Sabian Symbols: A cafeteria
A cafeteria
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Gemini 20 (19° - 20°)DANGERS OF SUPERABUNDANCE
If we take in more than we can digest then the wastage that occurs is a potential problem "The supreme importance of applying reasonable limits to our desire-nature" Since early days, when trade enacting the search for spices to improve our food triggered the exchange of knowledge and ideas equally as much as the exchange of surpluses, humanity has relentlessly expanded its range of foods, things and ideas to the point where the surpluses are so obscene that nothing much is being properly assimilated.
The waste is perhaps even more harmful on the level of mind than materiality, since truth is all but entirely lost and no discrimination remains between what is factual and wise and what is silly nonsense or lies and a corrupting influence upon the collective Mind. The terrible cost of having failed to moderate our will to expand is an existential threat and the defining principle of our Age. Rudhyar: A MODERN CAFETERIA DISPLAYS AN ABUNDANCE OF FOOD, PRODUCTS OF VARIOUS REGIONS |
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A modern cafeteria displays an abundance of food, products of various regions
Supply
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Things flow better when everyone plays their part
When each person in the community is employed appropriately, exploiting each other’s self-competence enjoyably, then there is an ease of flow in everything. A cafeteria is a good example. The supply of food is essential to community, and it gives greater choice, better economics and a warm social element when done collectively. It’s true that sometimes a person will not exchange fairly and practise abuse through the self-serving attitude of a dilettante. That can be endured for a while. Yet much more typically, people try to organise their own special experiences so as to serve the best interests of the community at large. There may be various personal explanations as to why this occurs: perhaps their upbringing has trained them to feel it is a ‘good’ thing to do, perhaps they calculate that the long-term benefits are worthwhile, or perhaps they have an inner sense of happiness in service. It all amounts to the same thing in the end. It becomes evident that the net result of this general approach to life is that the whole is significantly greater than the sum of the parts – everyone gains, and there is greater abundance. This is the principle of synergy. It encourages everyone to offer a fullness of contribution, as everyone enjoys the opportunity to play their largest part in the total picture. The urge to participate arises out of some powerful motivations: the sense of rightness given by the spirit of taking part, experiencing ourselves to be worth our salt and enjoying the respect and recognition of our peers. ‘Division of labour’ has a strong part to play in the structuring of social and economic relationships that serve the fabric of any healthy community. We see it goes well beyond the everyday patterns of our social interactions that were taught and learned and has evolved into the best collective strategy for tribal survival upon which individual survival depends. Sharing in the preparation and consumption of food is a matter of fundamental importance in every community, and brings a spiritual-level enjoyment of harmony and realism, yet the principle applies to a much wider degree – in any project, we become better integrated with our fellows when we share the work. As a direct result we enjoy great fullness of self-expression and well-being. |
