May Update No. 1: Venus in Taurus – for Love and for Money

The next two months place a greater value on our understanding of relationships. It will be rewarding if we can mend fences where possible and pay more attention to our emotional responses toward others, and others toward us, especially if we happen to be married or involved with a significant other.

Venus/Shukra

It’s the planet of love, Venus, that’s particularly strong and active now, and the good news is that it’s in one of its optimal positions: the earthy and touchy-feely constellation of Taurus. Taurus is profoundly associated with our sense of values – those precious things in life that hold meaning for us and we cherish in our surroundings and in each other. Taurus is also related to understanding the value of money and getting the most out of every dollar, especially because dollars seem to have become more precious lately.

In addition, Venus is related to beauty and aesthetics. Some will decide to freshen up their surroundings, remodel, or improve their lives with new clothes, appropriate colors, or harmonious works of art. While Venus is strong, go for quality rather than quantity, because it’s the quality of something that imbues it with lasting value.

(Special Note: When it comes to making aesthetic decisions under a retrograde Venus, our evaluations may be off, unsure, or rushed, or we may somehow make a mistake in our choice of colors or patterns that we later regret or for some reason decide to redo. If you’re unsure, it may be wise to hold off making your decision until you’re certain. Astrologically speaking, it’s usually easier to make a clear choice before Venus goes retrograde on May 15, or after Venus is no longer retrograde on June 27. Venus remains in auspicious Taurus through July 31.)

In general, relationships may seem somewhat up for grabs and likely to go through a meaningful period of re-evaluation. The energy of Taurus is stubborn in a good way and it enables us to work through relationship challenges if we value the union enough. If not, the relationship may fall by the wayside because it means one thing to one person and something entirely different to the other.

In other words, on May 15 when Venus goes “retrograde” and appears to be moving backward in its orbit from the standpoint of earth, a process begins that can bring a shift in the emotional direction of our relationships. The energies can bring people closer together around a special purpose, or indicate the need to give each other more space to work out one’s inner life and process some important personal issues. There’s also usually a spiritual purpose underlying this Venus retrograde period, one that has to do with meeting some of our own needs without being as emotionally dependent on others or interfering with what others may need to handle on their own.

God bless us all, but sometimes personal relationships can be demanding and exhausting, with perhaps the need for some kind of a temporary psychological break. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but for some it might lead to a concern during this six-week period that their feelings have shifted away permanently from those they love. Not so.

By June 27, when Venus is no longer “retrograde”, our feelings will begin to revert to their usual level of comfort and closeness with others, the difference being that we’ve gone through a period of personal self-renewal that enables us to fully connect with those we love.

Ultimately, this six week period will help clarify our overall sense of HAPPINESS in life — the true measure of what Venus represents. Our values will be inwardly much clearer and we’ll be able to connect with a much deeper appreciation of love and beauty on all levels. At an even deeper level, happiness in life is a state of being and not dependent upon outside conditions. So let it be.

 Sincerely, Haizen Paige – personal readings and real estate vedic astrology

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April Forecast: Mercury and Mars on the move!

Budha/Mercury

This month shapes up to be lively and eventful. There may be a certain amount of confusing or conflictual information to sort out before Mercury, the planet of communication, paper work, and travel, is no longer retrograde starting on the 4th. After that, you should be able to more easily handle information or integrate your personal affairs in a more satisfactory and clear manner. Usually when Mercury goes direct, life assumes more of a normal rhythm and the linear functions of the mind seem to work more smoothly. This can be an excellent period for research, rescheduling trips, or for handling important communications.

On the 10th, Pluto, the planet of transformation and regeneration, goes retrograde. Some may experience this energy as a form of a psychological pressure because of unresolved current events, but this period can be profound for spiritual studies, or, on the mundane level, handling situations related to gov’t funds, pensions, taxes, retirement benefits, or important banking matters. On health-related matters, Pluto is related to the process of detoxification.

Mars/Mangalam

Also significant is that the action planet Mars is no longer retrograde and goes direct in motion on the 13th. This change can correspond with the release of a great deal of pent-up mental, emotional or physical energy. If you have a major project in mind, something you wish to start related to business or financial gain, new creative activities, or to set up important travel plans – the period after the 13th can be excellent for taking a chance and moving forward. But stay aware the Mars represents the expression of anger and there could be sudden flair-ups if you’re taken off-guard. Mars is also related to military actions and there may be major decision along these lines related to Syria and other hotspots around the world.

Health-wise, Mars is the significator of such healing practices as acupuncture, vigorous physical exercise, muscle development, or beneficial surgical procedures to help allieviate pain, if necessary. Overall, April is one of the more active and productive months of the year to brighten our lives during the blossoming of spring.

Sincerely, Haizen – specializing in Real Estate Vedic Astrology 

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March Update: The Latest on Mars and Mercury Retrograde

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” —Hal Borland

Though it’s not discussed as much, Vedic astrology is as much a tool of self-awareness as it is useful for preparing ourselves for the events that are likely to be developing around the next corner. For instance, there’s been a great deal of Mars energy bombarding our planet since the end of January and Mars is about being aware of our hair-trigger reactions to things, our ambitions or angers, our aggression and how we may be pushing ourselves forward. It’s important to notice our resistance to things or whether we are forcing certain developments. Since every action has a reaction, our reactions may be stronger than usual if we happen to be misusing or wrongly directing our energies. 

Mars retro can also be helpful in transmuting or internalizing our sexual energies for spiritual purposes, rather than utilizing them for physical pleasures only. Mars means that more of our basic vitality can be drawn to every cell of our body through conscious awareness, such as through yoga, tai chi, the martial arts, or even basic exercise.

Mars retro may also be about our lack of self-motivation and the need to keep our lives moving forward by staying engaged with our surroundings and the people we love. It’s amazing how taking action can make all the difference in our quality of life – that is, if we feel we are being called to take action, especially during the first week of the month when Sun and Mars are in a mutual aspect on the 3rd.

Relationships too may be going through a realistic assessment, as Venus aspects Saturn on the 5th and indicates a possible delay or recent emotional disappointment to overcome. Mars retrograde lasts until April 13th.

During the middle of the month, Mercury and Uranus energies team up, lasting off and on going into April, and they can be good for dealing with technology, such as upgrading our computer or staying more current with the new gadgets that are helpful for global networking – the latest in smart-phones or other communication devices.

In addition, approximately every 90 days or so, Mercury, the planet of communications, goes retrograde and seems to establish a different kind of rhythm in our daily lives with regard to our professional life, contracts and agreements, unforeseen changes in travel plans, or the chance to reconnect with old friends. 

Mercury retro is also the time to catch up on paper work and make sure to have our important documents easily at hand in case we may suddenly need them. Mercury retrograde starts on March 12th and lasts until April 4th.

Wishing everyone a wonderful month and a beautiful beginning of spring. – Best wishes, Haizen – specializing in real estate Vedic astrology.

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2012: End of the World…?

This year has been eagerly anticipated for at least 10 years as being potentially apocalyptic or transcendent, spiritually sublime, or the most intriguing of all: somehow the literal ending of the world. But actually, no one knows exactly what’s going to happen between now and December 21, 2012 when the Mayan Calendar runs out (if the pundits are correct), at least not outwardly, though it’s rather easy to speculate on how matters related to human existence are coming to a head or reaching a crisis point in our billion year history. “Matters coming to a head” may be the key phrase, out of which we once again set a new course for ourselves and our survival as a species or, cosmically speaking, our attachment to our material survival as ‘form’ has been inwardly resolved.

Sensing a Direction

In any event, we should still be able to have an instinctive understanding of the direction life is going to take with regard to ourselves, because as the great sage Krishnamurti liked to point out: “We are the world, and the world is us”:

So you and I are the problem, and not the world, because the world is the projection of ourselves and to understand the world we must understand ourselves. The world is not separate from us; we are the world, and our problems are the world’s problems. This cannot be repeated too often, because we are so sluggish in our mentality that we think the world’s problems are not our business, that they have to be resolved by the United Nations or by substituting new leaders for the old. It is a very dull mentality that thinks like that, because we are responsible for this frightful misery and confusion in the world.

I believe he said this because he fervently believed that such a dramatic change was possible for others in the same way it had been possible for him, or there would have been little point to his teachings.

Intensification of Thought and Emotion

Krishnamurti

As the activities of the year heat up, I anticipate that our hopes, fears and longings will somehow be galvanized through the amplification of our emotions and thoughts – our potential sense of apocalyptic connection to the energies of the year – an awareness there are choices of conscience to be made that can no longer be put off and will continue to be highlighted – certain events approaching the point of diminishing or no return that we’ve been inwardly aware of for years.

Out of clarity can come beneficial changes, and one hopes, a new epic in human evolution. Rather exciting, really! But whether our full acceptance of the magnificent energies associated with the current paradigm shift takes place automatically without our conscious awareness or participation is perhaps the most important consideration of all. It’s likely that whatever takes place, it’s still up to us to remain open to the unknown and find a way to go beyond the problem-causing activities of the human intellect to experience a radical shift in our brains:

To transform the world, we must begin with ourselves; and what is important in beginning with ourselves is the intention. The intention must be to understand ourselves and not to leave it to others to transform themselves or to bring about a modified change through revolution, either of the left or of the right. It is important to understand that this is our responsibility, yours and mine; because, however small may be the world we live in, if we can transform ourselves, bring about a radically different point of view in our daily existence, then perhaps we shall affect the world at large. —Krishnamurti

Climate Change

The weird weather and earth changes are likely to continue and remain severe. Last year was one of the most severe in that direction and rife with environmental disasters driven partly by the weird and unpredictable behavior of the Sun and the Sun’s disturbing impact on the planet. Even our scientists are using the word “weird.“

These climate changes may also be related to a subtle shifting of the poles or something else in the works that is bringing a big or irrevocable change in which the apocalyptic shift of these energies are a counterpoint to the energies within our own consciousness. “As above, so below.”

Consequently, it’s entirely possible that CLIMATE CHANGE will be the biggest news story of the year, the biggest motivating force for personal transformation, because the great sages continue to point out that we are nature itself, even if we feel separate from it because we are not normally exposed to the elements like we were a hundred years ago, or we’re simply feeling a disconnect with our daily environment. So it’s possible our consciousness as a species is being worked out through our connection with the unpredictability of the weather, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados, and the impact of the ozone layer that is the man-made result of our industrialization — to rediscover our connection with nature as being sacred, not to mention that the invisible energies behind the weather come from a sacred Source.

The New Brain

The consequences of these combined factors could be HUGE, and our willingness to deal with these inevitable consequences of nature could be highly amplified in a positive way if we can go beyond the limitations of our old brain and discover a deeper Intelligence that has nothing to do with thought as we know it – our usual aberrations of the mind – but instead is a radically different way of knowing and acting that feels universal or organic with all of life.

Those sensing a deeper purpose underlying existence will find this a fantastic year, one with an abundance of life-altering personal insights, or an increased sense of awakening as if from coming out of a dream, as we finally and irrevocably accept the necessity of surrendering our ego to a Higher purpose and living according to a deeper Will that is our essential nature.

The Transcendence of Time

Moreover, this sense of awakening could greatly affect our awareness of time, the wise use of time, the ENDING of time, or the transcendence of time within ourselves and then living from an eternal timeless state that has been there, well, since before time, according to the great sages of the last 2000 years.

It’s also possible we may simply be running out of time, unless we can access a different part of ourselves that is not connected with thought and reason as it’s normally experienced. That’s the dilemma and I see a great opportunity to make this truly radical shift in 2012 – what some teachers feel is the need to transcend the basic insanity of the egoic self: the human intellect that is driven by either fear or desire and cannot possibly be still.

