Astroworld

If we turn our backs and try to ignore the energy of Mars at work in the world, we may well find ourselves becoming hot, impatient, demanding, angry, unfocused, and warlike. Or we may find ourselves face to face with other people exhibiting those qualities. Mars is nothing to trifle with. Mars means business. Mars will not be denied. Mars asks for your courage, your action, and your skill.

In the terms of astronomy, Mars is closest to Earth when it is both in perihelion (closest to the sun) and in opposition (opposite side of Earth from the Sun). This year the Mars' perihelion occurs at virtually the same time as the opposition, a dual phenomenon that happens about every 15 to 17 years.

As it happens, on August 27, 2003, Mars will be 34.65 million miles (55.76 million km) from Earth, its closest approach to Earth in almost 73,000 years. The actual opposition occurs three days later on August 30, 2003.

The combination of perihelion and opposition at the same time may be challenging to visualize. But if you follow the link below, it will lead you to an illustration of the Mars perihelion/opposition, and it will readily become apparent what is happening in the sky: http://sci2.esa.int/marsexpress/gallery/9963.html

While astronomy offers an image of what is happening physically in the sky, the much older tradition of astrology offers images of what may come to pass metaphysically. In the terms of the classical Western tradition, Mars is associated with desire, energy, urges, and action.

The basic astrological principle was articulated millennia ago by Hermes Trismegistus: "As Above, So below." What that means in a nutshell is that if we observe something significant in the heavens, we will witness a correspondence below on Earth; and vice versa.

So if we look above and see that Mars is "in our face" all summer ‹ closer to the Earth than it has been in 73,000 years, especially during late August and early September ‹ then we must wonder what correspondences will unfold below. If the Hermetic principle is valid, then we can expect to see a noticeable increase in energy of a Martian character over the next two months.

As with all power, the energy of Mars can be used or misused. At it¹s worst, Mars serves the naked, hungry ego and may be expressed as impatience, irritation, anger, rage, violence, and war. At its best, Mars is guided by the light of the soul and is competent to get what it needs following the highest ethical and spiritual principles. It is the hero, the champion, the protector of all that is delicate, weak, or in need of help. Mars helps to move things forward along the unfolding spiral of spiritual evolution.

As various elders have suggested, action is the spiritual ideal of this era, this time of transition. But action toward what, and directed in what manner?

Toward the larger end of a just and sustainable planet graced by peace, and also by way of conclusion for this newsletter, I thrust upon you some rhetorical questions and challenges:

® What do you need, and how do you go about getting it? What do you want, and how do you go about getting it? Are you following the highest ethical principles in how you get what you need and want?

® What do we as a nation of human beings need, and how do we go about getting it? What do we as a nation of human beings want, and how do we go about getting it? Are we following the highest ethical principles in how we get what we need and want?

® What are you as one human being willing to fight for, preserve, and protect?

® What are we as a nation of human beings willing to fight for, preserve, and protect?

® How can you use the extra-amplified energy of Mars wisely and creatively this summer?

® Are you getting enough exercise? What are you going to do about it? Today?

® The environmental, social, and geopolitical threats to our survival are mounting. The world needs you: your vitality, your skill, and your courage. The world needs also your positive, constructive activity. Come, Join the quest now. Take action. Make something good happen this summer.

Note: On August 16, as the Martian energies are building to a peak, a season group of Santa Fe astrologers will explore all of these Martian themes, and more, in an all-day workshop. I am happy that I will be among them. The intensive workshop is entitled "War, Peace and the Mars Factor." Details follow in the Chiron Schedule.

Resources:
Here are some links to basic astronomical information on what is going on with Mars in the sky this summer:
http://www.planetary.org/marswatch2003/mars_facts2.html

http://www.cranbrook.edu/institute/learning/mars_viewing.shtml

http://www.spaceweather.com/delights/mars2003_Loop.html

Basic astrological information on Mars at opposition/perihelion this summer:
http://www.astrologycom.com/marsattack1.html

SCHEDULE - 2003

August 16: The Astrology of Now: War, Peace and the Mars Factor ­ A daylong astrological conference sponsored by The Sophia Center of Santa Fe. Talks, rituals, interactions, movement, and insight. The conference will feature veteran astrologers Arielle Guttman, Lee Leibler, Edith Hathaway, Genoa Bliven, Marcia Starck, and Steven McFadden. Steven¹s theme - "In Your Face: Challenge of the Martian Champions." For more information, contact Steven: chiron@chiron-communications.com

August 23-24, 2003 - Level I Reiki Training: Healing with Heart and Hands. In Santa Fe, NM - Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a Japanese word meaning universal life energy ‹ the energy that flows through all living things. It is also the name of a simple, effective technique for healing via the laying-on of hands. Reiki is a natural method of healing with the use of this basic life energy.

Everyone can heal with his or her hands. The Reiki system for doing this is based on a 2,500-year-old tradition that allows practitioners to consciously direct energy for the benefit of other living beings. Learn this approach and then for the entirety of your life it will serve you, your family, and all who need a healing touch.

Reiki Master Steven McFadden has 25 years experience with Reiki, and has been a Reiki Master since 1990. He helped John Harvey Gray and Lourdes Gray write their new book: Hand to Hand: The Oldest Living Reiki Master Tells His Story (2002).

For information about the Santa Fe Reiki program please contact Steven McFadden chiron@chiron-communications.com

September 13-14 - Level II Reiki Training: Healing at a Higher Level. In Santa Fe, NM. The Reiki II class is for students who have already completed Level I training, and who are ready to take a quantum leap in their ability. The instruction and the attunements you receive in this class will spark a many-fold leap in your capacity to channel Reiki. Certificates awarded.

Classes will be held in Santa Fe, NM, 10 AM to 4 PM both Saturday and Sunday. The cost of the Level II Reiki Training is $200. To register send e-mail to chiron@chiron-communications.com

September 28-29, 2003 - Level I Reiki Training: Healing with Heart and Hands. In New Hope, PA - Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a Japanese word meaning universal life energy ‹ the energy that flows through all living things. It is also the name of a simple, effective technique for healing via the laying-on of hands. Reiki is a natural method of healing with the use of this basic life energy.

Everyone can heal with his or her hands. The Reiki system for doing this is based on a 2,500-year-old tradition that allows practitioners to consciously direct energy for the benefit of other living beings. Learn this approach and then for the entirety of your life it will serve you, your family, and all who need a healing touch.

Reiki Master Steven McFadden has 25 years experience with Reiki, and has been a Reiki Master since 1990. He helped John Harvey Gray and Lourdes Gray write their new book: Hand to Hand: The Oldest Living Reiki Master Tells His Story (2002).

For information about the Pennsylvania Reiki program please contact SarahLouise at Cre8synergy@aol.com

October 3-5 - Body, Mind, Spirit, Earth Conference ­ With Willaru Huyata, Inca Messenger from Peru, Jan Walker, and Steven McFadden. Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, October 5 in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. For information write Jan Walker at janwalker53@aol.com

More to come...

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