Sabian Symbols: A man trimming palms
This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Gemini 25 (24° - 25°)CONTAINMENT OF WILDNESS
Wholesome limits must be applied to our urge to expand the scope of our knowledge and experience "Tidying up the expression of personality" Allowing free rein to the mind's powerful urge to expand can simply generate wild imaginings and cluttered thought processes. Education, in its true, wholesome sense of 'leading out', can helpfully shape the patterns of a developing mind by offering structure and disabusing us of silly nonsense.
Rudhyar: A GARDENER TRIMMING LARGE PALM TREES |
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A gardener trimming large palm trees
Enhancement |
We put our stamp on the world by showing something of the relationship between Spirit and Matter
In England, we often see someone shaping a garden hedge to enhance the perceived beauty of the environment. Is this more than just an empty display of trivial skills and surfeit resources? It’s an interesting question, and possibly depends upon what is the intention. Some people continually reveal to the world their aesthetic sense and sensibilities, enlisting every aspect of Nature’s beauty to do this. In so doing, they demonstrate an intrinsic harmony between a person and their tools and materials. This is actually how we interface with Nature. Spirit and Matter is in relationship: surely the essence of all life? On an emotional level, such activity engenders pride of effort – job satisfaction. Anyone who has felt this feeling knows it to be filled with light have great value for its own sake, even if the work itself has no great significance in the overall cosmic scheme of things. However localised and modest is our own reach, nevertheless we want to put an immortal stamp on the world. We strain to bend to our will whatever natural resources are required for the task and ardently hope that something of what we plant will outlive us. Whatever our special talent may be, we feel it as our gift – to offer in effective service to enhance our environment. Thus the spirit of creativity is transferred into form and made real and known. Somehow this process enables us to feel a sense of self-justification. This is a deeper experience than ego-gratification, and indeed allows us to access something of the soul’s purpose on earth – to experience itself in the truth and beauty of form. |
A man trimming palms
Commentary from Taly Noy-Meir
Living in a country of palms (Israel) I would like to suggest that the symbol mentioning palms specifically and not hedges for a reason. In reality trimming palm trees is done for three main reasons : 1. Safety. The dead branches of palm trees are heavy and break easily in winds and can cause great damage. 2. As much as you trim a palm tree it thrives and grows higher. 3. If it grows fruit like dates - as the higher it gets - goats and camels can't get to the fruit - and there is more left for people to pick and eat. Also trimming palms is very risky and needs a courageous and skilful climber. I feel all these specifics of trimming palm trees are part of the meaning of this symbol... |