The Future Is Now

Here's a little ditty for those who may be experiencing fears of THE FUTURE...

A few years back, I met with a couple of non-professional life coaches, a man and a woman, in a North Bay café. These volunteer folks were well-meaning community members; we were gathered together, ostensibly, to look at my finances and work life. I was curious to see if there was something I might have missed in the material realm that could be nourishing to my bank account. So I availed myself of some old-fashioned financial coaching.

Financial coaching was going to take a different tack with someone like me. I’d been traveling between three continents constantly since 2006 – several years sans permanent home, car, or stable job. I was essentially a spiritual counselor and modern day monastic. When it comes to livelihood, I suppose one could ask: Is that cool? Is that healthy? Sane?

It is the Way It Is, and who could ever change that?!

In 2011, I had a spiritual awakening in which the conceptual 'me,' aka the separate will, fell away. That awakening has been a wonderful, horrible* thing, a realization that the ultimate ground of inner peace is unshakable, no matter what. Even if there are tsunamis and earthquakes within and without this body-mind being, nothing changes the serenity of the I of the storm. Plus, I know I can’t do anything that isn’t in the Flow of Life anyway; a home and a car will come when they are meant to come into my life.

But I still live in society and occasionally need to have a look-see at my life through society’s eyes, for better or for worse. That day in the cafe, my volunteer coaches sat me down over coffee and listened to the way I live my life – from moment to moment, from moment to moment – and said, “But how are you planning for The Future?”

The Future… I thought to myself. The Future. The term sounded completely foreign to me, as if I’d just heard it for the first time. A fascinating concept that once had a meaning. I looked and looked into Consciousness and could not find a Future anywhere.

What is The Future? I asked myself right then and there. I was bobbing my head up and down. My physical body contorted and moved around the coffee table. I practically peered under the table to look for a future. I crawled inside my own skin and into the workings of my brain to find anything at all resembling a Future. I was totally stumped. Just like the small self of the “me,” an illusory central locus of doer-ship, I could not find it anywhere at all. No such thing existed at the moment. It was a word, Greek to me in actuality.

After about a minute, with all sincerity, I told the man and woman coaches, “The Future? It doesn’t exist. I honestly cannot find a Future anywhere.”

I started chuckling softly to myself as I stirred my cappuccino. It turned into a semi-mad giggle as I was tickled at the concept. The man and woman looked at each other.

Oh dear God, clearly they think I’ve lost the plot!

“We don’t know what to do with you,” the woman said. “You are a special case.”

I felt bad for them. I realized I wasn’t a good candidate for their free financial planning session. I was a train wreck in their eyes, and I was potentially someone who may need serious psychotherapy. Yes, I was a person who had lost the belief in the mind… and was quite fine with it. Out of curiosity, I kept stirring my cappuccino and sincerely kept looking for a Future somewhere in Consciousness. 

“Oh! Wait, wait, wait!” I declared, having an epiphany. “The Future does exist… when it comes into the Present Awareness!” I smiled gleefully, like a little student who had finally come up with a correct answer. I had found something to say to please the parentals.

I had found a Future! And the future is Now.

Say, for example, it comes into my current awareness that I want to book a flight to India, departing this coming January. I find myself going to the travel website now, and booking the flight. That action happens NOW. I book NOW for something that may or may not actually happen. But the action is always NOW, rising up from the Ground of Existence.

How does this play out for big-ticket item planning, like buying a car, a house, or preparing for retirement? Same thing. You have a current awareness that holds strong enough TODAY that it is time to put money aside for that which you THINK may happen. You don’t know that you will buy that house, or even that the retirement funds will be there when you’re 65, or that you will live that long. But your current awareness directs an action to set up whatever you set up today. And the next day, your awareness may change. The money may disappear suddenly, or you may opt out of the system entirely and go raise sheep in New Zealand. You have NO idea what will happen next. You can only surmise. You can only act on what is NOW.