Culminating Awareness and Events

Ultimately, it’s possible that we as Earthlings will somehow receive our Cosmic report card on how well we’ve been doing during the past few billion years… The Cosmic Teachers: “Room for improvement!“… Or: ”Well done!”… with a deeper understanding that what we think and do has an obvious, inescapably direct bearing on our total environment, including on Nature itself: the land, weather, the oceans, the air, the atmosphere, the climate of harmony between people and nations; and that there’s salvation when we rediscover both the sanctity and power of Nature – and from out of that awakening comes a new direction that frees humanity from its fear of loss, and which brings forth a sense that our existence is not ultimately dependent upon form at all, but that we are spiritual beings with something timeless within ourselves: eternal, indestructible…immortal.

Continuing Vedic Transits from 2011…

Jupiter in Aries aspects Mars in Leo—Oct. 30, 2011 – May 16, 2012: Jupiter is strong and well-placed in Aries for the development of enterprising new concepts and innovations – excellent for the entrepreneur even if some of the opportunities happen to be located in other counties. (Aries is associated with England and Germany.) The continuation of this energy is a definite plus over the next five months and it can bring forth the courage that arises out of our boredom with the past and our desire to connect with the eternal well-spring of life to fulfill ourselves in a more fulfilling direction. It’s happening now.

Mars is also well-placed by sign in speculative and chance-taking Leo (but guard the health of your heart if need be). With two planets placed in FIRE signs for motivation and a sense of enthusiasm, Jupiter and Mars are two of the best things going between now and May. It can also help the struggling real estate market as well. But to receive the desired financial or business rewards we may need to push ourselves forward more than usual out of love for what we’re doing or our desire to benefit others. Nevertheless, there can be the element of luck that helps to sustain us when we’re willing to take risks beyond our comfort zone.

Saturn in Libra opposite Jupiter in Aries—Nov. 14, 2011 to May 16: Here’s a great placement for Saturn – one of its best – meaning that it’s strong here – an important transit with regard to the basic reorganization of the global economy and our ability to find our rightful place in society and the work force: a position that pays.

Jupiter represents the principle of EXPANSION, and Saturn, CONTRACTION – a system of cosmic checks and balances that are teeter-tottering in their effects. What the planets are doing is establishing a new balance in world affairs in the area of finance and banking. The situation has reached a crisis point, and public sentiment about the economic disparities are not going away until there’s some kind of shift.

It’s not impossible for there to be some financial reforms or at least some attempts by the banking industry not to exacerbate the problems people are having in paying for their healthcare, their basic necessities of life, or hanging onto their homes. That’s why there’s the crisis: what has normally been taken for granted as our standard of living is no longer as affordable almost across the board from one country to another, suggesting that for decades we may have been living beyond our means or not taking into account the price we’ve had to pay for our prosperity in terms of the damage to the environment or, sorry to say, the costs because human failings and greed.

At the same time, there are beneficial forces keeping most of us going as the ‘new normal’ is being established. I really feel that what’s going on economically is unprecedented in its scope, and the way out is to give ourselves a new brain and go beyond thought itself toward the discovery of our deeper brain. The deep brain does not function on the basis of thinking; it functions on a sense of feeling and connectedness with the wholeness of life and we’re guided by a higher principle that comes from a sense of inner spaciousness and stillness. It’s not that we are no longer able to harness the usefulness of thought as a tool, but our identification with it as who we are is no longer the same.

Mercury in Scorpio—Oct 29, 2011 – Jan. 13, 2012: Excellent for developing business skills and shrewd financial management. Excellent too for research, intense or private communications, psychology, healing or anything related to the transformative arts.

Mars in Leo—Oct. 30, 2011 – Jun. 21, 2012: The advantages of a creative, positive and dynamic Mars extends all the way to June. What counts is what area, what HOUSE in your astrological chart it’s passing through, and that’s something I discuss with clients within this period.

Vedic Transits in January…

Mercury in Sagittarius—Jan. 3 – 23: Supports a more hopeful or optimistic outlook in business, sales and communications. It also favors the study of languages, marketing, and promotional efforts, but it can still highlight dramatic differences of philosophy or viewpoints. There may be a challenge in consistently focusing on what’s most important and avoiding an involvement in too many activities. It’s the high priority activities that count now.

Venus in Aquarius—Jan. 9 – Feb 2: This is not considered to necessarily be a passionate place for Venus, because Aquarius can be a rather cool (as in cold) sign, but love as friendship can flourish.

Mars is Retrograde—Jan. 23 – Apr. 14, 2012: A retrograde Mars is one that appears to be going backwards in its orbit from the standpoint of Earth. Planets retrograde make a planet STRONGER for good or ill. “Ill” can mean a new militaristic drive toward conquest or conflict, debt situations coming to a head, or sometimes physical, mental or emotional exhaustion. “For good” means that we can successfully regenerate ourselves mentally and physically to harness our energies toward LONG-TERM purposeful activities.

There may also be issues related to the need to reexamine our drive toward individual success, or to examine our attitudes relative to the ego’s need for recognition or achievement. Start things consciously and not merely out of impulse, otherwise there may be too many obstacles to overcome in trying to achieve success. If we’re headed in the wrong direction it may feel like we’re working against the grain under a retro Mars; so take notice of the results and ways of doing things without forcing them. Overall, Mars in Leo until June is a beneficial placement in the midst of the other planetary positives already mentioned. (c) HP

Best wishes to everyone around the world in 2012. ;)

Special Services: Real Estate Astrology - the last four houses I’ve helped chose a listing date for have sold in a slow market – find out about your window of opportunity to sell your home - contact Haizen for details (see Menu).

Special Note: For those new to Vedic astrology, please note that all planetary positions refer to their location in the Sidereal zodiac and not the Tropical. After practicing Western astrology for more than 25 years, I gladly switched over to the Vedic/Sideral system because I felt that it more accurately represents a planet’s true strength and is better for predictive purposes.

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Haizen’s December Forecast

Jupiter... Brihaspati

Maybe it’s the day, or maybe it’s the season, but I feel like starting off on a positive note. What we have going for us in the heavens is a wonderful aspect from Jupiter, the god of optimism and enterprise, to the action planet Mars (“to do”).

This set-up officially began on October 30 and will continue for a very long time: to May 15 of next year when Jupiter leaves innovative Aries and moves into the financial constellation of Taurus.

Jupiter is also the wealth planet. So the combination of Jupiter’s influence on Mars is the yoga (union) of financial enterprise and the entrepreneur. This energy is freshening up the world, much of it through the innovations of technology. (Mars is technology in Vedic astrology.) In other words, there’s a revolution going on in society and it pays to keep up, though challenging, if you can.

The stressful part is that society is now being divided more on the basis of who’s technically savvy and who isn’t, and the future of our economy will be heading in the direction of those who are fluent with the communications gadgets and social networking – those who will find it convenient to do business with each other – and the older generation may feel left behind or uninterested in keeping up with the demands of such innovative changes. But that’s what’s going on now and one can still upgrade one’s life in some progressive direction that makes you feel good and connected as society revamps itself for the coming years. A phone call is still a valid form of technology too. Jupiter/Mars combined is also indicative of energy and enthusiasm. It’s forward looking, risk-taking and dynamic. It can also bring good money and status, not to mention the drive toward excellence in education and positions of leadership. In their respective fire signs of Aries and Leo, there’s some warmth here that can drive us creatively. It can also warm the heart and bring love into one’s life and what would life be without that magic elixir?

Mars - Mangala

On the other side of the fence, we’re having to deal with a series of eclipses in the constellations of Scorpio and Taurus, both signs related to finances and debts, high expenses, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and the need to refinance one’s payments, if possible, or just as effective, lower one’s financial overhead.

Eclipses

We have to continue to hang on because the eclipse cycle in Scorpio/Taurus continues until May 2013. The eclipse cycle is defined by virtue of Rahu (North Node) being in its debilitated, weak constellation of Scorpio, and Ketu (South Node) being debilitated in Taurus until January 2013 – exactly opposite the signs in which they are at their most fortuitous and beneficial. So as usual, there’s a mixture of planetary energies working together and counter to each other, all at the same time.

The Economy

The most apt and surprising description of what’s going on in the economy was said quite unexpectedly, at least to me, by Scarlett Johansson in a recent interview, and it bears repeating to acknowledge those who may have lost everything in the recent economic downturn:

“There are people in America who are absolutely desperate right now, who have no means to support their families, who have no opportunities to better themselves or their education – and they’re not that different from the farmers and working-class people that I visited when I went to Kenya with Oxfam.” she said.

(Johansson took a trip this year to East Africa to raise awareness of drought and famine in the region, which she chronicled in a series of video blog posts for Huffington Post.)

“Whether they’re in America or in Africa, people want to work,” she continued. “They want to have purpose. They want to provide for themselves and their families. They don’t want handouts. They don’t want to be completely dependent on their governments — even though there’s usually no opportunity for that anyway. But they want to be self-sufficient and have a sustainable lifestyle.”

Okay. That’s what’s being worked out now and why it’s so important that the ‘haves’ help the ‘have-nots,’ if possible, because there’s room for creative innovations if properly funded. In the meantime, there’s a great deal of anger in society because we have an underlying sense that we’re being lied to by our banking or other financial institutions, or being taken advantage of.

So while the nodes, Rahu and Ketu, are traveling through their worst signs, there’s an advantage to the ‘haves’ to try to hang on to what they already have, and the need for the rest of us to create new opportunities for ourselves or to lower our financial overhead, which can be equivalent to income. “Crisis is often the catalyst for change.” - Adyashanti

 The Wisdom of Eckhart Tolle

The best analysis of what’s happening globally, imo, was put forth by Eckhart Tolle and I believe it’s worth sharing:

Many people at the present time experience some form of challenge or limitation coming into their life, as many structures, the external structures in the world, are becoming shaky and some have collapsed already. 

As you may remember from “A New Earth,” I speak about the collapse of Soviet Communism, which nobody could have predicted, and I speak of the impending collapse of many of the structures that are ego-based that are an external reflection of an inner state of consciousness that is the ego. And those structures, which of course includes financial structures and so on, are now beginning to collapse and something totally new will arise. 

How long this collapse will take, I cannot say. But everybody can clearly see, and even the experts are talking about, the “systemic crisis” or something like that. 

In other words, the crisis is not to do with this or that on the surface of things, but concerns the very structure of these organizations in the same sense as the human mind – the problems of the human mind – have not to do with the content of whatever is the content of your mind, but the very structure of the mind – the human mind needs to change. So for many people, limitation in one form or another is coming into their life situation and that is actually not what the media wants us to believe that these things are dreadful. 

The challenge that many people are encountering at this time is actually that which will push them into a new state of consciousness. That is the possibility. That is the promise. 

So we need to, first of all, not believe what we are told in the media that we should be in a state of fear, that the only real response, the only natural response to what’s happening, is a state of fear. That is an unconscious response. We need to see that change is absolutely necessary in this world. And the dissolution of many of the ego based structures is absolutely necessary for the planet to survive, and for humanity to survive.

Well, everyone can now take a deep breath as we get back to the planetary set-up for December. All of what Tolle says applies and possibly for quite a while. Jupiter moving into Taurus next May will be indicative of more support, the rebuilding in society that can have positive financial impact. And the Nodes moving into the Aries (newness) and Libra (new harmonious agreements in business and society), will be of great help starting in January 2013. So there is light pouring into all these situations, here to awaken our deeper Intelligence that is deeper and more profound than the human intellect which can only evaluate situations as they appear to be.

