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As I write during this most sacred of times, whether you celebrate the Spring Equinox and Ostara (Oestera-Eostre-Eastre), the festival of the cycle of the seasons, the death and return of the sun, the divinity of the radiant dawn, or Passover (Pesach) which commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt, or Easter (Pascha) a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, for which scholars point out certain parallels in the Sumerian epic of Inanna, this passage of time is a season of rebirth, renewal, the freshness of spring rains, scent of blooming flowers and new beginnings.

The divination for this week: HEXAGRAM 41: CONTENTMENT WATER within, LAKE without: Mystery within, Wonder without

There are no changing lines, which means it is the Hexagram of the present moment, the time rests the same.

Lake outside symbolizes happiness, communion, while Water inside symbolizes ones’ own mysterious nature. The image is that of hidden water beneath a Lake, signifying an inexhaustible source of well being for all…it is a highly rewarding time of collaboration based on recognizing the value of both conscious and unconscious experiences. More relaxed than recent seasons, it is nonetheless a time of fulfilling work, restorative rest and inspiring play.

Understanding the message of the Oracle can often take time to decipher the deeper hidden meaning. Other times, parts of our reading jump out and speak clearly and directly to us. This week’s divination had me spend some time reflecting and meditating.

After speaking with friends and neighbours during this period, one thing has stood out for me in relation to this reading – the connection with families and friends has gotten more intimate, there has been a slowing down, people are listening to the rhythms of life again, watching nature, moving slower, being together even at a distance with Zoom calls for Passover and Easter which has brought many joy and comfort. Yes there is stress, families are having to re-address their work, their space, the kids, and their everyday living, re-booting or searching out new communication tools, finding out what truly is important in their lives. Plus being of service has amped up considerably with food deliveries from local farms, restaurants and stores – we are eating more sustainably supporting ourselves and our local businesses. Local groups are getting together around the country to sew facemasks for their friends and healthcare providers.

There are those suffering in ways other than Covid-19, but some of them have adjusted to finding comfort, continuing their discussions online or on the telephone with their support systems and therapists. Another technique for soothing the emotions is the healing energy of water especially now. Whether taking walks by an ocean, pond or lake, or listening to meditative sounds of trickling water, taking long ceremonial baths with salts and essential oils, or having an image on the wall or your desktop, all will assist in soothing any disjointed and disconnected nerve endings. Even having a beautiful bowl of water nearby will enhance the healing qualities of her essence in your field.

When Divine Light and Divine Shadow are harmoniously balanced, the lived life within the world of manifestation and the soul’s experience within the world of pre-manifestation are so closely linked…

Moments become hours, hours become days, days become months… time becomes a seamless series of enjoyable events and illuminating states. One’s actions express one’s intent perfectly…the unknown is meaningful and the unknowable a revelation. Truth speaks form every leaf and pebble. Sea and sky whisper the first story over and over. Chance events fall like lightening, provoking laughter like thunder…Days go by without a single thought rising unbidden. Clouds are the world’s dreams, seasons its moods. Where does the timeless begin and time end? …

Another theme that is appearing is that time seems to have disappeared in a strange way. Days do float by, and people are taking the space to rest and nourish, catching up and adjusting sleeping patterns that were destroyed during our over-stressed, ‘must get this done’ daily living. Many like myself have taken time to do some form of a spiritual retreat to nourish and give strength to the inner spirit.

There is also no doubt that our “resting in place” has opened an immense cleansing and re-awakening of nature. The Himalayas are being seen for the first time in years – a whole generation had not even realised that the mountains were actually there in the distance – can you imagine? Here the water is pure, the air is fresh from the winds and the rains, and spring has sprung with plants and flowers blooming everywhere. My only hope is that we find a way to sustain this new balance in our lives, realising the old ways were out of control, that the bombardment of ‘Business as Usual’ will no longer be productive nor life-sustaining.

When the world of manifestation and the world of pre-manifestation meet, a rainbow bridge…no guardians at the gate save the few gargoyles holding up the rearguard of the last Age. A place of strange images morphing into one another along a drifting boundary between waking and dreaming. A place of madness for the uninitiated, place of untroubled transition for the initiated, the well-worn path Home…This formula signifies  that you are attuned to the mystical marriage of the Creative Forces, the Source of symbols coming and going between the World Body and the World Soul.

Here is a snippet a post that I received with some of my Soul Sisters from the amazing Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes, who I have considered one of my mentors from my days of studying the Sacred Feminine:

“…all those who know the light of springtime banishes the dark in Oestera, all those who know now is the time for the strongest spiritual people to form the phalanxes and to walk relentlessly forward together against the dark… I call each in his and her own way to stand with...”