Check yourself now (and I'm right there with you, my friend!) -- How much unnecessary fear and anxiety is pulsing through the body-mind based on ideas and concepts of what may be? Be especially vigilant and alert to what others tell you that you should be doing. If you’re like me, I’ve been especially susceptible to others’ conditioning and projections. Can you STOP buying into an empty thought of Future (or Past) for just one moment? Try it, then try it again. You may find you have a lot more time and energy when you rest in the now, and see what arises, all by itself.

Erin Reese is a writer, astrologer, and psychic reader based in the San Francisco Bay Area. For readings and spiritual counseling by Skype, phone or email, contact her via email at erin@erinreese.com. Like to offer a unique, lasting gift to a loved one for the holidays? Consider giving them an astrology or psychic tarot consultation!


(*The "horrible" aspect of the spiritual awakening, for some of us, is the relative loss of ego-ambition which destroys the old drives to achieve for the sake of proving one's existence. I am now in an embodiment process that is like having no self-editor and no lid on Pandora's Box, for better or for worse - but we'll get to that another day.)

AND NOW, A WORD FROM ECKHART:

The only existence of what we call "Future" is as a thought in your head. Beyond that there is no such thing as Future. If there were such thing as Future, somebody - some great explorer - would have found it and we would have a monument: "He discovered the Future." So far, it hasn't happened, and it's not likely to happen because it is a conceptual thing only. When the Future comes, which is a thought, it can only appear in the space of your aware Presence (the light of Consciousness) - it can only appear as the Now. Whatever form it takes in the space of Now (that you are) something appears. It's the Now - the form of Now. So, no such thing as future. The Future is a thought. And this also applies to The Past.

  

~ Eckhart Tolle, "The Future Is A Thought" 

New Moon Astro-Tarot Forecast ~ December 2, 2013

Yesterday, December 2, we heralded the time of fiery fresh starts with the New Moon in the mutable, visionary sign of Sagittarius. 

Going For It!
Hot-blooded Sagittarius grants us illumination on the Big Picture of our lives. The sign of the Archer leads us to the greatest heights and inspires our soul to fulfill grand dreams, whether they involve international travel, entrepreneurial business, publishing, spiritual enlightenment – you name it. Sag wants you to Go For It, wholeheartedly and confidently.

While the Archer sets its sights on long-distance journeys involving mind and body, Sagittarius’ polar opposite sign of Gemini likes to run around more locally, dispersing information and communicating whatever is passing through at the time. The Archer's use of knowledge is one of well-earned wisdom that takes time to ripen.

The root of Sagittarius, sag, is the Latin for ‘keen perception,’ as in the word sage – wise one. At this time of the New Moon in Sagittarius, we are asked to tap into our sagaciousness – our wisdom, discernment, perception, and farsightedness – to clearly grok the Big Picture of unique lives. This Vision is personal, and usually quite different from person to person – a good reminder to not try to compare your dreams and aspirations to others. They are YOURS. The important thing is to listen to your heart, and take action from there. Sagittarius, like all fire signs, is moved by the heart flame of desire – not the head. Trust your blazing spirit this December.

And, since this is the month of Santa, let’s create a catalyst for our Visions together. Let’s do it now, and send the Wish List to Cosmic Claus! There’s power in numbers. These visions can be big or small. I’ll start us off:

A wish list to Santa Claus:

• 1.      A reliable, safe, affordable and gas-efficient car
• 2.      A comfortable home where I can thrive in life and work
• 3.      A lucrative astro-intuitive and spiritual counseling practice

Try it now:  Start by writing three dreams you know in your heart that you need to have manifest in your life over the next cycle (few weeks, months or years – your choice).  Don't think too much! Share your Cosmic Claus wish list below in the comments section - anonymously if you like - we'd love to hear! 

Now, without further ado, let us look at how this New Moon cycle is affecting you! For best results, as always, be sure to read for your Sun, Moon and Rising Sign.