Mercury continues to be retrograde until the 13th, and we still have the lunar eclipse to navigate on the 10th, and then three days after the eclipse the energies will begin to normalize again (as part of the ‘new normal’) with somewhat less intensity, but still in keeping with the intensity of demands during the Holiday season. A lunar eclipse places a strong focus on RELATIONSHIPS. Good one’s get better, and bad one’s can fall by the wayside as a blessing and release, not from a sense of loss, but from a sense of karmic completion. By paying attention to the integrity of our inner knowing, we’ll know what’s best.

Christmas Day has the Moon in upbeat Sagittarius the day after the New Moon, and this gets the energies moving in a stimulating, uplifting way. Focus on humor and the positive and you can’t go wrong, but avoid philosophical or religious debates if you want to keep your head. I won’t be with family, but I will be Skype-ing them to share the beauty of the day from my corner of the universe.

Best wishes to all! Haizen – Affordable Vedic Astrology – Holiday Gift Certificates Available – Contact Haizen

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Mars in Leo, Saturn in Libra!

BIG CHANGES IN NOVEMBER

Please Note: All planetary positions in the Cosmic Palette forecast are based upon the Sidereal zodiac rather than the Tropical zodiac used by Western astrologers.

Welcome to one of the most significant months of the year. Mercury, Venus, Mars and Saturn all move into their new sign positions within about a two week period. (More on Mercury and Venus in a moment.) The changes of Mars in Leo and Saturn in Libra are particularly important because they will be moving through their respective signs for a very long and productive stay, mostly positive. The current economic doldrums are now primarily indicated by Rahu in Scorpio and Ketu in Taurus – their debilitated positions – lasting through January of 2013

Mars usually passes through each sign in about 2 months, but because of its retrograde motion, from January 23, 2012 through April 13, 2012, it will remain in Leo through June 21 of next year – almost four times as long as usual. Mars goes retrograde about every 2 years and 2 months and this is the planet of the movers and shakers, for it represents motivation, action, assertiveness, building and construction, new starts and the energy to sustain and finish them. In fact, Mars in Leo is its best sign position since transiting Aries last June and its long stay in Leo should prove to be highly beneficial to most of us to get our lives moving with added fun, creativity, inventiveness, and courageous heart energy. Physically, it may be the time to be more protective of the functioning of your heart and spine.

Shani Dev

Even more important, Saturn, the planet of material reality, moves into its exalted and most powerful position in Libra on November 14. Saturn is a very, very big deal in vedic astrology because it only changes signs every 2-1/2 years. This change means a momentous energetic wave is headed our way – a higher and more refined vibration – and at a deeper level, we may already be sensing this change in how we wish to function more effectively in the world. Overall, Saturn at its best, all things considered, will help establish a better climate for business and personal achievement. The key? Integrity and honesty in relationships, a deeper sense of fair play, and a growing awareness of some of the outward financial and political injustices that need to be addressed. This sense of fair play is likely to be one of the dominant themes over the next two years, and the public will demand to be heard along these lines. (Shani is a deva and son of Surya, the Hindu Sun god, and embodies the energies of Saturn.)

Vishakha

Elsewhere, Mercury and Venus are in Scorpio through the 21st, indicating that relationships can take on added depth, passion and meaning. This may be the time to talk about some of the deeper issues of life, and Scorpio energy can be rather sexy and transformative too. After the 21st, Mercury remains in Scorpio through January 3, 2012, but Venus moves into the upbeat and enthusiastic sign energy of Sagittarius.

Starting on the 24th, Mercury, the planet of communications, goes retrograde (appears to be going backward in its orbit from the viewpoint of earth) and there may be a sudden change of plans with regard to the holidays. On a positive note, Mercury retro can be excellent for reconnecting with family and friends, though there may be unexpected communication or travel problems to overcome. Mercury is no longer retrograde starting December 13

The Sun travels through Vishakha nakshatra, 20 Libra through 3 Scorpio, between Nov 6 – 18th and helps ease in and balance out the energy of Mars in Leo. Mars takes on added strength as its dispositor, the Sun, moves into Scorpio on the 18th. 

November can represent change at the deepest possible levels, and your best chance for success is to choose your close relationships well and have the best possible people surrounding you. The world will be going through a major political and material rebalancing of its resources for quite some time, and there will be a new sense of how to negotiate with the talents and resources you have in order to keep your life mentally, spiritually and financially solvent.

While Mars in Leo can be a little hot-headed, Saturn in Libra will have a way of cooling down situations so logic and reason can prevail. Working together, both planets bring forth the energy to face the challenges of life more effectively and to realistically assess your talents and clarify your direction in life. In addition, planets strong or in their exalted signs are SPIRITUALLY important by helping to raise the vibrations of the planet.

-Sincerely, Haizen . . . “Affordable Vedic Astrology for Challenging Times”

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The Sidereal Virgo Cornucopia

Venus, the planet of romance and relationships, continues to inch its way through fussy Virgo and to place a focus on love as service to one and all. This is not exactly the most romantic position of Venus, but if love is about helping those in practical ways, lifting up those who are in need of inspiration, loving your body as yourself, then Venus is the love that comes with the love of details. The planet of love leaves Virgo and enters one of it’s best signs, Libra, on October 4th.

Mercury entering Virgo helps out Venus, starting on the 22nd, and adds some wit and humor to all kinds of frustrating or trying circumstances. Communications are favored; sales, writing projects, chances for travel, interesting connections, new contracts, should get something of a boost. If all else fails, or projects stall, the energies of life will encourage you to read the manual, study the tutorial, or get expert help – and forestal the financial wolf at the proverbial door. One extra step may be all you need to open the door to a new life and a magical realm of possibilities. Mercury remains exalted in Virgo through October 9thBoth Mercury and Venus together are also favorable for the arts and handling awkward situations where diplomatic words can help keep an uncomfortable situation from going bad to worse.

Mars, the planet of action and assertion, continues its journey through sidereal Cancer until October 30th – not it’s most favorite position, because Mars is oriented toward outward achievement and can get watered down with the emotionalism and self-protective qualities of Cancer. Consequently, past conditioning or the emotions could inhibit decisive action, action becomes confused, or motivation gets lost. The desire for domestic security can be a great motivator to see major projects through to completion. 

Until the first week in October, the emphasis on Virgo characteristics  (Sun, Venus, Mercury, Saturn) makes this an excellent time for education, job training, or the return to healthful activities such as walking, yoga and balanced exercise, and to use thought for productive purposes while knowing that at a deeper level we are more than the summation of our thoughts. Planets travelling through Virgo sometimes remind me of the fresh scent of a soft towel being pulled from the dryer, one of life’s many earthy delights.

(c) Haizen Paige – affordable Vedic Astrology 

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September 2011 Update

“I like spring, but it is too young. I like summer, but it is too proud. So I like best of all autumn, because its tone is mellower, its colors are richer, and it is tinged a little with sorrow. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor of the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and is content.” – Lin Yutang

Despite the recent torrential rains of Hurricane Irene that have caused such destruction and losses along the Eastern seaboard, Sedona and many other parts of the country continue to be blessed with a relatively protected environment we can be grateful for.

With the Earth going through what appears to be a massive restructuring of its land and seas, the overall planetary picture indicates stresses that are likely to continue on a global scale. While the effects of the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) are not usually considered in Vedic astrology, they are still being researched by a great number of Vedic astrologers.

Uranus, the planet of the ‘unexpected’ and ‘sudden changes’, and Pluto, representing ‘acts of God’ that can affect land masses and great masses of people, are in a stressful relationship that will last all the way to…2016. That’s a long period in terms of linear time. But those living in the relatively safe regions of the US can hold the light of comfort and solace – or help in other ways – for the ones having to rebuild their lives after such cataclysmic events. Those who’ve escaped these recent acts of God clearly know that they may have family or friends who might have been profoundly affected by the unprecedented storms that have rearranged life on earth for millions. These revolutionary energies can also pertain to our inner life and such things as the suffering that can lead to a profound spiritual awakening.

The economic consequences of such events is another reason to use our resources wisely and share them when we can. Rahu (North Node) transiting through its weakest position in sidereal Scorpio (related to economic challenges and the mounting of debts), and Ketu (South Node) transiting its weakest position in earth-sign Taurus, through January 2013, are additional indications of the monumental changes now taking place in our material universe. We’ve probably all been there at some time in our life when we’ve needed a helping hand, prayer to get us through, or a financial miracle to make a new start.

September is traditionally a time to implement our usual fall season routine with a focus on inner harmony, realigning ourself to our important relationships, and bringing ourself into balance with nature and our immediate surroundings. These energies are emphasized when the autumnal equinox officially takes place on September 23 at 2:05 am PDT.

Clearing space and harmonizing the energy can be good for the soul and keep the energy of prosperity flowing through our veins. We can magnetize ourself to the new resources we need, and then miracles can happen when we’ve made room for them, starting with an inner allowance and remaining open to new ways of doing (or not doing) things. I like to relate it to the miracle of an expired leaf dropping to the ground to make way for new growth and the survival of the whole. Perhaps Nature is speaking strongly now because we are as much a part of Nature as the mountains, rivers and streams, and the fall season can be a most wonderful reminder of how everything in life is interconnected and has its own divine rhythm and purpose.

Continuing Solar Activities

The cycle of solar explosions and flares directed at Earth continue to infuse our planet. The most recent solar winds were strongly directly toward our planet on Sept. 9 and they lasted steadily for 18 hours. On one hand, this represents a tremendous influx of life-affirming prana; on the other, the energies may feel overwhelming and somewhat disruptive, as our “circuits” may feel temporarily overloaded.

I feel strongly that these dramatic solar events are not taken into account enough with regard to the Earth changes we’ve been experiencing – that these solar winds are driving our extremes of temperature and weather in unprecedented ways and intensifying the flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes that have been continuing around the world.

Sometimes the effects of these winds aren’t immediately apparent, but it seems that there are unknown forces connected with these winds that our scientists seem unaware of, other than with regard to the amazing auroras in the northern latitudes these winds create. The solar winds are super-charging the atmosphere electrically, at times to the point of causing disruptions in our electrical grid, communication satellites, and other electrical devices. So evidently the evolution of our Sun as the source of all life and as the spiritual center of our solar system is not acting as usual. The situation has a way of making one sit up and take notice!

In essence, these solar event are apparently rearranging matter on Earth and our relationship to it, including at the most fundamental level of our material and spiritual existence. Consequently, there seems to be no room for nostalgia about the return to the so-called normalcy of the past, whether it be in terms of the economy, the shape of our continents, the seas, the coastlines, our mountains, streams, and perhaps most important of all, our ability to navigate these increasing frequent, sudden and dramatic changes in forms and substance – all part of the new paradigm of reality and the mutations of our DNA that are so frequently discussed by so many teachers and light-workers.

Perhaps it wouldn’t matter as much if we weren’t matter. But we are a matrix of spirit and matter being asked to keep up with the increasing dramatic and intense changes in the Earth we are dependent upon for our material existence. I consider this huge. Because eventually even the Sun and Earth will pass away or transcend their material existence. Perhaps this is why our greatest of spiritual teachers encourage us “to die now”… to go beyond our attachment to form and substance now, not to terrorize us but to liberate our consciousness from its possible misidentification with matter as who we are.

We seem to have entered new territory on all levels, and it behooves us not to cling to anything other than to the certainty of our core Self. This may be the only way, the best way, to keep up with the accelerated birth and death of forms that are dissolving and being instantly created before our very eyes. In the life of the universe our lives are but a twinkling of the eye, and yet at the same time, we are an expression of eternity itself as it dwells like a steady glowing light, an anchor, within us. And ultimately, I do not see this evolutionary transformation as a disaster, but as a fantastic opportunity we were born to experience. May our lives be blessed with miracles in September.

