A mother and her child on stairs

This universal idea is best expressed through planets in

9th degree of Sagittarius (8° - 9°)

SOCIALISATION TRAINING
A big part of life is the developing of skills
to cope with social requirements

Stairs are only necessary because civilisation exists, and so it is then the implied responsibility of parents of teach the skill of climbing them to their children. As with the stairs so with all behaviour that exists to underwrite civilised society – and it is not only children who need guidance and help. As members of society we take on the implied responsibility to help others learn how to navigate our shared customs and ways. We are all teachers and guides as indeed we are all receiving guidance in this.

Rudhyar:
A MOTHER LEADS HER SMALL CHILD STEP BY STEP UP A STEEP STAIRWAY

A mother leads her small child step by step up a steep stairway

Education

Education draws out the mature awareness that to serve another is to serve ourselves

The process of civilising begins at an early age, and it is one of the primary duties of a mother to sit down with her children and talk about how best to climb the ladder towards successful social integration. We are inclined to act and react without thought, and we need to learn how to moderate and control these base instincts.

Of course, education is more than learning about the significant importance of social customs, and the penalties of non-adherence to them. It is also the gentle, conscious leading out that draws potentials into a form of expression – at the level of ideas, feelings and behaviours.

The mother is an archetype of one who serves the needs of others first. And indeed, we all can develop the mind-set of service, and extend it beyond the genetic imperative of serving our own blood. By doing so, we go well beyond securing our place in the community as a useful participant; we move into more spiritual realms of our evolutionary development.

When we have perfected the ability to recognize some need in another person and, without hesitation, readily respond with appropriate kindness – then we have raised our inner state to the advanced level of competence that equips us for all that can occur. This is how we learn to respond to each and every challenge competently.

Knowing we can cope with everything frees us to pursue anything. We then reach further, and we aspire to attain greater, more idealised outcomes.

The biblical question ‘am I my brother’s keeper?’ is not best seen as rhetorical. It can be seen as a subtle, coded esoteric explanation. Yes indeed, most certainly as we evolve, we have an inescapable duty to demonstrate a highly polished and enthusiastic mature social conscience. This however is not an obligation for the common person – it is a privilege for the advanced student of spiritual attainment.

As a matter of cause and effect, fruits and abundant rewards arise from this awareness and practice. Yet these are perks; the true benefit of service is the feeling of serving.