Articles
Attavagga: The Self
June 30, 2014 | Acharya Buddharakkhita
157. If one holds oneself dear, one should diligently watch oneself. Let the wise man keep vigil during any of the three watches of the night.
158. One should first establish oneself in what is proper; then only should one instruct others. Thus the wise man will not be reproached.
159. One should do what one teaches others to do; if one would train others, one should be well controlled oneself. Difficult, indeed, is self-control.
160. One truly is the protector of oneself; who else could the protector be? With oneself fully controlled, one gains a mastery that is hard to gain.
161. The evil a witless man does by himself, born of himself and produced by himself, grinds him as a diamond grinds a hard gem.
The Dhammapada - Papavagga: Evil 116-128
June 18, 2014 | Acharya Buddharakkhita
translated from the Pali by
Acharya Buddharakkhita
© 1996-2013
116. Hasten to do good; restrain your mind from evil. He who is slow in doing good, his mind delights in evil.
117. Should a person commit evil, let him not do it again and again. Let him not find pleasure therein, for painful is the accumulation of evil.
118. Should a person do good, let him do it again and again. Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.
119. It may be well with the evil-doer as long as the evil ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the evil-doer sees (the painful results of) his evil deeds.
120. It may be ill with the doer of good as long as the good ripens not. But when it does ripen, then the doer of good sees (the pleasant results of) his good deeds.
Eclipses Spring 2014 - Shake Rattle and Roll
March 3, 2014 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Eclipses bring changes. Many believe that an eclipse is about ten times more powerful than a full or new moon. Most find times during eclipses are stressful, because, let's face it, we don't like change. The eclipses always occur on the New or Full Moons, and they usually come in pairs like we have coming in April 2014. But, occasionally we will get three eclipses in a row. The New Moon eclipses are always solar eclipses, and the eclipses that occur on the Full Moon are always lunar eclipses. Some of the changes eclipses can stimulate are the breakup of a "rocky" relationship, layoffs and cutbacks in industry, death of an elderly loved one, sudden accidents, and new babies being born. Change brings progress, even if it is sometimes very uncomfortable.
Mars Retrograde - The Warrior Retreats - 2014
March 3, 2014 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Mars is retrograde from March 1st through May 19th, 2014.
In Astrology Mars rules our energy and our sex drives, and in mythology Mars is the god of war. He is the lower octave of Pluto. Mars is the ruler of Aries, and he symbolizes new beginnings and a feisty temper. Mars gives us our reason to get out of bed and get dressed in the mornings. Mars breathes life into situations and then puts them against the backdrop of time to animate our world. When Mars is afflicted jealousy, resentment, envy, and rivalry rear their ugly heads.
Astrology Forecast for March 2014 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
March 3, 2014 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Mars retrograde will probably be the big event for March. We might find that our energy is low, and projects we begin could end up much differently than we anticipated. Saturn will also turn retrograde and Jupiter will turn direct, so we may notice that some areas of our life are ending, and some are reawakening. Jupiter and Uranus will maintain, and even strengthen, their conflict throughout this month. Most of our day to day routines should go fine, but there could be a subconscious nagging, and even a few outbursts before March ends.
Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius - February 2014
February 5, 2014 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Mercury is a very small, but dense, planet that orbits the Sun about every 88 days and turns retrograde three or four times per year. All of the major planets, except the Sun and Moon, turn retrograde, but none turn retrograde as often as Mercury. That's why you hear us astrologers chirping about Mercury's retrograde so much.
When a planet turns retrograde either we (the Earth) are passing it, or it is passing us on our solar race track. And, just like when you pass a car on the highway, for a short period of time, the planet (auto) appears to be moving backwards. So, when a planet is in retrograde, it is closer to the Earth than it is in other parts of it's orbit. Because the planet is so close to us, it's gravitational pull will have a stronger influence on our personalities.
Astrology Forecast for February 2014 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
February 5, 2014 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Ah, February. We are so ready for Winter to go away, that we pretend that a groundhog can bring us an early Spring. Its that time of the year, when Winter is beginning to recede, and our hearts and our minds turn to the romantic and the spiritual sides of life. This month the planets may aid in our desires for romance, and they may also mislead us. The big events for February are Mercury doing his retrograde thing throughout most of the month, and Jupiter and Uranus, at a stand-off (square), encouraging fanatics and incredible ideas. It could be a month of the sublime and the ridiculous, so grab a soda and maybe a snack, and enjoy the show!
