (the goddess of wisdom and healing). And in actuality, the planet Pluto is known as a binary system with its largest moon Charon (the mythological ferryman from the surface to the underworld). Therefore some esoteric astrologers feel that Minerva’s energy is already present and ready to be assimilated by the masses.

As the reader can discern, Pluto, Uranus and Saturn are the planets involved with reform, revolution (within and without), maturity and healthy growth.

Thanks for reading!

[I realize Pluto is now designated as a “dwarf planet” but until astrologers as a whole decide to strip Pluto of its astrological significance, and until I notice Pluto losing its psycho-spiritual parallels within the human psyche, then I too treat Pluto as ruler of Scorpio and the planet associated with the 8th Astrological House and beyond.]

Challenging T-Squares; Saturn, Uranus, Pluto; part one

A post about the recent Astrological Aspect with respects to Saturn, Uranus and Pluto.

I just thought I would write a few words from the top of my head about the recent Astrological T-Square involving Saturn opposite Uranus, both square Pluto. A T-Square is a particularly challenging aspect, especially when difficult planets are involved – such as Saturn, Mars, Uranus, Neptune or Pluto. And yes, I just named all three of the planets that are involved in the recent configuration.

What do each of these planets represent? Saturn, Uranus and Pluto: All three of these planets want to be the boss, they each represent an aspect of power – whether psychological (Pluto), financial (Pluto and Saturn), leadership (all three), intellectual (Uranus and Pluto) or through material possessions (Saturn and Pluto). Then each planet has individual traits – Saturn represents discipline, efficiency, structure, a desire to be in control and to be organized. Saturn is the most material of all the planets – the most worldly – where do you think the name Satan came from? Saturn can indicate the most grounded type of individual – present in the world and direct in thought and word.

Uranus is the unpredictable power behind rebellions, reform and revolution. It is the lightening bolt of enlightened activities when we are virtuous, wise and clear-headed; or it is the obstinacy and rebellion of repressed anger and unknown afflictive emotions expressing themselves through mysterious and unconscious channels. Uranus is the least predictable of all the planetary energies – it is the mad scientist creating visionary reality in an ahead-of-their-time lab or it is the incredibly progressive politician, pushing for great reforms and beneficial change to the status quo. Anyone traditional, conventional and conservative dislikes Uranus when they first hear its ideas. Over time though, Uranus’ incredible intellect and vision can win out.

Pluto is still a planet in the astrological pantheon. [See the continuation of this post for more on this subject.] Pluto represents obsession, lust, manipulation, psychological power in all forms – both seen and unseen, it has to do with anything hidden (mining, oil exploration, nuclear power, etc) and Pluto has many positive characteristics when we are fully in touch with our psychological process of growth, maturity and emotional processing. For those rare individuals who desire to have their faults pointed out so that they can change for the better, they constantly accept challenging social, emotional and psychological situations, these are the people who are using Pluto to its highest potential. As you can tell, Pluto rules the depths of depravity and suffering – venom and poison (a couple of its symbols are the scorpion and serpent) but it also has to do with the highest levels of sacrifice, understanding and humility – true healing (which are represented by its “higher” symbols of the phoenix and the white dove).

These planets are at 10` Libra, 4`Aries and 6` Capricorn respectively. As you will notice, 3 of the Cardinal signs are activated. A T-Square generally represents three signs of a four sign quality (whether the Cardinal, Fixed or Mutable signs). Therefore, there is always a piece missing as it were. In this case, the final Cardinal sign of Cancer is not represented (at least not by a slower moving planet that could hold its own with these three giants mentioned above). A T-Square can be explained by the analogy of a four-legged table that has a missing leg. Something can come along and cause the table to tip, to lose its balance and to come out of alignment.

T-Squares involving the Outer Planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) do not occur often. For instance, in order to have Saturn opposite Uranus by itself, we must wait once every 50 years or so. And then, to wait for Uranus to come around and square Pluto, this only happens twice every 100 years. And then to have both of these aspects occurring simultaneously… then we are looking at close to once every 200 years.

This particular aspect has actually been around for quite some time as Jupiter was recently in the earlier degrees of Aries as well. Therefore, if you have planets in the early degrees of cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn), you may have noticed more stretching and growth-opportunities than normal over the past year. Actually, when people talk about the outlandish and unsupported theory that 2012 will be much more intense than anything we have seen before, I wonder if the series of challenging aspects like this one play into that equation. Personally, I do not believe 2012 will be more difficult for everyone than years prior, but 2012 will have its share of cathartic aspects too. In fact, this present T-Square will actually be more challenging than anything that is arising in 2012 (Uranus square Pluto exactly, Jupiter square Neptune). So keep practicing self care now, get plenty of rest, allow your body to unwind and process what it is asking for (see previous posts for more on this); that way you can get through the final remnants of this aspect.

