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September, 2014
  

 

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August 26, 2014
 
Hello Everyone:
                                   
Now that we're approaching Labor Day weekend, I can see the subtle signs of Fall in the air?  As I noted in my previous newsletter, we've had lots of monsoon rain here in Prescott this summer, so all of nature is looking particularly vibrant and lush, adding much color to our desert scene. 

There is the most beautiful cantaloupe colored humming bird, who has recently taken up residence at one of our feeders.  The thing is, he doesn't seem to get along with anyone else.  He spends all day on the tree near the feeder, dive-bombing other interested parties. He never rests in guarding 'his' new territory. !  So, we've come up with a solution.  We moved two feeders around to the side of the house, so that this little guy has his very own feeder!  Indulge the birds...who me?  
 
Rufous Hummingbird


I hope you enjoy the upcoming Labor Day weekend, and here's wishing you all a wonderful transition into Autumn!
 
  
 

 

   

 

The Awakened

 Heart  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   

 

Remaining centered within ourselves, and keeping our hearts open, as we work with  fluctuating emotions, among many other things, is no easy task.

I believe we're being 'stretched', to grow our capacity to feel, and demonstrate acceptance, love, empathy and compassion for ourselves and others.

Both Neptune and Chiron are transiting through the sign of Pisces for quite a few years.  Both entered into the sign of Pisces in March of 2011.  Neptune continues in this sign through March of 2025, and Chiron, through April of 2018.

Neptune, the most transcendental of all the planets, and Chiron, known as the 'wounded healer', remind us both of our human nature, and Divine nature, and how much we actually have in common with one another. Deep down, we all carry the same desires:  we seek the experience of lasting love, happiness, joy, peace, and to know our purpose in the grand scheme of things.

In order to prepare our hearts to hold the full expression of empathy, love and compassion, there is a 'clearing' process involved.  There is no other way...but for our heart to be broken open.  While this was the 'path' of those souls who were one pointed on attaining spiritual liberation, I think it must be because we're in a place in the collective consciousness, whereby, it is of the highest  priority for all of us to move toward embodying and demonstrating these qualities. There is tremendous spiritual support available to assist us in taking this leap in our consciousness.

Have you noticed lately, how easy it is to feel a deep sense of personal loss?  Whether it's someone we know personally, who has passed away, or who is going through a fatal health crises, or if we take the recent example of the death of Robin Williams.  This is someone we didn't know personally, and yet his death has touched our hearts and helped us remember our humanity. 

Saturn, currently transiting the sign of Scorpio, another powerful 'water' sign (October, 2012 - December, 2014 and Mid June - Mid September, of 2015) creates pressure on the us to become more intimately acquainted with our emotional nature, and ultimately, take responsibility for our own emotional well being and clearing.

There's no doubt that we can feel 'put upon' when we have to 'deal' with challenging and fluctuating emotions on an ongoing basis.  I believe this is where the transit of Saturn in Scorpio comes in.  This transit is pressuring us to take the time to learn how to work with our emotions.  How can we learn to navigate the emotions and become empowered and effective in managing them?

("Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. ) (Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." - Rumi           )


The great thing about life, that along with the curve balls, it also holds such promise and opportunity.  If we can just remember that all of us are feeling stretched in one way or another.  Acknowledging others with a smile, a little encouragement, can go a long way to making a difference!   


"The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful then a thousand heads bowing in prayer."
- Mahatma Gandhi

 

   ~~ CHANTING ~~

 

 opens and soothes the heart   

 

 

 

 



 
Of all the ways in which we seek to bask in the heart energy and connect with the Divine, it has been my experience, that chanting is the most powerful, the most sacred practice to enhance this experience.

This article in 'Complete Wellness' speaks about the benefits of chanting.  It draws upon research from the French Academy of Science and Medicine, London Imperial College and Cleveland University. 


Click on link below to read article:

Benefits of Chanting


~~~      ~~~   ~~~

It's one thing to read about chanting, but it's quite another to listen to it and then actually do it. My most favorite chants are those practiced in Siddha Yoga.

Below is an example of a Siddha Yoga chant - Gurumayi chanting the Mantra, Om Namah Shivaya - such a great chant to do before meditation.:
 
(after clicking on link below, when new window opens up, click again on arrow at right to begin audio)


Om Namah Shivaya by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda


~   ~   ~

You may also enjoy listening to the fabulous chants of Krishna Das.  In this You Tube, Krishna Das and Sting chant together

Chanting by Krishna Das & Sting

Krishna Das chanting in church in Montreal



~   ~   ~

It is also most peaceful to listen to the Buddhist Mantra:

Om Mani Padme Hum



H a v e    f u n    c h a n t i n g !!!




 

 Movie about the

life of Yogananda 

 

   

to be released soon!  

 

 



   

I am looking forward to seeing the new movie/ documentary about the life of Yogananda.    

 

There are many books which seem to magically appear in the hands of a seeker at the time of spiritual awakening, but I believe 'Autobiography of a Yogi' written by Yogananda in 1946, about his quest for enlightenment, is a true classic.  I'll bet millions of seekers were awakened to the spiritual path, and are still being awakened by reading this book.

 

When I first read this book in 1978, I had been meditating for about 6 months, and following the teachings of who was to become my spiritual master, Swami Muktananda.  I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Swami Muktananda in Melbourne, Australia, where I would get to meet him for the first time in person, which happened in the Fall of 1978.

 

One day I was sitting at a bus stop, very absorbed in reading Autobiography of a Yogi, as I waited for a bus to take me to school.  I had just gone back to school to study English Literature.

 

I came to a place in the book where Yogananda describes how he received an intuitive message from his Guru to come and visit.  He and a friend, both in their teens, boarded a train and began the 3 day journey to his Guru's ashram.  The friend noted that they had spent the only money they had on the train ticket, and was wondering how they would eat, and where they would stay, during the journey.  

 

Yogananda told his friend that since his Guru (Sri Yuteshwar) wanted him to come, he would also take care of their needs along the journey.  Sure enough, as I read on, a passenger on the train introduced himself to the two boys, and offered them food and shelter at his home that first evening, and things continued in this way. 

 

Needless to say, being very new to the yogic path, I was very impressed with this story.  My mind automatically went to my own teacher.  I found myself thinking, "Would Muktananda do the same for me?"  I had hardly finished having the thought, when a bus pulled up in front of me. A big Italian Mama got off the bus, four bags of groceries in hand, walked over to me and said, "You look hungry.  I have bananas and apples.  Would you like one?".  Well, my mouth fell open in total disbelief.  This was one of my very first 'spiritual' experiences.

 

It is said that when Steve Jobs passed away, the only 'book' he had on his 'I-pad' was "Autobiography of a Yogi".  In fact 500 copies of this book were ordered as gifts for those who attended Jobs' memorial, which he had planned in advance.  

 

In the brief You Tube (below), Marc Benioff (CEO Salesforce) speaks of being handed this book as he was leaving Steve Jobs' memorial.

 

Click on You Tube below:  

  

 

 

 

     

 

  

 

Winner of Solar Return Reading

 

 

 

 

 

  

    Lynn Schaeffer - Orlando, FL

 

 

 www.ReSourceFullCoaching.com 

   

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Astro Tips 

 

 

  

 

 

Empowerment by Rita Loyd
Artwork by Rita Lloyd

 


Sept 1:
Happy Labor Day - A Sagittarius Moon makes it the perfect occasion for connecting with nature, up close and personal. 
 
Sept 2:  
Inspiration and creative breakthroughs abound today.
(Sagittarius Moon trines Jupiter (Leo) at 5:15 am and trines Uranus (Aries) at 2:30 pm)

Sept 3: The days begins with a productive, focused energy, whichis great for bringing out the 'to do' list.  A brief evening influence can be experienced as wishy-washy-  and leave you in two minds. Shall I do this or shall I do that?
(Virgo Sun trines Pluto in Capricorn at 9:00 am; Capricorn Moon squares Mercury (Libra) at 8:00 pm)
Sept 4:  There can be a sense of urgency and one pointedness in getting back to those details this morning. A restless type incluence in the early evening suggests breaking with routine.
(Moon conjuncts Pluto (Capricorn) at 10:00 am and trines Sun (Virgo) at 11:45 am; Moon squares Uranus (Aries) at 5:45 pm)

Sept 7:  As the energies begin building toward the Pisces Full Moon tomorrow night, there's restless in the air today, making it difficult to gauge what we want.
(Pisces Moon squares Mars (Sagittarius) at 10:15 am and opposes Venus (Virgo) at 9:30 pm)

Sept 8:  Full Moon in Pisces.  See Lunar Activity.

Sept 9 - 13 - There are several planets in aspect to 'Mercury' planet of the mind - during the above time frame.  This can make for a changeable, fluctuating mental experience, which makes it difficult to 'know' your mind.

Sept 9:  Sensitive energies place our emotions center stage this morning.  The afternoon can stir up some disruptive mental energies.  It is a good idea to pay close attention to what is going through your mind, for it's possible to direct negate thoughts toward others.  This is not the evening for one of those heart to heart talks with a significant other.
