Tag Archives: astrology

Why This, Why Me, and Why NOW? 

Much to my surprise, The Way of the Sage went its own way.  

Much of what I originally intended to say was left unsaid.  

For example, I planned to follow through on my earlier invitation to Sage Robbins.  

In an Open Letter to Tony Robbins, I observed that the not-coincidental pun on his wife’s name nominates her as the logical and ideal person to try out and report back to him on the validity and benefits associated with this ancient, tried and true, universal method of decision-making – the book accurately described The Ultimate Personal Survival Guide. 

I intended to tell her that the Common Sense Book of Change is intentionally free of the usual elitist and gender assumptions (“the superior man”). No one is excluded from the opportunity to be truly noble, genuinely wise. 

I wanted to tell her that this small book makes timeless wisdom available to truth seekers — whomever, wherever — free of distortions. There’s no overlay of cultural bias. For this ancient wisdom treasure is, in its essence, timeless. Universal.  

I intended to appeal to her natural, maternal instinct to educate and protect our children, now and into the future. I would have invited her to join me in giving this small book to the world as living proof that women too have the potential to become peaceful warriors as well as sages. 

But, as I said, The Way of the Sage took a detour. Immediately after publishing it, however, I became aware that it was just the first installment.  

Overnight, I received the content of a second installment. Again, it didn’t include the originally outlined facts and details. Instead, something else, equally unexpected, emerged.  

This time, I was called to explain these Three Whys.  

  • Why this subject?  
  • Why me? Why am I the right person to address it? And  
  • Why this subject and me NOW?  

The Three Why’s aren’t necessarily separate. They seem to blend and interact. I’ll do my best, as briefly as possible, to sort it out for you. 

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WHY THIS? 

As stated earlier: 

What I’ve been given in trust to share with the world is a re-vision of timeless wisdom, clear and simple in form, suited to the needs of the times.  

The form is two-part, consisting of a mutually reinforcing map and a manual. One is an overview, a snapshot of quantum reality. The other, with good reason, has been called The Ultimate Personal Survival Guide.   

For many reasons, some explained below, the future ahead is going to be majorly unfamiliar. However positive pending changes will ultimately prove to be, at the onset they’ll be perceived by most to be fearful and threatening.  

In that context, the Sage’s Way of Wisdom – embodied in the combo of the quantum Life Wheel and the Book of Change, are going to be the resources we can turn to and depend upon. They’ll guide those open to change, helping them travel safely through the challenges of a global shift, one day and one situation at a time, so they don’t crash and burn, don’t fall victim to cultural shock.  

These wisdom tools offer the option to see changing times as the rare and precious opportunity they are to practice the Phoenix Response to change: to die to the old in order to be reborn into something new and better in the same lifetime. 

In combination, this map and manual hold the answers to humanity’s collective prayers for: 

  • Truth.  
  • Freedom, first within, then without.  
  • Peace, first within, then without.   
  • Harmony and health.   
  • Loving, supportive relationships at home, in the community, and in the world.   
  • An end to confusion, conflict and corruption.  
  • An understanding of how the world really works.  
  • A return to simplicity and goodness.   

And there’s more. So much more. Even the legendary Confucius, accomplished as he was, wished for an additional 75 years of life in order to study and increase his understanding of this endlessly profound science. 

Among many other things, the I Ching works like a cosmic clock. It forewarns of danger and nurtures the inner strength to cope with and outlast inevitable shocks and adversity. 

Supporting commentary could easily be supplied, but this short post isn’t the place. For now, Trust me. It’s true. It’s all true.   

As for the complimentary quantum Life Wheel, although apparently simple, it satisfies the inclusive standard of Occam’s Razor. Its implications are universal. Its applications are endless. Here’s just one suggestive example: 

————————————————————— 

WHY ME? 

Long story short, my life has been a wandering path that has, over time, seeming miraculously, as if all were preordained, given me access to the broad range of information that had to be integrated. I’ve been uniquely called to collect the mosaic pieces of various wisdom traditions and intuitively known how they fit together, forming the unified picture presented here.  

Again, this isn’t the place to go into scholarly detail. For now, please trust me.  