© Haizen Paige – affordable Vedic astrology

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Mercury Retrograde in Magha and Ashlesha Nakshatra

This Cosmic Palette edition is dedicated in memory of my dear friend Dan Stief, creator of Sedona Talk Radio, who made his transition on July 12… He was a great friend for 15 years and will not be forgotten.

Starting on August 2 (8:50 pm PDT), Mercury goes “retrograde” (appears to be going backward in its orbit from the standpoint of Earth). Astrologers consider this a recurring but notable event, because Mercury signifies such important things as communications, writings, sales, business meetings, contracts and agreements. Sometimes we go back to a former profession or have better luck obtaining part-time work. These periods generally shake up the job market.

Sometimes there can be complications to deal with in the above mentioned areas, possibly a constant revision of plans toward a personal or business goal, or some type of temporary misunderstanding that requires special patience to bring the situation back into harmony. Sooo… if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! Feel out situations and take a different approach, as needed, to refine your financial or business model. Fact finding and research can also be particularly useful to maintain your grasp on reality and keep things real and workable. It’s important to look at business from the public’s point of view and not just from the way we would like it to be.

On the esoteric level, Mercury retrograde represents a more instinctive way of living that is not as dependent on logic or thought, and sometimes errors of judgment can take place that need to be adjusted by repeated efforts. Nevertheless, these periods can be spiritually important and coincide with the emergence of the deeper instinctual mind of inner Silence and Presence that the conceptual mind is unable to comprehend. In other words, Mercury retrograde can bring additional leverage so we can disassociate with thought as a cloud to our awareness of the present moment, the eternal Now.

On August 26 (3:03 pm), Mercury goes “direct” in motion – is no longer retrograde – and there may be a sudden clarity of consciousness or mind that can come as a great relief. All things considered, contracts are generally viewed as more favorable to both parties when signed before or after Mercury is retrograde.

Mercury goes retrograde in a special part of the sky called the constellation of “Magha” nakshatra. In Indian mythology, Magha’s energy is connected with our relationship to our family ancestors. Mercury retrograde is about going over our past, going back in time, and perhaps reconnecting in memory or spirit to those we’ve known. “Magha constellation is believed to be where our ancestors dwell and await their opportunity to reincarnate back with our families on earth.” (Hart deFouw)

Whether literally true or not about Magha’s influence, there may be something special within this three week period that can be particularly meaningful or poignant from those we’ve known, and we can pass on their inspiration or wisdom so others may benefit.

(I happen to be born under the Magha ascendant influence and have always felt a strong tie with my ancestors. This has extended back even to those I know about but never met, and I can strongly sense their interest in the unfolding of my life and their urging me on to “solve” something on a psychological or spiritual level that they may not have been able to resolve when they were alive, and that whatever spiritual liberation I’m able to awaken has retroactive benefits for them. Hard to put into words. But I feel their living essence strongly, beyond the limits of the personality, starting with my maternal grandfather who was like a father to me. I still feel a special gratitude for him and I sometimes have an overwhelming sense that he looks in on me to see how I’m doing. I’m not dependent on this influence for my own sense of well-being, but there’s something about his living essence that connects with my living essence, beyond time, space or place. Sometimes the connection is thrilling and I can also sense a living ancestral group energy that extends beyond him to me as a protective influence. There is no separation, only forms coming and going.)

Mercury retrograde will also be passing through the constellation of “Ashlesha” nakshatra. Ashlesha represents the energy and symbol of great wisdom and such things as spiritual enlightenment and the use of magical powers. We all have them to some degree, even if it’s through expressing the magical power of transcendent love or focused presence. But it does mean moving beyond our fears and distrust and using them to motivate ourselves toward our primary purpose in life: the exploration of divine wisdom and awakening. On the physical level, one should be more careful with drugs or medicines under such an Ashlesha influence.

The period between August 2 – 26 might prove to be a link between the past and present, through the Present, that is healing and which leads us to feel a special connection with those who’ve gone before. At the very least, the ones we love dwell within our hearts to be visited again and again – not as a distant memory but as a living presence – and the same thing will be true for others when we are gone.

Sincerely, Haizen Paige – Affordable Vedic Astrology

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Good News: Why the Eclipse Season is Officially Over

When there’s a series of eclipses – we’ve had three in a row: solar, lunar, solar – some astrologers note the official ending of the eclipse season three days after the last eclipse when the Moon enters its Crescent phase and is out of the New Moon phase where the eclipse took place.

That’s happening now.

Isa

The ending should come with a sigh of relief, because so much has happened and been dealt with, sometimes under great urgency, pressure and stress. The Eclipse period was a time when immediate action and reaction may have been necessary, and there was a greater element of the unexpected to deal with, not to mention, possible time constraints… The new period of greater calm could even be described as coming down from an emotional or physical “high” with some ready to crash from exhaustion. Fortunately, action should no longer be required with the same urgency: the mopping up phase; and on a deeper psychological or emotional level, we have a sense of the (possible) trauma we’ve been through with its corresponding need for reflection or recovery.

According to astronomers, the Lunar eclipse on June 15 was the strongest and most intense in 11 years, because the Sun and Moon were aligned to within one degree of the Lunar Nodes, Rahu and Ketu. The closer the Sun and Moon are to the Nodes, the more powerful the eclipse. The chaos of activity and events was increased with the Solar eclipses of June 1 and July 1, as the Sun and Moon were within range of KETU - the shadow planet (“graha”) – the significator of moksha (spirituality) in Vedic astrology. Ketu‘s purpose is to release us from material attachment and bondage.

So… be kind to yourself as we enter a cycle of increased relaxation and regeneration.

Other Post-Eclipse Benefits

  • We get to take consistent action on the business direction or expediencies that may have developed within the last 4 weeks
  • We’re in a period of greater stability in terms of the overall energy
  • There’s an additional need for rest, and some of us will find it easier to sleep
  • There’s a greater need for fun or other change of pace
  • Our personal lives unfold under more consistently favorable conditions and less unpredictability, all things considered

Notes on the July 1 Solar Eclipse

The third in the series of recent eclipses took place in the “nakshatra” (lunar mansion) of “Ardra”. The eclipse effects will be continuing in the background for approximately 6 months as we come to terms with its specific and useful energies that I’ll go into in a moment.

There was also a Grand Cross in the Dual signs – notice the red arrows that show the planetary interchanges between Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces – that represents the need to juggling many irons in the fire, make some wise choices and integrate what’s truly needed in any given situation. The challenge is that there can be so many factors to deal with that the process seems overwhelming – all part of recent stresses and strains. Nevertheless, the Grand Cross has a way of helping us see the essential factors involved and the necessary wisdom to discard the non-essentials. In the meantime, we might feel like we’re suffering from multiple personalities. ;)

July 1st Solar Eclipse

The reigning deity of Ardra is Isa/Rudra, the Storm god, who is considered to be another form of Shiva. Consequently, Rudra energy is related to the necessity of dealing with certain elements of “destruction” of what’s no longer needed around us… It relates to our awareness of the sometimes dramatically changing forms on the material level, such as changes in our financial institutions, society as a whole, perhaps diminished travel opportunities (in sidereal, travel-related Gemini and high gas prices), and primarily as ‘thought’ as ‘form’ within our own awareness.

Ardra is also connected with deep feelings for Nature combined with passionate thinking; so there’s the stimulus of creation. There’s also a connection with ‘sadness’, as one of its symbols is the ‘teardrop’. But Ardra also facilitates the renewal and clarity of perception that takes place after the storm and the tears of sorrow. In essence, it’s an expansive energy that can trigger fierceness of activity and renewed enthusiasm, plus the inspiration to make greater efforts toward our goals… The shedding of tears can be part of our cleansing process and major sense of self-renewal. Without the seeming destruction of the old – or our detachment – there can be a lack of inner spaciousness, even literal space itself, for the New. These energies are part of the new paradigm of reality (“brother, can you paradigm?”) that has the world in a spin, because a different relationship, a different perception of material reality is now unfolding. It’s not just about time… It’s about going beyond time in consciousness.

© Haizen Paige – affordable Vedic astrology

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Rare Venus, Jupiter Planetary Event

Heads-up for the astrology minded... It’s highly unusual for both planets to come out of their retrograde position on the same day — in fact, I can’t  remember this happening in my lifetime. (A retrograde planet is one that appears to be moving backward in its orbit from our perch on Earth, plus the energy of the planet is stronger than usual.) So for the next week or so, Venus and Jupiter have greater impact than usual along the following lines:

Venus Significations

*Artistic breakthroughs, increased inspiration and creativity, the enjoyment of the arts in general, greater joy of creation, important social and business connections; change in artistic direction; fulfillment of artistic talents

*Release of uncertainty and doubts with regard certain relationships, greater clarity in overall relationships; increased love and appreciation in married life, greater opportunities for love and marriage. Social celebrations and happy events; out-of-the-ordinary visits from family… auspicious for the holiday season coming up; some may experience the desire for separation or divorce, depending upon the conditions of their natal chart and transits

*Legal decisions may need to be made with regard to marriage, divorce, estates, joint financial affairs, contracts and agreements

*Purchase of luxury items related to the beauty and functionality of the home; a better climate for the sale of homes, property and real estate; improved position to purchase a new or used car; the need to get out from under burdensome mortgage rates or refinance (also related to Jupiter moving forward as well)

Jupiter Significations

*Religious or spiritual experiences out of the ordinary; closer ties with one’s spiritual preceptor, or the benefits through that relationship; greater interest or participation in prayer, meditation, astrology, yoga; clarification of spiritual direction

*Business or financial expansion or contraction (depending upon the condition of one’s horoscope); the need to successfully handle situations related to debt; increased banking or investment activity; the benefits that can come through trust funds, inheritance, or retirement accounts; seeking the expertise of bankers, lawyers, ministers, gurus; the spiritual and financial benefits that can come by participating in charitable activities; the need to guard against major financial losses or engage in estate planning

*Greater confidence in oneself and life; the desire to make overall progress and improvements; important decisions related to studies and education; the planning or benefits of long-distance travel; an overall sense of relaxation and relief!

Happy planetary “surfing” to everyone and Thanksgiving wishes!

Sincerely, Haizen

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New Moon in Jyeshta Nakshatra

Happy New Moon! taking place at 9:36 AM/PST in Jyeshta nakshatra. In terms of Indian mythology, Jyeshta means the “rival of Mars,” so there’s considerable military Mars energy in December, especially about a week before and after the 11th. There may also be some issues related to ‘abandonment’ in our personal lives to get over with, whether it be by a person, agency or institution. Though this is a relatively short-term influence, any New Moon means a new lease on life and the time to look forward rather than back. In essence, a New Moon is like a refueling station that gets us through the next four weeks and carries us through the holiday season with enough fuel in our tank… So Happy New Moon!

For more on December, please go to the Vedic Forecast section in the Menu.

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Mercury Retrograde & The Eclipse Season Begins Today

*Mercury goes retrograde in optimistic and expansive sidereal Sagittarius and remains retrograde through the 29th. This means that many travel and holiday shopping decisions will be made within this period. Enjoy yourself and do your best without demanding perfection — that’s what the Exchange window is for at the malls. ;) Sometimes people feel a little more unsettled or uncertain about their future because it seems like more is hidden from their conscious awareness; but there are hidden forces at work pulling the strings on their behalf.

