Get Clear

Out of Clutter, Find Simplicity.
From Discord, Find Harmony.
In the Middle of Difficulty Lies Opportunity.
--Albert Einstein (Three Rules of Work)

I am in cleaning out mode. To ready myself for my house move in 2 months, I have challenged myself to throw out everything I hate, do not use, is outdated or makes me feel like shit.
It is a liberating and also a sorry state of affairs.
Let me start by saying this - I have too many things.
And let me also say, I have spent money on such said things.
I have wasted my money and the Scared Heart Opshop is about to get it all.

Yesterday was spent cleaning out my wardrobe, trying on everything, working out what went with what and then turfing the rest. Man, I have some ugly shit in my wardrobe and also some things I love, love, love.
I am on a clothes amnesty till 2011. Seriously. I have more clothes than anyone I know and yet I always wear the same outfits.

Cleaning it out, means facing it and this can complicated and depressing. It is a challenge to let it go without memories resurfacing. On the other hand, I am finding it quite liberating to piff some things, books that no longer speak to me. Airport chick-lit novels that were a quick hit for the brain. University texts that I am never going to need.

Clutter clogs who you really are. I have done most of my self development work in this house, spiritually and emotionally. What I bought with me from my last abode no longer resonates in this life. I clear this house of what I was, and make room for who I am now and what I shall become in my next house.

Duck off

Gandalf and I made the decision that we will only hire people who will make themselves the best they can be.
After spending time with the Libran Sylph, a past staff member, now doing he her thing in Ol' Blighty, on Friday. I was almost like a proud parent. Everything she is achieving, I knew she could do one day.
Now, trust me, do not believe that I had a much of a hand in where she is now, but every time she didn't believe in herself, I told her I thought otherwise. We encouraged and pushed at all the right moments and now she is living her best life. The level of care and concern she gave our business was second to none and quite frankly I do not want to hire anyone who thinks working at our business is, in the words of a past staff member, " just a job, why do you care so much?"
This attitude is the lone ranger in the business. The one who does not care about any outcome that does not effect them. Finger pointers and snakes in the grass. I have hired them and been charmed by them. No more.

We hire for talent and potential. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, it's a crap shoot.
Some peeps say that want to try to do their best but can't bring it, some take to self and professional development like a duck to water.

I have mostly ducks at work now. People who love to learn and do new things. They make it seems easy but are paddling like hell underneath and doing it with flair and style. The best ones are optimistic and kind. They love what they do and do what they love. They are in their sweet spot when they come to work and share the sugar around. There are days when I retire to my office, tears pricking my eyes with the sheer relief and joy that these people come into work everyday and I never, never take it for granted.

So for us from now on, we only want ducks goddammit!

Two steps forward, one step backwards

Let me go back to 2007. Why was it such a tough year for so many people?
Well, many, many retrograde and eclipses throughout 2007 certainly took their toll on the emotions. For example, all the Mercury retrogrades last year were in Water signs. Thus we were forced to dive deep into the emotional dark waters to find out what lurked below, only to gasp for air at the end of the cycle, then dive back down, to do it all again. This year Mercury retrogrades only in the air signs, so thinking, light energy and new ideas is what we will focus on. Thank God!

For now, we face a big astro week, where the crazy just ain't stopping.
This week we have Mercury going retrograde in Aquarius and Mars goes Direct tomorrow. Mars has been retrograde since November 2007. Our energy has been compromised, stress levels are up and where ever Mars is in your chart then this area of your life will be seriously stalled.
Tomorrow it moves forward.

Roll out the red carpet for the red planet.

Spin the wheel

This is the Tibetan Prayer or Mani Wheel that Gandalf bought me as present for finishing my book. Made by H.H Dali Lama's Charitable Trust in Tibet, inside are rolls of thin paper that have the mantra or prayer of Om Mani Padme Hum printed on it in Tibetan or Indian script. These are wound around an axle and then housed in the protective container.
Always to be spun clockwise, so the prayer follows the direction of the sun, they invoke the spirit of the the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Chenrezig. Almost as popular a fellow as Buddha himself. Chenrezig live in all of us and we connect with him when we love another person animals or any part of nature.

Om Mani Padme Hum is a hard phrase to translate. It is said to house all the teachings of Buddha in this one sentence. The best interpretation is this from the 14th Dali Lama himself.

"It is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast... The first, Om [...] symbolize the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; they also symbolize the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"

"The path is indicated by the next four syllables. Mani, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factors of method: (the) altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassion, and love.[...]"