Erin Reese’s channeled Astro-Tarot messages at this New Moon in Sagittarius, December 2, 2013
After purifying the Universal Waite Tarot deck and calling upon my guides and the Divine, here are my channeled messages.

UNIVERSAL CARD (for everyone):

ACE OF CUPS – Divine Trust

We are being asked to plant the seed of universal love and trust in our hearts for the holidays. Let us join together in a firm commitment of embodying metta, or loving-kindness, in our daily activities this December. It’s a stressful time of year for folks, and it’s often challenging to be kind and patient when there’s such a flurry of chaotic energy about. Often, we snap at each other when we’re under pressure, but this year, with this warm Sagittarius spirit flowing through, we can be the bigger-hearted person. Love is the guide. Share with others, be open, and TRUST the Divine has our back. Every day, at least once, say to yourself, “I trust…”

ARIES:

FIVE OF SWORDS

Revved-up Ram, you can be a bit hot-headed and combative with those you love, especially when you’re under pressure. When anyone or anything, or any tough life circumstance gets in your way, you’re the first sign to say, “There will be butts to kick and names to take.” This is not going to work in December. Rather, it will backfire. Do not pass go and return immediately to the Universal Card (see above) and practice your loving-kindness approach: “I trust…” Simply refuse to interrupt or be argumentative this month. The love you receive in turn will warm your heart no end!

TAURUS:

SIX OF WANDS

Taurus, you’ve recently hit a jackpot and you’ve achieved something worth tooting your bull horns about! Normally, you’re quite placid and don’t squawk too much about your achievements, but you deserve to shine now. Don’t be shy, let it out and tell the world. Receive your heart-earned accolades and praise. Enjoy it while you can. Likely a gift or reward has rolled in (or will quite soon!) involving other folks’ efforts and contributions, too. Huzzah!

GEMINI:

SEVEN OF CUPS

Do not get deluded by fantasies of grandeur right now, Gem. Distractions are lapping at your heels, so stay focused. As Thoreau said, "If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." That’s your task now, busy one. Move out of la-la land. You’ve got to be a bit more realistic about your visions now, consolidating all the ideas you’ve concocted over the past seven years. Whether your vision involves your profession, your relationship, business, or family, if you focus on one thing at a time, you’ll get practical results.

CANCER:

QUEEN OF WANDS

Now is the time for you to stoke the fire of your heart with regard to your professional and creative ambitions, Cancer! You’ve got the leadership ability and incentive to move your goals further now, and we look to your loving approach as a model for what we can do, too. We love how you refrain from using an iron fist to achieve your professional goals. Your graceful touch ensures you can have it all – a real work/life balance. You’re glowing, Crab. Burn bright in the career spotlight.

LEO:

TEN OF PENTACLES

It’s party time, Leo! Have a ball in your community this month, whether that includes family, work pals, or your homies. It’s time to participate in festivities, whether as a guest or as host of a holiday affair. You are clearly a star player. When you get in the mood, you Leos love your parties, and your people need you to show up in a major way now. Share gifts and love with the world and your connections and bonds will be strengthened. You’ll receive praise and reward in return.

VIRGO:

NINE OF CUPS

You are in fine spirits and feel blessed in a million ways, Virgo. It appears you’ve been doing your good work of cultivating an attitude of gratitude, and it’s paying off. You’re learning to appreciate all that you have. The great news is that now the Universe rewards you with even more of what you want and need in return. Be sure to gift yourself a new treat this holiday season – whatever you want! You’ve worked so hard this year. You really deserve it, whether it’s something for the home, or something to wear that makes you feel cozy and comfortable. Enjoy.

LIBRA:

TWO OF WANDS
Your creative and entrepreneurial visions abound now, dear Libra. It’s a great time to take your art and beauty out in the world and to a whole new level. Maybe you can attend more art shows, host events or workshops, or develop a painting or photography hobby that could turn into a business later. It’s also possible you will do more travel to stimulate your soul in 2014, so now is a good time to make a Vision Collage Board to dream up where you’d like to go. Your ideas are starting to pour in. Where do you want to take your soul on a journey? The world is your oyster!

