Astrology of Joy

Author: David

  • Saturn, Solar Flares, and Us Part II: Sunspots

    Saturn, Solar Flares, and Us Part II: Sunspots

    There is substantial research on how solar activity significantly affects human physiology and psychology. This is not surprising given the fact that we are in fact bodies with millions of electrical generators (mitochondria) creating its own electric field. Both the human heart and brain are significantly affected by changes in that electric field including from increased solar activity. Indeed, some researchers believe our evolutionary thrust towards being human was jumpstarted by a period of intense solar activity.

    How is this relevant to us? Changes in the Earth’s electromagnetic field can affect the way our brains process information. Research has shown a correlation between swings in the financial markets, for example, and increasing solar activity as evidenced by an increasing number of sunspots.

    Consider the graph below which plots sunspot activity over the past 185 years. For each solar cycle, I have included the dates of peak sunspot activity and a small sampling of significant historical events. What is very important to understand is that BOTH beneficial and challenging events occurred underscoring how opportunity comes with challenge…

    …It is up to us to steer a course toward a better future…

    • 1849: California gold rush; Elizabeth Blackwell becomes first woman M.D.
      1860: S. Carolina secedes from US, precursor to American Civil War; Abe Lincoln elected US president.
    • 1870: Franco-Prussian War begins; Hiram Revels becomes first African-American to sit in US Congress; 15th Amendment is ratified giving African-American men the right to vote.
    • 1882: Triple Alliance formed by Germany, Austria, and Italy, an ingredient leading to WW I; first commercial electrical power plant (US); first coal-fired power plant (UK).
    • 1893: Global Depression until 1897; Swami Vivekananda, instrumental in introducing Vedanta to the West, is well received in Chicago; World’s Fair open’s in Chicago; Chairman Mao, later responsible for the deaths of millions, is born; Colorado women given right to vote.
    • 1906: San Francisco earthquake; Finland becomes first company to adopt universal right to vote, allowing women to stand as candidates for government; vaccine for tuberculosis developed.
    • 1917: US enters WW II; Russian Revolution; Mexican Revolution; Great Fire of Thessaloniki destroys 32% of city; Great Fire of Atlanta; 
    • 1929: Global Depression;
    • 1938: Hitler annexes Austria with very little world condemnation, a precursor to invading Poland the next year.
    • 1947: India gains independence; millions of Hindus and Muslims are killed during the ensuing partition between India and Pakistan; Cold War begins; NSA and CIA are established.
    • 1957: Russia’s launch of Sputnik begins the space race; Roswell UFO incident; Jackie Robinson becomes first African-American Major league baseball player.
    • 1969: First Moon landing; First confirmed case of AIDS (identified in 1984); First US troop withdrawals from Vietnam. 
    • 1979: US and China establish full diplomatic relations; Iranian Revolution and fall of the Shah, American embassy workers are taken hostage for over a year; Margaret Thatcher, first woman UK PM, is elected; largest oil spill ever in Gulf of Mexico (until surpassed in 2010); eradication of smallpox announced by UN; Russia invades Afghanistan;
    • 1989: Communism ends in Eastern Bloc; Russia leaves Afghanistan; Keating Savings and Loan fraud in US leaves many with no savings and may have contributed to the 1990 —91 recession that allowed Clinton to win the 1992 election; Tiananmen Square massacre;
    • 2000: Dot-com bubble bursts leading to stock market crash; No winner declared in US presidential election requiring Supreme Court to make a decision on recount; 
    • 2014: Largest ever Ebola virus outbreak kills 12000; Ukrainian president sympathetic to Russia is removed from office leading to Russia annexing Crimea and start of hostilities in southern Ukraine; US and European response is tepid.
    • 2024/2025 ?

    This information is not offered as a scientific study, but to bring to your attention the possibility that solar activity is at least partly behind significant human events. As more information from the current solar cycle (25) is made available, we shall use this information against astrological events to find patterns. Obviously, I have already become aware of a connection… 😉

    Current estimates have sunspots remaining moderate and peaking sometime in the second half of this year (2024). However, these are only best estimates. Already NASA has revised their figures at least a few times because this cycle is not behaving as expected…

    We’ll keep you updated.

    In the meantime, take inventory of your life inside and out so you can strengthen what needs attention. The castle’s wall is only as strong as its stones. 🤗

  • Aquarius Sun Question/Answer

    Aquarius Sun Question/Answer

    This Month’s Question:

    From the UK: Do you see signs of a global war or natural calamity in the coming years?

    So much for subtlety! 😁

    Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Maybe.

