The challenge we face as a nation currently...was worked out by the Ancient Chinese centuries ago. It exists in the treasured oracle--the I ching--which its adept diviners were wise enough to leave behind. This living embodiment of knowledge represents a font of wisdom acquired by sages over patient time. These deep thinkers were spared the encumbrance of incessant media messages (TV, radio), and thus able to spend long time periods in genuine contemplation. As monastic life illustrates, such an approach is aided and abetted by direct instruction from taken from the natural world. There the organic tapestry worked out through eons of trial and error and the laws behind its operation are revealed. Mother Earth's laboratory demonstrates the eternal verities: laws of life written into the nature and her myriad divine expressions. The lessons gained from this pool of understanding remain a timeless gift. In fact, the contemporary lesson related in KUA (hexagram) # 43 from the I ching should constitute required reading for any leader in the modern world. It’s been said that the enlightened warrior best understands the benefits of peace. Let us remember this in our rush to judgment as we fix convenient labels of "good" and "bad" onto others. It’s a far worthier practice to look within (our own national borders) for the cathartic answers this tragic occasions call for. Here is what the I ching offers as wisdom and solace. Seldom has a time warranted its application more than this hour: "In a resolute struggle of the good against evil, there are definite rules that must not be disregarded, if action is to succeed. First, resolution must be based on a union of strength and friendliness. Second, a compromise with evil is not possible. Evil must under all circumstances be openly discredited. Nor must our own passions and shortcomings be glossed over. Third, the struggle must not be carried on directly by force. If evil is branded, it thinks of weapons; and if we do it the favor of fighting it blow for blow, we lose in the end because we ourselves get entangled in hatred and negatively based passion. Therefore it is important to begin at home, to be on guard in our own persons against the faults we are quick to brand in others. In this way, finding no opponent, the sharp edges of the weapons of evil become dulled. (Otherwise) for as long as we choose to wrestle with them (evil aspects), they continue victorious. Finally, the best way to fight evil is to make energetic progress (in the direction of) the good.”

These words do not differ substantially from Jesus' own in his mandate to "turn the other cheek," and/or "Cast (y)our nets to the other side." A related strategy is also recommended by the noted metaphysical author Emmet Fox. He states that the only way to create change is to endeavor “to build new mental equivalents.” This distills to transforming mass consciousness, lifting it from the reflexive trenches of vengeance.

Working against this noble incentive is the U.S. mass media. At present, it feeds our citizens a non-stop diet of violence packaged as entertainment. Sadly, our nation appears to virtually worship guns, while taking the insane initiative to arm the world. Justice is portrayed as revenge; as religions too often foment hatred by aggravating the ideological differences set among “tribes” of diverse (as opposed to familiar) origin. We must build new mental equivalents based on unifying principles, rather than those that consistently act to tear our world—a shared Eden bequeathed to all--asunder. Our priorities must change! With the lion's share of global resources currently dedicated to products that harm or a dazzling array of eerily lethal weapons, mankind can no longer afford the vanity of competitive nation states vying for dominance. It is ONE world under ONE God purposely designed with diverse ethnic--and dare I say spiritual--tribes in Divine mind. On the basis of these planned differences, experience is broadened for all parties as a direct result of inevitable interaction. Hopefully enlightenment results. Indeed this plan advances both the mundane purpose of learning, while also catalyzing the evolution of souls. This logic would appear to underlie the Divine plan.

In this global storm of misplaced terrorist aggression, our work is based on healing. We must reconfirm the spiritual principle that supports the Creation paradigm: “Let there be light!” Let us reach higher for an understanding that transcends our differences, for in essence our souls already know that we are (all) ONE with God-dess. Designed with differences (ethnic, racial, gender-based) by Divine intention, we are here on earth to grow on account of this planned diversity; not destroy each other as a flawed result!

