VOC diary for the week beginning 2nd July 2012

British Summer Time

Monday 2nd July:  VOC from 23:20 to 23:50

Tuesday 3rd July:  Mars enters Libra at 13:31

                                        Full Moon in Capricorn at 19.51  

Wednesday 4th July:  VOC from 13:25 ---->

Thursday 5th July:  ----> to 01:25

Friday 6th July: VOC from 16:48 ---->

Saturday 7th July:  ----> to 05:29

Sunday 8th July: VOC from 11:59 (until Monday 13:13)

Hong Kong Time

Monday 2nd July:  *************

Tuesday 3rd July:  VOC from 06:20 to 06:50
                                Mars enters Libra at 20:31

Wednesday 4th July: Full Moon in Capricorn 02:51
VOC from 20:24 --->

Thursday 5th July:  ---->  to 08:25

Friday 6th July: VOC from 23:48 --->

Saturday 7th July:  ---> to 12:29

Sunday 8th July:  VOC from 18:59 (until Monday 20:13)

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

VOC diary for the week beginning 25th June 2012

British Summer Time

Monday 25th June:  Saturn goes direct at 09:00

Tuesday 26th June:  VOC from 11:52 to 18:15

Wednesday 27th June:  Venus goes direct at 16:06

Thursday 28th June:  VOC from 09:22 to 21:32

Saturday 30th June:  VOC from 20:45 to 23:03

Hong Kong Time

Monday 25th June:  Saturn goes direct at 16:00

Tuesday 26th June:  VOC from 18:52 -->

Wednesday 27th June:  --> to 01:15; Venus goes direct at 23:06

Thursday 28th June:  VOC from 16:22 -->

Friday 29th June: -->  to 04:32

Sunday 1st July:  VOC from 03:45 to 06:03

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Moon in Gemini 2012

Another New Moon in Gemini on 19th June (16:02 BST), giving us a second chance to deal with the energy delivered by the cosmic twins.  

In the backdrop, we have the Uranus-Pluto square becoming exact on 24th June.  Some astrologers believe that its effect have already been felt as early as last year, but with it forming an exact square this month, it will be interesting to observe what the 'earthy reflection' of this potent aspect will be.  Could it be rioters elevating their demonstrations ('Occupy Wall Street' style) to a higher level, displaying their anger, hatred and distrust (Uranus in Aries) against those in authoritative roles in the government or financial institutes (Pluto in Capricorn).  We also have the Euro Crisis on the table, with a number of countries begging for a bailout from the EU.  Whatever the outcome, it will have a rippling effect on the rest of the world, so noone escapes this unscathed, though it is a matter of getting a slight bruise, or a stab in the stomach.

On that 'cheerful' note, how can we make the most of the Gemini New Moon this month?

Neptune in Pisces square the nodal axis is urging us to have trust in the Universe and practise the art of surrender.  There is only so much we can do before we admit to ourselves that there are times when the situation is simply beyond our control, so the last thing you can do is just give it all to the Universe and ask for its intervention.  Surrender and release.

On an individual level, with an array of planets in the air sign of Gemini (New Moon at 28 degrees 43 minutes, Venus retrograding in Gemini conjunct the South Node and Jupiter), we are called to give our belief system a big spring clean and ask ourselves what we really value in our lives.  Some of us may get fed up with the global difficulty we are all in and get tempted to look for short-cuts (tapping into the shadow sides of Gemini, e.g. trickery).  Unfortunately, with Mars in Virgo and Saturn in Libra, square and trine the new moon respectively, along with Pluto in retrograde quincunx Venus in retrograde, we are asked to keep our integrity intact and work through our issues by playing fairly.  Why not use the flexibility of Gemini to find alternative routes out of your situation instead?

