New Moon in Aquarius: Who Are You?

Erin Reese (Photo: Alix Rauh)

Today we celebrate seed-planting time of the New Moon in the fixed water sign of Aquarius. Aquarius the Water Bearer is the sign of freedom, individuality, and emerging consciousness. It is time to reclaim our uniqueness, to boldly express Who We Are without shrinking.

Aquarius is both revolutionary and evolutionary in tone. Ask yourself, where do I need to initiate a mutiny in my life? Where do I need to bust a move, rattle a cage, break free from society's shackles? The time is now!

Remember, you can only be THAT which you cannot NOT be. Wrap your head around that double-negative, and you've cracked the code, split the atom, and unleashed the Power of the Universe - Aquarian style.

It's a glorious time of year - the stars are flooding us with light and insight, right and left. The cosmos is handing out consciousness boosts like candy! In fact, I'm so caught up in the effusive rays of awakening that I need to pull a rabbit out of my hat for this forecast. So I'm going to offer you, my dear readers, an Aquarian encore... a redux of one of my favorite Bindi Girl blog pieces from 2008.

This short story, original entitled "An Angel Appears," is a spiritual traveler's tale, unfolding just after the Mumbai terrorist attacks of November 26, 2008. Our heroine encounters a hero on his own mythic quest... and their conversation exemplifies this energy of the New Moon.

Read on, and enjoy!

WHO ARE YOU?

"An Angel Appears"

Who are you?

Who who, who who?

I really wanna know…

~ Pete Townshend (The Who)

All I knew was: "I must leave today, today, TODAY for Mumbai!" Time to put aside the uncertainty. The concern and doubt. Pray for protection and peace. And go.

Ever since the tragedies of November 26 [the terrorist attacks on Bombay, 2008], I had been working sincerely on getting back in touch with pure, positive energy. With so much fear and negativity flying around, the only thing I COULD do to serve self and others was stay connected to my heart, to the Source.

After a good, solid week of spiritual solace, being in Nature, a lot of rest and eating right, it was time to return to my beloved Bombay – to pay my respects to the city that captured my heart, take care of a few items of necessary business, and – most importantly – to see my teacher.

Ramesh Balsekar and Erin Reese (Mumbai)

Apparently, my aging guruji Ramesh Balsekar had fallen ill; it appeared he may soon enter mahasamadhi (ultimate resting place). I recalled a story from the kirtan musician, Krishna Das, who had a vision that he should get back to India to see his guru, Neem Karoli Baba ("Maharaji"). Krishna Das was a bit caught up back in the world, in New York, and thus did not heed the call. Maharaji passed away before Krishna Das got to say goodbye face to face.

Needless to say, I had to get my butt back to Bombay. I didn't care that I'd have to take an 18-hour train, without reservation. The heart gives a strength from beyond. With, as per usual, too much stuff, too much luggage, I hauled myself up to the platform at the local railway station. I overheard a young French backpacker wearing a très stylish red and black fedora discussing his upcoming overnight bus journey from Goa to Mumbai, as he could not get a train booked to Mumbai but had to catch a flight back to Europe.

"Heading home?" I asked.

"Yes, unfortunately!" he replied.

"That's OK, you'll be back."

"Mais oui!" the Frenchman agreed. "Absolutement."

I'd also noticed a bright and shiny young man perched between us and all my bags, but it wasn't until he turned to me and addressed me directly that I noticed he was a doppelganger of my former travel partner, Tim, with whom I had traversed India from September to December 2007. 

[This was most significant, in that approximately one year prior, Tim had played a pivotal part in my spiritual journey, culminating in my discovery of advaita – the path of non-duality that turned out to be what I had been seeking the past seven years in India… but did not know it until it looked me in the face on Thanksgiving Day 2007 when I met my spiritual teacher in Mumbai.]

With the exception of this golden-haired stranger's subtle lip piercing and lovely London accent, I felt I could have been speaking to my old friend. Now, this particular tall and muscular, blue-eyed, blonde Brit – Chris - turned to strike up a conversation with me on the railway platform. We chitchatted for a bit: how long I'd been in India, where I'd been, favorite places – the usual. Chris was particularly interested in hearing what it took for me to make the transition to living in India, material renouncement, the uncertainties of the future, and the guts it takes to follow your bliss.

Gorgeous, twenty-something Chris had been a professional dancer in London, working on music videos and stage shows before blowing out his knee last year. Absolutely clueless as to what he should do next and perhaps influenced by his Bikram Yoga teacher, he decided to come to India.

"I guess I was looking for some sort of epiphany here."

Chris was searching for The Answer to that all-pervading question hanging over the heads of young (and old) westerners everywhere:

"What should I do with my life?"

"Since this injury to my knee happened, and I can't dance professionally anymore, I gotta figure out what to do," explained Chris. "I've traveled all over India the past three months," he said, "and I still haven't got my epiphany. And I've only got four days left!"