    First off, understand that astrology is a system that reveals trends and tendencies — not prophecies. Astrology is not a crystal ball where the astrologer peers into the mist and sees the future. The astrologer offers a probable future based upon the prevailing trend as gleaned from the astrological indications. For individuals, this is based upon the individual’s tendencies carried into this life from the past and their capacity to forge a new, more enlightened path to a better future. In this regard, the individual always has free choice.

    Global astrology, also known as mundane astrology, is a little different in part because mundane astrology pertains to the trends and tendencies of whole countries rather than of a particular individual. In some ways, mundane astrology is actually a bit more easy to ascertain; for most people are not purposefully cultivating a higher consciousness and act as a herd — the world is the world is the world. This is why I say that even as there is trouble ahead for the world as a whole, as individuals, we can thrive: the opportunity to experience a greater aspect of oneself is greatest at the darkest hour.

    What about global war or natural calamity? I see the possibility of both as well as that of an unnatural (manmade) calamity. Regarding the latter, we just went through one: the pandemic. During 2020, Jupiter went through Capricorn, its weakest sign, and suffered from challenging influences from a strong Saturn, an ornery Pluto, and an opportunistic South node. Jupiter is the planet of truth, right action, wise leadership, the hippocratic oath, and selfless consideration of one’s fellow humans. I think many agree that these virtues went AWOL during the pandemic.

    Saturn represents the foundation and the ground upon which society and our individual lives are built. Some of the current indications point to bad decisions by governments that lead to worse outcomes. The Earth, too, is more likely to shake, rattle, and roll as Saturn represents the ground itself. The biggest question for each of us to answer is upon what have we built our house? Bedrock… or sand? Now is the time to tend to your inner state and cultivate equanimity of mind, steadfastness, and objective thinking free from personal bias and prejudice. Do not wait for the house to catch fire before you dig the well.

    When does this period begin? It has already begun. It began in earnest in December 2019 when Jupiter went into Capricorn. This was followed by millions dying needlessly during the pandemic, war in Ukraine, and now an unstable Middle East that threatens to draw others into its quagmire. Please understand that it is we who have a responsibility to resolve what ails the world and it begins with resolving our own delusions, especially about who should be leading our country. Please learn to see the world as it is; not as you think it is. And vote accordingly. As sadhguru told us before the 2020 US election: Don’t vote for the good man; vote for the capable one.

    There is always hope. The reason for this newsletter is to alert you to the possibilities so you can take action now. A strong inner state leads to better outcomes because better choices are made.

  • Finding Your Guru

    Finding Your Guru

    Be Not Afraid

    “I come because you need me.”
    — Jesus of Nazereth

    As much as some of you resist a teacher, others often ask me to recommend a teacher, a spiritual master who can take you across to the other side, across the vast ocean of illusion from which all problems arise. The illusion is that you are small and separate from God. From my own experience in the company of such beings, I can assure you are not who you think you are. In the company of an authentic teacher, you will see this as easily as you see a flower or a sunset. Still, it’s your choice whether to seek and follow their teachings…

    As you know from the Astrology of Joy, you came into this life with countless impressions from countless lives, which are themselves a mere drop in the karmic bucket. In our sessions together, we have discussed your past life burden and steps to free yourself from its grasp. Yet, according to enlightened spiritual masters, we have as much karma as every grain of sand on every beach in the world. How can we possibly hope to teach ourself to rise above this mass of memory and live as free men and women?

    It’s true that you can do things on your own that will bring you peace of mind and pleasant life experiences and if this is all you want, what’s the problem? I commend your efforts.

    As it is, I can only offer you my own experience being in the company of enlightened spiritual masters. Finding one’s teacher is a blessed event and a personal one: your teacher appears when the yearning of your heart reaches a certain peak.  This teacher will be one who has “been there done that” and will themselves guide inward.

    Beginning next month, I will share with you some of my own stories of being on the spiritual path for several decades and of being in their company. It’s my wish that my stories will inspire you to find your own teacher. This coming period may be bumpy, but it is also an opportunity of a lifetime.

    Onward and inward.

  • Your Sun-Sign Forecast: January/February 2024

    Your Sun-Sign Forecast: January/February 2024

    20 January through 18 February

    Your monthly horoscope according to your birth sign (Sun-sign).

    This month, the Sun and Pluto share Aquarius, the zodiacal sign associated with following the will of our higher Self. Sun/Pluto is a razor’s edge and if we are to find success this month, it will come through our willingness and courage to sacrifice our pride on the alter of humility. Saying, “I don’t know” is a strength not a weakness…

    Aquarius Sun
    Happy birthday, Aquarius! Although the beginning of this month can leave you feeling a bit discombobulated and unsettled because of the Sun and Pluto occupying the first degrees of Aquarius, spending alone time can help you understand the deeper opportunity. Pluto is an agent of transformation and this only happens through change. What (or who) are you identifying with, Aquarius, that is holding you back?