"The two syllables, padme, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom[...]"

"Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable hum, which indicates indivisibility[...]"

"Thus the six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"

H.H. Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, "Om Mani Padme Hum"

Whilst not a Buddhist, I feel blessed and connected to have the Mani wheel in my home. To learn and understand what is is and why it is important, is a gift in itself.

Thanks Gandalf.

Transform goddammit!

Pluto goes into Capricorn today. The Lord of the Underworld has been hanging out in Sagittarius for 13 years, musing and changing the way we view the world an its philosophy. The rise of fundamentalism is directly related to Pluto in Sagg. Sagg is all about opposites, emotional and philosophical. The Good Vs. The Evil Doers. USA and Muslim extremists reflect this transits energy the best.
Before that he was in Scorpio, thus the rise of Aids and sexual terror.

Pluto always shakes things up before he moves into another sign. First the stock market crash and now the $8.2 billion fraud at French bank Societe Generale by a rogue trader. He is making himself felt.

Now Pluto is in Capricorn for the next 16 years. He is a slow mover, the Dark Lord Pluto.
In Capricorn, it transforms the world, particularly in business to get us ready for a new way of living. Big business will suffer in this transit as will the business or business owner who relishes control. Now is the time to say not how it 'could' be in a perfect world, but how it 'should' be. Pluto in Capricorn is the great leveler.

Particularly, business will be come more based in the East and in Eastern traditions.
Interestingly, I have been all about Feng Shui since I came back from Kuala Lumpur, to the point that I have am considering using a Feng Shui consultant for my new home and office. Embrace the East!

Eventually we will move in Pluto Aquarius, which will see the end of the use of fossil fuels and the carbon offset contributions will become mandatory.

But enough, how does this transform the Sun Signs, and you?

Aries - Expect competition in business or career. Somebody has been watching and is now coming to take the crown. Try to let go of the 'my way or the highway' attitude and make changes to grow and be the picture of success. So what if they are trying to be like you. Grow and lose the Ego. Your Sun is in contact with Pluto, so who you are and what you think you are will change, let go and hop on for the ride. Don't think about what you 'could' be but what you 'should' be for your best life. Be the change, you make the trends, so keep making them!!!

Taurus - Change happens for you also but on a deeper level. A new strength and confidence which makes a nice change for the confusion of the last 13 years, where Pluto was in your money sector. Expect to change physically, diet, exercise and releasing bad habits.

Gemini - Set up your financial goals now. Do the budget and start to save. Simple but clear, whatever you sow the seeds for now will grow beautifully. If you choose to ignore this advice then be it at your owwn peril. I am serious. Work with Pluto here and encourage the change or else he will make his feelings known and it will be beyond your financial control.

Cancer - All about relationships, makeups and breakups. Look at what you dislike in others and see if you are reflective of these behaviours yourself. Chances are, you will be. Instead of having a transit of heartache and separation, instead choose to make yourself the most enlightened and proactive person in all your relationships, platonic or not.

Leo - Now is the time in your life in which you make your mark on the world. A literally spraying your scent ( I know, gross but apt). this is a good time and trabsit for Leos. Don't lose confidence dear Lions, instead just fake it till you make it, get ready for success and what you sow here will put you on a path for the rest of your career life.

Virgo - This is when you get creative. Arts, music, parenting, inventions, new ways of living. It is extraordinary what you should achive e with this transit. Truly, do somethign wonderful, I don't mean reading and cooking from '100 ways with mince meat.' Sign up for everything and then see what sticks.

Libra - Just when you think you have enlightenment then Pluto will come and turn off the enlightenment switch again. Just when you think you have the answer ten the question will be rephrased and suddenly you will be clueless again. This is what this transit will be like. Learn to live with uncertainty and let go of the control. Control freaks no more!

Scorpio - Scorpio is all about heath and diet and ending bad habits like the Taurus. Empowerment is the key to Scorpio happiness with Pluto in Capricorn. You start the change before pluto starts it for you. Be proactive and harness the Scorpio power to transform.

Sagittarius - Money, money, money. Pay attention and be careful. Be like the Gemini and sow the seeds now for the investment in your financial future.

Capricorn - You will do better than the others as Pluto is in your sign. try not to get all uppity about it though. You have magic powers for sure but use them for good not evil. See this transit as a responsibility not an entitlement. Be kind and magnanimous not despotic.

Aquarius- Expect psychic insights and a connection with the intuitive self. Find your strengths and then use them everyday. This will make you happy. Go here to find your signature strengths.