I write this plea as a professional astrologer. My in depth analysis of the cosmic critical mass explosive eclipse of August 11, 1999 was published in Dell Horoscope Magazine, with an abridged version published in The American Federation of Astrologers journal. I lectured on this topic at the Whole Life Expo in April 2000 (Fort Lauderdale). The most impressive celestial portent of this eclipse was the manner by which is depicted a fracture in and of the world as we know it. The four fixed signs include: Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio and Leo. Symbolically, these are given particular reference in The Book of Revelations from the Bible. This powerful eclipse in Leo symbolized a direct threat to the HEART of mankind, and intimidated an ambush to the highest offices of leadership. Indeed if those elected to reflect the views of their constituencies act on their own selfish behalf, what indeed does authority come to mean? Astrologers by tradition take stock in heaven’s signatures for these point to reciprocal conditions on earth following the adage composed by Hermes: "As above, so below." Its function like a Divine equation indicative of our kinship with cosmos--like gravity--requires no belief. Regardless, the effects will be felt.

This week's (9-11-2001) repugnant carnage takes us back to the August 11, 1999 eclipse for a number of celestial/astrological reasons. Foremost, Venus, the star of love, peace, and all things valued was situated at 18 degrees Leo--the exact degree—or zodiac point of—the dire August l999 eclipse. While tension during this cosmic event was directed towards the four fixed signs to signify a rupture impacting the old template; recently celestially tension has aimed at the mutable signs: Gemini, Sagittarius, Pisces, and Virgo. The fixed signs hold the shared global paradigm together; while the mutable signs dissolve its integrity and force change. Much of this process takes place through ideological tensions acting to tear previous patterns apart at the seems/seams. How far will mankind take this? Must we risk the Armageddon drama en masse? Our greatest metaphysical teachers wisely revealed that "thoughts are things" and indeed carry energy. As we approach the closure of the Age of Pisces symbolized by fish opposing fish, we plainly see that the world's great religions are doing their part to foment the great conflict. At present Judeo-Christian beliefs and values appear to irrevocably oppose those of Islam. It’s both sad and tragically ironic that the very schools for spiritual faith--inspired to promote harmony, unity, love, and tolerance instead find themselves distorted into ideological weapons. Pisces is the sign of martyrs, sorrow, suffering, and delusion. At this closing phase of the Piscean Age, we must individually and collectively determine if these divisive belief systems are worth maintaining, or if they have deteriorated to the point where they operate as root causes for age-old unmitigated conflict?

Astrological theory associates Pisces, by sign, with Neptune, the lord of the great oceans. We know that every raindrop eventually finds its way back to the sea. By analogy, every individual belongs to the pool of humanity, and yet each is separate and succinct. Thus Let us delve into the concept of ONENESS for a moment. The Course in Miracles relates that whenever or wherever an individual forgives an imagined trespass, the ground there is made holy by this conscious act of atonement or at-one-ment. Consider the Medieval image of the saints imbued in white light. How many people realize that white light is only possible when ALL the basic colors come together in unity? White light does not exist as a separate entity any more than one group can pretend it owns a monopoly on holiness! We must combine to create this miracle! We are in fact children of the rays. We each derive from tribes that emanate from the very ethers. Each of us has been designed by our Creator to share unique gifts...and each of us is essential to the whole. Our hierarchical beliefs divide us into false groups based on separate fictional categories. These allot imagined penalties and privileges, while pretending to represent God’s decree! Such ideological constructs have been the primary cause of redundant conflicts. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying that “no problem can be solved from the level of thinking that brought it about.” Therefore it behooves us to rise higher in search of new definitions for who we are. Based on this expansive dialog we will be better prepared to determine the (kind of) world we are ready, willing, and able to collectively live in! Ancient hatreds and costly ism divisions have brought us to the brink of a genuine Armageddon. Too many narrow-minded religious zealots have held this intention in mind. Metaphysically speaking, the line has been drawn in the proverbial sand. It comes down to an inside job (being equivalently manifested externally en masse) which is this: "Which master do you serve?" The answer can only belong to love (unity, inclusion) or fear (hatred, exclusion).