SCORPIO:

TWO OF SWORDS

The stern taskmaster and teacher planet Saturn is in your sign, Scorpio, so things can be hard for you while you learn all these new lessons. You may be feeling stuck between a rock and hard place of late. The trick is to take it in stride while you face each task and emotional situation from moment to moment. Over-analyzing will get you absolutely nowhere. On the other hand, ACTION – practical, hands-on steps, will take you far. Stop thinking and instead keep moving. 

SAGITTARIUS:

DEATH

Now, don’t freak out, dear Archer. The Death card is a powerful, wonderful card of transition and transformation! It’s your time of REBIRTH and new beginnings. In other words, “Go Sag, it’s your birthday!” It’s time to dump all that old junk that weighed you down in 2013. Lighten your emotional load. Renew and prep for a completely new start now – don’t wait for the New Year! This week is the time to begin. Make big plans for big changes and the Universe will support you all the way!

CAPRICORN:

ACE OF WANDS 
This year's holiday season proves to be a particularly spiritual and soulful time for you, Cap. Bring the light of Spirit into your life with candles, twinkling lights and burning hearths. Fill your soul with choirs of angels and choruses of carolers. Holiday services can be meaningful and inspiring. It’s time for you to reopen your heart and mind to the real spirit of the season, including Solstice. This will help you from getting too heavy and earth-bound during the darker seasons. This year, you will remind the rest of us what the Yuletide is all about. Fire up your heart flame!

AQUARIUS:

THE EMPEROR

Structure your Big Picture vision, Aquarius, and make it real now! Talk is cheap, as you know, and you’re better than most at completing projects you begin. Make it so! You’re implementing dreams right and left. Honor your inner father figure, or actual father, this coming 2014, by laying down strong foundations of stability. The Emperor is on your side. Build it, and support will come. Manifestation is your theme.

PISCES:

ACE OF PENTACLES
Fish, it’s time for you to regenerate and rejuvenate your professional life goals. Don’t put this off. You can establish new benchmarks for your financial freedom project. You are due for a work and career life makeover and Cosmic Claus wants to help you do this now. The Sagittarius New Moon generosity is supporting you to bring new opportunities for earning. Ask yourself where you can spruce up your public image, i.e. your website, business card, or community notoriety. The gods want you to receive a lot of money next year precisely for being who you are!

Did you enjoy the Astro-Tarot forecast? I love sharing this with you. Let me know with a donation to the blog and/or leave your comments below – if many people like them, I’ll repeat regularly!

  Namaste,

Erin

P.S. Please email me directly for a personal astrology, tarot, or spiritual counseling session. I look forward to working with you.

Full Moon Astro-Tarot Forecast, November 17, 2013

Today (7:16 a.m. PT), we are feeling the healing, sensual rays of the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in the fixed earth sign of Taurus.

Love what you have...

This is the Full Moon time of fertility and abundance in the patient and pleasurable tone of Taurus. This lunar eclipse is ruled by the goddess Venus, ruler of values, things and principles that we hold dear. Loving what we have is sometimes easier said than done, right? Let's take a moment to appreciate our lives fully, lest we forget how prosperous and lucky we really are.

For seven years, I lived part-time in India, a land of obvious "have nots." In India, one quickly learns that your health is your wealth and simple existence is ENOUGH. To me, this is true abundance consciousness. How can we have this same consciousness in the western, developed world? Do we fall in to the trap of consumer consciousness, also known as "wanting" consciousness?
 
Why is it so easy to forget that we have enough? Perhaps it is the human condition that forgets the divine state of affairs, knowing that all is ultimately provided for in the cosmic big picture.

There Is Enough

I love the mantra, "There is enough time, there is enough love, there is enough money. There is enough." Think about it: you have the time to sit and read an astrological forecast today, on a computer or smart phone that belongs to you, in the luxury of your own home, apartment, car, or office. Look how rich you already are!