So if you’ve got a spiritual bone in your body it’s time to call on your ancestors, spirits, guides, angels and protectors so that we can launch into new waters of wisdom with clarity and strength together. Please begin, if you have not already, to find some form of contentment within this containment. Use this sacred time.

In the ‘Forest of Fire Pearls’ it relates to: HEXAGRAM 46: HONOURING CONTENTMENT        Success comes to those who seek the source of serenity. The situation is one in which one is content with contentment.

SEQUENCE OF SEASONS: Launching into new waters, the true self treasures the joyous mystery of every moment.

After things are freed from adversity, they withdraw into happiness: HONOURING CONTENTMENT is the dwelling place of wisdom

SOULS’ JOURNEY The traveler dwells beside the cavern’s spring: The voices of the ancestors echo day and night.

As Andrea Bocelli so graciously prefaced before his concert in the Duomo de Milano on Easter Sunday:

 “On the day in which we celebrate the trust in a life that triumphs…I believe in the strength of praying together. I believe in the Christian Easter, a universal symbol of rebirth that everyone, whether they are believers or not, truly needs right now. Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world we will hug this wounded Earth’s pulsing heart…the mystery and joy of rebirth.”

The preceding transcription was taken from ‘THE BEFORE HEAVEN I CHING – Reading the Text of Creation’ by W D Horden with further commentary from his ‘FOREST OF FIRE PEARLS ORACLE‘ – The Medicine Warrior I Ching

I am two-weeks in to an 8-week Meditation Retreat and I am finding that I have had to adjust my writing schedule and the timings of the readings & divinations. Everything is flowing in a whole new paradigm and just not according to the old time frame though the messages and meanings are still key to the energy of the time.

THE TAROT CARD FOR THIS WEEK is Key 8 ~ JUSTICE in this deck, but is reversed with Key 11 ~ STRENGTH in other decks ~ ARCHANGEL RAGUEL is often referred to as the ‘Archangel of Justice and Fairness’ and sometimes known as the ‘Archangel of Speech.’ The astrological counterpart is LEO, the lion standing for leadership, self-dominion and implicit trust in one’s own abilities. The Justice Tarot card here has to do with moral sensitivity and that which gives rise to empathy, compassion, and a sense of fairness. This image represents a stand for the humane and fair-minded treatment of other beings. One doesn’t need to exert control over others; one’s strength comes from a base of wisdom and knowledge. This divination, also reminds us to be careful, to be attentive to important details, not to overlook or minimize anything. The law of karma is represented here — what goes around comes around. It certainly won’t happen when you expect it to and believe me these companies involved in profiteering from the pandemic IN NYC and probably elsewhere will eventually receive their comeuppance. They are not operating in the spirit of the season nor from the heart of compassion. Here’s the link:

https://www.propublica.org/article/in-desperation-new-york-state-pays-up-to-15-times-the-normal-price-for-medical-equipment

JUSTICE is telling us that we have the innate ability to deal with whatever life brings to our door and that we can draw from deep within the fountain of chi, our enormous energy reserve, to break through and overcome obstacles. It is the moment to seize control of one’s own destiny and move forward with plans. As we cultivate this inner fortitude, this balance, we attract the contacts and opportunities we need.

In regards to health, things take a dramatic turn for the better, perhaps because we’ve all taken notice and individually are more aware, being cognizant of others, keeping distance, wearing masks and we certainly are really getting creative and having fun with the designs. Finding joy and laughter is so important for our general and mental health. It is also important to capitalise on this time by creating healthy dietary and lifestyle habits – exercise regimens, meditation, relaxation, journaling, are just a few ideas where we can implement and get to socialize during this time out. Healthy also means opening our hearts with compassion and doing something that benefits others like what the fantastic NYC designer, Christian Siriano, did by closing his atelier and going into mass production for the NY State Health workers.

JUSTICE is known for fair and just decisions. Doing what you know is right. Standing up for your beliefs.

RAGUEL is a champion to underdogs, and he can help those who feel slighted or mistreated to become more empowered and respected. He is like a battery so he will energize you when you need a boost. Just think of the Energizer Bunny 🙂

The angels, guides, mentors are nudging us to make wise and carefully considered decisions, with fairness toward everyone involved (ourselves included). When one cannot be objective, seek out someone who can be an arbitrator, a mentor.  The card indicates that a decision will be made in our favour. As we follow the protocol let’s visualise that the curve is flattening and that our joint efforts are fruitful.