But why the physical me? So many reasons, it couldn’t have been anyone else. It’s not just my name which, like Sage’s, nominates me for the role. It had to be West. I’ve been cautioned not to lose myself in eastern traditions, but rather to serve as a bridge, to integrate them into western civilization.  

And it had to be my gender. Women are the ones for whom the system works least. They’re the ones most qualified to address its blind spots and serve as change agents — of necessity, to be “the early adaptive.” More importantly, my gentle yin nature — my persona – speaks to the crying need to restore respect for the receptive, nurturing yin qualities of human nature, lacking which our civilization has degenerated into its current condition of critical mass. 

As for scholarly qualifications, I spoke to this in The Qualification That Matters. 

On the one hand, does it really matter who the messenger is? It’s the message that counts. If the truth of what I say resonates and the results work for you, the message speaks for itself. It stands on its own merit.  

On the other hand, if you really believe that the messenger matters, then truth be told, the best of what I know comes from personal experience.  

Which isn’t to say I haven’t paid my dues. I’ve earned the traditional academic credentials to string behind my name. (B.A. in history and philosophy from Oberlin College. M.A. in English and Ph.D.in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.)   

But in this light, they don’t much matter. In fact, most of what I learned in schools later had to be unlearned. 

The qualification that genuinely matters here is that I have a good teacher. A really, really good teacher. And that we have your best interests at heart. 

The one we called Old Avatar was a uniquely advanced soul. Lao Tze best describes his vast, but subtle influence. “The presence of true masters is only suspected.” His Universal Mind permeates the quantum field. Those open to his magic respond and all is done. Truth seekers automatically tune in to him, broadcasting from the far side — Tony Robbins included. 

Tony Robbins and I are connected through OA.  It works both ways. I was attracted to Tony’s Awaken the Giant Within. This website was, in fact, inspired by his challenge. Conversely, much of what Tony teaches reflects how well he’s tuned into OA. For example, OA’s MPI standard permeates his work.  

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WHY NOW? 

Long story short, astrologically, the times are ripe and ready. Without going into technical detail, suffice it to say that planet Earth is approaching a time of massive change. Where before, things weren’t possible, they’re quickly becoming inevitable. 

As described in Wheels Within Wheels, we’re in the midst of an extraordinarily rare triple conjunction that last occurred 2,300 years ago. It was marked by the massive economic and cultural shifts that followed from the conquests of Alexander the Great. It’s that huge. 

We’re at critical mass. I, along with others born for such a time as this (including General Michael Flynn and Patrick Byrne), are doing our best to avert a destructive civil war intentionally being provoked by dark side minions. Were they to prevail, it would take civilization back to the dark ages.  

We’ve long been forewarned. Astrologically, the ongoing Saturn-Uranus square [exacerbated by the conflict-creating Pluto-Eris square] culminates in the weeks approaching U.S. mid-term elections. This escalating tension is scheduled to be topped off by a kinetic full moon lunar eclipse that occurs – I kid you not — exactly on that date – November 8, 2022.  

Using this foresight in combination with wisdom tools, we can steer our planning and behavior. We have the ability, potential, opportunity — actually a divine calling — to collectively tip the balance in favor of world peace.  

Let’s choose life. Let’s choose the Way of the Sage: respecting all of life and practicing peace, first within, then without.  

So much to say. So little time. So little space.  

But for now, until the next time, be well. All best.  

Patricia West is author of The Common Sense Book of Change and Two Sides of a Coin: Lao Tze’s Common Sense Way of Change. She’s currently working on The Phoenix Response: Dying To Be Reborn – in the Same Lifetime. 

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The QUANTUM SOLUTION

Two days ago, in early-morning dream-state, five thought-strands came together, weaving a symmetrically patterned design: the pattern of an urgent dilemma and its quantum solution. 

Here, I’ll identify the strands, then show you how they fit together, forming a single, coherent picture. 

First, I’d been rereading Harry Potter books, especially The Order of the Phoenix. In light of current events, it’s prophetic, equally dark and hopeful.  

Second, since Elon Musk dominated public conversation with his Twitter takeover, I’ve been watching past interviews. Musk, to me, resembles a Harry Potter-like hero, lonely in the muggle world of clueless humans. In a 2012 commencement speech, Elon compares leading-edge technologies to magic. He concludes:  

You guys are the magicians of the 21st century. Don’t let anything hold you back. Imagination is the limit. Go out there and create some magic. 

