Sabian Symbols: A large camel crossing the desert
A large camel crossing the desert
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Leo 25 (24° - 25°)INDEPENDENCE
We need to learn to rely more upon ourselves and reduce our dependency upon others "Self-reliance" The more we are self-reliant, the less we depend for our needs upon others who so often require us to be inauthentic or curbed, muted versions of ourselves, so thwarting our spiritual aspirations. Having become disinterested in how we appear to the world, we must go one stage further and minimise what we require of worldly comforts.
Rudhyar: A LARGE CAMEL IS SEEN CROSSING A VAST AND FORBIDDING DESERT |
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A large camel is seen crossing a vast and forbidding desert
Adequacy
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The trials we endure make us capable of meeting life head on – powerful and fully mobilised
The camel symbolizes a plodding, uncomplaining, uncompromising, persistence that accomplishes the task in hand at whatever cost to self. Let us feel the certainty that, with endurance, we are adequate for all situations, including those that offer little or no comfort and which put us on notice of the need to survive difficult terrain. Each individual, in their way of being, reveals their own sense of what a person really should be able to accomplish if they mobilise their inner resources properly. There is nothing in a camel that speaks much of beauty or elegance and it is not famed for its social skills either; likewise we would do well to remember not to prioritise lesser skills and achievements when tackling greater issues. Whatever circumstances we encounter can be met with expectation of achievement, because we can access the underlying basis of who we are; we know how to endure. Deeply ingrained within the human spirit is the sense of the importance of being worthwhile and measuring up to some value-based standards we set for ourselves. At core we are good and good for purpose. There will always be difficulties to overcome – without which there can be no sense of achievement nor opportunities for evolution since what we refer to as character cannot grow strong and noble otherwise. It is by the refinement of character that we find a way to integrate the many aspects of human psychology into our understanding. A close connection is found to exist between the rich and mature character we develop, and our life task to overcome imposed or imagined limitations and handicaps. Adequacy, in facing and successfully meeting these challenges, is the foundation of self-empowerment, and indeed self-discovery. There needs to be some caution in applying such a power, because it can be put to inappropriate use. A distortion of the principle would express as ruthless and ultimately self-defeating blindness of purpose. ‘I can so I do’. Such blindness can also prevent us from actually noticing our achievements. When the goal has been reached it is a silly, wasteful expenditure of effort and resources to continue aiming for it. The more pleasing and acceptable expression of this power is through service – we can use it to help others, and develop a tolerant and humble camel-like attitude. Service for its own sake is its own reward, and furthermore, we begin to discover that it may possibly lead to an even greater reward – the sweet and graceful feeling of humility though which momentarily we may glimpse the Divine. |
A large camel crossing the desert
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Commentary from Emmy Owens
Self-sufficiency, survivability, and the understanding that while there is no flash or gold in a lumbering camel, there is worth and a reason to be proud in what one is capable of doing that is less theatrical and more private. An understanding that how one defines him/herself is not only through social or occupational labels, but through how one behaves in his/her inner reserves and how they are or are not used. Strength and courage to use one’s self to one’s best purpose, and knowing that this is enough. |