DOING WHAT IS RIGHT. Taking responsibility for our actions. Resisting injustice. Standing up for our beliefs. Issuing or accepting an apology.

RAGUEL is known as the Archangel who creates harmony within relationships, and who can help us make decisions that involve other people. You can call upon him to make peace between you and others as his purpose is to support growth and transformation for everyone involved.

Here is a lovely prayer to welcome RAGUELS’ energy into your life and relationships:

Beloved Archangel Raguel,

I call upon your radiance now.
I ask that you adjust my inner light and vibration so that they’re completely focused on aligning with the highest and healthiest relationships for my life.
I now willingly release any attachments to unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
I open my heart to new positive experiences.
Please guide my choices.
Please help me to see my life with clarity.
Please comfort me as I acknowledge my fears.
Please support me in knowing that I deserve the best that life and love have to offer me.
I am ready to feel safe and secure in my world.

And so it is … Amen.

We are in the midst of Sacred Judeo-Christian holidays; Passover which began April 8th and ends on the 16th, and now we come upon Good Friday and Easter weekend. These are times when families and loved ones traditionally come together to worship and break bread and now are having to be creative virtually. This is one of my favourite holidays because after fasting and releasing the old cluttered spirit and mind, the murky chi as they say in Chinese medicine, one celebrates the resurrection, which I believe represents our own personal rebirth, our own personal chance to make a shift, to breathe in the new air of Spring with its verdant splendour.

An Easter gift basket for us all. I am thrilled and touched that this Bodhisattva of music, this legend who channels the angels has been invited to sing solo from the Duomo of Milano on Easter Day, One Voice, Music For Hope for the world. May peace be with you, may you find a new way of being during this portal, and may it be so!

In keeping with the spirit of the season, this weeks deck is The Angel Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue & Radleigh Valentine with beautiful artwork by Steve A. Roberts.

Once again, this weeks HEXAGRAM speaks to our True Warriors engaging with the threat of the COVID-19 virus. They are our amazing Health Care Workers, Caregivers, First Responders and wonderful alimentary food workers out there dealing with the public on a daily basis. Through their dedication, skills, organisation, and knowledge they are handling this crisis with dignity and intelligence though understaffed and under-supplied. This week, people in isolation in the UK and across EUROPE took time out to applaud their courageous colleagues as a small gesture for the front line work they are doing.  

At the same, time medical researchers and scientists are working round the clock, launching and posting more and more shared data, advancing and correlating analysis of the different international entries of information, hoping to create a universal standard to quickly spot the strengths and weaknesses of the virus and hopefully find a way to stop it. We are not in this alone someone out there has your back.

But there’s another part to this divination, and it is about our shared human consciousness. Once we can get past the real virus of “fear” spreading like wildfire throughout the collective field, we need to take some deep breaths and a deeper look at the reality of the present moment. It seems we are tapping into the darkest part of the human psyche that correlates with the current Pluto – Saturn influence. We have come to accept the inevitable as new limits and restrictions are being placed on our freedom globally (Saturn) that a few months ago would have seemed absolutely impossible to administer. We’ve been told these restraints, rules, and regulations are for our own good and protection so that the virus flatlines, while at the same time, many are experiencing a sense of loss, mental and other health issues and financial hardship that will reverberate for many months if not years to come. But the Oracle speaks to the silver lining once we traverse all of this.

Considering that we are all now living in forced seclusion, it’s important that we accept the inevitable change caused by this catalytic virus and go with the current flow, some welcome the slowdown yet it is not easy for many. The main mantra of the moment is to be flexible, be adaptive, and be willing to make difficult choices because things are changing daily even hourly (Saturn – Chronos – Time).

On the other side of this slow, evolutionary process comes the transformation (Pluto) where new creative ideas flourish and new technologies (Aquarius) and foundations (Saturn) will be built. One thing for sure is that our world will not be the same as we knew it before 2020, as the old order begins to disintegrate and the new vision is yet unforeseen.

Some of us are dropping our previous materialistic, consumer-oriented, “run-run-run”, non-stop schedules, and somewhat self-centred way of being – I’m being kind here. We are being forced to re-evaluate what and who is really important in our daily living on this beautiful home we call Earth. The human species is very creative, and as Big Mama has stopped us in our tracks by sending us all to our rooms to reflect and recalculate, we are beginning to realise how critical this coming together of like-minded and complementary individuals really is (virtually of course), and how meaningful human touch and interaction actually is, while orchestrating unique ways to communicate and brainstorm with colleagues, friends and family. As we find new alliances, and original ways to balance work and life, these innovative modes of being and working, are supporting us to move forward together with integrity, and as a result we find greater value in all our relationships (Aquarius). We are also relying on the wisdom of our ancestors – i.e. washing hands with simple soap & water – your grandmother told you so 🙂 and sharing recipes, creating meal plans and craft and science projects with the kids and friends (virtually) like the old days with everyone in the kitchen.

