Sabian Symbols: A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold
A MAN POSSESSED OF MORE GIFTS THAN HE CAN HOLD
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Aries 26 (25°- 26°)WARNING AGAINST OVERSTRETCHING
Danger of becoming obsessed by range of life’s possibilities It is very unsettling to find ourselves awakened to life as a constant spiritual experience. Rules and restrictions also operate on this level and we have to relearn what we may or may not attempt. We are advised to move forward calmly with a high degree of caution as we encounter examinations and trials of a higher order.
Rudhyar: A MAN POSSESSED OF MORE GIFTS THAN HE CAN HOLD |
A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold
Equipment
A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold
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Our life-path is the answer to the question: ‘at what am I competent?’
We do not look for nails to bang just because we own a hammer. A toolbox includes equipment that, once mastered, is only used when necessary. Too many psychological skills and gifts can become confusing, because priorities are more difficult to establish; it is helpful to discriminate clearly between what has importance for our life-journey and what does not. Obsessional interest in things of no consequence needs to be eliminated. The journey towards self-discovery is the central motivation of a life well-spent and it is very well supported by resolute independence. The skills and knowledge to support this drive are found in social contact. Energy spent making connections is well rewarded, giving rise to improved personal capacity for social involvement. The driven individual becomes of real value to their fellows, having an extraordinary spread of sincere interests and an inclination to try all and everything. Yet the risk of exaggerated self-confidence is strong and there is a tendency to take on too much, leading to frustration, restlessness and self-betrayal. There is, however, the capacity for effort to support an impressive level of ambitious self-projection, which can lead to real self-fulfilment. Life is meant to be somewhat challenging, otherwise our abilities could not be developed. As we face up to these challenges, we find more and more inner resources, which perhaps were only ever experienced as dimly-felt potentialities, if indeed we even experienced them at all. The real goldLet’s not get too attached to the abilities themselves, and especially not the fruits of our skills. These are lesser treasures that can blind us to the real gold, and diffuse our focus. The real gold is soul-development, which comes by developing the qualities that give rise to ability, rather than ability itself. Virtues such as sensitivity, compassion and truth will bubble up in all relationships whether or not we become counsellors.
However distracting corporeal life is, it is all illusion and only of temporary and personal relevance. What is eternal registers on the level of soul; in fact we can meaningfully describe the soul as that part of an individual’s psyche that registers and stores information of permanent – that is eternal – consequence. What makes us competent is the ability to choose what matters to us – from this, all flows. This is because we are, by nature, existentially competent; we are born to be capable. However, the real mystery that we need to penetrate is this: ‘at what am I competent?’ This question is our life-path. But ironically, perhaps the best answer to this question from the soul’s perspective is ‘it actually doesn’t matter very much at all; whatever you do, do it well’. |
A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold
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Commentary from Mara
Just because you are able to do it does not mean you have to do it. Skills are helpful, until you take on too many responsibilities in their name and they begin to weigh you down. Do only as much as you can do, at your best. |
