A furled and unfurled flag displayed from a vessel

Furled and unfurled flags displayed

This universal idea is best expressed through planets in

1st degree of Cancer (0° - 1°)

COMMITMENT
A point of no return when we reorient ourselves in a direction that acknowledges the need for accepting imperfection

Any decision is a turning point that enacts a commitment to give up certain possibilities and dedicate ourselves to a given line of direction. At the cardinal point Cancer 1 we are reminded that the basic unit of human involvement is the family, and by extension the tribe, congregating in its place of habitation.

We can think of ancient days when ceremonies to celebrate the sun's fullest power would draw together those who formed a tribal connection. Until we give up our freedom to vacillate, and make a choice about our allegiances, we cannot know the feeling of belonging that is celebrated.

Rudhyar:
ON A SHIP THE SAILORS LOWER AN OLD FLAG AND RAISE A NEW ONE

On a ship the sailors lower an old flag and raise a new one

Adaptability

Achieving primary objectives sometimes requires transient loyalties

Very often, what may appear to be a thoroughly negative attribute of personality is better seen as a poorly understood resource, a distortion of a valuable principle. Here we consider how instability and vacillation are occasional side-effects of an imperfectly expressed higher quality.

The path to any goal meanders and bifurcates without signposts, so that we are not always able to identify the optimal course of action. Those who are able to make concessions, to adapt and evolve their position, have greater capacity to achieve primary objectives.

Temporary allegiances are helpful, in fact necessary, to pursue any significant intention, and we can find ourselves joining some rather unexpected groups for a while, even some whose purposes seem opposed to our normal principles. To serve under the flag of one cause, and then another, is not dishonourable when the larger picture is considered. Sometimes the end justifies the means.

Yet the more inflexible is our determination to succeed with our greater, primary purpose at all costs, the more it acts as a rudder to guide us through stormy waters and shifts of wind direction. Every ambition is served by this, in fact the sincerity of our life path will surely be repeatedly tested so has to be repeatedly affirmed.

Since forewarned is forearmed, it is meaningful and desirable to anticipate tough challenges and make contingency plans. A consistent attitude is the best preparation for unexpected mishaps.

Indeed, with such a general outlook, every apparent mishap can be harvested as a benefit. This occurs by assimilating new ideas, and refining not only the path, but the detailed specifics of the goal itself.

It is the power of adaptability that enables profitable life management. Every awkward occurrence can then be perceived as a blessing in disguise; each situation can be made to serve the main theme of our deepest life purpose. This deepest purpose is to be fixed in focus, yet the route to its realisation will certainly require endless reorientations.