Yet having to spend more time with the children and family can also be challenging as parents are under pressure to get work done at home and some mums are discovering that they now have to homeschool the little ones within a full work schedule. But businesses and coaches are finding new protocols and guidance, especially for Mom’s, who are the ultimate multi-taskers, trying to find the balance in this crazy new paradigm. Parents with young families are also getting creative with online playgroups from the nursery school and there are now even guides available and new babysitting options. I am hearing that more and more mums are spending quality time with their children rather than being on the run and on the phone – life has slowed down (again our Saturnian influence) – and it seems the children are appreciating it.

For the older community, there are new support groups such as our wonderful local teenagers shopping for elders called ‘Zoomers to Boomers’, who do your shopping for you (serving six cities) and there are many other like-minded groups in other towns. The main mantra of the moment is to be flexible, adaptive, and willing to make difficult choices because things are changing daily even hourly. Sounds all very Aquarian to me.

In another sense we are also being proactive by taking space away from IT and all our electronic devices, putting down those phones to give quality time and attention to the ones we are with, making the time to read books and the local libraries are helping out by compiling reading bundles to help all ages get through the weeks ahead. To keep ourselves sane, we are also using and repurposing our technology to interact in QI GONG, yoga and spiritual support and coaching groups which bring us virtually together as a way to calm and reduce the stress and anxiety.

So the real essence of the reading tells us to treat each other as a Sacred Warrior, a noble spirit, let everyone be your Teacher and your mirror. Be mindful and respectfully honour each other during these trying times. As the last line says: “The relationships you cultivate now will endure forever.

“Namaste” (“I bow to the divine in you”)

Here’s the Divination:

aztec warriors

HEXAGRAM 61: STRENGTHENING INTEGRITY No changing lines thus we rest with the present “static” hexagram, which asks us to LOOK – PAY ATTENTION – CONTEMPLATE on the situation at hand.

IMAGE: …A female warrior and male warrior are jointly seeking advice from the creators and ancestors by consulting the divinatory instrument…

INTERPRETATION: This hexagram depicts the way for allies to strengthen the warrior spirit in one another. The union of the two warriors symbolises an alliance between individuals whose natures are complementary and mutually reinforcing…their alliance is based on a shared vision…they comport themselves as people of great dignity and merit which means that they dedicate their lives to making both their ancestors and descendants proud…Taken together, these symbols mean that you align yourself with others in order to transform your weaknesses into strengths.

ACTION: The masculine and feminine halves of the spirit warrior vigilantly treat each other with respect, courtesy and authenticity accorded great warriors. The skills and knowledge of the old ways are of little value if they are not applied to present day circumstances…spirit warriors create relationships with one another in order to train themselves to live a balanced and harmonious way of life with the utmost integrity…exchanging roles constantly, such allies face circumstances as a united front. Moving along with things when appropriate, creating resistance when appropriate, they use circumstances to train themselves to apply the old ways with honour, sincerity, and integrity. Because you make yourself such an ally, you find such allies and bring great benefit to all.

INTENT: What is difficult is to live the life of a spirit warrior all alone. Without relationships that support our goals, reinforce our values, and provide us complementary companionship, it is easy to give up our vision and accept a less demanding way of life. If we look around us for examples of how to live, we are sure to be drawn into a materialistic and self-centred way of life since other spirit warriors do not shout their presence…If we align ourselves with allies striving to sustain a balanced and harmonious way of life, we are sure to live the life of a noble spirit.

SUMMARY: Treat everyone as if they have a wise and immortal teacher within – and see everything they do as the teacher’s subtle strategy for testing the depth of your perceptions. Treat everyone with respectful intimacy – avoid informal familiarity. Treat everyone like a great warrior armed with spear and shield – don’t try to read others’ minds. The relationships you cultivate now will endure forever.

AZTEC WARRIOR

Hexagram 61 aka Hexagram 8 in other I CHING translations if you wish to investigate further meanings for yourself.

William Douglas Horden is a mystic and prolific writer and researcher on Divination and the I CHING. I consider him a mentors from afar.