NB:  I would like to say a special thanks to all of you for taking the time to read my blog and giving me feedback.  Unfortunately, I'm finding it difficult to reply to every single post so I apologise in advance if I don't get to answer your comment.  Feel free to hop in and respond to other posters' astrological questions if you feel inspired to do so.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius 2012

Two weeks after the solar eclipse in Gemini, we have a partial lunar eclipse at 14 degrees 14 minutes Sagittarius on 4th June 12.13 (BST).  This is a Strawberry Moon because according to Native American folklore, June is considered to be the month for harvesting strawberries. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aszUiI6J-L8).  Further investigation led me to the fact that each full moon has its own name:

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/

The shadow period for this lunar eclipse is 4 hours 30 minutes.  Unlike solar eclipses, one hour of the shadow period for lunar eclipses is equivalent to one month so this lunar eclipse will have an influence of 4 and a half months.  The sensitive point is at 14 degrees 14 minutes Sagittarius, so any planets passing over this point in the natal chart will be significant for 4 and a half months after the onset of this lunar eclipse.

Full Moons are culmination points, a time when the Sun fully illuminates the Moon and the shadow qualities are under solar glare.  In Sagittarius, the seeker of truth, we may hold a set of beliefs on how the world works, but do you force your beliefs onto other people?  Where are you being judgmental?  What's true for you may not necessarily be true for other people.  Look for 14 degrees 14 minutes Sagittarius in your chart and see which house this lunar eclipse falls in.  

With the Sun, Venus (in retrograde), Mercury and the South Node in Gemini, we have a brigade of planets focusing on the mind.  This is not just a time to ponder on the facts, but to go beyond the superficial and extract what's true for you and release inauthentic materials from your system.  What do you truly value in your relationships with others and with yourself?

This lunar eclipse square my natal 8th house Sun, though conjunction and opposition are the major aspects normally considered.  Let's see if this will bring a message/insight, which creates enough discomfort in my system for me to delve into my solar abyss of the 8th and do some soul searching there.

Free images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Solar Eclipse in Gemini 2012

The first solar eclipse in 2012 will occur on 21st May at 12.47am BST at 0 degree Gemini 20 minutes.  Solar eclipses are extra-strong new moons with longer-lasting effect than the 'standard' monthly new moons.  The shadow period of this new moon is approximately 3.5 hours so this equates to an influence of 3.5 years after the start of the eclipse.  (For the technicalities behind shadow periods, please go to: http://www.astrologyweekly.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49115 )

If this solar eclipse aspects your natal planets/important points in your chart (with an orb of 3 degrees), then it denotes a new start in the area associated with that planet/point.  In addition, the eclipse point (i.e. 0 degree Gemini 20 minutes) will become extra-sensitive to upcoming transits, so any future transiting planets passing over that degree is likely to bring significant messages or signal important events.  On the contrary, this eclipse may not aspect your chart as not all eclipses are relevant to everyone (just as well since there are 2-3 solar eclipses annually, bringing transformational/significant changes - we don't want too many of those on a regular basis or we'll go crazy coping with the upheavals!).

This solar eclipse conjunct the South Node, which is traditionally associated with loss and sacrifice.  However, it can be interpreted as the release of unwanted materials, especially that the South Node is the path of least resistance so instead of running back to our comfort zone, we are encouraged to venture into the unknown (North Node in Sagittarius oppose this eclipse; with NN trine Uranus in Aries).  

Gemini is an air sign with a focus on the mind and intellect.  This is the perfect time to release any thought patterns which are hindering our spiritual progress (eclipse square Neptune in Pisces).  The South Node also square Chiron in Pisces so we have a theme of Gemini versus Pisces - head versus heart, IQ (intelligent quotient) versus EQ (emotional quotient), objectivity versus subjectivity.  This is a time for us to think about how to appreciate both and incorporate them effectively into our lives.  

Venus in Gemini, ruled by Mercury, is in retrograde, creating a fertile ground for introspecting on Venus-related issues, e.g. our values, money matters, relationships, what we find pleasurable and beautiful.  It also reminds us that playfulness has a purpose - to relax the mind muscle.  Mercury itself is in an earth sign of Taurus, conjunct Jupiter, so think positive thoughts but be realistic at the same time.