(Pisces Moon trines Mars (Scorpio) at Noon; Mercury in Libra squares Pluto (Capricorn) at 3:30 pm)

Sept 10:  Lots of activity with the planets today could make for a majorly 'scattered' experience.  It's best to stay away from having to meet too many deadlines, open yourself to a fluid, flexible attitude and pay attention to inspiring, creative thoughts.
(Venus in Virgo opposes Neptune (Pisces) at 4:00 am. Aries Moon squares Pluto (Capricorn) at 10:30 am. Mercury (Libra) sextiles Jupiter (Leo) at 11:30 am.  Aries Moon opposes Mercury at 12:30 pm and conjuncts Uranus (Aries) at 5:00 pm)

Sept 12:  A Grand Trine in the earth element today brings forth subtle, sensitive energies, helping us find our flow and a feeling of contentment.  It's a good idea to 'rest' the mind for awhile before going to bed, otherwise mental restlessness can make it hard to get a restful nights sleep.  Late night techies be aware of rapidly fluctuating mental energies.  Know when to pull the plug! 
(Taurus Moon trines Venus (Virgo) at 9:00 am and trines Pluto (Capricorn) at 1:15 pm; Mercury (Libra) in opposition to Uranus (Aries) just after midnight).

Sept 13:  A good idea to take a little time to settle the mind and emotions this morning, before heading out the door.  In fact, taking some rest today, would be the optimum plan, for there's another late evening influence, which can jeopardize our sleep.
(Taurus Moon opposes Saturn (Scorpio) at 3:30 am.  Early degree Gemini Moon opposes Mars (Sagittarius) at 11:45 pm)

Sept 14:  Great idea to take a walk or do some exercise first thing this morning, to facilitate getting grounded in the body, and to help curb the restlessness and changeability which is afloat today.
(Venus (Virgo) trines Pluto (Capricorn) at 7:30 am; Gemini Moon squares Neptune at 10:00 am & squares Venus (Virgo) at 9:15 pm)

Sept 15:  Creative thinking and collaborative efforts work really well today.  Expansive communication influences all round.
(Gemini Moon sextiles Uranus (Aries) at 4:15 am and trines Mercury (Libra) at 10:00 am)

Sept 17:  It's crucial not to feel rushed as you begin your day today, for it can turn into one of those days where we can't seem to find our rhythm. Early afternoon offers an opportunity to  regroup.
(Cancer Moon opposes Pluto (Capricorn) at 6:00 am and squares Uranus (Aries) at 2:30 pm; Moon sextiles Venus (Virgo) at 2 pm)

Sept 18-19:  18th early morning influence suggests feeling slow, and lacking mental clarity, while 19th early morning influence, we're first out of the starting gate. Good aspects for late night techies.
(18th: Cancer Moon squares Mercury (Libra) at 3:00 am.
19th: Leo Moon trines Mars in Sagittarius at 3:45 am - just after midnight Moon conjunctions Jupiter)

Sept 20:  We're likely to feel quite energized this morning and ready for some action.  Late morning suggests hitting the  'pause' button for awhile so we don't run out of steam.
(Leo Moon trines Uranus (Aries) at 3:00 am and squares Saturn (Scorpio) at 11:45 am)

Sept 21:  Great morning for directing our attention inward and/or working on a project which is detailed oriented.  The energies in the evening can trigger boredom and restlessness, but we can also use these energies for lucid dreaming...entertaining the 'what-if's' of life - without losing our center.  This part is especially influential for those who have many mutable signs in their natal chart - Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces).  It can also be a trigger for those who take up arms to fight in a cause which has a strong faith based idealism, but which is expressed as religious fanaticism.
(Venus in Virgo sextiles Saturn (Scorpio) at 6:00 am; A mutable T-square is created with Virgo Moon opposing Neptune (Pisces) and squaring Mars (Sagittarius) at 8:00 pm; Mars comes into a  square with Neptune at 8:45 pm)

Sept 22:  Happy Autumn Equinox!  Though there can be an 'other worldly' feeling in the air from last night's T-square, luckily, the day begins with a down to earth influence, helping us prepare for our Monday morning.
(Virgo Moon trines Pluto (Capricorn) at 7:00 am).

Sept 23:  New Moon in Libra. See Lunar Activity.

Sept 25:  Inspiring, creative, enthusiastic energies abound today, which lend themselves to breakthroughs in our thinking.
(Jupiter in Leo trines Uranus in Aries, exact at 11:15 am)

Sept 26:  Great aspects for chatting over early morning coffee. Early evening influences lean more toward quiet reflection.
(Moon conjuncts Mercury in Libra, exact at 5:30 am; Moon in Scorpio trines Neptune (Pisces) at 6:00 pm)

Sept 29:  We're ready to get out from behind our desk and stretch our legs in the late morning.  An energizing fiery pyramid comes together in the evening, activating our inspiration and wetting our appetite for adventures and travel.
(Moon conjuncts Mars in Sagittarius, exact at 11:30 am; Sagittarius Moon trines Uranus (Aries) at 6:45 pm and trines Jupiter (Leo) at 8:30 pm)



 

Lunar Activity

  

Sept 8       Full Moon          16 deg.     Pisces            6:38 pm

 

The emotional and psychic sensitivity of this Full Moon in Pisces can leave us feeling a little ungrounded and listless. It is best suited for reflection and artistic pursuits.

 

 

 

Sept 23     New Moon        1 deg.        Libra             11.14 pm

 

The energies surrounding this New Moon contribute to the  best qualities to be found in the sign of Libra: balance, harmony, cooperation and refinement.

 

 

 

     


  Thanks so much for joining me this month. 
  
  I wish you a fun Labor Day weekend, and great
  experiences of the heart.      
  
  much love
  Margaret

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art work Rita Loyd Celebration
Happy Fall Equinox - Sept 22

Artwork by Rita Lloyd