A quote from him on divination:

The art of divination is to step outside the flow of time in order to clearly perceive and accurately interpret the symbols of the eternal ideas. This act of perceiving the unfolding of present circumstances is an integral aspect of adapting to and guiding the ongoing manifestation of spirit.”

Here is part of his reasoning behind developing the ‘TOLTEC I CHING’ for our age:

“…the ancients never thought of the I Ching as an unchanging monolithic artifact.  It was a living Oracle that allowed them to communicate with the world of spirit.  The oracular tradition was part and parcel of life long before the Chou dynasty produced the received, King Wen, version we know today.”

Further clarification can be found in this blog piece:

ART by: Light Warriors ~ Guangjian Huang ~ deviantART

AZTEC WARRIORS – istockphoto-847970188-612×612.jpg

I sit here listening as the rains of March come pouring down, replenishing our water sources, cleansing the air and nourishing all our beautiful flowering trees and plants at this beginning of Spring, with the Equinox just a few days behind us. We have entered a new Portal.

The animals and Earth are taking back their territories, enjoying their freedom, as we humans STOP, rest in place, and conserve energy. While the numbers are increasing, people are following the protocol for the most part for COVID-19 here in our neck of the woods. It is so calm in my neighbourhood, that I can actually hear the distinct sweet songs of many different birds that often got lost in the hum or our everyday living.

During the Coronavirus we are each partaking in forced individual retreats, yet we are becoming even more resourceful, using our technology that just a few weeks ago had us still walking around like zombies. We are now using our devices to Livestream events such as yoga, Qi Gong, gym workouts, Pilates and more. Thus seeing our fellow class buddies, giving virtual hugs and kisses, connecting the best way we can. We are sensual beings, us humans, and we still need touch and closeness but we are finding new creative temporary ways to connect. There are even concerts being live-streamed such as the wonderful Mindtravel event coming up soon.

One of the most powerful ways we can utilize technology, which seems to speak directly from the reading below, is to use these new platforms to come together online to explore, meditate, contemplate and attend spiritual services. I have been invited to so many wonderful free offerings from the beloved Eckhart Tolle to Sounds True bringing us so many different teachers and teachings. I am sure there are many more invites from your local, national or international groups. This is such a wonderful way to calm the anxiety, stop the chattering mind, and sit and just be together. As Hexagram 26 instructs, disentangle from the everyday, find the right time to be peaceful and eliminate the outside chaotic energy to truly find the Great Being within

Just this weekend, I attended a number of virtual online gatherings while one teacher was on the East Coast, his Sangha was in Colorado, and we all were online, yet separate, as a group in Santa Barbara. Another dear Buddhist teacher was teaching from retreat in New Mexico with another Buddhist and Christian scholar while the host, a Benedictine monk, hosted from Bonnevaux, France. Then later today I was online with Astrology University listening to three wonderful teachers and fellow astrologers, Lynn Bell from Paris, Laurence Hillman from Missouri and Tony Howard who runs the webinars from Oregon. So much wonderful support, a wealth of different wisdom traditions!

It is a whole new world out there and once we calm the mind, focus, and disentangle from the drama, we can tap into the sage-mind spoken of below and view life and how we move forward with a whole new fresh perspective. We are not going back to the old ways and many new innovative ideas and creations will come out of this time. Proactive instead of reactive, and with that we change our world and align with Heaven. Enjoy the reading as the clarity of the Sage and the Divine Feminine is always spot on.

HEXAGRAM 26: TA CH’U (DA CHU)/GREAT ACCUMULATES/GATHERING THE SPIRIT

HEX 25 & 26 – The Paradigm: Disentangling from past afflictions and       Accumulating the Spirit

The pair involves disentangling from negative emotions and past traumas and nurturing the great within yourself. It suggests the birth of the Great Being and the sage-mind through ‘eating ancient virtue’. Carefully consider your place in relation to this model.

DISENTANGLING MEANS DISASTER HAS COME FROM OUTSIDE. GREAT ACCUMULATES MEANS YOU FIND THE RIGHT TIME,

DA CHU: concentrate, focus on one idea; accumulate energy, support, nourish; bring everything together; great effort and great achievement Charge to the Oracle: when you are disentangled from affliction, you can ‘Accumulate the Spirit’ of the new…

Entanglement means letting yourself go, succumbing to perverse influence or disease, being without order or rule, crazy, vain, compulsive and cruel. Being released from entanglement, results in a state of balance and purity, the image of an original and originating connection with Heaven.