Where does this solar eclipse fall in your chart?


Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Full Moon in Scorpio 2012

The Full Moon in Scorpio at 16 degrees 1 minute is exact on 6th May at 4:35am GMT.  The Sun in Taurus fully illuminates the Moon, bringing hidden information to light.  Look out for any messages presenting themselves to you a few days before or after this full moon.  

With Taurus and Scorpio, a balance is called for between simplicity and complexity.  This may not be easy to achieve, especially with expansive Jupiter conjunct the Sun in Taurus, magnifying one's optimism and blowing emotions out of proportion.  Luckily, the Mercury in Aries and Saturn in Libra opposition acts as a brake, making us think twice before we voice our thoughts, and with Venus in Gemini sending a trine to Saturn, take it easy and don't take seemingly negative comments to heart, the intention may not be as bad as you think.  Having said that, be discerning when it comes to dishing out your compassion with Mars continuing to oppose the Neptune-Chiron conjunction.  The solution could be very simple indeed, but over-analysis of the situation may bring distrust and suspicion into the picture, clouding your ultimate judgement.  

With retrograding Pluto trine Mars and the Sun, the undercurrent of the world's turmoil can be distressing, but it can also act as a driving force, encouraging us to dig deep within and extract our hidden potential - how can we survive in our present society with job cuts and inflation?  What more can we offer our clients/customers/company/family/community?  In addition, Pluto in Capricorn is tightening its square to Uranus in Aries - how can we deal with our frustration and anger towards those in authority, who appear to have the power and control to affect our everyday lives?  

This Full Moon trine and sextile my North Node in the 2nd house, bringing me opportunities to move out of my comfort zone and achieve what I've signed up for in this lifetime.  Just as long as I'm willing to take the first step, it won't be as insurmountable as I think...

Where is this Full Moon illuminating in your chart?

Image: wiangya / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Buddha's Relic in Hong Kong

On the 4th month of the 8th day in the Chinese lunar calendar is the birthday of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.  This year, this special day fell on Saturday 28th April 2012.  For me, it was a highly memorable day as I had the great fortune to pay my respect before one of Buddha's relics - his parietal-bone, symbolising wisdom.

Thanks to the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, the people of Hong Kong were able to attend one of the grand blessing ceremonies being held between 25th-30th April.  It was a great honour for us to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to be in close proximity to the relic, which is considered to be akin to being in the great presence of Buddha himself.

The skull of Buddha

During the recitation, I took the chance to ask for a message from Buddha, not really expecting to receive anything.  However, as I closed my eyes, a black and white world flashed before my mind's eye.  Not really understanding the meaning behind the vision, I opened my eyes (because I couldn't shake the black and white image from my mind at all) and tried again, asking for 'anything I need to know at this moment in time'.  On hindsight, I should have added 'give me a message that I can understand' because once again, the black and white world reappeared.  Perhaps it was trying to tell me that the present world is colourful and I should take advantage of it and have more fun?  Or perhaps the world is TOO colourful and I need to take the minimalist approach and de-clutter my life?  I'm still trying to make sense of it...

Before the recitation, the audience was asked to stand and hold their hands in prayer position. After receiving my 'message', I felt the palms of my hands heating up.  Immediately, I felt guilty for neglecting my daily reiki ritual.  I took this as my second message from Buddha.

My parents and sister were in Hong Kong for a short visit at the time and were due to return to the UK that same evening.  Normally, when I say goodbye to my family, I would go through a brief period of loneliness from the separation, but I'm usually able to bounce back fairly quickly.  This time though, the melancholic feeling lingered on for days.  I do recall that being initiated into reiki does make one vulnerable to experience great sadness.  Maybe being in the great presence of Buddha reawakened me to the Universal energy of reiki, sensitizing me to the heaviness of the heart.  Deep down though, I believe we are equipped to deal with whatever is being thrown our way. 

I have the power to lift my spirits!