Astrology Forecast for January 2014 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
December 30, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
We will have a little of everything in January 2014. The month may begin with extra challenges in front of us, because eight of the ten major planets will be lining up for battle in cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn). There could also be big mistakes and failures as January ends with Jupiter tugging on Pluto. However, we could find extra comfort at home mid month, under the Cancer full moon, but people could also get a bit touchy with Venus (still in retrograde) squaring off with Mars around the same time. We also have two New Moons this month with the second one beginning the Chinese New Year (the year of the horse), and Venus will turn direct as the month ends. All in all, January may bring a few challenges, but there will also be time to relax and be ourselves.
Astrology Forecast for December 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
December 2, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
December is going to begin with a very majestic tone. The first twelve days of December could bring inspiration and strengthen our faith. But, around the first day of Winter, we may begin feeling a loss of control, and by the end of December we could be dealing with accidents, and fears and worries could be creeping into our thoughts.
December begins with the Sagittarius New Moon on Monday, December 2nd. There could be some pleasant surprises with Uranus beaming positive rays towards the Sun and the Moon. Also, people will be at ease and ready to laugh as the week begins, with Mercury dancing with Mars. It will be a great week for beginning new projects, but a fight between Mercury and Neptune may cause us to begin to lose our ambition by Thursday, December 5th, the last day of Hanukkah.
Astrology Forecast for November 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
November 4, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
November could begin with a great big bang. Uranus and Pluto will hit the peak of their disturbance on November 1st bringing upsets and strife. Two days later on November 3rd, we will be under the light of a total solar eclipse, and that pretty much guarantees changes for most of us. Then we will have to deal with Jupiter turning retrograde and Mercury turning direct, before our luck finally changes around mid-month. In fact, the second half of November will not only signal a return to normalcy, but we may even get rewarded. Thanksgiving should go well, and we may find some very interesting bargains on Black Friday.
November begins on the weekend, and this would be a great weekend to dig a hole and crawl in it. I don't mean that literally, but things will be difficult for most of us. We could be dealing with crisis, tragedy, and lots of unexpected events throughout the weekend. There could be emotional issues and loss on Friday, November 1st, but for most, there will also be loved ones there to support us. People could be looking for revenge throughout the whole weekend with a solar eclipse in Scorpio on Sunday, November 3rd. Diplomacy and introspection will be the key to dealing with these issues. Also, practice moderation. Some of us may overdo it.
Venus Retrograde Winter 2013 - 2014
November 4, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
We astrologers don't talk much about Venus' retrograde, mostly because it only happens every eighteen months. Unlike Mercury's retrograde, which occurs every three to four months. Venus' retrograde is every bit as important as Mercury's, maybe even a bit more important. When a planet is in retrograde it is either passing the Earth or being passed by the Earth on our "solar race track." Venus travels a bit faster than the Earth and orbits the Sun every 225 days. When Venus is in retrograde, she is passing between the Earth and the Sun and is very close to us, therefore her gravitational influence will be stronger.
The Dhammapada - Sahassavagga: The Thousands 100 - 115
October 2, 2013 | Acharya Buddharakkhita
translated from the Pali
© 1996-2013
100. Better than a thousand useless words is one useful word, hearing which one attains peace.
101. Better than a thousand useless verses is one useful verse, hearing which one attains peace.
102. Better than reciting a hundred meaningless verses is the reciting of one verse of Dhamma, hearing which one attains peace.
Astrology Forecast for October 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
September 30, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
The Uranus-Pluto conflict will be escalating throughout the month of October, and the month will begin with the Sun irritating the hell out of these two planets. We may get a bit of a reprieve from the New Moon through Columbus Day, but by mid month we will be in the midst of a lunar eclipse and another Mercury retrograde. And, as we approach Halloween and the end of October, there could be some very rash and fanatical behavior going on around us. Keep your schedules light, keep a stash of extra money, and take care of your health this month. You are probably going to need the extra time, money, and energy.
