Horoscope for Shambhala 2007

Wow, what a synchronistic cyclic moment I am having as I excitedly sit here to write once again for Shambhala 2007 on a rainy day in April – just like last year – listening to Nelson’s musical weave wizard, Adham Shaikh. Last year it was “Fusion” and this year it is “Collectivity” by Adham Shaikh that is inspiring me for The Kootenays biggest, most exciting and exotic musical event of the summer. This is year # 10 for Shambhala and the beginning of a whole new round. Those familiar to the hot-summer-sun-in-August-event at the Salmo River Ranch will fondly remember the sacredness of The Portal, the freaky Fractal Forest, the awesome Ewok Village, the bare breasts and chests writhing rhythmically at the Beach stage with its many acrobatic acts, the lively Living Room, the magnificent Main Stage and the gathering of peoples and tribes from all over the world in music and dance communion. The challenge of describing to the uninitiated the fusion of spectacular sounds, mind blowing light shows, theatrical performances, free spirits, costumes, colors, charades, parades, partying, praying, ceremonies, beating drums, hula-hoops, healings, reeling and indescribable feelings that a long weekend in the pristine wilderness brings is so large that it cannot be justifiably described - only being there will do. And the countdown is on as the beautiful new Shambhala website will demonstrate from the months and weeks right down to the seconds. This is the other best means of learning more about what’s in store.

  Mid August is Leo time in perfect attunement to the artistic, theatrical, passionate play of Shambhala and this year in addition to the Sun in its own ruling sign so too will be the magnetic Moon, magical Mercury, vivacious Venus and sinful Saturn. Together these will be forming a fiery, inspiring trine with Pluto and Jupiter in its own sign of Sagittarius – the most psychedelic sign of all! Venus will be the bright star blessing the evening sky in the early degrees of the constellation of Leo. Mars in Gemini is auspicious as well as this placement synchronizes well with high levels of energy – a bonus to offset the waning Moon. Further, Mars in Gemini while the Sun is in Leo suggests a rebellious beat to match the heat. Neptune in Aquarius continues to be in mutual reception with Uranus in Pisces - a signature of spiritual awakening for our times. The whole 5-day weekend will culminate in a New Moon in Leo early at 4:02 pm on Sunday afternoon at 19 degrees 51 minutes. This degree accents the Sagittarian vibe and is flavoured with mystical Piscean imagination. The Sabian Symbols for this degree host the following two images and their associated messages: 1) A Houseboat Party – Freedom from social rigidity. 2) …Indians perform a ritual to the Sun – A return to the glorification of natural energies. These aptly illustrate the intention and spiritual significance of this underground entertainment extravaganza. The New Moon promises very dark nights which will be perfect for star gazing and the Perseid Meteor Shower will be active from tip to tail of Shambhala – yes, every night! Going “camping” and getting away from the ‘light pollution’ of cities and towns is recommended for star gazing and with at least 1 shooting star every minute - yes, 60 an hour - the heavens will be ignited. (Still, bring your flashlights for the ground movements.) The planetary aspects, especially those from the Moon which are the most influential on a day to day basis, are absolutely awesome all weekend long so the whole show will flow big, beautiful and strong.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

What do you get when fire meets with fire? Why a bigger fire, of course. The ‘collectivity’ of planets in Leo will correspond well your-power-of-now-passion. Mars in Gemini implies that you should expect to be here and there and everywhere, like a hummingbird in heat. Plan to explore entirely new territory as you twist and grind to the endless beat. When it comes to leading the fun you can be counted on to shine in the sun, but whoever chooses to follow better be ready to run. Plan to play with improv and to inspire because you will be as excited as a bird on a live wire.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 21)

Like an Ewok at home in the village, Shambhala is how you want to live. With an endless beat in the sensual heat, whatever it takes you are ready to give. Your ambitions will be high like the sun in the sky so listen close, I will tell you why. You will want to burn bright all through the night; you know its so, you know I’m right. Intend to pace it out and nurture your body and soul; with good food and supplements your energies will stay high and you will roll. Create a special place where you can take your space and claim Shambhala as your new home.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Like the shooting star that you are your light will be bright by day and by night. Oh you will have such fun in the Leo Sun sharing laughter and smiles with everyone. You will assume a creative lead that others will admire because your wit and charm are sure to inspire. With twinkles in your eyes and mischief in your mind you will make jokes and gestures of hilarious kinds. An actor, a minstrel, a lover and a fool you will show each moment’s a lesson, every place your school. Please bring your colours, your humour, props, paints and costumes too; all Shambhala is a stage, you know it’s true!