A patriot in his own unique way, Elon isn’t interested in buying out Twitter for financial gain. He sees it as an international public forum. Freedom of speech is at stake, and with it the future of civilization. 

The third dream-thread centers around another, equally unique patriot, Patrick Byrne, CEO of The America Project. He’s dedicated his life, fortune and sacred honor to sorting  out the unprecedented events of the last few years. Speaking at a Reawaken America Tour event, he outlines the classic, four-stage psy-op Model of Regime Change we’re now going through: 

  1. Demoralization. (politicians exploiting COVID, including lockdowns, masking and social distancing)  
  1. Disorientation. (lawlessness: defund police movements, antifa getting away with violence, intimidation and destruction of property; criminal lawfare) 
  1. Crisis. (election fraud; massive deception) 
  1. Normalization. (censorship, coverup, media whitewash) 

Though not always welcomed by fellow patriots on his locals site, I’ve felt compelled to add my voice. (That’s the final, fifth thread. More on this below.) 

The fourth, inclusive dream-thread is astrology, a core subject essential to Harry Potter’s magic school curriculum. It explains the timeliness of Musk’s appearance on the world stage, as well as the dynamics of exposing systemic corruption in which Dr. Byrne is engaged.  

Different popular astrologers look at various aspects of current events through their individual lenses. None is more comprehensive and strikingly accurate than the preeminent, visionary Pam Gregory. She sees the years spanning 2020 to 2024 as a period when corruption of the old order is exposed, expunged and replaced. In 2022, we’re halfway through this intensely dynamic breakdown as well as simultaneous breakthrough to an emerging new and better future.  

The death and replacement of corrupt institutions across the board has long been foreseen by astrologers. They unanimously agree that governments and their agencies, along with systems of healthcare, law, religion and education are slated for fundamental rethinking. This dynamic is ancient and cyclical. It’s the magical, mystical Phoenix Response of dying to the old in order to be reborn new and fresh. 

OVERVIEW 

The overarching dilemma, as Dr. Byrne sees it, is the looming threat of civil war. He’s adamant to forestall a mutually destructive clash between disillusioned, betrayed citizens erupting in outrage as hidden facts surface, facing off against entrenched powerholders clinging to the remnants of abused authority with the savagery of cornered animals. He’s found in history a successful policy of reconciliation and recommends it as a peaceful way to prevent no-win, self-destructive violence. 

The QUANTUM SOLUTION 

The fifth strand of my early morning musings is my take on the either/or options patriots perceive. My edited responses to the ongoing debate are quoted below: 

At best this [reconciliation] trade-off seems to be the surface of a well-rationalized strategy to buy us time, keep hard core evil-doers from pulling the plug in desperation while patriot goals are achieved, systems put in place. In the short-term, deals may seem expedient . . . the best option among many evils. 

However, in the long-term, because the root problem is neither recognized nor addressed, it will continue to mutate, metastacize . . . take on different forms with new faces . . . until the time when it’s finally correctly identified and rooted out . . healed. 

* * * * * * * * * *

I’m rethinking the “hill to die on” issue. Folks have different takes on what that is. Some want consequences for wrong-doers: justice, even retribution, assuming that would serve to prevent future repeats of current corruption. Whereas others call for a deal. Reconciliation for the sake of preventing civil war.  

The deep state and wall street are named as the corrupt bad actors who must be called to account. To repeat, from my point of view, they — along corporate and political “leaders” — are symptoms (puppets, products) of a more fundamental influence . . . namely flawed education systems, both secular and religious.  

Since no one (excluding mafia and/or cartel dons, perhaps) comes to positions of “power” except through the filters of educational institutions, the current selection processes rule out anyone capable of meeting the standard recognized in the Declaration of Independence: one intellectually & functionally capable of spanning the three interrelated levels of law: the laws of man, of nature and nature’s God. 

My ongoing concern remains that even if elections were pristine going forward, few political candidates or institutional leaders other than those who are products of the educational system that produces corruption (“turtles all the way down”) are available. 

