Sabian Symbols: A fertile garden under the full moon
A fertile garden under the full moon
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Pisces 28 (27°- 28°)ENOUGH IS A FEAST
Success in mastering the Earth plane is measured by our ability to win abundance without becoming slave to greed "Fulfil your desire!" Sufism teaches of 7 planes of existence, each with its special mystery, and the mystery of the Earth plane is abundance. The self-denial within asceticism may well be an important stage by which we learn to let go of need, but a more advanced level of development is typified by having no embarrassment about desire and fulfilment. It takes mastery to cope with both sides of the challenges of physical life. The first test is to determine whether we can create plenty, the next is to learn that the feeling of abundance is not supported by greed; enough is a feast.
Rudhyar: A FERTILE GARDEN UNDER THE FULL MOON REVEALS A VARIETY OF FULL-GROWN VEGETABLES |
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A fertile garden under the full moon reveals a variety of full-grown vegetables
Ultimacy
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Being worldly and ordinary is quite a blessing, and a spiritual practice for the advanced seeker
Ultimately, plentiful resources and knowledge of worldly processes enable us to serve appropriately, willingly and effectively. Our ability to create wealth becomes an aspect of our sacred service as a spiritual principle. By keeping a keen eye on the facts of a situation and staying focused, there is a clear tendency to derive abundant rewards, as is suggested by the image of the fullness of the Moon and fertility of a garden. Using worldly goods with integrity, we can avoid pride of possession. A great deal of personal satisfaction with life can be gained when we focus on outer reality – things and situations. The race survives according to its ability to maintain concentration on hard facts, however relevant our inner reality may be to us. Through our own day-to-day struggles, we gain deeper insights, and develop a better sense of why so many people suffer. Having our own stresses and strains enables us to understand others with similar challenges – so that a common chord is struck, and rapport develops. It is entirely meaningful to dedicate ourselves to normal, conventional accomplishments. In fact, on many levels, being ordinary is quite a blessing – those of exceptional ability can so often lose touch with their supportive environment. Also such normal good fortune is a stabilising factor. Through it, we are easily able to take on board what others, less balanced, may throw at us. Their lack of balance derives from having too wide a variance from the norm, beyond their personal capacity to assimilate the resultant tension. There is a saying in Zen - before enlightenment chop wood carry water, after enlightenment chop wood carry water – which clearly illustrates the importance of the material world both as a means towards, and celebration of, our highest spiritual station. It is not only foolish and prideful, but counterproductive, to focus our sense of sacredness on prayer alone. |