Disentangling suggests the ways to maintain that purity and freedom from affliction. It enables you to act spontaneously, to deal successfully with what comes on the stream of time, to attract and welcome the unexpected. It suggests the Wang demon who carries contagious disease, plague, miasma, etc. and the purification, exorcism and rituals used by the ‘wu-Intermediaries’ to drive out these diseases and demons. It is particularly concerned with the nei ye or inner way and the sage-person or sage-mind. The meditative practices of the inner way centre on ‘correcting’, which calm, tranquillise, rectify and free the body in order to restore a state of neutrality and align with Heaven…

SIX AT THE FIFTH LINE: there will be rewards. You have managed to confront and disable what could have been a powerful obstacle, accumulating and focusing a significant force. The Way is open. This will bring rewards in the end. Direction: Collect the Small to achieve the Great. Turn conflict into creative tension.. The situation is already changing.

Hexagram changes to:

HEXAGRAM 9: XIAO CHU/SMALL ACCUMULATES/GATHERING THE GHOSTS XIA CHU: accumulate small to do the great; nurture, raise, support…

…This time is like a shell or womb, a protective covering that will be broken through in Spring. Philosophically, this is the ‘nurturing of the smallest possible thing’ (ji), the emergent point that heralds change. It is the quality of the Way that, though now barely visible, will lead on to illumination.

For you poetry and literary lovers out there, I leave you with this link from Maria Popova’s amazingly inspiring literary site Brainpickings which has an excerpt from the new poetry collection ‘Ledger’ of the poetess and Buddhist Jane Hirshfield. Have a contemplative week.

Today our reading comes from ‘TOTAL I CHING.’ The wise Stephen Karcher is a prolific writer and researcher and has fused the divinatory oracle of the I CHING with the earlier Taoist version, the ‘ZHOUYI’, based on a thousand years of Eastern thought. I CHING images are from Carla Filizzola.

This week’s card speaks firstly to our specialists out in the field. Our wonderful noble doctors, researchers, pharmacists who are working night and day determined and committed to search for a way to stabilize this virus.

These brilliant minds are working and collaborating internationally, sharing data, and rushing to find a vaccine, or just stop the spread especially for our older more vulnerable community and those working in the field. As you will see in the meaning of the divination below, the Aquarians’ value system is constantly prioritizing the people who need them the most.

Secondly, this kind of collaboration is also very prescient within the work of our Governors in the US and I am sure elsewhere in the world, resourcing medical experts advice, and sharing data, acting swiftly, concentrating efforts, personnel and technology and asking for what they need from the Federal Government and suppliers.

Out of the mayhem, may a new, fresh start be created. May we look forward in an equitable balance with nature as we see some of her inhabitants retake spaces we have over-occupied as a human species with our fast cars and boats – such as dolphins swimming in the clear blue waters of the canals of Venice, or while wild turkeys cross the empty roads of Long Island in my sisters’ neighbourhood.

We raised up the bar to meet the isolation head on as some of us have taken to meeting on ZOOM  or other applications that enhance connection, practicing our meditation, our yoga, our Sheng Zhen Qi Gong , listening to the music of the quarantined and participating in conference calls with business associates with children on laps, chatting with friends and family.

For the Italians who inspired it… for the Irish… for ANYONE who this St. Patrick’s day is in a tight spot and still singing. For the doctors, nurses, carers on the front line, it's you we’re singing to.Bono

Posted by U2 on Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Bono released new music this week that he said was “inspired” by the people in Italy

May the highest vision of Aquarian equality and individual freedom, bring and dispense new brilliant visionary knowledge to be shared equally and individually for all.

SIX OF SWORDS: SCIENCE/2nd Decan of Aquarius (The Star) ruled by Mercury (The Magician)

” The perfect balance of all the mental and moral faculties, and almost impossible to hold in an ever-changing world.”

Some of the Sabian Symbol correlations for this Decan are:

Aquarius (10-11): ‘During a silent hour, a man receives a New Inspiration which may change his life”

Aquarius (11-12) ‘On a vast staircase stand people of different types, graduated upward’

Aquarius (18-19): ‘A Forest fire is being subdued by the use of water, chemicals and sheer muscular energy’

We see a very chaotic background with the swords crossed at the centre over a Rosicrucian cross.

This card was originally named, ‘The Lord of Earned Success’ which implies success after struggle. It stands for intellectual clarity learned from difficult experiences; we have grown through tough times, and now have a handle on life and can make intelligent decisions that will benefit all. There is a greater level of awareness to our thinking and actions, which can mean a situation is getting better. There has been something in this situation, which they have not been able to come to grips with but now we have Aquarians, who are often big-picture thinkers and who can see connections in a way that eludes others.