In spite of my usual standard of keeping my opinion to myself (unless solicited), in this case, I couldn't help myself. A reaction flew out of my mouth:

"With all due respect," I began, "I have to say, I believe the reason you haven't got your answer, is that it's the wrong question…" My words drifted off, as I wasn't really expecting Chris to be interested in hearing my personal philosophical dribble.

"Really? Tell me more." Chris leaned toward me on our shared bench.

"Well, I just hear so many folks running in circles, chasing their tales, asking themselves what they should do with themselves. Honestly, have you ever known anyone to actually get an answer to that question?"

"Actually, no!" he answered. "That's true!"

"That's because the very question is non-resourceful." I continued, since he seemed interested, and our train was late anyway. "The very question, 'what should I do?' doesn't work, and only invites frustration and anxiety. It can't be answered. In my opinion, and, more importantly, my direct experience, we are NOT human DOINGS. We are human beings. If we identify ourselves with what we DO, it is a set-up for disappointment."

"Go on," encouraged Chris.

Since he seemed to know I wasn't proselytizing, I continued. "I have found that the better question is 'Who Am I?' Find out who you ARE. The true you is pure source energy, or Consciousness. That is the truth that is never changing. If we can get in touch with THAT, my experience is that the 'doing' takes care of itself. It is like Life, or Nature, is the real director, and we humans naturally do whatever Life has designed us to do as a natural expression of who we are, and we don't even have to think one iota about it."

"That totally makes sense!" Chris was really getting into it now. I could see it in his eyes. "It's… it's… ORGANIC."

"Exactly! That's the exact word for it." I couldn't believe these words were coming from my lips. I was talking in hushed tones so as not to attract attention from the other backpackers sitting nearby. Although I didn't care if they heard, I wasn't into sounding like a preacher. It was simply a conversation…

A conversation that simply happened. Naturally. Spontaneously.

Organically.

Now, Chris put two and two together, and made it clearer for both of us. "Ah, I see, so if we identify ourselves with what we DO, then if the thing we're doing doesn't work out, then we feel like it's US that has failed."

"Yes."

"And if we focus on who we ARE, we can't go wrong!"

"Yes."

"Wow." Chris looked directly and soulfully into my eyes. "I think I just got that epiphany."

A whistle blew. Our train was arriving on the platform.

As we gathered our bags, I happened to glimpse golden rays of light streaming between Chris and I. (Of course, I didn't tell HIM that; I do still know when to keep a few things to myself, though I can't resist telling you!)

It was at that moment, that fleeting phenomenon of bliss, that I realized that Chris was the real bearer of gifts. In that five-minute chat on the railway platform, this stranger had embodied the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…

Like a big, gorgeous mirror, smiling and waving right back, declaring loud and clear - just like that whistle-blowing train barreling into the station:

"Hellooooooo, Erin! You ARE on the right track."

No doubt, I was surrounded by angels, filled with traveling mercies, and fully protected.

And with that great boost of confidence and grace, I boarded the train bound for Mumbai, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt, whatever happened, I would be fine.

Just fine.

No matter what.

With love,

~ Erin
 

"The very act of perceiving shows

you are not what you perceive.

You are the limitless being."

~ Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, I Am That

 

 

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

Loving February ~ Client Reading Special!

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

Full Moon in Leo: Show Us Your Stuff

Today we have a full moon in the fiery sign of Leo, inspiring us to open up our hearts real wide and express our unique selves. When Leo energy comes rushing into our lives, we feel a desire to been seen and heard. Polish up our portfolio, dust off our drum set, and show ‘em our stuff. It’s time to ROAR. 

With the Sun transiting in Aquarius at this Leo lunation, the personal freedom to self-express is crucial, and it inspires the collective. Hiding won’t do us a bit of good at this time. Opportunities will knock, so be ready! Performance and playfulness are our allies right now. Be seen and be strong in your radiance. Exalt in your confidence, revel in being fully yourself!

Jupiter Promises Reward

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” ~ Seneca

Smile, and whistle while you work. There’s so much good luck available to us if we just take a tiny bit of action to put ourselves out there. A bit of elbow grease can serve us well now, too. Transiting Jupiter conjunct the Moon’s North Node in Virgo bestows luck and abundance upon those who are willing to (1) do the work; (2) stay somewhat organized; (3) be persistent. Those are the three astro-keys to success right now. Overwhelmed? Break the problem down into chunks. You can get a lot done in 20 minutes. Stay focused on the tiniest task at hand and generous Jupiter will give you a nice handout this year, a big gift indeed. But only if you do the footwork.

All of those problems that cropped up over the last three to four weeks while Mercury has been sleepily in retrograde? Well, it’s now time to kick some butt and address each of them one by one. One week from now, you’ll be so impressed with how you tackled all these things, you’ll give yourself a gold star.