Punishment/retaliation and reconciliation are two sides of the same dualistic coin. Both address surface symptoms, not deeper, root causes. What’s needed . . . in the long term. . . is a cultural, world-wide shift of awareness towards a higher octave of consciousness: a quantum solution.  

To restore Unity, first within and then without, we must first make the quantum shift to a complete and accurate Paradigm of reality. Conversely, so long as we as individuals and as a nation remain fractured from within, unity isn’t possible. Unless one is integrated — mind, body and spirit — and consistent in thought, speech, and action, any hope for true freedom is but an illusion.

It’s not necessarily different schools that are called for, but rather a shift away from the limited and limiting (fracturing) paradigm taught therein. It’s the prevailing knowledge (epistemological) paradigm which is corrupt. And corrupting. 

Further, leaders (educators in particular) urgently need to take into account the influx of (often uneducated) immigrants who are unfamiliar with the nation’s values, who lack respect for its history and have no commitment to its future.  

The face of American (and European) populations is going through major changes. Education must shift/change/evolve to include/serve the entirety of changing populations. The challenge isn’t impossible. Seen as an opportunity, it may, in fact, be a foreordained, astrologically foreseen blessing in disguise. But only if it’s taken into account. After restoring freedom of speech with the help of patriots like Elon Musk in tandem with securing election integrity thanks to the hard work of patriots like Dr. Byrne, that’s the mountain looming behind “the hill to die on.” 

The virtue of the Quantum Paradigm embodied in the Unified Field’s life wheel is that it includes, links and prioritizes the three levels of law acknowledged in the Declaration of Independence. Its elegant simplicity satisfies the standard of Occam’s Razor. It encompasses the heart of all world religions — the basics common to both the perennial philosophy and modern science. It is impartially inclusive of all nationalities, accepting without exception the common humanity of immigrants now flooding across borders all over the world, reshaping the face of the planet Earth. 

Bottom line: to have a United States existing within a peaceful world, we must first shift to a collective awareness and functional understanding of the inclusive, quantum Unified Field Theory which encompasses all humanity, free of unnatural borders. We must come to share a complete and accurate, universal paradigm which respects diversity on the outer, material level of the Life Wheel, exquisitely balanced and held together by a common core at the unchanging, eternal center of Source.

The challenge (opportunity) now opening to us as world citizens — our collective responsibility, not only to ourselves but to future generations – is, one person at a time, NOT to self-suicide, but instead choose the magical, mystical Phoenix Response of death to the old in order to emerge new and changed for the better . . . in the same lifetime. 

Light at the End of the 2020 Tunnel – IC – 101920

In late October, 2020’s cosmic symphony is building to a mighty crescendo. Whack! Crash! Bang!

Strident brass and pounding percussion sound off against wailing strings. Mars in martial Aires opposes Sun, then squares Pluto. Windy Mercury opposes moody Uranus, then turns retrograde.

But . . . Let your heart not be troubled. By year’s end, the noise settles down. Dissonance eases back into harmony. There’s a light at the end of 2020’s dark tunnel.

That’s how classic astrologers read the musical score in the sky. So does today’s I Ching reading.

Not that we can take returning peace and prosperity for granted. But it is a possibility IF we have the common sense and courage to admit past mistakes and correct them.

Getting ahead of the story, SHADOW represents the current situation. The sun of our hopes is covered over by clouds. But then . . . dynamic lines change first to PEACE and then PROSPERITY. They combine, however, to issue a challenge.

SUPPORT, the final outcome, warns of hidden risks inherent in abundance. Abuse. Were we to carry forward false, fragmenting beliefs, we would recreate the same old selfish patterns of prejudice and hatred. Repeating inequitable distribution of resources — discrimination along the lines of race, religion, age, gender or whatever – would cause another downward spiral of alienation, separation and conflict.

At end-stage 2020, we face a choice. We can decide to use abundance wisely, with gratitude. Or we can forget 2020’s lessons and squander future hope. To unify or fragment, that is the question. Will we survive or perish from the face of the earth?

What will make the difference? Einstein had the key to the new way of thinking. It was under his nose. For lack of yoga training, he missed it. But now we’ve got the Unified Field Theory. It’s embodied in the Life Wheel, consciousness factor included. Today, we can choose whether to use his formula to build bombs of destruction OR . . shift gears to the quantum paradigm of wholeness.