*Mercury is important in all matters pertaining to business affairs, contracts, agreements, communications, travel, editing, publishing, networking — and there may be unexpected changes, possible interruptions in these areas. But the changes can work in your favor unbeknownst to you at the time. In other words, certain delays can work in your behalf but you may only realize this later. Stop, listen, be aware. This period is about being flexible and having depth of understanding. Not all pending agreements are discombobulated.

*The general rule of thumb is to avoid the signing of long-term contracts, if possible, until after Mercury comes out of retrograde to prevent any kind of possible misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the agreement. If it’s necessary to sign anyway, do what you can to make sure you have an out in case you change your mind.

*Mercury retrograde can indicate changes in employment and is generally favorable for obtaining part-time work. It’s not recommended for making impulsive or rash job decisions.

*In business, you may be required to deal with unexpected schedule changes, and if possible, it’s helpful not to over-book or put yourself under the pressure of a tight schedule, which can lead to a sense of over-whelm. Mercury is about how our perceptions can cause us to be fooled by how things appear to be in the outer world, and it can be a helpful period to see that not all thoughts are to be believed, if any.

*When retrograde, Mercury places a focus on going over the loose ends of the previous 90 days. It favors the reorganization of daily affairs. Sometimes there can be a tendency toward communication problems, but we are given the opportunity to try again and mend the breach, usually successfully.

For those who wish to read more on Mercury Retro.

Mercury in Moola Nakshatra

What is a Nakshatra? There are twenty-seven nakshtras in all. Each one covers thirteen degrees and twenty minutes of the zodiac, and each Nakshatra is the head of a particular group of stars. Planets traveling through each one is colored by every Nakshatras’ highly distinct energy.

*Mercury, one of the problem-solving planets, in Moola Nakshatra is about dealing with a problem that has to be tackled at its roots; it’s only then that true healing can take place.

*Moola’s energy is also related to natural healing methods and the literal use of herbal remedies: “roots”. (An example would be to use Eyebright for its ability to sharpen the vision and strengthen the eyes.) The ultimate purpose of Moola Nakshatra is to overcome fear and learn to accept challenges.

*In Indian mythology, Nirriti is the god of destruction whose wild dance destroys illusions; she helps us see reality, the disgusting and the beautiful. Consequently, Moola is indeed about getting to the bottom of things and favors investigation and research.

*On the psychological level, Moola Nakshatra relates to people who may feel bound and trapped by the circumstances of their life and can get caught up in blaming others or their environment. But out of a deep sense of loss there are forces that lead them into an understanding of a higher power. Coming during the holiday season, there’s the suggestion of delving into one’s spiritual roots as part of the process of self-regeneration and self-renewal. In the meantime, be aware that there may be a subtle shift of energy that can have a bearing on the outcome of your decisions, your perceptions, your focus, and you need to do things in a flexible way. Astrology is a cosmic weather report and not who you are as a sacred being. Happy Mercury Retrograde and a Merry Christmas to all!

The Eclipse Season: 12/10 – 1/7

In addition too Mercury Retrograde, the energies of life are also being amplified because of the coming Lunar Eclipse that takes place on the 21st and the Solar Eclipse which occurs on January 4. For more information on these high-powered and transformative energies, please read on the spiritual significance of Eclipses. The Eclipse Season starts about ten days before the first Eclipse and ends three days after the second. It’s all about awareness and aliveness down to your fingertips.

The overview of December is posted under Vedic Newsletter Forecasts.

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Rare Lunar Eclipse and Solstice Event

A rare Lunar Eclipse falls on the same day as the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. This is an exceedingly rare event because the last time this happened was on December 21, 1638… and we have a long wait for the next occurrence on Dec. 21, 2094.

This alert may not reach everyone in time, but for those who are able to read it, the exact time of the eclipse is 12:13 am PST; 3:13 am EST. The eclipse will begin about an hour before these times and continue for about an hour afterwards.

This eclipse is particularly important because it will be highly visible throughout North and South America, and SEVEN planets will be involved — Sun (soul), Moon (mind), Mars (energy and vitality), Mercury (thought and the nervous system), Pluto (regeneration and transformation), Rahu (our insatiable desires) and Ketu (spiritual developments and our detachment from material desires).

The general guideline for moving through an eclipse period, as well as the actual eclipses themselves, is to know that their purpose is to stir us up to the max — our emotions and everyday reactions to things. People tend to be more hyper, perhaps stressed, because there’s more coming our way and we’re being challenged by the UNKNOWN to deal with a situation that was unplanned, that we never expected to have to deal with but is perhaps one of the most important challenges of our life, especially if we have deep concerns about our own mortality.

These periods also bring an opportunity to find out that we’re more capable, bigger in soul and spirit, more resourceful in our ability to regenerate ourselves physically, than we could have ever imagined.

Ultimately, eclipse periods are highly spiritual in nature and about enlightenment, awareness and awakening to our larger Self — all related to being fully alive and getting the most out of our experiences, usually with some element of surprise, unexpectedness or unpredictable outcomes to deal with and we have powerful emotional attachments or fears connected with those outcomes.

Very often during an eclipse period, we’re dealing with the larger issues of life, including long-term situations associated with finances and employment, major health challenges, relocations, our emotional reactions to loved ones, and in the case of a Lunar Eclipse, important developments that are related to current and past relationships. Lunar Eclipses tend to stir up the emotions sufficiently well until something long buried is brought up from the past to be healed and resolved.

The main build-up of Lunar Eclipse energy is before the exact time of the eclipse, and then afterwards it’s like passing through a tunnel of inner silence that one can perceive if one is still enough. This feeling of being suspended in time is a reflection of the inward quietude that is part of our basic nature and is now being highlighted and revealed. On the other hand, some may only feel a sense of emotional relief after the eclipse is over without understanding why.

For the astrologically minded — it’s like a cosmic weather report — the main guideline is to be aware of anything or anyone that you know is doing you no good or is not good for you. The best use of eclipse energy is for introspection, getting rid of the clutter, for prayer, meditation, activities related to the sacred energies of life, for going into the quiet or engaging in any spiritual pursuit such as using mantras, conserving vitality, or beginning spiritual studies. The importance of the Now is often revealed more than ever.

The period 3 days before or after an eclipse is usually not considered favorable for major long-distance travel or starting a new business. Basically, this period is excellent for meditating on what’s truly important in life, and is fine for rebalancing our life or assessing our main priorities. If you have to travel, simply keep these potentially unsettled energies in mind to navigate successfully through any uncertainty, and double-check all arrangements beforehand.

The entire eclipse period will be officially over three days after the Solar Eclipse of January 4 and the energies of life begin to settle down.

Venus in sidereal Libra and Jupiter in sidereal Pisces remain strong and helpful. Both are major sustaining energies that support a healthy outcome in matters of love and all that’s in keeping with our spiritual awakening.

Mercury remains retrograde through the 29th.

Wishing everyone an enlightening Lunar Eclipse as our dark side is illuminated and brought into the light of day for healing. So let it be.

Previous Blog entries.

Best wishes, Haizen

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Mercury goes Direct

Mercury will no longer be retrograde, starting at 11:21 pm PST on the 29th, or 2:21 AM EST on the 30th, and everyone is welcome to put on their New Years party hats early and celebrate.

Special Note: An astrological forecast is like a weather report; but it’s not who you are!

Usually people feel some type of relief when Mercury begins moving forward again. The mind seems to clear; making important decisions are not as plagued with doubt or uncertainty; understanding documents and paperwork seems easier; situations related to contracts, publishing and agreements become more favorable; plans that actually work out seem more readily made — with a general sense that all the fragments of our life are starting to come together again and life is about to resume more of its customary predictability and rhythm.

Still, it’s helpful to note that the Eclipse Season unpredictability continues through Jan. 7, until after we pass through the Solar Eclipse of the 4th. So the energies of life are still somewhat revolutionary and scrambled for another week or so. (More on the Solar Eclipse in a future planetary update.)

The following 17 day period, starting today, transiting Mercury is passing through its Shadow area of the zodiac. The Shadow area is the time it takes Mercury to cover the same ground it did when it first went retrograde and go past the degree of the zodiac where that started — in this instance, the 11th degree of the constellation of Sagittarius. From that point on, Mercury is covering new territory and gathering momentum to point out the handling of our daily affairs, our communications and networking, with a greater sense of continuity and ease.

Mercury’s transit of Rahu(North Node) on the 14th and 15th, plus Mercury’s transit of Pluto on the 17th, could indicate short-term business problems or decision-making trouble spots. Mercury continues to gather strength nevertheless.

For those who want more…

Astrologer’s Notes on December’s Mercury Retrograde

Astrologically speaking, this was a particularly challenging period globally for a number of reasons:

Mercury was not advantaged by sign, being in its neutral sign of sidereal Sagittarius. Jupiter, as sign dispositor of Mercury, Mars, Sun, Rahu and Pluto, was weakened by being within the first five degrees of sidereal Pisces where planets do not express at full strength.

Mercury was further weakened and ineffectual by being completely combust the Sun byDec. 19th, because the energy of a combust planet is absorbed and overpowered by the Sun. At such times, our only choice may be to wait out difficult conditions we may never have counted on, such as the disruptions caused by severe weather conditions, some of which led to massive mudslides in California. (Rahu and Pluto still within 5 degrees of each other contributed to these extreme conditions that affect land masses and masses of people.)

Mercury retrograde was taking place simultaneously with the Eclipse Period — adding an extra element of disruption and unpredictability.

Mercury retrograde coincided with major winter storms in some areas; in fact, a retrograde planet may often coincide with dramatically changing weather patterns that can severely affect long-distance travel and in extreme conditions, even bring it to a standstill. This happened in the UK and elsewhere.

Mercury coincided with the holiday season when people have generally more to do than usual anyway under time constraints and pressure.

Mercury was in the same sidereal sign as the natural malefics Sun, Mars and Rahu. Consequently, there were the flaring tempers; the intensity of the delays; the total breakdown of communications in certain instances; the lack of direction and clarity — taxing human ingenuity and know-how to the limit because of the overpowering forces of Mother Nature.

Venus in sidereal Libra was of great help during the month because it’s often the power of love and emotional connection that gets us through to our loved ones when we have plans to see them. Love conquers all.

Wishing everyone a marvelous 2011!

(c) Haizen Paige

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Tuesday’s Partial Solar Eclipse

“Of all the astronomical events that influence the Earth’s magnetic field, the most dramatic is an eclipse of the Sun or Moon. When this takes place, the magnetic activity normally stimulated by the eclipsed body diminishes, with considerable effect on the regular flow of terrestrial current… No plausible explanation has ever been put forward for the quite remarkable interest which prehistoric man showed in acquiring advance warning of an approaching eclipse…(other than) the sudden interruption to the even flow of terrestrial magnetic current.”—John Michel – New View Over Atlantis

Upcoming Eclipses

2011 is going to be singled out as rare because of its grand total of 6 major eclipses. Four of these will be Partial Solar Eclipses, and the other two will be Total Lunar Eclipses. This is a significant occurrence because only five times in the entire 21st Century will such a pattern repeat itself, and I promise to keep you posted. ;)

The first Partial SolarEclipse takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 4th, at 1:08 am PST, and 4:08 am EST. While it will not be visible in the United States, which somewhat lessens it’s impact here, though it still stimulates the overall energies of change in a rapidly evolving world—it will be visible to our friends throughout most of Europe, the northern half of Africa, the Middle East, western Asia, northwestern China, western Mongolia, and the northwestern part of India, where the energies are likely to have the strongest influence mentally, physically and spiritually. Keep us posted!

What’s a Solar Eclipse?