Fanatical Fall 2013 - Big Astrological Changes
September 16, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Lunar Eclipse - Mercury Retrograde - Solar Eclipse - Uranus-Pluto SquareLunar Eclipse - Mercury Retrograde - Solar Eclipse - Uranus-Pluto Square
Late September through Mid November 2013
Uranus and Pluto are two slow outer planets and aspects between them often last for years. The battle (square) between them began in the Spring of 2011 and will continue through Winter 2015. Because these planets are in retrograde almost as often as they are moving direct, the angle between them will widen and narrow throughout the process. So, there will be times when their energy peaks and then wanes again. Uranus and Pluto will be building up to another peak though the Fall of 2013 and as they approach their climax, Mercury will begin his retrograde, and the Sun and Moon will line up for their biannual ecliptic events.
Uranus and Pluto will bring emotional strife, and some will become fanatical. There will be upsets on the personal and the community level. Its likely that internet crime will increase, so it would be a very good idea to increase the security of your internet accounts. There could also be public demonstrations and disturbances, especially around the Halloween and Samhain holidays.
The Dhammapada - Arahantavagga: The Arahant or Perfected One 90-99
September 1, 2013 | Acharya Buddharakkhita
The Arahant or Perfected One
translated from the Pali
© 1996-2013
90. The fever of passion exists not for him who has completed the journey, who is sorrowless and wholly set free, and has broken all ties.
91. The mindful ones exert themselves. They are not attached to any home; like swans that abandon the lake, they leave home after home behind.
Astrology Forecast for September 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
August 31, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
The first twelve days of September may be a little difficult with Mars focusing his potency on a few different outer planets. Mars is energy, so we may be feeling extra tired, or we may find ourselves working harder than we expected. But, all will be changing by Yom Kippur, September 14th, and life should be shaping up nicely by the UN International Day of Peace, September 21st. Be careful not to overspend after the Fall Equinox on September 22nd, because you will probably need that money in October.
Astrology Forecast for August 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
August 2, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
The planets are constantly moving, and astrology cycles on a positive - negative rhythm. If the planets are "bad" today, be patient. They will move to a better place in time, and visa versa. Back in April and May, life was difficult under the Uranus-Pluto square. Then, in June and July opportunities were plentiful with the Jupiter-Saturn-Neptune grand trine. And now comes August, and its time to get back to the routine of life. Little challenges will be popping-up throughout the month, and there will be a couple of big problems as Jupiter moves to oppose Pluto then square Uranus around mid-month. We will get back into our grooves and spiritual tests this month, and the Leo Sun will remind us to take a break and enjoy life when we can.
Astrology Forecast for July 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
June 30, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Some amazing things have been happening in June, and they are going to continue, perhaps even get better, in July. Two slow, outer planets, Saturn and Neptune have been at a very tight, very positive angle since May 11th. Some of the inner, quicker planets have been complimenting this aspect in June, generating all the great stuff we've enjoyed lately. In July, the gas giant, Jupiter, will follow the inner planets complimenting Saturn and Neptune creating one of the most grand aspects we've seen in the past decade. Its going to be a great month for accomplishments, rewards, and finding hidden resources, so take advantage of the good stars while they last.
Even though I'm promising happy days ahead, July 1st, the first Monday of the month, may be an exception to the rule. People could be a bit aggressive, and we may make some wrong decisions or say hurtful things on this day. By Tuesday, July 2nd, most of the upsets will be in the past, but there could a few more mistakes through Thursday, July 4th, Independence Day (US). Try to pace yourself and stay focused, and you may find that more pleasant opportunities drop into your lap.
Mercury Retrograde in Cancer - Summer 2013
June 30, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Its Mercury retrograde time again! Mercury will be traveling backwards through Cancer this Summer. Cancer loves family, friends, and home, so we may decide to look-up old friends, or spend our vacation at home this year. In fact, all of Mercury's retrogrades in 2013 are in water signs. Maybe we should nickname 2013, "The Year of the Backstroke."
When Mercury is in retrograde, it means he is passing the Earth on the solar race track. Its similar to passing a car on the freeway. For a period of time, the car appears to be moving backward against the background as it passes us. Basically, Mercury will be closer to the Earth, so it's gravitational pull (and astrological influence) will be stronger.