Hard as it may seem right now, the return of PEACE and PROSPERITY could be lie ahead — with an all-important qualifier.

The I CHING READING

We’re not trained to come to the Book of Change for answers to our deepest questions. That’s why I’ve chosen to bring the book to you in this series of bi-weekly blogs. Through the end of 2020, they’re intended to serve as an introduction, to make what was unfamiliar now familiar.

SHADOW is the initial answer to today’s question, “What should we be aware of today?”

Like the sun covered over by clouds, your hopes may fall under a SHADOW for awhile. You may feel cut off from others,who will not show sympathy for what you have to say. Even when it is best to remain silent, do not give up your ideals. Avoid anger.

A meditative attitude of Stillness, calmly keeping the faith, begins the process of positive change.

Then, line 2 advises: “Turn misfortunes to advantage. Outgrow obstacles that block your path.”

When this is done, the outcome is PEACE, a dynamic we saw earlier on the holy day of Atonement. We’ll see again in December:

“When the forces of nature unite in profound harmony, heavenly PEACE fills the earth. Lives blossom. Prosperity increases. Easy communication makes it possible to understand one another. This leads to cooperative efforts that will be fruitful. Tranquility follows fulfillment of life goals. Accept life’s blessings gratefully. Avoid disorder.

For those who say, “I don’t know how to cultivate inner peace,” or argue, “I have too much on my plate. Maybe later, after . . . ,” I recommend watching Eckhart Tolle’s YouTube video Finding Inner Peace During Stressful Times.

Though of different in national origin, gender, and temperament, he speaks in the same terms as do I. The Life Wheel is implicit in his teachings. Tolle contrasts living an incomplete, unhappy life on the surface with the fulfillment of going deep. The goal of his teaching is to heighten AWARENESS and awaken us to the eternal, True Self.

Next, changing line #4 advises, “If you understand your situation clearly, mishaps can be avoided.”

With more clarity, mistakes can be overcome. As Peace promises, the end result is an increase of abundance:

Use the time of PROSPERITY as the opportunity to benefit as many as possible. Hoarding wealth of any kind hastens loss. Nature acts to distribute resources equally. Therefore the way to prevent poverty is to live modestly in the present. Share wisely, without prejudice. This secures continued well-being. Avoid possessiveness.

Rather than holding tight to possessions, our ability to sustain prosperity depends on using it wisely. Don’t hoard, knowing that unjust abuses of wealth change to opposite and equal poverty. We’re living with the proof of this right now. Let’s not go back to the past, make the future a repeat of past mistakes.

How do we prevent past mistakes? Make it a practice to work with AWARENESS tools so we make better choices in the future. Continue to work with the I Ching, which one astrologer rightly calls a “spiritual GPS.”

There’s also enduring wisdom in the Tao Te Ching. This familiar, world-loved book sets principles of the relatively unfamiliar Book of Change (its foundation) into motion.

It wasn’t easy to choose among relevant examples. Here, just one must stand for the rest. Other (highly recommended) passages offer ways out of madness. Passage 53 speaks to the price paid in 2020 for past mistakes:

Sound familiar?

So. Throughout repeating cycles of history, humanity has been at low-ebb many times before. The bad news is, we forget and repeat the same the same mistakes, over and over. The good news is, there’s a track-record kept by sages who know and can show us the way out of madness.

Deep into 2020’s dark tunnel, we would do well return to this priceless resource of Wisdom. Respect those whose purpose was, is and always will be to lead us into the LIGHT.

Collected posts will be published as The Lessons of 2020: Using the Wisdom of CHANGE to Build a Better Future. Look for it on amazon in January of 2021.

If you’d like a copy of the CSBOC, or extras to give others, click here.

To orderTwo Sides of a Coin: Lao Tze’s Common Sense Way of Change, click here.

Okay, then. That’s all for now. Talk with you again soon. Take care, all.

We Share This in Common – IC – 101520

Today, we’re already under the influence of a super New Moon that perfects tomorrow in Libra – the sign that rules relationships. This includes legal justice as well as relationships with ourselves, family, friends, community, and Source.