Linked to the Tiphareth in the Kabbalah’s Tree of Life, it brings clear headedness and the powers and discrimination of scientific analysis.

The number six signifies harmony, beauty, love, and reconciliation of opposites, well-being, responsibility and purpose.

Mercury is exalted in Aquarius highlighting innovation, humanitarianism, originality, the intellect, and is detached by nature. They have energy, warmth, and a deep desire to get things done will never accept “good enough”. With Mercury’s ability to analyse will bring a clearer perspective as we move forward. This represents communicating ideas that are new and unconventional in an orderly way.

Often we hit the week running with our goals and projects in mind only to find by mid-week that we’ve lost our steam, have either gotten waylaid by other demands for our attention and time, or by urgencies that have arisen in our environment, politics or the world.  It’s easy to be thrown for a loop in these turbulent transformational times.

I’ve already done my Divination for the weekly energies with the I CHING, but I like to pull a TAROT card to bring me into focus midweek, to show me something I’ve been missing, or perhaps an entirely new point of reference that I should steer my attention towards. I hope you find this helpful as you move forward through the end of your week.

THIS WEEKS CARD: THE EMPEROR: Commander of Intellections: action as a free and autonomous individual, action taken as a direct result of rational decision. Astrologically this is ARIES whose affirmation is “I AM.”

As an archetypal ruler he represents the most exemplary person in the realm, a powerful head of state, high leadership, responsibility with self-control and endurance, discipline and focus. The Emperor is a protector, who masters physical manifestation and the world of matter, performs useful actions and gives justice and order to the world and a formidable character.

He appears as an affirmation of your powers of self-determination. It is you that must define your destination, and then lead the charge. He appears when you are being called to direct and reign, restore order in your life path, and to enhance personal discipline. Fears must be overcome because now is the time to for you to conquer new frontiers with savoir-faire.

For me this week on the national & political level, the card seems to be symbolically pointing to what has happened with Joseph Biden, who seems to be taking his place in the race for the Democratic leader. He has endured through ups and downs and now has been predicted to have moved into 1st place.

More personally, it’s about honouring my truth, abiding by my principles, standing in my power even if it does not coalesce with the norm. The Emperor appears to us to throw us a challenge: we must know our destination before we can lead and he is doing just that, calling us to lead. Do you know where you are going, what frontieres you must conquer and how you will lead?!? Have you had any signs, omens that you’ve ignored lately? This week I looked up into the sky and there were three red tailed hawks circling close over head – not one – three! They are always a totem for me of swift powerful change. May it be so.

The image of the card above this week is from the Spirit Keepers Tarot by Benebell Wen an unending source of inspiration and online teachings of all things esoteric. She is my new fave and I highly recommend that you visit her website and her youtube videos. Just tap on the names above. She makes all this fun and informational with her logical lawyer mind mixed with her esoteric, spiritual side. She is a wealth of knowledge embodied in such a young woman.

HEX 24: REVEALING KNOWLEDGE

I have decided to start the week off by doing an I CHING DIVINATION, as it is something that I do for myself regularly, and for my clientele. Each week I will use a different reference source from my library and you will get to sense & feel how the Oracle speaks through various founts of knowledge, different vehicles and reference points over time. I may generalize a bit, taking excerpts to give the overall meaning for the question & the time, and I always allow the Oracle of the original text to do the speaking.

This will be a General Reading for the energies of the week to come. I won’t delve in depth into all the nuances but want you to get the overall meaning of the text. You may find the reading quite interesting as you might find some serendipitous associations, even answers to issues that you have been addressing or are about to address in your private sphere. I love how the Sage and Divine Feminine speak through these different divinatory avenues. Sometimes I feel the Divination has nothing to do with my question and then voila! Clarity arises and the answer was there before I knew that I even needed it. I sincerely hope that you will enjoy these postings as much as I love doing them!

With everything that is going on around us astrologically, internationally, nationally and personally this should be an enlightening reading! HERE ARE THE ENERGIES PREDICTED FOR THE COMING WEEK:

1st throw/pull with Changing Lines 1 & 5:

I sense this first Hexagram is for each of us in a personal manner – you might find otherwise – and the Hexagram, which follows, gives us a view and perhaps a way to deal with what is happening in the present reality regarding health, politics and the turbulence of the world.

HEX 24: REVEALING KNOWLEDGE*

Sun within, Lake without: the season of REVEALING KNOWLEDGE arrives. Success comes to those who come face-to-face with the hidden.

Your vision benefits all: the situation is one in which the future gives up its secrets to the present.