    Pisces Sun
    Giving without expectation is a powerful spiritual practice and you have a penchant for serving others and empathising with their troubles… but are you taking on too much? This month, remember to maintain your own sense of self even as you serve selflessly. Honouring Self begins with honouring self. 😉

    Aries Sun
    Material gain and income is possible when you combine your creative vision with working with others. Even if you don’t add to your bank account, you will take a huge step towards acting upon the all-knowing voice in your head that says, “Follow me!”:

    Taurus Sun
    Do you sometimes wonder how to balance work and home? It’s hard to be in two places at once, but this difficulty starts in the mind. This month, if you throw yourself into your work and activity with abandon, a door will open in your understanding and you will ask yourself what all the fuss was about.

    Gemini Sun
    Fulfilling desires gets a boost this month, but only if you recognise the double edged sword that is brandished by your shadow self. No worries! After all, it is your own self that will tell you quite plainly that one road takes you to difficulty while the other takes you to the promised land. Hint: unconventional spirituality is a dear friend.

    Cancer Sun
    What was that you said? Communication opening doors you don’t want opened? I have faith in you, Cancer. That door is an opportunity to bring realisation and resolution. Walk through and destiny smiles… the reward makes it all worthwhile.

    Leo Sun
    Losing ourself in relationship is never a good idea unless it is in a relationship with our higher Self. Discover the difference this month, Leo, and not only will you find your relationships blossoming but you will be the Sun that brings out the very best in everyone.

    Virgo Sun
    We already know your capacity for tending to life’s details: second to none! Still, this month reveals how easy it is for you to become overworked and over stressed. Learning to delegate is a talent too often learned from the hospital bed. Use your power of communication to let go what is not yours to do.

    Libra Sun
    Think outside the box and this month can bring you improved relationship with children, more romance, and a creative vision that can open doors to income. Mind what I say, Libra; outside of the box means lifting the rug in your own mind and discovering what you swept under there a long, long time ago. Don’t be afraid; it’s something good.

    Scorpio Sun
    If you have ever had thoughts to have a home business, now’s the time to get a clearer vision. When you hit it, it won’t follow convention, but you’ll know it because it will stimulate your thirst for adventure. And guess what? Along the way, you have the chance to know what it is that makes your heart sing.

    Sagittarius Sun
    The Lord of Good Luck is offering you a chance to throw out all those pesky little desires that only serve to distract you from what you really want. Suggestion: go on a short journey and watch how clear-headed you become. Nature is your friend and others can be a support, but only in measured doses. Room to reflect is wonderful.

    Capricorn Sun
    A restless energy is detected in you, Capricorn. What shall we do with it? It seems the Sun is shining through a window of open communication revealing an opportunity to lay a road to more wealth and prosperity. There’s also a path to resolving issues that arose during childhood. Remember, however, communication is a two way street.

  • The Significance of the Winter Solstice

    The Significance of the Winter Solstice

    In ancient cultures across the world, the winter solstice was a time of great significance. Marking the “longest night” of the year, the winter solstice heralds the beginning of the Sun’s northward journey in Capricorn. Yogi, mystic, and New York Times best-selling author Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev explains its importance:

    People who have been spiritually aware have always identified this transition as a possibility for human consciousness to blossom. Particularly, the first half of (this northward journey) until the equinox in March is a period where the maximum amount of grace is available. The human system is more receptive to grace at (this) time than any other. History clearly indicates that the maximum number of people have attained (enlightenment) in this phase of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere.

    During the southern run (June thru December), what is below the anahata (heart chakra) can be purified very easily. During the northern run (December thru June), what is above the anahata can be worked much more easily. That is why in terms of sadhana, (the southern run) is for purification. (The northern run) is for enlightenment. This is the period of receptivity, of grace and enlightenment, of attainment of the ultimate. This is the time to harvest… human potential.

    The human body, if brought to a certain level of intensity and sensitivity, is a cosmos by itself. Everything that happens in the external sphere, in a subtle way, manifests in the body. It is happening to everyone, it is just that most people do not notice this. But a more organised and purposeful rearrangement of the human mechanism could be done if one becomes conscious of the external movement and aligns that with the movement that is happening within the human system. If you want this body of flesh and bone to imbibe the nature of the cosmic body, understanding and being in tune with this movement… is very essential.