FYI, it’s called “super” because closeness to Earth intensifies its affect.

Be warned, we’re in for another rocky ride. One astrologer foresees “a lot of butting heads.”

Another sees it as a day to “Expand your life!!” Yet another focuses on the higher octave, recommending in the midst of chaos and breakdown, to “BE OPEN To A Higher Love”

Then, of course, there’s Pam Gregory. Followers find her insights immensely helpful. “You are getting me through 2020, Pam. You are my #1 ‘news’ source and I’m infinitely grateful to you.”

She sees two major themes this month. First is “deconstruction of the old order,” establishment clashing with strident demands for equality. Second comes shocking, seismic events: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or political scandals.

Coinciding with this Libra New Moon, the U.S. Senate’s Supreme Court hearings have attracted unusual interest.

Now, I know some object. Astrology is pagan. It’s morally and/or scientifically wrong to pay attention to New Moons.

My answer: “It depends.” Natural Law is an integral (often overlooked) piece of the larger puzzle. Taken out of context, worshiped to the exclusion (or in defiance) of Source, Agreed. Not wise.

However, it’s useful to know about astral energy information for several reasons.

First, over thousands of years, sages have looked to the stars (not just planets) for information. Certainly, they were on to something important. They couldn’t all be wrong.

Second, whether consciously or unconsciously, no matter how immune we like to believe we are, planetary energies have a powerful affect on moods and behavior. It’s a primal thing we share in common, but have woefully forgotten. (Personally, I prefer be forewarned of “disturbances in the force,” the better to adjust and respond compassionately.)

Third, many follow astrology. Predictions shape expectations. Even when they’re silly, many believe them. So be aware of what people are thinking.

Fourth, again, knowledge of the middle, e=energy level of the Life Wheel is neutral. Its value, positive or negative, depends on the motives and skill of the user. Folks with Hitler-like motives are exploiting 2020’s dynamics to further their ends. They count on programmed, head-in-the-sand attitudes to get away with their schemes.

It behooves the spiritual warriors among us to be more skillful than they are, able to redirect and unify fragmented energies.

The I CHING READING

We’re not trained to come to the Book of Change for answers to our deepest questions. That’s why I’ve chosen to bring the book to you. Through the end of 2020, these bi-weekly blogs are intended to make what was unfamiliar now familiar.

ORIGIN is the first answer to today’s question, “What should we be aware of now?” It picks up where the last post, Where Do We Come From, left off and carries forward the theme of discovering inner worlds:

All people thirst to know the roots of their ORIGIN. At one level, learning about family and cultural traditions fills this need. At another level, this quest is satisfied by seeking for deeper knowledge. The vitality of all races flows from a single source which never runs dry. Avoid narrow-mindedness.

Family and tradition represent the outer rim of daily experience; vitality is the middle, energy level of the Life Wheel which links surface with Center.

In 2020, the chief complaint of “not-enoughness” comes from a powerful thirst for deeper knowledge. Relationship conflicts at every level reflect a programmed, socialized disconnect from Source.

For those who avoid narrow thinking, ORIGIN changes twice. On a hopeful note, line three advises, “Let others know what you can do. Opportunities will develop.”

When the advice is followed, the line changes to DANGER:

DANGER is the true test of character. Be as careful of negative emotions which cloud inner clarity as you are of external dangers. Face all challenges with fearless grace. Hold fast to the goals and ideas which guide you. Act according to what you know to be right. Avoid cowardice.

The Book of Change has warned me of Danger many, many times. I’ll have more to say about this a month from now, when it reappears as a stand-alone. Here, the key is to protect against negative emotions.

The advice of the 4th line supports the 3rd. It hints at the way to explore new worlds. “Withdraw from activities long enough to rest and re-energize yourself.” Meditation, however it’s practiced, is an important counterbalance to 2020 conflict.

Heeded, the 4th line changes to INNER STRENGTH:

When difficult situations come to a head, rely on INNER STRENGTH to endure. If it becomes necessary to retreat, do so with courage and self-confidence. Make sure your inner and outer resources are secure. If you must begin a new life, you will have to depend on them. Avoid helplessness.

This confirms what many of us sense. In 2020’s year of critical mass, situations are coming to a head.