Pisces - A good transit for Pisces. Friends, coworkers and family all help towards doing what ever it is that you want. Just be sure that you know what it is that you want and then harness the determination of Pluto to make it happen!

Whatever signs you are, Pluto urges you to start the process of transformation as much as possible, otherwise Pluto ill transform for you, and that is never pretty!

Nothing more beautiful

This is perhaps the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.
Grace Kelly was a Triple Scorpio (Sun, Ascendant, Mercury) with a Moon in Pisces.
Wow, she worked the sexuality (Scorpio) with piety (Pisces) like a charm.
I could stare at this picture for hours. The detail in the lace, the colour of her lips, the cathedral ceiling. It is perfection.
Nothing more. I just wented to share it with you.

Pillow talk

Late into the wee hours, Gandalf and I talked.
Few in my life know of my insomniac tendancies. I go through stages where I do not sleep for weeks. This is one of them. I choose not to struggle with it now, instead I try to focus on what is waking me and what I need to process. You can make multiple withdrawals from the sleep bank but it only takes a few good sleeps to reinvest and top up the Zzzz's.

Trying to find a peaceful mind ain't always easy my friends. A peaceful mind means letting go of what is crowding it. last night I ran the gamut of thoughts from work, to new house, new babies and anything else that my mind thought worthy. Today I can remember none of them. I did have fantastic dreams once I went to sleep. Powerful, inspiring dreams. Can't complain about that.

Interestingly though, I have having INCREDIBLE experiences with 'coincidences' or 'syncronicities'. Unbelievable moments that have been blowing me away!

I am in another world right now I think, but it's nice, so please come visit.

Death on a Full Moon

Playing with my astrology software last night, I noted to Gandalf about how many peeps in my life have Moon In Cancer.
Cancer is the home of the Moon, which is lovely. These astro types are intuitive and receptive, great sense of humour but it also makes them the most susceptible to addiction, self abuse and mood swings.

When the news of Heath Ledgers sad death broke this morning, I thought, he must have a moon in Cancer. Dunno why, just made sense. Looking at his chart, he does have this placement. He died on a Full Moon. Always intense for Cancer Moons.

Some people with Moon in Cancer, such as Drew Barrymore, Mary J. Blige and Robin Williams have been able to overcome their addictions and mood swings. Others such as Heath, Kurt Cobain and Janis Joplin, all Cancer moons have suffered at their owns hand, meeting with untimely deaths and talent and their lifes dreams unfulfilled.

Cancers Moonies are like dogs chewing on a bone, even though the meat on the bone has long gone. Gnawing until they begin to gnaw at themselves. Reclusive, the sit in their kennel and chew and stew about whatever unhealed wound is aching.

Heath had Venus, Mars and Mercury in Pisces in the 9th house, I think he may have written to release his pain, one day he may have written something that was so brilliant that he would share it with the world. Who knows now?

Astrology aside, whenever a child is left without a parent I am saddened. Particularly when this child will have no memories of their father other than the films that he leaves behind.

Love and light to anyone who is hurting.

Crossing over

I realised today how much of my goals seem to be, in my mind, dependent on the acquisition of the material world. 'If I had more money then I could...'

I personally focus too much on the nuts and the bolts of the bridge I am building. 'How much do they cost? Where can I get them low costs but high quality? Will they have the nuts and bolts that I need?'
Instead I need stand upon the highest arch of my bridge, so I may be able to look at things a different way.
From here, I can see the waters to be crossed, looking ahead to the land ahead, where promises and opportunity lies.

The nuts and bolts, the dollars and the cents will take care of themselves.

'Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different.'
Katherine Mansfield

Feng Shui Me Please

I recently return from Malaysia, where I spent some time Kuala Lumpur. KL, as they call it, is all about Feng Shui. It is everywhere you go, magazine, consultants, shops and advertisements spuiking the benefits of this age old tradtion of harnessing correct energy flow for prosperous family, heath and abundance. So while in KL I did what they 'Lumpurs' do and I hooked into Feng Shui. I had a consultation and received talismans for my new house and my business.
I came away with 3 wise men for my house and a frog with a coin in its mouth to put in the sun on my office window ledge. The Feng Shui master was into the fact that I wanted to learn and treated the art of Feng Shui with respect. Of course I was respectful. Feng Shui has been around for thousands of years and who is to argue with a jewelled frog with a coin in its mouth!

Don't hate me, but....