Such an event occurs when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, and when viewed from the Earth, the Sun is viewed as fully or partially covered. As the Sun’s energy is responsible for the existence of life on earth, down through the centuries a solar eclipse has sometimes been viewed with dread, as the Sun seems to disappear from the sky at the time of the eclipse.

Special Note:The highest purpose of an eclipse is to keep you aware of any major beginnings or endings in your life, as an eclipse can be a catalyst for both if it impacts your horoscope:Sun, Moon, Ascendant, or any planet at 19 degrees sidereal Sagittarius/Gemini, or 13 degrees Capricorn/Cancer in the tropical zodiac, plus or minus 3 degrees. If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to ask. An eclipse on any of these major positions can also be a health factor.

Pay extra attention to your current state of affairs—your major priorities—and also be aware of what’s happening with yourself spiritually, plus any new developments with regard to your physical body and primary direction in life. In other words, Eclipse periods are one of the most important times to pay attention to your overall state of well-being, your real feelings, and not to allow yourself to go out of integrity with yourself for too long.

On an even more exalted level, there are often spiritual or creative breakthroughs during an eclipse period, as the end of our current Eclipse season takes place on January 7, with its reverberations continuing over the next few weeks as we come back down to earth and the hyper energies begin to settle down again.

The Astrological Impact of a Solar Eclipse

Solar eclipses are generally considered more intense and longer lasting than Lunar ones. Astrologer Raymond Merriman says, “they create a vacuum in your life; they block out a new direction, and hence, even though it might appear to be rough circumstances, often times it works out quite to the betterment to all concerned.”

The Moon, which is the mind, the changing part of our personality, comes to block out the energy of the Sun, which is related to our relationship with soul issues—the totality of what we are and the direction in which we are headed. So an Eclipse represents change which is going to create a vacuum in the direction in which you are headed. Usually if a Solar Eclipse occurs in conjunction or opposition to a sensitive point in your chart — the degrees of the zodiac mentioned already — it suggests that it’s time for you to create new circumstances, a new direction. It suggests that in some area of your life, the direction you have been in is completed; it is finished. It’s time for something new; time for a change. It’s time to willingly surrender that past phase of your life and cheerfully pursue alternatives. Most people resist it and try to hang on to what is already completed that can lead to some negative circumstances or a negative response to circumstances. If there is enough courage to start something new, then Eclipse periods can be a fantastic, rejuvenating, exciting, creative placement in your life.

Click here to see all the Solar and Lunar Eclipse dates  in 2011.

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Eclipse Period ends . . . Good News about Mars

Between Jan. 7 and Feb 14, Mars will transit sidereal Capricornthe best place for Mars—its exalted position—its most powerful and dynamic placement. A great number of constructive events are possible within this five-week span.

Coming at the end of the energetically disruptive Eclipse period that started on December 10, Mars entering its exaltation will bring forth a noticeable and decidedly improved climate in the air… to those who you take the time in stillness to pick up on the incoming vibes.

What’s happening is a combination of two things: part of us is inwardly relaxing from the intensity and disruption of recent events, even if we happen to be outwardly busy; and the other part is ready for action that results from emotional and mental clarity—the result of a calmer center of awareness. One teaching of Mars is that action and anxiety are not necessary to each other in order to get something done.

These motivating Mars energies should make for a new start in life, a new business, new ideas and concepts, increased productivity, greater sense of adventure, more courage, fortitude and a wilder zest for living.

The economy has been suffering from the lack of the new. What’s needed are new ways of doing things, new starts, new interests, new job possibilities, and on and on. Mars represents the courage to establish something new, and the energy to follow through until the plan is materialized.

For some, Mars in Capricorn may lead to a feeling that the veil is being lifted and dissolving long-standing obstacles to progress. (For instance, Mars moves into the area of my chart that will re-energize my motivation to exercise and re-awaken an interest in health issues that have been somewhat dormant lately.)

If you want to be on good terms with Mars, get out and move. Take advantage of the opportunity. Act on what’s most important to your overall well-being. Mars in Capricorn is also considered better for the handling of all building, property and real estate affairs. Build–repair–do–decide–enjoy. Oh…Mars can be very sexy here, too!

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Moon and Mercury on Business and Finances

This update is an antidote to the sometimes discouraging news and stagnation of the economy that some are having to deal with lately—tips on taking advantage of the Planetary Positives.

Moon and Manifestation

Starting today it’s of great help that the First Quarter Moon is gaining momentum and increasing in light: “the light of consciousness within the mind” and its power to manifest plans and projects.

The Moon continues to gain brilliance in light until it reaches its peak on the day of the Full Moon,Jan 19th, 1:21 pm PST; 4:21 pm EST. In vedic astrology the most important time of the Moon’s overall influence is when it’s greatest in light the week before and after the Full Moon. It’s consider to be more auspicious. Today’s First Quarter Moon signals the start of this significant two week period.

Mercury and Commerce

Also starting today and lasting through next Tuesday, Mercury will be transiting Rahu (North Node) and Pluto. This can be a worrisome time for some because Mercury represents the intellect and commerce—the problem-solving qualities of the mind under pressure.

Rahu tends to intensify any situation it’s connected with, and Mercury is associated with such activities as employment, sales, writing, speaking, contracts, travel and communications… finding the right words. Consequently, this transit is a classic indication of potential delays or upsetments in these areas, and Mercury’s transit of Pluto can also be challenging and bring forth insurance matters or other financial paperwork to deal with. Depending upon the situation as a whole, it could be to one’s advantage.

The useful side of these transits is that Rahu can involve one in foreign affairs, contacts, or business interests, because it’s stimulating and can take one outside the box of business as usual and signify long-distance communications. Anyone involved with setting up foreign travel or dealings may be in a position to expound on a new area of export, marketing or commerce. (If only I spoke Chinese ;) )

Mercury/Pluto transits are useful for assessing or handling large-scale organizational affairs, dealing with large groups of people, or taking steps to eliminate any non-essentials. Cutting down on waste or unnecessary expenditures is equivalent to money earned and a constructive use of these energies. “Less is more.”

On the physical level, Mercury transits can sometimes mean a healing crisis involving the nerves, skin or lungs.  It’s a short term influence where the body tries to throw off toxins, marshal its forces and push through blockages.

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s about time that I throw out those old files and cancel an insurance policy I no longer need for stubbed toes…

Please refer to previous blog updates for the good news of Mars transiting sidereal Capricorn. Happy hunting with Mars.

Best wishes, Haizen

Affordable readings by email, Skype, phone, or two tin cans tied together with string ;) I am here to serve.

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Solar Alert and Alert Awareness

Since the 21st of the month, there has been a dramatic increase in sunspot activity. In astronomical terms, such activity is associated with a potential increase of solar flares and what is called “magnetic reconnection” or explosions on the Sun. Solar magnetic reconnection has the potential to cause solar flares as powerful as “a billion atomic bombs,” plus fueling magnetic storms and auroras.  Usually magnetic energy is unleashed in the form of heat and charged-particle kinetic energy. So far researchers are unable to explain the phenomenon.

In terms of astrological significance, the Sun is “the giver of life.” It is the source of all chi, prana, our constitutional vitality, or whatever one wishes to call this vital magnetic current. Humans need it and absorb it indirectly through every variety of plant and vegetation, and through direct exposure to the Sun. When there’s an increase in the Sun’s kinetic energy, there’s an infusion and it can be helpful to pay greater attention and look for its effects both outwardly and even more importantly, internally.

One of the effects in the Sedona area is that the winds have been kicking up unexpectedly more than usual since last night. Weather changes are likely to be a manifestation of the dramatic increase in the solar energy hitting our planet. We are experiencing that high powered kinetic energy flowing through and around us like we’re standing in the middle of it. Even if there are no visible manifestations of weather in your area, we know from the astronomical data on the current sunspots that the Sun’s energy is indeed whipping up the earth’s magnetosphere more than usual and there’s still likely to be internal effects.

As a Sun observer, I would rather have more prana coming in than not. I believe that the Sun’s increased activity helps fuel all matters related to consciousness, awareness, awakening, and the manifestation of tangible events on earth. We are somehow being refueled and have more vitality to work with if we are able to absorb the energy consciously as well as not. Sometimes there can be difficulties with increased solar energy because there are studies indicating that it can increase the rate of accidents or heart attacks. (Sheila Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder wrote of these scientific studies in their book, “Astrological Birth Control.”)

In any event, we are now experiencing the biggestsunspots of the year and there’s likely to be an increase in solar flares over the next few days. Notice your level of energy, your level of activity, your level of awareness–all of which are being stirred by the dramatic influx of these invisible solar winds.

Best wishes from Haizen

To see pictures of these current sunspots visit SpaceWeather.

Haizen specializes in affordable vedic astrology readings.

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Intense Solar Flare Headed Our Way

On the 13th of Feb. at 9:38 am PST, one of the strongest solar flares of the year erupted from the Sun and is Earth-bound. There was an intense flash of extreme ultraviolet radiation (see circled sunspot):

The cloud will likely hit Earth’s magnetic field on the 15th of the month, and for some it might cause some agitation or disruptions of certain affairs. Similar to what was mentioned in the last solar bulletin, those with long-standing heart conditions might consider being more careful of stressful conditions or exertion. There may also be minor electrical disruptions as well.

The activity of the Sun has been stirred more than usual for the past few weeks and it coincides with the Sun aspecting Mars for about the same period of time. Astrologically speaking, with both planets passing through the constellation of Capricorn–the sign related to governments and leadership–these energies have contributed to the toppling of Mubarak from power and will continue to influence the general state of affairs in the Arab world.

Mars’ close relationship with the Sun will continue through the end of February and is part of a great movement of energy related to the activation of democratic reforms in Egypt and perhaps elsewhere. This is further emphasized by a major conjunction of Sun, Mars, Mercury and Neptune in the constellation of Aquarius, between the 18th of Feb and the 5th of March.

This can be an eventful period for scientific research, technological developments (including those related to our renewable resources), charitable or community efforts, networking of all kinds, the healing arts, astrology and metaphysics, and enjoying the benefits of making new friends and connecting with old ones.

Best wishes to all.

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The Continuing Impact of Solar Flares

According to a Spaceweather update, we are still in a period when solar activity is greater than it’s been in four years: “A solar wind stream hit Earth’s magnetic field during the early hours of March 1st, sparking a day-long magnetic storm that is subsiding but perhaps not over yet.”

My experience of these winds is that they can be more or less disruptive of our taken-for-granted logic and thinking processes and cause a number of unexplained or strange occurrences, such as the continuation of disruptive storms, electrical problems, unexpected mixups, computer or software malfunctions, and just keeping up with some of these weird anomalies that seem to have increased recently.

Solar flares increase the ionization that’s hitting Earth, and humans have their own electrical circuits that are subject to interference. On the other hand, these solar winds are lively energies and can make for unexpected gains though you may have to work twice as hard.

With some people the winds seems to subtly interfere with their thinking processes: they take actions that appear perfectly correct or logical, and the outcome can be entirely unexpected because of a distracted or distorted sense of reality.

So it helps to stay centered despite the weirdness and allow the time to make corrections, revisions, or take the extra steps to get the desired outcome. In the meantime, it can feel like there’s a hidden x-factor that’s operating in our life.

Balsamic Phase

With the New Moon of the 4th around the corner, we’re currently in the Balsamic phase of the Moon, which cycle-wise is particularly good for introspection, spiritual practices, organizing, finishing up the loose ends of the last four weeks, rest and self-regeneration. It’s more auspicious for completions than for starting major new projects.