Resources on the surface include family, friends and community. Deeper, they include emotional maturity, mental clarity and steadfast faith in Source.

NOW. When heeded, the changing lines combine to form a familiar outcome. Arrived at in a different way, it’s the same as last time: DEPRESSION:

At times when it seems as if one’s resources are exhausted, care must be taken to soften the harmful effects of DEPRESSION. Whether the cause of depression is mental, emotional or economic, do not despair. The time will pass. Use hardship to develop inner strength and calm. Avoid negative thoughts.

Here there are two keys. First is Inner Strength, which repeats and reinforces the 4th changing line. Second is avoiding negative thoughts, the way to overcome Danger.

Depression too occurs on all levels of the Life Wheel. On the outer rim, it takes economic forms. In the middle, e=energy realm, it manifests as negative emotions. Deeper still, it registers as attachment to false beliefs.

Today’s take-away: rest assured, Depression will pass. In the meantime, benefit from its hidden blessings by exploring inner worlds, the better to return stronger, wiser and prepared to meet whatever may come next.

Collected posts will be published as The Lessons of 2020: Using the Wisdom of CHANGE to Build a Better Future. Look for it on amazon in January of 2021.

If you’d like a copy of the Common Sense Book of Change, or extras to give others, click here.

To order Two Sides of a Coin: Lao Tze’s Common Sense Way of Change, click here.

Okay, then. That’s all for now. Talk with you again soon. Take care, all.

We’re at a Crossroads – IC – 100120

On the day of 2020’s fiery harvest full moon, the I Ching tells us direct, in its own clear and simple way, what professional astrologers have also been saying.

The initial reading CREATIVE POWER, gives new meaning to the slogan, “Power to the People.”

The first hexagram consists of all straight lines, representing the influence of heaven. It reads:

The source of life is CREATIVE POWER. It gives the clarity, determination and energy to endure over time. The thinker’s greatest ideas, a warrior’s strength and a father’s love are three examples of creative power. Another is the sun, which sheds its light equally over all, bringing seeds to life.

The I Ching’s first reading refers to the Source which abides in the Center of the Life Wheel. It’s the deepest meaning of the word power, lending its influence to expressions at the outer levels.

This image gives you the whole picture. It’s worth 10,000 words. A full book couldn’t begin to do it justice. The time and attention you give it will be the measure of value received.

The last time patterns now in the sky appeared was one of “power to the people.” Earlier, their gift of revolutionary change included giving ordinary people direct access to the Bible. Scripture had been exclusive property of the church. But now, the rest had direct access to knowledge-as-power.

With Martin Luther’s translation, they could read and decide for themselves. Acquiescing to established powerholders as the price of access was no longer necessary.

In 2020, the “power to the people” pattern is widening in scope. Monopolies on knowledge-as-power are being further by-passed. For example, Joe Dispenza is giving the methods and powerful results of meditation — formerly reserved to monasteries – straight to ordinary people like you and me.

Psychologists, notably Marisa Peer, are popularizing rapid, effective methods of self-healing.

We can research medical information online.

Less complicated, more understandable forms of astrology are arising.

Even the I Ching, once regarded as taboo or impossibly esoteric, is becoming available. The Common Sense Book of Change along with a yoga-consistent version of its off-shoot, the world-loved Tao Te Ching, are public-ready.

The reading below is an excellent example of how the CSBOC yields useful information, without the clutter of a symbol-filled zodiac chart.

For starters, here’s what astrologers say. Today’s harvest full moon is in Aires, a martial fire sign. The proof is a world is on fire, in more ways than one. The next four to six weeks will escalate to the dramatic peak of this extraordinarily intense and turbulent year.

WE’RE AT A CROSSROADS.

They see a choice.

Either we can get sucked into the drama. Play out the anger. Drown in despair.

Or . . . we can use the opportunity of chaotic times to shift gears. Take a deep breath. Go within. Shift our minds to a higher level of consciousness. Change the way we think. Get better results. The Wheel above shows the meditative path which can reconnect us with our inalienable, innate power.

Right now, intensely toxic times are surfacing the dark underbelly usually ignored. Astrologist Pam Gregory calls it a time of “deep purging.” The undeniable presence of ugly elephants in the room is challenging us to clean out the emotional, energetic – and political — swamp.