This was my view for 8 days. Sometimes I went to the other side of the island and sat at looked across the bay at Thailand, marveling that I could be in one country and looking at another.
Now I am home, sated and rested after fun in the sun and reconnecting with myself, my family and my dreams.
Home to Blesseds perfect Baby Goddess that was born when I was away. I cannot think of nicer news to come home to than the birth of this much waited for and loved baby girl.

I am happy to be home. I hate traveling. You know that old saying, 'Its not the destination its the journey.'
Hate it. Don't agree at all. I hate the travel and love getting to my destination.

And now I am home.
Will immerse in an astro bath tomorrow and report later. New year, new ideas and new goals. Bring it on! Bring it on! Bring it on!

Xanadu exists

The day before I left I caught the last few minutes iof Xanadu. Those who know me understand my obsession with this film and ELO, the band.
Where I am holidaying is Xanadu or in the very least the heaven I remember in 'Angels In America.'
Everyday I try to not be overwhelmed by the sheer perfection of it all but I cannot. I must give in and let go of my judgement, even if the jugelment is positive. The sleep is helping, luxury is sugar on top and the love I am receiving is the cherry.

Stay well friends.

DW
X

Take a break

I am on holidays. I am heading off to a remote island for 10 days. I have Venus in my 5th house till I return. It's funny the way astrology works. I did not plan this holiday around this time, the Universe did it for me. I think the more aware you are the more you start to click with the transits. I am happy this transit is happening. It is long overdue and holiday and well deserved for Gandalf, myself and the changelings. I have a suitcase filed with books, educational and entertaining and I am ready to go. I will come back to Blesseds baby, so exciting for her and her Ram - Beau.
I wish you all well and a good transits.

The way to anarchy is happiness

I am reading Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman as recommended by The Good Doctor. Fascinating and can't put it down. Actually read it while waiting at red lights in the car yesterday, trés unsafe I know, so save your lectures.
Excellent read for the start of 2008. Choosing happiness over the fear based, bad news indoctrination that we have received for eons from secular, religious dogma.
Lovely writing and easy to read without overuse of psychological jargon.
It makes me think about all those who choose to be pessimistic or as Freud said, 'unduly embittered about their past and unduly passive about their future.'
I have met those who think this is the way to show their protest about life, that we are doomed and therefore should behave as such. They are though, merely falling into the trap of the masses.
The anarchists are the happy ones. By choosing not to be a victim, to play to personal strengths and ignoring the idea that we are living in a negative society (which only exists to stop people from doing want they want, scare them and they'll do nothing type of idea) then we are being truly outrageous.


Happiness is the best type of protest.

Egyptian Moon

The Moon is in Scorpio and apparently the Goddess of the Scorpio Moon is the Egyptian Goddess, Isis.
The Scorpio Moon is most often fierce. I often have a hard time when the Moon is in Scorpio but today I harnessed the energy and hooked up with my Scorpio Goddesses - Blessed Seraph and The Grecian Goddess, with Blessed's lovely Den Mother attending.

Scorpio Moon transits bring mystery and secrets. As I said, the only Goddess equipped to to deal with the Scorpio intensity is Isis. Isis is all about regeneration and transmutation.
Basic plot line of the Isis myth is this -

Queen Isis was married to her brother Osiris who was ruler of the throne. They were the children of Nut and Geb, and had an additional sister named Nephthys and brother Set. Isis was supposed to marry Set, not Osiris. When a jealous Set slew the beloved Osiris and dropped his body into the Nile, Isis did not simply mourn her lost love, but moved all forces of nature and rescued the body of her husband from where it had come to rest in Byblos.

Isis, with her sister Nephthys were preparing for the ceremonial burial of Osiris when his murderer Set stole the body and hacked it into fourteen pieces. Isis searched the length and breadth of Egypt, gathering together his pieces and, with the god Anubis, bound him together to make him whole, save for his phallus. In one version of the myth Isis formed a new phallus and attached it to her deceased husband’s body. For this and her unfathomable skills of re-creation, she is called Isis, ‘great of magic.’

She made magic wings for herself and became a desert kite, circling the sky, wailing and lamenting over the deceased Osiris. The wings and the wind they created wafted the breath of life into the dead Osiris. The devoted wife mounted her husband and with their union, conceived a son, Horus. Fearful that the jealous Set would seek out and injure her son, she bid her husband farewell. Osiris descended into the underworld to rule over the Netherworld. Isis went out into the wilderness, gave birth to Horus and hid him in the papyrus marshes, guarding him from Set and the natural forces and dangers, such as snakes and predators, until he came of age.

Only a Scorpio could bring walk the line between life, death and the afterworld.

All Hail, Isis!