The Astro-logos has been held as a demonic belief system because it is perhaps the only time-tested model designed to transcend the limited context of beliefs that color each historical epoch. True astrology transcends time itself, to study the larger cycles that bypass singular generations. The planets have been set by Creator to act as time-coded clockworks in the heavens. They actualize Divine Principle. The Ancient Romans and Greeks understood this basis for synchronicity and devised the great myths to keep mankind ever mindful of its sacrosanct kinship with Cosmos. Let me enlighten the reader that the planets do not cause our human actions; rather they reflect the dominant themes always at work and suggest the time periods when these will bear the most dynamic impact. Although the language used by astrologers seems complex and difficult to follow, it’s truly simple and can be compared to an alphabet, or an arrangement of music notes. Briefly, there are 8 planets plus the sun and moon. Each is believed to hold (or signify) specific functions. There are 12 houses which pertain to all aspects and expressions of mundane life. Although astrology represents an Ancient system used for prophetic guidance, its themes prove both timeless and contemporary. Complexity enters the subject when it’s fine-tuned to demonstrate the influence drawn from each planet. This analysis is assessed in terms of geometric relationship(s). These mathematical calculations are termed aspects. They literally judge distances between the various planetary players. Just as the distance between notes on a piano determines the relative harmony or cacophony produced, by analogy, the distance between planets falls into similar categories. These represent the inaudible music of the spheres, which inform upon our very souls. The Astro-logos was truly offered as a gift to mankind that we not get stuck in the limited frameworks revealed by and through our myopic egos and forfeit the higher standpoint on account of our dangerously self-righteous perspectives. In recognizing our kinship with cosmos we come to see that each life is part of a continuum with the evolution of the soul its long-term purpose. In addition we are better prepared to transcend our otherwise debilitating dilemmas by virtue of glimpsing the big picture. That kind of thinking is exactly what’s required of each thinking person right now!

The wisdom that may be gained from (ancient) more expansive thinking has been nearly lost in our instant-gratification materially oriented world cultures of today. As a result we witness levels of violence that no civilized society should tolerate, food that barely constitutes even the remotest notion of nutrition, and millions chemically managed while a bogus "war on drugs" is irrationally underway. The thinking person cannot fail to notice these contradictions. It's as if Shakespeare had modern times in mind when he penned, "How can thinking men think so wrongly?" and/or "Fair is foul and foul is fair." Indeed it’s exceedingly difficult for the vast majority to ascertain truth when all around are the endless echoes of falsehoods. The Piscean Age is living up to its reputation in its deployment of the hidden weapons of duality and deception. Without new perceptual paradigms, the limitations that have held minds in virtual deadlock will continue to threaten the very growth that would save us from our deluded selves. It's as if mankind has stood still. Millions have watched history repeat because the same ideological references (based primarily upon linear traditions) have acted as our primary "oar." Singularly it’s been designated to navigate our shared vessel. With only one flawed oar at work, what choice is there but for our collective fate to circle like a boat with an idiot at the wheel! (This may explain why so many leaders currently fit that exact job description!)
Just as activists and optimists recently converged in Brazil to claim that “Another World is Possible.” We must support them in creating and finding the courage to live new visions... while celebrating the worth ones that have stood up wisely to the tests of time. We must not let our blindness cripple the vision of future generations, as the sins of the father have for too many centuries been visited upon the sons in an unbroken chain of consensual ignorance. Indeed it may be time to invite the inner vision of the daughters, so long denied that a second oar be placed in the water to help navigate mankind’s vehicle towards values that support rather than decimate life. It is time to set minds free, to invite imagination back into our realm(s) that a new world be re-en-visioned. That the Eden intended for all be cultivated lovingly, carefully replenished. For Creator so loves Creation that no part can be other than sacrosanct. It’s entirety is holy. Belief systems based on exclusivity threaten our shared sanctuary, this magnificent home given all.

