Sabian Symbols: A retired sea captain
A retired sea captain
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Libra 17 (16° - 17°)RETIRING FROM THE STRUGGLE
We can only achieve so much in life and there is a time to settle into a more sedate and contemplative way of being "Reflecting upon all we have done" Beyond the ups and downs of ego struggle, beneath the turbulence, is a calmness based on faith and knowledge, which is the soul's field of being. We can access this and choose it as a way of life - yet only after going through stormy waters. It is entirely necessary to suffer and struggle if we are to evolve; evidence of personal evolution is found in an untroubled mind and a calmness of atmosphere.
Rudhyar: A RETIRED SEA CAPTAIN WATCHES SHIPS ENTERING AND LEAVING THE HARBOUR |
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A retired sea captain watches ships entering and leaving the harbour
Relaxation
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Finally, we learn to relax
This old salt has been around the world more times than he can remember – yet what he does remember he has not forgotten, and will never forget: he is absolutely faithful to the lessons learned through the countless bizarre and testing experiences of his life-journey. This is what makes him a little gritty in his interactions with others and if he participates in anything at all nowadays, then it is precisely on his terms. He has but two states of being. In the one, he is completely focused upon the matter at hand, and brings all factors of realisation to bear down upon this immediate situation to resolve it. Otherwise his default condition is relaxation. He’s like an on/off switch. He has repeatedly commanded a ship’s company through danger and feels justified now to enjoy his own reality on his terms. And he can. We are all getting increasingly like him as the potentials of youth make way bit by bit for the wisdom and confidence that is inevitably bestowed upon an experienced master – the Celts would say ‘a bull of 7 battles’. We need to choose between resting on our laurels to contemplate a lifetime of failures, successes and adventures – or embarking upon something new. Either condition is quite relaxed because we have unshakeable poise, yet the more active one is better for our continued life development. While it is important to have aspirations, ambitions, dreams and adventures, perhaps it is a little more important to remember why we have them. Is there a purpose, a goal? What is the goal? And most appropriately, have we reached it? It is all too easy to keep on trying to attain something by force of habit, when in fact we have already arrived. The unshakeable quality comes essentially from self-honesty. We have seen the dark sides of our nature and found them forgivable; we have also seen the glories, and found them unsustainable – so we make peace with ourselves. All else is graceless, and very tiring. The last chapter of an adventure, the last chapter of life, is to do with completion. This is to do with integration of all that has been, and release of all that did not come about. Learning to relax is quite a paradoxical idea; yet required. If we are truly to find a measure of happiness, then at the end of the day, we need to align with who we are and find easy surrender to enjoy what there now is. |
A retired sea captain
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Commentary from Emmy Owens
Contemplation of life past and present based on past conflicts and battles. Understanding that the fighting is over, and having arrived at the harbor, well-earned respite can occur. Having captained his life, ship, and crew, there is a right to do both the contemplation and calm leisure according to his own wishes. Perhaps a clarity that while the sea is a harsh and vast entity to navigate, the harder journey is learning to live with and respect the turmoil and waves of the inner person, and once this has come to pass, true rest is both possible and deserved. |
