Author Linda Tucker, conservator/founder of the Global White Lion Protection Trust headquartered in Timbavati, Africa, former model and marketing executive, recounts the true story of her near-death experience surrounded by predatory lions and saved by a strange powerful female shaman called Maria the Lion Queen, only to discover her true life's mission of protecting and providing sanctuary for the special type of lion - the sacred white lion - that is an integral part of the prophecies of Africa's legends about these "End Times".

This book that at first I feared might simply be a sales pitch for the White Lions Foundation instead turns out to be a superb unfolding of a mystery, a type of treasure hunt for the true meaning and symbolism of the white lion legends.  Saved from certain death by shaman medicine woman Maria, Tucker is then introduced to a lion priest, Credo Mutwa, the guardian of Africa's age-old mysteries, who gradually introduces her to clues that reveal the deeper meanings of the white lions, including early man's encounter with people from the stars (that is, a UFO landing on the spot forever after called Timbavati, Timba-vaati, to come down (like a bird)...to the ground, after which all animals born within its range are born as pure white mutations); of the spiritual meaning of lions in all cultures and many religions, especially as pertains to the stars and power; of the connection to ancient Egypt and the Sphinx at Giza; of special meridian lines and hidden underground rivers; of the blood lineage and preserved ritual connection to Jews and the temple of King Solomon; of wounded healers; and of the precious metal gold.

All this extraordinary sacred symbolism - of the golden lion, the winged lion, the Lion of Judah, and the prophetic white lion - is juxtaposed against today's cruel practice of the trophy "sport" called Canned Hunting in which lions are trapped, caged, and then shot at close range by wealthy people who wish to display their machismo.  The message of the preservation of the white lions is a message of guardianship for humanity, for as the white lions survive and thrive, so shall man, whereas if they are exterminated, so will be the human race.

"If you kill a white lion, you kill the world." - Credo Mutwa 

Many mysteries of the Dark Continent (Africa) are revealed as containing much light, enlightenment, and wisdom.  I found this book to read like a thriller, with teaser-ending chapters, remarkable discoveries providing clues that become the theme of the following chapters, and with a wonderful denouement.  I almost felt that Nicolas Cage or Tom Hanks should be in the cast of characters!

Each time I realized that this is a totally true story, it felt surreal.  But these artifacts, ancient relics and places remain to be seen, located, and in some cases, touched.  Africa is the birthplace of man.  By rediscovering its deepest hidden mysteries, we can also become aware of our own hidden purpose as lion-hearted creatures of sun and light.

Well-written, well illustrated, and totally fascinating, I recommend this book to all seekers of hidden wisdom.

APRIL 2011 ASTRO TIDBITS  

 
The month begins with pleasant aspects of social and economic improvement (Venus sextile Pluto) plus plenty of fresh but gradual opportunity for progress, by way of assertion vying with diplomacy (New Moon conjunct Jupiter in Aries, opposite Saturn).  However, a firestorm of warlike and explosive conditions can erupt by the 4^th (Mars conjunct Uranus at 1° Aries).  No matter what is occurring, between the 5^th and the 9^th there is an underlying evolution towards faith and conservative reform (Neptune enters Pisces; Pluto stations retrograde in Capricorn).  Diplomatic strides can be seen on the 18^th (Full Moon in Libra).  Talk is aggressive throughout April (Mercury retrograde in Aries) although renegotiations can reach advancement by the 23^rd (Mercury station direct at 12° Aries, the degree of the previous New Moon receiving Jupiter).

For the U.S., from now through the summer, confusion and weakness are felt (Neptune in Pisces quinqunx MC), while the first half of April continues to see a severe split on the homefront (Uranus conjunct IC) that by May can become a real threat to the economy and the nation's cohesion (Uranus square Venus).  The patterns suggest over-appeasement at first (progressed Moon square Venus; Venus conjunct progressed Sun) but a dawning realization of the need to take stock and be realistic (Saturn return in Libra 10^th).  By the 9^th, reform regarding fiscal matters is underway, with good aspects for getting that needed message across (Pluto station retrograde in 1^st, quinqunx Node in 8^th, sextile progressed Sun in 3^rd; progressed MC sextile Mercury).  The 23^rd sees an excellent way to communicate in direct, clear language, also great for deals, settlements, and negotiations (Mercury station direct trine ASC), followed at month's end by good news (Jupiter conjunct progressed Mercury in 3^rd)!  However, courageous anger lingers, and the need for healing love is required in any celebratory events on the 29^th (Mars in Aries conjunct Chiron/progressed Venus, opposite solar arc Moon).

Moammar Gaddafi (6/7/1942, Sirte Libya, time unknown) might prove very hard to dislodge at this time as he has supportive and protective aspects (Saturn trine his Gemini Sun through September; Jupiter sextile his 29° Gemini Jupiter in late May).  His patterns indicate one who is self-contained, and who enjoys power and fame (bowl chart; 16° Gemini Sun conjunct fixed star Rigel).  His Achilles heel is his fussiness regarding health issues... ergo, the "buxom Ukrainian nurse" (n. Node in Virgo square his Uranus/Saturn conjunction in Gemini).  Late June brings turbulence that could certainly impact his health (t. Uranus conjunct his Moon) but even that indicates a gradual and relatively empowered release (t. Uranus sextile his Saturn, trine his Pluto).  The truth is that his enemies would do better to bribe him to step down rather than attack him (t. Pluto in Grand Earth Trine to his Taurus Venus and Virgo Node)!  If he is still in command over the summer, he will face a huge power struggle by mid September, with violence, upheavals, and loss of control (Pluto station retrograde square Moon exact; Saturn leaving trine to Sun).

In April, President Obama can feel on edge and irritable, and is prone to overwork and risk-taking (progressed Moon opposite Mars).  Many dreams have come up against hard reality as a long idealistic pattern eases off (Neptune leaving his South Node).  Obstacles and setbacks are stalling communications and response time so the flavor of this period is rather gloomy and frustrating (progressed Mercury square Saturn; t. Saturn square progressed MC).

Will Ghaddafi stay on in Libya?