Sabian Symbols: A Grand Army of the Republic campfire
Campfire grand army of the republic
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Sagittarius 1 (0° - 1°)FINDING THE MEANING WITHIN OUR STRUGGLES
It is an aspect of our life on Earth that we will have a constant struggle against natural forces and other difficulties We can see culture as the softer side of civilisation wherein we tame the beast within humanity by getting people to appreciate more subtle things like art and the technologies of comfort. Yet to contain Nature’s violent disregard for our comfort and security at first requires a stronger approach than culture alone.
The strong force that carves out our place and way to be is structured and conservative – it takes land and claims it; it is the military. Old army generals, some of whom are now wielding political power, sit and discuss how they did what they did and, importantly, why. With age comes the big life-question – I have struggled and overcome, what gives that life-struggle meaning? The answer is an abstraction, a philosophy, about what we have come to believe will make the world a better place. Rudhyar: RETIRED ARMY VETERANS GATHER TO REAWAKEN OLD MEMORIES |
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Retired army veterans gather to reawaken old memories
Reminiscence
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What went before can give useful insight into what is to come
To optimise our potential, we should not spend too long nostalgically resting on our laurels, telling tales around the campfire with compatriots. Our gifts have to be repeatedly re-grasped, re-energised, and renewed in their application. What is seen as contentment with the way things are, can be none other than superficial idleness; what is considered as valuing of old ways, none other than an unhealthy veneration of the past. Discretion must be exercised to know what is helpful in previous events for developing our present well-being. If reminiscence is to have useful impact, then it must serve to help us appreciate more deeply each significant aspect, and each phase, of our life experiences. What went before can give useful insight into what is to come. With such an attitude towards remembrance, during points of crisis in life we can usefully call upon our collected wisdom to sustain us and carry us through the challenges. Besides, the connections and allegiances that have, over the years at campfires, been nurtured, cultivated and preserved, will support us in our accomplishments. Doing nothing much except feeling and perceiving what is now present – subjective passivity – can be of immense importance, yet surely only to the extent that it is gainfully employed to build inner strength. For example, a periodic ‘return to centre’ is of great value in rebalancing and reorienting. We can look for, and find, great relevance in all that has gone before, and all that is to come, by deepening our involvement in this present moment. This may well be enhanced by placing today’s events contextually within the backdrop of our fondest memories. |