An easy trick to keep your inner cup flowing over and your mind filled with riches is the simple GRATITUDE LIST. To truly love what you have is to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. If you ever find yourself sitting on a "poor me" pity pot, try quickly jotting down a list of things you can be grateful for. It's also a great daily practice. Here's one of mine, right off the bat:

1. excellent health
2. supportive friends, family and community
3. my Beloved
4. cats, dogs, furry friends
5. a warm, cozy bed
6. clothes on my back
7. a roof over my head
8. good food in the cupboards
9. Nature and walks in fresh air
10. creative and fulfilling work

Try it now. Make a quick list off the top of your head of at least 10 things that you are grateful for. Don't think too much! Share it below in the comments section - anonymously if you like - we'd love to hear! 

At this luxury-toned full moon eclipse in Taurus, let us remember that we have all that we need, including the means to ask for things and help from others if necessary. Learning to be grateful, to love what we have, is the key to true fulfillment and lasting joy.

Now, without further ado, let us look at how this Full Moon cycle is affecting you!

Erin Reese’s channeled Astro-Tarot messages at this Full Moon in Taurus, November 17, 2013:
After purifying the Voyager Tarot deck and calling upon my guides and the Goddess, here are my channeled messages. Tip: be sure to read for your Moon and Rising Sign, too!

UNIVERSAL CARD (for everyone):

STAGNATION - EIGHT OF CUPS

We may need to unload a bit in order to let up-to-date abundance in. What are we still holding onto that has become totally and completely unnecessary? Maybe it's time to do a little Fall Clearing. What photos, artwork, memorabilia are you clinging to that represents a time long ago, yet has become totally irrelevant to who you are today? Outdated material objects can get to be an energy drain, not to mention take up valuable real estate or bandwidth in our brains. Free yourself, your mind and your closets up to make room for new growth. You're going to need to break the dam! Take a risk and recycle your junk. Give it away, get rid of it and let go. Your energy levels and creative flow will quickly rise again.



ARIES:

BRILLIANCE - ACE OF CRYSTALS

Dear Ram, you are about to be turned on by a big bright idea. What's the value of a major "A-ha!" moment? Priceless. Expect the dawn of understanding to illuminate your life. Trust that the major flash of insight you're having is spot on; it is the crux of a new beginning. Let it be your guiding light. Your mind can be so penetrating and effective when it's focused.

TAURUS:

CREATIVITY - THREE OF CRYSTALS

Beautify your life, babe-alicious Bull! Use the resources you have on hand, including your talents and innate gifts, to add splendor, color, and joy to your environment. Now is the time to play with your home, wardrobe, kitchen cabinets, or website. You have all you need already - no need to go out and buy more stuff. Use a dash of this, a splash of that to create a material expression of love in your life.

GEMINI:

PASSION - TEN OF CUPS

Juiciness and joy enter the fold at this Full Moon for the airy Twin. Ride your waves of pleasure in body, mind and soul. Express your bliss on the dance floor, boardroom or bedroom. You've got the goods now, jubilant Gem, to flourish and relish. This Full Moon is about being more outrageous and turned on by life itself.

CANCER:

GROWTH - TEN OF WANDS

Crab, you've hit your mark recently, and you know you can achieve any goal you set your mind to. Since you've worked so hard to climb to the top of the mountain, why stop there? Now, let it develop and expand further before you start over completely. It's not the time to reinvent the wheel; bloom where you're currently planted. In the past, out of fear you may have stopped yourself when you've reached a creative peak. Not this time: go bigger. The sky's the limit and you're at the top of your game. Use it or lose it!

LEO:

LEARNER - CHILD OF CRYSTALS

Leo, the Little Kid inside of you needs new stimulation! At the Full Moon, you will be exposed to fresh ways you can share with the children in your life, or the kid within you. Take yourself (or them) to a new course or seminar. Sit patiently to learn a new skill, game, or language. Teach someone how to build a tree house or balance a checkbook. You, dear Lion, will always be a kid at heart, and learning new skills (or teaching them to others) keeps you ever young and vibrant!