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

With so many things to see and to do, you will be getting around and on the move. Expressing your talents and dancing and all, you will be prancing and bouncing like a super ball. Plan to take in the culture right from the start, to explore your talents and reveal your art. There is so much to do, so much to learn; what will you do, what passions will burn? With priorities and decisions and choices to make, review your intentions, there’s so much at stake. Arts and culture is fun, but talents aside, you will also want to nurture your spiritual side.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

The lion will roar will play and will laugh; “bring my crown, robe and sceptre; where is my staff?” I AM here for the stage, here for the show; I am the producer, director and the star, you know. The time has come to shine in the sun, to be seen and adored, I AM the one. I wrote the script, I will play the lead; I AM the flower, I AM the seed. Let us reveal my magnificence by performance and play, a drama of such depth and such passion to make us proud. There is just one last thing I must say before the show, in our most serious moment, wink at the crowd.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

Like a game of hide and seek in the valley amidst the peaks, you can relax your mind and be one of the freaks. Alter egos in full display, they won’t want to work, they will come to play. You may feel some need to be in charge, to lead the pace in living large. Beneath the masks and behind the scenes, the techno wizards and the dancing queens will all be dialled together; they’re all on the same team. There is nothing to fear, you can come in full faith; just shift your gears by wearing costumes and paint on your face.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

This is your chance to explore your individuality, to weave your magic and celebrate serendipity. Reveal some skin and move your body, no matter what size, everyone’s a hottie! This is your chance to go wild; this is a way to heal your inner child. Who do you want to be, you can be anything you like? You can dress up like a bee; you can ride your baby bike! Arrive armed with your whole bag of tricks, to enjoy adventures and journeys and trips. The whole event is packed with intent, you can add your genius, you are invited to invent.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

When it comes to creativity, you are in your element, your nativity. You can orchestrate the band and take your love by the hand; you can go to the beach and build castles in the sand. This is your chance to rule the empire; the secret is to dance like a crazy vampire. Rather than be obsessed, intense and serious, come to cross dress, dance and be delirious. Why be the king when you can be the fool; there are songs to sing and no one to rule.  This is your cue to lead the parade; it’s all for fun, a great masquerade.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

You can pretend you are simple, hide the fact you are wise, forget about those principles and wear a disguise. Shambhala is a slice of heaven brought down to earth, where angels and mortals share the same turf. This is the Kootenays most spectacular event, everyone’s in the tribe, an ocean of tents. This is an expression of community, in the middle of nature in all its beauty. The setting is sweet and a clean river runs by, where friends come to meet and enjoy the sun in the sky. This is your chance to co-create the key is to arrive and participate!

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

In the deeper lairs of the stages and tents is a vision of love and sacred intent. There is more going on than the music and shows; there is spiritual intent, you need to know. Many blessings are woven into every ritual, but don’t look for pews or anything scriptural. The creative spirit is eternally now, to this timeless truth we make our pledge and vow. This is not just a reason to go wild and get hot; it is an elixir of hearts and minds in a cultural melting pot. The intent is pure and there is no harm in this weekend of spells and many charms.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

This is the Age of Aquarius you know, so come join the fun and enjoy the big show. The matrix, the hologram, the fractal forest and all; awaken, awaken, awaken is the call. We have slumbered long and we have been fast asleep, the material trance has taken hold, the roots run deep. Can you hear the drums and feel the beat? They are calling us all to stand on our feet. This is a way we can awaken and remember, we must activate our spirits and reveal the pretender. 

By way of culture, music, art and dance we can share in the message to awaken from the trance.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Love is the healer and revealer of truth, you can keep it a secret or set up your booth. You can sound it with trumpets or you can hide what you know, you can melt in the crowd or put on a show. Come as you are, from nearby or from far, you can sit in the sun or be a big star. The magic lies in the heart of the wise, whether you are obvious or dressed-up all in disguise. This is the time to dance and to shine, just bring your sweet heart and show us a sign; that you see through it all and you have answered the call to share in the healing with love full of feeling.