Sabian Symbols: A public market
This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Pisces 1 (0°- 1°)HEALTHY EXCHANGE
Society not only provides security and a set of values it also provides for increases of abundance "Exchange ideas, goods and services mindfully" We can do nothing without cooperative interaction of some kind. We breathe, eat and feel safe from many dangers all because we are part of a complex interactive involvement with other living beings. On a very simple level we are all able to trade our surpluses with someone else’s so that both parties are enriched. When commerce is properly managed then abundance and trust can grow and thereby reduce fear and the risk of conflict.
Rudhyar: IN A CROWDED MARKETPLACE FARMERS AND MIDDLEMEN DISPLAY A GREAT VARIETY OF PRODUCTS |
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In a crowded marketplace farmers and middlemen display a great variety of products
Commerce |
Commerce is an arrangement of reciprocal benefit that makes conflict less likely
A public market is a place of commerce, where people interact for mutual benefit without any need to enjoy each other’s company or agree with each other’s point of view. Although the exchanges are competitive, they are normally diplomatic and fair because the longer picture is in sight – and fair trade now leads to more trade in future. Wars are avoided and ended so that commerce can continue; therefore it represents the full maturity of humanity’s social estate. The common ideals of community life are here given everyday manifestation – what is bought and sold speaks of the current needs, aspirations, whims and fancies of this culture. It occurs through the willing participation of all members because everyone has to do their part for a market to function well. The underlying emphasis is placed clearly on group integrity – which in turn facilitates each individual in their own special pattern of needs and wants. The real intensity of effort is directed towards our own ends of course, and yet without having awareness of the purposes of others, we simply cannot expect to succeed. This is illustrative of reflexive self-consciousness, where our personal best interests, and even spiritual evolution, require us to tune in to the viewpoints of our fellows. Ambition has its effective refinement here. Commerce elegantly combines a consistent generosity of understanding towards the practical aims of others, together with an entirely reasonable attitude of self-service. This formula optimises the realisation of both our own personal vision, and that of others’. As a result of understanding and relating well to this, we can develop exceptional capacity for organising the converging interests of many people in a practical arrangement of reciprocal benefit. This ability places us at or near the centre of power, where the policy decisions are made to optimise society’s course of progression. If these policies are not truly reciprocal, there arises a complete insensibility to any over-all welfare, and the degenerative implications of greed and exploitation. The consumerist philosophy of the modern era shows how this can lead to serious problems on a global scale. |