On the mundane level, you’ll have a better chance of  success if you launch your plans after the 4th, or take advantage of the period between Mar 15 – 24 when the Moon, representing the principle of manifestation, is at is strongest.

New Moon on the 4th

In planetary terms, here is the new beginning of the month. In our nation’s chart, there is a great deal of emphasis on Mars, Moon, Sun and Mercury in the constellation of Aquarius and on 8th house affairs… such affairs as the nation’s finances, banking, savings and loans, corporate funds, and all. The 8th house influence is also associated with cut-backs and efforts to pair down the budgets; so there can be certain events that may pertain to the public welfare.

Eighth house affairs can also pertain to the increase in criminal financial activities related to identity theft, and it would be wise to make sure you are taking all the precautions to protect your assets. Nevertheless, there’s a natural wisdom available to us that will help sharpen our instincts to look out for those who haven’t our welfare in mind.

Sun and Mars

As if the Sun wasn’t hot enough, Mars is still adding something extra. Nevertheless, Mars has to do with making a new beginning in our life. It’s about making the preparations to start something important, be more self-reliant, or take the initiative in our affairs. The other side of it is that Mars can be impatient and aggressive, and in great need of being reminded about the important of having patience in the face of delays. So these are energies to get us moving, especially as we get closer to spring. More updates coming up during the month…

Best wishes to all, Haizen

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Earthquake in Japan, and The Super Moon

More Sun and Moon

These two forces govern the basic rhythm of life on Earth and both have been continuing to have massive impact. The Sun continues to be active with sunspots and solar flares, and anyone who has seen recent pictures will notice how it looks like someone stuck pins in it to let out its brilliant plumes of light. It’s spectacular on one hand, and potentially dangerous on the other, in its disruptive radiation and ionization effects.

The Recent Sun

Sometimes it helps to consider the relationship of the major planets Jupiter and Saturn and their impact on the Sun. Looking at our solar system from the heliocentric (Sun-centered) point of view, the Sun is EXACTLY sandwiched between Jupiter on one side and Saturn 180 opposite. It almost seems like these opposite forces are pulling the flares out of the Sun.

The influence of Jupiter and Saturn began last December and will continue through mid-May and may be contributing to our increased solar activity… Mars is also a factor heliocentrically and will be on one side of the Sun while Saturn is on the other as May comes along, and the nature of these two planets are normally highly inimical to each other. It almost seems as the Sun is going through an important phase of its own evolution, and in a state of crisis.

Those interested in a closer view of recent Sun activity can see more here:

Solar Iconic Eruption (not Earthbound)

Solar Flares and Space Weather – The General Impact

The Super Moon

This happens when the Moon is unusually close to the Earth (at its “perigee”) – and today it’s closer than it has been in 18 years. Well, the Super Moon is taking place within the same Sun-Moon cycle that started on the 4th, and the Moon was a huge factor in the Sendai earthquake in Japan, because a strong Moon can often coincides with ‘high tides’, a tsunami being an understatement.

The Moon’s influence was made doubly important because the constellation of Cancer, ruled by the Moon, was on the ascendant of the earthquake chart on March 11… Not only that, but the Moon was strong in the nakshatra of “Krittika,” related to the star-grouping of the Pleiades, also known as The “Weeping Sisters”. Historically, Krittika is associated with ‘sorrow and violence’, and has a ‘sharp, piercing and penetrating nature’. (A “nakshatra” is a 13-degree and 20-minute division of the heavens. There are 27 individual ones, each with a separate and highly individual meaning.)

On a mental or emotion level, Krittika may have to do with deep inner conflicts about the nature of life and how we’re having to live it. In any event, some of this nakshatra’s destructive power was unleashed and has dislodged parts of the coast of Japan by as much as 8 feet. Some scientists are seeing the event as possibly being related to the actual changing of the poles on Earth. If so, we are moving into the vast Unknown where Earth changes will be increasing and more migrations necessary, as the sea continues to reshape or reclaims the land. Stay tuned for future updates…

Super MoonExplanation


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Jupiter, Saturn, and More Solar Storms

The major planets Jupiter (expansion) and Saturn (contraction) are now exactly opposite each other. Both have to do with finance (Jupiter) plus rules and business practices (Saturn).

Viewing these influences on the mundane level, Saturn is limiting Jupiter’s optimism with regard to current financial developments; Jupiter is working to uplift and counteract Saturn’s pessimism about the future, as the global economy continues to sort itself out along unprecedented new lines, with China and India being more competitive in bidding for the world’s resources, including the demand for oil, all of which is contributing to higher gas prices in the US.

Other contributing factors, indicated by a number of recent planetary transits through the constellation of Aquarius, have contributed to the political upheavals and revolutions that are unsettling the Middle East.

The ways of the world do not have to be ours, and while it’s important to be ‘realistic’ in the marketplace, the Jupiterian influence on Saturn still points to slow but steady growth in some areas of the economy, especially in the service and health professions.

The difficulty is that Saturn in the constellation of work and service, Virgo, is still indicating a great deal of unemployment, perhaps more than is apparent in the news. Both Jupiter in Pisces and Saturn in Virgo have more to do with ENDINGS than with new beginnings.

The new beginnings start coming when Jupiter enters the constellation of Aries on May 8 and continues for about a year. That’s good news in a somewhat stalled and stagnant economy, though with regard to the long-range view of the economy, we’re still not out of the woods for most likely another two years.

More on Solar Flares

According to recent SpaceWeather.com bulletins, there’s been a sustained solar radio storm coming in bursts. Some scientists are saying that the Sun seems to be entering “a new phase of dynamism,” as Sunspots are popping up in many locations of the Sun’s surface.

The Sound of the Radio Storm

In other words, there’s a great deal of solar radiation hitting Earth, and it seems highly significant that the radiation coincides with the radiation still being released from the damaged nuclear reactors in Japan. This may be a perfect example of “as above, so below,” at least on a planetary energy level.

My sense of this is that the radiation may somehow contribute to an accelerated change and evolution of our DNA, as the Earth is dealing with a release of radiation that is partly due to human causes.

While some of these recent planetary events sound rather ominous, perhaps even related to a change in the way humans deal with matter on the material plane, these changes seem right on time and may have a beneficial effect on our evolution and spiritual awakening.

In the meantime, there’s a great deal of solar radiation passing through our bodies, stirring up political affairs and agitating more Earth changes than usual. These energies might be uncomfortable for some of us as we pass through these solar storms and then get use to them.

Next Update: Mercury goes retrograde on Wednesday, March 30, at 1:48 pm PDT.

Sincerely, Haizen Paige

Affordable Vedic Readings

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Secrets of Mercury Retrograde: Mar 30-Apr 23

People hear the words “Mercury retrograde” and sometimes their eyes glaze over or some will fain to pass out. They expect everything in their life to fall into ruination, their computer or marriage to fail, and nothing but broken promises or miscommunications.

Well, the effects of a retrograde planet vary greatly and sometimes there are a few added complications, depending a great deal on our current state of affairs. If one is chronically disorganized and late for appointments, those tendencies can be amplified.

While all of our fears might be “true” (wink, wink; more often than not, not true at all), there’s actually a good side to this three-week Mercury period because we can get a new perspective on life, and it’s a subtle time-out in our usual way of going about things – we need a change of pace. That’s why it can be good for attending week-end retreats or going on a longer sabbatical. Just make sure you double-check all travel arrangements. It might also be time to take stock of ways to improve your finances or business.

The key is that Mercury retrograde is not focused on linear 2+2 thinking like it normally is; rather it’s more about a subconscious ‘perception’ or new way of looking at the “elephant.”

The problem with elephants is they’re so big we can only see one part of it at a time. In order to take in the whole Ganesh (elephant), so to speak, it’s necessary to have an additional vantage point to get a better picture of the whole. And lo and behold, the view may not be what we imagine (though it may still be a good idea not to stand directly behind an elephant for too long).

In general, there may be more distractions to the mind, more interruptions in your daily routine, or the temptation to go on mental side-trips. However, the trips can sometimes lead to fresh discoveries or revised ways of doing things, plus we get a chance to tie up the loose ends of the past 90 days.

This period can also be excellent for reorganizing your surroundings, making sure of the location of important legal documents, engaging in in-depth studies, the re-reading of favorite books for additional insights, writing and editing manuscripts, the deepening of your spiritual practices…, because the pesky conscious reasoning mind needs a vacation and is less likely to get in the way of the eternal Now.

The problem again is that our perceptions may be off the mark, amplified by our imagination. The good in this is that any retrograde period gives us the chance to overcome any miscommunications by try, try, trying again. We can reword our initial request, try it at a different time, say it with a different inflection, or even drop the matter entirely as a bad idea.

Mercury in Pisces

Mercury retrograde will be travelling through the constellation of Pisces between March 30 and April 23, in its debilitated (weak) position, not in its best sign.

For those into the study of vedic astrology, what helps is that Mercury is forming a combination of planets with Jupiter EXALTED in Pisces, the planet ruling the constellation Mercury is in, (called ‘Neecha Bhanga’ in sanskrit, helping to cancel Mercury’s debilitating shortcomings). Should Mercury not appear appear to support effortless travel, communications, sales or business agreements – look for some hidden compensation or unexpected benefits, perhaps even an angel. I’ve gotten excellent results with difficult situations by putting them on my favorite (Silent Unity) prayer line. One of the mantras for neutralizing Mercury’s negative affects is “OM SRI RAMAYA NAMAHA.”

What astrologers sometimes forget to take into account is that the timing for travel may not always be by choice. There may have been a death in the family or the need to travel for business reasons under less than ideal conditions. If so, do whatever you feel is necessary and keep the prevailing condition of Mercury in mind, by being more flexible, patient and compassionate. After all, in terms of the outer world, every moment is good for something, and Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter and Mars will all be passing through compassionate Pisces.

For those wanting to track Mercury’s transits during the next three weeks, Mercury will be aspecting the Moon (4/4), Sun (4/9), Jupiter (4/11), Saturn (4/18-26) and Mars (4/19), with Jupiter in Pisces being the saving grace to bail out Mercury’s lapses. Moon is the mind, Sun is consciousness and will, Jupiter is the abundance of truth, Saturn represents possibly delays and the need for realistic thought, and Mars is the need for patience in all matters of decision and communications.

The period after Mercury comes out of its retrograde position on the 23rd should be considered better for starting a new business, but in the meantime it can be favorable for improving or revising whatever business you may already have. People are seeking connections now, in the midst of political disruptions and global chaos, and there are ways of deepening our ties magically, even during a watered down, retrograde Mercury.  (c) Haizen Paige

Best wishes to all.

Affordable Vedic Readings

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JUPITER, RAHU & KETU MOVE INTO NEW CONSTELLATIONS

Jupiter gets fired up!

On May 8, JUPITER, the planet of finance, protection and opportunity, moves into the adventurous sign of sidereal ARIES, and will act as something of a stimulant. This is a more freedom-loving placement that should stimulate the spirit of discovery and society-benefiting innovations through May 2012.

Aries relates to the NEW — new ideas and concepts, research, travel, relocations, moves, investments, being out more in nature, initiating exploratory contacts with others, unusual business alliances, taking ACTION, and revivifying personal growth and development. Expect a shot in the arm for society as far as creating new markets for those people seeking employment or leadership positions. One great new idea could translate into countless jobs in the coming years. Jobs in medicine, law enforcement, and the military continue to be favored.

The Lunar Nodes

RAHU and KETU (the North and South Nodes) are vitally important in Vedic Astrology – they are the activators of karma and stir things up! and they have moved into the sidereal signs of SCORPIO and TAURUS respectively on May 2. Both signs are related to such things as psychological or spiritual transformation, and on the mundane level, financial ups and downs and developments.