Astrology Forecast for June 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
June 1, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
For all the strife, pain, losses, and disturbances we endured in April, the universe will be sending us an equal amount of blessings and opportunities in May. That's one thing about the stars. They're always moving. If they're bad right now, in time they will move to a good position. We have three outer planets coming to a grand trine (the most positive aspect in astrology) over then next two months, and we should notice the positive energy as soon as June begins. Mercury will be turning retrograde later this month, but we may not care!
June begins on a Saturday, and this could be an excellent weekend for new projects, creative ideas, and possibly a little romance. The realistic and the idealistic will balance on Sunday and Monday, June 2nd and 3rd, as Mercury completes a triangle with Saturn and Neptune. It will be an excellent time to make plans and decisions about our lives. Our motivation could slow down, and our energy could begin dropping by midweek. Saturn will be draining Mars' energy for a few days. If you can, take a few days off from work from midweek through Monday, June 10th. You may get to experience the most pleasant vacation you've had in a long time. If you can't, try to keep your schedule light and postpone deadlines. It will be a time for rest and relaxation, and it is likely projects will not move forward.
The Dhammapada - Panditavagga: The Wise 76-89
May 16, 2013 | Acharya Buddharakkhita
Panditavagga: The Wise
translated from the Pali
© 1996-2013
76. Should one find a man who points out faults and who reproves, let him follow such a wise and sagacious person as one would a guide to hidden treasure. It is always better, and never worse, to cultivate such an association.
77. Let him admonish, instruct and shield one from wrong; he, indeed, is dear to the good and detestable to the evil.
The Dhammapada - Balavagga: The Fool 60 - 75
May 16, 2013 | Acharya Buddharakkhita
Balavagga The Fool
translated from the Pali
© 1996-2013
60. Long is the night to the sleepless; long is the league to the weary. Long is worldly existence to fools who know not the Sublime Truth.
61. Should a seeker not find a companion who is better or equal, let him resolutely pursue a solitary course; there is no fellowship with the fool.
Astrology Forecast for May 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
April 30, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
May will have typical up and down days, but it will also include two eclipses and a climatic battle between the slow and powerful outer planets, Uranus and Pluto. Unexpected problems, and possibly even tragedies, could arise personally and globally. The whole month won't be bad, but it is likely there will be a few "crappy" days. Most will be over after Memorial day, and we can look forward to a very pleasant ending to this month of chaos.
May should begin on a positive note, with the Sun and Pluto encouraging us to make a few changes in our routines. The weekend of May 3rd could also be very pleasant. We may be in the mood to get organized and clear away clutter with Mars and Pluto out to transform our environments. Mercury and Saturn will be at an opposition, and this could bring confusion with legal contracts. Save any important decisions until Monday.
Three Eclipses in a Row - April and May 2013
April 9, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
Eclipses usually come in pairs, and they usually happen twice a year. But, occasionally we get three eclipses in a row, like we have coming this Spring 2013. Eclipses always occur on the new and full moons, and our upcoming eclipses will be: a lunar (full moon), a solar (new moon), and then another lunar in April and May 2013.
Eclipses bring changes, and most of us find change uncomfortable, to say the least. When the Sun and Moon line up exactly with respect to the Earth, their gravitational pull is going to be stronger. Many new age experts say an eclipse has ten times the power of a normal New or Full Moon. Eclipses can stimulate relationship breakups, business failures, sudden accidents, babies to be born, and the elderly to pass over. They can also bring positive changes like new love and promotions at work, but most of us find extra challenges in our paths during eclipse events.
Astrology Forecast for April 2013 - General Tendencies for All Sun Signs
April 1, 2013 | Janet (Sparrow) Moon
March's nightmare will end instantly on April Fools' Day. Mercury's retrograde and all those planetary battles from March will quickly become ancient history, and we will settle down to a more comfortable pace. There could be a disturbance around April 12th, but outside of those few days, life could actually become so easy, that the eclipse on April 25th will catch us off guard. Get busy and make the most of April's fair stars, because the tides will turn sooner than we think.
April Fools' Day, April 1st, could begin quite blissfully. The April Fools' jokes will mostly be taken with a light heart and an open mind, so plan your best! The rest of the week should be uneventful with nothing but lunar events in the sky. We may find we get some extra work done and even come up with new ideas to make our work easier.