The clearing will happen, astrologers say, whether we choose to do so consciously or prefer to suffer through the process unconsciously.

The following reading shows that it’s possible to arrive at the same conclusion, on your own, using just a simple book written in plain English.

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FYI. Full moon research took on a life of its own. Reporting at length here would have missed the mark. So I’ve published a spin-off. It lists links to a generous sample of harvest full moon videos along with comments.

The I CHING READING

Because we’ve never been taught about the Book of Change, it’s unfamiliar. Its ways remains a mystery, its value forfeit. As a remedy, I’m bringing the book to you. Accept these bi-weekly readings as an opportunity to make what was unfamiliar now familiar.

CREATIVE POWER, the original answer to the question, “What should we be aware of NOW?” changes twice to produce a second outcome.

The advice and outcomes of the two changing line along with their combined result is so rich in meaning that I’m taking a new approach here. I’ll make only the few points that stand out. Let them serve as a springboard to your imagination.

Advice of the bottom line reads, “Working quietly will bring best results now. Avoid showing off.” Flaunting one’s gifts is a bad idea, especially now.

When the advice is heeded, the line changes to TEMPTATION:

If unethical people or ideas enter the situation, recognize the possible danger of giving in to TEMPTATION at once. Taking a disciplined stand against evil can prevent it from taking over. Not every temptation brings harm, however. Decide whether cooperation would produce creative growth or destructive chaos.

I’m understanding that today’s world is rife with danger. We’re at the crossroads of which astrologers speak. The time to choose between chaos or inner growth is NOW, before it’s too late. Acquiescing to evil is NOT a viable option.

The advice of changing line 4 is, “Choose worthy work that expresses your own abilities and deepest aspirations.” I take this to mean, Remain true to your Self. Don’t squander the blessings of Creative Power. Honor them in all you do.

Heeded, the 4th line changes to FRUSTRATION:

External factors you may not even be aware of will cause FRUSTRATION. New projects will not work out now. This cannot be avoided. Arguing will not influence those who could help. Your choice is either to wait patiently or to leave the situation. Pay attention to details.

Echoing astrologers, I take this to mean, Engaging in current chaos is futile. Keep your powder dry. Pick your battles wisely. This is a time to focus on inner growth. Wait patiently for the time when your actions can make a difference.

Combined, the changing lines result in GENTLENESS:

As the wind moves clouds, shapes mountains and stirs the trees, so GENTLENESS has a powerful influence. Quiet, steady gradual actions win respect and cooperation. Find out what concerns the people you work with and speak in those terms. In this way, you can reach their minds. Avoid noisy conflict.

Here, I’m reminded of a favorite maxim: “Resist not evil. Persist in the good.” Be like the wind. Flow like water.

I’m also reminded of an early post, Rethinking Power. Its Lao Tze quote underscores the importance of GENTLENESS as an antidote to strident conflict. In the end, it’s the most effective power available to ordinary people like you and me, who aren’t rich, powerful or connected on the surface of the Life Wheel:

Nothing under heaven is as soft, receptive and yielding as water. / Its gentleness dissolves the hard, erodes and absorbs the rigid. Thus, those who bend endure long after the unbending have snapped.

Last, I’m reminded of the invitation (veiled threat) repeated in Exodus. “Return unto me and I return unto you.” This is the dynamic, two-way process of the Life Wheel, first returning to Source, then completing the pattern by extending outwards, expressing Creative Source in the world.

Staying stuck on the surface is the first choice foreseen by astrologers. Turning inwards, returning to Creative Power, remembering who we truly are, owning and living it, is the second option open to us at this 2020 crossroads.

Collected readings will be published as The Lessons of 2020: Using the Wisdom of CHANGE to Build a Better Future. Look for it on amazon in January of 2021.

If you’d like your very own copy of the CSBOC, to answer your unique questions at your own convenience, or want extras to give others, click here.

Two Sides of a Coin: Lao Tze’s Common Sense Way of Change is a yoga-based version of the Tao Te Ching, the ever popular, poetic and practical expression of IC Natural Law.To order a copy, click here.

Okay, then. That’s all for now. Talk with you again soon. Take care, all.