By Alison Dhuanna

Humanistic astrology’s fundamental core belief is that choice and free will decide our future. In any moment whether personal or collective there is no pre-determined outcome. In the UK and USA with recent political events we must accept that those wanting equality and peace in the world are still a minority. We are in a dawning Golden Age but it is not beyond the realms of possibility that another world war will occur in the transitional period as the old structures crumble and there is chaos as those in power fight for control.

The Second World War was in part triggered by a Uranus Pluto square (which has also been aspecting the past few years). With the rise of China and India and the uncertainty which now exists we are right to worry about war because this is what has happened historically. Brexit is extremely significant because the structures which held countries in check, the European Union has begun unravelling and in the USA, we now have a leader willing to use violence and chemical war fare against its own citizens. Ceres, Eris and Uranus whilst suggesting shocking events may occur, also suggest a time when the Divine Feminine energies may be liberated. These two things clearly co-exist now and Standing Rock is where it is all playing out.

The key issue in this moment seems to be how to hold the vision of peace without losing heart, feeling powerless and falling into despair. We also are remembering the ways that held peace in past civilisations before the Great Flood – ceremony, sound and light healing to raise vibration, architecture, sacred places upon the Earth which can be kept activated.

As if in answer to my prayers for help for my own despair, yesterday I attended a Buddhist meeting to support a friend who was sharing her experience of marriage break up and adoption – a story very like my own. At this meeting, I heard the most amazing and inspiring story which I’d like to share.

The story begins with a monk Nichiren who was born in 1222. Nichiren stood out because he was the only voice in Japan at the time calling for politicians to serve the people (and not just get rich). His teachings were also that men and women are equal and that no matter what social class you come from you can attain enlightenment. He simplified the complex teachings of the time only accessible to a few, to the Lotus Sutra. The words to this Sutra are ‘Nam Myoho Renge Kyo’ and reciting it raises human vibration awakening the Buddha within. For his views, he was persecuted, his house burnt down, sent into exile and the state tried to buy his compliance. Nichiren would not back down though – he was a monk of the ordinary person and he could not be corrupted in the way the other monks were.

His mantle was taken up in the 1930’s by a school teacher Makiguchi. At this time the Japanese school system was very militaristic with children being brainwashed from an early age to give their lives for the state in the event of war. Makiguchi believed childhood should be for play and happiness and his strong belief led him to the Buddhist path of Nichiren. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbour Makiguchi became even more passionate and vocal about the extreme loss of life and damage to the community he was seeing. He was imprisoned and died before the end of the war. One of his students Toda had also been imprisoned and was released to the devastation and misery of Japan following the war and the nuclear bombs. Malnourished himself, the fire in Toda’s heart had only increased and he began to give talks about the teachings of Makiguchi and Nichiren and the desire for a peaceful world.

‘Soka Gokkai’ as the religion is called has become quite popular in Japan though the State still invest a lot of time and advertising in discrediting it. I found it very inspiring to hear this story, the fortitude of these people despite everything being against them. I was particularly inspired that there is a religion in the world which embraces women as equals and gay and transgender people. The message which has survived is that everyone has the Buddhic nature within and this is totally what I believe.

I hope that this story brings inspiration to you too if you are feeling some despair about the political issues in the world. We are in a fortunate position to be able to be a global community across national boundaries at this time, and this I believe is our greatest strength. The anchoring of the Divine Feminine through art and culture is something we can also all do now and it is vitally important, the most important thing we can do now to restore balance to our world. We can use the Ceres Uranus conjunction to our advantage and ride this dangerous wave of liberation we have found ourselves upon.

I sing and chant daily to my Pachakuti Mesa a special altar I learned from don Oscar Miro Quesada. It is empowered by generations of traditions of healing medicine in the Andes mountain and coastal regions along with all the magic I’ve brought it from the Western Mystery schools. It is important to remember our own Buddhic nature every day and be grateful for it and to pray and sing for the issues that are important to each of us. Creating an altar strengthens intention and focus and is a portal to the quantum realms where anything is possible.

If you are interested in a chart reading please contact me at astroalison@gmail.com or visit http://schoolofastroshamanism.com/services.