This present T-Square is dissolving as we speak. Pluto is heading retrograde in Capricorn, moving away from Saturn which is now direct and moving forward. The Pluto / Uranus square is heating up, but Saturn will be out of the picture by September 2011. Hooray!

What does this particular T-Square mean for us? Please see my next post. I will write about what it means to have this T-Square pulling, tugging, straining at each individual planet.

I offer Spiritual Astrology interpretations, both in person and over the phone, specializing in the Timing Aspects (Transits, Progressions and Solar Arc Directions), Natal Astrology and Medical Astrology (although I am not a doctor, so this is purely speculative). Let me know if you are interested in receiving an interpretation.

Feeling better… resting down, Summer 2011

Hello Dear Readers,

It has been a while, with good reason, but I do miss writing. It has been a tumultuous spring to say the least. Pushing hard to finish school, graduating, throwing a big grad party, moving out of previous apartment, little car accident, resting and recovering… etc. Whoof!

I recently returned from Spring retreat (teachings in Tibetan Buddhism) which was potent and full of blessings as usual. However, I could not overcome my resistance to being there. In the past, this resistance might last a few days but then I could push through it and enjoy the rest of retreat. My mind is definitely not in a clear, “Dharmic” place. Ooph! Hopefully I will have ample opportunity to settle, pause and relax, allowing my mind to rest in what is. But yes, this is a high aspiration indeed!

So now that I am back, I am seeing clients in Craniosacral Bodywork and for Spiritual Astrology interpretations. So let me know if you are interested in either of these modalities.

I am also living with a Buddhist monk for the summer. Technically I think they are not supposed to do this but I think I got grand-fathered in as we were friends before he ordained, and his lama said it was okay in my case (it makes sense to presume that I have multiple previous lives as a Buddhism monk “under my belt,” but this is a whole other story), and I am a sincere practitioner, at least at times. Luckily I tend to imprint upon people I am around, so if I’m around monks and lamas, mind becomes clearer and very easily virtuous. Living with him, I am learning a ton, as he has many texts memorized and I am learning about Vasubhandu and Asanga’s Abhidharma texts. Yay! Tis good to learn.

Well I think that is it for now. Enjoy your summer!

Graduation weekend

Wow! I was toasted with words from the depths of friends’ and family members’ souls. Feeling like I went through an initiation of loving-kindness; an evening to celebrate me. Ooph! A lot to take in, but with help, I was able to stay present and to meet each person’s loving comments with an appropriate and heartfelt response.

Delicious food, beautiful setting (the Evergreen’s home), gorgeous weather; my brother in law was the grill master (Thank you Dave Robbins!!!) and he did great – we had kabobs, grilled veggies, burgers and many salads, etc etc. Too much food even…

Then Sunday was graduation day. I did not sleep well so it was kind of a foggy day for me. The Gov. of Virginia did our commencement speech – entertaining but due to my grogginess, I do not remember much. However, seeing thousands of happy and celebrating parents and students on the Lawn was special. I felt a definite sensation of completion as I crossed the stage in the Aquatic and Fitness Center gym (where the psychology department had their diploma presentation). Yummy indeed!

Thank you all for so much juicy support!

Graduation party poetic reflection

Hey all,

I wrote this poem a week or two before my graduation party, which was actually a secret initiation into a profound community of loving-kindness 🙂

This poem describes my process over the past 10 years or so… Enjoy!

Sleeping peacefully beneath the waves,
Naive ignorance seems bliss,
Mercury Retrograde hibernation;

Storm gathers force above,
Dreamy reverie fills with doubt,
The wintry ice is melting;

Shockingly compassionate, divine hands plunge into water,
Scooping body, depositing on cool beach,
Spring has sprung!

Fall back asleep on warm sand,
seeds planted, much integration;

Eating drinking breathing Astrology, Reiki,
Seeds timidly open, ready to sprout;

Desire to heal gains momentum, meeting Heart Teachers,
Attending summery workshops,
glimpse spiritual vehicle in the distance;

Fresh storm brewing, dash to vehicle,
Take refuge, learn Craniosacral therapy, play with Zapchen Somatics;

Vehicle starts with little effort, much potency,
Move with purpose, make aspirations,
Start UVa, Study Tibetan, height of summer;

Spiritual momentum pays off, rewarded with pilgrimage to Ladakh India,
The days begin to shorten again;

Outer energy wanes, wave of transformation turns within,
Cool breezes change leaves;

First snow falls and I pause,
Reconsidering my path, I fantasize about exotic adventures;

As winter continues without,
Relaxed and alert, I watch for subtle changes in the hoarfrost,
Completion happens with ease and grace.