Any belief system that turns group against group constitutes the greater blasphemy. Such error in belief has now reached critical mass. I have related the awareness the portrays to offer a model that demonstrates the Divine manner by which each holds an place within the great cosmic circle. And following the “As above, so below” equation, we recognize in this example that our differences are already accounted for. Just as Jesus chose 12 disciples, while Abraham founded 12 tribes, we are 12 types of individual derived from Creator to people this world. The loss of this sacred knowledge has limited our understanding of the purposeful plan of diversity at work.

And let it also be understood that the zodiac itself acts as a moving force. Our own solar system revolves around a central sun. Nothing stands still. In this love-based universe, everything from atoms to planets is continuously given to dance. That which constituted the inception point of the original zodiac, no longer sits in the same place as where it all began. Aries, the sign of war and the perception of an angry jealous god, moved on to eclipse Pisces, the sign of Jesus: the gentle, compassionate fisher of men. The religions of the world have largely held to the angry ways while using Jesus' name as endorsement. There has been a resistance to massive evolution. Aries as a sign can get stuck in ego and focus on the self, whereas Pisces intends for the mystical realization of the greater whole. According to the noted prophet Edgar Cayce this conundrum was also confronted by the Atlanteans. In readings he provided during the l930's and l940's Cayce stated unequivocally that MANY Atlanteans were returning to America and taking their technology with them. He spoke of genetic engineering in specific. According to Cayce, Atlantis was destroyed on account of mercenary motives applied to the tampering of the sacred genetic code. It should give the reader ill comfort to learn that Monsanto, the maker of Agent Orange and other lethal chemical polymers (some now being sprayed over Columbia) is one of the major corporations staking an arrogant claim on its "ownership" of specific genes and the genetic codes these infer. Obscenely these are now traded on Wall St. under the innocuous banner of "intellectual property." Individuals who lay claim to the banks of time—that which more truly constitutes mankind’s shared inheritance, likely hail from that sector of the Atlantean which Cayce termed "the sons and daughters of Belial." According to his trance-readings focused on this dark epoch, the population of Atlantis was ideologically divided into two essential groups. One was comprised of those who understood the spiritual concept of the greater oneness, and lived from an orientation that respected this "law of One." In diametric contrast were those completely ensconced in self-interest, the children of Belial. Need we ask who is in power in our nation today, and how eerily prophetic that genetic engineering is back on the auction block? Whether Cayce’s statements reflect a lost reality or merely offer modern mankind a viable cautionary tale, the necessity to “judge them (leaders) by their fruit” could hardly prove more timely.

In closing, I’d like to add that this material came through me during the tropical storm Gabrielle as I stayed inside my cottage in St. Petersburg, Florida. The weather reflected the darkness let loose in the world. Indeed local residents were faced with a black-out of their own. When I lit my candles and burned incense, I opened my inner channel to empathy and what I believe to be inspired/prophetic words came through. (The original message was edited for the first time on February 12, 2003.)

The "Republican Revolution" and/or the increasing encroachment upon free media through powerful conglomerates purchasing networks, newspapers, radio stations... has ultimately led to a censoring of this subject from easy-access public venues. In a year of profound numerological and astrological significance, the media's focus on mundane gossip is nothing short of criminal. Universal factors beg us to look up to enlarge our perspectives on the increasingly volatile global "playing field." When Einstein stated that no problem could be solved at the level of thinking which brought it about, he inadvertently argues the case for astrology! It's about time we considered the great "As above, so below" equation and transcended our global myopia to consider how "heaven sees us!" The cosmos is always sending messages. Planetary principles--a living logos--were set into the heavens to guide our actions in the same manner that ancient navigators utilized the stars as guide-posts to new regions.