Shine Your Light

The bigger your light, the bigger the chance you’ll be criticized, the more flack you are likely to receive. Don’t pay any attention to it. If you’ve done your inner work, you’re connected to heart and soul. Your intention is pure, so keep movin’ and groovin'. Keep expressing in your own unique, offbeat and upbeat fashion. Put on your red shoes and dance the blues. The love light of this Full Moon is gorgeous. Just like you. 

"All my big mistakes are when I try to second-guess or please an audience. My work is always stronger when I get very selfish about it." ~ David Bowie

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

New Dawn, New Year ~ Client Appreciation Special!

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Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

New Moon in Capricorn: Moving Mountains

The New Moon in Capricorn this weekend hits us like a ton of bricks as we also kick off the real start of the New Year. It’s as if the planets are saying, “Wake up, sleepyhead! It’s 2016 already. People, we’ve got work to do!”

I don’t know about you, but I could have used a bit more holiday.

So many persistent planets are pounding on the door – Sun, Moon, Pluto, and Mercury retrograde all teamed up in Capricorn, clamoring for us to get a move on. It’s like a parent trying to wake up the sleepy teenager after winter break. Pillow over head. Shades drawn. Mom raps on the door… “Time to get up. Go back to school. There’s homework. And don’t forget your chores. And your extracurricular activities. And don’t forget, next weekend we’re going to visit Aunt Sally and we need to go buy a new shirt. Dad’s birthday is tomorrow. Feed the dog.” And, and, and…

And it’s Mercury Retrograde (until January 25). So double-check details and exercise caution with contracts. Mix-ups are possible so remember to dot your t's and cross your i's. (See what I mean?)

How do we handle this push, especially if we are highly sensitive individuals or introverts and require far more than average amount of down time?

Long-Term Priorities

Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign, reminding us that we need and desire long-term stability, safety, security - and we must take the initiative to get it. Capricorn is a practical sign, asking us to work toward “things that last.” It’s about leaving our legacy. What will we leave behind? What will live on long after we’ve left the planet? What will future generations say about us?

We review our priorities. We focus on things that are not necessarily urgent but are vital - over time. This helps us to chunk down larger projects, where we do not see results right away but in perhaps two years, three years, ten years – we will see how our experience and efforts will benefit others.

This in itself is fulfilling. It’s the timeless Zen teaching, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (Lao Tzu).” We start where we are, and we do not get overwhelmed. The peak of Everest is far too difficult to imagine. But we can muster putting one foot in front of the other. Slowly, we see the crest come into sight.

Yes, it’s an overwhelming New Moon with everything happening at once. It’s as if 2016 shot out of the “work and leadership” cannon, and we have more responsibilities and projects than we know what to do with. Hang in there. By the Full Moon in Leo on January 23, we likely will have something to show for it -  the first tiny glimpse that the way is being cleared and our efforts are bearing fruit. By the end of January, when Capricorn gives way to Aquarius, perhaps we will feel more playful and energized by the projects that are currently overwhelming us.

But for the next two weeks, we have to trudge and slog and keep our noses to the grindstone. Think hard about the long-term goals you are striving toward on your mountaintop. Remind yourself why you’re doing it. Find meaning in your efforts. Take lots of rest breaks. Get outside and breathe fresh air. Cook yummy meals, laugh with friends. Zone out with a movie or novel for a couple hours. And plan a spring or summer getaway to keep you inspired through the hard work ahead. The seeds that you are sowing in January will pay off for many moons to come. For many, 2016 is going to be a year of moving mountains. Remember, think long-term. 

"Don't be a horse race. Be a marathon.

And don't fear the long road,

because on the long road you got time

to sing a simple song."

~ Michael Franti, "Never Too Late"

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.

May your 2016 be filled with JOY!

Happy New Year, dear friends!

May we experience the
Joy of Presence
and Awakening

2016 & beyond.

 

Click to enlarge

Fill your heart with JOY.
Hear the glory of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony,

including the divine words of Schiller's "Ode to Joy," here:

Ode to Joy

Awakening is

acceptance

presence
grace

being

peace

JOY

❤

Freude, schöner Götterfunken
    Tochter aus Elysium,
    Wir betreten feuertrunken,
    Himmlische, dein Heiligtum!
    Deine Zauber binden wieder
    Was die Mode streng geteilt;
    Alle Menschen werden Brüder,
    Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.

    Joy, beautiful spark of divinity,
    Daughter from Elysium,
    We enter, burning with fervour,
    heavenly being, your sanctuary!
    Your magic brings together
    what fashion has sternly divided.
    All [wo/men] shall become [sister & brothers],
    wherever your gentle wings hover.

~ "Ode to Joy," Friedrich Schiller, 1785
Beethoven's 9th Symphony, 1824
Fourth Movement

Erin Reese is an author, spiritual guide, astrologer, and modern psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works with clients all over the world. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her directly. She can be reached at erin@erinreese.com.