Build your dwelling upon the moment of epiphany: the sacred unmasks itself in the season of REVEALING KNOWLEDGE.

The Hexagram depicts the attitude of remaining alert to the ever-present potential for new discoveries. Together, the symbols mean that you are increasingly aware of the unseen forces at work on the transformation of the visible…Of all the different kinds of discoveries, the most profound are those that present us with a new and more vital sense of the meaningfulness present in our immediate surroundings…

This is a time for cancelling out thoughts of goals or hopes or fears, replacing our preconceptions with a sincere willingness to see the hidden perfection right before our eyes. Rout out any feelings of unworthiness or doubt by purifying the heart of any feelings of envy, resentment or anger, ready it to be filled with feelings of relief, joy and homecoming. Stay vigilant and you will not miss a single opportunity to immerse yourself in the momentous…

Spend time integrating your vision with everyday life, finding its deeper meanings further and further within the details of ordinary experience. Translate your vision into action, responding to all you encounter with growing consistency and congruity, methodically training your thoughts and emotions and words and deeds to reflect the ancient and secret light you keep in your heart.

Look more closely at ordinary everyday events and ask yourself what deeper meaning lies concealed within them. Look at the present as being built upon the hidden past and ask yourself what eternal meanings lie concealed just below the surface of your habits and routines. In the midst of your work, a whole new world opens up to you. Follow your sense of wonder.

LINE CHANGES

1st LINE:  Nature reveals knowledge by analogy – you are attuned to the spirit of the land & sky…you feel more loved by the world every day.

5th LINE: Spirit reveals knowledge by surprise – you are attuned to the spirit of language. From close observation of the way language shapes perception and reaction, you gain insight into and wisdom about the limits of language. Your sensitivity to the world beyond definitions increases every day.

Changes to:

HEXAGRAM 6: FOSTERING SELF-SACRIFICE*

Wind within, Lightening without: the season of FOSTERING SELF-SACRIFICE arrives. Success comes to those who wait for the next opportunity.

Before the web of silk and gold: the situation is one of benefitting others instead of attempting to advance a just cause at the wrong time.

Stay true to your compass heading: the soul practices patience and discernment in the season of FOSTERING SELF-SACRIFICE.

This hexagram represents a time of great change that holds no immediate opportunities for you to advance. The symbols taken together, symbolize the ending of something and a breakdown of customary routines, polarizing people and making them insecure and distrustful…Together, these symbols mean that you wait for the turbulence of the times to calm, neither revealing your intentions nor acting on your decisions.

…There are dramatic fluctuations in gain and loss now and people are unable to guess where fortune and misfortune will strike next. While people may make a show of unity and cooperation, behind the scenes individuals and factions compete fiercely for advantage. Because all sides perceive their motives justified, they resist reconciliation with all their might. In such a climate, it is easy to be swept up in the passions of the moment and dragged back and forth indefinitely…

…One of the ancient’s great teachings is that acting out of self-interest to the detriment of the whole injures all. Because profit brings gain for one at the expense of many and benefit brings gain for many at the expense of one, the logic of benefit is superior to the logic of profit…

Do not be tempted to make a move at this time, as your motive will be called into question and you will become embroiled in conflict and hostility. Wait patiently, hone your skills, and broaden your experience: By not acting prematurely, you will be respected and sought after when the window of opportunity next opens…

In the midst of chaos and confusion, hold firm to your belief in serving others. Focus on the well being of those around you and your needs will be met. Set an example by refusing to worry about things outside your control. Do not try to advance at this time. Be an asset to others. Strengthen your foundation, broaden your alliances. The momentum is against you for a while longer.

THE SOULS’ JOURNEY

The sap of the world tree runs out upon the ground: The trunk may be broken but the roots live on.

*Please note the TOLEC I CHING Hexagrams are different than the KING WEN VERSION. For further reference and illumination, you can check out any source of the KING WEN VERSION of this reading under these Hexagram numbers:

HEX 43: GUAI/DECIDING & PARTING, which turns into HEX 32: HENG/FIXING THE OMEN/PERSEVERING

I would like to extend my gratitude to William Douglas Holden for his momentous work on creating the TOLTEC I CHING and his many other resources for the I Ching and other writings that I have only skimmed the surface of knowing, as I continue to delve into them daily.  He is a mentor from afar. You can find out about him and can purchase his books by tapping his name above.

I would also like to thank the artists, Marlies Holitzka and Klaus Holitzka for creating these amazing images which you will find on the internet. They are beautiful and balanced and thus I share them with you here. You can purchase their cards at Amazon at the link in their names above.