Free Your Pen

Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Criticize

Don’t criticise is about not criticising others in order to feel better about yourself. Accept people as they are, warts and all, and remember that you’re not perfect either. The original lojong slogan is: Don’t talk about injured limbs which asks you to notice those moments when you subtly, or not so subtly, judge others… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t Criticize

Mysticism

Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 3: Practical Spiritual Activity

Last time we looked at the difficulties mystics have expressing their experiences, and introduced the four characteristics of mysticism. In part three of our extracts from Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill, she goes into more detail about the first two characteristics. Extract: “(1) Mysticism is practical, not theoretical. “This statement, taken alone, is not, of course,… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 3: Practical Spiritual Activity

Astro Journal

Saturn in Capricorn: Responsibility and Self-Mastery

The ultimate reality test has arrived. The hot air and bluster of 2017 is about to be punctured by the Lord of Karma. As I said at the start of the year, any bubbles inflated by the Jupiter Uranus opposition will burst now – if they haven’t already. Saturn is here to make sure you… Continue reading Saturn in Capricorn: Responsibility and Self-Mastery

Free Your Pen

Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t be a Fake

Don’t be a fake is a reminder not to become egotistical about trying to transcend your ego. Mind training aims to free you from the tyranny of the ego and its fears, but there’s no need to turn that process into another ego trip. The original lojong slogan is: Change your attitude, but remain natural.… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Don’t be a Fake

Mysticism

Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 2: Ineffable Reality and Symbolism

Last time we looked at the differences between mysticism and magic, as explained by Evelyn Underhill in Mysticism. In part two, we continue the extracts with a look at why mystics have such trouble expressing their experiences in words, and introduce the four characteristics of mysticism. Extract: “The greatest mystics, – Ruysbroeck, St. John of… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 2: Ineffable Reality and Symbolism

Astro Journal

Neptune in Pisces: Disillusionment and Transcendence

Neptune entered Pisces in 2011 and the world has been floundering in confusion and madness since. Along with Pluto’s transit through Capricorn, this is a profoundly important time in our collective evolution. If we get this wrong, we could spin off into a pretty dire future so it’s worth taking the time to understand what’s… Continue reading Neptune in Pisces: Disillusionment and Transcendence

Free Your Pen

Buddhist Writing Prompt: Come Back to Basics

Come back to basics is about making and keeping a commitment to your mind training and writing practice. It’s about overcoming the tendency to get sidetracked by your ego and developing self-mastery instead. The original lojong slogan is: Always abide by the three basic principles which are: to keep your promises, to not act outrageously,… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Come Back to Basics

Mysticism

Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 1: Magic and Mysticism

In this series, we’ll look at the characteristics of mysticism as explained by Evelyn Underhill in her classic text Mysticism: A Study of the Nature and Development of Man’s Spiritual Consciousness. In part one, she explains the important differences between magic and mysticism. Extract: “The spiritual history of man reveals two distinct and fundamental attitudes… Continue reading Characteristics of Mysticism, Part 1: Magic and Mysticism

Astro Journal

Pluto in Capricorn: the Evolution of Power and Empire

Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 and has been busy turning the world upside down since. There are several more years of this structural upheaval to get through, so what’s in store? And when will this madness end?! Pluto transits Capricorn from 2008 to 2024, with a few dips in and out: Entered Capricorn: 26th January… Continue reading Pluto in Capricorn: the Evolution of Power and Empire

Free Your Pen

Buddhist Writing Prompt: Practice When You’re Distracted

Practice when you’re distracted is about remembering to be mindful of whatever is happening and not allowing yourself to get distracted. And when you do get distracted, to use the distractions as part of your practice. The original lojong slogan is: If you can practice even when distracted, you are well trained. When you sit… Continue reading Buddhist Writing Prompt: Practice When You’re Distracted

Astro Journal

Jupiter in Scorpio: Descent in search of Meaning

Last month Jupiter entered Scorpio for a thirteen month journey through the sign of transformation and secrets. Jupiter transits Scorpio from 10th October 2017 to 8th November 2018. In this post we’ll look at what that means and what we can expect over the coming months. Jupiter represents the search for meaning and the need… Continue reading Jupiter in Scorpio: Descent in search of Meaning