In general, these influences are not considered beneficial for overall economic growth, and these planetary positions will continue through Jan 2013. I see this cycle having to do with the continuing concerns about such areas as public financing and Medicare. But I see no immediate interruption of services, though the US economy looks like it will still be struggling for a number of months, if not years. Nevertheless, Jupiter in Aries will be of help between now and May of next year.

These problems are absolutely necessary in order to make a new start and build on a sounder basis during the coming years. The situation is not only related to facing surprising potential disruptions, but is a matter of facing certain unavoidable financial realities. Despite some outward material uncertainty, I view the change of sign positions of Rahu and Ketu as indicating the final bottoming out of our sluggish economy, before we can begin to build new momentum toward an economy that is able to sustain growth and momentum over the next few years.

In the meantime this Rahu/Ketu cycle continues to favor conservatism in the handling of personal finances and the need to deal with certain conditions that may be out of our control. What matters is not buying into the negativity of the media with regard to the global marketplace. Some of our institutions are in need of reforms anyway, and it’s important that the problems surface so they can be successfully dealt with. With our renewed personal initiative, even small financial gains can become accumulative over the months, and the investment picture is likely to be active.

The primary message of this update is to remind everyone that new planetary vibrations are hitting planet Earth and establishing a fresh climate of change. Some of you will benefit by finding out where these new sign positions take place in your chart and get a head start where to look for these changes to take place in your life. Affordable readings made available.

-Sincerely, Haizen Paige

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SECRETS OF THE ECLIPSES

SPECIAL NOTE: Between June and the first week of July, we have three eclipses in a row: the Solar Eclipse on June 1, the Lunar Eclipse on June 15, and the Solar Eclipse on July 1.

There’s something special about the intensified energy generated by eclipses that can be life-affirming or have a way of agitating people, especially if they’ve been under stress or are subject to flare-ups in their health. Life has already been stirred up because of the activity of recent sunspots and solar flares. The recent winds in Sedona and certain major storms elsewhere are partly due to the great influx and continuation of solar radiation.

On the other hand, eclipses are considered to be spiritually important, excellent for prayer, meditation, and hanging out in the energy of the universe, particularly on the exact day of an eclipse.

If other’s reactions to things seem more intensified and urgent around you, even a bit crazy, you can stay in balance by knowing that the time between now and July represents the entire length of the eclipse period. After July 4, the energies of life begin to settle down and return to “normal”.

In another sense, eclipses are about preparing for the unexpected in the way of events, including good ones: wonderful surprise visits, love affairs, new meetings and encounters, fresh business ideas and inspiration, emotional and spiritual breakthroughs and the phasing out of the past toward making a new start.

Usually though, life is throwing more at you to handle under stress. By focusing on the essentials, having a sense of what they are and by trying to simplify your activities, you can minimize the stresses and strains of daily life.

Actually, I feel that the deepest purpose of eclipse periods is to highlight the activities of thought, their absolute unreality except for practical purposes, so you can see how they are related to the madness of trying to live in the past or the future. The safe Zone and the easiest place to be is in the Now moment – that which is beyond time, space, and form. It’s there that you are best able to handle the simple one thing at a time, always so manageable and guided from a deeper level of Intelligence.

In addition, you may realize the importance of not clinging to anyone or anything that is no longer good for you or in someway not for you. Eclipse periods can get you back on track with regard to your major purpose in life, both on a material and spiritual level.

From the Vedic astrology point of view, eclipse periods can be auspicious for dedicating more time to your Dharmic practices, and the benefits can be of a lasting nature. From the material standpoint, eclipse days are not considered auspicious for starting a business or making major decisions that are likely to have unexpected negative consequences somewhere down the line. It’s better to ‘center’ and be inwardly still at such times, even if your outer life is busier than usual because of outside demands.

Those of you who will be affected the most are the ones who have a natal graha (planet) or the Ascendant aspected by an eclipse either by conjunction or opposition. These eclipse aspects can indicate a new cycle of life opening up in a specific area of your personal universe.

For more information on eclipses, go to 2011 Planetary Events and look under 2011 Eclipses.

Best wishes to all, Haizen Paige - Affordable readings and consultations.

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JUNE 15TH LUNAR ECLIPSE UPDATE

We’re currently in the midst of one of the longest lunar eclipses in 11 years, with its impact lasting throughout the month, possibly even beyond, to work out the transcendental changes that are now taking place. If possible, it’s better not to force conditions – turn them over to Divine Intelligence – and get our usual way of doing things out of the way, to let certain situations sort themselves out and get ready to take appropriate action when we’re properly guided. This can be an upsetting time for some because the intensity of our emotions can take us by surprise, or some conditions can appear unsolvable. It’s important not to be fooled by outer conditions and make decisions based on a transitory impulse.

Astronomically speaking, an eclipse takes place when the Sun gets to within 15 – 18 degrees of the Nodes (Rahu or Ketu). This one will be visible from every continent in the world but the US. Nevertheless, an eclipse still has global impact – shakes up the world in a necessary way in terms of whether it is truly functioning or not – and can activate specific karmas in the World and in our personal life, depending upon what’s happening in our horoscope (“rashi”) chart.

There are basically two kinds of eclipses, regardless of whether it’s a solar or lunar: a Rahu eclipse if it’s closest to the Sun during the time it takes place; a Ketu eclipse if it’s the one that happens to be closest to the Sun.

The three eclipses during June and July have the Sun closest to the ‘dissolving’ influence of KETU, especially the Lunar Eclipse on the 15th, where the Sun is within only one degree of Ketu – very close – and the Moon is less than one degree from Rahu – making this an extremely significant time of the year when the emotions and reactions are heightened, perhaps agitated, because of unexpected events that we may have never encountered before – a voyage into the unknown that can lead to a major revision of our overall life-style.

The energies of life continue to be stirred both spiritually and materially, creating opportunities as well as potential losses, and our spiritual practices take on added importance to connect us with the deepest most profound inner resources to get through this time of potential instability AND awakening. This includes the inner stillness that can be easier to contact than usual if one just STOPS everything for a moment or two, or longer, and becomes aware of it. Our awareness of the unmanifested energies of life are there to support us, but from a deeper level than thought or the intellect only.

The influence of a Ketu Lunar Eclipse works best when we maintain a sense of detachment about our current situation, including the need to let go of material things we may no longer require. It’s easier when we let go voluntarily, but that doesn’t always happen when we are forced to let go because of the pressure, stress, and circumstantial conditions that are beyond our control.

Eclipse energies are a reminder that there are bigger forces in life than our own ego, thoughts, plans, desires, whatever. Life itself is making the change, and the easiest way to go about it during these sometimes turbulent times is, again, to voluntarily let go of what we no longer can hold onto anyway. It can be liberating to do so, because out of that seeming void and emptiness something new is born. A new direction in life is set in motion and there is tremendous room to move foward more in keeping with our available resources and current needs. Waiting and watching the heightened energies ebb and flow are very much a part of what’s happening. That’s why it can be difficult to make major decisions with certainty.

Solar eclipses are about new beginnings; KETU lunar eclipses are about MAJOR ENDINGS. We transcend form, return to the unmanifested energies of existence through surrender and willing relinquishment. It’s part of life recycling itself but at a more efficient and exalted level.

The energies are not particularly stable because the Nodes, Rahu and Ketu, are also in their signs of debilitation in Scorpio and Taurus respectively and considered in “Gandanta” positions. At least Rahu is as it straddles the boundary between the Water sign of the constellation of Scorpio and the Fire sign of Sagittarius, like two rivers of energy flowing into each other that create a certain amount of turbulence until they finally merge. Such a juncture of forces is related to matters of the Soul, plus the Moon (Moola Nakshatra) takies us on a journey to discover the fundamental source of things – root causes – that are a necessary part of restructuring our life and for healing purposes.

DANCE

Dance, when you’re broken open.

Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off.

Dance in the middle of the fighting.

Dance in your blood.

Dance, when you’re perfectly free. —Rumi

—Sincerely, Haizen Paige, Sedona, AA

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Geomagnetic Storm in Progress

According to NASA and other scientific agencies, a fast-moving stream of solar winds is now buffeting the Earth’s magnetic field and likely to continue for a few days. Some pundits are calling this recent storm the “solstice solar flare” because its origin comes from the significant solar eruption on the 21st, the day of the Summer Solstice.

“As above, so below” with a contemporary account of this amazing principle: The storm energy of our Sun finally reaches and starts buffeting us today, on Friday, the 24th, and, lo and behold, I’m reading the Arizona Republic and my eyes almost pop out of my head when the headline reads: “Suns Opt for ‘Impact’ Pick”, a story regarding an NBA draft pick for the Phoenix Sun’s basketball team. The “Suns…Impact”? That says it all – a rather startling synchronicity suggesting that it’s more than mere coincidence animating the headlines of the inner and outer Suns of our lives.

While a relatively short-term event, the continuation of solar winds seems to be indicating a behavior that might be unprecedented in the way the Sun normally behaves, at least in our life-time. Something monumental is apparently going on that pertains to the evolution of our solar system, including our own inner solar system that is an exact counterpart of the infinity of space surrounding us.

I believe the message is not new but still remains: “We are not alone,” and “Evolve or die.”

That may sound ominous, but I believe that if we look to the right and to the left of us, we do seem to be approaching some kind of “critical mass” as far as mass consciousness is concerned and its destructive impact on ourselves and the planet. On the light-filled side of it, it’s a chance to be part of a New Earth rather than part of the problem that contributes to the demise in the quality of our vanishing oceans, the farmlands, our decent food and water, that threaten our survival.

Astrologers maintain that the activity of the Sun in our birth chart pertains to matters of the Soul as well as our ability to absorb and utilize prana (the life-force from the Sun).

Additionally, the Sun is said to represent “the sustaining center of things,” such areas of life that signify our overall well-being: our resistance to disease, the health of our circulatory system or heart, the structural soundness of our bones and skeletal system, not to mention, our eyesight. The Sun represents Pitta or fiery energy in Ayurvedic medicine, and the changing nature of the Sun might affect these areas in order that we can make long-term improvements in our health.

In any event, the quality and amplification of this solar energy no longer seems entirely “normal”. I believe it matters that we stay open to something potentially startling in our lives to move us forward in our own awakening that goes beyond form, but which animates, through its energetic power, the constantly changing forms that appear magically before us. While somewhat disquieting, something is FINALLY happening outwardly that could help propel the human race into the next stage of its snail-paced evolution. How many masters does it take – Jesus of Nazareth, Lao Tzu, Krishnamurti, Yogananda… – to show that this opportunity has always been available?

So the Sun seems to be acting in “strange” ways lately, and my feeling is that these unprecedented energies of Awakening, or potentially disruptive events, are now playing out in our lives in a continuing, accelerated manner. I keep mentioning them in an astrological setting so we can do a reality check and stay more current with our inner states of consciousness, as energy is basically neutral and the determining factor in our success and well-being is how well we respond to them. Otherwise, unless we’re anchored to something real, the events of life can pull us apart through panic, fear and self-destructive worry.

It’s not always a matter of consciously making decisions either, but rather a matter of simply being still and listening, listening, listening, until there’s that divine impulse that can rouse us into action without the effort, the doubt and confusion. It may be hard to accept for some, but there’s a new way of making decisions, or having decisions come to us, without the mind making a fuss or tearing us apart – and it’s available in the Now.

Sincerely, Haizen Paige – Affordable Vedic Astrology.

Next major event: Solar Eclipse on July 1

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