VIRGO:

THE UNIVERSE - XXI

Completion is here! You are finally integrating the life chapter you've been working through for a very long time, Virgo. While it's true you'll never be entirely "complete," don't let perfectionism stop you from enjoying the results you've finally gotten. Life is an endless cycle of endings and beginnings, and right now you're in a completion mode of one big chapter. Dot the final i's and cross the last t's, then be sure to celebrate. V is for Virgo, and V is for victory at this Full Moon time. Finally, one huge project is o-vah!

LIBRA:

FEAR - SEVEN OF CUPS
Your money and scarcity worries will always get in your way of loving, Libra. Remember that this is stemming from fear that you'll never be enough or have enough to beautify your life or make things as pleasant as you want. Learn to practice the art of Enough. Trust that if you negotiate well with others, you'll be provided for and you will have plenty. You don't need to walk on eggshells; speak up and justice will prevail to deliver the goods appropriately.

SCORPIO:

DISAPPOINTMENT - FIVE OF CUPS

This card serves as a reminder for you, Scorpio, to let go of any demands you are making of others. Remember that an expectation is a setup for disappointment, which leads to poisonous resentment. Maybe your loved one, boss, or employee is not behaving as you think they should. They may be less disciplined than you, or even less strong. Likely, they are less willful than you - you're the #1 Survivor in the Zodiac. Try to focus on what they do offer your life, such as love, affection, friendship, and acceptance of being perfectly imperfect.

SAGITTARIUS:

NEGATIVITY - FIVE OF CRYSTALS

Did you know that one of the toughest traits that a Sag has to live with is their own arrogance? Yes, the Archer can be a bit of a pompous know-it-all, even if it is hidden behind a jovial veneer. Be careful to listen to others' POV, or they may decide that you're being a real buzzkill. So what if the folks at parties aren't as smart and intellectual as you? Maybe they don't have that massive Big Picture view that you are gifted with. Try to remember that everyone - even those less intelligent than you - deserves respect. You'll catch more bees with honey than vinegar. Emanate encouragement.

CAPRICORN:

EQUANIMITY - TWO OF CRYSTALS

Keep your mind balanced, Cappy. We are coming up on a kooky time of year - the Holy-Daze - and things are easily thrown off track and out of whack. With all the responsibility you take on, you could get overwhelmed. Meditate, even if it's for just two minutes a day. If you keep your mind balanced and working like a finely tuned instrument, you'll have a lot more energy and peace in the heart.

AQUARIUS:

REGENERATOR - SAGE OF CUPS

You need a time-out, Water Bearer. You've been buzzing around the stratosphere for many moons now, and you've probably been spending far too much time on the computer and on your phone. The electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) are piling up in your aura and you need to clear that brilliant brain of yours. Your nervous system needs rest. Even if it's just an overnight, try to get at least 24-48 hours of time away from the Internet. Spend more time amongst trees and nature. Get yourself to a spa or sauna. You'll have so much more to give your self and your loved ones during the holidays.

PISCES:

INTEGRITY - NINE OF WANDS
It's a wonderful time for you to replenish your connection to your spiritual practices, Fish. Of all signs, you're the most naturally 'hooked up' to Spirit, but even you need a wee bit of discipline to keep the divine hearth burning. Add a touch of structure and accountability to your life. Ask yourself what spiritual principle or value you need to cultivate, e.g. honesty, service, prayer, truth - and let it start to light up your life from the inside out.

Did you enjoy the Astro-Tarot forecast? I love sharing this with you. Let me know with a donation to the blog and/or leave your comments below – if many people like them, I’ll repeat regularly!

  Namaste,

Erin

P.S. Please email me directly for a personal astrology, tarot, or spiritual counseling session. I look forward to working with you.