Cherish Life Here is a beautiful poem shared with me by one of my students.It is a poem honoring Kuan Yin, the Chinese goddess of mercy. I love Kuan Yin. A statue of Her sits above my desk, and another on my bookshelf down the hall. Taped to Her back is a red "prayer pocket" that holds my thoughts, dreams, visions, and prayers. She was blessed in San Francisco in a little store in China Town by a dear store keeper. This old and wise man, keeper of the statues in his merchant house, chose Her for me. She is important to me at this time of great chaos and change in the world. I hope this beautiful poem finds its way into your heart.

Kuan Yin Poem Of the many buddhas I love best the girl who will not leave the cycle of pain before anyone else. It is not the captain declining to be saved on the sinking ship, who may just want to ride his shame out of sight. She is at the brink of never being hurt again but pauses to say, All of us. Every blade of grass. She chooses to live in the tumble of souls through time. Perhaps she sees spring in every country, talks quietly with farm women while helping to lay seed. Our hearts are a storm she trembles at. I picture her leaning on a tree or humming or joining a volleyball game on Santa Monica beach. Her skin shines with sweat. The others may not know how to notice what she does to them. She is not a fish or a bee; it is not pity or thirst; she could go, but here she is. ___________Laura Fargas

Uranus in Pisces Uranus went into the sign of Pisces in March of 2003. The dynamic genius of Uranus in the watery sign of Pisces unites intuition and invention with empathy and compassion. I call this union, "Radical Compassion" and "Delicious Chaos." Kuan Yin carries this juxtaposition within Her core. She cuts through illusion, yet, with tender understanding, She lifts the veil ever so carefully, so that each of Her mortal souls on earth may not be harmed. This is a time to greet the magic of compassion within your own heart and soul. Do not be afraid of the changes you see. Embrace them. Unfurl your talents and your healing gifts and share them with the world. Dare to see through the illusion of fear and limitation and leap forward. Know that the love and guidance of Kuan Yin, and all of your angelic guides assist you toward your own perfect service and joy. Enjoy the month of October. Be well.

Isha Lerner